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Halloween 2008

By Calico

Strangeness on a Train

A sudden flash of lightening illuminated two figures on the isolated station platform; brimspulled down, collars turned up against the lashing rain.

If it wasnt A crash of thunder drown out the words of the slimmer man. He tried again. If itwasnt such a clich on Halloween, Kid Id be tempted to say Its a darknstormy night. Asecond flash displayed a would-be-cheerful dimpled smile, under a dripping, silver trimmedblack hat.

The figure in the soaking wet sheepskin coat had been exuding waves of silent disgruntlement.His companions smile irritated him into adding words to complete the effect. I dont mindclichs Heyes, he growled. I told you so is a clich and Im plannin on using that one a fewmore times before the nights out. I told you so Heyes! I told you that pland never work.NEVER! I TOLD you so.

Couldve been worse, Kid.

How the Sam Hill could itve been worse? Were penniless, not a horse between us, soaked tothe skin and freezin our butts off in the middle of nowhere!

We couldve been stranded somewhere the trains dont run.

Kid stared morosely into the ink black of the night. We musta stood here for hours. Imbeginnin to think we ARE stranded somewhere the train dont run.

You gotta have faith, Kid.

Heyes too stared along the dark track. Unseen by his partner, a pair of tapered fingers crossed.His other hand fished beneath his coat and drew out a pocket watch. At another handy lighteningflash, he remarked, Close on midnight.

Then, his brown eyes narrowed. A tiny speck of light was nosing through the night. Curving andcornering with the contours of the land, but definitely closer every moment.

There you see! Heyes tried not to make it a sigh of relief. The trains coming.

Together they watched the approaching light. The storm was beginning to ease. The sound of therain subsided. The night became almost calm. Almost silent. Still the light drew nearer.Something seemed eerie. What?

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Heyes? said Kid, tentatively. Is it me, or is that train kinda quiet?

A pause. Heyes summoned up another cheerful smile. The wind must be blowing the enginesound away from us, Kid, he suggested, with more confidence than he felt.

Still watching. A final flash silhouetted the now close train against the bleak horizon.

Heyes? Is it me or is that the blackest train you ever saw?

Trick of the light, Kid, said his partner firmly. He continued to stare, his smile becoming ashade fixed, then he shuddered.

You cold? enquired Kid.

Nah, just someone walking over my grave.

As his words lingered in the chill air, the ex-outlaws exchanged a glance.

Both were considering whether they had any reason NOT to board that train which the otherwould not scoff at.

---oooOOOooo---

Oh you poor boys!Come on in dont worry about crowding us! Well squeeze up and make room!We dont mind being crowded, do we ladies?No! Well happily squeeze up against I mean squeeze up FOR these young men!Put your hats up on the rack to dry. Just push our boxes along!Take those wet clothes I mean coats off, right now!Would you like something hot and steamy?She means coffee. We have hot coffee.Sweet bunsThey have havent they?No I mean, weve some buns left. They must be hungry.You sit here, young man plenty of room! Oooh is that a gun on your leg or are you?Shush! Of course its a gun on his leg.YOU you must come sit next to meOh look! Hes shy! Thats so cute!

The ex-outlaws exchanged a glance. Once the train halted, they had stepped into the nearestcarriage. Seeing it seemingly full, they had begun to make civil noises about not wanting todisturb the ladies, not wanting to drip rain all over themBut, even Heyes silver tongue fellsilent before the vociferous welcome and feminine fussing. Since the train had pulled awayalmost immediately, the partners were fixed in this carriage for the duration.

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When the initial flurry died down, Heyes and Curry saw that what had initially seemed to beclose on a dozen women of what is politely termed a certain age, or even more politely termedin their prime were, in fact, only four. Both partners were now firmly wedged between twoladies. A handy folding tea-table had been set between them and both were being pressed to wrapthemselves around sandwiches Im sure youd love a roll, Mister Jones. and cake Please

take my cherry, Mister Jones. and hot coffee from a new-fangled thermos flask Moresugar? Or are you, coy giggle, Sweet enough, Mister Jones?

The ex-outlaws exchanged another glance. There was nothing sinister here after all! ExceptNah, nothing. Why shouldnt four ladies be taking a trip at midnight across the West? If theywere sitting a shade close, hey! It was a small carriage. As for Kids feeling that three sets ofeyes were fixed on his every move hungry, gloating, watching, waiting Nah! Motherly. Thatsall the expressions were motherly.

Where are you ladies headed? he asked, civilly.

Oh! Were here to collect began Blue Ribbons. A guilty hand clapped across her mouth.

Were going to a handicrafts convention, declared Flowered-Bonnet, firmly.

What kind of handicrafts, maam? enquired Heyes, turning on a touch of dimpled charm. Tohis chagrin, it had no effect. Kid remained the centre of attention.

Mainly weaving, said Lace-Trim-Blouse, smiling brightly at Kid. Weaving the thread

Weaving, sure, interrupted Flowered Bonnet, with another reproving frown. But, all kinds ofcraft. Spinning, sewing

Blue Ribbons held up a silk filled needle and pair of glinting scissors and also beamed at Kid.Were all REAL good with our hands, Mister Jones, she chirped.

A giggle from Lace-Trim-Blouse. I reckon when the convention see what weve brought, wellbe the guests of honour!

A delighted trill of feminine laughter from Blue Ribbons.

She means shawls, put in Flowered-Bonnet with a slight shake of the head at her friends.Were taking shawls we made.

Affirmative nods all round.

Uh huh? said Kid, torn between enjoyment and embarrassment at having two comely matronspressing in on either side. Sheesh. Any closer and theyd be on his lap.

Can I tempt you again with my plums, Mister Jones? cooed Flowered-Bonnet, leaningforward.

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Kid, reluctantly, refused a fourth slice of cake on the grounds that he was full up. He drained thelast of his coffee and let his gaze drift to the one lady who was NOT staring at him with ravenous no, no, ravenous was the wrong word, he corrected himself rapt, that was it, rapt attention.The fourth lady Sable-Furs - was sitting quietly beside Heyes in a shadowed corner. Only

occasionally did her eyes flick a calculating, sideways glance at the dark-haired former leader ofthe Devils Hole Gang. For the first time Kid noticed she held a deck of cards in her hands. Hisbrows drew together. Surely they had not been there before.

Heyes noticed his partners frown and looked down.

Youre interested in my cards, Mister Smith? asked the low voice of Sable-Furs.

Sure, ma-am, he smiled. Perhaps you ladies would join my partner and I in a friendly game topass the time?

These cards, a pair of dark eyes met his, are not made for trivial games. These are the tarotand they reveal the future. She began to deal, face up, onto the table. The Tower, showing ruinor destructionThe Hanged ManJudgement, Lightening flashed, turning the three friendlyfeminine faces in the carriage suddenly into weird, shadowed masks. Death.

Uh huh, Heyes managed, in the sudden silence.

You boys would love her to read the cards for you, wouldnt you? beamed Lace-Trim-Blouse,leaning forward and squeezing Kids hand affectionately.

Sure, agreed Heyes, always curious over anything new.

Er hesitated Kid, who hadnt liked the sound of any of the options so far.

The Sun symbol of success and happiness, purred Sable-Furs, still dealing, The Wheel ofFortune. The Lovers.

Sure, agreed Kid. After all, it must all be nonsense. He wasnt superstitious. Much.

Deft fingers swept up the dealt cards and shuffled the deck. Slim fingers dealt a card onto thetiny folding table.

The Knight of Swords. I see violence in your past. Gun fire and money, much money. I hearloud explosions. I hear the sound of galloping hooves.

The ex-outlaws exchanged a glance.

Is that a fact? managed Heyes, civilly, with his best Im humouring you innocent smile.

Another card was dealt. The Fool on the edge of the Abyss. You share a quest the end of which

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is in doubt. And another. The Hierophant. Your fate depends on a man of high standing butyou fear he is a deceiver. You hold a secret which much be kept at all costs The secretconcerns concerns namesI seeI see I see the letter H connected with Mister JoshuaSmith

Is she close? fluted Flowered-Bonnet.

She is! She is! Look at their faces! trilled Blue-Ribbons.

Indeed, both partners expressions had moved from poker-faced into frozen.

Kid swallowed and looked intently at Sable-Furs. Did she know him or Heyes? Was she justtoying with them? A pair of dark eyes rose slowly from the cards to meet his blue stare. Theblond ex-outlaw felt cold fingers run over the nape of his neck and, icily, down his spine. Theman who could outstare hardened gunfighters dropped his gaze.

Shes good, isnt she? beamed Lace-Trim-Blouse, laying a warm hand over his suddenly coldone.

Against his better judgement Kid gave a gruff, Uh huh.

Heyes shifted in his seat. Seems to me, ma-am, whether youre right or wrong, its not exactlyforetelling the future.

A small, white hand swept up the cards and held them out. If you would know the future, tap thedeck three times.

Silence.

If you are afraid why then, let your fate remain untold.

Silence.

Sable-Furss eyes stayed lowered. But three eager, admiring gazes urged the partners on. Threesets of shining curls nodded encouragingly.

Both men exchanged a mute conversation. Was that a dare? Reckon so.After all, if they DIDNT tap the deck, what excuse could they possibly offer?It STILL had to be nonsense. Just lucky guesses. Didnt it?

The flicker of a questioning raised eyebrow from Heyes. A tiny answering nod from Kid. Twotanned hands reached out, together.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The Hermit. The Lovers. The Queen of Coins Sable-Furs voice dropped still lower. I see a

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cold place

The Tale of the Mouses Paw

I see a cold place.

