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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqivSffr4hc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxXeHIMNr
His gaze hardened. "If I gather the crystals, I can make the world right—no more suffering. I'll finally have peace."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnybSWbjrG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomgqGKO40M
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ucr2kFN5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hiDjcr5ik
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?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY0aWmiwJk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKxXnAaFgh
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?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6c4SURsN2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNmQliASpM
Cody, panting through the pain, forced the words out. "To bring… my brother… back."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF90spNv0U
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyKA7zGLZt
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?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKhYidHxTI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDURESvs9fi
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPv4bnASXb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIYlVvK4Kx
His voice dropped, cold and unyielding. "You're not thinking big enough." Meanwhile, miles away in Grant's Pass,
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oevRCPgDX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zAQvrINWP
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyYz0IOXuw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9DVybj7WF
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElbi4DvR2D
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3FNxYsQ5D
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMegBc7TWO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzYcPrydmO
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcG9Jlb4j6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yup9VBJq1
"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?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb1gRfzLZZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKyy6GLrae
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HIiGG0fP9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm5m1loS6S
Charlie shook his head with a smirk, muttering under his breath, "Should've left you in the last town."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufoKqHwm3E
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNkbDKfRgy
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBWxpf5El8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX5r9GUsTH
Charlie tilted his head, defiant. "You done? Or are we settin' up camp for a history lecture?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuCFHg7kzn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMSjhZz6h7
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. .
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeR3xXFB5k
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVmVazzjGT
"Uncle Jed," Charlie said, his voice trembling with determination. "Please. Let's just find the crystal and get it over with."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMRNtdNNU9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQltde80LXN
Jed's reply was sharp, like a whip crack. "No. I can't allow you to. Not like this, not for that."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluineVVTQa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs1c7cC50y
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2MdmLq36B
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6GevXu7eM
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzUZkpnOuP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh3ZDk6VMZ
"I dare you to say that again," Jose snarled, his voice low and venomous.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZtpoyNPy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd48b8lLYY2
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqapV7wU2a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq3R2yHWaU
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9bT41v9Q1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ifmhb361z
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUt46X3EhD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUsQNCQd4v
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ET2VQKDe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfhmVc7GjZ
The crowd outside the saloon had gone silent, watching Jose with a mix of awe and fear.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjth5yogyi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BHgE0jyLa
"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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWkAWN4Hf6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPkr0bCxyq
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbRSA0gD7q
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBnaPAzPX
The shot rang out, striking the man Jose had just thrown to the ground. Blood spattered the dirt, and the man crumpled.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbQ97sxlcx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sRruKLkS1
"Damn it, boy!" Jed barked, pulling his horse to a stop. "You just shot someone!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEGUeCqxJz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5nzKuhUIC
Charlie didn't flinch, his voice hard. "Doesn't matter. We need him."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuOZgCJoHz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp0cqbSyJp
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjQ8uuKuom
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwWwuXIHa9
Charlie spurred his horse into motion, ducking low as he moved behind a stack of barrels. Jed sighed heavily, muttering as he dismounted.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOZy4FEhbe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPdZm2s2mz
"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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hy3eQmENZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX2XXJbVZo
Charlie glanced at him, frustration etched on his face. "We don't have time for talk, Uncle Jed. I said I'll kill him!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSI6NhmkTy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKjqGyy7UR
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh8tNIrdpE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqeFeperuB
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYlhBMqGgt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GTfgnHsPV
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Zeuz3tgV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5qMbh3uf5
"Stay low!" Jed barked, peeking out to spot their enemy.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD07mW8tIg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMczBJPhFIK
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyGxCco12t
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljhPkr7auI
"Cowards!" Jose yelled. "You think you can outshoot me? I've fought federales tougher than you!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXyC3cR4LG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNUZqb0SH2
Jed muttered under his breath, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Big talk for a man bleedin' all over the damn street."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGad3dQ8dmY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNKrftb3U7
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn8M3s9ibe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jvlju2nu7
"Damn it, boy!" Jed growled, pulling Charlie back down. "You're wastin' bullets! This ain't about sprayin' and prayin'. You gotta aim!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yf9dv27Lt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn3OvMtXL8
