[Fanfic] Red West III. - Chapter thirty one
Title: RED WEST III.
Author: Kasumi
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Historical fiction
Warning: AKame pairing - AU; vulgarisms, violence, explicit content
Beta-reading:
atago4
Summary: A direct sequel of Red West II. - Masterpost
A strange company of three young gunslingers and one Indian is on their way to Montana, while the infamous Black Riders continue their fight against Silver King of Colorado… Will they succeed or fail in the clash with the cruel environment and heartless Governor? Will their friendship, brotherhood and love persevere or be destroyed by greed, bloodshed and vengeance?
Thank you: To Kamenashi Kazuya and Akanishi Jin, because this story wouldn´t have existed without them.
A/N: Once I got to it, I just could not stop writing... Hoping you´ll enjoy this. ^^v
I´m grateful for any opinion or advice, you help me hone my writing skills with them.
Thank you for taking time to read this story. I´ll be happy if you reward me with a comment for it.
Previously:
Prologue // Chapter one // Chapter two // Chapter three // Chapter four // Chapter five // Chapter six // Chapter seven // Chapter eight // Chapter nine // Chapter ten // Chapter eleven // Chapter twelve // Chapter thirteen // Chapter fourteen // Chapter fifteen // Chapter sixteen // Chapter seventeen // Chapter eighteen // Chapter nineteen // Chapter twenty // Chapter twenty one // Chapter twenty two // Chapter twenty three // Chapter twenty four // Chapter twenty five // Chapter twenty six // Chapter twenty seven // Chapter twenty eight // Chapter twenty nine // Chapter thirty //
Intervention
It was a cold, windy morning.
The chilly air carried the strong whiff of upcoming winter season, which seemed to be taking its time that year. Yet, the unpleasant weather did not prevent the first curious onlookers to come wandering around the main square in the center of Billings or to gather in humming clusters in front of the saloons. Public executions were nothing extraordinary in the daily city life, but it did not happen every day that Justice Conger sent some criminal with a famous name to the gallows, which naturally attracted public attention.
A tall man in the middle of the square slowly walked around the impressive, wooden construction, apparently satisfied with the result of his overnight work. It was not as stable as permanent gallows would be, but no one ever complained, the least of all those who used it the most. Not that they would have any chance for objections…
At the same time when the hangman climbed up the deadly device to perform its final test, three inconspicuous figures gathered in the narrow street adjacent to the square. Two men - the older one with a strict, wind-swept face covered with a worn hat, the younger in clothes typical for any farmer - helped a hunchbacked old woman to sit on the edge of raised porch of the so far closed carpenter shop. One man leant over the railing next to the woman, while the other remained standing, looking around bored.
“The Court building is just behind that corner,” Ryo spoke in a muffled voice, waving subtly toward the closer end of the street. “In case they use the shortest route to get there from jail, they´ll definitely take him this way.”
Cullen shortly nodded, while still checking their surroundings carefully. “It´s not bad, but only in case that passage on the opposite side is usable as an escape route.”
“It is,” the younger Rider assured him. “There´s an alley leading to the river.”
His companion grimaced: “Perfect. Let´s drown on the run in that bloody cold water.”
Ryo rolled his eyes: “Don´t worry, rusty wolf. There´s a bridge we can use, of course.”
Cullen stared at him: “Will be probably guarded then.”
“Then find another spot suitable for our ambush,” the younger one hissed already annoyed.
“I think this will do,” a quiet, surprisingly young voice sounded from under the shawl protecting the woman´s face from cold.
Ryo grinned: “Thanks for support, chief,” he whispered victoriously.
This time, Cullen kept silent.
“Let´s check the surroundings,” Leo spoke again rather quietly, still feeling uncertain even in his disguise.
“Sure. Let me help you, Grandma,” Ryo, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement, grabbed his elbow.
“Jester,” Leo commented chuckling, but pretending weakness, he accepted the offered help.
“Anyway, we need to make this insanity work real quick,” Cullen assumed flatly, as they started walking toward the crossroads slowly. “Must not hesitate or we´re doomed along with that stupid ass.”
“Calm down, Cullen, you´re making me nervous,” Leo reproached him. “We can do this.”
“Yeah, we went through the whole plan like ten times,” Ryo reminded caustically.
“I suspect I´ll manage to stay calm only in my grave,” the worried Rider murmured.
The younger one hissed at him: “Come on, this kind of talk now?”
“I´m too old to change my ways, kid.”
“Be so kind and don´t kid me-”
“Hey, guys,” Leo cut off their hushed arguing. “Don´t you think it´s kind of crowded around here?”
Ryo made way for the bunch of kids who were chasing each other shouting, and then his eyes focused on the spacious square.
“Well… A bit?” he commented the scattered Billings´ citizens in front of them.
The gloomy alteration, which they noticed only seconds later, made all three of them stood on the spot.
“And that ugly thing was not here two days ago,” Ryo stared at the new portable gallows and shivered. “Damn, it´s creepy.”
Leo raised his head and looked around with a bad hunch. His eyes widened at the sight of announcement posted on the nearest wall.
“No…” he whispered horrified.
“What´s up?” Ryo turned to him, as well as Cullen.
When Leo raised his hand, it was shaking as he pointed at the announcement. “We´re late…”
Confused, Ryo eyed on the Supreme Court notice about the execution and gasped: “No way! They already sentenced Jin to death?”
“For all saints, can´t you hush yourself a bit?” Cullen scolded him harshly.
Ryo was so shocked that he forgot to get offended. “But… the trial…” he stuttered. “It should be today…”
“They probably concealed the real date on purpose, not to create much commotion,” the older Rider assumed, frowning darkly.
“We must get him out of the prison then!” Leo blurted out in a forcefully hushed voice, forgetting about his role.
Cullen grabbed his elbow and pulled him back to the narrow alley, with dumbfounded Ryo following them. The Rider checked if no one was paying them attention first and then he fully focused on his young leader.
“Listen to me, Leo. That office is like a fortress; they didn´t leave anything to chance. Moreover, they´ll be especially wary today. We might be forced to kill all the guards just to get inside!”
Still unable to control himself, Leo shook his hands off. “During the execution, there will be even more people around! We must do it, while he´s still in there!”
For a long while, Cullen stared at him wordlessly. When it came to his older sibling, their leader was apparently losing all his usual reason. “That would be suicide,” he pointed out stiffly then.
“The moment of surprise will give us an advantage,” Leo insisted stubbornly.
Ryo also took a breath for objections: “Chief, Cullen´s right, we can´t just…”
“Exactly, we can´t! We can´t just let them hang him!” Leo urged desperately. “We will figure something out! We must try at least! Please, guys!”
Cullen and Ryo exchanged a resigned look.
“I won´t let my brother die like this! Not for the things I did!” Leo continued unhappily. “I wouldn´t be able to live with it.”
Sighing, Cullen leant over the wall and Ryo just stood there shaking his head. None of them knew what to say.
“Please… Help me out, even if it would be for the last time.”
***
His clenched fist hit the dark ground on the riverbank, sending the shake from the hard impact up to his shoulder. Yet, Kame was not relieved one bit.
“We can´t just linger here for no reason!” he insisted fiercely. “Help me up to the saddle!”
His blood brother reached out to him, but his hands were not ready to grab him - they were holding a steaming mug instead. “Here. Drink this.”
Kame glared at him: “I´m telling you, I´m fine, Liwan.”
The Indian did not even blink, not moved by his arguments. “Your leg not fine.”
“What?” he snapped. “How can you…?”
“We all can tell,” surprisingly, Koki was the one who interrupted him. “You overdid it, Kame-chan. You need proper rest.”
Jane, sitting by the fire right next to the other Rider, turned to him as well: “Until you´re able to get up on your own, there´s no chance we can continue.”
