As they rode through the thick forest, the early morning light spilled over the treetops, casting long shadows on the winding trail. Charlie shifted in his saddle, looking over at Jed.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXzJA91UsM
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmICrXTGRT
**"So, Uncle Jed,"** he asked, **"where exactly are we heading to?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR1w9xEe9l
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezVcQuDLBa
Jed kept his gaze forward, his shoulders loose but his tone serious. **"Coos Bay."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCtlMkmmAU
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOYrCQGqZN
Charlie raised a brow. **"Coos Bay? Why there?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsouPql0Ul
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r9JaTSQ7J
Jed shot him a sidelong glance. **"Got an old friend there who can watch over the farm. Figured it's as good a place as any for a stop."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEOUmIJdnM
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89QDkdSYw5
Charlie squinted, taking in the thick forest around them as they rode. **"What even is Coos Bay?"** he muttered, almost to himself.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fuXWh9Ua5
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GI93uSlDr
Jed sighed, a hint of amusement in his eyes. **"You're telling me you don't know what Coos Bay is? The place you've been stealing from all this time?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqiDUJ97NP
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4gciAKIrm
Charlie's eyes went wide, and he jerked his horse to the left, narrowly dodging a low-hanging branch. **"What?! Are you outta your mind? They'll string me up and feed me to the bears!"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vdeVkndNn
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj7XwjBlwF
Jed chuckled, his face calm under his hat's brim. **"Well, were you wearin' that mask all the time, during your robb?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCyQViSxFv
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL0yx1Pjf7
Charlie's brow furrowed. **"The mask... yeah. And the cloak too, sometimes."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNGScFjSRE
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1WohGRxMu
**"Good nobody needs to know who you are just yet,"** Jed said with a casual shrug.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rRgsyNAHW
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN8iylXza2
Charlie exhaled in relief. **"Good, alright then. Anyway, still curious. What's Coos Bay got goin' on?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Cb55jciXe
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ei6ANQeNb
Jed took a deep breath, leaning back in his saddle as they trotted along. **"The area's big on lumber—not shippin' it out to God knows where. Hundred ships a year, if not more. They've built hundreds of 'em up in the Coos River Basin, used to take passengers too, back in the day. Decent crowd there too. Could be 400 folks, maybe more if we're lucky."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6a2Bpdn4f
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhpcsiQyxt
Charlie nodded, looking ahead as the trees began to thin. **"Sounds like we're close, huh?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN2cVfsljU
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Cow1MJbT
**"Just about. Once we're outta this forest, we're practically there,"** Jed replied.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGgMLfTzEz
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzmnRqnmG8
Eventually, the forest gave way to a dusty road leading into Coos Bay. They rode slowly, the clopping of their horses' hooves echoing on the empty street. Jed pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted, giving Charlie a nod. **"Stay here with the horses. I've got an old friend to find."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2CLF29MRx
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fk0s0mt5k
Charlie shrugged, hopping off his own horse. **"Sure thing."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo1RdvT2BF
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqcDKZNnuW
Jed walked away, leaving Charlie standing in the street, staring at the bustling town. He looked up at the sky, a small smile creeping onto his face. **"Ain't so bad. Not great, but... it'll do."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkll5zbTKlx
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyW7yCYnwm
Charlie couldn't help but notice the bustling streets of Coos Bay. People moved about, horses kicked up dust, and the faint scent of sawdust hung in the air. Charlie looked around, taking it all in as he held the reins of his horse.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF0I1pixIA
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ol4Q7Rx3U
He turned his gaze to the town again, taking in the buildings, people, and the lively sounds. As he was scanning the scene, he noticed a man moving down the street—tall, lean, and with blonde, wavy hair that seemed almost too tidy for this part of the world. The man wore an elegant, dark shirt and a tailored vest that set him apart from the rougher folks around. He held himself with an air of confidence, maybe even arrogance, that instantly struck a nerve with Charlie.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc80eyWiFSA
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObirmDcwGt
It took a moment, but recognition clicked. **"Jose..."** he muttered under his breath.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97bUyhwR8R
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeZaMIwcxe
Jose, his old rival—the one who had embarrassed him years back, wrecking his reputation and turning nearly everyone against him. Memories flooded Charlie's mind, from losing races to Jose's manipulative schemes that had cost him friends and even the girl he'd been sweet on. The memories brought a hot surge of anger to his chest.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJugf0HKvG
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6TeYvbQlP
Jose disappeared into a bar, swaggering in as he caught the eyes of two young women standing by. Charlie hesitated for a moment, clenching his fists as he thought about letting it go, but the sight of Jose laughing with the girls was too much to ignore. Steeling himself, he strode over and pushed through the swinging doors.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Q7E9HChH
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVzgYdsAK7
