cont. "Hey! HEY! Anyone here?" It was after four AM and the stables were as silent as the downtown area. After a week of hard drinking, it seemed that most every one of the celebrants had about taken their limit of whiskey and had shut down to recuperate. She hollered again and had made up her mind that she was going to steal another horse , if it came down to it. Becky had treated her with the utmost of respect whenever they had crossed paths and Karla definitely considered her a friend. 'Sportin' women' didn't have that many friends due to the nature of their business. The blue noses would just as soon run them out of town as look at them. Sooner. A sleepy voice came from above wanting to know who in hell was carrying on at this god-forsaken hour. " Lonnie. Is that you? We got a bad situation, Lonnie. Real bad. I seen Becky and I reckon what was Josh, in the back of a buckboard heading outta' town. They was laid out in back of it and more'n likely trussed up. Well, trussed up for sure. Somebody got the drop on 'em, I figger. It's Karla. Get up--c'mon get up." Lonnie recognized her voice when she hollered the second time and was already headed down the ladder followed by the old miner. " How long ago, Karla? How long ago?" The old miner had already entered the corral to get his mule, the big gray and another horse for Karla, while Lonnie fumed and was trying to figure out what in hell was going on. "They turned left at the fork up east there and we got 'ta get 'em, Lonnie. We got 'ta go get 'em." "Alright, OK, I know it. Let's mount up and set off." The miner removed everything from the mule except his rifle scabbard and his Colt attached by a thong to the top of it. He wanted to be able to keep up with the other two and would come closer to being able to, without any extra weight. He hadn't ridden the mule much, but he knew that when it was necessary, the mule was pretty fast and sure-footed too. "Lead the way,Karla. Leastways 'till we get on the right trail and then we're a'gonna' have to do do some thinkin'. That trail dead ends a few miles past the Baileys, I believe, so we'll find em. We just got 'ta figger out what we're up agin." Lonnie knew somebody had got the drop on the youngins', probably' when they were sleeping. Becky was pert' near impossible to sneak up on. He'd never been able to do it, even when she hadn't asked him to try it. Besides--she'd kill anyone and do it with ease, unless some slick bushwhacker got iron on her somehow. How, he didn't know, but he was aimin' to find out. Whatever it took, by god. Whatever it took.
Oh My! Indeed! I just found this yesterday evening and 'cept fer sleepin' I've read straight through. Don't stop now pard! I'm all outta Jack London, Louis L'amour, Sam Clemens, etc.....:2thumbsup:
cont. The taking of the two had been surprisingly easy. Lucky though, that was for sure. If the big man had not heard them in the hallway carrying on, he likely would not have seen them again. He didn't particularly care for the cohorts that he had tied in with on this deal, for they were nasty little examples of the lowlifes that would slink around on the fringes of society. The kind that had no respect for the property or lives of others and would take whatever they could get, usually with results that harmed others, sometimes grievously. Of course, if he had not heard them whining about their fate at the hands of a wild person, he would not have been involved at all. Wasn't easy getting to the fact that the person that had mistreated them was a female. Couldn't blame them for that, he thought. So, what the hell--let them feel around on the trussed up girl for a while. Can't hurt those tits much. He figured to kill them at some point anyway and keep the girl for a week or two, indulging himself in wanton sexual abandonment until time came to kill her also. The big man was Theodore Warren and he had come to town in his capacity as a bank examiner to audit the books for the Kansas State Bank, of which there were five branches, most being in the San Joaquin valley. Unbeknownst to his superiors or Mr Warren himself, the town of Sonora was having a drunken debauchery of a celebration. The bank was closed until the town got back to a reasonable, normal state, which should be very soon after the week of excitement, he figured. He had never stolen so much as a dime from his employers and in fact, had never committed a crime of any kind in his life. He felt somewhat nervous, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and he was damn sure going to take it. He saw the faint opening in the undergrowth on his left and so turned the horse into it and followed the faint trail about one quarter of a mile. The trail ended with what was an acre of cleared land with a log cabin sitting at the back edge of the clearing and a windmill with the usual metal tank below it to collect the water from the depths below. Beyond the cleared acre stood dense forest completely encircling the clearing. Mr Warren was at present, a married man from Kansas City with two pleasant children and a frigid wife, for whom the primary requisite for the birthing of children was distasteful at best. Somewhere he had convinced himself that he was now fortuitously taking care of what he deserved, by god. He knew this was dangerous business--his job, his family and most likely his freedom would vanish like so many smoke rings in a breeze if something were to go sideways. He intended to make sure that he kept control and that this would end in his favor. Yeah. It went well so far and he intended for that to continue. "All right. Get 'em outta' there and carry 'em inside." The brothers didn't like being told what to do by anyone and tried to act as if they were unaffected by orders from the big man, but they displayed their ire and sullenly did what they were told. The cabin had one large room containing everything that would allow someone to stay for an extended length of time, including a large river rock fireplace on the west wall used for heat. Running water was supplied to the cooking area on the north side of the cabin by piping laid from the water tank adjacent to the cabin. The water could then be pumped by hand into the large basin set into the framed drain board and used for cooking and bathing. There were two beds on the east side of the cabin a few feet apart and the big man indicated to his rat-like companions to deposit their prisoners, one to a bed. Thus deposited, one of the brothers restarted his pawing of Becky's breasts while the other one started to bring in some wood from the side of the cabin to get a fire going and start some warmth for respite from the cool morning. Becky had not changed her expression from the very beginning of this situation, but had looked directly at any of the three that had dared to look at her or touch her, with the usual result of such looks. They could not hold her eyes for more than a fleeting glance. They had gagged Josh to silence his threats and protestations and had also tied him to the bed to keep him from thrashing around at the sight of the little weasel that was rubbing on his wife. Her face was somewhat red and when the big man noticed and reached to feel her forehead, he felt a strong heat emanating from her and wondered if she was sick. She was not sick. She was Becky Pearson-Hays and she knew that they better flat out kill her if they did to her what they intended to do. Or sure as hell, she would be exacting a price from this scum. She continued to stare at the three, but they did not look back at her. Something about the eyes.
