WILD WILD WEST

[Darb]

OOC: I know it's not medieval, but I thought I'd start it and see if anyone else out there like's a good western!!!
And to make it a little more appealing, feel free to add in traditional role playing tricks to this more modernized story ie, magic etc.
Hope you enjoy



IC:
John Cook rolled up the rustic map and tucked into his saddlebag. He took his cantina out and undid the lid. He lifted it to his lips and let the cool liquid flow over his lips and down his parched throat. He put the lid back on and returned the cantina to the bag. He looked off the hill where he was seated on his stallion Midnight. He peered down into the valley at the city. Promise Valley. He hadn't been back here in a long, long time. It didn't appear as though much had changed. He gave Midnight a kick in the side with his spur and the large animal began to lumber forward. He wondered who was still living there, and if they would allow him back after what happened. It didn't matter if they did or not, if they knew what he had in his possession no one would stand in his way.
He had been careful to cover his tracks but carrying such valuables he knew would bring out the best...and worst.

Midnight trotted past the huge oak tree just outside the city limits, he stopped at the tree and looked intently to see if it was still there. His eyes wandered over it until, yes, there it was, carved out in the tree was a heart with the words John and Laura enscribed inside.
His mind was suddenly flooded with memories, a smile came to his face as he thought about his years here as a young man. He turned Midnight back toward the town and headed in.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

"Okay class, you have your homework for the weekend. Make sure it's ready for class on Monday. Class dismissed." Laura had barely gotten the words out, when the children jumped up and ran from the school, whooping and holloring, just like every Friday. She sighed, remembering her childhood here, but stopped when an image of John walking out her life popped into her head. She had been seventeen at the time, she had thought they were going to get married, but he had changed all that. Five years and she had heard nothing from him, well that was fine. She was going to get married in two months and Lewis had promised that they would leave here. Tears burned her eyes at the thought of leaving her beloved students, but she knew she was leaving a lot more than that. She was leaving John and his memory behind.

 

[Jonas]

Deputy Sheirff Lynn Bourgeois limped up the alley. Just part of the routine in Promise Valley. He checked the backside of the shops, coming to the end of the alley and turning toward the street. He sees a rider coming toward the town. A tall man on a black stallion.

"That looks like...John Cook...Naw can't be Cook, he never show his face back here, but....I'll be a ...that is him!" The Deputy pulled out his colt and checked the load. "Just in case," he muttered as he slipped back in the alley. "I'm not sure if he'll say howdy or shoot! I had nothin' personel in what happened..it was my job, that's all...that's all!"

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda Malone yawned prettily. Stretching like a cat she sat up in her large four poster bed. As always it was almost mid-day before she rose from her sleep. Working at the Saloon meant more often than not late nights for her. They nick-named her Vixen down in the bar. She was smart like a fox they said and had a sharp tongue to boot. No one knew who or what she was before she came to town, only that things sure had been livelier since she arrived.

She sang and danced nightly at the Saloon and provided friendship and laughs for the rest of the night. Little John the huge bar tender kept her safe from the over-zealous would-be suitors and the owner Jake McCloud, although not the most desirable of men, at least so far, had kept his part of the deal and kept his hands off her. She got free room and board, plus a decent pay. Jake seemed to realise it wouldn't do to irk Vixen too much as she was indeed a good drawing card for all the men folk with more money than brains.

Vixen did her morning abolutions by splashing her face with the cold water the maid had brought in earlier. She really could do with a bath she thought. She looked out of the window and saw a lone figure on a dark horse riding in. She near wolf-whistled as he drew closer. "My my my, he's put together nicely," she giggled to herself. Definitely a bath was in order if she was gonna impress this one. Luckily the maid knew her well and the bath was already ready. She stripped quickly and let herself sink into the luxuriously hot water.

Suddenly the door opened and Jake stood watching her with a leer. She scowled at him. "What the heck do you want?" She growled. "Now now, Vixen honey, is that any way to talk to your boss girl?"
"Boss you maybe, but free to gawk you aint!"
"Hush now, I've got news..."
"Well cain't it wait til a girls had a bath in private?"
"Can't understand your obsession with bathing girl... it ain't natural"
"No, it probably ain't for the putrid likes of you!"
Vixen hissed back.
Jake scowled, he hated it when she used sophisticated words, he didn't know what putrid meant but he had a fair idea from the way she used it.
"Fine, I'll tell HER highness," he growled, "when she's finished bathing... " he did an exaggerated bow and left the room slamming the door behind him.

