Don't Shoot ! It's Me

By Tom Leftwich

This is a collection of 5 fictional western action and adventures that will take you back to the 1850 era of the American West. Characters and stories are based on actual events that occurred during this turbulent period. A young orphaned girl takes on a gunfighter’s job in a Livery stable. A young Mother to be fights off a band of Raiders burning her house. A man escapes hanging to team with a Jackass in search of a Gold mine. A young man is forced to take to a gun, he doesn’t want and becomes a feared gun fighter. Ex killer convict takes up a vengeance trail to rescue an Indian captive. Each exciting chapter a step into the past and a getaway from today’s hectic lifestyle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365229015

Book preview

Don't Shoot ! It's Me

Don’t Shoot ! It’s Me

By  Tom Leftwich

Copyright © 2014   By  Author : Tom Leftwich

All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-365-22502-4

Lulu  Publisher ID  19022691

Printed in the United States of America.

Introduction:

Don’t Shoot ! It’s Me is a collection of Western Short Story fiction that includes a number of situations found very common during the development of early Arizona Territory. Unfortunately, violence , pillaging and murder were commonplace and the wives and women of that era had to become strong, self sufficient  and independent often surpassing the fighting characteristics of their men folks. Young men and teenage boys were often thrown into life threatening conflicts that ultimately led to lives of outlawry or  law enforcement. It’s common knowledge that most  of the notorious gunfighters of the 1800’s were fighting survivors of the Civil War and life to them was cheap. They held no remorse for killing. 

Such was the true life story of Jesse James. As a sixteen year old his parents Ranch was attacked by Union troops and while their crops and barn was burned, Jesse was horribly beaten by the Union soldiers. This caused his joining the terrible Renegade Confederate Raiders under Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson. His brother Frank had been a member since the formation of the Raiders. Their foolhardy and daring bravery  together with shooting skills made them both valued members of the Band. They were both involved in murder and terrorizing attacks under Quantrill and Anderson. Jesse was not ordinary by any standard. On one occasion while seated in camp cleaning his pistol, it accidently discharged shooting off the tip of one finger. Jesse unperturbed by the pain said Now ain’t that the Dingus, dangest thing you ever did see! It was that incident that earned him the nickname of Dingus  In an effort to trap Jesse and Frank a troop of Union soldiers once again attacked their Mother’s farm tossing an explosive into the house which killed one family member and injured their mother . Later following the end of the Civil War, he and all were offered amnesty and while in route to the town of Liberty to sign the allegiance  he was treacherously bush whacked and badly wounded. This final act of treachery and evil by Union Troops brought about the life of robbery and pillage that became the legend of Jesse James. Most of his and Frank’s exploits are stranger even than the wildest of fiction.

In this collection some of the incidents that I have credited to fictional characters were taken from real life or similar events that occurred in the 1850 to 1880 time period. Any references to horse training techniques and gunmanship are authentic practices ,some of which; are still in use today. I personally apologize for the use of third grade English used by some of my characters, but one must realize that few westerners had even a third grade education. In an effort to fully illustrate the illiteracy level of characters and portray them as they were. The King’s English is rare and hard to come by.      Acknowledgement; A big Thank You to quick draw artist Gail Yawn of Lancaster Ca. for the book cover.

Dedication

This collection of  Western Short Stories  is dedicated to good friends  Don and Lauretta Barnett,  Bob and Gail Yawn,  and a host of other friends that have encouraged me to continue writing. I hope they are never in a situation that requires them to  yell, Don’t Shoot! It’s Me. Table of contents for Don’t Shoot It’s Me

Chapter  1.   Summary of Johnny or Joni: The destitute orphaned daughter of an Outlaw ; she had to have a job and place to live. As Johnny a livery hand and gun fighter. As Joni a pretty girl and great bronco rider, but not too bad with a gun either. Action, adventure, human interest

Chapter 2.  Summary of The Bad Side of Janet: An Ex- Gunfighting Marshall and his wife are to be the victims of a land grabbing Rancher. The land grabber and his crew were soon to find out that they tangled with the wrong pair. Both were more than a handful. Violence, Action and Surprising Retribution

Chapter 3. Summary of Jezebel  Jessie: He escaped a hanging, a murderer and drowning to finally find a girl and a gold mine . Many thanks to a Jackass. Action, adventure, violence and human interest.

Chapter 4. Summary of Fast Gun: Young Jay Walker unknowing son of a famous gunfighter ultimately falls into the same pathway of his famous father, defending the rights of the common people. Poor Jay! He knew how to deal with  deadly killers and come out alive, but with a girl! He was dead on arrival! Western action.

Chapter 5. Summary of Dalaa Bocho: Ex-convict Confederate Army Private convicted of war crimes comes to aid of settler family rescuing Grand daughter. Solves biblical description of hidden gold mine. Violence, western adventure and mystery.

