Where the Blackbird Sings – 3

“Well, invite me in…. I got business with your mama. The interest is due on this place, and I am here to collect it,”

I didn’t like his tone or manner. I had two barrels filled with turkey shot. It wouldn’t kill, but the hurt would be enough to make him think about things for a while. I only needed one barrel to deal with him. Using both would be just downright mean. So, I cocked the hammer on the first as I moved the scattergun in front of me. Sharpe stopped at the edge of the steps, propping his boot on the bottom step.

“Boy! Do you mean to stop me from conducting my business? Now your mama and I got ourselves an understanding that you know nothing about. Now get along before you piss me off,”

He headed up the steps, and I raised the scattergun and stepped toward him to let him know I meant business. He backed away slowly, looking at me as if he was thinking about doing something stupid. However, he didn’t make a move.

“This is what I know… I paid the note on this land, and no one said anything about any interest. So as far as I am concerned. We have paid what we own, and that is the end of it,”

“NOW, BOY _“

I stepped closer and said, “Don’t you raise your voice… You keep it quiet and respectful. Now, your business, if it was any, is done. I spect you better get back in your fancy car and be on your way,”

He made a move towards me. I cocked the second hammer back. The scattergun raised with my finger tapping the trigger. Sharpe stood there a moment, considering his options. Butchy came up from behind me, growling. Sharpe looked at him for a bit, then Butchy started slowly down the steps, giving him a nasty snarl that made me nervous. Sharpe returned to the driver’s side of the car, threw his hat in the car, and yelled.

“You got 30 days to be clear of here!”

I squeezed the trigger, clearing both barrels and blowing out the passenger side window. Sharpe jumped back and cursed, then started towards me. Butchy backed him off while I reloaded. The scattergun was ready again, this time trained on Sharpe. He jumped in the car and sped off. He nearly hit Butchy as he did so. I fired off a shot, this time taking out the back window. I turned, and Mother was standing in the doorway. She gave me a stern look and stepped towards me. Then, she smiled as she patted my left cheek.

“Coffee’s ready… would you like some?”

“Yes, ma’am,”