Briscoe's Showdown

Briscoe's Showdown

  Briscoe Arkansas was a rural town that held many secrets. For some those secrets meant death and for others a new release on life. The town's Mayor/ Sheriff was the most crooked man of all but he was about to be challenged in a way he didn't know how to handle. His livelihood depended on defeating this new threat. He had no idea that his final surprise would be from his own family. The Pinkerton's had been keeping a low profile as they watched this town suffer at the hands of Max Grogan. That was going to change.....                                                BRISCOE ARKANSAS 1880   Briscoe was bustling with activity. It's streets dry and dusty from a drought were filled with wagons that had been driven to town so that folks could get their weekly supplies from Brown's Merchantile or the depot when the train came though. No one seemed to notice the lone stranger riding down the street. Most strangers passing through didn't stayed long enough to get supplies, a drink at the Silver Spur Saloon, new shoes for their horse at the livery, shave from the barber, a hot meal at the diner, a hot bath at the hotel, then they rode out of town to their next stop, some never looking back.   This lone rider was different from most, watching everything from under the brim of her hat. Some of the town's folk were curious about the stranger but went about tending to their own business. She was riding a sleek horse, the color of a shiny new copper pot. It had a long black mane and tail with a white blaze on it's face.  The rider was dressed in black pants and boots with a red kerchief around her neck. She had a long coat over a charcoal grey shirt but it was open enough that a few folks spotted the colt peacemaker on her hip. A large brimmed hat kept her face revealed, leaving  only the long ebony flowing hair to be seen. Taking in the town the pair rode past the bank,  milner's shop, barber shop, the doctor's office, diner, church and one of the boarding houses as they headed towards the saloon. After a drink for both there would be a trip to the livery so her horse could get new shoes and rest while it's master found a hot meal, a bath, poker game and a room at the boarding house. Not necessarily in that order.    The stranger rode up to the saloon where there was all sorts of noise and a small crowd had gathered. Where they stopped she saw the crowd step back as she saw a man being tossed out the bat-wing doors. He was told " Tucker, you're drunk! Get on out of here and don't come back if you know what's good for you! " the burly man said before going back inside, letting the doors swing back and forth. The stranger sat and watched but didn't make a move. She watched Tucker pick himself up drunk as he was or pretended to be, brush himself off as he shouted back, " Who needs you anyway Jake! You're all a bunch of low down dirty rotten cowards! " then he walked away muttering, " Call me a drunk! So what? At least I can live with myself! Your day is coming Max Grogan and i can't wait to see it! " as he kept going down the street towards the livery stable.      The stranger got off her horse and tied him to the rail. She was curious to see what this Max Grogan looked like. It was nice to see the face of the person you were intended  to take down. As she walked through the doors to the saloon brushing trail dust off with her gloves. A few folks stopped their card game to check out the stranger. She walked up to the bar telling the barkeep she wanted a sarsaparilla while she checked out the saloon. She noticed a grimy mirror on the back wall that gave her a good view of who came through the side and front door. The bar of itself was made of polished pine. A picture of a painted lady hung on the opposite wall. There was  a big mirror behind the bar with bottles lined up in neat rows. The barkeep sniggered, " Whiskey ain't good enough? " She replied, " Nope! Never touch the stuff accept for medicinal purposes. Now that we're done with the questions. Are you going to get my drink that I'm paying for or do I have to shoot you in the foot to get your attention and get it myself? " as she laid her arms on the bar making her point while showing off her gun. That made folks laugh. Glowering at her he stammered, " Okay lady, you don't have to get hostile. I was just having some fun. " as he fixed then placed the drink in front of the stranger before saying, " I'm going to give you some free advice. I'd keep that peas-shooter hidden or you'll have to deal with the sheriff. he doesn't like a fuss in his town. "  " Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Next time if I want your advice, I'll ask for it or look a the bottom of my boots. Don't worry I won't hurt you with my pea-shooter unless i have to! A lady has to protect herself you know! " as she batted her eyelashes at him and grinned while the others laughed at his expense. She then finished her drink and set the glass on the bar.  before she left, she asked, " The man that was tossed out when I rode up, who is he? What did he do? " The