Heart of a Hero (H.O.C. #3)

Chapter 16

“Hold it right there!” The command came from the back of the car as Shotgun slipped outside and onto the coupler. He started up the ladder as David reached the door.

“Where’re ya going Sergeant Harmon?” Trickster asked as he brandished his pistol and aimed it at David’s back. “We have some unfinished business.”

“That we do, Abel. What say you to us sitting down and discussing this like gentlemen instead of battling it out like uncivilized brutes?”

“I like being an uncivilized brute; it’s more fun that way.” He pushed his gun into David’s back. David tried to reach for his gun, but was not quite fast enough. “No sir. I wouldn’t do that; not unless you want a bullet in your back. That pretty Negro wife of yours would surely be beside herself if you died. I suppose I could go comfort her. Yeah, she was worth the bruises she gave me. That one’s a fighter.”

David’s blood boiled as his hands balled into a fist. The last thing he wanted was to get shot, but he couldn’t let this imbecile get away with what he did to Lottie. He thought for a moment, not wanting to give away his next move. Words would at least delay him for a moment or two. “You’ll hang for what you’ve done. There is no way out of your sentence. You, of all people, should realize that this way of life only ends in an early grave.”

“I’d say you’re right, Harmon, but come to think on it, I’m the one holding the gun.” Trickster gloated.

“Not for long.” David recognized Titus Kirby’s voice. “I heard his confession, Harmon. All we have to do now is get him to the judge in Abilene.” Kirby cocked his pistol. “Drop your gun. I don’t want to shoot you in front of all these good people. Blood is sticky, and the insides of your head, what little there might or might not be, would be plastered like whitewash to these innocent folks witnessing your demise.” Pressing the gun to the man’s head, Titus pushed a little to encourage cooperation. When the gun hit the floor, David spun around and punched him in the nose with the strength and anger of ten men.

“There’s one on the roof. I was going after him when this no-good excuse for a man stopped me.” The train began to slow to a stop for Abilene Town. A thud was heard and a flash of clothing seen from a window. “He’s jumped. I’ve got Abel here. Go after him.” As the words left David’s mouth, he saw Foster and Austin leap from the doorway.

*****

Austin breathed heavily as he hit the dirt. Foster had followed and landed next to him. The two Cavalrymen shared a quick look and then jumped up and ran as fast as their booted feet could move. The culprit, they didn’t know his name, looked to have been injured in his attempt to escape.

“Stop!” Austin shouted. The man’s answer was to turn and fire his weapon.

Ahh!” Foster cried as blood poured from his shoulder. Not to be deterred by the inconvenience of a bullet wound, he fired with Austin simultaneously. “Shotgun” Luke Shields fell instantly.

Kirby ran up beside Foster. “Let me look at that.”

“You alright?” Foster nodded. “Good. I’m going to see if he’s dead.” Austin stated. He sprinted the fifty feet to the still form of the crook.

“Help … me.” Shotgun reached out to Austin.

“Oh, Lord, he’s still alive.” Austin peered at the man, not sure what to say or do in the pitiful creatures last moments on Earth.

“Tell that girl I was wrong. She didn’t deserve what we gave her, even though she’s colored. Monk and Trickster did more than beat her. They did the worst thing a man could do, and I helped by holding her down. God, I’m so sorry!” Shotgun’s breaths came in short spasms. He coughed hard as blood covered his face and shirt.