Drifter – Part 23

By D

Chapter XLV

“I never realized how quickly one could become accustomed to decadence, warrior,” Donoma said as she wearily stretched out on the thick mattress of their bed. The men had swiftly settled into the peaceful meadow and Donoma had started a savory stew in the largest cauldron Koko possessed. Even now its fragrance wafted from the campsite where the men were currently relaxing.

Now however, Donoma was falling into a deep sleep, trusting Koko’s instincts to watch over them as the warrior wrapped herself around Donoma’s smaller frame in a protective embrace.

Koko didn’t respond - there was no reason to. Donoma was already asleep. Koko closed her eyes as well, letting her mind ease into a meditative trance where she could rest and still ponder the words Donoma had share with her on the ride.

************

“So what vision did the Great Spirit share with you, ka’eskone? Will we be successful?”

Donoma cut her eyes in Koko’s direction, leveling a glare that should have caught her hair on fire. Koko raised a hand to make sure it wasn’t actually burning and despite the seriousness of the situation, Donoma could not stop the snicker that escaped her lips. Koko smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

”Sorry, Donoma... I know better than to ask such a question, but....”

“I saw that if we arrive by night, we will have the element of surprise that Washburn expects to be his. I saw some Blue coats fighting with us and some Blue Coats fighting against us. We need to find the Blue Coats that would be our allies. I believe they will be the ones to ensure our victory.”

************

Koko had nodded thoughtfully, but now that she thought about it, she wondered which Blue Coats would ally themselves with her and against their own. How was Washburn going to divide the Army? And who was going to jeopardize their career to keep from following orders?

The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Kitty had to be right about the Colonel. Only he would have the authority to issue the order to fight, but why? What did Spencer have to gain from taking up arms against the townspeople in order to assure that Mordecai Washburn got the vengeance he was seeking? And who, *who* would be man enough to stand up to those orders?

She would talk to Murphy on the ride into town. Maybe he could shed a little light on what they could expect and from whom.

First, though, she was going to enjoy the tranquility surrounding her in the presence of her mate. Tribulation would come again soon enough.

************

“So, Reverend... what’s your take on all this? Surely this goes against everything you believe in.”

Daniel looked around to see a number of eyes staring back at him. The warriors of the People had settled on one side of the meadow, listening to the conversation but making little contribution of their own. The townsmen on the other hand stopped speaking to pay close attention to the Marshal and pastor. Daniel Hawkins hadn’t been nearly as vocal in his disapproval of Reb Stone or her bride as his wife and many of the other women in the town had been. But he hadn’t stood up for her either.

So they were anxious to hear his thoughts now.

“I’ve never had anything against Reb Stone and I don’t think Mordecai Washburn is in his right thinking mind to believe that he has a right to revenge where she is concerned. That said, I can’t condone her marriage to another woman... and an Injun woman at that.”

“Why?” Honaw demanded fiercely before Keez could think to stop him. “Why you think Donoma not good for Koko Kanti?”

Daniel looked bewildered. He hadn’t even thought about the fact that the natives could understand him well enough to not only get angry with him, but argue back. “It... it goes against everything I know... everything I’ve been taught.”

“Maybe you need better teacher. Great Spirit teaches us find beauty and wisdom in all things. We all children of Great Spirit.”

“Then why do you fight?” Daniel asked reasonably. “If all are children of this Great Spirit of yours, why do you continue to fight one another?”

“Not all accept teachings - we fight to protect what ours... homes, families, life.”

“And you believe Reb and Donoma should be mated.”

“Not for me to choose - share heart, share soul - one together.”

Daniel nodded. “I’ll try to remember that.” He looked squarely at Honaw. “I will tell you I don’t believe they deserve the trouble that Washburn is tying to cause for them. Reb Stone has been a force for good in this territory. I don’t want to see anything happen to her... or to Donoma for that matter. Personally, I’d just like for this to be over and done with sooner rather than later. Preferably without too many deaths.”

“You do understand that Washburn is gonna have to die, right, Reverend? He’s not gonna leave Reb alone until he’s dead and buried.”

“I know that, Marshal... doesn’t mean I can’t hope for a quick and bloodless resolution.” Murphy just shook his head, but didn’t comment. There were just some arguments that weren’t worth having.

************

”‘Bout Goddamn time!” Washburn roared when he was finally admitted into Spencer’s office. He’d heard the bell ring signaling lunch and had burst in, expecting to be shown into the inner sanctum immediately. But the door had been locked and Clemmons hadn’t been around to introduce him. No amount of raging and rattling the door had helped his cause and Washburn had sat down to wait him out. He had no way of knowing that Spencer always ate last, ensuring that his men were fed first. It was a small gesture, but one that had earned him respect from those that served under him.

