Chapter 3, Part One

No Honor Chapter 3 - Pt. 1: A Conference;

I made him as comfortable as I could, in my own bed, lucky devil, and then I excused myself for a moment. I returned to the fallen mare, and I retrieved the bundle that he had tied to the saddle. He was grateful to see it.

Part of me wanted to let him rest; he had a hell of an early mornin', but I'd be restless myself, until I knew a couple things.

"Wayne Chatman", I said.

I stuck out my hand and he shook it, but then he winced in pain.

"Sorry about that."

"That's alright", he said, "I'm afraid a few o' my ribs is broken, and Lord knows what else. To be honest, it hurts just to breathe."

"I hear you. What did you say your name was now?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's Carter."

"Where you from, Mr. Carter?"

"Oh, just 'Carter' is fine. I'm from east o' here, Mister Chatman, farther east. But I guess you could say I'm a wand'rer now."

"I see."

" That man I was followin', did you see where he got to?"

"I'm afraid not. You were quite the handful, at the time."

"Reckon I was, and I thank you sir. I understand a physician is on the way."

"Well, I asked Mildred to call on him, but I'm not sure when he'll get the message."

"Hmmm", he said. "I'm afraid I've put you in a queer position, and you have my apologies. In order to repay some o' yer kindness, I feel I should make the situation plain.... I'm sorry, do you mind if I smoke?"

"No, go right ahead."

He pulled out a cigarette, I reckon he must have rolled earlier, and then he produced a match. He struck it against the bed post, lit his smoke and took a few puffs, and then he went on.

"That man I was shooting at, was the worst kinda beast you can think of; and his actions put his humanity inta question. Now, I'm being paid to balance the scales, one way or the other, and though I intend to do just that, I've no wish to get you killed in the meantime. 

"Normally, I'd take my leave, but I've been seen being delivered here for one thang, and I'm wounded on top o' that. I do need that doctor's council as well, so, it seems I got no choice.

"Tell me sir, are you livin' here alone?"

"I am".

"Good. I imagine you have friends, or family in the area."

"Well, no one really has family here", I said. "I wouldn't say that I have friends here either, to be honest."

"What about acquaintances? Coworkers? Associates?"

I nodded. "There"s two fellas runnin' the bar for me, when I'm not there. I suppose they're friendly enough."

"A'kay", he said. "Well, until I give word otherwise, I'm afraid yer gonna have ta visit 'em."

I couldn't believe it. He was kicking me out of my own house....

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