Story (Demon Hunters) - The White woman

[gonewacky]

(Demon Hunters) - The White woman

By the end of September the Windmill was up, and the outside of the Hotel was almost done. It was just doing the inside that was left. Jim let the extra men go, and Seig would have to finish the inside. Suzy was picking out the things for the inside and thinking about having Dave do the furniture. Then Jim could blink it to the Hotel.

At night Suzy and Jim talked about getting as much stuff from the future as they could. Then Suzy could use her money, and not drain their money for their time.

The next morning when everyone was at the table Albert cried out, “Truck on.”

Then Jim announced, “We’ll do it just like last time. Everyone go to your places.”

Then Jim touched Albert and they disappeared. Rebecca gave Bella to Kathy, and left with Suzy. Then Kathy went out and sat on the porch holding Bella.

Kathy was sad for Jim. It was like something was missing. He seemed fine, but Kathy could feel it in him. She sat on the porch holding Bella waiting for Rebecca to return. Then she heard the truck coming. Bouncing Bella on her leg she whispered, “Here comes Mom. She’s riding in the machine with your dad.”

Albert backed the truck to the wood shed. Then he jumped down from the truck hood, and Jim, Suzy, and Rebecca came from the cab. Rebecca put out her hands and said, “Your turn Kathy.”

Kathy handed Bella to Rebecca and went to the back of the Truck. Jim announced, “It’s Kathy’s turn to stack the wood. Albert and I’ll unload the truck.”

Suzy Whined, “I know I hand the wood to Kathy.”

Jim joked, “You could Fly it to her if you wish.”

Suzy hissed, “You could just blink it to her. Then I could get to rest like Kathy and Rebecca.”

Rebecca offered, “You can hold the baby next trip, Kathy could go with us.”

Suzy replied, “This is the last load Rebecca.”

Rebecca insisted, “I know, but we still have to do the wood for the Hotel and Jail.”

Albert mumbled, “Give it up Suzan. You’ll never win with her. She’s a Reporter you know.”

Rebecca inquired, “What did he say?”

Albert’s voice rang out, “Nothing Dear…”

Rebecca insisted, “You say that now, but remember I’ve got ears like a Hawk.”

Jim complained, “How come we always have to do this at breakfast. I’m starving.”

Albert replied, “Because this is the coolest time of the day knuckle head.”

Suzy informed, “I’m staying out of this.”

Jim went on, “You better have the pancakes flying out of the kitchen today. I’ve worked up quit an appetite.”

They had finely unloaded the truck, and Jim blinked it back to its hiding place. Suzy went to the kitchen and everyone took their places at the table. Then Jim appeared and took his seat. Albert called out, “Truck off.”

Time started and everything was back to normal. Mable informed, “Bella is growing like a weed. She’ll be crawling around in no time.”

Victoria turned to Suzy, “That means we need to think about all the stuff from our knees down. We’ll have to think about moving it up out of reach.”

After breakfast they all started their day. Kathy left first to go see Seig at the Hotel, and Mable headed to the dress shop. Emily headed to the store, and Jim Albert and Henry went to check on Seig. Suzy sat next to Rebecca to eat, so she could poke at Bella. It was true little Bella was the most spoiled baby around.

After talking to Seig, Albert and Jim went to the Jail. Jim was telling Albert about his ideas for the inside of the Hotel. Then the door came open and Trees Popping came in. Seeing Jim he announced, “Crazy One, good to see you my friend.”

Setting his eyes on Albert Trees Popping explained, “I have three soldiers bringing a white woman to you. She lived with us for many snows. Whispering Wind traded two horses for the woman from the Chippewa. He did not want to give up the woman, but by the Treaty all captives must be released. The Colonel say we no can keep her, and Chief say he only turn her over to Law Man. Colonel say now woman Law Man problem. Her Indian name is Origin which means Wonderful. We no know her white man name, and she no remembers.”

Albert was stunned, “What am I to do with her?”

Trees Popping replied, “Colonel say Lawn Man problem now. She’s a good worker and of child bearing years. Whispering Wind raised her from a besom, (Girl) until she was a Bird, (Woman.)



This is Joe talking to my readers;

I have looked for the word for a Native American woman or Indian woman, but I could not find one to use. The only one I could find was, “Squaw,” and that does not mean woman. It means: "Whore," "Loose Woman," and specific parts of the female genitalia. In considering this social context for the use of the word “Squaw,” it is typically understood by Indians as a racial slur on his or her person, family, community, and/or heritage.

I talked to my Indian friend about this, and he told me his people say it means vagina and is an insult. He explained, “It would be like me pointing to my wife and saying this is my Whore. How this happened was back when the white men first came here most of the trappers were French, and didn’t know our language. They would point to a woman’s vagina, and the Indian would say Squaw. The white man thought that meant woman. When in reality it meant Whore.”

He did tell me that the translation from his language for woman would be Bird, and besom for a girl. In his Native language Enchety (Child) Ener (Woman)



Now Back to the story.

Albert asked, “What would you have me do with her Trees Popping?”

Trees Popping explained, “Whispering Wind first saw Origin when she was Noopa.”

Albert questioned, “Six years old?”

Trees Popping nodded and continued, “She was a slave to the Chippewa people. Whispering Wind was saddened to see her treated this way and offered to buy her. The price was high. They wanted two horses. Whispering Wind only had two horses, but his friend Bending Tree gave him a horse to trade. Whispering Wind made the trade for the girl. Then he came back to the village with this little girl, and gave her to my mother. She never spoke for many moons, and Whispering Wind thought her speaking had been taken from her. He had to fight with her to open her mouth to see. She bit his hand and yelled NO!

Whispering Wind laughed, “It’s still there. She just doesn’t use it. Then my mother started sleeping with her, and teaching her to weave a basket. Slowly she learned our words. Then over time she was befriended by all the tribe, and she learned our ways. All our people Love her, and want you to put her where she would be Loved. Sad to say she knows your words not.”

Albert questioned, “None of our words?”

Trees Popping revealed, “I ask the Colonel to leave a Warrior so he could help you speak with her, but he say none can live off Reservation. Colonel Say this be Law Man’s problem.”

Albert teased, “Crazy One, go get Henry. We need to talk with him.”

Jim laughed and headed to the livery. Soon Henry and Jim returned. Henry complained, “What is so important it can’t wait until we go to eat?”

Albert insisted, “I want to keep a woman in the Hotel.”

Henry laughed, “Does Rebecca know about this?”

Albert snapped back, “No, but you’ll be reading about it in the paper.”

Henry got serious, “Nothing is finished inside. Seig is still sleeping on the cot here in the Jail.”

Albert disclosed, “She’s been sleeping on the ground in a Teepee all her life. I’m sure she’ll have no problem with what we set up in there.”

Henry looked out the window and saw her riding up bareback. There was a soldier riding on each side of her, and one behind. They hitched up their horses next to Trees Popping’s horse. Henry exclaimed, “Oh hell it’s the Chief’s Daughter. Look at her!”

They all looked out the window and saw her in all her beauty, as Trees Popping insisted, “No just Origin. The tribe dressed her for this trip. Now you have a part of us. Tribe very sad she leave.”

Jim opened the door to let them in. She stood before them proud of who she was, as Trees Popping spoke to her in their Native language. No one understood what he said and the Corporal questioned, “Did this savage tell you all about her?”

Albert replied, “He told us she was a white woman. That was a captive, and that she was being released into our custody.”

The Corporal barked, “Good, now this wild thing is your problem. There is nothing white about her. What you have there is pure savage with white skin. You’ll have to watch her she bites. She just about bit Private Johnson’s thumb off.”

Then the Corporal looked at Trees Popping and ordered, “Let’s go Popcorn.”

Trees Popping pulled out a paper and insisted, “I have paper.”

The Corporal insisted, “If you could read you’d know that the pass is only good for three days. Just long enough to make the trip.”

Reaching out his hand Albert asked, “Let me see that pass Trees Popping.”

Trees Popping gave the pass to Albert. Looking at it Albert called out, “Truck on.”

Jim looked at Albert, “What did you do that for?”

Albert explained, “We need an interpreter. I only know a few words of their language. If he leaves we’re going to pay hell trying to communicate with her. Give me your watch.”

Jim asked, “What for?”

Albert explained, “I’m going to plant it on Trees Popping so I can arrest him for stealing.”

Jim smiled, “Oh, should we touch him so he knows?”

Albert replied, “If we need that I’ll stop time again.”

Carefully Jim hooked the Watch chain on to Trees Popping. Then they took their places and Albert started time. Dropping the pass on his desk Albert barked, “What do we have here. You took my Deputy’s Watch!”

Trees Popping argued, “No I take nothing.”

Albert grabbed the Watch and jerked it from Trees Popping yelling, “You’re under arrest.”

Corporal insisted, “We’ll take it from here Sheriff. We’ll see that he is properly punished.”

Albert insisted, “You have no jurisdiction here. If you get in my way you’ll be in that cell with him. He stays here until we have a trial and hear what the judge orders.”

The Corporal insisted, “The Colonel isn’t going to like this.”

Albert said, “Tell him I said that’s an Army problem. You delivered the savage. Now she’s my problem. You can go.”

Albert was looking at Origin’s dress made from a dear skin. The hole for her head was where the deer’s neck would have been, and the slit down one side was from where the deer was gutted. A strap of deer skin was tied around her waist. Then Albert could hear the Corporal yell from outside. “This ain’t over Law Man!”

Jim questioned, “Can’t they just come and get Trees Popping?”

Albert replied, “Nope, he’s in my Jail now. They have to get the Marshal to come make me let him go. You and I both know Bill won’t do that.”

Trees Popping asked, “Me big trouble?”

Albert smiled, “Nope, you just have to sleep in that cell at night until we take you back. We need you to teach us to talk to Origin. I trick army man to let you stay.”

Trees Popping laughed and spoke to Origin in their Native language. She smiled and said something. Trees Popping translated, “She say you funny.”

Henry stood in front of the window watching the soldiers. With his back to Albert Henry mumbled, “The Army’s riding off. I think you screwed that one up Albert.”

Albert confessed, “Alright smart ass. You can talk to are girl here.”

Henry turned around and declared, “All I know is there’s a lot of people around here that are afraid and hate Indian’s. You best get her out of that get up she’s got on, because she don’t look like a white woman. If I were you I wouldn’t let that redskin wonder around town. You do remember what happened to the Army Scout’s wife Amara? Otto almost killed her with that stunt he pulled.”

Albert replied, “I haven’t seen Otto since the fight in the Saloon.”

Jim thought, That’s because you hung his ass.

Heading for the door Henry mumbled, “Well, he’s not the only one around here like that.”

Origin said some words and Albert asked, “What did she say?”

Trees Popping replied, “She wanted to know if the man didn’t like her?”

Albert smiled at Origin, “You tell her he’s worried about her safety here, and thinks she shouldn’t dress like that.”

Trees Popping told Origin and she crossed her arms giving Albert a mean look. Trees Popping talked with Origin some more pointing to Jail cell. Albert inquired, “What did you tell her?”

Trees Popping revealed, “I tell her you Law Man, and everyone must do as you say, or you put them in that cage.”

Albert looked out the window and saw Kathy coming. Then he replied, “You tell her she can wear whatever she wants. In fact here comes a woman dressed like a man now.”

The door opened, and Kathy walked in and announced, “Wow we have Indian’s here. I saw the Army was here, but I didn’t want to bother you until they left. What’s going on?”

Jim informed, “This is Origin, she’s a white woman but she doesn’t speak English. She was raised by Indian’s, and that’s Trees Popping our interpreter. We’re going to put her in the Hotel, but we all have to work together to teach her our ways.”

Kathy looked at Origin and thought, I can’t leave someone like that alone with Seig. Kathy informed, “I got this. I’ll teach her everything. I’m moving into the Hotel with her. You need to put my bed in there. I don’t care how you do it. Just get it in there.”

Jim looked at Albert and he just shrugged his shoulders, so Jim announced, “I’ll go check on Seig. Maybe I can get him to help me.”

Then Jim went out the door. Coming in the door to the Hotel Jim hollered, “Hay Seig, where are you at.”

Seig replied, “Upstairs putting in the stove pipe.”

Jim replied, “I’ll be up in a minute.”

Then he went to the first room on the left, and blinked out. Appearing in Kathy’s room Jim grabbed the bed post and blinked back. With Kathy’s bed in the Hotel Jim went upstairs. Seeing Seig pushing a piece of stovepipe through a hole in the roof Jim praised, “Looks good Seig.”

Seig assured, “Should have the stove working tomorrow.”

Jim replied, “That’s a good thing, because I think Kathy wants to teach our first guest to cook on it.”

Seig stopped and looked at Jim, “Our first guest? I don’t even have one room done yet. Let alone the fact there is no furnishings. What’s this guest doing? Sleeping on the floor?

Jim replied, “I put Kathy’s bed down stairs. Well I got to go. I have a lot to do today.”

Seig assured, “I’ll be here when you get back.”

 

[gonewacky]

Jim went back to where he put Kathy’s bed. Then he blinked out, and Appeared behind the outhouse at the Boardinghouse. Going inside he saw Suzy sitting with Rebecca and Victoria playing with Bella. Jim announced, “Suzan I need your help. We need to help a woman in need.”

Suzy stood up and divulged, “We’ll be back for dinner. Buy Bella.”

Outside Suzy asked, “What’s going on?”

Jim explained about the white Indian woman as they walked to the Jail.

In the Jail Kathy was listening to Trees Popping explaining what was going on to Origin. Kathy brushed against Trees Popping as she walked to Albert. As she touched his skin against her arm a tingling rushed through her, and instantly she understood every word he said.”

Origin replied, “She has a killing stick.”

Kathy turned around and pulled her gun. Then she emptied it on the desk and offered it to Origin. She stepped back and wanted nothing to do with it. Kathy looked to Trees Popping and insisted, “You tell her to keep the killing stick until she feel safe with me.”

Trees Popping explained what Kathy was offering, so she took the gun and threw it on the floor. Then she yelled, “Final Battle!”

Kathy immediately questioned, “What does she mean Final Battle?”

Trees Popping asked, “You understand what Origin say?”

Kathy knotted her head as Trees Popping explained, “It’s from when an Indian is fighting his final battle. “When he is caught and has nowhere to go. He would stick his lance in the ground and he would tie the thong to his belt. Then he would just stand there and fight to the death. What she is saying is she has nowhere to go.”

Kathy took off her gun belt and tossed it on the gun. Then looked to Albert and insisted, “It stays there until she picks it up. I saw the soldiers just tossed her stuff on the ground out front. Someone needs to take her and her stuff to the Hotel.”

The door came open and in came Jim and Suzy. Suzy looked at Albert and insisted, “Do your thing Albert.”

Albert replied, “Oh, Truck on.”

Time stopped and Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light. Then she pushed it into Origin. She came to life for a second and froze, as Suzy did it again. Then Suzy explained, “Jim and I are going to the future to get the furnishings for the Hotel. We’re taking the Truck, anyone want anything from there?”

Albert insisted, “Some more night time diapers.”

Suzy replied, “Done. What about you Kathy?”

Kathy explained, “I want Jim to take me to the Indian reservation so I can watch them for a day. It will help me with Origin. Then when I get back I’ll do a night time light show for you.”

Jim replied, “I’ll do that when we get back.”

Kathy asked, “You want me to make it visible for you?”

Jim insisted, “No we’re not going to drive it around there. We’re just using it for a transport container. Go ahead and start time Albert.”

Albert started time and Jim informed, “We just want you to know we’re taking off for a while.”

Kathy insisted, “See you when you get back.”

Then Jim and Suzy went out behind the Jail, and Jim blinked them to the truck. Then they went to Suzy’s house. Sitting at the computer Suzy explained, “I’m going to order as much of the stuff on line as I can, and have it delivered to Walmart. Then we can jump to the delivery day and pick it up. I’ll have Dave make the furniture and we’ll just blink ahead in time and pick it up. Oh look, what do you think about this washbasin stand?”

Jim replied, “That looks good.”

Suzy went on a shopping spree buying eight washbowls and pitchers. Sixteen sets of Cotton sheets and pillow cases. Then she got quilts and sixteen oil lamps.

After Suzy had ordered everything on line it was off to see Dave. Jim blinked them to the farm and they got his truck. Jim started the old one ton Dodge and looked at Suzy with a smile. Then he put on the lap belt and slipped the truck into gear. Suzy exclaimed, “At least this truck has seatbelts like the other one should have.”

Jim just smiled as the old truck rolled forward with a squeak and growl. They were off on an adventure once again. Going down the road Jim looked around and blinked the truck down the road as far as he could see. Then going around a corner he did it again. Suzy asked, “What are you doing?”

Jim replied, “Having fun jumping the truck.”

Suzy smiled, “You silly guy. I love you, so take a right on old mountain road.”

Jim questioned, “I thought we were going to have some furniture made? All that’s out here is a bunch of farms.”

Suzy replied, “It’s coming up. See that big barn? Drive right up to the door.”

Hearing someone pull up Dave came out to check. Then Jim saw him. There stood a tall man with long hair hanging over his shoulders, and a well-trimmed beard and mustache.

All excited Suzy grabbed her messenger bag and jumped from the truck, as she slipped the messenger bag over her shoulder.

Dave bubbled, “Good to see you Miss White.”

Suzy replied, “Its Mrs. White Dave, and this is my husband James.”

Dave knotted his head and mumbled, “My pleasure James. What do you need?”

Suzy insisted, “Let’s go inside I have a list.”

Dave muttered, “A list ha, I like the sound of that.”

Dave and Suzy stood at the workbench as Dave took her order. Pulling the picture’s from her messenger bag. Suzy set the picture if the nightstand on the workbench and insisted, “I need sixteen nightstands.”

Then she laid down the picture of the dresser and disclosed, “I need eight dressers”

Dave questioned, “When do you need this stuff?”

Suzy insisted, “I’m not done yet. We’ll talk about that after I’m done with my order.”

Surprised Dave inquired, “There’s more?”

Suzy replied, “Oh yes, I need twelve chairs like this, and eight washbowl and pitcher stands.”

Dave exclaimed, “Wow with a towel rack on each side. Let me see. This is a lot of stuff. It’s going to take a few months to make all this stuff. Let me see 16 nightstands at $200 each $3,200, and 8 dressers at 400 each 3,200. 12 chairs at $400 each $3,200, and 8 washbowl and pitcher stands $250 each $2.000. Bringing your the total bill to $10,200.”

Suzy asked, “How long Dave?”

Dave inquired, “True to the time?”

Suzy replied, “Just work your magic Dave, and make me happy.”

Dave replied, “At least four months would be my guess.”

Suzy inquired, “How about I give you $15,000 and you do it in three and a half. That would cover you hiring someone to help you. Can you do it?”

Dave pinched his chin and assured, “I can do it, but I’ll need a washbowl to make sure the hole is the right size.”

Suzy pulled her checkbook from her messenger bag, and wrote a check for $15,000. Handing Dave the check Suzy informed, “I’ll bring in the washbowl tomorrow.”

Jim took Suzy’s arm and drug her to the door as Dave assured, “See you tomorrow.”

Outside Jim scolded, “What did you give him the extra money for? You know we can get in the truck and blink back here in a flash. Time doesn’t mean anything to us.”

Suzy smiled, “You don’t know this guy like I do. He’s not going to hire anyone. He won’t trust anyone touching his work. He’s a perfectionist and will work twelve and sixteen hour days to get it done. I’m making him work for his tip.”

Starting the old one ton Dodge Jim questioned, “Where to now?”

Suzy insisted, “To the bed store to get some mattresses. Then it’s over to see Grant at Perfect Stitch on 33st.”

Then they dropped off the mattresses at Perfect Stitch, so Grant could stuff some batting and muslin around the sides and recover them. Then they Jumped two weeks ahead and picked up the stuff from Walmart. Then Jim blinked them back to the day after they ordered the furniture. Taking a washbowl in to Dave Suzy insisted, “Now Dave…”

Dave butted in, “I know it must be true to the time.”

