The Coming of Centori and The Circle C Riders

By Daniel R. Cillis PH.D

It’s 1901 and the new century abounds with dynamic change. The United States emerged victorious in the Spanish-American War to become a world power. New corporations command the developing industrial economy. Advancements in science, technology and transportation flourish. Progress in steel production, electric power and petroleum refinement is increasing. A full-scale oil boom started in Texas with the largest ever oil strike at Spindletop field. In New Mexico, a territory since 1850, the federal government continues to deny statehood. In Santa Fe, a police force, the New Mexico Rangers is being created. At this time, Adobe Centori arrives in New Mexico and starts the Circle C Ranch. Although change defines the new century, some things remain the same — including criminal behavior.
In this prequel to Statehood of Affairs, the corrupt Valtura Ring has engaged in accelerated attacks on the Circle C and is determined to take or destroy the ranch for mysterious reasons. Centori leads the Circle C riders in investigating the mystery and in a high-stakes battle. This fast-paced story, with colorful narrative and historical context, follows Centori’s action-packed collision with the dark side of human nature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9781663262011

Daniel R. Cillis PH.D

Daniel R. Cillis holds a Ph.D. from New York University. Most recently, at Mercy University, he was a professor and MBA program director. He taught at the University of New Mexico and served on Governor Susana Martinez’s New Mexico World War I Centennial Commission. Dr. Cillis served in the U.S. Army and held a top-secret security clearance. His interest in U.S. history merges into rousing novels that provide colorful period detail. This is his 6th book. He lives in New York and New Mexico. You can visit him at www.danielcillis.com

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THE COMING OF CENTORI AND THE CIRCLE C RIDERS

Copyright © 2024 Daniel R. Cillis, PH.D.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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ISBN: 978-1-6632-6200-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-6201-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024908043

iUniverse rev. date: 08/12/2024

Contents

Dedication

Dramatis Personae

Prologue

Part I: Young Century

Chapter 1 Newcomer

Chapter 2 Mona Lisa Eyes

Chapter 3 Road Runner

Chapter 4 Cold Comfort

Chapter 5 Thing of Beauty

Chapter 6 Bitter Brew

Chapter 7 Brown Bays

Chapter 8 Assassination

Chapter 9 Cuba, New Mexico

Chapter 10 Quién Sabe

Chapter 11 Rainbow

Part II: Acclaim of Women

Chapter 12 Woman in the Window

Chapter 13 Past Fidelity

Chapter 14 Perchance to Dream

Chapter 15 Dragons

Chapter 16 Venus Rising

Chapter 17 Walking Distance

Chapter 18 Venus Waning

Part III: The Circle C Riders

Chapter 19 News

Chapter 20 Mightier than the Sword

Chapter 21 Cowboys and Wranglers

Chapter 22 Sound of Thunder

Chapter 23 Roundup

Chapter 24 Mustangs

Chapter 25 Rustler’s Moon

Chapter 26 Sharp Eye

Chapter 27 Spirit of the Law

Chapter 28 Vendetta

Chapter 29 Perfect Thing

Chapter 30 Mexican Cession

Chapter 31 Revert Document

Part IV: Valtura Ring

Chapter 32 Great Gusher

Chapter 33 Conspirators

Chapter 34 Salt Domes

Chapter 35 Scarlet Thread of Murder

Chapter 36 Draw the Line

Chapter 37 Non Compos Mentis

Chapter 38 Verboten

Chapter 39 Box Canyon

Chapter 40 Lucky Strike

Chapter 41 Land Grants

Chapter 42 Don’t Knock Twice

Chapter 43 Border

Chapter 44 Certain Clover

Chapter 45 Dios Mio

Part V: Circle C Redemption

Chapter 46 Uninvited Guests

Chapter 47 Hell-bent for Leather

Chapter 48 Tracker

Chapter 49 Mortal Danger

Chapter 50 Winter Night

Chapter 51 Our Lady of Guadalupe

Chapter 52 Rhythmic Peal

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Appendix 1: Article X of the Treaty of Mesilla – Revert Document

Dedication

For my brother Anthony C. Cillis, Jr., who always offered unwavering support through every turn in the trail.

