lasthalfmile | oom: bisbee, part 2

The town is quiet, today.

Between the funeral and the heat, most folks are either inside or busy with things. The main street is nearly deserted, as they head down, horses stirring up the soft dust beneath their hoofs as they walk.

The office is at the end of town.

Dan can only hear Mark's voice in his head. So young. So confused.

He keeps one hand on the reins, and the other slides down to his hip and the pistol, fingertips brushing the holster, checking to be sure that familiar weight is still there. He's not planning on killing anyone, but he won't hesitate to threaten with it if he has to.

They head around the back of the office, and Dan signals for them to be quiet. He can hear voices from inside.

"So you say the coach should be in this afternoon?"

"Butterfield himself ordered a new one sent out. I guess he had a back up in case Wade took out the first."

"He's not worried about him now that he's out?"

"He doesn't know. Figured might as well just let him find out when he gets in from Fort Huachuca this afternoon. Guess he wanted to ride with it to make sure it got here in once piece. With Wade's gang gone, should be in right on time."

Dan turns his head and gives Ben a look, as if to ask if he caught all that. The fort was to the west of Bisbee but there was only one way into town through the canyon that was north of Bisbee.

And Ben knew that canyon well.

Threaded | Flat

Ben catches all the conversation, all right.

He catches it and grins at Dan, eyes shining with something that's warm and cold at the same time.

Without a word, he turns back toward the horses, his walk silent and sure.

That son of a bitch is gonna have that thousand and more for Alice and the boys.

He's still smirking as he takes the reins from the hitching post.

"We should give Mr. Butterfield the glad news in person."

Ben Wade, free man; Dan Evans, back from the dead.

He looks at Dan, his smile threatening to split his face.

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