"Well, Vignette, WotCee and I have just been talkin' about a few things. He might have a thing or two to say to you about how things are."
I kneel down to get a bit more on WotCee's level.
"Hey, buddy. We got anythin' to say to Vignette?"
A legitimate smile as I see Vignette. I've come to like her, in some strange way, despite the fact that she still gives me a bit o' the jibblies. Seems to do that to most folk. Also seems to be movin' up in the world. Time to put my money where my m…
Well, it is what it is as they say.
"Whoa, there, friend. We ain't causin' any trouble. I'm sure we'd be happy to go with ya and get this all sorted out."
I shoot a quick wink at WotCee.
I nod and frown.
"Well, kid. Yeah, that's a tough one, eh? I ain't tellin' you what to think, but here's what I know: my Lord said that it's his job to decide who's righteous and who's wicked, and our job to forgive people and treat 'em decent."
I…
I shrug a practiced shrug.
"Listen, kid, I ain't nobody. I'm just tellin' you a story about a man who realized that if you want to make someone's death mean somethin', you make the world a better place on their behalf, not a worse place. If you can…
I smile a soft smile.
"I got a story about a man who went through some shit, and where it got 'em."
My voice falls to a hush. If yer a preacher, the one thing ya gotta be able to do is tell a good story.
"See, a long time ago, before you or any …
I chuckle. "Not quite, my friend. I don't got any stories like that. I don't think there are many stories like that."
How could I get WotCee to reconsider attacking Vignette?
Fremont's got a voice, that's fer sure. And I do love that song. "Am I Born to Die." First off, it's just a pretty tune, and there's nothin' wrong with that. But second, I've always been partial to the, let's say, ambiguities o' that particular piec…
I smile the friendliest smile I can. "We're here to sample some of those tasty noodles, Kites. One order each for us." Lowering my voice I add "And, when WotCee gets here, maybe he and I can chat."
Till then, I'll just wait for him, chewin' on it w…
For the most part, raiders leave us alone. Not because they like us or get on with us, mostly just because we're seen as not particularly worth it and a little on the weird side o' things. I've heard it said that a few of 'em worry that I'll put a c…
Well, that there's a problem. Bon would be the best person for the job here, obviously, but I s'pose in a pinch ol' lady B'ham will do. She ain't a real healer, like Bon. More like a superstitious ol' shaman who waves some incense and chants at folk…
With a sigh, I say "Greenie, all I want you to do is take some care of yerself, as best ya can. And, while yer at it, keep an eye out fer when my folks and I are in a safe distance to ya, like when we're here at Safeco, and come say hi. That's it."
…
Poor kid.
The Lord used to heal lepers back in the day. When he did, he sometimes told 'em not to make a big deal out o' it because iff'n they did he'd be overwhelmed with folks wantin' somethin'. Heck, the Lord even said there'd always be poor fol…
"Well, I don't doubt he's gonna, Green. Thanks for tellin' me. I do appreciate it. You don't happen to know when he's gonna be headin' out to make things happen, do ya?"
"Hi there, Greenie, have a seat and we'll chat. Needle, can we get my friend here somethin' to eat, on me?"
I push the chair out for her to sit. "So what do ya have to tell me, friend?"
"You know, Judas betrayed the Lord wit' a kiss, or so the story goes. But to be honest, I've always felt folks give Judas a bit o' a bad rap. I mean, the way I see it, the Lord had to die fer all our sins on the cross, right? That means the Lord nee…