Land of the Unknown

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Morning rose; Richard and Tunstall were in the living room. Richard was pacing back and forth. "He hasn't come back. Do you think he got caught?" 

Tunstall watched his friend pace worriedly. The ranch owner was also worried for Emiliano but didn't want to worsen the situation. "I doubt it. Have faith in the kid. I know he'll come back, you'll see.

Minutes passed by, and there was a loud knock on the door. "Come in," said Tunstall.

George entered with his hat in hand. "Emiliano's back! Shucks, we were wonderin' where he's been!"

Relief hit Richard and Tunstall. The three men ran outside the house, and from afar, they saw Emiliano riding towards the house in his horse. Tunstall patted his friend on the shoulder. "See, I told ya that he would be comin' back!"

Emiliano arrived before the men and got off his horse with his backpack. George held onto the reigns. "Don't worry; I'll put this fella in the stables. I'm sure our bosses want a word with ya." George went away with the horse following him.

Richard went forward and put his hands on Emiliano's shoulders. "You got us worried sick, Emiliano! We thought of the worst when we didn't see ya."

"Sorry, I should've been more careful."

"Well, the important thing is that yer back. Come inside; I'm sure yer hungry," said Tunstall.

"I already ate; I took some food with me just in case. If it's no trouble, I would like some coffee." It was a lie; he didn't want to tell them he was caught and was given food like a child. If his employers knew the truth, he would be considered unreliable. Emiliano was motioned inside the house to sit on one of the lavish sofas while Richard ordered one of the servants to make coffee. The men sat on opposite sides until the coffee arrived and was given to the young man. As the servant left, the two focused on Emiliano.

"Did you spy on Luke Bixby the entire night?" asked Richard.

Emiliano didn't want to tell his employers what happened between him; they would meet in secret. "I did. Last night, I saw the sheriff and his family eating with the Bixbys. I heard the sheriff trying to convince Luke Bixby to join the enemy; he still refused. I also looked around his ranch to see if I could find something suspicious, and there was nothing."

Tunstall let out a small huff. "Well, thank god Bixby didn't catch ya."

"I also heard that Charles Bixby is only marrying Brady's daughter, Madeline, to strengthen his ties with Dolan and Murphey. It also seems Charles doesn't have the best relationship with his Father."

Richard let out a humorless chuckle. "That Charles is nothing but a bad egg. Do you think that Luke may become a problem?"

"I am not entirely sure, but I should keep an eye out for more information; I have a clear idea of how to get around his ranch. If it's no trouble, I would like to go tonight."

Tunstall nodded. "I agree with ya. It's best to know who our friends and foes are. Yer talented on keepin' your tacks hidden. Rest up, Emiliano, and remember not to tell anyone about yer secret mission."

Emiliano nodded as he finished his bitter coffee; he went on his way. Richard crossed his arms as he let out a groan. "I knew he was right for the job, but now we have more things to worry about. Charles Bixby is on Dolan and Murphey's side. I can't shake off the feeling that war will break out soon."

Tunstall wanted to avoid war, but considering the current predicament, war was bound to happen. He disagreed with Dolan and Murphey's corruption and cattle prices. They paid politicians and other officials to strengthen their business rather than do so honorably. He knew that they saw him as a threat. That's why Tunstall spoke up to expose their corruption. He had allies but knew that they weren't enough. We shouldn't cause trouble, Richard. Our enemies may use it against us."

"I didn't tell you this, but Yginio and Franky told me they saw unknown men watching the ranch. We have a hunch that they're working with Dolan and Murphey; they're plotting something."

A headache was making way for Tunstall; there was one stress after another. He knew that his enemies were taunting him. However, he couldn't deny that Richard was right. A plot was thickening. "For now, we should be careful. I'm gonna write to Chisum and McSween about the situation. We need more cowboys to keep guard. Ask for one of our own to take the letter."

Richard nodded. "I'll take it myself. We have to be careful who to trust."

Someone was outside the house, listening to the conversation. Unknown to the men, the unknown figure quietly walked away. "Oh, John, if you knew what was comin' for ya."