Smith and Jones shivered. Despite having cut plenty of wood to feed the pot bellied stove, theabandoned cabin remained damp and draughty. A chill wind whipped around their ankles.Outside the storm flung yet another flurry of snow against the frail shutters. Both men pulledtheir coats a little tighter, blew on their fingers and fanned out the result of Jones deal.

Im in for The dark-eyed man frowned, considering. Im in for three matches.

A sigh from across the table.

I fold.

Fold! What the Sam Hill are you folding for? Youve got three aces! I got nothing!

Jones opened his mouth to ask how Smith could know the contents of his hand, remembered whoSmith was, shut it again. He scowled. Im folding cos Im sick of playing for matches. In fact Im sick of pretty much everything. Sick of this cabin. Sick of waiting year after year for newsthat never comes. Sick of He sighed, deeply. Sorry. Guess sitting quiet in the middle of astorm just gets a man to broodin. I thoughtI thought by now we might be yknow startinafresh.

Uh huh, nodded Smith, sadly. He understood.

Maybe A faint flush showed on Jones cheeks. Maybe even settling down with a goodwoman.

Or, even better, a real wicked woman, joshed Smith.

Jones tried to answer his friends smile, but

Silence.

Suddenly, something sounded above the keening of the storm. A desperate hammering outside.

A glance was exchanged. Both partners drew their guns. Jones levelled his colt steadily at thedoor. Striding swiftly, Smith drew back the rough bolt barring the entrance.

A snow smothered figure stumbled inside, falling to its knees. A pair of frantic dark eyes lookedup from between locks of black hair.

Preacher! exclaimed Jones, holstering his gun and joining Smith in helping their frozen friendto his feet.

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---oooOOOooo---

It wasnt the whiskey did for me. Not this time Preachers eyes stared into the orange glowof the stove. It was He shuddered. It was the curse of the mouses paw!

Mouses paw? repeated Smith.

Uh huh. I won it in a poker game from an old soldier who claimed it granted three wishes toeach of its owners.

You never fell for that, Preacher?

Sure did. Mind I aint claiming I was exactly sober at the time. But The knuckles of thethin hand clutching the tin mug of hot coffee shone white. I reckon if youd heard him, youfellas woulda believed him too. Told me this paw had a spell put on it by some Indian Shaman. A

very holy man. The pain filled eyes rose from the fire. Flames danced in the inky depths. Hewanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to theirsorrow."

Silence.

The old soldier told me the comrade from who HE got the paw, on his third and final wish,wished for death.

Slowly, Preacher drew a white handkerchief from inside his dark coat. Laying it on the table, heunfolded the linen layers. There, inside, was a minature, shrivelled, clawed foot.

Silence again. Preachers eyes stayed riveted on the paw.

Smith cleared his throat. Did you wish? he said. I mean did it work?

A gulp. Then, as if against his better judgement, Preacher nodded.

A long pause. Then, whip-quick, he reached out and tossed the paw into the flames.

With a cry of surprise and, quicker still, Smith caught up a spoon and rescued it. If that thingreally grants wishes, it must be worth a fortune!

Dont be a fool! begged Preacher. Pitch the paw onto the fire!

The partners exchanged a glance. A silent question from Smith. A not sure shrug from Jones,who was frowning at the minute piece of withered flesh.

If you wish, pleaded their old friend, At least promise youll think first and only wish forsomething reasonable.

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Smith frowned at the paw nestled in his palm. He met preachers eyes and nodded, slowly. Hestrode over to his partner. We both know my mouth sometimes runs away with me, he told theblond haired man. So, I think you should hold this.

Jones repressed a shudder as he took the tiny, clawed object. He wrapped it safely in his ownhandkerchief and stowed it away in an inner pocket of his jacket.

---oooOOOooo---

Some Weeks Later

Jones, seated in the small caf, pushed his stew around the plate. He was missing his partner, butcouldnt deny when they were down to their last dollar and Lom told them of two jobs payinghard cash, it made sense to split up and take them. But, waiting for Smith to show up, wasntwhat was REALLY eating him. THAT - that was Em. Or rather what had happened the day

before he met Em.

Itd been his birthday. Not just A birthday; one of the real mean fellas with a zero on the end.Jones had been unable to shake off the feeling that the years were slipping by. That his life wouldNEVER change. He and Smith would keep on running, keep on hiding untilAnd, hed neverHedJones felt dumb even thinking back over it. Hed got drunk. Not celebrating drunk. Gloomy,brooding, maudlin stinking - drunk. Hed glowered at the working girls as if it were their fault.Because, they were all the feminine company hed ever have and, in the depths of his despair, hesaw more clearly than usual that, beneath the painted smiles, the only people these girls despisedmore than themselves were the customers. Men like him.

Hed stumbled back to his cheap room. How many shabby, soulless rooms had he seen over theyears? How many more would he have to endure? Through the fog of alcohol in his brain, he hadstared at his saddlebags, thinking about wishes. About the mouses paw.

Then, he had taken it out andMaybe.He had been so drunk that the next morning he wasnt real sure it had happened.The paw had been out on the dresser, butHad he wished for the love of a good woman? Had the tiny piece of flesh glowed hot in hispalm?Nah! Even if he really HAD been drunk enough to wish, that last bit was just cheap whiskey andimagination.

But, the very next morning he had met Em; waitressing here in this caf. Itd beenA wry smiletwisted Jones sun-kissed cheeks. Itd been love at first sight. If she was to be believed and heDID believe her, he trusted every word that girl said it had been just the same for her.

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It wasnt the paw! He wasnt dumb enough to think that! After all, a lot of the glooming overnever finding love had been nothing but birthday blues. It wasnt as if he hadnt had his shareof flings over the years. Nothing like this though. THIS was the real thing.

It was dumb. It was wrong. It couldnt last. Hed have no choice but to hurt her. Hed hate

himself when he had to leave. And, even though itd tear him apart, he would HAVE to leave.But, despite all that, it WAS the real thing. Jones couldnt help sheer joy bubbling up inside asEm smiled over. This last week had been the happiest of his entire life.

---oooOOOooo---

Thaddeus, murmured Em, her voice muffled as she was too dang happy to lift her mouth awayfrom where it was nuzzled into his chest, Have I told you recently I love you?

Its been a few minutes, said Jones.

The edge of bleakness in his voice brought her head up.

That had been a mistake. Probably the most wonderful mistake hed ever made, but still, amistake. Jones hadnt planned it. Sheesh, no! Hed told himself no way would he take advantageof Em. She meant far too much to him. Hed be hurting her bad enough without riskingItd just happened.They loved each other so much, SO much, itd justHe squeezed his eyes shut. Itd been Ems first time. He was a rat.She must thinkBut, he hadnt told any lies. He DID love her. He adored this girl.

You dont There was a waver in her voice. He heard a gulp. He squinted down at the piquantlittle face that meant more to him than all the world. Her bottom lip just gave one wobble beforeshe set it. You dont think less of me now, do you Thaddeus? I know I I shouldnt haveIjust

Hey! He caught her up in a hug that made her squeak, turned her back onto the pillow andkissed her. I could never think less of you. NEVER! Whatever happens, Em, you gotta believe Ilove you. I LOVE you. But

His kiss had brought her smile back. A teasing hand ran up his spine to tousle the curls at thenape of his neck. But? she prompted.

You know when we first met? I said Id only be here for a week or so

Uh huh? ButI was thinking, Mister Fraser is hiringit may not be quite the work you want,but itd be a start and, his foreman kinda has a soft spot for meNOT like that! Hes pastfifty! More more like an uncleCos we both sing in the choir and, when he bust his wrist Iused to take round his favourite stew and a dish of piecos

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Em. I cant stay. I just cant. And, you hafta believe if I could I would. Id take any dangjob going to stay here and marry you and spend the rest of my life with you, if I could. I cant.I Jones voice broke. This time the gulp was from him. His face turned away and one tannedhand moved from its nesting place on Ems back to rub at his suddenly brighter blue eyes.

Em gazed at the man she loved. Loved AND trusted. Any doubt that he had simply turned on thesweet talk to to have his wicked way with her was quashed by seeing the tears he tried to hardto hide. He loved her. She knew that. But Em was no fool. A certain air of danger hung aroundThaddeus Jones. She saw his wariness of strangers. She saw how he watched the roads into thissmall town. She had guessed there might be trouble in his past, though she had shied awayfrom dwelling on what that might be.

Thaddeus, she said, quietly. If we had a little stakeI mean enough to she hesitated, incase her guess made him angry, Enough to get us south of the border and buy us a little place would you marry me then?

Like a shot! exclaimed Jones, without thinking. He drew in his breath and thought for asecond. He never, NEVER wanted to lie to Em. If they had a stake like that, his partner Smithwould come too! The two people he loved most in the world would be safe while he waited forLike a shot, he repeated, kissing her hair. But, we dont.

We might, she said, slowly. Suddenly, she pulled away, swung out of bed and began to pull onher clothes. I I have to go.

He sat up. Wha?

Small, work-roughed fingers stopped his question. Ill tell you if it works! A pair of lipsreplaced the fingers, kissed him andshe was gone.

---oooOOOooo---

Jones stared at the stained paper covering the wall. Smith would arrive any day now. They had tomove on. That was their life. Butcould he bear to leave Em?

Pain twisted at his heart. He had wished for love and his wish had been granted with avengeance.

He thought about the mouses paw. Of course, it was nonsense. The wishing and then meetingEm was nothing but coincidence. But

Preacher had warned about wishing for money. About wishing for anything unreasonable.Suppose he made sure to wish only for reasonable? Nothing greedy. Since it didnt workanyhow, what harm could that do? It left one wish for his partner. Though since it was alldumb, that didnt matter.

