Episodes Past

I went into the saloon and greeted CrookedSmile, picked up my drink and stopped. Sitting in the lost and found box was a sombrero - a familiar sombrero that once belonged to Tex Mex. CS said somebody found it outside and just dropped it off. I picked it up and looked at the fancy trim and the colours then tipped it over to look inside . . .

********

The horse moved at a walking pace

The rider wore a hood couldn't see his face

He was all in black, his horse blood red

He stopped beside me and then he said

Winston Gyro Jr., alias 3Gun

Forget all those other names, they were just fun

The next one I call you will be your last

And to see you atone for your chequered past

********

We were in a saloon in a town I once new and I was at the bar, just a young man. A voice hollered from the door about the owner of a horse in the street. I watched myself turn slowly and answer his question. He moved closer to me and began calling me names- names a man couldn't let pass- I heard myself tell him to back off, that I didn't want trouble.

He went for his gun and I shot him then before his partner could react I shot him too . . . both dead.

********

The man asked a question, he didn't have to die

You could have discussed it, you didn't even try

You saw what happened! That's not right

He came after me wanting a fight

Like all the rest I suppose you'll say

What about this from another day

********

I felt my heart rate increase at the image of Hunter Kanga racing from the cabin where we fought. A moment later I came out, wounded and stumbling for Horse. Kanga had a wound as well and I was tracking him by the blood he was losing. Suddenly there was a shot that came close and I spotted him on the ground hiding behind a huge cactus.

In a rage over his killing Lean, I galloped Horse full speed toward him and trampled him into the ground next to the cactus.

********

You shot him then ran him down with your horse

I can't imagine what could be worse

He ambushed and shot in cold blood Lean Clover

Any lawman would have tracked him 'til it was over

Then it was his brother who just wanted to talk

Even invited you for a friendly walk

He came for revenge and he didn't come to talk

Whoever told you that sold you a crock

********

The scene changed again, this time it's the farm outside Carson City where CG was held prisoner. I see myself in a shootout with the men outside then I go into the farmhouse and the man has CG as a shield, threatening to kill her. Without waiting, CG ducks and I shoot then I walk over and shoot again.

********

He didn't hurt her, you scared the man

Then you shot him rather than-

I've had enough, who are you, what's going on?

What's with that costume you've got on?

********

The figure lifted the hood from his face and I was staring at a large orange head with glowing yellow eyes. Before I could react a crowd of men appeared with torches, a rope and a chair. They were all the men I had fought and killed over the years and they were yelling for my blood. I saw Croc and his men. The gang from the rail yard. Enzo, grinning and miming a hanging.

I tried to move but my feet were stuck. They grabbed my arms and wrestled with me, trying to get the rope around my neck all the time shouting, "3Gun. 3Gun! Get him on the chair!"

********

My eyes seemed to squeak open and the light that I thought was torches came from the fixtures on a ceiling above me. People were still holding my arms and my feet were still stuck but I heard my name clearly and the voice saying, "Get him on the chair."

"He's awake! 3Gun, can you speak? Are you okay?"

"Help me lift him onto the chair and I'll get that spittoon off his foot."

"What happened, CS?"

"He came in for his drink, looked at the lost and found box. Turned to walk over to it and stepped in this, fell and whacked his head."

"What was in the box?"

"No idea. Last thing I saw in there was some kid's Halloween mask."

"You okay now Sheriff?"

********

I sat on a chair, my chair from under the stair

with a drink in my hand, my heart in despair

Were there so many men I'd killed to be had?

Way back with the first two that killed my dad

Suddenly I heard the voice of the hooded man, warning me.

********

You'll have a visit every year, his voice whispered in my ear

I'm the Pumpkin of episodes past, next will be present and

future is last . . . be ready, Winston Gyro Jr.