[Fanfic] Red West III. - Chapter eighteen
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: For anyone still out there reading this story - the next chapter...
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 //
Anxiety
Jin hesitated. Now he realized that the intruder´s voice sounded really familiar to him, but it did not quite match his appearance. He had to make sure who he was really dealing with.
“Don´t move, got it?” he ordered harshly.
“Yes! Absolutely clear!” the black haired one assured him right away. “Just look at me first, okay?”
Keeping his revolver steadfastly aimed at the man´s head, Jin made a step aside and then forward in order to see him from the front. The expressive, dark brown eyes looked up to meet Jin´s glare and a cheeky grin spread across the well-known, round face.
“Well?” the alleged thief winked at him.
Jin breathed out and let his hand holding the gun fall down to his hip. Then he finally snapped: “You idiot! What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Is this how you welcome your dearest buddy?” Koki Tanaka reacted with an exaggerated aggrieved expression.
“Have you lost your brain along with that sunshine hair? I could´ve just shot you in the head, dumbass!”
“Nah, you wouldn´t,” the formerly blonde Black Rider assumed with incredible confidence and leant over the plate he had been eating from again.
Jin frowned and snatched it away right under Koki´s nose: “This is… was my lunch!”
“And it was good!” that bastard commented with a satisfied smile. “You cooked or Kame-chan? And where is he anyway?”
“Not at home, as you´ve probably noticed,” he replied caustically.
“How comes?” Koki asked worriedly. “What did you do to him?”
“What? Nothing!” Jin dropped the almost empty plate back on the table with a thud. “Damn it, I´m the one asking questions here! How did you find our house?”
Koki didn´t seem in the least bothered by Jin´s threatening expression, as he nestled in the chair, patting his full belly: “I´ll gladly explain to you this mystery, dear friend. But first, don´t you have some beer around? I´d like to drink a bit after that great meal.”
Jin snorted: “No free bar here, buddy. If you want beer, drag your annoying ass to the city,” he recommended the unexpected guest sharply and grabbed the pot to pour some water in it.
“Never mind,” Koki shrugged with a calculating smile. “Coffee will be enough.”
Jin carefully returned the can with coffee beans on the shelf above the stove and then turned back to him with a very similar expression: “Unless I drown you in it first.”
***
Not counting a couple of mornings with nasty hangover, Kame overslept for the first time in years.
He had intended to set off on the journey back to Bozeman at dawn, but his mind was too distracted to get a proper rest and wake up on time. Escalating troubles in the reservation, his ungrateful position as Indian Agent, which forced him to be anywhere else but with Jin most of the time, and last but not least, the constant confrontations with Cameron Henderson - all of it took a toll on him.
As for the Indians, it was highly probable that their situation would only go from bad to worse, which meant that Jin´s reasons for being annoyed with his job would not go away so easily. And regarding their private war with the new owner of Karnaka´s lands, Kame had a haunting feeling that Creepy Cam would not put up with his intervention in the mine operation without any payback. In such a distracted state, he fell asleep only shortly before sunrise.
When he opened his eyes again, the inside of his wigwam was uncomfortably warm as it already bathed in full power of the autumn sun. And to the top of that - some angry voices could be heard outside.
Kame listened to the heated argument for a while, before he sighed and slowly got up. He didn´t bother with dressing up and left the wigwam only in leather vest and pants. The grass under his bare feet was pleasantly cool and the fresh air helped him to clear his head completely. Which - as it seemed - he definitely needed.
A small group of Indian warriors stood near the lake, apparently divided into two parts, which were opposing each other. One of them - the smaller one - was led by Kame´s blood brother, the other by a muscular huntsman.
“We free now! Why cannot go?!”
“As I said already - we can go out hunting, but only with next sunrise! Nayati knows what was agreed in Fort. Wait one day!”
Kame walked toward Nayati and Liwan, who stood there like two stubborn buffalos, pessimistically wondering if there was anything more he could say - apart from what he already did the day before - to persuade them not to seek unnecessary troubles.
“Bah! No need permission!” the hunter insisted angrily.
“You destroy everything Kame achieved for us!” Liwan´s reaction was not even a bit calmer.
“Palefaces just promises!” Nayati shouted so loudly that it carried all around the village. “No real deeds! All lies! My village, my family, also were promised! And now…! They dead!”
Kame wanted to cut in and try to calm the situation down, but hearing the Indian´s words, he stopped dead in his track. Nayati was right. There were so many Indians who could confirm this statement and tell the very same story. For decades, the indigenous people of America had so many bad experiences with the white nation... How could he alone persuade them that not everyone was like that?
Then he caught Liwan´s unhappy, but at the same time trusting look and finally took a breath to speak: “This time it will be different, Nayati.”
The Indian turned away from his opponent and stabbed him with burning eyes: “How you know?” he pointed an accusing finger on him. “You on Palefaces side!”
Determined Kame moved a little closer, maintaining both his posture and voice calm and firm: “Listen. I have the necessary authority now and I can improve conditions in the reservation for you all as much as possible. I promise that I will…”
Nayati jerked. In an instant, he stood right in front of Kame: “No more false promises!” he hissed, towering above him.
Kame had to suppress the urge to step back, not feeling comfortable with his personal space disturbed so threateningly.
“Then what do you want to hear?” he asked harshly, returning the Indian´s dark glare.
“Nothing from you! Dog of Palefaces! Nothing more!”
Kame clenched his fists. He could not help but feel that Nayati was at least partially right. No matter how hard he tried, he was obligated to follow what the Indian Office in Washington decided. White man´s rules had to be followed in each and every reservation, even if they were against the Indians´ belief or habits.
“Nayati, my brother is not liar,” Liwan tried to step in between them, though unsuccessfully, as none of them moved an inch.
The hunter gave one long look to the shaman, then another to his blood brother again. Kame didn´t waver. Although he felt helpless sometimes, recently more often than he would have liked, he still truly believed in what he was trying to accomplish. He had to. Otherwise, what would be the point of his efforts?
Nayati probably noticed some of this resolve in his eyes, as he finally stopped leaning over him and made a step back.
“Maybe true,” he admitted with a short nod. “But he one Paleface. Only one!”
Kame tried to convince him once again: “The one who can do at least something…!”
“No,” Nayati stared right into his eyes. “You. Cannot understand,” he stated coldly.
“I´m just trying…”
“Not enough!”
After this harsh interruption, Kame shut his mouth, finally discouraged by the sad reproach he recognized in the Indian´s voice.
Only Liwan tried for one last time: “Nayati, why you…”
“Not enough,” the Indian repeated stiffly and somewhat bitterly this time. “And Brother of Liwan know that.”
Kame really wanted to protest, to explain this embittered, hurt Indian that their life in the reservation could be a bit better if they tried, but… This time, he just could not find any more words.
*
In the end, Nayati stayed in the village and joined his Indian brothers in training with bows and arrows, probably to release his excessive energy. Unfortunately, it was not thanks to Kame or Liwan. Chief Ninastoko was attracted by their argument and only his words were enough for Nayati to obey.
