Silver Lake’S Transformation

By Joe Smiga

In Joe Smigas first western, he created the town of Silver Lake. Many circumstances happened causing its characters to be involved in murder, destruction, greed, and power. Now in the sequel to A Cowboys Vengeance, the reader is transported from the first book into a realistic portrayal of the growth of a town located in Utah during the 1890s. Silver Lakes transformation deals with change and growth in each of the main characters from the original book along with new characters and how their lives are intertwined. The stories of life, struggles, and love in the west; when the town begins dealing with growth caused by stagecoach runs, the railway, having a bank, a new sheriff, and bandits. If you enjoyed the western programs from television, you will love these two books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499019056

Joe Smiga

About the Author Joe Smiga’s first book was published in May 2009 by Xlibris. On October 19, 2009, the New Hampshire Union Leader, New Hampshire’s statewide newspaper, printed a glowing review of Behind the Lies, saying it was worthy of Tom Clancy. Since then, Joe has published seven additional books with Xlibris because of the quality of their work. This year, Joe is publishing his ninth book, Iran’s Shocking Reversal. This novel opens up the imaginative possibilities of developing a better world. This is book tells the story of a major change in the Middle East. Joe loves to tell stories, especially one with hope for the future. He also tells stories of what really happens in the real world. Joe has a naval military background and close to forty-five years of sales and marketing engineered products. Iran’s Shocking Reversal will blow your mind.

Book preview

Prologue

One year later in Silver Lake

The small town of Silver Lake has been able to deal with the minor acts of vandalism and thefts occurring in town when vagrants pass through the area.

For the past six months, things have been relatively quiet, and the search for a new sheriff hasn’t been actively pursued.

The town seems to be content the way daily occurrences happen until…

*     *     *

Content until the day the Stevens gang rides through. There are five of them. Herman Stevens, the oldest, is riding center, with Clyde Stevens riding on his right and Ernie to Clyde’s right. Tom and Dick are on Herman’s left. The five of them ride abreast down the center of town. Their nasty appearances set off many townspeople wondering who these men are. Their looks set off instinctive fear in civilized people’s souls.

Inside of Jake’s saloon, one man is looking out the window and says, Will you look at this, I believe that is Herman Stevens.

Someone else says, Here in Silver Lake? I thought he always operated in Texas.

Probably got run out of the state or beat it out before a posse could catch him, says another man at the bar.

After the five pass the saloon, Jake heads over to the hotel. Running inside, he calls out to Peter, the owner, Pete, did you see those five that just rode through town?

No, I’ve been out back. Who were they?

I don’t know, but some guys inside the bar think they are the Stevens gang.

Who the hell are the Stevens gang?

I’ve only heard rumors and hearsay, but they’ve been known to rob banks among other things.

Shit, Jake, you contact Joshua, Doc, and Randy. I’ll contact Jeff and Henry. We need to call an emergency meeting of the council tonight at seven.

Jake takes off running around town, and Peter heads over to the livery for his horse.

Did you see those five guys that just rode through town?

No, Sam, I haven’t. I need my horse to do a couple of errands. Can you saddle him for me?

Peter doesn’t want to tell Sam what Jake told him. The news would be all over town within an hour.

Chapter One

Council Meeting

At seven o’clock, the seven members of the town council gather in the reading room of Peter’s hotel. Their regular scheduled meeting is the fourth Monday of each month. They haven’t had an emergency meeting for a long time, and each one is wondering what this will bring about. The seven are Randy Beecham, the owner of the general store; Jake Stark, the saloon owner; Henry Duncan, the stage station manager; Peter Simms, the hotel owner; Jeff Proctor, the town’s blacksmith; Dr. William Keller, the town’s physician and dentist; and Joshua Rodgers, the town’s barber and undertaker.

When everyone is seated, Peter begins. He explains how Jake came to the hotel this afternoon and described what one of his customers saw through the window and where his remarks led. Jake, do you want to add anything to what I said?

No, I believe you covered everything just the way I told you.

Randy says, So why are we sitting here in an emergency meeting?

Henry remarks, Sounds to me like you expect this bunch to rob the bank.

Doc Keller asks, Didn’t we discuss that the building of a bank in town could cause robbers to try and steal the money and cause havoc of unknown proportions?

Jeff replies, Yes, we did discuss it, and I am the first to say we have been lax in creating a plan to ensure our monies are safe because we have been hoping to hire a sheriff.

Joshua continues the conversation, You expect one lawman to stand up to a gang of five or more? I don’t think that is realistic.

