Sheriff Buster Wild West Stories: Sheriff Buster Wild West Stories, #1

By Fandom Books

Immerse yourself in the daring exploits of Sheriff Buster, a legendary figure of the Wild West, whose tales of courage, wit, and unyielding pursuit of justice echo through the ages. This remarkable collection features three books, each chronicling a different chapter of Buster's life and the countless adventures he undertook.
The Gold of Sundown Ridge
Set against the backdrop of the untamed West, where life was as hard as the unyielding desert soil and the promise of gold could make or break dreams, "The Gold of Sundown Ridge" is a tale of justice, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.
The story unfolds in the heart of Sundown Ridge, a once tranquil gold mining town transformed overnight into a bustling outpost when the glimmer of gold was found in the nearby hills. This prosperity, however, also attracted less savory characters, greed written in their eyes and lawlessness coursing through their veins.
The Stagecoach
When a valuable stagecoach carrying a payroll for the expanding railroad line is threatened by a ruthless gang of robbers, these unlikely heroes must band together. Outnumbered and outgunned, they face not just the physical perils of the harsh desert and the ruthless enemies on their trail but also the internal struggles of their pasts and fears.
Justice Beyond Sundown Ridge
Having triumphed over the ruthless gang that once threatened the peace of Sundown Ridge, Sheriff Buster and his loyal posse now ride into a new adventure, one that takes them beyond the confines of their familiar town. As word of their valor spreads, the group finds themselves on an unexpected journey through a landscape ripe with opportunity and danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fandom Books
• Release date: Jun 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223816263

Book preview

Introduction

Set against the backdrop of the untamed West, where life was as hard as the unyielding desert soil and the promise of gold could make or break dreams, The Gold of Sundown Ridge is a tale of justice, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.

The story unfolds in the heart of Sundown Ridge, a once tranquil gold mining town transformed overnight into a bustling outpost when the glimmer of gold was found in the nearby hills. This prosperity, however, also attracted less savory characters, greed written in their eyes and lawlessness coursing through their veins.

A Quiet Town

Sundown Ridge was a quaint town nestled at the foot of the rugged Sierras. The air was thin, filled with the smell of gold dust and dreams of prosperity. It was early afternoon when the three brothers swaggered into town, their horses kicking up a small cloud of dust as they approached.

Darius, the oldest, had an intimidating aura. His dark eyes were filled with mischief, and his heavy boots hit the ground with authority. Behind him was Elijah, the middle brother, who had a roguish charm about him. He wore a permanent smirk on his face, a testament to his easy-going nature. The youngest, Samuel, was the quiet one, with a silent intensity that was more chilling than his brothers' boisterous personas.

The brothers pulled up outside the only saloon in town, dismounting with a languid ease that spoke of their confidence. Darius was the first through the saloon doors, his eyes scanning the room before he walked up to the bar.

A round for me and my brothers, Darius declared, slapping a silver dollar on the counter. The saloon's owner, a balding man named Silas, filled three glasses with whiskey, eyeing the newcomers warily.

Silas turned to a burly man in the corner, Sheriff Buster, and raised an eyebrow. Buster, a seasoned lawman with graying hair and a weathered face, looked at the brothers, then nodded curtly. He knew the type. Troublemakers. But this was still a quiet town, and he aimed to keep it that way.

So, what brings you boys to Sundown Ridge? Buster asked, moving closer to the brothers.

Just passing through, Sheriff, replied Elijah, his voice smooth. Thought we'd stop for a drink.

Buster didn't respond immediately. Instead, he studied the brothers, his experienced gaze taking in the subtle signs of potential trouble. Darius was restless, his hand occasionally drifting towards his holster. Elijah was a charmer, his smooth talk could mislead many. And Samuel, though silent, had a predatory gaze, constantly scanning the room.

Well, Buster said, finally breaking the silence. Just remember, we like things quiet around here. No trouble, you hear?

Darius snorted, raising his whiskey in a mock toast. No trouble, Sheriff, he echoed, his tone making it clear he wasn't making a promise.

Buster watched as the brothers drank, their laughter ringing in the saloon. Sundown Ridge was a quiet town, but he knew the arrival of these three meant that peace was about to be shaken.

The Brothers

Darius, Elijah, and Samuel. Three brothers, bound by blood and trouble.

Darius, Elijah began, his voice smooth as he swirled his glass of whiskey. Remember what happened the last time you got us kicked out of a town?

Darius scowled at his brother. He was the oldest, the hothead. His hand was quick on the draw, his temper even quicker. We made it out just fine, didn't we?

Elijah grinned, leaning back in his chair. He was the charmer, the one who could talk his way out of just about anything. Yeah, 'cause Samuel saved our hides.

All eyes turned to the youngest. Samuel, silent as the night, a brooding presence at the end of the bar. He didn't drink like his brothers; instead, his fingers danced on the handle of his rifle. Samuel might have been the quiet one, but his aim was deadly, the best among them.

I just did what needed to be done, Samuel replied, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes never leaving the door of the saloon. Samuel was always watching, always ready.

Darius slammed his glass down, a scowl twisting his features. I don't need you two babysitting me, he snarled. His temper was notorious, the spark that often led to the fire.

Elijah chuckled, taking a sip of his whiskey. We're not babysitting you, brother. Just looking out for each other.

That was the essence of the brothers. Darius, brash and quick to action. Elijah, charming and diplomatic. Samuel, the silent observer with an unerring aim. They were as different as could be, but together they were a force to be reckoned with.

A toast then, Elijah proposed, raising his glass. To looking out for each other.

Darius grumbled, but raised his glass. Samuel merely nodded, his attention still on the world outside the saloon.

To looking out for each other, they echoed.

Their glasses clinked together, the sound a clear note in the noisy saloon. They drank to their pact, a bond stronger than any law or threat. They were brothers, for better or worse, until the end.

The Saloon Incident

As the night deepened , the saloon became a riotous hub of laughter and banter. The three brothers, Darius, Elijah, and Samuel, were the focal point. Their raucous jokes, escalating bets, and whiskey-fueled laughter infected the entire establishment. However, as the brothers' behavior grew rowdier, the good-natured ambience in the saloon began to turn.

The pivotal moment came when Darius, goaded by liquid courage, decided to demonstrate his gun-slinging skills. He staggered to his feet, drawing his revolver and aiming at a bottle on a nearby shelf.

Watch this, he slurred, squinting one eye to focus.

The saloon fell silent. Samuel's hand twitched towards his own weapon, but Elijah, ever the peacemaker, intervened.

Darius, put that away, he hissed, reaching to lower his brother's arm.

But it was too late. The saloon doors burst open and in walked Sheriff Buster, a hulk of a man with a no-nonsense countenance. His reputation as a stern lawman preceded him, and his steely gaze quickly surveyed the situation.

Is there a problem here? Buster asked, his voice cutting through the silence like a cold wind.

Darius, his arm still raised, looked at the sheriff with a defiant grin. No problem, Sheriff, he replied, his words slightly slurred. Just showing off a little.

Buster stepped closer, his hand resting on the butt of his own holstered gun. This town doesn't need your kind of show. Put the gun away.

For a moment, it looked like Darius might argue, but a glance from Samuel had him reluctantly holstering his weapon.

You've had your fun, boys, Buster continued, his gaze lingering on each of the brothers. I suggest you call it a night.

Elijah, always the smooth talker, nodded politely. Apologies, Sheriff. We didn't mean to rile anyone.

Buster eyed them skeptically before turning to leave, but not before issuing a final warning. See that it doesn't happen again.