George stood there, gripping his wounded arm, his expression unreadable. "That's why I did it, sir," he said, his voice calm but sharp with conviction. "That's why I killed them. Revenge." He exhaled slowly as if the confession weighed on him. "Does that make me the bad guy? Yes… and no. I did what I had to. For peace."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU0S75mLxp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDTdtZA8yo
His gaze hardened. "If I gather the crystals, I can make the world right—no more suffering. I'll finally have peace."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMq6kbJENL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6c1mGGmWe
Cody, trembling, reached for his gun. George's eyes flicked to the movement, and before Cody could raise it, George pulled the trigger. The shot rang out, and Cody collapsed to his knees, clutching his arm as blood seeped through his fingers.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrq5T9E2HK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMEqL7xqFX
Cody let out a choked scream, glaring up at George. "Why… why do you want the crystals?" His voice was strained, each word a struggle. "What wish are you going to make?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9E93G7IpV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3VeRkbeix
George stepped closer, his expression calm, almost pitying. "That's not how this works, Cody," he said. "The better question is, what wish are you going to make?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVtppFgFk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztMV8wDBSA
Cody, panting through the pain, forced the words out. "To bring… my brother… back."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqSsfYURBy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa8h5ztcF3
George's eyes narrowed slightly, his composure unbroken. "Your brother…" He let the words hang in the air, his face betraying no emotion. Then, in a measured tone, he said, "It's always about what we've lost, isn't it?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpV0IkEPq6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vpjQnOol4
He turned slightly as if pondering Cody's words. "You think bringing one person back will fix everything? No, Cody. That's not peace. That's denial."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkWaP4qWzW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn1Wsob5ZE
His voice dropped, cold and unyielding. "You're not thinking big enough." Meanwhile, miles away in Grant's Pass,
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡics2O8ycKV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEe7EQgyZ4
The faint clatter of hooves on frostbitten dirt echoed as Charlie and Jed rode into Grants Pass, the crisp January air sharp enough to cut through layers of worn leather and cloth. The small town unfolded before them, a collection of modest buildings with peeling paint and stoic charm. Smoke coiled lazily from chimneys, and the streets bore the quiet hum of a place content to mind its own business.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJFa7JPXFT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b5o1AS1g3
Jed tugged the brim of his hat lower against the setting sun and gestured toward the town with a casual flick of his reins. "Boy, you ever wonder 'bout the ground yer standin' on?" His voice was gravelly, laced with equal parts wisdom and mischief. "Grants Pass here's older than it looks. Back in the 1820s, Hudson's Bay Company trappers were wanderin' through these parts, followin' the Siskiyou Trail. By the 1840s, settlers were makin' their way along the Applegate Trail, headin' to the Willamette Valley. That there is the spine of this place—a trail beaten by ambition and desperation."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkeTjBtMpM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCyInJ8UwW
Charlie rolled his eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "And here I thought we were just ridin' into another nowhere town. Thanks for the history lesson, Professor Jed."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhq4EnYTm3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh2e8sAo1W
Jed smirked, undeterred by the sarcasm. "You're welcome, boy. Name came about on account of General Ulysses S. Grant's victory at Vicksburg. Thought it'd be real grand to name a place after him. Post office got set up back in March of '65. And don't get me started on the weather—hotter than the devil's back pocket in summer, colder than a well digger's ass come winter."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXu5XZnQ1E
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9bHb4RTvz
"Sure sounds like paradise," Charlie muttered, steering his horse around a patch of slushy mud. "You writin' a guidebook now? Maybe publish it in the Grants Pass Daily Courier?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1QfiPNKMz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6obpFYcmM
Jed barked a dry laugh, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, if you read, you'd know that paper's been around since 1885. Used to be called the Rogue River Courier. Mighty fine publication, if I do say so myself. Better than whatever nonsense fills your saddlebag."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vfeO9J5ne
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntUUqI2Ip5
Charlie shook his head with a smirk, muttering under his breath, "Should've left you in the last town."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MDEcxJuvb
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa9mQjpIuD
Jed reined his horse in and fixed Charlie with a sharp look, the humor fading from his face. "Listen, boy, this town might look plain, but there's stories buried in every step. Stories folks like you ignore 'til they're bitin' you in the ass. And mark my words—those damn crystals are gonna leave you buried in a town just like this if you ain't careful."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WN51cYW4r
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP1QHBU7uW
Charlie tilted his head, defiant. "You done? Or are we settin' up camp for a history lecture?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrhNjia6dQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa49Lbc2I4
Jed leaned closer, his voice dropping low, almost conspiratorial. "What I'm done with is chasin' after somethin' that'll tear a man apart from the inside. Crystals don't grant wishes, boy. They twist 'em. You can't cheat this world, no matter how much you think you can. .