Kame had packed his things with heavy mind and accepted a little bit of food for the trip from Migisi, but he could not bring himself to leave. Gloomily realizing how dearly he was missing Jin in such moments, he searched his sac and dug out the small flask of whiskey, which he learnt to carry around just in case and sat down on the shore of the Two Medicine Lake.
Not far from his spot, Indian kids were playing in the water, absolutely not minding the growing coldness of early autumn in the mountains. They were shouting happily, unaware of the grown-ups´ worries. It was a long time ago when he was such a child as well. He could not even remember how that felt, being completely free of responsibilities, and also without fear about people around him. Will these children even have a chance to live their lives fully in the future? In this country ruled over by the white settlers? Will they adapt to a completely different way of living or die trying?
Kame played with the full flask in his hands, but did not drink from it yet. Subconsciously, he realized that alcohol would not help to ease up his worries. Nevertheless, it reminded him of sitting on this very place with Jin, during the full moon night, right after the Sun Dance ceremony. When he closed his eyes, he could even feel the firm hands upon himself and the hot, wet lips conquering his mouth… Kame sighed and raised his hand. Only that memory finally made him bring the whiskey into his mouth.
“Kame?” a child´s voice disrupted him from deep thoughts.
He turned around to find the little Indian girl behind his back, observing him hesitantly.
“Beara…” he smiled to encourage her and put the flask aside. “Come here.”
Liwan´s sister remained on the spot for a while, before she suddenly rushed to him and nestled in Kame´s lap. Then she looked at him with her big eyes, still with that strange searching expression in them.
“Why you sad?” she asked so directly it tightened Kame´s throat.
He hugged the little girl with one arm, while supporting himself over the ground with the other: “You know, adult affairs. I´ve got a lot of work and many things I must do, even if I don´t like them. It has been difficult recently.”
Beara frowned, as if she did not believe him.
“You miss Jin,” she said flat out then, making Kame gape at her knowing bluntness.
He couldn´t help but laugh shortly: “Well, that too.”
“Then go,” she told him simply.
“What a smart little girl you are,” Kame reacted softly, stroking her hair. “I´ll hear your advice and leave soon, all right?”
The girl nodded vigorously: “You should. No Jin, you sad. Beara not like it.”
Something invisible pinched Kame´s chest and he had to clear his throat, before he could reply: “I guess you´re right, Beara… But what about you? Are you happy?”
“Hmm…” the girl tilted her head and pouted her lips: “I can help Father and Brother, Migisi not so boring anymore, and playing with others every day also good, so… Yes! Beara happy!”
“That´s good to hear,” Kame smiled.
But then Beara focused on him again: “Why Kame not happy with Jin?”
He returned her questioning gaze confused: “But I am…”
“You not,” Beara insisted.
“I am, really!” surprised Kame wondered just how the girl came to such a conclusion. “After all, I live in a nice house and with the great partner on my side. Blackfeet here are my second family and I also have you and Liwan. I… I have many reasons to be happy,” only now, when he said it aloud, he realized it fully. It was all true. So why he felt so strange at the same time?
“But?” Beara continued with her too grown-up questions.
Kame sighed: “It´s just that I´d like to help your family and the whole tribe more and I can´t.”
Beara thought about his response for a while: “Kame worry too much,” she decided then.
He chuckled bitterly: “Yeah… I hear that a lot.”
The little girl had a solution right away: “Then don´t.”
“It´s not that simple…”
“But Beara not like it.”
“Me neither, believe me.”
“Hmm…
Kame pinched her nose: “You should not worry so much, squirt. I will be fine.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Finally, only then, Beara nodded: “Good. Beara must go… Father lunch soon.”
Kame grabbed the girl under her shoulders and helped her up: “Off with you then,” he hushed Beara fondly.
But the girl made only three quick steps before she turned around and ran back to him: “You met Monster yet?” she asked suddenly.
Kame felt as if she poured a bucket of cold water all over him: “What? What are you talking about, Beara?”
“You know,” Beara clapped her hands impatiently. “I told you about dream Monster. It chased you and Jin.”
For a few seconds, Kame was only able to stare at her, with his stomach squeezed and blood throbbing in his throat.
“You… remember that night?”
The Indian girl nodded: “Of course Beara do! You saw it? Is gone yet?”
Suddenly, Kame felt really strange facing that open, clear look of the child´s eyes, who was obviously somehow convinced there was some lethal danger circling around him and Jin.
“Well… If we meet it, we will fight and defeat it,” he finally managed to reply.
The girl frowned, still not satisfied: “Monster strong. You will beat it? Really?”
“Hey, you think that Jin would let some monster hurt me?” Kame asked in a sudden impulse.
Beara giggled: “No, Jin would not let it,” she agreed and waved. “Bye, Kame!”
“Bye…”
Kame watched the little Indian, as she ran away a bit stunned. Beara was a good girl and her father Shaman was certainly proud of her. And Kame could have brushed her statement away as a child´s story based on a bad dream, but still - he could not chase that weird feeling from his stomach away.
***
The dagger was stabbed into the low branch of a convenient tree, so that he could see at least partial reflection of his face. But just as Leo picked up the razor and lifted it to his cheek, the warm hand circled around his wrist and stopped him. Surprised, he looked at the serious face of his fiancée.
“Maybe you should keep it like this from now on,” she suggested meaningfully.
“What do you…?” Leo started, before he realized what was on Jane´s mind.
Just last night, they had finally reached Montana borders and his face was even better known around there than in Colorado. After all, he was born and grew up in this wild territory. Along the way, they could run into many people, who used to know him in person already before he had joined the Black Riders. It would not hurt to cover his features with some stubble at least. Even though he was pretty far away from growing any proper beard on his chin.
“You´re right,” Leo hid the razor back into its case and with a smile, he pulled his beautiful, smart woman closer. “Thank you, dear.”
“You´re very welcome,” Jane gave in to his hug and pecked his lips softly, awakening Leo´s urge to return under the blankets with her.
“Aww! What a romantic sight right in the morning!”
Leo ignored the amused voice and inconspicuously smacked his fiancée´s butt, before letting her slip from his arms. Jane winked at him and turned to their disheveled companion.
“Stop blabbing and get up already, before Cullen returns and kicks your ass up,” she recommended yawning Ryo sweetly.
“Ah, come on!” the lazy Rider protested and lay on his back again. “We´re not in a hurry to anywhere. For a change. So, I absolutely intend to use this opportunity to slack off.”
“Well, since I´m already here and all ready to kick some asses, you might reconsider that,” the voice of the previously mentioned man was heard, as his silhouette appeared between the trees.
“Oh, no…” Ryo murmured burying his face into the folded coat, which he kept under his head instead of a pillow.
“Incredible,” the older man shook his head. “Either I wonder if I should use a lasso to hold you back or to build a stretcher to drag you behind my horse to get anywhere at all. You should learn the middle way finally,” Cullen stated and dropped the wet containers full of fresh water right into Ryo´s lap.
With a yelp, the younger Rider sat up: “It´s cold, you ruthless wolf!”
“Ah, so sorry, there was no hot spring nearby,” Cullen retorted caustically, before he joined Leo by the small campfire.
