The Last Patrol

[Elegant Ella]

"It's not history a man would want spread around, but you as his boss should know it. That's why a private meeting, and telling both of you what Patches and Bill found out at the same time," replied Ella. "A soldier gave me a copy of "The Woman in White" during the War and I've been reading Wilkie Collins ever since. Alan has been telling me that I ought to try writing stories because of the letters I've sent him."

[Scarlet Angel]

“You might be good at it Ella. You’ve seen more life and more experiences than some of the men I know.” He replied as they entered his tent. “Knowing what you know about Torres will you be comfortable working with him around?” Cyrus asked pulling out a chair for Ella.

[Elegant Ella]

"Yes, I'd be comfortable with him around," replied Ella, "Unless he reacts very badly to knowing that I know. That's another reason to have you present when he finds out that I know. He didn't prey on women, like Reuben Diaz or Drew Harper or Owen Johnson. By the way, Houston is sending a posse to collect Reuben Diaz, so he will cease to be our concern next week. It looks like I've finished finding wanted men in Dick's troop. There could be more, and Patches and Bill will keep looking, but maybe the easiest way to deal with them now is to let it be known that I've arrested those three and have posses coming to take them to justice. You might get some desertion."

[Scarlet Angel]

“The news about the posse coming is good. Someone less I will have to wonder is up to. As far as the deserters, better now then when we are on the trail. Flush out the riff raff I say.” Cyrus replied.

“You asked to see me?” Orville said as he approached the tent.

“Come in, close the flap behind you.” Said Cyrus. “I like promptness. This is Mrs. Ella Coatsworth.”

Orville dropped the flap as he stepped through. “Ma’am.” He said removing his hat.   

[Elegant Ella]

"Please sit down, Mister Torres. As you have heard, I am a Deputy Marshal. After Drew and Owen tried to break into my room, I wired to the deputies back home to ask for confirmation that they are wanted men. After I got that confirmation, I set them to looking into the backgrounds of others in Richard Kane's band."

Orville sat, clenching his hat. His fingers whitened when Ella said she had looked into his background.

"What came up under your name needs to be revealed to Cyrus here, but no one else needs to know. Cyrus, about eight years ago, Orville Torres robbed some stagecoaches. He was caught, tried and convicted, and sentenced to prison. The prison reported that he completed his sentence, and was released at the end of February."

[Scarlet Angel]

Cyrus had no smile, no frown, there was no yelling like Orville expected as he glanced from Ella to Cyrus then just cast his eyes down. Cyrus was a tough man to read in a game of cards but this was much worse.

“Thank you for keeping it between just us.” Orville finally said after what seemed like an eternity of Cyrus just looking at him.

“Yer not going to deny it? Yer not going to call Ella names or tell me she has you mixed up with someone else?” Cyrus said calmly.

The calm voice was a little unnerving to Orville but he guessed it was better than Cyrus acting like a rabid coyote. “No Sir. Deputy Coatsworth speaks the truth.” Orville felt some relief that Cyrus knew.

Cyrus leaned over the table and eyed Orville hard. “Tell me why you done it. Why'd you choose to rob stagecoaches for a living and how many people died because of it."

[Elegant Ella]

"Only one person died. The last stagecoach Albert and I tried to rob was a trap. My brother was killed and I surrendered," replied Orville. "Why did we choose to rob stagecoaches? '67 was a bad year. Pa died all of a sudden. Albert and I tried to keep the farm going. Albert had lost his left arm in the War. I was 16, and not up to man strength yet. We did what we could, and it looked like the crops were going to pay the loans, until a twister uprooted all of our corn a month before harvest, and wrecked the barn just for spite. Then Ma took sick, and stayed sick. Banker Murphy foreclosed the day after Ma's funeral. I think knowing that he was going to foreclose, that he wasn't going to give us extra time to pay, made her give up and die. First stagecoach we robbed was carrying Murphy and a strongbox containing the money from the auction of our home. I wanted to take that money and head West, to find a new place. But Albert went to a saloon and gambled most of it away. In the saloon, Albert heard of another strongbox on another stagecoach, and was wild to try it again. We scouted out the road, and found a good ambush site and took the stagecoach easy. Albert wasn't willing to quit, and I wasn't willing to desert my only kin. The third stagecoach was the trap."

