Chip and I spent the night and morning locked up, swapping rounds between sleeping and watching out for Dunbar. “He had best keep his gun and nether eye far from her,” Chip had warned, early on into our imprisonment.

  When sunrise arrived, never mind all the bustle that followed, I breathed a little easier. Only bothersome circumstance was that sometimes voices and entire conversations from those on the bad part of town came through the walls. “After we git done munching on each other’s hind ends, I’m gone prepare my shot for that sheriff. Can’t believe he let that witch invasion go on. I mean, I’m gone shoot him dead as Zachary Taylor. That’s as soon as you…git done…oh boy…with my back parts. Hot dang, you’re the finest stray dog a man could find out her.”

  Chip woke up once to a plate breaking. The event started when Dunbar put a meal of hot rocks at the edge of the stairs for Diamond to have. The event finished when she tossed it down at his head.

  Between Chip and I, we were woken up three times by the deputy praying. He never stated the name of the entity he called out to. The smell of outdoors coming through our window and even the scent of the biscuits Dunbar burnt became the odor of a hell that seemed to never end. Finally, my eyes opened from a final nap to the deputy unlocking the cell. He nodded for us to step outside the office.

  When we got outdoors, Diamond was already united with her parents. Dick cried, simpering on Patsy’s shoulder. Patsy said, “My girl, don’t do this.”

  Behind them and a dust storm, a train of seven mules and four wagons waited. The dust cleared and revealed Mayor Heck standing directly in front of the transportation.

  Chip, myself, and Diamond, who had left Patsy to console Dick in our backdrop, stood side by side. Dunbar weaseled his way behind us.

  Heck cleared his throat multiple times, forcing out his scratchy speech. “I’ve lined these muleskinners up and given them maps to escort you to Mexico to take hold of Calamity. Deputy, Doc, Sheriff, you have no choice but to go, and in case it’s unclear, I want the witch dead. Diamond, you have a hell of a decision to make, right now.”

  “I’m resolute to go get my man back,” Diamond declared.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Dick’s sobs escalated; Patsy hollered, “Let the lawmen handle it, honey.”

  “Mama, you know me. I’ve defended this town from two separate attacks. I love you, but I’m going to go.”

  Mayor Heck nodded. “I figured as much. Had your wardrobe packed. Also, we loaded you all with your sniper rifles, muskets, six-gun shooters, ammunition, tobacco, doctor’s kits, sonofabitch stews to keep you fed. Ration it all out; it’s going to be a long trip.”

  I said, “What in tarnation do you mean, I don’t have a choice? I demand to see a lawyer.”

  Chip spoke up. “Mayor, let Doc Apollo stay. If he doesn’t want this, he’s only going to hold us back.”

  Mayor Heck shook his head. “You must have a doctor present. Besides, he’s the reason this happened in the first place. Dunbar will keep him in line.”

  The deputy pressed his revolver into my back.

  “This is immoral,” Chip argued.

  “Immoral? Really? That’s the tune you’re singing to?” The mayor chuckled. “You’re the one who did the initial investigation and reported him to be a saddle bum. If we don’t keep a weapon on him, he’ll run.”

  I shot a questioning expression over at Chip.

  Chip pointed back toward Dunbar. “This man is the one who can’t be trusted. He pulled a gun on Diamond last night.”

  Patsy gasped.

  “The hell, Dunbar?” Mayor Heck said.

  “If I didn’t do what I did, the quack over there would of drifted.”

  “That’s unacceptable, Deputy,” the mayor replied. “From here on out, the prisoner is the only one you are to point a gun at.” He locked his blue-eyed death stare on Dunbar. “Understood?”

  Jed shook his head, then turned to Dick who was squealing in tears. “Shad up, you namby pamby.”

  Chip got in his hand throwing motion. “Well, if the deputy and I are both going, who are you having protect the town?”

  “You’re forgetting,” Mayor Heck replied. “I used to be sheriff. Never allowed anything the likes of last night's events to happen under my watch.” A sense of responsibility could be felt in the very air between us, as he continued. “But even though you did, this journey is an opportunity for redemption for all of you. Doc, you get through this, and you’re free to go without charges. Diamond, you have a hell of a sniper shot. Go save that boy. Chip—” He paused, almost as if he only had grave words and thought better than to share them. “We have to break the curse. That’s all there is to it. Stay alert. I’m sure Calamity has set traps from here to there.”

  “Alright.” I exhaled. “So, we’re set to journey into another country. If we survive the harsh road, which I gather we most certainly will not, do we even know what part of Mexico Calamity is in?”

  “We have leads of which the muleskinners will follow,” Mayor Heck ensured. Then, he beckoned for Chip. “Speaking of her whereabouts, I need to counsel with you alone on a very serious matter. Everyone else saddle up, you have a hell of a mission ahead.”