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo2Hd22fOI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVeh3mBd5q
"Uncle Jed," Charlie said, his voice trembling with determination. "Please. Let's just find the crystal and get it over with."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA0dNR0NRC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnlDy9EzhZ
Jed's reply was sharp, like a whip crack. "No. I can't allow you to. Not like this, not for that."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLPdpnfjjm
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVABIZqMNS
Before Charlie could argue, the crash of a man being hurled through the saloon window silenced him. Shards of glass rained onto the wooden porch as a burly figure hit the ground with a groan.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhMZTOQpR0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHX5iWd1BY
From the saloon's swinging doors emerged Jose, clutching his side where blood had soaked through his shirt. His face was pale, but his eyes burned with fury. He marched up to the man on the ground, grabbed him by the collar, and hoisted him halfway to his feet before wrapping his hand around the man's throat.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3kDPVgzUq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaHzKJ6TLb
"I dare you to say that again," Jose snarled, his voice low and venomous.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC7KQIBfj4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVv2Gmk7At
The man coughed and spluttered, defiant despite his predicament. "You're a filthy Mexican! You don't deserve to be in the same bar as us white folks."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ9QevgfTr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg8f6lXSSu
Jose's grip tightened, and his voice dripped with disdain. "You whites, always thinkin' you're the superior race. But the truth is, you're all pieces of cow shit. Every damn one of you. And here's another truth: all humans are the same—selfish, chaotic animals pretending at being something more."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqRm4PO2sy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQqUhPEQRk
His words cut through the air, sharp and deliberate. "Look around you," Jose continued, his voice rising. "Humanity is a swarm of ants, driven by instinct and ignorance. They follow the loudest voice, the brightest light, without ever questioning where it leads them. Mindless. Blind."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvZgcnYFZN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x0Bws8Eyc
He shoved the man to the ground, standing tall despite the pain etched on his face. "But I'm not one of them. I see the world for what it is—a chessboard. Every piece, every person, is a tool, a means to an end. Weakness? It's a liability. Camaraderie? A chain that binds you. Sacrifices? Necessary."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYMvKKEuuJ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7lEroO8SC
The crowd outside the saloon had gone silent, watching Jose with a mix of awe and fear.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ZN75EbEE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmvRYv1MEM
"I will rise above this chaos," he declared. "I'll reshape it into something worthy of my vision. Call me ruthless, call me cold, but at least I'm not blind."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsXXfLC992
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx2l1Ofcdc
Before Jose could say more, he caught sight of Charlie, perched on his horse, a gun drawn and aimed at him. Instinct kicked in, and Jose dove behind the overturned saloon table as Charlie fired.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EpgYTCKZe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bDqezFKIW
The shot rang out, striking the man Jose had just thrown to the ground. Blood spattered the dirt, and the man crumpled.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvzhl5QiqD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjMAaulbHq
"Damn it, boy!" Jed barked, pulling his horse to a stop. "You just shot someone!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xUc0xgbaH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40JIiUCFbl
Charlie didn't flinch, his voice hard. "Doesn't matter. We need him."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjrzxoXG8G
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRk7Fjg0nW
Jose, now crouched behind cover, shouted back, his voice echoing with rage. "You think you can just come here and take me down? Try it, escoria. But know this—if I fall, I'll drag you straight to hell with me."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVrpaMMQyQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT09EC6Pnb
Charlie spurred his horse into motion, ducking low as he moved behind a stack of barrels. Jed sighed heavily, muttering as he dismounted.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8oMDF53Dn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypv27ZoAWe
"Boy, you've gone and kicked a hornet's nest," Jed grumbled, his tone laced with dry sarcasm. He followed Charlie into cover, his movements deliberate and steady. "Next time, maybe try not shootin' first, eh? I'd like to finish a conversation before someone ends up bleedin' out."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9uTvvL2SO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cX8y3K81o
Charlie glanced at him, frustration etched on his face. "We don't have time for talk, Uncle Jed. I said I'll kill him!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIP5ZblsnA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5iVqoEAf6
Jed let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You've got more fire than sense, kid. That's your problem. Always thinkin' you can shoot your way to an answer."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacoCoX3vun
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgqo1O4s1K
The air was thick with dust and gunpowder. Jed crouched behind a stack of barrels, his revolver loaded and steady in his calloused hands. A gunshot cracked through the air, kicking up splinters from the broken wagon beside him.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzAdF9gXBc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fozHnVl1b
Charlie huddled nearby, his knuckles white around his pistol grip. His face was a storm—eyes cold and hollow, mouth set in a tight line. The boy was changing, and Jed didn't like what he saw.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEOWwoZ6c4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNarPAe8Cmg
