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The first thing Jon felt when he woke up was drowsiness and pain in his head. He was not lying on the hot, dry, cracked earth under the scorching sun, but in a soft bed in the shade. Jon looked around the room. There was a bedside table next to it, on which there was a jug of water. Obviously, the people who found him were concerned about his condition. Jon immediately remembered why he was lying on the ground unconscious. He was attacked. There was a chase, which was not without shooting. Fortunately, he and his horse Pearl were not injured. Although, Pearl could lose consciousness from dehydration and fatigue. The last thing Jon remembered was that all the robbers had fled, leaving him with scattered belongings. Jon's bullets were fast and stinging to the body, but this time he didn't kill anyone. Jon rarely did this, it's very unusual for a cowboy, especially for him, a loner and a tramp looking for his family. They were somewhere on the edge of the world, or very close, waiting for him, their savior. Jon himself was thinking about salvation, almost dying under the scorching sun, and it came to him. There was the clatter of hooves, the neighing of horses, the creak of a cart, and then the clink of fasteners on black boots that were clearly approaching him. Almost closing his eyes, Jon sees a black shadow that approached him, and it was the man who found him in this dead place. Jon was here now. In the window, Jon saw a fairly large city, which was rare for the Wild West, because everywhere you look, there are deserts everywhere and you rarely see such a big city, unless it's small buildings in which there were always few people. John saw many on his way, and lost many without coming back. It wasn't in Jon's plans to stay here, but he would have liked to see this city. Stretching, he drinks from a jug of water. He suddenly realized that he had woken up almost naked. It is obvious that he was washed from dust and dirt after the chase. His eyes catch the closet, on the door of which hung his clothes: a white shirt, a leather vest, dark trousers and a dark cowboy hat that he inherited from his father as a child. There were leather boots next to the wardrobe. It was a small part of his things, his clothes. If he lost his bag, or the people who found him didn't bother to pick it up, then things were bad. There was everything connected with his life and the family he had been looking for for so long. Getting up from the bed, he goes to the closet, but he is prevented from getting dressed by the steps he heard outside the door of the room in which he found himself. They were slow but confident, firm and heavy. Obviously, it was the owner of the room, or even of the house. The door creaked open, and a man resembling a black shadow enters the room. Everything in his clothes was black, except for some glittering details. For example, a gold star on the right pocket of his black vest with sleeves. Even when the man straightened up, Jon could see his shoulder-length dark hair and black eyes from under a black hat with silver stars. Sheriff, that was the man who came to him, and who found him then, dying under the scorching sun. John remembered him. The newcomer stopped, studying the naked John standing in front of him. The young cowboy felt that he was not just being studied with a glance, but being eaten, as if the hunter had overtaken his victim. A hoarse grin, and the man closed the door behind him so that no one would disturb them.
"I see you managed to undress. Is it really for me?" the man leaned against the wall, continuing to mockingly look at the naked cowboy. Jon froze in surprise.
The question asked by the man in his address put him in an awkward position. The sheriff was clearly a fan of sharp jokes that put people in a difficult position. Jon didn't even know him, and they were already letting him know who the boss was.
"I didn't have time to get dressed, Sheriff." Jon nodded, carrying an apology in his gesture, "I assume this is your room?"
"Yes, exactly. It's like Pattie couldn't find another room to put you in. Her own, for example." the man sighed irritably, going into another room, "Change your clothes, come on, sissy."
"Thank you, Sheriff." Jon did not respond with a barb to the sheriff's words, he wasn't going to stay here with these people in this city. "And who is Patty?"
"The girl working in the bar, which is located in this house, where I live besides her." a man's voice was heard from the next room. "She brought you water, washed and treated your wounds while you were unconscious."
"I have to thank her for her care." Jon drawled dreamily after getting dressed. "And you too, because you saved me from death."
"Come on, it's my duty." the man left the room, holding a massive bag that belonged to Jon. "To save people and bring justice to those who act against the will of peaceful people, both my city and the whole Wild West."
"The Wild West is teeming with crime, it must be hard for you to catch them all."
"It's much harder to kill than to catch."
