Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 Part Six

   As I came down Main Street towards the center of town I heard screams and breaking glass inside O'Ryan's Hotel. I got to the window and looked in. I saw two masked men pulling and tugging on O'Ryan's daughter. She was half naked. The time for surrenders had passed. I spun through the open door and came up with my pistols cocked and aimed. I managed to put a bullet in both their foreheads. They dropped like flour sacks.
  But I had made a mistake. In my haste to save the girl I did not notice the third outlaw. He was off to the side of the room with the girl's mother. "Allright hold it right there!" I heard him shout as I turned to face him. He had his pistol to the woman's head and was using her as a shield. "I'm getting out of here! You just let me go, or this bitch dies!" The woman and her daughter were both screaming. I noticed the body of O'Ryan lying in a pool of blood in the back of the room.
  "Let her go mister." I said, trying to be as cool as I could. "Let her go, and I won't kill you right where you stand." He laughed. "You know who I am. You know I can do it. Now be smart and let her go." I saw the fear in his eyes.
  "You wont shoot me?" His hands were trembling. " I got your word on that?"
  "You got my word, just let go of her." He lowered his pistol and turned the woman loose. "Now drop it." I said, never lowering my gun. His pistol fell to the floor. "Kick it to me and get on your knees." He did as I asked and I holstered my pistol. "Alright then. Now where...."
  His head exploded in a red wet mist that stuck to the wall behind him! I pulled my pistols and turned to see O'Ryan's wife standing in front of her daughter with a smoking shotgun in her hand! "You Son of a Bitch!" she screamed at him as I tore the gun from her hands. She looked at me just daring me to say one word of reproach to her.
  I tuned and went for the door.

  I made my way to Rosie's Saloon. I stepped inside the swinging doors and got shot at. Bullet almost took off my left ear. I spun to the floor and aimed the rifle where I thought the shot had come from.
  "That's right you cowardly fucks! Step inside my bar again and I'll put a hole in you so big your own mother wont know you!" A familiar voice called from behind the bar. My eyes adjusted to the dark inside the bar and I saw the place was a mess. There were at least two bodies on the floor and a hell of alot of blood everywhere.
  "Ruby?" I yelled. "Ruby? It's me, Snake. You all right darlin?"
  "Snake?" I heard he say has she rose from behind the bar. "Oh, Snake!" I stood and she ran to me. She seemed to be wearing just rags. Her dress was torn something awful and she was holding it together. Her hair and face were blood covered. He hands and arms were bleeding. She fell into my arms crying. "Snake! Where the fuck have you been? They killed Gus! I tried to save him, but.." She began to sob hysterically. I looked down and saw Gus, her house manager. He had been gut shot. The other body I guessed had been one of the outlaws, but his face and chest was tore up something fierce and I don't think I woulda recognized him even if I knew him. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what happened here.
  "It's alright Ruby. You're safe now girl." I tried to calm her down. "You're gonna be alright." I heard the doors creak open and I whirled around drawing my pistols. It was Shots.
  "God damn Marshal" he said as he came inside. "I thought you was dead!" What the hell happened to the jail?" I sat Ruby down in a chair and grabbed a blanket from behind the bar to cover her up with. I gave her a whiskey bottle and she popped the cork and drank strait from it.
  "They blew it up." I said turning to Shots. "Finger's is dead. And Holmes is gone. Have you seen him?"
  "No." he replied. "We killed six of his men though. Two of the Circle M boys are dead as well."
  "And John?" I asked.
  "He's alive," he answered, "for now. But he's shot bad. I don't think he'll make it. Mitchellson and a few of his boys rode off chasing a group of Holmes' men who lit out when the shooting got too much for them. But I don't think Holmes was with them. Shit Marshal, you're hit!"
  I had torn open my shirt and exposed the shot in my side. "Yeah, I got a few of the bastards though. Ruby, can I borrow some of that rye honey?"
  She stood and grabbed my wrist."You ready?" She asked. I nodded and she tipped the bottle over my wound. It felt like liquid fire, but I knew I had to take it. I pulled the shirt off of the dead outlaw and made a makeshift bandage. Then I slipped my shirt back on.
  "Shots, we need to sweep the town. Make sure none of these bastards are still here, hiding somewhere. Get some of the citizens to help pull the bodies off the street and get them down to the undertakers. I am sure the Doc is gonna need some help as well. Make sure he gets whatever it is he needs."
  "Ok Marshal." He said, and suddenly we heard a pounding on a door from the back hallway.
  "That's the girl's rooms." said Ruby."Oh God!" She leapt up and ran to the door, with Shots and I right behind her. She reached for the knob and tried to turn it. Shots grabbed her and pulled her back and I kicked open the door. There stood Lily and the rest of the girls unharmed. Lily jumped into Shot's arms has Ruby calmed the rest of them down. Apparently when he first heard the shots in the streets, Gus had locked the girls in the room to protect them. Smart man.
   I sent Shots out and took a long pull from the whiskey bottle. Ruby and the girls were fine. I stepped back out into the street and searched for Holmes and any of his remaining men.
  The streets were quiet. And empty. I was just about convinced that Holmes had fled. And then I heard my name being called. I followed the sound of it. As I came around the corner of the dry goods store I saw who was calling me. And my heart sank.
  The man had his arms tied behind his back and had been beaten pretty bad. It was Johnny. As I got to him he fell on the street.


  "Marshal," he croaked, his face full of bruises and cuts. "Marshal, it's Holmes."

  "He's got Prissy!"

Priscilla's Diary - February 14th 1876

   It was only 15, maybe 20 minutes after Snake left the house when I heard the explosion. I took Joshua and hid in the back room. I didn't know what was going on, but I knew it was bad. The minutes seemed like hours. I was so scared. I could hear the gunshots here and there. My mind was everywhere. What was going to happen tomorrow? Would they still hang Johnny? Why had I kissed Snake? I felt so ashamed. I cried and clutched Joshua to my chest. All I had wanted was a safe, normal place to raise my son. And this is where I ended up. Hiding in the back room while the town was being shot up, my husband about to be hung, and my baby's father probably dead out in the street. Lord.
  The front door of the house opened and I felt like the end was here. I might deserve to be killed by some outlaw, but my boy did not! I tried to hide Joshua under the bed. I was in a panic. Then the intruder came into the bedroom. He was covered in dust and blood and held a rifle in his hand. I froze and just looked at him. it took a few seconds to set in. Then I leapt into his arms. It was my Johnny!

   The build up of fear and worries over the last weeks just seemed to burst over me at that point and I completely lost control. I fell into Johnny's arms and had a breakdown. He held me tight and whispered that everything would be alright. I looked up and for the first time in a long time I saw life in his eyes. The man I fell in love with was back! I could just see it. He told me what had happened at the jailhouse and that Holmes had escaped.
  "Let's go Johnny" I pleaded. "Let's just get on the wagon and ride out of here right now!" I was half out of my mind with both relief and fear. "This may be our only chance to escape! They're still gonna hang you! We have to leave! We'll take our son and just go, somewhere where they'll never know us! Something bad is gonna happen if we stay here, I just know it! Please Johnny, let's go!"
  "Calm down Prissy." He said. "It's too dangerous out there. The Marshal said we should just stay here. I'll protect you. And Joshua." He had a determined look about him that I did not recognize. My heart said to argue and make him go. But something held me back. I agreed. 
 
  We bunkered down in the bedroom. The gunshots seemed to slow and then stop. We might have been there an hour. When no one came my fears began to get the better of me again. A dread grew in my stomach. I pleaded with Johnny to leave Red Creek once and for all, but he still refused. "I'm not gonna run Prissy!" he said. "I am through with being a coward! I am gonna go see what's happening outside. Stay here with Joshua."
  "No Johnny!" I said, trying to hold him back. "Don't leave us!" I was shouting "I can't lose you again!"
  He stopped and turned back. A smile seemed to float across his face. Seeing that smile warmed my heart. For the first time in what felt like forever, I had an idea that things just might work out alright for us."Alright Prissy. I'll stay. I promised the Marshal I would keep you safe."

  A voice from the doorway surprised both of us with a small laugh. "Well, I reckon that's a promise you just might have a hard time keeping Johnny Boy."

  There in the door frame, with his pistols drawn and aimed right us, stood Kid Homes!

Picture

(Barry - Just thought this was kinda appropriate. Haha!)

Ruby's Letter's - February 1876 (Battle of Red Creek - Part 3)

   When I hit the floor I felt something that I hadn't felt in quite some time. I felt like I was in real trouble. He was a big mean bastard and I had already played my hole card. He flipped the table out of the way and pulled me up by my hair. "You little bitch! You tried to shoot me!" He threw me hard into the bar and I heard bottles breaking behind me. I tasted blood in my mouth. Panic started to well up inside of me but I forced it down. I knew if I was gonna get out of this I had to think clear. I started to rise up when his boot caught me right in the head. The world swam and I fell back to the floor.

