Retribution Chapter 9: It Ain't Over

The white flag still in my right hand, released, momentarily hangs in the air. Until gravity takes over, Addison rotates her horse ninety degrees, her weapon pulled, hidden at her side, mumbles anytime guys. On the ranch, Frank took careful aim, firing a shot that hit one rider. A second shot, fired almost instantly, brought down a second. Meanwhile, Brett and Cord opened fire on the intruders’ camp, hitting the water barrel and some of those in hiding, while Addison added a third casualty.

The heir apparently frozen as I aim, waiting. I repeat, “you all need ta, collect the bodies, head home, have dinner, spend the night with your families, let this storm pass, return in the morning. No one else has to die tonight.”

He hesitates, wondering which is worse, dying or facing the governor, family, a failure, beaten, bodies to be buried. Not being a patient man, I fire, missing his ear by inches, cock and aim, decision made, reigns his horse, spurs his charge, and runs. We likewise quickly head back to the decaying building. Hustling inside to cheers. Frank grinning, amazed he made ‘two’ perfect shots. There stood Brett and Cord, somber, shake their head. Together, they once again had our backs.

Winded asked, “well done, gentlemen.”

Out the window could see a wagon being loaded with bodies, and by all appearances, the crew leaving.

Voice from behind, “Now what?”

Turning, “Simple. We’re outta here. Continue looking for Mr. Eldridge, his family. Like I said, he owes me money.”

“And us?” Doug said.

“Leave or be prepared to defend this shack. They’ll be back.”

“How about we join your team?”

“Well… naw, we’re headed… west… and suggest you all head, yeah, … not with us, maybe east? Definitely not south.”

Reading the room, something has changed, what was once a cheerful event, rejoicing in our mutual success, now waning. The room shrinking, the mood foreboding. Smiles gone. Surrounded. Upbeat, “Well guys, I think we’ll get our stuff and get outta your way. Head north.”

“North? You said west. You must think I’m a simpleton. I think we’ll grab our stuff and escort all you to town, turn your asses in, and abandon this, as you call it, shack. We’ll make new friends and collect some cash on the deal. And this chick, Addison, she, and I, will spend some time together. So don’t do something stupid. Just drop your weapons with care. We have prepared a special room. And, like the man said, dead or alive.”

From across the room, “boss, thay’s headed away.”

“Seems you’ve got this all figured out. My only suggestions, 1) don’t trust anyone, 2) avoid standing in front of windows, and 3) whatever is on your mind, it ain’t gonna go well.

“Shut-up, hands-up.”

Surrounded. “Guess you’re the man…Doug? So, one more thing: when’s dinner?”

Return to Table of Contents