The Man From Yucatan

I rode towards my next town on my mare Dusty with only a bible, two six shot dilinger's and what was in my pack. Me and old dusty have traveled pretty far and could use a good rest. The Oregon heat had been beating down on us for so long. Thank God I had my hat. The brim was just perfect to shade my face from the elements.

I got a good gal back home she looks out for me. The only woman I've found that could handle a man like me. My father calls men like me rolling stones. We might stop for a bit but once the wind blows we're rolling again. My gal though she don't care. That woman knows when I do stop I'll be home, with her.

This Oregon trail business has brought more action to the mid west. Then a saloon filled with bucuneers on an off shore night. More troubled men have arose out the fire then good though. Which isn't too bad for a man in my business. It's like my father use to say you can either convert them or crucify them. The Good Lord will sort them out.

Dusty kicked up warning me of the impending danger. I could of smelled them a mile back, the stench of men living off the land wasn't hard to recognize. I was just waiting to see what they would do. Gently I patted Dusty reassuring him everything was ok. It seemed to be about three possibly four of them.

One was on the hill in the distance most likely the look out. The mirror signals to his crew gave his position away. From that distance he would have to be a Damn good marksman to hit me, so I didn't have to worry about him for to long. As for the rest of the group they were ahead ready for the ambush. It was too early in the day for this, yet this could make my job here much easier.

The best prey you can hunt is the one that hunts you. I won't have to go looking for them they will come looking for me. Dusty slowed his trot as, The trail up ahead was blocked with some logs and debris. He snorted showing his angst for the situation. I patted his neck and told him push forward.

Before Dusty took two steps three bandits jumped out. He halted and I put my hands up.
"Good afternoon gentleman, you wouldn't happen to know Jesus would you." I asked watching them closely.
"Naw preacher man, can't say that I do" the bandit to my right said.

He was about five feet nine inches. His white skin had been tanned from the Oregon sun. He wore a brown jacket that looked like, it had seen better days. the white shirt he wore under it was dingy and wrinkled. The bottom of his black pants were covered in mud. The black boots he wore had dirt caked over them. It seemed as if these men had been camped out here for a few days. Most likely waiting for some traveler to come along.

"Let's skin him and roast 'em, zed... I ain't ever had preacher before. I bet he take good care of his body." The second bandit on my right said.

He kept tossing his knife from hand to hand, while Moving from side to side with angst, just watching me with that hungered look in his eyes. Over my life on this earth I've seen it countless times. Living in the wild sometimes forces you to become wild. When your crops get ruined and you have slaughtered your cow and chickens. When the neighbors have too and you then start to look at each other. Once one person dies that feeds the hunger and settles tensions. Yet how long can a wild man go without eating?

"Easy spit's.... we're just here to welcome him to town. If he is naughty though maybe Rich will let you have him..... what's in the sack preacher man?" The bandit in front of Dusty asked walking up keeping his gun trained on me.

His trench coat blew in the wind as dusty brayed. I patted his neck to assure him everything was ok. The man walked next to us and opened up my satchel. He reached in and pulled out a bible. Clutching it in his hand he rummaged some more through my pack. Realizing it was filled with more bibles. He closed it angrily and stepped back.

Looking at his comrades he grinned and nodes. They stepped back and gave me passage. Before Dusty could take two steps, out the corner of my eye. I saw the bandit to my right called Spits pull out his revolver. In a split second I shot him in his right chest. Dusty kicked the bandit they called Zed right in the chest, sending him toppling over into the brush. The third bandit to my left lunged at me and with a kick, I pushed him away and shot him dead center in his head. He looked at me with a look of surprise as his body collapsed on the floor.

Shots rang out kicking dust up from the floor. The shooter in the hills was trying to take me out. I gave Dusty a good kick and he took off down the path. Hoping over the debris with ease, that the bandits had put in our way. I headed straight for the bandit in the hills.

By my count he still had two shots left in his Marlin model 1895 big bore level action rifle. So he was either reloading right now or getting ready to take another crack at me. I pull dusty to a hard right just in time. the tree behind us exploded from a shot. He was right on top of the  ridge ahead, if my guess from where the shot came from was right. I got to the steep of the ridge and hopped off dusty.

I ducked behind a tree and reloaded my guns while I spoke.

"This doesn't have to end the same way your friends did!"
Silence.. I flipped my revolver's back in the chamber and cock them.
"You can be baptised and saved my son. You don't have to burn for what you've done."
"When we're done with you....you're gonna wish zed had got to you old man..... we're gonna mess you up reeeeaaallll bad"

The tree I was standing behind exploded behind my head. Pieces of wood chips flew all over the woods. I ran to the next tree and got a glimpse of the shooter. He was shooting the exact gun I had thought. He looked strung out and desperate. His eyes were almost sunk in with all the bags covering them.