Kame kept fuming for a while longer, before he finally gave up. They were right. His leg was red and swollen and it hurt like hell, he could not even sleep properly. They were already so close to Billings, yet still half a day of travel away at least, and he was not able to scramble up to the saddle. He had tried like four times.
“Damn it…” he breathed out heavily.
“No cursing. Drinking,” Liwan scolded him, pushing the mug with herbal tea under his nose.
Tired and grateful for having such friends around, Kame accepted the hot liquid with a quiet thanks.
“We can make it,” Koki noted suddenly. “We just have to believe it.”
Sipping the bitter tea, Kame did not react. He would love to have such a faith, but even though he tried hard, he could not overcome that dark fear filling up his guts so easily.
***
“Akanishi. It´s time.”
Jin allowed himself a few more seconds in dark privacy, before he opened his eyes slowly and sat up. ´Finally´ was the only word coming up in his mind, as he saw the group of armed men in front of his cell.
“Stand up and turn to the window,” Sheriff Brady instructed him strictly.
He obeyed without a word. As they unlocked, surrounded him and chained his hands, he kept watching the faint rectangles of light behind the bars outside. It seemed to be a gloomy, cold day, no better or worse for dying like any other. Just like the day when he lost Kazuya and a gaping hole opened in his broken heart.
Jin almost smiled. Soon, just a few more lonely minutes to bear, and he might be able to see him again…
*
The expression on the young man´s face made Brady stare at him even more confused than he already was.
When he came to check up on Akanishi in the morning, the convicted man was sleeping like a baby. A strange thought occurred to the sheriff seeing the prisoner like that - only someone with clear conscience would be able to sleep this calmly right before his execution. Either Jin Akanishi felt no guilt for all those crimes he confessed to or he was lying through his teeth all this time.
Not to mention that peaceful, almost smiling expression on his face when they led him out of his cell in chains. It was almost as if Akanishi was looking forward to his last walk under the open sky.
The question was almost literally burning on the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he just swallowed it down. It was not his place to question Conger´s judgment.
“Let´s go,” he ordered flatly, once his men secured the prisoner, eager to settle the matter as soon as possible.
*
John Walker was standing on the veranda of Sheriff´s Office frowning, the cold wind ruffling his long coat, as he watched the street. He hated how things ended up for Jin Akanishi. It was a shining example of injustice towards the young gunslinger, from both the destiny and other people. The strong urge to do something about it was haunting the captain ever since their encounter in jail.
Two days ago, he contacted the Marshals´ Office, but its local leader Botkin brushed off his arguments. He had also tried to speak with Associate Justice Conger before the trial, but his cocky secretary did not even allow him to see the man without the pre-arranged meeting.
Inside the cold courthouse, when John listened to that harsh sentence without justification, he actually realized what Augusta had meant by being unable to be glad about Akanishi´s arrest…
Then, he got that idea. There might have been a way to stop the unfair execution. It was a faint hope, but worth trying. Yet, it was not up to him anymore, he could do nothing more than to send that letter and wait if its delivery would fulfill his expectations.
The sharp sound of a whip and of a rapidly approaching carriage alerted his subordinates walking alongside the building. All tense, he looked in that direction as well. It took a few seconds until he was able to recognize the person driving the roofless coach.
John could not help but smile. So, she really came.
A neatly dressed wagoner stopped the horses right in front of the strictly guarded building. Naturally, it did not please the soldiers present on duty.
“Hey! You can´t stand here now, Mister!” the tallest one of all the blue uniforms shouted out commandingly. “Take it somewhere else!”
The wagoner eyed the group of upset guards; he calmly secured the reins and turned to the female passenger sitting in the coach.
“We seem to be in the right place, Mother.”
“Indeed,” the woman with quite a complicated hairstyle nodded. “Thank you, Nathaniel.”
“Move it right away!” once again, the soldier yelled, raising the rifle. “By name of the US…” a firm hand on his shoulder buried the rest of words in the man´s throat.
“That´s all right, Lieutenant,” Captain Walker stated. “I expected this visit.”
“Sir…?” his subordinate looked at him confused, but forgot about any other protests once he saw his superior nodding firmly.
John left the dumbfounded soldiers behind and approached the carriage to open the small door for the elegant lady in rich, blue dress with black laces. She accepted his hand and got out, accompanied by apparently admiring glances from all the men around.
“What a lovely sight you are today, Madame,” John welcomed her flatteringly.
A warm smile spread on Augusta Tabor´s lips. “Thank you, Captain. Am I not late, I hope?”
“I dare say your timing is perfect,” he assured her. Then the captain raised her satin-gloved hand to his lips and kissed it, keeping it close for a bit longer than was necessary.
Augusta´s eyes were shining as he looked up to them again.
“I´m glad to hear that,” she reacted softly and then turned to the office building, her back almost imperceptibly straightening up. “Shall we do this, then?”
John offered her his arm: “I´m right behind you.”
*
Even though Sheriff Brady liked his job and was a man of reason, he still could not help but sense something wrong about what they were about to do with their strange prisoner. Therefore, he was somewhat lost in thoughts, when the main door to his office suddenly opened. Two people entered and the group of guards with the convict in their midst stopped in the middle of the room a little sooner than he did, when the most unexpected person stood in their way.
“Good day, gentlemen,” the important-looking woman in front of them spoke in a firm, calm voice and glanced at his chest with the shining star, before focusing her sharp gaze on his face. “You must be Sheriff Brady, I assume.”
He just managed to nod blankly.
“Great. Then I must request you to stop this absurdity this very moment.”
Brady literally gaped at the apparently rich and noble lady, whose presence in his office was something quite surprising. For the short moment, he considered dreaming a slight option for this unusual situation, while his men stood there in surprised silence as well. Then Sheriff looked behind the beautifully dressed figure, finally noticing John Walker there, with his hands clasped behind his back calmly, as if nothing extraordinary was going on. The sight of an old friend gave him some balance back.
“What´s the meaning of this, John?” he requested explanation harshly. “Aren´t your men supposed to guard the front entrance and prevent any stranger from entering?”
To his astonishment, the captain just stood there with the strangest expression on his face, while that woman spoke again instead.
“Are you trying to ignore me, Mister?” she asked flatly. “That would be most unwise of you.”
Brady frowned, already getting upset. “Madame, I don´t know who you are or what you want here, but we´re in the middle of doing justice here, so I must ask you to leave.”
“It is because of that mentioned justice why I am here, Sheriff. However, it was rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Augusta Tabor. And I came here to prevent you from doing the greatest mistake.”
Brady blinked and his stomach tightened with anxiety.
Thanks to his sheriff position, he knew Tabors. He had already heard dozen of rumors about their fairy-tale wealth. He was also aware that their - quite popular - son was currently living in Billings. Even though their influence mainly applied to Colorado, they were supporting many important people in Montana as well. It was not a good idea to mess up with them.
“Hey, woman,” Hank behind his back apparently could not take it any longer. “It wouldn´t matter even if you were a queen. We´ve got an execution to perform, so get out of our way.”
Mrs. Tabor raised her neat eyebrows. “Your attitude is most unkind, Mister,” she noted calmly, yet sharply.
“Come on, this is ridiculous!” Hank burst out while Brady was furiously trying to figure out the best words to remedy such insolence.
“I would say so, as well,” their unexpected visitor reacted swiftly. “Not even offering the fragile woman some hot tea in this awfully cold weather.”
John Walker seemed as if something amused him and even though he was covering it up well, Brady would bet he knew what it was. This lady seemed anything but fragile to him.
Hank stepped forward threateningly. “Are you kidding? Does she kid us, boss?”
Brady turned around sharply: “Shut the hell up, Hank,” he growled strictly, giving him the hard look. “Just shut it. Right now.”
His subordinate stared at him, but remained silent.
