Storm to the Past: A Time Travel Western (7 page)

“Get up,” yelled Liam. “I ain’t even broke a sweat yet.”

Adam returned and saw Liam standing over Nate, laughing.

“Enough, Liam,” he said. “I’m the one you want.”

“Don’t worry, Sheriff, as soon as I’m done here I’ll be right with you.”

“You’re done now. I’m waiting.”

Liam took a swing at Adam, but he blocked it and hit Liam with a left cross and followed it up with two body shots to the ribs which left Liam gasping for air. Then Adam kneed Liam in the face, knocking him to the ground. No one had ever knocked Liam down before.

“What’s the matter, Liam? Does it hurt to breath? See what happens when you mess with someone who isn’t hurt or afraid of you.”

Owen helped Nate to his feet.

Liam got slowly to his feet, then charged Adam, tackling him. He started throwing punches left and right at Adam’s head. Adam blocked most of them with his arms, then he caught Liam’s wrist and jerked hard to the side throwing him off balance. Adam quickly jumped on Liam and threw a flurry of punches to Liam’s face.

Liam was stunned by the barrage of punches. He grabbed a handful of dirt, throwing it in Adam’s eyes. This blinded Adam for a second, giving Liam time to recover.

Adam wiped the dirt from his eyes in time to see Liam trying to kick him. He blocked Liam’s kick and punched him with a left cross. Liam went staggered back a few steps. Everyone at the dance had gathered around to witness the fight.

Liam looked around and saw everyone was watching and he was losing this fight. He needed to do something quick to swing the tide his way. He reached behind him and pulled a knife.

Nate yelled, “Adam! Watch out!” Adam saw the knife and jumped back. The blade narrowly missing him. Adam grabbed Liam’s wrist when he lunged again. Adam twisted the knife from of Liam’s hand. Adam hit him with a flurry of punches to the body and head and Liam went down hard.  Adam got on top of him and punched him until Liam passed out.

Jeffrey and Victor were waiting like Liam had told them to, in case he got in trouble. When they saw Liam losing the fight, dove into Adam, knocking him off Liam. Jeffrey grabbed Adam from behind holding his arms, while Victor unleashed a brutal attack on Adam’s body.  Nate stepped in, grabbed Victor spinning him around.

“You were the ones who attacked me last night,” Nate said.

“And I’m gonna finish that little job right now,” shouted Victor.

Victor grab Nate by the shoulder and head butted him. Nate fell to the ground.

Adam recovering from the attack heard Victor admit he was the one who attacked Nate, it lit a fire inside. He broke loose from Jeffrey’s grip and hit him, sending him flying backwards into the wagon and hitting his head knocking him out.

Adam lounged into Victor knocking him off his feet.

Adam didn’t see Liam had recovered and had grabbed his pistol and hit Adam in the back of his head.

Adam fell to the ground like a bag of feed. He was out cold. People in the crowd wanted to help, but everyone was afraid. Liam had told everybody if anyone made a move he would kill them.

Jeffrey got back to his feet and helped Victor up. Nate was unconscious, unable to help his friend.

Liam told Jeffrey, “Tie his arms behind his back. Now! Do it!”

Jeffrey grabbed a rope off his horse, came back and tied Adam’s hands behind his back.

“Now you and Victor put him on your horse and take him over to that old Elm tree. Do it now.” 

The people in the crowd started to say, “No. You’ve got to stop this.” The mayor stepped out from the crowd, got in Liam’s face and said, “You can’t do this. Stop now.” Liam shot the mayor in the leg the he fell to the ground clutching his leg.

“Anybody else want to play hero? Speak up and you’ll meet the same fate.”

Victor and Jeffrey loaded Adam on Jeffrey’s horse and led him to the tree. Adam began to regain consciousness. All he was seeing were blurs, but his eyes finally focused and he realized where he was and what was happening. He tried to free his arms, but the rope was too tight.

“Struggle all you want, Sheriff, but there ain’t no escape for you. Victor, make a noose and throw it over that limb.”

Victor yells at Liam, “Liam, he’s the law. If we do this, there’s no turning back?”