Click...Click... the fool didn't reload I chuckled...

As if the devil was on my heals, I sprung from behind the tree charging at him. I fired two shots, as he threw down his gun and pulled out a pistol. The bandit ducked behind a tree and fired a shot in my direction.

"Your dead priest your dead you hear me!!!! you shot me in my bad leg you idiot, I can't feel a thing."

I come around the tree and shot the gun out his hand.

He screams in shock and pain.

Crumbling in a heap on the tree holding his now bloody hand. The only thing coming out his mouth was curse words and blood.

"What happened to your leg?"
"You shot me twice and ask about my leg, what bloody concern is it of yours priest?"
"Just curious.. but if we must get back straight to business. Where is the mountain man?"
"Ha ha ha you think I would tell you anything you crooked priest. Go to Hell.... "
"Well speaking of Hell. Do you want to repent your sins?"
"You old fool their is no God, if there was one, you think... you watching be bleed out right now please's him?"
"I am but a humble servant of the Lord. Trying to rid the earth of the evil that plaques it. You do have a point though, I must have mercy on my enemies."

I placed the revolver to his head and pulled the trigger as he spat blood on my shoes. Kneeling down and rummaging through his pockets. All he had was a dollar and thirty cents. His camp salvaged a few can goods and some ammo. I found a knapsack laying around and stuffed my finds in it.

I walk back over to the bandit and pull out my knife. With calm and fluid movements, the better half of his face comes off. A guy with a rugged beard was always hard to carve. It made my cuts look jagged and lacking skill. I didn't have the want nor time to shave this man. I wiped the blood on my knife off on his shirt, as I lifted his beard up to work around it.

From ear to ear even threw the hair, Always around the ears never behind. Come all the way around too paste and remind. I've been doing it so long that it has turned into almost poetry to me.

I'm usually my biggest critique though, I doubt any of the officials ever noticed. To me it was art though and I was mastering the craft. Each face had a story and look that would intrigue a real art enthusiast. The mona lisa was mundane compared to them. The officials usually handed over the bounty money, and got me out as fast as they could. I could only imagine what they said about me when I was gone.

I've built a name and reputation for myself though over the years. I always get my man and I only bring there face unless their alive.
I pulled a tissue out my pocket, and placed his face inside it then tucking it back away. Within a few moments of me whistling dusty was at my side. I mounted him and rode back to the the bandits from earlier.

Once I had rummaged through their camp and added it what was in the knapsack. I got to the business of skinning them. Before long I walked back over to Dusty and pulled a binder out from his pack. I opened it up and flipped the crisp white papers. Four faces greeted me from earlier in my journey. I didn't have time to talk to them now though. The mid day Sun was approaching and I wanted to get into town before dark.

The walk back towards the three bandits laying side by, felt refreshing and humbled me. Walking to the front of their heads I knelt back down, and just watched their three faces trying to take in the moment before the change.I flipped to a blank page and peeled back the thin plastic covering it.

With as much care as I could muster I placed the first bandit they called Snits face onto the sheet. The plastic cover went over and I ran my hand over it smoothing the plastic out. Zed was next in the order of death. When Dusty kicked him he fell over and broke his neck. The next nameless bandit went in. I pulled the tissue out my pants and placed the final bandit on his page. The smoothing of his plastic cover seem to take the longest, as I mentally prepared myself to close my Book of Bounties.

With a thump I slammed the book and took a breath. Once I caught my wind I began to pray for those condemned men in my book. For the people they hurt and families that sill cry for their loved ones. The strength to continue on my mission and the guidance to make it back home.

The wind was rushing past us as dusty took off full Sprint toward the town.The mid day Sun beat down on us as we finally entered the town. Dirt and tumbleweeds were the only thing out to get us. It seemed as if the town was deserted. Many of the buildings on the main strip seemed to be riddled with bullet holes. I must be in the right place then I thought to myself.

The general store that was next to what seemed to be the sheriff office. Looked as if business had been pretty slow. The shop keeper was inside sweeping his floor. He looked up and gave me a nod before he continued what he was doing.I would have to get some basic supplies soon. I figured I would introduce myself once I got settled in. It seemed as if this town hadn't had a sheriff in a long time by the looks of it. Cobb webs covered the jail bars and Windows. The rocking chair that sat out in front didn't look any better.  These bandits had certainly done a number on this town.

The saloon in the center of the town had two other horses standing outside. I rode Dusty up and hopped off of him. The water bucket in front of the horse post didn't look to bad. It seemed a bit dingy but otherwise safe to drink. As I tied dusty up he began to drink. I'm sure he must of been thirsty, since I was pretty parched myself.