Then Brady´s eyes fell upon their prisoner. Uncommonly, Jin Akanishi finally seemed to be interested in something. He was staring at the pair standing in front of them in a maybe even more hostile way than his men were.
Deciding to face the situation head on, the sheriff took a deep breath and turned back to Augusta Tabor.
“What do you mean by that mistake, Madame?”
“That you want to hang this young man.”
“Why so?”
“Because he is innocent,” Mrs. Tabor stated with absolute certainty.
Brady was not even surprised anymore, he had his suspicious himself, but nothing could prevent him from doing his job right. He straightened up, holding onto his composure, as he spoke again.
“With all the respect, it´s not your place to judge him. Justice Conger is the one who decided about the fate of this man.”
“Oh, sure,” she nodded almost cheerfully. “I am quite certain he´s already on his way here.”
Such a statement unsettled Brady again. “What? Why would he…?”
The loud steps interrupted his words, followed by the sharp knocking and even more people entering his office. One of Walker´s soldiers opened the door wide for the judge, his secretary and for two men in Marshals´ clothes - Alexander Botkin wheeled into the office in his wheel chair alongside his frowning son. Once again, Sheriff Brady ran out of words.
“Somebody needs to explain to me what the hell is going on!” the usually composed judge approached them while waving with some piece of paper upset.
“Everton!” Augusta Tabor greeted him with the smile so bright it made the court secretary blush and avert his eyes. “Long time no see!” she stepped in the way of Justice Conger nonchalantly.
“Augusta…” the old man seemed to remember his good manners as he took the woman´s hand. “Years have no effect on you. You look stunning, indeed.”
“You flatter me too much, Everton.”
Better and better, Brady thought gloomily. Those two seemed to be more than very good acquaintances.
The strong wheels squeaked on the dusted floor.
“I hate to interrupt your reunion, but I demand an explanation as well,” Marshal Botkin gritted through his teeth, apparently not sorry about the interruption at all. “This man,” he pointed at grimly looking Akanishi, “is currently supposed to be standing under the gallows. Why is he not there?”
Remembering their current issue, Conger straightened up: “Yes, it is great to see you, Augusta, but I´m rather confused. I received your message, which I don´t quite understand,” he shook with the crumpled paper again.
“Let me tell you straight away, Everton,” Augusta Tabor took up the word again. “Jin Akanishi is an innocent man. You can´t condemn him to death.”
Justice Conger stared at her wordlessly.
“How can you be so sure about that, Ma´am?” Marshal was maybe trying to be polite, yet he literally growled at her. Well, naturally, Brady assumed that the man was probably the most upset about this sudden fuss.
“Oh, I will gladly explain it to you all, gentlemen… Could I take a seat, please?”
Captain Walker was on the way to her with Brady´s chair even before the sentence was finished. Augusta thanked him with a smile and still so gracefully sat down in the very middle of the room, with all eyes on her. She soothed out her dress and started talking calmly.
“I arrived to the city just recently, a few weeks ago, to see my newborn grandson. Captain Walker here was so kind to accompany me on this dangerous travel from Colorado. Unfortunately, we encountered some serious troubles on the way,” Mrs. Tabor continued in bit quieter, serious voice. “In Wyoming, we were attacked by red savages and almost all our companions got killed. And it was back then, when I was saved by the Black Riders themselves.”
Not even a sudden Indian attack on Billings would have the same effect on the present men as Augusta´s statement had. Sheriff Brady, Justice Conger and Marshal Botkin - it shocked all of them and made them gape at the woman wordlessly.
“That is why I´m sure about Jin Akanishi´s innocence. I met their leader in person. I saw and talked to him just as I talk to you. And this man is not him,” the woman concluded sharply.
“The Black Riders… they saved you?” Botkin was the first to ask, quite incredulously.
“Yes,” Mrs. Tabor nodded. “I got separated from Captain Walker. Those Indians were chasing after me, when the Riders appeared and shot them all down. I was surprised as much as you are, Marshal. That they were capable of such a chivalrous act, since they are all known to be merciless gangsters and burglars. However, I can swear this - not being for the Black Riders and their young leader Leo Akanishi, I would not be here in front of you now.”
“I… I´m not sure what to say,” Justice Conger was apparently at loss.
“That is understandable,” Augusta comforted him in a kind tone.
From a sudden impulse, Brady turned to the prisoner still standing in the tight circle of his men. Akanishi seemed to be just as surprised as they all were, but also somewhat angry.
“Madame?” he turned to Mrs. Tabor thoughtfully. “How can you know those men were the said gang? Nobody knows how they look like except their leader´s face.”
The noble woman gave him an indulgent smile: “Well, it was not my first encounter with them, Sheriff. Back in Leadville, I caught them trying to rob our safe, where I could see them from a closer distance than I even liked. It was almost ridiculous - in the first moment, they did not even realize, whose life they saved. Only later, they remembered, just as I did. You see, meeting a bunch of riders in black on the way away from Colorado? Who else could it be?”
Augusta Tabor shifted her gaze for the tiniest moment and looked at Walker standing by her side all that time.
“Moreover, they revealed themselves,” she added then. “There was no point in denying their identity, when I figured it out.”
“And they let you go? Just like that?” the ice-cold question came from Marshal Botkin.
Mrs. Tabor looked straight at him. “That´s one of the reasons I rushed here to confirm the truth once I heard about the execution of the Black Riders´ leader. Back then, they put me to sleep and moved me to the wasteland. But - they gave me some supplies, even cash and instructions how to get to the nearest town. They did not want to kill me; they just wanted to be safe first. So, to answer your question, Marshal - yes, they saved my life and then they let me go even though they knew who I was.”
“Why didn´t you report it once you had the chance then?”
She raised her eyebrows: “You´re saying that I should have paid them for their kindness by sending the bounty hunters after them? You can´t be serious, Marshal.”
Botkin grunted something, probably a bit ashamed.
“I strongly believe they´re on the redemption road,” the woman stated with conviction. “As far as I was concerned, there was nothing to report.”
Marshal frowned: “No matter what good deeds they might have done, it would not erase their crimes.”
“I´m aware of that, Marshal,” she agreed. “Nevertheless, if this would be Leo Akanishi, I would still intercede for him to Justice to have mercy, since I owe him and his gang my life. Since he´s not, I ask you to cancel this whole horrible thing entirely.”
“We cannot set him free so easily! Just because you say so! You cannot know what he actually did or not. He confessed!” Botkin insisted, hitting the armrest of his chair.
Augusta Tabor gave him the most annoyed look and slowly got up on her feet.
“Is that so? In that case, if I told you that I cooperated with Black Riders to rob my husband and willingly handed them over the property deed for his silver mine, would you arrest me and sentenced me without any evidence as well?” she asked in an accusing tone.
Marshal gulped down, a bit stunned by her argument: “Madame, this is not about you…” he opposed feebly.
“It is about everyone here!” she interrupted him sharply. “Justice should serve everyone. Should be equal to everyone! Is that not right, Everton?”
The addressed man ruffled his beard sheepishly: “Well… Essentially, I agree with you.”
“Why would he do it then?” Marshal did not want to give up. “Why would Jin Akanishi confess to everything if he did not do it?”
“Oh, dear Marshal…” Augusta eyed him sympathetically. “I suppose it´s hard to believe for you, but even criminals have families. I assume he´s just trying to protect his younger brother. Would you have not done the same for your son if you could?”
There came a short silence after her prompt.
One after another, all of them looked at the man in question. Jin Akanishi was just standing there motionless, yet it was apparent he was thrown out of balance as well.
“I know you, Everton. You would have never sent an innocent man to death.”
The judge returned Mrs. Tabor´s serious gaze, before he sighed. “Let´s say you´re right, Augusta. But I don’t think this young man knows nothing about the whole matter. We must interrogate him again. He might know about his brother´s whereabouts.”
