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“So I decided that I was going to hunt down Jimmy Straights. I had nothing left with them dead. Our neighbor Mister Whittler promised to look after the farm while I did what I had to do. He's a good man. Was good to my daddy and mamma. I have to deal with these guys, they deserve all the punishment I can dish out. Does that answer your question Violet?” I recap my story for her and J.D.
Since I have been mum around him, her askin' questions makes it easier for me to hear about him and to share about me. So we can better understand each other. But other than to say The Mauler took his wife and daughter while he was gone, he is tight lipped.
I don't blame him. I know that agony. I felt it when Mike died. It took months to get back to bein' me. I fell apart at nothin' a lot. Then the news of my parents and my sorrow became anger. I've been channelin' that ever since. But I'm calmer with these two. It's kind of nice to have people to talk to. Maybe I'll ask them to stay with me, instead of going our separate ways when we hit the valley. I can use the help on the ranch and J.D., well he's already said that he's used to ranchin' and that sort of work. Violet is pretty good with cookin'. She made a jack rabbit stew that was rather impressive. Wonder what she can do with a real rustic kitchen like the one my mamma has, rather had.
I notice J.D. is talkin' to me before I hear him, something about my work.
“Seriously Danny, you can't mean to take them all on at once?”
He is goin' on all concerned. Like I've never had to face more than one at a time. “Been at this over two years, J.D. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doin'. I'm not some green kid, I can well take care of myself.” My defenses are up all of a sudden. I am angry as hell. I get up from the fire and head over to my horse, he snorts at me uneasy. Then tries to nip me. I swat his nose and pull out a bottle of whiskey, heading towards the trees. I can hear water rushin' like a falls and decide to follow it. Doesn’t take long before I am at a cliff side looking down into a lagoon of deep dark water. I climb down the rocks and plant myself on a low outcroppin' and start to drink. As soon as the heat from the drink hits me, I relax. I don't know what came over me or why I am so mad. Though I'm about due for my courses, it's probably that. Will not be looking forward to dealin' with that with a man around. Fortunately, Violet has all my stuff for that in her bags. I lay back on the rocks starin' up at the stars. I know some of them have names, but can't remember them just now. I'll just close my eyes here for a second then I'll head back to the camp.
***
SPLASH! I WAKE UP SOAKED by water, J.D. and Violet found me, and he's jumped into the lagoon, rightly soaking me down. I'd be pissed, but I'm too concerned for being wet. Clothes sticking to me aren't a great idea. I'm trying to pull the shirt away from me as Violet plops down next to me.
“Danny! Why don't you hop in? Violet you too!” J.D. shouts swimmin' backward.
“Sorry, can't swim.” I answer rather truthfully.
“So how much longer are you gonna keep lyin' to the man?” Violet asks me quite straightly.
I stare at her.
“He's really taken to you, I'd almost say he is in love, but he's wrestlin'' that. It's not fair to confuse him so bad. He wants to help you. Be with you.”
“Ain't nothin' he can do for me I can't do for myself. Violet, why don't you distract him, so he doesn't get hurt by me?”
“Isn't that obvious?” Now she stares at me.
“I-”
She smiles and kisses me gently on the side of my mouth. Sweet like, whisperin' into my ear. “I can't distract him because I want you. I've had men, but women always draw me deeper, and with you I get the best of both worlds.” She takes the whiskey from me and slugs some down. Damn she's sexy as hell.