GAWD... Vixen fumed, he was so damn irritating. She couldn't enjoy her bath now. She scrubbed quickly and stepped out to dry herself. She picked out her favorite dress. It was a bright cheery yellow striped creation which dipped tantalizingly at the bust but not enough to be indecent exactly. The full skirt swished about her ankles and she had a matching parasal and hat. She pilled her silky dark hair into a tumble of ringlets on top of her head, it showed off her slender neck to perfection. Adjusting the tiny hat at a jaunty angle she felt ready to face... a very late breakfast.

She skipped out of the room and down the stairs ignoring Jake and blowing a kiss to Little John as she left the Saloon. She noticed that dark horse tethered by the tea room. Perfect she thought as she hurried across the street and entered the place. She saw him immediately. She walked over and smiled down at him. "Morning there stranger, saw you come in, my name's Vixen would you mind terribly if I joined you? I do so hate to eat alone..." her smile was warm and it made her brown eyes sparkle.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She stepped out of the schoolroom, finally having gotten a hold of herself. She had burst into tears thinking about John. It wasn't his fault he had had to leave, but it was his fault he hadn't sent her a letter in five years assuring her he was alright and that he was still planning on coming for her. She had held onto the hope of him writing for two years. Two YEARS! she thought to herself. Two long, wasted years in which she had put off all the men who had approached her, thinking he was still coming back. But slowly piece by piece her heart had died, until there was nothing left of it, and she could get on with her life. She didn't love Lewis, but he made her laugh and he treated her like a lady deserved to be treated.

Laura turned from the school house and walked down the street toward the tea room wanting to stop for some muffins for her picnic with Lewis later that day. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight. A dark horse was tethered outside, one that reminded her so much of John's beautiful horse, a tear trickeled down her cheek. She dashed it away and continued on by without so much as stopping to inquire about muffins. She prayed no one inside saw her. They would worry about her, but she didn't want to see them right now. She just wanted to be alone. No, a little voice whispered, what you want is to be with John.

Damn John Cook for ever making her love him, and damn me she thought, for being stupid enough to fall for him.

[Edited by ShyGoddess on 07-19-2000 at 09:24 PM]

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen sat down elegantly before John had a chance to say yes or no. He didn't seem to mind her company. Vixen was good like that... easy to be with.

She chattered aimlessly about life in the town, and John found himself listening and even laughing at her cheeky way of phrasing things. He hadn't realised how much he missed the town and Vixen's recount of recent happenings was like a balm to his lonely heart.

John looked up just as a woman entered the tea room. His heart almost stopped dead. Vixen instantly noticed his change in stance. She found it paid to be observant in her line of business. Kept a girl safe. She turned in her chair and saw the school teacher Laura enter. She hadn't much spoken to her. Vixen couldn't help but feel the woman looked down on her for her line of work and so rather than face certain rejection from the woman, Vixen always managed to keep her distance.

Vixen smiled to herself. So, maybe he wasn't such a stranger here after all she mused noting the way John's gaze was locked on Laura.

 

[Darb]