For the first time, Augusta paused, before replying: “Sure, I understand… Would you allow Captain Walker to be a part of it then?”
“Why him?” the man wondered. “Why should he be there?”
“If I may speak for myself, sir, I´ve got some history with this Akanishi,” Captain Walker spoke out politely. “Actually, he had been helping us out in the past. It would be a great loss if you executed such a good man.”
Justice Conger finally nodded: “All right… I agree.”
“Thank you, sir,” Captain Walker reacted seriously.
“Thank you, Everton,” Augusta Tabor joined him smiling again.
Only Marshal did not seem to be convinced. “Sir, if you allow me…”
“I´ve heard enough, Botkin,” Conger stopped him with a raised had. “Unchain him, but take him back to his cell. I wish to interrogate him myself tomorrow.”
Sheriff Brady stood there motionless for a short while, before he gestured his men in a surrendered way. Still rather confused, they obeyed his order and wanted to lead Akanishi away, but the prisoner stood there rooted to the floor.
“Hey, don´t you dare make troubles now,” Hank growled.
Akanishi still resisted their grip though and focused his dark eyes on Mrs. Tabor and Walker. “Why?” he uttered hoarsely. “Why did you get involved in this? Why do you even care?”
Madame Tabor eyed him thoughtfully, before approaching a little closer. “Do not be mistaken, Mr. Akanishi. I don´t know you and your well-being is none of my concern. I simply care for the truth.”
He stared at the determined woman, before shifting his gaze to the captain standing right behind her.
“And you?”
The captain almost imperceptibly shrugged: “It was the right thing to do. I assume you might know a bit about it, Akanishi.”
*
“Okay… This isn´t even funny anymore,” anxious Ryo turned to Cullen. “Are you sure this is the right building?”
The older Rider gave him a scornful look: “Do you see that notice above the door?”
“Yeah...”
“Then don´t ask stupid questions.”
“Very funny…” Ryo growled.
“I´d very much like to know what´s going on inside as well,” their leader joined the quiet discussion in the shadow of a huge oak tree, which grew opposite the Sheriff´s Office building.
“Yeah, even I must admit that I´ve never seen such a parade,” Cullen noted caustically.
It had been a parade indeed. Sheriff´s men would be one thing, but together with US Army soldiers, Marshals and even guards from the Court? They had been planning to get inside somehow and counted with some resistance, but this was too much for three poor Riders.
“We´re done before we even started,” Ryo commented gloomily.
“Let´s wait and see what happens…” Leo murmured thoughtfully.
His black-haired friend eyed him surprised: “Aren´t you kind of calm all of the sudden?”
“It´s just a feeling… I don´t think that Walker and Madame Tabor went inside without a good reason,” he explained hesitantly.
“Well, maybe you are right,” Cullen informed him. “Look.”
“I´m still confused…” Ryo scratched his head, watching the hastily leaving Marshals and the apparently pleased couple, who appeared outside right after them.
“I´ll check it out,” Leo stated decisively. “They won´t recognize me like this.”
“Leo! Wait!” Ryo tried to pull him back, but the hunched figure of an old lady was already passing the street. “Shit…”
“Dear God, I really wonder who of them is more troubles - the younger or the older one?” Cullen shook his head in disbelief.
Ryo sighed: “It seems to me that the worst of all is the combination of both…”
*
“You were quite persuasive. Even in details which were not exactly true...”
An amused look of shining eyes focused on the calm man. “John… Are you implying I lied to all those man of law in their faces?”
Captain Walker returned Mrs. Tabor´s gaze warmly: “I would not dare…”
“Good.”
Justice Conger went outside the office as well, joining the pair on the veranda.
“Well, this turns out to be a rather interesting day,” he stated while altering his expensive coat. “Augusta, let me invite you for lunch, I´d like to hear everything you know about that gang.”
“Sure, Everton,” she agreed right away. “I have my own carriage… Should I arrive to your office?”
“Yes, I´ll take you to one canteen nearby. See you then. Captain,” the judge parted with them nodding his head and rushed away with his taciturn secretary tailing him.
Augusta once again accepted John´s arm, as he accompanied her down the stairs and to her patiently waiting son.
“Since Justice Conger took you for now, may I see you in the evening?” John asked once they reached the carriage.
“Well, in case Everton will not request my presence anymore, then yes,” she smiled at him brightly.
“Great.”
When John helped Augusta to get on the coach, an old woman passed by them, with a loud tapping of her stick. The sound made the captain glance at her, but found nothing suspicious, so he turned back to the lady, who managed to impress him a lot once again.
“Thank you for coming, Augusta,” he stated seriously then. “Akanishi doesn´t deserve to be hanged more than myself.”
She shook her head: “No need to. I would not be able to let this injustice go.”
“And that´s what I admire about you,” John reacted quietly.
Augusta squeezed his hand that he reached out to her. “See you soon then?”
He nodded: “I´ll be looking forward to it.”
“Nathaniel, please, take me to the Court building. Bye for now… Captain.”
The carriage left with the heavy rumble of its wheels and John intended to return to the office to speak with Brady. He kind of felt he owed the man some explanation. But before that, his eyes fell upon the hunched figure again. The woman was standing on the corner motionlessly, but once she realized his look, she continued walking promptly.
Something indescribable urged John to check her out. He caught up with her after a few fast steps.
“Madame, do you need any help?” he asked politely.
There was only a headshake as a reply, a very sharp one for such an old lady. Even her moves were not so slow and hinged anymore, as she turned into a side alley.
“Wait a moment, please,” John grabbed her shoulder and stopped on the spot surprised. It was a firm, slender shoulder of a man. What the…?
“Not a move, Captain.”
The sharp words from behind his back made him freeze. He stood there not exactly surprised, when then the tall black-haired youngster appeared by the fake old lady´s side.
“Turn around.”
He obeyed and once again, he found himself standing in front of the impressive barrel. The eyes of the man holding it were stabbing him sharply. John slowly raised his hands in the air.
“Well, I had a hunch you might appear. I had no idea how right it was,” he commented the three Riders presence calmly. He had no doubt about identity of the person in disguise of an old woman.
They exchanged meaningful looks, probably wondering if it was wise to get rid of him fifty yards away from the Sheriff´s Office. He did not consider wise to let them think about it too long.
“If you´re here to get Akanishi out of jail, I strongly recommend you not to even try,” John warned them seriously.
“Keep your advices to yourself,” not surprisingly, the Rider called Cullen growled.
Already with his back straight, Leo Akanishi moved and stood in front of him, eyeing John cautiously from under the shawl.
“What´s going on with my brother?” he asked tensely.
“Well, for now, he´s safe from the gallows,” John replied calmly. “He will be interrogated again tomorrow.”
“Really?” the other Rider - called Ryo, if John remembered correctly - breathed out excited.
“Why the sudden change?” Leo Akanishi wondered suspiciously.
“Madame Tabor guaranteed for his innocence, as well as me.”
The Riders stared at him for a while.
Then the oldest of them snapped incredulously: “Why in the hell would you do that?”
“First, because Jin isn´t the real leader of Black Riders, as we all know,” John reacted caustically. “And secondly, because I owe you…”
Leo Akanishi looked into his eyes, when he spoke again: “Are you willing to help us then?”
“Leo! What do you think you…”
“Not now, Cullen,” the young leader cut his older companion off. “Will you help us, Captain?”
John Walker returned the hopeful, intense gaze, realizing that there was no turning back anymore. Already in the moment when he was writing that message for Augusta, he knew…
He lowered his hands slowly. “I cannot release him, if that´s what you mean, that would be the end of my career…”
Leo Akanishi scrunched up his face in disappointment.
“…but I can get you inside, Akanishi,” John added meaningfully.
“How?” the young Rider breathed out tensely.
He grinned a little: “Well, your companions will not like it...”
