Windblown Saviour

Windblown Saviour - Chapter 13 - ... but blood in the sand.

Chapter 13 - ... but blood in the sand.

"...and so we find ourselves here," finished Joe quietly.

Marie looked at him, staring deep into his eyes. The old man had regained some colour during his recollections and sat looking at her with a small sad smile on his lined face, the years resting on his face in comfortable teak, polished by years of hardship, wind and rain.

Finally after many long seconds she spoke, her voice almost lost in the soughing wind that violently caressed the outside of the store.

"You mentioned an Emily at the end of your story."

"I did, I wondered whether you'd spot that. I was always fond of that girl. She grew into a fine young lady and married a local lad. They carried on running the shop after Anton passed away, the shop that passed down the generations finally arriving with you."

"My Grannie Em?"

"Yes."

"She used to tell old stories of gunfights and the sheriff..." Marie trailed off as she saw a look of sadness threaten to engulf the old man.

"...she died." She finished simply.

"And I missed the funeral," said the old man sadly.

"I'd been called to Washington to give evidence on a trial and I missed it. It's one of the greatest regrets of my life. That little girl stopped me becoming a monster, and the bravery and trust of her father shaped my future, began a friendship that would last through several lifetimes and brought me to where I am now.

"They became my family while I recovered, Anton gave me board and lodging and Emily became my little sister. I even worked in this shop for a while. Anton never did get round to repairing the beams that were damaged by the bullets, said it reminded him that some things were better left in the past. I never did find out about his past either, that was a chapter of his life that remained firmly closed to me and everyone else including Emily.

"It took me almost a year to fully recover from all my injuries and longer still to recover from the loss of Henry, although I'm not sure you ever truly recover from any loss like that. Perhaps time merely allows you to remember it differently.

"Once I was feeling able, I moved back into the cabin in the hills for a while and then, when called for by Anton and Ed and the other townsfolk, I took up the mantle of Sheriff, a role that was confirmed by the first Marshall who rode through the town a year or so later. I did that job my whole working life and then retired back to my cabin in the hills where I've lived ever since, only occasionally popping back in to visit you and a few others who welcome me.

"Your great grandfather was a tremendous friend who used love and patience as weapons in a harsh and unforgiving world. That fight was the only time I ever saw him handle a weapon other than in the day to day running of his store.

"Your grandmother was much the same, but had a core of steel as did Anton. They were wonderful friends who became my family, and I am eternally happy that I met them and stayed here; as I am happy to be here with you now."

Marie who had cast a glance at the gunman who still looked out through the door into the swirling wind and sand, looked back at him, snapping her head round in surprise.

"You're happy to be here? Now?" she said incredulously.

"I am," Joe smiled, "because it gives me the chance to finally repay a debt and make a difference. I've striven all my life here in Mimbres to make a difference, but I've never quite felt that I could make up for all the wrongdoings that stain my soul.