David heard
the engine rev
Heard the transmission
slip into a higher gear.
Saw the truck
increase it's speed
Saw the dog
fly into the air

There was no denying the intention.

I saw
the snarl
on David's lips
Heard the
low growl
coming up
from his gut
and into his throat
I saw
the barrel
pointing
toward the escapee
Heard the hammer
cock back

There was no denying the intention.

I heard myself say,
"David, holster the hogleg"

The glaze
over his eyes
cleared away
and the leather
embraced the steel,
with no questions asked

Curves
were straightened
as we pursued the murderer.
Gravel crunched
beneath our tires
as we slowly pulled
into the parking lot.
We saw the truck
sitting near the front door
of the old Country Store.

I heard him ask,
"You ready?"
Heard myself reply,
"If you're bound and determined"

He heard me say,
"There aint no way
for this to end well"

"He's a local
and probably
on first name basis
with everyone in there"

"You know
what kind of mentality
you're dealing with here"

"We aint
going in there
to talk sense"

I said,
"Remember the"Line""

He knew what I meant

"The Line" is constant
and if something draws
you close to "The Line"...
you have to weigh it.

Once
"The Line"
is crossed,
there aint no telling
where you will end up.

So...
if whatever
drew you
to the edge
is not worth
dying over
or worth
killing over...
it aint worth
crossing
"The Line"

David said,
"But, Mojo,
It just aint right"

I heard myself reply,
"I know it aint, Hoss

and whatever you decide...
I've got your back"

"but...
is this really the way
you want the Legend to end?"

He laughed
We laughed

Those that
did not know us
would have sworn
we were growling.

The old Country Store
was filled with grace

***