Moon Over Manifest

“That was a two-bit hack job, Junior. It didn’t take any brains to clonk a couple guys on the head and steal their hat and shoes. No, sir. I’m a confidence man now. Playing for higher stakes these days. Nothing you’d be capable of.”

Junior nodded. “This your new partner?” He motioned to me.

“Yup. He’s younger than you, but smarter.

”

Junior just smiled a goofy smile. “Maybe you’re right, Finn. But I’ve kind of fallen on hard times lately, and I could use a little hand up, if you know what I mean.”

“More like a handout. That’s what you mean, isn’t it, Junior?” Finn’s voice was hard and mean. “Well, you can forget it. Now go on. Get out of here.”

Junior stood and walked over behind Finn. “Folks around here wouldn’t be too happy to know you cheated them out of their church money.”

Finn stood up. “You threatening me, Junior?” Finn’s face cracked into a strange smile. “Go on. Tell the sheriff you’ve captured the notorious outlaw who sells fake elixir. He’ll laugh in your face. Besides, by the time you get back to town, I’ll be halfway to who knows where.

”

Junior pulled a knife from his vest pocket, his hands shaking. “Maybe so, but if I take you into town and I tell them I’ve got the man who killed that banker’s son in Kansas City, I think they might be real interested.”

Finn froze. “So much for honor among thieves, eh, Jinx?”

It happened not long after my mother died. Finn and me were living in a fleabag apartment in Kansas City. He’d been out all night, drinking and gambling, when he stormed in and told me to grab my things. We were leaving. I never knew why until Junior shed some light on what had sent us packing.

I remember thinking two things as I sat by the fire, watching this scene play out. One was that I felt sorry for Junior, and two, I didn’t want to be like him. Wandering in the valley of the shadow of death. Because that was what I’d be doing with Finn

.

In one move, Finn wrenched the knife from Junior’s hand and twisted his arm behind his back.

Finn winced in pain. “I was just funning with you, Finn. I wouldn’t have turned you in.”

“Jinx, get a rope.”

“Just let him go and let’s get out of here,” I said

.

“What’s your hurry, boy? You afraid of me now?” Finn said.

I didn’t answer.

Finn threw the knife, planting it in the ground right in front of my feet.

“I’ll give you something to be afraid of.” His eyes were like smoldering coals as he held on to Junior. “Now go cut a piece of rope in the bag over there.”

I pulled a long rope from the bag and cut off a section.