Fistful of Reefer

Fistful of Reefer: scene 76 & 77 [end]

After two days of riding the friends fell comfortably into old patterns, passing the time alternating between conversation, laughter and total silence. They held a new appreciation for the simpleness of a trail ride without pursuit. Chancho explained to them what he found at Mt. Sabinas, and how he’d used his share of the gold. Muddy and Nena did their best to console his grief over the loss of his orphanage family. Muddy vowed to help fulfill Ah Puch’s dream when the time came, and Nena offered that perhaps most of the orphans had survived.

As they neared Brackettville on the second day a solemness shrouded Chancho until Muddy offered one of his favorite stories involving Jesse during their time in the troop. At the end Nena punctuated the story, “He died the way he wanted.” They all nodded, riding three abreast down Main Street.

“It was a good death.” Chancho added. Clearing his throat, he begged them with his eyes to not prolong his agony any longer, having waited since San Antonio to hear the rest of the story Muddy had alluded to. Nena rode closer to Tripalo. Reaching into his saddle bags she pulled out a small tin can and tossed it to Chancho.

Muddy explained, “Bronco’s men collected me and Nena’s saddle bag in Blondie before the ranger could, although they never found yours.”

Chancho slapped his forehead. “Ay. I dropped it behind a saloon. It had the knife from Rock With Eyes.”

“Well, there was nearly a riot—”

“You would’ve liked it.” Nena added.

Muddy continued, “We made it out in the confusion, but didn’t unpack the bags until we reached the caves. When we did, we found that. It was Jesse’s, I’m certain.”

Chancho popped the lid from the can and carefully slid the contents into the palm of his hand. “What are they?”

Muddy exchanged glances with Nena, both of them giving Chancho more time.

“Each of them is made from a different material.” Chancho tucked the can into his pocket, using both hands to inspect the flat donut-shaped discs. He finally looked up at the others as they turned down a side street heading for Jesse’s place.

“We’d hoped you could tell us their purpose.” Muddy said. “There were doubles of each material. We left the others with Sunny and his granddaughter.”

“She was the female version of you. You’ll have to meet her, I just don’t want to be there when you do.” Chancho feigned offense as Nena motioning her hand like a mouth. “Yap, yap, yap.”

Muddy played peacemaker. “We thought they might be used—”

“With machinery.” Chancho interrupted. “Engines, pumps, anything mechanical. Si.” He scratched his chin. “It’s ingenious. So simple. Why didn’t I think of this? It’s always the simplest solutions that are most difficult.” Holding up a ring made of light plastic he peered at Muddy through the hole in the middle of it. “Remember the tank of methane for the harvester?”

Nena smirked. “I wish I would have seen that.”

“My scorched buttocks are another matter.” Chancho waved her off. “But the fire wouldn’t have happened with one of these. See?” He tossed it to Muddy. “With one of these the right size sandwiched between the tank and the rest of the valve the gas would not have leaked.” Chancho manipulated another ring in his hand, one made from a bendable rubber.

Nena was skeptical. “Why would Jesse have hidden tractor parts in our bags.”

“Not just tractor parts. Everything.” Chancho grew animated. “Autos, appliances, plumbing, pumps. Especially anything with liquids or gases.”