The next morning, Charles took the men into town. Crow and Earl had gotten up early to have breakfast with them. Now, the two were on the porch. Earl pulled up a chair next to Crow. Birds hopped among the vines that grew around the veranda. A large yellow tabby lay on the railing, his ears back, trying to ignore the scolding birds.
“How"s the arm, Earl?”
“Hurts like hell, but every day I"m moving it a bit more.” Crow smiled. Here was a man he called friend. A man he had trusted with his life and had never found him lacking.
Mary came out and stood behind Crow"s chair, her hands on his shoulders. He brought his hand up, placing it on hers. Earl smiled and saluted her with his cup. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Earl. How are you this morning?”
“I"m doing just fine.”
“Earl says he"s ab
