Western Omelette

Ultimatum At The Double M

"Was I misled about your reputation, Houseman?" Mason Montgomery hurled the last of his cigar into the fireplace and jammed his hands into his pockets.

"That wasn't my reputation that got punched in the face, Mason."

"No, but he was one of your- someone you chose. When I hire people I expect them to get the job done, and not be made fools doin' it."

"Like burning him out? How did that work out?" Theo drained his glass and stood, hoisting his gun belt up and giving Mason a cold stare. "I said it would get done, and it will."

"Well, it better be soon, because I ain't waitin' any longer to get that land."

Theo put his hat on and drew the cord up under his chin. "You won't have to wait, Mason."

He strode from the room, and Mason blanched as the outside door slammed shut, hard.

****

Cody and Egan were in the bunkhouse when Theo barged in, scowling. Cody dropped the cloth he was dabbing his split lips with, and slipped his hand toward his gun. Egan tilted forward on his chair, the legs making a distinct thump on the wood floor.

"The nose broke too?" Theo ignored them both and looked in the cold coffee pot.

Cody relaxed a bit and nodded. Houseman still had his back to him. Egan flashed him a wary look, and dropped his own hand nearer his gun.

"Didn't hear your head rattle, Duart." Theo turned slowly, thumbs hooked in his belt.

"Yeah, ith's broke. Ike sthraightened it."

"You're a doctor too, are you?" Theo stared at the nervous Egan.

"Set a few bones in my day." His fingers tickled the top of his gun.

"Good, 'cause I got a couple to pick with the two of you."

Cody held out a hand, "It buz bust dad tibing, be basn't gong to boo it bust then. Stuth bust happened."

"Say what?"

"He meant, stuff just happened." Egan obliged.

"Really. Stuff. Well because of that stuff, I have to go now and get it done. I can't be publicly called out and not show."

"We can still help," Egan said uncertainly.

Theo considered him and shifted his position, smiling evilly as Egan blanched, grasping his gun.

"Pull that, and Duart here can send your belongin's to yer kin."

"I wasn't- I . . ." he raised his hands away and licked his lips, glancing at Cody.

"You said you can help, and you will. While I take care of Easterly, I want you two to bring that woman he was with – Potter. I got me some Comanchero friends'll pay a pretty dollar for her. Think you can handle a woman," he sneered at them.

"Be bon't bet you dowb," Cody mumbled through his swollen lips.

"Hope that was a yes."

"He said, we won't let you down." Egan caught the glare from his partner.

"Hadn't better, Duart. My friends don't just deal in women."

Housman gave them instructions and left. The bunkhouse seemed to close in on the two men who stared at one another helplessly.

****

Hoke had left Alicia and Harold in the dining room and gone to his own room to try to sort out what he could do, would do – might have to do. Still clothed and regretting the little sleep he managed, he watched the evening shadows grow on the jail across the street. Houseman would be coming for sure, his reputation demanded it, and Hoke knew he would be forced into action as well.