  Now you may think it's crazy Margo, but at that moment I swear I heard Ma's voice. "Get up girl!" she was saying."Get up Ruby! You didn't work so hard your whole life to give it to this drunken bastard! You're a fighter Ruby. You always have been! So fight! Get up off of your arse and fight!" I know. The boot to the head probably stirred a few rocks loose, but I swear I heard her. So I forced myself up to my hands and knees. The big son of a bitch was poring a bottle down his throat behind me. I looked at Gus and saw his pistol lying beside him. It was too far. I could never get to it before the bastard stopped me. My heart sank.

   But then I saw it. Not 2 feet from me on the ground. It must have come from the table I fell over. I reached for it thinking my salvation was at hand. But just then he reached down and yanked my hair back hard, pulling me to my feet. He turned me around and tore what was left of my dress off. "Now then bitch," he said, pulling me into him and stabbing his rough hand between my legs. "Now you are gonna play nice, or I'm gonna half to hurt you. And trust me me whore," His fingers were hard and callused." you wont like it." He laughed and forced his tongue into my mouth. I remember he tasted like whiskey and dirt. I heard mama's voice again telling me to fight. I knew I had one chance. When he pulled his hand away and started to fumble with his own trousers I bit down hard on his lip. My mouth filled with blood as he screamed. Then he punched me in the stomach with all his force and I felt the breath fly out of my body. I fell to the ground and quickly scrambled to find what I had seen.
  "You fucking cunt!!" He bellowed as I felt my hand close around what I was looking for."I am gonna cut your tits off!" He reached down for me as I turned and leapt up at him with all the force I could, my right hand shooting towards his neck. I saw the fear in his eyes as I struck. He screamed and fell back, but I fell right with him, plunging my hand again and again into his neck and chest. I remember screaming and seeing the blood fly. He stopped fighting and just laid there, but I still went on. Finally the rage subsided and I stopped. I sat still for a moment. Naked, covered in blood and sweat and piss. I opened my clenched right hand and let the weapon fall to the floor.

   It was the handle of a busted beer mug. I fell off the dead man and began to cry.

Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 (Part Five)

  I turned and looked at your husband. "Johnny," I said as I pulled my pistols and checked that they were alright."I ain't got time to guard you right now, I am going after Holmes. I need you to do something for me." I could see the fear in his eyes, but I had no choice. Time was running out.
  "Uh, I ain't no good to nobody Marshal." He replied looking away. I reached out and slapped him hard.
  "God Damn it Cardwell! Pull yourself together!" I shouted. "People are dying here and I need your help!" That seemed to get his attention. "I don't know what's happening out there or where Holmes is and I have got to find out! By the sounds of it, there is fighting all over town." I reached out and grabbed one of the rifles and handed it to him. "Take this and go home. Prissy and my," I barely caught myself, "...and the boy are there. Go to them, and shoot anyone that tries to come in the house!" He looked confused so I slapped him again. "Do understand me you son of a bitch?!?"
  He took the rifle and turned. "Yeah, I understand." he said as he ran out the door.  I took a deep breath and tried to push everything out of my head. I holstered both my pistols and grabbed one of the Winchester rifles. I picked up my hat and pulled it tight over my head. With one look back at Fingers, I stepped out into the street.

  As soon as I did I heard a shot and the dirt next to my right boot exploded. I looked up and saw a shape on the roof in front of me. I brought up the rifle as I heard a second shot from my left. I pulled the trigger and heard the man on the roof scream as I jumped to my right and rolled behind the water trough. The water splashed from a third shot as I came up and put two shots from the rifle into a man across the street standing behind a post. As he fell back I heard the thud of the body from the roof hit the street. I didn't hear the shot that hit me. I just felt the bullet slam through my waist and spin me to the ground. I rolled back behind the trough for cover. "Whoo Hoo!" I heard a man yell. "I got the son of a whore!" I surely did!"  I quickly looked down and saw the bullet had passed right through my side. I reached for my pistols as I heard running footsteps. A big bearded face appeared over the top of the trough with a wild smile showing a gap of missing teeth. The smile quickly dissappeared as he saw my pistols pointed strait at him. The he dissapeared as I pulled both triggers. 
 
  I stood up and looked around. A quiet seemed to have fallen over the town. Then I heard shouts and gunfire from down the street. I took off at a run.

Letter from Sally Roberts - April 1876

 Dear Prissy -

   How are you my friend. I hope you and Joshua are well. I pray things are getting better. I wish I was able to be there. I know there is alot of healing and work to be done in Red Creek right now. God will see us through my friend.
   John is healing. Slowly that is for sure, but he is strong. The ride to Santa Fe was hard, but we made it. John's family can help us here while he rests. The boys are doing well. They miss you as their teacher. I told them we will be back once their dad is well enough.
  Oh Prissy I still have trouble getting that evil day out of my mind. I imagine it's worse for you. I am sorry I am not there to talk to you about it. It helps to talk. I have been talking to Jesus quite a bit lately. Asking how He could allow such hurt and pain to happen. But it is His to understand Prissy, not ours.

   I remember I was inside Miss Daisy's when I first heard the shots. Seconds later a masker rider came riding by and shot out the large window in the front of the store. Miss Daisy screamed and we ducked behind the counter for protection. More shots came from the end of town. I remember looking up and seeing Shots run past heading towards the gunfire. I heard yelling and headed towards the door. Miss Daisy grabbed my arm and shouted "No Sally! You'll be killed!" I knew in my gut that John was in trouble and I just couldn't help myself. I had to see him and make sure he was alright. I had to go. I left the boys with Miss Daisy and stepped out into the boardwalk. I saw a few figures running around down where the gun shots were coming from. Little Pearl Miltch came running by and said Bandits were shooting up the Livery. A great hole grew in the pit of my stomach and I ran to find John.
  Smoke filled the street. The gunshots were so loud and the air smelt like fire and soot. I looked and saw that a house was burning. There were men darting back and forth behind wagons and fences. There were dead horses and men in the road. I heard someone shout my name as I ran toward the livery. And there I found John. He was slumped against the barn door covered in blood. He had been shot in the chest. I remember putting my hand on the wound and trying to hold back the blood. A bullet struck the door just inches above my head, but at the time I did not notice. My world was crashing down around me. I called God's name and pleaded with him to save John. Just then I felt some one grab me and try to pull me away from my husband. I struggled and fought, but to no avail. I turned in his arms and started to claw for his eyes, but then I realized he was shouting my name. It was Shots.
  "God damn it Sally! Are you trying to get killed?" he said as he threw me back behind the door. "Get the hell out of the way. I ain't got time for this!" I started to get up and go back to John but Shots pushed me back down. "He's gone Sally, You can't save him! Now stay the fuck down or your boys are gonna lose both their parents today!" I just looked at him. I couldn't understand what he was saying. He was wrong. He had to be. John was not dead. I couldn't believe that.
   Well Shots must have taken my contemplation for compliance because he left. He ran back out the door with his bright silver pistols blazing. I went back to John. He was still breathing, but he was exposed to more gunshots where he was. I had to pull him back out of harms way. Sweet Jesus why did I have to marry such a large man? I grabbed him and pulled with all the strength I could muster and barely got him inside the barn.He grunted and groaned and I took that as a sign from Heaven that he wasn't ready to give up. I fell to the floor beside him, covered in blood, sweat, and hay. I prayed as I tore open his shirt and tried to clean the wound best that I could. I vaguely remember hearing the explosion of the jailhouse.
    The shouts outside continued along with the gunshots. A figure appeared in the doorway and I looked up expecting to see Shots. It wasn't him. It was one of the outlaws. The man had been shot at least once and had a desperate, scared look about him. He also did not have a gun. He looked down and saw John's rifle still in his hand and rushed to grab it. I thought he was going after John and threw myself at him to try to stop him. He struck me hard across the face and I fell back. He grabbed the rifle and looked back out the door. He fired into the street.
   Prissy, may The Lord forgive me for what I did next. If I had thought about it, i am not sure I would have done it, but there was no thinking at that point. A rage came over me and I willingly followed it. John's pistol was still in his holster. I scrambled to it and pulled it out. The outlaw turned and saw what I was doing as I cleared the holster. A look of alarm crossed his face and he raised the rifle towards me and John. I fired the pistol and the man's face exploded. Sweet Jesus please forgive me.

