Chapter 17

The road was just as long and at places dusty as the rider remembered it. From a gust of the morning wind, he pulled his cowboy hat a bit more into his eyes as the early rays of the sun glinted on the star pinned over his heart. A heart which was heavy now.

The young sheriff was on his way back to Iowa as he was riding Prince in a slow pace. Frankly, he wasn't in a hurry to get back to the problems that awaited him in town and he also wanted to think a few things through during his journey.

Jim had no desire to leave his pair behind, but it was time. They both knew. Corey finally felt more in balance with himself again and Jim knew he would get busy with the shared role of Shaman and Chief. He also still had to adjust to that change in his life, but the tall man was positive that like always, his love would find the right path.

Still, his heart was aching as he remembered the last few hasty yet deep kisses they exchanged before he got into Prince's saddle with ease and confidence. Jim was in love from head to toe and leaving the other part of his soul behind after getting so close with Corey was like being torn apart. No matter how dramatic that might have sounded. He's never been so much in love and while in the past it would have scared him, now he fully embraced it and thrived in it – along with being part of the tribe now too.

Lightly rubbing a hand against the now nearly completely healed hidden tattoo on his forearm, he felt a bit amazed just how much more confident and at peace he felt after everything that's been going on recently. He was far from that clumsy, unsure and inexperienced young man who arrived into the dusty town. Thanks mostly to his amazing pair.

And he already missed Corey terribly and it was even more worse that he didn't know when he was going to see him next. But Jim also knew that he had a lot to do in his town too. Next to keeping up the peace, he and his friends and accomplices had to put an end to the Mayor's deadly and greedy games. So that's what he had to put his focus on by the time he got back into town. But until then, he let his mind wander back to his perfect man and the memories of the time they managed to spend together.

Sidney was enjoying the nice sunshine outside on the porch of the Sheriff's office. His hat was pulled into his face, his feet up on the fence as he half-slumbered, half-listened to the noises of the town. He was named a sneaky weasel for a reason...

But all together he was pleased about how things were forming. Craig gave out the documents needed for Mick and Mick's badge and order. All they needed now was the birth papers and the contracts Davis made in his real name. Things regarding that also started to get into motion as some of the salon girls were trying to get Brian distracted enough... And he already could hear the white horse huffing friendly at his way with the sheriff on his back...

"On the outside it seems nothing has changed around here..." Jim said on an amused voice as he stopped Prince and he dismounted him before tying him out and petting his strong neck. "It's good to see you, Deputy," Jim smiled, tipping his hat up towards the crafty man before sitting down next to him in his white shirt, black pants and boots and long coat. Leaning his back against the wall, he kept his eyes on the street, nodding to the people passing them.

"But how are things really? Any luck with our plan?" he lowered his voice so only Sidney could hear his words. From Jim's tone it was evident that he was concerned and also a bit nervous about the success of their plan. Everyone knew that a lot was at stake.

"It's good to see ya too, Jim Sheriff. You look more... collected than the last time we met," Sid peeked at Jim from under the rim of his hat with a low giggle. "The Bear did what he could so far. Got papers from the bank. The bandits turned sides. Head at the salon guards most of the needed things on the… Big dog, ya know... We having something in the motion for that too. Now we wait for the Bear," he smirked, even winked at the tall man.

Blushing a bit, Jim chuckled as well. "Well yeah... You caught me... us... off guard back then," he smiled then cleared his throat, his expression becoming more serious. "That's good. Thank you all for being part of this. We need to focus on the bigger picture here. Keeping the peace. We don't want a war to break out," he nodded then sighed. "Things are still a bit shaky and very much forming back in the tribe. I wasn't happy to leave, but we all know I had to. I hope we can put an end to this problem soon..." he mused then from the corner of his eye, he noticed a big man dressed all in black coming towards them.

Smiling a bit again, Jim stood up and waited for Mick to reach them. "Mick," the Sheriff nodded and offered a hand for the shaking. "Sid says there's something we should talk about. Come on in," he invited him into the office.

Once inside, he took his hat off, revealing the colorful braid and feather in his hair which was hidden by his hat until then. Taking his long coat off, he put it on the coat-rack then sat behind his desk. He presented two clean glasses and a bottle of whiskey from his drawer and poured for Mick and himself, waiting for Sid to bring his glass over too before filling that up too.

"So... I have a feeling you have something to reveal in front of me..." he said mysteriously, as if he had a glimpse into the future or something.

"Indeed. But with all the respect to you and your pair, sacred Puma, you should change your hair too… Less tribal while being the man in position here..." Mick said with kindness in his voice, also a native way of showing respect to Jim too.

Sid already sipped on his drink and smirked. Not from Mick's suggestions but about what Jim will react.

