Charlie Gold, Doc Jones and I were sitting around the table in the diner, drinking coffee, and of course we each ate a hearty piece of pie, all discussing Lucas’ adventures. It was easy to relax and confide in these two men, friends, men a person could trust.
Doc began to scratch the side of his head as was his habit when he was going to say something. “Lucas has become quite a man in a short time. Why, I remember when he was running around cutting wood for folks.”
“Hmpf,” snorted Charlie, “there are times when I wish he was still doing that. I know Marta sure does. However, I will say she is doing much better.”
“She know about Lucas’ latest adventure?” questioned Doc.
“Oh no, only small bits of it,” replied Charlie shaking his head. “We don’t discuss sheriffing around her except the general doings of the day.” He paused, then put a hand on my shoulder. “I want to thank you for watching over Lucas.”
Smiling, I touched my chin where Lucas had punched me for my guardian angel status. Doc began to chuckle because I told them earlier of what Lucas did in response to me shadowing him around. “I won’t be doin’ that anymore. He’s on his own–make or break.”
A burst of sunlight came into the room as the entry door opened to the diner. With the light it was hard to see who it was until the door shut behind him. Both Charlie and I studied the man some as he walked to a table. He was tall, thin, and carried his jacket over his left arm so he was not hindered if he needed to reach for his gun. I had not seen him before, either in person or on a poster. With a couple day’s growth of whiskers his complexion was dark, but he wasn’t threatening in any manner. Probably just come off the trail and wanted something to eat.
Since Charlie was the sheriff he thought it was his duty to introduce himself. Heaving a sigh, he got up from his chair, bumping the table and spilling some of my freshly poured coffee. He went over to where the man was studying the limited menu.
As Charlie approached his eyes glanced upward then went back to the menu. “Not a big selection here,” he proclaimed, then looked up at Charlie who was now standing by the table.
“I can assure you it is all good,” Charlie responded. “It’s a small diner, so it cannot have much overhead, but I can vouch for the tastiness of the food.”
That got a smile from the man while at the same time Marta arrived to take his order. “This man here,” the man sort of pointed with the menu, “says that everything on it is good, so I’ll take a steak, hashbrowns, and whatever kind of greens you can throw on the plate. Just sizzle the steak.”
“Save a piece of pie for the man,” added Charlie.
The man gazed up at Charlie. “Now what can I do for you, uh,” Charlie opened his vest to show his badge,” Sheriff?”
“Just come to welcome you to Durango. You passing through or plan to stay awhile?”
“You always this courteous to strangers, or did you pick me out on purpose?” asked the man with some animosity in his voice.
Charlie stood there relaxed, “Try to be. I was sitting here and you walked in so I took the opportunity to greet you.”
The man squinted, then asked, “Are you Sheriff Forrest?”
Charlie didn’t refer to me sitting back at the table. “No, I’m Sheriff Gold,” he informed the man. At that time Marta walked up with the man’s meal. “I’ll let you enjoy your meal. Enjoy it and your time in Durango.”
The door opened again, this time it was Rev. Chapman. He waved at Charlie as he proceeded back to our table. After he passed Charlie followed and went back to his chair.
“Good morning, gentlemen. The Lord sure is good!” he proclaimed before sitting down. “Brother Miles, would you mind pouring me a cup of that elixir? requested the preacher after he had seated himself.
I got up, refilled everyone’s cup and poured a cup for the preacher. “What brings you to join us today, Parson?” I asked.
He didn’t answer as he was helping himself to the hot coffee. I don’t know how he can swallow such a big gulp that coffee as hot as it was.
While he was enjoying his drink, I turned to Charlie. “What did the man say?”
“He was asking about you…”