Ryo stuck out his tongue: “I´ve already told you to give at least some of your special free time to peaceful breakfast. Without it, you´re as grumpy as a grizzly bear!”
“Still better than to keep whining like a spoiled bear cub,” Cullen assumed.
“Argh!” Ryo pushed the flasks away from his blanket and lied down once again, pulling it over his face.
Leo raised an eyebrow at his older friend: “No point in talking to you this morning?”
Cullen stared at him: “You decided yet? The road or through the mountains?”
All right, the old wolf seems to be in even worse mood than usually… Leo thought.
“Well, mountains can unexpectedly delay us,” he assumed aloud.
“We´ll head for the civilization then?” Jane turned to him from the kettle, which she was balancing near the flames.
“Yes,” Leo nodded. “I´d like to continue along the river to Bridger.”
“Hmm,” Cullen hummed something incomprehensible.
Ryo peeked at them from under his blanket: “You want to stop by home?” he asked curiously and with quite badly hidden expectation.
Leo sighed and shook his head: “There´s no home for me anymore…”
“I´m shocked,” Cullen snorted. “You won´t succumb to any sudden nostalgic urge to check out on your hometown?” he asked caustically.
Leo looked at him honestly dumbfounded, just as Jane, and Ryo burst out: “What´s eating you up, man? Had bad dreams at night or what?”
There was no reply from the dark-aura-emitting man.
“Cullen,” Leo spoke again only after checking the man´s expression carefully. “I thought that you agreed with us leaving Colorado for a while, to let the things calm down and…”
But Cullen interrupted him sharply: “Back then I didn´t know you´d create the hot ground for us over here as well!”
Leo straightened up: “Hey… Is this still about Walker? You know we keep checking the news as regularly as possible. If he or Augusta Tabor talked to the authorities, don´t you think there would be some mention of it already?”
“No,” Cullen snapped. “I rather think he quietly gathered some soldiers and Marshals and set off on our trail.”
“Which is impossible to follow, as you said yourself,” Leo reminded him defiantly.
“You can never be too sure,” the older Rider opposed immediately. “There was only one way to achieve that and you didn´t follow it.”
“Come on, Cullen,” Jane joined the discussion with a persuasive tone as well. “Don´t tell me that your conscience would allow you to go for it and just kill them off. They didn´t do anything bad to us!”
“My conscience?” Cullen repeated and it sounded as if his voice was about to scratch bark from trees. “That was a good one, sweetheart. My whole conscience is kind of occupied. It cares about you two planning some parody of a wedding like: Do you, wanted man, want to marry this wanted woman? Then about this one lazy ass intending to run off to check on a certain idiot, just because he doesn´t think the blonde one can take care of himself, about which he might be actually right. And! Also about other two reckless idiots, who keep promenading right under Silver King´s nose. Not to mention, I don´t even count those two horny boys, who might be already on their death road to lynching without anyone keeping an eye over them. So, you see? All of you just keep seeking troubles and my conscience is ready to do anything necessary to keep you away from them. But that´s it. I can only do that much. Is that clear enough answer for you?”
All three Riders stared at the upset man speechlessly.
“Reckless kids,” Cullen added murmuring and kicked some half-burnt twigs closer to their small fireplace.
“Wow,” wide-eyed Ryo broke the surprised silence first. “That might be the longest talk I´ve ever heard from you, old man.”
“Then remember it properly. It was the first and also the last,” Cullen growled. “Who do you think you are, to question my motives?”
Leo exchanged a short look with his baffled fiancée and cleared his throat: “All right… Well, I admit that sometimes you´ve got your hands full with us.”
“Sometimes?” Cullen emphasized incredulously.
Leo rather decided to ignore it: “Let´s go for a compromise then. We´ll continue the same way as we did so far. But we´ll keep ourselves off the main roads. We can bypass the mountainous area through the foothills and at the same time, we won´t be far from the civilization and the possibilities to replenish our supplies. What do you say?”
Cullen snorted: “No matter what I say you don´t listen.”
The young leader frowned: “That´s bullshit, Cullen and you know it.”
The oldest Rider shrugged: “Maybe, but you do anything you want anyway.”
“I do, but I still count on your advice!” Leo insisted fiercely.
“Fine, fine, let´s go to the north then,” with that Cullen promptly stood up, turned his back on them and walked away to check on the horses.
After a long while, Jane spoke up very quietly: “I knew he was worried, but I didn´t realize how much…”
Leo sighed: “Yeah, the same here. But…” his eyebrows knitted in a concerned wrinkle. “I´ve got a feeling it´s not just that.”
“What else could it be?” Ryo wondered in the same muted voice.
Their leader shrugged a bit hopelessly: “That´s what I don´t know…”
***
The delicately perfumed fabric of dark green dress rustled, as he pulled the rich skirt up and sneaked under it with his right hand. Eagerly exploring, he caressed the warm skin under it and smoothly proceeded further, along the slim thigh. Then he finally reached the hidden spot, which was his so far forbidden goal.
With the blood rushing into his head, he focused two fingers on the softest place under the pubic hair, making the trembling woman in his arms moan. Just that alluring sound made his pants even tighter than they already were.
The pink lips whispered his name huskily, as his fingers kept moving, teasingly, purposefully, with clear intention. He couldn´t wait to make those lips moan loudly again and then also press them against his, to muffle those sounds with deep kisses…
The sharp knocking on the thin wood pulled John out of an incredibly pleasant erotic dream.
“Mister! Are you awake? It´s six o´clock!” the young voice came from behind the door of his room.
“Yeah… Got it,” John murmured annoyed, even though he really demanded that the saloon crew would wake him up.
“Mister?” the uncertain voice called again.
He sighed and raised his voice: “Yes! I´m awake. Thank you.”
“You´re welcome,” the errand boy replied and walked away, his quick steps heading to the staircase.
John rolled on his back and covered his eyes in front of the bright morning light. Remembering the dream, which slipped away from him so suddenly, he swore in a low voice.
Oh, God… Just what am I thinking?
It seemed it was about damn time to continue travelling, so that he would be finally properly occupied with something. Anything would be better than this doing nothing, which somehow gave him too much time for thinking and imagining things…
On the other hand, he was about to stay with his female companion alone again, on the long, long way to Montana. Wouldn´t that be even worse for his self-control?
Darn it…
Determined not to let his thoughts stray again to those dangerous places, John got up from the creaking bed and started to get dressed. He was a trained, experienced soldier and considered himself a decent man, who would have never tainted any woman´s reputation. So, he should behave accordingly. Period.
*
Unexpectedly, John found the woman from his dreams already sitting on the veranda of the Occidental Hotel, which happened to be their refuge for the fifth day in a row.
They could accommodate there solely thanks to Augusta´s incredible abilities to negotiate and then they waited for a reply from her - unfortunately still - husband Horace Tabor. Since they both had lost almost everything during the ambush, Augusta had to rely on that cocky man´s goodwill, while John spent quite a lot of awful time dealing with the branch of his bank, which was waiting for the confirmation from their Headquarters in Denver regarding his savings.
