Storm to the Past: A Time Travel Western (5 page)

“You’re getting the attention you wanted.”

The crowd was getting bigger and louder.

“I better go talk to them. No. I’ll go by myself.”

“Are you sure you want to go alone?”

“It’ll be okay.”

Adam opened the door, stepped off the boardwalk and headed across the street. The crowd didn’t seem to happy.

“Hello folks I see you must have seen my sign. If you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to answer them.”

The men started to speak, “What do you mean, we can’t have weapons in town anymore? How will we protect ourselves? Why are you doing this?”

“First, let me say, I’m not saying you can’t have guns. I’m saying that you just can’t wear your guns while you’re in town. If everyone drops their guns off at my office while they’re in town, it will eliminate violence. I’m not trying to put any of you in danger. This rule will save lives.”

The men went quiet and Adam heard a few say, “I don’t know. What about Liam and his gang?”

“Let me as your sheriff deal with Liam. I have one of his men in jail as we speak. If Liam and his friend’s won’t abide by the law, I will deal with them. I swear I’ll do all I can to protect you all. I want to make Walton Town a safe community that people will want to move to and see this Town grow, but to do that we need rules to protect everyone.”

The Mayor walks up to Adam and says, “Here you go, Sheriff. Here’s my gun belt. I trust you completely and I know you have my best interest at heart. When I go home today, I’ll stop by and collect my gun then.”

Adam said, “Thank you, Mayor. The rest of the men headed to the sheriff’s office and turned in their guns. Then they went about their business.

Adam went back to the office and put the mayor’s gun in his desk, then put the rest in the cabinet next to his desk. He took a deep breath and let it out.

“Well done, Adam. It’s a great first step. I know you will make a good sheriff.”

“It’s a good start, but now it’s time to patrol the streets and let people know we mean what we said and show them they have nothing to fear and that I’m here to help them.”

“What about Liam?” Nate asked.

“I’ll deal with him, if he steps over the line. Right now it’s time we get out on the street, walk around and meet the people. I’ll go on patrol. Can you check on our guest? See if he’s come to yet and get him some food and water. Just don’t drop your guard around him.”

“Don’t worry, Sheriff. I won’t get that close to him.”

“Good, I’m heading out. I’ll be back later.”

CHAPTER NINE

Leaving the office, Adam headed down the street as the Sun was setting. He looked at the sky and thought it was nice to finally be able to enjoy the sunset for once. As he walked along, he saw the shop keepers shutting up and heading home for the night. He said good night to them and they told him good night. He walked along till he came to the livery stable. He had started to cross the street when he heard a noise. He looked over his shoulder to the right and saw a couple of men sneaking around behind the stable. He cut through the stable, to the back and climbed up the ladder to the hay loft, walked over and opened the loft door. He leaned out, looked down and spotted the two men. He pulled his head back and listened to the men talking. He heard the first man was called Bobby and the other man was Scott.

Bobby was speaking, “Did you hear the plan, Scott? Liam told me we need to send this new sheriff a message.”

“I don’t mind sending him a message,” Scott said. “But killing him. Ain’t that a little crazy? He’s a lawman.”

“You don’t have to think. You just do like you’re told. Besides, no one will know a thing, if we do this right. And after this no one will dare say a thing.”

“So,” said Scott. “Tell me the plan one more time.”

“Jack’s across the street in the alley between the saloon and barber shop. He’s got his rifle ready to go. Me and you will go up to the sheriff’s office, light these torches and throw them through the window. That’ll force them out into the open where Liam will kill him. It will be a done deal when we get back to the saloon and meet up with Liam and get paid for this job. You got it?”

“Okay, I got it.”

Adam shook his head while the men kept talking. He noticed the hoist above their head. He grabbed it, pulling it into the barn quietly. He hooked a bale of hay to it and pushed it back out. He waited till the men were directly under it and then released the bale of hay hitting both men, knocking them to the ground. Adam jumped out of the loft, grabbed the pulley and went down with it. He kicked Scott in the jaw, knocking him unconscious. Then he picked up the stunned Bobby, taking his gun from him and tied him up. Then he helped Scott up and tied him up as well. He told the two men not to worry, that he would be back for you them after I take care of your buddy Jack.”

Adam headed around the stable, staying on the far side of the street out of sight, keeping in the shadows out of the light. It was a full moon and made it hard to not be spotted, but he kept moving till he made it to the barber shop. He peeked down the alley and spotted Jack at the other end. Adam quickly moved past the alley without being seen and headed to the other side of the barber shop. Once there, he climbed up on the railing onto the porch roof and walked quietly to the corner where he could see the entrance to the alley.

