Outro+

Final Thoughts & Future Goals;

To those of you who have read all 28 Chapters of "No Honor", thank you so much. Posting the story online would've been pointless, if no one was willing to read it, so thanks again. If you enjoyed the story, and you'd like to do something in return, the best way to help me is by sharing this link: nohonorfiction.blogspot.com The bigger my audience, the easier it will be for me to bring more fiction to you on the cheap, and even free, as in this case; so if you send that link to just one person, you'll be giving back, and helping me succeed.

As an author, I believe my greatest strength is my ideas; I've got an active imagination, and dozens of character concepts, floating around in my head. Carter Moon was thought up years ago, maybe five or more, but I didn't settle on a name until about 2011. "No Honor" was written 'off the cuff' as they say, so Marco, Mildred, "Rx" Jonas, Larson, and Wayne were created on the fly, and instinctually, like everyone else in the ebook. The plot wasn't prepared either; one event caused another event, and as it turns out, that's a satisfying way to work.

The only other thing I'd note, about the story, is that I'm writing here, what I'd like to read: something heavy on plot and heavy on action, while being light on descriptions of character traits and locales. Stories like that, are what I want to continue doing. So let's quickly talk about, what the future may hold. First consideration is, and must always be, income; the more money an entertainer has, the more time he or she can devote to creating.

Looking at Google+ policy, if I want to place ads on another ebook posted in this way, that work must be family-friendly. Well, Carter Moon is a character for adults, and a Western isn't the best genre for kids, anyway. I do have another idea, that'd be more appropriate. It's called 'S.O.S.', and it's a Star Trek, meets Sea Quest & Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. kind-of concept. It requires much more research than I did for this story, but I could see about maybe starting that, in a few months; the door's open.

Looking back at Carter, and "No Honor" specifically, I'd like for the story to have a bigger audience. So, one of the things I can do, is setup a proper website for it. It'd ideally be a place where you can download, or read "No Honor" online, and I'd be free to place ads, get clicks, and make more money to produce more stuff. That's what it's all about; so, I'm looking into it.

I'm also interested in telling more stories, about Moon. I'd actually like to create an entire Western universe. That way you could have Carter and Wayne and Jonas (a favorite) and Marco return. Carter's a (somewhat obsessive) Western protagonist, and I'd like for him to have a rogues gallery, and a lot of adventures. Below are things I'd like to see happen.

•  "No Honor" website, with a better interface; Illustrations for certain chapters; Character Illustrations and prints for sale; a Message Board for fans; links to YouTube videos about the story, with a more in depth look at the process, the research, the characters, the weapons, the drugs, and the inspirations behind the story.

• A printed version of "No Honor".

• A 'Carter Moon' webcomic, updated weekly, to be followed by Hardcover, and Softcover collections.

• A series of printed Western novels, detailing the life and adventures of Carter Moon.

All of that, and more can happen, but only with your help. 

Share nohonorfiction.blogspot.com, and tell a friend. I'll keep the blog up as long as Google+ allows it, so no worries there. If Moon-related news comes up, I'll try and post it here, but the best way to find out about whatever I wind up working on, is to follow me on Twitter (@ChannelSeals). You are more than welcome to post feedback here, on any post in the blog (just avoid spoilers). You can also reach me at this email: b.a.seals01@gmail.com, for questions, comments, feedback, or to just say 'Hi'.

Until then, goodbye.

-Brian Anthony Seals
  1/15
(note: Intro Updated)

Chapter 28

No Honor; Chapter 28: Lasso

Danca's strong as an ox. Jonas said though, that if the bullet woulda struck left, insteada right, it would 'ave pierced the Indian's heart, and that would've been that. As it was, he was damn lucky that blonde... Lori, her name was, spent that time stoppin' that bleedin'. Mr. Larson, however, was not so lucky.

It was ta be expected; slugs was goin' every which way, an' he wasn't capable, o' movin very far. One o' them bullets, that came through those walls, hit tha top of 'is right foot. Another hit 'em left side, right where tha chest meets tha shoulder. Given that the momentum, of them bullets was halted somewhat, the wounds weren't fatal in themselves, but the blood loss was just too much.

At my insistence, Roy was givin' a proper burial. I figured, that if he hadn't paid 'is dues by then, he would in tha next life. Norman was buried a few hours later, and lauded as a hero. Mitchell pulled through tha proceedings honorably; knowin' that he wasn't the cause o' Norm's death, was at least some help.

He did break down cryin' though, when it was done. You might think that, knowin' what I know about Mitchell, I'd be uneasy about embracin 'im... I never gave it a second thought... When a man needs help like that you do it, without question.

"It's alright", I said. "He's with 'is father now."

Durin' my last night at tha hotel, I heard a few shots. I wasn't su'prised. The Station will never change. Knowin I was leavin', gave me my best night's sleep in years.

The bar keys went ta Dave, everythang else I own, was packed up wit me. I said my goodbyes ta him, Sheldon, Cole, James, Sal, Mildred, Lori and Gina tha brave... And also ta Dancer, who we left in their care.

Millie told me Percy did 'isself in. I guess Wally wasn't the only one died, from that craving. It's up ta Mitchell now, ta decide what ta do with that powder we took... Do you toss it down a pit, hopin' they overcome it, or do you give it to those still crippled, by that need?

Last I talked to 'im, he said he didn't know.

At The Stable, I got a pleasant su'prise. The white mare that ran off, eventually showed up there, and I got my shotgun back. When they asked me if I wanted ta purchase that horse, I politely declined. I bought Jonas's stallion instead... little mistake they made there.

Ridin' out of The Station, fer the last time, I was disappointed that I didn't get ta see Carter. I should've known better; he didn't let me get very far. Both him and Shadow had seen better days; she had some clay, coverin' them cuts she got at Millie's, and Moon was a bruised up, one-eyed pirate,

"Howdy", I said. "Comin' up ta say goodbye?"

"Maybe", he said. "You finish yer business?"

"I did... And you?"

