The day had grown hot in the mining boomtown known as Gomorra. The town was still busy, despite the heat. This California town, on the edge of the of the Great Maze, seemed to be a magnet for drifters of all professions. Most townsfolk were miners or store owners or the like, but gunslingers, lawmen, and outlaws abounded as well.

At the LAD Saloon, two drifters sat watching the townsfolk mill about. Both were commonly dressed, like most of the drifters passing through town. One was cleaning his nails with a Bowie knife, while the other was aimlessly shuffling a deck of well-worn cards.

"Hey Bobo," asked the Bowie knife-wielding man, "Why are we watching the street? I thought Katie said to look around."

"Easy, Zeke," said Bobo, not looking up from his cards. "We are looking around. My bones says there’s trouble brewin’."

"I just hate this waiting, Bobo. Its not why I joined."

"Watch your lip flappin’, you crawfish-brained mule," Bobo replied quickly. "We’re undercover, boyo. We need not expose our true intentions now. Katie said wait, we wait. Like my voodoo gran’ ma used to say, ‘when the other side calls, you gotta take a stand.’ And that’s what I’m doin’, takin’ a stand."

Bobo leaned back and stared at his friend. He was a bit hot-headed, but if you were in a pinch, Zeke was the man to have with you.

"You’re right, though," Bobo said as he stood up. "We need to stretch our legs. Let’s go for a walk. I need some stuff anyway. I hear Ike’s got a new shipment of guns for sale. Might be interestin’."

"Sounds like fun, Bobo," said Zeke, smiling. "Let’s go see what old one-eye has for us." Zeke stood, sheathing his knife. He followed Bobo out the door, tossing the barkeep two coins for the drinks.

The town square was thinning out, people seeking shelter from the unforgiving California sun. Bobo and Zeke wandered towards one-eyed Ike’s weapon shop. The shop door was open, and Ike was cleaning a Colt Dragoon, fresh from a crate in front of him.

The town was growing quiet as the people cleared out. A loud slam broke through the quiet of the town. Zeke and Bobo, almost as one, looked towards the schoolhouse.

"Somethin’s amiss, Zeke old chum," said Bobo. He pulled his cards from his pocket. "I think we need to go and check on Miss Singleton."

"Ayup," said Zeke as his hand dropped to his knife. "That might be a good idea, Bobo."

The cozy school house, made of logs, seemed to be locked as tight as a safe. All the windows were shut and the curtains were closed. On a day like this, it would have to be stifling inside. Those kids would have to be hot.

"Let’s go in careful, Zeke," whispered Bobo. "I sense some serious bad mojo." Bobo began to shuffle his cards one handed. "Easy now, Zeke."

Zeke tried the door gently, but it was locked tight. With a nod from Bobo, Zeke threw his shoulder into the door. It buckled under the force. Zeke rolled inside, and quickly scanned the room. Bobo came in next with his cards ready.

The kids were still in their seats, seemingly in a trance. Miss Singleton was unconscious, her head on the desk. Two men, both holding children, looked up at the noise. One was a large man, well over six and a half feet tall, dressed in strange clothes and wearing a gunbelt. The other was a young man, with a crazy look in his eyes. Chains hung limply from his wrists.

"Lookie here, Moses," said the crazed man. "Company. Grandma hates company. Yes, she does."

"They are just drifters, Saul, my boy," said Moses. "Get back to work. I’ll handle them."

"Handle this, freak!" growled Zeke, brandishing his knife. "Texas Rangers. Drop the kids, and move away slowly!"

"Oh. Texas Rangers, huh?" said Moses. "I owe you folks for a hanging. Looks like you are to pay the price!"

Moses drew his pistol and fired at the two Rangers. Bobo and Zeke dove for cover, as the bullets ripped up the wall behind them.

Zeke, rolling to his feet, drew his pistol and fired back. The bullets seemed to avoid the large man. Moses smiled evilly.

"Bobo!!" screamed Zeke, "We’ve got a problem!!!"

Bobo’s answer came in the form of a blast of power. The soul blast slammed into Moses, sending him flying. The big man slid along the floor, and slammed into Miss Singleton’s desk, knocking it over. The huckster Ranger, drew more cards and looked towards Saul.

Saul Whateley was not stupid, just crazy. He held up a child as a human shield.

"Easy, Ranger," hissed Saul. "I don’t need this one that badly. Now, put your weapons down, or little Jimmy gets it."

"Put the boy down," said Zeke as he dropped his weapons to the floor. "You can’t get away. People heard the shots, they’re on the way here now. You can’t escape."

"Watch me, Ranger," said Saul as he drew some cards. "I’m already gone." An aura began to form around Saul and the boy, but it fizzled almost instantly.

"Wha...?"

"Old bayou trick, you wanna-be huckster," said Bobo through clenched teeth. "My mojo is stronger than yours."

"Now you’re roasted," came a voice from behind the Rangers. A tall man walked through the doorway. His shirt was open and he was dressed in rebel grey. On his chest hung a Texas Rangers badge. He strode forward, staring at Saul.

"I’ll not be imprisoned again!’ screamed Saul. "Never!!" He flung the child to the side and opened up with both pistols at the new Ranger. The bullets slammed into the chest of the man. The Ranger didn’t even flinch. The Ranger drew his gun, and took steady aim. His gun glowed slightly as a bullet whizzed out of the barrel, catching Saul in the stomach. He buckled in two, and folded to the ground.

"Know this, fool," said the Ranger. "I have come back to take care of a few problems. People who have seen me recently call me Tombstone Frank. And I’ve come to purify this town." Frank locked the hammer back on his gun, drawing a bead on Saul’s head.

Coming to his senses, Moses tossed Frank backwards with a stiff forearm. He gathered Saul in his arms.

"Lets go, cousin," said Moses as shadows gathered around the two. In a moment they were gone.

"We have your name now, Rangers. We Whateleys don’t forget a slight," echoed Moses’ voice.

Tombstone Frank was on his feet, Bobo and Zeke flanking him. "Nor do Rangers."

"Frank?" said Zeke. "Thanks for the assist, but you’d better split. I hear the Law coming. They may not take too kindly to ya." Zeke nodded to the back door.

"You’re right, Zeke," He holstered his gun and moved quickly towards the back door. "Tell Katie I’m back. I’ll see you later. We’ve got some scores to settle." With that, he slipped out the back and was gone.

"Unbelievable," whispered Zeke to Bobo. "He came back. He came back just like he promised Katie. This changes the game, Bobo."