A Town Called Sunrise

Relationships

Colt sat erect at the end of the kitchen table, his eyes flicking between Daisy, dishing out food servings, and a disturbingly intense stare from Donny, sitting beside him.

"I appreciate this invite to eat, Daisy. I mean after all that went on today."

"We still have to eat." She said, bringing two plates to the table.

"I know, but after- well when you said you might--"

"Oh for heaven's sake, Colt." She brought another plate and sat across from him.

"So, that was just a joke?"

"This time." She burst out laughing at his expression.

"This is the toughest lesson you'll need to learn in life, Donny. How to understand women." Colt looked at the boy, then at Daisy. "How come he's here with you?"

"His folks had to go to the county seat, something to do with lawyers and land taxes. I said he could stay with me. He's no trouble."

Colt dug into his meal, moaning his appreciation. "Don't that interfere with your privacy?"

She looked up and smiled coquettishly. "You mean your privacy." Colt frowned and Donny giggled.

"Why's he keep starin' at me. What's botherin' you, Donny?"

"He heard you got shot and he thinks you're a hero."

Donny looked down, playing with his food.

"Nothin' heroic 'bout gettin' shot, son. Best if you grow up not even needin' a gun."

"But everyone needs a gun, sheriff."

"Yeah, well let's hope that changes one day. Big difference between need and want. Good example for not needin' one is right beside you. Daisy does her shootin' with words."

She stopped mid-chew. "I don't shoot with words, Colt Treblehorn. I report the facts as I observe them."

"Believe that's what's called opinion."

"Wrong. Opinion is interpretation. I don't interpret them, I just report what I see and hear with my own eyes."

"And a fine job you do, Daisy Post, don't you agree, Donny?"

"I like delivering papers." He said seriously.

Dinner continued with less talk and when it ended, Daisy asked Colt to see Donny to bed while she cleaned up the dishes. They would have a coffee when he came back. Colt supervised teeth brushing and prayers, then tucked the boy into the bed Daisy had provided for him.

"Can I see where you got shot?"

"Nothin' much to see, Donny."

"Please?"

He pulled up his sleeve and leaned down. "See, it ain't much."

"Did it hurt?"

"Some. But not long. Doc put some stuff on it and that was that."

"Where's the bullet?"

"Probably in Miss Freegate's back porch somewhere."

"I hope I don't get shot."

"Why on earth would you be gettin' shot?"

"Miss Daisy says you have a very dangerous job, and being around you can sometimes be dangerous."

Colt had no response. He studied the boy silently, then ruffled his hair and told him to get a good sleep, and not think about shootings.

Back in the kitchen, Daisy was pouring coffee and she set the pot back on the stove as Colt entered.