OOC: here's the history

IC:
Not much had changed in five years. As John made his way down the main street memory after memory flooded his mind. His parents moved here when he was two. His dad had been a successful banker back in Boston, had made a large fortune quickly and decided to move to the west and live out his life in the frontier. Promise Valley wasn't much of town back then, mostly just a water hole for people making there way out to the coast. Mr. Cook arrived and put his business skills to work. He built a bank and a land and title office. As people came into the town Mr. Cook would offer them very low interest on loans if they would stay and add more business. It wasn't long before the town as it appeared now was up and people began to not just pass through but would stop and decide to stay. John's mom contracted a nasty virus soon after they arrived and was bedridden for a full year before she died, John had only one picture of his mother.
Mr. Cook was the most powerful man in Promise Valley. He controlled the money, the real estate, and several other local businesses. John never really knew what was going on until it was too late.
His three years before he had to leave, John began to notice that his dad began to be much more secretive then ever before. One time John had tried to get into his fathers back office in the bank, when his dad found him in there looking around he gave John a beating that he would never forget.
One by One the people of Promise Valley began to grow very upset with Mr. Cook. John was still kept in the dark, no one had begun to show him any animosity but he didn't like that his father, the man who helped these people achieve their dreams was now being bad-mouthed.
John finally figured out what was going on one Sunday morning. The whole town was at church and he was supposed to be. But he snuck out during the opening prayer and made his way down through town toward the old oak tree, he was going to meet Laura there and they were going to out to Old Man Browns barn for another one of there heated make-out sessions. He was walking by the bank when he saw three horses in the alley next to it. He stopped to look to see what was going on. He walked down the alley to the back of the building and peered around the corner. He couldn't believe his eyes. There was one of the largest Indian men he had ever seen. He hadn't seen that many before, and he was told that if ever saw one to run as fast as he could. He froze in horror. What were they doing here? What did they want? He heard voices coming from inside. He listened closely but he couldn't make out what was going on. The Indian had gone inside so John made his way to the door that was still slightly ajar. There he saw his father sitting at a table across from what John could gather was a Chief Indian because of the large headress the Indian was wearing. His father was speaking in a language he had never heard before, the Indian shook his head and extended his hand and they shook. Then they got up and headed over to a large wooden chest. My father reached down and unlocked it. He reached his hand inside and pulled out rifle after rifle...he must have pulled out twenty or so. The two Indians with the chief began to gather up the rifles. The Chief pulled out a large leather pouch. As he opened it it began to glow faintly from the inside. He reached his hand inside a removed a small glass flask that contained a gold liquid that pulsated brightly.
John saw his father's eyes light up, His father reached out his hands to take the flask. "The Liquid of Life" he heard his father say. Just as he was about to take hold of the flask Sheriff Flynn and Deputy Bourgeois burst through the door on the inside. There guns drawn.
"Freeze Cook" the sheriff shouted.
"You dirty Bastard!!!" scowled the sheriff"I never thought you would be in dealins with these vermin!"
Mr.Cook just froze he didn't know what to do.
One of the Indians bolted for the door John was standing behind. Deputy Bourgeois fired twice the first hit the Indian and knocked him to his knees, the Indian saw John, the second ripped through the back of his head and came out the front of his skull expelling blood and brain matter through the cracked door and onto John's face. He screamed and ran in the door, more out of shock than anything.
All eyes were on John. Mr. Cook used this distraction and pulled the Colt 45 he had tucked behind his back out. The Sheriff saw it in time and fired a shot the same time Mr. Cook did. Mr. Cook's bullet missed, but the Sheriffs found it's mark. John's father reeled back onto his desk clutching his chest, blood began to flow from the wound near his heart.
"NOOOOOOO!" shouted John. A fury he had never known before shot through him. He raced over to his father, the Indians took the chance to bolt from the room. Deputy Bourgeois pursued the Indians out of the room. The sheriff made his way over to John and his father. John's hands clasped aroung the large guns handle that was next to his dying father. He didn't understand any of what was going on. One minute he's watching his father consort with Indians the next he's watching him die. As the sheriff came up behind John he placed a hand on his shoulder. John spun around quickly and smacked the sheriff across the face with the butt end of the gun. The sheriff stumbled backwards. John ran at the sheriff, but the sheriff was ready this time. He blocked John's punch and then landed one of his own in his gut. John doubled over. The gun was knocked from his hand and skidded across the floor settling up against the leg of his fathers desk. The sheriff came close and John raised his knee into the sheriffs groin. The sheriff fell to his knees. John reached down and pulled the sheriffs gun from his holster, and in one quick motion brought the gun up and was just about to blow his brains out when he heard gunshots outside. The blast scared him enough to pull the gun down a little before he fired and the bullet went through the sheriff's neck. The sheriff fell to the floor gasping for air. John dropped the gun on the floor with a thud. He stood there for a moment wondering what had just happened. He hurried over to his father's side. But it was to late, his father was dead. John's head was spinning wildly . What now. An overwhelming desire to run entered his body. So he did. He ran out the back door, he saw teh deputy lying on the ground clutching his leg that had blood streaming out of it. He ran past the deputy to the stable on the edge of town where he jumped on the back of his huge black stallion Midnight and galloped out. He ran right through the middle of town.. By this time people from church were making there way out into the street because of the gunshots. He didn't even look at there faces, he just rode as fast as he could. He got to the west edge of town and he saw the oak tree and sitting under it was Laura, he wanted to stop but he couldn't, she would never understand...he saw her smile as he approached and she rose to her feet. He kicked his horse harder and he picked up speed, he rode right by her and saw the smile turn to an expression of puzzelement. He blew her a kiss and then road as hard and as fast as he could....

