The Book of Common

Miss Lori

Well like I said, finish up about that Slaver. Miss Lori. Same day Folks, as I left ya. This takes place after I talks ta the Town Elder.

I heads back ta my room, try and get a nap. Folks just tired. Not sleepin after my little nights findins.
Low and behold, who is sittin at a table. Guess who Folks, come on guess! You a thinkin that Miss Lori, well you are half right. That Miss Lori and that Privateer Stanson two other younger fellas.

She didn't look happy, at all Folks really pissed. The way I recollect it. Why she stormed out, turned and gave Stanson a look. Stanson smiled at her, nice meeting you. He says. Now Folks the man is wanted an all but, I lived Orleans way few years back. That man has helped Orleans more than any one person has. Gots a lot of respect for him. So why he dealin with a Slaver. First Miss Lori, have ta tell ya she is fine lookin lady.

She wore green britches fit nice followed her body well now. Had pistol strapped on her hip. Her top was low cut, producing a lot of cleavage. Straw colored hair tied back. Looked maybe twenty or so.
Carried herself like a person with power.

Folks, met that Stanson once. So I walks over, asks can I have a seat. Like ta talk a spell. Stanson looks at me, why sure Ranger know we've met, can't remember when and where. I says Common is my name. We met about two year ago, party at the Busard's home. Stanson smiled, the name I remember now. Please sit, we do need ta talk. I've information. Think you need ta look into this. Oh my son William and his friend Enoch Busard.

I ask what is it, you need ta tell me? That lady that left. All pissed and such, I believe her ta be a Slaver. I freed damn near forty off a ship from Mid America. Traced its so called cargo here. Supposed of been coffee and chocolate beans. I tell Stanson, she is a Slaver, saw how they was kept. That only three Rangers were here. We just wasn't sure, we could do this with out help. Stanson said we three can help. Guns stored in a chest up in the room.

Folks, I must say I don't mind the help. Not sure if Mat will or not. I tells Stanson, have ta check with Mat. I'd like his help. Stanson says we best move today. She might move those poor people. I agree Mat should be back in about an hour. I excused myself. Stanson said I am in room four, Common.

I nods head ta my room, still needs just a little nap.
Gots about half hours nap, felt much better. Mat knocks on my door. Well they couldn't find any workin alone. They did see one get whipped as they past by. Kept movin didn't want ta draw attention. Told him about Stanson and all, how he would help us. Mat at first was hesitant. Then agreed, said best move today say an hour. Maybe catch them trying ta move them off the land.

Folks we meet with Stanson, start are way ta serve the Law. Three Cut Throats three Rangers, what a group. I still get a kick out of it. Folks must tell ya now. Theys weren't tryin ta move them when we gots theirs. They was a shootin them! We rode inta a massacre! That turned inta a charge!

My goodness, shots bein fired! Those poor people fallin dead, some runnin others froze in fear! We got half those doin the killin! Pure surprise Folks, was all! Then theys turned and started at us. Guidin my horse with my knees, firin with both hands. I saw the young James go down! Mat shot one so close up, think he got hit by blood and such.

Used up all three pistols, reloaded one kept firin!
I jumped off my horse, saw that Miss Lori headin towards the barn. I walks fast pull my straight draw load and holster it, then my belly cross draw,
holster it, my hip cross draw. Then my shoulder pistol. She wasn't but two steps in front of me! When she entered that barn. I charge in! Ranger Common! Best put those hands up!

Folks, she raises her hands just about chest high fingers pointin down. This is a tell! Heard me say it before. How most can gives away what they are gonna do! I say Missy best not do that! To late!
I draw, just as I pull the trigger! Hers is clear of leather, I see the flash from the barrel! Thins slow down Folks, this is all happen at a crawl. The pistol
kinda turns in the air! Her left hand grabs near her left breast! Then her right goes towards it, as she falls backwards ta the ground! I cocks the hammer back, walk towards her.

Well folks, she is dead. Now we have no way ta trace this back ta how many are involved. James is dead Mat be fine just grazin wound ta his arm. Stanson said he would keep an eye out for ships from that port. Give them a good once over. Also told us Slavers are wrong, he would never except that kinda work. Me and Mat thanked them. I hung around made sure he recovered fine.

Well Folks that is all, hope it was worth the wait.
Next time well ya know.