Rio Loco

by Robert J Conley

  He handed the paper to me. It were really one paper and one envelope already sealed. The paper was a note. It said “Will some kind soul please mail this letter for me?” It weren’t signed. I tossed it on the table and looked at the envelope. It were addressed to a woman in Indiana. I couldn’t reckanize the name. I tore it open and tuck the letter out.

  Dear Aint Sally,

  As you are my mama’s only living relative, I am writing to you, this my final communication to the world. I made my mama a solemn promise as she was a-laying on her deathbed. I promised that I would always take good keer of little Merwin. I tried, and I done real good up till now. Just today, they hung him for a killing he done. I tried to prevent it, but I failed. So I’m leaving this world with him, and I hope to see him and Mama in the next world. Forgive me for your sister, please. Good by.

  Your nephew,

  Chug (This was scratched out.)

  Charlton

  I read it out loud to ever’one at the table. “So he did make the hanging,” said Sly.

  “The poor son of a bitch,” I said. “Couldn’t keep his promise to his mama, so he blowed his face off.”