THE ROCK CREEK
ADVENTUROUS TALES, PART 1
The early morning sunrise shines brilliant hues of amber and golden honey, as the late August sun makes its way into the sky above the ranch. The sky is a luminous azure blue. There are a few powdery clouds floating endlessly in the breathtaking sky. With a beginning such as this, how could any day be burdened with tension amongst friends and family?
There isn't a sound being heard at the ranch, except for the sounds of nature. The birds are chirping a rhythmic melody that only they can understand. Humans can appreciate the enchanting songs sung by the feathered creature, but understanding the carefree life of the bird is something humans have no idea how to achieve. The creek that runs along Buck's home is flowing smoothly. Occasionally the creek water runs into a shallow area. The water babbles serenely over a mountain of tiny pebbles rushing to escape the small stones, only to return to the smoothness of a deeper portion of the creek. The crisp water, on many occasions, has brought relieve to the families of The Kid and Buck Ranch on a searing summer day. A pleasing summer breeze lifts the scent of wildflowers growing nearby to the open windows of the homes. In the early morning hours, the vibrant floral scent reaches the senses of sleeping bodies and embraces them into a deeper more restful slumber. It's an explicit morning for anyone fortunate to be up and around to witness its allurement to the mind, body, heart, and soul.
Buck unlocks the door to the marshal's office with Kid trailing right behind him. The two men enter the building, closing the door behind tightly them. Perhaps they're thinking that if they shut the door, they can ignore the outside world, and the town of Rock Creek will ignore them. Kid pulls up a chair to sit at the front of the marshal's desk. He takes some papers from the desk and starts thumbing through them. He doesn't appear to be studying them much through his obvious weary eyes. He lets out a wide yawn that seems endless.
Buck studies Kid carefully as he's opening an envelope of new wanted posters. "I'll try and keep my distance. If I'm not around Jeremiah than I can't lose my patience with him," Buck spoke quietly. He sorts through the posters and begins to post them on the bulletin board, as he takes down old ones and distributes them into a nearby waste paper can. "Does anyone ever catch any of these criminals?"
"We're not taking on that job as well. Let the bounty hunters hunt them down and shoot them in the back," Kid replied through a yawn.
Buck glances over his shoulder at his friend. Kid is no longer shuffling through papers. He's leaning his chair back on its hind legs with his hands folded across his chest. "You tired this morning Kid?"
"Louise kept me up late last night."
"Yeah. I bet she did," Buck replied in a teasing tone.
"Not for the reasons you're thinking," Kid replied seriously.
"Don't tell me she kept you up late discussing Jeremiah and me."
"That's exactly what she did." Kid looks up from his brief nap to talk to Buck. "You wouldn't believe how upset she is about me siding with you about Jeremiah. She even suggested I should be married to you."
Buck laughs out loud and is mystified about Louise and her thoughts of late. "What did you say to that?"
"I told her that I didn't think we are real well suited for each other," Kid replied with an amusing smile playing on his face.
Buck walks back over to the desk and sits down in the chair behind the desk. "Oh, I don't know Kid. We might make a real charming couple. But, I'll tell you right now, I'm not wearing the dress in this marriage of ours."
"We'd make a real charming couple alright," Kid spoke with sarcasm.
"What? You don't want to be seen in public with me? Are you ashamed of us already?" Buck spoke in a sad but teasing manner.
"Very funny Buck. Your sense of humor is becoming quite wicked these days."
"It's from lack of sleep," Buck spoke through yawns of his own.
Kid places his hat down over his face and clasps his hands together leaving them lay on his lap. "If I could just get a little shut eye, I know I'd wake up feeling refreshed."
"I'll wake you if any catastrophes happen by our way," Buck spoke softly hearing the light snoring coming from underneath Kid's hat. Buck half smiles at his friend who has quickly fallen into a deep slumber.
Outside the marshal's office the late morning summer breeze is cooling off the scorching heat of the day. The sun is almost directly over the quiet town. Most folks will probably be at near by water holes trying to cope with the heat the best way they can. The only problem is that by mid-afternoon the refreshing water holes feel more like a sweat lodge.
The town is just a little too quiet this morning. Nothing compared to the last two days the new marshal and his deputy have had to endure. The sudden sound of heavy boots walking on the wooden walkways could be a sure sign of trouble headed towards the marshal's office. The creaky wooden framed doors with glass centered in the middle of Rock Creek's law office open up allowing a swift burst of wind to whip through the room. Unfortunately the gentle breeze doesn't disturb the soft snores of the lawmen resting at the desk. The stranger enters the office and quietly shuts the doors. The stranger clears his throat as loud as he possibly can manage, but still no sign of life rises from the marshal or his deputy.
The stranger gazes amusingly at the two snoring lawmen. His hands are resting on his gun belt as he shakes his head in disbelief while watching Kid and Buck snooze. "It's no wonder this town is in the shape it's in. If the law sleeps all day, the criminals are sure to have plenty of time to play," the stranger spoke to himself.
The stranger walks closer to the desk. He tips his hat back a little from his face. "I understand this here town is looking for a real marshal!" He spoke boisterously.