Suzy replied, “You know what to do.”

Then they went to Suzy’s house and loaded the stuff on the Iron Horse, and Jim jumped them ahead again. They picked up the mattresses at Perfect Stitch. Then it was back to the Bed Store to pick up the brass bed frames they ordered.

After loading the stuff on the truck it was full, so they decided to take it back to the Old Feed and Seed. Jim decided to drop it off at three in the morning the day they left. Suzy complained, “We’ll be dropping this off before we get back.

Jim replied, “If I leave the truck running time will be stopped, and no one will know we’re doing it. Kathy, Albert, and Rebecca will be asleep and won’t even know time stopped. We’ll be sleeping, and the future version of us will be unloading the Truck.”

Suzy agreed, “Oh, good idea.”

After unloading the truck they blinked back to Suzy’s house, and got Jim’s old Dodge truck. Then Jim blinked them to Dave’s shop. Suzy looked at Jim and winked, “Last load.”

Back at the Jail Albert instructed, “We best show her where she’s sleeping, and get her Pony over to Henry’s.”

At the Hotel Kathy saw her bed in the first room on the left, so she pointed to the first room on the right. Then they moved the stuff from her Pony, and what the soldier’s dropped on the ground. Origin placed her head dress on top of her stuff. Then they took her Pony over to Henry.

In the barn Origin looked wide eyed at all the horses, as Albert announced, “Henry, I need you to take care of Origin’s Pony.”

Origin said some words and Trees Popping replied in their Native language. Then she spoke some more. Kathy smiled and said, “Tell them what she’s saying.

Trees Popping explained, “I told her you own this house with all the horses. Now she wants to know if you are the Chief. She thinks you’re very wealthy.”

Pointing to Albert’s badge Henry insisted, “Tell her that Silver Star is the Chief. I own the horses and a part of the Hotel. I expect her to brush two horses a day for keeping her horse and my share of where she sleeps.”

Trees Popping and Origin talked back and forth for a little bit. Then Origin crossed her arms and Trees Popping revealed, “She’s demanding food too.”

Henry looked at Kathy and insisted, “Only if Kathy teaches her to make Soda Bread, and she brings me some each day.”

Kathy insisted, “Tell her Trees Popping.”

Trees Popping explained the offer Henry made. Origin let her arms down and smiled as Trees Popping announced, “She says good trade.”

Henry waved his hand and announced, “We start now.”

Then he went and got a horse from a stall and tided it to a post. Then taking the brush from the post he ran it across the horse, as Origin pushed her face against the horse’s head. Then she yanked the brush from Henry’s hand and started brushing the horse. She chanted as she brushed the horse and waved for Henry to go away.

Henry walked back to Kathy and Trees Popping and asked, “What is she saying?”

Trees Popping replied, “She’s singing about a great horse that took a Warrior into battle.”

Henry yelled, “Lyle!”

Looking to Kathy Henry insisted, “I’ll have my Stable boy hook up the buckboard, and we’ll go shopping.”

In the future Jim had jumped them to Dave’s shop four months later. They were loading the stuff on the truck as Suzy announced, “That was the last blanket.”

Dave assured, “I have some in the shop. I’ll get one,”

Jim was tightening down the last strap as Suzy got her messenger bag. Pulling a page from the bag she asked, “How long for a table and chairs like this?”

Dave took the page and looked it over and muttered, “True to the time?”

Suzy smiled, “The only way to do it Dave.”

Dave revealed, “I have some catching up to do it might take me six or eight months for something like this.”

Suzy insisted, “Price Dave.”

Dave revealed, “I don’t know. There’s a lot of hand carving on the pedestals and chair backs. I’d guess somewhere between eight and ten grand.”

Suzy pulled her checkbook from her messenger bag, and wrote a check for $10,000. Handing Dave the check Suzy informed, “I’ll see you in eight months. Don’t call me I’ll be gone. Just make it happen?”

Dave requested, “Come inside and I’ll draw up a contract.”

Suzy smiled, “Just put out your hand. That’s good enough for me.”

Dave put out his hand. As they shook on it Dave asked, “What if I cash the check and I don’t do the work?”

Starting to leave Suzy turned back around and said, “Then I send my sister to haunt you. Your stuff will be flying all around your shop. You won’t be able to get as much as a stick of wood out the door. Then if that’s not enough I’ll send my husband to mess with your head.”

Then Jim blinked behind Dave. Tapping him on the shoulder Jim announced, “Like this.”

Dave jumped and exclaimed, “How did you do that?”

Jim smiled as he walked away, “Do what?”

In the truck Jim looked in the side mirror and saw Dave looking at the check. Then he blinked them to the Old Feed and Seed. Dave looked up in wonder thinking, I never even heard the truck start.

Back at the Old Feed and Seed Suzy questioned, “Why did you come here?”

Jim replied, “I didn’t want to have to fight like we had to with the last load. This would have been a nightmare to load in the Truck with it being invisible. I’ll take the truck back to the farm. Then get the Iron Horse from your house when I’m done.”

Suzy smiled at Jim as she undid a strap, and pulled a chair from the load. Soon everything was piled in the back of the old warehouse. Jim took Suzy’s hand and put a hand on the truck. He blinked then to Jim’s farm, and then to the iron horse. Jim stuck his hand out to find the Iron Horse, as Suzy blurted, “Albert’s diapers!”

Back in Dention Lyle pulled the buckboard around to the front of the livery. Henry insisted, “Why don’t you and Seig go to the store. I’ll stay here and watch over Origin and Trees Popping.

Kathy went over to the Hotel and got Seig. Then they headed to the store.

A man walked by the Livery and saw Origin brushing a horse. He threw a rock at Origin and yelled, “Get out of here you savage Squaw!”

Angered Henry pulled a whip from the wall and chased after the man cracking the whip as he shouted, “You want to act like this is the fifteenth century. Get your ass back here so I can show you what it was like. You Chicken scum…”

Origin came up and hung on Henry’s arm and looked up at him with her big brown eyes. Henry expressed, “I know, we don’t need words to understand that.”

Then he pulled the hair back from her face and looked at the horse. Origin slipped away and went back to brushing the horse. They were learning to communicate without words, and something special was happening.

Jim blinked them to the back of Walmart. Then a lady pushed her cart right into them. She apologized, “I’m sorry. It’s like you came out of nowhere.”

Suzy smiled, “It’s alright it happens to me too.”

Jim pulled Suzy’s hand as he headed to the front of the store. Suzy asked, “Where are you going?”

Jim replied, “To get a cart.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy replied, “Oh.”

At the diaper aisle Jim tossed in a pack of diapers. Reaching for another Suzy insisted, “You better grab size two for the rest. Bella has just about out grown size one.”

Soon they had filled the cart with diapers and were checking out. In no time they were back at the Iron Horse appearing in the Old Feed and Seed. Jim announced, “We came back right at lunch time, because I’m hungry and tired.”

Going out the back door Suzy insisted, “Not too tired to put together two rooms.”

Jim replied, “If Seig helps me I can. I guess.”

Suzy went on, “Kathy and I will make the bed, and straighten things up in the rooms.”

Poking his head in the Jail Jim asked, “You going to eat?”

Albert replied, “On my way.”

Henry saw them and headed across the street. Joining up Henry exclaimed, “I can’t believe it. I already had to chase off a guy with a whip. I never even saw this guy before, and he was throwing rocks at Origin and cussing at her.”

Jim asked, “What was she doing?”

Henry replied, “She was just brushing a horse, and I was right there in a stall. I came out and grabbed my whip and chased after him. He ran off down the street laughing.”

Jim insisted, “I can tell we’re going to have to keep an eye on her.”

Suzy snarled, “He’s lucky I didn’t see that. I’d have done more than chase him with a whip.”

Albert scolded, “Nothing I would have to arrest you for I’d hope.”

Suzy mumbled, “I know the Sheriff’s wife. I think I know what line I can cross.”

Jim snickered as Henry informed, “Now Albert you know better than to get that red head going.”

Albert insisted, “I think I could let you kick him.”

Suzy replied, “If I kicked him where I want he wouldn’t be able to walk for some time.”

Jim announced, “Look here come’s Kathy and Seig.

Sig stopped the buck board to speak with them, “Kathy and I are going to stop at the Horseshoe, and get soup and sandwiches. We got a couple of lunch buckets from the store for the soup. Then we’re going to go eat with Origin and Trees Popping on the Hotel porch.”

Jim requested, “After you unload the supplies. Go back and borrow Hanks hand truck. We’ll need it when we get back.”

Seig replied, “Will do.”

Then Seig gave the rains a whip and headed to the Restaurant.

After lunch Kathy and Seig snuggled on the porch. As Origin thought, Some girls have all the luck. Some girls have all the pain. Some girls get all the breaks, and some girls do nothing but complain. The girl next to me has a guy in her arms, and my arms are empty. I’m all alone working and I’m dreaming. I want to know how it feels when a guy says he loves me. It seems so unfair when there’s love everywhere but there’s none for me.

Then Jim and Suzy came and Suzy sat next to Origin. Suzy looked at Trees Popping and instructed, “Don’t be a hero. There are a lot of people that don’t understand your people. They came on wagon trains that were attacked by Indians. Some of them were killed, and they think all Indians are like that. If there’s trouble let someone else be the hero. The graveyards are full of them. If you need help just let us know. Let us be the hero. There is no shame in that.”

Trees Popping pointed to Jim’s star on his shirt and replied, “All people must do what man with star say. I tell man with star when people are bad.”

Jim put his hand on Trees Popping’s shoulder an insisted, “You are very wise my friend. I’m going to go talk to Albert then we’re going to move some stuff into the rooms.”

Jim went and told Albert he was moving the Truck. Then he blinked the truck to the playground, and blinked back. Then he opened the doors to the Old Feed and Seed warehouse, and got Seig and Trees Popping to help him. Seig started moving a dresser with the hand truck. Jim and Trees Popping each got a Washbowl stand, and Suzy and Kathy started unpacking things. Suzy put a Washbowl inside another and picked them up. Kathy took a water pitcher and handed it to Origin. Then she grabbed another pitcher and headed to the Hotel.

In a short time they had put two rooms together. Trees Popping explained, “Origin this is your sleeping place.”

Origin questioned, “Where Trees Popping sleep?”

Trees Popping replied, “Where Law Man says.”

Soon it was getting late and everyone was headed to the Boarding house. Seig started a fire in the woodstove, and Kathy gave Origin her first cooking lesson. Kathy whipped up some pancake batter and started making pancakes. In no time Origin was flipping pancakes. After eating Seig and Trees Popping went to the Jail to sleep. Then Kathy went to her room and left the door open. Origin went to her room and pulled the blanket from the bed and slept on the rug on the floor.

After some time Origin heard something and opened her eyes. She saw Kathy get out of bed and fade out. Then she heard the Hotel door open. She got up and peeked around the door way and saw the door go closed. She sneaked to the door, and opened it. Then she saw the Jail door open. She went to the window and looked inside. She saw Kathy fade back and slip in the cot with Seig. She put her hand over her mouth, and gasped.

Then Kathy shot up and thought, I forgot to do the light show.

She went out front of the Jail and twirled her hand in the air and the aurora borealis appeared in the sky. Kathy smiled and whispered, “There you go Najl enjoy this.”

Origin’s eyes bulged as light reflected off the buildings. Her thoughts raced in wonder. She now thought Kathy was a great spirit. She snuck back to her room, and waited for Kathy to return.

Down at the Boardinghouse Jim saw the reflection on the window. Jim announced, “Oh look Kathy did her light show. It’s the aurora borealis.”

Suzy insisted, “Let’s go out on the porch and enjoy it.”

On the porch Suzy revealed, “You know Kathy has been sneaking out at night to go be with Seig.”

Jim mumbled, “I know. There’s nothing I can do about it. She makes herself invisible when she goes. I could go blink her back to her room when she does it, but why.”

Suzy whispered, “I think that would just make things worse. I think we just let her live her life.”

Early the next morning Kathy sneaked back to her room. Then Kathy got up with Origin. They went to the stove and Kathy showed her how to start the fire. Soon the pan was on the stove and the batter was ready. Kathy sat in a chair and watched as Origin made the cakes, and put them in a tin plate. Seig came in and saw the stack of cakes. Looking to Kathy he expressed, “I’m liking her all ready. Now if you would get the jam I saw you get.”

Kathy replied, “I got the pan to cook in, a mixing spoon and a spatula for a pancake turner. I got ten-plates, mixing bowls, and a pan to cook the Soda Bread in, but I didn’t get any silverware.”

Seig walked to the wood box and pulled his knife. Splitting off a piece of wood he whittled a wood knife, and said. “Now where’s that jam?”

Kathy went and dug in a box and pulled it out. Then she handed it to Seig. He opened it and stabbed the wood knife in the jar. Then taking a cake he spread some on it and handed the jar to Trees Popping. He took a cake and put a dab on the cake and bit it. He smiled and spread more on the cake.”

Seig questioned, “You like?”

Talking with his mouth full Trees Popping replied, “Good this is.”

After they ate Kathy started showing Origin how to make the soda bread. But Origin didn’t want to do it and Kathy asked what she said.

Trees Popping acknowledged aloud, “She wants to talk to me outside.”

Kathy replied, “I know I understood what she said. Go and do it. Henry is going to want his bread before lunch.”

Out on the porch Origin explained, “She’s a great spirit and can disappear, and move like the wind. I watched her fill the sky with strange colored lights streaking around.”

Trees Popping busted up laughing, “You have wild dream when sleeping.”

Origin insisted, “This true! I see!”

Trees Popping divulged, “This dream for Medicine Man or Warrior. Not for white woman.”

Origin became mad and insisted, “Don’t treat me like a little Enchety (Child). I’m an Ener (woman) and that time has passed!”

Then she stomped back inside, and made the bread with Kathy. They slid the bread in the oven as Jim showed up. Seeing Seig Jim questioned, “What are you working on today Seig?”

Seig replied, “The rooms upstairs, so we can get then ready for furnishing. Except for that room you call the honeymoon suite. Whatever that is?”

Jim replied, “It’s a Presidential Suite, but no President’s ever coming here. So I’m calling it the honeymoon suite.”

Seig knotted his head, “I get it now. Anyway I haven’t been working in there, because I don’t know what you want done to it.”

Jim replied, “That’s alright. We’ll just leave that for a later time.”

Then looking at Kathy Jim asked, “How is it going?”

Kathy replied, “We’re baking the Soda Bread now. When it’s done I’ll send Origin over to work for Henry. Then you can do that thing for me.”

Jim replied, “Just come over to the Jail when you’re ready to do it.”

Trees Popping questioned, “What me do?”

Jim replied, “I don’t want you walking around town alone. I think you better help Seig. Maybe you can put the furniture in the other two rooms down the hall.”

Seig replied, “Don’t worry Boss. I’ll keep him busy.”

When the Soda Bread was done Origin went to work brushing horses, and Kathy went to see Jim. Jim blinked her to the river by the Indian Village. Then he insisted he would be back about noon or when the sun was high in the sky. When Kathy was gone Henry came to Origin and pointed to the Hotel then to his mouth and said, “Soda Bread.”

Origin smiled and took his hand. Then she drug Henry across the street to the Hotel. Then she pointed to the Soda Bread on the back of the stove. Henry took is knife from his side and wiped it on his shirt and whispered, “That should be clean enough.”

Then he cut the round loaf in half, and cut two pieces from it. Handing one piece to Origin he went and sat on the steps to the Hotel. Then he patted his hand next to him, and Origin sat next to Henry. Henry talked as he ate, “I doubt you have ever used silverware. I hear you’re half wild. You know the half wild horses are the best ones. They’ll never give up on you, and don’t have quit in them. Their hard to handle, but once you learn to work them there the best.

Origin looked at Henry with her big brown eyes as he talked. Then she scooted closer to him. Henry mumbled, “Not shy for sure. You’re like that horse I was talking about. Too bad you don’t understand me. I can see the wonder in your eyes. You’re probably thinking what’s this old kook talking about?”

Then Henry stood and put out his hand and pulled Origin up saying, “Time to go back to work.”

Then Henry walked back across the street with Origin right behind him.

Over at the Jail Suzy came in announcing, “We need to go get the table and chairs I had made. I thought we could take Charlie and Patty, and bring it back in the wagon.”

Jim replied, “Oh busy day. I have to go get Kathy for lunch. I’ll go hook up the team.”

Albert insisted, “I’ll be over at the Restaurant with Rebecca.”

Jim went and got the wagon. Then they headed out of town and Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Millions of tiny little flickering stars rained down all around them as Jim blinked them out. Appearing at the playground Jim took Suzy’s hand and blinked them to Dave’s shop. Suzy exclaimed, “Don’t we need to go get the truck?”

Jim replied, “Nope, we’re just going to go in and take the stuff.”

Then Jim jerked her hand and opened the door. Inside Jim saw Dave working on a hall tree across the shop. He yelled, “Hay Dave!”

Dave jumped from the surprise, and walked over. Pointing at the table and chairs he asked, “What do you think?”

Suzy replied, “I think you’re the god of wood Dave. Will you help me set the chairs on top of the table?”

Suzy picked up a chair as Dave questioned, “You sure you want to do that?”

Setting the chair on the table Suzy insisted, “Don’t just stand there Dave. Give me a hand.”

After the chairs were on the table Suzy instructed, “Now I need you to go back over where you were and turn your back to us. We’re going to do something kinky under the table.”

Dave looked dumbfounded and walked off, as Jim took Suzy’s left hand and smiled. Dave turned his back to then and watched through the mirror on a Vanity. Suzy made a little ball the size of a golf ball. Then she threw the ball of bright flashing colored light over the table, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Millions of tiny little flickering stars rained down all around them, as Jim blinked them out.

Dave’s eyes bulged as he spun around. They were gone with the table and chairs. Dave rubbed his eyes mumbling, “That didn’t just happen!”

Looking again Dave saw the table was gone. He shook his head and flopped to the floor.

Back at the playground Jim and Suzy appeared with the table. Jim announced, “I’m going after Kathy.”

Then he blinked out and was back in a flash with Kathy in tow. They loaded the table and headed to town. Pulling up in front of the Hotel Trees Popping and Seig came out. Kathy requested, “Could you take the table in and set it up. I’m going to the Restaurant and get us lunch.”

Kathy went in and got the lunch buckets and headed to the Horseshoe. She returned and set the bucket with the soup on the table and went and got the ten-plates. She took a sandwich from the other bucket and set one on each plate. Setting them at the table Kathy called, “Food.”

Jim Suzy and Albert headed to the Boardinghouse with Henry for lunch, as they sat at the table. Kathy poured the soup on to the pie-ten shaped plates, and cut everyone a piece of the Soda Bread. Seig dug in with Trees Popping next to him, but Origin just sat watching everyone. She had never sat at a table before, and wasn’t sure what to do. Kathy sat next to her and touched her arm to get her attention. Then showed her as she talked, “Just like yesterday. Dip your sandwich in the soup on your plate just like we did in the bucket.”

Origin’s eyes opened wide as she understood every word Kathy spoke. In disbelief Origin questioned, “Are you a Great Spirit?”

Kathy pulled away from Origin and inquired, “You understand my words?”

But all Origin heard was jumbled up sounds, so she replied, “Not now.”

So Origin reached out and took a hold of Kathy’s wrist and insisted, “Talk to me.”

Kathy replied, “We should be eating. Not talking.”

Origin exclaimed, “You are a Great Spirit!”

Trees Popping stared at them as they each talked in their own language. Kathy set down her sandwich and placed her hand over Origin’s hand on her wrist and insisted, “Eat, we’ll talk of this later.”

Origin looked across the table at Trees Popping and put her nose in the air saying, “I told you she was a Great Spirit.”

Seig asked, “What is she saying?”

Trees Popping replied, “She is talking as a child. She’s a crazy white woman.”