Jones eyes squeezed shut. Ems smile danced behind his lids. His breath came hard and fast.

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Without further delay he was out of bed, tearing at the buckles of his saddlebags. The paw was inhis hand. He wished Careful, careful Keep it reasonable!

I wish Em and me had a stake. Just enough to set us up, south of the border, to wait safely forthe Governors verdict, however long that takes.

His palm burned. OrThe sensation was gone so quickly that, once again, Jones could not ruleout imagination.

Footsteps racing up the bare hotel stairs, a tap at the door, Em, flushed with excitement,something clutched in her hands, burst in.

Thaddeus, Thaddeus! We have a stake! It worked. Not QUITE how I meant its kinda sad in away. But WE can head south and be together!

A stake? he repeated, confused.

Uh huh! Ten thousand dollars

Jones eyes settled on the black object in her hands. He reached out and, without a pause in herspeech, she answered the unspoken request by handing it over.

You see, I never told you, cos why would I? but when I was still a girl I was a passenger ona train that got stopped by outlaws

Jones stared at the black object in his hands. His fingers tenderly ran over the bright silvertrimmings.

It was the Plummer gang. And, this morning I KNEW I recognised him! And, Id read theposter. $10,000!

One of the silver studs was not so bright. Jones touched the still wet splatter. He pressed thedamp patch inside the battered hat.

I wouldnt have said anything to the Sheriff if we hadnt needed the money so bad. Itskind of mean, but we HAVE to be together

He drew his fingers out of the hat. Stared at the scarlet stain.

I know it SAID Dead or Alive, but, I never thought theyd shoot him. I thought hed just getlocked up. I wishI wish it hadnt happened this wayIve never seen a man killed beforeIpicked up the hat cos she gulped, Itd just been left lying in the dust and

She tailed off as she met the stricken gaze of those blue eyes. Jones whole body had stiffened.

Han! Han! It was almost a whisper, but aching with pain. Jones reached out for a tiny object on

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the table. I wish I was with you, Han!

Ems mouth opened, but her throat was too tight to let out the scream of terror as her first andonly true love collapsed, lifeless, to the floor.

---oooOOOooo---

Oh! That was sad!And eerie!I suppose the moral is be careful what you wish for.Poor Mister Jones!POOR Thaddeus I may call you Thaddeus?Mind you, Thaddeus had been a naughty, naughty boy! Using his charms on that girl, Em!Boys WILL be boys!Maybe she led him astray!A young man is SO easily tempted bywell, by A blush. Loves pleasures.

A pause in the feminine appreciation for Sable-Furs fortune telling. Three pairs of bright eyeslooked at two distinctly shaken ex-outlaws. Three pairs of soft, slim hands stopped stitching atthree dainty embroidery frames which had been brought out once their friend had bent over thecards.

Didnt you think it was sad, Mister Jones? Mister Smith?

Heyes and Curry shifted in their seats. The shock of hearing Preachers name and of realisingthat Sable-Furs must, MUST know their real identities had paled into insignificance as the storyreached its conclusion.

Heyes cleared his throat and tried for a nonchalant of course I dont REALLY believe in it tone.He failed. Was that Heyes searched. A phrase from a book hed read once swam to the top ofhis memory. Was that the future that MUST be? Or only a future that MIGHT be?

The future is only fixed once it becomes the past. There is always choice. Sable-Furs dark eyesrose from the deck her hands were now slowly shuffling. Do you wish to question the cardsfurther?

The partners exchanged a glance. Roughly translated, this seemed to suggest they were allowedto see if their luck would improve with a fresh deal.

If fear of finding a worse fate than that offered holds you back, so be it.

A mute conversation. Another, half-reluctant, nod from Kid. Surely the next try HAD to bebetter. Two hands reached out.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

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The Queen of Wands. Strength inverted. The Tower.

Three ladies settled to their embroidery with murmurs of happy anticipation. A fourth began hersecond tale. I see a small town and a single lean figure riding in

---oooOOOooo---

No Place to Hyde

I see a small town and a single, slim figure coming out of the hotel.Ten minutes later Jones was pushing stew around his plate in a small caf. He missed his partner,but couldnt deny when they were down to their last dollar and Lom told them of two jobspaying hard cash, it made sense to split up and take them. But, knowing hed have a few days towait before Smith showed up, wasnt what was putting him off his food. THAT was thehangover. Jones had spent last night drowning his sorrows over yet another birthday on the runand this particular birthday without even a friend to drink with. Most of the morning had passed

in a stupor. The first part of the afternoon had passed working up the strength to lift his poundinghead from where it was buried, face down, in a drool soaked pillow. Sheesh! He must have beendrunk last night. Lousy, stinking, maudlin drunk. Hed thought solid food might help, but

Jones gave up on the stew, swallowed the rest of the scalding black coffee and strode out. Hisgaze travelled down the dusty street. It passed over the saloon, with a shake of his aching head.The last thing he needed was a hair of the dog. Bleary blue eyes took in a livery, a hotel, aschoolhouse with children clattering down the steps and hollering as they began the run homeOh! Despite evil gnomes tap-dancing behind his eyes, Jones straightened up, squared hisdrooping shoulders and managed a wan smile and painful tip of the brown hat. A tall lady presumably the teacher was locking the door. She descended the steps at a sedate pace, tying a

demure bonnet over upswept honey coloured hair.

Good afternoon, maam. And, what a lovely aftern Jones stopped. The rapid straightening uphad been a mistake. A tan-gloved hand flew to his mouth. He smothered a belch and swalloweddown the acid reflux in his throat. His belly growled in protest and gave a frankly vulgar seriesof gurgles and pops. Excuse me, maam, mumbled the ladies man, a faint flush rising to hischeeks.

Are you not feeling well? came a kindly voice.

Must have been something I I ate, said a subdued Jones, apologetically. A second belch

caught him unawares. Hic! he added, explosively. Blushing, he looked up into a pair of smilingeyes. Hic! He clutched his churning stomach. Oh, for Petes Hic!

Miss Stevenson, the lady introduced herself, holding out a hand clad in a neat kid glove.

Thadd...HicSeuss HicOh @**@! @**@ing HIC- hiccoughs! I mean Blue eyeswidened in horror at this fresh slip. Sorry maam. Hic!

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Come with me, I can help, she laughed. She pointed at a building displaying Doctor R. L.Stevenson on a small brass plaque. Come on.

Giving up on further speech the hiccoughing Jones followed her, concentrating hard on letting nofurther outbreaks of wind, odour, nor obscenity escape from any orifice whatsoever.

---oooOOOooo---

Feeling better?

Jones drank the last of the concoction. It tasted foul. Like Smiths coffee after a couple of realstinking toads had taken an amorous bath in it and a skunk not a respectable skunk, some blacksheep of the skunk family who the others avoided because of his poor personal hygiene hadused it as mouthwash and spat it back into the tumbler. ButHe blinked his eyes a few times. Risked a shake of his head. Contemplated his quiet stomach.

Sure do, maam.

The once again bright blue eyes checked out the bottles and jars, jostling for space on the floor toceiling shelves surrounding him. A marble mortar and pestle and a set of weigh scales stood onthe bench in this back office his new acquaintance had led him to.

Youre a doctor as well as a teacher? he asked, confused. Now he was not distracted by evildancing gnomes, he saw she was not so young as hed first assumed. Maybe a few years olderthan himself. Still a fine, handsome woman though.

No. There was an edge of bitterness in the voice. My younger brother is the doctor. Therewasnt enough money to train us both and my father believed it a waste to spend college fees ona girl even if she did have a passion for science. Once I married, all that good money and fancyeducation would be thrown away. A pause. Only, I never did marry. I took my teacherscertificate, used my wages to help with Roberts much more important fancy education andhere I still am.

Uh huh? Jones looked around. They seemed to be alone in the building.

She answered the unspoken question. Roberts at a conference in St. Louis. I always cover forhim in the pharmacy when hes away. A wry smile. I assure you, I may not have a medicaldegree but I know quite as much as he does. Again just a hint of resentment, I have donethese fifteen years.

Judging from the effects of that, maam, I believe you. Jones nodded at the empty tumbler, That wasnt like any medicine I ever took before. More like magic.

Her gaze widened for a moment and then ran over the handsome man seated in the deep leatherchair. The soft lashes dropped over intelligent eyes. You flatter me, Mister Jones. Shesmoothed a non-existent wrinkle from her serviceable navy serge skirt. Are you staying in town

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long?

No maam. A week at most. Then Ill be moving on looking for work. A pause. . What do Iowe you, maam? As he had expected, she waved aside any payment. Jones had not missed thefleeting expression of disappointment at the news he was only passing though. Perhaps just a

shade smugly, Jones treated her to one of his boyish charm smiles, In that case, ma-am,perhaps I could buy you dinner tonight, to say thank you?

Im sorry, Mister Jones, again, just a hint of suppressed resentment appeared. The terms ofmy employment at the school forbid me to pay or receive unchaperoned visits from single mennot in my immediate family, to drive with them in a horse drawn vehicle, to be seen in theircompany after dusk, or to engage in any social intercourse whatsoever which might give rise tosuspicion, even if wholly unfounded, of moral turpitude.

Jones blinked. ErI only meant a friendly meal, ma-am. I wasnt thinking of any turpiIwasnt thinkin of nothing at all!

Again her clever gaze ran quickly over him. I know you werent Mister Jones, she sighed.