Red Creek Tribune - February 15th, 1876 Part Two

(Barry - We return to Silas's article about the 13th of February)

 
   Wyatt Mitchellson, owner of the Circle M Ranch, had this to say about the attack. "Those no good cowards have gone to far! Well, we damn sure gave them more than they were looking for I can tell ya that. The streets of Red Creek are running red tonight with the blood of brave heroes who were not afraid to stand up for their own rights and freedoms! We have lost several good men today, and I mourn for them, I truly do. But tyranny will not stand in this day and age! Not while brave honest men have the courage and the strength to stand against it. Men like Kid Holmes deserve what they get. And I for one am not afraid to say it, by God!"
   Four of Mr Mitchelson's cowhands were wounded in the shootings today. Only one, Bill McKinndry, lost his life. Also among the dead are recently deputized Furgus "Fingers" O'Mally. Deputy O'Mally was killed in the destruction of the jailhouse. Dynamite, placed outside the cell wall seems to have been the cause of the explosion that leveled the brick building. Two other men were killed in the explosion, both captured members of the outlaw gang led by Kid Holmes. The dynamite is believed to have been a desperate attempt to free Holmes from Marshal Johnson's custody. Johnson himself was wounded in the blast, but quickly recovered his wits and set about recapturing the notorious outlaw.
    During both the raid at the south of town, and the attack of the jail house to the north, several of Holmes' murderous thugs set to terrorizing other places of interest throughout Red Creek. Both the Harlequin Honey Pot, and Rosie's Saloon were attacked by these vile men. Three girls at The Honey Pot were beaten'd and abused by the marauders. Miss Scarlet Preston was unharmed, but her negro employee Chancy was killed.
 

(Barry - Decided to skip this next part until we hear Ruby's version of the story)



Ruby's Letters's - February 1876 - (Battle of Red Creek - Part 2)

 "Gus!" I yelled. "Gus. Get in here!" The bastard with the gun kept waking towards me.
  "Don't look like anyone is here to help ya pretty lady. Looks like it's just me and you." He smiled and I saw that half his teeth were gone and the ones he still had didn't look like they were in it for the long haul. He smelled bad as well.  Now I wasn't too scared Margo. You know this wasn't the first time some dirty son of a bitch had come at me, but I was concerned that Gus wasn't in the bar. He's always here this time of day. Just then the door to the men's room burst open and out ran Gus with one hand on his pistol and the other holding up his pants. He took a shot at the big bastard, but it sailed high. The outlaw cleared leather and shot Gus in the belly. He yelled and fell to the floor.
  "Gus!" I screamed as I saw the blood spread out beneath him. I started towards him but the thug grabbed my arm and pulled me in close to him. I smelt the rot and the whiskey on him.
  "Come here bitch! " He snarled as he groped at my dress. "Let's see what you got under here!" He pulled the top of my dress and it ripped. Now you know that I never leave my room without protection, so while he let out a whoop and pawed my breasts I reached down to the little Remington that I always keep stashed in my garter. I bought it up and pressed it against the bastard's belly as he grabbed my face and tried to kiss me.
  "Go to Hell you Fuck!" I said as I pulled the trigger.

  Nothing happened. Misfire.

  He slapped me hard and I fell across the table.

  And then I heard the explosion from down the street.

Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 (Part Four)

  The explosion came from outside the cell wall. My vision was full of smoke and dirt as I flew back into the cabinets. My head struck something hard and the world went quiet. It was in that small moment, when I wasn't sure if I was alive or dead, that the image of you in that yellow dress came to mind. It was so real. Like we were both standing in Miller's store back in Wichita. You remember that dress? The color of a sunflower. It was the first thing I ever bought you Prissy. And you were so beautiful in it. I thought you were an angel that day. I dont think I have ever seen anything my whole life as pretty as you standing in the sun on Miller's porch wearing that dress. Strange that that vision would come to me right at that moment but it did.

   I reached up to the back of my head and felt the warm wettness. The dust began to settle and I started to hear the screams. I tried to shake the cobwebs loose and opened my eyes. I saw poor Fingers. He was lying under a pile of stones and beams. I tried to make it to him and realized my legs were pinned under a large section of wall. I tried to move the stone and free myself, but it was just too damn heavy. I looked back to Fingers and watched him cough up blood. "Damn it Fingers" I cried out to him, "you just hold on now! You're gonna be alright! I'm gonna get there in just a second!" I tried again to lift the rocks on my legs.
"Son-of-a-bitch!" I yelled. It was just then that a large two by four from the rubble was shoved under the stones trapping my feet and I heard a grunting and groaning from above me.

  "Help me Marshal, I can't do this alone!" came a familer voice and I shoved again with all my strength. The rocks slipped to the side and I quickly pulled my legs free. I looked up to see who it was that saved me. Imagine my surprise to see your Johnny.

  I turned and went to Fingers. "Help me get him loose Johnny!" I cried, but then saw we were too late. Fingers was gone. He was a good man. There were two men still in the cell. Both part of Holmes' gang we brought in the other day. One was dead from the explosion, and the other one was yelling in pain. He had a piece of the window bars sticking out his gut. I quickly looked around and saw no one else.

  Holmes was gone.

Red Creek Tribune - February 15th, 1876 Part One

(Note from Barry - I took the liberty to edit this article of Silas's and post just parts of it at a time to go along with the information already given by Snake, Ruby, and the others. I will post the rest as the story of this fateful day progresses.)

Red Creek Terrorised

By Silas Furgenson, Owner, Red Creek Tribune

(Part One)



   It was just after 11 this past Friday morning, April 13th, when 6 masked horsemen came riding into the south side of town with murderous intent on their minds. Young Kaleb Mckay was tending his chickens outside his parents home just across from the livery when the cold hearted assassins came barrelling down Main Street, their pistols brandished and loaded. The marauders proceeded to empty their guns aiming wildly into the sides of buildings, wagons, passersby, seemingly anything that crossed their paths. The Mckay boy was wounded in his eye from flying splinters as he took cover behind a fence post.
  Two of the six headed up the street towards the center of town while the other four became engaged in a violent shootout at the livery. Deputy John Roberts fought against the invaders and managed to kill two of them before taking a bullet in the chest. The other two were slain by young Deputy "Shots" as he arrived on the scene. As he later reported it was as Shots was trying to tend to Deputy Robert's wound that he first heard shots from what he assumed to be Rosie's Saloon. It was only seconds after that the jailhouse exploded.

Ruby's Letter's - February 1876 - (Battle of Red Creek)

  Dear Margo,
    I am still trying to put all the pieces together. So much has happened, I am not really sure where to begin. I couldn't keep my nose out of other people's affairs. I drank all night and stewed. In the morning I made Gus go get the Marshal and bring him to me. I looked him in the eyes and told him the truth about his son. I don't know why I do the things I do Margo. I get up on my high horse and tell other people what's wrong with their lives and how they should fix them. And yet, here I am. Sad and alone. I should just drink myself to death. Sigh, sorry girl. I am a mess today. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and see if I can help those out there that are really hurting. Lotta pain out here today.

   I guess it started an hour or so after I saw Snake. Some riders came in from the hills and started shooting things up down by the livery. I guess the boys from Mitchellson's ranch started shooting back and a real fight erupted. I was trying to sleep things off, but the shots woke me up. Somehow I made my way down stairs to the bar. Just as I did a man in a mask bust through the doors with a pistol in his hand. He laughed and took a shot at the bar. Busted up one of my mirrors! "Son of a Bitch!" I yelled at him. I know, a stupid thing to say to a man in a mask holding a loaded pistol, but damn it, that mirror cost me alot of money! He stepped inside and pulled off his mask. He was an ugly son of a bitch with a large burn scare on the right side of his face. He smiled as he walked towards me.

  "Well, well." He said in a low raspy voice. "What have we got here?"  It was only then that I realized we were the only two people in the bar.

Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 (Part Three)

  The first shots came from the north end of town. When I stepped out of your house I saw a few of Mitchellson's cowboys running in that direction. As you know the Jail is the other direction. My first instinct said the real trouble was gonna be there, so I headed there. I could hear 4 or 5 guns being fired up by the livery. I met Fingers and Shots in the street in front of the jail.
  "Is this it?" asked Shots "'Bout damn time! Let's get 'em!"
  "Settle down son."I replied. "Everything ok here?" I asked Fingers.
  "Yeah Marshal," he answered "been quiet since you left. 'Til now anyways."
  "Where's John?" I asked
  "He's down at the livery, said he had work to do." said Shots.
  "Ok, Shots get down there and see what's what. You send somebody with word of what the hell is going on. Go!" He jumped on his horse and raced up the street. "Fingers you stay here with me in case these bastards are just trying to lure us away from the jail. Pull out the extra rifles and set them by the windows"
   "Alright. So you think this is their move?" he asked with a little jitters.
   "I reckon it might be Fingers. You alright?"
   "Hell yes, just might need a snort that's all. To settle my nerves."
   I laughed and told him a snort would be alright, just be to careful. I went in to check on Holmes. Everything seemed fine. The Kid was standing by the cell door with a smile on his face. The others were behind him. Johnny was lying down in his cell. "What's with all the noise Marshal?" asked Holmes in a smartass voice. "We're trying to get some rest in here!"
   "Shut your damn mouth." I said while Fingers pulled out the extra rifles from the case. He laughed, the others in there with him looked nervous.
   "It's been a right pleasure Snake," Holmes said with a sly grin. "But I reckon I done took all of of you I can. Time for me to leave."
  "You can try anytime you like, ya yellow bastard!" I replied.
  He began to move to the left of the cell away from the wall. "I'll remember you said that. Gonna be a pleasure to put a slug right between your eyes. Just like I did your brother."
  My instincts kicked in just a few seconds before I heard the shouts from outside the wall. "Lookout Fingers!" I shouted as I drew my pistols.