cont. At the east end of town, the main trail to the south continued on to Jackson, while the smaller, less used trail to the north continued around the mountain toward the Baileys place. The three riders had no idea how many cabins lined the road or where exactly they were located. Most of them were fairly close to the trail with small openings for riders and in some cases were wide enough for a buckboard to pass through. " Alright, let's leave the mounts at picket, less'n that horse them fellers has picks us up a'comin. You-all start on the right side and look close. We don't want to miss nothin." They started walking briskly with Karla on the right side of the trail, while Lonnie and the old man set off on the left. Karla discovered an overgrown trail that led to a small log cabin. She stayed in the undergrowth on the edge of the trail for concealment, but the cabin had apparently been unused for some time. The front door appeared to be locked with a sturdy padlock and the remains of some rusty equipment of some kind were in evidence. She backed out of the thick undergrowth and returned to the main trail to continue north,looking for more signs of habitation. Lonnie and the old man were having similar results finding any sign of recent occupation on the west side of the trail. He began to wonder if the Baileys were the only permanent residents up here. The two cabins they had carefully approached were in the same condition as that which Karla had seen. They continued to search the side of the trail for openings or trampled greenery that would indicate a recent passage, but had almost reached the end of the north trail without finding much. They soon met and agreed that the trail they were on was not two or three miles in length, but was in fact only about a mile and a half. " We done missed somethin' here--damn if we 'aint," Lonnie said. "Les' walk back 'a ways and look again," the old man said." They walked slowly back toward the trail head looking carefully at the surrounding trail side brush and then Karla saw it. " Looky there--somebody has cut some brush and limbs and such and hid them faint lookin' buckboard tracks. See'em there under them limbs?" "Sure as hell you be right, Karla. Lets edge on up there a piece and see what we can see." They stole silently up to the edge of the cleared area through the brush and set eyes on the cabin at the back. " Sure as can be, there's that buckboard I seen 'em in." We can't sneak up there with all that open space, otherwise what in hell we 'gonna do?" I got me an idea," said the miner. "See that there steep hill behind that cabin? Here's what Im'a thinkin. Now, you-all work yourselves 'round behind the cabin stayin' nice 'n quiet while I get the mule 'n walk right up there, purty as you please. That 'ol feller 'a mine has a few tricks I done taught 'im and I'm 'a thinkin 'ta git 'im up agin' that water trough. And Ima' gonna make a hell 'uva' noise up agin it and that'll sure bring 'em out. Well, my mule is 'a gonna make the actual racket, but you folks be ready when you hear it." "Are you sure old man?" " Yeah, I'm sure alright. What else we got?" He started back to get his old friend and was back within a half hour. " Karla. Do you have anything shiny on you?" "Well, I got this here little bag with some stuff in it. But it does have a silver clasp on it that's purty shiny." Good. That's good. The old man told the two that he would stay here out of sight until they tried to flash the little clasp and then he'd make his move. What his move was going to be, they had no idea. But it was true. That was all they had.