[Scarlet Angel]

“Why an army scout? It ain’t easy, there’s better payin’ work that is safer. And in spite what folks think there is damn little glory. The days in the saddle are long, the nights are cold and the wolves are hungry. And at times I would rather be eattin’ what the wolves are than what the army is giving me. I won’t judge you if you pack yer gear and go. If you stay I expect a lot. So again I ask why an Army Scout?” Cyrus still held eye contact with Orville. He thought the boy had what it took if he chose to be there but like he'd told Ella better be gone now than run out when he was needed.

[Elegant Ella]

"Richard Kane was the first prospective employer who didn't ask where I had been the last five years. All that did ask had turned me away when I answered truthfully. I thought lying was the first step into becoming an outlaw again," replied Orville. "I didn't have any knowledge of the area he was heading, but I speak the Crow language, cook, can handle horses and am a bit of a medic."

"Where did you learn the language?" asked Ella. "And how did you come to be a bit of a medic?"

"One of my cellmates was a half-breed. For entertainment, he taught me his lingo, and I taught him to read and write. I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was little. I followed the local doctor around as much as I could, and he agreed to take me on as an apprentice once I graduated from grammar school. I got a few months with him, but then Albert came home without his arm, and my folks needed my labor. If Albert had been willing to find some honest work he could do one-handed, I could have gone back to that apprenticeship."

"Cyrus, I was thinking to train some of the scouts as assistant medics. If there is any serious battle, I'm going to need helpers, and I can't depend on the army medics to be willing to treat people who aren't regular army. A lot of the scouts already know a little. I'm pretty sure Samuel will be interested in the training I plan to offer."
 

[Scarlet Angel]

Cyrus sat up straight and looked between Ella and Orville considering Ella’s statement. “Dick doesn’t ask a lot of questions. He’s good at scouting but he does not belong in charge.” He said slowly. His gaze fell back on Orville. “I say this to everyone who rides with me, so don’t think I’m pickin’ on you.”

“Yes Sir.” Orville replied.

“I care about yer past. Some of the men that ride with me, like you, come from, let’s say questionable circumstances. If I get wind yer doing more than good natured teasing regarding it we will be having discussions. If ask you something I expect the truth. The men and women that ride with me are more than just bodies, I trust them. I even trust them to tell me things I don’t want to hear. Most of all I trust them to stand tough when things get bad. Take the day ask the men what it is to ride with me if you want. You like them and what you hear get your gear and bring it over. You don’t, come tell me you’ve decided scouting is not for you. We will part on good terms. You desert me when I am up to my knees in blood and bodies and rest assured I will come looking for you. Or if you want to get yer gear now and leave, tell me I will wish you luck in your travels.”

Cyrus leaned back in his chair and waited for Orville’s response.   

[Elegant Ella]

Orville looked squarely back at Cyrus. He was very glad he had not tried to deny his past. It was a relief to still have the job available with the truth told.

"I really appreciate the chance you are giving me to build a new life. I've been around your men enough already to know that I like them and I like what they say about you. I will stand by you. Deputy Coatsworth, Doctor Coatsworth, I am real interested in learning from you and helping when needed."

"That's settled then. Go get yer gear," replied Cyrus. "Ella, every one of the scouts should know the basics, enough to stop bleeding, or patch somebody well enough to get to the medic. You've got my approval for teaching more than that to any one who wants to learn."

"Thank you, Cyrus. I'll start teaching on Tuesday."

As soon as Ella left the tent, a private came up to her and said, "Colonel Winslow's compliments, ma'am. He would like you to join him for dinner tomorrow."

"Thank him for the invitation, but I already have an engagement for Monday evening."

"In that case, the invitation is for Tuesday."

"I accept."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet waited until the private left then approached Ella.

“Ella.” Scarlet said to get her attention.

Ella turned.

“Every thing alright?” Scarlet asked referring to the meeting with Cyrus.

“Oh yes. I am going to start teaching a medic class on Tuesday. I’m very happy Cyrus is a hundred percent supportive.” Ella said excitedly.

“That’s good he’s supportin’ that. I’ll be there.”

Ella tilted her head. “You’re already wise to field medicine.”

Scarlet smiled. “I’m sure you’ll teach me something I don’t know and maybe I’ll think of some questions others won’t.”

“I expect you to be my best student.”

“Bo’s better.”