It was true. Jones hadnt been thinking of anything much at all. Maybe a little innocentfeminine admiration as a pleasantly flattering antidote to all the maudlin brooding his thirtiethbirthday seemed to have thrown up yesterday. Miss Stevenson was not exactly the usual pictureof temptation. From the tip of her tidy bun to the toes of her sensible and well-shined boots shewas clearly the epitome of respectability. Jones didnt think much of men who fooled aroundwith respectable women, raising matrimonial hopes they wouldnt or couldnt fulfil. Maybe heHAD raised a few hopes over the years but, not he hoped with malice aforethought. Maybe, arueful grin, getting older had some compensations? Maybe hed grow out of being so susceptibleto an admiring smile?

I guess Id better be going, Jones said, rising to his feet. Thank you again, ma...

Oh, dont go just yet, Miss Stevenson interrupted, just a shade too eagerly. Stay for coffee.And, Im sure I can rustle up an oatmeal cookie or two. An entreating smile. Youll needsomething to wash the taste of the medicine away. Call it convalescence.

Jones returned the smile. Not even the starchiest school board could object to a legitimatepatient staying for ten minutes of coffee and convalescence, huh?

Miss Stevenson disappeared through a door at the back of the dispensing office. Jones heard thechink of china, the glug of coffee. What Jones did NOT hear was the tiny plop and fizz as EmStevenson, a suddenly resolute set to her chin, added a single black, shining drop from a tinysilver topped bottle to each cup. She stirred strictly anti-clockwise seven times. Thedetermined lips moved, silently.

---oooOOOooo---

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Jones slowly came round from his post-coital stupor. Tousled blond curls lifted from where theywere pillowed onA faint flush rose to his cheeks. He pulled the throw filched from therespectable couch set back in the dispensing office a little higher over Ems naked body. Then,with a wicked smile, he changed his mind. What did he care if it WAS broad daylight outside?He glanced around at the devastation wrought in the formerly neat room. Bottles and boxes had

been swept from every surface, because every surface had been needed for other purposes. Hedidnt care about that either.He didnt care about being thirty.He didnt care about missing out on a wife and children. What kind of loser wanted to be tieddown?He didnt care about posses. Nor bounty hunters. Why should he? Wasnt he the fastest gun inthe west? Let anyone even try to mess with him hed know what to do!He didnt care about the amnesty. @**@ the governor! And, @**@ his dumb partner for everwanting to go straight. Going straight was for quitters!He didnt care about ANYTHING.He was INVINCIBLE.

And, he was the greatest lover in the history of the world! And, Em deserved him for a whileanyhow, no WAY was he EVER going to be a one woman man because she was the mostuninhibited little w**** hed ever come across. Pun intended! She deserved She deservedEms squeak of surprise as she was roughly roused from sleep segued almost at once into athroaty growl of pleasure

---oooOOOooo---

Jones slowly came round from his, completely exhausted, post-coital stupor. Tousled blond curlslifted from where they were pillowed onSheesh!Scarlet, he scrambled to his feet. Trying not to look, he spread the throw filched from therespectable couch set back in the dispensing office over Ems naked body. He looked down athimself. Sheesh! Clumsy in his haste he started to retrieve one item of clothing after another.Draped on high shelves, dangling over the ceiling lamp, stuffed under theHow the Sam Hilldid THAT get THERE?

As he hopped on one leg trying to pull on the other boot, his mind raced.WHAT had happened? Well, he could guess that. But, WHAT had come over him? She was arespectable woman! She could lose her job let alone her reputation if anyone found out.

He winced as he buttoned his shirt. His back felt like hed done three rounds with a cougar! Fearand guilt gripped him. She hadnt hadnt been trying to fight him off, had she? He lookedaround at the devastated room. He looked closely at the white arm flung above Ems head in thetangle of honey coloured hair. He gulped. Finger bruises; not deep, but definitely there. Surely hehadnt? Itd be bad enough if hed sweet-talked her into going against her better judgement,but SURELY he hadnt?He couldnt remember.And, the vague images floating in his mind seemed unbelievable.It was more like a dim memory of watching some other guy. A guy not without attractions, notwithout an inner unshakeable self-confidence Jones might even envy, butNah! Jones decided

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he did NOT like this other fella!

He became aware that Em was waking up. A pair of sleepy eyes blinked at him. She clutched thethrow modestly, but the half-embarrassed, half-teasing smile she gave relieved at least onequalm. She may, like him, be a touch shame-faced now, but nothing had happened she had not

wanted at the time.

Hello, Thaddeus, she murmured.

Erhello

You look like a guilty schoolboy. Are you worried Im going to give you a hundred lines?

Em, Im so, SO sorry. I should never have taken advantage of you like

You didnt. I did.

Huh?

I took advantage of YOU. I knew youd never make a pass at me. I knew the normal me wouldnever pluck up courage to to throw myself at you. And, even if I did suppose you were agentleman and saved me from myself. So, I decided to use something to help us both along. Yousee Em sat up, clutching her knees and still keeping the throw wrapped around her. I wantedto feel my heart hammering frantically against a handsome mans chest just once. Just once Iwanted to feel

You mean Jones interrupted, not sure whether to be angry or not. On the whole he thoughtstunned covered it better than angry. You DRUGGED me?

It is not exactly a drug. It is a little experiment of mine. Administered correctly, it releases allthe hidden parts of human naturerelieves us of inhibitions, of guilt, of the burdens of so-calledcivilisation

A pause.

Im sorry, she offered, not very convincingly. But, alls well that ends well. And, A naughtygrin reminiscent of the uncivilised Em of earlier. You cant deny it ended well. Several times.

A rather sheepish grin in return from Jones. She had had no right to do that, butWell. Like thelady said, no real harm done.

All of a sudden, Em giggled. One thing you were doing that I HADNT expected I mean,aside from all theWell, aside from all THAT was claiming to be someone else!

What? Jones snapped.

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You were claiming to be Giggle. Kid Curry! The fastest gun in the West!

Silence from Jones.

Fond smile from Em. I guess it was you reverting to boyish games, Thaddeus pretending to bea notorious outlaw. Isnt that ridiculous?

Ridiculous, he managed, stiffly.

Can you imagine if you WERE Kid Curry and I gave you the potion? Thatd be something tosee! Choke of laughter.

Why? Why would it be different for him?

Because, Em pushed back a lock of hair, her brow puckered. The potion lets out your dark

side. The wilder the original character, the riskier it is. An outlaw a gunslinger will havereleased what most of us consider a dark side already. AND, he will have seen and experiencedevents worse than a run of the mill man. Whatever Kid Curry has kept hidden from himself islikely to be much worse than say - the law-abiding itinerant cowboy, Thaddeus Jones.

Uh huh? Jones shifted uncomfortably. He really had NOT liked much of what he recalledabout the other fella. Still, he reminded himself, no real harm done.

Suddenly, Ow!

Whats wrong? Found a scratch? Same here. My backs like a

No, frowned Em. I rolled on something. She fished under the throw and drew out a tinybottle. The colour drained from her face.

What is it? asked Jones, suddenly nervous.

Its the potion. Its empty. You must have made me give you more - or maybe I offered - whilewe were both Em searched. Not ourselves.

Well, still no harm done. A bottle that size could only hold a teaspoonful.

The dose which changed us, was a single drop. Im worried that She stopped.

That what? prompted Jones.

That you may change again. At any moment. Em bit her lip. Then, with a little shake of herhead, she made an effort to relax. Maybe you wont change. And, if you do, whats the worsethat can happen?

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Jones blinked. What WAS the worse that could happen?

---oooOOOooo---

Jones sat quiet in his hotel room. Maybe if he stayed away from any possibility of trouble, hed

be less likely to change. Maybe the dang potion would just work its way peacefully out of hissystem and nothing would happen. Jones filled the water glass and took another long drink tohelp wash it through.

He thought about his dark side. Hed always liked to think of himself No, no, he alwaysliked to think of them BOTH as pretty good bad men. And, sappy as it sounded, the warmth ofthat one enduring friendship had kept their slates cleaner than either would have been alone.

But, deep down, Jones knew there was a lot of stuff inside himself he didnt like. There had beenever since the pair of them threw up a protective shell around themselves back in the home. And,as for keeping things hidden from himself

On a sudden impulse, he unstrapped his gun and tucked it, well out of sight beneath his cleanshirts. If HE couldnt remember what the other fella did maybe the reverse was true? IF hechanged, at least Dark Side wouldnt be armed. Of course, without his gun he would be atrisk and anything that happened to him happened to, er, well to him

Jones gave up on the convoluted logic. He leant on the dresser in front of the flecked mirror andadmitted that what he was most scared of was NOT something hurting him. What scared himmost was the potential killer he saw in the glass adding a body to his tally.

He stared at the reflection. Slowly, his fears ebbed away. It didnt look as if he were sufferingany after effects from Ems potion. He looked in the pink of health. In fact, a smug smile creasedhis cheeks, he looked even better than usual. Better by the minute. He could almost see his facechanging as he became younger and stronger. Handsome enough to get anything he wantedfrom the ladies and dangerous enough for no man to dare try and stop him. What the Sam Hillhad he been worrying about? He was invincible. He could feel the pumping blood tingle in hisveins. The blue eyes glinted cruelly. The mouth lifted in a mocking sneer as Jones retrieved thegun from where his dumb alter-ego had stashed it. That weakling would rather risk getting shotat, than send any worthless lawman who recognised him by the short route to oblivion would he?Pfffttt! HE knew better.

---oooOOOooo---

Are you gonna draw? sneered Jones at the terrified youngster standing about ten foot awayfrom him in the tense and now silent saloon. Cos I never enjoy it so much if I reach first.

Look, Mister Jones. It was just an accident. I said sorry. I offered to buy you another

Seems to me a man oughta watch where hes steppin. Seems to me a man shouldnt carry a gunif hes too yellow-bellied to use it. Are you too yellow-bellied to use it, boy?