Despite the early morning hour, Augusta Tabor was apparently engulfed in a friendly conversation with the local Deputy U.S. Marshal - George Wellman. The man was the one questioning them after they arrived to Buffalo and wanted to report the Indian ambush. The Marshal seemed quite flattered by the attention of the rich lady. John really wondered what they could be talking about, since he couldn´t catch any words thanks to the growing morning rush on the street.
They both noticed him as he approached their small table on the edge of the spacious veranda, which was already humming with voices of businessmen and cattlemen, who were a major part of the city population.
“Good morning, John!” Augusta Tabor greeted him first, her face brightening up.
“´morning, Madame,” John replied courteously and then nodded also towards Marshal Wellman. “You too, Marshal... I must say you two are quite early.”
Augusta laughed shortly, which made her look somewhat younger: “Well, I just couldn´t sleep any longer. Probably excitement from the upcoming journey. And here Mr. Wellman was so kind to keep me company.”
“No need to mention it, Ma´am,” the Marshal shook his head. “I can´t start a day without a cup of proper coffee and your company made it much better.”
“That´s kind of you, Mr. Wellman,” Augusta smiled sweetly.
John already knew that Marshal´s words were not just some polite flattery. In the past week, he had already figured that the man used to occupy this veranda with iron regularity every morning and Augusta had to notice that as well. Maybe that was even the real reason why she got up early, to meet the man… Not to mention that she was already all dressed up in new travelling clothes, which included fitting riding breeches and dark blue shirt covered by leather jacket. This attire revealed much more than any dress she usually used to wear and that fact distracted John a bit again.
Augusta gave him a curious look and he had no courage to return it any longer, so he rather focused on the Marshal, who just spoke to him.
“Captain Walker, I wondered if you didn´t reconsider my offer for some company on your journey to Montana. Quite a dangerous travel awaits you yet.”
“Yes, I´m well aware of that, Marshal,” John replied, crossing hands on his chest. “But after our previous experience, we figured we´ll be more inconspicuous while travelling only in two.”
Marshal shook his head in disagreement: “I see your point, but in case anything happens again - God forbid - you´ll be there alone to protect this noble lady.”
On that, Augusta reacted sooner than John could have: “Mr. Wellman, I have full confidence in Captain´s ability to make sure the rest of our journey will be safe.”
John eyed the suddenly serious woman pleasantly surprised.
Marshal frowned: “I won´t argue with you about that, Madame, but still…”
Augusta interrupted him firmly: “It was my idea to continue further without any escort. I refuse to gamble with any more lives,” she looked up to John with warm shine in her eyes. “It´s more than enough that Captain takes this risk…”
John couldn´t help but smile: “You keep giving me too much credit, Madame.”
“I don´t think so,” Augusta opposed.
“Well, all right,” Marshal shrugged. “Since there´s two of you on me, I guess there´s no point in trying to persuade you. Excuse me now, I must pay attention to my responsibilities,” the man finished his cup of coffee and got up. “It was a great pleasure to meet you, Madame,” he politely kissed back of Augusta´s hand and then gripped John´s for a handshake. “Have a safe trip.”
With that, George Wellman parted with them and his figure merged with the morning bustle.
“Would you finish this kettle of coffee with me, John?” Augusta offered then. “You seem to be in need of some… stimulation.”
Still standing, John carefully returned her observing look: “Why do you say so?”
“Well, it doesn´t look like you slept very well…”
John rubbed his nose in a subconscious gesture, trying to cover his anxiety: “I must admit I didn´t. I had some weird dreams,” he spurted out before he could think about any better reply and sat down in the chair freed by the Marshal.
“Weird?” Augusta raised her eyebrows as she poured him the hot dark liquid into the spare cup.
John looked away and cleared his throat: “Yeah. Thank you,” still feeling Augusta´s close look, he dragged the coffee closer quickly, almost spilling the liquid out.
Augusta took her own cup in hands again, comfortably leaning over an arm rest: “Maybe you´re also a bit nervous from the continuation of our journey?” she suggested.
John stared across the street, wondering if that might be the reason of his imaginative dreams. Was he nervous about staying alone with Augusta Tabor or rather excited? All things considered, what else could it be?
“John? I hope you didn´t reconsider your intention to keep going to Montana with me…” Augusta spoke again hesitantly.
He flinched a bit: “No, not at all. We´ll set off today, as we agreed,” he assured her and sipped from his cup.
Augusta nodded and finally dropped the topic: “All right. Then I´ve got some good news. Look,” she pushed the thick folded paper toward him across the table. “That map we had ordered finally arrived. And even if I don´t understand those things well, it seems to me it´s very detailed and could be quite helpful.”
John stretched out the new map partially, and then nodded appreciatively: “I agree. This is great.”
“I´m glad.”
“How much was it?”
“Let´s keep this in my expenses, all right? I must repay you somehow, dear Captain. You´ve been doing so much for me for free.”
John stiffened a little: “Getting paid for accompanying you was never my intention.”
Augusta blinked, probably realizing how her words sounded like and then reached across the table, placing her warm hand on his elbow: “And I know that very well, John.”
He should have pulled away and he really intended to. Instead, he grasped her fingers, squeezing them in a sudden urge to let her know he understood and had a very high opinion of her as a woman. A faint blush appeared on Augusta´s cheeks, making him remember his awakening… John let her go from his grip hastily and started folding the map again. Then he leant into the chair with coffee in both hands, to keep them busy. Just to be sure.
Augusta seemed a little abashed, and kept very quiet for a long while, observing the passing people on the street.
“There´s one more thing I´d like to say, before we continue travelling together, John,” she spoke so suddenly, he almost spilled the rest of coffee.
“I´m listening, Ma´am.”
She gave him a strict, upset look: “How many times do I have to ask you to drop that?”
John was confused about her reproach first, before he understood and shook his head: “Ah, it seems I must get used to it somehow… Augusta,” he finished softly.
“Better work on that,” she recommended him.
John nodded: “I promise I will.”
“Good.”
“So? What did you want to say, Ma-… Augusta?”
“Well,” she took a deep breath. “Just that I appreciate you refrained from mentioning certain details about that ambush to Marshal Wellman…”
John froze, immediately realizing what Augusta meant. So that was why she started talking with Marshal. She wanted to make sure about what the man knew from him, since John visited the Office more than once during the time they spent in Buffalo. They never talked about Black Riders since the exchange of opinions in Bighorn Forest. Hell, he himself did not know till the last moment what he would actually report and what he would keep in secret. And Augusta didn´t ask. She verified it in another way. Well, he had already figured long ago, that she was a smart woman.
John put the coffee cup aside and looked Augusta in the eye: “I didn´t do it for them,” he stated in a little hoarse voice.
Her eyes widened and she definitely wanted to speak, but he didn´t let her. He couldn´t. Otherwise, he would have started doubting his decision again. John promptly stood up.
“I´ll go to check on our horses. Meanwhile, could you please ask for some breakfast and food for the trip?”
Slowly, Augusta nodded: “Sure, I thought about that too…”
“Thank you,” he replied and turned away from her, feeling like a coward.