He lit up a smoke, then 'e nodded. "Marco's gone... He ain't among the dead, and 'e shore as shit ain't here."

I said, "That don't su'prise me. His chance at... holdin' on here's past, but... if e's out there, and I was Carter Moon? I'd sleep with one eye open."

He smiled, winked with that swollen eye, and then he blew smoke away from me. "Duly noted."

I said, "What about Donny? Any luck there?"

Carter said, "He cleaned out, where he was livin' at. I kept an eye on the place, ta be sure, and I even asked people to have 'im see me, for what's due ta him... But it seems like he decided ta move on."

I shook my head. "Fuckin' stupid- you know why he left?"

He nodded.

I said, "That's fuckin' ridiculous-he did the right thang!"

Carter shrugged. "That's life, Wayne... Y'know... With some people, what's right and wrong don't matter, and there ain't no changin' that."

As much as I hated it, I figure Donny didn't have too much choice. Once you labeled by people, as bein' somethin', you that fer all time, an... It woulda just been too hard, ta try an' do business, with that on ya.

Carter said, "So... Where we headed?"

I looked at 'im. "Where am I headed?... Texas... Texas, ta start at least."

Carter puffed on his smoke. "Mm-hmmm."

I said, "Why? Where you headed?"

He said, "Well, I had a talk with Ms. Hattley... about that man that killed her Emily...

"It seems... That he most likely fled, in a... southernly direction."

A little smile.

"Okay...", I said.

"That bein' the case", he said, "I was hopin' you'd allow me ta escort ya... to yer next destination."

I closed my eyes and shook my head. Did I really want this man, hangin' around? Fer someone that was lookin' ta start fresh, and git away from that kinda danger, havin' Carter Moon shadow you, was like ridin' cross-country, with pockets fulla gold. I mean... yer just askin' for it.

I sighed, and rubbed the tension out my temples, as best I could.

I said, "You know what?... You kin go where you like... I'm goin' ta Texas."

He got a good laugh, at that.

----------------------------
The End  -  @ChannelSeals

Chapter 27

No Honor; Chapter 27: Deliverance

That brunette was brave. She saw how dire it was, and she dove fer one o' them dead Mexicans wit us; the handgun she got was much too big for 'er, and she almost knocked 'erself out with tha recoil, but she aimed, and she fired, an' tha bullet flew right... One comin' in tha winda by Carter was killed, and his limp body, stuck halfway in tha frame, bought us a precious couple seconds.

The blonde, though injured, pressed her dress cloth, an' all her weight, on Dancer's wound. As it stood though, it was gonna awl be for nothing. I pushed that furniture against tha door with all my strength, but I was givin' out, and they was comin' in, and I spent my last shell on one, comin' through my winda.

"C'mon Moon! C'mon!"

He was really strugglin', and though he raised 'is gun, he couldn't find tha air, or energy ta aim; so I took it from 'im... It was me, and Millie firin' that huge gun, and that brunette got a knife, and she was slashin' fer her life an cryin, an' a Mexican knocked her out, an' Millie shot 'im.

It just wasn't gonna work, we just couldn't hold it. Carter snapped out of it, and grabbed a gun on tha floor, but it wasn't gonna be enough. That front door was pushin' that furniture and they was comin'... I was beggin' tha Lord ta forgive me all my sins, and pullin' my knife, just ta win a few more seconds o' breath. But that door was openin', and that was gonna be it.

Then I heard a volley o' shots, and bullets struck tha house. I didn't have ta tell 'em ta git down, they just did it. The bullets was hittin' tha ground after that, and I heard cries from tha Mexicans. One halfway through the door, got shot in tha back... It was then, I knew, that The Station was savin' my ass.

Mitch led a party o' thirty plus residents, and they took up posts, on tha opposite side o' tha street. Some, like Jim Sheldon, was firin' from between houses. Others, like De La Rosa, was posted behind doors. But tha key ta ending it was the group above, in the windas across the way. They was led by Donny and Cole and Sal and Dave, an' others.... With that high ground advantage, and that amount o' gunfire, it didn't last long; some o' them Mexicans got away, but it wasn't much.

I don't know why they agreed ta do it. Part of it mighta been revenge, fer Tom Goodman's death. Part of it coulda been Marco's doing, with tha unfair way he was runnin' the town. It coulda also been because, they was shootin' at a house fulla women... But I like ta thank, I tell myself, that by savin' us, they was turnin' on Roy; that they finally rejected the man.

Whatever the reason, we wouldn't 'ave survived, without 'em.

Carter didn't spend any time celebratin'. He slid over like a man healed, and relieved tha blonde from 'er post, taking over Dancer's care.

"Ma'am", he said. "I need water an' towels, quick as you can. Ms. Hattley, warm a pot, an' see ta that girl there please, Wayne!"

He turned.

"I need you ta run to tha store an free Rex. Tell 'im what's what an get 'im down here, please!"

I turned ta do just that, an' I seen Mitch in tha door way. I couldn't even tell you tha despair on that young man's face... At tha sight o' Norman's body he was crushed, and scared, and shocked, and confused all at once. He wanted ta come in, but he couldn't; he was frozen fer a bit, then he tore 'isself from tha doorway.

Carter was still on Dancer's limp body. "Wayne, run! Go!"

That did it... I took off down tha street, trippin' and jumpin' over bodies. I was half way done, 'fore I even made it ta Third, and I was cussin' my age and health all tha way. By the time I got ta Jonas I was so outta breath, I'm su'prised he got a word.

He said, "What did you think was gonna 'appen, you moron?... Go to the horse and get me tools."

He was already runnin' out tha door, with me out o' breath behind 'im.

"Wai-", I said. "Wha'?"

He turned n' said, "Git to the Stable, go to the damn horse, an' get me tools out tha pouch on the saddle. Meet you over there."

"Ya goin' right?"

"Hurry, ya fuggin tart!"

I'd say I ran again, but what I did don't qualify. Instead o' bringin tha pouch, I rode tha whole horse over ta Mildred's, prayin' I was in time.

