Yankton

Chapter 30

Chapter 30 Shaking Out

It was hard to tell if we had made an impression on Mark's sister, since there weren't enough beds, Mark and I bunked on the two couches, while Melinda and Wendy took the beds up in the loft. Before turning in, I asked my sister about the interesting "hoodie," she wore.

"Aren't they neat, I ordered them online, I've got one for each of us, you, Mark, even Colin. I got black for you men, pink for us ladies, even ones for Kitty and Maggie, they told me it doesn't get very warm upstairs, I hope you don't mind, oh and I got all large sizes so they'll fit over everyone's clothes."

I patted her shoulder,

"Melinda, it looks like your getting squared away, you're looking good there." She put her head down,

"Thanks' Brian, I'm trying, I really am, I won't let you down, OH! Damn! I almost forgot, one of your old marine buddies called last week, said mom gave him the number here, he asked what you were up to, but I think he's really looking for a job."

"Do you remember his name?" I asked.

"Umm, Craig, I think."

"Craig Ruckerman," I asked, Melinda's eyes lit up,

"Yeah, he's the one, I told him you were off on a job right now, but the minute you got in I'd tell you he called."

"Thanks' sis," I replied, "Say, your admirers were asking when you were planning on returning." I was referring to Kitty and Maggie who for some reason saw vindication of their chosen lifestyles in my sister.

"Umm, well I'm a little tired of camping out right now, I'm watching all these auctions at the moment, which by the way, you need to look at as well, we stand to make a lot of money here." Before we said good night, she added,

"I've been watching that "American Picker's" show a lot, as well as antiques road show, I really want to be like Danielle she's one classy chick who knows her s**t, I'm reading everything I can get my hands on as well about antique guns and western stuff." I smiled at her,

"I knew you had it in you Melinda, we didn't bring a whole lot this time so whatever you've got up for sale is going to be pretty much it for the time being."

As Mark and I tried to settle down on the couches, I told him about Craig.

"Wasn't he that guy who was always talking about transferring to the Seabees? Always talking to the locals about how they did their masonry work and s**t like that?"

"Yeah, that's the guy," I replied.

"Funny thing, I was thinking about him when we were working on the saloon, but I couldn't remember where he lived."

"I think he told me once it was Galveston Texas, damn hillbilly," muttered Mark. I ignored his remark, and instead replied.

"Mighty strange, your sister showing up the way she did, and now Craig calling," I pondered out loud,

"Something tells me there's more than meets the eye going on here."

Mark and I still hadn't told Mel or Montana about our plan to get them appointments with a doctor and dentist, so I approached Wendy after breakfast.

"Wendy, I don't know what your feelings on all of this is yet, but there's something you might be able to help us with right now?"

"Yes, what is it?" She asked,

"Both your brother and I feel that Melonie and Montana really need to see qualified physicians as well as a dentist, we haven't really said anything to them as yet, but both of us think it's important enough to make the effort, maybe my sister can help as well?"

Wendy thought a moment, then said,

"It's too bad we don't have all the equipment, I could do most of it, I know dad certainly could, but he's back in Virginia, but maybe if I talk to him, he and mom might be inclined to come here, he collects old medical equipment, maybe he could use some of it, but still, you really need a more modern diagnosis, then there's the problem with the dentist, aren't there any who take walk-ins?"

The next morning Mark and I were politely told by my sister that she was treating everyone but Mark and I to breakfast, and that she was taking my truck as it held four people, and she didn't want to get stuck in the snow. Montana and Melonie wore their "modern" clothes which Melinda kept for them should they be required to get out into the world. They were of a western design and cut consisting of long skirts and blouses that didn't make the women feel uncomfortable such as wearing jeans or short sleeve garments. Both of us knew what she was up to, so we didn't object. While we ate our own breakfast, I called Craig to find out what he wanted.

Craig Ruckerman carried our squads M249 light machinegun and was damn accurate with it. Although there were jamming problems associated with the M249, we never had any, due to Craig's loving care of the weapon. Because he carried our heavy firepower, Craig was often the main target of enemy firepower, more than once barely escaping a tragic end. It was his belief that god had given him just so much "luck" and no more, that cemented his decision to leave the marines, however when word came down that his beloved M249 was to be replaced with the M27 Infantry auto rifle, it cinched the deal.

Professing his desire to get back into carpentry, Craig left the service a month ahead of Mark and I.

He was now living in Houston working for an apartment complex as a handyman, a job he was forced to take just to put bread on the table.

"I'm sorry to bother ya man," he stated in his soft Texas drawl, "I got your mom when I called your home, she told me you was livin in Deadwood of all places, and gave me your number. Then I get's your sister who tells me some story 'bout you and Mark off on some adventure, so by now, this ole' boy is interested." Mark was being quiet but listening in. I looked at him as he just shrugged.

"Tell me Craig," I said, "how are your carpentry skills?" I heard him chuckle, then reply,

"Fair to middlen, you know me, mainly they got me installing cabinets and fixing toilets, hell! You know me, I'm better than that…Why, you got something going on I could help with?" I sighed to myself then took a giant leap.

"Craig, get that rebel ass of yours out to the airport, I'm going to have an airline ticket waiting for you. It will be a one way trip out here to Rapid City South Dakota. Bring your best tools but no power ones you'll find out why when you get here. I'll pick you up at the airport, then Mark and I will explain everything, don't like what we're offering, and I put you right back on a plane back to Texas."

"Well that sounds mighty fair," came the reply, "You just get that ticket ready, it will take me a couple hours to get ready, but I'm a comin!"

"One more thing Craig," I said,

"If you have any special "toys," bring 'em."