- 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: For anyone still out there reading this story - the next chapter...
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 //
Anxiety
Jin hesitated. Now he realized that the intruder´s voice sounded really familiar to him, but it did not quite match his appearance. He had to make sure who he was really dealing with.
“Don´t move, got it?” he ordered harshly.
“Yes! Absolutely clear!” the black haired one assured him right away. “Just look at me first, okay?”
Keeping his revolver steadfastly aimed at the man´s head, Jin made a step aside and then forward in order to see him from the front. The expressive, dark brown eyes looked up to meet Jin´s glare and a cheeky grin spread across the well-known, round face.
“Well?” the alleged thief winked at him.
Jin breathed out and let his hand holding the gun fall down to his hip. Then he finally snapped: “You idiot! What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Is this how you welcome your dearest buddy?” Koki Tanaka reacted with an exaggerated aggrieved expression.
“Have you lost your brain along with that sunshine hair? I could´ve just shot you in the head, dumbass!”
“Nah, you wouldn´t,” the formerly blonde Black Rider assumed with incredible confidence and leant over the plate he had been eating from again.
Jin frowned and snatched it away right under Koki´s nose: “This is… was my lunch!”
“And it was good!” that bastard commented with a satisfied smile. “You cooked or Kame-chan? And where is he anyway?”
“Not at home, as you´ve probably noticed,” he replied caustically.
“How comes?” Koki asked worriedly. “What did you do to him?”
“What? Nothing!” Jin dropped the almost empty plate back on the table with a thud. “Damn it, I´m the one asking questions here! How did you find our house?”
Koki didn´t seem in the least bothered by Jin´s threatening expression, as he nestled in the chair, patting his full belly: “I´ll gladly explain to you this mystery, dear friend. But first, don´t you have some beer around? I´d like to drink a bit after that great meal.”
Jin snorted: “No free bar here, buddy. If you want beer, drag your annoying ass to the city,” he recommended the unexpected guest sharply and grabbed the pot to pour some water in it.
“Never mind,” Koki shrugged with a calculating smile. “Coffee will be enough.”
Jin carefully returned the can with coffee beans on the shelf above the stove and then turned back to him with a very similar expression: “Unless I drown you in it first.”
***
Not counting a couple of mornings with nasty hangover, Kame overslept for the first time in years.
He had intended to set off on the journey back to Bozeman at dawn, but his mind was too distracted to get a proper rest and wake up on time. Escalating troubles in the reservation, his ungrateful position as Indian Agent, which forced him to be anywhere else but with Jin most of the time, and last but not least, the constant confrontations with Cameron Henderson - all of it took a toll on him.
As for the Indians, it was highly probable that their situation would only go from bad to worse, which meant that Jin´s reasons for being annoyed with his job would not go away so easily. And regarding their private war with the new owner of Karnaka´s lands, Kame had a haunting feeling that Creepy Cam would not put up with his intervention in the mine operation without any payback. In such a distracted state, he fell asleep only shortly before sunrise.
When he opened his eyes again, the inside of his wigwam was uncomfortably warm as it already bathed in full power of the autumn sun. And to the top of that - some angry voices could be heard outside.
Kame listened to the heated argument for a while, before he sighed and slowly got up. He didn´t bother with dressing up and left the wigwam only in leather vest and pants. The grass under his bare feet was pleasantly cool and the fresh air helped him to clear his head completely. Which - as it seemed - he definitely needed.
A small group of Indian warriors stood near the lake, apparently divided into two parts, which were opposing each other. One of them - the smaller one - was led by Kame´s blood brother, the other by a muscular huntsman.
“We free now! Why cannot go?!”
“As I said already - we can go out hunting, but only with next sunrise! Nayati knows what was agreed in Fort. Wait one day!”
Kame walked toward Nayati and Liwan, who stood there like two stubborn buffalos, pessimistically wondering if there was anything more he could say - apart from what he already did the day before - to persuade them not to seek unnecessary troubles.
“Bah! No need permission!” the hunter insisted angrily.
“You destroy everything Kame achieved for us!” Liwan´s reaction was not even a bit calmer.
“Palefaces just promises!” Nayati shouted so loudly that it carried all around the village. “No real deeds! All lies! My village, my family, also were promised! And now…! They dead!”
Kame wanted to cut in and try to calm the situation down, but hearing the Indian´s words, he stopped dead in his track. Nayati was right. There were so many Indians who could confirm this statement and tell the very same story. For decades, the indigenous people of America had so many bad experiences with the white nation... How could he alone persuade them that not everyone was like that?
Then he caught Liwan´s unhappy, but at the same time trusting look and finally took a breath to speak: “This time it will be different, Nayati.”
The Indian turned away from his opponent and stabbed him with burning eyes: “How you know?” he pointed an accusing finger on him. “You on Palefaces side!”
Determined Kame moved a little closer, maintaining both his posture and voice calm and firm: “Listen. I have the necessary authority now and I can improve conditions in the reservation for you all as much as possible. I promise that I will…”
Nayati jerked. In an instant, he stood right in front of Kame: “No more false promises!” he hissed, towering above him.
Kame had to suppress the urge to step back, not feeling comfortable with his personal space disturbed so threateningly.
“Then what do you want to hear?” he asked harshly, returning the Indian´s dark glare.
“Nothing from you! Dog of Palefaces! Nothing more!”
Kame clenched his fists. He could not help but feel that Nayati was at least partially right. No matter how hard he tried, he was obligated to follow what the Indian Office in Washington decided. White man´s rules had to be followed in each and every reservation, even if they were against the Indians´ belief or habits.
“Nayati, my brother is not liar,” Liwan tried to step in between them, though unsuccessfully, as none of them moved an inch.
The hunter gave one long look to the shaman, then another to his blood brother again. Kame didn´t waver. Although he felt helpless sometimes, recently more often than he would have liked, he still truly believed in what he was trying to accomplish. He had to. Otherwise, what would be the point of his efforts?
Nayati probably noticed some of this resolve in his eyes, as he finally stopped leaning over him and made a step back.
“Maybe true,” he admitted with a short nod. “But he one Paleface. Only one!”
Kame tried to convince him once again: “The one who can do at least something…!”
“No,” Nayati stared right into his eyes. “You. Cannot understand,” he stated coldly.
“I´m just trying…”
“Not enough!”
After this harsh interruption, Kame shut his mouth, finally discouraged by the sad reproach he recognized in the Indian´s voice.
Only Liwan tried for one last time: “Nayati, why you…”
“Not enough,” the Indian repeated stiffly and somewhat bitterly this time. “And Brother of Liwan know that.”
Kame really wanted to protest, to explain this embittered, hurt Indian that their life in the reservation could be a bit better if they tried, but… This time, he just could not find any more words.
*
In the end, Nayati stayed in the village and joined his Indian brothers in training with bows and arrows, probably to release his excessive energy. Unfortunately, it was not thanks to Kame or Liwan. Chief Ninastoko was attracted by their argument and only his words were enough for Nayati to obey.