Kathy dipped her sandwich and took a bite as Seig asked, “You think she can use silverware?”

Trees Popping broke in, “She has never used it. I don’t think she has even seen it. I don’t like it myself.”

Then Trees Popping picked up his plate and drank the rest of his soup from it.”

Seig insisted, “See that’s what I’m talking about. I know we’re eating this way today, but we have to teach her to use silverware.”

Kathy scolded, “Give me a chance Seig. It’s only been a day. I got her sitting at a table. It’s one thing at a time, besides we don’t even have any silverware here yet.”

Kathy could fell Origin touching her to understand what she was saying, but Origin could only understand what Kathy was saying. Seig’s words were still gibberish, so Origin only understood one side of the conversation.

 

[gonewacky]

Vincent Warner had been spying on Origin since the first day he saw her at the Livery. He was just waiting for his chance to get her alone. He could almost feel her in his arms kicking and screaming, as he had his way with her. That filthy savage woman was his, and she didn’t belong here. He was going to give her something she needed to know. If she didn’t leave after that he thought he’d just do it again and again. Until she understood she didn’t belong in this town.

He watched her from behind the Barber Shop when she was at the Livery. Now he hid behind the Blacksmith Shop spying around the corner. He watched as they kept taking things into the Hotel.

Jim and Suzy went to the Hotel after lunch to check on things. Vincent watched and tracked each person that came in to the Hotel. He knew his chance would come. He just had to wait for it. Watching Trees Popping carry stuff into the Hotel Vincent thought you’re next you filthy savage. I know the Sheriff isn’t even watching over you. I can just take you out in the Jail any night.

Inside the Hotel Kathy and Origin were doing the dishes when Suzy came in and asked, “How did the Soda Bread go?”

Kathy smiled, “I saved you a peace if that’s what you’re asking.”

Suzy went on, “Henry got his peace?”

Kathy put her hand on Origin and asked about Henry having Soda bread. Origin told Kathy about her and Henry having it on the porch, and she revealed, “She told me they had some sitting on the porch.”

Suzy exclaimed, “You understand each other?”

Kathy explained, “If we touch each other we do.”

Suzy declared, “That’s so amazing.”

Kathy replied, “It’s like when I touch you. I know what you’re thinking. You know it’s like we’re one.”

Suzy insisted, “Isn’t it dangerous to let her know about your power. She might tell someone.”

Kathy smiled, “And just who would that be? The only ones that can understand her is me and Trees Popping. He thinks she’s dreaming about this. No one is going to tell anyone anything.”

Suzy agreed, “Then we can send Trees Popping back.”

Origin said some words and Kathy told her what Suzy was saying. Origin cried, “No, if you send my brother away who will protect me?”

Suzy asked, “What is she saying?

Kathy explained, “She’s afraid if we send her brother home there will be no one to protect her.”

Suzy insisted, “Let me try something.”

Suzy grabbed Kathy’s arm as little sparkling stars surrounded her hand. The stars were exploding in the air with little flashes as Suzy whispered, “Do you understand me?”

Origin nodded her head as Suzy continued, “We will protect you, but you can’t tell anyone what we do. Can you do that?”

Staring at the stars exploding in the air Origin asked, “What do you do?”

Suzy made a ball of bright flashing colored light then pushed it into Origin saying, “I’m a Love Goddess and have power over all evil.”

Origin took a deep breath as the love filled her. A warm feeling rushed through her. Then her body tingled all over, and she felt like she was floating. She grabbed Suzy’s wrist with both hands and fell to her knees. She looked up at Suzy and said, “Forgive me Great Spirit.”

Kathy reached down and pulled Origin up saying, “We’re not a great spirit. We just do the work of the Great Spirit. We fight pure evil.”

Origin didn’t know what to think of this and kept to herself the rest of the day. Then it came time to make dinner and Kathy made Origin start the fire in the stove. Then she had her make the pancake batter, and cook dinner.”

After they ate Seig and Trees Popping went to the Jail, and Kathy and Origin did the dishes. The sun was going down and the harvest moon was shining bright. The moon light shined through the Hotel windows lighting up the inside with a dim glow. Origin went to her room and Kathy went right behind her. In Origin’s room Kathy touched her and said, “Let me try something.”

Then Kathy shot Origin with a little spark and asked, “Do you understand me now?”

Origin replied, “Yes.”

Kathy explained, “I’ll just leave you like this for the night. Then you can talk to me if you wish. I’m going over to tell Seig something then I’ll be right back, alright?”

Origin assured, “I’ll stay right here.”

Vincent watched Kathy go to the Jail and mumbled, “Yep just like last night she’s spending the night at the Jail. My little wild savage is all alone just waiting for me. I’ll just give everyone time to get to sleep, and she’s all mine.”

Kathy told Seig she couldn’t sleep with him on the little cot. She explained that she just didn’t sleep much, but he could sneak over to her bed if he wished. Then she went out the back door stopping at the outhouse, and then in the back door to the Hotel. Looking in Origin’s room Kathy saw she was fast asleep, so she left her door open so she could hear Origin.

Kathy was just drifting off when she heard it. Footsteps coming and a man whispering, “Where are you hiding my pretty? Your master is here looking for you.”

Origin jumped up and saw him standing in the doorway looking right at her. Unaware Kathy had made her invisible Origin just stared at the man. In the room across the hall Kathy had jumped from her bed and faded out. Standing in the doorway she saw the man looking in at Origin and heard him exclaim, “Nope not in here. Where are you hiding?”

Kathy made a swirling black cloud turning in on itself, and slammed it on his head. The man yelled and spun around trying to get it off, but it moved with him. He ran into the wall and fell down yelling, “I’m blind! I just went blind! I can’t see anything!”

Origin watched as Kathy kicked the man and called out, “By the power of Njal I command James to appear.”

Jim appeared but the only one he saw was the man with the cloud over his head. He looked around and asked, “Where are you at?”

Kathy faded back and put her hand over her eyes and peeked through the gap between her fingers as she exclaimed, “You’re in your underwear.”

Jim disappeared and reappeared fully dressed with Suzy asking, “What do we have?”

Kathy replied, “I don’t know. I haven’t seen his eyes yet.”

Suzy insisted. “Drop the cloud so I can see what we‘ve got.”

Kathy clapped her hands and the cloud disappeared. Then Suzy revealed, “The eyes aren’t red, but he’s looking around.

Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, and slammed it into the man’s chest. She held her hand tight to his chest as she ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster slipped into the floor as they heard squealing and howling. Jim looked at Suzy and asked, “Where should I take him?”

Then Kathy gasped as she saw Origin standing in the Hall looking at them. Suzy questioned, “What’s wrong?”

Suzy watched as Kathy shot a little spark. It floated thru the air to Origin and she faded back as Kathy declared, “I forgot to stop time.”

Suzy made a bright flashing ball of colored light and pushed it into Origin as she whispered, “Sorry you saw that.”

Then Suzy made another ball of love and pushed it into Origin saying, “Love is the best part of life, enjoy it.”

Suzy turned and pushed a ball of love into Kathy and another into Jim. Then she went back to Origin and pushed Love in her again. Then Origin shot out the front door of the Hotel. Jim blinked to the porch in time to see her go into the Jail. Soon she emerged carrying something. Seeing what it was Jim blinked back to Suzy and Kathy. He stood behind them ready to slow time and blink them out if needed.

Vincent started to come to life and Jim kicked him in the back of the head, as Origin kneeled before Kathy and offered up the Killing Stick. Then spoke in her Native language. Kathy had no connection with her and didn’t understand what she said. Kneeling on one knee Kathy laid her hand on her arm and asked, “Would you tell me again so I understand.”

Origin replied, “No fear killing stick now.”

Kathy took the gun and confessed, “I love you too.”

Putting the gun belt on and holstering the gun Kathy shot a little spark at Origin and said, “Now we’re connected again.”

Jim advised, “I’m taking him to Lambert and putting him in Jail. I’ll have them keep him a few days. Then let him go.”

Then Jim put his foot on Vincent and they disappeared. Kathy took Origin’s hand and pulled her to her room. Suzy went to the front of the Hotel and sat at the table. In the room Kathy made Origin lay on the bed and covered her with the blanket. Then she sat on the edge of the bed and informed, “I too lost my family when I was young, and know a little of what is happening to you. But I did have to live by myself in a little shed. It was just big enough for my sleeping place a chair, and a little stove Hawkins got me. I lived in there from I was eight years old until I came here. I got here a year ago.”

Then she waved her hand and showed Origin the shed and her sleeping place. Origin sat up in the bed and looked around at the shed and Mill. Then they were inside the little shad, and Kathy showed where she lived. Then the image faded away and Origin laid back in the bed and asked, “Where dose Law Man go when he disappears?”

Kathy smiled, “Whoever he wants. Yesterday or tomorrow here there or anywhere, but that is the only power he has. We tease hem about him being our horse because he can take us places.”

Origin reasoned, “Law Man is the god over the sun and moon?”

Kathy smiled, “No, he’s not a god.”

Then Kathy waved her hand and they were in Origin’s Village. Origin saw a friend walk by the edge of the bed. She sat up and reached for her, but her hand went right threw her. Kathy explained, “We are not there Origin. This is just a memory of there. Now lay back and sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.

The next morning Kathy awoke to the sound of Origin making the fire in the stove. She went out and found Origin making the pancake batter. Kathy looked around and shot Origin with a little spark touching her Kathy informed you’ll need to touch me to talk to me, or I won’t understand you.”

Origin smiled, “I know same as other day.”

Kathy went on, “I talked to Suzy last night, and she told me we’re making you a dress today.”

Origin barked, “NO were dress that drag on ground!”

Kathy insisted, “That’s not what we want. It will be a lot like what you have now, but it will be made out of cloth. You can keep the Deerskin dress too. The thing is we want you to be able to walk around town.”

Origin insisted, “I can walk.”

Kathy explained, “You’re not understanding me Origin. You remember the man that threw the rock at you.”

Origin exclaimed, “Horse man chase him away. He’s strong Worrier.”

Kathy went on, “Then the man last night that came here. He came here to hurt you. Did you see the evil Demon go back into the ground?”

Origin proclaimed, “Bad spirit in man. Fire haired lady chase away.”

Kathy put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing as she thought, Fire haired lady. Then Kathy continued, “Lots of white people have Demons in them, and want to do bad things to you. You can look the way you are, but as a white woman doing it.”

Just then Trees Popping and Seig came in. Grabbing a cake from the table Seig opened the jar of jam. Spreading a blob on his cake Seig took a bite and insisted, “I could get use to this.”

Origin turned from the stove and put some cakes on the plate, and spoke in her Native language.

Trees Popping replied as Seig looked at them dumbfounded. They seemed to be arguing about something. Seig questioned, “What’s going on?”

Trees Popping explained, “She is telling me to go home. She say Kathy have killing stick now, and will protect her. I was asking who will tell her words for her. She is saying Kathy knows her words.”

Origin moved next to Kathy and touched her as she insisted, “Ask her she will tell you.”

Trees Popping spoke in his Native language, “If understand me. Then who brought me here?”

Kathy smiled, “You’re trying to trick me, but I know your horse brought you here.”

Trees Popping looked surprised, “It don’t matter she knows our words Origin. Law Man keep me here.”

Origin insisted, “I tell Law Man to send you home.”

Trees Popping took a cake from the plate and took a big bite. Then he talked with his mouth full, “I no can hear crazy white woman.”

Kathy put her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh. Then she spoke, “If you’re done talking it’s time to make the soda-bread.”

When the bread was done Origin put it on top of the warmer over the stove. Then Suzy came and got her and Kathy, and they went to the dress shop. Mable made Origin the simple dress in a day. Then they took her over to the store so Emily could see it.

Jim and Albert took Trees Popping back to the Indian reservation, and boy was the Colonel happy to get his interpreter back.

After two weeks things haven’t changed much. Kathy had taught Origin to make a stew, and Origin was learning to use silverware. Then Origin taught Kathy an Indian dish made with Fish, potatoes, corn, and beans. Origin brushed Henry’s horses, and sat on the porch every day eating soda-bread with him.

Then one day Henry went into the store and Emily asked, “What do you need Henry?”

Henry replied, “I need to see Hank.”

Emily yelled, “Hank!”

Soon Hank appeared from the back room. Seeing Henry Hank asked, “What brings you in today Henry?”

Henry asked, “Remember that Indian stuff you use to have in here? Whatever happened to it?”

Hank explained, “When I first started trading here. Some Indians would sneak in here and trade me stuff, but I was never able to sale any of it. I moved it around a few places, and hung some of it on the wall. Then after a while I just gave up on it. Why do you ask?”

Henry insisted, “I might want some of it if you still have it?”

Hank requested, “Come on around to the back room Henry.”

In the back room Hank pulled a small dusty box from a shelf, and opened it up. Henry pulled out a neckless and asked, “How much for this Hank.”

Hank closed the lid on the box and shoved it at Henry as he insisted, “Take it. I’m never getting anything out of it.”

Henry put the necklace back in the box, and put it under his arm. Then he headed back to the livery.

After Henry left Emily expressed, “That’s kind of worrisome.”

Hank asked, “What do you mean by that Emily?”

Emily replied, “You know what people might think. You know Henry and that Indian girl sit on the porch of the Hotel mid-morning every day. Everyone knows about them, and if she sat any closer she’d be on his lap. There has to be fifteen years difference in their age. I’ve heard people saying things about him going after that young girl.”

Hank exclaimed, “How about Sham and Rea? Sham married Rea when she was fifteen and he was twenty-five. That’s ten years, and what about us? I’m a good twenty years older than you.”

Emily put her arm around Hank and whispered, “I know Hank, but we’re not out in the open about it.”

Hank mumbled, “People know Emily. They just don’t say anything to us about it, as it should be.”

Coming back from the store Henry got Origin, and took her to the Hotel. Origin headed to the Soda Bread over the stove, but Henry grabbed her arm. Then he sat the box on the table and opened it. Pointing to Origin he pushed the box to her and opened the lid.

Origin’s heart raced and her body tingled as her thoughts raced through her head, Oh I wish Kathy was here so I could talk to him. Pointing to the box Origin used the few words she knew, “Henry I.”

Henry pulled the necklace from the box, and held it up to her. Then Henry pointed at her as he pushed the box to her. Then she took the box and ran to her room. Then Origin emerged wearing some of the Jewelry.

 

[feralferret]

Thanks, Wacko!

 

[gonewacky]

Then Origin emerged wearing some of the Jewelry. What Henry didn’t know was that this was a proposal of Marriage. In Origin’s Tribe when a man wanted a woman. He would give her an offering of fine clothing, moccasins, or ornamental jewelry. If she accepted it she accepted him as her future husband, and there she stood wearing the ornamental jewelry.

 

[feralferret]

OOPS!

 

[gonewacky]

What is going on with the “Demon Hunters.” I have written three Books with over 120,000 words each. The first was, “The Truck the Witch and the Blacksmith.” Book two was, “The Journey of LOVE.” Then book three was. “New Beginnings.” Then I wasn’t sure where to take it after the end of New Beginnings, and have been writing standalone chapters. They are a part of the story, but have their own beginning and end.

After writing the chapter “The Box” when they went through the Dimensional Shift Porthole. They acquired the knowledge of the universe, but were too young to have this knowledge, so Najl appeared. Then he cleared their minds of this knowledge and reset time as if it never happened. This worked except for Kathy witch has been having flashbacks, and learning new powers. I plan on expanding on this.

I think I’m going to take what I’m writing now, “The White Woman,” and run with it. This will be book Four, “The White Woman.”

If you have anything you want to know or me to write in this please tell me now. I’m so far beyond any story I’ve ever told. Well let’s just say this is getting out there. Unless you want me to add a stumbling around senile old man with a loss of mental faculties. Ha Ha I have Anvil for that. (The drunk that lives in the alley.)

Comments please…

Joe

P.S. I am writing now and will have something soon.

 

[gonewacky]

Then she emerged wearing some of the Jewelry.

What Henry didn’t know was that this was a proposal of Marriage. In Origin’s Tribe when a man wanted a woman. He would give her an offering of fine clothing, moccasins, or ornamental jewelry. If she accepted it she accepted him as her future husband, and there she stood wearing the ornamental jewelry.

Henry smiled as he got the Soda Bread over the stove. Then they went and sat on the porch eating the Bread as Henry talked. Like every other time he talked as if she knew what he was saying, “You know you haven’t taken out that little pony of yours since you got here. I think you should take her out and get her some exercise. What do you say we go riding after we eat this bread?”

Origin just held tight to Henry’s arm staring at him. She wished she knew what he was saying, but his words were just strange sounds to her. She was in a dream like state. Knowing she was going to be wife of the richest man around. In her tribe ones wealth was measured by how many horses he had, and Henry had the most of anyone. She had so wanted a man for so long, but no warrior in her tribe would have her. She was thought to be a curse because of her white skin.

Just then Kathy came walking up. Seeing her Origin jumped up and ran to her all excited. Then she grabbed Kathy’s arm and blurted, “Horse man want me! I marry him. Tell him I say yes!”

Kathy looked at Henry and demanded, “What did you do?”

Henry looked dumbfounded and replied, “What do you mean? I just gave her some trinkets Hank had laying around.”

Kathy explained, “You just proposed to her by giving her that stuff, and she accepted by putting it on. Oh Henry, what have you gotten yourself into.”

The half-eaten peace of Soda Bread slipped from his hand and fell to the ground, as Henry stared in disbelief. Then the thought of being married to Origin went through his head. I’m already supporting her, she’s young and nice to look at, and it might not be that bad of a thing.

Henry got up and headed to the livery insisting, “Tell her she has to learn English first.”

Origin gazed at Kathy waiting for the interpretation. Kathy revealed, “He said you must learn his language first.”

Origin stepped away from Kathy and crossed her arms. Looking at Henry she yelled, “Henry!”

It was the first time Henry ever heard her speak like that. Henry turned around and she said, “Do, I.”

Kathy whispered, “Learn…”

Origin added, “Leearnn…”

Kathy smiled as Henry looked stunned. Then he turned around and kept going. Kathy took Origin’s arm and pulled her towards the Hotel, but Origin refused to move. She pulled away and said, “Work.”

Then she headed to the livery, and got a horse from a stall. She was brushing the horse when Henry walked by. He went to a stall and got Origin’s pony, and put her blanket on it. Then he got a saddle and blanket and set it next to the horse Origin was brushing. Then he poked Origin and pointed to the saddle and said, “Saddle.”

Origin looked at Henry and he said it again, “Saddle.”

Origin tried to say, “Saddle,” but the word didn’t come out right. Henry just pointed and said it again. After a few tries Origin was saying Saddle. Then Henry picked up the Blanket and put it on the horse and said, “Blanket.”

It was the same thing all over again, but after a few tries Origin said, “Blanket.”

Then Henry tossed the Saddle on the horse’s back and cinched it down. After waiting a little he cinched it again looking at Origin saying, “Twice.”

Origin eyes opened wide as she muttered, “Twice.”

Then Henry took the rains and mounted the horse. Then pointed to Origin then her pony and said, “Mount up.”

Origin hung the brush on the post and mounted her pony, and followed Henry out of the stables.

They rode right up through the middle of town and out past the swimming hole.

In the jail Jim announced, “I just saw Henry and Origin ride out on horses.”

Albert replied, “Their probably giving the horses some exercise.”

Then the door flew open and Kathy rushed in and bellowed, “Oh my god! You won’t believe what happened? Henry proposed to Origin and didn’t even know he did it. What’s worse is she accepted.”

Jim shouted, “What?”

Albert insisted, “Nooo.”

Kathy went on and explained about Indian custom, and how Henry got the Jewelry from Hank. Then she explained what happened.”

Jim jumped up and insisted, “Kathy shoot me. I have to watch them!”

Kathy shot a little spark at Jim and he disappeared. Albert questioned, “You don’t think their taking off to get married, or going on a honeymoon or something.”