cont. Having worked their way through the thick stand of pines, irritating a couple of chattering squirrels while they were at it, Lonnie and Karla found a place directly behind the cabin. The cabin had a back door and a small window as well, which fortunately was closed to any of the slight noises they might make moving around in the brush. They were high enough over the top of the cabin to see where they thought the old man was watching for their signal. They hoped they were in the right position--he could not be seen through the trees. " OK. Take that little bag 'a yourn and give 'er a try," Lonnie whispered to Karla. She placed the bag in her hand and moved it around some in favor of the morning sun. "I can't tell nothin', Lonnie. I don't know if it's a'workin' 'er not," she whispered back. "Well, the only way we 'gonna find out is if he starts doin' whatever it is he's a' gonna do. Just keep on movin' 'er 'round." After a few minutes, the proof of the efficacy of the little shiny piece of silver was proven by the old man making his move. He and the mule approached the cabin quietly and continued up to the water trough, where he let the mule drink his fill. The old man was talking quietly to the mule and stroking his neck. Lonnie and Karla could not see the pair, for they were hard by the cabin front, which was worrying. They need not have worried. They checked their Colts and were satisfied that whatever happened, they were ready. The miner turned the mule around and backed him up to within three feet of the metal trough and pinched him in the place they had 'sort' of agreed not to ever do again. The mule never stayed mad at his friend, but the spot that was touched brought an expected response. That is, he launched a mighty kick that dented the trough and created a very loud noise that was heard by everyone on the property. " What the hell was that?" said the big man. They all three started for the front door of the cabin and Lonnie and Karla started for the back door. "What the hell you doin, old man?" The big mans smaller companions had their guns drawn and advanced on the old man. " Howdy, fellers. I just came outa' the woods down there and my mule needed some water. Been pannin' some." The three stood around a bit and figured on what to do now. Wouldn't pay to entertain the old fool 'round here. Not with them two inside. "Well, get yer' water and git' goin," said one of the smaller men. "Sure will. fellers. Didn't mean to set you off. I'll be on my way. And thanks fer' the water. Lonnie and Karla had moved through the back door quietly and motioned for Becky and Josh to be quiet and they did so. They stood behind the door so that when it opened, they would be hidden from the those entering. They could hear the old man and his mule moving away from the front of the cabin and so stood ready. The three moved into the room looking over at their captives, now planning what they were each going to do to that bitch of a girl. They never stood a chance. They were covered by the Colts from a couple of people they had not seen before. " Cover these chickenshit kidnappers, Karla. I'ma gonna' untie them kids." If a person can actually turn green, then that's exactly how the three captives appeared when Lonnie turned his friends loose from their bounds. Becky had not changed her expression yet. That's what worried the three men for whom fortune had suddenly turned a blind eye. "Oh, Jesus. No. No. God, no. Please. The smaller two of the three seemed to be praying. Josh was standing close to them, trying to stop himself from killing the three of them. Immediately. Becky had not changed expression. But she had some plans. Becky's plans were never favorable to those that transgressed against her or anyone she knew. She stood quietly, thinking. Her friends stood and waited. Waited to see what came next. For this was Becky Pearson-Hays and there was no way to tell.
cont. Everyone stood quietly, expecting some type of retribution from Becky. When it came-- if it came as usual, it would certainly bode ill for the three that previously had dared hope that their actions would reward them. They counted on pokin' the beautiful, odd girl at their leisure and perhaps exacting some form of torture to teach the bitch a lesson. But the situation had now shifted drastically in her favor. The old man had re-entered and stood with his friends. Waiting. Becky finally spoke. "Now, I know who you little cocksuckers be, but you with the fancy duds on--what the fuck's your name, mister?" The big man wasn't sure how to answer, but eventually decided on bravado. In his life, he was and had always been, in charge. Big mistake. " I don't have to tell you shit----"and that was the extent of his answer. He took a tremendous blow to his forehead and went down backwards and fell into the hearth among the embers. the Lonnie thought to himself-- "it begins." She grabbed his two hundred and fifty pounds as if it was a mere cotton hoe, pulled him upright and said " Now let's try that 'agin." " Check his pockets and let's see what kind of a snake we got here." The big man was still trying to set himself to rights after the blow Becky had put on him, without much success. The brothers were sobbing quietly in the corner and Josh gifted them with a look that let them know that soon-very soon- it could be their turn. "Check him, old man" The old miner advanced on the big man and withdrew a large, cowhide wallet from an inside pocket and began to go through it. " Some money. Some legal papers. Picture of some kids. Oh, now this here be interestin'. This fool is a bank examin---exam--what is this Lonnie?" Lonnie looked the papers over and said, " Why this here sumbitch is a bank examiner. He's done come out here to examine