"So... the other thing is about my mysterious position," Mick glimpsed at the Deputy and put his ID paper and badge in front of the Sheriff.

"I have a story to explain my hair to the folks around here so I can keep it the way I like it the most. Officially it's a sign of keeping the peace with the tribe. The symbolism of the colors and the feather is known only by natives and those loyal to the tribe, so I'm not worried about that. I won't hide more than I've always had to during my life," he said unusually firmly for himself. But yes, it was something he wasn't going to compromise in. The braid also meant his connection to Corey, not just the tribe. He was already going to hide his tattoo, he wasn't willing to do the same with his hair.

Tossing back his drink, he watched Mick then smacked his lips seeing the badge and the ID paper. Leaning a bit closer, he quietly whistled. "Well... that explains a lot," he chuckled lightly shaking his head. "You secretive bastard, you..." he grinned at Mick. "No wonder the Bear has managed to pull so many strings, huh, Sidney? I must admit, I'm very happy about this," he poured another round for Mick, not really surprised about anything anymore.

"So... now that this is out of the way... What do you think I should do next?" Jim asked, refilling his own glass too.

"Uhm... Yeah…" Mick frowned and eyed the man opposite him. Jim really changed and got more mature and collected, thanks to Coyote. So it seems... Clearing his throat, he put the Federal Agent stuff away and sent a killer gaze at the very much laughing his ass off Sidney.
"I wanted to shock you and have fun with you. But you surprised me," he said to Jim with an honest smile and bowed his head a bit as respect.

"Way to go, Mista Jim Sheriff!" Sid added still giggling.

"Yeah... Good one... Now, we will talk with Munky and you go to Davis to talk over the Indian problem. We try to move forward at the salon meanwhile," Mick said, drowning his whiskey too.

Tossing his second drink back, Jim wiped his mouth with the back of his hand then stood up with a smile. Patting the big man's shoulder in a friendly manner, he smiled down at him. "I'm sorry that I've ruined your fun, but the time I've spent with my pair and in the spirit world have taught me not to be so surprised about anything anymore," he said then winked at Sid.

Putting on his coat and for now hiding his braid under his dusty hat, Jim was ready to face the Mayor again. This time with much more confidence than the first time he did so on Sid's side. "Alright, gentlemen. I'll do my part and keep Davis busy while you do your part. Good luck and be careful!"

Tipping his hat at the other two men he walked out of the office more at ease than ever, even if he was worried for everyone deep down.

~~~

Meanwhile at the saloon things started to heat up. As Madame Stacy asked from the girls, they all invited over as many men as they could. Even being in the early afternoon the place was full and buzzing. All to the pleasing of Brian, of course. He was busy and selling so many drinks he had to keep running to the basement for more bottles of all kind of booze.

***

"So good to see you again, Sheriff. And in one piece..." Jon said as he leaned back in his carved chair, swirling his bourbon in an expensive crystal glass. "I was starting to worry that the tribe did something to you. It was a bold move to go off and stay there for so long..." Davis stroked his short beard with a little lopsided smile.

"Thank you. Good to see you in such good health, Mayor," Jim added sitting opposite the man after he refused a drink. "I had to make sure they wouldn't attack after the unfortunate shooting of Chief Shawn. So it was a necessary step to take."

"True. It seems you've succeeded so far. Can you tell me the reason of this visit then?"

"Of course. I'm here to talk precisely about this situation between us and the natives and update you about what I've learned while I was with them..."

"I'm all ears, Sheriff Root," Davis smiled and raised his glass before taking a sip and waiting for Jim to start talking.

~~~

Of course Stacy was behind all the spending with Mick also. All her girls were involved and Suzy, who was the very favorite of Brian had a special role.

As more people arrived – to the 'free drinks and girls' – soon the salon owner had to take another trip to the storage in the basement. And as soon as he entered the back room where the stairs lead down, Suzy hurried after him.

***

Taking off his hat, Jim let his long hair fall forward, adorned with the until now hidden braid. Knowing that Davis wouldn't know the real meaning behind it as it was a close kept secret in the tribe, he pointed at it. "As you can see, I worked hard on keeping the peace. It wasn't easy to negotiate with them as the loss of their beloved Chief was hard on them. But I managed to reason with them in the end. This is a sign of that fragile peace I intend to keep and I would like to ask for your support in that mission," Jim bluffed without batting an eyelash about the lie.

A few months ago it would not have been possible for him to put on such a poker face, but by now he was a changed man with an important purpose which he took very seriously.

"Oh, nicely done, Sheriff! I salute to you!" here Davis raised his glass, but Jim didn't miss how he didn't drink on that and that his mouth strained a bit on that half-smile. Still, if someone didn't know the Mayor's real intentions, he could have fooled anyone with the look on his face. "I am honored to help you in protecting our town, of course," he added.

