ROCK CREEK ADVENTUROUS TALES
PART 2

GHOSTS FROM THE PAST

by Debra © 2001

CHAPTER SIX

"What do you think?" Jimmy asked Cody.

The two are at the marshal's office bright and early the next morning after everyone at the ranch stormed away from each other to simply avoid further conflict. When Cody arrived at the law office this morning, it took him all but two seconds to notice the wanted posters on the bulletin board as Jesse James and his notorious James Gang. He stares at them as if he looking right through them, thinking how betrayed Teaspoon is going to feel that Jimmy posted them.

"What's your gut feeling on this one Jimmy?" Cody asked without answering Jimmy's question.

"Buck thinks it's the right thing to do," Jimmy spoke disheartened.

"I didn't ask you how Buck feels about it," Cody replied.

Jimmy thinks a long moment before he answers Cody. He gazes at the wanted poster of Jesse. The photo seems to come alive to haunt Jimmy's thoughts. He notices how Jesse is even smiling in the poster as if he posed for it. Damn kid probably did. Jimmy can tell that the man, and the boy he once cared for, achieves great satisfaction from the line of work he has chosen.

"I know I'm right for pinning up the posters. I'm just worried how Teaspoon is gonna react when he sees them," Jimmy stated flatly.

"Teaspoon doesn't know about the posters?"

Jimmy shakes his head with a negative response to Cody.

"Does Teaspoon ever talk about Jesse?"

"Don't know. I suppose Buck would be the one to answer that question."

"What question?" Buck asked. He strolls into the marshal's office looking a bit embarrassed about his argument with Jimmy the day before. He really doesn't want to fight with Jimmy. He only wants Jimmy to search for happiness somewhere else besides in Louise's arms.

"Good morning Buck," Jimmy spoke calmly.

"Jimmy, I'm really sorry about yesterday," Buck spoke humbled.

Jimmy gives Buck a friendly smile to let him know that all is forgiven. "Don't worry about it Buck. I did some thinking last night, and I realized that you are just concerned about everyone getting hurt.
I'm not planning on pursuing Louise. I don't want Kid or Louise hurt by my actions. Not to mention those two beautiful girls of there's."

"I had a long talk with Kid last night after you left. I think he knows that what happened yesterday was all in fun. Louise explained to him that you had frightened her and that's why she ended up in your arms."

"Sounds like I missed out on all the fun," Cody spoke smiling broadly.

"Cody wants to know if Teaspoon mentions Jesse at all in conversation," Jimmy spoke flatly trying desperately to forget the events of the day before with Louise.

"Not in quite a long time. I'd say it's been at least two years since he has talked to me about him. Why are asking?"

"Just wondering how he's going to take these posters hanging up in his office," Cody spoke with little concern.

"I think he'll be fine with it, but to be honest I'm not real sure. I do know Teaspoon always makes sure the new wanted posters are posted the minute they arrive," Buck spoke concerned that Teaspoon may be hurt by his actions.

"You don't seem as sure about this as you were the other day, Buck," Jimmy commented. He was totally surprised when Buck insisted the wanted poster of Jesse be hung up for the whole town to view. He usually has more concern for others and their feelings then the amount he showed when he told Jimmy to post them and he would take the blame for it.

"I know Teaspoon is a marshal, but he also loves Jesse. I know he would want to do what's right as far as the law goes, but his feelings for Jesse could possibly alter his judgment."

"Enough on Jesse. We need to concentrate on Simon Davenport." Cody turns to Buck. "Buck, Jimmy and I are riding out to search for Simon. He attacked another woman last night."

"Who?" Back asked.

"The new schoolteacher. Cody here came to her rescue," Jimmy spoke grinning at Cody who has his foot already in the door with the teacher."

"She'll probably be calling me her knight in shining armor," Cody boosted confidently.

"Yeah. I'm sure she will Cody. But, you weren't able to apprehend Simon?" Buck asked disheartened.

"I really didn't even see Simon. The way the schoolteacher described
the man had me picturing Simon Davenport in my mind. That plus the owner of the saloon told me Simon was at the saloon most of the day yesterday. By the time he left, which was about twenty minutes before I heard the teacher's screams, the owner said Simon was well on his way to being drunk."

"Where is the teacher now," Buck asked trying to keep his interest in meeting her hidden.

"She's at the doc's office resting," Cody spoke.

"Well I'm free for the day. Kid needed a day off to spend some time with Louise and the girls," Buck spoke calmly.

"Lets get going then!" Cody spoke excited about tracking the man he secretly suspects is the killer he's searching for.

Simon rides cautiously into the James Gang's campsite. The camp is located in the hills a few miles on the outskirts of Rock Creek. Many trees surround the campsite that Jesse chose. The trees surrounding the camp could hide an entire gang if a posse should show up. At the far end of the camp Simon views what appears to be a cave. No guns are drawn as he rides in. Jesse is expecting Simon's arrival. Jesse had sent one of his men to Rock Creek to find the man who keeps Jesse well informed of any news he hears from the town, especially the marshal's office.

