After [A Journey of the Twins Novel] (33 page)

"See. I told you he wouldn't hurt this poor, little runt."

Crusty reached up and removed the saddle and pad. Both were tossed onto the top rail to air out. He removed the bridle and hung it on a peg poking out of one of the support poles. Then he picked up a brush and returned to the animal's side where he started to work on the coat.

Shyanne wasn't able to say a thing, at first. She stared, totally amazed that her horse allowed Crusty to get this close, yet behave as if he wasn't there. When she finally said something, her voice betrayed her amazement.

"Well, I'll be. Jack, I guess you've finally gone soft on me.” She smiled.

Joseph came up behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Maybe being around us two hooligans has softened him."

She elbowed him in the ribs, and smirked. “Being around that bad influences of a brother and you would give anyone serious cause for alarm."

Crusty listened as the two bantered back and forth. He decided to butt in when his curiosity would not let him take anymore. “Who is this other person you are talking about? All I've seen come in today were the two of you."

"We're sorry,” Shyanne said to the squat little man. “The third person being discussed is my brother. Maybe you've seen him recently. He's tall and has dark hair down to his shoulders, almost the color of night. His skin is tanned and he has a slim, muscular build. He would have come in yesterday."

"He'd be in the company of another man named Ruben,” Joseph added.

"Nope, haven't seen ‘em. I know Ruben, though. He's a regular in this town. He left a few weeks back on some job he was hired out to do and hasn't come back yet."

The hope Shyanne felt building was dashed with the old man's words. Her shoulders sagged and her heart felt like it had been smashed with a hammer. Joseph turned her around to face him.

"Maybe we beat them here. Let's give it another day. If they don't show up, we'll backtrack and try to locate their trail."

"But if they don't come, we will have lost tha...” Her voice choked with emotion.

"Shhh. They'll come. I think he's trying to use Drayco to get to you. That will be his means of survival. As long as we keep you safe, your brother will be too."

"I hope so, Joseph. I hope so.” Shyanne turned back to the elderly man. “Can you direct us to the inn? We're very tired and want to get something to eat. Does the inn have a restaurant?"

"Yup. The restaurant is on one side of the building and the sleeping area is on the other. Just follow this here road outside to the next intersection, then turn right.” Crusty led the pair outside after they picked up their packs. He pointed to where they needed to go. “It's a short way down from there. You can't miss it, it's the only nicely place on the street."

Shyanne called back to the old man who watched them as the walked away. “Thanks, Abraham. Until we meet again, take care of yourself. And don't let Jack get too soft on me, okay?” Crusty waved in response before he disappeared inside.

He stood where he was for a second or two, thinking, before he hurried past the outstretched necks of the horses and exited through the back. He turned left and entered an alley running behind the buildings. It was filled with trash from the various businesses. It also had some of the living trash hanging out there, as well.

"Hey, Crusty! Where's the fire? Where ya go'n in such a hurry? Got a hot date wait'n?"

Crusty ignored the teasing comments tossed his way as he passed the “trash” milling in the alley. This town has been his home for more than 30 years. He was well known and left alone by the local ruffians. He took good care of their horses, whether they were at the stables or at their homes, it didn't matter to Crusty. He loved horses, and the people loved him in their own gruff kind of way.

He had to get to the inn fast and warn Ruben of the people trying to find him. He had purposely given the man and woman directions for the long way so he could beat them to their destination. He had helped the big man before, and was well compensated for it. He looked forward to being compensated again. The inn came into his blurry sights within moments of leaving the stables. Crusty let himself in through the back door.

A little used room where excess items for the inn and restaurant were stored greeted him. Crusty made his way through the crowded space to the opposite side. He stood by another door, listening. When nothing was heard, he opened it and ducked into the hallway.

It was early. The few patrons in the building were still asleep or had not left their rooms yet. The old man crept down the hall to the front lobby. Louis stood at his usual post, the stack of papers left from yesterday before him. He tried to sneak up on the man while he worked.