Inside, the dim, smoky bar was alive with chatter and laughter, and Jose was already leaning up against the bar, flashing his infamous grin at the women. They were giggling, clearly charmed by him, as he played up his well-rehearsed charm.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreZ0W1LIX7
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXytFusctUy
**"You ladies,"** Jose was saying smoothly, **"wouldn't happen to have some spare coins for a fella down on his luck, would ya?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVHUo18y4O
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIppucgMERc
One of the girls blushed. **"Why do you think we've got money?"** she teased, her face turning rosy.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeILiG8vQSW
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQov9fVFaIP
Jose shrugged, giving her an easy smile. **"Just a hunch. Dressed all fancy like you are… I'd wager you're doin' well enough to help out a poor soul."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXowUzDGF6
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU0WEEVZ0Y
The first girl laughed, pulling out a small pouch of coins. **"I suppose I could spare a little. You seem sweet enough."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnA60pPNMr
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2rmcwWHy9
The second girl smiled shyly, following suit and handing over a few coins. Jose pocketed the money with a charming wink. **"You're both too kind. Mighty pretty too,"** he added, flashing them a grin.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSP5m3Oubs
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOzC1NGrAS
Charlie couldn't take it anymore. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Jose's shoulder, causing him to spin around quickly, his face dropping the charming act in an instant. His eyes narrowed as he sized Charlie up. **"Can I help you, stranger?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K1XXtpvmE
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfBZeVA85k
Charlie stared at him, his voice cold. **"Don't tell me you've forgotten me."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjcCnUgaRy
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumzOWZRLT1
Jose tilted his head, his brow furrowing as he looked at Charlie's face. After a long pause, he shook his head. **"No clue who you are, pal. Mind tellin' me why you're in my face?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx23YwUC4Io
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUbZVmRa0u
Charlie leaned in, his voice low. **"A few years back, you beat me in a race. Made a fool of me in front of everyone and ruined my life in the process. You turned all my friends against me, even got the teachers on your side, and made sure that girl I cared about left me."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTMmD4fVjI
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuI11mnc4N
Jose's eyes lit up with sudden recognition, and a slow, smug smile spread across his face. **"Oh... you're that kid."** He chuckled, leaning back against the bar and crossing his arms. **"Well, well, Charlie. Never thought I'd see you again."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbMstH0qKe
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4pm97CkMa
The women looked on in confusion, and one of them asked, **"You two know each other?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVkLYbgsDm
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY0S5z3FBJ
**"Oh, we go way back,"** Jose replied with a smirk. **"Charlie here's just a bit sore about a little competition."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlOEDJQgi7
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleq45smzag
Charlie's hands clenched into fists. **"Competition? You wrecked everything I had."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8CliU7Dvb
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsz4YgXrOH
Jose laughed, his voice dripping with arrogance. **"You just couldn't keep up, that's all. Guess you weren't cut out for it."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgUdC8qrjg
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGmSp41Zqu
Charlie glared at him, his voice taut with anger. **"You think you're somethin' special, don't ya?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoILSOwRsJe
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCNp42lZru
Jose shrugged, that cocky grin never leaving his face. **"I don't think, Charlie. I know. And if you're still hung up on all that, well... maybe you're just as pathetic as you were back then."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT1U7HgyTs
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjAmzNRtRT
Charlie's patience snapped. He stepped forward, his fists raised, ready to make Jose pay for every insult, every slight, every wound that still stung. But Jose held his ground, that same smug smirk on his face. Jose leaned in, his eyes glinting with dark satisfaction. **"And guess what, culo de burro, I'm headin' down to Mexico soon. That means you won't be seein' this pretty face much longer."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnJfVkYGx3
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8jMbdnIy8
Charlie's expression shifted, a flicker of worry crossing his face. **"Mexico? Why there?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuGx0qLCz8
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARSZ89vXx4
Jose's grin widened as he held Charlie's gaze, his voice dropping into a low, taunting tone. **"Because there's somethin' out there that can give me the power I need. Enough to bring down every single one of those pompous fools runnin' things."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsTM2DUR6V
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJmiKK3x6u
Charlie's eyes narrowed as he caught onto Jose's meaning. **"The crystal. I know what you're after. But don't get too comfortable with the idea—'cause I'll be the one to get it first."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq94saOyX5Y
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfairn58et
**"Oh-ho, so you're in the know, huh?"** Jose chuckled, giving him a mocking, appreciative nod. **"But you're dreamin' if you think you're gonna get there before me. There can only be one."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTedPUM59dJ
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj6A0WBsOe
Jose's face twisted into a smirk as he tipped his hat to the ladies, who were still watching with starry eyes. **"Thank you very kindly, ladies, but it looks like it's time for me to hit the road. Duty calls."** With a final wink, he stepped away from the bar, moving toward the exit with a swagger.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtIvZTliZ8