Peter goes on, Right now, we don’t know if that group plans anything or if they are merely passing through town. No matter what they are doing, we have a problem, and we need to do something to protect our bank. Does anyone have any ideas?

A number of ideas begin being tossed around the council. Each one of them involves manpower and gun experience. No one seems to want to make a decision on which proposal would be best. These men aren’t gunfighters, and they are frightened by what they are facing.

*     *     *

As the council is meeting, the Stevens gang makes camp five miles outside of Silver Lake. Their horses are picketed under some pines. Sitting around the fire and eating beans and bacon along with some hardtack, they talk about what their next move will be.

Herman says, The word we got was the bank in Silver Lake is only a year old. It’s not likely to have a great amount of cash on hand. From what we’ve seen elsewhere, it takes banks years to gain the trust of citizens to deposit their money. What I’m more interested in is the money that might come into Silver Lake by stagecoach.

His brother Clyde responds, How do we find out when the stage will be carrying enough money to make a hit worthwhile?

Herman remarks, I guess we need to do some investigating for ourselves without letting the cat out of the bag.

Chapter Two

Tyler and Joan

Tyler and Joan Martin arrive in Silver Lake riding their buckboard. They need to pick up supplies, but what Joan wants to share with Maggie and Jessica is even more exciting.

Tyler steps down from the buckboard seat and offers to assist Joan down from her side. Thank you, but I’m still able to get up and down from the seat by myself. Don’t baby me, Tyler.

You love it and you know it. I’ll head into Randy’s so you and Maggie can have a few minutes alone. She gives him a peck on the cheek and says, Thank you.

Tyler walks around the horses and steps up on the walkway in front of the store. Entering, he sees Randy and Heather restocking shelves.

Tyler, it’s good to see you. How are things on the ranch?

We’re doing well. The herd has some new strong additions to it, and my hands are doing fine maintaining the herd.

I saw Joan come into town with you. Is she over at Maggie’s?

Of course, you can’t keep those two apart when Joan is in town.

Heather says, They’re good friends, and that is wonderful for them.

Tyler hands Randy his list of requirements and says he will be back after lunch.

Tyler crosses the street, heading over to Maggie’s.

*     *     *

Inside of Maggie’s, the two women are hugging each other. Maggie has tears in her eyes. I am so happy for you, Maggie says.

Tyler is so happy he is beginning to treat me like someone who is going to break.

At that moment, Tyler enters the restaurant.

Well, look who it is, the new expectant papa.

Tyler turns bright red from the attention.

Maggie walks over to Tyler and gives him a hug.

Lunch is on me as a special present. Have you told Jessica yet?

No, I wanted to see you first and then to stop over to the boarding house.

Jessica is going to be as happy for you as I am. My god, woman, of the three of us, you are riding high. You caught a good man, and now you are going to have children.

As the lunch crowd filters into the restaurant, Maggie announces this is a special day. Joan is beginning to feel self-conscious, but she knows Maggie says it in good taste.

The lunch crowd gives their congratulations to Joan and Tyler.

After lunch, Joan and Tyler head over to the general store, and Tyler pays for the supplies. Randy helps Tyler load the buckboard.

See you next trip, says Randy.

I need to see Jessica, do you mind?

No, I expected you would. She and Maggie are like sisters to you.

You’re right, and I never thought of it that way.

When they arrive at the boarding house, Joan goes in alone. Tyler feels she needs time with Jessica without him around.

While Tyler is waiting for Joan to finish up with Jessica, Peter, the hotel owner, sees him waiting outside of the boarding house.

Tyler, can I have a minute of your time?

Sure, Peter, what’s on your mind?

Peter explains to Tyler about the emergency meeting of the council and what triggered it.

Do you know of anyone we could connect with to hire as a sheriff and a deputy?

I have the names of a couple of guys who might be interested in the jobs. I know they would be good at it.

What are you going to offer them?

Peter replies, Thirty dollars a month plus room and board.

Peter, that is probably why you haven’t found anyone yet. For thirty dollars a month, you can be a ranch hand, and it’s a lot safer work. I would offer fifty plus room and board.

Are these people worth that kind of money?

I know they are. Right now, I don’t know what either of them is doing or making. Why don’t you send someone to the ranch, and I’ll give them the last address I have for these two? If you get both, you will have two good lawmen.

Thanks, Tyler. I’ll send someone out to your place, and I’ll get the council to meet on raising the pay. We have a regular meeting next Monday. Can we use your name as a reference?

Of course, Peter. If you hire these guys, I’ll have some friends from my past living close by. I will enjoy that.

