The Old One stayed where she was and glanced over at the stew pot. She saw the third one standing on the veranda looking out over the yard. She knew the two that were standing in her kitchen. Mex and Vinnie, not the best the Boss had, but nasty. Vinnie strode round the table, pulled back a chair and sat down.
So, the Boss has known about you for a while old woman. He sneered. Knew what you were as soon as you came in on that clapped out horse and trap of yours. The Boss doesn’t mind as long as you keep your head down. But you’ve got company. More of your kind, and the Boss doesn’t like your kind.
And he spat grossly onto the floor.
Why don’t you give me a bowl of that stew there while I tell you how this is going to play, he said. Mex looked at the stew pot and licked his lips.
Well now, seeing as you’re already sat down, and I never let my guests go hungry, said the Old One, I might just do that.
She stepped back from the table edge and took a spoon to the stew pot. Like seasoning? she asked, and she reached to the shelf above the stove and took down a small pot.
Well don’t mind if I do, said Vinnie. Mex, you like your stew hot dontcha?
The Old One shook a goodly amount from the pot and stirred it in well before ladling out two large bowlfuls. Mex stuck right in, making hideous slurping noises while he did it. Vinnie stirred his bowl and took a spoonful.
Mmm, not bad. Pity you won’t be staying, or I’d drop by every so often.
The Old One watched as Vinnie downed another few spoonfuls. She stepped back towards the table, and in a swift, smooth movement, she pulled the shotgun out from its latch under the table edge and before Vinnie could react she had it at waist level aimed at his chest.
Now, she said, how about you two decide you’re finished and slink back where you came from. I’ll forget this happened, and the Boss can go about his business and leave me and mine alone.
Mex dribbled his last spoonful down his chin. Vinnie snorted and pushed his chair sharply back to show his gun aimed at the Old One.
So what now? he sneered. You got one gammy leg, what say I make it two.
The Old One didn’t budge an inch. She let a small smile curl her lips as she heard a faint thump above her head. She glanced to the window to the third man.
How about I just stand here, she said, and you two leave my kitchen.
Max and Vinnie looked at each other and laughed. For about a second.
An almighty crash sounded just outside on the veranda. They leapt up and whirled round just in time to see Joe’s boots kicking in the air in front of the window, then he dropped heavily to the veranda. His boots showed in the doorway for a second, then slid off to the right. There was an Aaaargh, then silence.
Mex ran to the door drawing his gun. Vinnie, he yelled, Joe’s gone! A pair of booted legs dropped from the roof and kicked Mex hard in the back. He sprawled into the yard and Bilbo dropped lithely from the roof and jumped forward off the veranda landing both feet either side of him. She dropped a knee between his shoulder blades and leaned forward. Gotcha! she breathed into his ear. Winded, Mex could do nothing as she hog tied him in the yard.
Vinnie caught off guard, whirled back round to the Old One, gun raised. The Old One had moved round the table and caught him hard on the chin with the butt of her shotgun. He fell heavily and in total silence.
Vegas and Yorkie dragged Joe back into view, lasso-ed, knocked out, and lined him up alongside Mex. Bilbo dragged Vinnie out down the veranda steps, being none too careful about his head on the way down.
Well, said Yorkie, look what we caught here! Good job the roof’s easy to climb.
I never would’ve thought these guys were such lightweights, said Vegas, Sure didn’t take much to haul him on a rope!
The four Storm Riders looked at each other and laughed.
Ok, said the Old One, best get this rubbish back where it belongs. Tie them to the back of their horses and get them up to the Boss’s place. Oh, and Vinnie, she said,
Vinnie looked blearily up at her from the dirt.
I’m not letting you ride back because I wouldn’t do it to the horses. Just make sure the latrine is yours for the next couple of days. That stew had something extra special in it, just for you.
There was an ominous gurgling from Vinnie and Mex as the Storm Riders tied them off their saddles.
Pheeeeyeeewww! gasped Yorkie as she moved forward and swung up onto her horse. Old One, there had better be a fresh pot of stew on the go. These guys stink!
The Old One chortled and went back in to make a fresh stew. Boy, did that horse laxative come in handy sometimes!
hope the abs soon knock out any nasties…