Dark Frontiers: First Hunt by D.A. Roberts

Author:D.A. Roberts [Roberts, D.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Water Endeavors
Published: 2023-03-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

TO TAME A LAND

“The Indians said the bones were those of a race of people,

three times the size of men.”

Buffalo Bill Cody

6:00 AM

June 16, 1865

Springfield, Missouri

Declan walked into the saloon and sat down to order his breakfast. He chose a large table capable of seating several people. Liam came strolling in and joined him, smiling broadly. Declan could smell the perfume on him and instantly knew why he was smiling.

“Same girl?” asked Declan.

“And how did you know it was a girl?” asked Liam, smiling.

“I can smell her perfume,” said Declan, grinning. “And you smell like a French whorehouse.”

Liam chuckled and gave a slight bow.

“Guilty as charged,” said Liam, with a wink. “And yes. It’s the same woman. Honestly, Declan, I think I’m smitten with her. A thousand young beauties in Ireland will weep when they learn I'm ready to settle down. Perhaps more. I did leave a trail of broken hearts when I left.”

“Be careful marrying a saloon girl,” said Declan with a chuckle. “You might get more than you bargained for in the process.”

“Oh, aye,” said Liam, “but she’s not a saloon girl. She’s in charge of the cleaning staff. Her name is Gina Spinelli. She’s the cousin of the owner, Michael Cannatella.”

“Well, here’s to hoping you’ve found true love,” said Declan. “My congratulations to you and my condolences to her. Be good to her, or Michael might shoot you.”

“Thank you, Declan,” said Liam, laughing. “Now, let’s eat. I’m bloody starving.”

The serving girl came out to get their orders, but Declan waved her off.

“Why’d you do that?” asked Liam.

“I’m waiting for the others to arrive,” said Declan.

“Well, I’m going to eat at the bar,” said Liam indignantly. “I need sustenance now. My body runs on fine food and liquor, but it’s too early to drink.”

Declan chuckled as Liam walked away. Declan was already running over the plan for the day. They were all going to go to the Federal Armory and draw weapons. Then they would ride out to see if the Tsul ‘Kalu were still in the woods around his land. They would see how many they could take down if they were still in the area.

One by one, the others began to arrive. Jed was first, followed by Doc, then Josiah and Michael came last. They all took their seats, and Michael waved at the serving girl.

“Bring us all the works,” said Michael. “Eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, biscuits and gravy. A full cowboy breakfast. We’re starving and about to ride out into an adventure.”

“And don’t forget the coffee,” added Jed with a smile. “Best bring the pot.”

“And perhaps some grits with butter, if you have them,” added Doc.

“I could go for some hotcakes,” suggested Josiah.

“Bring it all,” said Michael, grinning.

She smiled and headed for the kitchen.

“That was right kind of you, Michael,” said Doc. “Thank you for breakfast.”

“No need to thank me,” said Michael. “Declan told me I can bill the Marshals for feeding us. You can bet I’m taking advantage of that.”

“Let’s not go crazy with that,” said Declan.

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