Charlie shot him a glare, his voice sharp. "I know what I'm doing, Jed."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfmYE7fGOI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXIAlvRRjM
Jed's lips twitched into a bitter smile. "Yeah? Then why's he still breathin'?"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TJheEHQjG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN4MXb4Kj0
Another shot rang out, this time from Jose. The bullet struck the edge of Jed's cover, splinters raining down on his hat.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6tFof70CU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnMJQxgV5U
"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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ9uZwVMxz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgev0eAJelx
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV9yk0kXRe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApt7mfgBHe
Jed smirked, shaking his head. "Keep talkin', Jose. Maybe you'll talk yourself outta that grave you're diggin'."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpHjjkLlGz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGOr2TDFp5
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetLsYjnrik
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikHNYvzDgA
Jose hissed in pain, retreating further into the saloon. "You'll pay for that, boy!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjX3vV9kEu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd5Fexe7Wv
Jed turned to Charlie, his tone softer now. "You're gettin' too wild. You want to win this, you gotta calm down. Focus."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hseN1v1Vs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF9bSgd2if
Charlie didn't answer. His hands trembled slightly as he reloaded, his jaw clenched tight.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VsCgskPcR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cSc6J6p0w
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoppgHIR2ar
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskBbbOqKn5
Jed sighed, leaning out to fire again. The bullet struck the saloon doorframe, and Jose ducked back.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cvQ2EtQ3v
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbmU3kEScn
"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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3TBmyazyE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwoy34WtGN
Charlie's eyes flickered toward Jed, but he said nothing. Instead, he stood, walking out from cover with his pistol raised.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua2Pmepvy1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR2ZPiDaPm
"Charlie, no!" Jed shouted.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xUPeZAwKv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zCkqH7Sjm
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxWmZVIljM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGQNUddBNx
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NLvpAm0uX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fcaDPRmWn
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOJJZyzRgV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq1GDxrbJ3
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb3nr6UBtQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kMLwikhZt
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71FPpG02gB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNISg5muSz
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!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iLe4yxsGa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdy5gEHLXb
Charlie yanked his arm away, his voice cold. "I had him."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6LunEAjCi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhKE8LcZFJ
Jed shook his head, his frustration evident. "No, you didn't. And next time, you won't get so lucky."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWu1qLfeXm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CiVJotA2t
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SWqTKbnWX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP64Yghuk9
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr53ABKmQSb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMq80WzaRP
Jed glanced at Charlie, his expression grim.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcDN8xnEZK
"You ready for this, boy? 'Cause once we step out there, there ain't no turnin' back."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SP2sawQPi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTW9tKE419
Charlie nodded, his jaw set. "I'm ready."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD8mTuce2x
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5XwmqAbAh
Jed sighed, loading the last of his bullets. "Then let's end it."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRFgMuYWI9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdovBRWh1eA
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdzIV1Lnbh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNV6g7x3cO
And then, the shooting began again.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5W5Ezsggj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3iuSA3pcV
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvosMNGRXs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI4HIQSx4r
Jed stood to the side, watching Charlie take his position. His grizzled voice was a warning and a plea all in one.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDXT2M5nEl
"You sure about this, boy? Ain't no undoing what's about to happen."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvtafT454K
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFcW6ka2mZ
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFZcH00Phx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8einZFN4mB
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiTOHoFJ24
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1EaYPVQpd
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCL8WL8Oxh
"You ready to die, Charlie ?" Jose taunted, his voice low and venomous.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtD1VR4SvZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxRXUS79Fb
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."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Mj74E4zi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7RQWquSAh
Jose smirked coldly, his hand hovering over his pistol. "Bold words for a dead man."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4CSLm4FAD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BcQXQdjv1
They squared off, traditional dueling stance. The street fell silent, the world shrinking to just the two of them.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK942ThYTU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWaE2pfdLa
Jed stepped back, muttering to himself, "Damn fool kids. Pride'll be the death of us all."
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9fHVfF7ZD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZADasSd3f
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYbIgs2OXQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1P5bIBECK
"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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXgEdb6yvQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7i5rkLCie
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.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2LCTO0NXg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ94shXNg2L
Jed's voice tore through the air. "Charlie ! No!"
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3baksGT1zo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpSo1dIIfm
Charlie crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as blood pooled beneath him.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKZl9z6YqS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4nhCfZKhg
From the shadows, George stepped forward, the barrel of his gun still smoking. His smirk was as sharp as his shot.
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBNV2h5MX9
"Well, now, wasn't that somethin'? Hell of a show, boys."
ns3.16.42.17da2