"Roger that!" came the reply. I looked at Mark, who didn't look too happy,

"What?"

"Are you sure this is a good idea, that boy is rather "wild and wooly," I hope you know what your doing?" Mark had a way of making guy's decisions seem wrong sometimes, but if we were going to expand Purgatory, Craig was the man I needed.

"Look Mark," I explained, "The partnership will stay at four, although if Melinda comes through, I'll ask for a vote to make her the fifth partner for all the work she'll be doing, so for now, let's just take things one step at a time shall we?"

"Whatever," he replied, "I just hope he didn't lift that machine gun he carried or we'll all be in trouble," replied Mark.

"Why?" I said, "You've got that AK, same thing."

"Yeah…but."

"No "buts" I replied, "let's just give the guy a chance."

The women were gone practically half the morning; however they were all laughing and chattering away when they entered the cabin.

"What did you ladies do?" I asked, "Take advantage of some "All you can eat" place?"

Melinda and Wendy glared at me,

"We just had a lot to talk about" chided Melinda,

"Count me in," added Wendy, "I want to do whatever I can to help Melonie here, and I promised Montana I'd teach her how to play "Texas hold-em." But listen, I don't have a lot of time, I only planned to make an overnight stay here, I promised mom and dad I'd stop by. The soonest I can spend any time here is next summer in June, I'll be up for a months leave, besides I don't have any proper clothes. Melinda gave me a website where I can order some, so I guess I'll see you guys then." She then turned to her brother and asked,

"Can I tell mom and dad about this?' Mark shook his head,

"No, I'd rather you didn't, it's something I need to talk to him in person about. I'm not against him coming, I'd really like him to see it, but Brian and I aren't always here, so just tell him to call Melinda here to arrange a time to come, also he'll need to get some proper clothes as well, so show him that website."

Mark then drove his sister over to the airport in Rapid City while Montana and Melonie related their experience in town. This being Montana's first visit into town she was absolutely amazed by the changes to Deadwood,

I don't even recognize the place, it's all changed so much, all the streets are…paved the people, I simply can't believe the clothing styles, I know you told me, but to actually see …Oh, and the women!" Melonie shared her observations as well even though she had already experienced a brief visit to town. Then Montana said,

"Brian, I…I think that perhaps it might be best if Melonie and I just stay here when we come here to your time, I-I don't know, but for now, we'd rather not journey into town or other populated areas." Melonie then spoke up,

"Montana's right, I know you and Melinda mean well, but I just felt that I was looking at things I wasn't meant to see, you have your time, we have ours. I'm not saying we won't eventually get used to all your modern things, perhaps in time, we will adjust, but for now, we are content to remain here in this house."

"Fine by me," I replied, "You're probably right, it is kind of a large "pill" to swallow all at once, we'll just take things nice and slow." Melonie then asked,

"Are there still places like the Gem?"

"Well if you mean bars and saloons…yes, but places like Swearingen's just don't exist anymore, for one state liquor laws and regulations simply don't permit them. If you mean w***e houses, yeah, they are still around, although none that I'm aware of around here, for some reason the city fathers frown on them, especially when they are trying to grab the tourist dollars. Look, I know you ladies just told me you don't want to venture into town, but I would really like you to experience the "Days of 76." It's in July just before bike week, but it's a result of everything you guys started back in 76, but more on that later."

Montana then asked,

"What's this bike week, you spoke of?" Both Melinda and I laughed,

"Sorry Montana, Bike week is one event you won't get to see, I don't want to sour you on the future…at least, not yet. I suppose you could call it a modern version of what happens when the cowboys finished a long trail drive, and cut loose in town. Most of it is up in Sturgis, but Deadwood and even Custer City get in on things. Pretty wild and wooly." When Mark returned, the subject of visiting the doctor and dentist came up, one both women were not eager to discuss. With Melinda in there pitching, and Mark carefully explaining our reasons as well as what they could expect, both grudgingly agreed to go.

Because they both had accounts in the modern Deadwood bank, social security cards were required. To avoid suspicion, I got my mother to "Sponsor" Montana as living at her address, with Melonie living at our address here in Deadwood. The cards were applied for, and arrived several days later.

"Congratulations ladies, technically, you're the first social security recipients I just hope the government doesn't discover the fact that we had to fudge your birthdays," I mused.

So began our month of living "dangerously." It was certainly "action packed" and full of drama I'll have to say. For some reason both women turned against Mark and I, but it was my sister that brought word that both Montana and Melonie were undergoing incredible stress and unease,

"Both are very frightened Brian," said my sister, I've never seen Montana cry before, but she does when your not around. I'm doing everything I can, but they're really scared." Mark managed to calm Melonie a bit, but I could get nowhere with Montana. She wouldn't talk about it or discuss her fears at all. The situation wasn't helped with Craig dropping in on things, although he used his southern charm to relieve some of the tension which certainly helped.

Finally, the last day at the dentist arrived, which seemed to relieve the stress somewhat, but it was Melinda who came to the rescue once again by whipping up some White Russians. I don't know how she knew, but once the ladies got a couple down, they were feeling no pain. Montana proclaimed it her new drink of choice demanding that all the ingredients be kept at hand at the saloon, even the cream. And while not a big drinker, Melonie found the mixed concoction quite irresistible. It was also a month of other achievements as well, Mark taught Melonie how to browse the internet searching for pertinent information, as well as getting all the basics firmly planted. Montana and I grew closer, mainly because I was always there to comfort her, something she had never had in a man before, when she came to me, I hugged her and calmed her fears. Now I think it's time to introduce Craig Ruckerman, a man who added a new dimension to our old west experience.