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Silence.

I asked you a question, boy. Are you a yellow-bellied stinkin coward?

Silence. The youngster opened his mouth, almost determined to save a remnant of pride with afirm no, took another look at that icy blue stare and shut it again.

For Petes sake, protested the bartender. The lad told you he was sorry. Leave it at that.

Ill leave it when he answers my question, said Jones. Is he gonna draw or is he a yellow-bellied stinkin coward? Well boy which is it?

Bill Caseys face twisted in misery. He ought to stand up to this bully. He knew that. But Whatuse was pride once you were stone cold and six foot under? He didnt want to die like this. Hewanted to live. Carry on saving for a little place so in a couple of years maybe when he turned

twenty-one - him and Ellie could get married. And, if he died, how would Ma manage withouthis wages? He had to support her until Charlie and George were old enough to help out.

Im a coward, he muttered. He was never wearing that dumb gun again. Never.

Cant hear you, sing-songed Jones, mockingly.

Im a yellow-bellied stinkin coward.

Louder.

Im a yellow-bellied stinkin coward.

Hmmm? Seems in that case, maybe I should shoot you anyhow. The colt flew into Jones hand.The silence around the saloon was broken by gasps and screams from the saloon girls.

Did ya SEE that?Sheesh!Aint no one that fast!

The cold blue eyes glinted with triumph at the squeal of terror and telltale damp patch spreadingon the youngsters crotch.

Bang! deadpanned Jones, then laughed as he watched a tear escape and a sleeve pull hastilyacross a pair of lowered and shamed eyes.

---oooOOOooo---

The early dawn light filtering through the sprigged curtains brought Jones slowly round from hispost-coital stupor. Tousled blond curls lifted from where they were pillowed onOh, for Petes

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sake!Dj vu swept over him.

He sat up and met Ems questioning gaze, as she rubbed her arm where his weight had cut off thecirculation.

Are youyourself, Thaddeus?

How the Sam Hill did I get here? his question overlapped hers. The implication sank in. DidIchange again?

Still cautious, Em nodded.

I didnt didnt hurt you did I? he asked, seeing her wariness.

The soft lashes lowered quickly, hiding a sudden calculating expression in the clever eyes.

Oh A pause. She shook her head. It doesnt matter. I know its not the real you. Im hardlyentitled to complain, huh? And Em gave a mischievous smile, Im not hypocritical enoughto deny the pleasure of your company whichever YOU it is - sure beats a quiet eveningmarking math homework!

Jones searched his or rather his memory. Again it was vague like recalling events he hadwatched happen to someone else weeks ago. The first imagesJones flushed, moved as if tocover himself with the sheet, decided any modesty with Em was now just plain dumb and didntbother. He STILL didnt like the other fella, but he couldnt deny the guy had stamina.

Er, Em he began, tentatively. Last night, was I saying stuff about you and me strikin it richand headin off together South of the Border?

It might have come up, she admitted, cautiously.

Jones braced himself. He sure didnt want to hurt her feelings, but NOT that after the wayshed tricked him, Em exactly deserved perfect chivalry. You do know thats just the potiontalkin? As soon as my partner shows up

You have to move on, she interrupted, in a controlled voice. You have to move on and youcouldnt take me along, even if you wanted to. I know.

Jones scanned her face. Her expression wasNah. He gave it up. She was not an easy woman toread. Not heartbroken though!

I guess, he gave a self-deprecating laugh, only the OTHER fellad be conceited enough tobelieve youd give up all this His hand indicated the tidy, feminine bedroom with itscurrently rather overcrowded prim little single bed. And your teaching and alljust to go on therun with some no-account drifter.

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Once more the soft lashes fell to hide the clever, clever eyes. Put like that, it DOES soundridiculous, she murmured.

Jones returned to searching his memory. The events of last night before rejoining Em remainedelusive, but he recalled hard anger. Hatred against a world that had once robbed him of

everything. Determination to get even to take back what life owed him. Despising all the folktoo weak to take what they wanted. Despising all the dull ordinary little people who settled fordull ordinary little lives, sweating away at dull ordinary little jobs that were just too dang hard onthe back.A cold shudder ran over him. Some of this, though twisted out shape and unsoftened by anyhuman warmth, was too familiar for comfort.He recalled the lust toJones head dropped into his hands. Please, please not that.

Whats wrong? Em asked.

Its him. I reckon hes getting stronger. Stronger and meaner. Em... He caught her hand,urgently. Em. I cant keep changing. Hes last nightIm still not sure what he did, but onething I do know. He didnt kill. And thats what he really wants. He wants to kill.

The schoolteacher searched the blue eyes, found the pain hidden there. Her suspicions grew. Hehad lied. This wasnt and never had been law-abiding cowboy, Thaddeus Jones. This man knewwhat it felt like to kill. AND, so did his dark side.

Em opened her mouth to speak, changed her mind and shut it again. She was not sure what shewanted to say and was wise enough to realise in such situations the best thing is to say nothing.

You made this dang potion. I KNOW its still in me. I can feel it. Can you make whaddya callit an

An antidote, she supplied, quietly.

He was right about one thing. The potion was still in him. She knew because it was still in hertoo.

Can you? Can you undo this?

While she was still hesitating, they became aware of noises outside coming closer. Stomping ofboots. Shouts.Not here, Deke.Well check out the livery.

Pulling on a wrap, Em slipped to the window and guardedly twitched the curtain to peep out intothe dim light of early dawn. Its the Sheriff, she hissed, And it looks like both deputiesAND a couple of other men!

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He cant have left town his horse is still here.Watch your back. Zeb saw him draw against young Billy. Said he aint never seen nothing likeit!Course we dont know for certain THIS was him

Lily, that little redheaded piece at the saloon, says he was spinning her a tale hed ridden withthe Devils Hole Gang.From what I saw hes sure mean enough!

What have you done, Thaddeus? Ems eyes widened as she watched the busy street below.Householders were being knocked up.

The mercantile was robbedWere searching every buildingDeke found Joe knocked senselesstaken a pretty bad kick to the ribs tooLooking for a fella callin himself Jones

Whod DO that to a man his age? Sheesh! Its not as if Joe could put up a fight!

Do they mean Joe Godfrey? Jones gasped, recalling having the old man pointed out to him ashaving lost the arm at Bueno Vista.

Thaddeus, it might not even have been you! You heard theyre not certain.

Jones, now buttoning his shirt, strode over to his jacket, pulled a fistful of bills from the pocket.Their eyes met. For pitys sake, Em, you gotta help me!

I will. I can hide you. Swear Ive not been disturbed. The Sheriff will believe me

NO! I mean you gotta help me not change back! I cant Jones stared at the stolen money inhis hand. I cant be this fella. I WONT. Id rather He stopped. Em watched him. Inside theman a battle was going on. Jones took a deep breath and reluctantly chose the least bad option.Or at any rate, the least bad option if he was trying to do the right thing. Ill give myself up godown unarmed. Say I broke in here to hide, but realise Im outnumbered. If Im in a cell itwont matter if I change.

Dont! She wasnt ready to lose him! Not yet! Im sure I could come up with an antidote.Sure!

I could change any moment, Em. I can FEEL him. Feel him getting stronger. I cant take therisk.

But they could lock you up for for months. Maybe years.

Despite himself, Jones gave a wry smile. You have no idea how many! Again, he caught herhand. Listen. I have a plan. Leastways, I have half of something that could become a plan andI know a man who can fill in the blanks. My partner should arrive any time now. He Jones

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hesitated, then decided if Em guessed, well that was the least of his problems. Once youvecome up with an an antidote, or once all the effects have worn off, hell be able to break me outof jail. Call it a knack. His names Joshua Smith. My height. Dark. Black hat, silver trimmings.Once he shows up tell him everything. Take my gun. Hell know if YOU have that, I trustedyou. AND, tell him to make sure its ME hes breaking out, NOT the other fella. Will you do all

that, Em?

A tiny pause before she pressed his hand in return, Sure.

Thanks. He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek and she heard his boots on the stairs and a callof Dont shoot! Im coming out with my hands up!

Em turned to the mirror and raised her fingers to the place Jones lips had touched. Her browpuckered. I dont know about the other fella getting stronger, Thaddeus, she breathed, Butyoure sure getting weaker. The man I met yesterday wouldnt be so - gullible. A cunning smilelifted her flushed cheeks. The eyes glittered. Her life filled with passion for the first time, Em felt

invincible.

---oooOOOooo---

The Sheriff shuddered at the bitter hatred darting blue fire from the eyes of his prisoner. Joneshad seemed so so reasonable when they arrested him this morning. Now he could well believethis was the man who had beat up harmless old Joe Godfrey. He more than half believed thegossip started by a couple of the saloon gals - that Thaddeus Jones was really the notoriousoutlaw, Kid Curry. In any case, he believed it enough to wire for a lawman to come in fromCheyenne

The Sheriff motioned the lean figure away from the food hatch with his gun. All the way back,Jones, hands flat against the wall. Deke here, Deke was the man carrying the tray. Wont becoming any nearer until you back up. So, unless you wanna stay hungry

With a sneer of contempt, Jones did as he was bid. A Sheriff and Deputy both with guns trainedon him from outside a steel barred cell and a third man to set down the tray at arms length andpush it through the hatch. Snivelling cowards the lot of them. They were right to be frightenedthough! If he ever got out

Left alone, Jones retrieved the food from the hatch. He had to keep his strength up. Ready forwhen he DID get out. Anger raged inside him at the one man he could never take revengeagainst. The dumb weakling with the bleeding heart who had tossed aside his gun, raised hishands above his head and walked into this cell. He couldnt keep changing back into him hejust couldnt!