“You didn’t have no problem going after the deputy.”

“Liam, there’s witnesses. Look around?”

“Shut up! Are you a coward. Nobody here will dare say a word about tonight. If they do, I’ll burn the whole damn town to the ground. Now, get that rope hung around that limb.”

Victor tied a noose and threw the rope over the limb and placed it around Adam’s neck. Nate came to, climbed into the buggy and even though he was hurting badly, he knew Adam was in real trouble. Nate reached under the seat and pulled out his rifle. He was having a hard time seeing because his vision was blurred, but he knew he had to shake it off. 

“Any last words, Sheriff?’” Liam asked. “You want to say anything before your sentence is handed down?”

“Go to hell.” Adam shouted to him.

“Do it, Jeffrey!” Liam ordered.

Jeffrey slapped the horse it took off.  Adam felt the noose tighten around his neck as he slid from the saddle. Adam was dangling in the air. He couldn’t breathe. The rope was strangling him. Nate knew he had to act now. His friend’s life was in his hands. He pulled the rifle into his shoulder, cocked the hammer, shook his head, trying to clear his blurred vision. He squeezed the trigger and the shot hit the rope, but didn’t break it. Nate raised the rifle again and squeezed off another shot, this time splitting the rope and Adam dropped to the ground.

Liam, Jeffrey and Victor were stunned by the shots from Nate’s rifle. Liam raised his pistol to shoot Adam, but his gun was knocked from his hand by a shot from Nate’s rifle.

Jeffrey yelled to Victor, “Let’s get the hell out of here, now.”

The two men jumped on their horses and took off. While everyone was concerned with Adam, Liam slipped away.

Owen ran to Adam, loosened the noose and took it from around Adam’s neck. He untied his arms and Adam took some deep breaths.

“Are you okay, Adam?”

“Yeah, I’ll be alright. I thought I was a done for.”

Owen told him, “You would have been if it Nate hadn’t helped. He’s quite a good shot with that rifle.”

“Yeah, he’s quite the shot,” Adam said. “Where is he?”

“He was on the back of the buggy, last time I saw him.”

“I’m here,” they heard Nate say.

Adam and Owen turned and saw Nate limping, but he made it and sat down next to them on the ground.

“The Doc is taking the mayor back to town to fix him up. He said it was only a flesh wound.”

“Thank God,” Adam said, then asked, “How are you doing man?”

“I got my ass kicked, how do you think I’m doing? I’m more worried about you?”

“I’ll be fine. My neck is hurting, but thanks to you, I’ll be okay. Nice shot by the way.”

Owen asked Nate, “How did you see to take that shot with it being so dark?”

“Years of practicing as a kid on the shooting range. My dad wanted me to be a marksman, but I decided to become a stock broker instead.”

“Thank God for your dad or I wouldn’t be here. Sad thing is, it took you two shots to do it.”

“Sorry, my head was kind of spinning and my vison was a little blurry. Didn’t have time to focus.”

“Excuses. Excuses,” replied Adam.

“Go easy on him,” Owen said. “Nate, it wouldn’t hurt if you learned to duck every now and then instead of using your head as a punching bag.”

Nate asked Adam, “What next?”

“I’m going back to town, climb into bed and get some rest. I’m beat and sore.”

“That sounds good, but what about Liam and his boys?” Asked Nate.

“Not your worry anymore,” Adam said looking around. “Where is Liam? Never mind, Let’s go to the jail so you can get some rest, then tomorrow you go home.  I’ll figure out the rest.”

“I don’t want to leave you to face them alone.”

“Didn’t you say you had to leave at two to get on course?”

“Yeah, that’s when the tide will be just right.” Nate said.

“I wish you safe travel and don’t worry about Adam,” Owen told him. “He isn’t alone. Me and Abagail have his back.  It’s getting late and I seem to have missed my ride home.”

“Come on Owen. We’ll drop you at your place and head back to town.”

Stopping at Owen place, he got down from the buggy and so did Adam. Abagail came out of her house and ran up to them. “I was beginning to worry. Thank God you’re all okay.”

