A Time to Fight — Jared McVay

A Western Adventure by Jared McVayThe King of Spain was livid with anger as he stormed into General Hernandez's office and placed his hands on the general's desk and said, I want you to go to America and execute the man who killed my son! But you must do it in such a way the Americans will not suspect it was us who killed him. Money is no object. Take as many men as you think you will need, but I want Lucas Penny dead before the year is out! ExcerptA bullet whizzed past my shoulder so close I could feel the buzz of it. I wheeled my horse and rode as fast as I could, over to the side of my cabin, just as a second bullet tore a chunk of wood out of the corner of the cabin, close to my head. Brutus was already there, growling. I called out to him. Quiet boy!I stepped down from my horse, pulling my rifle from the scabbard, and flattened myself against the wall. I eased my way to the corner. I took off my hat and slowly pushed it out beyond the corner of the cabin, and when I did, a pistol sounded and a second later, a bullet tore a hole through my hat. I jerked my hat back and fired two quick shots in the direction of the wagon, not carrying if I hit anything. I just wanted to distract him.I turned and ran around to the opposite side of my cabin and eased my way up to the corner, my eyes searching for any kind of movement. Brutus was right on my heels.When I got to the corner, I peeked around the edge and saw the general, kneeling down next to the back of the wagon. He was looking in the direction of where I'd just been. He seemed nervous. I could have shot him but for some reason, I chose not to. Like I said, earlier, I wasn't looking to kill anyone unless I had no other choice.I lifted my rifle and put a bullet into the wagon, not far from his head as I yelled, Drop your gun or my next bullet will be directed to your head.He whirled around and started to raise his pistol. I yelled, Don't do it! I don't want to kill you, but if you force me, I will!