I pushed open the saloon doors and took off my hat. Most of the laughing and drinking stopped as I made my way to the bar. You would of thought I was a ghost come back. The way people watched me from their seats. The older gentlemen on the piano must of noticed a change in the rooms vibe, because even he stopped playing and turned to watch me. Before I could say a word the bartender put her hand up.

"A Jerry!! if I have to work so do you.... What are all of you looking at you never seen a priest before, Marty maybe he can talk to the big guy upstairs and you'll finally win a game of Egyptian Rat Screw?"

The whole bar began to laugh and the music started back. Marty at the card table began to say something but one of his mates, slapped him on the back really hard laughing in his face. Marty cut the bartender a side eye and began to laugh. I looked back at the bartender to catch her examining me. 

"Must of been one Hell of a journey, what brings you to this speck of the world?"
"I move in the direction the great Lord sends me"
"Right!!......really I don't want any trouble. So if that's what your going to do just head backout."
"I just want a comfy place to rest my head and put some food in my belly. I'll be gone in two days no more no less."

"Well you might want to get cleaned up before Rich sees you!... the room cost fifty cents a night. You can stay in the far left room to the end of the hall upstairs. There are two bathrooms on each floor, there is an out house out back.  Breakfast starts at 7 sharp and ends at 9 sharp. Now off with you and do as I say priest?" She said sliding me a key from across the bar.
"Who is this rich guy?" I asked sheepishly

Her eyes burned through me and I knew she already knew who I was, if no one else in the bar did.

"Two days no trouble right priest... now go on with you I got work to do... I'll send me girl up to check on you in a moment."

Her demeanor and body tone got firm and assertive while she looked me dead in the eyes. This didn't seem like the time to push her for information. It seemed she already knew what I came here for. I nodded to her and walked to the stair well in order to find my room.

As I unlocked the door and stepped in. The fragrance of a women's perfume filled my nose. It had been so long since I was in a civilized establishment. The past few months getting here were spent with Dusty and my tent. Nothing but the earth beneath me and the stars above me.

The room had a bed with fresh white sheets on them. A cabinet filled with linen and toiletries on its three shelves.  An office table with names etched into the wood. A four shelf dresser with a mirror was next to the cabinet.

I stepped in and dropped all my stuff on the floor. The image in the dresser mirror caught my attention. I see now why the bartender was so worried about my appearance. My clothes were filthy and covered in blood that clearly wasn't mines. I began to peel them off and stopped to stare at my own scars. All the years of hunting down these doomed men had taken its toll on my body. Stiches and healed bullet wounds wrapped my body like tattoos.

In some wounds I could still feel pieces of the bullets or what was left of them. When it rained I almost relived every experience. The pain could be more mental than physical during those rainy day's. Those are the nights I really love my girl back home. No matter how dark the night got. She could make everything alright. I tried to not look at mirrors or worry about my appearance anymore. I'm far from my prime and I never was Much of a looker.

"Sir would you like me to bring you up a drink or will you be joining us back downstairs....eekk?" The help asked before she shrieked and turned around apologizing.

Before her was my nude body of scars. I'm not surprised she was repulsed by what she saw. The poor girl probably heard stories of men like me. I'm sure of the patrons that visit a few had scars but to this extreme, I highly doubted it.

"I'm sorry to frighten you child allow me to cover myself"
"No it's my fault Mrs.cherry keeps telling me to knock before I enter"
"Well I'm sure that would save you from allot of awkward moments, such as this"

She was about five foot' three inches and slim as paper. I could tell she stayed in this saloon mostly from her pale skin. The doe faced look she gave me told me she was still quite young. I guessed maybe sixteen or fifteen. The way she called the bartender Mrs cherry told me they weren't related. Most likely the girl was an orphan picked up, and raised the best you can given the situation of the world.

"That is true sir and I'll do my best to stick to that. You didn't answer my question though and Mrs cherry said you had clothes to be cleaned."
"Well yes I guess I do. You can take those clothes on the floor and the ones in that knapsack closest too you. I'll be having my drink here in my room. But tell Mrs. Cherry I'll be seeing her first thing for breakfast. Take a dollar for your tip out the bag as well"
"What did you want to drink?"
"I'll have a bottle of brandy or cognac which ever she carries, take that and what I owe her for the two days out the money as well. now I'm going to take a shower and I expect next time you come in. You will be knocking"
"Of course sir right away sir."

The girl wanted to turn around and look at me. I could feel how anxious the curiosity was making her. Yet she stood respectful and faced the door. Turning just enough to utter her responses.

