Chapter 67
Garrett, however, just smiled and calmly said, “Fine with me. Cletus here can lead the train. Sam, come on, we’ll tell Todd and Gus we’re not goin’. Oh, yeah, I don’t think the Tuckers’ll want to go without us either, but you all have a good trip.” He started to walk away.
The crowd began murmuring and milling about. The reverend looked confused.
Cletus ran after Garrett. “Come now, Taylor,” he said, his voice pleading. “I’m sure we can work something out.”
“What’s there to work out?” Garrett said without looking back. “The reverend don’t trust me, so, that’s that.” He continued walking away.
“The reverend don’t speak for us,” called a man in the crowd.
“No, he don’t,” chimed in other voices.
Garrett stopped and turned to the men. “All right, if you want me, I’ll lead you, but you understand I’m the undisputed leader. My word is law. If you have a problem with that, you can stay behind and wait for another train.” He addressed his last remark to Rayburn.