Paying My Dues
Stretching out on the bed
Aimin' for the door
I waited for the scumbag
Time to settle the score.
I had sent Lou to get news
A double cross I didn't care for
If Write was involved
He'd be a dead body on the floor.
The handle turned
A shadow step in the room
Flipped on the lights
It was not who I assumed.
"Patty, what are you doin' here?"
I stood by the bed, put the gun away
Waitin' to hear
What she had to say.
She dropped her bag and rushed
And squashed me in a hug
"Dang it, Patty! Let go of me!
you got some sort of a bug?"
Patty burst into tears
told a long story short
About everythin' that happened
Right from the start.
"Write is missin'
I am balled up
I can't tell the Marshall
Or I'll get locked up.'"
"Hush up Patty!
You can't stay here
Go to where you planned to
Write will find you there.
I'll try and help you out
Now no more ifs and buts
Your bags are already packed
So, no more fuss."
Patty did as she was told
I said a silent prayer
"Hope Write is not a goner
Not turned into footwear."
This couldn't be about Judge Domain
He's buzzard food
Could it be ... surely not ... the deed
Was that why he was subdued.
Surely something's goin' on
Best for me to leave as well
There's still dinner with Mr. justice
"Aww hell!"
I couldn't back out now
The Marshall's place was fine
The food was heavenly
He had the best wine.
"Mr. Justice, I am leavin' tomorrow
Bright and Early at dawn
This ... it's real nice ... kind
But I can't stay ... I have to be gone."
"You want to get back to him
The sheriff, isn't it?"
"Well ... No ... Yes ... Maybe..."
I had to admit.
"Can I come visit you some time
Until you decide."
"Of course, you can."
I didn't want to hurt his pride.
He walked me back to the hotel
"I'll escort you back if you wish."
"I'll be alright. Good night, Marshall"
On his cheek, I planted a goodbye kiss.
Early at mornin' break
Rode back on Sixstar
Needin' to get out of County
Back home, BG seemed so far.
YOU ARE READING
Busted Gulch vol 9
AventuraThe river has been open to trade, and the River boats are rolling in. Bring trouble in spades. Gamblers, Mistresses, bad guys galore and so much more, BG has in store. A collaborative western story written in poetry, that continues as the character...