Kathy replied, “I don’t know what’s going through their heads. Henry seamed in shock when I told him what he did.”

Albert replied, “Not much I can do about it. They are both adults, and know what they’re doing. I’ve known Henry for years, and I’m sure he’ll respect her.”

Origin rode alongside Henry. It didn’t matter what they were doing as long as they were together.

Jim blinked to the other end of town, but they were gone so he blinked again. After blinking about a half mile out of town he was alongside of them. They had slowed down so the horses were at a walk, so Jim walked alongside them. Henry was talking, “I’ve been thinking about this marriage thing. I think it might work, but I need you to understand my thoughts. You might not even want me when you know me. You’ve only known me a few weeks, and probably haven’t seen the real me yet.”

Jim blinked to the truck and started it. Time stopped then he blinked to the jail announcing, “Oh good you’re still here. I’m going to get Suzy. Kathy make me visible so I can do that.”

Kathy shot Jim with a little spark. Then he blinked out. Appearing at the Boarding house he saw Victoria in the kitchen and Suzy with Rebecca and Bella at the table. Jim explained, “We have a problem. I need you down at the Jail.”

Suzy asked, “Is it a Demon problem?”

Jim replied, “No it’s a Henry and Origin problem. Kathy will have to explain it to you. See you at the Jail, I’ll go start time”

Then Jim blinked out and time started. Suzy kept bouncing Bella on her knee. Then she jumped up and exclaimed, “Oh, I just remembered I was supposed to help James at the Hotel.”

She handed Bella to Rebecca as Victoria asked, “You going to be back for lunch? It’s only about an hour away.”

Going out the door Suzy informed, “I think so…”

At the side of the house Suzy shot up in the air and landed behind the Jail. Coming in the back door she exclaimed, “Alright what is going on?”

Kathy came up behind Suzy and put her arms around her. Then Kathy disappeared as they blended in to one person. Suzy immediately knew everything and gasped, “Oh no! He had no idea what he was doing, and she doesn’t even know.”

Jim explained his plan, “Since I don’t know what the hell is going on. You are going the half to deal with it. I’ll blink you to right behind them so you can hear what Henry is saying. I’m already there so I’ll blink out when I drop you off.”

Suzy put her hand on Jim and faded out. Jim blinked them back through time to the road. There was Henry and Origin riding ahead of them with Jim walking alongside them. Jim blinked out and Suzy flew alongside Origin. She heard Henry telling Origin, “You might not even want me when you know me. You’ve only known me a few weeks, and probably haven’t seen the real me yet.”

Suzy cupped her hand over Origin’s ear and whispered, “It’s alright Kathy and I are here with you. Tell him these two words. Love You.”

After a moment of surprise Origin looked around and saw she was alone. Then Suzy whispered again, “Say Love You!”

Origin blurted, “Wove Ooo.”

Henry looked shocked and replied, “It’s too bad you don’t know what you’re saying.”

Suzy whispered what he said in her ear. Then Origin held her chin up high and said, “Do!”

Suzy whispered, “Say Love you again.”

Origin insisted, “Wove Ooo!”

Henry smiled and Suzy whispered, “You’re on your own we’re going now.”

Then Suzy shot up in the air. Then Suzy and Kathy exchanged thoughts, Suzy, “I think we planted a seed. Now it’s just waiting to see what happens.”

Kathy, “You and I both know Origin will never give up on Henry. It’s not in her blood. She’ll do whatever it takes at this point. He gave her the jewelry and she put it on. In her mind it’s a done deal.”

Suzy, “I’m flying down and pushing love in Henry.”

Kathy, “Now you’re playing the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection.”

Suzy swooped down making a ball of bright flashing colored light. Then she pushed it into Henry. Suzy, “No that would be Cupid. I’m just a Love Goddess.”

Then she flew back to the Jail. Coming in the back door of the Jail, Suzy and Kathy separated and became visible. Jim questioned, “Well what’s happening?”

Kathy spilled the beans, “Suzy went all Love Goddess on me. She was acting like she was Cupid and doing stupid stuff.”

Suzy defended herself, “All I did was have Origin tell Henry she Loved him. She dose Love him you know.”

Kathy went on, “But you didn’t have to pump Henry full of love.”

Suzy insisted, “I’m a Love Goddess. What did you expect me to do.”

Kathy looked out the window, “Here they come, their back. I’m going to see if I can find out what is going on.”

Then Kathy faded out and went out the door. She saw Origin jump from her pony, and run and hold Henry’s horse as he got down. She walked it into a stall. Then Lyle came to get her Pony. She shot out of the stall and kick him in the butt. Then pointed to the door and yelled, “Fei.”

Henry walked over saying, “You better do what she’s saying. You know she all most bit off the private’s thumb.”

Lyle replied, “I don’t know what she’s saying.”

Henry insisted let me help you. He stood next to Origin and pointed to the door and said, “Out!”

Then he pushed Origin and she pointed at the door and shouted, “Out!”

Lyle backed out the door then he was peaking back in and Origin shouted again, “Out!”

Henry tried to go take off his saddle, but Origin pushed him away. She undid the saddle and pulled it from the horse. Then she carried it to the wall between the stalls. She was a small woman and the saddle was heavy. She was fighting to put it on the wall, so Henry came to help, and she kicked at him yelling, “Walcitl, Walcitl.”

Henry smiled, “Go.”

Origin insist, “Go.”

Henry went and stood just outside the stall door, and watched Origin as she fought to get the saddle on the wall. Then she pulled off the blanket and folded it in half and draped it over the saddle. Next she removed the rains and bit. Then she came out closing the gate and hanging up the bit.

Henry just smiled, as Origin led her pony into the next stall. She removed the blanket and laid it over the one from Henry’s horse. Then removed the bit and closed the gate. Henry took Origin’s hand and walked with her as she hanged up the bit. Then he pointed at the bit and said, “Bit.”

Origin said “Lit.”

Henry replied, “No, Ba Ba Bit.”

Origin said “Bit.”

Henry smiled, “Good. We’ll get you talking in no time.”

Origin just looked at Henry and smiled. Kathy took off running back to the Jail. Coming in the door she faded back saying, “It’s too late. Henry is teaching her to speak English. I know you shouldn’t have pushed that love into him.”

Suzy said, “He’s not teaching her now. Here he comes.”

Then the door opened, and Henry questioned, “You going to go eat?”

Then he stepped in pulling Origin in with him. Looking at Kathy Henry ask, “What are you doing for lunch Kathy?”

Kathy replied, “I was thinking of the Horseshoe. Why?”

Henry replied, “Good. Then you can take Seig to the Horseshoe, and I’ll take Origin home with us. She can have your lunch.”

Kathy insisted, “I don’t think that is a good idea. What if she throws a fit or something? What would Victoria think?”

Henry laughed, “Victoria and I have known each other since school. She has a lot thicker skin than you think.”

Henry headed for the door pulling Origin along with him, as he mumbled, “Come on Albert lets go.”

Suzy and Jim went with them leaving Kathy with her thoughts.

This was only about the third time Origin had walked the length of the town, and the first time to go to the boardinghouse. Henry held her hand as they walked and talked, “Suzy questioned, “Did anyone ask Victoria about Origin coming for lunch?”

Henry replied, “Nope. I’m just doing it. She knows who she is we all talk about her enough.”

Jim said, “I’m not getting into this. I already walked from this once.”

Origin looked all around watching them as they talked. She wished Kathy was here so she would know what they were saying. She knew they were talking about her, but didn’t understand any of it. Suzy saw the worry on her face and let Henry get ahead of her. Then she made a ball of bright flashing colored light and pushed it into her. A rush went through Origin, and she got week in the knees. She started to go down and Henry wrapped his arms around her to hold her up.

Suzy exclaimed, “I tripped and fell into her. Is she alright?”

Henry’s eyes lock with Origin’s and she smiled and gripped him tight. Jim exclaimed, “Alright that’s enough of that Henry. We’re taking her to eat not your room.”

Henry mumbled, “That is what you think. It might be what I’m thinking.”

Suzy laughed, “You know Kathy can talk with her Henry, and she will tell everything she says.

Henry let her fragile little body slip from his arms to her feet. Then they continued to the house.

Coming in the back door Henry led Origin to the table, and sat her next to his spot. Then he got two bowls filled them with the stew, as Victoria came to the end of the table and asked, “Is this the white woman you’ve all been talking about?”

Origin was wide eyed looking all around. She had never been in a home before, and it was nothing like the Dress shop or the store. She kept looking at the kitchen with all the strange things. It was kind of like the store, but different.”

Victoria smiled, “Oh you like the kitchen do ya?”

Suzy informed, “She doesn’t understand a word you’re saying Victoria.”

Victoria replied, “I know sweetie, but she understands kindness. All wild things know danger and kindness. I hope you can train her. Usually by the time there that age their wild and you can’t teach them a thing.”

Henry set a bowl and a biscuit in front of Origin and Jim and Suzy dished up theirs. Albert took a seat next to Rebecca and Bella. Then Henry sat next to Origin with his bowl. Then he handed her a spoon saying, “I know Kathy has been teaching you this. Show me you can eat with a spoon.”

She held her spoon like a shovel and looked around waiting for someone to take a bite. When she saw Suzy take a bite she fished out a peace of carrot and pushed it in her mouth. Then Henry started eating his stew. Origin was systematic eating the carrots first. Then she ate the potatoes, onion, and the meat.

Victoria declared, “Well I’m surprised. I wouldn’t have believed it from what I’ve heard about her. Kathy’s working wonders with her.”

Then Victoria turned and went back to the kitchen. Origin finished scooping the vegetable and meat from the stew, and put down her spoon. Henry looked over and saw her starting to pick up the bowl. He knew she was going to drink from the bowl and put out his hand. Pushing the bowl back down he looked her in the eyes and she knew. She sat back in the chair and crossed her arms.

 

[gonewacky]

Henry picked up the spoon and smiled as he pushed the spoon handle in her hand. Then he went back to eating. Origin put her spoon back on the table and picked up the biscuit. She dipped it in the juice and took a small bite. Then she used the biscuit like a sponge to clean the bowl. Henry laughed, “Yep, just like a half wild horse. I think we’re going to do just fine, but you’re only half trained. I’m not sure you’ll ever be broke, but I believe you’ll be like that horse Suzy told me about. What was that horses name Suzy? Rocket or something?”

Suzy smiled, “Best damn horse ever, and he was half wild. One thing was for sure, if I ever wanted to feel my hair blowing in the wind. Rocket was the horse for that. Boy could that horse run.”

Origin had finished wiping up the last of her stew from her bowl with her biscuit; so Henry took her hand and pulled her up saying, “Let’s go Jim. I need an escort so I don’t do anything inappropriate.”

Victoria scolded, “Henry!”

Jim laughed, “Don’t worry Victoria I can lock him up if need be.”

Looking to Rebecca Suzy disclosed, “I’m staying here with Victoria, so if you want I can watch Bella. Then you and Albert can go to the Horseshoe, and you can try to get some gossip for the paper.”

Albert butted in, “I don’t think you’ll find a better story than what Henry did though.”

Suzy scolded, “Albert you tell her that and everyone will turn it into how Henry is sneaking into the Hotel having his way with her. Everyone is already talking about them eating Soda Bread together.”

Victoria insisted, ‘What did that horse’s ass do now?”

Rebecca inquired, “Well what did he do?”

Suzy said, “I’m not telling. He didn’t even know he did it.”

Albert insisted, “Suzy’s right. You want that story. Either it comes from Origin or Henry. It’s their business.”

Victoria gasped, “Oh my god. I don’t think I want to know.”

Rebecca insisted, “I do. Here take Bella. Let’s go Albert.”

Then Rebecca was dragging Albert out the door chasing a story.

As Henry and Jim got to the store Origin pulled Henry’s arm and said, “Lekkush.”

Then she pulled it again saying, “Lekkush.” (Good.)

Henry went into the store with Origin, and Jim sat on the bench out front waiting. Inside Emily announced, “What do you need Henry?”

Origin went to the counter and pointed to the jars of Jam saying, “Lekkush.”

Henry insisted, “Give her a Jar.”

Emily admitted, “It’s kind of expensive Henry. It’s 25¢ a jar.”

Henry insisted, “That’s fine,” and dropped a Quarter on the counter. Emily handed the Jar to Origin. She held it tight to her chest like it was a precious jewel.

Out front Jim saw Albert and Rebecca coming. They were making a b-line straight at him. Jim knew something was up, so he went in the store. Inside Jim blurted, “Rebecca’s coming, and she’s got that I’ve got a story in her eyes. I think she might have found out what happened.”

Henry replied, “So what. She’s not the first horse trader I’ve had to deal with.”

Rebecca came in the store demanding, “What did you do Henry?”

Henry questioned, “What do you mean? Oh I got a Jar of Jam.”

Rebecca insisted, “No, I got word you did something to Origin.”

Henry revealed, “Oh the Amulet. Ya I gave Origin this Amulet.”

Putting his hand under the Amulet Henry lifted it for Rebecca to see. Origin smile and said, “Henry i'na si'ya'” (Henry Marry me.)

Emily butted in, “It’s just some old trinkets Hank had laying around. He gave them to Henry.”

Rebecca whined, “Albert you made it sound like he was sleeping with her or something.”

Albert insisted, “All I said was if Suzy told you that you’d probably twist it around, and everyone would turn it into how Henry is sneaking into the Hotel having his way with her.”

Rebecca pulled Albert’s arm insisting, “Let’s go, there is nothing here.”

They headed out with Jim and Henry right behind them. Origin followed behind holding the jam Jar tight, as Emily called out, “Jim! Hank told me to remind you tomorrow’s your turn to do the street.”

Jim replied, “I know.”

Henry and Jim crossed the street and Henry confessed, “It’s a good thing Rebecca don’t speak Origin’s language, because I’m almost sure she said I was marrying her.”

Jim agreed, “I could read it in her eyes. I’m sure that’s what she said.”

Henry asked, “Is it your week to shovel the street?”

Jim insisted, “Yah, I’ll be by tomorrow to get the cart.”

Henry went on, “You know a horse makes 15 to 30 pounds of manure a day and 5 gallons of horse urine. Benjamin told me in New York the streets are so bad that they have Crossing sweepers. Men stand on street corners with shovels; for a fee they would clear a path through the manure for pedestrians. What a way to make a living.”

Jim insisted, “Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

Henry replied, “Yep, but it’s my manure and I sale it for fertilizer. You should be glad this is a small town and there’s not much horse traffic.”

When they got to the Blacksmith Shop Jim crossed the street going to the Jail. Kathy was waiting in front of the Hotel and headed for Origin and Henry. Henry stopped as Kathy walked up asking, “How did it go?”

Henry replied, “It went pretty well. Even Victoria was surprised at her progress. She tried to drink from the bowl once, but I stopped her. Other than that she was fine.”

Kathy put her hand on Origin’s arm and asked, “How was it?”

Origin started talking up a storm in her Native Language, “I felt strange and everyone was looking at me. Then I make trouble with bowl, but horse man Henry help me. Then he get me lekkush for my cakes. I tell lady Henry i'na si'ya' and come back.”

Kathy looked at Henry and asked, “Who did she tell you were marrying her?”

Henry laughed, “Rebecca.”

Kathy put her hand over her mouth as she mumbled, “Oh shit!”

Henry laughed, “Rebecca didn’t understand a word she said except my name.”

Kathy tugged Origin’s arm and said, “Let’s go home. I think you’ve had enough for one week. Maybe next week we can try it again.”

Henry requested, “I was thinking about taking her to church on Sunday.”

Kathy moaned, “I don’t think that is a good idea Henry. We need to get her accustomed to our customs first. When she dresses like a white woman. Then we can try it.”

Origin was only able to understand Kathy’s side of the conversation and asked, “What he say?”

Kathy told Origin about Henry wanting to take her to church, but she had to wear a white woman’s dress that she didn’t like. Origin carefully set the jar on the ground and jumped at Henry throwing her arms around his neck, and spoke in her Native Language.

Henry asked, “What is she saying?”

Kathy insisted, “She’s talking to fast I can’t understand her.”

Kathy grabbed Origin’s arm and pulled her from Henry asking, “What were you saying?”

Origin repeated, “I wear white woman dress. I go with Henry.”

Kathy barked, “Now look what you did Henry. She wants to look like a white woman to go with you.”

Henry smiled, “Just like breaking a horse. We just got the saddle on her. Now we just have to train her.”

Origin picked up the Jar as Kathy mumbled, “I just hope you don’t get bucked off.”

Kathy pulled Origin to the Hotel as she requested, “Go see the dress lady?”

Kathy replied, “You learn to use a fork and I’ll buy you a dress.”

That night Kathy taught Origin how to make simple syrup with equal parts water and sugar. Then Origin made the pancakes. Kathy set the table, but this time she put a fork next to the plate. Seig sat across from Kathy and Origin. Seeing the pan of syrup on the table next to the pancakes Seig announced, “I see we’re moving up to a fork. Good luck with that.”

Kathy just gave Seig a mean look and instructed, “Just stab a pancake with your fork like this, and put it on your plate.”

Origin picked up the fork and held it like a scoop shovel. She wanted to use it like the spoon, but Kathy showed her how to hold the fork. Origin just moved it back and gave Kathy that stubborn look she would make. Kathy said, “Alright go ahead.”

Origin stabbed a pancake and put it on her plate. Then looked at Kathy and smiled like I told you so. Kathy took the sugar water syrup pored some on their pancakes. Origin was staring at Seig eating his pancake. Seig cut another bite with his fork holding it up Seig smiled.

Kathy insisted, “Origin pay attention.”

Then Kathy cut a bite with her fork and stabbed it with the fork, and instructed, “Like this.”

It was awkward to cut the pancake holding the fork like a shovel, but somehow Origin did it. Then she scooped the fork under the cut peace and ate it.”

Then looked at Kathy shaking her head, “That’s not what I showed you! The horse man won’t take you to eat again if you can’t do it right, and I won’t get you a dress if you don’t learn it.”

Mad Origin went out on the porch to sulk. Kathy got up and Seig whispered, “I told you.”

Kathy gave Seig a mean look and went out and sat next to Origin. Softly Kathy advised, “I know its hard Origin, but anything worth having is hard. We can do this. You don’t have to do it by yourself. We’ll work together to do it. Let’s go give it another try.”

Origin insisted, “No want too. Only do for horse man.”

Kathy pulled Origin up and they went back inside. Inside Kathy stood behind Origin’s chair. Then she took her hand and put the fork in it, and guided her hand. Soon the pancake was gone, and Origin stabbed another cake and put it on her plate. Insisting she do it. Kathy sat back in her chair and watched as she ate. Then she praised Origin for doing it.

That night Seig stayed at the Hotel. Kathy asked, “What will people think if you stay here?”

Seig said, “This is a Hotel with lots of rooms, and only three rooms aren’t done yet. I could be staying in any of the other rooms.”

Kathy smiled then put her hand on Origin and asked, “You ready to sleep Origin?”

Origin replied, “Think of horse man. No want to sleep.”

Kathy requested, “Why don’t you at least go lay down. Then maybe the horse man will come to you in a dream.”

Origin walked with Kathy to her room. Then Kathy shot Origin with a little spark and sat on the edge of the bed and revealed, “I’m going to have the red haired lady take you to pick out a dress tomorrow.”

Origin inquired, “The lady that fights bad spirits?”

Kathy replied, “Yes, but we can never tell anyone about that.”

Origin informed, “I know, no one believe me anyway.”

Kathy added, “That means you can’t tell people about me too.”

Origin revealed, “I see gig man in your bed. He know yes?”

Kathy insisted, “No he doesn’t know, and you can’t tell him either. I know you are learning words. The horse man told me about it.”

Origin insisted, “I learn words then horse man marry me.”

Kathy smiled, “Maybe we’ll see.”

Then she went in and slipped in bed with Seig and cuddled to him. From the other room Kathy heard, “Then I live in big house with horse man.”

