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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwzPVzzIO1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKp6pPaJEK
**"So, Uncle Jed,"** he asked, **"where exactly are we heading to?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8zwYnlDtN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu80F6N8lx
Jed kept his gaze forward, his shoulders loose but his tone serious. **"Coos Bay."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DhdyhJ6nl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLly9zDw7q
Charlie raised a brow. **"Coos Bay? Why there?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK8MaVxDck
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk0t90oFFK
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTDvd07q0f
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwPLK71rrs
Charlie squinted, taking in the thick forest around them as they rode. **"What even is Coos Bay?"** he muttered, almost to himself.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yvnm8htRN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fUKt7a1K2
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdI82cFdBL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHTAGREC6Z
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!"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8EaQOM6El
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJAJitgGRQ
Jed chuckled, his face calm under his hat's brim. **"Well, were you wearin' that mask all the time, during your robb?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk7eRdshof
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP9z42zUiM
Charlie's brow furrowed. **"The mask... yeah. And the cloak too, sometimes."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvL1fGmP1e
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrTis5Hfzu
**"Good nobody needs to know who you are just yet,"** Jed said with a casual shrug.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThgyyAAjSa
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnr4PkTClM
Charlie exhaled in relief. **"Good, alright then. Anyway, still curious. What's Coos Bay got goin' on?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32X1hwazXD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw73ZlqUP2z
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2eq555sD1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgG9plXFYQ
Charlie nodded, looking ahead as the trees began to thin. **"Sounds like we're close, huh?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtcrWouXCb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uqwwJYBw6
**"Just about. Once we're outta this forest, we're practically there,"** Jed replied.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HuihG8Kjr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoAcxYubTi
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAiqRCl0xl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobtGVmobqi
Charlie shrugged, hopping off his own horse. **"Sure thing."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBy961sJYZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr24Q5NK5k4
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1zM9eYoJ0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c6oe9y7oz
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkKJJGExJ9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAAbETMLlR
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuoLDcdqG4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoU8HRcrSg
It took a moment, but recognition clicked. **"Jose..."** he muttered under his breath.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBEDM31HHt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gYf2YdcWc
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEheFR6XS1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRPSfO1PXP
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KaffxqbPG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7f4DdgDYN
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aRnX75sdV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDaQyZRolw
**"You ladies,"** Jose was saying smoothly, **"wouldn't happen to have some spare coins for a fella down on his luck, would ya?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmalK4yXRg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5BMSA5OGu
One of the girls blushed. **"Why do you think we've got money?"** she teased, her face turning rosy.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsXwbOFYtk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnIUPHxQmj
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuviupDtA5A
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHuFdWBdZQ
The first girl laughed, pulling out a small pouch of coins. **"I suppose I could spare a little. You seem sweet enough."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhIoEhPgdA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fv7wmwZER
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxpDeR4ZCI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7YmXBzgjE
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkehbokJ1RB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYIKiy9mzo
Charlie stared at him, his voice cold. **"Don't tell me you've forgotten me."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFSRvai1bV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljSwmpEp41
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbclvbwz8F
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUGASuuykc
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMihQMyQIC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5yjIAV5Wq
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN3abWo2VH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFcdeW7Xop
The women looked on in confusion, and one of them asked, **"You two know each other?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1e4UCp7a2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kFB0NHl0F
**"Oh, we go way back,"** Jose replied with a smirk. **"Charlie here's just a bit sore about a little competition."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr60j3qgDpM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXwpy44nD
Charlie's hands clenched into fists. **"Competition? You wrecked everything I had."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte3a0OzjZf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLVC2BvAhi
Jose laughed, his voice dripping with arrogance. **"You just couldn't keep up, that's all. Guess you weren't cut out for it."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JrjOTrLvQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQMU2KWyF3
Charlie glared at him, his voice taut with anger. **"You think you're somethin' special, don't ya?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjn3aWwiJF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMxDGDRz0f
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgFafS53pH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuPpvZsZ40
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleLsL9ttC0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoM0b3JJZx
Charlie's expression shifted, a flicker of worry crossing his face. **"Mexico? Why there?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjVIaR5Rcc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIvVere07I
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMu1pm80BT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBtzeAWo9q
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS7t84k1bt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgntwp7eMM
