Proof Of Love

Proof Of Love

Blackwood Jones felt a gun in his back.

“Hands up and turn around slowly!”

Jones did as he was ordered, since whoever it was had the drop on him. He looked into the steely grey eyes of a man about his height with a moustache. He glanced down at the badge shining on his chest. The six-gun pointed at his chest was steady.

“What’s the problem, Marshall?”

“Who are you, mister?”

Blackwood measured up the lanky lawman.

“Name’s Jones, Blackwood Jones.”

“Do you have any proof?”

The stranger shook his head.

“Why are you in my town?” asked Joe Kenda.

“Just sightseeing. I’m not from around here.”

“City slicker, huh?”

Blackwood nodded as the marshal lowered his gun.

Joe eyed the stranger.

“You look like trouble to me. I’ll have those guns of yours. Come and get them back when you’re fixin’ to leave.”

“If I give up my guns, someone could kill me!”

“Keep your nose clean and you shouldn’t need them.”

Joe relieved him of his pistols before he could stop him.

Jones left the marshal, but he could feel his eyes following him as he walked down the street. When he got to the cafe, he went in. He pulled up to a table and waited.

“We got some stew and biscuits left if that’ll do yah,” said a much-loved voice.

He tipped his hat and grinned.

“I always did love your cookin’!”

A worn hand pushed the hat off his face.

“Blackwood, that you? Oh, thank you Jesus!” she said as her boy stood up and took her in his arms.

“I missed you, Maw. Happy Mother’s Day!”

He sat down with his mother on his knees as she rained kisses on his face and shed tears of joy all over his shirt.