---oooOOOooo---

Blinking awake, Jones raised his head from the thin mattress. He winced as a stiffened muscle inhis neck protested at the sleeping arrangements. Dark. Must be the middle of the night. Where

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the Sam Hill?

He remembered. He was in jail. Dj vu again! Though, this time was different. Hedvolunteered to be behind bars. Trying to raise his hand for a good scratch Jones felt his arm jerkin its socket. He was cuffed to the bedstead. Why? The Sheriff had seemed a decent enough fella.

Not one to indulge in any vindictive

Oh!

Images floated into Jones mind. He had changed again. He hadHe grimaced at the recollection of the obscene sound of a breaking bone and the cruel pleasure athearing a squeal of pain. He had lured an unwary young deputy close enough to grasp a wristthrough the bars.

No wonder the Sheriff had taken extra precautions. Jones didnt hold any grudge for the bruiseshe could feel either. He reckoned he had deserved them. Still, it could have been a lot worse if

he hadnt been locked up. Couldnt it? Hed made the right choice turning himself in. Hadnt he?Sure he had. Probably.

Jones sighed. He disliked nearly everything about the other fella, but he sure wished he hadhis self-confidence. Being left with even half of it would have been something.

Suddenly, Jones became aware of stealthy movement beyond the outer cell.

Thaddeus, hissed a familiar deep voice.

Jones closed his eyes in utter thankfulness. At last.

A familiar black hat followed the voice. A familiar pair of brown eyes were lit up by a raised oillamp.

HeyI mean, hey, Joshua, hissed back Jones, seeing Em appear over his partners shoulder.What the Sam Hill kept you?

The brown eyes searched the cells, checking Jones was the only prisoner.Oh, Em and me reckoned there was no hurry, beamed Smith, in his normal tones. Had tofinish supper first. Im afraid we didnt save you any. Still, wouldnt want me breaking you outtajail on an empty stomach, would you?

A glower from Jones.

Mister Smith cracked the safe where the Sheriff keeps the cell keys, exulted Em. Isnt thatclever?

Not as clever as this one, smiled back Smith, nodding at the excited schoolteacher. She cameround to put a splint on some fellas wrist and doped the coffee pot. AND, she says they wont

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even have a headache when they come round. Most civilised jailbreak Ive ever He stopped.A wary glance at Em. She must have guessed, but no need to rub it in. Most civilised jailbreakIve ever imagined. Hypothetically, he amended. An admiring look. I reckon you work magicwith the potions in that dispensing room, maam.

The smile on Ems lips froze for a second. Once again Jones felt a wave of dj vu as the softlashes lowered and he heard, You flatter me, Mister Smith.

Is it true though? urged Jones. Did you manage the antidote, Em?

The lashes rose. Her eyes met his and she nodded. A small hand held out a corked bottle. Wait,she pulled out the stopper. I took a dose myself to check it worked but maybe one drop moreto be sure. Wicked twinkle. You dont want me reverting and throwing myself at Mister Smithhere, do you?

Well, ma-am began the dimpled one, as Em took a ladylike sip.

Dont! warned Jones, cutting off his partner before any silver tonguing could join the dimples.He took the bottle from Em. Youre sure this works?

Youll know it works as soon as you taste it, she assured him.

Jones drank. His eyes widened. Yes! YES! He could feel it. The other fella was gone forever.He met Ems watching gaze. She gave him a tiny nod, a flash of justified pride in those clevereyes.

His partner beamed through the bars. Now Im supposed to check its really YOU. That reallyyou in there, Thaddeus?

You know it is! Get me outta here!

Looks ugly enough, mused Smith, teasingly. Sounds grumpy enough. Still maybe weshould wait. See how grumpy he gets if we make him miss breakfast.

Its ME! If you dont get me outta here Ill Ill flatten ya!

His partner, still grinning, had already undone the cell door and had knelt to pick the cuffs.

Whatever you put in that potion, maam couldnt you have added a little something to keephim civil? The cuffs clicked open. Jones stretched his cramped shoulder and rubbed his wrist.Dyou hear that! Not a word of thanks. Do you reckon a fella this ornery deserves his gunback? joshed Smith. Nah! Neither do I. The thing is maam, hell only complain he walks witha limp if we hold onto it.

Horses ready? grunted Jones, buckling on the well-worn gun belt and, after checking thechamber, slipping the spotlessly clean colt into its holster.

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Yup.

The three of them slipped past the unconscious lawmen and, after checking the town wasdeserted, into the silence of the small-hours streets. Two tethered horses whickered a soft

greeting.

Em met Jones eyes, gave a tight little smile. Time to say goodbye.

I guess so. Jones turned, gun leaping into his hand. Goodbye, partner. A cruel grin answeredSmiths incredulous stare. Once thoroughly respectable Miss Stevenson has struck it richclaiming the ten thousand on your head, well head off to a new life, South of the Border. Justlike we planned yesterday. His lip lifted in contempt. Youre getting old as well as soft, hecrowed, as six bullets, so rapid they seemed a single shot, ripped through the lean body and sentit first spinning, then crumpling into the dusty gutter. You never used to be so easy to bluff!

Jones, turned over the corpse of the man he now recognised as nothing more than a useless, weakburden with the toe of his boot, then hefted it across his saddlebow.He didnt need him! He didnt need anyone! He only neededJones threw a look of triumph at Em, already mounted on Smiths horse.He only needed her. Her and the potion to keep the other fella quiet forever.

They rode out together before the first of the roused townsfolk made it down to the street. Both -invincible.

---oooOOOooo---

Oh! That one was sad too! POOR Mister Jones! Poor, poor Thaddeus.Poor Mister Smith too! He got the worst of it!What a co-incidence! The girl in this one was called Em too!Scarcely a girl! Old enough to know better! The hussy!Oh! I felt sorry for her. After all Flutter, flutter. Mister Jones is SO attractive. Well.Maybe I can understand the temptation.And Thaddeus was naughty AGAIN!BAD boy! Giggle. Hand squeeze.Only because of the potion.Oh! Playful tap of a sun-kissed cheek with a half-embroidered lily. Men will be men, potionor no potion!I didnt think it was so sad as the first one.It was a bit LIKE the first one when you think about it.Well, the end result was sure the same.Sympathetic tutting. Both partners found their hands receiving a kindly squeeze.

The enthusiastic burst of chatter died away. Silence.

Blue Ribbons selected a new skein of silk and began to wind it. Lace-Trim-Blouse tidily rolled a

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tape measure. Flowered-Bonnet finished a final French knot in the centre of a bunch of daisiesand snipped off her thread. Three cheerful faces beamed benevolence at the ex-outlaws in therosy light of the oil lamps.

Neither Heyes nor Curry could muster a smile in return. Kid merely looked stunned. He had not

merely listened to Sable-Furs words, she had planted them inside him like memories. He couldsee SEE his bullets ripping the life from Heyes. He could feel the guilt like a pain. He wastelling himself, over and over, It never happened. Heyes is right here. Hes fine. Were both fine.It was ONLY a story. It could never happen. At that last thought, something made him turn tomeet Sable-Furs eyes. Not a word passed her lips, but Kid had no doubt she read his mind aseasily as the cards in her hands. He had no doubt of her silent response. Yes, it could. NorKid gulped. Nor had he any doubt he believed in Sable-Furs prophecies more than in his ownattempts to hold on to comforting scepticism.

Meanwhile, Heyes, also more affected than he would care to admit by the second story waswatching the ladies as they returned to their needlework. There was something he was trying to

remember Something hed read when he was a boySomethingNah! It wouldnt come.Heyes gave up searching his memory for the present.

Poor boys, repeated Flowered-Bonnet. Such a lot of trouble ahead.

You know what they say third time lucky! urged Blue-Ribbons.

On cue, Sable-Furs held out the deck.

Seems to me, maam, said Heyes, still civil, though with an edge to his voice as he answeredBlue-Ribbons, Your friends were in the right of it when they said both futures seemed to havethe same end result. Im not sure I want to hear a third variation on a theme.

Unphased by the echo of the dangerous tone that once made the hardened outlaws in the DevilsHole Gang nervous, Blue-Ribbons touched Heyes hand and smiled, Poor Mister Smith. Areyou ALWAYS this unlucky with cards?

Not as a general rule, maam. A tiny pause. Not with a straight deck.

A fleeting flash of sardonic laughter from of Sable-Furs. Feel free, Mister Smith.

Heyes hesitated a moment then took the offered cards. He was not familiar with the tarot, but, aquick check confirmed this was not a deck stacked with more than its share of ill omens. Asingle instance of each image. A fair number seeming at first glance to signify good fortune. Ofcourse, Sable-Furs could interpret them any way she chose

What would this mean? asked Heyes, holding up a card glinting with shining gold.

The Chariot? Perhaps a battle or some difficult task ahead. Perhaps simply endeavour, honesthard work.

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Uh huh? And this?

That is The Moon, Mister Smith.

I can see that, maam. What does it mean?

Dreams good or bad. A tiny pause, just like Heyes had left earlier. Or, it could just be TheMoon.

Uh huh? The tapered fingers shuffled the deck. He stopped, pursed his lips. Once more, hedecided.

Once more, Sable-Furs agreed with an inclination of the head. The cards clicked together.

The deck passed back from Heyes to the teller of fortunes. She held it between him and Kid. And

waited.

It was Kid who reached out. Anything Anything at all would be better than replaying the sceneof Heyes dying at his hand, over and over.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The Chariot. The Moon. A pair of mocking dark eyes met those of Heyes for a second beforelowering again. The High Priestess. I see two men contemplating honest, hard work.