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDANlw4KRM
Charlie followed him, his jaw set in determination. Just as they pushed through the saloon doors and stepped into the street, the local sheriff, Cody, spotted Jose and walked over, his face already drawn into a scowl.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCtwlwj7M0
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IB9KdoTPa
**"Jose, what the hell did I say about you bein' in this town?"** Sheriff Cody's voice was hard, his hand drifting to the revolver on his hip.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhedgYWObTk
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFbpdbHiad
Jose raised his hands with exaggerated innocence. **"Oh, now, don't get all twisted up, Cody. No need to worry—I'm already on my way out."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IeMRj5LR5
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5GnMOMJqO
The sheriff eyed him, then glanced down at the bag he was holding close to his side. Jose's sharp gaze didn't miss a beat, and his eyes flickered with curiosity as he tilted his head. **"Well now, what's in the bag, Cody?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKMoeJbEsz
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsSjkOnLBu
Cody's expression hardened as he adjusted his grip. **"None of your damn business, Jose. You just keep movin'."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXIdTeGKNx
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mCmAJqoT8
Jose raised an eyebrow, chuckling. **"Touchy, touchy. Fine, I'll let it be."** He turned his attention back to Charlie and then glanced back at Cody. **"I reckon you're not headin' to Mexico yourself, are ya, Sheriff?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpyl3dOpjG
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0jLjEz0PD
Cody looked at him coolly and nodded. **"Matter of fact, I am. Got business of my own down there."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ901pVH2mLY
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0eAxckmaQ
**"Funny,"** Jose muttered with a sly grin, **"seems Mexico's a popular destination all of a sudden."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdaUUWY0MT
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mse4gjIJt
With that, Cody swung himself up onto his horse, giving both men one last look before riding off, dust kicking up behind him as he disappeared down the road. Jose watched him go, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully before turning back to Charlie.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kFwpWKvD0
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs9Rd2GZep
**"Well, Charlie,"** Jose drawled, his voice dropping to a dark whisper, **"next time we cross paths, you best be ready. I'll put you in the ground myself if you get in my way."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ0DC9visv
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaTKduEiVW
Charlie gave him a hard stare, his voice low. **"The feelin's mutual, Jose. I'd be more than happy to see you laid out."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7vge5cbt2
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qPbudWf9A
Jose's smirk only deepened, and with a flourish, he mounted his own horse. **"I'll see you on the other side, then."** He gave a quick tug on the reins, tipping his hat one last time. Then, with a flick of his heels, he rode off, his laughter fading into the distance as he disappeared over the horizon.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmmJpF3pQo
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTfn5Z31XQ
Charlie watched him go, fists still clenched, a fire of determination igniting in his chest. If Jose was going after that crystal, then so was he—come hell or high water.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYNR6wzFJJ
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OcYXFE1A9
Jed squinted, the sun casting long shadows across Coos Bay as he made his way down the familiar dirt road, pausing as a voice called out.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QwSY9cWlK
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjYDq8z4ha
**"Jed Hartshorn? Well, I'll be—ain't that you?"** The voice was rich with surprise and warmth, cutting through the hum of the street. Jed turned, eyes narrowing slightly until he recognized the face, worn by years but still unmistakable.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2k8V9MEFY
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyATC2vHulo
**"James,"** he said, a slow grin breaking through his weathered features as he reached out, meeting James's firm handshake. **"Been a long damn time."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUdD4SCVtk
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUWfpkSb2o
James chuckled, clapping Jed on the shoulder. **"Too damn long. Thought you'd up and vanished after the war."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN90x2VdDB2
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RMsau3H0p
Jed gave a nod, his smile fading as he looked down, shifting his weight. **"Guess I needed some distance from things. Settled down, started a farm. Been raisin' my nephew, Charlie."** There was a warmth to his tone, but it was touched with a hint of something darker. **"Life's been… good, for the most part."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiLAR2c50G
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjObS3ceid
James smiled softly, but his sharp gaze didn't miss the lines of grief around Jed's eyes. **"Charlie's a lucky kid, havin' you lookin' out for him. Sounds like you found a little peace out there on that farm."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWHuDBPvJB
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMMdmoZOnV
Jed chuckled, a short, low sound that didn't reach his eyes. **"Peace, maybe. But it's a hard kinda peace. Still, it's somethin'."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgUGOQYE8Z
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JfgMuubw2
A silence fell between them, and James's expression turned sympathetic, his voice gentle. **"What about that girl of yours, Jed? Didn't you two talk about gettin' hitched, once?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuZ0RxMUa6
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuizSZXh7Ka
Jed's face tightened, his gaze lowering, crossing his arms as his voice dropped. **"She… passed."** His words were low and raw, as if the pain was too fresh to speak louder.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS58WaHEGdG
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc89d35jos
