ROCK CREEK ADVENTUROUS TALES
PART 2

GHOSTS FROM THE PAST

by Debra © 2001

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Teaspoon walks out of his house onto the porch. He is walking without his crutches, but he is easing his way along by gliding along the front of the house. Yesterday Doc Barnes had finally agreed that it was time to get rid of the strong bindings that had kept his leg stiff and unmovable for the past two months. It would still be a while before Teaspoon would be fully recovered from the leg injury. He didn't mind that just so long as he could walk again without those damn crutches!

It is early morning two weeks after the arrival of Jack Morgan, an old friend of Teaspoon's who now makes a living as a bounty hunter. Teaspoon gazes out at the ranch as he makes his way to the edge of the porch. It is a quiet morning. He hadn't wanted Jack to know about Jesse, but that wasn't meant to be. At least hunting down Jesse was keeping Jack away from the rest of his family. He didn't trust the man, even though they had once spent a year of their lives together trapping the great west.

He hasn't heard from Jesse since their run in at the dance. That was just as well also. The pain that he had caused the rest of his family just to protect Jesse had left Teaspoon with an abysmal taste in his mouth. He didn't like himself much when he had spoken harsh words to Buck about his past mistake. To think he had compared Jesse to Buck. Jimmy was right, that is totally absurd!

The one pleasant thing that has happened is that the autumn coolness seems to have cooled down a few of the hotheaded tempers around the ranch. Buck and Kid have almost completed the repairs that needed to be done before winter settles in. Jeremiah had insisted in helping at first, but the minute a young lady from Rock Creek took interest in him, he had found a better way to spend his last few weeks of summer before returning to school.

The schoolhouse bell had rung out a week ago. Jane has been quite busy teaching the children of Rock Creek. She doesn't have all the children attending school yet. Some parents, because of the killings that have been unsolved, are keeping their children at home until the killings are solved. Even though it is a lot of extra work for Jane, she gladly takes these children's schoolwork to their homes. Last week, Buck wouldn't let Jane stay at the schoolhouse without him being close by. He is still worried that Simon might return to finish what he had started with her. But, after a week of putting up with his over-protective ways, Jane had ordered him to stay on the ranch and get his own work done, running the ranch with Kid.

Cody hasn't been able to solve the murders that he was sent to Rock Creek to investigate. He's been working all-day and late into the evenings trying to figure out who the killer could be. At least that is keeping him away from pursuing Jane.

Teaspoon turns toward the bunkhouse when he hears voices approaching him from that direction. He is stunned to see Jane walking with Cody, the both of them laughing. He figures Cody probably told Jane one of his dumb jokes. The two of them walk up onto the porch.

"Good morning Teaspoon," Jane spoke softly.

"Good morning Jane, Cody," Teaspoon spoke flatly.

"Teaspoon, is Rachel busy this morning?" Jane asked.

"Why I don't think so. Why don't you go on in the house, I'm sure she'd like a visit from you."

Jane smiles at the two men and walks into the Hunter house. Once she's inside Teaspoon turns to Cody.

"I know what you're thinking. No, she did not spend the night at the bunkhouse. She brought me over some muffins and coffee this morning because she knows how late I've been working," Cody spoke somberly.

"You act as if you're upset about that."

"I'm not giving up on Jane. I want her to be my wife. I still think she would be better off with me then with Buck," Cody spoke brashly.

"What about how much the two of them love each other? How are you gonna stop those feelings?" Teaspoon asked harshly.

"They haven't made love yet," Cody spoke confidently.

"How is it that everyone knows what the two of them do or don't do in private?" Teaspoon asked angrily.

"Charlene. She wants Buck, and she's making sure that I get what I want too. Buck and Jane can't have time alone because Charlene won't let them."

"Are you in on this little scheme with Charlene?"

"No!" Cody spoke trying to sound innocent of any wrongdoing. "She just keeps me well informed."

"Cody, I swear…"

"Teaspoon, I really didn't come over here to argue with you about Jane and Buck. There was another killing last night. Two of my men woke me about four this morning."

"Who is the victim?"

"I didn't recognize the man at first, but I kept thinking that I had seen his face somewhere before. It took a little while, but I soon remembered seeing the man with Jesse the day I got shot. He's one of The James Gang."

"Where was his body found?"

"That's what's really strange. He was found in the clearing where Jane and Buck were shot at," Cody explained as he takes a black leather glove from his pocket. "We also found this near the body," Cody spoke quietly as he hands the glove over to Teaspoon.

Teaspoon takes the glove from Cody and looks it over. There are dried bloodstains on the leather glove. There is something about the glove that Teaspoon finds odd, but he can't quite put his finger on it. He hands the glove back to Cody. "Did you show this to Jimmy yet?"

"No. I haven't been into town yet this morning. Jane said he got up early and already went into town."