"Stay low!" Jed barked, peeking out to spot their enemy.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtEDiL3bDc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYxCWeYSrT
Across the street, Jose had taken cover behind a water trough, his revolver propped against the edge. The man's sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, calculating every move. Blood seeped from a wound in his side, but he grinned like the devil himself.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI94pWmorjW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYstzWt130j
"Cowards!" Jose yelled. "You think you can outshoot me? I've fought federales tougher than you!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIpVWOuSh1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1crzQvjP32
Jed muttered under his breath, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Big talk for a man bleedin' all over the damn street."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzyKIO2iXF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iczr9PFHf
Charlie rose slightly, aiming his pistol toward the trough. He fired twice—one shot ricocheted off the trough's iron edge, the other buried itself in the dirt nearby.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWtK88Vagj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPsSNN1ZLO
"Damn it, boy!" Jed growled, pulling Charlie back down. "You're wastin' bullets! This ain't about sprayin' and prayin'. You gotta aim!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyTm2k7vWD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz0fbuvpvc
Charlie shot him a glare, his voice sharp. "I know what I'm doing, Jed."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo8IeshKwI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4piPd0iXYA
Jed's lips twitched into a bitter smile. "Yeah? Then why's he still breathin'?"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfG5m8SsPE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb7eJL6Bcs
Another shot rang out, this time from Jose. The bullet struck the edge of Jed's cover, splinters raining down on his hat.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rbbMbtq1M
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0vwPqKem9
"Gonna have to try harder than that!" Jed called out, leaning out to return fire. His shot clipped the edge of the trough, sending Jose ducking back.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtm7f5dqEH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX3oP7jyHZ
Jose's voice carried over the chaos. "You think you're clever, old man? You're just another relic, too slow to keep up. And Charlie—he's no better. Kid doesn't have the guts to finish this."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpIyeKh0FP
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpsFdY5cjb
Jed smirked, shaking his head. "Keep talkin', Jose. Maybe you'll talk yourself outta that grave you're diggin'."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEghDJfHED
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRnbAwOGMm
Charlie rose again, his face twisted in determination. He fired three more shots in quick succession. One struck the trough, the second shattered a window behind Jose, and the third grazed his shoulder.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeCldfigcw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i5eRpHhIN
Jose hissed in pain, retreating further into the saloon. "You'll pay for that, boy!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrShCIOkixw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVoD7Dr7vq
Jed turned to Charlie, his tone softer now. "You're gettin' too wild. You want to win this, you gotta calm down. Focus."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxW712tJ7f
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIMEq22ouz
Charlie didn't answer. His hands trembled slightly as he reloaded, his jaw clenched tight.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjrUR7BGrs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKJCemGa4B
Jose's voice came from the shadows of the saloon. "I can feel it, Charlie. You're breakin'. All that anger, all that desperation—it's gonna get you killed."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBIuELMkPZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU5Kz6w6ml
Jed sighed, leaning out to fire again. The bullet struck the saloon doorframe, and Jose ducked back.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkASBMbIIZ8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHbD4yigUs
"Charlie," Jed said quietly, his tone measured. "He's tryin' to rattle you. Don't let him. We stick to the plan, and we'll walk away from this."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM322f1Ej2g
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQq7ESCI5S
Charlie's eyes flickered toward Jed, but he said nothing. Instead, he stood, walking out from cover with his pistol raised.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdDoDMfwHg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Q34sNMel
"Charlie, no!" Jed shouted.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uKsYccyIQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gfqAwM1rO
Jose stepped out from the shadows, his rifle leveled. He fired, the shot barely missing Charlie as it struck the dirt by his feet. Charlie fired back, the bullet grazing Jose's arm.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1FEIF1ESL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWJxOkW7Zq
The two men squared off in the street, trading shots like a deadly game of chess. Jed watched, his heart pounding, as Charlie's movements grew more erratic, his shots wilder.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X577voWjp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxp6N3dAFM
Jose, despite his injuries, moved with precision. He fired a shot that struck the revolver from Charlie's hand, sending it skittering across the ground.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm91ucrqY78
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MU60bSOyT
Jed didn't hesitate. He stepped out, firing twice in quick succession. One shot hit the trough, the other grazed Jose's leg, forcing him to stumble.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30OK6AC7w4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTwcY28GWt
Jose cursed, retreating into the saloon again. "You two really are somethin'. Can't hit the broad side of a barn, but you sure know how to waste bullets."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc8nznUNER
