UnWanted

By Jack Trevino

On the run from the law and chased into the desert, a divergent group of misfits stumble upon a hidden cave. Inside, they encounter the Indian Guardian of the Sacred Waters who forbids them from drinking even one drop of the life giving fluid they so desperately need.  But, to stay alive, they disregard his warning and a drink from the pool which results in their bodies being transformed in ways that are both unexpected and ultimately ...UnWanted. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Atlantic Industries
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393189329

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Lonnie's body hit the floor with a resounding thud. Made more so by the dead silence in the saloon. The crowd had witnessed something they would have never thought possible. Lonnie lost in a quick draw against the stranger who had accused him of cheating. Never mind the fact that he did, it was inconceivable because Lonnie was just about the fastest draw around.

As the patrons knelt down to check on Lonnie, one cowboy paced the floor behind his lifeless body, I just don't believe it! Lonnie got four shots off even before the stranger pulled his gun.

Another cowboy added, Yeah, and how could the stranger kill him with only one shot?

The stranger holstered his gun and began to pick up his winnings off the card table. There was something unusual about this stranger. He was in his mid-30’s, with a rugged look and a determined demeanor that conveyed one thing, he will always be on the winning side of a fight.

Jim the bartender turned to him, Mister, I was about to say you're just about the luckiest man alive, but you just signed your own death warrant. When Lonnie's father and brother find out you killed him, they’re going to hunt you down like a dog. And, believe me, they won't stop until you're dead.

An old cowboy walked up and offered some advice, Your only chance is to ride son! Ride like you've never rode before! His voice was coarse and graveled, But, in the end, I fear Jim here is right, your riding’s only gonna buy yourself a few extra moments of life."

The stranger harrumphed, then looked at the old geezer and said confidently, We'll see... We’ll see.

He tipped his hat and strolled out of the saloon with the confidence of a mountain cougar.

The old cowboy shook his head as he turned to Jim, I don't think he understands what Lonnie's kin are capable of doing.

The bartender was perplexed. I'm not so sure. There's something about this stranger... I dunno, I got a feeling maybe this time it’s gonna be Lonnie's kin that finally git there's.

CHAPTER ONE

She stood at the edge of town and gazed across the plains. The vastness of the new frontier was almost too much for a girl of ten to comprehend. But she knew one day she would venture out into that world, she had to, it was in her blood.

Charline was dressed in coveralls, something she preferred, as she detested wearing dresses. She also detested wearing her jet-black hair in pigtails, so she shoved it under a big brimmed hat. But the one thing she absolutely detested was being called Charline, preferring Charlie, as it sounded less girlish.

Every morning her father laid out a blue gingham dress at the edge of her bed and she would promptly toss it across the room. No, it was the freedom of coveralls she preferred. This gave her the ability to run, jump and roll as she drew her gun.

Of course, she didn't have a real gun. Instead, her gun was fashioned out of wood and laden with small metal pieces to make it more realistic. Being the daughter of the town's sheriff, she knew he'd be criticized for allowing his daughter to play with a real gun. So, this was the best she could have hoped to own.

She practiced tirelessly, drawing and holstering her gun, taking care of anyone who stood in her way.

In the distance, Charlie saw a faint trail of dust. And, some distance behind it a much heavier cloud of dust. She knew it could mean only one thing. Someone was being chased. But, by whom? Maybe...maybe it was a bona-fide outlaw with a posse in hot pursuit?

She certainly hoped so. It was what she dreamed of, that is, to become a quick draw. She took a stance, whipped around and drew her gun from under her belt.

Pow! Pow! I got you! She smiled with pride as she felt she had beaten her imaginary opponent.

Her brief victory was interrupted by a small rock that knocked her hat off. Charlie whipped around to see two boys, classmates she knew from school, laughing and making fun of her.

Ha, ha, ha! Look at the fastest draw in town! The taller boy cried out.

Fast? My tailbone she is. The smaller boy proclaimed.

Well, she sure as hell ain't fast enough to stop me! Why I could handle her even without a gun, boasted the taller one.