"Of course, Mr. Davis. I thank you for that support. Our people have to feel safe to keep them calm. I'd like for you and your connections to spread that all is well with the Natives and they don't have to fear a retaliation for what went down in the cemetery... I'll spread the word too on the street," Jim drew up his plan.

"A wise decision, Sheriff Root," Davis nodded as he watched the man opposite him. He has noticed too how much the Sheriff has changed since he had arrived to Iowa. He wasn't that clumsy, shy and frankly, very girly young guy anymore. It seemed that life outside of the big city roughened and matured him. Which was something that rang an alarm bell in the Mayor's mind. Root proved to be a man hard to get rid of and now that he was sitting opposite him with the intense look of the hazel eyes, Davis realized that the Sheriff grew into an opponent who could stand his ground against him. It was bad news and the Mayor knew he had to be careful and take further steps to remove him from the picture.

~~~

"Good girl, Suzy... Make him stay there for a while," Stacy whispered to herself as she saw the girl sneaking after Brian.

The Madame hurried across the hall to get to the office of the owner and search for the vault.

She found even more of a mess than she expected from such a man of shady businesses. Taking a big breath, she decided to start to look over everything from the right side of the room, going over all the possible surfaces and hiding places. At times she almost found more than she was looking for with various bags of powders and small bottles and papers that got in her hand.

Stacy tried to not make it obvious that someone looked over the many piles of things and peeked into all the drawers and behind the pictures... And also tried to hurry...

Meanwhile Suzy tried her best to convince Brian that she was so very wasted. And in that state of mind she realized how much she has always longed for the tall man... Frankly, she was a very good actress.

***

"Thank you, Mayor Davis. As I said, I appreciate your support," Jim nodded and put his hat back on as he stood, towering over the sitting man with his full height. He never took his eyes off Davis and the other man acted the same way. The tension was palpable in the air during the whole conversation and it tipped Jim and his sharper senses off that the Mayor probably looked through most of what he said.

Though Jim wasn't that concerned about that. He knew Davis was a clever man, who probably saw threat in everyone. And a little fear served him right in Jim's opinion. Maybe the man could feel that the noose was tightening around his neck...

"I won't keep you from your duties any longer, Mr. Davis. I'm glad we are on the same page. Have a nice day," he tipped his hat towards the man then resting his hand near his gun on his belt, he turned around and headed for the door.

"You too, Sheriff Root. It's good to have you back... Please stay safe," Davis added on a tone which made Jim turn his head to the side as there was warning in it.

"You too, Mr. Davis. See you around," he continued his walk then closed the door behind him with a relieved small sigh. He could read between the lines much better now. And he knew they had to move fast...

~~~

For Suzy's luck Brian has been really admiring her for so long that he took the opportunity and really tried to give his all to impress and also show his tender loving side to the girl. Men follow their cocks, they say... But that man wanted more in the future than just some quick fuck, so he took his time to make love to the woman of his dreams in the shady basement.

The time stretched long for the Madame too, and she got more and more panicky when finally that dammed vault appeared behind a fake wardrobe door. Quickly pulling out a pin from her hair, she tried to pick the lock...

Then she heard Suzy's loud giggle and speaking coming from the office door. Good girl, made sure her Madame hears her telling Brian to help her upstairs in her tipsy state to refresh a bit.

Cursing under her nose, Stacy quickly sneaked out and at the bar's counter when she turned around, she bumped right into Mick's wide chest.

"You are a handful, you know that, right?" the big man murmured with a strict face and his icy blue eyes were throwing daggers.

"I had to try... All you men and your planning..." Stacy tried to push him away and act like she said a joke. That was half-true...

"Yeah… Like running against the wall is much more productive... I get it," Mick rolled his eyes and let the small hands push him back. "I am happy you're out of there without harm. Now... Tell me what you found."

***

A few hours after what went down in the bar, near sunset, Jim was sitting half-naked on his bed close to the half-open window and was smoking his pipe. He was thinking about everything that has happened since he arrived to town that morning. Well, no one was bored, that was for sure. And even if his meeting with Davis made Jim a bit restless and worried deep in his guts for some reason, they managed to learn valuable information that day thanks to the Madame and her girls.

Frowning, Jim tried to think of a way how it would be the best and safest way to get into that vault without alerting the Mayor or Brian. The problem was that Head practically lived in the saloon 24/7 and barely left the building. They should come up with some plan that would lure him out. Maybe they could use Suzy again...

Just as he wanted to start thinking along that line, puffing out some more smoke, Jim paused and straightened his back as a strange phenomenon caught his eyes. The rays of the setting sun glinted on the window pane as if it was set on fire. Jim tried to shake the bad feeling off and think some more, but then suddenly he thought he smelled burning oil too. Standing up, he opened the window and looked around, but didn't find its source, which meant one thing: it was a warning omen, just like the window.

