Chapter-2: The Bird and The Cat
“Bravo, Diego,” said Don Amado, “bravo Mr. Banker. Nice shots, young man, I mark twenty seconds.”
Patricio and Juan were also impressed by the two shots; and both called out times of twenty one seconds.
“I’ll take the average of the highest two times, which puts me at twenty one seconds. Do you have any disagreements, Don Amado?”
Finishing his slow clap, Amado replied:
“None to declare; let the record show twenty one seconds with two mortal shots delivered.”
Diego wiped drops of sweat from his face and struggled to hold back a smile. With the help of Patricio, he moved his table and weapons to the side. In the mean time, Juan moved on to help Don Amado.
Finished positioning the remaining table into the firing lane, Juan rushed to set up the next target. Don Amado readied himself, taking a few sips of his Tequila Lumbre flask.
Juan called out in between gasps as he ran back: “All set … gentlemen … I’m ready with … my time piece.”
Don Amado steadied his breathing and moved into action. In four seconds he loaded two rounds into his first rifle. Four seconds later, his second rifle received two rounds as well. Aiming down range, three seconds passed and Kra-choom. Amado’s first shot hit one centimeter to the left of the head leveled higo.
Picking up his second rifle in a blur, Don Amado aimed for another four seconds and fired: Kra-choom. The second shot hit one centimeter to the left of the heart leveled higo. Moving back to his first rifle, Don Amado fired for a third time. This shot nicked the head higo, sending it spinning off the small holding plate. One more time, Amado switched rifles and fired. The fourth shot splattered the heart higo, scattering red pulp and seeds into the air.
Thin long ribbons of smoke surrounded Don Amado as he placed his rifle down. The smell of sulfur reached everyone before it vanished into the warm night air.
“My apologies, Diego, I got caught up in the excitement and fired four shots instead of two. Of course, we’ll only count the first two shots.”
“Understandable, señor, the first two shots were superb hits to mortal areas. I marked sixteen seconds.” Diego looked at the three men and tried to contain his victorious smile on his face. Patricio and Juan also confirmed that the first two shots were done in sixteen seconds.
“A bet is a bet, Diego. Twenty pieces per higo, minus the five pieces per shot I made … I’ll bring you your thirty pieces of gold next week.”
“No rush, señor; I’m glad you convinced me to practice with you this evening.”
Looking at the target and back at Diego, Amado laughed. “I’m not surprised you shot well. I heard stories of your expert shooting from the veterans in the cantinas. Every one of them spoke highly of the calmness, accuracy and swiftness of your elite marksmanship. Now … with my own eyes, I know … I know firsthand of the character you possess.”
Amado lifted his chin and moved to gather his things quickly. All set and ready to leave, he turned to Diego and bowed his head as he reached over to shake his hand.
“Well played,” said Amado, “and excellent shooting; keep me informed on the details of the business we discussed earlier. For now, I am off to other important business matters at La Rata Roja cantina: fine easy drinks and even finer and easier women.” Don Amado laughed and turned to Patricio and Juan, and waved. “Gracias muchachos, have a pleasant evening.”
Without hesitation, Diego and company replied in chorus,
“Para servir es mi debir, señor.”
Diego looked up at the moon as Amado turned and walked away. Its glow filled him with awe as he called out to Don Amado. “Thank you for the practice, señor.”
Don Amado walked out of Banco de La Republica at 7:15p.m. Patricio, along with Juan, cleaned up the rifle range and secured everything to its proper place.
Inside the bank, sitting at his circular conference table, Diego cleaned his rifles before giving them one last inspection.
He finished and sat for awhile with his rifles in his hands, reflecting on the night’s events. The feel of firing his weapons stirred memories within his heart. Memories he resisted and failed to keep back. They lived and breathed again, tugging at his soul.
A glint of light flickered in his office window. It caused Diego to blink several times and he moved into action, carrying a rifle in each hand.
He looked at his grandfather clock as he walked passed it. Heavy in his hands, he lifted each rifle and placed them away in their spot, above the stained glass window.
By 7:45p.m, Diego stood with his arms crossed behind his back. He swallowed hard, and stared at his over used rifles. They glistened, and appeared to breathe as they rested, all peaceful like, above the bird and the cat.
Thank you
Thank you for reading. Next Monday, I will post the first part of Chapter-3: A Pledge Accepted, from Guerrero of Passions.
Total Consciousness 