 

[Darb]

He remembered everything like it was yesterday's news. Still as clear and vivid five years removed.
He steered Midnight up to the Tea Room. He swung himself down off of his stallion and then tethered him up to the hitchin post. The animal lowered it's head and began to drink from the trough. John made his way slowly intot the little room. He sat down at the table and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and took his large brimmed hat off. When he opened his eyes there stood before him a very attractive lady.
"Hey stranger, Vixens my name, care if I join you?" before he had a chance to respond this young lass plopped down next to him and began to chat aimlessly about the town.
He listened to her for about five minutes when he noticed someone else walk in the door. His locked with hers, could it be, could it possible be...
He stood slowly to his feet and just stared.
"So I guess your not such a stranger after all" sneered Vixen. John just stared he wasn't sure what to do...

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She stopped cold, thinking her eyes were playing tricks on her. There, standing before her, was John. Her knees wobbled and she had to catch herself before they gave out on her. After all these years he had finally come back. Her heart seemed to skip a beat for every one it hit. Every memory she had of their time together flooded in on her, especially her last sight of him. Riding out of her life on his big stallion.

Laura's eyes turned cold in the space of a heart beat. She could forgive him for leaving, she could forgive him for not writing, she could forgive him for waltzing back in here like no time had passed, but she could never forgive him for all the heartache she had suffered because of him. She would die if she let him back inside and he left her again. Her heart couldn't take it. She had Lewis now. They were going to be married, and she wouldn't embarass him the way John had her.

Laura turned on her heal and left, missing the look of suprise and hurt that crossed John's face.

[Edited by ShyGoddess on 07-20-2000 at 09:06 AM]

 

[Darb]

There eyes locked and stared. She was still as beautiful as ever. She always captured the attention of every eye when she would enter the room. You could almost see the glow of kindness that radiated from her. Would she forgive him? Would she understand? Did she know the whole story?
All he wanted to do was to run to her and hold her again...He never wanted to leave her, but he had too!
Suddenly she turned and walked out of the Tea Room.
A look of shock swept over his face. He felt his heart plunge into his stomach.
"Laura" he said in a whimper.
He grabbed his hat and began to make his way after her when he felt a gentle but firm grip on his wrist. He looked down and saw Vixen smilingly coyly up at him.
"Now John, were you going to leave a lady sitting by herself all alone. I'm not sure if my heart would bear it" her hand fanned her face as though she were fainting.
"Sit John, it's a small town, you'll see her again."
Maybe she was right. Maybe he should give Laura a chance to get used to him being back before he approaches.
She's probably moved on...his intentions for being here didn't involve her anyway. He sat back down
"You're right miss Vixen, please continue"
he said giving her a wink!

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She ran from him, not knowing or caring if he followed her or not. She ran until her sides ached and she was out of breath. God how it hurt. She had thought her heart was dead and couldn't feel anything anymore, but she was wrong. The tears poured down her cheeks, seeming like they would never stop. I have Lewis, she thought, I don't need him. But that wasn't true. She needed John's strength and his kindness. She needed his passion. But most of all she needed his love.

Laura wondered home to her little house by the church. It was small and comfortable and she liked it there. She had to get a hold of herself, Lewis would be here in less than an hour. He would be worried if she let on that she had been crying. She sat at her little wardrobe and let down her long blond hair. It fell in soft waves to her waist. She started to brush it knowing she would pull half of it back and let the rest fall down her back. Just the way he liked it. Her blue-green eyes had begun to clear. She would wear the dress that matched her eyes. Lewis would like that. She would forget about John for the day and concentrate only on Lewis. They would have fun on their picnic. She didn't know where he was taking her. He said it was going to be a suprise. Yes, she was going to forget about John and have fun with her future husband.

 

[Jonas]

Deputy Lynn Bourgeois rushed into the tiny Sheriff's office.
"Dicky, Dicky I just.. I.."
"Simmer down Lynn catch your breath. Here have a cup of coffee." Sheriff Dicky Flynn turned to face the Deputy with a tin coffee pot in one hand a cup in the other. He stood a good hand shorter than Bourgeois, but where Lynn was lean and weathered, he stood solid. A bull of a man, with an ugly scar across his neck.

"Dicky," the red headed Deputy said, "John Cook's back in town." The Sheriff hung his head and sighed.
"I didn't think that would ever happen." He sat down on the edge of his desk and meet Lynn's gaze. "I just got word that the night riders have hit again. The Johnson place this time. I've got a couple of boys to go out there with me and see if we can pick up a trail. You watch Cook.
I don't know what to expect, but I don't want any gun play."