The Coyote Hunt

I see two men contemplating honest, hard work.

Theres nothing wrong with honest, hard work, urged Smith.

No, grunted his blond partner. I just thought we preferred honest, easy work.

Doesnt usually pay so well.

Jones gave an acknowledging shrug. There was a lot of truth in there. The advertisement circledby his partner offered $30 a day and a possible $1,000 bonus. But

Jobs pay this well for a reason. Remember that time with the mountain lions at the Carlsonplace.

$500 per cat, sighed Smith, nostalgically.

You nearly became a cats supper!

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Yes but THIS job A tapered finger tapped the newspaper, ISNT hunting down mountainlions taking calves in cattle country.

No. Its huntin down coyotes takin lambs in sheep country.

Thats what Im saying completely different.

The blue eyes shot an incredulous look at the persuasive, dimpled face.

Coyotes are nothing like the size of lions. You not going to tell me youre frightened of aacouple of mangy little wild dogs?

Nope. Im gonna tell you Ive a healthy respect for up to a dozen medium to large wild dogswily enough to make up for lack of size by huntin in pairs. Two steaming plates were deliveredby a smiling waitress. Jones wrapped himself around a forkful of ham and eggs. And another. Hismood lifted. The thing is, he went on, indistinctly, Ive been thinking

Forgetting our arrangement again, huh?

Youre right about coyotes not being up there with cougars in the predator stakes, so why the$30 a day? Why arent the young bucks at he checked the small print, Moonshine fetchingout their rifles and huntin down their own mangy coyotes? And what the Sam Hill is thispossible $1,000 bonus for? How many sheep is this dang pack taking? Its gonna be one easy jobshootin em if its $1.000 worth! They must be fat as as Jones unwonted eloquence ran out.He filled the simile gap with another mouthful of ham and eggs and chewed questioningly at hispartner.

A dimpled face mused. Smith had to admit they were all good points. He sighed, You dontwanna take the job?

Nope. But Another forkful of ham and eggs went west. Or, should that be south? I knowyoull talk me into it so, I fold. Rueful lift of an eyebrow above a half-resigned, half-joshingblue eye. Whats the worst that can happen?

---oooOOOooo---

A couple of days later

The partners exchanged a wary glance and resisted the urge to let their eyes drift to a pair of alltoo familiar wanted posters on the opposite wall. Would they ever get used to walkingvoluntarily into a Sheriffs office? However, both Smith and Jones were becoming aware that, ofthe five men present, they were by far the least nervous. The grizzled lawman shifted in his seatand failed to meet the partners eyes. Beside him, the portlier of the two prosperous lookingsheep farmers was clearing his throat and, despite talking at great length, singularly failing togive a straight answer to Smiths question about why bringing in one particular coyote wouldearn a bonus of $1,000.

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Smiths deep voice cut through the farmers rambling. What is it youre not telling us, MisterBauer? Mister Jones and me sure arent complaining about being offered $30 a day and no oneever heard us complain about the chance to get our hands on $1,000

So long as its law abiding, like, put in Jones.

But, if were to do a good job for you and Mister Thwaite, we need to know what were upagainst. This IS just a coyote out there?

An exchange of glances between the two farmers.

No ones ever seen it and li The skinny Mister Thwaite, who had scarcely taken his eyes offthe partners, received a warning nudge. No ones ever seen it, he repeated, darting anapologetic glance at his neighbour. But weve all heard its howl

An involuntary shudder ran over the man, he stopped. Smith noted the Sheriffs adams applebob, convulsively.

Its a coyote alright. Just big an mean an too dang clever to let itself get shot yet, said Bauer,mustering a would-be-confident tone. AND, were both tired of finding dead sheep in themorning and having our men all spooked up and refusing to stand guard at night! He tried tohold Smiths searching gaze. He failed.

Dyou mind if my partner and I talk it over? asked Smith.

Feel free, grunted the Sheriff. This is, Again, he shifted in his chair. No ones telling youany lies here, Mister Smith. This is a dangerous job the pay reflects that. But, if you and yourpartner turn it down you leave Moonshine with no hard feelings.

The partners pushed back their chairs, rose and strode outside to consult.

Whaddya think? asked Jones.

They may not be lying but theyre sure not telling us everything, frowned Smith. Still, itdoesnt feel like any kind of bounty hunt lure. And, it doesnt feel like were going to be trickedinto anything shady. Not crooked shady anyhow.

Uh huh.

They want fellas who are real good trackers and real good with a gun - and theyre prepared topay for the best. That bits true.

Uh huh.

This is a nice quiet town, no ones likely to know us. I guess Id rather be up against a pack of

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coyotes than a posse. If we dont get the pack leader we still get $30 a day so long as theyreprepared to let us keep trying.

Uh huh, Jones nod at that was thoughtful. There was a lot of truth in there.

What do YOU think?

A long pause. I think, Jones admitted, Weve two dollars and fifteen cents between us and along spell of hungry days and cold nights in front of us if we DONT take the job.

Uh huh.

In unison the partners turned on their heels and strode back into the Sheriffs office. Once again,Thwaites eyes fixed on them, searchingly.

Mister Bauer, Mister Thwaite, you got yourself two coyote hunters, beamed Smith. Well start

tonight and well take our first days pay in advance.

A pause.

That would be now, clarified Smith.

Oh! Digging in his pocket, Bauer drew out $30 and pushed it over the desk. Ride over to myplace and Ill show you where the last mauled sheep was

Each, interrupted Smith, still smiling.

Huh?

Our terms are thirty dollars a day, EACH, chimed in Jones, civil but firm.

Bauer opened his mouth to argue, took another look at the steady blue eyes facing him andchanged his mind. Another $30 was produced.

Jones and me are going to go get a hot bath, a hot meal, a cold, cold beer and somewhere to restup not necessarily in that order, said Smith, folding the money away into his vest. Dontworry Mister Bauer, well be over at your place this afternoon for you to show us around andback again at dusk.

---oooOOOooo---

Back out in the street Smith nodded over at the saloon. Im thinking we start with a cold beer.

Sounds good, concurred Jones.

AND Im thinking a little saloon gossip might fill in some of the blanks left by our new

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employers.

Uh huh? Jones glanced up at the name of the saloon with its accompanying lurid artwork. TheSlaughtered Lamb, he read. The partners exchanged a glance. Cheerful, huh?

As the batwing doors swung shut behind them, a dozen or so customers swivelled to stare at thenew arrivals. The hum of conversation halted, the music from a tinny old piano fell silent. Eventhe glass polishing cloth in the bartenders hand froze into stillness.

Im guessing they dont see many strangers, murmured Smith, under his breath. Out loud, headded, Howdy fellas.

No answer. Even the affable Smith was finding it hard to keep smiling faced by all these grim,guarded faces.

Two beers, please.

They were served in silence.

My partner and me weve just taken a job with Mister Bauer you know him? Smith asked,chattily.

Uh huh, grunted the bartender, warily.

We hear he and some of the rest of you are having problems with a coyote pack. Hes hiredus to hunt em down.

A definite shudder ran around the room. Several men drained their glasses and, without a word,left the saloon.

I guessed as much, said the bartender. You look pretty much like the pair he hired last month and the month before that. His eyes ran over them. Maybe a mite more expensive, headmitted.

What happened to them? asked Jones.

A long pause. The bartender returned to glass polishing. Couldnt say. I mind my own business.We all do here. So should you. Get back to where you came from. Leave Moonshine.

An old timer sitting at a corner table spoke up. Franks givin you fellas good advice there. Nogood can come of messin with, the cracked voice shook, he drained his whiskey glass, TheBeast!

Holding out a couple of dollars, Smith nodded at a bottle of the good stuff. And three glasses.One for our new friend over there.

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The bartenders gaze flicked to the old-timer. You dont want to pay too much attention toanything Crazy Pete says. Hes A finger tapped on the side of his head indicatively. Andthats aside from the A wrist motion mimed drinking.

One close look at Crazy Petes bleary eyes was enough to convince the partners that the second

half at least of the bartenders warning was true enough.

Smith poured a whiskey for the old man. It was disposed of in a single swallow.

Tell us about the beast, he prompted. A thirsty gaze rested on the bottle. Smith poured, butkept his hand on the glass.

Its huge! HUGE! Near on six foot from paw to haunch! Fangs like knives! Claws like razors!He pulled the glass from Smiths grasp and drank.

Youve seen it? checked Jones.

No. But, Red-Eye Bob saw it. Wed been drinking hooch out back of Thwaites place. I wasasleep, but HE saw it! Another sustaining shot of whiskey was taken. He told me. Ten foot talland breathing fire!

Uh huh? grunted Jones, exchanging a cynical glance with his partner and losing interest. Heturned back to the bartender. Were going to be looking for a room. Wheres the best place?

Theres no hotel in town. No one visits. I told you we mind our own business here!

Yup, you told us.

The bartenders eyes fell, faced with the blue stare. Widow Baskerville the white house at theend of Main Street she sometimes takes in lodgers. Nice lady. Fine cook. You could ask there.

Dont tangle with the Beast! wailed Crazy Pete, suddenly distressed. The Beast likes emyoung and strong and fair! A gnarled finger pointed at Jones. Like YOU!

Uh huh? Smith pursed his lips and examined his partner. I guess theres no accounting fortaste.

---oooOOOooo---

Later that day, around 5pm (early supper)

More potatoes, Mister Jones? giggled ten-year old Mary. I mashed them!

Let me serve you with carrots, Mister Smith, offered eleven-year old Rebecca. I cookedthese. A triumphant glance was cast at her young sister. Theyre glazed with lemon andhoney.

