Storm to the Past: A Time Travel Western (3 page)

CHAPTER SIX

“I enjoyed it very much. I’ll see you later. He found a wooden tool box, nails and lumber that he needed. He grabbed the tools and a ladder and headed to the house. The tools were old, but he loved working with his hands and figured he could make them work.

Owen and Nate were walking around town and Owen introduced Nate to many of the business owners.

“Owen. This seems like a very nice town.”

Before Owen could respond, they spotted Liam coming out of the sheriff’s office. He saw them and stopped in his tracks, then walked toward them.

“Oh no,” exclaimed Owen. “Here comes trouble. Let’s keep walking and try to ignore whatever he says.”

“You don’t have to worry about me causing trouble.” Said Nate.

Liam stepped in front of them at the saloon. “Where do you and your new friend think you’re going, Owen?”

I’m just showing Nate around town. We’re not looking for trouble.”

“Neither am I, Liam said apologetically. “I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I had too much to drink and my temper got the best of me.”

“In that case Liam, I accept your apology and hope you have a good day.”

“What’s the rush?” Liam asked. “Why don’t we have a friendly game of poker?”

“Thank you, Liam, but we can’t.”

But, I insist,” Liam fussed. “I’m getting the feeling you don’t like me and my feelings are starting to get hurt. You don’t want that, now do you?”

“Of course not,” Nate said. “A friendly game of poker sounds like fun.”

“Now that’s more like it. I’m beginning to like you. Come on, and since Owen is busy, you and me can play.”

Owen tried to warn him, but Nate walked into the saloon with Liam. Owen headed back to his house.

Liam asked, “Your name’s Nate?”

“Yes Sir.”

“So where are you from Nate?”

“Back east from the city. I’m a stock broker.”

“Oh, you’re a banker.” He laughs.

Nate started to say something, but figured he’d keep his mouth shut and play a game of cards, then get out of there.”

Liam said, “Let’s invite my friends over there to join us for a game.”

Nate looked at the two men thinking they looked mean. They were dressed like Liam and both had gun belts around their waists.

“Gentlemen,” Liam asked the men. “Would you care to join me and my new friend for a game of poker?”

The two guys looked at Nate and snickered, “Of course Liam, but we’re playing for cash. I hope that’s okay?”

Nate spoke up, “I don’t have any money with me. I’m sorry, gentlemen, but I’ll have to pass. Thank you Liam for the kind offer. I guess I’ll be going.”

He stood and started to walk away, but Liam said, “Wait a minute, what about that fancy ring on your hand? Is that gold?”

“Yes, it is. It belonged to my father.”

“Good. You can use it for cash.”

Nate wanted to say no, but he saw one of the men place his hand on his gun. He said, Sounds great. I’m excited to play. He took off his ring and put it on the table, sitting back down.

Liam shuffled the cards, dealing to each one.

Owen was out of breath when he reached his home.

Adam was climbing down from the roof and saw Owen coming his way.

“I finished your roof so you shouldn’t have any more problems with rain.

“Nate’s in trouble. I tried warning him, but Liam insisted he go into the saloon and play cards.”

“How is Nate in trouble?”

“Liam has two friends and they sucker someone into playing cards, then pick a fight with them and kill them. They always claim it was self-defense, even if the man is unarmed, they don’t care.”

“Great. Sounds like Nate has gotten himself in some real trouble. Will the sheriff help us?”

“No. I’m afraid he doesn’t want to get involved.”

“Is there anyone in town that will help?”

“I’m sorry to say, everyone is scared of Liam and his gang. No one will get involved.”

“Fine, I’ll go alone.”

“No you won’t go alone, I’ll go with you. Let me get my gun.”

“Hold on, Owen, I don’t believe in guns. I can handle this. It’ll be okay.”

Before Owen could say anything, Adam took off and headed to town.

Meanwhile, things are actually going very well for Nate.

“I believe three of a kind beats two pair gentlemen.”