“I’ve seen both of you work. Little different styles but both good.”

Scarlet smiled at Ella’s compliment.

Scarlet’s voiced dropped. “Have you heard anything from Patches concerning Archie?”

[Elegant Ella]

"Patches and Bill didn't find anything on him, or most of the other names on the list. They will keep digging based on the descriptions I sent, but that is a slower search since Bill has names and aliases all indexed, but hasn't settled on a system to index desriptions. A posse from Houston is coming to collect Spanish Ben and Jimmy Washington next Monday.  The answer on Perry is very strange," replied Ella, handing Scarlet a telegraph flimsy:

FOUND OLD POSTER ON PS FROM HOUSTON
WIRED HOUSTON FOR CURRENT INFO
REPLY WAS
DO NOT INVESTIGATE HIM
DO NOT ARREST HIM
STAY AWAY FROM HIM
MORE INFO BY MESSENGER MONDAY

Ella continued, "I would like to go fishing on Monday and told the operator and Patches that I will have supper with him. Patches might have the information from the messenger by then."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet read the telegraph. “It is strange.” She said agreeing with Ella. “Fishing would be a nice change if you would like some company.”

Ella could tell by the tone of Scarlet’s voice she was thinking of something other than fishing and Perry.

“Can you send a private wire for me to Houston?”

“Of course.” Ella replied sensing the urgency in Scarlet’s voice.

They walked towards the telegraph office.

“This is about Archie isn’t it?” Ella asked.

“We can talk about it tomorrow. Right now it’s a personal message to an old friend.”

Ella looked at Scarlet suspiciously. “Ok for now.” She said entering the telegraph office.

“May we use the key?” Ella asked politely.

The operator looked between the two women. “Would you like me to get you anything?”

Scarlet knew he was asking if he needed to leave the room. “No thank you.” She said with a smile.

Ella sat down at the key and looked at her.

“I want this to go to the Houston Marshal’s office. Marshal Logan Wheeler.”

Ella looked up not remembering the name from any of the correspondence she’d done with them. Scarlet was up to something.

“Tell him. Sorry it’s to long. Urgent to know about your one and only is. Sign it Angelina C.”

[Elegant Ella]

Ella wrote out the message that Scarlet wanted sent, to make sure it was what she wanted. "one and only is" sounded strange to her.

"Should I send in clear, or in a standard Marshal code?" she asked.

"Clear should be fine," replied Scarlet.

"It might take a while to get an answer, being Sunday afternoon."

"We'll get an answer when we get an answer."

Ella sent the message, with the additional information that replies should come to ECW by way of JMD at Fort Fetterman.

[Elegant Ella]

"Thank you, John," said Ella, leaving the key.

As they left the office, Ella asked Scarlet, "Shall we go relieve Major Martin of Spanish Ben's foul mouth? He doesn't need to stay in the infirmary any longer, so I want to put him in the stockade until the posse from Houston gets here. I also need to check on Owen. I put him in the infirmary this morning because his wound is fevered. That's one of the reasons I want to teach a medic class to the scouts. The sooner that wounds get cleaned, the less fever the patient is likely to suffer."

Scarlet agreed, so the two deputies, followed by their familiars, headed for the infirmary. Ella checked on Owen and talked briefly to Major Martin, then went to Reuben's bed.

They ignored the venom spewing from Reuben's mouth as they unshackled him, handcuffed him and marched him to the infirmary. He tried once to break free, but Ella tapped him on the bruise still staining his jaw, and the pain stopped and silenced him. Once he was in the cell with Drew and Jimmy, with the door locked, Ella told him, "Reuben Diaz, you are under arrest for the murder of Guadelupe Garcia and Caroline Miller. A posse will take you to Houston to stand trial."

Drew protested, "You can't lock me up with a known murderer!"

"Why not?" replied Ella. "A different posse is coming to take you to Omaha to stand trial for kidnapping, rape and murder."

"You have me mixed up with someone else. I haven't done anything to anybody."

Ella pulled a wanted poster out of her pocket and showed him the portrait Ella had found in Sarah Higgins's diary after the girl had disappeared. "You match the picture and the description and the habit. I had been trying to track you down for over a year, when you dropped out of sight last winter, right after these posters started circulating."

[Scarlet Angel]

“I’ll see you in hell.” Drew said before spitting at Ella.