------------------------------

Chapter 26

No Honor; Chapter 26: Upstream

Carter said, "Norm! Git away from the door!"

We hit tha ground, behind tha couches in there. Norman tried ta do as he was told, but, unfortunately, he stood up ta do it... When the next volley o' bullets came through the front o' tha house, he was shot several times.

Millie hit tha deck, immediately. There was four other girls wit her, in that sitting room, and two made a break, for tha stairs in tha far left corner.

Moon said, "No!.. Git down! Git down! Git-".

Another volley o' bullets. The girls ran up tha stair, and some shots hit tha wood n' walls under 'em, but they made it. Next, I heard bangin', from tha side door by that stairwell, tha only other entrance. Carter heard it as well. He fired a few shots, from 'is revolvers, to back 'em up a bit, then he shouted.

"Dancer!... Millie! Block that door!"

Outside, there was a lot o' neighing goin' on, and I remembered, we had four horses tied up out there, includin' tha one I borrowed from Mitch. Well those horses panicked, really bad... There was who-knows-how many Mexicans out there, surroundin 'em; and then they were shooting!

So them horses pulled, and pulled on their restraints. The lariats we tied did tha job, and they didn't break under tha strain, but those stakes came right out tha ground, so... Here's these horses, scared ta death and rushin' ta escape, and whippin' sharp iron spikes around their heads. Several Mexicans were trampled, a dozen were killed due ta deep cuts from those spikes, and a bunch more was injured.

I know that one horse accidentally struck hisself, with that spike and died. Another, Mitch's horse, was shot down. While the Mexicans was busy dodgin' that mess, Carter got me, Millie and Dancer, ta block the front door with a couch, and chairs, like tha side was blocked. Dancer took a quick look at Norman, then shook his head. Carter made a face, then emptied revolver shells on tha ground, before loadin' it quickly.

"Take one of 'is pistols fer yerself, and give one ta Ms. Hattley. Ma'am, if you don't want your girls hurt, I suggest you help my Indian friend with that side-"

More shots... That blonde, and a dark-haired girl layed flat. Tha butt of a rifle came through tha winda, about a foot away from that side door. Mildred pulled tha trigger on that pepperbox, and the Mexican fell.

Now those kinda pistols, are automatic... Once the ignition cap goes off, tha barrel rotates, preppin' tha next shot. When two more Mexicans, took tha otha's place, Millie didn't have ta thank, or even click a hammer down. She fired again, killin' one and backin' tha other off.

Dancer slid his way to that door and Mildred followed. Carter threw me a revolver, ta shoot left handed, and I blasted with that an' muh Colt. Moon checked Norman's body for ammo... and that was the problem; no matter how hard we fought, we only had so much ammo, and that damn mare ran off, with my shotgun strapped to 'er.

Outside I seen Marco, hobbling around. He was shootin' a rifle and barkin' orders I couldn't understand. All I knew was, there was a ton of 'em out there.. Maybe not a full hundred, maybe seventy-five or eighty, but it didn't matter, as we was clearly dead anyway.

They busted out the front windas, and started climbin' in. I killed each one bold enough ta try it, but then I ran out o' shells. Moon covered me, but they was still goin' for it; one was climbin' through the other winda, closer to 'im, but then I seen tha Indian runnin'... He rammed that man with 'is shoulder, and The Mexican flew out of tha frame, knockin' down three others.

I was reloadin', fast as I could, with shaky fingas... I threw Moon's empty pistol at 'im, he reloaded tha pepperbox fer Dancer, who was shootin' his own revolver, coverin' Millie and she picked up a handgun a Mexican dropped... It was sheer panic, and every damn second of it, felt like a minute an' change.

And all tha while, slugs is flyin' in, and them girls on the floor is screamin'... Outside, I seen one o' them Mexicans we held at tha grocery. I realized then, that Clifford's trip ta Mexico never made it. More importantly, that Mexican was lightin' two sticks o' dynamite, with another lovely bundle; it was that same trick again.

"Nail bomb!", I said, and Carter looked outside.

He dropped that man before 'e could throw it, and we fired on any other man, with tha guts ta try an pick it up. The rest of 'em seen tha score, and tried ta back away, but that one bar was lit, and loosin' wick fast.

Carter yelled, "Down!"

It blew loud, and you could hear nails hittin' tha walls. One of 'em caught that blonde in tha shoulder, and her friend was usin' her dress ta try an stop tha bleedin, while pullin' it out... That screw-up outside cost 'em a lot o' lives, but it wasn't enough, there was just too many. At that point, they said 'Ta hell with it', and rushed us.

Me and Carter was stuck, back against tha couch an' chairs, tryin desp'rately ta keep 'em out, and shootin' the ones comin' through tha glass. Millie had her back to tha side door, an' she was outta bullets completely. Dancer was pullin' double duty, shootin' at tha ones pourin' through tha windas, on Carter's side, and givin' others at Millie's winda hell, with 'is tomahawk... But that could only last so long.

When Dancer turned toward us again, he took a rifle shell, to tha chest. The women screamed. I was shootin' at both windas behind me, and Carter...

Carter was havin' trouble breathin'.

-------------------------------

Chapter 25

No Honor; Chapter 25; Venom

Sometime, while we was otherwise occupied, my white mare ran off. So, I hitched a ride, with Shadow and her owner, back to tha grocery.

Moon wasted no time; he figured that, if what Donny said was true, word would spread, that Roy had been given up. So before he was moved again, Carter wanted ta pick up Dancer, who he felt should attend.

The boys was startled, when they saw us; my jaw and nose was makin' int'restin shapes, and Moon's left eye, was startin' ta close up. We brought 'em up ta speed, as quick as we could, and Mitch volunteered, ta watch Rex fer tha time bein'.

It was tha first time Danca openly rode wit us, and it felt good, havin 'im there. While securin' our horses, outside o' Mildred's, a pretty young blonde passed us, as she went in. She gave us some cautious smiles, then lost her breath a moment, as soon as she saw tha Indian. I heard tha door lockin' up, behind 'er.

