Journal Entry 19

It has been an interesting day. Joshua called for a meeting. It was short and to the point. We all met in the yard in front of the main house and quietly chatted amongst ourselves as we waited for the meeting to start. Kate was sitting in the rocking chair on the far end of the porch. She didn’t look very happy. Her hair and clothes were a mess. She looked like she needed a drink. I’m thinking yesterday at the picnic area was the last drink Kate had. Joshua has not let her out of his sight since then. He even slept in Kate’s room last night. Neither one of them got much sleep. I know because I didn’t get much sleep listening to the two of them fight all night.

With a feeling of ceremony, Cage opened the front door. Joshua stepped out onto the front porch. He was wearing all black, his cowboy hat sitting square on his head. He was wearing his guns, both of them, he usually only wears one at a time. He looked like a man on a mission. His face was stern and there was a sense of determination in his voice. Joshua laid down the law. There was no compromise. Joshua allowed no vote, no debate, no chitchat, and no other opinions. Joshua spoke his mind and he made a demand. He was protecting his own the only way he knew how.

Joshua demanded that every bottle of alcohol be removed from the Spurs Fort. Any one who didn’t want to comply with his demands could pack up and leave. There were a few rumbles from the crowd but no one spoke up against him. I think a few people wanted to but were afraid to try.

After the meeting, I asked Joshua if I could help with Kate. The answer was no. He would deal with his sister.  I asked if we would be sharing a room tonight. I would make it worth his while. Joshua kissed me. Thought about what I had said and then said “Not tonight.”