As if emphasizing his realization, a huge cloud of mixed birds appeared from behind the building, noisily flying away from the town as if they were in a hurry to leave...

Jim immediately thought of his pair, although he didn't sense him in danger. It was more about the town. Jim could just feel it in his guts, as if the spirits would whisper into his ears. It filled him with deep concern and with his pipe still in his mouth, he decided to get fully dressed and armed and wait in the chair on the porch. Something bad was going to happen...

Right then for whatever reason the young Iowan Shaman rode out to the border of their territory with his guards. Almost where he first sensed the changing wind..

"The horizon is on fire..." he said to V-man and Jay. "Look... It's like the setting sun is covering the town in red flames…" he jumped off his horse to sniff into the changing wind and look around more on the ground.

"The ground smells of smoke... Burning oil. I need my medicine bag and go there right now. Tell the elders for me," he spoke in a hurry jumping back on his horse to get his stuff. Something will happen and his pair and the town people will need help. He knew he had to hurry.

***

 "We can't be sure he comes here…" Munky said putting some more bushy branches to the small craving’s entrance.

"He has his going away things here. He will come here to pick up the money and food and water and change into simple clothes he stored here. I am sure," Fieldy said and nodded even to underline his own words.

After talking with the little group of allies in town, they decided to stand alert if Davis tries to flee.

"I hope there will be an opportunity…" Munky murmured sitting down inside and cleaning his six-shooter with a rug.

"I hope not. Ray deserves more than that rat dying from one shot. I want him to be humiliated. To have a long trial and to face the ones he did wrong while being chained up and stripped from all his claimed power and wealth and dignity. To see us all before he gets hanged and take that memory to hell to torture him more…" Fieldy said silently as he started the small fire. They have to be patient and cold-headed...

~~~

 Corey didn't even bother to change his look. Wearing both the shaman and the chief marks, he hurried his patched horse towards the town.

Being about half-way there, he spotted a cloud-like swirling shape. Another sign by the spirits… It was the big flock of all the town birds escaping to the prairie. Crows, pigeons, sparrows, swallows and a few owls flying as they were one breed in union coming straight from Iowa.

"That's not good..." the young man hummed and told his horse to get running again. The horizon was still burning red and he was sure he felt Jim somehow calling for him. His pair too knew that something bad was going to happen...

The sun finally let go of that part of the world only leaving some pinkish grey light behind. And as Corey got to the farms near the town, his feelings got another reassurance as he spotted two columns of thick smoke swirling towards the sky from between the buildings and mixing into the twilight.

***

In the Madame's opinion, not just bad things came out of that day. Of course her failed attempt to open the safe bothered her and afterwards in her room she even got into a smaller argument with Mick, but – like always – it soon ended up in clothes dropping on the floor and long hours of lovemaking. Of course it left them exhausted and they soon dozed off satisfied after an eventful day.

But not long after that, Stacy woke with a start, thinking she was dreaming. But then she sniffed into the air and realized that she was right.

"Mick... Mick! Something's burning! Wake up!" she shook the big man's arm as she was already sitting and when she saw the man open his eyes, she quickly began putting on some clothes. "There's a fire..." she added and just in that moment probably the Reverend sounded the bell in the church.

"Hurry!" she yelled at Mick. "I'll make sure my girls are okay," and with that she stormed out of her room, only to see a portion of the bar and the further end of the building already on fire. She cursed then noticed that the girls and some of her customers were already running downstairs, yelling and some even screaming 'fire'.

Stacy knew that at this point they wouldn't be able to stop it and just when she came back from checking the last rooms for people, she met Mick on the stairs as the fire started moving towards the bar and the office. "The vault!" she whispered, her face turning pale.

"We don't have time for that. We have to make sure everyone gets out alive!" he grumbled and they both disappeared downstairs in the smoke.

Corey galloped into a town on fire and running around scared people. His eyes spotted the Deputy giving out buckets to the men to form a chain from the animals drinking place to try to stop the fire spreading even more.

Not really caring about his looks or anything, he just ran to the busy man. "Sid, where is the Sheriff?"

"Hey! He was around helping the Madame and Mick getting the saloon empty. I hope you brought some balms for burns."

"Brought it all…" Corey only said that as he tried to look over the smoke and falling ashes in the darkening night.

Helping some people get away from the smoke to breathe some fresher air, and trying to find the Bear or Stacy...

When he got closer to the saloon's entrance and spotted them, he finally saw Jim too... The moron just ran headfirst into the burning building...

Súgó Még nincs hozzászólás.

Új hozzászólás Frissítés