Hank was dreaming. He and Zoe were on a beach, blue sky above them, brightly plumed birds singing in the trees behind, and crystal clear waves lapping at their feet as they lay on the sand making love. He had just kissed her all the way down from her earlobe to her waist, and was about to continue further when a shadow loomed over him, shaking his shoulder.

“Come on,” it said. “It’s time.”

“Time?” Hank struggled out of sleep. “Time for what?” His eyes focused on the deputy’s face.

“Come on.” Warner pulled him to his feet, fastening his hands with the restraints.

“Where are we going?” Hank blinked hard, trying to clear his eyes.

“Outside.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.” Warner smiled and gently pushed Hank towards the door.

Moving as directed, Hank looked over his shoulder. “What’s going on?”

“Just some business.” He prodded Hank again. “Come on. We don't got all day.”

“But it’s still night.”

“Nope. Dawn’s breaking. Kinda traditional.” He reached around Hank to open another door, and the scent of fresh air drifted in. “Just through here.”

Hank stepped outside, peering into the gloom. “There’s nothing ...” Then his eyes adjusted, and he could see a frame a dozen yards ahead, the unpainted wood stark against the darkness. “No ...”

“Now come on,” Warner said. “It’s undignified to make a fuss. Besides, everyone’s waiting.”

Suddenly Hank realised the space between him and ... it ... was full of people, moving to either side like the parting of the Red Sea to let them through. He pulled back. “No, look, this isn’t right. I'm innocent.” He twisted to look into the deputy’s face. “Warner, I ain’t even been tried yet!”

“Well, the good citizens of Monument decided they didn’t need to wait.” He nodded towards the gallows, surrounded by eager faces lit by the rays of the rising sun. “All the evidence points to you, and your Captain’s not found anything to the contrary. So the Judge decided not to waste tax-payers money.” He gave Hank a push, harder this time. “C