The House Of Crow Collection

6. Amour

Crow and LeRue sat on the huge bed in the guest room. Crow bounced a bit and went to his pack that lay on the floor. He pulled his bedroll out and tossed it on the floor.

“Too soft?” asked LeRue.

“Too soft,” replied Crow.

As Crow spread out the bedroll, LeRue went to his possibles bag and rummaged around inside. He pulled out a straight razor and a pair of scissors. Crow watched with curiosity as LeRue went to a low chest of drawers. A water pitcher and basin sat on top of the chest with a mirror hanging over it. Pulling out a couple of drawers, LeRue found a towel and spread it out flat. He began cutting his beard with the scissors, the hair falling onto the cloth.

“What are you doing?” asked Crow.

“Why I am going to skin this wild-man. I thought I"d say "howdy" to Francisca … when the time is right of course.”

Crow was surprised by the feeling of jealousy that washed over him at what LeRue had just said. Staring at his friend"s reflection in the mirror, he was sure he could see a smirk on LeRue"s face, even through his beard. Acting nonchalantly, Crow returned to his pack and pulled out a pair of scissors and a straight razor. Moving up next to LeRue, Crow pointed his chin up and combed his beard from his neck to his chin with the backs of his fingers. “I figure I can take you both, one at a time or together,” he said in a murmur that seemed more threatening than if he had shouted.

LeRue stopped cutting his beard, “Together? Who together?”

“Why, Hector and you. He thinks he"s got the nod from Hernando for Francisca"s affections. I think Hector… and you are going to be disappointed,” Crow said as he began trimming his beard.

LeRue returned to cutting his beard and thought, "I knew I saw amour in your eyes tonight my friend. There will be no competition from me. But Hector… I think you may have to kill Hector someday."

LeRue started to hum. Picking up his razor, he began to shape his mustache.