- To be continued -
Author: Kasumi
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Historical fiction
Warning: AKame pairing - AU; vulgarisms, violence, explicit content
Beta-reading:
atago4
Summary: A direct sequel of Red West II. - Masterpost
A strange company of three young gunslingers and one Indian is on their way to Montana, while the infamous Black Riders continue their fight against Silver King of Colorado… Will they succeed or fail in the clash with the cruel environment and heartless Governor? Will their friendship, brotherhood and love persevere or be destroyed by greed, bloodshed and vengeance?
Thank you: To Kamenashi Kazuya and Akanishi Jin, because this story wouldn´t have existed without them.
A/N: Once I got to it, I just could not stop writing... Hoping you´ll enjoy this. ^^v
I´m grateful for any opinion or advice, you help me hone my writing skills with them.
Thank you for taking time to read this story. I´ll be happy if you reward me with a comment for it.
Previously:
Prologue // Chapter one // Chapter two // Chapter three // Chapter four // Chapter five // Chapter six // Chapter seven // Chapter eight // Chapter nine // Chapter ten // Chapter eleven // Chapter twelve // Chapter thirteen // Chapter fourteen // Chapter fifteen // Chapter sixteen // Chapter seventeen // Chapter eighteen // Chapter nineteen // Chapter twenty // Chapter twenty one // Chapter twenty two // Chapter twenty three // Chapter twenty four // Chapter twenty five // Chapter twenty six // Chapter twenty seven // Chapter twenty eight // Chapter twenty nine // Chapter thirty //
Intervention
It was a cold, windy morning.
The chilly air carried the strong whiff of upcoming winter season, which seemed to be taking its time that year. Yet, the unpleasant weather did not prevent the first curious onlookers to come wandering around the main square in the center of Billings or to gather in humming clusters in front of the saloons. Public executions were nothing extraordinary in the daily city life, but it did not happen every day that Justice Conger sent some criminal with a famous name to the gallows, which naturally attracted public attention.
A tall man in the middle of the square slowly walked around the impressive, wooden construction, apparently satisfied with the result of his overnight work. It was not as stable as permanent gallows would be, but no one ever complained, the least of all those who used it the most. Not that they would have any chance for objections…
At the same time when the hangman climbed up the deadly device to perform its final test, three inconspicuous figures gathered in the narrow street adjacent to the square. Two men - the older one with a strict, wind-swept face covered with a worn hat, the younger in clothes typical for any farmer - helped a hunchbacked old woman to sit on the edge of raised porch of the so far closed carpenter shop. One man leant over the railing next to the woman, while the other remained standing, looking around bored.
“The Court building is just behind that corner,” Ryo spoke in a muffled voice, waving subtly toward the closer end of the street. “In case they use the shortest route to get there from jail, they´ll definitely take him this way.”
Cullen shortly nodded, while still checking their surroundings carefully. “It´s not bad, but only in case that passage on the opposite side is usable as an escape route.”
“It is,” the younger Rider assured him. “There´s an alley leading to the river.”
His companion grimaced: “Perfect. Let´s drown on the run in that bloody cold water.”
Ryo rolled his eyes: “Don´t worry, rusty wolf. There´s a bridge we can use, of course.”
Cullen stared at him: “Will be probably guarded then.”
“Then find another spot suitable for our ambush,” the younger one hissed already annoyed.
“I think this will do,” a quiet, surprisingly young voice sounded from under the shawl protecting the woman´s face from cold.
Ryo grinned: “Thanks for support, chief,” he whispered victoriously.
This time, Cullen kept silent.
“Let´s check the surroundings,” Leo spoke again rather quietly, still feeling uncertain even in his disguise.
“Sure. Let me help you, Grandma,” Ryo, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement, grabbed his elbow.
“Jester,” Leo commented chuckling, but pretending weakness, he accepted the offered help.
“Anyway, we need to make this insanity work real quick,” Cullen assumed flatly, as they started walking toward the crossroads slowly. “Must not hesitate or we´re doomed along with that stupid ass.”
“Calm down, Cullen, you´re making me nervous,” Leo reproached him. “We can do this.”
“Yeah, we went through the whole plan like ten times,” Ryo reminded caustically.
“I suspect I´ll manage to stay calm only in my grave,” the worried Rider murmured.
The younger one hissed at him: “Come on, this kind of talk now?”
“I´m too old to change my ways, kid.”
“Be so kind and don´t kid me-”
“Hey, guys,” Leo cut off their hushed arguing. “Don´t you think it´s kind of crowded around here?”
Ryo made way for the bunch of kids who were chasing each other shouting, and then his eyes focused on the spacious square.
“Well… A bit?” he commented the scattered Billings´ citizens in front of them.
The gloomy alteration, which they noticed only seconds later, made all three of them stood on the spot.
“And that ugly thing was not here two days ago,” Ryo stared at the new portable gallows and shivered. “Damn, it´s creepy.”
Leo raised his head and looked around with a bad hunch. His eyes widened at the sight of announcement posted on the nearest wall.
“No…” he whispered horrified.
“What´s up?” Ryo turned to him, as well as Cullen.
When Leo raised his hand, it was shaking as he pointed at the announcement. “We´re late…”
Confused, Ryo eyed on the Supreme Court notice about the execution and gasped: “No way! They already sentenced Jin to death?”
“For all saints, can´t you hush yourself a bit?” Cullen scolded him harshly.
Ryo was so shocked that he forgot to get offended. “But… the trial…” he stuttered. “It should be today…”
“They probably concealed the real date on purpose, not to create much commotion,” the older Rider assumed, frowning darkly.
“We must get him out of the prison then!” Leo blurted out in a forcefully hushed voice, forgetting about his role.
Cullen grabbed his elbow and pulled him back to the narrow alley, with dumbfounded Ryo following them. The Rider checked if no one was paying them attention first and then he fully focused on his young leader.
“Listen to me, Leo. That office is like a fortress; they didn´t leave anything to chance. Moreover, they´ll be especially wary today. We might be forced to kill all the guards just to get inside!”
Still unable to control himself, Leo shook his hands off. “During the execution, there will be even more people around! We must do it, while he´s still in there!”
For a long while, Cullen stared at him wordlessly. When it came to his older sibling, their leader was apparently losing all his usual reason. “That would be suicide,” he pointed out stiffly then.
“The moment of surprise will give us an advantage,” Leo insisted stubbornly.
Ryo also took a breath for objections: “Chief, Cullen´s right, we can´t just…”
“Exactly, we can´t! We can´t just let them hang him!” Leo urged desperately. “We will figure something out! We must try at least! Please, guys!”
Cullen and Ryo exchanged a resigned look.
“I won´t let my brother die like this! Not for the things I did!” Leo continued unhappily. “I wouldn´t be able to live with it.”
Sighing, Cullen leant over the wall and Ryo just stood there shaking his head. None of them knew what to say.
“Please… Help me out, even if it would be for the last time.”
***
His clenched fist hit the dark ground on the riverbank, sending the shake from the hard impact up to his shoulder. Yet, Kame was not relieved one bit.
“We can´t just linger here for no reason!” he insisted fiercely. “Help me up to the saddle!”
His blood brother reached out to him, but his hands were not ready to grab him - they were holding a steaming mug instead. “Here. Drink this.”
Kame glared at him: “I´m telling you, I´m fine, Liwan.”
The Indian did not even blink, not moved by his arguments. “Your leg not fine.”
“What?” he snapped. “How can you…?”
“We all can tell,” surprisingly, Koki was the one who interrupted him. “You overdid it, Kame-chan. You need proper rest.”
Jane, sitting by the fire right next to the other Rider, turned to him as well: “Until you´re able to get up on your own, there´s no chance we can continue.”
