Creatures of the Earth

CANELO

Deciding not to go to the airship station, he instead returned to Culantro. Another hour in the heat and they were there. The horse's hooves were the only noise on the street. Where once children played at that hour, now it was all empty. There might still be a few families too stubborn to leave, but without others, without industry and commerce, Culantro would disappear and so would they.

At the police station, the commandant of the soldiers had taken charge, along with Felipe, of the new cases. Canelo admitted they were very efficient.

"Sheriff," said the commandant. "Have you seen Paloma Chanul? They tell me she is your wife."

Canelo shook his head. "She's my..." he said and stopped. It occurred to him that he had never made things official in any way with her. They were together and that made her happy enough. Or had it? "What about her?"

Felipe seemed distressed. "Señor," he said. "Paloma has made threats against the city."

"Excuse me?" said Canelo, taken aback by the words. He laughed, the thing was so ridiculous. "What is wrong with you, man? This is Paloma we are talking about."

The commandant gave Canelo a letter written in Paloma's messy script:

***

Dear Canelo,

I'm sorry for telling you this in a letter, but I think you will try to stop me. I was wrong about Esteban. He gave his life for me and Lorio. The thing attacking Culantro is a monster that is using the bodies of the people who died in the yellow fever epidemic to lure its victims.

I know how to stop it. All I need to do is draw it to the dam and free the river. I'm sorry, but I think the adventure will kill me.

Please, don't be angry. As the Hero Saints had their battle, I have mine. I only ask that you clear out the riversfolk, so that when the waters rush through, they will be safe.

Yours always,

Paloma

PS: I love you.

***

Canelo was unable to breathe. He turned to the commandant and said, "When was she here?"

Nobody knew. They imagined that she had visited the station while the soldiers were coming to and fro, and Felipe had either been busy or napping. But not a single one had seen her deliver the letter.

"You aren't really taking this seriously?" said Canelo.

The commandant fidgeted for a moment and said, "Without the staff at the dam, she may be able to open all the relief gates. That would dump enough water to flood the area."

"The water would come here and flood Culantro," said Felipe. "Maybe she didn't figure as much, but it's likely."

Something occurred to Canelo. "Are your men at the dam already?" he said.

The commandant nodded. "Armed and ready..."

Canelo gripped his shirt by the collar. The commandant's soldiers reacted, but stopped when they saw Canelo lift up the man six inches off the ground and then toss him on a table.

"I'm going to the dam," said Canelo. "If she's going there, then I'll be waiting. I don't care how long I have to wait. And your men will not fire on her, do you understand?"

The commandant nodded. Armando and Quique arrived just then.

"What do you want us to do?" said Felipe.

Canelo gave his Sheriff star to Felipe. "I am sorry, my friend, but I give you this burden now. If Culantro survives past today, you will be its Sheriff." To his other men, he said. "Quique, come with me. The rest of you, do what she asked: Clear the riversfolk. Whoever is left."

Canelo waited for Felipe to nod his approval, since he was in charge now. The new Sheriff nodded and the deputies went for the horses.

"Do you still have usable heavy munitions with you?" said Canelo to the commandant.

The commandant nodded. Canelo smiled.