Chapter 8
Jimmy laid on his bedroll as he listened to the others start to fall asleep. He waited, pretending to be asleep until he was sore from lying so still. He finally eased to his feet. He carefully waited each time to take a step trying to time them to Cody and Buck's snores. He made his way to the path that he had chosen earlier. He needed to try to talk to Hunter. He had to know more. He picked his way down. The one lookout was leaning back against a tree with his shotgun in his lap. Jimmy came up from behind and wrapped his hands around his neck. The boy struggled but soon lay still. Jimmy tossed his guns into the darkness before tip toeing his way over to the tent that held his son. He opened the flap and moved into the tent. Hunter was not inside. Jimmy sighed just as the front of the tent flew open.
Hunter froze as he stepped inside his tent. Jimmy watched his expression closely. It went from shock, surprise, to anger, then frustration. Hunter opened the flap and took a quick look outside before closing it again. He stared at his father.
"Hunter." Jimmy said as he crossed his arms.
"You can't be here." Hunter responded.
"Well, I am."
"No one invited you here. Go."
"Not yet. We got some things to work out."
"I don't think we do."
"Damnit, Hunter. What the hell do you think you are doing? This ain't you."
"Ain't it. I seem to fit right in."
"I know you were helping the Pinkertons. I just don't know what the hell went wrong."
"You can't say that here. Don't ever say that again. You want to get me killed?"
"Leave this place. Tonight. Come home."
"This is my home."
"This is your home? This place, these people? These thieving murderers? You got to tell me the truth! What's going on?"
"It is the truth. Now leave." Hunter said hoarsely.
"You are not this."
"I am. I take after you after all. Father like son, cept only difference is I don't play make believe."
"So, this is true then?" Jimmy said tossing the wanted poster on the ground. "You got a death wish?"
"All of it is true. Now get the fuck out before I let them all know that you are here."
"You won't do that."
"Try me."
"Hunter, I know you didn't leave on the best of terms, but you are my son. I'm not going to leave you here. I can't."
"That's not the best choice for you to make. Make better choices, Dad. Ain't that what you used to say. Make better choices. The best choice for you to make is to get the hell outta here." Jimmy watched as Hunter pulled his gun.
Jimmy didn't flinch. He just shook his head.
"Is it because you are sleeping with that girl?"
"The fuck? How do you know that?"
"Not your concern. She is bad news. Please, put the gun down. Come with me."
"I will never go anywhere with you. I hate you."
Jimmy felt his heart ache over those words.
"You are making a bad mistake." Jimmy said easing up.
"No, I think you are. Now go." Hunter said as he pulled the hammer back.
Jimmy looked hopelessly at his oldest as he made his way out the back of the tent. He picked his way back toward camp. Hunter watched him go. He let the flap of the tent fall. He turned and stomped in anger.