“Don’t get too cocky,” warned Liam.

“I’m not being cocky. I’m having a good time. Thank you guys again for inviting me.”

Nate thought, “Wow, I’ve won at least sixty dollars from these guys. It’s not big money back home, but here, I would say, I’m doing very well.”

Liam’s friends spoke up and said, “Hey, I thought you said he’d be an easy mark. He’s cleaning us out?”

“You thought I’d be an easy mark because I was quite? If you had taken the time to ask me if I knew how to play, I would have said yes, but you didn’t. I’m sorry, gentlemen, but it’s getting late and I think I’ve had enough for one day. Thank you again for an interesting game, but I must be going.”

Nate collected all his money, getting an evil look from the three men. He had taken a few steps toward the door when he heard Liam yell at him. Nate turned and looked at Liam.

Where you think you’re going with our money? You cheated us and now the way I see it is you give us back our money. And give us your ring and anything else you got on you.

“Liam, I can’t help if you’re all lousy card players and speaking of cheating I saw how you were dealing from the bottom. You’re just upset that even after you cheated, I was able to outsmart you and beat you fair and square. I’m leaving now.”

“The hell you are,” yelled Liam. “You cheated us and it’s time to pay up.”

The three men jumped to their feet and went for their guns.

Nate stood there helpless as they drew their weapons. Nate heard a rumbling noise behind him and dove out of the way as two horses came running into the saloon, knocking over tables and sending Liam and his two buddies flying backwards. Nate saw his chance while the men were knocked down to make a run for it. He ran outside and heard a voice say, “Over here.” Nate turned and saw Adam standing by the side of the building.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Come on, buddy. Follow me, quickly.”

They ran around the side of the building where Abagail was waiting with a horse and buggy, “Get in quick.”

They jumped in and Abagail used the whip and they drove as fast as they could out of town.

The boys laughed as they left town. Once they felt they were safe, Abagail stopped the buggy and they got out.

“Thank God you came when you did,” Nate said. “I thought I was a goner for sure?”

“Owen explained to me how Liam got you to come into the saloon and how he and his friends con people into playing cards, then shoot them, claiming self-defense.  I was heading into town to help you when Abagail caught up with me, calmed me down, then came up with the idea of turning the horses loose, smacking them on the rear and having them run into the saloon, giving you the chance to get away.”

“Thank you, Abagail and thank you, Adam, for having my back like always. And I’m glad you sent in the horses when you did.”

“I owed you two for helping us out yesterday,” explained Abagail. “And seeing Liam get taken down a notch was worth it.”

“I have to admit,” Adam said. “It was good seeing you stand up to Liam and tell him off. Good for you.”

“It nearly got my head blown off, but it was a rush and I did enjoy taking their money. Those are the worst poker players I ever met and even worse cheats.”

“I’m going to go for a walk down by the creek,” said Abagail. “It’s such a lovely day.”

Adam looked at Nate and said, “I think I’m going to stretch my legs as well. Nate shook his head and said, “Go on, I’ll be fine.”

Adam caught up with Abagail. “Do you mind if I walk with you?”

“Not at all,” she said. “I would like the company. Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, you can ask me anything.”

“You’re not like most men, are you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I realize I only met you yesterday, yet you stood up for me and my father. And then you rush to your friend’s side and you wouldn’t carry a gun even if it meant certain death facing that bully Liam. Men here don’t stand up for anyone. All they care about is themselves.”

“I wasn’t raised to look the other way. My dad always taught me to stand up for myself and don’t let others get pushed around either.”

“Your dad sounds like a great man.”

“He was. I lost him too soon. I was only fifteen when he passed away. I’ll never forget that day. He looked into my eyes and told me he loved me and was proud of the man I was becoming, then he was gone.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. It hurt for a long time, but I know he’s still with me right here. I hold him in my heart and I will always remember his teachings and his words whenever I get down and that keeps me going.”

“That’s so beautiful and such a beautiful memory. Always hold on to it.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Yes of course?”