Kame had packed his things with heavy mind and accepted a little bit of food for the trip from Migisi, but he could not bring himself to leave. Gloomily realizing how dearly he was missing Jin in such moments, he searched his sac and dug out the small flask of whiskey, which he learnt to carry around just in case and sat down on the shore of the Two Medicine Lake.
Not far from his spot, Indian kids were playing in the water, absolutely not minding the growing coldness of early autumn in the mountains. They were shouting happily, unaware of the grown-ups´ worries. It was a long time ago when he was such a child as well. He could not even remember how that felt, being completely free of responsibilities, and also without fear about people around him. Will these children even have a chance to live their lives fully in the future? In this country ruled over by the white settlers? Will they adapt to a completely different way of living or die trying?
Kame played with the full flask in his hands, but did not drink from it yet. Subconsciously, he realized that alcohol would not help to ease up his worries. Nevertheless, it reminded him of sitting on this very place with Jin, during the full moon night, right after the Sun Dance ceremony. When he closed his eyes, he could even feel the firm hands upon himself and the hot, wet lips conquering his mouth… Kame sighed and raised his hand. Only that memory finally made him bring the whiskey into his mouth.
“Kame?” a child´s voice disrupted him from deep thoughts.
He turned around to find the little Indian girl behind his back, observing him hesitantly.
“Beara…” he smiled to encourage her and put the flask aside. “Come here.”
Liwan´s sister remained on the spot for a while, before she suddenly rushed to him and nestled in Kame´s lap. Then she looked at him with her big eyes, still with that strange searching expression in them.
“Why you sad?” she asked so directly it tightened Kame´s throat.
He hugged the little girl with one arm, while supporting himself over the ground with the other: “You know, adult affairs. I´ve got a lot of work and many things I must do, even if I don´t like them. It has been difficult recently.”
Beara frowned, as if she did not believe him.
“You miss Jin,” she said flat out then, making Kame gape at her knowing bluntness.
He couldn´t help but laugh shortly: “Well, that too.”
“Then go,” she told him simply.
“What a smart little girl you are,” Kame reacted softly, stroking her hair. “I´ll hear your advice and leave soon, all right?”
The girl nodded vigorously: “You should. No Jin, you sad. Beara not like it.”
Something invisible pinched Kame´s chest and he had to clear his throat, before he could reply: “I guess you´re right, Beara… But what about you? Are you happy?”
“Hmm…” the girl tilted her head and pouted her lips: “I can help Father and Brother, Migisi not so boring anymore, and playing with others every day also good, so… Yes! Beara happy!”
“That´s good to hear,” Kame smiled.
But then Beara focused on him again: “Why Kame not happy with Jin?”
He returned her questioning gaze confused: “But I am…”
“You not,” Beara insisted.
“I am, really!” surprised Kame wondered just how the girl came to such a conclusion. “After all, I live in a nice house and with the great partner on my side. Blackfeet here are my second family and I also have you and Liwan. I… I have many reasons to be happy,” only now, when he said it aloud, he realized it fully. It was all true. So why he felt so strange at the same time?
“But?” Beara continued with her too grown-up questions.
Kame sighed: “It´s just that I´d like to help your family and the whole tribe more and I can´t.”
Beara thought about his response for a while: “Kame worry too much,” she decided then.
He chuckled bitterly: “Yeah… I hear that a lot.”
The little girl had a solution right away: “Then don´t.”
“It´s not that simple…”
“But Beara not like it.”
“Me neither, believe me.”
“Hmm…
Kame pinched her nose: “You should not worry so much, squirt. I will be fine.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Finally, only then, Beara nodded: “Good. Beara must go… Father lunch soon.”
Kame grabbed the girl under her shoulders and helped her up: “Off with you then,” he hushed Beara fondly.
But the girl made only three quick steps before she turned around and ran back to him: “You met Monster yet?” she asked suddenly.
Kame felt as if she poured a bucket of cold water all over him: “What? What are you talking about, Beara?”
“You know,” Beara clapped her hands impatiently. “I told you about dream Monster. It chased you and Jin.”
For a few seconds, Kame was only able to stare at her, with his stomach squeezed and blood throbbing in his throat.
“You… remember that night?”
The Indian girl nodded: “Of course Beara do! You saw it? Is gone yet?”
Suddenly, Kame felt really strange facing that open, clear look of the child´s eyes, who was obviously somehow convinced there was some lethal danger circling around him and Jin.
“Well… If we meet it, we will fight and defeat it,” he finally managed to reply.
The girl frowned, still not satisfied: “Monster strong. You will beat it? Really?”
“Hey, you think that Jin would let some monster hurt me?” Kame asked in a sudden impulse.
Beara giggled: “No, Jin would not let it,” she agreed and waved. “Bye, Kame!”
“Bye…”
Kame watched the little Indian, as she ran away a bit stunned. Beara was a good girl and her father Shaman was certainly proud of her. And Kame could have brushed her statement away as a child´s story based on a bad dream, but still - he could not chase that weird feeling from his stomach away.
***
The dagger was stabbed into the low branch of a convenient tree, so that he could see at least partial reflection of his face. But just as Leo picked up the razor and lifted it to his cheek, the warm hand circled around his wrist and stopped him. Surprised, he looked at the serious face of his fiancée.
“Maybe you should keep it like this from now on,” she suggested meaningfully.
“What do you…?” Leo started, before he realized what was on Jane´s mind.
Just last night, they had finally reached Montana borders and his face was even better known around there than in Colorado. After all, he was born and grew up in this wild territory. Along the way, they could run into many people, who used to know him in person already before he had joined the Black Riders. It would not hurt to cover his features with some stubble at least. Even though he was pretty far away from growing any proper beard on his chin.
“You´re right,” Leo hid the razor back into its case and with a smile, he pulled his beautiful, smart woman closer. “Thank you, dear.”
“You´re very welcome,” Jane gave in to his hug and pecked his lips softly, awakening Leo´s urge to return under the blankets with her.
“Aww! What a romantic sight right in the morning!”
Leo ignored the amused voice and inconspicuously smacked his fiancée´s butt, before letting her slip from his arms. Jane winked at him and turned to their disheveled companion.
“Stop blabbing and get up already, before Cullen returns and kicks your ass up,” she recommended yawning Ryo sweetly.
“Ah, come on!” the lazy Rider protested and lay on his back again. “We´re not in a hurry to anywhere. For a change. So, I absolutely intend to use this opportunity to slack off.”
“Well, since I´m already here and all ready to kick some asses, you might reconsider that,” the voice of the previously mentioned man was heard, as his silhouette appeared between the trees.
“Oh, no…” Ryo murmured burying his face into the folded coat, which he kept under his head instead of a pillow.
“Incredible,” the older man shook his head. “Either I wonder if I should use a lasso to hold you back or to build a stretcher to drag you behind my horse to get anywhere at all. You should learn the middle way finally,” Cullen stated and dropped the wet containers full of fresh water right into Ryo´s lap.
With a yelp, the younger Rider sat up: “It´s cold, you ruthless wolf!”
“Ah, so sorry, there was no hot spring nearby,” Cullen retorted caustically, before he joined Leo by the small campfire.