Bourgeois left the office heading toward the Tea Room. "I've know that boy since he was a baby, he was like a little brother to me. I hold no grudge, I hope he feels the same." Taking a shady spot across the street from the Tea Room the Deputy leaned in a doorway to wait. Just then Laura ran from the door in tears.
"Oh shit," Lynn breathed. He straightened up and headed toward the Tea room door.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen smiled responding to John's wink instinctively. "You know Laura then darlin'?" Vixen asked. Despite her reputation for being tough, she could see there was something there between the two. Although seeing as Laura was engaged to be married, it wasn't like this man was taken she presumed. Never hurt to make friends.

"Yeah... I guess you could say that..." John clearly looked uncomfortable with the topic.
"Then you must be here for the wedding!" Vixen exlaimed not realising how this news would affect John.
John felt like Vixen had just taken a sledge hammer to his heart. He managed to croak out, "wedding?"
"Well sure darlin', Laura and Lewis are to be wed in two months. Being as it's such a small town you can just imagine how everyone talks about it. What to wear, who's gonna make the cake and such..." Vixen's voice trailed off as she saw John's face go extremely pale.
"Oh sugar, don't tell me... " Vixen realising suddenly that this wasn't good news to John... "I'm sorry, I honestly thought... " she finshed lamely.

John took a deep breath and managed to steady himself. He couldn't be mad at Vixen, it wasn't like she new him or his history, and she sincerely seemed a good sort and pretty to boot. Her eyes looked concerned for him and John didn't realise until then how much he missed having people... friends... anyone around who cared enough to look at him like that. "No, it's okay Miss Vixen... I'm fine..." John managed a smile that caused Vixen's heart to flutter. She blushed and smiled tentively back at him. "You sure sugar?" She asked... "and for goodness sake! We're friends now aren't we? Call me just plain Vixen..."
"Seems a strange name for a lady..."
"Awww... never been accussed of being a lady before!" Vixen laughed... she looked serious for a moment... "my real name is Lucinda... Lucinda Malone... Mr?"

Just then Deputy Lynn Bourgeois entered the tea room and headed towards Vixen and John. "Mr Cook." Lynn stated tersely.
"Deputy Bourgeois." John nodded back in reply
"So, back in town for a visit are you?"
"Perhaps, can't say for sure yet."
Suddenly Vixen interrupted, "surely it's not against to law to visit this town now is it Lynn darlin'?" Vixen smiled up at the Deputy.
"Err... sorry maam," he tipped his hat at her in greeting, "no, no it isn't..."
"Well good... " Vixen smiled, "because I'm sure it would be terribly bad for business if there was a law like that... now... if you don't mind... my good friend John and I were having tea before you interrupted... unless... there was some important business?"
Vixen asked clearly ending the information seeking questioning of Deputy Lynn Bourgeois. John glanced at Vixen and almost had to smile. She was a feisty one that was for sure, but he was grateful, he wasn't sure he could handle any more confronations right at the moment. He needed a bit of time to think, to think about what to say and do about him and Laura. If indeed there was a "him and Laura" left to do anything about.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

i am detracting this statement as i have been struck by genius

[Edited by Roland Gilliad on 07-25-2000 at 11:56 PM]

 

[Darb]

John looked back up at Lynn.
"No, it's not against the law to visit. I guess I'll be on my way." Lynn looked at down at John and Vixen and made his way back to the door.
"Lynn" John said suddenly. Lynn turned around quickly to face John, a look of surprise and questioning on his face.
"It's good to see ya again Lynn"John said quietly.
A broad smile came across Lynn's face.
"You too buddy" Lynn replied and then headed out the door.
Lynn thought that he should probably go check on Laura. He knew she was going to be pretty shaken up by this new visitor in town.

John looked back Vixen. His dark brown eyes searching hers. He was certainly enjoying her quick wit and humor. And she certainly was enjoyable to look at.
"Were friend now John, just call me Vixen" she said playfully.
He flashed his sexy smile at her and saw her cheeks blush when he did. His thoughts kept going back to Laura. Should he go and find her and plead with her to give him another chance.
His thoughts were interrupted by Vixen again.
"So John, do you? do wanna go walk around town with me while I run some errands?" Vixen looked at him blinking her eyes.
"Absolutely!!"John replied confidently.
He stood and place his hat on his head. Gently leaned down and took hold of her hand and helped her to her feet. Then they glide to the door.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She was just finishing packing their picnic, when there was a knock on the door. "Come in, Lewis!" she called with a smile. She heard the door open and then, "Where are ya darlin'?"

