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( Poor voting and no comments will end this series. I know, I know… It’s my own fault. You can’t go back. You offend those that have been kind enough to follow your efforts with repeated lines and lose those new readers that need a little more for it all to make sense… So if you can offer suggestions… )
0
Luis Tee slipped away quiet as a hunting cougar from his slight opened bedroom door. The sight of his halfdressed wife playin’ with her open, shining pink pussy brought back memories of the long ago past they’d both promised to put behind ’em. What surprised Luis most was the tinglin’ in his britches.
Soft closing the front door of their stone made home; he stood tall as he leant up against the roof holding porch post. His dark eyes moved over the ranch not really seein’ anything, the sight of Debra Ann’s snowwhite bottom lifted and her fingers moving hard n fast over her wideopen stuck fast in his mind. His pecker were still twitchin’, maybe even swelling a bit; something that it hadn’t done in quite some time. His mind traveled back to a night his wife hard told to him to forget… It were never happenin’ again.
He thought about the widow Billings, her teasing n such when her n Judge Pickett had come to the old Session’s place. He n Debra Ann were stayin’ close to the L & L Ranch, their shared daughter havin’ some troubles with her first coming child. They hadn’t been there much more than over night when trouble in Winding Creek had sent the Judge quick to town. That very evening Debra Ann had taken a strange path in their early marriage.
She were encouraging him to enjoy the Judges young paramour. Luis had thought long n hard: the gal had been more then friendly, even with the Judge about. But any chance of hurting Debra Ann n what they now had at long last took those thoughts hard away… Until Debra Ann had told the light brownhaired gal to get naked. He still weren’t gonna do it until Debra kissed the little trollop. The sight of his Missus kissing the younger gal, then easing Gretchen to him shed most thoughts of him not doing it. When Debra Ann slow eased the gal onto her knees in front of him…
The twitching were fast becoming an itch, maybe even the beginnings of a good hardon, something that hadn’t happened in quite a while as he were thinkin’ back about Debra Ann’s wild ways that night. He indeed were getting some steel back in his pecker…
0
Blue were havin’ feelings that he never had before. He were peaceful deep inside. Content, like Buck use to say. Satisfied… Kinda like a hot meal of fresh made stew served up on a cold snowcovered day n eatin’ til he was so full sleep came early… Maybe like the first truly warm day after a long winter n sheddin’ your shirt in the warmin’ sun.
He leaned forward on the Pinto n soft whispered into her ear.
“You just stay patient now. We’ll be shed of this mule n guns soon as I kin trade ’em away or better yet, sell ’em for some easy carrying cash er gold. You’ll have a big ol’ bag of oats n dried beans n maybe I’ll find me some other gal.”
He straightened in the fresh oiled saddle, likin’ the fast climbin’ sun on his deep scratched chest n hard bit shoulder. There were a sometimes breeze that moved over the taller green n yellow grass, makin’ it soft sway under a cloudless blue sky.
Blue never looked back at the fast burnin’ wagon or up at the slow circling buzzards…
0
Jim Crawford sat comfortable on the gentle rocking, fast moving train. The steady clacking sound under him settled the Mayor of Sweetwater some. His wife n three youngest had seen him off on his monthly trek to see Lucas Blake. The many wellkept ledgers filled the carpet bag under a change of two shirts n one pair of black pants. He’d chosen his flat brimmed hat, leaving his new derby, fancier coat n silver decorated vest at home.
One of Smoke Garcia’s favored teamsters set well armed in the back of the car they rode in: four thousand, three hundred n fortytwo dollars in a strong box under his seat and behind his worn booted feet. Three other travelers had moved a bit closer to where Jim were settin’, finding the presence of the burly needin’ a bath man a bit unsettling. The only one that didn’t move was a cowboy with his hat pulled over his soft snoring face. Jim took note of the alone traveling woman, her paste board fan moving gentle in her dark gloved hand. He liked looking at pretty gals, his well to do presence sometimes encouraging conversation.
It were some time ago, the secondbest carpenter in Winding Creek met n were friended by Lucas Blake. He’d built most of the town since. The jobs Crawford & Sons didn’t get, he was involved in their building in some way or another. His oldest son remained in Winding Creek seeing to whatever projects were undertaken by their shared company. James, his second son preferred working with his hands, building fine furniture n such. Susan had married well n gifted him with a granddaughter this past winter…
Jim Crawford liked being Mayor of Sweetwater. He wasn’t half finished building the small town when they put him in office for four years. Having quick built it just two years, the ‘jerkwater’ town was growing prosperous.
