by Chuck Buda
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Continue the Adventure
Director’s Cut
Join the Earpers
About the Author
I Need Your Help!
My Other Series
Dedication
Dedicated to Mr. Jeff.
Special Thanks
I would like to thank Jenny Adams for making me a better writer.
Chapter 1
James didn’t like Dodge City.
The town was much bigger than he had anticipated. A din of activity filled the narrow streets and overwhelmed his senses. He glanced down at Carson, who appeared to have a different opinion.
“Wow.” Carson shielded his eyes from the sun. His eyes absorbed all the colors and people.
James shook his head. For the first time, he wished he could switch places with his little friend. Then he would find the big town more bearable.
Carson trotted ahead to watch the cattle drivers on the outskirts of the buildings. Huge dust bowls swirled behind the massive ocean of animals. Men in dungarees and bandannas forced the cattle to move away along the Chisholm Trail. As he watched the procession, Carson dropped his travel bag. James tugged the reins of their horses to catch up with Carson.
“Welcome, young man.”
James hurried along when the strange man approached Carson. He was afraid that he would have to stand up for Carson so soon after just arriving. What a way to introduce ourselves to the new town, James mumbled.
The man handed Carson his travel bag. He dusted it off before passing it over. Carson stared up at the stranger, smiling like he just made a new friend.
“And what’s your name, young fella?” The man’s bright red hair provided a stark contrast to the browns and grays of the townsfolk.
“Carson.”
James gripped the reins of both horses in his fist while he jammed the other in front of the stranger. “I’m James. This here is my brother.”
“Well, pleased to meet you, James. Carson.” His red eyebrows knitted together as his eyes narrowed at the pair. “I’m the Preacher in Dodge City.”
“Preacher...?” James trailed off to prod the holy man into revealing his name.
“Just Preacher. I gave up my Christian name years ago to serve the Lord. I figure, a man’s name leads to pride and pride can take men down a dangerous path. One that doesn’t serve the Lord’s purposes.”
James nodded outwardly. In his head, James thought it was weird for a person to not have a name. But the Preacher’s reasoning seemed honest enough. So he decided to let it go and not challenge the notion.
“Can we ride with the aminals, James? I wanted to chased them out of town, too.” Carson waved his arms with excitement.
“They’re animals, Carson. Not aminals. And you don’t chased them, you...steer them, I guess.” James knew it sounded funny to say you would steer steers. But he let it go. His nervousness at Carson revealing his slowness so soon created butterflies in his gut.
The Preacher squatted down before Carson. “Well, now. You are a special one, ain’t ya, Carson?” Carson beamed and nodded profusely. “I bet I can get you a chance to ride with some of those cowboys if you’d be interested.”
Carson jumped up and down. James intervened immediately.
“That’s mighty nice of you, Mr. Preacher. But we just got here and we need to settle in a bit before we go joining up any cattle drives.”
“That’s fine, James. I know some of the men who attend my services. I could put in a good word for you when the time comes that you are more comfortable.” The Preached scratched his cherry red stubble.
“Thank you.” James nudged Carson with his boot. “We need to find a place to stay before night comes. It was a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“Please. Call me Preacher. Sir makes me sound old. I’m only twenty-eight.” The Preacher rested a hand on James’ shoulder. “You are welcome to stay at the church if nothing pans out. Temporarily, of course. Space is very limited and I need to accommodate lost souls on occasion. But a night or two wouldn’t hurt anyone, right?” He started to make his way down the street. Then he spun around and shouted to James over the noisy street. “You should come by for services anyway. Every man needs to rid himself of sins.” He waved and kept walking away.
James watched the Preacher. He was surprised how nice the man had been. He didn’t know James or Carson or what they were capable of. Yet, he welcomed them into his home. James supposed that was what holy men were supposed to do, but it was still a bit of a shock in a big city like this.
Carson’s eyes pleaded with James. “Can we go seed Preacherman’s church? I like him, James.”
James rolled his eyes. “I like him too, Carson. But we got things to do first. There’ll be plenty of time to visit the church. How about we fill our bellies before we look for a bed? I’m hungry and we haven’t eaten since last night.” James scanned the marquees above the shops. There were many establishments in Dodge City so he figured at least a few had to have some grub.
Carson pointed at his own belly. “He keeps talking out loud. I’m hungry too. I want eggs.”
James laughed at Carson’s characterization of the noise in his stomach. “Eggs sound good, buddy. Let’s see what we can scrounge up.”
James tugged the reins toward one of the buildings along the street. The first sign he read said ‘Trading Post.’ He knew they would be able to pick up some jerky or nuts to tide them over. The thought of fresh, hot eggs made James salivate though. But he wanted to spend more time looking for shelter instead of waiting for cooked food to be placed before them.