barkeep looked her up and down, sniggered then grinned before replying, " That there is our town drunk. He tells anyone who will listen a sad sappy story. Had a change in his luck with mining, family life and farming. Thinks our good Mayor and Sheriff had something to do with his failures. " " Could he be right and no one believes him? " " Look lady, you're a stranger here so you don't know how things work. Mr. Grogan is the leader of this town and he controls a good part of the county. If you don't want to be miserable then you work for Mr. Grogan and be happy or else! " " Let me get this straight, you're telling me if I want a job, I have to work for this Mr. Grogan and do his bidding even if I don't want to? " " Yep! That about sums it up and how it works around here. He will bury anyone who opposes him. " " Thanks for the advice. Might stick around for a spell. Where can I put up? " " Listen stranger, if you're smart, you'll ride back out of this town keep going and never look back. " " No can do! You've made me curious. I think I'll stick around and check out this Mr. Grogan for myself. Maybe even help someone in need. I like a challenge. One other thing, I don't work for anyone but myself! " the stranger said watching her back through the mirror hanging behind the bar. He replied, " You're either crazy or have a death wish! Don't say I didn't warn you! "  About that time the doors swung open as Max Grogan himself strolled into the saloon flanked by three goons. They were notorious for their rudeness and bad manners.     Max snapped his fingers and the barkeep grinned saying, " Yes sir! Mr. Grogan sir! Was just telling the stranger here how things worked. " then he quickly began to pour four glasses of whiskey that hadn't been watered down. " max sniffed the whiskey, swirled the glass then downed it in one gulp letting it burn all the way down his gullet. He placed the glass on the bar signaling for another as he looked the strange lady over before he stated, " Stranger,  you should listen to good advice when it's given. I run a clean town. Don't stand for no trouble. " She thought to herself, " Clean town my hind foot! I've seen how you run things first hand. It's about to change. " as she sipped the rest of her sarsaparilla and watched the three goons she dubbed " The Stooges." Max stated, " You don't say much do you? How long you in town for? Might have some work for you if you're interested. " Still no answer and that made Max angry. He demanded respect and this stranger wasn't being nice or respectable. She didn't want to get into it right now and spoil her plans so she finished her drink and turned to walk away to avoid any kind of confrontation.   The goons had other ideas with a signal given by Max. The few folks that were in the saloon ran towards the wall for safety and to stay out of the way. They tried to crowd her but she was to quick. The first one made a grab for her and got kicked in the groin sending him to the floor writhing in pain. The other two tried to jump on her. Thankful for the mirror she easily side stepped them as they ran into one another landing on a near by table. Their weight sent it and it's contents to the floor. That left Max trying to pull his gun but the stranger was faster to the draw, kicking the gun out of his hand. She even told the barkeep, " If you value your life and his, put that shot gun on the bar real slow. Pistol too or he gets it now! " They were all surprised by the strangers quickness and ability to handle a gun, keeping five men at arms length. Jade stated, " Don't anybody move! I'm backing out this door real slow. If any of you tries to stop me, he gets shot first, then you! Is that understood? " as she held Max at gun point. No one made a move. Max glared at the strange lady trying to figure out where they met. He was shoved back inside as Jade went out the door. The goons were ready to run out in the street after her but Max said, " Hold it! Don't push it, you'll have your chance. " They all grumbled as they went back to the bar each ordering a whiskey. The barkeep popped a new bottle asking, " Who was that? never saw a stranger pull a gun that quick unless they were a lawman or gunslinger. " Max rubbed his chin still trying to figure out where he met her before. She looked so familiar. Connor stated, " I don't care who it is! I'm gonna put a bullet in that stranger first chance I get! " Max kept watching the door as if he expected the stranger to come back and shoot up the place. He said, " Jesse,  I want you and Milo to stay close to town. Keep an eye on things. The last thing I need is for a stranger stirring up things in my town. " Connor then asked, " What do you want me to do Mr. Grogan? " " I have an important mission that will take you away for a few days to a week. There's information before I take action. " " Are you sure? I can stay her and manage things." " I'm sure you could Connor but the information I need, you are capable of getting if you know what I mean. Look at it this way, it will be a working vacation so to speak. " Max stated as he mapped