As they rode through the thick forest, the early morning light spilled over the treetops, casting long shadows on the winding trail. Charlie shifted in his saddle, looking over at Jed.
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**"So, Uncle Jed,"** he asked, **"where exactly are we heading to?"**
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Jed kept his gaze forward, his shoulders loose but his tone serious. **"Coos Bay."**
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Charlie raised a brow. **"Coos Bay? Why there?"**
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Jed shot him a sidelong glance. **"Got an old friend there who can watch over the farm. Figured it's as good a place as any for a stop."**
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Charlie squinted, taking in the thick forest around them as they rode. **"What even is Coos Bay?"** he muttered, almost to himself.
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Jed sighed, a hint of amusement in his eyes. **"You're telling me you don't know what Coos Bay is? The place you've been stealing from all this time?"**
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Charlie's eyes went wide, and he jerked his horse to the left, narrowly dodging a low-hanging branch. **"What?! Are you outta your mind? They'll string me up and feed me to the bears!"**
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Jed chuckled, his face calm under his hat's brim. **"Well, were you wearin' that mask all the time, during your robb?"**
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Charlie's brow furrowed. **"The mask... yeah. And the cloak too, sometimes."**
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**"Good nobody needs to know who you are just yet,"** Jed said with a casual shrug.
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Charlie exhaled in relief. **"Good, alright then. Anyway, still curious. What's Coos Bay got goin' on?"**
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Jed took a deep breath, leaning back in his saddle as they trotted along. **"The area's big on lumber—not shippin' it out to God knows where. Hundred ships a year, if not more. They've built hundreds of 'em up in the Coos River Basin, used to take passengers too, back in the day. Decent crowd there too. Could be 400 folks, maybe more if we're lucky."**
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Charlie nodded, looking ahead as the trees began to thin. **"Sounds like we're close, huh?"**
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**"Just about. Once we're outta this forest, we're practically there,"** Jed replied.
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Eventually, the forest gave way to a dusty road leading into Coos Bay. They rode slowly, the clopping of their horses' hooves echoing on the empty street. Jed pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted, giving Charlie a nod. **"Stay here with the horses. I've got an old friend to find."**
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Charlie shrugged, hopping off his own horse. **"Sure thing."**
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Jed walked away, leaving Charlie standing in the street, staring at the bustling town. He looked up at the sky, a small smile creeping onto his face. **"Ain't so bad. Not great, but... it'll do."**
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Charlie couldn't help but notice the bustling streets of Coos Bay. People moved about, horses kicked up dust, and the faint scent of sawdust hung in the air. Charlie looked around, taking it all in as he held the reins of his horse.
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He turned his gaze to the town again, taking in the buildings, people, and the lively sounds. As he was scanning the scene, he noticed a man moving down the street—tall, lean, and with blonde, wavy hair that seemed almost too tidy for this part of the world. The man wore an elegant, dark shirt and a tailored vest that set him apart from the rougher folks around. He held himself with an air of confidence, maybe even arrogance, that instantly struck a nerve with Charlie.
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It took a moment, but recognition clicked. **"Jose..."** he muttered under his breath.
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Jose, his old rival—the one who had embarrassed him years back, wrecking his reputation and turning nearly everyone against him. Memories flooded Charlie's mind, from losing races to Jose's manipulative schemes that had cost him friends and even the girl he'd been sweet on. The memories brought a hot surge of anger to his chest.
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Jose disappeared into a bar, swaggering in as he caught the eyes of two young women standing by. Charlie hesitated for a moment, clenching his fists as he thought about letting it go, but the sight of Jose laughing with the girls was too much to ignore. Steeling himself, he strode over and pushed through the swinging doors.
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Inside, the dim, smoky bar was alive with chatter and laughter, and Jose was already leaning up against the bar, flashing his infamous grin at the women. They were giggling, clearly charmed by him, as he played up his well-rehearsed charm.
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**"You ladies,"** Jose was saying smoothly, **"wouldn't happen to have some spare coins for a fella down on his luck, would ya?"**
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One of the girls blushed. **"Why do you think we've got money?"** she teased, her face turning rosy.
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Jose shrugged, giving her an easy smile. **"Just a hunch. Dressed all fancy like you are… I'd wager you're doin' well enough to help out a poor soul."**
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The first girl laughed, pulling out a small pouch of coins. **"I suppose I could spare a little. You seem sweet enough."**
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The second girl smiled shyly, following suit and handing over a few coins. Jose pocketed the money with a charming wink. **"You're both too kind. Mighty pretty too,"** he added, flashing them a grin.