Jon paused, realizing the meaning of the sheriff's words. The cowboy had never killed people in his entire life, but the man standing in front of him had dealt with murders. It was his duty as sheriff to administer justice and achieve peace among the people. Jon wasn't like that. He knew how to defend himself, but no matter what kind of scumbag got in his way, he wouldn't dare to kill him.
"Your bag, with all your things." the man handed John his bag with things.
"Are you kicking me out already?" Jon chuckled.
"Unless you want to." the sheriff tilted his head to the side, watching Jon's reaction.
"No." Jon silently put the bag on the bed. "I'm not ready for another trip yet, I would like to stay with you for the night."
"We will arrange it, no money will be required, but if you stay on a permanent basis, you will need to pay."
"No problem, I have a lot of money saved up."
"Stealing? Or have you earned money by your own?"
There was a grin on the sheriff's lips again. Jon wanted to punch him, but he wasn't stupid enough not to realize that he was just being tested for character and restraint.
"You mean my body, don't you?" There was a pause. Now it was Jon's turn to check the sheriff for barbs. The man froze with a slightly surprised expression on his face, but immediately smiled, a very sly smile.
"Have you ever had such cases?"
"No. I won't let anyone touch me. I had to steal, or help people to get paid."
"How cocky. I guess you're hungry." Jon nodded, and the man turned to the door. "Then let's go downstairs, Pattie probably cooked something delicious."
The man opened the door and left the room, and John was almost ready to follow him out, but the second room caught his attention. Although the room was small, there was a huge map of the entire wild west hanging on the wall, with other cities, paradisiacal places marked on it, people with whom it was possible to conduct business and trade, and robbers with criminal organizations. It was a real treasure of this room. Jon also notices a desk with a lot of papers. Not everyone could be a sheriff, but surely this man coped with his role perfectly.
"Are you coming or what?"
"I'm coming!" Jon followed him out, closing the door to the sheriff's room, and went down the stairs. His eyes were opened to a bar that was no different from others of the same throughout the Wild West. The bar was filled with people, but unlike the bearded, decrepit and sweaty men at the bar, there were women and children. John was surprised at this. He had never seen children running around the bar, and women sitting and chatting so peacefully. This place surprised John more and more. When they saw the sheriff, everyone smiled and looked away from their business. People loved and revered him, it was obvious.
"Hello everyone, people!"
The man waved both hands at everyone.
"Hey, Sheriff!"
"Hello, Sheriff!"
"Uncle Sheriff!"
"I see you didn't miss me while I was on patrol." the sheriff turned around and walked away, letting people see the rescued cowboy. "This guy was lying in the desert all alone, with his mare, I thought we had two corpses, and they soon moved, another rescue succeeded!"
Everyone cheered, and all eyes darted to John. The cowboy was embarrassed, but he was smiling, as he always did in new places with new people. He caught on himself studying and curious glances. Despite the fact that Jon was here for the first time, the atmosphere seemed very friendly to him.
"Hello everyone." Jon looked around at everyone, and in response to him there were smiles and greetings. "Glad to be here."
"Make yourself at home, kid." said a man. "I'm sure you're tired from the road."
"Not only, this poor guy was attacked by robbers, they need to be caught." the sheriff sighed heavily, sitting down at a table. "But in the meantime, do you want to hear a story about how it happened?" Many happily agreed and approached the sheriff. Jon would have liked to hear about how the sheriff skillfully tells his heroics, but he wanted something else. He remembered the girl who treated his wounds and washed him while he was unconscious. He has to thank her for that. His eyes darted to the bar. There he found his answer. The cowboy walked slowly forward, watching as the girl wiped beer mugs. Even when John was standing in front of her, she didn't react, doing her duty.
"Pattie?" Jon called out to her. The girl raised her head and her eyes widened. She almost dropped the mug from her hands, but when she put it in its rightful place, she immediately smiled. By the way, she looked very pretty: a smooth pale face, big blue eyes, plump lips, a small straight nose. Even the fact that large front teeth with which she looked like a rabbit peeked out from behind her lips when smiling did not make her scary, on the contrary, very cute. Pattie was dressed in a white sundress with puffy sleeves, and with a rather intimate neckline on her large chest, under which a black corset was located. To meet such a bartender girl is the dream of any cowboy.
