The Gunslinger Who Came to Bury His Past — Then the Town Gave Him a Reason to Draw Again
CHAPTER 12
The train thundered through the desert.
Vane stood inside the engine with the deed.
Gabriel climbed onto the roof.
Wind tore at his coat.
Ada followed.
“You said stay behind!”
“I ignored you.”
“Of course you did.”
They reached the engine.
Vane emerged.
He aimed his gun.
“Shaw.”
Gabriel stopped.
“You’ve spent your whole life chasing this moment.”
“No.”
Gabriel looked at him.
“I spent my whole life trying to forget it.”
Vane laughed.
“Then why are you here?”
Gabriel glanced at Ada.
“Because some things deserve to be remembered.”
Vane fired.
Gabriel ducked.
The bullet struck metal.
They moved toward each other.
Neither fired again.
Finally, Vane lowered his gun.
“One question.”
Gabriel waited.
“Your father knew he’d die.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t he run?”
Gabriel thought of the grave.
“Because someone had to stay.”
Vane smiled.
“Then you are more like him than you think.”
He drew.
Gabriel was faster.
One shot.
Vane fell.
The train continued forward.
Gabriel caught the deed before it disappeared beneath the wheels.
Ada stared at him.
“It’s over.”
Gabriel looked toward the horizon.
“No.”
He handed her the document.
“It’s beginning.”