When the second bell rang, Spencer opened his door and Washburn pushed his way in with vulgarity. “Where’s lunch?” he demanded.

“All the men should have been served now. The second bell is my call to the mess hall. It means the men have been fed and now I can eat.”

“Are you telling me the leader of the outpost doesn’t rate private service? That you eat the sloppy seconds and leftovers?” Washburn guffawed in disbelief.

“No. I’m telling you that by allowing the men to eat first, it raises their respect for me as a leader. It shows them I’m willing to look out for them.”

Washburn snorted. “You keep believing that, boy.” That ended the conversation and they crossed the compound in silence. When they reached the mess hall, Washburn held the door open and motioned Spencer in front of him with a flourish. “After you, boy... by all means.”

Spencer stepped in and silence fell except for the scraping of chairs as the men rose in a single wave. “As you were,” he said, gesturing them back to their seats. He moved to the empty table that was reserved for him, waiting for Washburn to join him. Spencer indicated one chair while assuming a seat in the other.

Mordecai grunted but took the seat he was offered. Spencer waited until there were plates in front of both of them before he spoke.

“Now what exactly can I do for you, Mr. Washburn? I thought we had everything settled yesterday.”

“I’d prefer to speak privately,” looking around the still busy mess hall pointedly.

“Mr. Washburn,” Spencer said confidently and quietly enough that he would not be overheard, “despite your loss, the United States Army is not here to be at your beck and call. I do have other work that needs attending. Now....” He stopped speaking and winced when Washburn’s hand covered his wrist and squeezed more than was necessary to gain his attention

“Now you listen to me, boy,” clutching tightly and ignoring Spencer’s wince of pain. “I want my revenge against Reb Stone and you’re gonna make damn sure I get it. So you can either provide the men I need to hold the town or stay the hell outta my way.”

“And if I don’t?” Spencer asked calmly.

“You ain’t got the balls to do otherwise,” Mordecai sneered. “Or you’d have already done something. Besides, if you don’t, I’ll make sure that the little woman you’re sweet on is the first to suffer for your stupidity.” He grinned maliciously at the look of surprise etched on Spencer’s face. “Don’t ever think you can get one over on me, boy. I been around a long, long time... with good reason.”

“You wouldn’t....”

“You wanna try me, boy? I got way less to lose than you do. I know you got men in your command that don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty - they’ve been wrangling horses for me right out from under the Army’s nose for years.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I won’t order this, but if I can find volunteers, I’ll send them your way. Otherwise, I won’t interfere.”

“See that you don’t,” Washburn commanded with a final squeeze before releasing Spencer’s hand. “I’ll have my revenge on that woman one way or another. You don’t wanna get in my way.”

The Colonel shuddered at the look of madness that stared back at him from Mordecai Washburn’s eyes. He wondered how long the man had been crazy, then realized it didn’t matter. “So,” he asked after clearing his throat and leaning back in his seat, “what exactly are you planning?”

Washburn shook his head. “That don’t concern you. You just make sure to stay outta my way and no one but Stone and her little whore’ll get hurt. You get in my way and the blood of everyone who dies’ll be on your hands. And people will die - I promise you that.”

“What’s to stop me from arresting you right now?”

Washburn chuckled and the sound sent a chill skittering down Spencer’s spine. “I have a friend keeping an eye on your mama, boy. Someone who needs to hear from me regularly. You’d hate for anything to happen to her.”

The Colonel’s face suffused with blood, turning it an alarming shade of red. “You wouldn’t!!” he growled.

“Try me,” Washburn invited gleefully. “Now do we understand one another?”

“Perfectly,” Spencer spat between clenched teeth.

“Good,” putting his fork down and wiping his mouth with surprising civility. “I thank you for lunch, but I need to get going. Things to do, you know.” He pushed his chair back from the table, then looked at Spencer again. “When I have things set, I’ll need you to send someone out to fetch Stone to me. Shouldn’t be but a couple days.”

Spencer nodded but didn’t speak. He was afraid his voice would crack in his rage.

“Good - I’ll let you know.” Washburn turned and walked out of the mess hall and headed back to town.

Spencer rubbed a hand over his face then signaled for the server to collect Washburn’s plate. Then he attacked his food with stolid determination.

