My New Deputy

My new deputy

Wasn't too happy to see

Well... me.

He kept looking at

the pic on the wall

As I threw the new prisoners

into their stall

"You're him!!!"

He said rather grim

Not knowing what to do.

"Yes, and I'm the new law

It's just somethin'

You need to get use too"

I took the poster down

Put it in the desk

Hoping it put

the matter to rest.

"Justice is gone

Thrown from his horse

You'll need to wire

For a replacement of course."

I gave him the badge, he said

"I didn't know Justice for long

But to replace him with you

Is just wrong."

"That may be

But it was his last wish

That I do this.

He's been buried and mourned

And I had sworn

To look after County

Until they replace me."

The Deputy nodded

"I'll send the wire."

That gave me sometime

To retire.

My thoughts once again

Drifted to Rue

And all the she is trying

To do.

Jujube by now must have arrived

If only I could have seen

Her look of surprise.

I'll miss the opening of the hotel

Stuck now here

In my own private hell.

I thought of Rue

And the way she said good-bye

No I have to push that from my mind

Or at least try.

The deputy returned not to happy

finding out I let Buck loose.

"I know you don't care for the

situation but I need you

to call a truce.

I can't do my job if you're

hawking over my shoulder."

"How can I trust you?"

He asked getting bolder.

"Because I've seen more life and death

than you will in your lifetime.

I know what I'm doing,

without even trying.

Now I'm off to talk to Pierce Wade.

I need him to come to the aide

Of one Lou McGinty.

He has the information I need

For her to be found not guilty.

Can I count on you to hold down the fort?"

The other man let out a sort of snort.

"Who do you think

has been getting it done

while Justice was off

I wasn't playing around,

having fun."

"Good to know.

If you have something to tell

You can reach me at the hotel."

The man just shrugged

Like he didn't care.

What I did

Or what I'd dare.

I found Buck looking rather distressed

"Petra?" was my guess.

"Yes."

"Tell me you set that girl right

That you two didn't fight?"

"No, but she scared

And I'm not the best with words

In case you haven't heard."

I've heard and much more

But I didn't say it,

just walked through the door.

Then I turned, stopped.

And came back outside.

"If she ain't here

then you need to get

on your horse and ride.

Go to her, I'll handle

Things here.

Your brother and Lou

Have nothing to fear."

Buck looked hopeful

But then said,

"I better not.

She just walked away.

After we kissed and whatnot.

Maybe it's best if she has

time alone."

"You give a woman time to think

And she may not be there

When you get home."

"Go to her Buck.

Show her what you

Want her to know

But always be true.

Don't screw this up

Which is too easy to do.

Right now though,

Petra needs you."

I wasn't sure what

He would decide

But I had my own

Problem to deal with inside.

Justice had someone

Watching the door.

I flashed him the badge

And told him he wasn't

Needed anymore.

Inside the room

Pearce laid on the bed.

He sat up quickly

When he raised his head.

"What are YOU doing here,

Come to finish the job?"

His words laced with fear.

"Calm down, Wade.

I'm the new law.

Justice had to answer

The Lord's call.

Have you been

in touch with Lou?"

"If I was I wouldn't tell you."

"If I know Lou

and I do,

She's headed back here.

I need you to turn evidence

On Domain or she'll hang I fear."

"Lou?! No?! That's not right.

Justice said, 

it be Bruce instead."

"She's already confessed to the crime

I'm sure there are things for which

Bruce would do time,

but as for Domain,

it's up to you

to clear her name.

Can I count on you?

To save Lou?"

Wade nodded his head.

"I'll do what I can," he said.

"Good be sure that you do

and with a little luck she'll pull through."

I left the room

Shut the door.

Don't think I can do

much more.

I sent my Deputy to watch over him.

Found in Street's desk some Irish Gin.

Poured the glass,

And thought rather wry,

"To another good day to die."