Kame kept fuming for a while longer, before he finally gave up. They were right. His leg was red and swollen and it hurt like hell, he could not even sleep properly. They were already so close to Billings, yet still half a day of travel away at least, and he was not able to scramble up to the saddle. He had tried like four times.
“Damn it…” he breathed out heavily.
“No cursing. Drinking,” Liwan scolded him, pushing the mug with herbal tea under his nose.
Tired and grateful for having such friends around, Kame accepted the hot liquid with a quiet thanks.
“We can make it,” Koki noted suddenly. “We just have to believe it.”
Sipping the bitter tea, Kame did not react. He would love to have such a faith, but even though he tried hard, he could not overcome that dark fear filling up his guts so easily.
***
“Akanishi. It´s time.”
Jin allowed himself a few more seconds in dark privacy, before he opened his eyes slowly and sat up. ´Finally´ was the only word coming up in his mind, as he saw the group of armed men in front of his cell.
“Stand up and turn to the window,” Sheriff Brady instructed him strictly.
He obeyed without a word. As they unlocked, surrounded him and chained his hands, he kept watching the faint rectangles of light behind the bars outside. It seemed to be a gloomy, cold day, no better or worse for dying like any other. Just like the day when he lost Kazuya and a gaping hole opened in his broken heart.
Jin almost smiled. Soon, just a few more lonely minutes to bear, and he might be able to see him again…
*
The expression on the young man´s face made Brady stare at him even more confused than he already was.
When he came to check up on Akanishi in the morning, the convicted man was sleeping like a baby. A strange thought occurred to the sheriff seeing the prisoner like that - only someone with clear conscience would be able to sleep this calmly right before his execution. Either Jin Akanishi felt no guilt for all those crimes he confessed to or he was lying through his teeth all this time.
Not to mention that peaceful, almost smiling expression on his face when they led him out of his cell in chains. It was almost as if Akanishi was looking forward to his last walk under the open sky.
The question was almost literally burning on the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he just swallowed it down. It was not his place to question Conger´s judgment.
“Let´s go,” he ordered flatly, once his men secured the prisoner, eager to settle the matter as soon as possible.
*
John Walker was standing on the veranda of Sheriff´s Office frowning, the cold wind ruffling his long coat, as he watched the street. He hated how things ended up for Jin Akanishi. It was a shining example of injustice towards the young gunslinger, from both the destiny and other people. The strong urge to do something about it was haunting the captain ever since their encounter in jail.
Two days ago, he contacted the Marshals´ Office, but its local leader Botkin brushed off his arguments. He had also tried to speak with Associate Justice Conger before the trial, but his cocky secretary did not even allow him to see the man without the pre-arranged meeting.
Inside the cold courthouse, when John listened to that harsh sentence without justification, he actually realized what Augusta had meant by being unable to be glad about Akanishi´s arrest…
Then, he got that idea. There might have been a way to stop the unfair execution. It was a faint hope, but worth trying. Yet, it was not up to him anymore, he could do nothing more than to send that letter and wait if its delivery would fulfill his expectations.
The sharp sound of a whip and of a rapidly approaching carriage alerted his subordinates walking alongside the building. All tense, he looked in that direction as well. It took a few seconds until he was able to recognize the person driving the roofless coach.
John could not help but smile. So, she really came.
A neatly dressed wagoner stopped the horses right in front of the strictly guarded building. Naturally, it did not please the soldiers present on duty.
“Hey! You can´t stand here now, Mister!” the tallest one of all the blue uniforms shouted out commandingly. “Take it somewhere else!”
The wagoner eyed the group of upset guards; he calmly secured the reins and turned to the female passenger sitting in the coach.
“We seem to be in the right place, Mother.”
“Indeed,” the woman with quite a complicated hairstyle nodded. “Thank you, Nathaniel.”
“Move it right away!” once again, the soldier yelled, raising the rifle. “By name of the US…” a firm hand on his shoulder buried the rest of words in the man´s throat.
“That´s all right, Lieutenant,” Captain Walker stated. “I expected this visit.”
“Sir…?” his subordinate looked at him confused, but forgot about any other protests once he saw his superior nodding firmly.
John left the dumbfounded soldiers behind and approached the carriage to open the small door for the elegant lady in rich, blue dress with black laces. She accepted his hand and got out, accompanied by apparently admiring glances from all the men around.
“What a lovely sight you are today, Madame,” John welcomed her flatteringly.
A warm smile spread on Augusta Tabor´s lips. “Thank you, Captain. Am I not late, I hope?”
“I dare say your timing is perfect,” he assured her. Then the captain raised her satin-gloved hand to his lips and kissed it, keeping it close for a bit longer than was necessary.
Augusta´s eyes were shining as he looked up to them again.
“I´m glad to hear that,” she reacted softly and then turned to the office building, her back almost imperceptibly straightening up. “Shall we do this, then?”
John offered her his arm: “I´m right behind you.”
*
Even though Sheriff Brady liked his job and was a man of reason, he still could not help but sense something wrong about what they were about to do with their strange prisoner. Therefore, he was somewhat lost in thoughts, when the main door to his office suddenly opened. Two people entered and the group of guards with the convict in their midst stopped in the middle of the room a little sooner than he did, when the most unexpected person stood in their way.
“Good day, gentlemen,” the important-looking woman in front of them spoke in a firm, calm voice and glanced at his chest with the shining star, before focusing her sharp gaze on his face. “You must be Sheriff Brady, I assume.”
He just managed to nod blankly.
“Great. Then I must request you to stop this absurdity this very moment.”
Brady literally gaped at the apparently rich and noble lady, whose presence in his office was something quite surprising. For the short moment, he considered dreaming a slight option for this unusual situation, while his men stood there in surprised silence as well. Then Sheriff looked behind the beautifully dressed figure, finally noticing John Walker there, with his hands clasped behind his back calmly, as if nothing extraordinary was going on. The sight of an old friend gave him some balance back.
“What´s the meaning of this, John?” he requested explanation harshly. “Aren´t your men supposed to guard the front entrance and prevent any stranger from entering?”
To his astonishment, the captain just stood there with the strangest expression on his face, while that woman spoke again instead.
“Are you trying to ignore me, Mister?” she asked flatly. “That would be most unwise of you.”
Brady frowned, already getting upset. “Madame, I don´t know who you are or what you want here, but we´re in the middle of doing justice here, so I must ask you to leave.”
“It is because of that mentioned justice why I am here, Sheriff. However, it was rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Augusta Tabor. And I came here to prevent you from doing the greatest mistake.”
Brady blinked and his stomach tightened with anxiety.
Thanks to his sheriff position, he knew Tabors. He had already heard dozen of rumors about their fairy-tale wealth. He was also aware that their - quite popular - son was currently living in Billings. Even though their influence mainly applied to Colorado, they were supporting many important people in Montana as well. It was not a good idea to mess up with them.
“Hey, woman,” Hank behind his back apparently could not take it any longer. “It wouldn´t matter even if you were a queen. We´ve got an execution to perform, so get out of our way.”
Mrs. Tabor raised her neat eyebrows. “Your attitude is most unkind, Mister,” she noted calmly, yet sharply.
“Come on, this is ridiculous!” Hank burst out while Brady was furiously trying to figure out the best words to remedy such insolence.
“I would say so, as well,” their unexpected visitor reacted swiftly. “Not even offering the fragile woman some hot tea in this awfully cold weather.”
John Walker seemed as if something amused him and even though he was covering it up well, Brady would bet he knew what it was. This lady seemed anything but fragile to him.
Hank stepped forward threateningly. “Are you kidding? Does she kid us, boss?”
Brady turned around sharply: “Shut the hell up, Hank,” he growled strictly, giving him the hard look. “Just shut it. Right now.”
His subordinate stared at him, but remained silent.