"You're already awake! I'm glad you're okay."
"I want to thank you for taking care of me. I owe you." Jon nodded to her, and she just waved her hand.
"Well, what are you saying, you should be grateful to the sheriff, he saved you, and entrusted me to take care of you." Pattie looked towards the sheriff sitting surrounded by many people who listened to his story with interest.
"There's no doubt about it, but he said that you took care of me, and I'm grateful to you for that." Jon smiled and nodded.
"What a cutie you are." Pattie shook her head. "Since you know my name, can I find out yours?"
"Jon." the cowboy held out his hand to her. "John Francis Bon Jovi Jr.
"Then, just Jon." Patty shook his hand. "Patricia Ann Boyd, for friends - Pattie."
"Let's get acquainted."
"You're hungry?" she asked, giving him a a plate of delicious-looking fried chicken with vegetables.
"I am! Thank you for food!" Jon never thought that he'd eat some good and tasty food some day.
"You're welcome, cowboy."
Pattie smiled to him. After he enjoyed food, he gave a plate back to Pattie. They smiled at each other, and before they could say anything to each other, a man approached them. He was quite short, but you can't call him a dwarf. The man wore a white shirt and thanks to the short sleeves, his broad, muscular arms were visible. His black hair was shaggy and combed back. The face was covered with wrinkles in some places, the eyebrows looked overgrown like overgrown, the lips were small, as if they did not exist at all, but the look of the small eyes was quite sincere and kind.
"I see our hero today saved a real gentleman." the man's voice was low and slightly muffled, as if thunder sounded in the distance. "Unlike other young people, you are not in a hurry to drink, but thank Pattie."
"I'm not all young people, I'm myself." Jon smiled. "And I'm very grateful to Pattie, as well as to the sheriff."
"They're both deserve it. Maybe you want to tell us all where you're from and why you're traveling?" the man sat down at the bar, making a gesture to Pattie to pour him a drink.
"It's a long enough story, with a lot of events that no one will remember for sure." Jon shrugged, "Especially since I don't think I'll stay here for long, and you'll forget me."
"And that's true, but people need stories, because it's necessary to somehow support the conversation so that it's not boring." said the man, sipping from a mug of beer. "I am Tico, Tico Torres to be more precise, but for friends I am Teeks."
Jon froze. He had heard that name somewhere before, but he couldn't remember from whom. Something told John that Tico was somehow connected with his family, and these suspicions would not allow him to leave for a new place. Until he finds out anything, he won't get any further.
"Don't lie to him! You are Hector Samuel Juan Torres!"a woman shouted, smiling with all 32 teeth.
"I don't remember you calling me that in bed." Tico shrugged, causing a chorus of laughter to be heard in the bar, as if these jokes were familiar to people.
"Nice to meet you." Jon shook his hand. "You have quite a lively place here." Jon smiled.
"You haven't seen Alec yet, he's the soul of the company."
As soon as Tico uttered these words, the doors to the bar opened, and a stately and slender man walked inside. He was dressed in gray torn trousers, black boots shone on his feet, and a black sleeveless vest was worn on his tanned body. In appearance, the man was the same age as Tico, because there were wrinkles on his face too, but despite this, the man seemed to John quite young despite his appearance. He had short black hair, the upper lip was larger than the lower, a straight upturned nose and large dark eyes, the neckline of which was quite even. The man had a guitar in his hands, and John's eyes sparkled at the sight of his favorite instrument. He never carried a guitar with him, but he liked to play for people in places new to him. Seeing the man, the people in the bar started shouting again.
"Hello, people!" exclaimed a man whose voice was quite high and memorable.
"Who do I see, it's our Alec." Tico hugged him. "Got out of the weapon store?"
"And you're not leaving your bar in any way." Alec glanced at Pattie. "You look gorgeous, doll."
Pattie just smiled sheepishly, and nodded to him in greeting. Jon noted that she was modest.
"Did you fix my guitar?" Richie walked up to the two men and patted Alec on the shoulder, picked up the guitar.
