Chasing the country

CHAPTER FIVE : Clement point upclose

The van der Linde leader is very strict with protecting his people and in no circumstances could I and many others leave the grounds now the O'driscols was active in the field. It forced people to entertain each other and, talk more and come up with new ways to make money and get the hell out of here, as Karen suggested. The sun is slowly going into the river when I'm sitting at one of the round tables eating a 'fresh' plate of food. Not alone of course, as a few had joined for the company which Mary Beth is one of them. She asked what happened at scarlet meadows, after noticing I had something to do with Dutch's decision. 

"Oh," Mary Beth squealed, "I'm so glad they have not chased you." She gives me a gentle smile and squeezes my arm lightly. 

This wasn't the first time I walked into a dangerous forest and it sure wouldn't be the last.
"Once, I had an encounter at Tall Trees. I'd never suggested going there alone!" my eyebrow raised to emphasize the seriousness of my words.

"Skinner brothers," Charles' voice is calm and I am not surprised that he recognizes the area "Those men don't stop until they see blood. A miracle you got out alive"

A rather desperate situation while I was hunting for a new client in Armadillo. The client was interested in meat from a grizzly bear that he could serve for a reunion dinner. Fine by me. With the risks involved, I could easily ask a lot of money.

The nearest living area of these animals is Tall Trees, and my plans are set to go. The deputy warned me for going out there alone as there are bad men with a hunger for blood. Men are everywhere, and I don't have to avoid the woods to be clear of a safe existence. 

While preparing a bear lure at one of the spots I chose to attract the animal, I was caught off guard; the cold metal of a gun barrel is pushed against my temple. The last time I checked my back there was nobody in sight. Where did they come from, the trees?

My cattleman revolver is hanging in the holster and slowly trying to get my hand closer to protect myself. It was stupid to think they didn't notice. The man is putting more pressure on the gun and pushes harder for me to stop any movement,

"I don't think so, turn around!" he yells.

Slowly I turn around and I am faced by three of them. All of them had their guns pointed at me and had a smug on their faces by having the power in this situation. My holster is getting removed from my waist and I feel helpless without it. Even my knife was attached to that belt...

Two of them step closer, too close for my comfort.

"Where are you hiding your money and jewelry?"

"on my horse," I say annoyed, hoping for them to get this over with soon.

Banshee is holding one of my satchels on her back and the money and 'jewelry' are being removed from the inside. She is breathing loud and making worry noises; I know she feels the dangers as much as I do.

"Now let's see what you got hiding under there" the man waves his gun in a swinging motion pointing out he is meaning the clothes I am wearing.

My breathing is now racing and the feeling of unbelief is passing through my mind.

This can't be happening. Not to me.

When the men move even closer to me, my heart begins to pound in my throat. It felt like I became an ice statue, muscles got locked in place, and the only thing I could do is stare at nothing as the approached. 

A hand reached out to my body, my chest,  and my balled fist punches the nearest jaw as a response to defend myself. Almost no time in between for me to get one back that nearly knocked the lights from my eyes. Fallen upon my knees, I find myself facing the ground, grabbing the grass in between my fingers to keep my strength together.