out his plan. The men finished their drinks then left the saloon but not before Max said, " Jake, if that stranger comes back, you find out all you can without getting shot. Have one of the boys come and find Jesse and Milo. They'll know how to handle things. " " Yes sir! Mr. Grogan sir! " Jake replied taking the glasses from the bar to clean them. The three men went out the door cautiously, then headed for the sheriff's office. Max had a feeling he was going to need more help even if it was from an enemy. He'd put their differences aside to handle this situation delicately and quickly if the need arose. What he didn't count on was that enemy  turning  on him.The stranger walked back to the livery to have shoes put on her horse. Shawn was a big man that had come to Briscoe to start his life over after being a soldier. He was good with horses and big enough no one challenged him. Shawn was looking over the fine Stallion knowing the horse was well cared for. He told the stranger it would be one dollar to keep the horse there, five to put new shoes on and feed him. What shocked him was the fact that the stranger was a woman. A beautiful one at that with the bluest eyes and the longest ebony hair he had ever seen. He was a little taken back but when she placed the money in his hand saying, " Thanks! Here's an extra dollar for your time. " " I can't take what I haven't earned. That' what the so called mayor does. " " In my book, you've earned it by not asking questions. " " I don't have the right. What you do is your business. I'm just trying to make a decent living without being robbed every time I turn around. " " Yeah, I had that feeling about  this place. Don't worry I won't say a word. " " How long you plan on staying? " " That depends on how fast I can take care of my business. " " You here to visit someone? Sorry, I shouldn't be asking. " " What's your name? " " Shawn O'Leary." he stated holding out his big hand for her to shake. " Just call me Jade. " she replied as she shook his hand in return. One thing he noticed, she looked delicate but had the handshake of a man. He felt sorry for anyone who got in her way considering the side piece she carried.  " Nice to meet you Jade. " " Same here Shawn. Now that we have officially met, where can I get a hot bath and good meal? "  He grinned replying, " Bessie has the best cinnamon roasted chicken and apple pie around with all the fixin's. She also owns and operates one of the boarding houses. That'll be the one next to the diner with rooms upstairs. The other is run by Max Grogan and his painted ladies. Decent folk stay away from there." " Good for them!Thanks for the tips. Take good care of Judas. If he likes you, he won't be a problem. " Jade stated. Shawn laughed as he replied, " Horses are funny. They pick who they want to be with. looking at this beauty, I'd say he could handle anything and wouldn't hesitate to kick someone's head off. " then he laughed again. " You sure know horses." Jade said, laughing herself before leaving to go find that good meal and hot bath.     Jade found Bessie's place with ease. The building could use some paint but it was the smells coming from inside that got her attention. She stepped up on the walk, opened the door and entered the diner. The place was crowded and noisy, so she looked for a spot to sit by the back wall. Jade found her spot and headed that way. Sitting near the kitchen with her back to the wall she could watch everything. A few minutes later a matronly woman with reddish grey hair came to her table. Taking out a pencil and paper from her apron pocket, she asked, " What can I get for you today? " " I was told by Shawn that you had the best cinnamon chicken with all the trimmings. " Jade noticed the flush that came to her face as she replied, " Thank you. Now that I know what you want to eat, do you need some coffee? " " That sounds good. I also need a room and hot bath. " " I'll get you fixed up in the kitchen, then I'll be back. I'm Bessie. "" Jade." They shook hands before Bessie headed into the kitchen. Jade continued to watch folks come and go. Bessie came back a few minutes later with her coffee, then went off to take care of more customers. Jade was savoring the taste of the fresh brew when the door jingled. Two of the goons from the saloon came in looking for a table and trouble. They found the first with ease. Trouble would soon follow. Jade did her best to keep hidden and avoid trouble. Bessie came out of the kitchen at that moment carrying her food. The goons spotted her, then got up from their table and headed her way. " So much for a peaceful lunch! " Jade thought as she kept her pistol in reach. The goons came up behind Bessie as she set the last plate on the table . " Hey Milo, looks like there's plenty. Maybe you'd like to share. " Jesse said to Jade as he helped himself to her bread. Milo sniggered, then grabbed the slice of apple pie and stuffed it into his mouth. Bessie snapped. " You two! This is my place, not Max Grogan's! Mind your manners or get out! " Milo and Jesse both circled her, then made the mistake of touching her.     