Briartown

sci fi western

Briartown, Oklahoma July 12 1881

 

 

 Johnston McGrath was sitting on his front steps drinking a cool glass of well water. It was a hot summer day he’d been working on the back 40 and was getting ready for supper. Johnston was looking into the sun a rider was coming to the house, he could see the gent was wearing all black. Must be the preacher coming out hope Sue has made nuf supper for him. As the rider got closer Johnston could see the man was in all black from his head to his feet. His boots had silver tips and made from some skin not familiar to Johnston, he had a black duster and the odd thing was a mask that looked to be made of polished Onyx. Johnston ran to his door and grabbed his double barrel shotgun. The man pulled his horse up dismounting Johnston seen the man had an odd tick to his walk the man said in a hollow voice Johnston McGrath. Ya ya yes I’m Johnston McGrath who the hell are ya? Johnston asked. Sir you are wanted along with your brother for murder, horse stealing and train robbing. What the hell are you talking about we never robbed no one,  then Johnston turned fast pulling the hammers on his Greener, two shots rang out, both rounds of buckshot hitting the man square in the chest. The man staggered back slowing drawing his own pistol from behind his duster one shot rang out hitting Johnston center left on his chest turning him as he fell in a heap on the ground.

 

 McAlester Oklahoma July 17 1881

 

 Two men sit in McAlester’s trading post drinking whisky they had traded for, the first man was tall standing 6’4” and slim of build his name was Benjamin Harrison Shote, the other gent was much short maybe 5’6” but much stockier, both men had a array of weapons Benjamin carried a sawed-off shotgun along with 2 colt peacemakers. Stuffed in his belt, the other fellow had an unusual lot of pistols 2 old cap and ball revolvers that had been cut down so the barrels were only about 2 inches long. Also in a shoulder hostler was a colt Dragoon. Both men where dress to the 9s. Judge Parker once said about these two men, some men aren’t to be fucked with. That’s all I have to say about that.

 

 Fort Smith Arkansas July 24 1881

 

 Temple Hutson had his feet up on the marshals’ desk his Henry rifle across his lap the Creek Indian woman was crying and sobbing as she was talking to Temple. You say the man was wearing black? Riding a black horse and had a black mask? Sound like a dime store novel Sue, Temple said. Well Temple my Johnston is dead you better get someone out to get that b*****d I want to see him hanged, the crying woman said. Well Sue, Rock-Salt when he hears about his brother, him and his gang will do more than hang your dime store villain.

 

 Briartown Oklahoma August 2 1881

 

 Ben and the fellow rode up to the house the there seamed to be little work being done. Ben looked at the other gent. You know Rock your brother is not keeping the house up to snuff. Yeah Sue be cut’n him off. Rock said. Rock tied his horse to the rail outside and knocked on the door. A young girl about 6 came to the door. Lily where is you daddy? Rock asked the girl. See broke out in a crying fit. Same bad man came to the house and shot daddy died on the ground. She pointed to the dirt by the steps Rock could see where there had been dirt moved. Where is your mama girl? Rock asked. She is gone to Fort Smith to get the marshal the girl said throw steams of tears. Where is your daddy laid to rest girl? He’s out back Rock and Ben headed to the back there he was a old rugged cross with the name Johnston McGrath. Rock lowered his head no words to God were spoken only the words of I will get the man who did this little brother.

 

End part one         

Author's Note

Needs an edit I know

Reviews

Yes, needs an edit.
But I'd say that you could turn this around into quite an eventful story. you've developed the characters well and you're good with thoughts and detail.