************

“Ya know, Stone,” Stephen Murphy spoke around a mouthful of food. “I’m startin’ to think I should hate you.” Koko blinked blue eyes and looked at Donoma before turning back to the Marshal with a questioning gaze. “I mean, it’s not enough you got a beautiful wife,” watching the blush crawl up Donoma’s sun-kissed skin. “But you had to go and get one who could cook straight off.”

Donoma and Koko exchanged glances and then began laughing. The warriors took up the effort and only the white men were left wondering what was so humorous about the Marshal’s words. After noting the quizzical looks being directed their way, Koko cleared her throat awkwardly and tried to quell the laughter. It took a moment or two and she was unable to maintain eye contact with Donoma, but after a short time, she was able to hold Murphy’s eyes again.

“Sorry,” she said with the slightest tremor in her voice. “You’re right... Donoma is a wonderful cook, and it was amazing to have that in my life again. But she did have to learn, Stephen. She has been cooking for a number of years. It’s not something she just started doing after we were joined.”

Murphy cut his eyes in Donoma’s direction, only to see her nodding her agreement. “Not always pretty,” she confirmed succinctly, causing Murphy to choke on his food.

“Well, this is very good, Mrs. Stone.” The rest nodded enthusiastically.

“I don’t eat this good now an’ I been married for ten years,” one of the men commented. The rest snickered, including the warriors. They had all been there at some point.

“So once we’ve eaten, are we headin’ out?”

Koko looked up at the sky. “Another hour. We don’t wanna get there too early. Besides, it’ll take that long to clean everything up before we leave,” motioning to the dishes they were all using.

“All right, boys,” Murphy said as he stood. “You heard the boss. Let’s get this stuff cleaned up and then Reb can tell us how we’re gonna bring Washburn down.”

************

“I gots me a bad feelin’ ‘bout dis, Miss Kitty,” Big Mama commented as they sat around the kitchen table. Kitty had refused to open the saloon for business with Washburn in town and while they were all enjoying the unexpected time off, it made for a very odd situation. The women of the town had followed her example and kept the remainder of the businesses closed, contributing to the ghost town feeling that was prevalent throughout the town.

Kitty nodded her head. “Me too, Big Mama. I don’t see much good comin’ of all this. I just hope Daniel found Reb. Otherwise it could get real ugly, real quick.”

“You really think Reb’ll be able to help us out?”

Kitty smiled. “You really think she’d be able to stay away?”

Big Mama chuckled, her chest heaving with laughter. “Uh uh. Dat’n gots a thing for trouble.”

“Wonder how Donoma puts up with it?”

“Honey, I think Donoma’s drawn to it as well. How’s else you’d be ‘splainin’ Reb?”

Kitty laughed heartily. “Good point. Wonder if Donoma’ll be coming along?”

Big Mama snorted. “Can ya see dat chile being left behin’? Regardless of what Reb be wantin’?”

“No. This could be very interestin’.”

“I’m thinkin’ ya can count on dat.”

************

Darkness had long since fallen when the town finally came into sight. The men had been given their instructions and silently separated to head to their own homes. The warriors followed Koko’s silent directions, splitting up and making their way to various roofs and other lookout areas they would be using to defeat Washburn.

Murphy left them, heading straight to his office where he had a little area in the back for living. Donoma and Koko continued on down the road to the saloon, confident Kitty would let them in.

It was dark - something Koko had never seen - so she went around back to the kitchen and rapped lightly on the door. Big Mama snatched the door open, rolling pin in hand. When she realized who was standing there, a broad smile broke the solid black of her face and she opened the door wider to let them both come in. Koko motioned to their horses and Big Mama nodded, gesturing to the small stable behind the brothel. It was normally used for clients, but as there were none at the moment....

Koko took both bridles, ignoring the pointed look she got from Donoma and ushering the smaller woman into the kitchen with one hand before heading to the stable with the horses in tow. Donoma crossed her arms and huffed, but went into the kitchen. Big Mama put down her rolling pin and poured up two glasses of milk, then set a plate of cookies on the table between them.

She nudged the plate in Donoma’s direction and raised an expressive eyebrow. Donoma chuckled at the face - it reminded her of Litonya during much of her growing up years. Both of Big Mama’s eyebrows went up at the sound and she voiced her question aloud.

“Whatcha laughin’ at, chile?”

Donoma’s laughter morphed into a smile and she picked up a cookie and nibbled after another pointed glance. “You remind me of Nahko’e. Same face.”

Big Mama frowned thoughtfully over Donoma’s words then allowed a smile to cross her face. “All mamas be dat way. Keeps de young’uns in line.”