“Where’s your mom and brother?”

“We lost them both three years ago to small pox. I was sick too, but somehow I made it through.” 

“I’m so sorry, Abagail, “That’s awful.”

It’s alright, like you, I know they’re still with us, guiding us and watching over us, from afar. After Mom and my brother passed away, Dad decided to move back here and have a fresh start. However, when we got back here, Liam and his boys had the town in their grip. Everyone is scared of him and he intimidates everyone.  And as you saw, the sheriff is worthless. He’s in Liam’s pocket. Anyone who tries to stand up to him is killed, so now everyone turns a blind eye to it all. Until you came along. Now people are calling you a hero.”

“I’m not a hero. I’m just a guy who knows what’s right and wrong. And I don’t believe guns are the answer. But I won’t be pushed around. Nate and I are just passing through, so if people want to make a stand against Liam, then they need to stand together. They can’t wait for a stranger to come along and fight their fight for them.” 

“Well, what you’ve done has at least gotten people to talk. It’s a start, the rest is up to them. Father and I won’t let Liam push us around, not anymore. That’s enough about Liam and his goons. Let’s enjoy the walk. It’s so beautiful out.”

Adam noticed a beautiful flower growing in the field. He picked it, then gave it to Abagail. She smiled and said, “Thank you, kind sir.”

“What’s the name of that flower?” he asked.

“It’s called a Red Hibiscus.”

Back at the buggy, Nate was counting the money he won from the poker game. He glanced up and spotted a dust cloud on top of the hill. Looking closer he could hardly believe his eyes. There were at least eight Indians on horses. When the Indians saw the buggy, they started down the hill. Nate started to panic. He shouted for Adam and Abagail and they hurried back to the buggy.

“What is the matter?” asked Adam.

“Look,” he pointed toward the hill. “Indians coming this way. Looks like eight of them.”

“It’s okay,” Abagail told them. They’re peaceful, part of the Seminole Tribe.”

“Are you okay?” One of the Indians asked in perfect English.

“Yes, we’re fine,” Abagail told him. My friends and I just stopped to stretch our legs. How are you today, my friends?”

They said they were fine, “We were hunting and saw your buggy. We wanted to make sure you were alright. Have a safe journey home and they turned their mounts and rode away.

“How did you know they were friendly?” Adam asked Abagail.

My Father and I take them supplies and we know the chief. He’s a good man. We should probably get back to town. I’m sure my father is worried about us.”

Adam and Nate got in the back and Abagail in front. She slapped the reigns and the horse took off across the field. When they got back to Abagail’s place, her dad was on the porch reading a paper.

“Thank God, you’re all okay. I was so worried.”

“We’re all fine Father. However, I don’t think Liam will be very happy for a while, not after today.”

“What happened?”

Adam filled him in on what had happened and they both shared a laugh.

“I’m glad to hear Liam is getting a taste of his own medicine. Adam,” he said, “I didn’t a chance to tell you the roof looks amazing. Thank you so much for doing that.”

“It was my pleasure. I did notice you had a couple of loose steps on the porch and I noticed a couple of your windows have loose shutters. If you don’t mind, I could fix them for you?”

“I don’t mind at all. Are you sure I can’t pay you?”

“I don’t want anything, it’s my pleasure.”

“You boys can stay as long as you want. You can count this as your home. It’s good to have company again.”

“Thank you, Owen. Are you sure we won’t be in the way?”

“You aren’t any trouble at all. Isn’t that right, Father?”

That’s right Darling. Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to the folks in town and our neighbors. I’m sure they need work done on their homes as well and it can be a way for you to make some money. And Nate, I can talk to my friends at the bank, maybe they need some help there, since you have banking experience?”

“Sure,” Nate told him. “Sounds good. Adam, can I talk to you upstairs?”

“Sure man, no problem.”

Abagail said, “While you guys go upstairs, I’ll get dinner started. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

“Sounds good,” Adam told her. “Thank you.”