You think so? Then, why don’t you come and get me? Charlie challenged him.

The taller boy quickly ran towards her, but she merely sidestepped his advancement, stuck out her foot and tripped him. The boy's own momentum forced him to land face down on the road. Startled, he got up and quickly realized his nose was bleeding.

Dang you, Charlie! That ain't fair fighting! He complained.

Yeah, you're supposed to fight like a girl! the smaller boy added.

Charlie looked around and picked up the rock. She gestured as if she was about to throw it. The boys stopped dead in their tracks.

What's wrong, boys? Scared to fight a girl? taunted Charlie.

The boys still frozen in their tracks, looked at each other, but neither wanted to be the first to make a counter move.

Charlie knew she had the upper hand as she read fear on their faces. I think it's time you boys went home. Don’t you? Now, git!

Charlie hurled the rock in their direction, which immediately caused them to scurry off.

Charlie knew she had won her little showdown after they had turned tail, so with a sense of pride she exclaimed. Oh, and in case you haven't noticed by now, I don't fight like a girl! Charlie saw more than fear on their faces, she saw frustration and because of this she couldn't help but laugh. As the boys fought back tears, they did the only thing they knew to try and scare her,

I'm telling my Paw!

Me, too!

But their words had little effect on a victorious Charlie, Go ahead! Go on, git! Charlie said with pride, as she knew they had turned tail and run.

The boys' retreat led them pass the blacksmith shop. Inside was Sam, the blacksmith and Sheriff Matthew Moore, Charlie's father.

Sam was a black man in his late thirties. Lean, tall and muscular, his arms seemed ideally created for hammering metal into the shapes and forms that molded the old West.

Now a free man, Sam was once a former slave, the result of Sheriff Moore's father, who had given him his declaration papers of freedom.

Sam had taken a break from hammering a horseshoe to watch the ruckus alongside the Sheriff, he turned around, chuckled and clenched his fist in approval. Yes!

Sheriff Moore nodded his head to acknowledge Charlie's victory.

Sheriff Matthew Moore fit the classic cowboy look. He was in his early to mid-thirties, dark hair and handsome with a rugged good look about him.

Convinced Charlie was okay, Sam once again took up his personal battle with the horseshoe he had been trying to hammer into place. He looked over and saw the Sheriff was still looking to see if the boys were coming back. Sam knew Charlie's abilities and felt confident about returning to work.

I told you she'd be fine, Sheriff. Miss Charlie can take care of herself.

With a slightly reassured smile, Sheriff Moore said, I never doubted her for a moment.

Sam knew Sheriff Moore was not convinced. She's growing strong, sheriff. You've seen to that.

Matthew corrected him. I think you mean; we've seen to that?

Sam smiled again almost with a fatherly pride. Yeah, I suppose you could say that. But I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Matthew looked towards Charlie who was once again practicing her quick draw.

It’s not every girl who can say she has two fathers to look after them, added Sam.

Sheriff Moore smiled, I wonder how it would have been... I mean, if only Charlie's mother had been here to raise her?

Sam recognized Matthew’s look of despondency. What happened to Miss Charlie's mother wasn't your fault, Matthew. You know the Lord works in mysterious ways.

This irritated Sheriff Moore, Mysterious ways? Taking a mother from her child, leaving only a father to raise her? No, no. I must have done something terribly wrong to deserve this. For that, the blame lies solely with me.

Sam was adamant; It was the Lord's plan that took her from Miss Charlie. His plan and his plan alone. Matthew let out a long sigh of relief then reached over and squeezed Sam's shoulder. I couldn't...we couldn’t have done it without you, Sam. I realize we've been a terrible burden to you.

Burden?? Sam shook his head, It's never been a burden, only an honor.

Sheriff Moore had a worried look on his face, What happens if those boys decide to return to give Charlie a taste of her own medicine?