"What is your name?"
"Gabriel sir"
"Hopefully next time I see you Gabriel you'll actually get to look me in the face"
"Yes sir Mrs cherry says your a priest. I've never met a priest before. I do hope so as well"

With that Gabriel was off and closing my door behind her. I couldn't help but laugh a bit at the awkwardness. It seemed this town was in need of some liberation from the tyranny they were under. Before that could happen for them though I needed to access the situation. I still had no clue were rich "The Mountain Man" James and the rest of his crew were hiding.

I walked over to a cabinet in the room and grabbed a towel from the neatly folded pile. The row above it held wash cloths and above that a jar half filled with bars of soap. After wrapping the towel around my waist and securing it, a wash cloth was grabbed by my left hand. A bar of the plain white soap was in my right.

The bathroom was intricately designed and looked too be well kept. The white marble had red Lily flowers etched into them. The shower curtain was a depiction of a great army fighting a red Dragon. I guess Mrs cherry has a thing for the Asian culture. Once that water hit my skin I felt transported away. The bounty money, the gangs or where I was didn't matter.  It just felt so good to be getting clean.

The blood being washed off of me swirled down the drain. Some of it had already dried up on me so I had to scrub a bit harder. Then I thought about Gabriel trying to scrub all that blood out those clothes. Poor girl was really gonna work for that tip these next few days.

After rinsing my hair out for the third time and feeling positive no more blood was in it. I turned the shower off and grabbed my towel. It didn't take me long before I was dry and in a fresh uniform. As I sat down at the office table with my Book of Bounties in front of me. A knock came to my door.
"Enter"
"Sir here is your cognac and your clothes will be ready before the start of breakfast."

Gabriel was carrying a tray with a bottle of cognac, a pitcher of ice and a glass cup. She placed them on the table and glimpsed intensely at my blank big black book. I already knew what she was gonna say before she said it.
"That's a weird looking bible mister... where are the words on the cover?"
"Is not a bible.. and I would appreciate if you would not trouble it while I'm gone" I said before I could cut her off.
"O I would never snoop in your personal sir"

I realize my comment hurt and offended her which wasn't my intent.
"It's just a very private book I meant no disrespect with my bluntness."
"I see... well I will be going, and leaving you to your business."

The sound of gun shots and men yelling filled the mid day air. I could tell they were coming from a distance but getting closer. Gabriel began to freeze up and just looked east at the wall. I took it that's where they usually came from before they wrecked havoc in town.

"That's Rich I'm guessing?"

Gabriel didn't even say anything. She just shook her head in agreement. Her body was trembling from fear I could see.

"Are you going to be ok?"
"Yes I just need to get down stairs. The bastard gets antsy when he doesn't see me. One day I'm going to kill him."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"He killed my parents five years ago. They tried to stand up for this town. No one even spoke up for them. They've just let this maniac run over everyone. I'll put an end to him though... one day... I swear." Gabriel said clutching her fist.
"A young girl like you shouldn't hold such hatred in your heart. Before you go to bed come visit me and we shall pray for the Lord to heal your heart"
"I would rather him rid us of the Mountain Gang and give me the courage to pull the trigger"

Gabriel gave a deep sigh and apologized for her outburst. She turned and walked back out the door closing it behind herself. I grabbed the bottle and uncorked it. The aroma caressed my nose as I swished the bottle. Three ice cubes fell in my glass and I covered them with the cognac.

I took a sip of my drink just as the Mountain Gang rode up to the saloon. They fired shots from their revolvers into the air. They entered as if they owned the bar. I slowly crept out my room to watch the gang first hand.

The patrons already in the bar had cleared out the corner. It seems Rich had a a normal seat and no-one was going to keep it from him. He sat down surrounded by his cronies.
"Gabriel... where is Gabriel?" Rich screamed
"Martha get the girl...don't you see this man is thirsty." A lackey with a big gut and huge mouth smoking a cigar sitting to his right said.

Martha said nothing she just rang the bell behind the bar. A moment later Gabriel meekly came from the back. She took the tray that sat to the side of Martha, without uttering a word. Placing it on rich's table she tried to walk away. He grabbed her and pulled Gabriel into his lap. She put up a struggle but nothing that would upset him.

All the cronies laughed as Gabriel struggled to get from his grips.
"That's enough Rich, this is a saloon not a fun girl motel"
"I'm gonna marry this girl some day Martha. We are just having a little fun, no harm done"

Gabriel got up and brushed off Rich's embrace. Before she could fully get away, Rich gave her a hard smack on her ass. With a jump Gabriel quickly walked off.  She looked up and our eyes met. I could feel the shame and anger that coursed through her, by that slight glance. Without a word she went back to the bar to get more pitchers. Two trips the poor girl made back to there table making sure all the cronies were taken care of.