Owen hugged her and said, “I’m okay. I’m heading to bed, it’s been a long day and my old bones can’t take this like they used to. Good night, Adam. I would say good night to Nate, but he’s passed out, snoring away.”

“I’ll tell him you said good night,” Adam told him. “Get some rest.”

Abagail said, “I’ll be in shortly.”

Abagail saw the red marks on Adam’s neck when he turned to wave good night to Owen.

“What happened to you? She reached and gently touched his neck and face.

Adam took her hands, held them and told her what had happened. Abagail began to cry. “Don’t cry, Darling,” and wiped away her tears. 

“You almost died,” she cried. “I could have lost you.”

“I’m still here and I’m alright.”

“What about Liam? Did you lock him up?”

“Don’t worry about Liam. I’ll deal with him. One way or another this ends very soon. He broke the law, so tomorrow I’ll send out a wire to the Marshall’s office and get charges brought against him and his men. He will find out there nowhere for him to hide. The day of the outlaw is coming to an end. A new age is coming and such wondrous things, I promise you.”

“How can you be so certain about these things?” she asked.

“Trust me. Things are changing.  Everything will be okay. Go inside and take care of your dad and make sure you lock up tonight.”

Abagail smiled and kissed him and said good night.

Adam got the buggy, turned the horses around and headed back to town. Once there, He woke Nate and said, “Come on, let’s get to bed. Nate went inside while Adam took care of the team, then he went inside with Nate.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Abagail woke early and decided to surprise Adam and Nate with a big breakfast. She knew Nate would be leaving today and after the night the two men had, they needed something to start the day off right. So she left a note for her dad and headed to the barn to saddle her horse. On her way to town she saw a rider in the distance. However, she didn’t think anything of it until she noticed every time she changed her path the rider changed also.  She became nervous even though she was only minutes from town. She decided to go on a full out run because she wanted to get to town as fast as she could.  She looked over her shoulder and the rider was gone. She didn’t slow down though until she reached town. Once in town, she stopped in front of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. She tied the horse’s reins to the hitch rail, let him catch his breath and get something to drink. She thought to herself, “That was silly, getting nervous over nothing. She unlocked the door and entered the restaurant. She walked to the windows to open the shades, when she heard a voice that chilled her to the bone. Seated at one of the tables was none other than Liam.

“Good morning Abagail. I knew you had to show up eventually.”

Abagail glanced at the door, thinking she could make a run for it before Liam could reach her.

“You can try it, but I might not be able to catch you before you reach the door, but Jeffrey can.”

Jeffrey stepped out from behind the counter by the door. Abagail grabbed a pitcher off of the table next to her and slammed it against Jeffrey’s head. He slumped to the floor. Abagail ran for the door, opened it and started through only to run into the arms of Victor, who put his hand over her mouth and dragged her back inside.

“Put her over here next to me,” Liam told him. “Get some rope and tie her to the chair and gag her.”

Victor put her in the Chair and Jeffrey tied her up and gagged her. Victor laughed at Jeffrey.

Jeffrey looked at him and asked, “What the hell are you laughing at me for?”

You let a w woman knock you out. You’re pathetic.”

“Oh yeah, I’m pathetic am I?” Jeffrey pulls out a knife’

Liam yells, “Knock it off you two! You’re driving me crazy with all your bellyaching. Jeffrey, you go watch the front door. Victor, did you cut the telegraph lines like I told you?”

“Yes Liam. I cut the wire like you told me. No messages are going in or out. I can promise you that.”

“Good,” Liam says.

“Liam. Why can’t we just get out of here?” asked Jeffrey. “Start over. Before it’s too late?”

“You idiot. I told you I ain’t never leaving this town. This is my town. As soon as this sheriff is dead, things will go back to normal. Besides, if we left now this sheriff will have everyone after us. We need to end this now. If I have to, I’ll burn this damn town down. Now get back up there and watch the streets like I told you to. Victor, you get up there with this idiot and help him watch the street.”

Looking at Abagail, Liam smiles at her as he reaches and touches her hair. Abagail pulled her head back trying to get away.