For the time being anyway.
Lucas had cautioned him on not getting to comfortable there, the town would eventually die when enough progress were made to end its need as a water stop serving the passing trains. Jim had always listened close to Lucas Blake. He thought it a little sad the small, wellbuilt town would wither and eventually die. The price of progress Lucas had said.
‘You saw what we did in Winding Creek Jim; you were part of it. I’ve made my money in Sweetwater. Now you’ll have the chance to do the same.’…
Jim closed his eyes. It be near four more hours until they arrived in Winding Creek. He peeked over at the welldressed woman. A woman of means seldom traveled alone. Pretty as she was, even fewer. Her lightcolored hair were pushed up under the blue jay colored hat and a coal black ostrich feather, The matching blue coat and high waisted skirt were edged in black. A high necked, cloud white blouse puffed over her black cloth made belt… She were as near perfect as the smalltown Mayor had ever seen. Then closing his eyes again, he brushed away the wishful thoughts, letting his mind think on of his eventual settling back in the ‘Creek’. He’d not be the Mayor there, unless Lucas wanted it that way.
No matter.
He already had more money then he’d ever spend. More importantly, he’d always been straight with his best friend Lucas Blake. A man could not have a better future…
0
Mrs. Debra Ann Tee tidied up her small kitchen, her mood changed considerable from earlier that morning. She looked at the ranch from the now opened window. Miguel n Diego were breaking horses this morning. The sight took her thoughts back to her passed on husband, J.D.. The remembering brought a soft smile. How she’d been chosen by the much older man over her sister. How he gave her a twentydollar gold piece, more money than she ever had seen in her entire life n set her to choosing the what’s n whatever’s she’d need when they got to his small cabin n ranch near Winding Creek.
She’d been frugal, wantin’ to please her new husband: spending ten cents on her badly wantin’ some peppermint sticks, the prettiest secondhand tea set she’d ever seen n a new walnut handled straight razor. She thought that mite get ‘im to shave a bit more, not having to fuss with the heavy bladed knife that were always on his side. She soft smiled remembering how folks treated her that day, a new married Lady with money to spend…
She near jumped outta her skin when her now husband Luis Tee put his hands on her waist just on top of her hips. She hadn’t settled before he were soft chuckling in her ear.
“Sorry Darlin’ You just looked so pretty standin’ there.”
When he soft kissed the side of her neck, she had to wonder.
“I’d like the two of us to maybe take a ride like we used too.”
She bristled a bit.
“Why’s that?”
He slow turned her to face him.
“I been a fool lately Mrs. Tee… Figured a nice ride might give us a chance at remeberin’ how things were.”
Debra looked hard into those eyes she slow fell in love with all those years ago.
“N where would you like to take this ride?”
“How ’bout the main ranch. Suprise our daughter, visit our grand babies. With a little luck Tiffany Ann mite be there. We pretty much know her’s will be there. Those children favor the ranch over town livin’.”
Debra Ann searched her asking husbands face. He’d fresh shaved since his stormy breakfast.
“One promise?”
“Just ask Debra Ann.”
“There’ll be no drinkin’. Not with Smoke, not with Lucas if he’s about… None Mister.”
She saw his eyes flicker a bit before he leant close n soft kissed her forehead…
*
Debra Ann was thoughtful as she changed. Luis hadn’t had that gentle, wanting look in his eyes for quite some time. He were up to something, but she couldn’t be quite sure what. She knew he’d shaved special n took a sponge bath before his askin’ her. She also knew he’d been thoughtful where to take ‘er for their ride. It been a while since she saw the little ones, her sending the rock candy she’d made special back with Smoke when he returned from takin’ care of the problem of those takin’ what weren’t there’s. Horse stealing was a nasty business that had to be taken serious.
She also knew her man would be gettin’ drunk after sendin’ the other possie members away with their own jug. Luis n Smoke had a long friendship that weren’t shared with anyone other then Lucas.
Still, she’d been a little surprised her man had turnet right around n got liquored up the night after Smoke left. It weren’t something he did without cause…
Luis Tee’s sharp whistle hurried the hard reasoning woman up a bit. She dabbed a touch of the lip stain Tiffany Ann had gifted her n just a touch of Linda Jeans favored scent behind her ears before secreting them both inside their overnight bag. Luis would love whatever she did, but the low collared, bright blue dress would give him pause. Soft smilin’ she dabbed just a touch of the lilac scent between the top of her slightly exposed breasts.
