Chapter 1
“Don’t make me do this.“ His voice is low and deep. He raises his head, revealing his deep brown eyes peering from underneath the brim of his worn hat. He is unshaven, and he grinds his teeth before spitting his chew off to the side in a slimy brown stream. He wipes his chin with his red handkerchief and stuffs it back into his back pocket, ready for the next spit. With gravel in his gut, he cocks his head and growls louder. “You know what will happen.”
The early morning gray fog carries the scent of eucalyptus trees. The sea gulls cry out overhead, welcoming the morning. The sun peeks over the mountain, and I am ready for the day. I secure my stance, stay at the ready, and breathe in deeply to fill my lungs with the morning air. Red’s grisly voice does not scare me, his trophy belt buckle does not intimidate me. I am ready, strong, and I can do this.
“Don’t make me do this.”
His skin is as rough as leather with the lines to match. His hardened visage has many tales behind it. He stands his ground and does not move a muscle. He watches me like an eagle watches its prey.
“Coward!” I yell back at him with all the courage I can muster. My fingers tighten, my heart races and my breath fills my chest. I can do this. This time, it’s mine! I will not back down, I will do this, and no one can change my mind. There is no backing down.
“You’re just a scared old man!”
Red’s faded old jeans and flannel shirt hang limply on his boney old frame. His prize possession, that trophy silver buckle with the engraving “Kings Ranch” holds his belt closed, and holsters his peacemaker long barrel at his side.
“Don’t make me do this, you know what will happen. I will give you one last chance, dang it, to back down.”
“Lilly-bellied lizard! You’re afraid, old man!”
I tighten my grip and lean into my words. I would not, could not, let him hear my voice quiver. I only hear my blood racing through my body and my heart pounding.
“Coward!”
“Ok, I warned you.” Red turns his head and spits one more time. He squares himself off, twists his boots into the dirt, and gets a good foothold. His hand hovers over his peacemaker, and he turns slightly to the side. Our eyes lock, and a silence falls over us; the moment is frozen in time, like a photograph.
Fast as lighting, Red’s peacemaker slips from his holster, swings around, and fires a single shot.
Chapter 1 “Don’t make me do this.“ His voice is low and deep. He raises his head, revealing his deep brown eyes peering from underneath the brim of his worn hat. He is unshaven, and he grinds his teeth before spitting his chew off to the side in a slimy brown stream. He wipes his chin with his red handkerchief and stuffs it back into his back pocket, ready for the next spit. With gravel in his gut, he cocks his head and growls louder. “You know what will happen.” The early morning gray fog carries the scent of eucalyptus trees. The sea gulls cry out overhead, welcoming the morning. The sun peeks over the mountain, and I am ready for the day. I secure my stance, stay at the ready, and breathe in deeply to fill my lungs with the morning air. Red’s grisly voice does not scare me, his trophy belt buckle does not intimidate me. I am ready, strong, and I can do this. “Don’t make me do this.” His skin is as rough as leather with the lines to match. His hardened visage has many tales behind it. He stands his ground and does not move a muscle. He watches me like an eagle watches its prey. “Coward!” I yell back at him with all the courage I can muster. My fingers tighten, my heart races and my breath fills my chest. I can do this. This time, it’s mine! I will not back down, I will do this, and no one can change my mind. There is no backing down. “You’re just a scared old man!” Red’s faded old jeans and flannel shirt hang limply on his boney old frame. His prize possession, that trophy silver buckle with the engraving “Kings Ranch” holds his belt closed, and holsters his peacemaker long barrel at his side. “Don’t make me do this, you know what will happen. I will give you one last chance, dang it, to back down.” “Lilly-bellied lizard! You’re afraid, old man!” I tighten my grip and lean into my words. I would not, could not, let him hear my voice quiver. I only hear my blood racing through my body and my heart pounding. “Coward!” “Ok, I warned you.” Red turns his head and spits one more time. He squares himself off, twists his boots into the dirt, and gets a good foothold. His hand hovers over his peacemaker, and he turns slightly to the side. Our eyes lock, and a silence falls over us; the moment is frozen in time, like a photograph. Fast as lighting, Red’s peacemaker slips from his holster, swings around, and fires a single shot.