As Simon rides deeper into the camp, he distinctively is aware of the new breed of horses that Jesse has acquired. They don't belong to the James Gang, yet Jesse is trying to change his ways. That will be the day Simon thinks to himself.

Jesse walks out of the cave to greet Simon. He walks up to Simon's horse just as he is dismounting. Another gang member automatically comes up and takes the reins of Simon's horse, leading her away from Simon until he is ready to ride out.

"I see we can add horse thievery to your list of crimes committed. Some of those horses I know belong to the Anderson Ranch. Where'd you rob the other four from?" Simon questioned Jesse's intelligence.

"I know it was a bad move, especially if anyone from The Kid & Buck Ranch sees us riding their horses. But, our horses are worn out. I had no choice but to find fresh stock," Jesse spoke gruffly.

"No need to get angry with me. I just think it was a stupid stunt. Are you or are you not trying to convince Teaspoon Hunter that you want to turn into a hard working, honest man?"

"I've already got him convinced. I went to the ranch and he gave me protection from the law as long as I stay out of sight until our name cools down some."

"Then what?" Simon asked almost dreading Jesse's answer.

"Then Simon, you're going to wed Charlene Anderson, and we're all going to become your ranch hands."

"Jesse you know you'll never be able to live a straight life."

"Who said anything about living a straight life. Our ranch will just be a cover. That way no one will suspect us of robbing any more banks or holding up any my stagecoaches. We'll be honest, law-abiding ranchers."

"Sounds like a plan that has a lot of flaws in it," Simon remarked coldly.

"Quiet," Jesse whispered.

Jesse directs his gang members to get out of sight. Frank walks out of the cave with some of the other gang members. Jesse motions for them to get ready to ride out. Jesse grabs Simon's arm and has him walking backwards with him closer to the cave.

In the clearing right before the campsite, Jesse can see his old family on horseback. Jimmy, Buck and Cody all seem to be searching for something or someone. Jesse's guessing that someone they're searching for is the James Gang. He doesn't think Teaspoon would have mentioned his visit to the new marshal and his deputies. The only other explanation is that they followed Simon. But why? No one knows that Simon is part of the James Gang. He has gone to great lengths to keep Simon out of the laws sight so he can use him as an informant.

Jesse realizes they won't be able to get away without the boys spotting them. He doesn't have to wait too long when he notices that Jimmy has detected his presence. Now his only problem will be explaining Simon Davenport's existence at the James Gang's campsite.

"Shouldn't we be a bit more cautious about riding into their camp?" Cody asked apprehensive about getting too close to Jesse and his gang. It's clear to Cody that Jesse is no longer the naïve boy they once all cared about.

"Cody, if Jesse frightens you that much, you can ride behind me," Jimmy stated slightly agitated.

The three men slowly approach the center of the camp. Jesse and Simon have since retrieved their horses and are mounted a top them, ready to ride if a gunfight should enter this cozy picture. The three halt their horses about twenty feet away from where Jesse and Simon have their horses stationed.

"It's been a long time Jimmy," Jesse spoke his face beaming with an overly friendly smile.

Jimmy tries not to let his mind wonder backwards to the boy that Jesse James once was. The friendly smile on his boyish face is just as phony as the man behind the smile. "Actually Jesse, I'm thinking it hasn't been long enough."

Jimmy's statement wipes the smile right off Jesse's face. He never could fool James Butler Hickok, but then not many men could. "What do the three of you want?"

"Well Jesse, we were tracking your friend next to you. A few young ladies from Rock Creek have been beaten up pretty bad, and it seems their attacker is none other than your accomplice, Simon Davenport," Jimmy spoke calmly.

"Looks like we hit the jackpot finding you as well. Won't everyone across this territory be shocked when we bring you in, and you weren't even that difficult to capture? Of course the bounty hunters might get a bit irate about it," Cody spoke as he flashes that wide Cody smile of his.

"You can't take me in Jimmy."

"And why not?" Buck asked slightly agitated.

"I've got myself protection. Teaspoon Hunter is protecting me from lawmen like you and from bounty hunters.

Buck's eyes are disbelieving mixed with shock that Jesse could come up with such a lie. It upsets Buck that Jesse would degrade Teaspoon's name by insinuating that Teaspoon would commit an unlawful act for a murderer. Teaspoon would never protect Jesse and risk losing his job.

Jimmy glances over at Buck who appears to be still in shock over Jesse's announcement. "Would Teaspoon do something like that and forget to tell us about it?" Jimmy asked baffled.

"I'm thinking if he did do it, he didn't forget to tell us. He simply chose not to tell us," Buck spoke sadly. He needs to get back to the ranch and ask Teaspoon about Jesse's so called protection. He doesn't want to believe Teaspoon would do something so irrational.

"Do you think we should take Jesse and Simon both in anyway?" Jimmy asked. He's thinking this marshaling business is getting tougher and tougher everyday.