Then Brady´s eyes fell upon their prisoner. Uncommonly, Jin Akanishi finally seemed to be interested in something. He was staring at the pair standing in front of them in a maybe even more hostile way than his men were.
Deciding to face the situation head on, the sheriff took a deep breath and turned back to Augusta Tabor.
“What do you mean by that mistake, Madame?”
“That you want to hang this young man.”
“Why so?”
“Because he is innocent,” Mrs. Tabor stated with absolute certainty.
Brady was not even surprised anymore, he had his suspicious himself, but nothing could prevent him from doing his job right. He straightened up, holding onto his composure, as he spoke again.
“With all the respect, it´s not your place to judge him. Justice Conger is the one who decided about the fate of this man.”
“Oh, sure,” she nodded almost cheerfully. “I am quite certain he´s already on his way here.”
Such a statement unsettled Brady again. “What? Why would he…?”
The loud steps interrupted his words, followed by the sharp knocking and even more people entering his office. One of Walker´s soldiers opened the door wide for the judge, his secretary and for two men in Marshals´ clothes - Alexander Botkin wheeled into the office in his wheel chair alongside his frowning son. Once again, Sheriff Brady ran out of words.
“Somebody needs to explain to me what the hell is going on!” the usually composed judge approached them while waving with some piece of paper upset.
“Everton!” Augusta Tabor greeted him with the smile so bright it made the court secretary blush and avert his eyes. “Long time no see!” she stepped in the way of Justice Conger nonchalantly.
“Augusta…” the old man seemed to remember his good manners as he took the woman´s hand. “Years have no effect on you. You look stunning, indeed.”
“You flatter me too much, Everton.”
Better and better, Brady thought gloomily. Those two seemed to be more than very good acquaintances.
The strong wheels squeaked on the dusted floor.
“I hate to interrupt your reunion, but I demand an explanation as well,” Marshal Botkin gritted through his teeth, apparently not sorry about the interruption at all. “This man,” he pointed at grimly looking Akanishi, “is currently supposed to be standing under the gallows. Why is he not there?”
Remembering their current issue, Conger straightened up: “Yes, it is great to see you, Augusta, but I´m rather confused. I received your message, which I don´t quite understand,” he shook with the crumpled paper again.
“Let me tell you straight away, Everton,” Augusta Tabor took up the word again. “Jin Akanishi is an innocent man. You can´t condemn him to death.”
Justice Conger stared at her wordlessly.
“How can you be so sure about that, Ma´am?” Marshal was maybe trying to be polite, yet he literally growled at her. Well, naturally, Brady assumed that the man was probably the most upset about this sudden fuss.
“Oh, I will gladly explain it to you all, gentlemen… Could I take a seat, please?”
Captain Walker was on the way to her with Brady´s chair even before the sentence was finished. Augusta thanked him with a smile and still so gracefully sat down in the very middle of the room, with all eyes on her. She soothed out her dress and started talking calmly.
“I arrived to the city just recently, a few weeks ago, to see my newborn grandson. Captain Walker here was so kind to accompany me on this dangerous travel from Colorado. Unfortunately, we encountered some serious troubles on the way,” Mrs. Tabor continued in bit quieter, serious voice. “In Wyoming, we were attacked by red savages and almost all our companions got killed. And it was back then, when I was saved by the Black Riders themselves.”
Not even a sudden Indian attack on Billings would have the same effect on the present men as Augusta´s statement had. Sheriff Brady, Justice Conger and Marshal Botkin - it shocked all of them and made them gape at the woman wordlessly.
“That is why I´m sure about Jin Akanishi´s innocence. I met their leader in person. I saw and talked to him just as I talk to you. And this man is not him,” the woman concluded sharply.
“The Black Riders… they saved you?” Botkin was the first to ask, quite incredulously.
“Yes,” Mrs. Tabor nodded. “I got separated from Captain Walker. Those Indians were chasing after me, when the Riders appeared and shot them all down. I was surprised as much as you are, Marshal. That they were capable of such a chivalrous act, since they are all known to be merciless gangsters and burglars. However, I can swear this - not being for the Black Riders and their young leader Leo Akanishi, I would not be here in front of you now.”
“I… I´m not sure what to say,” Justice Conger was apparently at loss.
“That is understandable,” Augusta comforted him in a kind tone.
From a sudden impulse, Brady turned to the prisoner still standing in the tight circle of his men. Akanishi seemed to be just as surprised as they all were, but also somewhat angry.
“Madame?” he turned to Mrs. Tabor thoughtfully. “How can you know those men were the said gang? Nobody knows how they look like except their leader´s face.”
The noble woman gave him an indulgent smile: “Well, it was not my first encounter with them, Sheriff. Back in Leadville, I caught them trying to rob our safe, where I could see them from a closer distance than I even liked. It was almost ridiculous - in the first moment, they did not even realize, whose life they saved. Only later, they remembered, just as I did. You see, meeting a bunch of riders in black on the way away from Colorado? Who else could it be?”
Augusta Tabor shifted her gaze for the tiniest moment and looked at Walker standing by her side all that time.
“Moreover, they revealed themselves,” she added then. “There was no point in denying their identity, when I figured it out.”
“And they let you go? Just like that?” the ice-cold question came from Marshal Botkin.
Mrs. Tabor looked straight at him. “That´s one of the reasons I rushed here to confirm the truth once I heard about the execution of the Black Riders´ leader. Back then, they put me to sleep and moved me to the wasteland. But - they gave me some supplies, even cash and instructions how to get to the nearest town. They did not want to kill me; they just wanted to be safe first. So, to answer your question, Marshal - yes, they saved my life and then they let me go even though they knew who I was.”
“Why didn´t you report it once you had the chance then?”
She raised her eyebrows: “You´re saying that I should have paid them for their kindness by sending the bounty hunters after them? You can´t be serious, Marshal.”
Botkin grunted something, probably a bit ashamed.
“I strongly believe they´re on the redemption road,” the woman stated with conviction. “As far as I was concerned, there was nothing to report.”
Marshal frowned: “No matter what good deeds they might have done, it would not erase their crimes.”
“I´m aware of that, Marshal,” she agreed. “Nevertheless, if this would be Leo Akanishi, I would still intercede for him to Justice to have mercy, since I owe him and his gang my life. Since he´s not, I ask you to cancel this whole horrible thing entirely.”
“We cannot set him free so easily! Just because you say so! You cannot know what he actually did or not. He confessed!” Botkin insisted, hitting the armrest of his chair.
Augusta Tabor gave him the most annoyed look and slowly got up on her feet.
“Is that so? In that case, if I told you that I cooperated with Black Riders to rob my husband and willingly handed them over the property deed for his silver mine, would you arrest me and sentenced me without any evidence as well?” she asked in an accusing tone.
Marshal gulped down, a bit stunned by her argument: “Madame, this is not about you…” he opposed feebly.
“It is about everyone here!” she interrupted him sharply. “Justice should serve everyone. Should be equal to everyone! Is that not right, Everton?”
The addressed man ruffled his beard sheepishly: “Well… Essentially, I agree with you.”
“Why would he do it then?” Marshal did not want to give up. “Why would Jin Akanishi confess to everything if he did not do it?”
“Oh, dear Marshal…” Augusta eyed him sympathetically. “I suppose it´s hard to believe for you, but even criminals have families. I assume he´s just trying to protect his younger brother. Would you have not done the same for your son if you could?”
There came a short silence after her prompt.
One after another, all of them looked at the man in question. Jin Akanishi was just standing there motionless, yet it was apparent he was thrown out of balance as well.
“I know you, Everton. You would have never sent an innocent man to death.”
The judge returned Mrs. Tabor´s serious gaze, before he sighed. “Let´s say you´re right, Augusta. But I don’t think this young man knows nothing about the whole matter. We must interrogate him again. He might know about his brother´s whereabouts.”
