Pirates of the Wild West by Cantrell Bryan

Author:Cantrell, Bryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Gravity Studios
Published: 2023-04-12T00:00:00+00:00

It took several minutes for them to load the remaining wagon with the silver and loot. The passengers stole frightened glances out the windows as the pirates and cowboys made off with their belongings. Several cursed them but none had the courage to challenge the bandits after the death and destruction that they caused. They mounted their horses and circled around the wagon as Black Caesar and Tom climbed aboard. Jesse nodded to Black Caesar and with a crack of the reins the wagon began to move back through the canyon. Jesse reared up his horse and gave a hearty yeehaw. Frank joined in on the cheer as well as Anne. Vane looked at them and gave a rare smile, then tried his own version of yeehaw that may have sounded too British. With that they all started after the wagon leaving the sitting train behind.

They made good time over the darkened trails on their way back to San Francisco with just the moonlight to illuminate the way. They talked amongst themselves about the loot, their plans, and the success of their plot. Jesse looked back at Blackbeard riding several lengths behind him. The man’s braided beard was remarkably still intact after being set aflame with wicks and wax. The vision of the pirate’s demon-like presence during the robbery was etched into his mind. Jesse wouldn’t be surprised to find the man the subject of a few nightmares for days to come. Certainly, those poor bastards on the train would never forget the experience. He watched for a moment longer as the man smoked on a thickly rolled cigarette.

“Don’t think I saw him kill,” Jesse said quietly to Anne. She turned and glanced quickly back at Blackbeard.

“No,” Anne said, then rode a moment in thought. “His is a reputation of murder and mayhem, feared throughout the Caribbean. Most ships give up without a fight when his black flag flies. Though, never heard a story ’bout him killin’ anyone. His crew, yes.” She nodded toward Black Caesar driving the wagon. “His first mate kill’d. Kill’d his best friend, Walter Key. It was over a girl they both loved. Took poor Walt’s head in a duel. Calico Jack told me of it…” Anne’s eyes wandered off with a tear for Jack Rackham after she mentioned his name.

Jesse watched her face sadden. He looked down and away for a moment as they continued riding.

“I am sorry ’bout what happened. Wish I could take it back,” Jesse said quietly as Anne looked away. “The ‘way of the gun’ will furnish a man… or a woman, not with a reward for surviving but with the punishment and misfortune of loneliness.” Jesse sighed. “Miss Bonny, I am truly sorry for your loss.”

Anne wiped away the fallen tear as she steadily rode. “Thank you for that,” she replied without looking at Jesse.

“Might even have become friends with the Calico feller if things had gone different,” Jesse said a moment later.

Anne chuckled. “That was never going to happen.”

“You’re probably right.

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