Rachel sits a cup of coffee in front of Jane. The two women are sitting at the dining room table. Rachel sits down across from Jane.

"I can sense there is a problem you want to talk about," Rachel spoke compassionately.

"There is simply no privacy at Buck's house."

Rachel smiles brightly at the young woman before her. In some ways Jane reminds Rachel of Louise. Both women knowing exactly what they want, but just a little unsure of how to go about getting it. "Are you referring to no privacy for you and Buck?"

"I should be ashamed of myself. It's not like were married, but I'm constantly thinking about him in ways I probably shouldn't be."

"Jane, there's more to what you're feeling for Buck then just lust! Don't make yourself out to be just a woman Buck's going to spend one night with and then forget you even exist. It's obvious that you are in love with him, and I've seen the way he looks at you…"

"It's lust, Rachel," Jane spoke disheartened.

"I know Buck. He isn't the type of man to just lust after a woman. He has strong feelings for you. Otherwise, he'd just spend the night with Charlene."

"Oh dear Lord Rachel, don't say that!"

"You love Buck, don't you?" Rachel asked sure that Jane already knows how much she loves the Kiowa. "If you love him, then what's the problem?"

"The problem is Charlene. The woman interrupts every time Buck tries to kiss me. She is in between us every time he tries to take me in his arms. I know the woman is doing it on purpose to keep us apart."

"I see. You need to get rid of Charlene for an evening so you and Buck can be alone.

"He's asked me to go out to dinner tomorrow night. I thought perhaps you could invite Charlene over here for dinner and then…"

"I'll become ill from my own cooking, and Teaspoon will ask Charlene to stay to help with the boys seeing how he still can't get around very well."

Jane is shocked that Rachel has come up with such an elaborate scheme to keep Charlene from interrupting her romantic evening with Buck. "You've done this sort of scheming before, haven't you?"

"It comes in handy to be able to outwit the most devious women. They seem to be the ones that are always standing in the way of true love. I little scheming never hurt anyone," Rachel spoke with a laugh.

Jane laughs with her as they continue to scheme and drink their chilled coffee.

Teaspoon and Cody had heard their laughter and came bustling into the house figuring the women were scheming something. Teaspoon can identify all his wife's different laughs, and this laugh sounds like a scheme is in the making.

"You two seem to be having an interesting conversation going on in here," Teaspoon spoke wondering what their secret might be.

"It is none of your concern, Teaspoon Hunter," Rachel spoke sternly.

Cody looks down at Jane and takes her hand in his bringing her to a stand in front of him. "I don't care how much scheming they do as long as you will agree to have dinner with me tonight."

Jane looks at Cody with a silent, stunned expression on her face. She doesn't know what to say. Teaspoon and Rachel stare at each other wondering how Jane will get herself out of this date with Cody.

"I know it's sudden notice, but I think you owe me a dinner date for saving you from that heathen, Simon Davenport. What do you say? I could use your help to go over all the aspects of these murders with me."

Jane ponders on Cody's invitation for a few seconds longer. She hates to think how Buck is going to react to this. She doesn't want to disappoint Cody. But, this date would give her the opportunity to tell Cody that she loves Buck, and that he shouldn't waste his time wanting what she can't give him. "I'd like to have dinner with you Cody."

Cody gets a bright smile that covers half his face. Jane worries about his reaction, but she needs this time to tell him gently about her feelings. Teaspoon and Rachel are both shocked that Jane has accepted Cody's invitation to dinner.

Cody walks Jane to the front door. Jane turns back to look at Rachel. She winks at Rachel. A woman's sign letting Rachel know that she is scheming again. "Don't forget about our plans for tomorrow night," Jane spoke trying to also reassure Rachel and Teaspoon that her date with Cody doesn't mean she's given up on the Kiowa.

"I'll put them in motion later on today," Rachel spoke with a smile that tells Jane she understands that her date with Cody is just another one of those schemes women have to come up with to keep their life in balance.

Rachel glances over at Teaspoon. He hasn't taken his eyes off the closed door that Cody and Jane just walked out of hand in hand.

"I know what you're thinking," Rachel spoke softly.

"Tell me then, what am I thinking?" Teaspoon asked his eyes still glued on the closed door.

Rachel makes her way over to her husband and wraps her arms around the back of his neck. She kisses him gently to draw his attention away from the door and onto her. "You're thinking Buck is going to get hurt again."

"Why am I always pushing that boy into finding a woman. I should just leave things be," Teaspoon spoke exasperated.

"You didn't push Jane and Buck together. The pairing of them two happened naturally, and that is why Jane is the one that Buck is going to spend his life with."

"Rachel, you saw and heard what just happened here. Jane accepted an invitation for dinner with Cody."

"Jane is scheming. You have heard of scheming before haven't you?" Rachel asked as she unwraps her arms from Teaspoon.