As Peter walks off, Joan exits the boarding house.

When Joan came out, she was beaming with pride. Her friends were so happy for her. It made today a very special day in her life. Jessica gave both of us her congratulations.

Tyler and Joan climb aboard the buckboard and have a lot to talk about on the way back to the J & T ranch. On the way, Joan says, I would like to get word to Little Dove that I am pregnant.

Tyler looks at her and replies, Just don’t ride out there by yourself, OK?

I’ll get Dad to go with me.

Chapter Three

Getting the Names

Joshua Rodgers, council member, offered to make the trip to the Martin Ranch to obtain the names of candidates for lawmen.

Joshua enjoyed getting out of town once in a while. He loved to ride, and being town barber caused him to spend too much time waiting for clients to come in to get their haircuts. He chose not to own a horse because of his profession. Joshua stopped paying for the care and vet bills of owning a horse because he didn’t spend enough time with one. However, his deep love of them always touched his heart. Many times when there was little for him to do in town, he would assist Sam with barn chores. Sam never understood why Joshua was happy shoveling horseshit. Joshua would always rent a horse from Sam when he needed one. Peter told Joshua the council would pay for the rental of a horse to make this trip.

Sam gives him a nice bay mare with a gentle personality. Joshua rode her before. She would walk, canter, and trot with his direction. Right now, he was taking a nice leisurely ride.

The ride took him an hour and a half, and when he got there, he saw a very impressive ranch house, barn, and a large corral with a number of fine-looking horses.

Moving toward the ranch house, he sees Tyler Martin exit the house. Tyler waves to Joshua. Hey, Josh, you drew the short straw to take the ride.

Not really, Tyler. Things are pretty slow for me in town, so I offered. It is a beautiful ride to take on such a lovely sunny day. It’s not too hot and no bugs out.

Why don’t you water your horse, Josh, and I’ll give you a quick tour? I saw you admiring the place.

Josh gets down from the saddle and walks the mare over to a trough. When she stops drinking, he moves her to a hitching post near the porch and loosens her cinch strap.

I’m ready for the tour.

We’ll start with the barn and then do the house. I found the latest address I have of the men’s names I will give you.

Great, we’ll take all of the help we can get.

Tyler takes Joshua into his barn. You built this yourself?

I had three of Carla’s, my father-in-law’s wife, family helping me. Two of them stayed on and are now good cowhands. I have a total of four hands plus Joan.

I imagine she’s as good as your hands.

Smiling at the remark, Tyler says, You got that right. Come on, I’ll take you inside. Would you like something to drink or to eat?

I would enjoy a cup of coffee and a sandwich if you don’t mind.

Not a problem, I’ll have one of our ladies make you something.

As they enter the ranch house, Tyler calls out, Adriana, please make a sandwich and some coffee for Joshua.

I would be glad to. I can make a beef sandwich or chicken.

Beef would be fine, replies Joshua.

Tyler takes Joshua on a tour of the house.

*     *     *

Tyler and Joshua take seats at the table when they return to the dining area. Adriana places a plate with a beef sandwich covered with warm gravy in front of him. Next, she brings him a cup of coffee and utensils and places a second cup in front of Tyler.

Now, I’m really getting spoiled. Being single, I don’t prepare food for myself this good. That’s why I eat a lot of my meals at Maggie’s.

Maggie is a good cook, and I’m sure being a regular, she takes good care of you.

She does. I always wondered why she never married.

From what Joan told me, she was engaged once, but it ended. Did you ever make an attempt to ask her out?

Hesitating, Joshua says, Not really.

While you dig into that sandwich, I’ll get the information you are looking for.

Returning to the table, Tyler says, The last time I spoke with these men was when I lived in Nevada. They were the law in Carson City. Todd Sherman was the sheriff, and Lenny Baker was his deputy. Whether or not they are still there is what you need to find out, and possibly they might be looking for a change. I sensed both of them were getting the itchy feeling of moving on because Carson City was getting to a size they were uncomfortable with. The trouble is that was almost two years ago, and they could be anywhere right now.

We’ll send a wire to the sheriff’s office in Carson City and see what we come up with.

Joshua, did Peter get the council to raise the pay level of the lawmen?

He told us what you said, and we voted on it, knowing we need to do something before real trouble develops. It was approved.

Good, if they are willing to come and talk with you, let me know. I would like to be around town when they arrive.

Joshua is finishing his sandwich and drinking the remainder of his coffee. Tyler, we appreciate this, and I hope we can put this together with people who are known to be good lawmen. It is so hard to find the right one.