The boys went upstairs to their room. Nate shut their door.

Adam asked, “What’s up man?”

“What the hell are you doing, Man?”

“What’d you mean?”

“You’re acting like you’re setting up house here man? I want to go home. This place is crazy and we’ve got a maniac after us. Remember he tried to shoot you, then today him and his buddies tried to kill me. Then we run into Indians. I can’t handle this. I say we take our chances, go to the boat and get the hell out of here.”

“Nate, I’m just trying to make the best of it. We don’t know what will happen if we go back out to sea. What if we go out and run out of fuel, then what? We die at sea. At least here we have friends and people around us. As for Liam, I promise I’ll protect you so don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“How can you be so calm? There’s no electricity, no phones, nothing. I hate it here. I’m not giving up man. A storm got us here and I think another storm may be our ticket home.”

It’s possible, but we can’t predict the weather. As for electricity we’ve let ourselves become prisoners to technology. It’s kind of nice to be away from it. Look at it like this, It’s like we’re on a camping trip.”

“I may have a way to predict the weather. I’ve got a book on storms at sea on the boat. It’s got documented evidence of all the biggest storms in history. Tomorrow when you do repairs on the house, I’m going to borrow a horse and head to the boat and find that book.”

“Fine, that sounds like a plan. You focus on that and we’ll take it one day at a time, okay?”

There was a knock on the door and they heard Abagail saying, “Dinner is ready.”

“We’ll be right down,” said Adam.

After dinner they went out on the porch and enjoyed the evening air.

Nate excused himself, saying he was tired and headed to bed. Owen also said he was going to bed.

Abagail smiled and said to Adam, “Looks like it’s just you and me.”

I think it was a long day for everyone. I don’t need as much sleep because I’m a light sleeper, but if you’re tired, you can go. I understand.”

“I’m good,” she told him. “Why are you sitting all the way over there by yourself when there’s plenty of room here next to me? Of course, if you don’t want to, you won’t hurt my feelings.”

Adam got up, walked over and sat next to Abagail on the swing. They talked and shared stories of their childhood and funny stories till it became very late. Abagail said, “We better turn in and try to get a little sleep. I have to be in town tomorrow and get supplies from the general store. There’s going to be a barn dance the neighbors are holding Saturday night. It should be a lot of fun.”

“I’ve never been to a barn dance.”

“If you would like to, you could come with me and I’ll introduce you to everyone?”

“I would like that very much.” And tomorrow I’ll ride into town with you in the morning and help you get supplies, after I fix everything around the house.”

“I would like that very much.”

“I’ve enjoyed talking with you tonight, Abagail. But like you, I am getting tired and it is getting late. Maybe we better get some rest. Goodnight.”

Abagail said goodnight and went off to bed. Adam did the same thing.

Adam was awakened by a rooster crowing outside his window. He looked over and saw Nate was already out of bed and gone. He got up and to his surprise, saw a pile of clothes for him by the door. He knew it had to be Abagail. After he freshened up and got dressed, he went downstairs.

Abagail smiled at him. He smiled back and said, “Good morning.”

“Good Morning Adam. How did you sleep?”

“Good. You?”

“Good,” Abagail answered.

“Where is everyone?”

Nate left early. He borrowed one of dad’s horses and went to see someone. Father has an appointment early this morning at his office. So it’s just the two of us again.”

“I don’t mind at all, I love the company, especially if it’s someone as beautiful as you.”

Abagail blushed, then smiled and runs her hand through her hair smoothing it.

Adam said, “After breakfast I’ll fix things up quick, so we can head to town?”

“I’ll go ahead and hook up the team, so we can leave as soon as you’re done.”

Adam finished eating and headed outside to get started on the repairs. He had everything fixed in record time. When he had put the tools back in the shed he found that Abagail had the team hooked up and ready to go. Adam climbed in the carriage and sat next to Abagail as they headed out of the yard.