"How many times do you upset and tear the strings on it?" Alec threw up his hands, watching Richie shamelessly sit back down, trying to play it.
"Can I play?" Jon broke the silence.
Everyone looked at him and surprise turned to interest, and the bar was filled with cheers, as if everyone had known John for so long, and that he played the guitar masterfully. This embarrassed Jon a little, but he had no right to object, because he was a stranger here. This is not his land, not his people, not his family. None of them will replace his father, mother and brothers.
"I see Richie saved an educated cowboy." Alec smiled and approached Jon, holding out his hand. "I'm Alec John Sach, but I think Alec will be to your liking."
"I'm Jon." the cowboy smiled. "You're right, Alec sounds more peaceful."
"We already know that." Richie grinned, handing Jon the guitar. "You're welcome."
"Thank you." Jon nodded, taking the guitar in his hands and sitting down at one of the tables, watching people sit down to him.
John couldn't remember the last time he picked up a guitar. He missed the pleasant feeling in his fingers when he touched the strings and smoothly moved the pads of his fingers up and down, making the strings ring in the rhythm of the melody. People marveled at his guitar playing talent, and listened to his singing and sang along to him as if under hypnosis. John even caught the sound of his playing and singing, the girls danced, and the men could not take their eyes off them. That's what saved John from the loneliness of endless wanderings - playing guitars and singing songs. He composed a lot of songs on his journey, but now the lyrics were in his bag, and John didn't want to leave, he missed such moments too much. Next to him, John heard footsteps and children's laughter, and the cowboy saw several small children next to him, who reminded him so much of his brothers, who must have grown up during this time, or ... Jon didn't want to think about it, just not now.
"Uncle Cowboy!" one boy waved to him.
"Hi, buddy." Jon took his small hand in his big one, feeling the difference and why his heart skipped a beat. "What would you like me to play?"
"Play a song about yourself!"
Jon froze. That's really what, and he never composed songs about himself. John sang about people, about the Wild West, about nature, about robbers. He sang about anything but himself. During all this time, Jon thought about what and who surrounds him, but not about the fact that all this is in his eyes and memory. He was never asked to sing songs about himself, because he did not even compose any of them about his adventures and even about the past, where his father was still alive and his brothers and mother were not missing.
"About me?" Jon pretended to be surprised, but in his heart he felt sad. "I don't have songs about myself."
"Why? Every cowboy has a song about himself!" another boy said.
"And this cowboy doesn't." Jon shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe you want to me something other?"
"Do you know the song "A Way Back Home"?" The sheriff asked, sitting not so far away from Jon.
A cowboy sitting in the light of the sun, completely new to this place, bright and alive, looks into the eyes of the sheriff sitting in the shade, who was darker than night, or, darker than death itself, who has been here for a long time. They were both opposites, John realized that from their first meeting, and the sheriff probably realized it too. Jon knew this song perfectly well, and judging by the face of the man in front of him, it also had a very sad meaning for him. Jon could have said no to him, but his soul had been bored for a long time, and since he had a chance to play, he would not miss it. Jon doesn't answer anything, just lowers his head and shaggy brown hair falls over his face, covering the look of blue eyes from the piercing blackness in the sheriff's eyes. Having adjusted the instrument in his hands, John set to work on the right one. Fingers find the right chord, and a sad melody sounded on the bar. With the onset of silence, the music was clearly audible, and Jon began to sing.
Can you show me a way back home?
I’m so tired of walking down on this earth
I just want to meet my family soon
But I lost my way back home
Jon sang softly, but gently, and there was a hoarseness in his voice, as if his voice was a thin crystal that was about to break, but this did not prevent him from singing. Jon looked at the faces of the people who were here, listening to him sing and play the guitar, but for some reason he was most interested in the person who saved his life, and who was sitting almost next to him. The sheriff's face didn't convey emotions, and it seemed that he was calm, but the pain in his eyes did not hide from Jon, and now Jon knew for sure that in the past the sheriff had also experienced a loss like Jon himself.