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pE3gRs25q
Jed grabbed Charlie by the arm, pulling him back into cover. "What the hell were you thinkin', boy? You can't just charge in like that!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmfJUgsG5E
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mEcA25KkP
Charlie yanked his arm away, his voice cold. "I had him."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjXw5VhrQZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG9zfj6vo9
Jed shook his head, his frustration evident. "No, you didn't. And next time, you won't get so lucky."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMSKAqmy5J
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCpVOtKu1u
The street fell silent, save for the distant sound of wind rustling through the buildings. Both sides were running low on ammunition, and the fight was far from over.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FVmQiZqD2
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJq5pDC6Oc
From inside the saloon, Jose's voice rang out, low and dangerous. "You want me dead so bad, Charlie? Come and get me. Let's finish this."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpelHlbB93y
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO5c7yURiN
Jed glanced at Charlie, his expression grim.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzcE6bLkrr
"You ready for this, boy? 'Cause once we step out there, there ain't no turnin' back."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xsjZSv8Lg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u9MSzcHkG
Charlie nodded, his jaw set. "I'm ready."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4xXdWAHL8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmstKAGZHWj
Jed sighed, loading the last of his bullets. "Then let's end it."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlWbmTTMG5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ri1YsrrdS
The two men stepped out into the street, their guns raised, as Jose emerged from the saloon. The three stood frozen for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFxTaowxxr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTmnpJxaWO
And then, the shooting began again.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpngoc96dNj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpp4Rkyukm
The air between Charlie and Jose was heavy with tension, the kind that made your chest tighten and your fingers itch for steel. The sun hung low, casting long shadows that flickered as dust swirled around their boots.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNAMnKvA82
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKfJ9ojyGA
Jed stood to the side, watching Charlie take his position. His grizzled voice was a warning and a plea all in one.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3XhCHzSHJ
"You sure about this, boy? Ain't no undoing what's about to happen."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHWrJZjZip
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZgPcOI7Vd
Charlie 's lips tightened, his eyes locked on Jose with a mix of rage and resolve. "Yeah, Uncle. I'm sure. If I don't make it, bury me near the sea. That's all I ask."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXo03TMzgv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0loihTqc5
Jed's expression softened for just a moment before his usual gruffness returned. "Just don't let your ego outrun your skill. Men faster than you've died slower deaths."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0a8K0PT8a
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25WC4AJiIF
Across from them, Jose adjusted his stance, his face a mask of cool detachment. His dark eyes burned with the kind of murderous intent that sent shivers down spines.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfTa5T7JGd
"You ready to die, Charlie ?" Jose taunted, his voice low and venomous.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWGML2CPsU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ILRPD3f10
Charlie didn't flinch. His fingers flexed near his holster as he shot back, "One of us will. And when I put you down, I'll spit on your grave."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8brpbOViyw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXje1l4I7X
Jose smirked coldly, his hand hovering over his pistol. "Bold words for a dead man."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Yxnry9a7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8pxV6XWLd
They squared off, traditional dueling stance. The street fell silent, the world shrinking to just the two of them.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1aQd0IRAZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BQw3LqSpT
Jed stepped back, muttering to himself, "Damn fool kids. Pride'll be the death of us all."
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpN8vGSjT3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND8ORaH6HH
Time seemed to slow as their fingers twitched, ready to draw. But just as Jose made his move, he froze mid-reach. A knife had appeared, fused into his leg, glowing faintly as if alive. His eyes widened in shock and pain as it burrowed deeper, aiming for his heart.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZLccIlbe0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3UtTFW1H5
"Damn it!" Jose bellowed, his gun arm jerking as he instinctively fired. The bullet slammed into his own leg, an attempt to disrupt the knife's progress.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6DzEkwRb4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrinUB4brZS
Charlie saw his chance. His revolver was halfway out of its holster when another gunshot rang out—sharp and unexpected. Charlie 's body jerked violently as the bullet struck him square in the head.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLabk5DEq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYZLVMin9S
Jed's voice tore through the air. "Charlie ! No!"
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWbGfAKV6m
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTzhMPM9kD
Charlie crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as blood pooled beneath him.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifz6p1MXZv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab7xw9KTq9
From the shadows, George stepped forward, the barrel of his gun still smoking. His smirk was as sharp as his shot.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhpFPIA577
"Well, now, wasn't that somethin'? Hell of a show, boys."
ns18.116.26.90da2
