Quick Draw Western Campaign: Chapter 1

In Chapter 1 of the narrative Western Campaign, Quick Draw, I introduced some of the main characters that we'll follow in the campaign and skirmishes. In this issue, I continue with the introductions, and then in next issue, we'll get our first taste of combat using Piquet Inc.'s "Pkowboys" by Jeff Grossman.

After seeing to their horses at the stable, Pete and James head on over to Bower's dry good store. James eyes a new pair of boots, but figures the pair he's got are good for a bit longer. Socks, though, are another matter. Amazing how a clean pair of socks can perk a man's spirit, he thinks, as he throws a pair on the counter. "Mrs. Bower, I presume?" he says to the woman behind the counter.

"Those socks are 2 cents a pair. Anything else?"

After some small talk about the weather, James asks, "Mrs. Bower, you ever meet that feller hanging out next door a Fritz Sandleman?"

"Fritz Sandleman...hmm. No, not really. That guy who associates with the Carsons -- the fella that was just out there? No, I don't know him, except that he's an associate of the Carsons. But, you know, so many people come through this place I don't imagine a body could get to know them all."

"Thank you, ma'am, you've been a fine help. Just the socks -- not sure what my partner might need though. Fine looking store, though." James then goes and leans back against the door frame, watching Pete peruse the goods. While keeping one eye on the pedestrian traffic just outside, he wonders why Fritz might not have picked up on "McClintock" sounding Irish Catholic. I'd guess he's not real fine on those who might be "wearin' the green."

Pete calls out, "Ma'am, I'd like to get a good bed roll and about seven days worth of hard tack-n-beans, a saddlebags and two canteens." Looking over at James with a chuckle, "Ya never know what'll happen out on the trail, and I don't want to be caught with my trousers down."

James smiles, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I picked up what I need on my way out here to Deadwood, but you take your time, the trail is no place to be caught unprepared. After you finish, then let's head on over to that little restaurant and meet Zeke for some food and talk this whole thing over."

Mrs. Bower calls out from the back, "Well, I don't know if we have any bed rolls, they are all sold out, but we do have lots and lots of blankets. They're $1 each. Dry food, beans, coffee, dried fruit, and all nightly supplies would cost about $15. But is that everything you need? What about a teapot, pans, forks, spoons, as well as a few metal plates and cups? A canteen? Got lots of those -- military surplus, mind you, but we got lots of 'em. You can even take your pick: US or CSA...or one of each, if you don't want to make anyone mad."

"Thank you very much ma'am," Pete replies, "but I'd better wait a little while before I make a purchase." Then Pete walks out of the shop, looking back at James, "Lets go get some grub and see what ole Zeke is up to. Maybe I'll go to the General Store before we leave tomorrow." James nods and joins Pete, taking a left out of Bower's dry goods and heading toward Erin's Restaurant.

Chapter 3 - Erin's Restaurant

Helen the waitress jumps up from behind the cash register with a big smile, "Hey, Zeke! How are you this morning? You are lookin' as good as ever, and if I'm right, need something to eat. Or are you just stopping by to chat, or something else? I think Joan is firing up the stove right now, so it will be a few minutes before we get breakfast ready. But, I can get you a tin of coffee, or even tea if you wish?"

Smiling with real pleasure upon seeing Helen, Zeke approaches and pats his belly, "You know, I can never turn down one of Joan's breakfasts. I'll take whatever she's got whenever it's ready, a cup of coffee, and yeah, some good conversation." Seating himself, he stretches his legs out under the table before crossing them and resting back in the chair. "Looks like I'll be accompanying Mr. Karseboom's group to bring in the mine claims. I'll probably be gone for a few days, and I thought I should let the Murphys know my plans." With a grin, he continues, "Though it sounds like they've already been asked about my interest in such a trip. If no one is around, I'll talk to them this evening."

"Well, here's your coffee," Helen leans over, placing Zeke's tin of coffee on the table. Enjoying the sounds coming from the kitchen and the early morning smells, Zeke listens quietly to Helen. "I've heard of the job, sounds interesting, I'd love to go on a trip like that," she sighs. "But I have work to do. Hey, have you read the paper? Seems like we have no sheriff -- Marshall Law just quit for a bigger job in San Francisco. He left yesterday, guess what? We're LAWLESS! Isn't that exciting? Seriously, though, the Mayor is a bit of a dolt. Oh, I shouldn't say things like that, but he really is going to have a hard time filling Law's boots. Ah, I think Joan is ready. Here comes Mary to fiddle with that cash contraption." Savoring the coffee, Zeke stands and gets himself a refill. Greeting Mary with a smile and a simple "Morning ma'am" (so as not to interrupt Helen), he once again makes himself comfortable.

