TWO GUNS & A SILVER TONGUE
Kid smiled, as he looked proudly at his cousin. Heyes was in fine form, as his silver tongue put on one of the most persuasive arguments Kid had ever heard. He wasn't sure if the Governor was understanding or even listening as he struggled with the ropes binding him to the wooden chair. He chewed and spit at the bandanna that was tied across his mouth. And honestly, if looks could kill...there would be no twenty years for either one of them.
"We ain't taking nothing that we ain't owed and ain't earned. We spent a few nights in jail a time ago, until things got sorted out. Can't say that we care to spend twenty years in that situation. A few nights behind those bars and I was like a caged animal. Pacing until I thought I'd wear a hole in the floor. Whereas my partner, Mr. Curry settled in like it weren't nothing. Sleeping like a baby."
Kid raised his head and glared at Heyes.
Heyes conceded, "Well I guess twenty years would make for a very long nap." Heyes continued, "That ain't a life. Think we'd rather be hanged. So we might as well do us a really good hanging offense. I'd think killing a Governor might be at the top of the list."
The gagged man began to struggle violently against the restraints. His eyes bulging, he tried to scream.
Heyes tilted his hat back and paused to rub his chin in concentration "I'm not quite sure why. Be ridding the world of one more dishonest, lying politician...You would think we'd be like heroes...giving us medals and parades. People would be bowing and scraping every time they saw us."
"Don't forget the free beer." Kid said, trying to look serious, as he bit his lower lip.
"And since our reputation isn't one of killers, I bet we wouldn't even be blamed. We could get off free as a couple birds. While your Mrs. would be standing at your graveside putting on proper appearances of sincere loss."
"Would you like to do the honors, Mr. Curry? Or shall I?" Heyes said as he pulled his pistol from his holster and checked his rounds, before snapping the cylinder shut. Kid pulled his weapon from his holster.
"Wouldn't be fair if I got hanged for not doing the killing too, iffing we got caught. We're partners. I think we both should do this. Seems only fair, Mr. Heyes."
Heyes nodded in agreement.
Sweat was pouring down the Governor's face along with tears and a bit of snot.
"Ready?" Kid asked as he pressed the barrel of the gun to the Governor's head. Heyes nodded his head as he positioned his gun. The Governor was whimpering and moaning.
"Shall we go on three?" Heyes asked.
"Like...One...Two...Three...Go? Or...One...Two...Go?" Kid asked.
The bound man started to hyperventilate.
"I prefer the first one. Unless you don't. Really don't matter. I'd just like to know so I can move and try to keep some of his blood and especially brains from splattering on my clothes."
A pool of urine started to form under the man's chair.
"I like the first one too," Kid said, "Unless you want to do a coin..."
They both stopped and looked at the now unconscious Governor from the Wyoming Territory.
xxxxxxxxxx
The Governor stirred, as his eyes finally opened. He groaned as he was met by the looming face of Hannibal Heyes that was pressed close to his.
Damn. It wasn't a dream.
On the wooden table paper, pen, ink and the state stamp were neatly laid out.
"The one path leaves your wife very sad and you very dead. But hopefully we've demonstrated to you what the right path is. Unless you don't like your wife and the feeling is mutual and then…"
Kid cleared his throat impatiently.
"Or you do the right thing," Heyes motioned to the table with a grand sweep of his hand. Heyes tone grew serious and ominous. "Give us what we were promised and fulfilled three times over. Your choice."
Heyes reached down and untied the bandanna.
"Do you realize-" The Governor spit out the words.
Heyes dropped his head and sadly shook it. "Kid, I think the Governor just chose poorly."
Both Kid and Heyes reached for their guns.
"I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do what you want but under great duress."
Kid and Heyes grabbed the back of the chair and dragged it to the table.
Kid withdrew his knife and cut through the rope freeing the Governor's hands.
"We will be watching what you write" Heyes said as he drew up another chair and laid his gun on the table. Kid remained behind the Governor, out of view.
xxxxxxxxxxx
"We want these documents official. Absolutely no question whether they are legal or not. Make two of each, as two are going to a special friend for safe keeping. And Governor, should you renege again...We won't give you a choice. Just make sure your wife has herself a purdy black dress. If we can get you in Cheyenne, we can get you anywhere."
The Governor passed a completed copy to Heyes, who carefully read through each word out loud.
Heyes was nodding his head with approval. "Sounds real official now, put that stamp on it."
xxxxxxxxxx
Heyes and Kid held up their amnesty papers, admiring them.
"Well we got what we came for. Two years late but better than never."
"Now what?" The Governor slowly asked.
"You are free to go. You got anything else you be needing from the Governor?" Heyes asked Kid.
"Nope. Just taking what we was owed."
"Fair. And I hope you find it fair too, Governor. Don't want to see any added charges. As far as we are concerned, we are even. You don't make trouble for us and we won't make it for you. And believe me, if you thought this was trouble…" Heyes shook his head. "Kid is going to tie your hands and we'll be leaving. It will give us a headstart iffing you change your mind. Your horse is 'round back...and hopefully we never have to see you again. I'm sure the feeling is mutual for you too." Heyes said with a broad smile.
Kid and Heyes touched the brims to their hats and exited the cabin.
"You think he…" Kid started as he quickly mounted his horse.
Heyes shrugged his shoulders, as he placed his foot in the stirrup and swung a leg over his horse. "I'm just an outlaw. How do I know how politicians think?"
He spurred it towards the plateau with Kid following closely behind.
xxxxxxxxxx