Before Bessie could scream, Jade had slipped out of her chair and raised her pistol to the back of Jesse's head, saying, " I wouldn't move if I were you! I don't think the nice lady wants your blood dirtying her floor. Milo is it? I think you and your friend best find another place to go! " " You're so gonna pay stranger! " Milo spat at her. Jade replied, " We will see, now if you don't want me to turn this lady loose on you, I'd slowly ease myself out the door. "  as she pulled the hammer back on her gun. " Ah-ah, you forgot to say you're sorry. " " I ain't sorry for... OOOMPH! " " You're what? " Jade said poking the pistol in his gut. " I'm...I'm sorry. " " Get out! "  was all Bessie said as they watched the two goons scramble to get out the door but not before Jesse spat out, " You'll get yours Bessie! You too stranger! " Bessie apologized to Jade for their rudeness. She told Bessie there was no need to apologize. She had already met them and figured that out. Both women laughed as Bessie refilled Jade's coffee, then told her she'd get her a new plate on the house. After Bessie brought Jade her food, she left her in peace and took care of her other customers. Jade savored each bite, understanding why Shawn sent her here. When she was finished Bessie cleared the table then told Jade to follow her. Both women left the diner and went down the walk to the next building.    Bessie led her inside, went behind the desk, took the key for room number seven on the second floor and gave it to Jade. Bessie led her up the stairs and showed her the cozy and spacious room. Jade liked it very much then asked before Bessie could leave. " Bessie, where can I get a hot bath? " She smiled telling Jade, " You can have a hot bath right here. Let me tell Willie and he'll get the hot water going and bring the tub up here for you. " " Don't go to all that trouble. I can go to the tub." " I'll bet you would. After what you did for me today, I'm repaying you my way. No argument! " then she left the room before Jade could say anything. Jade walked over to the window to get a look at the town from a different view point. There were a few places Grogan's goons could get the drop on her so she'd have to get them first.     A knock on the door intruded in  on her thoughts. Stepping quietly she, she reached for the handle so that when it opened she would be behind the door. " Who is it? " she asked reaching for her gun. " It's Willie, Bessie sent me up with the tub for your bath. " he replied, waiting for her answer. " Okay, open the door slowly. Is anyone with you? " " No ma'am. Bessie told me what you did for her. I'm opening the door like you said. " Jade watched the handle turn and the door open slowly. Jade was surprised. She was expecting a big burly man to go with the voice. What she was met with was a man of small stature. He looked up at her smiled and said, " I know, you're surprised right? Most folks are. I'm used to it. Bessie has been very good to me. She was the only one who would take care of me after I got hurt with the circus. " as he brought the tub in the room setting it in the middle of the floor. Jade smiled back, then reached out to shake his hand. " Thanks Willie. I'm Jade. Nice to meet you. Can I help you carry the water up her? " " Bessie would have my hide if I let you do that! I'll be fine and I have help. you just relax like Bessie says. She's tougher than what folks think. " Willie stated on his way back out of the room leaving Jade to her thoughts.     Jade went back to the window to see the other end of the town. From her view she could see the train depot and telegraph office. The town was bigger than she was told. That was okay, it gave her more of an opportunity to explore and check things out while she learned more about Max Grogan.  There was another knock at her door. Cautious by nature she repeated the gesture of getting behind the door. There was a few seconds of silence then Willie said, " Jade, open up please! I have your water. " Jade relaxed and opened the door. She found Willie and two boys holding water buckets. " Who are these two Willie? " Jade asked as they poured the buckets into the tub. Willie pointed to the boy on the right saying, " This is Jacob and this is Matt on the left. " " Nice to meet you boys! " Jade watching them check her out. Willie told them to go on  back down after more water. Both boys grabbed the buckets and just about tripped over one another to et out of the room. Both Jade and Willie laughed for a few minutes then Willie excused himself to help the boys.     A little while later Jade was relaxing in the tub and enjoying it. The layers of trail dust seemed to peel off leaving clean wrinkled skin. It also felt good for knotted muscles. When she got chilled, Jade stepped out of the tub and dried herself. After dressing in a fresh shirt and pants, she was ready to go looking for that poker game but wanted another hot meal first. Maybe she'd get some more information about Max Grogan and his business.    