Sam walked over to his bench and picked up a small sledgehammer, Nothing. You see they'd have to get past me first. He brought the sledgehammer down on his anvil with just the right amount of force to let him know he meant business. Sheriff Moore smiled and looked directly at his friend,

Always there to protect her. Actually, you've protected both of us. Why even back on the plantation you were taking care of me, taking licks meant for me when I was too scared to admit I was the one who had taken my father's gold watch.

Sam was slightly embarrassed, It's all in the past, so best you pay it no mind, Sheriff. This prompted Sam to urge Sheriff Moore to get going, Right now, don’t you think it might be best if you made your rounds around the town? Sheriff Moore was always amazed at Sam’s ability to keep his and Charlie’s lives on track. 

Right as usual. On my way, said an appreciative Matthew as he walked out and turned away from the main street.

Charlie noticed her father leaving Sam’s, so she stopped her  quick draw practice to yell out to him, See ya later, Paw! She whipped around and drew her gun but froze when she saw the stranger in her sights. He locked eyes with her as he rode down the street. But the sweat on his brow and dust on his clothes told her one thing; he had a rough time and his horse showed signs of being rode hard.

The stranger dismounted and knew his quick draw opponent was enamored by his presence. Still frozen by his presence, Charlie watched as he slowly walked towards her. As his guns came into view, Charlie couldn’t take her eyes off them.

The stranger noticed his admirer was smitten, so he reached into his pocket, Hey, boy! Do somethin’ for me.

His comment caused Charlie to snap out of her gaze. She took a step back, and challenged his words, Boy? I ain’t no boy, Mister! I’m a girl! Charlie took her big brimmed hat off and revealed her long black hair.

Why, so you are. Listen, I...

Charlie interrupted him, Sorry, Mister. My paw don’t like me talking to strangers.

What would your paw say about being paid for a simple business exchange?

That depends on how much I’d be paid.

The stranger chuckled, Smart boy. I mean, gal. Listen, my horse needs watering, but not for a few minutes. I don’t have time to wait because I need a drink now. So, here’s the deal. You wait a few minutes, then water him and you’ll earn a silver dollar. Charlie’s eyes widened.

The stranger removed a silver coin from his vest and flipped it several times to entice Charlie to accept his business proposition. Do we have an agreement?

Charlie’s eyes followed the coin as it flipped end over end in the air. The prospect of earning some money was too good to pass up. You got yourself a deal, Mister. Charlie was even more fixated on his silver dollar than she had been with his guns. The stranger slipped the coin back into his vest.

Don’t forget, now. Let him cool for a few minutes before giving him water. Say, you ‘can’ handle a horse, can’t you?

Of course, I can. Just make sure you don’t forget my silver dollar.

Yes, ma’am! I won’t forget. Charlie grabbed the horse’s reins and petted his face and watched the stranger as he confidently walked towards the saloon. She thought of the silver dollar and what she was going to buy with it. Not candy or something for herself, but rather a new hat for her paw.

As she slowly led the horse to the water trough outside the saloon, she was determined not to lose sight of him inside. She made her way to a side window where she watched his movements. The saloon was rather busy for a midweek day and the piano player was doing a pretty good job at entertaining the patrons as they laughed and enjoyed themselves.

The stranger slowly walked through the saloon doors. He threw the doors behind him and was annoyed that no one seemed to notice his entrance. He walked up to the bar and banged on it. Whiskey, bartender. The Bartender was in conversation with several patrons at the far end and did not notice him. The stranger banged the counter again, I said whiskey, bartender! Once again, there was no acknowledgement for his call for a drink.

Outside, Charlie had positioned herself just outside the open window. She laughed under her breath as she saw how frustrated the stranger was at not being able to get a drink. Hey, bartender! What’s a man gotta do to get a drink around here?

The bartender reached under the counter and slid a bottle and a glass his way, but they failed to reach him. The bartender didn’t notice this and continued his conversation with the patrons.

Charlie could see the predicament he was in. This time she laughed out loud. She knew if the stranger heard her, she might be in trouble, so she quickly ducked under the sill. Charlie slowly raised herself back up and peered in through the window. The stranger had not noticed her.