 Then the world exploded.

Priscilla's Diary - February 13th, 1876

   What else God? I know that I have been a sinner. I fell to sin at a young age, I know that. But I had no choice! I had to survive, and I took the only path open to me. I am not proud of it, but I did what I had to do. And damn it I would do it again. But I have tried to change Lord. I really really have. And for what. Everything is gone now. Or will be by tomorrow.

  He knows. Snake knows. I don't know how, but he does. Did Sally tell him? I doubt it, but no one else knew. Maybe he figured it out on his own? No. He wouldn't have. Someone told him. I guess it doesn't really matter at this point though. Tomorrow morning they are gonna hang Johnny. And then......

 There was a loud knock on the door this morning about 11. It was Snake. "Prissy!" I heard him from the back of the house. His tone was loud and harsh. It scared me. I open the door and could see instantly that he knew. His eyes were watery and red. He stared at me for a second and I could see the pain and hurt on his face. I wanted to die right there. "You should have told me Prissy." His voice cracked ever so slightly. "You should have told me!"
   "Snake." I whispered. My heart was breaking as he stood there in the doorway. " I... I .... I" I didn't know what to say. He stepped pass me and into the house. "I'm sorry." I managed to get out.
   "Where is he? Where's........ my son?" soft as it was, I had never heard such emotion in his voice, not even when his brother was killed.
   "Snake," the tears came to my eyes.
   "Goddamn it Prissy!" His voice rose. "That's why you left? You ran out in the middle of the night, with someone you didn't even know, because you were pregnant? With my son? Why? I thought you loved me? Or was it all just some kind of game to you?" He reached out and punched the door jam. I thought I heard a bone crack.
   "Stop it!" I yelled. "Of course I loved you, you idiot! I always loved you! But..but..... " I just couldn't do it. I slumped to the table and cried.
   He stood there, clenching his fists again and again. "I don't understand." he said quietly. "It about killed me when you left Prissy. I, I didn't know what to do, what I had done wrong. Then I learned that you left with someone, and my heart broke. ..... I thought, I thought you loved me."  He sat on the other side of the table.
"Did you know you were pregnant when you left?" I could see how hard this was on him. He had never been a man who was comfortable with his own emotions. He hated showing his pain. He thought it made him weak.
     "Yes Snake, I knew." the truth was hard to get out."I knew. It's why I left." He looked as if I had stabbed him in the heart. He stood and started for the door. "I was scared Snake! I was afraid you were gonna die! Your obsession with finding Holmes was blinding you to everything else, including me."
   "He killed my brother Prissy."
   "Damn it Snake, I know that! I was there. And you were gonna prove to yourself and to everyone else that you were the better man by bringing in Holmes. And if you got killed in the process, you didn't give a damn!"
   "That's bullshit Prissy!"
   "Is it? Look at the truth goddamn it! You were putting yourself at risk day after day! How many times were you shot while we were in Wichita Snake? You were gonna get your man no matter what! I was not gonna raise a baby by myself. I couldn't. So yes, I went looking for someone to take me away from you. Someone I thought was safe and would be there to be a father to my child! I chose Johnny because I didn't trust you to be around for long! I'm sorry Snake. I was weak."
   He stood there in silence for several minutes. "Damn it Snake, say something." I pleaded.
  "You should have told me." His voice was low and soft. "You should have made me see the truth. You were always more important to me than anything Prissy. I would have changed for you if you gave me a chance."
  I smiled "No you wouldn't have. You would have tried, I know. But you can't change what you are anymore than the Sun can. I loved you with everything I had Snake. You know I did. Damn it, I still love you. It broke my heart to leave, but I had to think about the future of my baby. Of our baby. I knew that he needed a father. One that I knew would always be there. I am sorry."
  "What happens after tomorrow?" he asked.
  "I'll have to bury my husband." The tears returned. "Then,..... I don't know.
  He grabbed me and pulled me into his chest. I didn't resist at all. "Sweet sweet girl." he whispered "It's alright. I understand why you did what you did. I don't blame you."
  "No." I cried. "Don't you do that! Don't you dare forgive me Snake Johnson! I won't let you!"
  "Hush now," he said as he stroked my hair."I know how hard this has all been on you. I know you're scared. Scared of being alone. Hell girl, you always have been. But you are alright. I am not going anywhere Prissy. When this is all over, I'm gonna be here. Maybe we can...... "
  "Don't Snake," I said looking up at him. "don't even talk about it. Not now. Not while...."
  "Alright Prissy. Not now...." He looked at me for a moment then bent his head down to kiss my cheek. I don't know why, but Lord forgive me, I moved my  face and met his lips with my own.

  Then we heard the gunfire from the street.

The Battle of Red Creek - (Introduction)

   February 13th 1876.  Well faithful readers, we have made it to this infamous date in our little story of Red Creek. We are lucky in that we have several versions of the events that transpired that day. We have written testimonies by Snake, Prissy, Sally, Ruby, Silas, and a few others. With these different accounts I think we are able to get a pretty accurate view of what really happened. Some of the people you have met in these little postings met their ends that day, some survived. One thing is very certain though. When dawn rose on February the 14th, Red Creek was a very different town.

 ----- Barry Cardwell

Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 (Part Two)

 

  Slamming the jail door in Holmes' face was a strange sensation Prissy. You know how long I had been tracking him. How much I want to put him either behind bars or under the ground. And now there he was, standing in my cell. Wasn't quite sure how I felt about it to be honest. But I knew the job wasn't done. He had been in prison before, a few times, and was either released or busted out. And I knew the rest of his gang was not that far away. No way they were gonna just let him hang. I wanted to take him out of Red Creek and get him to Abilene or Wichita where we could secure him better. But the Judge said no, he was gonna be tried and hung in Red Creek. Well I knew there was gonna be trouble, and I didn't have the men for it. So I went to Mitchelson. He agreed to send some of his cowboys into town again as security. They might not have been the best men for the job, but my hope was their numbers would deter things from going off the track. Obviously, I was wrong.

   During Johnny's trail, I tried not to present to hard of a case against him. I was hoping, for your sake, they would just give him a prison sentence. But once the judge ordered a hanging, I knew there was nothing I could do for him. I also knew Johnny wasn't going to give me any trouble in the small time he had left. He had accepted his fate. Holmes was a different story. He was a problem the moment he stepped inside. He kept railing against us, telling us we were all dead men. There was no way he was gonna hang in a shit town like Red Creek. He said, well Prissy I am guessing you can imagine the things he said. It wasn't pretty, but it didn't bother me none. I was worried about his men though. I made sure we paid attention to every little thing. We watched the roads into town. We questioned strangers. I checked the locks at the jail every 30 minutes or so. Not that any of it mattered in the end.

   It was the morning after Johnny's trial that Gus, the manager at Rosie's came to the jail to see me. He said that Ruby was in bad shape. She had been drinking all night and refused to be put to bed. He said she had become angry and agitated this morning, yelling at her staff and breaking some dishes. Said she started calling out for me and wanted Gus to bring me to her. I thought it was strange, she had seemed a level headed woman to me, but I went. I left Fingers and Shots at the jail and walked with Gus down to her place.

   As you know, it turned out to be a hell of a morning.

Ruby's Letters - February 1876 (The Trail and the Truth)

  

Dearest Sister,

   My word girl, things have got to where they move so fast round here anymore I am havin a hard time just keeping you up to date! Big news is the Marshal done caught that bastard Kid Holmes that killed the Sheriff. Beat the hell out of him to it looks like. Ha! They are having his trial tomorrow I hear. The local judge is still in town from the trial of that poor horse thief Johnny. They found the boy guilty. Judge said to hang him on Saturday morning. I feel real bad for him. He never did seem like a bad sort. Just got mixed up with the wrong people. His wife is beside herself. I went to see her last night. Never really got too friendly with her before, what with her being the school marm, and me running girls from a saloon. But still, I felt it was the right thing to do.  Good Lord Margo, the things we learn about people sometimes is enough to knock ya plum over!