Many year have passed by
As I left in the night to the stars
And by walking on the endless road
I have lost my way back home
Indeed, many years have passed since Jon left on his snow-white mare Pearl on the road. Jon remembered himself as a teenager on the day when, leaving his empty house, he packed up and jumped on a horse given to him by his deceased father, he began his long journey in search of his family. The beautiful starry night was cold for him, because he was all alone. No father, no mother... as if Jon had become an orphan. But he knew that sooner or later he would find those he had been looking for for so long.
No I wasn’t unhappy all time
But my soul was calling for them
I could endlessly walk this way
But I got cold and lost instead
Jon didn't know if he was lying to himself that he wasn't unhappy all the time he was traveling, because he met many people on the way, but none of them became his friend, because for such a long time they probably forgot about him, just as John forgot about them, but remembered that I met them. He felt a strange feeling. They were complete strangers to him, but he was more worried about them than about himself. Any normal person in Jon's situation would definitely worry about himself, but Jon sometimes asked himself if they were still alive and if everything was fine with them? Even thinking about his family, he also asked this. These thoughts made him freeze at night. Even the cold of empty nights for Jon cannot compare with the cold of his dark thoughts in his head.
I was wishing for fire to warm
Just to lay my hands to him
And by singing my lovely songs
Lay to sleep on this starry cold night
There were times when John simply could not find a place to sleep, and he had to spend the night under the stars in an empty area, freezing from cold and loneliness. The fire didn't always warm him, despite how brightly he burned, even brighter than all those stars in the sky. John would have liked his hands to be in the hands of his brothers or his mother, or even his father, but there was only fire, his songs and himself. Often Jon could not sleep, insomnia was a common thing for him, and he had to sing to himself to fall asleep. Jon seems to have lost count, how long has he lived like this? And how long will it last? John didn't know the answer to that question. Maybe one day he'll find out.
I got tired and my horse tired too
She was with me all this time
And my family calls us home
It is time to return them home
Involuntarily, Jon remembered his snow-white mare, Pearl. She was given to him by his father when Jon turned 10. Pearl was a frisky foal, quite loud and restless. Jon was exactly the same, so the two of them quickly found a common language. During his entire journey, Jon was very worried about her. People marveled at her beauty, grace and agility. For a mare like Pearl, fate could have been decided very simply: she could have been stolen and then killed. But Jon couldn't let that happen. However, the Pearl could escape if Jon forgot about her for a while when he wasn't around, but she stayed close, being loyal to her master. She became a loyal friend to Jon, and Jon always protected her. He remembered the robbers' attacks on them, and how audaciously his horse could hit the offenders with its hind hooves, protecting Jon. The two of them became a team, but last time, both failed, but soon, they will be alone again, traveling to places unknown to them.
Let me walk away again
Like I used to do all the time
I won’t find my home anyway
But I pray, that I’ll meet them soon
As Jon sang these words, his gaze met the sheriff's gaze again. There was no face on him, and it seems John saw in his eyes regret and sadness towards him. The sheriff knew how to feel the meaning of songs, Jon understood that. These words sounded like a plea for something that John had long been used to and would never leave, for any money. Despite the fact that his hopes could collapse overnight, he did not give up, he believed that he would meet his family sooner or later. John finished singing, putting the guitar aside. There was silence in the bar. It seems that this song was a shock or realization for many, and John was able to correctly convey this song to many by telling this song about himself. Now these people knew who was in front of them, but would they remember him? Suddenly, John heard people clapping, and looking at everyone around him, he sees bright smiles on their faces, as if there was no trace of sadness, as if people were not interested in who John was, however, as it always was, but the sheriff had a completely different look, more understanding.
"You sing beautifully." the sheriff smiled briefly, looking at the cowboy from under his hat, as if he did not want anyone to see him so drooping. "I would never have thought that I would hear this song again, being in such a performance."
"Thank you, Sheriff." Jon said it quietly, feeling a stone on his soul. "I think I created a sad atmosphere. I'm going to check on the Pearl. Is the stable nearby?"
"No, her owner will be there, you will ask him about your mare." the sheriff picked up a guitar. "Let's sing something fun!"
