Elmore Leonard: Escape from Five Shadows

“If we were to talk for a few days,” Bowen said to him, “with tulapai between us, maybe I could tell you how I feel.”

“Come to San Carlos,” the Mimbreño said.

“They won’t send you back,” Bowen said. “Whoever comes out to take Renda’s place will still want trackers.”

The broad brim of Salvaje’s hat moved slightly as he shook his head. “We go home. This is not like other times. I think Victorio would laugh.” The Mimbre watched Bowen closely. “Do you understand that?”

Bowen’s head nodded slowly. “Yes…I think I do.”

Salvaje’s eyes went to Renda. “He will be in the punishment cell until they come for him.”

Demery approached. He was smiling, looking from Renda, who was still on the ground, to Bowen. “He didn’t even put a hand on you!”

“Not this time,” Bowen said.

“About Falvey,” Demery said. “There wasn’t time to tell you before…That was something to see. Soon as you and Frank started talking about him he got up and moved closer to the window, and after a minute he didn’t seem drunk anymore, or even afraid. He just stood staring at the wall…I never felt so sorry for a man in all my life. There you were handing him a chance to prove himself a man and you could see him trying his damndest to work up enough courage to take it.” Demery shook his head. “That’s something I’ll never forget.” He looked toward Renda again. “And Frank not even knowing what was happening.”

“I’m not sure I knew either.” Bowen said. “Or know yet.” He saw Karla and moved past Demery to meet her. “Is Willis all right?”

Karla smiled. “He’s in bed with your friend. Propped up with a drink next to him and pen and paper on his lap. He asked for it. He said if he didn’t do another thing, he was going to get it off his chest right now…Come see.” She took his hand and as they walked off toward the house, she asked, “But what about Lizann?”

Lizann, Bowen thought wearily. You forgot Lizann. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s gone by now. If she is, Willis is better off without her. But maybe she’s learned her lesson…And a few more maybes for good measure.”

“You’re tired,” Karla said quietly.

All that he had been thinking and trying to remember was still in his mind; though less vividly now and as he walked toward the adobe, Karla close at his side and the awareness of her coming over him more strongly, more relaxingly, the pieces of conversation and the images began to dissolve: the Mimbres, Willis Falvey, the road, even Frank Renda-there was no reason to think about them now. Somehow it had happened and somehow it was over.

Only Karla remained.