Knights of the Golden Circle

Part 9: Getting Answers

Caine reached the outskirts of the small town at daybreak of the second day. Moving to the center of town he spied the livery stable and headed for the main doors that were still closed. Rather than wait for the proprietor to open the doors for business, Caine decided to find his own way into the building, weary of a possible trap. Caine headed to the back of the building and spotted a small open window near the top of the roof. There was also a rope and pulley system used for loading and unloading items.

Caine grabbed ahold of the rope that had been wound around a hook and climbed up to the window. He braced his feet along the barn wall and pushed his body outward so he could swing back through the window without difficulty. As he let go of the rope, he landed on a pile of hay softening the blow to his body, and the noise of his entry. Silently, he gazed around in the gloom of the loft. He could hear at least two horses munching on oats. A third was swishing its tail to scare away flies. Then he heard the shuffling of feet as someone came into the stable from another part of the building.

"Another day, another dollar. If I don't get a penny from Mr. Jameson soon, looks like I got myself another piece of horseflesh to do with what I want. He's been stabling you for three months and not a single word. He hasn't paid in over a month."

Caine listened as the man spoke to each horse in turn waiting for the opportunity to strike. When the moment came, he dropped silently to the floor and grabbed the man from behind covering his mouth.

"Do not cry out. I will not harm you," Caine stated. "Answer my question. Where is Wilkes?"

"Hmmmmmm," the man tried to speak.

"Do you promise not to cry out?"

When the man nodded his head, Caine removed his hand.

"Wilkes said a Chinaman would come. I would not have said anything. You didn't have to scare me like that."

"I am sorry. I was making sure there was no trap."

"Well, no harm done, I guess," Carson eyed Caine wearily. "I do have something for you. Let me get it. It's in the back."

Caine watched the man leave and glanced around the stable. He had guessed correctly. He could see three horses in stalls along one side. Along the other side, a wagon, a buckboard, and even a surrey occupied the other spaces. Caine observed there was one empty berth. It didn't take long, and the man was returning with an envelope in his hand.

"Wilkes instructed me to give you this."

Caine took the envelope and opened it to get at the contents. It was another letter with instructions.

"I must open for business. People in this town are not that friendly toward strangers. I suggest you get out of town as quickly as possible."

"I have been through your town before," Caine replied.

"Have yeah now. I would have noticed someone like you."

"I did not stay long."

"That was very wise of you. If you had, people wouldn't have taken to kindly to it. Most folks keep to themselves."

"You have been most helpful," Caine bowed.

"Don't thank me. I don't care much for you myself. Never dealt with anyone like you before and I don't want to, again. So, you better take your letter and clear out."

Caine started to leave from the front when Carson stopped him.

"You better leave from the back. Folks see you they'll start talking and I'd rather not explain why you're here. Might cause trouble."

Caine nodded his head toward the man then left through the back of the large stable. He placed the letter inside his pouch then headed to the edge of town. He did not want to go far, since he did not know which direction Wilkes had taken from here. He hoped the letter that Wilkes had left for him would give him answers.

Caine headed toward a small cliff area overlooking the town. He climbed up to the top where he could see the center and every dusty road heading in every direction. From this vantage point it would be easy to know which direction he would have to head once he read Wilkes' letter.

Caine pulled out the envelope and the small sheet of paper it contained. The letter was short. It told him where he had to go next then Wilke's gave him a warning.

"Be there by midnight or the woman dies."

Continues with Part 10