M7 Drabbles
~ Yolande
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The
westerly winds blew across the desert plains. Tumbleweeds rushed
through the ghost town, collecting against the corners of abandoned
buildings. The saloon doors flapped with the sudden gusts, squeaking
on frail, unoiled hinges. Inside the darkened tavern lurked the whispers of gunfights, laughter and shouted pains. Glasses clinked and boots scuffed in time with the faint beat of the piano. The wind stirred up a circle of dust on the floor and the pungent odour of unwashed bodies, beer and whiskey. The shelves behind the bar were bare, but the cracked mirror danced with a reflection of the past.
Mayhem Complete (14 June 02)Tired He was exhausted! The
journey back had been arduous. His back and shoulder muscles
cramped painfully, and his legs were achingly aware of each stride his
horse took. His burgundy coat was covered in a thick layering of
dust, but he didn’t have the energy to shake it free. With the trip concluded the Southerner staggered to the saloon. Nodding a weary greeting in response to the welcome his friends offered, Ezra continued through the saloon and headed straight for his room. He unlocked the door and collapsed into the feather mattress. Within minutes Ezra was asleep, still fully clothed. Shot They were counting on him to
make the shot. He cast a glance around and immediately found his
target. The explosion of bullets below told him that his fellow
lawmen were dangerously outnumbered. They needed to change those
odds to their favour. Vin brought up the rifle and aimed it. A distinct yelp from JD caused
Tanner to loose his bead. He sighed in relief as the young
gunfighter gave him the thumbs up. Vin returned his
concentration to the task, pulled back the trigger and gently squeezed
it. The bullet found its mark, and abruptly the fight was ended. Chris Larabee tossed back
another drink. He slammed the empty glass to the bar and
motioned the barman to refill it. He turned and leant against the bar,
searching out his new companions, partners. Buck, JD and Vin
occupied a table, playing a hand of cards. Buck had been there for him for
many years…it seemed right to have him again by his side. JD
wiped the milk from his upper lip and laughed at the ladies’ man.
Dunne was so honest, naive and young, but still part of them. Vin was
an extension of his arm; they were so alike in many ways. They
understood one another perfectly. Larabee picked up the refilled
glass and emptied it just as quickly. He searched the room for
the others and found the preached and gambler at the top of the
stairs, amicably discussing something. Sanchez glanced his way
and tilted his head. The preacher was the calming influence, the
moderator of the group. Ezra; now there was an enigma. He
was a professed gambler, conman and cheat, but he played an important
role within the group. And finally, Nathan. His
heart is strong and his healing hands impartial. All good friends. |