Ryo stuck out his tongue: “I´ve already told you to give at least some of your special free time to peaceful breakfast. Without it, you´re as grumpy as a grizzly bear!”
“Still better than to keep whining like a spoiled bear cub,” Cullen assumed.
“Argh!” Ryo pushed the flasks away from his blanket and lied down once again, pulling it over his face.
Leo raised an eyebrow at his older friend: “No point in talking to you this morning?”
Cullen stared at him: “You decided yet? The road or through the mountains?”
All right, the old wolf seems to be in even worse mood than usually… Leo thought.
“Well, mountains can unexpectedly delay us,” he assumed aloud.
“We´ll head for the civilization then?” Jane turned to him from the kettle, which she was balancing near the flames.
“Yes,” Leo nodded. “I´d like to continue along the river to Bridger.”
“Hmm,” Cullen hummed something incomprehensible.
Ryo peeked at them from under his blanket: “You want to stop by home?” he asked curiously and with quite badly hidden expectation.
Leo sighed and shook his head: “There´s no home for me anymore…”
“I´m shocked,” Cullen snorted. “You won´t succumb to any sudden nostalgic urge to check out on your hometown?” he asked caustically.
Leo looked at him honestly dumbfounded, just as Jane, and Ryo burst out: “What´s eating you up, man? Had bad dreams at night or what?”
There was no reply from the dark-aura-emitting man.
“Cullen,” Leo spoke again only after checking the man´s expression carefully. “I thought that you agreed with us leaving Colorado for a while, to let the things calm down and…”
But Cullen interrupted him sharply: “Back then I didn´t know you´d create the hot ground for us over here as well!”
Leo straightened up: “Hey… Is this still about Walker? You know we keep checking the news as regularly as possible. If he or Augusta Tabor talked to the authorities, don´t you think there would be some mention of it already?”
“No,” Cullen snapped. “I rather think he quietly gathered some soldiers and Marshals and set off on our trail.”
“Which is impossible to follow, as you said yourself,” Leo reminded him defiantly.
“You can never be too sure,” the older Rider opposed immediately. “There was only one way to achieve that and you didn´t follow it.”
“Come on, Cullen,” Jane joined the discussion with a persuasive tone as well. “Don´t tell me that your conscience would allow you to go for it and just kill them off. They didn´t do anything bad to us!”
“My conscience?” Cullen repeated and it sounded as if his voice was about to scratch bark from trees. “That was a good one, sweetheart. My whole conscience is kind of occupied. It cares about you two planning some parody of a wedding like: Do you, wanted man, want to marry this wanted woman? Then about this one lazy ass intending to run off to check on a certain idiot, just because he doesn´t think the blonde one can take care of himself, about which he might be actually right. And! Also about other two reckless idiots, who keep promenading right under Silver King´s nose. Not to mention, I don´t even count those two horny boys, who might be already on their death road to lynching without anyone keeping an eye over them. So, you see? All of you just keep seeking troubles and my conscience is ready to do anything necessary to keep you away from them. But that´s it. I can only do that much. Is that clear enough answer for you?”
All three Riders stared at the upset man speechlessly.
“Reckless kids,” Cullen added murmuring and kicked some half-burnt twigs closer to their small fireplace.
“Wow,” wide-eyed Ryo broke the surprised silence first. “That might be the longest talk I´ve ever heard from you, old man.”
“Then remember it properly. It was the first and also the last,” Cullen growled. “Who do you think you are, to question my motives?”
Leo exchanged a short look with his baffled fiancée and cleared his throat: “All right… Well, I admit that sometimes you´ve got your hands full with us.”
“Sometimes?” Cullen emphasized incredulously.
Leo rather decided to ignore it: “Let´s go for a compromise then. We´ll continue the same way as we did so far. But we´ll keep ourselves off the main roads. We can bypass the mountainous area through the foothills and at the same time, we won´t be far from the civilization and the possibilities to replenish our supplies. What do you say?”
Cullen snorted: “No matter what I say you don´t listen.”
The young leader frowned: “That´s bullshit, Cullen and you know it.”
The oldest Rider shrugged: “Maybe, but you do anything you want anyway.”
“I do, but I still count on your advice!” Leo insisted fiercely.
“Fine, fine, let´s go to the north then,” with that Cullen promptly stood up, turned his back on them and walked away to check on the horses.
After a long while, Jane spoke up very quietly: “I knew he was worried, but I didn´t realize how much…”
Leo sighed: “Yeah, the same here. But…” his eyebrows knitted in a concerned wrinkle. “I´ve got a feeling it´s not just that.”
“What else could it be?” Ryo wondered in the same muted voice.
Their leader shrugged a bit hopelessly: “That´s what I don´t know…”
***
The delicately perfumed fabric of dark green dress rustled, as he pulled the rich skirt up and sneaked under it with his right hand. Eagerly exploring, he caressed the warm skin under it and smoothly proceeded further, along the slim thigh. Then he finally reached the hidden spot, which was his so far forbidden goal.
With the blood rushing into his head, he focused two fingers on the softest place under the pubic hair, making the trembling woman in his arms moan. Just that alluring sound made his pants even tighter than they already were.
The pink lips whispered his name huskily, as his fingers kept moving, teasingly, purposefully, with clear intention. He couldn´t wait to make those lips moan loudly again and then also press them against his, to muffle those sounds with deep kisses…
The sharp knocking on the thin wood pulled John out of an incredibly pleasant erotic dream.
“Mister! Are you awake? It´s six o´clock!” the young voice came from behind the door of his room.
“Yeah… Got it,” John murmured annoyed, even though he really demanded that the saloon crew would wake him up.
“Mister?” the uncertain voice called again.
He sighed and raised his voice: “Yes! I´m awake. Thank you.”
“You´re welcome,” the errand boy replied and walked away, his quick steps heading to the staircase.
John rolled on his back and covered his eyes in front of the bright morning light. Remembering the dream, which slipped away from him so suddenly, he swore in a low voice.
Oh, God… Just what am I thinking?
It seemed it was about damn time to continue travelling, so that he would be finally properly occupied with something. Anything would be better than this doing nothing, which somehow gave him too much time for thinking and imagining things…
On the other hand, he was about to stay with his female companion alone again, on the long, long way to Montana. Wouldn´t that be even worse for his self-control?
Darn it…
Determined not to let his thoughts stray again to those dangerous places, John got up from the creaking bed and started to get dressed. He was a trained, experienced soldier and considered himself a decent man, who would have never tainted any woman´s reputation. So, he should behave accordingly. Period.
*
Unexpectedly, John found the woman from his dreams already sitting on the veranda of the Occidental Hotel, which happened to be their refuge for the fifth day in a row.
They could accommodate there solely thanks to Augusta´s incredible abilities to negotiate and then they waited for a reply from her - unfortunately still - husband Horace Tabor. Since they both had lost almost everything during the ambush, Augusta had to rely on that cocky man´s goodwill, while John spent quite a lot of awful time dealing with the branch of his bank, which was waiting for the confirmation from their Headquarters in Denver regarding his savings.
