“Go on. I’ll be alright. You still gotta chance.”
“I ain’t leavin.”
“Yuh damned fool. He’ll be on us in a minute.”
“I can help.”
“Leave me be, boy.”
Otter, a young boy of sixteen, didn’t have the brightest sense. He’d become involved with a local group of misfits known as the Chandler’s, named after the two half-brothers who lead the group. He’d taken a job offered to him by Roy Chandler. It held a great deal of risk, but paid well.
Most everyone in town avoided business with the Chandler’s, but even more so, they tried avoiding the jailhouse. Not because of the accommodations, but because of the company.
Jonzy, who had caught his leg in the twisted roots of an old oak, was a faithful member of The Chandler’s clan. Being much older than most members, he didn’t take on many jobs anymore, but he had experience and so he’d been chosen to accompany Otter. Now, he was what one called “as good as dead.”
Otter had heard the ankle crack as soon as Jonzy fell and knew there was nothing he could do, but he had become fond of the old man. He backtracked a few steps searching for Jonzy in the dark. As Otter’s hand came upon Jonzy’s ankle, Jonzy clasped his hands over his mouth, letting only a slight whimper escape.
“Sorry ‘bout that. Let me get a better look.”
“Don’t do that yuh idiot. Go ‘fore he catches us.”
The sounds of the hound could be heard in the distance, sniffing through the under growth of the forest. Sweat began to form on Jonzy’s forehead. Otter knew Jonzy was done for, but he stayed; trying to figure a way out for the both of them, cool as a man who’d just come out of an icehouse.
“I believe if I just break that root up enough I’d be able to pull yuh free,” Otter finally said.
“It’s broke and you ain’t touchin it.” Jonzy was now in a panic, looking over each shoulder, waiting to see the dog and its master.
“Exactly,” Otter protested. “It’s already done broke so it ain’t gonna break no more. I can put a log under the root next to your foot and then-.”
“Otter, in all my years I ain’t never seen someone as dumb and loyal as you. Have yuh thought about what you’re gonna do with me after that. My ankle will still be just as broke and you can’t carry me.”
As Jonzy finished, Sheriff Daison came out of the dark, just as the moon came out from behind the clouds, illuminating the scene. Jonzy and Otter looked up, one with fear, the other surprise. Then a flash of lightning and a thunderous roar echoed throughout the forest. After the smoke cleared, there was nothing, except the red flowing freely down the roots of the old oak tree.
Back in town, The Chandler’s toasted to the friend they’d just sprung from prison.