the bank books of the Kansas State bank. Now ain't that interesting?" What the hell does that mean, Lonnie?" Josh asked. It means he's gonna' go in that there bank and check all the money and whatever else they got and make sure it's right." " You say a bank from Kansas?" asked Becky. " Lemme' see that there i-dentification you got, old man." He handed the big man's ID to Becky and she looked it over. " You notice somethin' here, Lonnie? If this ain't some kind 'a co-in-ci-dence, well then I ain't never seen one before. You could pass for this sumbitch, 'cordin' to that there little piture'. " Karla kept a Colt on the three, while Becky, Lonnie and Josh crowded in to see what she was talking about. "Huh. Well, I'll be. You put some fancy duds on, Lonnie and by god , there ain't much difference, now is there?" " Well, I don't like admittin' it, bein' as he's a god-damn snake. But, yeah. I get it." " When you 'sposed to show up at the bank? Was you just comin' in town when we seen you in the woods?" Becky queried. The big man was almost back to seeing straight, but ignored Becky's question. " You need to be answerin' me, motherfucker or I'ma gonn'a kill you right now! You understand?" "Ok, ok- ok." Yes, I was just coming to town and had no idea there was somethin' goin' on. The bank was closed. I haven't been to the bank yet--I was supposed to go when everything quieted down. Today I was supposed to show up, get the keys to the bank and begin the audit at night when everyone was gone." A decision was made. " Git them clothes off. All a' ya'. Karla, Mr Canary--git them horses and bring 'em 'round, will 'ya?" "Shore enough, Missy. You wantin' them saddles on 'em?" "No. Josh, cut me some six foot loops offn' that there rope 'ya got, wouldja' please?" " Sure, honey." The men were somewhat reticent when obeying the order from Becky to strip off, but when she looked directly at them, they knew that whatever fate held for them, it entailed doing precisely what she demanded of them. They had now come to realize that this was someone very different than anyone any of them had ever encountered. Finally, stripped naked and standing embarrassed before their captors, they were ordered outside and onto the horses. " Karla. Hold the shotgun on 'em and if'n they even wiggle--blow 'em 'offin them horses. You fuckers understand what I'm a' sayin' to 'ya." They nodded grimly and felt the roughness of the horses on their backsides and private parts. " Josh, take them loops and tie their ankles tight underneath them horses." Josh took ten minutes or so to affix the loops to their ankles and when he was done, the captives could do nothing but sit up straight and wonder what in the hell was being done to them. Had they known, they would have been truly terrified at what had now befallen them. " Now--old man. Karla. Lead them horses to the end of the main trail and on into the woods a mile 'er so. Set 'em off and fire a few shots 'iffen you haf to. Git 'em to runnin."And then come on back. We got us some plannin 'ta do that involves the Kansas State bank. And we got 'ta get Lonnie some fancy duds. We might as well stay right here 'till we get this sorted out. And Josh. Me 'n you have some personal business to tend to. The little girl giggle followed. Josh smiled.
cont. "Out. All 'a ya." Then she added -"please', in a quiet little voice that they had not heard in a long while. She and Josh wanted an hour together alone and they took it. When the others were outside, Karla said to them in a quiet voice, " Lonnie, I think that girl is figurin' on takin' on that bank--what was it--a Kansas bank?" 'Yeah,"Lonnie replied. "When it comes to anything ta' do with Kansas, ain't no tellin' what what she'll do. Makes me nervous some, no doubt. I ain't sure I be wantin' to actually rob me no bank." The old man spoke up. "Well, as fer as I'm concerned, I ain't never hooked up with folks like you-all and to be honest, I'm tired 'a pannin' fer the yeller all these years. Looks to me like she's a'plannin to take 'em fer sure. And, by god , Im in whatever that gal wants. Might be different to you folks, but I'm a'stickin' with her, ifn' she'll have me." "Well, I ain't got nothin' to do, other than go back inta' sportin, but I'm tired of it, really. So, I'm in. I'll stick with 'er. 'Sides, them fuckers from the valley'll string me up if'n they catch me over that damn horse I took." "Alright, that'll be the two of 'ya. I been by her side since she made her entrance some fifteen year ago and I reckon I'll join you-all, as nervous as I be about it. So, what it looks like is she intends fer' me to emulate that big feller and go waltzing right on in there and git us some money or yeller, ifn' they got any. I doubt much ifn' her folks would be behind this and I respect 'im 'n love 'em, fer that matter. All I got 'ta say is--this better work in our favor. " Or we 'gonna swing." The pair came out of the cabin an hour and a half later, looking tousled and somewhat the worse for wear. They went to the water trough and began to wash up, as their friends looked on. Becky lowered her pants and splashed water on her privates and the others looked away and studied the surrounding forest. The two, clean and dried off, hugged each other fiercely and exchanged the look of love, as the others turned from examining the forest to look at Becky and Josh to wait on what came next. What a fine pair of youngin's, the old man thought to himself. "Karla, do you mind headin on into town and getin' Lonnie some 'a them duds we been talkin about?" " Not at all, Becky. Not at all." "Let's git' on inside. We got some plannin' ta' do. As far as I be concerned---ain't no damn money leavin' outta' here ta' Kansas. Coffee. That's what we need right now."
