Tombstone.
I walked into town and waved to Mr. Chris who was talking with some people and ma in front of the saloon tonight. A man stood up and leaned against the post, letting me take his seat. “Thanks Mister,” I said to him.
“Hey young lady. How are you?” Mr. Chris asked.
Ma kept talking to Mr. Lot and then finally turned over to me and said, “Hey there kiddo.”
“Any luck, Trin?” Mr. Chris asked.
“He says he would barely give me the time of day. Pretty sure he doesn’t care enough about me to threaten me,” Ma said.
“Good ol Lot. You count on not counting on him.” Mr. Chris chuckled.
“So polite.” The man who gave me his seat chuckled. “So who’s next? Any clues?”
Ma got frustrated with talkin’ bout things though and went into the saloon to get a drink while I sat outside with Mr. Chris. I looked up at the man and asked, “So um.... what’s your name mister?”
“Dennis, Dennis Spark,” he said. “And you? Do you have a name? Starts with a B, right?”
“I’m Natalie.... my ma in there is Trin.”
“Your mom is a good gal.” Mr. Dennis said. “Nice to meet you, Natalie.”
“Uh huh, she the best. My pa is Mr Thomas. He’s a deputy. And I... wait.... You a good guy mister?” I looked at him, not sure I could trust him.
“Now what would make you think I’m a bad guy?”
“Well I just makin’ sure cause... ma and pa have had a rough Christmas and I not s’posed to talk to bad people.”
“I ain’t all that bad. I don’t break the law if that’s what you mean by bad.” Mr. Dennis laughed.
“Well that’s all that matters I guess.. I just lookin’ out for my ma and pa and little brother. I know it ain’t always safe ’round here.”
“I could understand that much. Mind if I take a seat?” Mr. Dennis asked and pointed to the empty chair. “Mind if I take a seat?”
“Sure you can sit. Hi ma! Get yer drink?” I asked as Ma came back out.
“All them folks running back ’n forth...Busy day?” Mr. Dennis asked.
“Sure did. And yeah, Dennis you could say that.” Ma smiled and tipped her flask to me.
“Excuse me Kris, I am wondering if i can shoot you,” Mr. Lot said loudly then.
“Kiddo, maybe you should head inside..” Ma looked from Mr. Dennis to me.
“But maaaa….” I frowned, looking up at her.
“Lot’s busy again…” Mr. Dennis chuckled and pushed himself to his feet.
As Mr. Dennis was walking away I heard him yell, “Bit rude not to speak you know!”
“Hey Ma did I tell you Mr Kris got me a doll for Christmas?” I giggled and told Ma.
“He did huh? What’s that, kiddo?”
“It’s a reindeer moosey thingy! Not sure what to name it.”
“Alright kiddo, I’m gonna keep looking around. See you at home, sweetie,” Ma said and hugged me as she walked down the street.
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