Drifters

            Meanwhile, the other three players had retrieved their money from the thin man’s pile of winnings, and were standing around double checking their math.  The thin man reached into his vest and Kane wheeled around in his seat to face him.

            “Just retrieving my pocket watch, sir.”  He clicked it open and looked at the large, ornate timepiece.  “My my my …time surely does fly.  I really must be off now.”  Kane relaxed and put the pistol on the table.  He reached over for the stack of remaining cash and coinage and did not see the thin man aim the .41 caliber derringer at him.  The pocket watch’s chain was attached to the butt of the ivory handled weapon.  Luckily, the man was nervous and his shot seared along the back of Kane’s shoulder.  Kane grabbed for his pistol and lunged to the right while firing.

            The first .44 ball passed through the thin man’s left elbow and imbedded itself in the wall.  The second slug missed the man and destroyed a mirror which has been hanging over by the stairs.  The third slug tore through his shoulder and ripped bone and muscle as it exited his back.  The fourth shot went wild into the back corner under the stairwell and, for some reason, flared up in the darkness.  The last ball went through the mans eye and exploded out the back of his head.

            Delmore Kane saw the woman appear out of thin air… like magic.  First there was empty space .. then she was there.

            “God…God Damned…”