Rustling Up Some Courage
The Old West didn’t reward hesitation—it honored those who acted with purpose.
Wild Horse Canyon was a quieter place than it once had been. The golden sunsets didn™t shine as brightly, reflecting the weariness of its townsfolk. Among them was Deputy Simon Delaney, a man once filled with hope, now reduced to chasing shadows and cleaning the sheriffs boots.
With his worn hat pulled low over his brow, Simon stood at the edge of the town, watching as a group of men crowded around Doc Collins office. tavern, down the dirt road, was filled with the sounds of laughter, but Simon felt none of the joy. He rubbed at the stubble on his chin, wondering how the town had come to rely on him, the only man who had failed to protect it from the scum that drifted into Wild Horse Canyon.
That was when the commotion reached a crescendo. A wealthy-looking fellow had arrived, standing tall with a bright red bandana knotted around his neck. entire town seemed captivated by his silver tongue and carefree attitude. The moment he flashed a grin, Simon knew trouble was brewing.
œGet lost, Langston! shouted a voice from the back. œYou aint bringing no good here!
Simon pulled himself into the crowd, drawing closer. He recognized Langston Notched, a notorious con artist known for his gambling and smooth talk. Though he had yet to catch him red-handed, Simon had heard enough stories to understand the man was trouble.
Simon approached Langston, his hand resting on the revolver at his hip. œThis ain™t a carnival, Langston. You best be moving along before I throw you out myself.
But before Simon could act further, a shout pierced the air. œThe payroll™s been taken!
The crowd around Langston gasped, turning towards the source of the commotion. It was Farmer Jenkins, a burly man shaking with rage.
As chaos erupted, bickering townsfolk formed small groups. Simon put his hands up. œEveryone! Calm down! We need to figure out who did this.
Simon weighed his options. Alone, he was just one man. With Langston™s knowledge of street dealings, perhaps he could regain not just the stolen payroll but his own dignity.
Scene two found them mounted on horses, riding out toward the canyon. It was dusk, and the sun cast a fiery glow on the jagged cliffs that loomed ahead.
In the heart of the canyon, darkness wrapped around them. jagged rocks loomed above, and Simon felt a wave of apprehension wash over him. What if they were too late? Would the payroll be gone forever, along with his chance at redemption?
In that moment, surrounded by laughter and the promise of a new day, he knew he wouldn™t have to be down-on-his-luck any longer.