Seig whispered, “It only took you three weeks to teach her to use a fork, and we haven’t even added a knife to the mix yet. We’ll have to eat some meat that isn’t on a sandwich soon. Yep I figure you’ll have her talking and married off in about two years from now.”

Kathy kicked Seig and rolled over putting her back to him.

The next morning after the soda bread was made, and Origin was at the Livery brushing a horse. Kathy went to see Suzy, and explain about the dress. When Kathy came back with Suzy they saw Origin and Henry. They were sitting on the Hotel porch eating their soda bread. Kathy walked up and put her hand on Origin and insisted, “We got to go pick out your dress.”

Henry waved his hand and said, “Go.”

Then they walked to the school and waited. Origin complained, “I see no dress. I just see house.”

Kathy assured, “Just wait kids will be coming out. Then you tell us witch dress you want.”

Then the children came streaming out for recess. Suzy insisted, “Tell her she has to pick one of the dresses. Kathy was explaining as Origin pointed and shouted, “Si'ya' t'sawa'k'!”

Kathy insisted, “She says the one that Helen is wearing, the purple one.”

Suzy smiled, “How could I not have known. Purple it is then.”

When they got back Henry took Origin back over to the Livery, and got the whip from the wall. Handing it to Origin he said, “Whip.”

Origin said, “Wemp.”

Henry said it again, “Wh-ip, whip.”

Origin said, “Whip.”

Henry said, “Good.”

Then he stood behind her and took her hand holding the whip. He pulled it back and swung it forward. Then he stood back and pointed for her to do it. Origin swung her arm forward, but the whip didn’t even leave the ground. Henry got a angry look and swung his arm fast and hard. Then he pointed to Origin to do it. This time the whip went forward a little.

Henry took the whip and cracked it forward with a snap. Then he handed it to Origin and pointed for her to do it. She did it a little better this time, but Henry kept pointing for her to do it. Origin never cracked it that day, but she could whip it pretty good.

One day Origin brought out the head dress she wore the day she arrived and said, “I wear with dress.”

Kathy insisted that she had to wear a white woman’s head dress, and took her to the store to pick one out.

Three days went by and the dress was done so Kathy took Origin to the dress shop for the final fitting.

Seeing Origin in the dress Suzy exclaimed, “Now if you can teach her English no one would ever know she was a wild woman.”

Kathy whined, “Working on it.”

 

[feralferret]

Wacko, thanks!

 

[gonewacky]

In the night the Ninja Warrior Princess came to Kathy in a dream announcing, “Dreamer has sent me to you. Your mind has been wondering through the land of dreams, and Dreamer has asked me to explain what’s happening. You have inherited the power of thought. You think you’re understanding another language, but the truth is you’re seeing and hearing the thoughts of another. You just don’t understand what is happening. You need to use this with caution. It can make it hard to tell thoughts from reality when used on several people at once.

Doing this you can become confused and you can mistake thoughts from others as reality. Dangers this is my child. This works both ways. You also can put thoughts in the mind of others. You have already done this not knowing. This is why I come to warn you. If you change someone’s thoughts you could change their free will. This is dangerous and forbidden. If you place a thought in someone they must know it’s yours. You have been given one of the powers of the Crow, but with this power comes dangers. It is best you learn from the Crow how to use it.”

Then the dream faded away and she was in a field with Origin. They were picking flowers. Origin took a flower and pushed the stem in Kathy’s hair and smiled; “Now you’re ready for my wedding.”

Then the dream faded away and Kathy awoke. Seig was getting dressed and announced, “You ready for the big day? Origin’s been up for a while. She has the pancakes on the table getting cold.”

Kathy slipped from the bed saying, “You need to build me a chicken coop. I’ll ask around at church today and see if I can buy some laying hens.”

Then she heard Seig, “Good she’s going to teach Origin to cook eggs. Maybe I can get her to add some potatoes to that. I getting tired of pancakes.”

Kathy was about to answer when she realized Seig’s lips weren’t moving. Oh crap I’m reading his thoughts. Kathy remembered the dream and thought, I have to be careful with this. It’s a good thing I didn’t answer him. Then Kathy said, “I was thinking I could teach Origin to make eggs and potatoes. Maybe even add some bacon to it.”

Seig replied, “I’ll look through the scrap pile from building the Hotel and see what I can build.”

Kathy headed out saying, “Thank you Love.”

At the table Kathy shot Origin with a little spark and said, “I don’t need to do that anymore. I can do it on my own.”

Origin questioned, “Do what?”

Kathy replied, “Understand you.”

Origin announced, “Crow back on porch.”

Kathy insisted, “Good, let’s go see it.”

Kathy went to the porch with Origin and held out her arm and called, “Bird.”

The bird flew to her arm and Kathy said, “Show her.”

Then the bird flew to Origin’s head as Kathy put her hand on her shoulder. Origin’s eyes rolled back in her head, and a surge ran through her body as sounds echoed in her head. A force went through her mind as the waves of the tide hitting the beach. Knowledge flowed into her, as words swirled around in her thoughts. Then her knees went week, and Kathy grabbed her as she went down. She fell limp in Kathy’s arms as the Crow flew off.

Kathy watched her as she slowly came back opening her eyes and asked, “Do you understand”

Origin replied in her Native Language, “I know white man words now. Great Spirit sends them to me in Bird.”

Kathy replied, “Yes now you understand the words, but you can’t speak them. You still need to learn to say the words. Like all things that come from the Great Spirit you cannot tell of this. It is between you and the Great Spirit. Let’s go in and finish breakfast before Henry gets here to take us to church.”

This was the one day a week Kathy would wear a dress. It was also the day that reminded her of Hawkins Davis. For Kathy dresses were for something special, and church was as special as the River Boat ride with Hawkins.

Finely Henry showed up and he asked, “Does she know about after church?”

Kathy replied, “No, but she’s ready. I’m sure she can use a fork. We haven’t mastered a knife yet. You’ll probably have to do that for her if we have meat.”

Henry replied, “We already thought about that. Victoria and Suzy are doing a Pot Roast. It’s in the oven now. That will be falling apart by dinner time.”

Suzy smiled and they were on their way. Henry followed behind Kathy and Seig with Origin. Origin had a big smile on her face. She knew all the words she was hearing, and knew she was going to the Big House for to eat. What she didn’t know was all the people that would be there for the Sunday dinner.

At the church she saw wagon’s parked all around with horses hitched to them. She looked at all the Horses. There were more horses than Henry had. It seemed everyone owned horses. Kids were running around and people were standing around talking. Henry led them right to the door. Seeing in the church Origin saw it was half full of people. Henry sat them next to Jim and Suzy near the back.

Kathy and Seig sat next to Henry and Origin, and Albert and Rebecca with Bella were at the far end of the pew. Victoria, Mable, Emily, and Hank were in the pew in front of them. The people kept coming in, and soon the church was full. The preacher came to the pulpit and announced, “All rise so we can sing praise to the Lord our God.”

Then Origin stood and waved her arms in the air and chanted. She was singing praise to the Great Spirit, and everyone turned and looked at her. Then Tom Tulley yelled, “Would someone shut up that savage!”

Then Kathy spoke aloud, “You’ll have to forgive her. She is thanking God for all he’s done for her, as you all should. She’s thanking him for all of you, even the ones of you that are thinking badly of her right now. She knows LOVE! I ask do you know God is a God of love.”

The preacher watched and waited for Origin to finish. Then he announced, “Maybe I should change the sermon to “Knowing God’s Love.” It seems some need a reminder. Remember in John 3:16 God said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Did you miss the part “Whoever believes.” It doesn’t say White, Brown, Red, or Black. It says “Whoever believes.” Now you may be seated.”

Everyone took their seat and the preacher went on, “How do you describe a rose to a blind person? How do you describe Handle's Hallelujah Chorus to a deaf person? How do you describe the thrill of running down a hill to one who has never walked? How do you describe the impeccable, infinite love of God to impure, finite humans?

Let’s look at the 103th Psalm. It tells us The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He stated that he was “full of faithful love.” For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love toward those who fear Him. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him, and from eternity to eternity the LORD's faithful love is toward those who fear Him.”

After Church was over Henry took Origin to the boardinghouse. They all walked in a group with Hank. Origin kept looking around at all the people as Hank talked, “Well Henry I think God sent Origin to church to wake a few people up. Brother Mike couldn’t have handled it any better than he did. I think a few people got put back in their place.”

Victoria exclaimed, “When Tom Tulley yelled out I thought Henry was going to have to take Origin out of the church. Then she just watched and listened to the rest of the service.”

Origin used the few words she knew, “Church good.”

Victoria insisted, “Look she knows what we’re talking about.”

Origin looked at Victoria and said, “Love.”

Victoria smiled, “Yes church was about Love.”

Hank added, “I’m sure she learned the word Love today. Brother Mike must have used that word fifty times in his sermon today. I wonder what he was going to preach about before that happened.”

Suzy smiled, “I think that’s what he was going to preach about.”

Mable added, “He did seem prepared for that sermon.”

Coming on the porch the men started taking their places, and the women went in the house. Kathy took Origin’s hand and pulled her in the house. Then Suzy took Origin’s hand and said, “She’s mine.”

Kathy replied, “Good, then I’m going to go get out of this dress.”

Victoria announced, “I’m going to get some of the broth for the gravy.”

Suzy replied, “I’m starting the noodles with Origin.”

Suzy dumped a few cups of flour on the worktable then made a hole in the middle of it. Origin stared intensely watching every move Suzy made. Suzy cracked three eggs in the hole she made and said, “It’s supposed to be two eggs and two egg yolks, but I won’t tell if you don’t. Suzy didn’t know Origin understood every word she said. Then Suzy sprinkled some salt over it and took a fork and started whipping the eggs in the hole. Little by little she splashed some flour on the eggs with the fork as she steered. Then when it started to get thick she got a cup of water, and added a little to the mix. She kept added a little water to the dough until the flour was gone.

Then she started needing the dough. Looking at Origin Suzy ask, “You want to try?”

Then Suzy stepped back and Origin folded the dough over and pushed it down with the palm of her hand. Then she turned it and did it again. Suzy put her hand on Origin’s back and said, “Good.”

Then she went and got the rolling pin. Suzy stopped Origin, and started rolling out the dough as she talked, “When I’m done I’ll show you how to cut the noodles. Then with the dough rolled out Suzy took a knife and cut a peace as wide as her index finger. Then she did it again holding her finger up for Origin to see. Then Suzy put her finger up for the next noodle and made a mark with the knife. Then she moved her finger over and did it again.

Handing the knife to Origin Suzy insisted, “You try.”

Origin took the knife and made the first cut. The sharp knife glided through the dough, and another noodle was cut. Origin looked to Suzy and she smile saying, “Good.”

Then Suzy got a bowl and started making the biscuits. Victoria got a hand full of flour and tossed it on the noodles. Then she scooped up a hand full shaking off the flour as she said, “Nice. Good strait cuts. You do good work sweetie.”

Then Victoria tossed the noodles in the pot of broth, and got the rest as she talked, “You know I was afraid of her adjusting when she came, but Kathy has done wonders in a short time. Now if she just learns to talk.”

Origin blurted, “Me talk.”

Suzy smiled, “She listens to everything people say. I think she picks up on key words, and understands more than people think.”

Suzy dropped the biscuit dough on the flour on the worktable as Victoria insisted, “Well one thing’s for sure she Love’s God, and understands that.”

Suzy started needing the biscuit dough as Origin ran out to the back yard. Then Kathy came in dressed in pants and a shirt saying, ‘I feel better now.”

Then Kathy saw Origin dancing in the backyard, so she went out on the porch and watched. Hank asked, “What’s she doing out there?”

Kathy insisted, “Give me a minute I’m listening to what she saying. Ok, she’s thanking God for letting her join the feast in the big house.”

Kathy watched Origin dance and went on, “She sees this as a gathering of the leaders of the town. You have to look at it the way she sees it. The Sheriff and his Deputy, the Store owner, the Dress Shop owner, and the Blacksmith are all gathered for a feast.”

Hank joked, “Being the Mayor that must make me the Chief.”

Kathy explained, “Hank that would be true. You have to remember the only thing she has to compare things to is the life of an Indian. She thinks Henry is rich because he owns the most horses. That’s how Indians value things. Money means nothing to them.”

Henry announced, “That is why I marrying her, and don’t none of you tell her I’m not rich.”

Everyone was stunned. Except Kathy of course she already knew they were getting married in the spring. Hank teased, “How can you afford to get married? You can’t even pay your bill at the store. It’s late October and all the crops are in, and most everyone has paid up their bill.”

Jim laughed, “Don’t let Hank pull that on you. I already paid your bill Henry.”

Henry insisted, “I can’t afford not to. She is the best horsemen I ever knew. She can talk to a horse and it minds her like she’s there mother.”

Albert added, “Yep, she has an eye for detail. The other day she brought a horse over and tied it to the hitching post. Then she came in the Jail and said, “Fix horse.” I went out and checked the horse, and sure enough it had a loose shoe. I had to check it real close. The shoe was just starting to come loose.”

Henry went on, “She can ride like no one I’ve ever seen. She can ride a horse at a run and jump from the horse, hit the ground, and jump back up over the horse landing on the other side. Then bounce right back up on the horse. I’ve never seen anyone do something like that, and that’s without a saddle.”

Then Origin came back on the porch and said, “Happy.”

Henry took her hand and pulled her next to him. Then he looked in her eyes and said, “Me too.”

She held tight to Henry’s arm and leaned her head on his shoulder. Hank smiled, “She’s not shy for sure.”

At dinner Jim told a wild story about the future. He told how people would stop using horses, and drive around in buggy’s with little steam engines to make them go. He told how they would make big birds and fly around on them. Albert just sat back and smiled thinking of his airplane ride, as everyone laughed. Jim told about the light bulb and Hank complained, “Great there goes my Cole oil sales.”

Everyone was enjoying Jim’s crazy thoughts of what could be, but like all things the day was coming to an end. Soon Henry was walking Origin back to the Hotel with Kathy and Seig.

The days went by and more and more town’s people came to know Origin. Her fits of anger had faded away, and were replaced by a happy bubbly personality. She was still stubborn but didn’t act out on it, like a wild horse there was no quit in her. Once she wanted something there was no stopping her. She would do whatever it took to make it happen, and having Henry was something she desired.

Then the rains came and everything went slower. Origin and Henry moved their morning Soda Bread to the table in the Hotel. Kathy and Seig started living to gather openly in the Hotel. Everyone just assumed they got married, but that never happened. Origin was learning more words every week, and could talk to Henry on her own. It was difficult for Henry to understand some things, but they made it work.

At Thanksgiving Origin helped with the dinner, and had Jim help her smoke some fish. Origin was living the American dream. The day after Thanksgiving Victoria asked Jim and Albert to retrieve her buggy from the Carriage house, and asked Henry to bring her a horse. That night when Jim and Suzy where in bed. Jim commented, “We have lived here over two years, and that’s the first time I’ve seen the Buggy out of the Carriage house.”

Suzy replied, “Victoria’s going to take Origin for a buggy ride tomorrow. She wants to talk to her alone.”

Jim questioned, “About what?”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy replied, “I don’t know. Victoria and Henry had a long talk in her room the other day, and you know no one goes in her room.”

Jim insisted, “Wow, you know she’s up to something. Maybe she doesn’t want Henry to merry Origin. You think she’s going to try to talk Origin into not marrying Henry.”

Suzy chuckled, “There isn’t a chance in hell of doing that. That girl has her mind set on Henry no matter what the cost.”

The next morning the stable boy Lyle brought a horse, and hooked it to Victoria’s buggy. After the breakfast dishes were done Victoria turned the kitchen over to Suzy and headed out. Stopping at the livery Victoria went in to get Origin, and talked to Henry, “I’m taking her to Lambert to do what we talked about.”

Henry called out, “Origin you go with Victoria today.”

Origin asked, “Where go we?”

Victoria replied, “To big city to have fun.”

Origin replied, “No need fun. I happy.”

Victoria replied, “I don’t want to go alone. I want you to be with me.”

Origin agreed, “I go.”

In the buggy leaving town Victoria informed, “Henry’s going to merry you.”

Origin replied, “Me know.”

Victoria went on, “Have you thought about where you’ll live?”

Origin insisted, “I tell Henry live in big house.”

Victoria inquired, “What did Henry say about that?”

Origin revealed, “He say where I be happy.”

Victoria insisted, “I know you speak simple, but understand whatever people say. How did you come to understand our words?”

Origin replied, “Bird teach me.”

Victoria was surprised by Origin’s reply and asked, “How did the Bird do that?”

Origin insisted, “Don’t know. Just do.”

Victoria dug deeper, “Why do you want to live at my Boardinghouse?”

Origin explained, “All white warriors’ law man, dress lady, Henry, store lady, story lady. Origin live there too.”

Victoria replied, “Oh so you think you’ll be important if you live there?”

Origin insisted, “I be horseman Henry’s. Like Rebicca’s law man’s”

Victoria insisted, “That’s Rebecca Origin.

They talked as they made the trip. They were coming into Lambert about lunch time and Victoria asked, “You want to eat first or shop first?”

Origin replied, “Henry eat Soda Bread. Me no. Eat now.”

Victoria stopped the buggy at the Hotel, and hitched it to the hitching post. Then she took Origin in the Restaurant, and they had the soup and a sandwich special. After eating Victoria noticed Origin was looking all around and asked, “What are you looking at?”

The Restaurant lunch rush had been filling up the Restaurant as they ate, and it was just about full. Origin questioned, “Is this a house for warriors’?”

Victoria smiled, “No dear, this is a Restaurant like the Horseshoe. It’s just a lot bigger, and this is a Hotel like where you live now.”

The waiter came by and asked, “Are you ladies done?”

Victoria replied, “No, we’d like a slice of Apple Pie.”

The waiter informed, “I’ll bring it right out.”

Origin asked, “What be this Apele Pie?”

Victoria smiled, “Apple Origin its Apple. You have it for something special. Like to show someone you love them, or to celebrate a significant or happy day or event. This is your first time to the big city, so we’re celebrating that with a slice of Apple Pie”

The waiter came and set the pie on the table and said, “Enjoy.”

Then Victoria put a nickel on the table and Origin asked, “Is that what you’re trading for the food?”

Victoria smiled, “You might be learning our words, but you’re a social wreck. That’s a tip for the man for bringing us our food.”

Origin asked, “How you know what shiny thing you trade?”

Victoria insisted, “I’ll have to talk to Kathy about teaching you money and math. You can get by not reading and writing, but you have to know how money works. Our soup and sandwich was 15¢. Times two is 30¢, and the pie was 10¢ Times two is 20¢. That would be 30¢ plus 20¢ for a total of 50¢.”

Then Victoria pulled a fifty cent peace from her bag and handed it to Origin saying, “Here this is fifty cents. You can pay when we leave.”

Victoria finely took a bite of her pie and insisted, “Needs some molasses.”

Origin took a bite and exclaimed, “Good like Soda Bread.”

Victoria replied, “Yes it sweet like Soda Bread. I’ll show you how to make a good Apple Pie for Christmas dinner, and we’ll add the molasses.”

After eating the Pie the Waiter came by to collect the plates. Seeing the fifty cent peace next to Origin he asked, “You want to pay me now?”

Origin looked at Victoria and she nodded her head, so Origin handed him the fifty cent peace. She kept a hold of it as he took it asking, “Fair trade?”

The Waiter smiled and insisted, “Just right.”

Then Origin let go of the coin and smiled.

Vincent was sitting at the Saloon across the street when he saw them come out of the Restaurant. Seeing Origin he filled with anger and thought, That savage squaw thinks she’s a white woman. Look at her in that short dress showing her legs, and riding around in a buggy.

Vincent knew he had to do something. If he let this happen soon them dirty redskins would be everywhere. He knew he had to have a better plan than last time.