She loved it when he called her that. It made her feel special. "I'm back here. Have a seat, I'll be out in a minute." She picked up the big basket and went into the little salon. Lewis Sutherland, her fiance. She couldn't understand what he saw in her. He had to be one of the most handsome men she had ever met, he was big and brawny with dark blond hair and bright green eyes, and his smile was always warm. He owned the Double Bar M ranch about two miles out of town. She was going to enjoy living there, she just knew it.

"Ready to go?" she smiled at him.

"Honey for you, I'm always ready." Laura laughed at his comment. He took the basket from her and followed her out of the house. Laura almost froze when she saw John and Vixen walking and talking and laughing together. Just like she and John had done.

"You okay, darlin'? You look a little pale."

"No Lewis, I'm fine. I've just been waiting for you to give me my kiss." she blushed when she said the words, but Lewis just smiled and lowered his lips to hers. It wasn't a kiss of passion, just an 'I love you' kiss. Just one to say he had missed her.

The got into the buggy Lewis kept on hand for when he came to see her, and started down the steet through town.

"Lewis where are we going for our picnic?"

"It's a suprise, darlin', but I know you'll love it."

Laura just smiled.

 

[Jonas]

Deputy Lynn Bourgeois left the tea room angered.
"Dam it," he thought, "I didn't learn a thing and tipped my hand. John's here for a reason, and I I've got to know why before there's trouble." He headed out toward Laura's when he saw her and Lewis. Turning he saw John with Vixen.
"Oh no, if Laura told Lewis there's trouble."

Lewis Sutherland was more than rich and handsome. He was possessive and quick with a gun. Bourgeois freed his colt and walked to John and Vixen.
"Now you two just walk with me and don't say a thing. Your not a wanted man here John, only because Dicky's the forgivin' kind.
Now I don't want no trouble here, so you understand this...stay away from Laura. You hurt her bad son, took her a long while to get over it. That man she's with she's gonna marry. If he finds out your in town...well just stay clear." Walking the couple out of site of the other two he stops.
"John, when Dicky gets back he'll want to talk to you. I reckon you best be at the Sheriff's office by sunset. Miss Vixen, keep my boy here out of site for awhile. John I'll be watching out for you now." He left the pair and walked back to check on Laura and Lewis.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She smiled when she saw the deputy. He had been so kind to her when John had first left, and now he was kind of protective.

"Morning Lynn! How are you this fine morning?" her smile was a little over bright.

"Well, morning Ms. Laura, Lewis. I'm doing just fine, and where are you two off to?"

"Oh, Lewis is taking me on a picnic, but he won't tell me where. He says it's a suprise."

She missed the look of relief in the deputy's eyes. There wouldn't be any trouble if Lewis wasn't in town to see John. "Well, you two have fun, ya hear?"

"We will! Bye Lynn!" Laura had to hide her upset when Lewis stopped at the old tree outside of town. It was the same one that John had craved their names into. She didn't want to be here, but Lewis had gone to so much trouble, she didn't have the heart to tell him so. She just smiled and pretended she was having the time of her life, but inside she was breaking apart, and it was all John's fault.

 

[Darb]

John looked down at Vixen with a smile.
"Well, I guess I'm imprisoned to you for a little while here miss Vixen." John said shyly.
"It's been awhile since I've been here but does Lucky Simpson still run the Gold Diggers Saloon over on the east side?" John asked.
"Why yes he does." answered Vixen
"Well would you mind accompanying me over there. I have some business I need to tend to there and when I'm finished I would sure the love to buy you a drink and chat a little while longer, how's that sound?" John said holding out his arm in anticipation for her.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn walked to the wooded area south of town to Promise Valley's cemetery. Stopping at a grave he knelt down and started pulling weeds. A simple stone grave marker read:
Maria Bourgeois, beloved wife and mother. The deputy finished his grooming, held his old white hat in his hands and said a silent prayer. His wife had died giving birth to their second child, his daughter Ryan. Their son Ramon was only 3 at the time. That was seven years ago.

They had met when Lynn was young and wild, riding with outlaws, a hired gun. She was a saloon girl in a dusty border town. When Lynn got shot up in a bank robbery, she had hid him and nursed him back to health. He'll limp to the day he dies from wounds to his left leg. When things cooled down they fled up north and settled in Promise Valley. The outlaw turned lawman. He could still earn a living with his gun.