Ella ducked the foul slim headed her way as much as the shadow of the arm coming over her shoulder.

Drew yelped as his face was pulled hard against the bars.  The hand let go of his collar and Drew fell back. He glared at the man who stood behind Ella glaring back as he wiped the blood from his mouth on his shirt sleeve.
 
“You’ll stay down and say nothing if you like the rest of your teeth.” Reuben said taking the empty bunk.

Drew looked over his shoulder at Reuben then back at Bo, clenched his jaw and remained seated.

[Elegant Ella]

"Thank you, Bo," said Ella, taking his arm and turning away from the cell. Outside the cell block, Ella sighed, "I really hate leaving Jimmy locked up with murderers like those two, but Tensleep was right that he would have too much opportunity for mischief running around loose. I don't think he would, but I'm not a perfect judge of character. The problem with letting Drew's friends bring his meals is the risk that they might slip him a weapon, and he has reason now to ask for one. I'll not enter that cell again to deal with bandages. With guards standing by, Jimmy can come out of the cell to be tended in the hallway. If Owen is released from the infirmary before the posse from Omaha gets here, maybe he and Jimmy can share a different cell. Owen's fever is still pretty bad, so I'm going to stay in the infirmary tonight, and split the night watch with Major Martin." 

[Elegant Ella]

When he could no longer hear the footsteps leaving, Drew stood up and glared at Reuben, "Why are you so calm about being taken to stand trial for murder?"

"I'm not worrying about a rope. It was self-defence. They were both just whores anyway, so the judge and jury won't sentence me to more than a few years in prison even if they don't agree that I was just defending myself from thieves," replied Reuben, relaxing on the bottom bunk. "It is ironic how I was so careful to stay out of West Texas to avoid them, only to be arrested by the Petticoat Posse way out in the middle of nowhere up here."

"Why should anyone bother avoiding something called a Petticoat Posse? That's stupid. Women just don't have the brains or the courage or the strength to be lawmen."

"Deputy Coatsworth showed plenty of courage when she argued those Injuns out of killing me," interjected Jimmy from the top bunk.

"She's got to be crazy, shooting people then treating the wounds," argued Drew.

"Maybe. Maybe not."

[Scarlet Angel]

Houston, Texas.

“Marshal Thompson, I got a wire for Marshal Wheeler.” Oscar said as he came through the door.

Marshal Luther Thompson looked up at the messenger questioningly. “What you brining it to me for?”

“It’s a mighty strange message, and it was sent to the Houston Marshal’s office.”

“Well what’s it say?”

“Urgent to know about your one and only is. Angelina C.”

“About, shouldn’t that be how? Is it you or the other operator that can’t put together simple English?”

“Sir I just wrote what was sent.”

“You can tell the lady Marshal’s one and only died.”

“Marshal Thompson, I’m to reply to Fort Fetterman. That’s where this message come from.”

Thompson was on his feet in a second, grabbing his coffee cup to keep it from spilling. “What’s someone at Fort Fetterman doing inquiring about Ms Wheeler?” He asked picking up his hat frustrated, thinking he’d better find out what this was all about.

“Don’t know Marshal. Who is Angelina C?” Oscar replied.

“I have an idea, don’t reply til I get back.” Marshal Thompson said as he held out his hand for the telegraph.

Oscar handed it over with a puzzled look on his face.

“I’ll be out ta Logan’s place if someone is lookin’ for me.”


Logan Wheeler stopped mending the fence and held up his hand to shield his eyes from the sun. “Well now Luther Thompson, to what do I owe the pleasure?” he called out as the horse and rider came closer.

“Got a telegraph for you.” Marshal Thompson said pulling his horse to a stop.

Logan put down the hammer. “Must be serious for you to deliver it.”
“Was Angelina close to your wife Logan?” Luther said steeping off his horse.

Logan looked surprised. “Came to her funeral, but no, I wouldn’t call them close. She come out of respect. Now tell me why you’re asking Luther.” Logan responded.

Luther handed over the telegram. “I thought she was half educated.” He commented regarding the way the message had been written.

“She’s well educated.” Logan replied as he read the telegram.

He thought about the words a moment then asked. “Where is Archie?”

Thompson couldn’t hide the complete look of shock that crossed his face. “Why you asking about Archie?”