Carter said, "Wayne, you know her best, don'tcha?"

"Who, Millie?... I suppose so."

"Then gettin' us in is your job. I been through enough fer this waste ah life... Now I am goin' in there, ta check for 'im... but I'd rather do it nice."

"Got it."

I knocked, and then I knocked again, a second time. When the door wasn't answered, I knocked harder. After another minute, Mildred finally opened it. She stood in tha doorway, eyein' us up, and when she seen Carter an' Dancer, she sighed and looked at tha ground.

She said, "What do you want here?"

I said, "Is Roy Larson in there?"

She paused. "I want you to understand something, okay? This is a house fulla women, and whatever your cause for it, I can't have no fighting in here."

"We understand that", I said. "And we ain't here ta fight. We just want ta get that man in there, he don't belong in there... and there's thangs he gotta answer for."

"Wayne, what is that going ta do? Those kids are dead, those people are dead, there ain't no bringin 'em back!"

"Millie, Millie, c'mon now... That don't mean he gets ta get away with it."

"I can't let you in here", she said. "He's done... horrible things, but I can't let you hang 'im."

"Millie, what are you talking about?"

She looked at me. Then she sighed, and started ta whisper.

"It ain't right, to have no Indian, hang no white man for a crime."

I couldn't believe my ears. Couldn't believe it... My hands were on my hips, and I knew there was daggers in my eyes, that she was avoidin'... but I couldn't hide 'em right away. I stood there, thankin o' some response, that didn't involve several curse words... but I don't know if I coulda pulled it off.

Dancer said, "Our ways are not yours. He will be brought before my people, and he will be judged... but he will not be hung... That, I can promise you."

"But...", she said, and then she stopped.

I said, "Millie... I known you a while... and I know for shore, that you're a good person... But you make yerself so much worse...fer helpin' him. He's not your friend... he's not your family, it is not on you... to protect him.

"Now you and I both know... he deserves whatever punishment he gets... He don't belong here... He don't belong where any decent people are at... and he don't deserve you... as a protector."

She looked away. After a moment or two more, she sighed, and stepped aside.

Tha front room was smawl, and packed wit sittin' room furniture. There was only one hall, on tha first floor there, and it was narrow, and filled wit rooms. In tha first door to tha left, was Larson... layin' flat on a bed. At first sight, I thought he was a ghost.

He was pale, but not like Carter... Unnat'rally so.... His lips were a tinge o' blue, and 'is eyelids was tha darkest part of 'im. The way he lay on that bed, on top o' those blankets, you could tell he hadn't moved in some time, and that he didn't have tha strangth, ta do so.

His left leg was cut off, above tha knee, and it was wrapped tight with a bandage. When I entered tha room, he squinted ta see who I was, and my face did nothing but confuse 'im. But then I was followed, by Norm and Carter, and when he saw the albino he scowled. He pushed up on 'is elbows, enough ta lift 'is head, and he looked for his gunbelt; it was on tha chair across tha room.

He sighed, and dropped back down ta where 'e was. For a moment he lay there silent, lookin' at tha ceiling, and shaking his head, and swallowing.

"I don't even fuckin' care any more", he said. "You wanna kill me, I'll even help you do it.... Just give me a knife, I don't even need a pistol... Just one little prick of a blade'd do it."

For a while, we stood there, lookin' at him. He was a mess, and it was tough just seein 'im, but it was hard ta allow yerself, ta feel very sorry. When I looked at Moon, I realized he didn't have any problem with that... He hated that man, with each n' every bone in 'im and you could see it, just by how 'e stood.

Dancer finally nudged his way, into the room. When Roy seen 'im, he hissed like a rattlesnake. A moment passed, with Roy's grimace meeting Dancer's cold stare. Finally, Larson started ta chuckle.

He said, "You boys must 'ave lost your heads, palling around with this redskin... How long you think, before 'e turns on ya, huh?"

He laughed.

"How long you think, before you wake up without a tongue in yore mouth, or eyes in yore head?... Huh?...Ya think I'm somethin'? Ya think I'm somethin'? Just wait!... Heh heh heh heh... Just keep ridin' wit tha savage an' see what happens ta ya!"

He laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Dancer's expression never changed, but Moon had a look o' disgust, on 'is features. Roy's cacklin' eventually gave way to a coughin' fit, but tha smile never left 'is face. Moon turned ta Norm, and handed 'im a sack o' change.

"I want ya ta arrange a wagon, fer this man here... Go to tha Stable, say Clifford's a friend a yers, and that you'll pay ta take it southwest and return with it promptly... They'll be another payment when it gets back home."

"Alright", Norman said.

When he left the room, I said, "Is he gonna survive a wagon ride?"

Carter said, "Well... accordin' to tha Doc, Roy's best chance ah su'vival, is if we keep 'im flat..."

Moon looked at Roy.

"So we're gonna have a nice, long ride inta Indian country, on tha smoothest damn road I kin find, and hopefully... Dancer's tribe won't miss tha opportunity... ta spit in 'is face."

Larson layed there quiet, but lookin' at us, with that sneer of a smile. I was sure he didn't care about his life anymore. From all I could tell, it had gotten to be a burden.

The next moment, we heard a door slam. Then, we heard several gunshots, an' broken glass. The women in tha place started screamin', and we left tha room ta see what tha hell was goin' on. Norm was set down behind tha front door, and loadin' his pistols. Outside was Mexicans, a whole, lotta Mexicans... with a whole lotta weaponry.

It was Marco's one-hundred strong.

------------------------------

Chapter 24

No Honor; Chapter 24: Humanity

So... here's this man, with three broke ribs.

A hip sprain. An injured shoulder. A prescription, that interrupts 'is breathin'... And he's a smoker.

Here's this man, here's this lunatic, standin' there with 'is dukes up. It was a cruel joke, and wasn't nobody laughin'. I hoped ta God, that Marco would realize, that he was dealing with a man that shouldn't be standing. A man that, by all rights, shouldn't even be on a horse.