Dramatis Personae

Aldoloreto Adobe Centori - Circle C Ranch owner

Elizabeth Mad Mady Blaylock - Mad Mady’s Saloon owner

Fancy Fanny - Upstairs manager, Mad Mady’s Saloon

A.P. Baker - Foreman, Circle C Ranch

Antonio Santos - Prominent Valtura citizen

Henry Johnston - Corona County sheriff

Clayton Miller - Attorney

Johan Morgenstern - Newspaper editor, Valtura Journal

Gabriela Zena - Cuban freedom fighter

Mae Mason - Newspaper reporter, New York World

Francisco Griegos - Vaquero, Circle C top hand

Roy Braselton - Rancho de Lobos owner

Lizzie Braselton - Daughter of Roy Braselton

Desperado Dave - Outlaw leader

Percival Jones - Rancho de Lobos, cowboy

Irmingard Inhofe - Bavarian immigrant and caretaker

Edwin Parker - Texas oil speculator

Anson Burleson - Texas oil speculator

Mateo Montana - Mayor of Valtura

Yolanda Montana - First Lady of Valtura

Circle C Riders

Don Burtchael

Diego Cervantes

Red Garrett

James Harlan

Enrique Miranda

John Penly

Octaviano Anaya

Billy Crowe

Charlie Hannett

Prologue

Newton’s Laws of Motion

New Mexico Territory

November 1901

At the base of the Sandia Mountains, Adobe Centori is engaged in a gunfight; he fires his .36 caliber six-shot Navy Colt as bullets from attackers hum nearby. In the air, a mixture of charcoal, sulfur and potassium nitrate creates the smell of black gun powder. Quickly, he moves his position from a patch of sagebrush to a sloped mound and listens. Sandia foothill predators include black bears, cougars, rattlesnakes, and at the moment, human primates.

The crack of rifles sounds close. Centori makes a judicious retreat behind a copse of trees and clears sweat from his brow. He observes three men scatter to reduce their aggregate target and plans a response. Two other men are out of sight.

Out of the blue, a hawk soars and screeches high above with wings spread wide. The large bird, with its intense focus and clear vision, will hit a target. He plans to do the same. After he draws a full breath, an attacker comes into view with a readiness to kill. Taking aim with his Navy Colt, he pulls the trigger but misses; he fires again and shatters rocks but not the attacker. The third shot finds its target, blasting the predator to kingdom come.

Attempting to gain an advantage, Centori circles to the right and stops behind an outcrop of smooth rocks worn down by the centuries. With defensive cover and confidence, he crouches while leaning toward the nearing noises. He fires a volley of shots, drops another attacker, and believes three remain. More enemy bullets fly toward him, some over his head; some zip through sagebrush and others kick up dust. Countering, he aims and shoots rapidly, emptying his pistol.

After the exchange of fire, Centori reloads the single-action percussion revolver. His steely eyes wait and watch, sweeping from left to right. An attacker reveals himself and a carbine. With lightning speed and tightened teeth, he fires and kills the attacker. He believes that two remain. Rifle shots ring out, sending him darting to the ground. He recovers, rolls to the right, and fires two rounds.

Returning to the cover of the trees, Centori waits and watches. His action draws out two approaching men, increasing the demand for his strength and cunning. Now the aggressors return fire with a barrage of bullets. He nose-dives to the ground to create the smallest possible target. An attacker shoots once, twice and a third time. A whining whirl from the third shot fills the air as a bullet impacts the tree behind him. The tree is hard enough not to absorb the bullet’s energy. Traveling a path of least resistance and finding an acute angle, the ricocheting bullet hits him.

Although he is a combat veteran decorated for valor, there is no defense against the laws of physics. Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion were in play: a body in motion tends to continue at a constant trajectory and velocity unless met by an external force. The high-velocity bullet moved in a different direction after hitting a solid object.

It struck him down, threw him backward, and ended his motion. Two attackers approach, aiming to send Centori into the hereafter.

PART I

Young Century

Valtura, New Mexico

Two Months Earlier

Chapter 1

Newcomer

September 1901

The blue, sun-filled sky is settled on shades of green mountains and on distant horizons. The majestic mountains rise from wide expanses of mesas that connect to wooded river valleys. Without the slightest breeze, a sheer stillness exists under a few white drifting clouds. It is another brilliant day in New Mexico Territory.

In the 16th century, New Mexico was a province of New Spain. Juan de Onate established a Spanish colony with soldiers, settlers, Franciscan missionaries and thousands of livestock. Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico was among the first European settlements in the new world. Subsequently, the Spanish Empire controlled vast regions in the Americas, with its capital in Mexico City.

In 1810, Mexico won independence from Spain, and New Mexico became a Mexican province. After the 1846 Mexican-American War, New Mexico and other northern provinces were ceded to the U.S. by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Then, the U.S. Congress granted territorial status to New Mexico, with Santa Fe as the territorial capital.

Geographically, the Rio Grande divides New Mexico east and west; the central mountain ranges extend north to south. Mountains, New Mexico’s most prominent natural feature, are visible in many parts of the territory. Winter brings moderate days and cold nights; summer days are hot with cool nights. Spring and autumn have beautiful weather. All seasons offer an abundance of stunning sunlight, with about 300 days of sun-filled weather per year.

Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Valtura are located in the north-central region of the territory. The high desert town of Valtura is about 60 miles south of Santa Fe and some 20 miles north of Albuquerque. The Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains are to the east of the town. To the west, there are vast mesas filled with cacti and sagebrush.

Valtura is on El Camino Real which dates to the Spanish colonial era. The Royal Road connected New Spain from Mexico City in the south to San Juan Pueblo in the north. In 1540, conquistador Francisco de Coronado, with 500 soldiers from New Spain, explored and camped on a site several miles from Valtura. Coronado was searching for the Seven Cities of Gold. According to legend, the Aztec myth related to the Pueblos of Spanish Nuevo México. Coronado learned that the stories were untrue and did not find any treasure.