“I may have retired but there are still things people come to me for.” He grinned.

“Damn Logan, he’s still on the White case.”

Logan’s mouth twisted in disapproval. “Is he ok, checked in?”

“I didn’t come to talk about Archie.”

“The hell you didn’t. You came because of this telegram and he’s exactly what she’s talking about.”

“She’s asking about your one and only. I would think a man’s one and only would be his wife.” Luther said puzzled.

“I don’t know how Archie ended up crossin’ Scarlet’s path again but if she’s askin’ there is a reason.

“What yer saying is Archie is your one and only? I don’t understand.”

Logan laughed aloud then answered. “Archie was the one and only deputy that I thought was skilled enough to try and bring Scarlet out of Mexico. The one and only deputy as she put it that had grit enough to look the men she rode with in the eyes and show no fear. My one and only deputy that was smart enough not to get himself shot at tryin’.”

“You sent your best deputy after a woman?”

“You’ve come to understand her father and his team very well over the years. I learned to understand her along with them before your time. Don’t ever underestimate someone because of their gender, could get you killed Luther. Treat her like her old man. Your strongest ally or your worst nightmare.”

“Archie is on the White case and we can’t have interference at this point.” Luther said agitated.

“Come with me.” Logan said. He entered the house and found pen and paper. “You send this to Scarlet.”

Luther waited patiently while Logan wrote out the message.

“Yes, to long. You owe me. One and only same. All is as it should be.” Luther read aloud when the note was handed to him then commented. “I don’t understand.”

“Scarlet apologized for not speaking to me for so long. I agreed it had been to long, and she owes me. She wanted me to answer quickly regarding about Archie and how he is. I’m replying Archie is the same, or in not so many words still doing his job and he is ok. That should answer her questions. If she wants something else she’ll let me know.”

“I would have never guessed.” Luther said taking the note and putting it in his pocket.

Logan smiled. “Ain’t that the idea?”

“I almost had Oscar reply your one and only had died.”

“I’m glad you came to see me. I don’t know how she would have responded.”

“I guess I will have to keep you informed from time to time.” Luther said heading towards the door.

[Elegant Ella]

The key was chattering, so Stanley waited until John was done taking the message before opening the door to ask what John wanted for dinner. It was an old joke, since there weren't any choices at the mess, but asking it was ritual.

John looked up as he opened the door. "Good evening, Stan. Can you deliver a message on your way to the mess?"

"Of course. Who to?"

"To Missus Coatsworth down at the scouts camp."

Stan put the folded yellow flimsy into the basket that was easier to handle than a tray and headed off on his evening errands.


At the scout camp, Ella was watching Orville and Paul have a biscuit-baking competition. Most of the rest of the scouts were gathered around, happily judging the results of each panful. Ella thought that Orville was settling in well. He had been a quiet and withdrawn man in Dick's camp, but Cyrus's acceptance of the worst in his past was allowing him to open up.

"Missus Coatsworth, telegram for you."

"Thank you, Stanley." She opened the paper and saw that the message was addressed to Angelia C. Instead of reading it, she tucked it into a pocket since Scarlet and Fritz would be down for dinner pretty soon. "Have you gotten dinner for John and yourself yet?"

"No, ma'am"

"Well, let's get some food for you here, save you a stop at the mess tent." She loaded his basket and sent him on his way.

When Scarlet arrived a few minutes later, Ella handed her the paper, and watched her read it.

YES TO LONG STOP
YOU OWE ME STOP
ONE AND ONLY SAME STOP
ALL IS AS IT SHOULD BE STOP

[Scarlet Angel]

A smile crept across Scarlet’s face as she read the message. To tell the truth she had wondered if Logan Wheeler would know what she was talking about. He had once accused her of speaking in the red man’s tongue and being crazy. She had responded with he was entitled to his opinions.

The two of them had started on bad terms and Marshal Wheeler had put a poster out on her for the death of his brother-in-law, who happened to be one of his deputies. Logan had later told her the fact that she had evaded the deputies looking for her and slipped into his home leaving him leads to follow on the real killer had made an impression. Archie had been the only one of his deputies that seemed to be able to keep up with her, and the man never gave up once he was sent after someone. Scarlet knew what it was like to be the hunter as well as hunted. She was pretty sure Archie was called off that night in Mexico. The woman Wheeler was after was practically on his back door step. Scarlet had found out later she had been arrested five days before the incident with Apache Jack. Archie had followed her then had seemed to drop off the earth until that night then had disappeared again. Her father and his men had shown up with the morning sun with the news Marshal Wheeler was in the process of clearing her name.