It seemed to John that people were calling him to sing something again, but it was forgotten as soon as the sheriff started playing his song, and people started singing along to him, and even dancing. No, Jon wasn't sad about it, he still has a lot of songs to sing for new people. He felt lonely again. However, now, heading to the stable, he felt a warm feeling, wanting to see the Pearl, hug her long neck, stroke her wavy snow-white mane. Suddenly, he hears the neighing of a horse, loud and tense enough, as if someone was attacking the horse, or she was scared of something. Hurrying to the sound, John sees a very interesting picture: these sounds were made by his horse, which stood up on its hind legs and was clearly trying to move the annoying person who was trying to calm her down. Not far away there was a herd of horses, which, like Jon, were also surprised by such a show. By the way, the man who probably was the owner of the stable had funny curly hair that dangled from side to side when he ran away from a raging horse. Jon whistled, and the Pearl turned at the sound, and seeing the owner, neighed loudly and ran to him. Jon smiled sincerely for the first time in a long time. Among all these people, this animal was his best friend, dearest and closest.
"Hello, Pearl." Jon hugged the mare who ran up to him by the neck, and she pressed her long muzzle against his back. "We are in a new place again, I thought I wouldn't see you."
"Believe me, she was worried about you no less than you were worried about her." said a guy with funny curls who came up to him. "She's quite a loud and frisky one."
"I'm glad you understood that." Jon smiled at the guy who saw the anger of the snow-white mare. "She doesn't like being stroked by strangers, not even food to lure."
"I understood that, judging by the way she snorted at the sight of a carrot in my hands." the curly guy shrugged. "And also, I was lucky that she didn't trample me, I took a big risk."
"Why? Leading horses on a walk before going to bed?"
"Exactly, but she didn't want to go after the herd, and as soon as I slapped her, she gave me a beating.
"I arrived in time." Jon laughed. "Otherwise, I would have seen a rather cruel massacre of you."
"So, you are the cowboy who was saved by our sheriff." the guy held out his hand to him, smiling a little ridiculous but bright smile. "David, or maybe Bryan, I don't remember what name my father gave me, but everyone call me David."
"I'm Jon." the cowboy shook his hand." Thank you for taking care of the Pearl."
"No, no need. The main thing is, take care of yourself, you two. If you want to stay, then she will have to get used to other horses, because she will live with them." David nodded at the snow-white mare. "I have been working in the stable since I was a teenager, but I have not seen such beautiful horses. Where did you get her?"
"A gift from my father. He didn't tell me where he brought her from, but she was still quite a colt." Jon stroked her elongated muzzle.
While they were talking, they were slowly walking outside the city, approaching the steppe. John saw what the guy looked like: he was wearing a red plaid shirt with a denim vest on top, dark trousers and brown boots on his feet. Outwardly, the guy wasn't the cutest, but he wasn't the scariest either. The chin was too long and sharp, the eyebrows had an arc shape, and this made David look serious. But if you look into his eyes and see his smile, then he will definitely stop being so harsh in the eyes of people. John turned around. This rather extensive settlement was so far away from him, but he hadn't even left yet. And will they leave with the Pearl at all?
"I have to go, someone has to keep an eye on them." David smiled before going down the road, where the horses were going.
"Take care of yourself and them!" Jon shouted after him, watching David walk away to the herd of horses.
Jon looked at the Pearl. She was walking beside him, minding her own business. Jon could be alone with his thoughts, but suddenly something stops him from doing this. Next to him, he heard a snort, and it was a loud and heavy snort, not like the signs of a Pearl. Jon turned around and was stunned. In front of him stood a huge black massive horse, looking into his soul. If the Pearl was completely white, then this horse is its complete opposite. The mane was lush, the color of a night without stars, the legs were long but strong enough, and the skin was black and smooth to the touch, although Jon hadn't touched him yet. Jon didn't know that one day he would meet a horse of such incredible beauty. It seems that Pearl has a competitor. Behind him, Jon heard a soft neigh, it was a pearl. At the sight of the snow-white mare, the black horse neighed low and approached his interest in the form of a snow-white mare, almost knocking down her owner. Pearl neighed loudly, began to run away from him in a circle, and the black stallion ran after her. Jon looked at it and thought: how long will his mare run away from everything and not let anyone near her? He was like a Pearl, he noticed it a long time ago. Even his faithful mare was like him in the wounds of the soul. Suddenly Pearl runs up to Jon and hides behind him again, and the black stallion came up to John, again looking with his menacing gaze, clearly dissatisfied with the fact that there was an obstacle in front of him.