   I guess I should start at the trial. Judge Webster from Abilene was brought in. He is an older fella with a long beard and a pinched up face. Seems like an ass if ya ask me. (I know, people don't have to ask, I share my opinions freely!) The lawyer talked about Johnny's drinking and gambling problems. They said he helped the outlaws steal from Mitchellson's ranch to help cover his debts. Then when the posse rode out to get the horses, they said he opened fire on them along with the rest. They pulled the Marshal on the stand, and the strange thing was he didn't really say nothin that seemed to prove Johnny's quilt. Seemed to me he was tryin his best to avoid the questions when they came to Johnny. Like he was protecting him or something.
   Well, no matter what Snake might have been doing, the jury convicted Johnny right off. They said any man that would help a black hearted villian like Kid Holmes deserved what he got. The judge agreed, and sentenced him to hang. His wife, Prissy screamed and fell right out in the courtroom. Funny thing was how the Marshal got all concerned and carried her out. Her husband musta been in shock, he just sat there, all quiet when they said he was gonna die. Like he didn't care. It's a shame.

    But with the outlaw Holmes in jail and awaiting his own trial, the town didn't seem to get too worked up over Johnny's fate. But still, I felt bad so like I said I went over to see his wife last night check in on her. Now this gal is real friendly with the wife of our livery owner. Her name is Sally and she always seems nice enough. Her husband is one of the Marshal's deputy's as well. When I got to the door I heard the two of them talkin inside. Now you know I ain't one to evesdrop or anything like that. I was just being polite and not intrude with a knock until the moment seemed right. (I know Margo, don't say a word!) Then I heard Sally say something that plum knocked my garters off! She said "You have got to tell him that he's the boy's father Prissy! It ain't right to keep it from him!"
   Now I think I told you that Johnny and Prissy had a beautiful baby boy. He's about a year and a half or so I think. And if I was hearing things correctly, Johnny ain't the child's father??? I am sure he didn't know that.
  "I can't Sally!" I heard Prissy reply. I could tell she was crying. "Johnny is Joshua's pa!!"
  "Jonny is gonna be dead in 2 days Prissy! They are gonna string him up right with the rest of them. You have to accept that darlin. There ain't nothing to do for it now. And your son is going to need a father! He gonna need his real pa! I'm sorry. You know I love you, I have given you my word to not tell a soul, and I won't Prissy, I won't. But you need to. You can't hold keep that secret any longer. It's not fair to you, Joshua, or to Snake!"
 
   Holy Shit!

  I turned and left the house as quick as I could and came back to the Saloon. I took a bottle to a quiet table in the back and thought about what I had heard. Jesus. It all made sense. Now I knew who Snake was in love with. And knowing how he seems to favor "sportin' women", I can just about guess where he met her! I knew she had secrets in her past. I could always tell a girl of the trade when I saw them. Damn.
  I am not sure what I feel Margo. It really ain't none of my affair. But damn it, I agree with Sally. It ain't right. I know I rarely ask you for advice Big Sis, but, what do you think I should do?

 

Priscilla's Diary - February 1876

   Things are moving way too fast for me. Johnny is healing and they have scheduled his trail to start in a couple of days. Snake said the Judge is due in tomorrow. Johnny seems to have given up hope of a favorable outcome. He is resigned to hang. I hate it. I want to scream, I want to fight. I just don't know against who. Against God maybe? No, I shouldn't say that. It's just so unfair! I know he was wrong, but he is a good man. He doesn't deserve to hang. It's the outlaw Holmes. He should be the one hanging! Well, I guess he'll get his chance. Snake finally caught him. He is in the jail house with my Johnny. The thought of it makes my blood boil! I have to do something, I just don't know what.
   Sally knows about Snake now. She figured it out. She knows about Joshua as well. Said that once she started looking for it, it was obvious. I made her promise not to say a word. I don't want them to know. They can't. I couldn't stand the hurt it would cause both of them. One day perhaps, but not now. Not with Johnny....... I cant even think about it. Lord, what am I going to do?

Red Creek Tribune - February 8th 1876

Kid Holmes Captured!!!!

By Silas Furgenson - owner, Red Creek Tribune

Outlaw "Kid" Randolf Holmes

    The murdering outlaw Kid Holmes was brought to justice yesterday by Marshal Snake Johnson! In a daring ambush in the foothills the Marshal, and Deputy Shots Scafe were able to capture Holmes alive, while killing two of his men and freeing 3 young hostages. The day before the lawmen, along with Deputy John Roberts, arrested 4 other of Holmes' men, while Marshal Johnson shot down renown outlaw "Big Tom" Walkins in a fast draw.
   Holmes, who it is reported is wounded and looking very much the worse for wear after his encounter with Marshal Johnson, is currently under lock and key in the town jail. Along with the other 4 men Deputy Roberts brought in, and Red Creek resident Johnny Cardwell, who is awaiting trial for co operating with the outlaw gang in stealing horses last month from the Circle M Ranch.
  According to Doc Thomas, Holmes was shot in the leg, and sustained other injuries in a fall. Marshal Johnson was shot as well in the left arm, but is recuperating fine.
  Fears and rumors are currently afloat in the town's saloons of a violent reprisal by Holmes' gang still on the loose in an attempt to free their leader. Deputy Roberts assures this paper that the lawmen, with help from Wyatt Mitchelson of the Circle M, are ready and prepared for any such event.

Letter from Snake Johnson - March 1876 (Part One)

 

  (Note from Barry - This letter was written as Snake recuperated from his wounds. It is a long letter describing everything that happened with the outlaw Holmes and the trial and hanging of Johnny Cardwell. I am going to break it into different parts and spread it out with other accounts of the events from different people. Hope not to confuse you anymore that I already may have! LOL)

     Prissy,

     Now that things are over, I figured I owed you the truth. Or at least most of it. Know first that I love you girl. I reckon I always will. But that is neither here nor there now.

    After the town meeting in the church, I deputized Fingers. I had him watch over your husband at the jail while myself, John, and Shots set out to the hills. We packed enough gear for several days. My worry was I didn't know how big The Kid's gang actually was. Johnny told me he didn't know, he had never seen them all. And I believed him. I was hoping we might get lucky and catch them in small groups, or out alone. Turns out we were half lucky. After 3 days we caught a trail and followed it. That night we came upon a group of 5 men as they were cooking their supper. I recognized one of them. His name was Big Tom. I knew he was ridin with Holmes 6 months back, so we had the right men. I had John and Shots get behind them and take cover. When they were ready I stepped out of the shadows and into the light of their fire with my pistols drawn.
   "Howdy Tom," I said. They started to reach for their rifles. "Now boys, don't be foolish." I pulled back the hammers on both of my guns. "You know I didn't come alone." I heard the cocking of both John's shotgun and Shot's rifle.
  "Marshal," said Big Tom, "you might not have come alone, but you also know I ain't going without a fight." He was a tall, thick, stupid man with a large bushy beard and a bald head.
   "Yeah I figured as much Tom." I replied, "but you gonna get these other fellas kilt too?"
   "You boys step away now. This here is between me and this ugly bastard." The others did as they were told. "Men," I called out to the rocks above,"you keep your sights on these others. One of them thinks about drawing, you put em down. Alright Tom, it's just me and you now". I holstered my guns. "You ready?"
  "You always were a stupid son of a bitch." He drew his gun, and died.

   I sent John back to town with the other fellas. But first I learned where Holmes was. Seems he had rode out to meet a band of flesh trading Comanche. Just him and 2 others. They were due back the next day. Shots and I rode ahead to ambush him before he got back to the main force of his gang.
   We found a spot just above the trail we figured Holmes would be coming down. We had learnt from the prisoners that the main force of the gang, now numbering about 16 men, were in a large ravine about 3 miles to our east. From there they had been able to strike out to about 5 or 6 towns and outposts. They were waiting for one big score in Red Creek before they lit out south for the border. The men we captured didn't know what that score was supposed to be, just that it was rich.
   About 2 o clock we spotted a set of horses coming up the trail. As they got closer I saw it was Holmes and his two men. The men were leading a string of 3 ponies. On each of the ponies sat a skinny girl. The girls looked to be 12 or 13 years old. I wanted to put a bullet in Holmes' head right then. But I didn't. Instead I had Shots kill his horse. The beast screamed and rared as he went down with Holmes underneath. I shot the man on his right has he drew his gun. The other spurred his mount and took off as fast as he could right under us. I dropped him when he got within 10 feet. The girls were screaming and one of the ponies raised up dumping his rider before he sprinted into the woods. Before I realized it Shots had jumped down from our hiding spot and was running up the road to where The Kid lay pinned under his horse.
    "Shots!" I yelled after him "No son, don't-" The pistol shot rang out and I saw the boy spin in his tracks and fall. Holmes rose up from behind his horse and began firing in my direction. I stood up and took aim. The tree bark behind and to the side of me exploded from his bullets. I got off two shots before I felt the bullet tear into my left forearm. But I heard Holmes yelp in pain at the same time so I knew at least one of my own had hit their mark. I saw The Kid turn and run into the trees. I leapt from the cover of the rocks and ran after. He was limping bad. Apparently I had lit him in the leg. I gave chase. We ran down hill and soon I was within leaping distance. I jumped onto his back just as he was turning to fire his weapon again.The shot went wide as I hit him and we fell, tumbling down the hill. With a sudden stop we hit a large tree. The breath was knocked out of me. As I gasped for air I saw Holmes try to rise, his face covered in blood from a nasty cut above his eyes. He was looking for his gun, but he must have dropped it in the fall. My holster was empty as well. I saw The Kid grab a large rock and begin to raise it over his head, like he was going to try to bash my brains in. A evil grin crossed his face and I imagined this must have been the same grin my brother saw right before he killed him. The thought of Tobias cleared my head. I let Homes come closer.
     "So long Marshal." he said as the stone went above his head. "Tell your brother I said hello."
     "Tell him yourself you motherless fuck!" I pulled the 8 inch blade from my hip and struck out as fast as I could.