"What do you want this time, Crusty?"

"How'd you know I was here?"

"I could smell you a mile away.” Louis put the paper in his hand down and turned toward the old man. “I repeat, what do you want?"

"I came with information for Ruben."

"I'll give him the information for you."

"I have to tell him myself,” Crusty insisted.

Louis crossed his arms and waited. Crusty tried to convince the manager to take him to Ruben, but he wouldn't budge. Time was running out so he decided to tell him what he knew.

"A man and a woman came into town this morning. They were hunting for Ruben and the fella he brought in. They looked like they could be trouble, with their swords and all, so I wanted to let Ruben know. They're on their way here now."

"Thank you for the information, Crusty. Ruben will be happy to hear it. Here's something for having to come all the way here to inform him."

Louis reached under his counter and pulled out a small bag. He tossed it to the old codger, knowing that his vision was bad, but also knowing that it always seemed to work fine when money was involved. He caught it with ease. Coins clinked in the pouch as he tossed it into the air and caught it again before stashing it in his clothes.

"Much obliged. Tell Ruben to watch out for himself. The guy looks like a handful."

Crusty went back down the long hall and cut through the storage room to the alleyway. He returned to the stables the same way he had come. A door stood across the hall from the storage place. On it was the number 130.

Drayco came awake from what felt like an eternity of sleep. He was lost for a moment when he did not recognize his surroundings. All of a sudden, he recalled where he was.

Ruben ... the Boss ... where are they now?

The last thing he remembered he was tied to the wall and Ruben was slicing into his chest with a knife. After that, the pain took over and everything disappeared. He tried to move his arms, but found they were tied behind him. His feet were also tied.

He lifted his head slowly and looked around the room. Ruben sat in a chair with his feet propped up on a small table, his chin resting on his chest. Drayco could hear faint snoring. Drizzle lay restrained on the bed across the room, watching, his eyes glowing in the faint candlelight. Drayco met those eyes for a brief moment, then continued to look around the room. Upon seeing nothing else, he focused on his body.

He should have felt weaker than he did, and he wondered what had happened to cause its reduction. He vaguely remembered images of a neck in front of his face and drinking from it, but it was all a blur. The picture of Randolf tied up near the bed flashed into his mind.

Randolf, you poor pathetic fool, you should have known better than to trust someone like Ruben. Now you're probably dead. That's the only explanation I can think of as to why I feel better than I should.

He tried to shift his position without making too much noise, but was unsuccessful. Ruben raised his head and looked at the man lying on the floor.

"Awake are we? Glad to see it."

The big man sat up just as a light rapping on the door started, drawing his attention away from the prisoner. Ruben slid his sword out of its scabbard and advanced toward the door. He was reaching for the handle when a voice sounded through the wood.

"Master Ruben, sorry to wake you, but I must. I have some important news to deliver."

The voice belonged to Louis. Ruben relaxed. He opened the door for the man.

Louis saw the blade. He replied, “I don't think that will be necessary, do you?"

"I wasn't sure who was here ... or if you were alone.” Ruben returned the sword to its sheath. “What do you have to tell me?"

"I think the privacy of your room would be better, don't you, Master Ruben?"

Ruben moved out of the way, allowing the smaller man to enter. After the door was closed, Louis faced the big man.

"I've just received word that there are two people in town inquiring about you and your associate here.” He pointed to Drayco, who remained still, his undivided attention focused on the thin clerk from the front desk.

"I was told it was a man and a woman. They are well armed and apparently able to handle themselves."

"Fabulous!” Ruben replied. Pleasure filled his tone. “The bait has been taken. It's now time to spring the trap. Get everything we discussed earlier together. I'll make sure everything here is ready."

"Understood, Master Ruben. It shall be done.” Louis walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Ruben started to chuckle. He glanced over his shoulder toward Drayco. “Now the fun begins."

