Once Upon A Time In Milton Creek The Conclusion
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It was still quite dark in Milton Creek, and it had just gone four
When Tom arrived at the sheriff's office, and knocked on his door
The Sheriff quickly opened up and beckoned Tom, to come inside
They picked up three Winchesters and ammo and got ready to ride.
Deputy Terry was waiting patiently at the livery stable door
Seems the wrangler had overslept, and Terry quietly swore
Then he turned up and said, " You could have waited till day"
Terry said, "We've got an early start, we're going to Santa Fe."
Tom and the then Sheriff arrived and they all saddled up to go
They had enough to start a war with all their guns and ammo
They headed off down main street, there was no one around
At the edge of the town headed east and were Santa Fe bound.
There was little talk, as all were tired from the night before
But all agreed on one thing that they had to settle a score
No one could carry out a foul murder and hope to get away
One way or another they'd face a trial and be made to pay.
The sun was starting to rise, and they stopped to make coffee
Sheriff Koplin explained who they were after to Deputy Terry
And he was mighty surprised to hear who he had in the frame
Was even more shocked when he found out the victim's name.
They finished coffee and broke camp and went on their way
Another day's hard ride and they'd be in the town of Santa Fe
Tom knew the sheriff there and would ask for his help to arrest
With the help of his five deputies who were of calibre the best.
The next morning, they arrived in the bustling town of Santa Fe
Sheriff Koplin hoped they'd have their man by the end of the day
Tom called to see the sheriff who said "We'll help get your man
And make no bones about it me and the boys will do all we can".
Word soon came through that the wanted man was leaving town
Both sheriffs and the posse were more than ready for a showdown
They headed for the livery stable, the wanted man drew his colt
Terry drew his and fired in the air causing the man's horse to jolt.
The man fell off and was overpowered and marched off to jail
He said nothing when questioned and he looked a might pale
Sheriff Koplin said " We know it was you who killed our friend
And for that you'll surely hang, and it will be for you, your end."
Mayor Tom told the lawmen of Santa Fe "The drinks are on me
We're all grateful and I'm sure you could all do with some whiskey"
The next morning the men from Milton Creek, set off heading west
Sheriff Koplin was happy that they'd been able to make the arrest.
They were six hours out of town and decided to camp overnight
And would head on home west for Milton Creek at morning light
Since they'd left Santa Fe town the wanted man had said nothing
Tom eyed him up and down and wondered what he was thinking.
Terry had made fresh coffee and gave a cup to the wanted man
He too was wondering if he had planned, a daring escape plan
He stared at him, and the man moved; Terry was blinded by the sun
And it was in that split second that he made a grab for Terry's gun.
He aimed the gun at all three, it seems he now had the advantage
Sheriff Koplin kept his cool but underneath was in a blinding rage
The man said "Y'all drop your guns" but he was in for a surprise
When Tom produced a derringer and shot him between the eyes.
There was silence then sheriff said "For a moment I'd given up hope
It's a shame though, because we won't see him at the end of a rope"
They decided to bury him where he fell, justice had now been served
The wanted man was a born killer and he had got what he deserved.
The next morning, they headed west and would be back at sundown
They made good time and just before sundown arrived back in town
Sheriff Koplin whispered quietly "We'll just say that our man got away
His identity we must keep hidden at all costs, it will be better that way.
Tom and Terry nodded in agreement, and they went to Lin's Aces hotel
Her face lit up when she saw them, she was overjoyed you could tell
They all ate a hearty steak meal then headed over to Jan's Manx saloon
As they got near, they could hear Deb and Tania singing 'Lover's Moon'.
Jan walked over to where they were sitting to welcome them all back
And said rumours flying around town was that the victim was Blackjack
Sheriff Koplin looked at Jan and nodded and said "Yes you are right
He was murdered by a lowlife, plain and simple and it wasn't a fair fight.
He added "We'll tell the townsfolk that it was a drifter passing through
And we'll tell you all what happened and confirm what you already knew
We'll hold a meeting in Mayor Tom's office, tomorrow before sundown
Jan added " Ranger David is back, he's been keeping an eye on the town ".
Tom stood up sharply and said "That long ride has played havoc with my back
And If you good folks don't mind I'm going to head home and get in the sack"
Sheriff Koplin said "Me too, I'm getting too old for this I'm feeling quite dead
And all I could think when I was riding back to town was a hot bath and my bed.
Written on the 3rd February 2024.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2024
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