**"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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmmP4YEK2G
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXTfO362Wp
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8fTt6efDX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqMotWKwO9
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiSFJFc9Hh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GC8ViFYmH
**"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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMEqXnSbjq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtRvubHDNg
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkw0EyYWf9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlHePkVrxF
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehCDEso6D7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYnUjQ5PzZ
Cody's expression hardened as he adjusted his grip. **"None of your damn business, Jose. You just keep movin'."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgiwhPjYPX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UhdaAqVvC
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VC9aj3ypC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvQoaz5EC0
Cody looked at him coolly and nodded. **"Matter of fact, I am. Got business of my own down there."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwT6G4SBgU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RBaGOegXy
**"Funny,"** Jose muttered with a sly grin, **"seems Mexico's a popular destination all of a sudden."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Fkvcp3gT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSckm4ZHOS
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwWvGxZPxM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZjDR8r2Zv
**"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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWwfBTW0RU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZHnoyNTD5
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqul3TYisx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA1aOVrpdT
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkHZuJnrF1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsj6GFFChJ
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9YVbONHRq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYp4U78IIN
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSJqDsDGec
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC1HsZVMUL
**"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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWwzjtrWTT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkAfpE8KZQ
**"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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CCes9Vj8u
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBpmW9XFCU
James chuckled, clapping Jed on the shoulder. **"Too damn long. Thought you'd up and vanished after the war."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoRJbAjXvL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCIkHpjlRa
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BbTuWor43
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXjWsxl17x
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs1XFXCVzs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3JO722u4h
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'."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDGqTqLmV9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcXFGOv7x5
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSrsJhFBUg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcSsHcbuZH
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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkXnbuVI56
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuOuf7e6Re
James's face fell, a sorrowful look crossing his features. **"I'm real sorry to hear that, Jed."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBWFmrH7eV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQQpHG3Eak
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSt0NKywhZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoEcrlfRGk
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhcPag7WZb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmTW6zNtAp
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgqgxSJQ0i
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0DK5Hxz2s
**"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.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8t0yBhXDq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRKoR4fopT
Jed slouched, the weight of the stories pulling him down. **"Hell, James… I had no idea."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxoOniKDPI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMmCp0e8Gq
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNo8kkf2ZX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV7BebcANI
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2EZcrQiGH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8EJQzIuyP
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSiPcLej89
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dSzAc8zcm
Jed gave a slight smile, the corners of his mouth twitching up. **"Same to you, James. Same to you."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTegv8oAQb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLyZwgTiXi
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ658Oh156PT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL4q0VuWlQ
James raised an eyebrow, catching the tone in Jed's voice. **"You goin' somewhere?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YNG31jYUS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrL1JAugZ7
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzXYxcid3M
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmlQ63TDa3
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtXW8JnORP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwWZSDXdOo
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?"**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuL1uz89Ejx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9WZ7glhc7
James took the paper, nodding. **"You got it, Jed. Farm'll be in good hands."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfTyAk1RuA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeBoEXF0gi
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIlwvqkYZ4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nF7vSQrEC
Jed nodded, pulling his hat a little lower over his brow. **"You too, James. Keep that farm runnin' for me."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3m3fPaZOp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN2S3e9BwD
With that, Jed headed back to where Charlie was waiting by their horses, adjusting his saddle.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD68DETY1O
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHEKjVQTMe
**"Boy, how about we get somethin' to eat before we head out?"** Jed asked, eyeing the dusty trail ahead.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyUMe7G4kx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj4j3ZSc65
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASphwCuNbk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRQCPgFFdn
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."**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEEyGrUg84
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47iQbh4PFE
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.
ns216.73.217.1da2
然後按「加至主畫面」