“As it stands now, the three of you will walk out of this jailhouse in the near future and be justly executed for crimes committed in my town. There are no second chances and no banishments to be had. However, I may consider an alternative of a death-defying stunt. It would have to be performed in front of the citizens of my town, and if you should survive, you have my word that I will let you leave town unharmed, never to return.
“Evel Knievel’s Grand Canyon rocket stunt is one of my all-time favorites, and he survived. I also like the Flying Wallendas’ tightrope walks across canyons and buildings. There are many others, as you surely have seen.
“So, I’ll give you each an opportunity to come up with a few good ones that would, of course, need to have my approval and would give you at least a chance, however small, of walking out of town alive. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he added, walking out and locking the front door.
The prisoners discussed their options.
Richard had no takers for his gladiator-style bare-knuckle competition.
The councilman talked about motorcycle jumps, having raced a bit in his early twenties. And the gutshot outlaw, being new to this town, was in disbelief at the happenings of the last few days.
“It’s all just a big lie to scare us,” he said. “They will get tired of feeding us in a day or two and let us go anyway. I’m done with that guy’s bullshit,” he said confidently.
* * * * * * *
Chapter Four
Weston, Colorado
Judge Lowry answered a knock on his front door early the next morning.
It was one of three people he had hired a while back to keep him informed of town happenings.
The woman informed him of the meeting between Jason and the breakfast man the day before. Her information was third-hand, she admitted, but she believed the sources were sound.
He thanked her with two silver dimes and headed downtown to the hardware store. He had known the owner for years and quickly got most of the story out of him.
Handing the shop owner three silver dollars and the promise of more business, the Judge was able to check off a part of step one in his growing plan. Do something big for James without him knowing.
He made a point to stay until Jason and the electric man arrived. On cue, the shop owner said, “Jason, I have been informed of your project idea, and it sounds worthy of an excellent mayor. Judge Lowry has paid in advance for any materials that may be needed for the chair.”
“That’s right,” the Judge interjected, “and I want only the very best materials for my mayor’s new chair,” he told the shop owner.
“We want the big tires and souped-up engine or battery, or whatever goes in it. Right, Jason?”
Jason paused, feeling relieved part of the tab was being picked up, but not sure at what cost.
“Yes, sir,” he said without thinking. “I want a fully rigged off-road chair, befitting a tough-as-nails rancher and mayor. It’s got to be fast and unstoppable.”
“Your Honor,” whispered the shop owner, “that’s going to cost a lot more than...”
The Judge discretely handed him two more silver coins and whispered, “You want to stay on my good side, right?”
“Yes, Your Honor, I do,” replied the shop owner.
“That’s good. Now, are there any more issues?” asked the Judge.
“No, sir,” he replied obediently.
“You heard the Deputy Mayor,” added the Judge loudly. “Let’s get this done! I’ll be back in two days’ time for a progress check,” he added.
* * * *
Jason had Lauren’s help covering in James’ absence, splitting his time between the chair project and the promised greenhouse construction for the town.
Sheriff Johnson returned to the jailhouse, eager to hear any and all ideas his captives had come up with.
The wounded man refused to participate, giving the Sheriff the final push to put him in front of a firing squad. There would be several shooters with only James’ gun containing live rounds, he thought. Let the mayor get his revenge, and he will owe me, he thought, smiling.
The former councilman proposed a death-defying motorcycle jump right over the two-story courthouse if a suitable motorcycle could be obtained and two ramps could be built, one for jumping and the other for landing.
Richard, knowing the outcome if he did nothing, asked for a gladiator-style fight to the death.
“I’ll check on that,” replied the Sheriff, excited about these possible alternatives to the traditional hangings. He proceeded to happily serve his guests, giving each one a large plate of scrambled eggs and bread.
* * * *
The Sheriff stopped by the doctor’s clinic to check on a much more alert James. Janice sat by his bed.
“You’re looking good, James,” he commented. “How are you feeling today?”
“I’m no worse, so I guess that’s good,” James replied.
“Any update on the walking situation?” he asked the doctor, who was taking James’ blood pressure.
“There is no change with that, sir,” she said, “and if there is, it will likely be down the road…weeks, months, or even years.”
“So, I shouldn’t keep asking every day, is what you’re saying?”
“With all due respect, Sheriff, yes, that is my point.”
“Sounds fair, ma’am…Doctor, I mean.”
“This old beater,” he added, pointing to the old worn-down wheelchair Dr. Walters had found in the basement, “isn’t going to do for long. I’ll see what we can come up with. Hang in there, James; you will be up and around in no time, I’m sure.”
“Thank you, sir,” James replied, “and for the chair. It’s a good start.”
* * * *
The Sheriff made a quick stop at the jailhouse,