They tied the horses up in front of the Trading Post. Both animals immediately drank from the troughs before the railing. James cinched the reins to secure them. Then he touched the handle of his pistol on his side. It was more of a comfort thing than a need to draw the gun out. James felt safer in the new, strange town knowing that his gun was within reach. Especially since this was really the first time that James had traveled to a new place on his own. His mother accompanied he and Carson to Wichita. Now the boys were on their own. At least for a few days or a week. James’ mother was tying up loose ends in Wichita before joining them in Cowtown.
Chapter 2
James felt the muscles in his lower back tense. The trip from Wichita to Dodge City wasn’t too long, but it still left its mark on his body. Maybe he should have stayed in Wichita like his mother wanted. She liked Wichita because they had a nice room, she had a good job as Madam of the brothel, and she felt more at home there. James didn’t share the same feelings.
After defeating the gunslinger, James had become a bit of a local folk hero. But he had noticed the sidelong glances as well. The same folks who patted him on the back for saving the town would just as soon avoid him, still afraid of fiction that he had drawn the haunted gunslinger out. Everyone knew the gunslinger was around long before James moved to town. The association was too strong even if it was unfounded.
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br /> James wanted to move on and start fresh. A new town, new people who didn’t know about James and his battles and a chance to feel normal again were draws for his restless spirit. His mother wasn’t pleased. She did understand his plight though. Carson was excited to go on a new adventure, of course.
The Trading Post was over-crowded. Large piles of animal furs and skins lined the counters along one wall. Some dusty men haggled over prices for items they were selling, not buying. James smiled as one of the men cussed and jabbed a bony finger at the man behind the counter. He brushed past the argument while scanning the shelves for things to eat. He felt Carson tugging on the back of his dungarees.
The shelves were filled with tools and novelties, wares and powders. James looked up to avoid feeling dizzy from looking too hard and his eyes caught the large sticks of meat dangling toward the back of the shop. James picked up his pace, trying to beat the gurgling in his belly from revolting against him. Carson’s hand broke free when James moved faster.
“How much for the meat?”
A large man with an unkempt beard leaned across the counter. Flies circled the man’s head, which he didn’t seem to mind at all. “Ain’t meats, boy. Them’s wursts.”
“What’s the difference?” James wondered if the meats by a different name would cost him more.
“Difference is wurst being a high quality German sausage instead of a crap piece of beef.” The man scratched his mustache, finding something interesting in it before flicking it behind him.
James decided to play along because he was starving. If he weren’t so hungry, he would have goaded the man into further debate. “How much for the wurst then?”
“Two wursts and bread. You got bread?”
James turned suddenly to see who rudely interrupted his purchase. A scant man had moved within James’ comfort zone to order the last two sticks hanging above. James felt his anger swell once the large man behind the counter started to take down the meats for the rude guy.
“Wait a second. I was fixing to buy one of those...wursts.” James caught himself before he repeated the wrong name. “You can’t just take them both.” James glared at the man. A wide grin showed no teeth in the man’s mouth.
“Turns out, I can.” He slapped three coins on the counter and poked his face closer to James, daring him to do something about it. Before James could act, the large man tossed a sack over the counter. The toothless one caught the sack, winked at James and walked away. “See you next week, Gunderson.”
James spun around and shot a look at the large man, who he now knew was Gunderson. “What’s the big idea?” He fought his temper but still wanted to let the man know his displeasure.
Gunderson shrugged. “Lippy is a reg’lar. And I know he pays with coin.” Gunderson bit the coins in front of James.
“I have money too. How is his better than mine?”
“Lippy pays without questions. You act like a woman deciding on a frilly garment.” Gunderson chuckled to himself.
“Be nice to James or he’ll head punch you, mister.” Carson tried to climb up the counter to yell at the man.
Gunderson laughed harder when he saw Carson struggle to get up the counter. “No need for fightin’, little man. We have plenty.”
Carson appeared to be delighted to be considered a “man.” He smiled at Gunderson and Gunderson mussed his hair. James’ anger deflated a little. He watched Gunderson pull some new sticks of wurst from under the counter top. He slapped the sticks down and leaned forward.
“Now are you gonna buy some delicious, authentic, German wurst or are you gonna dally over some frilly under-garments?” Gunderson grinned and laughed.
James heard his belly growl and the smell of the meat made his mouth water. It didn’t even bother him to see the flies crawling over the sticks. James glanced down at Carson who chewed the wood counter in anticipation of eating. James placed a coin on the wood and slid it closer to Gunderson.
“That’s enough for half of a stick. Unless you got more in them pockets?”
James had some more coins but he needed to save some for a room and for feed for the horses until they settled. “Half then.”