Scarlet and Logan had spoken over the years and had come to respect one another then in some strange sort of way built a friendship. He made an effort to understand what he still referred to as speaking in tongue but it had become more of a joke and he started to call it woman’s tongue which was just as difficult to understand and red man’s. The thing Scarlet had counted on was Logan’s memory and it had not failed him this time.

After Scarlet read the flimsy she walked to the fire, kneeled down and stuck the end of the telegram into it. Archie’s gaze caught her attention as they both watched her drop what was left of the burning piece into the fire. Whatever he was up to, she thought looking at him, he was still the same clean cut man with a reputation she had come to admire. She did not smile his way as she stood and looked at Ella who was watching her.
“It’s always good to get good news from Logan.” Scarlet said.

Archie heard the statement and wondered if she was talking about Logan Wheeler and what she had sent to who ever she was referring to. 

“You can have the bounty hunter. I want the doctor lady.”

The statement Perry whispered in his ear made the hair stand up on Archie’s neck.

“Wouldn’t ya like something with a little fire?” Perry whispered.

Archie said nothing. Perry seemed to be obsessed to succeed where others had failed. Like it would make him some kind of hero to Drew and the others who rode with him. He had to figure a way to flush Perry out of this place.

[Elegant Ella]

Archie shrugged and said, "Let's take Drew his dinner." They went to the fire to collect the grub, then off to the stockade.

As usual, the guards made them leave their visible weapons on the table before letting them into the cell block. Also as usual, the guards didn't try very hard to check them for concealed weapons.

Since Drew had two cellmates again, Archie said, "I'll eat later at the camp," and gave his bowl to Reuben. Archie chatted with Reuben and Jimmy while Drew and Perry spoke together. Drew seemed upset, and didn't keep his voice down.

"You've got to get me out of here, Perry! It's a necktie party for sure if they try me in Omaha!"

"Who's taking you to Omaha and why?" asked Perry.

"That she-devil put her damned wanted poster on the wall over there, where I can't avoid seeing it. She said that a posse is coming to take me away."

"Getting you out of here might be doable, but getting away from the fort afterwards, once they are all riled up, won't be. Might be better to try to free you from the posse after they leave the fort."

"Get me a weapon, Perry. Gun or knife makes no mind. I would rather be killed trying to escape than swing."

[Elegant Ella]

Archie had a lot to think about when he and Perry left the cellblock and reclaimed their weapons.

Reuben and Jimmy had given him more information about the women than he had been able to get from the scouts. Jimmy had been cautious talking at first, but he clearly admired Mrs. Coatsworth. Once Drew was engrossed in his own conversation, Jimmy had spoken more freely.

Reuben had never encountered them before, but he had talked to people who had, and he was willing to pass along those stories. Most of the tales were probably exaggerations.

Archie still needed to get Perry away from the fort soon. Two posses were coming to collect prisoners. That alone wouldn't shift Perry, since he didn't think he was on any wanted posters. But maybe Perry would believe that Archie needed to stay clear of those posses and would be willing to leave with him.

[Scarlet Angel]

Archie looked around as they came out of the stockade. Spotting Scarlet he wondered if he could get her to work with him. After talking with Jimmy he was sure the two women wore badges. He’d also told her the Marshal that hunted her was dead. Maybe if she could come up with a telegraph saying he was wanted too he could convince Perry to get out of here, but how close could he get to her without compromising both of them? He had to figure something out before Perry got shot trying to help Drew escape. He bet Drew wouldn’t make it to the front gate before he had more than a dozen bullets in him. Archie suddenly had an idea. He prayed it would not backfire on him. He’d tracked Scarlet across half of Texas, he’d come to know her pretty well back then. He hoped a lot of what he learned back then still held water.

“Drew is a bigger fool than me if he thinks he’ll make it outta here alive." Archie snorted. "He’ll probably get shot then that she doctor will stitch ‘em up and they will still hang him. Yer idea was a lot better. Drew oughta listen to it.” He said to Perry as he took the flask from his coat and took a long swallow.