James's face fell, a sorrowful look crossing his features. **"I'm real sorry to hear that, Jed."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZm5blBp5x
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzdKr82fjv
Jed nodded, his face set, but there was a tightness around his mouth, a tension he couldn't shake. **"It's just how life is, I guess. You take what it gives, and it don't much care about leavin' you empty-handed."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKmgd1S9bN
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xG0YgwxTN
James's gaze dropped as well, a shadow crossing his face. **"Guess you're right about that."** He hesitated, swallowing hard. **"Lost my little girl… froze to death that winter, y'know. She was barely two."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoXoIkAfVK
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUcZmtGAYY
Jed's eyes softened, and he looked away, his jaw clenching as he took a deep breath. **"Damn, James… I'm sorry. Can't imagine the kind of strength that must take."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn48PSAp5J
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoUEc95Rzc
**"It don't take strength, Jed. Just… numbness, after a while. Seems like all of us had our share. Lost my momma to a store robbery, of all things. And my daddy, well… they hung him back in '1822."** James's voice was steady, but his gaze grew distant, lost in memories.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHbSBkXSrx
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2GVVLbtwF
Jed slouched, the weight of the stories pulling him down. **"Hell, James… I had no idea."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuywWtFkr1
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJzUI1Xi4U
James nodded slowly. **"I ain't done yet, neither. My brother—Charlie's pa, God rest his soul—went down in the war. His wife… passed bringin' Charlie into this world. Just one tragedy after another."** He looked at Jed with a half-smile, the kind that barely masked his pain. **"Guess I ain't the only one still carryin' ghosts."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv1E1Zxb97
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39QXGMTw1E
Jed's eyes met James's, understanding passing silently between them. **"It's somethin', isn't it? All this livin' we got left to do, with pieces of us scattered behind us like that."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXYDseL9wU
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy0VUgm1dN
They stood in silence, each man steeped in his own losses, sharing the quiet grief that comes from years of hardship. Finally, James cleared his throat, straightening up. **"Well, Jed, I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I'm damn glad to see an old friend standin' here today."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWg5uollJT
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hLraI461I
Jed gave a slight smile, the corners of his mouth twitching up. **"Same to you, James. Same to you."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y0AWJJF0z
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJVRJ9Snj6
Jed looked at James with a steady gaze. **"Well, anyway, I'm gonna need a favor. I need you to keep an eye on my farm while I'm gone."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncirYvh2h
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIAZu52AMs
James raised an eyebrow, catching the tone in Jed's voice. **"You goin' somewhere?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxceNmMb15M
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmjx2XD6Wg
Jed gave a half-shrug, his eyes drifting off as if considering the journey ahead. **"Yeah, you could say that. My nephew and I… we're headin' south. All the way to Mexico."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFx2EBQ0nU
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBYSqclnVc
James whistled, folding his arms and leaning back against a post. **"Mexico? That's quite a haul. What're you lookin' to find down there?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX7SpTCD93
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1D1BDSkaq
Jed hesitated, his expression turning guarded, then he shook his head with a slight smirk. **"Nothin' too good, truth be told. But it's somethin' we need to see through."** He patted James on the shoulder, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handing it over. **"Anyway, here's the layout of the place. You keep things steady until we get back?"**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW2hloXJhL
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA7lzSbGBP
James took the paper, nodding. **"You got it, Jed. Farm'll be in good hands."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFS6SOoQmX
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xh7LvdW93
They shook hands firmly, their gazes meeting in mutual respect. **"Take care of yourself, Jed,"** James said, his tone more serious. **"Roads aren't exactly safe these days."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOWEIFbFT0
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuvTaQj3NE
Jed nodded, pulling his hat a little lower over his brow. **"You too, James. Keep that farm runnin' for me."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgzlg8cqTR
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jaF345ZVH
With that, Jed headed back to where Charlie was waiting by their horses, adjusting his saddle.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7DYsdCdvG
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSxCTlP61Y
**"Boy, how about we get somethin' to eat before we head out?"** Jed asked, eyeing the dusty trail ahead.
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXg781enpa
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xe3mx51ZV
Charlie, still focused on something in the distance, shook his head. **"Not now, Uncle Jed. That Jose fella and the sheriff are already on their way south. They're goin' to Mexico too."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKSGcVvmGa
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeqE41ko33
Jed rolled his eyes, letting out a low chuckle. **"Well, ain't that just our luck,"** he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. **"The whole damn world's headin' for Mexico."** He swung himself up onto his horse with a slight grunt, settling into the saddle. **"Alright then, but if we starve along the way, don't go blamin' me."**
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpgHi6d5Jz
285Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUQFU3rXBL
Charlie cracked a grin, and with a nod, they spurred their horses onward, the road stretching out long and dusty ahead of them as they rode into the afternoon light.
ns216.73.216.238da2
