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"Not from the looks of t
he people I saw. But that don't matter, I'll be moving on. I got nothing to stay for."
"I wouldn't let them run me off. That land is yours Cord. It's got water, and it could be a good ranch. You still got cattle on it. Pedro's been seeing to it."
Cord looked at the doc and smiled for the first time, "I'll think on it. But I gotta admit it would take something pretty powerful to make me stay. First you tell me not to tangle with the Dubs boys, then you tell me not to run off. It can't be both ways. I got no reason to stay here."
"Dubs ran the town, that's true enough. But he ain't here no more. Those boys, they just stir up trouble. Lot's of folks have rethought Dubs, these days. Even though it's too late. But, Cord, that land belongs to you. You were all Kate had."
Cord drew a slow breath, and let it out. He had to keep his temper at bay. The people of Doubtful never ventured out of the town limits. They were a bunch of scared people who gladly gave up their rights to think, and let Dubs run the entire town to his satisfaction.
Cord let the past wash over him for a minute. He'd fought a war, and lost, he'd had to use his guns like some men used their wits. The people here, had no idea he was in the army at one time. They didn't know a lot of things, and Cord wouldn't be telling them. It was too late for explanations.
The war had made a huge impression on Cord. He'd seen more death, more struggles, more hardships than this town knew existed. He'd seen thousands of men, lying dead after an hour's battle. And it had warped him for a while. It was hard to comprehend that one minute you were talking to a friend, the next minute that friend was dead. Now, he was simply tired. Truth be known, deep down inside, he wanted a place to lay his head and call home. But where was that place? With his folks dead, he wasn't sure there was a place for him.
Sure, he'd hired his gun out after the war. He'd killed a few, but none that didn't need killing. He'd looked evil in the eye too many times to count. And the one thing he knew, there were always some that wanted to get even for a killing. Because once the evil is gone, the people didn't know what to do with themselves. They'd been led so long, being on their own was a complete mystery to them. He'd realized this in the last few years. People weren't grateful, but always fearful.
He was tired of the killing. This town didn't know that either. But they knew enough to hate. He couldn't see himself staying, and yet…his folks would both be buried here now. And leaving them…seemed wrong some how. Deep down, he knew somehow, someway, he was tied to this place.
He had nothing to keep him here, and as soon as the funeral was over and he checked on his mother's debts, he'd be gone. Less trouble that way. Always moving on, it got tiresome.
"I suppose you want to bury her by your Pa?"
"Yeah." Cord lowered his head and took his hat off, to wipe his face with his bandana.
"Where's the body doc?" Cord asked, his voice wavering a bit.
The doc stared at him a moment. "The undertaker laid her out at the old home place this morning. We left the house open in case anyone wanted to pay their respects."
"Well then, I'll be going now. Thanks for all you've done." Cord waved his hat against his knee and started to walk out.
"You want a funeral at the church?" The doc hollered at his back.
Cord turned around on his boot heels. "No, just a quiet funeral at home. I'll say a prayer for her."
"Alright son. I'll be there, about two?"
"That'll be fine. And thanks again."
"Cord, not everyone hates you." The doc saw the slump of his shoulders and wanted to reassure him. "Some might have the decency to show up at the funeral."
"It doesn't much matter. I won't be staying. Is the property still in her name?" Cord asked. "Or do you even know?"
"The Sheriff stopped off yesterday to tell me it was. So I guess as the only living relative that it's your property now. She paid for the place, she didn't owe a soul. So maybe you should reconsider staying? She wanted you to come home, Cord. It was her last words, she wanted her son to come home."
Cord's eyes met his for a moment. A tear lodged in the corner of his eye, but he held it at bay. "I hadn't planned on staying any longer than the funeral, but I guess I'll have to do something about the property. Could you stick a notice up that it is for sale?"
"If you are sure that's what you want. You think on that son; it might be the only chance you get at settling down."
"I don't belong here any longer, Doc. Maybe I never did. I'll let you know where I go, so you can get in touch with me about it."
"I'll see you tomorrow, Cord." The doc seemed to study him for a long time. "You've changed a lot over the years. Grown up, become a man."
Cord stared straight at him, "The war can make you grow up. Fast too!"
"Yeah, I can see that would be enough to make anyone grow up." The doc's head twisted as though he'd never considered such a thing. It has been ten years though.
"Yeah."