"Pearl, where did you find such a handsome man?" John looked at the frightened mare, who lowered her head down. "Don't be afraid, I won't let you offend."
"His name is Storm. "a familiar voice was heard and John saw the sheriff. "David took them out for a walk as usual, and then my boy saw such a beautiful creature."
Pearl raised her head and saw a man dressed all in black in front of her. Jon thought for a moment that the same thing awaited him as David, but how pleasantly surprised he was to see that his Pearl gave itself to a stranger to stroke. The sheriff beamed with a happy smile, stroking the snow-white mare.
"What a beauty." the sheriff looked at Jon. "It's a rare to meet such beauty."
"Everyone says so, but your horse is the standard of grace."Jon stroked Storm on his muzzle, which made him neigh, pressing his head against John's back. "Oh, someone likes to hug."
"Storm didn't get his name because of what he's doing now." the sheriff grinned, watching John hug his horse. "I'd like to talk to you about something, if you don't mind."
"Whatever you want, Sheriff.
Letting the horses play with each other and hearing their neighing, John looked into the distance at the steppe and watched the sunset. Perhaps he will follow the sun riding the Pearl again, or, hearing the words of the sheriff, he will be able to change his mind and attitude towards people.
"I already realized that you are a cowboy tramp who is looking for his family, and I can't put you at risk." the sheriff stood next to John, looking into the distance. "You have great ambitions, hopes and dreams. I also had the same desires and the same feelings that you feel, but I became different by finding my home here."
Jon looked at the man next to him. It seems that he knew what they would try to tell him now.
"You've been on the run for so many years, and you're not tired at all. Don't you want to change something? Being alone with yourself all your life will not make your life better, and your loved ones whom you are looking for don't want to see you so abandoned at all."
"You're right, Sheriff. I don't even remember how long I've been living like this, maybe it would be better for me to stay with you for a while?"
"Exactly. Moreover, I know something about people who may be connected with the abduction of your family."
Jon froze. That's what he's been wanting to hear for so long. He had finally found what he had been looking for all this time of wandering.
"Tico told me he knows you. He knew your father, but their paths diverged when you were still very young. He knows that your father has enemies, and everyone has them, even if you don't notice it. I think Tico will definitely tell you about everything, because you are practically connected."
It's just like Jon thought. Tico was really connected with his family and he heard his name from the mouth of his deceased father. But now, John was interested in the fact that the sheriff was coming to his aid. This situation was different from what it was a couple of hours ago when John came to his senses. Maybe now the sheriff has awakened the feelings that John had all this time? More precisely, they have not disappeared since John sang this song, which meant a lot to the sheriff, as John realized.
"Sheriff, thank you." Jon nodded and did not notice how he smiled at him.
"You're welcome, cowboy." the sheriff smiled and winked at him, which made John roll his eyes. "It's late, stay the night, and tomorrow we'll discuss a plan of action. It's time to catch the offenders and bring your family back."
Jon saw this man for the first time, but he was ready to trust so easily. For him, such a situation was very rare, and it happened for the first time. His fears have come to an end, and it's time to live in a new way.
"May I know your name?" Jon called out to him.
The sheriff stopped, and turning around, he looked into John's eyes for a while, as if he too did not dare to open up. But here he stretches out his hand to him, and calls his name.
"Richard Stephen Sambora. Call me Richie, I think it will be easier for you with this name."
"I'm John Francis Bon Jovi Jr. Jon will be simpler."
They shook hands, and John had never been so calm in his soul as now. Meeting all these people, with this new place, with the sheriff of this city was a new beginning for John for his budding life. Looking at the crimson sunset with shades of purple, the way the horses walked, the way Thunderstorm and Pearl frolicked, and then at Richie looking at him, John told himself that it was the right decision to stay here. And before he goes inside and goes to bed, he looks at the burning lights of the city. This place will become his new home, and not only for him, but also for the family he will definitely find.