After all he’d promised not to be drinkin’.
She were a little surprised that he was waitin’ at the side of the carriage to help her step up n inside. It’d been a while since he’d made that effort. The top had been lifted to protect her from the sun. Debra Ann was getting more n more pleased as they gentle started the near fivehour ride…
0
Lucas Blake only wanted coffee that morning, choosing to get a rain shower n then grab a fresh pot as he headed to his office. Helga knew Lucas better than most. Noting the way he was moving with his hair only finger pushed back, she knew Mr. Blake had a busy day in front of him: She’d start him some blueberry strudel…
Lucas filled the heavy cup that John had gifted him before setting the steamin’ pot on the leather pad set there for it. He liked that cup n what all it meant to him being from Tiff’s oldest n maybe his favored son.
Headin’ upstairs to change, he were more then surprised Tiffany Ann were already there, brushin’ his black frock coat. His trousers n hot ironed white shirt laid on top of the still made bed. His favored boots were polished n soft shining at the beds end.
“I know that Jim’s coming today. If you’re wondering how, that little J with a line drawed through it told me. I’m not sure what the tiny swirl means: this being the first time I’ve seen it. But I’ll know after I get back from the Ranch, day after tomorrow.”
Lucas wanted to turn away from her hot blazing, blue eyes n now froze tite smile. He near blinked when she lifted her hand to run her thumb over a missed spot shaving on his right cheek.
“If that woman is wantin’ to replace me, she best get better with your straight razor.” Tiffany Ann toe stepped up to kiss his cheek.
“And she best get to liking sucking that cock of yours. I’ll be leaving shortly. Joe will have the carriage waiting.”
She threw him a kiss over her shoulder, leaving him without him ever sayin’ a word…
*
Jim Crawford looked at the passing conductor calling out the thirty minute arrival time as he passed. A short man with a handlebar mustache, he did his best to be above those he served in his fresh brushed uniform. It was probably the firsttime the middleaged man had had any kind of authority.
It was then the plain faced Mayor caught the lovely woman in blue looking at him. He smiled, taking off his reading spectacles n hand brushed back his thinning silver n brown hair.
“Been a pleasant ride this pretty morning.”
He made a bit of a show looking at his gold pocket watch.
“I do believe we’ll close to eight minutes early.”
The paste board fan were used to protect her soft smiling mouth. Jim Crawford thought he could see her hidden smile as her eyes twinkled a bit.
“Are you familiar with Winding Creek Sir.”
The older man nodded.
“I am.”
The facts he wanted to tell how well he did were lost with the slow dropping fan. She leaned ever so slightly in his direction.
“Would you know a Mr. Lucas Blake?”
Jim’s confidence filled his chest.
“I do. In fact, I have a twelve o’clock lunch scheduled with him.”
“Is that so.”
“It is.”
She leaned back, allowing him to see the smile this time. The usually quiet man took a chance. He slow rose, crossed the very short distance between them n gave the beautiful woman an ever so slight bow.
“II’m Mayor Jim Crawford.”
The dark gloved hand reached out to him.
“Anna Ruth Taylor.”…
*
Lucas fast finished the missed shaving spot on his cheek, quick stepped into his hot ironed trousers… Then slowed a bit. He’d made no plans with the quicktempered Tiffany Ann. He weren’t sure what were pissing her off, but if she knew Jim Crawford were comin’ to town, she had no right to start his day like this.
He stepped over to the heavy blue drapes covering the double windows. Easing the edge slow open, he glanced down at his pacing blonde paramour. Joe Tinker was sittin’ quiet in the Blake carriage. Lucas let the drape fall close n slow finished dressin’. Walkin’ down to his office, he slid open the thin faced drawer n chose one of the string ties Sally had gifted him. He stepped outside as Tiff was quick stepping into the carriage.
“Tiffany Ann! Could you possibly help me with this special made tie.”
The carriage sprang to a start. Lucas looked around a bit n then smiled…
0
It’ been three days. Blue could feel the Pinto itching to feel the warm fresh air around ’em passing through her near white mane. Truth be told, he was feelin’ pretty much the same. The mule slowed their travelin’ by near half n the young man was feeling his patience wearin’ thin. Then somewhere in far off the sound of a rifle shot drifted to ‘im. The wide open made it hard to figure exactly where if came from, but the second shot made it pretty clear. Blue shifted the anxious horse in that last shot’s direction.