Chapter  1    Johnny or Joni

My name is Joni! Damnit! I’m a girl! Sam Longley, the owner of Cottonwood Livery said, Look Lassie, I don’t give a damn what your name is. I can’t use a girl! Your Dad was a good friend and I’d like to help you out. Look, I need a stable boy! But, your name has to be Johnny You’re big enough and dirty enough to be a boy! So how about it? Do you want the job or not?

She was Joni Watson, fifteen year old orphan daughter of the recently deceased Bank Robber John Watson , a member of the Black Henry Outlaw Gang. Some of Henry’s Gang had been killed in the failed attempt to rob the Santa Fe Cattleman’s Bank. Joni had no relatives in New Mexico Territory.

She was now alone with no home and no money. All she had left from her Dad was his saddle and guns. His horse had taken half of the bullets thrown at him and died in camp, along with her Dad. Fifteen years old, no money, no home, and no one to go to. Her last three years had been tough following the outlaw trail of her Dad.

She had to have some kind of work to earn her keep and a place to stay. She knew horses, guns and a hard trail life. She was far older in experience than a typical fifteen year old girl. Sam had been the only person that her Dad knew in Santa Fe. His dying words were Go see Sam, Livery Stable!

Joni said, Why can’t I be a girl and work here? Sam said , Look! I don’t wanta skirt around this Stable! With the kind of low life’s I get in here, a girl will only bring trouble. Johnny, you’re big, plain headed, and almost as flat chested as a Rattle snake. Few people would take you for a girl. I can use your help , but it’s awful rough language and you’ll have to put up with a lotta man stuff that you may not be used to!

Joni said, Mister Sam, I’ve been around men for three years on the outlaw trail. If I hadn’t seen it or heard it by now, I’d be deaf and blind! I’ve had to handle some bad situations with men already when they put their hands on me ,and I can handle a gun! I need the job and I’ll be a Boy if I have to! Where can I sleep?

Sam said,  Drop the Mister stuff and chop most of your hair off. It’s dirty work here Lassie! You’ll earn your keep if you wanna work for me! The tack room back of that first stall is where you’ll sleep. Fix yourself a straw pile and keep it against the inside wall. You can roll up in there. Leave plenty of room for walkin so I can get harness and saddles out. Throw your stuff in there and come with me, we need to load a bunch of hay in the loft right away

Four hours later and finally Joni could sit down with her canteen and some jerky for lunch. Sam said, Johnny , you did a good job. You’re mighty strong for your age. I’ve had boys in here that couldn’t work like you. I know you’re sweaty and all, but the horse trough is all I’ve got for washing up. The out house is out by the back gate.

Joni said, I’m used to bird washing Sam. Most places, I had to wash up in the creek. I’ll make out. You don’t have to worry about me.Sam said, Well, I guess we better get up and at it! I’ve gotta get a Rig and horse ready for ol’ Joshua Gordon the Banker. He’s running over to Twin Forks this afternoon. I don’t know if he’s takin money or gittin it. Gimmee a hand with this Cart.

Joni was thinkin, Yeah now ! This is more like it! I’ll get this Rig put together and maybe I can tend some of these other horses! That hay loadin was Ok, but I love workin with horses! She quickly brushed Sam’s Surrey horse and had the mare hitched up when Sam opened the big front door.

He commented, Johnny, looks like you know your stuff. Those tugs are tight and even. I couldn’t a done a better job myself! Joni said , Sam , I love workin with horses. I kept my Dad’s in good care every where we went. Sam said, That’s great, Johnny! I hope you know how to use a pitch fork! You’ve got four stalls and a stock pen to clean out! That kinda workin with horses was not what she had in mind!!

Joshua Gordon was the typical fat Banty legged bald headed Banker. He was in a hurry and had nothing good to say about Sam’s Surrey horse. He said, Damnit Sam isn’t that the same old nag you stuck me with last week? I’ll be two days getting an afternoon’s trip outta the way! Can’t you hook me up with something that ain’t voting age yet! I’d like to get back for dinner tonight! Not tomorrow’s breakfast!

Sam replied, Joshua! This ol’mare is only eight years old and if you knew how to drive a trotting horse properly, you could make a round trip in three hours easy! She’s the best I have! Take her or walk! Joshua said, " Sam , what’ll you charge to drive me there and back? I need to look over these tally books before I deal with ol’ Aven Smith at the Twin Forks Mercantile! Gotta hurry! Would you do it?’

Sam said, Sorry Josh, but I gotta stick around here. I’ve got six wild horses coming in, that I wanna buy! Joshua said, " What about your Boy over there? Can he drive?’

Sam yelled, Hey Johnny, Can your drive a trotter? Josh needs a driver for this afternoon!’ Joni replied, Yep Sam! I drove Dad all around St. Jo when I was back there!’ Sam replied, Johnny , looks like you’ve got a job. Jump in that Rig and make a fast run to Twin Forks. Josh, a driver‘ll cost you another dollar!"