Victoria stopped the buggy at the Mercantile, and took Origin inside. She had never seen so much strange stuff, and was looking around in wonder. Origin went to the counter and looked at the wall of canned goods. What Hank had in their store was a fraction of what was here. Then the clerk asked, “Can I help you ladies?”

Victoria requested, “We’d like to try on some wedding bands.”

The man got a tray and set it on the counter. Victoria tried on a ring and insisted, “Origin get over here and learn to do this. You have to find one that fits.”

Victoria helped Origin, “No that one is too tight. You want it tight enough it don’t fall off, but not too tight that it makes your finger swell. Then we’ll never get it off.”

The man informed, “I think she’s a size six. Here try this one.”

Origin slipped the ring on her finger and Victoria slid it around and said, “That fits nice.”

Victoria pulled the ring off her finger and insisted, “Go over there and see if you can find a tin of Henry’s tobacco.”

Then Victoria whispered I’ll take that one, and took the ring from her finger. Handing it to the man she insisted, “Let me put the ring in my bag, and get me two bottles of Sparkling Ginger Ale.”

He handed her the ring saying, “That one is twenty dollars.”

Victoria insisted, “That’ll be fine, just add it to the bottles and the tobacco.”

The man walked down the counter and Origin pointed saying, “That one.”

The man set the tin of tobacco on the counter with the two bottles of Ginger Ale. Victoria paid and they went to the buggy. Then they headed back to Dention.

At Christmas time Origin got introduced to the parlor. Jim and Albert took the wagon and got a tree. Then they all put on the decorations. The Ladies had tea in the parlor and the men went to the back porch. Origin had been accepted by the Boardinghouse family, and Life was good. She was still simple minded, and didn’t understand money other than people would trade for it.

Finely the big day had come and they were having Christmas. The bread and rolls were done, and Kathy was making a Soda Bread. Victoria was teaching Origin to make an Apple Pie, and Suzy was cooking a Turkey Jim shot.

At dinner Henry made the announcement. He was marrying Origin in May. This was the happiest day of Origin’s life. She was going to move to the big house, and be with Henry.

Vincent had been in town for a little over a week. He was staying in a room over the Saloon, and was tracking Origin’s every move. This was the day, being Christmas the town was all but deserted, and he could roam freely. He had decided he would make his move outside. Then there would be no chance of being trapped inside like last time.

Kathy and Seig left early so Henry could walk Kathy home alone. Vincent saw them coming and hid by the loading dock alongside the store. Watching them pass he moved back up to the corner of the store, and watched for his chance. Finely they came down the street laughing and joking.

As they approached Vincent gripped the chunk of branch tight in his hand. Then he jumped out of the shadows hit Henry in the head knocking him to the ground. As he yelled, “You dirty Indian lover!”

Origin let out a blood curdling scream that hung in the air like a thick fog.

Jim and Albert were waiting for Henry on the back porch. That’s when they heard the scream and looked at each other. After a moment of disbelief went by Albert grabbed his gun belt from the post and they ran.

Which was what Origin was doing. She ran back up the street to a horse hitched up at the Saloon. She leaped on the horse letting out a battle cry scream that would wake the dead. Then she gripped the horse’s mane with both hands jerking up and leaning back with all she had. The horse bucked and reared up braking the rains lose from the hitching post.

Vincent backed away as the horse reared up kicking its front legs at him. Then Origin took off down the street. Vincent watched as she turned around and came back at him. Vincent thought, Come on bitch! I’ll just pull you off that horse.

At this point Jim and Albert were coming down the street. Origin jumped off the horse just before getting to Vincent putting the horse between her and Vincent. Then she sprung back up over the horse landing on Vincent’s shoulders. With her thighs around his neck she crossed her ankles and squeezed with all she had. Falling to the ground she gave another blood curdling scream, as she beat his face with her hands.

Jim exclaimed, “What the hell was that?”

Albert yelled, “Stop! You’re killing him!”

Arriving out of breath Albert tried to pry her legs apart, but Origin was fighting with everything she had. Jim helped and they got Origin off Vincent, and Albert asked, “Where’s Henry?”

 

[gonewacky]

Origin pointed down the street. Albert saw Henry half on the board walk and half in the street. Immediately Albert called out, “Truck on.”

Seig froze and Kathy went to see what happened. Standing in the street she could see Jim and Albert walking, so she cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, “What’s going on?”

Jim yelled back, “It’s Henry. He’s hurt.”

Kathy headed up the street as Jim and Albert got to Henry. Albert questioned, “You think he’s alive?”

Jim looked at Henry on his side with blood covering the back of his head insisting, “It don’t look good.”

Kathy stepped next to Jim and gasped, “Oh Nooo…”

In the Boarding house a shockwave rushed through Suzy as she heard the Crow squawking. She ran out the back door, and saw the crow take flight. She shot into the air following the crow. Seeing Jim, Albert, and Kathy she landed by them.

Jim said, “Someone needs to touch him, so we can tell if he’s alive.”

Suzy stepped in-between Jim and Albert pushing them to the side. Then she knelled down and put a hand on each side of Henry’s head. Then his head started to glow and pulsate, as Suzy cried out, “Come on Henry! Heal damn it!”

Then Kathy stepped behind Suzy and merged in to her. Then there was a bright flash, and Suzy was tossed out into the middle of the street on her butt. Kathy called out, “(((Remember,)))” her voice echoed through the air like she was in a tunnel. At that moment a Light Being appeared and commanded, “Hide us.”

Kathy stood and put her palms of her hands pointing at the ground. Then a bright blinding light surrounded everything. Now Kathy and the Light Being were alone in the bright light. The Light Being informed, “I am a messenger sent to tell you Job well done faithful servant.”

Then the light faded away and they all looked at Kathy. Then she turned and walked away saying, “He lives.”

Jim informed, “I think Kathy is becoming more powerful.”

Suzy revealed, “I know she is. We are as one so I know things about her. I know she now has the power to read minds. Just now when we were together I had that power with her. I healed Henry, but he had brain damage. Kathy started fixing that then she shot me out so I wouldn’t know how she did it. Oh yah she’s getting more powerful.”

Albert announced, “I guess now’s the time we get to our places and start time again.”

Suzy asked, “What about that man down the street.”

Jim explained, “That’s Vincent the man you cast the Demon out of in the Hotel. He’s Demon possessed again, but you know the rules.”

Suzy replied. “I know. No second chances. He has to seek forgiveness.”

Then Suzy shot in the air and flew off. Jim and Albert went back down to Origin, and took their places. Then Albert called out, “Truck On.”

Time started and Origin started fighting to get back to Vincent. She was yelling and screaming in her Native Language. Albert knew she wanted to kill Vincent, so he grabbed her by both arms and yelled, “Henry needs you! I got him. Now go to Henry. You can kill him later. Go!”

Jim took Origin’s arm as he saw people flowing out of the Saloon. Vincent was coming too, so Albert pulled his gun and grabbed his arm. Pulling him up Albert pushed his gun into his back, and ordered, “Get going! It looks like you get Jail for Christmas.”

Jim got to Henry and he was moaning. Origin kneeled next to Henry and rubbed her hand on the side of his face whispering, “Wove you.”

Henry snickered and requested, “Don’t do that my head is pounding, and laughing makes it worse.”

Jim asked, “You think if we pull you up you can walk?”

Henry replied, “I’ll give it a hell of a try.”

Jim insisted, “I say we take you to the Hotel, there is no way I’m fighting with the stairs at the Boarding house.”

Henry declared, “I don’t care. Just find me a bed.”

They got Henry to Origin’s bed, and Origin took first watch sitting with Henry.

Vincent was in Jail complaining about having chest pains. Albert insisted, “We’ll take you to Lambert tomorrow. Then you can see the doctor.”

Vincent stood up in the cell and said, “Oh no.”

Then he collapsed on to the floor. Albert went and checked him and he was dead. Albert complained, “Great, now I have to hang the bastard.”

Albert stopped time and put the team to gather and explained, “His hart gave out, and now we have to hang him and burn the body so it don’t come back as pure evil.

Suzy joked, “He had a heart?”

Then they had a discussion about Origin. They decided to let her see him before they hung Vincent, and incinerated his body. Kathy disclosed, “Maybe we could do it the way Fireball and the Horsemen dose it. Use Jim and Suzy’s wagon. Then she could watch the Demon go into the ground.”

Suzy insisted, “Good idea Kathy. Let’s do it.”

Jim and Albert got Patty and Charlie hooked to the Wagon, and one of Henry’s ropes. Then they drug Vincent’s body behind the Wagon.”

Kathy went in and touched Origin and explained, “We’ve stopped time so we can kill the bad spirit. We thought you would want to see it. Do you?”

Origin replied, “Me do.”

Kathy explained that she had to touch her or she would stop in time and miss it. Origin grabbed Kathy’s arm tight, and went out to the street with her. Seeing Origin Albert put the noose around Vincent’s neck and went to drive the wagon. Suzy stood next to Vincent and Jim followed. Kathy and Origin watched as Albert gave the rains a whip. Then the wagon went forward pulling Vincent as Suzy made a bright flashing colored ball of light, and slammed it into the man’s chest. Then she ordered, “Back to hell with you Demon.”

Then a black cloud in the shape of a hideous monster rose up in the air twisting and spinning as they heard squealing and howling. Then it was sucked into the ground.

Then Suzy threw a ball of bright flashing colored light in the air, and shot it with a lightning bolt. Millions of tiny little flickering stars rained down all around them as Jim blinked them out.

Then Kathy whispered, “It’s over.”

Origin replied, “Bad spirit gone. Go in ground.”

Kathy whispered, “Yep,” as she walked Origin back to the Hotel.

 

[feralferret]

Thank you!

 

[gonewacky]

Origin sat at Henry’s side all night not knowing he had slipped into a coma. Now his soul was wondering the land of the Demon Hunters. He was now in the gap between the dead and the living. This is also the land roamed by ghost and spirits in limbo. Here Henry was among the nonphysical part of people which emotions and character roamed.

Then Kathy thought she slipped into a dream, but it was Henry visiting her. He stood beside her bed asking, “How do I get back?”

Kathy smiled and explained, “Love is your guide Henry; let your heart show you your way.”

Henry asked again, “How do I get back. I can see my body, but I’m not in it.”

It was at that moment Kathy knew this was not a dream, and sat straight up in bed. There stood Henry’s spirit next to her bed. Seig awoke and asked, what’s wrong?”

Kathy immediately put her hand on Seig’s head and whispered, “Sleep.”

Seig fell into a deep sleep and Kathy jumped from her bed. Then ran to Origin’s room and bent over Henry. He was still breathing, and her fear of him passing over passed. She placed her hand on Henry’s head and a yellowish glow radiated from her hand as she insisted, “Get back in your body Henry.”

Henry laid on his body and his spirit slipped back into him. Then Kathy ordered, “Awake!”

Origin awoke as Henry’s eyes opened. Kathy insisted, “Get him a drink.”

Origin staggered to the water pitcher and poured some water in a tin cup, and took it to Henry. Kathy lifted Henry up in the bed and Origin helped him drink. He drank the entire cup of water, and then he laid back on the bed. His eyes slipped closed as Origin questioned, “Henry be umm. Henry umm…

Kathy whispered, “Be normal? I don’t know. He will survive, but the memory is a strange place. I can see his thoughts in there, but I’m not sure what ones he can use. He might not remember us when he comes back.”

Origin insisted, “No must know Origin.”

Kathy hugged Origin and whispered, “I know. Love is strong and has power over all things. We’ll just have to give him as much Love as we can.”

Then Kathy went back to bed, and left Origin sobbing next to Henry.

The next day when Henry awoke he saw a strange woman holding his hand. She smiled when he opened his eyes, and Henry just stared at her. Origin was wearing her deerskin dress, and the jewelry Henry gave her. Kathy came in and announced, “Good you’re awake. What do you want to eat? Just tell me and I’ll make it.”

Henry looked strangely at Kathy and she could hear his thoughts. Who’s this strange lady, and what is this place?

Kathy planted a thought in Origin’s mind, Henry has memory loss.

Henry’s eyes wandered around the room as Kathy ordered, “Origin! Go get the Law man! Run!”

Origin ran out the door and up the street to the Boarding House. Kathy stepped next to Henry and took his hand as she whispered, “You’ve had a bad hit on the head. You’re in the Hotel.

Henry’s eyes wandered around the room. He knew this wasn’t the Hotel in Lambert. He thought, where is this Hotel? It looks brand new.

Reading his thoughts Kathy answered, “This is the Hotel you had built with James and Albert.”

Then Henry thought, Hotel I had built? Where?

Kathy answered his thoughts again, “Right here in Dention.”

Out of breath Origin stumbled in the backdoor of the Boarding House and exclaimed, “Henry!” as she pointed west to the Hotel.

Albert called out, “Truck on.”

Then Jim disappeared and reappeared in the Hotel. Seeing Jim Kathy informed, “He has memory loss, and doesn’t know me.”

Jim mumbled, “Well that’s a year he lost.”

Kathy added, “He doesn’t remember you either.”

Jim cursed, “Crap! That’s two years.”

Then he blinked out, and reappeared at the Boarding house. Suzy blurted, “Well how bad is it?”

Jim revealed, “Henry has memory loss. At least two years of his life is gone. Could be more, I’m not sure.”

Albert insisted, “Sit down Jim so I can start time.”

Jim saw everyone was looking at Origin as he took his seat, and Albert started time. Suzy stepped from the kitchen as she questioned, “What about Henry Origin?”

Trying to catch her breath Origin panted, “Henry no remember.”

Albert announced, “I better go check him out. I might have to send someone for the doctor. He got hit real hard on the head.”

Jim jumped to his feet and announced, “I’m going. Let’s go.”

Victoria went to Origin and took her hand as she said, “Oh you poor thing. Come and sit down. Suzy pore Origin some of Mable’s tea, and put some sugar in it.”

Setting the cup in front of Origin Suzy insisted, “Don’t worry Origin he’ll come back.

Jim and Albert went into Origin’s room. Kathy was standing next to the bed, and looked up saying, “He doesn’t remember me.”

Albert questioned, “You remember me Henry?”

Henry replied, “You have a Badge. You won the election did ya.”

Albert replied, “Henry that was over six years ago. You need to do some catching up. That was a hard knock you took on the head. It must have knocked some stuff out of there.”

Henry demanded, “So tell me was it that wild stallion that kicked me in the head.”

Albert insisted, “We’ll talk about that later. How do you feel? You want something to eat?”

Henry replied, “No. my stomach feels squeamish, but some water would be nice. My tongue feels like it’s stuck to the top of my mouth.”

Kathy was pouring Henry some water as Jim slipped into the hall. He blinked to the alley in lambert. Then he walked to the Doctor’s office. Meeting with Patrick Jim explained, “Henry got knocked in the head, and has memory loss. I already know there is nothing you can do. They still don’t know what to do about this in the future. But if you could give me some sleeping powders it might help him heal.”

Patrick replied, “That is what I would do. Get him healed up, and then expose him to things he knew before it happened. Sometimes it will bring the memories back.”

Jim got the sleeping powders and blinked back to the Hotel. Arriving as if he never left he called, “Kathy add this to the water. I got it from the Doc.”

Kathy dumped the powder in the water, and took it to Henry. As Henry drank the water Jim handed some more packets to Kathy saying, “The Doc. said one in the morning and one at night.”

When Henry was asleep they went to the Hotel dining room and sat at the table and made a plan. Jim asked, “Kathy if I take you to important moments in Henry’s life. Can you do that thing where it looks like he’s there?”

Kathy replied, “Sure, but there won’t be any sound. I’m not sure it will do any good without sound, but I could put it in his mind as a memory. I think there’s no danger of that changing his freewill. I’ve been warned about that.”

Albert questioned, “You can do that?”

Then he thought, I wander if she can read my mind too?

Kathy replied, “Yes Albert I know what you’re thinking. I have this power now, but there is a thin line of what I can use it for. If I put a thought in someone, and it makes them do something they wouldn’t already do. It will send a wake through the time line.”

Jim exclaimed, “Don’t do that. I’ve already had to have Najl fix one that I did. Not good.”

Just then Suzy came in with Origin, and Origin went right to her room with Henry. Suzy sat at the table asking, “What is going on?”

Jim explained their plan then whispered, “You should send Origin to work at the Livery and watch Henry. She’s going through a lot and needs to do that right now.”

Suzy pulled Jim close and said, “I love you now take Kathy and go.”

Jim took Kathy’s hand and whispered, “When I blink you there stand next to Henry. Then it will be as if he’s seeing it through his eyes.”

Then Jim blinked Kathy to the first time he saw Henry, and blinked down the street and watched.

Benjamin announced, “Well here we are. Hay Henry you have a customer.”

Henry came to meet them and questioned, “What do you need?”

Jim replied, “I need to board my team.”

Henry questioned, “By the day, week, or month?”

Jim inquired, “What is it by the week?”

Henry questioned, “Full care or self-care boarding?”

Jim inquired, “How much is self-care boarding?”

Henry replied, “Five dollars per horse a week.”

Jim said, “Oh crap!”

Benjamin explained, “Oh come on Henry he just moved into the house today. You’re going to half to look at him across the table every night.”

Henry replied, “In that case I want an extra five.”

Benjamin grumbled, “Knock it off Henry.”

Henry offered, “If you can come and help me some, and let me rent out your team once in a while. I might be able to cut that in half.”

Jim offered, “I’ll give you ten for the first week, but I’ll have to talk to my wife for more than that.”

Benjamin exclaimed, “Good luck Henry she’s a stick of dynamite.”

Jim gave Henry the ten dollars and handed him the rains. Then they started walking back as Jim announced, “I need to stop and get some coal oil for our lamp.”


Then Jim appeared next to Kathy and they blinked out. They appeared in the backyard behind the porch. Jim whispered, “Get up on the porch so you can stand next to Henry when he gets here.”

Kathy went on the porch as Jim watched.

Jim explained, “When we got here Victoria told us we couldn’t wear them in the house and had to hang them on the peg. I just left it there all day.”

Albert continued, “I could never do that. Walking around without my gun wouldn’t feel right. It would be like walking around without my pants on.”

Looking up Albert announced, “Why Henry we were just talking about you, but we’ll stop now.”

Looking over at Jim Henry nodded and questioned, “That your wagon out there?”

Jim replied, “Yep, is it a problem?”

Henry Joked, “Yah I should have charged you twenty. That thing has money written all over it.”

Jim had to think fast, but Suzy blurted, “It sure dose! That’s why we have to watch every penny because of his pampas ass and that wagon. He tells me, but I can use it to make money.”

Suzy stormed to her room. Henry apologized, “Sorry about that James. I was going to ask you about doing some hay hulling for boarding. I guess we can talk about that later.”

Jim assured, “It’s all good Henry. She’ll forget about it in about ten years. I better go see if I can get in more trouble.”

Benjamin snickered, “I warned you Henry. I said she was a stick of dynamite.”


Then Jim appeared next to Kathy and blinked them out. They appeared in the dining room at dinner time. Jim cupped his hand over Kathy’s ear and whispered, “Go and stand behind Henry.”

Kathy knotted and stepped behind Henry.


Then Victoria announced, “This is Mr. and Mrs. White. They are our new occupants. You might want to introduce yourself.”

They started going around the table saying who they were, I’m Mable Watson, and everyone knows me as the Seamstress, I’m Albert Blocker the Black Smith, Emily Johnson the store clerk, I’m Henry Zimmerman, I’m Benjamin Belvedere, and I’m Rebecca Hill the one no one talks to, because I’m the news reporter. I have a column in the Lambert Times.

Then Jim said, “I’m James and this is my wife Suzan,”

Then Jim blinked them to the back porch where Henry was lighting his pipe. Kathy knew what to do and stood by Henry.

Then Jim and Suzy came out to their chairs on the porch. There they found Henry enjoying a pipe. Looking up he announced, “Victoria doesn’t like smoking inside, so I come out here. There’s nothing like a good smoke before bed.”