Less then an hour later, Blue could see two horses grazin’ in the tall grass, their riders bent n workin’ on something. A slow smile tugged at his lips.
“Seems we happened on some hunters Horse. Fresh killed meat sounds pretty good to me.”
The Pinto started movin’ again. Blue drew out his Henry rifle n chambered a shot before setting the weapons hammer gentle down. Slipping it back into it’s scabbard, he shed his red n black bandana.
“No sense in causing folks thinkin’ I’m anything but white way out here Horse.”
Blue pulled up short when one of the men took note of ‘im and slow rose, his rifle in hand. The man with him quick did the same. Blue waved his high held hand. What he could now see were the older of the two’, stepped forward n motioned him closer. The younger man did, calling out as he neared.
“Afternoon Gentlemen.”
Blue kept the Pinto’s red splashed face facing’ ’em as leaned forward, both hands in front of ‘im on the pummel of his saddle.
“A good day to you Sir.”
Blue wondered about the different soundin’ man as he once more eased closer.
“Looks like you folks had some good luck.”
“We have Sir, Thanks to the Good Lord. Seems this young buffalo was sent special to us.”
Blue slow smiled.
“That a fact.”
The older man slow swept his hand over the wideopen, flat land.
“This magnificent animal, out here all alone. Doesn’t seem possible.”
The white, sweat stained shirted man let his long gun settle in front of him. Traces of their butcherin’ of the buffalo calf decorated his exposed fore arms n hands.
“We have had little luck hunting since arriving on this beautiful prairie. We and the other families have prayed for such a gift.”
“The Lord provides.”
The other man’s voice were higher n had a touch of a squeak to it. Blue swung off the Pinto n closed the short distance between ’em, extending his hand.
“Folks call me Blue.”
The lighthaired man took a handkerchief from the back pocket of his plain black pants n wiped at his hand before takin’ Blue’s.
“Issac Farlow. That Gentleman there is Mathew Stokes.”
Blue moved to take the other man’s hand when Issac’s strong one let go of his. The other man wiped his hand on the same style britches before takin’ Blue’s.
“You said families.”
“I did Sir. Eight to be exact. We have come west to settle, farm n raise Our families.”
Blue wondered a bit,
“You have a place in mind.”
“We do. We are to travel due west until we see the mountains and then head north. The Lord will choose the way for us from there.”
Blue tried not to smile.
“With all due respect Mr. Farlow, you know this is Indian country. You got near two weeks tough ride in front of you; six, maybe seven in a wagon ‘fore you see them mountains you’re speakin’ of. There’s little water between here n there. This beautiful country starts dryin’ up pretty quick. I just crossed what you’re heading into.”
Blue watched Issac as he looked to his friend. Mr. Stoke’s wet his lips. Issac turned back to the younger man.
“Can we ask you to join us for Our evening meal… Blue.”
“I’d be most pleased if you did, but only if I can help with finishin’ up with what you’re doin’ here.”
For the first time, Issac Farlow smiled.
“Then it’s done!”
*
Blue rode next to Issac Farlow, more then half the two men’s kill loaded onto the black floppy eared mule. Issac had sent Stokes on ahead to share their good fortune with the others. Issac were slow asking questions ’bout the vast country around ’em, edging close but never askin’ how the young man knew the lands around them.
Blue saw no sense in sayin’ how that many of his early years were spent some hundred or so miles due south learning it with the Comanche. It soon become clear that this man might know farmin’ but damn little on how to safe bring his dreams to life. He had to wonder what made men do what they sometimes did: Strikin’ out with not much more then a map, a dream n some heard stories of the west. How theye’d risk their lives n families n everything they owned on those dreams.
“For what it’s worth, I’d head north now. Find me a nice little stream with a good bit of trees along it n maybe settle there.”
Issac looked close at the young, blueeyed man riding to his right.
“Why the trees? We have plenty of wood to finish the sod cabins We will build. After the sowing of the felids and building of a few homes, some men can travel back to the forests for more wood.”
Blue smiled.
“Trees mean the stream you chose flows yearround. There’ll be places game will maybe stay close.”
Issac slow nodded his head, trying to reason how a young man knew so much.
ero