    Why I didn't stick him in his evil heart, I don't know. God knows he deserved it. But my knife plunged into his thigh. He screamed and dropped the small boulder. I rose up and fell atop of him. My fists found his face again and again. But the next thing I knew I was being pulled off of him. It was Shots. Holmes' bullet has left a gash across his forehead. He was hurt, but alive. "Let me go damn you!" I screamed. "Let me go!"
   "No Marshal!" He said, holding me back. "We need to take him in. He needs to hang!"
   Damn. The boy was right. I stood up and looked down at Holmes' bloody face. He coughed and spit a tooth out. He looked at me and grinned. I kicked him hard in the nose. Then took him back to town.

The Begining of the End

  

  Hello my friends. Barry here. Man o man, Feburary 16 already? Looks like it has been a couple of weeks since I have been able to post anything new. Things have been a bit busy around here lately. Busy, but good. I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's day if you are into that sort of thing. We did.

     I hate to say it, but it looks like we are getting near the end of our little story. Things are coming to a head in Red Creek. Prissy, Snake, Johnny, and the rest of the town are in store for some surprises. But, I don't want to get ahead of myself. I think you guys will enjoy the way this tale unfolds. Up next my friends is a first. We have a letter written by Snake himself describing the capture of Kid Holmes!

Letter from Johnny Cardwell - February 1876

My dearest Prissy.

    How did it come to this? My heart is in pieces, broken by shame and guilt. I can't seem to put into words how sorrowful I feel. It is hard for me to even look you in the eye Prissy. I can't say the things to you that I want to, that I need to. I don't know where I went wrong. I should have never quit the Circle M. I am just weak Prissy. I am a weak man. That's the truth of it. And now they are gonna hang me for it. I know they are. I was always lookin for the easy way for everything. And when it didn't come easy, I was never willing to work for it. I am so sorry. You put your faith in me, and I let you down. You deserve a better man than me. Joshua deserves a better father.  I swear Prissy if I could change things....... but I can't. I want to blame the drink. I want to blame bad luck at the tables. I want to blame everything and everybody. But I know it's my fault. All of it. You should have never married me.....

   Sometimes I think about that. I wonder why you fell for someone like me. You hardly even knew me. I was only in town for a few weeks, and when I left, I had a beautiful new wife. I don't know what you ever saw in me. But whatever it was, you were wrong. You could have done so much better than this. A drunken horse thief. I am sorry.

        I brought you here. I brought this shame on you. And our son. When I am gone Prissy, please try to keep the truth of this away from him. Let him believe his daddy was a good man. Raise him right. Be proud of him, even as I know you will never be proud of me. I deserve what is coming to me. I know it. But I am afraid of it as well. I don't want to die Prissy. I, ...... I, 

   I love you.
   Your husband,
   Johnny.

Letter from Sally Roberts - February 1876

  

   Dear Prissy, my my girl, I am sorry you had to miss the excitement this afternoon. It sure was something! I thought Wyatt Mitchelson was gonna shoot Dan Bullard right in the middle of the Church! He might have too, if the Marshal hadn't have gotten involved. But I reckon I should start from the beginning.

  The meeting sure was packed. Never seen the Church that full, and that is an honest shame. But people were standing all in the back and up the side aisles. And there was still more trying to look in the windows. Reverend Pierce called the meeting to order and said an opening prayer. He talked about how we are on the edge of damnation and the need to turn away from the wild violence and evil that have been stalking the town. He then asked Miss Daisy to sing a hymn, but before she could even start, Dan Bullard stood up and said "Is this a damn Sunday Sermon, or a town meeting? Let's get on with it!!" Several people seemed to agree, so poor Miss Daisy sat back down. Poor thing, I felt bad for her. You know how she loves to sing in front of people.  Well then Silas, the newspaper man stood up and gave everyone an accounting of what's been going on in town since Sherrif Barker was murdered. He spoke of Kid Holmes' arrival, and how he killed Mr. Barker right on the street. Then how Snake came to town, the stealing of Mitchelson's horses, (sorry to bring it up dear), the shootouts in the hills and in Rose's Saloon. He also spoke of the near riot in front of the jailhouse the other day. Then they asked the Marshal to get up and say his piece about Holmes and the strange men behind the attack in town.
   Now the Marshal seems like a good, honest, fearless man, but a public speaker he is not. I swear Prissy, the poor thing looked almost ill when he had to get up to speak. First he went into the history of Kid Holmes. Did you know that he killed the Marshal's brother a few years ago??? What a monster this man must be! Then he talked about the raid on the Circle M Ranch, and the shootout the following day. And this is where things went sideways.
   Bullard started making a fuss about the Marshal using local townfolk to go after Homes. He blamed him again for the deaths of the two young men. My John stood up and said "We all knew what we were in store for. The Marshal warned us it was dangerous to go. No one forced Kevin and Jimmy to ride up to those hills with us. They understood what they were doing!"
   "Nobody is saying they didn't!" said Bullard as he walked down the aisle to the front of the church. "What I am saying is they should not have been givin the opportunity to go after such a dangerous man. Those boys had no training hunting down fugitives! And from his own lips we have all heard that the Marshal knew how deadly this outlaw was! Maybe he was so blinded by his own lust for revenge that he just didn't care who he put in the line of fire!"
   "God damn it Bullard!" A loud voice roared from the crowd as Wyatt Mitchelson stepped out. "I am sick and damn tired of hearing you whine and wail about who did what to who! This bastard murdered Lloyd Barker right in the middle of town! I don't hear you goin on about that!"
   "We all mourn for Lloyd, Wyatt!" said Bullard. I could see his face start to turn red. "But that ain't the point!"
   "Then what exactly is the God damn point?" Said Mitchelson as he moved up front to confront the Saloon owner.
  "Gentlemen!" called out Reverend Pierce "I remind you that this is the Lord's House! Watch your tongues!"
  "Sorry Reverend."said Wyatt. "I know you Dan Bullard. I know you better than most in this town. I know exactly who you are and what you are capable of. And you best not think for one damn minute that I don't!"
  "What are you saying Wyatt?" Bullard's voice dropped low and cold.
  "You know God damn well what I am saying, Dan. You want me to believe these boys that shot up Rosie's the other night, just happened to be here by accident?!? You think I am that stupid?"
  "Watch yourself rancher." Bullard's voice was almost a whisper, but I could make it out. "You don't know what the fuck you are doing."
  At this point Snake spoke up and tried to get between them. "All right now. We are not gonna travel this road today. Ya'll need to sit back down. Now." The two of them continued to stare at each other. "I am giving ya 10 seconds to sit or I am gonna haul both your asses to the jailhouse right now!"
   "I am not gonna sit down Marshal." said Bullard as he turned back to the crowd. "This meeting is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I guess a man ain't free in this town anymore to speak his mind. Fine. If that's how you people want to live, that's just fine. But I know what's right, and what's not. I am willing to stand up for myself, even if the rest of you aren't." He turned back to Snake and Wyatt. "You gentlemen have a nice day." With that he turned and walked down the aisle to the front door. At first a few of the men who work for him rose and followed him out. Then Johnathon Dukes, the banker, stood and left as well. Then a few more. And a few more. Soon it seemed like most the church was leaving.
  "Friends!" said Mitchelson trying to stop the flow. "Friends, we need to stick together in this! We need a plan to protect our town!!"
  "Let them go Wyatt." said Snake. "What we need to do, most can't help with anyway."
  "What do you mean?" said Mitchelson.
  "You want to protect this town? So do I. The person I care most about in this whole world lives right here and is in danger. I am gonna find and kill this son-of -a-bitch once and for all. Me and my deputies. But I need your help. How far you willing to go Mitchelson?"
  At this point Snake looked at John and I. John turned to me and said. "You should get on home to the boys now Sally." I looked at him puzzled. "Go on now. You shouldn't be here anymore. I will be home shortly."
  I felt a hand at my elbow and turned to see Ruby Rose trying to lead me out. "Come on darling, let's go." We walked out and they shut the door behind us. "Did you hear the Marshal say he loved someone here in town?" Asked Ruby. "I wonder who he was talking about?"

