Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself.
Before you Accuse Me by Bo Diddley
“Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself!” The raw fury on the young man’s face was as plain as day.
Roy was used to verbal abuse from drunken cowpokes as he nudged them towards the jail with the end of his rifle. There was something different about this one.
“I ain’t broken no laws.” The sheriff was known for his even temper and calm demeanour and it had served him well in his years in law enforcement.
“Unlike me?” The man snarled at him like some kind of rabid dog.
“Well, Morgan, you did just shoot at my deputy in the street, didn’t ya?”
“Right after you shot my brother! He’s dead!” The man’s face contorted into a mask of rage as he screamed again.
“He was robbin’ the bank!” Roy looked at the young man wondering just what was going on inside his head. Why would anybody be shocked that he shot down a bank robber who pointed his gun at the sheriff?
“After they robbed my family. You’re all the same! You help them thieves because they do it all legal like.”
Roy caught a glimpse of movement from behind Morgan and he barely shook his head. He could see the barrel of a rifle poking out from behind the nearest building and he didn’t want any more blood on his streets.
“Now, son, I got no idea what your gripe is with the bank, but it don’t justify robbin’ the place.”
“No, you wouldn’t get it, would you?” The young man’s hand wavered slightly as a look of defeat crossed his face. “Don’t s’pose you’ve ever had to scratch a living out of the dirt and have those thieving liars take more than they ought.”
Roy’s hand stayed steady as he held his gun and considered the question. He could see Adam inching closer from behind the lad and he cocked his head sideways a little as if thinking.
“Nope, I ain’t never worked the land. But if you’ve got a grievance with the bank there are ways of doin’ things, son and ways of doin’ things. And this ain’t the right way.”
“Like any of you would listen! You high and mighty town folk! You’d just take McNaughton’s side ’cause he holds all the money in this town. Probably bought you off long ago.”
Roy visibly bristled at the insult. He’d been called all manner of names over the years, but he’d never taken a bribe and he knew he never would.
“What say you lower that gun and tell me what’s really goin’ on here?”
Roy waited as Morgan seemed to deflate in front of him. He wasn’t much more than a boy. He sure didn’t want to see Adam forced to shoot him in the back if he refused to put down his weapon and did something stupid.
Something seemed to shift as the lawman waited patiently.
“McNaughton’s a crook. He’s stealing homesteaders’ deeds. He’s gotta pay!”
“He will. If he’s guilty.”
I enjoyed all of these in the forum, but it’s nice to have them together in one place where library readers can also enjoy. Every bit is a testament to your word skills and character insights which makes it really hard to pick a favorite, but you know I have great fondness for the way you write Roy Coffee, and I especially loved the conversation with his old friend Ben Cartwright. 🙂
I think that’s one of my favourites too as Roy is such a great character to write. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them all again.
This gives a glimpse of what Paul really goes through. I love Jake’s relaxed manner about life.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on each one. These are such fun to write and some of them are bubbling away as possible extended stories. I’m glad you have enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this…Adam doing what he has to for his little brother, ignoring his own need for sleep. But then keeping Joe sleeping would bring a bit of peace.
Happy to see these here! Remembered most of them as I was reading through — fun stuff! I still want to know about Hoss’s broken arm … ??
Thanks as always for writing and posting!
I’m still waiting for him to tell me the story. He’s been very sheepish about it! As soon as I get the scoop, I will write the rest of the story.
Love how Roy’s calm eventually gets to the root of the problem with Morgan. A dangerous situation diffused.
Sad existence for a man but maybe now he’ll get some help to find himself again.
Adam is blessed to have two paths to follow, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose.
Oh I do love this one. Ben and Roy sharing crazy and insane memories. Perfect use of the quote.
Oh, so funny. That’s Joe. All his lies are always wishes. No wonder he never saw lying as wrong.
Candy and Joe are a dangerous combination. They get each other into trouble or get each other out of it. The problem…it could go either way. *smirk*
Great use of the prompt. Marie certainly was balancing on that wire until Ben tipped her life to the side of love.
Love the sentimentality here. “Like running into an old friend.” Warm memories fill the heart.