Frustrated, the stranger looked around. He thought about walking over to get the whiskey and glass, but several patrons stood with their backs against the bar as they listened to the piano player. He looked around, opened his hand and outstretched it towards the bottle. Charlie wondered what he was doing as it was at least five feet away. She chuckled, Surely he didn’t think he would be able to reach it? But her bemusement would quickly turn all too serious, as what she was about to witness would forever be etched in her mind.

She saw the stranger’s hand had extended out further, almost as if his fingers were calling for the bottle to come to it. Then, as if to answer, the bottle inexplicably slid across the bar and into his open hand. Charlie’s eyes widened. Dang! How could he do that? She couldn’t believe it.

She looked around the saloon, but it seemed no one but her had noticed. She had to tell someone. A multitude of voices rang out in her head. Quick, Charlie! Yell out! Let someone know! But then she thought that would only draw attention to her. No, I gotta tell Paw! Yeah, I gotta tell Paw! He’ll believe me. He’ll know what to do, she convinced herself.

She turned to run to find him, but the sound of horses bellowed from the street stopped her. Charlie saw a group of the meanest looking cowpokes she had ever seen. They had dismounted and were headed in her direction towards the saloon. Liam, the father of Lonnie whom the Stranger had killed the day before, led the way.

Living in a western town, Charlie knew trouble when she saw it. She realized she had to find her father and find him fast. But, before she could jump off the boardwalk, Sheriff Moore intercepted Liam and his cowboys.

"Afternoon, what can I do for you men?’ the sheriff inquired.

A couple of the men had walked over to the Stranger’s horse and were engaged in a discussion. They were searching his saddle pack and pulled something from it before they pointed to the saloon.

Charlie ran up to her father, Paw, Paw! I got to tell you something!

Sheriff Moore stooped down and grabbed Charlie by her shoulders, Charlie, go back to Sam’s. Go back now.

But, Paw, you don’t understand!

Charlie, I said go now, young lady! He gave her a stern look; one she knew she had to heed. She hurried off, but stopped after a few steps. Just as she knew she was compelled to venture into the West, she knew she had to disobey her father in order to see what was going to happen to the Stranger. Her heart pounded as she ran away just far enough to convince her father she had gone. She quickly turned the corner and bolted to the farthest window in the saloon. It was an ideal location, far enough that her father wouldn’t see her, but not close enough to see the front of the saloon if she had to. She looked inside and saw the Stranger at the counter. She wondered if she should warn him of the riders who had just arrived. She decided she’d better just watch. 

OUT ON THE STREET, Sheriff Moore stood up and came face to face with Lonnie’s father.

"Sheriff, my name is Liam Furrows. Maybe you’ve heard of me? Liam smiled, almost in a devilish way.

Sheriff Moore nodded. I’ve heard of you, Mr. Furrows. Again, what can I do for you?

Liam became agitated. We’re after the son of a bitch who killed my son! And, we’re pretty damn sure he’s in your town!

Sheriff Moore calmly responded, If he’s here, I’ll bring him in for questioning.

A cowboy stepped out in front of Liam. It was Lennie, Lonnie’s identical twin brother. He walked up and positioned his chest up against Sheriff Moore’s in a challenging manner. Questioning? Lennie looked around at the cowboys in disbelief. He became even more agitated than his father. Questioning?! If you’ve heard of my father, then you’d know he gets what he wants.

Liam interjected, Lennie, the sheriff’s only doing his job. But, don’t you worry none, if that son of a bitch is here, I’m sure the sheriff will give him up to us.

Furrows was interrupted by his men who had brought something over for him to see. They showed it to him and Lennie and they both recognized it. It’s Lonnie’s alright, Paw. That bastard’s here! Lennie looked to his men, Let’s go, boys. He’s probably inside. Let’s find him and string him up!

They started towards the saloon doors but were abruptly blocked by Sheriff Moore who jumped in front of them. Listen to me, Furrows. Under the law, all men deserve due process. If this fellow that you’re looking for is here, then he falls under my jurisdiction; which means he gets my protection.