But I was expectin' mercy, from a man that didn't care ta give it... And I knew it.

The first few punches landed on Carter's jaw, and his hat flew off. The next hit 'is side, his injured side, and 'e hollered; and I have no idea how he was on 'is feet still. He protected 'is body with his arms then, so Marco beat his face. When 'e finally fell, I was grateful.

But Marco was a mean dog. Like any wise animal, he could tell 'is prey was hurt, and he attacked that weakness. Moon used both arms, to protect 'is sides, and Marco was stompin' on 'em. I would o' got knocked out, from awl that pain, but as it was, Carter was helpless.

I heard whis'pren, and I realized a little crowd had gathered. Ten people, then twelve, then a few more, but they weren't there ta help. They wasn't gonna do anythang, they just wanted ta see tha beatin'... Front row seats to a train wreck.

I had had enough. I pulled my Colt, and I pointed it at Marco, and I said, "Alright! Back away."

Marco ignored me. He kept stompin' on Carter, and he was sweatin' now. Moon tried ta catch 'is foot, but 'e missed, and took a heel to tha stomach. My finger tensed, on tha trigger.

"I said that's enough!"

Again, he didn't even look up. I didn't know if 'e honestly didn't notice, or if he figured I'd shoot, and 'e just didn't care. Either way, I wasn't gonna let another man be beaten to 'is grave, an' certainly not in front o' me. But Marco was unarmed, and as much as I wanted to, I just couldn't shoot 'im.

I put my gun back on my belt, and got off tha mare. After grabbin' Marco's arms, I pushed 'im back, but he just shrugged me off... Next thing I new, I was bein' hit. I don't remember tha details, but apparently, I took three shots to tha face, before goin' down.

I kin be proud o' that at least. But I was layin' there with a bruised jaw, and blurry vision, and I wanted, so bad ta get up, but I just couldn't... I heard a man yell, and I realized, that tha cry came from Marco, so I tried ta see what was goin' on.

Carter did grab hold o' that foot, and he was not lettin' go, fer his life. He had bent tha small toes, the wrong way back, and he had tha ankle trapped, with his arms. Marco pulled up, so hard then, that Moon was off tha ground; he stomped 'im down, and Carter wailed in pain, but he did not let go. With one arm keepin' that ankle locked, he grabbed Marco by 'is toes, and twisted so hard and so long, I'm su'prised 'is foot didn't come clean off.

The Spaniard fell immediately, his cry cut off, by 'is impact with tha ground. His face and neck and chest, all o' that, was flushed red, and he tried desperately ta get some distance, but Carter held on. The albino grabbed 'is pants, around the knee, raised his fist up, and dealt the most savage blow, to a man's groin, that I have ever seen... or heard like that, in my life. The whole crowd stopped breathin'.

Marco's mouth opened, but no sound came out. His eyes was shut so tight, it changed 'is face, and every vein he had in it, was seen. That horrible silence held, for half a minute, and then he screamed so loud, tha next town musta heard 'im... He laid there, curled up like babe and cuppin' hisself, and after another minute more, he screamed again... Finally, he passed out.

Fer quite a while, the three of us lay there... breathin', but not movin'. I finally sat up, and Carter made it to 'is hands and knees. He tried ta whistle, but no sound came. He tried again, but 'e wound up just hurtin 'is sides.

So I did it for 'im... Two short bursts and a longer one. Shadow obeyed, but all Moon could do was reach up, and grab tha saddle. I struggled to my feet; my balance was off, and my ears was ringin', but I got over there and helped 'im up.

There was a bunch that was staring... thirty people or more, and I felt like they was dumbstruck. The spectacle was over. The grisly dance was done, and now, what good were they?

Carter said, "Where is he?"

I looked at him. He was still leanin' on 'is horse, and tryin ta get his footing, but he was turned ta tha crowd, and was lookin' em over.

"Where... is he?"

No answer. Some was lookin' away. Some was fiddlin' around. Most of 'em, was lookin' at someone else... Like it was on them, ta speak up.

Carter shook his head. He steadied hisself... Finding tha ground, finding balance, he put 'is his hands on 'is knees, and looked up at tha town. They looked shocked, they looked concerned, and they looked guilty, most of all... but they was all dead silent.

He said, "What do you owe him? What has he, ever done for you, ta deserve this kinda loyalty?... Is that the kinda man, you think you are?... Is that the kinda person...?

"How many ah you, have taken a child, of six years old, and burned 'im alive?... Huh?... Could you 'ave done that?

"Could you 'ah stood there, hearin' that...and kept goin'? Could you 'ave took a baby....?"

Tears was falling, from 'is face.

"I had mothers come up ta me that watched, you understand? I had women that were held... ta see... it ain't right... it ain't human...  And you're worse...

"... Is that the type ah people, you are?"

We both stood there, looking at 'em. Carter didn't bother ta wipe 'is face, and neither did I. They looked down, they looked away, they looked everywhere else... and tha silence was long, and brutal.

Then a man said, "He's at the whore house."

People turned, and we seen Donny... That was Donny Wilson out there, in tha crowd... He was lookin' down at his feet, and shakin' his head, and rubbin' is eyes.

"He's at the whore house... Sir."

Carter looked at me.

"Millie's", I said.

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Chapter 23

No Honor; Chapter 23: Good Will

We rode back silent. When we got to tha grocery, Carter congratulated us, on a job well done. Norm didn't seem all that happy though.

Mitch said, "Hey... We did it, right? We got that bastard so good, there's no way he's stayin'."

I said, "No way. No way... He'll slip out before sunrise I bet."

Norm said, "Yeah...

"Yeah... I still want Larson though."

Carter said, "We'll get 'im... Once they know, they don't have ta fear 'im no more? Once they see there ain't no hoodlums, ta worry about? Once they realize, there ain't no balm comin', ta take away the shakes...

"They'll break. It's just human nature. And just a matter ah time."