"Yeah, I've heard of scheming. Perhaps it's time I did a little scheming of my own."

"Just don't go getting yourself into trouble. I have a lot to do today, and I won't have time to bail you out," Rachel spoke as she takes the coffee cups from the table and heads to her kitchen.

Teaspoon walks out into the cool autumn air. The days have become a lot less warm then what they were just a few weeks ago. He isn't real sure he's ready for another cold, and brutal winter. But, whether he is ready or not, winter is coming.

Teaspoon spots Kid walking up the walkway to his front porch. "What are you doing over here so early?"

"Oh, I was over at Buck's waiting for him. We need to go into town today to pick up some supplies."

"So where is Buck?" Teaspoon asked baffled as to why Buck isn't with Kid.

"Uh, he's over at the house fighting with Jane. I thought it would be best that I left them alone."

"Yeah, I bet he is fighting with her," Teaspoon spoke softly as he glances over toward Buck's home. "Kid we need a plan."

"What kind of plan Teaspoon?"

"Come on up here and sit with me until Buck is finished arguing with Jane and I'll explain it to you."

"Why do you have to go out with him?" Buck asked in a rather loud manner.

Cody had walked Jane back to Buck's house, just as Buck was getting ready to leave the house with Kid. The excited smile on Cody's face led Buck to believe that something important had happened between the two of them. For a brief moment Buck had thought that Jane was going to break his heart. Instead all Jane did was infuriate him.

Cody announced their dinner date for the evening before Jane could tell Buck in private. Jane saw the color suddenly disappear from Buck's face as he went completely pale. That is when she told Cody that she had to speak with Buck alone, and that she would see him later.

"I'm not going to explain my actions to you if you are going to yell at me! Jane spoke shouting back at Buck.

Buck sighs heavily and tries to calm his nerves and temper down. "All right, why are you going out to dinner with Cody?"

Jane smiles at his horrible try at self-control. She wishes Buck had this little self-control over his desire for her. There she goes again thinking of the lust she feels for him rather then the issue that is causing their first fight. "It is a dinner between two friends, and that is all it is," Jane spoke as she tries to maneuver her way around Buck to get her school books and papers ready for her day of teaching.

He puts his hands on her forearms to keep her from moving around him. "There's more to this date then that. I want to know what it is?"

Jane starts to see red! Buck is starting to act like he owns her, and it doesn't become him very well at all. "Buck Cross how dare you treat me as if you own me. You don't, and I won't be treated as such! Cody is a friend and that is all there is to it!"

"Why do you have to go out to dinner with him? You could spend two minutes talking to Cody at the next family gathering," Buck spoke his voice shaky with fear that he is about to lose her.

Jane senses how upset he is. She really doesn't want Buck to feel like he's losing her to Cody. She finds that so absurd, she finds Cody's personality matching that of a buffoon, but Cody has been after her since the day they met. Even though she has never really shown any interest for Cody, he has made it clear to Buck that he is interested in her.

Jane reaches her hand up to his face to caress his cheek. The sadness she sees in his eyes is unexplainable, but it leaves her feeling upset with herself that she has caused him pain. "No one compares to you in my heart. You have nothing to worry about where Cody or any other man is concerned."

His haunting eyes pierce through her heart and soul. His eyes darken with desire, and her heart tells her exactly what he wants. She reaches up to his lips and kisses him tenderly. She hears a soft moan come from within him. In one swift movement he clasps his hands around her waist, and he brings her body pressed tightly to his!

It isn't long before Jane's touch only serves to fuel the fire of intense passion that he feels for her! The kiss that had started out warm and tender has become forcefully intense with a hunger for each other that has brought the two of them to extreme heights of rapture, but then only to be snatched away from them due to lack of privateness. The desire that they have for each other causes them both to lose their senses. The heat between them molds their bodies to each other as if they are meant to be one!

"I seriously think that if the two of you are going to continue with these rages of passion, you should really get a room somewhere and get it over with," Jimmy spoke as he watches the two from the entranceway to the living room.

Buck and Jane untangle their bodies from each other once again. They are both breathless and must lean into each other for support.

"You two really are causing the rest of us to have a lot of sleepless nights," Jimmy spoke feeling like he really needs to be with Hannah after watching Buck and Jane's desire go unsatisfied again.

Buck gazes at his friend. "Causing you to have sleepless nights?"

"Yeah. So I can only imagine what it's doing to the two of you," Jimmy stated with a teasing smile.

Jane pulls herself away from Buck. She gathers up her things for school. "I'm running late. I really need to get over to the school." She reaches up and places one last gentle kiss to Buck's lips. "I'll see you later." She heads over to Jimmy, and stops in front of him. "You just find this so amusing, don't you?" Jane asked harshly.