Mary walks over, "Oh, good morning, Zeke! Have you heard?"

Helen cuts her off, "Yes, I told him about the sheriff. Did you know that Zeke here is going to take the job Milo is offering, he's going to Omaha?"

Mary smiles, "Well, Zeke, we'll miss you. Hurry back, we'll all be waiting for you here. Drop by the saloon tonight, we'll be there, as always. It's Helen's turn to sing and I think the song is 'Lorena' for the ol' Rebs -- we just learned it a few days ago. It's quite a pretty song."

"So, Zeke, what do you want to have to eat?"

"Well, now, if Joan can throw together some hash and eggs, it'd set me up just right. Helen, that is news indeed. There's any number of men in this town now that could do the job, but who would be willing to? I think you're right, and that our mayor may have a rough time ahead. I can't hold a grudge against a man trying to better himself. Marshal Law's a good man and will be missed." Zeke grows thoughtful for a moment and sips at his coffee.

A short time later, after eating a great meal, Zeke takes a deep breath and pushes back his empty plate. "You all have made me feel like family, and I want you to know how much it means to me. Sitting here I can recall Ireland and my mother and sisters bustling around while my father recounted the local news. I feel like a wealthy man."

Helen takes hold of Zeke's hand, smiling, "You know, Zeke, we all like you here...a lot. You are one of our countrymen that I like to talk to, the others are...well, I don't know. You have a way of talking about Ireland that makes me sad and happy at the same time. I will pray to Saint Patrick for your safety. Please take care while you are away. Oh, by the way, I was talking to my brother, and he said you're free to go where you will, your job will be waiting for you when you get back, as he thinks it's a good service you're doing. And he left something for you." Helen then hands Zeke an envelope that was on her serving tray. "Don't worry about your food -- it's on the house."

Coming around the counter, Mary says, "Helen! Stop your flirting with Mr. Zeke!"

Turning red faced and flustered, Helen looks back at Mary, "I wasn't...not really. I mean...NO! I wasn't! With that she yanks her hand back from Zeke's and starts back to the kitchen.

"Yeah, sure, now git to the kitchen, Joan has another meal ready! Really Zeke, we'll miss you. Hurry back, there will always be a place for you here." Helen waits until Mary is not looking and sticks her tongue out at her. She looks at Zeke, shrugs and laughs, then skips off.

Suddenly, there's a loud bang as Fritz whacks the door open. He scans the room with a shifty eye, and then makes a big scene as he plops down in a chair, looking gloomy. Helen, seeing him as she returns with a tray of food, "Sir, could you not slam the door like that? It might break."

Looking up, Fritz gives her a dark look, "HUH? Yeah. Well, looky here, woman, I've come in here for something to eat, are you gonna serve me or what?"

Finishing with the other table, Helen walks on over, "Well, sir, what would you like?"

"You."

"No, I meant to EAT."

Fritz just smiles in his dark and strange way.

Helen and Mary look at each other quizzically, as they do not get the reference.

"Oh HELL! Just bring me anything -- I don't care. Just do it!"

"Yes'um," Helen just scuttles away to the kitchen.

Shaking her head, Mary says, "Sir, would you please refrain from cursing while you're in here?"

Fritz grunts, "Yeah, sure." Muttering to anyone who would listen, "Come in here and get a Sunday school lesson." Looking around the room, Fritz sees a friend, "That you, Adrian? Hey buddy, hear about that stupid Sheriff? This sure is goin' to be a Hell of a fun place come nightfall?" He then shoots a glare at Mary.

Upset, Mary stares Fritz down, "I told you not to swear while you are in here!"

Fritz mellows and says, "Sorry."

A moment later, the door opens and in walks James and Pete. They pause in the doorway, taking a quick look around. James sniffs the pleasant aroma coming from the kitchen, and smiles inwardly. Seeing the two women inside, he removes his hat and nods his head. "Ladies." Spotting Fritz sitting alone, he gives him a curt nod, "Sandleman."