The boys said g'night, and turned in fer tha evenin'. I didn't even try goin' back to tha hotel. There was no way I'd be calm enough, ta sleep anytime soon, so... Carter headed out for a patrol around the town, and I decided ta follow. Once we got a good hundered or so yards away, we brought tha horses down to a walk.

Carter said, "People kin say what they like after this, but... that Norman impresses me."

"That right?"

He nodded. "Just think of it... His paw dies from a savage beatin', an' he was tore up, trust me... And after all that, he's feedin' them Mexicans, not torturin' em, not killin' em."

I nodded.

He said, "A lesser man woulda shot those men on sight. But he knows, see... He understands he won't ever know the ones'd did it. And to deal with that, to keep 'imself from bein' a killer..."

I said, "You're right. You know, I really haven't thought o' that at all. But, you're right. I'm sure you got a lot ta do with that though... And Mitch."

Carter nodded. "He been keepin 'im level... Definitely."

He pulled out another one o' those smokes, and lit up. After a few puffs, he said, "Appreciate you comin' back ta help us."

I said, "Someone has to. This place is so damn crooked."

He waved a hand at that. "I seen worse. The people here are decent.

"Yeah, they're still criminals... And there's a lot o' tough actin', an arguments, an fightin', but overall... most just wanna get by, y'know? Just like everyone else... And most of 'em wanna do the right thang, they just don't know what that is."

I said, "Yeah... well... that's probably true, but I had my fill of 'em."

"Yeah?"

I nodded. "After this is done, I'm gone."

"It's about time, ya crazy bastard."

"What?"

He said, "You oughta have yer head examined, fer livin' here... Don't you know this place is dangerous?"

We laughed.

"You get ya damn head shot off... Shit... I oughta sit ya down on Rex's couch, an have 'im talk ta ya."

We kept that pace, outside tha town, for another couple minutes. Then I spotted a candle, lit up in a winda on Second. We headed there, and I seen it was Cole Butler's home, above the bake-ry. So, we knocked, an' Cole came down.

He looked su'prised. "Well, that was prompt".

Carter said, "Yeah. You got somethin' for me?"

Cole said, "Well, I was sitting and... Just running the whole situation through my mind. Y'know? Thinkin' it through."

Carter blew smoke, off to tha side. "Mm-hmm.."

Cole said, "Well, I think the answer's so simple, that, well... It might not have occurred to you gentlemen, ta check Marco's home."

"Mm-hmmmm..."

I covered my mouth and looked away.

Cole said, "I know. I know. Obvious, right? But see, he must figure you wouldn't expect that, and... Well I think it's the most likely place."

Carter said, "Well, you know, I appreciate you sharin' your thoughts on this. Thank you sir."

"You're welcome."

"I might go an' give that place another look for ya. I'll let you know if I see 'im."

Cole said, "Oh yes, please!... Um... Does that... reward still apply?"

Carter nodded. "Oh yeah, that's-"

"Muuun!"

That came from down the street. We looked, and it was Marco, slowly walking toward us from way off. His shirt wasn't buttoned right... and his hair was a mess, and he was barefoot, and he was absolutely furious.

"Muun, Muun! Come 'ere an' talk ta me a minute... Come 'ere an talk ta me!

"C'mere... I got somet'ing to say!"

I turned and looked at Carter. He was studying Marco then. I turned some more, and seen that Cole ran back in 'is house.

"Come 'ere", Marco said, "and talk to me like a fuckin' man! Come on now."

Carter put his hands on 'is gun belt.

Marco said, "Wha, you gon' shoot me? You gon' shoot me like a bitch Muun?.. I ain't got nothing, look."

He took his shirt off, and turned around.

"Huh?.. Come 'ere a minute."

Carter exhaled smoke, and 'e sat there, studyin' Marco a bit. Finally, he flicked 'is cigarette away, and slid off 'is horse.

I said, "What the hell are you doin'?"

Marco walked forward. Carter reached for 'is gun belt, and then he took it off.

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Chapter 22

No Honor; Chapter 22: Standoff

We made it to tha buildin', without a hitch. After settin' some spikes in tha ground, we secured our horses wit lariats, then approached tha entrance. Carter was gonna work on 'em, but he found the doors unlocked. Quite a nice welcomin' from Marco, our gracious host... Of course, we was warier than ever.

Inside, everythang practically gleamed. We was in a broad livin' room, filled wit furniture that was polished like new, but older than me. The wood floor... what little I could see under those lavish rugs, was coated with somethin', and that shined as well.

At either end o' that space was a hall, filled wit doors. And towards tha rear o' tha livin room, ta either side, was these staircases, that curved out and then in, until the next landin', and then another staircase repeated that design. The lamps in that place was amazin'. Each candlelight was softened, behind a shade o' crystal.

But those lights revealed nothin and no one, and the silence o' tha place spoke o' desertion.

I doubted it.

Carter said, "Aw'right... Here's the deal.

"Norm and Mitch I want you down here. Mitch... you check them doors, and open 'em like I showed ya."

Mitch nodded.

Moon said, "Norman, Mitch is goin' in first, you back 'im up... A'kay?... Keep one eye inside and one out. Do not let someone sneak up behind ya, that's death... Aw'right? Now...

"Once you clear each room, you go up to the second floor, and wait by tha stair. Me an' Wayne'll check floor three, then come down and meet ya... A'kay? If you find Larson, or any drugs at awl, stay quiet, stay by 'em,  and cover yerselves. If ya ain't on the second floor in due time, I'm comin' ta get ya."

So we split up. Though I didn't say, I thought Moon made the wrong decision, by givin' the boys tha bottom floor. After all, he was still limpin'. When he reached tha steps though, that worry went away; he used one leg ta climb 'em, and one hand ta tightly grip tha rail, for support.

Before we even checked the first door, I heard gunshots downstairs, so the boys had already found comp'ny. Carter listened to the shots, and then, satisfied, he opened our first room an' entered, gun raised. It was empty.

The second and third was also empty. 