I stood in the shadows just watching and taking it all in. Seven men at the table and ten bounties in my pocket. It seems Rich has been growing his gang, My work was almost complete now and after they had their fill. I could follow them to their hide out and end this sharaid.

Before I could turn to walk back to my room. The doors of the saloon burst open and a man rushed in it out of breath. He looked as if he had seen death and got away with his life. I knew before the man reached Rich what he was going to tell him. They had discovered the bodies of the four bandits from earlier.

"What!?" Rich said

Upon his outburst the music stopped once again, and everyone in the saloon watched him . Rich jumped up and walked over to the counter, he ran his fingers through his dirty blonde hair. He stepped on a stool and stood up onto the bar. Watching everyone as they watched him, and waited to hear what he was going to stay.

Without saying a word Rich starred to kick everything off the counter. Mugs broke and shattered glass went flying every where. Martha took a step back and just held herself while her head hung low. She slowly looked up at me and then back to the floor. My hands started to tighten into a fist as I watched the spectacle.

" Four of my men are dead and not only are they dead but guess what... their missing their faces.... so who wants to tell me something I don't know... who wants to tell me what happened to my men?"

The room was silent not even the floor boards creeked.

"So.... don't everybody talk at once... Maybe that was to complex of a question. Let's make it simpler. Did anyone see anything strange or anyone New today?"

Rich grabbed a glass off the counter and threw it to the ground breaking it into a million pieces.

"So four people I cared about died today, and were mutilated!!!! So nobody saw or heard a God Damn thing!!!!"

Rich paced the bar now growing more impatient by the step. He suddenly stopped and turned to face Marty. With a point and snap of his fingers, two cronies grabbed Marty and brought him to the bar.

"Marty Marty Marty.... your the town's barber. Don't I treat you good, don't I tip you every time you clean me up?"
"Yes Mr James yes.. yes... yes sir you do" Marty said starting to stutter, exposing his speech impediment.
"So if I treat you so good, why do you treat me so wrong...Marty?" Rich asked dropping to sit on the edge of the bar. He gripped a handful of Marty's hair and pulled him close.
"I worked all day then came to play cards... you know I don't give you no trouble Mr James, I ain't seen not... not... nothing strange or we... wei...weird all day except."

Marty took a deep pause as he realized what he was about to say. Rich must of caught on as well because before Marty could start talking again. He pulled out a switch blade and put it to Marty's neck.

"Now Marty we've known each other for years now. Your the only barber for miles around. I would hate..hate...hate for something to happen to you. Yet I also have my own family to be concerned about. Four dead brothers is nothing to wince over. Now if I look like I'm going soft or don't care about their well being.... Well it would be real easy for me to be the one with a knife against my neck. So for the sake of your well being. Please speak freely and honestly.... do you need me to repeat the question?"

"No Mr James you don't and like I said I don't want any issues. A priest came in earlier that was all just a priest."

"A PRIEST?"
"Yes.....Yes.... Mr.....Mr.... James.... just a priest..... I swear!"

"So where is this priest now?"

"I am right here... Mr James is that correct?"

I step out from behind the wall and look Rich "The Mountain Man" James dead in his eyes. I scan the room giving it a once over. The tension was thick enough to cut in the air. Every step I made seemed to echo off the walls.

"Most call me The Mountain Man but the law calls me James, Rich James to be exact and who might you be?"
"I am just a humble servant of the Lord from Yucatan. My archbishop calls me bishop"

The room stayed quiet as I made my way towards the mountain man. The cronies let go of marty and he ran back to his seat.  Our banter continued up until we were face to face. I had my revolver tucked under my uniform and was prepared to shoot it out if it came to it. From the corner of my eye. I see the barrel of a pistol poking a bit out of the wall. It was shaking even being pushed through such a tight space. I knew it could be only one person behind that gun. Gabriel was going to get us all killed for her vengeance.

I quickly side stepped to Rich's right side, blocking Gabriel's shot hoping she would get the hint. With a glance I could see Rich felt un easy with that move. I knocked on the bar twice and motioned for Martha to give us two shots. With my eyes I motioned to the hole in the wall Gabriel was pointing the gun from.

"Could I get a bottle of your finest Cognac for Mr James please and put it on my tab,Martha please" I said then turned back to the self pro claimed Mountain Man. "I hear you lost some men today. I would be more then happy to perform the burial for them"

"Well look at what we have here, I haven't seen a priest in this town since we showed up what five or six years ago"
"Well then your over due for a confession. How about after the burial we have a session?"
"Ha ha ha ha. Kraus ... you heard what the priest just asked me to do? I don't sit in boxes and talk to men anymore. I had enough of that in prison. You come see me in the morning. If your gonna stay in this town, you gonna learn some of the rules!"