Soon it was getting dark and Suzy questioned, “Did you fill the lamp.”

Jim replied, “Oh crap the can is over there.”

Albert insisted, “You best be getting the lamp James.”

Jim ran in the house and got the lamp from his room. Removing the glass chimney and screwing off the top Jim poured in the oil.”

Albert instructed, “Looks like a new lamp. Don’t forget to crank out the wick and prime it.”

Jim replied, “Oh yah, Thanks.”

Jim cranked out the wick turn it upside down and dipped it in the lamp. Then he turned it over and screwed it on. Albert lit a match and lit the lamp. The lamp flame shot up and Jim turned it down and put on the chimney. Then Jim and Suzy went to their room.

Henry exclaimed, “You know it’s like he never did that before Albert.”

Albert replied, “Seamed that way didn’t it.”


Then Jim blinked them to the next morning.


At breakfast the next morning Victoria asked, “Benjamin would you try to hunt some meat for the house.”

Benjamin replied, “Sure if I can get James to take me in his wagon.”

From across the table Suzy replied, “I’ll go to the stables and get the horses.”

 

[gonewacky]

Suzy jumped up from the table, and Jim exclaimed, “I guess we’re going hunting Benjamin.”

Benjamin chuckled, “Did you think you had a choice.”

As the door shut behind Suzy Henry laughed, “She doesn’t know I’m the Stable Master.”

Jim questioned, “Will she be able to get the horses Henry?”

Henry replied, “Oh sure. My stable boy is there, but she will have to harness them herself.”

Emily added, “I’d bet she could do it. I don’t think anything stops her.”

Jim chuckled, “You got that right.”

Henry got up and announced, “I’d better get down there and help her.”

By the time Henry got to the stables Suzy was already walking out. Henry declared, “I see you got them.”

Suzy replied in passing, “Yep.”

Then Jim blinked Kathy to later in the day. They followed Jim and Benjamin to the Livery.

After they bathed and put on clean clothes they took the wagon up to the bathhouse, and hung up their clothes. Then they parked the wagon in front of the coach house, and unhitched the team. Jim patted Patty on the neck and praised her, “Good girl Patty. You did a good job today.”

Benjamin hopped up on Charlie and shouted, “Let’s go Charlie.” Then he rode the horse off.”

Walking patty Jim could see Benjamin riding way up ahead, but no way was he trying something like that. Benjamin jumped off Charlie, and handed the reins to the stable boy. Henry walked out and teased, “Benjamin you smell like one of the saloon Girls. Did you go hunting or down to the saloon?”

Benjamin replied, “We got and Elk. Victoria is cooking a roast for dinner.”

Seeing Benjamin ride by Albert went over to the livery. Walking up he questioned, “Was that one of the horses that the new gal wanted me to look at?”

Henry yelled, “Lyle, bring that horse back out here! You won’t believe it Albert. James and Benjamin got an Elk this morning. There’s a roast in the oven right now.”

Jim came in with Patty as Albert looked over Charlie. Then he turned and questioned, “Witch one of you went to the whore house?”

Jim spoke up, “It’s me. My wife gave me this soap to wash up with.”

Benjamin admitted, “I used it too.”

Albert looked Patty over and said, “Well our boy over here needs new shoes. There just to warn to rework. Our girl will need her shoe re worked, or it will come lose again. That shoe is just not made right to fit. Normally I’d charge $10 for the new shoes and $5 for reworking the one shoe, but tell your wife I’ll take $8 and her peace of roast.”

Jim blinked them back to the Hotel and insisted, “That’s enough for one day. Now you have to stay up half the night showing Henry this stuff.”

Kathy explained, “No, I just have to plant this memory in his mind. I can do that without endangering his free will. It should only take me a few minutes when he’s asleep. Then he’ll live the events in a dream.”

Jim replied, “I hope this works. I’ll find out tomorrow. If he knows who I am then we’ll do it again. If not then we come up with another plan.”

The next morning Jim couldn’t eat fast enough. He needed to know if what Kathy was doing was working, but Albert seemed to be taking his time. Jim complained, “Come on Albert I want to see if Henry remembers me yet.”

Victoria echoed from the kitchen, “Maybe when he’s well enough to come home it will help him remember.”

Suzy added, “You know Origin broke down and cried all day yesterday. She blames herself for what happened. She needs some support right now. I think I’ll go down to the Hotel and try to help her.”

Mable questioned, “You sure he doesn’t remember Origin?”

Albert added, “I talked with him. He thinks Adeline died last winter. That was eight years ago. So he’s got a lot of catching up to do. We’re just going to have to take it one day at a time. Jim and I are going to watch over the Livery for him until he can do it again.”

At the Hotel Jim and Albert went to Origin’s room to see Henry. Origin was sitting next to the bed, and Albert was awake. Kathy stood at the doorway.

Henry sat up in bed announcing with excitement, “Jim! You’re married to the read headed firecracker.”

Jim smiled, “You remember me?”

Henry went on, “I sure do. Are you going to hall that Hay for me?”

Jim replied, “We’ve been doing that together for the last two years Henry. This is the end of December, and the hay has been in since October.”

Henry looked lost and replied, “Oh.”

Origin got up and went to Kathy’s room and changed into her Deer Skin dress. Then back to the door to her room she announced, “I go work now.”

Then Origin went to the Livery, and Jim asked, “Is she all right?”

Kathy replied, “Sure, she just knows someone has to be overseeing the Livery.”

Henry setup in bed and exclaimed, “What is she doing at my Livery?”

Kathy put her hand on Henry’s shoulder and Albert insisted, “You hired her don’t you remember? You’ve been telling us for months how great she is with the horses.”

Kathy added, “If you want to get up and eat at the table I’ll let you do that, but you’re not going outside. It’s freezing out there, and might snow any day. I’ll cook you something to eat, and you can watch Origin out the window.”

Henry watched Origin out the Hotel window, and ate as he watched Origin brush a horse. Then she hooked up a buggy with Lyle for a customer. Henry so wanted to go to the Livery. He demanded, “Get me my coat!”

Kathy insisted, “I can’t do it. We can’t take a chance of you getting sick until you’re healed up.”

Just then Suzy came in the door asking, “How’s he doing?”

Kathy replied, “He wants me to get him his coat. He thinks he’s going to work.”

Suzy scolded, “Now Henry you know better than that. Smell that Soda Bred cooking. That gal over there has baked that for you every day since you hired her. She will be coming over soon to share it with you.”

Henry question, “Why is she sitting with me all night? I can’t even tell if she is a white woman or an Indian. When I first saw her she looked like a white woman wearing Indian Jewelry, and now she looks like she just walked off the Reservation.”

Suzy was about to say something when Albert stopped time and said, “We need to be careful what we say here. What James and Kathy are doing is working. I don’t think we should push it.”

Kathy added, “I haven’t got him to know who I am yet.”

Albert went on, “He doesn’t even know Rebecca and I got married and have a baby yet. We need to do things one thing at a time. He knows you and James. The next is Kathy, then Rebecca, the Baby, and me. Then Origin will be the last one, so don’t push him about Origin.”

Albert spent the entire day watching over Henry. Suzy made them lunch and Jim and Kathy went time jumping.

Jim informed, “I’ll take us to the back porch of the boarding house. You know what to do.”

Kathy saw Henry coming and went to stand next to him.


Just then Henry walked up and announced, “Well I lost another customer today. Jack Kindle came in and informed me that he couldn’t pay his bill. He asked me if I’d take his horse for the bill. What could I say, I did it. Now I have another horse to feed. Times are going from bad to worse.”

Albert spoke up. “Doesn’t Jack have a buggy?”

Henry assured, “I guess he’ll have to rent a horse from me to use it, but that won’t even pay the feed bill.”

Albert informed, “The two guys that got the old Preston place. They came in to have me make them a skidding grapple. They are cutting wood out there for $5 a cord. It’s an Oak and Alder mix, but you have to hall it yourself. They have a team out there they use to drag the logs to their wood lot, but they only have a buckboard for hauling. Their taking orders now, and I thought I should get in well the getting’s good. I told him I’d take four cords. Now I have to find someone with a wagon to hall it.”

Then Albert looked in the air and whistled. Suzy slapped Jim on the butt and scolded, “He’s talking to you James.”

Jim replied, “Oh, I’m sure we can work something out Albert.”

Emily walked up on the porch as Benjamin announced, “Good evening Miss. Johnson.”

Looking at Benjamin Emily replied, “Mr. Belvedere.”

Henry tipped his hat and exclaimed, “Emily.”

Emily asserted, “Albert, James, Suzan,” as she passed.


Then they were in the Dining room at dinner.


Setting the roast on the table Henry requested, “Why don’t you come and sit with us Victoria? You made a Sunday feast. You should be here with us.”

Victoria replied, “I can’t Henry it’s Friday.”

Henry pointed out, “You always sit with us on Sunday. Why not today?”

Victoria insisted, “Because today you are residents, and on Sunday we’re family.”

Then Victoria left them to their dinner. Benjamin prayed and Albert cut the meat. Then they all talked about their day.

Albert offered, “James I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you two dollars a lode to hall my wood. Let’s say one load a week. What do you think about that?”

Jim agreed, “That sounds good to me.”

Albert replied, “I’ll get your team from Henry tomorrow morning and do their shoes. Then bring them home at lunch. We can get the first load tomorrow afternoon. This way you get your team taken care of, and I get my wood.”

Jim laughed, “You sneaky devil you. I see what you did.”

After dinner Jim and Suzy got their gun belts and went to their room to read “The Warrior Princess.” Out on the porch Henry was enjoying his pipe, and Benjamin was checking the smoker.

Albert came out and sat on the bench and talked to Henry saying, “I think I worked it out to help James and Suzan with their team. Now if we could find a way for you to help with their boarding of the team.”

Henry revealed, “Most people that own a team have land and just pasture them. All of my borders only have one horse. It’s even hard for most to even board one horse. The store owner Hank has a buggy but no horse. He just rents one from me when he needs it for 50¢ a day. Feed cost so much it makes it hard to make money.”

Benjamin came up and questioned, “You talking about me again?”

Albert replied, “NO, about James.”

Benjamin confessed, “I had some long talks with James today. I have to tell you he is very smart. Don’t under estimate him. He knows a lot more than you’d think. I think he went to college somewhere, but he denies it.”

Henry hypothesized, “I think the more time we spend with him the sooner we’ll know.”

Saturday morning was just like any other day. Everyone met for breakfast and went to work. Mable went to the dress shop, Emily went to the store, Albert went to the blacksmith shop, and Henry went to the Livery. Suzy helped Victoria, and Jim and Benjamin went down to the smoker.



Jim explained, “I’m taking us to a memorable moment. I did something I should have not done. He needs this memory. You know what to do. Remember to stay with Henry when Suzy takes me outside. You have to watch us through the window.



The children had ran and told everyone they could about the man with long hair that brought Tommy back to life. By the time Jim and Albert got to the Boardinghouse most of the town knew what Jim did. Emily had brought the story home to the Boardinghouse. Suzy knew the Sheriff was Albert, so the man with the long hair had to be Jim. She also knew everyone at the Boardinghouse would know that.

By the time Albert and Jim got home Suzy was furious. “As they came in the door Suzy took Jim by the arm and drug him out on the porch. Henry and Emily watched through the kitchen window as Suzy yelled at Jim.

Suzy questioned, “What did you do?”

Jim whispered, “It was a ten or eleven year old boy. All I did was CPR on him.”

Suzy slapped Jim and yelled, “What the hell were you thinking? You have any idea of what this could do?”

Jim whispered, “Their watching us through the kitchen window.”

Suzy continued at a whisper, “You just sent a title wave through the time passages. Hell what if that boy grows up and marries your great grandmother. Then you wouldn’t even be here. Did you think about that?”

Jim replied, “No all I thought was that little boy was dyeing and I had to do something.”



Now We’re going to Sunday supper.


As they all came back from church the ladies went to the kitchen and the men went out to the back porch. Henry was enjoying his pipe, Hank was sitting in Victoria’s Chair and Albert was leaning against a post. They were talking about the chicken Hank brought for dinner.

Then Jim and Benjamin walked up from the smoke house. Jim questioned, “How did church go Albert?”

Albert replied, “I don’t know I was too busy strutting Suzan around like the head Rooster in the hen house. The entire town will be talking about it tomorrow.”

Jim laughed, “Then you had a good time. Thank you Albert.”

Hank inquired, “Henry told me you needed some money for boarding your horses. I have some supplies that need delivered. I was thinking if you wanted you could pick up a load tomorrow afternoon. I can’t pay you much, but you know every little bit helps. If you wish I could take it off your bill.”

 

[gonewacky]

Jim questioned, “What bill I don’t owe you anything.

Hank inquired, “You mean you don’t have an account and owe me money? Everybody around here owes me money.”

Henry jumped in, “Give him time Hank. James hasn’t even been here a week.”


Now I’m taking us to breakfast the next morning. This is important because this is where Henry learns about the Bird.


The next day back at the Boardinghouse Suzy was in the kitchen, and Benjamin, Henry, and Emily were having a pancake at the table. When Benjamin whispered, “Do you know Suzan has a pet bird?”

Emily replied, “You mean the crow? I’ve seen her feeding it her bread from my window.”

Benjamin went on, “It showed up the day they arrived. It’s always sitting in the tree watching Suzan through the kitchen window. I was coming back from the smoker yesterday, and I swear it was on her lap. Suzan was talking to the bird and petting it. I think it followed them from where ever they came from.”

Henry whispered, “So she has a pet bird. What’s wrong with that Benjamin?

Benjamin replied, “It’s a crow Henry.”

Henry teased. “Don’t tell me you’re superstitious Benjamin?”

Benjamin replied, “You know everyone thinks Mrs. Hanson’s a Witch.”

Emily spoke up, “Benjamin! Edna comes in the store all the time. Just because she buy’s some strange things and is eccentric don’t make her a witch. She’s rich and that dose that to people. Heck you can’t buy a pace of beef in this town that isn’t Hanson beef. You know you’re a little eccentric yourself Benjamin. I have to go to work.”

Emily got up and left as Henry informed, “I think you pissed her off Benjamin, but you didn’t know she had a pet squirrel she’d feed in the backyard. I think it died over the winter, because it didn’t come back this year.”


Jim instructed, “We’re going to the time Suzanfound out the Sheriff couldn’t do anything about a man beating his wife. She got a horse from Henry and followed them home.”


Suzy went next door and found Henry and rented a horse. Henry had the stable boy bring out a horse. Then the stable boy got a saddle. Suzy jerked it from his hands and slung it on the horse. Pulling the strap tight she exclaimed, “I’ll see you back at the house James.”

Then she gave the horse a kick and rode off. Henry expressed, “She looks mad James.”

Jim replied, “Yep, bet she could saddle up a mountain Loin and ride it about now.”

Henry looked at Jim and questioned, “What did you do now James?”

Jim replied, “Got out of bed I guess.”

Henry busted up, “I’ve had one of those wild horses you can’t break before. I’ll tell you what though; if you can stay on them you’re in for a hell of a ride. All I can tell you is hold on tight James.”

Jim laughed, “I got bucked off a long time ago.”

Jim admitted, “I’m going to spend some of the reward money on a pump for the kitchen. Try to make life a little easier for us. I’m going to go see Hank about it now.”

Henry replied, “See yah later James.”


Jim explained, “This is the next day after Suzan saw the birds peck Mr. Cooper to death.”


The next day the stories ran wild about the Cooper farm, and what happened to Mr. Cooper. At breakfast Albert revealed what happened at the Cooper farm. That makes three in the last six months. First it was the Wolf attack that killed Mr. Edwards then the Mountain Lion that killed Mr. Hill, and now this Bird attack that killed Mr. Cooper. It’s like Devils Mountain has moved to the valley.

The news of what happened filled the air with sadness, and everyone was as quiet as a church mouse. Then Albert broke the silence, “Jim would you like to walk to work with Henry and me today?”

Jim replied, “Sure.”

Benjamin questioned, “Mind if I join you?”

Albert replied, “If you wish Benjamin.”

As they walked Henry acknowledged, “I’ll ask him Albert. So James are you a Hanson?”

Jim’s mind raced as he thought, What the hell. How could they know?

Jim replied, “You know I’m a White. Why would you ask me that?”

Albert Informed, “Because you look like a Hanson James. Henry and I noticed it the first time we saw you. Even Hank questioned us about it. Not so much now that you got your hair cut, but with the long hair you could be Earl Hanson’s brother.”

Jim tried to look dumbfounded and replied, “Nope, who is he?”

Henry laughed, “Only about the richest one around here. You can’t buy a piece of beef around here that don’t have the Hanson name on it. That’s what we wanted to talk to you about. This is going to sound strange, but we think Mr. Hanson might be behind the killings. Every time someone dies of some strange thing like a Mountain Lion or Woof attack he buy’s the property cheap from the widow.”

Jim blurted, “Holy shit! Is that for sure?”

Albert replied, “That got Henry and I thinking. You could save the blood from butchering a cow, and kill someone then cover them with the blood. That would bring in a Mountain Lion or Woof, and make it look like an attack.”

Benjamin spoke up, “But that don’t explain the bird attack. I’m telling you his wife is a Witch.”

Albert looked at Henry and exclaimed, “All these British guys believe in Witches and such.”

Jim agreed, “I don’t know. Benjamin might be on to something, unless you can come up with a better answer.”

Henry replied, “Well we’ll just have to wait and see if he tries to buy the property.”

Jim and Albert went into the blacksmith shop, and Benjamin and Henry continued to the Livery.

Jim insisted, “Why did you and Henry want me to walk with you this morning?”

Albert was blunt, “A lot of what you say doesn’t add up. Like where you’re from.”

Jim explained, “I told you the truth about where we’re from. You just chose to ignore what I tell you. Let me explain my beliefs about this.

Good and evil have to be kept in balance. For every evil thang that happens something good must happen to keep things in balance. If you stop evil form happening in one place it will just happen in another. When Billy threw Tommy’s knife in the swimming hole that was evil, and the effect of that evil was Tommy would drown. To balance out that evil we saved him. The Angels fight this battle everyday against Demons.

Here is another way to look at it. The soft touch of a woman taking a man’s arm brings a feeling of security to her and pride to him. They both get a feeling of deep pleasure and satisfaction, and this is good. Then if the same man grabs her arm hurting her and forces it around his arm she has been dominated by him, and that is evil. My question would be if a lie is evil and wrong and the truth is good. Then what should you do when the truth would be so hurtful that it would destroy the person hearing it, but a lie would be kind and save them from the pain and anguish of the truth? Then you lie to save them from suffering severe mental and physical pain. Is that lie evil?”

Albert replied, “You answer with a riddle. Either you’re the smartest guy I ever met, or you’re totally insane.”

Jim replied, “No, I just phrased my answer so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer and meaning. You’ll just have to think about it.”

Albert laughed, “I’m still torn between sane and insane.”

Looking across the street Jim questioned, “You ever ate over there at the Horseshoe?”

Albert replied, “Shure, its good. They use a lot of Hanson Beef. They have a good steak and potatoes for 50¢, or vegetable beef soup and bread for 20¢.”

Jim went on, “I see Rebecca sitting by the window.”

Albert explained, “She spends a lot of time over there. She just drinks coffee, and tries to hear gossip for the paper. Today she is waiting for the stage. The paper comes out today, and she has to deliver the papers around town. Her first stop is the General Store where she leaves a stack on the counter. Then she makes a loop through town for people that have a subscription.”

Henry headed to the livery as he said, “I’ll leave you insane guys to do stupid stuff. I have to work…”


Jim explained, “This is when Suzan bought a horse from Henry for the Wilson family.”


Then she went out to help Victoria make the bread. Suzy stayed in the kitchen as everyone ate that morning. She watched for Albert and Henry to finish their pancakes. Then she went to the door and announced, “Albert, Henry can I talk to you outside for a minute?”

