The train was just rolling in from Santa Cruz, bringing more wood for the new church being built in town. He watched as the train let out all its steam with a loud hiss, and the men helping put water into the engine. The town was bustling with energy, the hotel was getting good business, and the sun was ever shining. A carriage arrived with new customers and Willie sped to help them.
“Oh, bless you son,” said an elderly woman as Willie helped her from the carriage.
“Where are you coming from ma’am?” asked Willie.
“We’re from Sacramento, came down for a bit of vacation,” she smiled as he led her into the Washum Hotel.
That evening, heads turned at the sound of a large explosion. Willie and his older brother, George, ran outside to investigate. They saw the glow of fire come from the powder plant, and headed for it. Men were already attempting to put the fire out, a bucket line forming. Willie and George fell in line and helped pass the buckets. Soon, three lines were formed, all dumping buckets of water into the inferno. The fire was soon subdued and most everyone but the plant workers went home, the workers stayed to make sure it didn't light again.
Willie and George walked back to the hotel, adrenaline still pumping through their veins. When they arrived at the hotel, what was before them horrified the boys. The hotel was on fire. The boys saw a figure on horseback quickly ride away, dropping a torch to the dirt.
The Washums managed to put the fire out with minimal damage. One side of the building was burnt black, but no further damage could be seen. The Creamers seemed to want their land badly enough to kill for it.
The next evening a large party was held in the Hotel, all were invited to attend. There was Dave Bourroughs, the blacksmith. And Henry Jackson who owned the small feed store in town. Even the Creamers attended. Seeing Mr. Washum and Mr. Creamer talk was like seeing two pythons circle each other, waiting for that opportune time to strike.
“Hey Pea Brain!” Willie turned to see Billy Creamer, David McMillon and James Abarr.
“What do you want Creamer?”
“Come outside, we want to talk.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. Get lost Billy.”
“Oh come on now, don't be like that. I just want to talk. Truce?”
Willie looked around, deciding whether this was a bad idea.
“You’ve got five minutes Billy, five.”
“That’s all it’ll take.”
Willie stepped outside, once he was off the porch he turned. “Now what is this all-”
He was hit in the face with a board, and all went black.
Willie woke to darkness, his hands and feet were tied and a bag was over his head. He was in the back of a wagon, and he heard the three boys talking in the front. They soon stopped and he was pulled from the back of the wagon and fell to the ground. He was pulled to his knees and the bag was taken from his head. The moonlight clearly reflected Billy Creamers face.
“Are you crazy? What are you gonna do to me?” Willie said, a hint of panic in his voice as he saw that Billy had a gun.
“We are gonna hurt you Willie, until your father gets some sense.”
“You will never get away with this Billy, you’re mad.”
“Shut up! I don't want to hear you whine!” Billy said, kicking him in the gut. “Untie him!”
Dan and Jim moved to cut his restraints. Blood ran back into Willie’s hands and feet, he stood rubbing his wrists.
“Why are you doing this Billy? You think this will make you famous?”
“I’m doing it because my father wants your land.”
“Is it really worth killing me over?” Willie said, eyeing the revolver.
“If it means my father’s respect, I’ll do anything!” Billy stopped, realizing he had let Willie get to him. He looked at Dan and Jim. “What are you two looking at?” They looked away.
“Now, I don't want to hear you talk anymore. You do, and I’ll blow yer brains out.” he said pulling back the hammer.
“No, I won't be quiet. You must see sense.” Willie said, moving closer to Billy.
“Get back or I’ll shoot!”
“No you won't Billy! You’re a coward and you always have been!”
The crack of the gun bounced off the mountains, reverberating into nothingness.
