A High Noon Ranger

The Court Room

After the long race through the plains, we finally reached the Texas Court of Justice. We tied up the horses and went inside. We were searched and then sent in front of a full court. I stated my case and Lee was righteous enough to stand as a witness. They listened in silence as we stated our case and then continued to send us away. For five hours we waited, and when we got our answer, we weren't happy. The judge's son got away with it. Said it was because of his "dyslexia". Didn't know that dyslexia escalated from trouble reading to killing innocent families. I was infuriated. We rode back as fast as we could in order to stop me from doing something stupid that I would surely regret. When we got back I had to rub ointment on my left arm from where my mechanical hand had clenched so tight to my skin that it tore at it. Then, I fell asleep.

Guess I'm here now. Laying on a bed, pondering. What do I do. I'm nothing now, no family, friends, nothing. Maybe they would understand, if they could see it through my eyes. That's it. I have to show them what it's like to be us. To be the commoner that's left in the town he burnt ash. But how? My wandering is broke by the sound of the door creaking open, followed by Lee slowly walking in. He says nothing for what seems like a lifetime, just standing there watching me. Right before my mind goes back to a wandering state, he speaks up. " I know those eyes, and they aren't good". "Come again" I say in confusion. He pauses as to collect his words, and then speaks once more " I had those eyes after my mother's death. I can still recall how furious I was, but my anger dissipated. I have a feeling though, that it won't be that easy for you". Astonishing. He leaves me speechless with a weak nodding being my only current response. We both agree on moving to the kitchen without saying a word.

Lee gives me a look as if to telepathically tell me to give up the act and reveal my plans. " Safety" is the only word I can seem to say yet there is so much running through my head. The judge, the criminal, my sister, her scream that still echoes in my ear, my dad. Wait, my dad, the bible, hope. That's it. Lee seems to intervene my thoughts " Y'know if you wanted we could kill hi-" "No" I say cutting him off "Too easy". He gives me a very dirty look, most likely because I cut him off. Then, he replied "then what would you prefer princess". I finally reveal to him my plan. "Hope. Educate the small folk through the Bible. Give them hope, give them someone to trust in and watch the rich men's so called 'utopia' crumble". I watch his eyes widen as the idea clicks and the wheels in his head begin to turn, but the idea is cut off by a loud thud at the front door, followed by a persistent pounding on the center of the door. I grab my revolver and walk to the entrance.