Justice — It’s a concept that has been with humanity since the beginning of recorded history. And it’s a common theme in what I like to call the “Saddletramp Universe.” It also happens to be the moniker of one of the most popular characters in my free online stories, which you can read here or here.
After writing several short stories about the man who calls himself “Justice O. Peace,” I realized that while I offered snippets of his background, I never revealed how he made the transition from a normal family man with a wife and two sons who got caught up in the maelstrom known as the War Between The States to a supernatural being who dispenses justice from the back of his horse.
So I decided to tell his story, using my own personal love of history. In real life, Justice is actually Elijah Jones, a Sergeant in the 8th Regiment of Indiana Cavalry, who is shot dead at the July 1864 Battle of Brown’s Mill. History buffs will be delighted to know that the 8th Indiana Cavalry was an actual unit, and two companies of that unit participated in the battle, which was part of General Sherman’s March to the Sea.
After his death, Eli, as he prefers to be called, learns that he has been recruited by an immortal being named Adrestia Rhamnousia to dispense justice in an increasingly-dark world. Those familiar with Greek mythology might recognize “Rhamnousia” as the name of the goddess of retributive justice. Eli’s first job takes him back to South Carolina, where he deals with a rather unsavory carpetbagger by the name of Jacob LaValliere.
After that encounter, Eli is assigned to Company B, Frontier Battalion, of the Texas Rangers, commanded by William Jesse “Bill” McDonald, where he spends five years undergoing “on-the-job training.” The unit, by the way, actually existed, and McDonald is recognized as one of the great Texas Ranger Captains of all time. One of the joys of writing this ebook was researching McDonald’s life, which proved to be quite fascinating. The story also includes an account of the 1896 Wichita Falls bank robbery, which actually happened.
It is during this five-year stint with the Rangers that Eli adopts the name “Justice O. Peace.” He also helps someone very near and dear to him while dealing with a town overrun by corruption and nepotism. Eli goes on to handle some of the worst humanity has to offer, including the owner of a notorious New York speakeasy.
One Amazon reviewer calls “Justice Rides” a story of “biblical retribution with erotic undertones,” while calling my “universe” of works a, “…unique blend of drama, violence, eroticism, history, and the paranormal, rather like Life.” My desire was to present a story that appeals to a wide audience with a mix of historic fact, mythology, and fantasy. And I like to think “Justice Rides” does just that.
The story starts in July 1864, and ends in November 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It is a story of hope, family, romance, and eternal love that spans over 75 years of US history. Because it contains scenes of a mature nature, it is listed under “erotica” and recommended for adult audiences only.
The overall message I hope readers get from the story comes from Eli’s own lips: “No matter where ya go, no matter what happens or how bad things seem to get, Justice is ridin’ with ya.”
And rest assured — just because this story is complete, Eli’s story is far from over. He will certainly appear in more of my online short stories, and I am considering the possibility of a second ebook.
So, head on over to Amazon, get your copy, saddle up, and enjoy the ride.