Mr Rich "The Mountain Man" gave me directions on where to meet them for the burial tomorrow. A plan which we both knew was a set up. I'm sure he realized who I was or he knew I was the one to kill his men. Either way he was not willing to risk having a shoot out at the moment.

It took a few minutes but Gabriel brought out the bottle. She looked as if she had been crying and was still shaking a bit. Now standing in front of the wide grinned Rich. That fear and angst she had was no more. I quickly took the tray out her hand and placed it on the counter. After a quick thanks I bid her goodnight as to get her away from him as quickly as possible, without causing a commotion.

Rich graciously took the bottle snapped his fingers and walked back to his table. The two cronies standing there turned and followed him. I recognized both of them, they were the Sneed brothers Orville and klause. Both were wanted for murder in at least 3 states prior to Oregon.

Looking around his table now more closely. Johnny bones, Marco "styles" Rodriguez, Danny "one tooth" Jones, David "the executioner" Smith and last but not least Chris "big time" Robinson. The other guys I didn't know as of yet but I'm sure they weren't good guys. I would know for certain tomorrow when I was placing them in my Book of Bounties.

With a tap on the shoulders the pianist began to play again. I retired back to my room and climbed into the bed. Something told me I was not going to get much sleep tonight. Before long though I must of dozed off, a knock at the door awoke me. I jumped up with both my pistols aimed at the door.
"Who is it?"
"Martha"
"Come in its open!"

Martha walked in and closed the door behind herself. She sat at the edge of my bed and let out a sigh of relief. In silence I waited for what she was going to say.

"You promised me no trouble for two days, I know who you are priest. Gabriel is a very angry girl. What you did for her today I have no words for. I've tried to show her vengeance solves nothing. Yet in such a hopeless town you must have something to look forward too. I came here to tell you thank you"

I quietly got off the bed and continued talking. Slowly creeping towards the door. With one swift tug I pulled opened the door and Gabriel fell on my floor. She quickly got up with tears in her eyes, and bound on me punching and beating my chest screaming.

Martha stood up quickly as to take action but I raised my hand for her to wait. This was a moment Gabriel needed. Once i felt the punches starting to slow up. Gabriel was wrapped in a massive bear hug. She stopped fighting and just continued sobbing.

"It's not fair, you have no right to come here and kill him. He is suppose to die by hands not yours. I hate you priest, I hate you. I've waited and wasted so much time. I had him in my eye last night. I could of rid the world of Rich James"
"My child the burden of murder is not to be bore alone, especially by such a young soul. After what I saw tonight. You've had multiple chances but in your heart you know it's not right. Just let me take care of it for you"

I looked at  Martha and she was standing holding her mouth with tears coming down her eyes. I motioned for her to come join our group hug and she did. I prayed again for the saloon and the future prosperity of their town.

I'm not sure how long we stood holding each other. When we were done though my shirt was covered in snot and tears. Martha pulled a towel from my shelf and handed it to Gabriel to wipe her face. She grabbed her hand and lead Gabriel out the room still  sniffling.

"Good luck... to you priest" Martha said closing the door behind herself.

I sat back on my bed thinking about what was really going to have to happen tomorrow. Was rich trying to take me out or did he legit want his men to have a proper burial. I would know soon enough in a few hours. I got up and went downstairs to Dusty. I untied him and took off at a casual trot towards the mountain range.

If I was lucky it would be early enough the look outs would be dosing. I could survey the area as best I could tonight. Maybe even set up a few traps to help out. As I road and thought I began to pull vines off the near by trees and started making a pseudo rope. I wouldn't have long to set this up and get back for breakfast as not to be noticed.

I spotted their hide out up the mountain by the smoke billowing out their chimney. The directions rich gave me were exactly to the house. Fifty feet away I paused and began circling the house. It was a mini mansion in the middle of the woods. From what I learned this was where Gabriel use to live. Her grand parents founded this town years ago.

Now I was circling the mansion trying to get as much information about it as I could. Fifty feet from the entrance I had placed my first trap. Towards the back I placed another one. Their horses were in stalls in the barn behind the house. One at a time I opened every gate and let the horses out through the back. I didn't have time for them to get caught in my trap or make a fuss and wake the bandits up.

With everything in place for my return I headed back down the mountain to find Dusty. We rode back into town and I went upstairs in the saloon to get ready.

As I opened my door, Gabriel slammed my book closed on the office table. She turned around stunned and without words. Before she got to loud I spoke.

"I asked you not to go snoop. The things in there are not for the eyes of the innocent" I said taking the book and putting it back in my satchel.
"How could you do that to those men, is what the people say about you true? you killed all those men coming here?
"Yes I did. They are all wanted criminals Romans 14:4 says For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer."