James and Pete walk over and join Zeke, both taking a seat. James sets his hat on the table and leans back in the chair and studies his companion for a moment, noting the annoyed look on his face.

"Well, Zeke, looks like one more trip to the general store should just about do Pete and myself and then we'll be ready to hit the trail. Boy, does that smell good! I could do with a bit of that stew I've been hearing about. Set a feller up right."

Zeke turns a little red and continues to sit quietly looking over toward Fritz's table. He still holds the envelope in his hand. Mary signals to Zeke with her hand up in a "wait, not now" sort of pose as she walks over to Fritz's table. The tension in the room starts to build. Seeing Zeke stare at Fritz, James mutters low, "Somethin' don't sit right with me, either...but not here, huh?"

Helen comes back from the kitchen with some food for Fritz while Mary tries to mollify him. After setting the plate of food in front of Fritz, Helen makes a beeline for James and Pete, chipper as a squirrel, "Hi! What can I get for ya?"

As Mary heads back to her work behind the counter, she corrects Helen by saying, "You."

"Yes, 'you,'" she replies, giving all three men a big smile.

Pete replies in a very friendly voice, "Well, hello there, lil' lady, and a good mornin' to you." At the same time, he casually moves his right hand to his gun. "I'd like two eggs and bacon with a hot tin of coffee."

Glancing inside the envelope momentarily, Zeke places it in his coat pocket and rises to leave. Nodding to both James and Pete, he looks over to Mary and Helen, "Thank you much for breakfast and the hospitality. I'll see ya'll this evening to make my goodbyes." On his way out Zeke stops next to Fritz's table, "Mr. Sandleman, isn't it?" Zeke asks, with a wry smile. "My name is Ezekial Solomon, and I will be traveling with y'all to Omaha tomorrow. I was just going to enjoy the morning sun and have a smoke and enjoy some Turkish tobacco I was able to procure. I swear it is the finest I've ever had. I believe you've already met our fellow travelers, but why don't I roll you a smoke and let's get to know each other."

Looking up at Zeke, Fritz says, "Yeah, sure mister, I think I will join you. Did you say you had some Turkish terbaccy?" Fritz stands up dropping a few coins on the table and heads outside.

Hearing Zeke talking with Fritz, James mutters, "Ah, hell," then glances at Helen. "Pardon me, ma'am." He leans forward in his chair and watches Zeke walk out the door, undecided as to whether he should follow. Finally, he concludes Zeke is the kind of man who can look after himself, and he doesn't want to interfere -- not yet, anyway. Still, he shifts his chair slightly to face the door, while keeping his ears open. "Miss Helen, if you've got any of that stew made up that I've been hearing about, that would be wonderful. If not, I'll have what Pete's having and some coffee."

Smiling pleasantly, Zeke pulls out his tobacco bag, turns and thanks the Murphys once more for a delicious meal. Then, he nods to James and Pete and offers to buy a round this evening at Murphy's pub.

"Thanks, Zeke. I believe I may just take you up on that," James says.

Then, he turns back to Pete, "So, what do you make of that?"

While smiling pleasantly, Zeke walks out the door behind Fritz, letting the door close behind him as he walks a short way down the boardwalk behind Fritz, all the while rolling another cigarette.

James and Pete settle down for a very good breakfast. James is in luck as they do have Irish stew at this moment. Suffice to say, that it is very good and Helen is as charming and talkative as always. After awhile, her sister Mary tells her to leave the men alone so they can eat in peace. As Helen heads back to the kitchen she makes a childish face at her sister. James, obviously enjoying his meal, says to Mary, "Miss, don't you fret none about Miss Helen bothering us. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed the conversation of two such lovely ladies, and even longer since I've enjoyed so fine a meal."

"Well, Helen sure is a talker, she'd bend your ears off if I let her."

Through the window, James and Pete can see Zeke's back as he walks behind Fritz rolling a smoke. His apparent ease and comfort momentarily is broken as he moves closer to Fritz rising to his full height. His back stiffens and the veins in his neck begin to pound while his hands clench and unclench rhythmically.

Quick Draw Western Campaign

Chapter 1
Chapters 2 and 3
Chapter 4