“Works good,” Donoma agreed succinctly. Then the door opened and Koko walked in just as Kitty and Ginger came down the stairs.

“Guess we’ll be needin’ more milk,” Big Mama sighed as she got up to get more glasses. The rest sat down and waited for Koko to fill them in on what was going on.

Chapter XLVI

Washburn came downstairs early the following morning to find Riggins already sitting at the same table he’d been sitting at the morning before. He took the seat across from his foreman and steepled his fingers in front of his face while he waited for Mrs. Carver to pour his coffee. He nodded his thanks and she moved off.

“I spoke with Spencer,” he said tersely. “He’s gonna send me over some volunteers - we need to be ready for them. I want you to send the boys around... find the best places to stake out so we can hold the town when the men return. I’d rather keep this from becoming a bloodbath if we can help it.”

“All right, boss.”

“Tell ‘em to plan for a siege - they could be there for a day or two while we wait for Stone.”

“You want ‘em to set up now?”

Washburn considered for a moment then shook his head. “No - just have ‘em find the best places to ensure we can hold the town for as long as we need to. Long enough for me to get my justice from Stone. They can start camping out once we send for her.”

“You really think she’ll come runnin’... knowing it’s a trap?”

Washburn chuckled. “I’m sure she will. One thing you learn about do-gooders, Riggins - they can’t resist the opportunity to play hero. If she thinks she can save lives by showing up here... even knowing it’s a trap... she’ll be here. It’s in her nature.”

“And what about the townspeople?”

“What about ‘em? The men are gone and the women won’t interfere... especially with the Army on our side. This should be quick and fairly painless. And the lawman won’t be able to say a word because it’ll all be open and aboveboard.”

Riggins looked skeptical, but kept his mouth shut. Somehow he didn’t think angering Washburn any further would help matters, but he silently wondered when things had gotten out of control. They had certainly made a lot more sense when Mordecai had explained them back on the ranch. Now, however, Riggins was becoming less and less sure of that and more and more certain that his boss had slipped into madness.

Riggins stood and clapped his hat onto his head. “I’ll round up the boys and give ‘em their instructions. You got any idea when all this might go down, boss?”

“Couple days, I think. Soon’s I get them Army volunteers, I’ll have Spencer send for Stone. Then it’s just a matter of waiting for her to get here.”

They never saw Matthew Carver slip out the back way and into the barn to wait.

************

Before the sun had peeked above the horizon, Sergeant Jake Clemmons had talked to a number of men he trusted - men he knew would favor Reb Stone over Mordecai Washburn... especially when they heard the story he had to tell them. Many of them found his accusation of the Colonel a little beyond the pale, but they had all trusted Stone with their lives at one time or another and found that trust well-founded. In fact, many appreciated being able to repay her efforts on their behalf.

So in the coming dawn, they mounted up and headed into the town, determined to protect the town - and Reb Stone - from Mordecai Washburn. They had no way of knowing things were already in motion.

************

Colonel John Spencer looked at himself in the mirror by the flickering light of the lamp. He had sent his boy away this morning, not desiring any witnesses as he prepared himself for this particular day. He’d finished his letter to the Secretary of the Army after his luncheon with Washburn, resigning his commission and explaining the reasons why. He had no doubt he’d end up in stocks before it was all said and done, but for the first night in years, he’d slept the sleep of the innocent.

Now in the pre-dawn, he dressed in his finest uniform, wanting to make a statement even Mordecai Washburn could understand. He would not stop Mordecai from challenging Reb Stone - it was the only way the nightmare could end now. But he would make sure that the Army was ready to deal with whatever aftermath there was... especially if Washburn got lucky and Stone died. He suspected the town would riot.

Either way, Washburn was a walking dead man.

He headed to his office, surprised not to find Clemmons already there. Spencer could count on one hand the number of times he’d beaten the sergeant to the office. Not wanting to wait for his arrival, Spencer sent a runner out to his captains, calling them into his office for a meeting. It was time they knew what was going on - at least partially. There were some parts he wasn’t willing to share with them. His shame would be public knowledge soon enough.

It didn’t take them long to gather, and it only took a few minutes for them to settle down once he began to speak.

“All of you have heard the rumors accusing Reb Stone of being a horse thief. Some information has come to my attention indicating that the thief is in fact connected to Mordecai Washburn, but at the moment, I don’t have enough conclusive proof to arrest him. However, I do know that the man is intent on seeking revenge on Stone for the death of his two sons.”

“Colonel, Reuben’s death was brought on by a challenge from Reuben himself. And Leroy was trampled by a horse. How are either of those Stone’s fault?”