  I think I know the answer to that Prissy. We need to talk.

Red Creek Characters

Hey guys. Barry here. I have had a few complaints from readers that with the nature of these postings, and the way things are sometimes not in the correct timeline, that things can get a bit confusing. I understand and have come up with list of the people involved in Prissy's story. Hopefully this will help clear up any misunderstandings.


Priscella Cardwell - School Marm with a past
Marshall Snake Johnson - Lawman in love with Prissy
Johnny Cardwell - Prissy's husband
John Roberts - Deputy, livery owner
Sally Roberts - Prissy's friend, John's wife
Dan Bullard - Owner "Broken Noose" saloon
Ruby Rose - Owner "Rosie's" saloon
Stan Masterson - Gambler
Scarlet Preston - Owner "Honey Pot" brothel
Doc Thomas - Town Doctor
Jimmy "Shots" Scafe - Young gunslinger
Miss Daisy - Rich widow
June Lovett - Saloon singer
Kid Holmes - Wanted outlaw
Wyatt Mitchelson - Rancher
Maude Mitchelson - Rancher
Johnathon Dukes - Banker
Fergus "Fingers" O'Mally - Drunk, old gunslinger
Silas Fergenson - Owner Red Creek Tribune
Miss Davens - Original School Marm
Gus Tanner - House Manager @ Rosie’s
Chancy (negro) - Security @ Honey Pot
Fallina - Dancer @ Broken Noose
Lloyd Barker - Sheriff killed by Holmes
Ron Pierce - Reverend

Priscila's Diary - February 1876

 

 Praise the Lord, Johnny is recovering. He is awake and beginning to heal. Doc Thomas says he is confident of the outcome. He has been awake for 3 days now. Snake sent John Roberts to tell me when he woke up. I was allowed to see him on the second day. I am not sure what to think. He has admitted to helping that horrible outlaw steal Mr Mitchellson's horses. He has admitted to alot of things. He seems sorrowful. I don't know what is going to happen. Snake is holding him until the he is healed enough to stand trial. Then he will send for the judge. I wonder how much of this is my fault? I ..... I don't know.

   The town is still ablaze over the shootout at Rosie's the other night. No one feels safe. They had a big town meeting about it yesterday at the Church. I was going to go but Joshua is feeling poorly. Sally went and wrote down most of what happened for me. After the meeting Snake and his deputies left town for the hills, I am guessing to try to find The Kid again. I went to the jail last night to see Johnny and was surprised to see Mr. O'Mally sitting at Snake's desk. He looked almost sober. He told me Snake asked him to look after the place while they were gone. I know he has his own problems, but he seems to be a good man.
 
    And this morning a bunch of boys from The Circle M Ranch came into town with Mr Mitchellson. He posted them around town almost as guards. Said they were here to keep an eye on things while Snake and his deputies were in the hills. I guess it was part of the meeting yesterday. Wyatt went to see Johnny at the jail. Told him he was very disappointed in him. Said he never figured Johnny for a horse thief. Poor Johnny said he was sorry and he felt real bad. Said the liquor made him crazy and he wished he could take it back. Mitchellson said it was too late for sorry's with all the new bodies lying up in the cemetery now. Johnny asked him if he could to watch out for me and Joshua. Wyatt said he would. He came by and told me what they had talked about when he left the jail.

   I know things look bad for Johnny. They look real bad. And I know he done wrong. But I can't bear the thought of losing him. Joshua needs his father. Even if it's not the right man.

Red Creek Tribune - January 28th, 1876

Murderous Attack in Local Saloon

By Silas Furgenson, owner, Red Creek Tribune



     Good readers, the violent turn our beloved town of Red Creek has recently taken has hit an all time high, or low if you will, with a bloody, fierce, deadly gunfight in Rosie's Saloon on Friday night. Seven men met their ends on Rosie's main floor in the span of a few, wild moments. Marshal Snake Johnson sits in the center of the events and controversy surrounding the chaos.
  It appears that at least seven men came into Rosie's on Friday night with a murderous intent to do the Marshal harm. Johnson is credited with the deaths of four of these. Young "Shots" Scarfe is said to have killed two of them, while the last fell to the gun of former Texas Ranger Fergus O'Malley. The strangest thing about the attack, dear readers, is that no one seems to know the identity of any of the would-be killers. No one remembers seeing them in town before Friday. Were they members of Kid Holmes' outlaw gang, said to be hidden somewhere in the foothills outside of town? Were they hired assassins? No one knows.
  Marshal Johnson again has refused to comment to press about the event. Newly sworn in deputy Scarfe seemed anxious to speak about the matter until ordered by Johnson to "Shut his damn fool mouth."
 Tensions are running high and speculation seems to be running rampart throughout the town. Never fear loyal readers, the Tribune will keep you abreast of the situation. 

Ruby's Letters - January 1876 ( Snake, Shots, and Fingers) Part Three

 

    Ya know Margo, I have heard men talk about how in combat, or fights and such things that time can somehow slow down. How some fellas can see more, and maybe even do more, in the space of a few seconds. I now believe that must be true.
   When the shooting started I felt like that. The whole thing was over in a moment, but I feel like I saw every detail, every little thing that happened. I know I should have just yelled and ducked behind the bar until it was over, but I could not stop myself from watching.

  The tall cowboy was the first to reach for his pistol. And he was fast. At least it seemed like he was. But his pistol had not even cleared his holster before Snake's gun fired. The cowboy's head shot back has he fell to the floor. His friend reached for the Colt on his hip but Snake took no notice. He suddenly knelt and twirled to face behind him. At the same time I saw Shots stand up from his table with his fancy Pearl and Gold pistol raging. The shorter cowboy was dropped next to his friend. I turned my head to follow Snake's gaze and saw there were suddenly other men in the crowd with guns in their hands. The room became full of smoke as several pistols all seemed to fire at once. Screams of pain mixed with shouts of fear and explosions of gunpowder. A bottle behind my head exploded and whiskey and glass seemed to fill the air. I saw a man grab his belly in pain and start to fall as another shot took him in the leg. The floor in front of Snake threw up wood chips as the bullets landed nearby. Another would be assassin screamed as Snake's bullet took off the top of his head. Shots turned his attention to the new threat as well. His pistol cracked and the fifth man fell backwards over the craps table. The last assailant standing unloaded a shotgun in Snake's direction, but luckily his aim was too high and he peppered the wall behind him. Two more shots rang out from Snake's guns, and the man with the shotgun lay on the floor.
   Suddenly the silence seemed to feel as heavy in the room as the drifting smoke. Snake stood frozen gazing back and forth across the room, almost daring anyone else to make a play. Finally satisfied, he slowly lowered his pistols.
  "God Damn!!" Shots shouted coming from behind his table. "Whoo!!! Did you see that? Did you God Damn see that?? Now that was some crazy shit!!" Lily came out from under a table she was hiding behind and jumped into his arms.
  Snake turned and looked at me. "Sorry about the mess Ruby." he said as he reloaded his guns. I stood in shock for a moment. I think I was trying to take it all in. My dress was covered in glass and whiskey. "Ruby? Ruby? You alright gal?" My attention came back as I looked his eyes.
  "Damn Snake," I stammered like a school girl." I don't.... I ..... -Watch Out!!" I yelled as I saw a rifle suddenly pop across the the upstairs balcony aimed at Snake's back. He twirled and reached for his pistol as a gun blared from the end of the bar. The man upstairs dropped the rifle and fell over the balcony, crashing through a table as he hit the floor dead. Snake whipped his aim towards the end of the bar, ready for a new threat.
  And there, well, there was a sight that just about surprised the living hell of me, sis. There stood Fingers, with the first dead cowboy's gun smoking in his hand. He looked as shocked at himself as I imagine we all did. He stared at the gun like he was not quite sure what had happened. Then he looked up at Snake.
  Snake tipped his hat at Fingers and said "Much abliged friend." Fingers slid the cowboy's gun under his belt and replied "Gotta make sure you get all of them son. Else, what's the point?" He turned and reached for his glass.

  Damn Margo, not sure I can take many more nights like that.