He watched as Jack made his way to the alley entrance directly below him. Jack kept looking back and forth waiting for his partners. It looked as though Jack was getting nervous. Adam waited for the right time. When Jack lowered his rifle to peek out in the street again, Adam dove off the roof onto Jack knocking him to the ground. He flipped him over onto his stomach and tied his arms behind his back. Then he lifted him up by his arms as Jack moaned in pain.

“What’s the matter, Jack? Are you in a lot of pain? Too bad. Let’s go.”

Adam picked up Jack’s gun and rifle, walked him over to the jail. He opened the door and shoved Jack through.

“Nate, take this piece of trash and throw him in a cell. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to go get his two buddies.

“You got it, Come on Mr. Big shot.”

“I’ll explain when I get back.”

Nate grabbed Jack by the collar and said, “Come on Jack.” You’re with me now and dragged Jack to the cell kicking and screaming. He untied him, pushed him in the cell and locked the door.

Adam came in with two men and put them in the cell beside Jack.

He locked up all the firearms, then filled Nate in on what had happened.

“Damn man, if this keeps up we’ll run out of room. What are we going to do?”

“I’m going over to see Liam at the saloon.”

“Not a good idea man? Why not wait till morning?”

“No it can’t wait. I need to send a message to him now.”

“Well, you’re not going alone this time.”

“You sure you want to get involved?”

“Let’s go, but I’m not going unarmed.”

“Fine, but be careful.”

“You’re the one going to face a nut without a gun and you want me to be careful?”

“Nate put on a gun belt and grabbed a rifle. “I’m ready.”

They walked across the street toward the saloon. When they reached the doors. Adam stopped Nate.

“Be ready for anything,” he told him.

“I’ll back your play. We go in together and we come out together.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Adam pushed opened the doors and entered the saloon with Nate following close behind. Nate was holding his rifle in his hands.

The saloon was packed. The people looked up at them as they entered. Adam walked to the bar. The bartender asked, “Can I help you Sheriff?”

“You know where Liam is?”

“He’s in the back room playing cards,” nodding his head in the direction of a door.

“Thank you.”

Adam looked at Nate and said, “I’m heading to the back. You watch the stairway. We don’t need any surprises.

Nate nodded, headed to the stairs and leaned up against the wall.

Liam was playing cards with two guys, had a dancing girl sitting next to him and had his back to Adam.

Adam walked to the table and asked, “Is this chair taken?”

One of the players spoke and said, “Liam said this was a private game, so you need to clear out.” 

“It’s not a private game. Not anymore, isn’t that right Liam?” He sat in the chair next to Liam.

Liam spun around and locked eyes with Adam with a surprised look on his face.

“What’s the matter, Liam? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Just surprised to see you, Sheriff.” Liam said nastily.

“Yeah. Hired help is hard to find these days.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sheriff.”

“Your pals are all in jail and as soon as the circuit judge can be reached, your gang will be going to prison.”

“I still have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve been here all night playing cards.” And what’s this about a gang? I go solo.”

“If you’ve got a problem with me, come to me, don’t send your goons to do your dirty work. Your days of terrorizing this town and the people are over. The way I see it is you have two choices. You either leave town or go to prison. You won’t be able to make a move anymore without me knowing about it.”

“Sheriff. I ain’t going no place. This is my town. The only way I’m leaving is to be carried out. You can watch me all you want. You don’t scare me. And I’ve got a feeling you and me will be seeing a lot of each other.”

“You can count on that. Oh, by the way, maybe you didn’t hear yet, but weapons aren’t allowed in town now. I noticed you have your gun on, but don’t worry, I took it from you so we’re all good.”

Liam reached down, checked his holster and his gun was gone. He looked up and Adam had it in his hand. Adam popped the chamber open and emptied the cartridges and said, “You can pick it up at my office on your way out of town.” 

“Fine Sheriff. I’ll be seeing you.”

“Looking forward to it,” he stood, turned and walked out of the room.

Nate watched the door and both men walked out of the saloon and headed back to the office.

“That went smoother than I thought it would,” commented Nate.

“The next move up is up to him. I think you better head back to Abagail and Owen’s house. I’ve got a few things to do here. I’ll lock up and sleep in the back room. And I’ll be able to keep an eye on our prisoners.”

“Okay, Adam. I’ll be back in the morning. You try to get some rest.”