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Charlie couldn't take it anymore. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Jose's shoulder, causing him to spin around quickly, his face dropping the charming act in an instant. His eyes narrowed as he sized Charlie up. **"Can I help you, stranger?"**
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Charlie stared at him, his voice cold. **"Don't tell me you've forgotten me."**
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Jose tilted his head, his brow furrowing as he looked at Charlie's face. After a long pause, he shook his head. **"No clue who you are, pal. Mind tellin' me why you're in my face?"**
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Charlie leaned in, his voice low. **"A few years back, you beat me in a race. Made a fool of me in front of everyone and ruined my life in the process. You turned all my friends against me, even got the teachers on your side, and made sure that girl I cared about left me."**
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Jose's eyes lit up with sudden recognition, and a slow, smug smile spread across his face. **"Oh... you're that kid."** He chuckled, leaning back against the bar and crossing his arms. **"Well, well, Charlie. Never thought I'd see you again."**
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The women looked on in confusion, and one of them asked, **"You two know each other?"**
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**"Oh, we go way back,"** Jose replied with a smirk. **"Charlie here's just a bit sore about a little competition."**
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Charlie's hands clenched into fists. **"Competition? You wrecked everything I had."**
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Jose laughed, his voice dripping with arrogance. **"You just couldn't keep up, that's all. Guess you weren't cut out for it."**
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Charlie glared at him, his voice taut with anger. **"You think you're somethin' special, don't ya?"**
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Jose shrugged, that cocky grin never leaving his face. **"I don't think, Charlie. I know. And if you're still hung up on all that, well... maybe you're just as pathetic as you were back then."**
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Charlie's patience snapped. He stepped forward, his fists raised, ready to make Jose pay for every insult, every slight, every wound that still stung. But Jose held his ground, that same smug smirk on his face. Jose leaned in, his eyes glinting with dark satisfaction. **"And guess what, culo de burro, I'm headin' down to Mexico soon. That means you won't be seein' this pretty face much longer."**
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Charlie's expression shifted, a flicker of worry crossing his face. **"Mexico? Why there?"**
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Jose's grin widened as he held Charlie's gaze, his voice dropping into a low, taunting tone. **"Because there's somethin' out there that can give me the power I need. Enough to bring down every single one of those pompous fools runnin' things."**
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Charlie's eyes narrowed as he caught onto Jose's meaning. **"The crystal. I know what you're after. But don't get too comfortable with the idea—'cause I'll be the one to get it first."**
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**"Oh-ho, so you're in the know, huh?"** Jose chuckled, giving him a mocking, appreciative nod. **"But you're dreamin' if you think you're gonna get there before me. There can only be one."**
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Jose's face twisted into a smirk as he tipped his hat to the ladies, who were still watching with starry eyes. **"Thank you very kindly, ladies, but it looks like it's time for me to hit the road. Duty calls."** With a final wink, he stepped away from the bar, moving toward the exit with a swagger.
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Charlie followed him, his jaw set in determination. Just as they pushed through the saloon doors and stepped into the street, the local sheriff, Cody, spotted Jose and walked over, his face already drawn into a scowl.
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**"Jose, what the hell did I say about you bein' in this town?"** Sheriff Cody's voice was hard, his hand drifting to the revolver on his hip.
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Jose raised his hands with exaggerated innocence. **"Oh, now, don't get all twisted up, Cody. No need to worry—I'm already on my way out."**
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The sheriff eyed him, then glanced down at the bag he was holding close to his side. Jose's sharp gaze didn't miss a beat, and his eyes flickered with curiosity as he tilted his head. **"Well now, what's in the bag, Cody?"**
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Cody's expression hardened as he adjusted his grip. **"None of your damn business, Jose. You just keep movin'."**
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Jose raised an eyebrow, chuckling. **"Touchy, touchy. Fine, I'll let it be."** He turned his attention back to Charlie and then glanced back at Cody. **"I reckon you're not headin' to Mexico yourself, are ya, Sheriff?"**
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Cody looked at him coolly and nodded. **"Matter of fact, I am. Got business of my own down there."**
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**"Funny,"** Jose muttered with a sly grin, **"seems Mexico's a popular destination all of a sudden."**
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With that, Cody swung himself up onto his horse, giving both men one last look before riding off, dust kicking up behind him as he disappeared down the road. Jose watched him go, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully before turning back to Charlie.
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**"Well, Charlie,"** Jose drawled, his voice dropping to a dark whisper, **"next time we cross paths, you best be ready. I'll put you in the ground myself if you get in my way."**
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Charlie gave him a hard stare, his voice low. **"The feelin's mutual, Jose. I'd be more than happy to see you laid out."**
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Jose's smirk only deepened, and with a flourish, he mounted his own horse. **"I'll see you on the other side, then."** He gave a quick tug on the reins, tipping his hat one last time. Then, with a flick of his heels, he rode off, his laughter fading into the distance as he disappeared over the horizon.
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Charlie watched him go, fists still clenched, a fire of determination igniting in his chest. If Jose was going after that crystal, then so was he—come hell or high water.
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Jed squinted, the sun casting long shadows across Coos Bay as he made his way down the familiar dirt road, pausing as a voice called out.
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**"Jed Hartshorn? Well, I'll be—ain't that you?"** The voice was rich with surprise and warmth, cutting through the hum of the street. Jed turned, eyes narrowing slightly until he recognized the face, worn by years but still unmistakable.