Before she climbed aboard, Sam called her to the tack room saying, Johnny ,you said you could use a gun. I noticed you had your Dad’s pistol. It might be a good idea to carry it along. We still have a few Indians out there you know!

Joni took off at a brisk trot with The Banker still cussin about the outrageous cost for a Rig and driver. Joni noticed that Joshua swung his gun belt around so his pistol was handy.

She wondered, Was he carrying money or was he gonna get some? Sam might be right about a few bad Indians, but there were a whole lot more Outlaws out there to worry about! Part of Black Henry’s bunch were still in the country. One of that bunch was still alive and had been a terrible threat to her a year ago!

Joshua said, Boy! Cain’t you get more speed outta that nag? Seems like he’s barely movin!  Joni said,  She’s a good mare Sir, and clipping right along! She’s really smooth and she’ll put us there in about an hour!’ Joshua was not convinced and pulled the coach whip outta the boot saying, I’m gonna touch her up a little Boy! I think we can move a lot faster! Joni grabbed the whip from his hand saying, Mister Gordon. If you wanna drive, let me out right here! This mare is doin a great job without beatin on her!"

Joshua angrily replied, Damnit Boy! I’m payin for this ride and I think that ol’nag is loafin along! Hell ! It’ll be midnight before we get back here at this rate! Joni said, Sit back and get your Book work done! Let me drive the horse! You run her now and you’ll have to walk her back to Cottonwood! It’ll be midnight for sure!

Gordon was not happy, and mumbled something about smart-alecky  kids! An hour later he was looking up from his tally sheet and surprised to find that he was coming into Twin Forks. Joni pulled the Rig into the Mercantile Store and let Gordon out. She grabbed a bucket from the porch and got a small drink for the mare.

Looking around town , she was shocked to see a bald face horse that she knew immediately! A cold and fearful feeling made her catch her breath! That had to be  Buck Reynolds horse! Buck had been Black Henry’s right hand man until she and her Dad had joined the gang three years ago.

That crawling feeling of fear crept over Joni! She could never forget that terrible night a year ago when Buck tried to rape her and it was only due to her Dad shooting him that he left her alone. Too bad the bullet wasn’t a little better aimed! Buck would be dead by now! As it was; it had only been a flesh wound.  Damn! If that was Buck’s horse ; he would be somewhere here in town!

Joni had learned to be wary of men and had followed her Dad’s advise. Learn to use a gun and learn to use it well! Joni strapped on her Dad’s belt gun! Those hours of practice every day for six months, and instruction from her Dad had paid off! Very few folks other than the outlaws knew of her gun skill.

She had never been forced to shoot at anyone! Would she be able to? Joni didn’t know! She had imagined a thousand times shooting Buck Reynolds! He had beat her and forced her to the ground ripping off her clothes! Her scream had brought her Dad. His shooting had stopped Buck , but Joni could never forget the horror and fear of that night. Yes! She wanted to learn to use a gun! Her Dad had said, if you draw the gun ? Draw it fast! If you shoot? Shoot to kill! Otherwise leave the gun in the holster.

Coming from the Mercantile a half hour later is her passenger Joshua Gordon . Of all things dumb! Joni was thinking, He’s carrying a valise! Probably with money from the Store! No outlaw, even Buck Reynolds would be dumb enough, to overlook this!

Almost unconsciously , Joni placed her hand on her belt gun! Joshua climbed in and Joni sent the mare off toward Cottonwood at a good clip! Thank God!’ she was thinking, No sign of Reynolds or any of Black Henry’s Bunch! Maybe I can relax and enjoy the ride."

Joshua said, Boy! You haven’t been working for Sam very long. Where’d you come from? Haven’t seen you around town! Joni replied, No, just got in. My Dad passed away. He was a friend of Sam’s from the War. They fought together in Tennessee. Sam gim’me a job. Joshua continued asking questions and Joni kept dodging direct answers. She directed the talk away from herself and back to Sam’s Business. The talk was light and Joshua spent most of the ride giving Joni the vast benefit of his advise for worldly success.

Joni had been a member of an outlaw band too long! Glancing at her back trail was almost automatic. There was a definite dust cloud above the road some distance behind them! Joni was worried! Black Henry’s Bunch could be coming after them! There was no way they could outrun that bunch of bloodied horses to Cottonwood!

Thankfully, the dust cloud turned south! Joni relaxed, but a feeling of unease stayed with her!  Maybe She thought ,  it’s just my nerves! I’ve gotta get that fear of Buck Reynolds outta my mind! She drove on, but the nervous fear stayed with her, something was wrong! She could feel it!

They had come to the low hills outside of Cottonwood and were climbing a two mile slope when warning signs started to play in her mind! The top of this rise was a perfect spot for a Hold Up! She had spent two years listening to plans for robbing stages