"Well…I…it's just uh…well…" Jimmy stumbled through his words as he looks at the woman before him. She doesn't find all the intrusions funny anymore, and Jimmy sees it in her eyes that warn him not to give her another wisecrack answer.

"Never mind Jimmy," Jane stated angrily as she storms out of the house, slamming the door behind her departure.

Jimmy watches as Jane leaves the house with a very confused look upon his face. He gazes at Buck who doesn't appear to be baffled at all by Jane's behavior. "I'd watch that wrath of hers. She could probably be downright uncontrollable when she doesn't get what she wants."

"If you remember Jane at all from seven years ago, she was quite passionate then. Her passion then was limited to justice, and getting done whatever had to be done so justice would prevail. She's only grown up, Jimmy. The passion is still there; only it has become a focal point for everything in her life. Jane is passionate about everything she does," Buck spoke still trying to calm his breathing back down to normal.

"Well my friend, then I suggest you take Jane someplace secluded and relieve some of that passion, before someone gets physically hurt," Jimmy spoke fearing that the next person that interrupts Jane and Buck could end up at the doc's recovering from abrasions and bruises.

Even with all the torment Jane has been putting him through lately, Buck can only smile at his friend's fearful expression. "I thought you already went into town this morning?"

"Yeah, I did. But, Cody's army has taken over my office this morning. I couldn't take listening to their army gibber-jabber any longer. I figure I'll go back into town a little later. By then, hopefully Cody and his army will have disappeared.

"Teaspoon, are you sure we should be doing this? I mean we would be sort of interfering with an army investigation," Kid asked his voice showing concern over the plan that Teaspoon has come up with for Cody.

"Kid, you want Buck and Jane to have a chance at romance, don't you?" Teaspoon asked seriously.

"Teaspoon, Buck and Jane aren't ever going to have a serious chance at romance until Charlene and Jimmy are removed from Buck's house."

"Well that might be next on our agenda," Teaspoon spoke with a sparkle in his eyes. "Now listen, lets go over the plan one more time to make sure you know what you're suppose to do. If this works, Jane won't be having dinner with Cody tonight. Then all we have to do is get Charlene and Jimmy out of that house so Buck and Jane can have one evening of loving without any intrusions. Soon after that we should all be hearing wedding bells," Teaspoon spoke rather proud of his scheming.

Kid just shakes his head in bewilderment. He's thinking that all this scheming can only lead to more scheming which in turn leads to the possibilities of everything going wrong. Of course, how much more can go wrong for any of them?

Charlene had been summoned by Jesse James to meet him just outside the boundaries of the ranch. He would await her arrival in the woods that are beyond Buck's home.

She had been awoken from a deep slumber by a barrage of pebbles being thrown at her bedroom window. When she was able to wipe the sleep from her sluggish eyes, she took into account that the skies were still as pitch-black as midnight.

With the pebbles haunting her sleep, she decided that whomever it was trying to arouse her would not disappear until she paid them a visit. She had made her way clumsily to the window, and tossed the curtains aside to peer out into the blind darkness. When her eyes finally adjusted to the profound darkness, Charlene could see that she was staring down at the devil himself!

Jesse could sure catch someone's attention. He had sent Simon Davenport to alert her to her meeting with Jesse. She had to muster up the bravery inside her, and come face to face with Simon to retrieve her message from Jesse. It had shocked her that Simon spoke respectably to her, and that he didn't lay a hand on her.

Charlene finds herself riding along the road that takes her away from the ranch, and places her in a wooded area that looks and feels like doom. Just up ahead, she can see the lean figure of Jesse James mounted on his horse. The outline of his body is perfectly still as she approaches his horse.

"How dare you send Simon to see me," Charlene spoke harshly to a man that could easily take her life without a moment of remorse.

"I thought sending Simon added a personal touch to our meeting," Jesse spoke with a wicked smile etched on his face.

"What do you want?"

"My you are quite testy in the mornings."

"This is not morning. This is more like a little after midnight," Charlene spoke with venom due to his rudeness of awaking her up at such an hour.

"Is there anything going on that I need to know about?" Jesse asked a sleepy Charlene.

"Are you aware of the fact that you and your gang are at the top of Cody's list of suspects concerning the killings that have been going on around here."

"Now how can that be possible?" Jesse spoke with sarcasm. "What about Buck? What has he been up to lately?"

"Falling in love with Jane. The two of them are going out to dinner tonight, and then they are planning an evening alone at his house," Charlene spoke disheartened.

"You don't sound pleased about their evening. I have a plan that could benefit both of us."

A glimmer of hope materializes from Charlene's eyes. It hadn't dawned on her that Jesse's plans, whatever they may be, would help her achieve what she desires!

"You'll have to enlist the help of your partner in crime. Here's what the two of you will do."

Charlene listens intently to Jesse's plan with exasperating thoughts of her and Buck.

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