Snake

Ruby's Letters - January 1876 ( Snake, Shots, and Fingers) Part Two

  "All right Snake, and you can call me Ruby." I opened another bottle for him. "Looks like you made a friend in young Shots there. He is a decent enough kid."
  "Yeah he seems alright." He said as he lit a cigarette. " A bit too cocky for his own good that's for sure, but he has some grit to him. Found a few fellas in this town like that. My new Deputy, he's a good man."
  "John Roberts?" I asked. "Don't rightly know him too well. But he has a reputation around town as an honest man. I can see where he would make a good lawman."
 "Yep. Brave man. Quiet. Unlike young Shots over there." He nodded to the table behind him where Shot's face seemed to be attached to the front of Lily's corset. Damn girl knows better, but she is my best earner, so I let her get away with small things like that from time to time.
  "So where you been Snake?" I asked him. "My girls have been about sick to death with worry that they have done something to upset you. You ain't been by to see any of them in days!"
  "No such thing Ruby. No such thing at all." He poured himself a drink from the new bottle and downed it. "You're girls have been real nice. No complaints from me, that's for damn sure. Things just got, um, complicated, that's all." He almost looked embarrassed.
  "Uh huh," I replied as I watched him pour another."Complicated? Damn Snake, do not tell me some She-Cat done got her claws into you already? I just might burn this place to the ground and move back East if I thought such a thing were true!"
   "No ma'm, not that at all." I couldn't tell if he was lyin to me or not. "Just, ...well,.... I best not talk about it Miss Ruby if'n it's all the same." He was certainly hiding something. I was curious as hell now and was not going to let him off the hook that easy. But then, things took a turn.

     I heard a loud slap and the crash of a glass hitting the floor. I swear I heard Snake sigh gently and say what I believed to be "Finally" under his breath. As people moved away from the end of the bar I saw Johnathon Dukes, the banker, kneeling amidst the remains of his glass. He was holding his right cheek in his hand. There were two cowboys I did not know standing over him with evil grins on their faces. Everyone else cleared away, except for Fingers, who seemed not to be taking any notice of the event at all. "I told you the men in this town were soft Jake. Soft as babies!" said the taller cowboy to his friend with a drunken laugh. They were both rough looking. Their hair was as dirty as their clothes. Their boots were well used and muddy. They seemed to have a dangerous look about them. Only their pistols seemed clean and well taken care of.
   "I did not offend you sir! You struck me for no reason!" Dukes said in his mousy voice. His face was red and puffy. His eyes were watery. "No reason at all!"  My bouncer Gus started to make his way to where the trouble was.
   "Pull your man away Ruby." Snake whispered to me as he slowly turned around and put his back to the bar. "No need for him to get hurt." His voice suddenly seemed clear and sober. Something in his tone made me think there was more going on here than it looked like. I noticed Snake was not even looking at Dukes and the two cowboys, but was sweeping his gaze at the other side of the room. Almost as if he was searching for something. I also noticed Shots make Lily get off of his lap and move away from the table. He had a grin on his face. My danger sense started kickin in mighty strong at that point.
   "Marshal!" cried out Dukes from the floor "Marshal, you gonna let them them just beat on an innocent man? I did nothing to these men!!! I need your help!" The crowd continue to move away until there was no one in that side of the room except the cowboys, Dukes, Fingers, and Snake, who slowly turned his head towards the cowboys.
  "Well now Mr. Dukes," he said very calmly, "I'm afraid I can't help ya. I'm off duty right now."  The cowboys began to laugh at this. I noticed Fingers' head finally rose up from his glass to look at Snake for a second.
  "Off duty?" Duked cried. "Off duty?"
  The shorter of the cowboys laughed. "I reckon you were right Paul, looks like everybody in this town is yella! Even the damn Marshal!"  Gus had just about made it to the cowboys, but he stopped at this and looked at me. I motioned him to move away. Snake took a step away from the bar and stood out in the open. Dukes began to crawl away.
  "You fellas sure you want to go through with this? You want to play this all the way out?" His hands slipped down next to his pistols. "Oldtimer, you best move from behind those two."
  "If'n it's all the same Marshall," replied Fingers as he raised his glass,"I am enjoying my beer right here."
  "Suit yerself friend. Now boys this is your one and only chance to walk out of here alive tonight. I know what this is. I know what you are planning. Give it up, you can't win." The shorter cowboy looked nervous, but the taller one smiled.
  "Damn son," he said, "I heard you were a cocky son of a bitch. You really think you are that good?"
  "Aint no one proved me wrong yet friend." Said Snake. "Last chance."
  "Go fuck yourself." He said as he went for his gun.

   Then everything went to Hell.

Ruby's Letters - January 1876 ( Snake, Shots, and Fingers) Part One

Dear Margo

    Hey gal. My my things here in Red Creek have sure gotten exciting lately. This new Marshal I was tellin you about sure aint took no time to kick the bobcat if'n you know what I mean. Done got the town all stirred up. He took a posse up in the hills the other day after that outlaw what killed the Sheriff and things went bad. Couple of local boys got killed. And that young fella I mentioned, the school teacher's husband? I guess he done saddled up with the killer and got himself shot by the Marshal. Damn fool.
   Whole town feels like it's on edge. That asshole that owns the joint at the end of town has been tryin to stir things up against the Marshal. I don't know, he seems alright to me. He was in here last night and well, showed us all something I think.

     It was around 10 o'clock or so and the place was pretty full. Usual local crowd and some rowdy trail hands that I believe have a herd camped out on the plain nearby. The Marshal was here and I could tell he had already been drinkin some earlier. He came in with that young slick "Shots". Now the two of them together is a damn sight girl. Thought I was gonna have to break out a horse whip to keep my girls off of their table. Now Shots is sweet on my head girl Lily, so she was sittin with the two of them. Snake I ain't figured out just yet. The first couple of days he was in town he was certainly fond of my gals and sampled quite a few of them. Then something changed and I ain't sure what it is yet. He's still friendly to em and all, and has been buyin em drinks and the like, but ain't "been" with any of them in a few days. I am tryin to work my charms on him, but he's a hard nut to crack.
   Anyway the three of them was a sittin at the table sharing a bottle. Now there is this old timer that lives here in town that once in a while will come in the place for a spell. He's an old drunk, but rumor has it he used to be a bigshot Indian fighter or something. I know he usually does his drinkin down at the Noose with the other bums and such, but like I says, once in a while he comes in here. Nice enough fella, never causes no trouble, just a little, rough looking, I guess. His name is O'Mally, but most folks call him "Fingers". He told me once I reminded him of someone he lost a long time ago. He was so sad when he said it, I felt bad for him. Well now this fella came in last night as well. I noticed him kinda hidin out at the end of the bar sippin on a beer. I stopped by to say hi.
   "Howdy Fingers. How you been keepin these days?'
   "Evening Miss Rosie." he replied, "Best that I can I suppose. You are lookin pretty as a painting tonight Ma'm."
   "Why Fingers, you do know how to charm a gal don't ya? What brings ya in tonight?"
   "Bah," he said and wrinkled up his nose," that damn fool Bullard is runnin his mouth down at his turdhole of a joint. He don't know shit for shit, that much I can tells ya!" I laughed.
   "I heard he was tryin to cause some trouble today with the new Marshal." I said as I refilled his beer." On the house Fingers."
   "Thank ya Ma'm." he said "One thing I have learned Miss Rosie, is that people are right quick to listen to idiots! I ain't got the patience fer it. This new lawman might not be worth a rooster's dick as far as I know, and I don't rightly care to tell ya the truth, but Sheriff Barker was always good to me. If this new man is going after the bastard that killed him, then I stand behind him. Don't make no sense to try to stop him before he has a chance to prove his self. If ya get my meaning Ma'm."
   "Well Mr. O'Mally!" I smiled at him."That might be the most words you have ever spoken to me at once in the whole damn time I have known you! They really musta got you worked up tonight didn't they?"
  "I didn't mean to ramble Miss Rosie. I know you are busy." He seemed embarrassed.
  "No Fingers, it's alright. I like talking to you. You just go ahead and spend your night at my bar tonight. You are always welcome." I reached out and patted his gnarled hand.
  His smile beamed at me. "You are as kind as you are pretty Ma'm. Thank you."

  Just then this big, fat, sweaty figure kinda forces his way to the bar. He just about knocked Fingers' beer out of his hand. "Evening Mr Dukes." I said with a forced smile. "What can I get for you?"
  "Whiskey. And not the cheap swill you sell these cowboys." He had a high pitched, nervous kind of voice.
  "Yes sir." Johnathon Dukes is the owner of the Town Bank. You know I hate to talk bad about people sis, ........ shut up, ....... but this fella just always rubs me the wrong way. One of those people who just know they are better than everyone else and aint afraid to show it. A man who thinks that because he has money he is above reproach. Plus he just strikes me as a sleazeball. None of my girls like him. They all charge him three times as much as everyone else, and still complain about him. Well I noticed Fingers was staring at him with a disgusted look on his face. Dukes nodded his head at Fingers but the old man turned away without a reply. I chuckled and decided I liked Fingers even more than I thought.
 
   Well a little bit of time went buy and the place got more and more crowded. And a little bit more rowdy as well. I think the excitement of the day was wearing on folks and business was good. I had a chance to talk to the Marshal when he came up to the bar.
  "Well well Marshal Johnson," I said "I was beginning to think I musta made you mad somehow the way you been ignoring me all night."
  "Not at all Miss Rosie." I could tell right then that he was pretty well into his cups at that point. His eyes were glassy and he was slurring his words just a touch. "I been treated right well here. And please, call me Snake."