The Bourgeois homestead was just a mile away from the cemetery. Lynn preferred to walk home that afternoon. His house was small but well kept. A few good acres, some cattle and 4 horses, he owned it all at one time. Now he paid a landlord for the privilege of staying there. After Maria died he took to drinking. Lost it all one night in a card game. He was sober now and paying down his debts, but once Jack McCloud got his hooks in you, he never let go. Lynn wanted to get out and head back east. He had family there. The children could have a good life. "Money, it all boils down to money," he thought. A deputy's pay wasn't going to get him out of the hole he'd dug for himself.

"Daddy!" Ryan ran from the front porch to greet her father, Ramon following close behind. Where Ramon was growing tall and lean like his father, Ryan was tending to be pudgy. Both children had their mother's dark hair and eyes.
"Where's Senora Gonzales?" Lynn asked.
"She went to help Mrs. Taylor with the baby Dad," replied Ramon, "She should be back before sunset." Senora Gonzales had been a God sent to him. After his wife's death she had spent countless hours with the children. Practically raising Ryan herself. The family never would have survived his dark times without her help. That was one debt Lynn new he could never repay.

"Well I'll get us some supper started. I've got to get back to work right after." Lynn said.
"We've already started!" Shouted Ryan hugging her father. The family headed to the kitchen, Lynn hung his gun belt on a high hook by the front door as he entered the house. The pistol swung on the hook. It's grip was well worn, and notched 4 times.

 

[Moneytalks]

"That sounds positively devine!" Vixen answered happily. She slipped her daintily gloved hand through the arm John offered her and smiled warmly up at him. Vixen had to admit to herself, that keeping her eye on John as instructed by Lynn wouldn't be such a hard task, it would be a pleasure in fact.

As Vixen and John had exited the tea room earlier, she had to admit to herself that John was growing on her. It had been quite a while since any man had caught her eye, but this man wasn't just handsome, there was a little bit of steel to him, like he'd had to deal with a bit of suffering in his life. Vixen wondered if she'd ever be close enough to him to know what that suffering entailed. Then there was that devilishly sexy smile of his. Damn, she thought to herself, a girl could just die happy knowing that smile was for her.

They walked down the mains street together and turned down a few of the smaller one's until they reached Lucky Simpson's Gold Diggers Saloon. It was a lot more decrepit than the saloon on the main street where Vixen worked. Dusty was an institution though, and where a lot of the other business that had thrived during the gold rush had died, he still had enough regulars to keep going.

John held open the swinging bar door for Vixen and followed her in. "Lucky!" John heard Vixen squeal with delight as he watched her skip across the room towards the tired old man polishing a glass behind the bar. He had a shock of white hair and the most startling blue eyes that were full of life despite his small withered frame. "Awww Vixen darlin' what's a breath of fresh air like y'self doing in a place like this?"
"I've brought a friend Lucky, he was asking about you," she used her arm to indicate John walking up behind her. John tipped his hat at Lucky and saw with relief, warmth fill the old man's eyes. "Johnny boy, yer back home at last!" Beamed Lucky.
Vixen hopped onto one of the bar stools and watched the two men carefully. She wondered if she would finally find out a bit more about this mysterious John Cook.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

Lewis dropped her off just as the sun was setting. It had been a very trying day for her. She had succeed in keeping her feelings about that old tree to herself. But her emotions were all in a riot. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, so she grabbed her wrap and headed toward Lucky's. Her mother and he had been close before she died, and sometimes she would go to him for advice. She needed him now more than ever. She was going to ask him what she should do about John, if she should do anything at all. Maybe she would sing for the cowboys that were there. That might put her to rest. They all respected her there, she was even friends with some of the girls who worked in the saloon, even though they were as different as night and day. Maybe they would have some advice for her. They usually did.