Adam locked the door, then locked up Liam’s gun. He doubled checked to make sure the door was locked, then checked on the prisoners and blew out the lanterns. He looked at the cot and said, “Well, I have slept on worse. He laid down and was fast asleep in no time.

Adam woke to a knocking sound at the door. He rubbed his eyes, yawned and said, “I’m coming. I’m coming. Hold on.” He glanced at the pocket watch Owen gave him. It said seven A.M. “Who is it,” He asked when he reached the door

He heard Abagail’s voice, “It’s me. Open up, I brought you and the prisoners breakfast.”

Adam opens the door, smiling and says, “Now this is a way to start the day. A beautiful angel coming to see me and bringing food. Thank you so much.”

“You’re too sweet. I was worried about you. I hope I didn’t wake you?”

“After the night I had, I’m very glad to see you.”

“Nate told me. I was worried sick, then Nate came and filled me in. I’m so thankful you’re alright.”

“I didn’t mean to worry you, but I’m trying to make this town safe for you and everyone else. I want to make this a town everyone can be proud of and one that will grow.”

“I know you are. And if anyone can do it, I know you can. But you can’t do it all at once, plus Liam is going to make it rougher for you.”

“I know what I’m doing. Liam’s days of running things are over. He can do his worst. I’m not going anywhere. Enough about Liam.”

“Besides bringing my favorite person breakfast, I have a favor to ask?”

“Anything for you?”

“I have food and supplies and medicine for the Seminole Tribe. Father usually goes with me, but he swamped with meetings this time.”

“That’s not a problem. As soon as Nate gets here, I’ll go with you.”

“Here comes Nate now. He loaded my wagon for me at the general store.”

“Good morning, Sheriff. Abagail, the wagon all loaded.”

“Where’s that food,” asked Adam.

“Here you go and please share with the prisoners, they need to eat too.”

“Sure I’ll share with them after I’m through.”

Adam grabbed a muffin and said okay. I’ll get cleaned up and changed. I’ll be right back and we’ll get going.”

Abagail went to wait in the wagon. Ten minutes later, Adam came out. “Okay, let’s go.”

He helped Abagail up into the wagon, then got up himself and off they went down the dirt road.

“How far is it to Seminole camp?”

“It’s about an hour away. Why?”

“No reason. Just wondering.  So, is there anything I should know? To say or not say when we get there?”

“Just let me do the talking. We’ll drop off the supplies, that’s all.”

Adam and Abagail were talking and enjoying the bumpy ride when he heard a funny noise coming from the wheel on the right side of the wagon.

“Abagail, stop the wagon. I think something’s wrong with the wheel.”

She stopped the wagon and Adam got off to check the wheel. Adan said, “There’s a broken spoke in the wheel.”

“Oh no,” said Abagail. “This isn’t a good place to be stranded.

“Don’t worry, I can fix it. Where’s the tools and jack?”

“They’re under the seat?”

“I’ve got this, why don’t you climb down and go sit in the shade? I’ll have this fixed in no time.”

Abagail went over to a tree and sat down by some thick brush, why Adam went to work on the wheel. She watched as he jacked up the wagon and used the tools to replace the spokes with ease, then put it back together.

She started to get up when she heard a rattling sound from her right side?  She turned and saw a rattlesnake ready to strike. She didn’t make a move as she was scared to death. She knew the slightest movement would cause the snake to strike and be it would mean certain death for her.

Adam glanced over and saw the frightened look on Abagail’s face. There was a look of terror in her eyes. He glanced to her side and saw the snake. He took off his jacket and moved to the back of the wagon very carefully so as to not to spook the snake. He spoke in a very calm voice.

“Abagail it’ll be alright. I’ll get the snake. Don’t worry. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you. No matter what, do not move.”

He moved very carefully to the edge of the grass, till he came up behind the snake. He whispered very gently, “When I dive forward, I want you to move to your side as fast as you can. Don’t worry, it’ll be okay. I promise you.”

Abagail moved to her left as the snake was about to strike and Adam dove onto it covering it with his jacket, scooped it up quickly tied it up like a bag. He tossed the jacket down and went to Abagail’s side. “Are you alright?” He asked?

Abagail jumped up and threw her arms around his neck and he put his arms around her, holding her tight and saying everything was alright.

“I knew I’d be alright as soon as I heard your voice.” 

“To be completely honest, I was scared too.”

“Everyone is afraid of rattlesnakes.”

“I wasn’t scared of the snake. I was scared of losing you.”