I walked back over to my satchel and grabbed her a bible out of it. I placed it in her hand and said a quiet prayer. Gabriel clutched that bible and apologized for the intrusion. She turned with a smile and left.

By the time I got out the shower and dressed the smell of bacon and eggs had filled the house. My stomach was growling and ready for some nourishment.

I made my way down stairs and sat at a table patiently. Before long Gabriel came out with a fresh pot of coffee and a mug for me. As I sat and enjoyed it. The Plate filled with bacon, eggs, sausage links and a biscuit. It all smelled so good I didn't know where to start. I just began to eat. Which Gabriel must of said something to Martha because before I could clean my plate. Gabriel was placing another one in front of me. She gave me a wink and refilled my coffee cup.

It has been so long since I actually had a real meal.  The concept of a full stomach almost seemed foreign to me. I pushed my chair back and leaned on its two back legs while I stroked my stomach. Finishing my cup of coffee seemed to clear up all the air that was in my stomach.

Before I left the saloon I took a dollar out of my pocket and placed it on the table. Gabriel came back out the back as I was pushing my chair back in. I put my finger over my mouth and gave her a wink before I placed my hat on my head and exited.

As I unhooked Dusty and was about to mount him. The saloon doors burst open and Gabriel came running out.

"Priest wait"
"How can I help you Gabriel?"

Gabriel pulled out a golden chain that was hidden under her dress. Dangling at the end of it was a gold crucifix. With speed she unhooked it and held it out in her hand for me.

"Now Ms Gabriel I couldn't take such a pretty necklace from you"
"Please it was my mother's, she gave it to me and told me it would always bring me luck, I think you need that luck more than I do now"

I couldn't seem to sway her and I was running behind. I dropped down and tilted my head so she could clasp it around my neck. I nodded with the brow of my hat and hopped on Dusty. As I road off I didn't look back because I knew she was still standing there watching.

The ride up the mountain felt allot better with some food in my belly. Yet I was beginning to get an uneasy feeling. The woods were eerily quiet. Way to quiet for this time of the morning. The bandits were already up and moving about. I'm sure they realized all their horses were gone. 

"Priest come on up" Rich shouted " you've been a busy boy over the night"

I halted Dusty and got off of him. Gave him a pat on the butt and he headed back down. Both of my revolvers were cocked and drawn. I stayed low to the ground and moved quickly, trying to locate them before they found me.

Boom. Boom. Pow Pow Pow.... the tree I was hiding behind got assaulted by bullets. I jumped from it and to the next tree. The Sneed brothers were both firing wildly in my direction. Orville has a shotgun and klause had a revolver. They stepped forward almost in sync with each other.

I looked around for a plan on how I could counter. Then I realized I had a trap set up to their right. I jumped up and ran to the right hoping they would follow and not pay attention. Which they did, Orville stepped right into the bear trap sending a shotgun slug into the air as he screamed in pain.

"You mother fucker I'll kill you priest. Look what you done did to my brother"
"Go get the bastard klause I'll get my own foot out"

As they bickered I swung around behind them. Klause turned around at the right time, the look of surprise on his face is going to be perfect in my book of bounties. I pulled the trigger and he fell to the floor. While Orville was screaming his name I put the revolver to his head and pulled the trigger. Two down a few more to go.

Bullets ricochet off the trees surrounding me. I ducked and jumped behind another tree. I pulled out my revolver and held them close. Ready for the next attack. Johnny bones, Marco and Jones were closing and they had the up hill advantage. The trip wire that I made out of vines was pretty far and at the angle they were coming I wasn't sure if the trap would catch them.

With a Sprint of desperation I ran to grab the vines on the floor. Bullets whizzed past me as I returned the fire. One of the bullets caught me in my leg and I began to stumble. I fell over close enough to roll to the trip wire and pull it. The log that was being held by the wire, dropped down with a sudden force. Marco stepped out the way just in time and laughed.

"Is that the best you got old man... Priest just give up your wounded and out numbered.... plus if I'm right Rich is at the saloon already. So even if you manage to stop us... those townies are all de..."

Before he could finish his last word the tree branch swung back and pierced him right in the chest. Using the distraction to my benefit. I shot Jones in the leg dropping him and gave Johnny bones a clean head shot. Jones lay howling on the floor holding his leg. As I limped Up to get closer. Jones started reaching for his gun. I shot him in the hand forcing him to drop the gun and grab his now wounded hand.

"You are no priest... your a demon"
"Do your wish to repent for your sins?"
"I wish we killed you in the saloon"

I put my revolver to his forhead and pulled the trigger. The blood splatters all over my face. I wiped it off and sat down next to him.  I ripped a section of his blood stained shirt off and start wrapping my wound. Good thing the bullet just grazed my leg. I could stitch that up later. As for now I need to get back to the saloon. Something tells me Gabriel will need her good luck charm.