 

[poohlive]

Lewis drove the horses home, puzzled. Laura seemed so distant during the picnic. He had taken her to her favorite spot, the old oak tree, yet she seemed far away, almost not even on this planet. Lewis was so confused.
The worst thing though, was when he tried to kiss her, she backed away at first. Lewis saw something in her eyes, something he had never seen before... or had he.
Lewis put the horses away and gave them some evening hay. He then went inside, intending to fix himself some supper as well.
He had loved Laura so much, and in only two months they were going to get married. He was going to settle down with his bride, become the father he was supposed to be. He felt so happy, but for some reason he was still scared about it, and about Laura's behavior.
Lewis forgot all about supper, having more important things on his mind. It all kept coming back to her eyes, what was there when he had tried to kiss her, there was something there, something new, what was it.
He tossed and turned in his bed, not actually going to sleep. Eventually Lewis arose, lit a candle, and began reading, trying to keep his mind off of it for a while.
Eventually, around 2 in the morning, Lewis heard a gun shot outside. He realized it was very late, and he did have to work in the morning, and talk to Laura. Lewis felt he had to talk to Laura.
Lewis pulled the covers over himself, blocking the world and it's crazy thoughts for a moment. Eventually he drifted off into a listless sleep, where he kept dreaming about Laura's eyes...

 

[Darb]

"Lucky Simpson!" shouted John so the whole saloon heard, "you old rattler, how the hell have ya been?" asked John reaching out and grabbing the old mans weathered hand.
"I've been just fine Johnny!" Lucky snapped back, "What are ya drinking? it's on the house!" asked Lucky.
"Just pour me a shot of whiskey, Lucky" John pulled out a bar stool and sat down next to Vixen.
"Johnny, it is so good to see you boy, ever since you pulled out of here the town has never quite been the same. Why I thought Laura was never going to get over that."
Vixen looked up at John as Lucky spilled a little more light on the relationship John and Laura had.
"Well, Lucky, I've sure missed being here. This is home."John replied throwing back the liquid in the little glass.
John glanced around the old saloon. Not much had changed. The rougher crowd tended to hang out at Lucky's place. And that was unusual because of Lucky's no firearm policy.
"John Cook" came a high-pitched voice from the stage "I never thought I'd see the day that you came strolling back into town.
"Hey Legs!" John said. The red-headed beauty came strolling over.
"Hey there Vixen, how's life been treatin ya?" asked Legs.
"Fine here little lady, and yourself?" returned Vixen.
"Oh much better now that my eyes have laid hold of the best looking man this town has ever had the pleasure of calling one of its own." Legs replied wrapping her arms around John's broad chest and leaning down planting a delicate kiss on his cheek.
"Ah Legs, I have missed you!" said John looking her over.
"My, my, Mr. Cook, you certainly know the women folk here in town don't you?" asked Vixen waving her hand at her face.
"Miss Vixen, I'm sorry, Legs and I here are like brother and sister. She lived with my daddy and me after the injuns killed her folks in a raid."
"Where have you been John?" asked Legs inquisitevely.
"Been all over the place Legs, California, Oregon, Mexico...but I must say nothing quite compares to Promise Valley".
John, Legs, Vixen, and Lucky laughed and talked about old times, occasionally throwing back another shot, late into the night.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She almost went in, but seeing John sitting there with that Vixen woman and Legs, she just couldn't, but she needed to talk to someone. She slipped around back and entered throught he kitchen and headed upstairs. She prayed Morgan wasn't entertaining. She really needed to get some advice.

She listened at the door and didn't hear anything, so she knocked softly, "Morgan, It's me Laura. Are you there? I really need to talk to you."

The door was thrown open and before Laura could utter another word she was pulled into a fierce hug by a buxom blond who was sharper than anyman and could fight like one too, if the need arose.

"Honey, I thought you was never gonna come and see me. Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry Morgan. I've been spending a lot of time with Lewis lately, and really haven't gotten a chance to come by. How have you been?"

"I'm just fine, now. What do you need to talk about? I have a few minutes before I start my show. Lucky finally said it was a good idea. Will you stay for it? Just this once?"

Morgan looked like a little girl when she pleaded like that, and Laura, even knowing John was down there couldn't say no. "Of course I'll come. What I came to ask you about...well, it's just that..."

"Spit it out honey."

"John's back in town."

Morgan let out a long whistle. "Maybe you should wait until after my show. This could take until the wee hours of the morning. Come on. You can have one of the tables at the front by the stage. I'll make sure none of those boys bother's you." With that said, Morgan pulled Laura down the stairs and into the bar below, right up to the stage. "Listen up you roughnecks. This here is Ms. Laura, she's my friend and is kind enough to stay for my show, so I don't want none of you bothering her or you'll have to deal with me. Got it?"

There were a few whistles and hoots from the room but they all nodded in agreement. Satisfied Morgan mounted the little stage and proceded to perform a show so funny, Laura laughed and laughed and forgot about her problems with John for a while.