“Abagail,” Liam began. You know it ‘cause of the sheriff? As soon as I kill him today you’ll be all mine.”

Abagail shook her head. Liam reached and pulled her gag down.

“Did you have something to say?”

“Please don’t kill Adam? He doesn’t even carry a gun. He’s unarmed. Please, I’m begging you.”

“Don’t worry, today he will use a gun. I’ll give him a fighting chance before I kill him.”

“He won’t use it,” Abagail said between sobs.

“He will today. If he won’t put on a gun belt, I’ll have Victor kill you.”

He put the gag back in Abagail’s mouth, and laughed. “Don’t worry. It’s will all work out I have it all planned out. You don’t worry about a thing. It’s all gonna work itself out.”

Owen dressed and noticed Abagail’s note stating that she went into town to make Adam and Nate breakfast asking him to join them at the sheriff’s office. So Owen decided to walk to town and stretch his legs. That way he could pick up his buggy in town, saving Adam the trip to bring it back.

Adam woke at dawn. His ribs were sore from last night. Nate walked out of the back room and said, “You’re up early. I heard you walking around.”

“Ribs hurting a little. That and I’m worried for you today. That’s a hurricane you’re going into.”

“Don’t sweat it. I’ll be fine. I charted the course exactly and if I follow the same exact path, the tear in time or portal or whatever you call it, will get me home. And tonight I’ll be back at the harbor, pop open a few cold ones, call up a few ladies I know have a party and forget this crazy experience.”

“I’m happy for you. Go and enjoy your life. I know you think I’m crazy, but I like it here. And, I found the love of my life here. As soon as this Liam thing is done, I’m going to ask her father for permission to marry her, if she’ll have me?”

“I’m truly happy for you man. And I will miss you, but I know this is what you want.”

Just then Owen walks into the office. “Good morning boys,” he says.

“Good morning,” they say together.

“Where is Abagail?” he asked. “She was going to make a going away breakfast for you.”

“I haven’t seen Abagail last night,” Adam said concerned.

“Strange, she left this note,” Owen hands the note to Adam.

Adam reads it and says, “I see what it says, but we haven’t seen her.”

Nate speaks up and says, “I bet she hasn’t finished it yet. She’s probably at her restaurant cooking it, as we speak.”

“Maybe. But there is something a little weird? She’s always up and going early.”

Owen looks out the window and says, “Her horse is there in front of the restaurant. But, I don’t see any smoke coming out the stove pipe. I’m going over there and check on her. I’ll be right back.”

“Hold on,” said Adam. “I’ll go with you.”

“It’s okay, you guys rest. I’ll be right back.”

Owen started across the street toward the restaurant.

“Liam,” said Jeffrey. “We have company coming.”

“Who is it?”

“It’s Owen. Abagail’s father.”

“Let him in. It’s about time to get this party started.”

Liam laid it on the table in front of him. Abagail’s eyes had a look of terror in them.

“Calm down. I ain’t gonna kill your father. I’m just gonna scare him a little and have him take a message to the sheriff.”

Owen walked up to the door of restaurant, opened it and stepped inside. “Abagail,” he called. “Where are you?”

“Right here Owen. Liam said.”

Owen saw Abagail tied and gagged seated next to Liam. He felt a gun in his back. He glanced back and saw Jeffrey and Victor behind him.

“Take a seat, Old Man.” Pushing out a chair with his foot.

Jeffrey pushed Owen down in the chair.

Liam picked up his gun and started to twirl it.

“Please don’t hurt my daughter,” Owen pleaded. “What do you want?”

“I’m not gonna hurt your daughter. I want you to deliver a message for me to the sheriff.”

“A message? What message?”

“Tell him to meet me in the street at noon and I would recommend he wear a gun. Me and him are gonna have a shootout. If he don’t show up, Victor will kill Abagail. Just him. If I see anybody else, I’ll kill Abagail, do you understand?”

“But he doesn’t use guns.”

“That’s his worry, not mine. He better be out there at noon with a gun or your daughter dies. Now get out of here.”

Owen stood and headed to the door. Jeffrey opened it and Owen walked out. Adam met him at the door, noticing Owen looked upset.