Then she stepped out the door. Albert and Henry followed her out. Henry spoke first, “What do you need Suzan?”

Suzy informed. “I would like to buy that horse you got for the guy’s boarding bill. Would you take two ounces of gold for that horse?”

Then Suzy pulled out a two ounce bar of gold and held it out. Henry took the gold bar and looked it over. Then he questioned, “What do you want this horse for?”

Suzy replied, “For the Wilson’s that have no way to get around.”

Henry put the bar in his pocket and insisted, “Deal.”

Suzy went on, “Here is a dollar I need two horses saddled up after church on Sunday, so James and I can take them the horse.”

Henry took the dollar and put it in his pocket as he replied, “Got it. Sunday it is then.”

Then Suzy retrieved another gold bar and looked to Albert, “This is a three ounce bar to pay for the plow. Dose this work for you?”

Albert looked the bar over and replied, “It has 3.2 stamped on it. Did you rob a gold mine?”

Suzy laughed, “Right, then I try to buy stuff from the Sheriff with it. Come on Albert will this get the Plow built?”

Slipping the bar in his pocket Albert questioned, “I assume you don’t want me to tell James about this?”

Suzy requested, “It would be nice if you let me tell him, but that is only if you feel good with it.”

Jim came out and questioned, “What’s going on out here?”

Albert informed, “Your wife just bought a horse from Henry.”

Jim replied, “She told me she was going to try to get a horse for the Wilson’s. Are you about ready to go to work Albert?”

Albert insisted, “Let’s go Henry; I got to teach James what real work is.”


Jim instructed, “This is when Henry tried to get me to buy a dress.”


After they bent the beam they decided to go to get Henry for supper. Walking back to the Boardinghouse they were joined by Mable.

Henry questioned, “How goes the dress making business Mable?”

Mable replied, “Getting slow now that I finished Suzan’s dress. With this recession people are tight with their money. Except for our bounty hunter over there spending his reword he hasn’t got yet.”

Albert chuckled, “Don’t worry Jim Wells Fargo has never missed paying a bounty. Just ask Clyde the stagecoach driver. He’ll tell you.”

Henry snickered, “I think she’s trying to guilt James into buying a dress.”

Albert added. “No I think he’s more of the skirt kind of guy.”

Jim scolded, “Knock it off you guys. Just because my wife wares pants don’t mean I’m going to start wearing a skirt, besides my gun-belt wouldn’t go with a skirt anyway.”


Jim informed, “This is when Suzan and I got back from taking the Wilson’s the horse.”


Jim and Suzy road back to the Livery and dropped off the horses. Then they walked to the Boardinghouse. Coming on to the porch Hank and Henry were across from Albert and Benjamin sitting on the bench. Suzy walked in-between them and went in the house. Jim stopped to talk.

Henry questioned, “Well would they take the horse?”

Jim replied, “Hell no! Jesse’s pride would never allow that, but Suzan knew that. We had to use plan B. We’re paying Tommy 10¢ a week to take care of the horse. Jesse didn’t like it much, but we didn’t give him a way out.”

Hank questioned, “Why are you doing so much for the Wilson family? There are other family’s that are in the same situation.”

Albert spoke up, “Because James believes that when you save a life. You’re responsible for that life as long as you live. The only way he can do that now is to care for the family.”

Hank replied, “I thought that was an Indian belief?”

Jim snapped back, “No! It’s a human thing to do. I would ask why you let them run up their bill so high. You knew they most likely could never pay it back, because it was the human thing to do. I know you Hank you’re only tuff on the outside. Inside you have a heart of gold, and I’m proud to know you for that.”


Jim explained, “This is more about the bird attack.”


At the dinner table Hank informed, “I heard Mr. Hanson is buying the Cooper farm. That makes what? I think four this year?”

Henry argued, “I think it was only three. There was the Wolf, Mountain Lion, and Bird attack.”

Hank added what about the Bear attack on Mr. Robinson in January none the less. I know he hung on for a week, but Mr. Hanson bought the property just the same.”

 

[gonewacky]

Albert informed, “I forgot all about the Bear attack. Boy was that strange.”


Jim informed, “This was the next morning when I was walking to work with Henry and Albert.”


The next morning as Jim Albert and Henry walked to work. Albert asked, “Jim do you believe in witches like Benjamin?”

Jim responded, “I don’t think it’s that simple. I believe in good and evil. I believe the Bible tells us that fallen angels are demons. With this knowledge I think if I saw a demon and an angel side by side I wouldn’t know which was evil and which was good. Only by their works would one know. I also believe they both walk among us. I would think what you call a Witch is nothing more than a demon. Does that answer your question Albert?”

Henry replied, “I don’t know about Albert, but you got me thinking.”

Albert rephrased his question, “Then do you think Edna Hanson is possessed by a demon?

Jim replied, “I believe she is straight up evil. Let’s Just leave it at that.”

Albert commented, “Looks like the O'Connor brothers left Jim’s wagon right in front of the doors. Will you give us a hand pushing it out of the way Henry?”

Henry replied, “Sure, and I thought Blacksmiths were strong.”

Pushing the wagon to the side Albert teased, “You want to arm wrestle and find out?”

Henry replied, “Don’t have time I have a business to run. I can’t sit around all day drinking coffee like some guys.”


Jim confessed, “This is Henry bitching me out for not taking care of my horse’s”


From across the table Jim questioned, “Henry how much would you charge me to have your stable boy take my team out to the Wilson farm?

Henry looked up and replied, “50 ¢ and you muck out two stalls. Then if it gets busy you have to do the stable boy’s job.”

Jim bellowed, “What? You want me to muck out stalls?”

Henry replied, “You paid for self-care. I’ve seen Suzan down there brushing them out, but you have never muck out their stalls. My stable boy has been doing it. Oh yah remember you only paid for one week.”

Jim dropped his head and mumbled, “I guess I muck out stalls.”

Albert stood up and announced, “Ready Henry? Come on James time to shovel some you know what.”

Walking out Albert announced, “Ladies.”


Jim revealed, “This is Henry picking on me for sitting around.”

Just then Henry walked in and questioned, “Talking about Witches are you. Where’s Benjamin he knows all about that stuff. He’s from England where they fight Witches all the time. Jim I got a customer that needs a horse saddled up. Can you go take care of them?”

Jim jumped up and said, “Sure.”

Over at the stables Jim saw it was Suzy with a horse all saddled up. She questioned, “How is Albert doing?”

Jim replied, “I’ve been telling him everything, and he hasn’t said a word. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but at this point I think we’re fine. No one would ever believe him anyway. Hell, I almost don’t believe it and I’m living it.”

Suzy laughed and informed, “I’m worried about Albert. What do you think he wants to talk to me about?”

Jim replied, “I don’t know, I’ll see if I can find out?”

Jim saw her off and headed back to the blacksmith shop.

Henry questioned, “Yesterday when you went out to the Wilson farm. How did that plow work? Where you right about how many horses it would take?”

Albert replied, “I don’t know I didn’t count them, but I can tell you that plow cut through the ground like a hot knife through butter. It slid so nice the guy running the plow was almost running. Jim was kicked back against the barn sleeping when I got there.”

Jim came in and joked, “Talking about me again are yah?”

Henry replied, “You know it. Albert told me you went out there and slept all day.”

Jim smiled, “Yes I did. Are you jealous that you have to work all day brushing horses?”

Henry laughed, “Don’t forget that I shovel shit to. I might have to come over here and muck this place out next. It is getting deep in here.”

Walking out the door Henry commented, “I hope your sweetheart don’t fall off. I didn’t think you could saddle a horse.”

Albert laughed, “I think we all know Suzy knows all about horses, and you don’t know shit.”


Jim admitted, “This is the time Henry saw me slowing time.”


Albert picked up another horseshoe and flung it at Jim. Time slowed down again and Jim moved out of the way. The horseshoe hit the wall as Henry watched from the doorway. Henry questioned, “Is this what you do over here all day? Throw horseshoes at each other. You should be putting them on horses.”

Jim and Albert went out and swung the doors closed, and locked up.

Walking home Henry commented, “You’re pretty good at that Jim. You must have played a lot of dodgeball as a kid.”

Jim replied, “You only have to get hit in the face one time to get good. Well for me anyway.”

Henry teased, “Well the bad guys won’t be throwing horseshoes. They’ll be throwing bullets at you.”

Jim thought, I wonder if I could dodge a bullet.

Albert insisted, “Don’t even think about it James.”

Jim laughed, “To late Albert. That already ran through my mind.”

Henry insisted, “You two have gone off the deep end.”


Jim blinked them to the porch and said, “More porch talk.”


Walking up on the porch Benjamin teased, “Oh the people that have to work for a living are here.”

Emily went into the house as Henry disclosed, “Not Albert and James. They just throw horseshoes at each other all day.”

Jim replied, “Henry isn’t any better. He horses around all day, and calls it work.”

Benjamin laughed, “Good one James. There is something I need to talk to you about. The woodshed is getting really low. Victoria hasn’t said anything, but the long cold winter took its toll on our wood supply. My dad sent me a bank draft in my letter, so here’s five dollars for a load of wood. That is if someone can get it for us.”

Henry insisted, “I’ll pitch in for one.”

Jim replied, “Me too”

Rebecca came up on the porch and everyone stopped talking. She informed, “I’m not really that bad that you have to stop talking when I walk up. I don’t put everything I hear in the paper you know.”

Albert stepped close to Rebecca and whispered, “We’re almost out of wood, and we were talking about pitching in to get some for the woodshed.”

Rebecca insisted, “I got a bonus for breaking the robbery story. I can pitch in a few dollars.”

Henry confided, “Thanks Rebecca.” Then he asked, “What about you Albert?”

Albert replied, “The only thing I have is gold. I guess I’ll have to go to the assayer office, and cash it in.”

Henry explained, “He charged me 2% on mine, and it cost me 80¢.”

Albert complained, “That’s our government for yah.”

Suzy called out the Kitchen window, “You coming in to eat?”


Jim snickered, “This is when Albert had to keep a knob in pocket to be like us. He doesn’t need that anymore. I don’t know if he knows that, but I’ve seen him in his shorts when time was stopped and he didn’t freeze. I saw a bullet go right through him. A bright light shinned out of him and you could even tell it happened. You know what to do.”


At the breakfast table Henry commented, “Its Friday that means it’s going to be busy. It seems a lot of people come to town on Friday.”

Emily insisted, “It’s the same for the store. We do most of our business on Friday and Saturday morning.”

Jim added, “I was hoping the pump and pipe would have come in this week. At least I got the seed for the Wilson’s farm.”

Emily replied, “It should be in next week for sure James.”

After breakfast walking to work Henry questioned, “What’s that bulge in your pocket Albert?”

Albert replied, “Only women notice that. You need to keep it to yourself.”

Jim snickered as Henry shook his head. Turning off at the Blacksmith shop Albert mumbled, “You best get to horsing around Henry.”


Jim laughed, “This is when Suzan had to tell Henry about the fence post she blew-up with a lightning bolt.


Jim turned off the truck as Albert watched Suzy go in the Livery. Albert questioned, “I wonder what she’ll say to Henry about the post?”

Over at the Livery Suzy found Henry and explained, “I saw one of the fence posts was gone.”

Henry question, “Where’s it at?”

Suzy replied, “Out front by the road.”

Henry insisted, “Let’s go look at it.”

Suzy led Henry to the spot. Henry exclaimed, “Oh hell I never seen anything like this.”

Suzy looked at the splinters scattered everywhere and hypothesized, “Looks like it exploded.”

Henry divulged, “I guess I’ll just have to add this to my list of strange things that happen around this town. Benjamin would be blaming it on the Witch.”

Suzy went to the Blacksmith shop, and Henry went back inside. At the Blacksmith shop Suzy wiped her hand across her forehead and said, “All taken care of.”

Albert looked to Suzy and explained, “We are about out of wood at the house. Last night we all decided to pitch in and buy some firewood. I think we should do it next week. I was thinking if we used the truck the three of us could do a load in about an hour. That truck is so big I bet we could put two cords on it at one time.”

Jim and Suzy looked at each other as Jim informed, “You know how I feel about this. It’s all up to you sweetie.”

Suzy replied, “You just had to put that sweetie in there. How can I not give love to Victoria after all she dose for me? I’m in, let’s do it.”

Jim questioned, “You want to walk up to the house with me Suzan.”

Suzy said sure and they were off.


Jim took Kathy’s hand and blinked them to the next importin time. It was the Shelton gang incident.


Jim turned the truck off and put the extra key in his pocket. Albert ran to the Livery where Henry was out front looking around. Then he ran right pass Henry to get a horse. Albert was saddling up a horse when Henry came in asking, “What’s going on?”

Albert replied, “The Shelton gang shot up the Horseshoe and robbed the town. Don’t go in the Horseshoe it’s a mess. The Cook is dead and one of the gang members is plastered to the back wall. Get some men together and check all the stores.”

Then Albert jumped on the horse and raced out of the Livery. After locking the door Jim ran across the street and yelled, “I need a team.”

Henry yelled, “Lyle, Help James hitch up a team”

The stable boy helped Jim hitch up a team, and Jim drove the wagon out of town.


Jim insisted, “This is when I got my reward money.”


Albert pulled the wagon up to the livery. Henry met them and exclaimed, “I see you brought my team back.”

Jim blurted, “$200 for six months boarding of my team, and you get to keep whatever you make renting them out.”

Henry replied, “$220 Cash right now and it’s a deal.”

Jim yelled, “Deal,” as he jumped down from the wagon putting out his hand. With a tight grip Jim shook Henry’s hand, and got his bag of money from Suzy. After settling up with Henry they all headed to the general store.


Jim insisted, “I think this is the last memory for this part. Then we on to you.”


Victoria questioned, “You going to eat first this morning Suzan?”

Suzy replied, “No I’m burning one for Benjamin.”

Victoria thought as the pancake started to burn, Suzan isn’t right. She looks as white as can be, and doing strange things. I’ll have to talk to Jim about taking her to the Doctor. Then Victoria revealed, “Benjamin has been gone for month’s sweetie.”

Suzy replied, “I know Victoria that’s why I’m burning his pancake. I hope he can smell it all the way over in New York.”

Victoria just watched as Suzy put the pancake on a plate and set it at Benjamin’s place at the table. Henry came in and saw the burnt pancake on the table and thought, Someone is pissed off. Hope that pancake isn’t for me. Then he questioned, “What’s up with the pancake on the table?”

 

[gonewacky]

Victoria replied, “I think that’s Suzan’s way of saying we need a tenet to replace Benjamin.”

Then Emily walked in and Suzy announced, “Emily would you bring home a slab of bacon. Just put it on James’s bill.”

Emily replied, “Sure.” Then she had a seat at the table and whispered to Henry, “Did you see Suzan. She looks white as a sheet, and what’s up with that burnt pancake?”

Henry just shrugged his shoulders as Albert came in. Seeing the burnt pancake Albert commented, “Who did I piss off now?”

Henry replied, “It’s in Benjamin’s spot.”

Albert replied, “But Benjamin isn’t here anymore.”

Henry answered, “I think that’s the point.”

Albert mumbled, “Oh.”

Seeing Rebecca coming down the hall Albert announced, “Rebecca knock on James’s door on your way by.”

Jim’s voice rang out, “I’m up.”



Jim took Kathy’s hand and looked into her eyes and said. “This is all you. Just keep clear of yourself. You know that danger.”

Then Jim blinked them to the Horseshoe.



Rebecca came up on the porch and Victoria was sitting in her chair. Rebecca told Victoria about the stage passenger looking for a room. Victoria insisted, “Let’s go.”

They were unloading the box when Victoria and Rebecca showed up. Jim insisted he was getting his team and the wagon, and stopping to get Hanks Hand-Truck.

Rebecca gave Clyde the Mail bag and went in the restaurant with Victoria. They sat at the table with Kathy eating a bowl of soup. Victoria question, “I understand you’re looking for a room.”

Nervously Kathy replied, “Yes.”

Victoria revealed, “No one told me your name.”

Kathy replied, “Oh it’s Kathy.”

Victoria went on, “Its $5 a month for the room with breakfast and supper, and if you want dinner it’s another dollar a month for that. I can show you a room if you wish?”

Kathy questioned, “You want me to pay you now?”

Victoria insisted, “Honey now or at the house. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Kathy picked up her bag and took out sixty dollars and questioned, “Is this enough for now?”

Victoria replied, “Heck I’d sale you Albert for that.”

Rebecca snapped, “Victoria!”

Victoria got up and said, “See you at the house Kathy.”

Rebecca stayed at the table and talked to Kathy about her trip. Outside Albert was waiting for Jim when Victoria came out announcing, “I rented out Benjamin’s room and we have a full house again.”

Henry commented, “She looks like Suzan. I wonder if she’s a firecracker too.”

Albert replied, “She shot a hole in the stagecoach what do you think?”

Henry answered, “Yah but Clyde said it was being robbed at the time.”

Finely Jim and the stable boy showed up with the wagon. They rolled the box on the Hand-Truck to the back of the wagon. Then they lifted it into the back and slid the hand truck in on it.

Rebecca announced, “Looks like they got your box loaded.”

Kathy grabbed some change from her bag and put it on the table, then ran out the door and hopped on the back of the wagon next to her box. Rebecca followed Kathy and sat next to her with her legs hanging off the back.

Watching Rebecca and Kathy riding in the back of the wagon Henry exclaimed, “Looks like we’re adding another girl to the mix.”



Jim and Albert showed up, and they hung their guns and took a seat. Henry came around the corner, and Albert looked up and announced, “Why Henry we were just talking about you, but we’ll stop now.”

Then Emily came around the corner and Albert announced, “Miss Johnson.

Emily replied, “Albert.”

Suzy waved and Jim and Henry tipped their hat.

Then it was the same for Mable.

After washing up they all gathered at the table.

Then Victoria announced, “This is Kathy. She’s our new occupant. You might want to introduce yourself.”

“I’m Mable Watson, and everyone knows me as the Seamstress, I’m Albert Blocker the Black Smith, Emily Johnson the store clerk, I’m Henry Zimmerman, I’m James and this is my wife Suzan we’re the Whites, and I’m Rebecca Hill the one no one talks to, because I’m the news reporter. I have a column in the Lambert Times.”

After that Emily stood and announced, “I’ll pray, Father we thank you for the food, a roof over our head, and Victoria. I give special thanks for sending us Kathy. Amen. Let’s eat.”

Emily questioned, “Albert, I heard the guy that bought Turners Guns and Hardware rented your house.”

Albert replied, “He came in first thing this morning to talk to me about it. He’s Frank Reigert and his wife is Sophia. They will be moving in as soon as Mr. Turner finishes moving to Lambert. Frank and his wife came from Missouri on the Oregon Trail. His wagon is parked behind the gun store, and their living there now.”

Suzy added, “I’m sure anyone that moved any distance at all has lived out of a wagon. I know James and I did.”

Kathy chimed in, “I moved here and never spent any time in a wagon at all, but I saw hundreds of them on my way here.”

After talking and eating the men went out to the porch. Henry smoked his pipe looking through the kitchen window. All the girls had moved to one end of the table. Rebecca had her notepad and was taking notes. Finely Henry revealed, “You know we’re out numbered now. There are five women and three men.”


Then Jim blinked Kathy back to the Hotel, and she did her magic with Henry.

The next morning Kathy slowly went into Origin’s room. Henry was still asleep and Origin was sitting with him, but what she saw at the foot of the bed frightened her. Kathy had seen them many times before. It was A Demon hunting for a soul. They would stock a person waiting for their opportunity to possess them. Kathy was more concerned about Henry than Origin. She thought it followed him from the land of the Demon Hunters.

Origin insisted, “You sit Henry. I cook.”

Then Origin got up and walked out and the Demon followed her. Kathy gasped, “Oh hell no. You don’t get her!”

Then the Demon turned and hissed at Kathy.