While Jimmy and Buck are conversing about what to do with Jesse, Simon and Jesse are backing their horses up to make an escape. Jesse had noticed that Jimmy and Buck are apparently in a profound discussion. Jesse has no doubt in his mind that the conversation is about him and his gang. He almost feels sorry for Buck. The deputy just can't believe that Teaspoon would grant him protection. He's betting that Buck can hardly wait to get back to the ranch to make sure he is telling them the truth. It's no wonder that with his reputation the boys would think he is lying to them.

Jesse wants to make a quick getaway, but his horse doesn't see things the same way. As he shifts his horse to the right, the horse responds with a disapproving neigh. Simon and his horse are hugging up against Jesse's horse. There is absolutely no place for Jesse's horse to pass through unless he tramples over Simon and his horse.

"Hey! Jesse's trying to retreat!" Cody hollered boisterously.

Jimmy and Buck both advance forward to the area where Simon and Jesse are. Cody quickly follows behind them.

Jimmy draws his colt at Jesse. "Don't move Jesse!"

Jesse isn't going to wait around for Jimmy and Buck to haul him into Rock Creek.

"Lets get out of here," Jesse yelled at Simon.

"You go I'll hold them off," Simon spoke responding to Jesse's command.

Jesse maneuvers his horse around Simon's just as he hears a gun go off coming from Jimmy's direction! He speeds his horse away and doesn't look back. Simon is no longer is main concern.

Jimmy had only fired his colt toward the ground. He meant it as a warning shot for Jesse to go no further. After Jesse takes off, all three men barrel their horses through the campsite towards Simon!

Simon lifts his pistol, and without really aiming accurately he fires a shot! Simon waits until he witnesses the bullet hitting the blonde rider around the left shoulder area. The other two men stop to help their fallen friend. Simon speeds out of the campsite.

Cody stays a top his horse, but he's wincing and holding his shoulder. His shirt is quickly covered with blood. "Go after them! I'll be all right!" Cody mumbles through pain.

Jimmy dismounts his horse. He gets a couple bandanas out of his saddlebag. "There's no way we're leaving you here to fend for yourself."

"They won't be coming back Jimmy. Jesse is too smart for that."

"We can track them down later Cody. Right now we need to get you back to Rock Creek and have doc look at that shoulder," Buck spoke softly. He continues to gaze out at the direction Jesse and Simon rode out in. They'll probably set up a new camp in this same vicinity. Jesse won't go too far if what he claims is true about Teaspoon offering him protection from the law. Buck's mind is over-whelmed with the possibility that Jesse is telling the truth.

Jimmy places the bandanas inside Cody's shirt. "Press on them tightly. That will help the bleeding slow down until we can get you to the doc's office."

"Thanks Jimmy."

Kid has just finished helping Teaspoon from the buckboard that they rode into town on. Teaspoon leans against the buckboard while Kid fetches his crutches from the back of the buckboard.

"I'm sorry I took you away from Louise. I didn't realize you was taking the day off," Teaspoon spoke hoping that Louise doesn't become upset with him also.

"Lou said it is okay. She understands that you need to do something besides sit on the front porch twiddling your thumbs all day," Kid spoke as he hands Teaspoon his crutches.

Teaspoon glances at the office he has occupied for the past seven years in Rock Creek. "I kind of miss the office. Didn't think I'd ever say that, but I guess I'm not quite ready to give her up completely."

"I didn't realize you were even contemplating retiring as marshal. I figured since you do the job so well, you'd keep it forever."

Teaspoon is amused by Kid's way of pleading with him not to retire. Having Jimmy around full time endlessly would probably not only grate on Kid's nerves, but everyone else's as well. "Don't you think Jimmy would make a good permanent marshal?"

"Yeah. In another town," Kid spoke seriously.

Teaspoon laughs at the young man by his side. "Lets get inside. We'll surprise them when they get back.

Kid walks ahead of Teaspoon into the marshal's office. It is slow going for Teaspoon as he squeezes himself and his crutches sideways to get into the office.

Once inside the office Kid walks around Teaspoon to shut the door. Teaspoon gazes around his office. "You boys have really kept the place looking respectable and clean. Damn this office has never been this clean before."

Kid can't hold onto his laughter. "I did most of the cleaning. Buck swears we can now eat off the floor."

"Well I wouldn't go that far, but it looks real nice," Teaspoon spoke as his eyes suddenly deciphers the meaning of the bulletin board's new faces. He promptly becomes quiet.

Kid is watching Teaspoon closely. He can't seem to comprehend why he has become so quiet. Kid decides to follow Teaspoon's eyes. They land on the bulletin board. Kid sees what has put Teaspoon into a silent rage! He walks over to the bulletin board to take a closer glimpse, and to decipher the words on Jesse James' wanted poster.

Teaspoon doesn't have to read the poster. The fact that it's posted on his bulletin board is enough to send him into a rage!

Kid turns around to face Teaspoon who is still in a shocked state of mind. Kid figures Teaspoon is fighting his emotions because he hasn't hit the roof with his temper yet! "I'm sorry Teaspoon. I didn't know they was posted."

"Who would do something so irresponsible?" Teaspoon spoke his voice cracking with emotion.

NEXT

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