For the first time, Augusta paused, before replying: “Sure, I understand… Would you allow Captain Walker to be a part of it then?”
“Why him?” the man wondered. “Why should he be there?”
“If I may speak for myself, sir, I´ve got some history with this Akanishi,” Captain Walker spoke out politely. “Actually, he had been helping us out in the past. It would be a great loss if you executed such a good man.”
Justice Conger finally nodded: “All right… I agree.”
“Thank you, sir,” Captain Walker reacted seriously.
“Thank you, Everton,” Augusta Tabor joined him smiling again.
Only Marshal did not seem to be convinced. “Sir, if you allow me…”
“I´ve heard enough, Botkin,” Conger stopped him with a raised had. “Unchain him, but take him back to his cell. I wish to interrogate him myself tomorrow.”
Sheriff Brady stood there motionless for a short while, before he gestured his men in a surrendered way. Still rather confused, they obeyed his order and wanted to lead Akanishi away, but the prisoner stood there rooted to the floor.
“Hey, don´t you dare make troubles now,” Hank growled.
Akanishi still resisted their grip though and focused his dark eyes on Mrs. Tabor and Walker. “Why?” he uttered hoarsely. “Why did you get involved in this? Why do you even care?”
Madame Tabor eyed him thoughtfully, before approaching a little closer. “Do not be mistaken, Mr. Akanishi. I don´t know you and your well-being is none of my concern. I simply care for the truth.”
He stared at the determined woman, before shifting his gaze to the captain standing right behind her.
“And you?”
The captain almost imperceptibly shrugged: “It was the right thing to do. I assume you might know a bit about it, Akanishi.”
*
“Okay… This isn´t even funny anymore,” anxious Ryo turned to Cullen. “Are you sure this is the right building?”
The older Rider gave him a scornful look: “Do you see that notice above the door?”
“Yeah...”
“Then don´t ask stupid questions.”
“Very funny…” Ryo growled.
“I´d very much like to know what´s going on inside as well,” their leader joined the quiet discussion in the shadow of a huge oak tree, which grew opposite the Sheriff´s Office building.
“Yeah, even I must admit that I´ve never seen such a parade,” Cullen noted caustically.
It had been a parade indeed. Sheriff´s men would be one thing, but together with US Army soldiers, Marshals and even guards from the Court? They had been planning to get inside somehow and counted with some resistance, but this was too much for three poor Riders.
“We´re done before we even started,” Ryo commented gloomily.
“Let´s wait and see what happens…” Leo murmured thoughtfully.
His black-haired friend eyed him surprised: “Aren´t you kind of calm all of the sudden?”
“It´s just a feeling… I don´t think that Walker and Madame Tabor went inside without a good reason,” he explained hesitantly.
“Well, maybe you are right,” Cullen informed him. “Look.”
“I´m still confused…” Ryo scratched his head, watching the hastily leaving Marshals and the apparently pleased couple, who appeared outside right after them.
“I´ll check it out,” Leo stated decisively. “They won´t recognize me like this.”
“Leo! Wait!” Ryo tried to pull him back, but the hunched figure of an old lady was already passing the street. “Shit…”
“Dear God, I really wonder who of them is more troubles - the younger or the older one?” Cullen shook his head in disbelief.
Ryo sighed: “It seems to me that the worst of all is the combination of both…”
*
“You were quite persuasive. Even in details which were not exactly true...”
An amused look of shining eyes focused on the calm man. “John… Are you implying I lied to all those man of law in their faces?”
Captain Walker returned Mrs. Tabor´s gaze warmly: “I would not dare…”
“Good.”
Justice Conger went outside the office as well, joining the pair on the veranda.
“Well, this turns out to be a rather interesting day,” he stated while altering his expensive coat. “Augusta, let me invite you for lunch, I´d like to hear everything you know about that gang.”
“Sure, Everton,” she agreed right away. “I have my own carriage… Should I arrive to your office?”
“Yes, I´ll take you to one canteen nearby. See you then. Captain,” the judge parted with them nodding his head and rushed away with his taciturn secretary tailing him.
Augusta once again accepted John´s arm, as he accompanied her down the stairs and to her patiently waiting son.
“Since Justice Conger took you for now, may I see you in the evening?” John asked once they reached the carriage.
“Well, in case Everton will not request my presence anymore, then yes,” she smiled at him brightly.
“Great.”
When John helped Augusta to get on the coach, an old woman passed by them, with a loud tapping of her stick. The sound made the captain glance at her, but found nothing suspicious, so he turned back to the lady, who managed to impress him a lot once again.
“Thank you for coming, Augusta,” he stated seriously then. “Akanishi doesn´t deserve to be hanged more than myself.”
She shook her head: “No need to. I would not be able to let this injustice go.”
“And that´s what I admire about you,” John reacted quietly.
Augusta squeezed his hand that he reached out to her. “See you soon then?”
He nodded: “I´ll be looking forward to it.”
“Nathaniel, please, take me to the Court building. Bye for now… Captain.”
The carriage left with the heavy rumble of its wheels and John intended to return to the office to speak with Brady. He kind of felt he owed the man some explanation. But before that, his eyes fell upon the hunched figure again. The woman was standing on the corner motionlessly, but once she realized his look, she continued walking promptly.
Something indescribable urged John to check her out. He caught up with her after a few fast steps.
“Madame, do you need any help?” he asked politely.
There was only a headshake as a reply, a very sharp one for such an old lady. Even her moves were not so slow and hinged anymore, as she turned into a side alley.
“Wait a moment, please,” John grabbed her shoulder and stopped on the spot surprised. It was a firm, slender shoulder of a man. What the…?
“Not a move, Captain.”
The sharp words from behind his back made him freeze. He stood there not exactly surprised, when then the tall black-haired youngster appeared by the fake old lady´s side.
“Turn around.”
He obeyed and once again, he found himself standing in front of the impressive barrel. The eyes of the man holding it were stabbing him sharply. John slowly raised his hands in the air.
“Well, I had a hunch you might appear. I had no idea how right it was,” he commented the three Riders presence calmly. He had no doubt about identity of the person in disguise of an old woman.
They exchanged meaningful looks, probably wondering if it was wise to get rid of him fifty yards away from the Sheriff´s Office. He did not consider wise to let them think about it too long.
“If you´re here to get Akanishi out of jail, I strongly recommend you not to even try,” John warned them seriously.
“Keep your advices to yourself,” not surprisingly, the Rider called Cullen growled.
Already with his back straight, Leo Akanishi moved and stood in front of him, eyeing John cautiously from under the shawl.
“What´s going on with my brother?” he asked tensely.
“Well, for now, he´s safe from the gallows,” John replied calmly. “He will be interrogated again tomorrow.”
“Really?” the other Rider - called Ryo, if John remembered correctly - breathed out excited.
“Why the sudden change?” Leo Akanishi wondered suspiciously.
“Madame Tabor guaranteed for his innocence, as well as me.”
The Riders stared at him for a while.
Then the oldest of them snapped incredulously: “Why in the hell would you do that?”
“First, because Jin isn´t the real leader of Black Riders, as we all know,” John reacted caustically. “And secondly, because I owe you…”
Leo Akanishi looked into his eyes, when he spoke again: “Are you willing to help us then?”
“Leo! What do you think you…”
“Not now, Cullen,” the young leader cut his older companion off. “Will you help us, Captain?”
John Walker returned the hopeful, intense gaze, realizing that there was no turning back anymore. Already in the moment when he was writing that message for Augusta, he knew…
He lowered his hands slowly. “I cannot release him, if that´s what you mean, that would be the end of my career…”
Leo Akanishi scrunched up his face in disappointment.
“…but I can get you inside, Akanishi,” John added meaningfully.
“How?” the young Rider breathed out tensely.
He grinned a little: “Well, your companions will not like it...”
- To be continued -