The big man walked over to the prisoner and grabbed an arm. He dragged him across the floor to the bed where he threw him down next to Drizzle. Drayco winced in pain. Before he could say anything, a wad of cloth was shoved inside his mouth and secured with some rope.

Ruben straightened. “Can't have you shouting out a warning to your friends, now can we? That would spoil all the fun."

The rope bit into the corners of his mouth. Drayco tried repositioning it, but the tightness of the rope would not allow it.

"Sorry to go, but I have a trap to set in motion. We'll be back together real soon ... and this time we'll have company.” He winked at Drayco and gave Drizzle a pat on the head. He grinned when the dark man's face turned red with anger.

Ruben finally realized Randolf's body was gone when he moved to the door, and wondered where and when it had disappeared, but not for long. He had things to do. He paused. “I always love company, especially the right kind.” He winked again and shut the door behind him.

Drayco immediately went into action. He wiggled on the bed so that his back was close to Drizzle and indicated with hand signals for the cat to let his claws out. The cat understood what he needed to do. Five razor sharp instruments of death emerged from one of the tawny front extremities shaped like hands. Drayco carefully positioned his arms next to the claws and started to rub the bonds back and forth.

A few strands severed, but not enough to break free. Drayco did not get a chance to finish before he heard voices coming down the hall, toward this room. He recognized one of them. It was one he would never forget. It belonged to his sister.

The weary pair made their way through town, toward the direction the old man had indicated. They reached the intersection without incidence and turned right. Even though it was early, the sun barely above the treetops, patrons were about their business. A group of young men hung out just past the intersection, watching the newcomers with interest. They looked like troublemakers from the moment Shyanne laid eyes on them.

Each one was wore black pants and a shirt with the sleeves missing. A sword hung at their sides. All three were young, in their late teens or early twenties, but one was larger than the rest. He appeared to be the leader of the group.

Shyanne held Joseph's hand while they walked; she gave it a gentle squeeze when she spotted the trio. When he glanced at her, she tilted her head in their direction.

The men straightened and started toward them. One shouted, “Look at the lovers! Got any money, lovers?” Another added, “Wow, look at the babe. Can I have some of her too?” The third quipped, “Why share? Let's just enjoy her for ourselves.” All three pulled out their swords as they advanced.

Joseph and Shyanne stopped. They watched the men advance, their faces grim. The overzealous hotheads surrounded the couple and began to move in a circular motion, their swords held loosely before them. A few people stopped to watch, but none interfered. Smirks were on more than a few of the faces, indicating they were used to seeing fights in this part of town and hoped today was going to start with a good one. They wanted something interesting to gossip about.

Shyanne turned her back toward Joseph. Her posture was calm and relaxed, as was his. Joseph glanced over his shoulder at her and smiled. They returned their attention to the antics of the three circling them.

"What do you think, Shyanne?"

"About these three?"

"Yes ... these poor, little boys who think they know how to play with knives. I don't know if they want to mess with us."

"Maybe they'll wise up and we won't have to find out."

"You think you can take us on?” shouted one whose dark facial hair grew in blotches. “You and your fanciness and all?"

"Then let's find out!” shouted another, his blond hair tied back in a ponytail.

The biggest of the three bolted toward Shyanne. A sneer of triumph covered his face as the sword swung in a wide arch, intent more on scaring her than hurting her. She raised the pack she carried and threw it into the face of the charging man, effectively wiping the sneer off his face and knocking him off balance. His arms pinwheeled wildly, but he somehow managed to recover his balance before falling. His buddies froze in their tracks. These men were clearly used to getting their way; they were not used to having opposition.

"You bitch!” he screamed while rubbing his nose. “How dare you do that to me! I own this part of town! You pass through only after paying me with money, or favors, your choice!"

Shyanne remained where she was, smiling. This infuriated the young man further.

"I'll teach you what it means to come into my part of town and mock me in front of my gang! I'm gonna gut you all the way up to your chin!"