“Owen, what’s wrong?”

Owen told Adam everything, “Liam said Adam better face him at noon and wear a gun or Abagail dies. If anyone leaves the office except Adam, Abagail dies.”

Nate asked, “What do we do? I can try to sneak out somehow.”

“No,” said Owen. “Liam will kill her?”

Nate says, “Adam can’t go out there. He’ll be gunned down in cold blood.”

“I’m going out there like he wants.”

“You can’t? He’ll kill you,” Nate says.

“I’ve got no choice Abagail needs me.”

Adam walks to his desk, pulls out a gun belt and put it on. He loaded it and pushed it into the holster. He checked his pocket watch. It said 11:51A.M.

“Nate. Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“If I fail and I die. Please make sure Abagail is safe. That’s all I ask.”

“I will take care of her. I swear.”

“Owen, I love Abagail. I will do everything I can to protect her. I wanted you to know I was going to ask your permission to marry her once this was all over, but looks like I may never get that chance. I just wanted you to know how I felt about her.”

“I know you care for her. Thank you for doing this. Please bring back my daughter to me. And If you had asked to marry my daughter, I would have said yes.”

Adam checked his watch again. It was 11:58. He headed to the door and walked out into the street. He stood there and waited. Jeffrey turned to Liam, “The sheriff is out there and he’s wearing a gun.”

“Good. Maybe he ain’t a coward after all like I thought he was. Victor, bring Abagail outside with you. I want you to stand to the right of me. Hold your gun on her. Jeffrey, you stand on the left of me. When I draw, you do the same and shoot him down. Today we take this town back.”

Jeffrey opened the door and they all walked out. The people all ran back inside their houses. The town had suddenly become a ghost town. Liam stepped out into the street. Victor stood to his right and Jeffrey to his left.

“I did what you asked,” stated Adam. “Now let Abagail go?”

“Don’t worry about Jeffrey and Victor. They’re just here to make sure no one interferes.

“Does it really have to come to this?” Adam asked Liam.

“You had your chance to leave, but no, you had to play hero. Now deal with the consequences. That’s enough talking.”

Liam opens his jacket and exposes his gun. He says, “I’m gonna count to three. When I say three you better reach for your gun or not. Either way you’re gonna be dead.”

“One …” Adam glances at Jeffrey and sees his hand shaking, then notices Victor has Abagail has his gun pointed at her. Liam is standing there so calm and cool.  “Two . . .”  Adam takes a deep breath. “Three . . .” Liam goes for his gun and as Jeffrey started to reach for his, Victor turns his gun toward Adam. Adam draws his gun and fires three shots. Liam is shocked as he sees Jeffrey laying on the ground with a bullet hole in his head and Victor the same. Liam glances down and sees blood pulsing from his chest. He gasps for air and falls to the ground.

Adam walks over and Liam looks up at him.

“I never said I couldn’t use a gun. I said I don’t carry a gun.”

Liam eyes closed as he took his last breath.

Adam placed his gun back in the holster and rushed to Abagail. He untied her and removed the gag. Abagail threw her arms around his neck and started kissing his face all over. 

“I thought you said you don’t use guns?” she said teasingly.

“My dad was in the military and before he died, he took me to the shooting range all the time. I loved it, but when he died, I refused to use guns again. But you being in danger, I put it on to save your life. You’re my everything. I’d be lost without you. I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Owen and Nate came running out of the jail and were so happy. “Adam did it,” they said. “He saved Abagail.”

“You did it man. I couldn’t believe my eyes you were so fast.”

Owen agreed, “That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.”

“Three men are dead. I’m not proud of myself. There needs to be another way.”

“You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you,” Abagail told him.

“Yes, I did what had to be done. I love you Abagail. Will you be alright while I go to see that Nate gets to his boat?”

“Of course. You go ahead. It was great getting to know you, Nate. We wish you a safe journey home and come back and see us someday.”

“Thank you Abagail. I will miss you all. Do me a favor and take care of my best friend and keep him out of trouble.”

“Of course. We’ll do our best. Good bye.”