At the fourth, Carter paused. He listened close, and did not attempt ta undo tha lock. I didn't hear a thang, but Carter silently placed tha muzzle of 'is pistol, at tha center of the door. He fired and I heard a man yell, and fall down... The Mexican had been waitin', on tha otha side, with a shotgun.

We checked a few more doors, and while Moon was workin' on a lock, one o' Marco's soldiers opened his door, down the hall. He threw what musta been a bundle o' nails, tied with twine, to a lit stick o' dynamite. Moon finally got that lock and I pushed 'im through that openin', hard as I could. We hit the ground, and I kicked the door closed.

The explosion sent nails through tha door, inta tha walls, and out tha winda. Me and Carter was slow, gettin' up.

"He'll be comin", he said.

When The Mexican did get there, he put 'is revolver through tha ruined door, an' I emptied two barrels o' buckshot into 'im.

The rest o' that third floor was empty, so we met tha boys on floor two. They was concerned about that explosion, and happy ta see us. Under Moon's guidance, the boys checked rooms from one end, while we started from tha otha. Meetin' at tha center, we all crouched behind Marco's pair o' doors.

Carter made us get back from the doors, and hug tha walls. Then he knocked, and a revolver fired six times, makin' a hole in tha right door, big enough ta put yer arm through .

Marco said, "C'mon!... C'mon in an' get me, fuckin... C'mon an fuckin' try it!"

Carter looked at Mitch. "You find anythang?"

Mitch shook 'is head.

"Then we're done", Carter said, and he got up ta leave. Mitch and I did the same, but Norman kept crouched, staring at tha door.

Mitch said, "We're leavin' Norm."

Norman didn't move.

Marco said, "What you waiting for, huh? Huh?? You come all this way, an' kill all my friends ta get me now you got me... C'mon in an' finish it!

"I'm waiiitiiiing!.. C'mon!... I waiting fa you ta find your balls!"

Mitch said "Norman, c'mon... We talked about this."

Norm looked at Moon, then he said, "Are you sure this is it?"

Carter nodded. "He's done. He's finished in this town... Just like I promised you."

Marco said, "Wha's wrong? Wha's wrong... Huh?... Wha', you ain't got no heart no more? Huh??

"You betta finish it. I say... I tell you right now, you betta finish while you can."

Norman sighed and looked at me. I waved for 'im ta follow.

"Come on now," I said. "He's got no power anymore",

And so, we left Marco there. All the time we was makin' our exit, and preppin' our horses, and mounting, an ridin' off, Marco was still screamin, an challengin' us... at tha top o' his lungs.

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Chapter 21

No Honor; Chapter 21: Approach & Escape

We dug a grave for 'im, immediately. With all but Carter on tha job, it didn't take that long. We started a bit, on one for tha horse, but we decided ta just throw some o' the earth from Walt's hole on top of 'im and call it, for tha night. After we was done, Carter said he wanted Dancer, ta stay with Rex at tha grocery, and tha rest was free ta join 'im.

But then he said, "Wayne, if you'd like ta take some time fer yerself, I could see maybe puttin' this off, 'til the morrow."

I looked at Walter's grave. It's a damn shame, what that drug did ta him... Even though Dave dealt more, with tha money side o' thangs, I woulda turned tha bar keys over ta Wally, without a second thought.

"No", I said. "Let's get it over with."

We fetched me another horse, on loan, from The Stable. This mare was young, and pure white, which was fitting. Ridin' out though, she was fussy, and slow ta respond.

We headed fer Carter's tent, and tha view o' Marco's buildin hadn't changed much. There was no lookout though, and inside Marco's rooms, tha curtains was drawn. The man 'isself was pacin' back an forth, in front o' tha windas. Every once in a while, he'd stop and he'd peer out and he'd growl, and he'd stand there, talkin' ta absolutely no one.

We, all of us, had a look through Carter's spyglass. Then Carter took a second look, before closin' it up.

He said, "Well, if I'm wrong, he certainly ain't in those rooms. From all I can see, there's nowhere ta hide 'n there."

Norm said, "You think Marco can see us?"

Carter shrugged. "Even if he can, I doubt he kin do much about it...

"Let's go."

We rode our horses, up to tha gate. Carter did his thang, with tha lock, and we was inside in seconds. Before we got much closer, we saw a black, horse-driven coach movin' toward us. We aimed at it, but Carter put us at ease. As it got closer, I saw that the lone horse was bein' led by Marco's girlfriend... The busty one.

Carter said, "Whoah, whoah", and stopped tha horse. The woman looked annoyed. She spoke a little o' that Español... just mutterin' really. Then she grabbed her purse an' started riflin' through it.

Carter said, "Hey!"

I heard hammers cock back, and I honestly did raise my shotgun a little then. She looked shocked, and froze.

Carter said, "Easy now. Easy..."

The woman eased her hands out tha bag, and set it aside.. nice an slow.

Moon half-turned. "Cow'and?"

Norm dismounted and moved towards tha coach. With one pistol trained in front of 'im, he used tha otha ta slowly, move the black curtain back. My breath caught in my throat. Inside, there was another woman that screamed so loud I started.

Her hair was stuffed in a hat, an' tied up. Her hands covered her face, as soon as tha moonlight touched it, and she cried, and cried, and shook like a leaf. Then she peaked through her hands, and screamed, and cried again. Then she shrank away.

Norm looked at Moon, who said, "Nothin' else in thair?"

Norm shook his head, and Carter waved 'em along.

"Gracias", he said, an tipped 'is hat. The woman on tha horse smirked, and whipped tha reins. As they left out tha gate, it dawned on me.

"Carter", I said. "That was Rita!"

He nodded. "I got no quarrel with her... Not taday...

"Alright gentlemen. They obviously know we're here. So let's trot up slow, and be careful... Cover the windows as you approach.

"If anythang moves, you shoot it dead."

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Chapter 20

No Honor; Chapter 20: Implosion

If we was raidin' Marco's, I wanted ta be fully prepared. I returned to tha bar, and went behind tha counter, ta get my shotgun. Of course, it wasn't there. I swore at myself. The damn thing was there when I was talkin' ta Jim Sheldon, and I didn't think ta grab it, before I left.