Jade went back over to the diner finding it almost full of patrons. Bessie spotted her, waving her over to the kitchen door. " Didn't expect you back. " Bessie stated as she set a place for Jade. " I enjoyed the food so much I thought I'd see what was on the menu before my night time activity. " Jade replied smiling. Bessie chuckled shaking her head, then proceeded to tell Jade what was for supper. Jade placed her order, drank her coffee and watched the folks come and go. Each customer satisfied and full. Bessie was back and forth in the kitchen so she didn't see Grogan's goons sitting themselves down. They pushed two miners out of the way to get the table. The miners grumbled and walked off instead of standing up to them. They had learned what is was like to stand up to Grogan and his goons. Jade stayed quiet and watched. Bessie came out with her food and apologized for taking so long. Jade told her it was alright, that she had other problems to worry about. Bessie turned to see what she was talking about. She was going to throw them out but Jade stopped her saying, " I know you don't want them here. Serve other folks first. They can wait! If they start any trouble, I'm here to lend a hand. " She could tell Bessie was fuming but said nothing as she stormed  back into the kitchen where she could shout and bang pots and pans. The food kept coming and going accept for one table, that she deliberately kept waiting. As folks hunger was satisfied, they left content and happy. The diner was about empty when the goons started yelling. Bessie stormed out of the kitchen yelling back, " What do you want? " Milo answered, " We came here to eat! What are you serving? " " Nothing for you! Or You! " Bessie replied pointing to them both then turned to walk away. Jessie was fast, he reached out grabbing her saying. " Well if you won't serve us food, then i guess we can feast on you! " as he licked her arm. Milo sniggered and that's when the trouble began. Bessie had a rolling pin in her hand hidden under  her apron. She whipped it out and cracked Jesse upside the head, knocking him out of the chair. Milo looked down surprised saying, " Ohh! That's gonna leave a mark! " Bessie turned her attention on him. " You want some of the same? " " N..N..No Bessie! " " Pick his sorry hide up before he dirties my floor and get out! " " Okay Bessie. Mr. Grogan isn't going to like this. " he stammered as he began dragging Jesse towards the door. Jade sat back and watched, glad she didn't have to step in. She saw that Shawn was right about Bessie being able to handle herself. When the door jingled signaling the exit of Milo and Jesse, Jade laughed out loud and that got Bessie laughing too. Willie came out of the kitchen to see what was going on. When the two women stopped laughing long enough to tell him they had him laughing too. He said. " I wish I could have seen that! You know Milo was right about Grogan. He will find a way to get back at you. " Bessie patted her flushed face then said, " I don't care if Max Grogan likes it or not! This is my place! I worked and sweated for it. I can be proud of this place knowing it wasn't paid for by someone else's blood! " " Just be careful. " Willie stated leaving the two women alone. " He's right Bessie, please be careful. I'll be around to help and keep an eye on things. I'm going over to the saloon to find a poker game. See you in the morning. " Jade said excusing herself, walking out the door.      Jade enjoyed her walk to the saloon. It seemed like folks were having a good time from the sounds of all the noise inside. She stepped up to the doors and cleared her mind before going in. Some of the patrons stopped to check her out while others kept playing cards. The saloon was bustling. Card games were going on, a piano was being played over in the corner with a painted lady singing, while others mingled in the crowd and some came down the stairs with drunk men or just the opposite were seen going up. Jade took in the whole scene as she strode to the bar ordering a sarsaparilla. Watching things through the dirty mirror, she knew it was going to be an interesting night.     Jake just poured a whiskey when he spotted Jade. He quickly made his way toward her. " What can I get for you tonight? Make it quick, I'm busy! " " How do you keep customers with an attitude like that? Sarsaparilla, just like the first time! " she replied. He glared at her then went to get her order but not before having someone report to Max that she was in the saloon. Jake came back and picked up the nickel before leaving to attend a real drinking customer who was spending his money well. Jade turned her back to the bar, propping one elbow keeping one hand free. She watched the activity and waited for a seat to open at one of the card tables. A few minutes later a seat opened, not because the guy was finished, he was just drunk and passed out. A big man wearing all black came over and scooped him up under the arms and dragged him out the door. Jade walked over asking of she could get in on the game. The miners nodded their approval and dealt her in. They looked her over smiling.