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I sliced the green beans! countered Mary.

I helped roll the pastry for the mutton pie!

What do you like best, Mister Jones, Mister Smith? Two sets of pretty hazel eyes fixed,questioningly on the two handsome supper guests.

Now, now girls! cautioned their mother. Let our guests eat. More lemonade, Mister Smith?

Smith nodded at Mrs. Baskerville. Thank you, maam, he managed through a mouthful ofmutton as his glass was filled.

I was only asking which part of supper Mister Jones and Mister Smith liked best, protestedMary.

Its the best meal Ive eaten in years and every ingredient played its part in the perfection ofthe whole, Smith smiled at her. My compliments and undying admiration to ALL thecooks.

Mary and her sister both beamed. So did their mother. I must say its a pleasure to have men tocater for again, she told the partners. Especially when they bring such fine manners ANDShe scooped another helping of potatoes onto Jones emptying plate. Such healthy appetites.

The pleasures ours maam smiled back Jones. He added a touch of boyish twinkle. Mrs.Baskerville might not be in the first flush of youth, but she was very easy on the eye. He tookanother look at the flushed and kindly face above the snowy white neck frill. Fine hazel eyessparkled back at him. Yup. A very handsome woman.

Why dont you two go fetch the cake and the dessert plates? Mrs. Baskerville suggested toMary and Rebecca. Casting giggling glances back at the two handsome strangers, the girlsscampered off in the direction of the kitchen.

Bright girls, your daughters, remarked Smith. You must be very proud, Mrs. Baskerville.

I am. Id do anything for them. What mother wouldnt do anything she could for her children?But, please call me Em. Baskerville is such a mouthful. Somehow hearing Mrs. Baskervillealways makes me feel old!

Well, we cant have that, maam, charmed Jones. Not when its so far from the truth. Em it is.And, he indicated his partner, Joshua and Im Thaddeus. Hey! She had moved to replenishthe logs on the fire. Let me lift that, maam I mean Em.

Youre so sweet, she beamed approvingly at him. I could eat you up! The smile took in hisdark-eyed partner. Both of you! She moved to the door, Id better go see what the girls are upto and fetch you some coffee.

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This sure beats the welcome in the saloon, huh? smiled Smith, once the door had closed behindher. Involuntarily, he picked up one of the silver candlesticks proudly decorating the table andchecked the hallmark. Nice.

I dunno, the blond head shook slowly. I got me a real bad feeling about this place.

HUH?

Look over there in the corner. A guitar.

So?

Two young girls who keep staring at us as if theyre hungry and were made of candy. A guitar.What does that remind you of? I dont want a repeat of what happened with the Jordans.

You think we might hear a knock on the door and find the Sheriff about to take us in? Is thatwhats worrying you?

Nope. Im worrying before we set out on this dang coyote hunt, you might sing.

Smith gave his partner the look.

Em Baskerville bustled back in, carrying a coffee pot, as the exchange finished.

Oh that coyote hunt! she sighed. I wish you werent in Moonshine because of Mister Bauersadvertisement!

The partners exchanged a glance.

Why do you wish that, maam? asked Smith.

Because She stopped, threw a wary glance in the direction of the kitchen and closed thedoor before carrying on. Because its so dangerous, she said, in a low voice. Id hate anythingto happen to you. But, please dont talk about it in front of the girls. I dont like themfrightened.

Not a problem, Em, agreed Smith. But, surely you dont believe these stories about somegiant Beast? We went over the land Mister Bauers been losing sheep from - no traces. Nothing.

And Joshua here sold himself to Bauer as a former champeen tracker of all Southern Utah!backed up Jones, with a teasing glint at his partner.

Well, a rather shame-faced shrug, from Em. I take what I hear with a pinch of salt. But whatwith all the men Mister Bauer hires fleeing the town and before that Reverend Green

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What happened to Reverend Green? asked Jones, wide-eyed.

He was determined to show that all this talk of a Beast was nothing but superstitious nonsense!He told his whole congregation he meant to spend the night out in the open. In the spot where the

howling had last been heardA man of principle. A brave man.

A pause.

And prompted Jones.

He was found the next morning. Dead. Not a mark on his body but

But? this time it was Smith urging her on.

The doctor who examined him said he could hardly recognise his old friend. Such was the facial

distortion it was almost beyond belief. He said hed never seen an expression of such fear, suchutter terror. He said in his opinion, the Reverend had died of sheer fright. A pause. And then,there was the footprint next to the body

Whose footprint, maam? asked Jones.

She raised earnest eyes to his face. It was the footprint, Mister Jones, of a gigantic hound.

---oooOOOooo---

Still the same day just around midnight

Smith watched his partner check, AGAIN, the breach of both his rifles, cock them, set them asideand draw his sixgun. Jones checked each chamber, spun the cylinder and reholstered the weapon.He lowered the gunbelt, a shade more, a fraction higher and executed one experimental fastdraw. He adjusted the belt and, once more, let the gun leap into his hand.

From his seat on a convenient flat boulder, Smith drew a deep, patient breath. He rolled his eyes.

Jones was, again, checking the rifles. You just keep right on smilin, he grunted. This boysgoing to be ready.

For what? After all that talk we went all over this piece of ground this afternoon, never foundso much as a trace of coyotes. And now Smith indicated the peaceful flocks. Nothing. Iveseen more traces of coyotes in the middle of Frisco than here.

Theyre out there, frowned Jones. I canfeel em watching. Like knowing a posses on ourtrail.

Smith shrugged, but did not argue with Jones instinct. At least were only a day away from the

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full moon, he said, indicating the waxing white sphere above. If they come near well haveplenty of light to aim by. A pause. If, he repeated with a smile. I reckon we let ourselves getspooked with all that talk of

Aaaaoooooowwwwwllll!

The long, low howl indescribably sad swept over the dark prairie beyond Bauers land. Itfilled the whole air and yet, the partners could not say from where it had come. From a dullmurmur, it swelled into a deep roar, then sank back into a melancholy throb.

Aaaaoooooowwwwwllll!

The two tethered horses whickered and pawed the ground in fear, nostrils dilating and breathfogging in the chill night. The sheep gave out soft mmmmaaas of alarm and crowded together,the woolly huddle shifting first one way, then another to escape the danger. But, where was it?

Aaaaoooooowwwwwllll!

Smith and Jones felt a chill of terror clutch their hearts and the hairs rise, prickling, on the napesof their necks. They were not men easily frightened, but The sound was not like anything theyhad heard before. It was uncanny. It wasIt was the sound of pure evil, seeking its prey.

They both had rifles raised and were circling, a foot or so apart, back to back, scanning themoonlit scene. Nothing. Where was it coming from? Where

Then, from nowhere, it sprang.

Sheesh! What the @**@ is that? yelled Smith, as the dreadful shape exploded from theshadows and flew past him. It was an enormous coyote, but not such a beast as mortal eyes hadever seen. Its eyes glowed like fire. Its muzzle and hackles were outlined, huge and coal blackagainst the silver moon.

Smith and Jones both fired as the hellish monster leapt into the flock and tore the throat from asheep with a single snap of its iron jaws.

They fired.

A second sheep was flung into the air in a splatter of spraying blood as the fiendish shape lashedout with talons glittering in the eerie shimmer of moonlight.

They fired.

Another throat was ripped asunder and the partners shuddered at the almost human screech ofpain from the dying animal as her heart was devoured in a single demonic swallow. Herneighbour joined her, scarlet blood soaking into the soft, white fleece.

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They fired.

Jones tossed his second spent rifle aside and drew his colt, the movement nearly as swift as thecreatures first leap. The six shots were so fast they seemed a single bullet burying itself betweenthe fiends burning eyes.

Aaaaoooooowwwwwllll!

This time it was a howl of mocking triumph as the savage spectre, more appalling, more hellishthan anything conjured by the wildest nightmare, caught up a final victim in its jaws andbounded uninjured into the night.

---oooOOOooo---

I tell you, we DIDNT miss! Smith insisted, as the partners stood amidst the bloody carnageand faced an understandably angry Mister Bauer in the light of early dawn. We hit it! Hit it

at point blank range!

You didnt fall asleep wake up to find it killing my stock? Or run for cover the minute itappeared?

NO! Im telling you. We stood our ground and pumped lead into the dang thing! It it wouldntdie!

Hmm.

Are you calling us liars? asked Jones, a dangerous look in his blue eyes.

Nope, said Bauer. Im calling you two fellas who took sixty dollars of my money and left mewith five dead sheep on your watch.

Jones answering scowl was more at the truth of the farmers words than at the man himself.

I guess now, sighed Mister Thwaite, who had joined his neighbour, eager to see if the newhires had succeeded. You wont want to earn another sixty dollars standing guard and tryingagain tonight?

Pfftt! exclaimed Smith. Itd take more than sixty dollars to make us face that that THINGagain.

Youll want to ride out of town, huh? continued the quiet voice of Mister Thwaite. Of course,like I was explaining to Bauer yesterday, once we left the Sheriffs office, IF the men whodapplied for the job were oh, say, notorious outlaws with a $20,000 price on their heads THENwed have some hold over them. IF, just hypothetically, I recognised them from a train robberyback in 79 in Wyoming, THEN they wouldnt be able to give up and ride out of town. TheydHAVE to stay. Unless they wanted me to share my memories with the Sheriff as well as him.

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Course us managing to hire two notorious outlaws is not real likely, chipped in Bauer.What are the odds of getting the Leader of the Devils Hole gang and the fastest gun in theWest? Its much more likely that wed hire two real law-abiding fellas like yours