There was bottles missin' too, I'm shore, but both tomahawks, from Dancer's hijinks, was still there untouched. I wrapped 'em in my coat, and returned 'em to tha man, at the grocery. There was a grateful look, in his eyes and face, that made me think he was just happy ta see me. Before nightfall, I headed over to The Stable, and was fortunate enough, to catch Clifford as he was leavin'.

Cliff eagerly accepted his new task; he said he'd have ta switch some hours wit a few o' his workers there, but that he'd get it done. So, at midnight, we started gettin' the Mexicans inta tha wagon, one by one. As a smoke screen, they was led on foot, from the back o' tha shop, to tha back of a nearby buildin', and never the same one twice. Once inside tha trailer, their feets was tied up again, and Mitch made sure none of 'em moved.

It went down smooth as can be. Clifford was practically giddy, both with the presence o' Carter, and his mysterious aides, and with that super-secret mission, that was all his own. He even saluted us, before drivin' the horses onward. When the wagon was out o' sight, we melted back to tha grocery, in much tha same way, as The Mexicans left it.

Dancer went back inside, ta watch Rex, while the rest of us readied our horses, and prepared ourselves. My dark hat, and coat was on, but I went without tha scarf; wasn't much point, in hidin' my stance any longer. I had that Colt Walker on my hip, fully loaded, and a hunting knife, and extra shells, and a rifle on loan from Carter. Mitch had the other rifle, and it was pairs o' handguns, for Norm and Moon.

I was up ta head out first, and from tha back o' tha grocery itself. So, I walked my stallion, up to tha front, cautious, and was immediately shot at.

The side o' the grocery exploded in chips o' wood, and my horse reared back, so far 'e almost threw me. I heard another boom, an' buckshot tore inta tha animal's stomach. He buckled and fell forward, and Norm ran out, from tha otha side, shootin' two pepperbox pistols, fast as 'e could... The man that ran away from those shots, and hid, was tha missin' Walter, carryin' my shotgun.

I said, "Walt! What tha hell you on, son?"

No answer, but I could hear feet movin'. He was behind one o' them houses across from us, and somewhere in those shadows, but I couldn't see 'im. I slid off the dead horse and cocked my rifle.

"Walter?"

Another pause, then Walter said, "Is Jonas in thair? If he is, I sware, you better give 'im up!"

Carter got up on Shadow, then he motioned to Norm. The cowboy went right o' where tha voice was, duckin' inta tha dark. More signals from Moon, and Mitch crossed the street, and went round tha otha side.

Wally said, "Just let 'im go an' walk towards me!. You let 'im loose an' I'll lay off ya!"

Carter said, "Not gonna happen! You want 'im, you gotta come on out and talk to us about it!"

"Fuck you! Fuckin' freak!"

Another boom, and the shot flew over our heads. Carter waved me back behind the grocery, and he rode out a bit farther, trainin' his guns on that voice. I heard a couple o' pops, from two pistols, and the shotgun answered that call, and then the crack of a rifle made Walter run out, from far to our right, an' sprint across tha street.

Me an' Carter both fired an' missed. So Moon gave spur ta Shadow, and headed out after 'im.

I said "Wait!", but he was already in tha night, and gone.

"Shit!"

Norm said, "Where'd he go?"

I turned and saw both him, and Mitch crossin' tha street. I pointed, and they took off, in the same direction.

After that, all was still. With the rifle in my right hand, I pulled my Colt with my left and cocked it. I eased over, to the otha side o' tha buildin', and listened.

Nothin' stirred... There was no sound, besides a light wind.

I inched a little closer, to tha rear o' tha place, peering inta tha dark. The footsteps I heard was my own, I thought. Then I stopped, and those steps kept comin'... I half turned, and heard tha sound o' twin barrels, bein' closed an' locked.

"Walter?"

He was sweating. So much so, his shirt was drenched, and his nose was runnin', right inta his mouth... I froze. He walked up, with that muzzle pointed at me. There was murder in his eyes, but those eyes didn't see the big Indian, behind him.

I dropped both guns. "Stop Walter", I said.

He walked closer, and Dancer raised that Tomahawk, ready ta strike.

Walt said, "Now you ridin' wit 'im? Ya god damned traitor."

He cocked tha hammers back.

"Stop!"

Walt crumpled forward then. He clutched 'is stomach with both hands, dropped tha weapon, and cried out in pain. Dancer looked shocked. He backed off, and Wally fell to 'is knees, and then to tha ground. The Indian picked up the shotgun, and covered Walter with it, but he was done; the man was curled up, with both arms wrapped around 'is middle.

I said, "Boy... what tha hell is wrong with you?"

Carter said, "It's Morphine."

He was trottin' up behind me, with Norm and Mitch a step behind.

I said, "What do you mean?"

He said, "My auntie Selma used ta be on Morphine, for migraines. It helped slightly, but whenever she was off it more'n a day, it wracked her guts with so much pain, she could barely move."

Walter yelled again. He curled up even more, then he shuddered.

Mitch said, "What the hell we do with him now? We can't let him go."

I said, "You'd better tie 'im up, an' put 'im wit Rex."

"Are you nuts? He'd wake up the entire neighborhood, gag and all."

Norm said, "I don't trust him in there."

Carter said, "Hold on. All he needs is that powder. He'll stop hollerin' an..."

He trailed off. Dancer noticed, before anyone did, that Walt had been crawling, towards the pistol an' rifle I left on tha ground. The Indian had the shotgun, pointed at 'is back, and everyone else aimed at 'im as well.

I said, "Whoah, whoah now. You don't wanna do that..."

I tried to pick 'em up out tha way, but Walter lunged at 'em, so I jumped outta there. Hammers were cocked back and Walter wailed again and I kept yellin' at that boy ta be still. Just be still.

But he grabbed hold o' my Colt, and then he shot hisself.
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