I stood up and began my ritual with the bodies.   it didn't take more than half an hour to get all five faces. I whistled for Dusty and he came momentarily. Together we raced down the mountain back towards the town. I cursed myself every moment for being so stupid. How could I put those girls in danger?

It didn't take long for me and Dusty to ride into town. I jumped off and ran for the saloon doors. As I opened them I stopped dead in my tracks. Rich was holding Gabriel with his left arm around the neck and a gun to her head with his right hand.

Behind him Chris held Martha the same way. They were both grinning and laughing like they won already. Behind me David "the executioner" Smith stepped up and put his gun to my head. I dropped my two revolvers and kicked them toward Rich per his request. Was this really going to be the end of me? Outsmarted by a couple of petty gangsters.

No this was not the way it was going to end for me. looking at Gabriel shaking and Martha looking unfazed and angry. I flipped the gun from David's hand and put him in a head lock. Now I held the gun to his head.

"Priest let him go before this turns ugly" Rich said cocking his gun to Gabriel's temple.

I look at Gabriel straight in her eye and I look at Martha right after. It seems as if we're having a full conversation with only our eyes. I slap David with the butt of my gun and push him forward. Martha yelled now, and Gabriel stomped on Rich's toe hard as she could. Martha elbowed Chris a few times and broke free. The two women ran to each other and headed for the back. Before either of the bandits could fire a shot, I began dumping my clip onto them. Rich jumped behind the bar with Chris.

David started to get up and reach for my revolvers on the floor. I put a bullet in his head, flipped a table over and used it for cover. Rich and Chris jumped up from the counter and started dumping into the tables. The saloon was filled with gun smoke for a moment. Both Rich and Chris stood behind the bar waiting for the smoke to disapait.

With all the energy left in me I jumped up and filled them both with holes. Glass shards and bottles flew every where. Before Rich went down he fired off one more shot and it hit me in the chest. I flew back and landed on the floor. I looked at the ceiling and just started to laugh.

Imagine the man from Yucatan dying inside a saloon in Oregon. I guess I won't be keeping my promise to my gal back home. I reached up and pulled out the crucifix Gabriel put around my neck. Well I never believed in luck anyway I laughed, a bit of blood was coughed up with that laugh.

I wanted to get up and go find Dusty pack our bags and start to ride out. Yet I knew that was not going to happen. There was no doctor in this town. No one to save my ass this time. It had been a good run all these years. Always expected to go out trying to kill Bill Otowa. Guess that's not what the great creator had in mind.

From the corner of my eye I see a shadow rushing up to me. With the little bit of strength I had left. I grabbed my revolver which felt like it weighed a ton and brought to up. The trigger was already cocked now I just needed my target. I could hear the foot steps getting closer and heavier. Just as I was about to pull the trigger I heard the voice.

"Priest please don't leave me" Gabriel ran up and laid her head on my chest.

From the sigh of pain I let out I guess she realized she was squashing me. The tears from her eyes dropped into my face. A few fell into my mouth. I was so parched even with all the salt it was refreshing.

"Well looks like this is the end. Don't cry for me child. I have served my master to the best of my abilities. I have no regrets I'm ready to meet him. Thank you for the luck it really came in handy"

"Martha do something.... don't let him die please!!"

I hear them but I no longer see them. I'm riding Dusty now and the sun is setting on our back. My gal back home is waiting on our porch for me. Me and Dusty are so close, I reach out as if I could touch her. I'm kicking Dusty to hurry up I just need to touch her, one more time before I go. We never seem to be getting any closer to her though. I call her name but nothing comes out my mouth. I'm riding hard and screaming but she just stands there with her hand out smiling. Then everything fades to black.

I hear my name but it's not her voice.  I open my eyes to see Gabriel and Martha sitting next to me. I tried to move but I felt weighed down. My body was covered in bandages and I was back in the room I rented. Well I guess the creator still has a need for me.

"Your lucky you lost allot of blood but the bullet went straight through. We were able to patch you up but you won't be going anywhere for a few weeks."

"Well guess you ladies are stuck with me for a bit longer. I won't have the money to pay you till I cash these bounties."
"Don't worry about it you have done enough for us"

"Gabriel thank you for the luck when I can get up I'll give it back to you"

"No please keep it you saved my life and now I see you really need it more than I do"

Martha stood up and gave me a kiss on my cheek. She took Gabriel and left me to rest. Over the next few weeks I got my strength back. I got ready to head back home, Every night I dreamed about my girl back home. I thanked Martha and Gabriel for their hospitality and mounted Dusty