Based on Spanish design, Valtura’s construction centers on a plaza or traza. Streets stretch from a central plaza to create grids that would allow for further extension. Buildings were constructed with adobe bricks and prominent wood roof beams. Many of those original structures still stand, including the Mission Church.

On the east side of the plaza, a newcomer leaves the Union Hotel, steps into a bright, arid day and walks down First Avenue. Dashing in a white shirt, black pants and tan Stetson, he maintains a steady pace that takes him past the Valtura Journal office. The newspaper supports Democratic Party principles most of the time, and is a leading advocate for New Mexico statehood all of the time.

Under the sunshine, the high-crown Stetson with silver adornments strikingly appears and casts a shadow upon his face. He crosses the avenue and enters the plaza. Trees in the plaza host a variety of birds that make their presence known to him. He pulls down his wide-brim hat against the sun without breaking pace. Beyond crossing the plaza, he is crossing into a new world with confidence. His self-reliance and embrace of newness provides a dynamic anticipation of what lies ahead.

In appearance, he is handsome, square-jawed, and has a slender, strong build. In substance, he is generous, dignified, bold and trustworthy. Born in New York, the thirty-year-old has an insightful mind. During first encounters, most people see that he is a man of honor.

An ivory-handled Navy Colt pistol sits in his holster. Adjusting the revolver in a hefty cartridge belt, a habit obtained in Cuba, he continues a steady stride through the plaza and past the center gazebo. There are several ladies around the gazebo; some of them attract his attention. All of them are attracted to the newcomer.

From time to time, indications of the Spanish settlement are found in and around the plaza. On occasion, metal tools, pottery and other relics related to the conquistador era are discovered. During Christmastime, luminarias, or Christmas lanterns, a 300-year-old New Mexican tradition, are placed in and around the plaza.

The newcomer leaves the plaza and crosses National Street, bringing him to Mad Mady’s Saloon, which spans an entire block on the plaza’s south side. The two-story structure dates to the Spanish era and originally housed government offices. The large front door is flanked by large windows that open like doors. As a social center, the saloon is integral to the town culture and offers whiskey, beer, gambling, and the company of welcoming women.

Unnoticed, the newcomer enters the saloon. From under the pulled-down Stetson, he looks through the smoky haze with interested eyes that adjust to the dim lighting. He sends his gaze to the long bar and over the large room.

Clamoring voices compete with the piano player’s unrecognizable music. At the hardwood bar, worn to a smooth finish by the years, glasses clink and drinks flow. Gambling tables, conducting High Five and Seven Up card games, are crowded with players, spectators and recognizable upstairs women. Waiters move swiftly around unmatched tables and chairs.

To the right of the bar is a grand stairway that turns at a 90-degree angle at the halfway point. A faded red carpet covers the wide steps. At the stairway landing, small wall lamps spread a dim light. From the upstairs railing, several women wearing knee-length, brightly colored ruffled skirts look down upon the action and showcase their bodies. With exposed arms and shoulders, they show low-cut bodices and silk stockings secured by garters. The upstairs activities of the perfumed and painted women are a poorly kept secret that financially benefits the saloon and the town. There are Old West vestiges in Mad Mady’s Saloon, but the hooting and shooting are gone in the new 20th century.

In the distance, an attractive woman with black hair under a brown bolero hat catches the newcomer’s eye. She sits with four men at a table strategically placed to survey the entire length of the long room. The lively woman appears to be holding court.

Perhaps that’s Mad Mady, he wonders, looks around, and glances at the tin plate ceiling, stamped with sophisticated designs. Behind the bar, a large painting of a beautiful, unrobed woman decorates the wall. The nearly naked and reclining female image captures his attention. Her long black hair flows down to her shoulders and touches her breasts. Some suspect that Mad Mady, given the striking resemblance, posed for the painting, something that she denies. Then he sees a standing space at the bar and takes a position.

Mr. Centori, the bartender exclaims, distracting him from admiring the almost nude woman in the painting.

He is puzzled by the recognition and replies, Yes.

Heads turn as the bartender asks with a smile, What would you like?

Jameson, Adobe Centori answers.

The bartender brings a bottle of the Irish whiskey, fills a glass, and says, The drinks are on the house.

Thank you, he replies with increased curiosity.

Welcome to Valtura. We heard of your arrival in town.

Centori’s expression prompts the bartender to say, Your reputation precedes you.

Is that so?

When a man enters a room, his entire life can enter as well: background stories and adventures. In this instance, it is Centori’s service in the Spanish-American War that surrounds him.

In 1898, the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing more than 200 sailors and marines. Although questionable, it was believed that a Spanish torpedo sank the battleship, moving the U.S. into war with Spain. In a land battle at Santiago, Cuba, Americans attacked and drove the Spanish from San Juan Hill. As part of the assault