“They’re not,” Spencer agreed succinctly. “But Washburn is determined to have his day with her - claims it’s the justice he is owed as the father of two sons dead at her hand. And we all know that Stone won’t dismiss his challenge. He will continue to hunt her until she answers his challenge.”

“So what do we do? As far as I know, she isn’t even in town.”

“I figure to send someone after her to bring her back and have the rest of the men on rotating shifts to keep an eye on things until she gets back. I don’t think Washburn is stupid enough to do anything to the town or the people there, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. He seems more than a little obsessed with Stone and I don’t want her absence to provoke him into doing something dumb.”

“I’ll set up a schedule,” Spencer’s second in command volunteered. “We’ll put the men on a four hour rotating schedule with an hour overlap to ensure there is always plenty of coverage.”

Spencer nodded. “That sounds good, Robert. With any luck this won’t last too long, but have the men prepare as if it was going to be a long campaign. I think things will move swiftly once Stone returns to town, but if she is out hunting another bounty, it could be a while before she’s found. We don’t want the townsfolk getting antsy and we don’t want Washburn getting stupid.”

“Why don’t we just arrest him?” from the youngest captain. Smiles and snickers were quickly hidden and every man in the room focused his attention on the table in front of him. Spencer cleared his throat.

“Mordecai Washburn is a well-respected and very influential man in any number of circles. We can’t arrest on suspicion... we need proof. If we can find that, we can arrest him. Until then, it is too risky. It’s asking for bad things to happen - to us and to the town. So for now just keep your eyes and ears open.”

“Meanwhile,” Spencer continued, “I’m going to go talk to the Marshal. With any luck, he’ll be able to find some proof. Make our job easier. Major, send out our fastest rider to Stone’s place. Maybe she and her mate are there - or at least maybe the mate will know where we can find her.” He paused. “Actually, send a small contingent - if Stone isn’t home, most can try to pick up her trail while the rest report back here. That way we’ll know to send out more search parties if necessary.”

“Where does she live, Colonel?”

“Murphy knows. Send the fastest man to me - Murphy can give him directions and he can lead the rest.”

The Major nodded. “Very well, sir. I’ll have them ready to go within the hour.”

“Fine. Hopefully it won’t take long to settle this - one way or another.”

“You think Stone will lose?”

“I think Washburn will try to stack the deck. I just hope we can prevent him from doing any real damage.”

“We will, Colonel. He may be an important man where he comes from, but this is our home. He doesn’t get to come in here and start making his own rules.”

“Agreed. But first we need to find Stone. You all have your assignments. Move out.”

As one body the men rose from the table and filed out the door. Only when he was alone again did he sit back in the chair and contemplate the bizarreness of fate that now hung over his head like Damocles’ sword. He hoped this would end sooner rather than later.

With a sigh, Spencer rose from his seat and headed to the stockyard. He wanted to be ready to go when the chosen rider arrived. There were still things to do.

************

“Are you ready, warrior?” Donoma asked as she combed her fingers through Koko’s thick hair. Koko purred in pure pleasure for a moment, then rolled over until she was laying on her side. One arm held Donoma at the hips possessively while she propped her head up on the other.

“Oh yes, ka’eskone. Once Washburn is dealt with, we can begin the next chapter of our lives together. We will go where none can find us and where no one will think to look. But he must be taken care of first. I will not have my past hanging over our future.”

“Do you really believe he would pursue us, Koko?”

“I do,” Koko replied without hesitation. “I believe this has gone beyond justice or even revenge. I think Washburn is obsessed. The facts no longer matter - the only thing he is focused on is killing me.”

“He is in for something of a surprise then. I will not allow that to happen,” she added with a matter-of-factness in her expression that was belied by the fierceness of her tone.

“Ka’eskone....”

“NO, Koko!” Donoma’s green eyes betraying her fury and fear even as she slid from the bed and Koko’s grasp. “I will not allow Mordecai Washburn to take from me what is mine. I have only just found you again. I will not lose you... especially not to a man who has no honor and no scruples.”

“Why do you say that, ka’eskone? You have never even met the man,” sitting up and swinging her legs over the edge of the bed as she watched Donoma pace mere feet from her.

“But I did meet his sons. One who shot me for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And the other who challenged you for his own petty jealousies and desire for revenge. A man who raises his sons with so little regard for others obviously has no moral code worth mentioning.”

“You are very wise, ka’eskone,” standing and taking Donoma into her embrace.

“I am very honest, Koko Kanti. I will not allow Mordecai Washburn to destroy us.”