Undead at Sundown Read Free Page B

for a whole lot of people dying today, then I suggest you tell the old dog here what I just said. Tell him we are alike, we share common goals.’
          Zata shifted in his seat before turning to the chief and telling him what Joel had said. While it was being explained to the old chief, Joel smiled. Eskadi’s face didn't change and there were no groans this time. Once Zata had finished talking, the chief began to speak, his voice a lot less animated than before but his words seemed stern. Zata nodded as the man spoke and then turned back to Joel and his men.
          ‘Chief Eskadi has spoken for the final time on the matter. He said that your people share no common goals with us and we are nothing alike. He says that you and your people are dishonest, that you're mothers are white whores and you have no honour and it is you that have stolen from us.’
         Joel's face began to flush as he struggled to remain calm. Again images flooded his mind. This time he thought of taking out his gun and blasting the three Apache men inside the tent. He then recalled that he and his men had been made to leave their gun belts by the entrance to the village. Joel thought for a moment, anger blurring his thoughts, unsure what to do next.
         At that moment, a young Apache girl around fifteen years of age, entered the tent and approached the chief before whispering something in his ear. The chief gave a small nod and the girl made to leave the tent but Joel took a step to his right to block her.
          ‘Well, look at you.’ Joel said. ‘Aren’t you just the sweetest little thing.’ The Apaches shifted in their seats but did not stand. Joel continued. ‘I bet in a few years from now you are gonna be breakin' all of the hearts in this little village of yours,’ giving the girl his friendliest smile.
    Joel looked at the large stern looking Apache that was seated to the right of the chief. He had not took his eyes off the white men since they came into the tent and Joel had noted this and addressed the big man.
          ‘I bet you're gonna be chasin' her pretty ass in a few years hey big boy? I saw the way you looked at her when she came in here, checkin' her out, but she’s too young, so you gonna have to wait.’
          The big mans face grew a little sterner, if that was possible, and his eyes burned into Joel's. Then Zata spoke up. ‘You are being very disrespectful.’
          Joel looked shocked and held his hands out in a gesture of innocence. ‘What did I say, I'm only tryin' to lighten the mood here, Y’all Indians are all so fuckin' serious. Lighten up dammit!’
        ‘The girl is Pohakna, Chief Eskadi’s daughter, ’ said Zata.
         ‘Well, he should be proud.’ Joel replied. ‘She’s a good lookin' young lady, hell I might come back here in five years and ask for her hand, I’d watch the big oak tree over there though, he's got eyes on her right now.’
         ‘That is Red Bear, Chief Eskadi’s eldest son, brother of Pohakna.’ Zata said.
         Joel put his hand up in front of his mouth in a gesture of fake embarrassment. ‘Well,I feel a bit stupid, but hey, if that kind of thing goes on here then thats up to you.’ His eyes went to Red Bear who’s face looked so intense it seemed as if it could explode at any minute. ‘So you are the chiefs son huh big boy? I bet that makes you some kind of hot horse shit around here. You the best they got now?’
          Red Bear did not answer, but his quickened breathing told Joel the Apache was close to snapping. ‘You sure look the part, but can you do it when it needs to be done? I mean its like my dad always told me. Some guys spend their time actin’ tough and looking tough and some guys spend their time bein' tough. Which one are you?’
         ‘You will leave here now, otherwise I am going to snap you in two and feed you to my dogs!’ said the big Apache.
         Joel's head went back in surprise.