I understand where you are coming from. If you can get these two, the council will have made a good decision for the security of the town.

Joshua stands and shakes Tyler’s hand. It’s time for me to head back. I’m sure everyone is waiting to hear what I bring back. Adriana, thank you for the sandwich and the coffee. That was very nice of you to put warm gravy over the sandwich.

I’m glad you enjoyed it. We can’t let you go back hungry.

Outside, Joshua takes the time to water the mare once more. He resets the cinch strap and mounts onto the saddle. Thanks again for everything Tyler. By the way, where is Joan?

Joan and her dad are gone for a couple of days visiting the Shoshone tribe we are friends with.

"Tell her I said hi, and I understand, congratulations to the two of you are in order. Maggie and Jessica have told just about everyone in town.

We figured they would! Tyler says laughing.

Chapter Four

Joshua Returns

Joshua returns to town close to four in the afternoon. He walks over to the hotel after returning the mare to Sam. Peter is anxious to talk with him. He gives Peter the names that Tyler gave him and all of the details of their conversations.

Peter is thrilled and says he will wire the sheriff’s office in Carson City this evening.

Joshua leaves the hotel to clean up and have dinner at Maggie’s.

*     *     *

Peter heads over to the telegraph office as soon as Joshua leaves. Entering the office, he asks for a message pad and writes the following message.

Sheriff Todd Sherman, the town council of Silver Lake, Utah, wishes to hire you and your deputy, Lenny Baker, if the two of you are available. Tyler Martin, who owns one of our largest ranches, highly recommends the two of you. Please advise by return wire if it is possible to continue this discussion.

The telegraph operator reads the message and says, This looks interesting.

Peter says, Send it and let me know as soon as you have a response.

*     *     *

While Joshua is having dinner at Maggie’s, he shares with her what his day was like.

That’s wonderful, says Maggie. If Tyler recommends these two, they must be good and good people too.

That is what we are hoping, Maggie.

What do you think of the J & T ranch?

I only saw the house and the barn, but what they built is beautiful.

Tyler Martin is a smart man. I’m glad that he and Joan were married.

Do you ever think of marrying, Maggie?

Do I think of it, yes, once in a while, but I don’t think it’s in my future.

Joshua doesn’t go any further in attempting to ask her to spend time together.

*     *     *

Meanwhile, in Carson City, the telegraph office’s delivery boy brings a message to the sheriff’s office.

Todd reads it and says, Well, I’ll be damned. Listen to this, Lenny, and he goes on to read the message.

Lenny says, I never thought we’d hear of Tyler Martin again. Damn, it sounds as if he’s done real well for himself. Good for him. What do you want to do, Todd?

The interesting thing is we’ve given the city council ninety days to find a new sheriff. We have four deputies here besides ourselves, so we could take the time off to meet these dudes from Silver Lake. If Tyler recommended us, I suspect it would be a good fit for us. I’m getting tired of deputies who do nothing and whine and cry and city council members who do nothing but play politics. We told them within the ninety days, we had the right to leave if we receive an offer from somewhere we would want. So far, we haven’t had any offers. I say we notify the city council we are exercising our right to leave next week.

It sounds good to me, Todd. How long do you think it will take us to ride to Silver Lake?

Without any problems, such as bad weather or hombres and Indians on the road, I would say two weeks.

I say we go, Todd. This might be what we are looking for.

I’ll send a reply message tonight after I notify the head of the city council.

By the time Todd speaks to the head of the city council and heads to the telegraph office, he finds it is closed. I’ll have to do this first thing in the morning.

*     *     *

Sheriff Todd Sherman sends a wire to Peter, the head of the town council.

It reads: My deputy Lenny Baker and I have given the city council of Carson City a ninety-day notice that we were quitting. We gave that notice forty-five days ago. We have the right to exercise our option of leaving early. Since the sheriff’s office maintains four other deputies, we are going to leave a week from this date and head to Silver Lake because of Tyler Martin’s recommendation. Lenny and I expect it will take us two to three weeks to arrive.

Todd directs the telegraph operator to send it and make sure he receives any replies.

*     *     *

The telegraph operator runs to the hotel and gives Peter the reply message.

Thank you. This is what we have all been praying for. Send him a reply that we expect him in three or four weeks. Damn, this is good news.

Peter takes it upon himself to let every council member know the good news they received.

The telegraph operator is beginning to tell everyone he knows.

By noontime, almost the whole town is aware they may have not only a new sheriff but a deputy as well.

*     *     *

True to his word, Joshua rides out to the J & T ranch and leaves word for Tyler with the ladies who maintain the house that the