Lennie was angered by the sheriff’s declaration of the law. But, before he could speak, his father exclaimed, We don’t give a damn what the law says! He killed Lonnie and for that he deserves to die! Come on, boys!

Liam and Lennie pushed Sheriff Moore aside and the others followed. That is until they heard the sound of Sheriff Moore’s gun being cocked. The sound stopped them dead in their tracks. Slowly they turned around. Sheriff Moore had them dead to rights,

This is my town, and in my town, we do things by the book. Now, you men, unholster your belts and drop them to the ground.

Lennie looked to his father, You’re not going to let him deny us our revenge, are you, Paw?

Sheriff Moore reassured Furrows, I told you, Furrows, if the man you’re looking for is here, I’ll bring him in for questioning.

Liam looked at Lennie. He had already lost one son. He didn’t want to take a chance on losing the other one.

All right, boys. Do what Sheriff Moore says. No sense in knocking ourselves out over this. Liam glanced at one of his men whom he noticed was hiding behind a horse behind Sheriff Moore. The cowboy’s eyes locked with Liam’s. He looked downward and Liam followed their line of sight. He saw the cowboy’s clenched fist. He then turned it slowly around to reveal a rock. As he unbuckled his belt, Liam smiled ever so slightly, Yes, sir. No need to knock ourselves out.

With deadly accuracy, the cowboy threw the rock at Sheriff Moore’s head. It struck him and brought him down hard.

The group walked over the fallen lawman towards the saloon. As he passed, Furrows looked down, I admire your respect for the law, but blood is thicker than any law I care to recognize.

Inside the saloon, the Stranger had just finished his drink. As he put his glass down, he looked in the mirror and noticed that the swinging doors had opened and closed.

Within the core group of men, he noticed two cowpokes had moved on either side. Directly in front of the doors stood Liam and Lennie. As they converged on the stranger, the saloon patrons cleared out from the center and the bartender stepped far to the side. The patrons all knew a gunfight was about to take place.

Lennie was about to speak, but Liam stuck his arm out and stopped him. Thought you could outrun us?

The Stranger did not acknowledge him. Instead, he poured himself another drink. Look at me, boy! When I go after someone, I catch ‘em!

The Stranger put his drink down and slowly turned around and responded in a sly manner, Who says you caught me?

The Stranger’s response infuriated Liam, Oh, I caught you all right. Look around. The Stranger saw that the cowpokes had drawn their guns. Their fingers were itching to fire off a round.

He only smiled and chuckled with confidence, Like I said, who says you caught me?

This drew a few chuckles from the patrons.

Lennie stepped forward, What are we waiting for, Paw? We know he killed Lonnie. Let’s just shoot the son of a bitch and get it over with!

Liam asked, Are you the man who killed my son?

The Stranger responded, Yeah, I killed him. He left me little choice as he drew his gun on me.

Liam quickly challenged him, People at the saloon said you accused him of cheating.

He 'was' cheating. answered the Stranger.

He then stared intently at Lennie who took umbrage to his hard look, What the Hell are you looking at?

Funny, I could have sworn I killed you yesterday, answered the Stranger. More chuckles came from the crowd.

The Stranger exhaled and calmly said, Tell you what I’m going to do, boys. You all holster your guns, turn around and leave. The Stranger pointed towards the door. Or else...

Lennie sarcastically asked, Or else, what?

Or else I’ll be forced to kill all of you.

Lennie laughed out loud, almost hysterically. Well, boys. Any of you feel like holstering your guns? I mean, he did say he’d let us live. Lennie looked down the row of his cowpokes. One bald headed cowpoke, Curly, looked quite eager to fire. How ‘bout you, Curly? You think we’re forcing this sidewinder to kill us?

Curly was far from amused. I’d say he’s nothing but a coward. Then he gave the Stranger a stern look of disapproval and spit on the floor. That’s right, I’m saying you’re a coward!

This motivated the Stranger to slowly extend his arms to his sides. Curly’s stern look yielded