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**"James,"** he said, a slow grin breaking through his weathered features as he reached out, meeting James's firm handshake. **"Been a long damn time."**
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James chuckled, clapping Jed on the shoulder. **"Too damn long. Thought you'd up and vanished after the war."**
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Jed gave a nod, his smile fading as he looked down, shifting his weight. **"Guess I needed some distance from things. Settled down, started a farm. Been raisin' my nephew, Charlie."** There was a warmth to his tone, but it was touched with a hint of something darker. **"Life's been… good, for the most part."**
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James smiled softly, but his sharp gaze didn't miss the lines of grief around Jed's eyes. **"Charlie's a lucky kid, havin' you lookin' out for him. Sounds like you found a little peace out there on that farm."**
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Jed chuckled, a short, low sound that didn't reach his eyes. **"Peace, maybe. But it's a hard kinda peace. Still, it's somethin'."**
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A silence fell between them, and James's expression turned sympathetic, his voice gentle. **"What about that girl of yours, Jed? Didn't you two talk about gettin' hitched, once?"**
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Jed's face tightened, his gaze lowering, crossing his arms as his voice dropped. **"She… passed."** His words were low and raw, as if the pain was too fresh to speak louder.
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James's face fell, a sorrowful look crossing his features. **"I'm real sorry to hear that, Jed."**
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Jed nodded, his face set, but there was a tightness around his mouth, a tension he couldn't shake. **"It's just how life is, I guess. You take what it gives, and it don't much care about leavin' you empty-handed."**
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James's gaze dropped as well, a shadow crossing his face. **"Guess you're right about that."** He hesitated, swallowing hard. **"Lost my little girl… froze to death that winter, y'know. She was barely two."**
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Jed's eyes softened, and he looked away, his jaw clenching as he took a deep breath. **"Damn, James… I'm sorry. Can't imagine the kind of strength that must take."**
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**"It don't take strength, Jed. Just… numbness, after a while. Seems like all of us had our share. Lost my momma to a store robbery, of all things. And my daddy, well… they hung him back in '1822."** James's voice was steady, but his gaze grew distant, lost in memories.
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Jed slouched, the weight of the stories pulling him down. **"Hell, James… I had no idea."**
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James nodded slowly. **"I ain't done yet, neither. My brother—Charlie's pa, God rest his soul—went down in the war. His wife… passed bringin' Charlie into this world. Just one tragedy after another."** He looked at Jed with a half-smile, the kind that barely masked his pain. **"Guess I ain't the only one still carryin' ghosts."**
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Jed's eyes met James's, understanding passing silently between them. **"It's somethin', isn't it? All this livin' we got left to do, with pieces of us scattered behind us like that."**
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They stood in silence, each man steeped in his own losses, sharing the quiet grief that comes from years of hardship. Finally, James cleared his throat, straightening up. **"Well, Jed, I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I'm damn glad to see an old friend standin' here today."**
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Jed gave a slight smile, the corners of his mouth twitching up. **"Same to you, James. Same to you."**
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Jed looked at James with a steady gaze. **"Well, anyway, I'm gonna need a favor. I need you to keep an eye on my farm while I'm gone."**
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James raised an eyebrow, catching the tone in Jed's voice. **"You goin' somewhere?"**
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Jed gave a half-shrug, his eyes drifting off as if considering the journey ahead. **"Yeah, you could say that. My nephew and I… we're headin' south. All the way to Mexico."**
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James whistled, folding his arms and leaning back against a post. **"Mexico? That's quite a haul. What're you lookin' to find down there?"**
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Jed hesitated, his expression turning guarded, then he shook his head with a slight smirk. **"Nothin' too good, truth be told. But it's somethin' we need to see through."** He patted James on the shoulder, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handing it over. **"Anyway, here's the layout of the place. You keep things steady until we get back?"**
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James took the paper, nodding. **"You got it, Jed. Farm'll be in good hands."**
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They shook hands firmly, their gazes meeting in mutual respect. **"Take care of yourself, Jed,"** James said, his tone more serious. **"Roads aren't exactly safe these days."**
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Jed nodded, pulling his hat a little lower over his brow. **"You too, James. Keep that farm runnin' for me."**
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With that, Jed headed back to where Charlie was waiting by their horses, adjusting his saddle.
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**"Boy, how about we get somethin' to eat before we head out?"** Jed asked, eyeing the dusty trail ahead.
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Charlie, still focused on something in the distance, shook his head. **"Not now, Uncle Jed. That Jose fella and the sheriff are already on their way south. They're goin' to Mexico too."**
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Jed rolled his eyes, letting out a low chuckle. **"Well, ain't that just our luck,"** he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. **"The whole damn world's headin' for Mexico."** He swung himself up onto his horse with a slight grunt, settling into the saddle. **"Alright then, but if we starve along the way, don't go blamin' me."**
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Charlie cracked a grin, and with a nod, they spurred their horses onward, the road stretching out long and dusty ahead of them as they rode into the afternoon light.
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