Despite the early morning hour, Augusta Tabor was apparently engulfed in a friendly conversation with the local Deputy U.S. Marshal - George Wellman. The man was the one questioning them after they arrived to Buffalo and wanted to report the Indian ambush. The Marshal seemed quite flattered by the attention of the rich lady. John really wondered what they could be talking about, since he couldn´t catch any words thanks to the growing morning rush on the street.
They both noticed him as he approached their small table on the edge of the spacious veranda, which was already humming with voices of businessmen and cattlemen, who were a major part of the city population.
“Good morning, John!” Augusta Tabor greeted him first, her face brightening up.
“´morning, Madame,” John replied courteously and then nodded also towards Marshal Wellman. “You too, Marshal... I must say you two are quite early.”
Augusta laughed shortly, which made her look somewhat younger: “Well, I just couldn´t sleep any longer. Probably excitement from the upcoming journey. And here Mr. Wellman was so kind to keep me company.”
“No need to mention it, Ma´am,” the Marshal shook his head. “I can´t start a day without a cup of proper coffee and your company made it much better.”
“That´s kind of you, Mr. Wellman,” Augusta smiled sweetly.
John already knew that Marshal´s words were not just some polite flattery. In the past week, he had already figured that the man used to occupy this veranda with iron regularity every morning and Augusta had to notice that as well. Maybe that was even the real reason why she got up early, to meet the man… Not to mention that she was already all dressed up in new travelling clothes, which included fitting riding breeches and dark blue shirt covered by leather jacket. This attire revealed much more than any dress she usually used to wear and that fact distracted John a bit again.
Augusta gave him a curious look and he had no courage to return it any longer, so he rather focused on the Marshal, who just spoke to him.
“Captain Walker, I wondered if you didn´t reconsider my offer for some company on your journey to Montana. Quite a dangerous travel awaits you yet.”
“Yes, I´m well aware of that, Marshal,” John replied, crossing hands on his chest. “But after our previous experience, we figured we´ll be more inconspicuous while travelling only in two.”
Marshal shook his head in disagreement: “I see your point, but in case anything happens again - God forbid - you´ll be there alone to protect this noble lady.”
On that, Augusta reacted sooner than John could have: “Mr. Wellman, I have full confidence in Captain´s ability to make sure the rest of our journey will be safe.”
John eyed the suddenly serious woman pleasantly surprised.
Marshal frowned: “I won´t argue with you about that, Madame, but still…”
Augusta interrupted him firmly: “It was my idea to continue further without any escort. I refuse to gamble with any more lives,” she looked up to John with warm shine in her eyes. “It´s more than enough that Captain takes this risk…”
John couldn´t help but smile: “You keep giving me too much credit, Madame.”
“I don´t think so,” Augusta opposed.
“Well, all right,” Marshal shrugged. “Since there´s two of you on me, I guess there´s no point in trying to persuade you. Excuse me now, I must pay attention to my responsibilities,” the man finished his cup of coffee and got up. “It was a great pleasure to meet you, Madame,” he politely kissed back of Augusta´s hand and then gripped John´s for a handshake. “Have a safe trip.”
With that, George Wellman parted with them and his figure merged with the morning bustle.
“Would you finish this kettle of coffee with me, John?” Augusta offered then. “You seem to be in need of some… stimulation.”
Still standing, John carefully returned her observing look: “Why do you say so?”
“Well, it doesn´t look like you slept very well…”
John rubbed his nose in a subconscious gesture, trying to cover his anxiety: “I must admit I didn´t. I had some weird dreams,” he spurted out before he could think about any better reply and sat down in the chair freed by the Marshal.
“Weird?” Augusta raised her eyebrows as she poured him the hot dark liquid into the spare cup.
John looked away and cleared his throat: “Yeah. Thank you,” still feeling Augusta´s close look, he dragged the coffee closer quickly, almost spilling the liquid out.
Augusta took her own cup in hands again, comfortably leaning over an arm rest: “Maybe you´re also a bit nervous from the continuation of our journey?” she suggested.
John stared across the street, wondering if that might be the reason of his imaginative dreams. Was he nervous about staying alone with Augusta Tabor or rather excited? All things considered, what else could it be?
“John? I hope you didn´t reconsider your intention to keep going to Montana with me…” Augusta spoke again hesitantly.
He flinched a bit: “No, not at all. We´ll set off today, as we agreed,” he assured her and sipped from his cup.
Augusta nodded and finally dropped the topic: “All right. Then I´ve got some good news. Look,” she pushed the thick folded paper toward him across the table. “That map we had ordered finally arrived. And even if I don´t understand those things well, it seems to me it´s very detailed and could be quite helpful.”
John stretched out the new map partially, and then nodded appreciatively: “I agree. This is great.”
“I´m glad.”
“How much was it?”
“Let´s keep this in my expenses, all right? I must repay you somehow, dear Captain. You´ve been doing so much for me for free.”
John stiffened a little: “Getting paid for accompanying you was never my intention.”
Augusta blinked, probably realizing how her words sounded like and then reached across the table, placing her warm hand on his elbow: “And I know that very well, John.”
He should have pulled away and he really intended to. Instead, he grasped her fingers, squeezing them in a sudden urge to let her know he understood and had a very high opinion of her as a woman. A faint blush appeared on Augusta´s cheeks, making him remember his awakening… John let her go from his grip hastily and started folding the map again. Then he leant into the chair with coffee in both hands, to keep them busy. Just to be sure.
Augusta seemed a little abashed, and kept very quiet for a long while, observing the passing people on the street.
“There´s one more thing I´d like to say, before we continue travelling together, John,” she spoke so suddenly, he almost spilled the rest of coffee.
“I´m listening, Ma´am.”
She gave him a strict, upset look: “How many times do I have to ask you to drop that?”
John was confused about her reproach first, before he understood and shook his head: “Ah, it seems I must get used to it somehow… Augusta,” he finished softly.
“Better work on that,” she recommended him.
John nodded: “I promise I will.”
“Good.”
“So? What did you want to say, Ma-… Augusta?”
“Well,” she took a deep breath. “Just that I appreciate you refrained from mentioning certain details about that ambush to Marshal Wellman…”
John froze, immediately realizing what Augusta meant. So that was why she started talking with Marshal. She wanted to make sure about what the man knew from him, since John visited the Office more than once during the time they spent in Buffalo. They never talked about Black Riders since the exchange of opinions in Bighorn Forest. Hell, he himself did not know till the last moment what he would actually report and what he would keep in secret. And Augusta didn´t ask. She verified it in another way. Well, he had already figured long ago, that she was a smart woman.
John put the coffee cup aside and looked Augusta in the eye: “I didn´t do it for them,” he stated in a little hoarse voice.
Her eyes widened and she definitely wanted to speak, but he didn´t let her. He couldn´t. Otherwise, he would have started doubting his decision again. John promptly stood up.
“I´ll go to check on our horses. Meanwhile, could you please ask for some breakfast and food for the trip?”
Slowly, Augusta nodded: “Sure, I thought about that too…”
“Thank you,” he replied and turned away from her, feeling like a coward.
- To be continued -