Fistful of Reefer

Fistful of Reefer: scene 74 & 75

Despite his recent celebrity status, Chancho had to wait nearly an hour before seeing Bronco O'Brien at the Bexar County Jail. During his wait he pondered the gaping expanse between Austin and San Antonio. While geographically close, the two towns were ideologically worlds apart. San Antonio, dominated by cattlemen and military, opposed Austin's politicians and university students.

By the time the guard escorted him to Bronco's cell he understood why the Rangers had chosen to imprison the old man in San Antonio despite Ranger headquarters being in Austin.

"Chancho, you scamp!" Bronco's greeting caused the guard to stiffen, hesitant to let Chancho into the cell. "I knew you'd give 'em hell!"

Finally ushering Chancho inside, the guard slammed the bars behind him. "You've got half an hour. Whistle if you want out before that."

"I heard about your pardon a couple days ago. I hope that bastard, McCutchen, got what was coming to him."

Chancho hugged Bronco. "You know, I haven't heard. Last I seen him was at Santa Polco."

Bronco slapped his leg. "He won't be able to survive the scandal. I bet you dollars to cow pies he was a civilian by the time you shook the governor's hand. Hot damn. You gotta tell me what it was like. That limp-wit Hobby. He'd a pardoned his own mother's murderer to git rid of this mess. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he did."

He stopped to breathe. "Sorry about that. Just that I ain't had nobody to visit with since Chloe left a few days ago. Here." Bronco ushered Chancho over to the prison issue mattress. "Have a seat. I'm gonna stretch my legs for a bit."

"How is Chloe?" Her mention caused a wave of mixed emotion in Chancho. Part of him had hoped to see her.

"Oh, she'll make it. Hermilla's been taking care of her. Beau and Luke can run the ranch. She's a tough nugget, that one." His voice started to quiver as he paced the cell. "I don't know how I would have done it without her, after her mother died." He turned and winked at Chancho. "You should stick around. She's supposed to be back in town today."

Chancho changed the subject. "I want to apologize, Mr. O'Brien."

"Fir what?" He started pacing again.

"For landing you in here."

"Dag blast it. Now cut that out. That piss ant, McCutchen, had me thrown in here, not you. Ha!" He slapped his leg. "You're the one who made sure it was the last official thing he did. I should be thanking you." He sighed. "Besides, I'll be getting out pretty soon. Trumped up charges on obstruction of justice and violation of the county liquor laws can't hold me for long. Tried to get me for inciting a riot, but the judge already threw that one out. I think they just want me cooling my heels until after the elections." He snapped his fingers. "Speaking of! Chloe mentioned the buzz around Austin. Is it true? Don't shoot me no shit, boy."

Chancho smiled and nodded.

"Hot damn! That'll show 'em. Did you know you're the first bonafide Mexican representative since Texas became a state?"

It struck Chancho all over again how little he knew about the world he was entering.

"Oh Daddy, leave the man alone. He hasn't even gotten elected yet." Chloe stood in the hall waiting for the guards to buzz her into the main prison corridor.

"Why, don't you think he'll win?" Bronco slapped Chancho on his sore shoulder, bring tears to his eyes.

"Oh, he'll win, but first things first." The door clicked and Chloe swung it open. She whisked around the door swaying her hips like a movie starlet on the silver screen rather than a rancher's daughter in a county lockup. Chancho stood, holding his peace and trying to think about anything other than settling down to the pastoral life with Chloe in her perfect fitting jeans.