Western Flower | ✅

Chapter 14 - The Will To Act

After a short walk, Bill had arrived at his destination. It was just off the land that they owned but it was a nice quiet spot. He went about making himself comfortable, then sat down on a large rock that looked out on to the land below the ridge that he was on.

He mulled over the thoughts going through his head since he had returned from his journey he hadn't truly had time to contemplate everything that he had been told or that had happened. He ran through all the scenarios in his head, he knew more than anything he wanted to help Rose. In some ways he regretted ever leaving, he felt that he was responsible for all the shit that had happened.

With that Bill suddenly awoke from his thoughts and felt like there was someone watching, with that, he stood up slowly and as he did he turned and drew his revolver. The man that was standing there before him was John.

"Are you going to shoot me, William?" John asked amused.

"Maybe you shouldn't sneak up on people, Jonathan!" Bill replied sarcastically.

"John, will do just fine," quipped John.

With that Bill holstered his revolver, the two men then nodded to acknowledge each other, John walked past Bill and stood by the edge and faced outwards with his back facing John.

"I know why you are here Bill, I know what's troubling you," mused John. Bill looked puzzled by this administration. "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" Now Bill looked even more confused. "It's Latin, it roughly translates to "beware of the Greeks bearing gifts," John retorted. Now Bill was confused and agitated, he had quite enough of John's riddles and Latin lessons. Part of him was even tempted to tell him to be on his way.

"I don't know any Greeks and I certainly haven't received any gifts lately," Bill snapped with obvious annoyance to his voice.

"No, but what about Jews?" Asked John, smiling as he saw the look of realisation hit Bill, "and what gift did they give you?"

With that Bill was filled with a sense of dread. At first, he couldn't quite believe when Abraham agreed to release Rose from his employment, he never really questioned it but now. He didn't speak for a moment, he took out a cigar and lit it.

"Abraham..." Bill started, before being cut off by John.

"I'm afraid our friend Mr Cohen is not all that he seems, the time to act will soon be upon you."

"But when?" Asked Bill.

"You'll know soon enough, William," replied John.

With that Bill slumped down on the rock that he had previously sitting on, his back now facing John. He had so many questions but knew from his previous meeting he would not get a straight answer, he half turned to John and eyed him with suspicion.

"Who are you really John?" Bill asked, demanding to know.

He waited for a reply. A pregnant pause laboured the air between both men.

"Oh I am no one of any real consequence, although I do like to help those who are in need," replied John.

"You think I need your help old man? Bit Bill viciously.

"Maybe you do, then again maybe you don't? Now I have given you the information that I have, what you choose to do with it is up to you. I have confirmed your suspicions. There is only one thing left for you to do" John said.

"And what pray tell is that?" Bill replied apathetically.

"When the time comes, fulfil the will to act! Otherwise, everyone and everything that you hold dear will be lost..." John warned.

With that Bill felt a tight knot in his stomach, he sat there gazing at the floor in front him. After a moment he regained focus. The thought of losing everything terrified him, it reminded him of the pain he felt of losing his mother.

"John, one more thing," asked Bill, there was no answer at first. "John?"

Bill looked around, but the mysterious John had vanished without warning, he couldn't see any sign of the man. He laughed, but who was John and why did he always leave in such a manner?

"Strange old bastard," Bill muttered under his breath.

He decided to head back to the ranch, he guessed by the sun it was mid-afternoon and he thought it would be best to be there when Silas got back. As he walked, he toyed with the idea of telling Rose and Silas about John and what he had told Bill. But he decided against it and thought that it would be best just to take John's advice.

It didn't take him long to get back to the ranch. When he did he went straight into the house, Rose was baking some bread and it smelt amazing. As he looked at her he kept thinking how happy she made him and how much he loved her. She bent over to get the bread out of the oven.

"Now that is a wonderful sight," said Bill in admiration.

"Do you mean the bread or my derriere? Asked Rose playfully.

"Your derriere, of course, there's nothing wonderful about how the bread looks," replied Bill teasing Rose. She feigned suitable shock and horror, a lady such as herself shouldn't have to listen to such crass remarks. "Now the taste, that is something entirely different," Bill winked, and this time Rose really did blush.

"You're just a big old meanie, ain't ya?" Rose laughed as Bill pulled her into his arms.

"Yeah but you know how to calm this big ol' meanie," Bill said as he kissed Rose lovingly.

The two looked at each other adoringly, comfortable in each other's embrace. That was until they heard the loud sounds of hooves outside followed quickly by Silas bursting through the door. They knew something was amiss.

"We need to talk, all of us! Make sure that all the windows and doors are shut," Silas barked in a low and urgent tone.

"But we are alone, there is no one for miles." Replied Rose timidly.

"He's right, we can't take any chances," Bill instructed.

The three of them all sat down and spoke in low voices, Silas relayed everything that the marshal told him and Rose and Bill listened. Once he had finished talking there was a long awkward silence.

Time passed, and then Rose finally spoke. "If that is true and Abraham Cohen is somehow involved, then why did he have me working for him?" Her voice was shaky, she was obviously disturbed by the marshal's revelation.

"Simple!" Exclaimed Bill. "If he acts as a concerned citizen looking out for your wellbeing and offers you a job, you're less likely to suspect him of any foul play or wrongdoing."

"Also" Silas added, "don't forget Abraham is a very clever and devious man, he could have asked someone to ask on his behalf. He's no fool."

"So what do we do now?" Whispered Rose. Bill reached underneath the table and placed a strong hand on her thigh, squeezing her leg reassuringly and settling her shaken nerves.

"We do nothing. Carry on as normal, we let him make the next move." Silas drew a deep breath before continuing. "Lucas said he and Ira will keep a close watch and keep us updated."

The three of them looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Authors Note
Looks like the cat is out of the bag? Who is John? I hope you liked the chapter if you did please don't forget to vote.