Chapter 5
Raven stepped off the stage in Rock Creek. She pulled her black laced hat down lower over her eyes to block out the sun. She waited on the boardwalk for her bags to be tossed down. She looked around. The town was small. Extremely small in her opinion. She smirked at the looks these simple- minded women tossed her way as they walked past.
"Who is that?" Kid asked drawing Buck's attention to outside Teaspoon's office.
"Never seen her before."
"She looks to be in mourning." Kid replied.
"She is walking this way."
Kid and Buck stepped away from the window quickly hoping that the woman would not notice them staring. Teaspoon shook his head as he laid his papers down. The door opened as she stepped in.
"Morning ma'am. How can I be of help?" Teaspoon asked as he stood.
"I see you are the Marshal. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions."
Buck looked on at the strange woman. He looked at her strange attire. She wore a large type ballgown. It was black in color with a hint of red lace draped over the skirt. The top of the dress resembled a corset tied with red ribbons. She had long gloves made of black lace and a large black hat that was also draped in lace. He stared as she removed her hat. She was a beauty. Long straight black hair fell down past her shoulders. She smiled over at him with dark eyes. She may have meant it as a friendly smile but deep in his gut, Buck felt a sudden weight grow. This woman held secrets.
"Yes ma'am. I'll answer what I can."
"I need to know if there have been some unusual occurrences lately."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Well, ma'am, we have had some things happen but…."
"Spare me the piss poor lady talk. I already know. I just wanted to see if you were honest and tell me."
"I don't follow." Teaspoon said placing his hands on his hips.
"I will be at the hotel. Let me know when it happens again."
"Why should I?"
"I have come to kill it and keep its head as my trophy. Excuse me."
"I didn't get your name."
"Raven. That's all you need to know."
Teaspoon looked over at Kid and Buck as she exited the office.
"That was interestin." Teaspoon said.
"She has secrets." Buck said still staring.
"Don't we all." Kid laughed.
"Not like that."
The door opened and Jimmy strode in.
"Got another."
"We know who?"
"Trapper out in the woods."
"Where is Carson?"
"Waiting on you." Carson replied from outside sitting on his horse.
The group rode to the old cabin. It took a few hours with all the stopping along the way looking for anything of use. Jimmy pinched his nose as the cabin came into view.
"God, it reeks."
"It is the same odor. From back east." Carson said jumping down and grabbing his bag.
"Now hold on, Carson. Let's make sure that it ain't around fore you run in like a giddy child." Teaspoon grunted.
"Whatever makes you feel better."
Teaspoon eased up and peered in the window. He could see the pool of blood spread out on the floor. Jimmy scanned the area around and found the same tracks as before. He glanced around the dark trees as he backed slowly back into the bright sunlight.
"Teaspoon!" Kid called.
Teaspoon made his way over along with Buck as he came out the cabin.
"What the hell did that?" Jimmy asked from behind peeking over their shoulders.
Carson pushed his way impatiently through.
"Fingernails."
"Cut that deep?" Kid asked in awe.
"Look."
Carson pointed down to the same track. They traced the nail marks all the way around the cabin. They found drool on the windowsill.
"It was playing with him." Carson said as he looked.
Buck pulled some black hair from the corner of the house. Carson ran forward to claim it.
"It played with him causing his fear to grow. When fear grows, the heart races. Interesting. It knew what it was doing."
"Of course, he knew. The it you speak of, is a man."
The group spun around to find Raven sitting on a horse behind them. She was dressed all in black once again. Long black pants and a black shirt. Buck noticed the long black sword that hung loosely by her side. She easily dismounted and walked closer to the group.
"And you did not come for me." She said annoyingly.
"We just heard. Rode straight here." Teaspoon said.
"As did I, just not from you." Sneered Raven.
She walked around leaving them dumbfounded.
"And who are you?" Carson asked angrily.
"Someone who deserves to be here. I have seen enough. Excuse me." She said after glancing around.
Raven got back on her horse as the men looked at each other in confusion.
"What are you not telling us?" Buck yelled.
She turned her horse to look down in his face. She spoke in her native tongue. Buck looked on as his eyes grew wide. She smiled as she rode away.
"What the fuck?" Jimmy asked watching her go.
"Lakota. It was Lakota."
"And?" Teaspoon asked.
"Skinwalker." Buck said his eyes full of fear.