Rebel Treasure thirty eighth post

EXT VERANDA OF A VILLA – MEXICO CITY 1866
Lights sparkle in the distance like diamonds sewn into a mantilla and thrown over the rounded curves of the hills that rise from the city below. In full uniform, Lon stands at the rail, stone-faced and staring into the glow of fireworks shooting up from the central plaza. The sounds of festival time strike no chord in him.

CLAY
Peso for your thoughts, Commander.

Lon does not respond. Clay changes tack.

CLAY (CONT’D)
My condolences on the passing of your father.

LON
(without turning)
Thanks.

CLAY
Are you okay?

LON
Ennui. Simply ennui.

CLAY
Living in a foreign country can do that. Cheer up, you’ll be going back soon.

LON
I’m counting the hours.

CLAY
No one blames you for what happened. Well, almost no one. You did a great job and I hear that your design for our vault is pure genius.

LON
Thanks. I did what I could.

Jesse James barges in, drink in hand, which he gives to Clay to hold while he pumps Lon’s hand.

JESSE
(looking over his braid)
Well, commander, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!

LON
Well, Mr. Jesse James, the sentiment is mutual.

JESSE
I hear you’re coming up to my spread soon.

Surprised, Lon looks to Clay for an “okay” to answer. Clay nods his approval.

LON
If you’re near where we’re building the vault–

JESSE
I just bought me a ranch, not more than a stone’s throw away.

CLAY
Mr. James has taken it upon himself to see to the security of the area.

JESSE
Yeah. And you’ll be glad to hear I’ve got an old pal of yours working for me. Your old shipmate Louis.

[next pt 39]

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