The back-story of Horseshoe Jones (Part I)

Many of you have probably not heard the full story of Horseshoe Jones.  His noble cause, his daring conquest, and his ultimate, tragic downfall…. at the hands of his own first-born son no less.

Before we get into that, it’s important to understand what motivated Horseshoe to get into the business in the first place.

The year was 1927.  Horseshoe, as he was nicknamed for his lucky demeanor, was 15 years old.  Times were good, especially for a young man as cunning as he.  A wave goodbye to mother, a step into the front door of the school and then an immediate exit out the back was the extent of Horseshoe’s formal education.  You see, Horseshoe was too ambitious to accept a seat behind a desk.  He needed action.

And action is what he found during his days as a moonshine and sports bet runner for Father Blaylock, the local priest.  Run after run, Horseshoe always delivered the goods, the cash, and avoided detection by the local authorities (who had little motivation beyond the occasional shakedown).

In other words, he was a winner.  Unfortunately for Father Blaylock, Horseshoe was beginning to figure out just how valuable he had become.

To be continued…..