James and Carson jumped back as a huge cleaver smashed the stick of meat in half. It happened before they could blink. Carson trembled and James felt his heart pounding in his chest. Gunderson noticed their reaction and laughed again. He handed the wurst to James. Carson yanked the stick from his grip and gnawed the cut end of the meat. The grease ringed Carson’s lips and James watched in delight as his little friend’s mouth worked it over.
“Passing through or new to these parts?” Gunderson picked more things out of his mustache.
“New. Looking to settle for a bit. We need a place to stay.”
Gunderson flicked another intruder from his mustache. “No rooms this time of year with the drives an’ all. You can sleep on the outskirts or room at the church until something opens.”
“I guess we will be staying at the church then.” James resigned to their fate.
“I could use some help here if you’re lookin’ to earn some coin. Maybe you can afford a whole wurst...” Gunderson left the offer in the air.
James smiled. “Sure. We can help out. When do we start?”
“Get yerself situated and see me in the morning. Soon as the sun’s up. Not a minute later. We’ll keep you busy.” Gunderson stretched a filthy palm across the counter. James shook his hand even though he was scared about what might be crawling around on the man’s skin.
James felt relieved. They might actually land on their feet in the new city. His stomach growled and he looked at Carson so he could grab a bite of wurst. But the meat was nearly gone. Carson kept chewing loudly, grinning at James.
“Swell.” James sighed out loud.
Chapter 3
“Come in. Come in.”
The Preacher held the door for James and Carson. He felt a burning sensation in his gut. The special boy fascinated him. Was it because it might be easier to suck the boy’s soul? Or did his mental disabilities provide a new challenge for him? Preacher shrugged to himself. It didn’t matter as long as he got what he wanted.
“Thank you for taking us in tonight. Turns out, the town is full up and we didn’t have any options.” James slumped a travel bag in front of his feet.
Preacher smiled. He hoped it didn’t reveal how hungry he was. “The Lord provides in mysterious ways. It was His blessing that we crossed paths earlier.” He soaked in the boy standing next to James.
“Hopefully we will only burden you for a night or two before we get situated in a place of our own.” James glanced around the church.
“His home is your home, boys. You may stay as long as you like. Of course, we do accept a tithe for the charity and hospitality.”
Preacher noticed James’ expression of confusion. He explained further. “A tithe is a pledge to provide money so that His church has the funds to carry on the mission.” He opened his arms wide to show his graciousness. Carson mistook the gesture as a request for an embrace. The small boy rushed forward and hugged the Preacher. A wonderful surprise, Preacher hugged back.
“Gee, I don’t know if we have funds enough to pledge to your church, Preacher. At least, not yet. We got a job at the Trading Post, starting tomorrow. Maybe we can give you some coins later.” James looked embarrassed.
“We can make...other arrangements. Bodies are as good as coins.”
“Bodies?” James sounded concerned.
“Yes. Bodies to work around the church. Cleaning. Fixing.” The Preacher enjoyed the double-edged conversation too much. He thanked the Lord for sending him two new apostles. Fresh off the trail and requiring his services.
James appeared relieved as he sighed out loud. “Sure. Working isn’t a problem. Ain’t that right, Carson?”
Carson nodded emphatically. “We can worker harder than anyone.” He clapped his hands together for emphasis.
“Work harder, Carson, not worker harder.�
�� James mussed Carson’s hair.
Preacher watched the interplay between the boys. It suddenly occurred to him that this might be a bigger challenge than he originally thought. James was very protective of Carson. It would be difficult to separate them long enough for him to do his bidding. He would make it work. Somehow.
“Let me show you around. This is the chapel. It’s large enough to accommodate a sizable congregation. However, we are still building our community here.” He beckoned them to follow him toward the back. “And right through here, we have my quarters and at the end of the hall, the ministry room. You’ll be set up in the ministry. There’s a small stove and several cots. You’ll have the run of the place tonight. Our previous guests have...moved on, recently.”
“We should get settled then.” James glanced around at the room. “We’ve already taken too much of your time. We really appreciate your hospitality.”
“It’s our pleasure.”
James and Carson exchanged looks.
“The Lord’s and mine.” Preacher bowed slightly. He sensed the trepidation in James. The young man would be quite the challenge. Maybe he was sensitive to unseen things. Or just overly cautious. Suspicious perhaps.
“I’ll leave you to get some rest. If you require anything else, you’ll find me in my quarters. I must prepare my homily for the weekend. Good night.”
He left the two guests as they wished him a good night. When he reached his room, Preacher leaned around the door frame. He watched his guests disrobe to their underwear. They were oblivious to his watchful gaze. He wondered how long it would take to break James. He had no doubts that Carson would be under his control in short order. But James would be difficult. The Preached understood human nature. He was experienced with all types of people. Ruffians. Scoundrels. Miscreants. The pure and the innocent. His skills had been well honed over the last few years. Sure, he had to move from one town to another several times to escape those who wished to condemn him. The moves helped sharpen his tools.
