Total Consciousness

Chapter-2: The Bird and The Cat

    In total, each shooter could make five gold pieces by landing anywhere on the black target; and each shooter could make twenty gold pieces for each higo annihilated. Another requirement in play revolved around time. Both shooters agreed to be responsible for loading their rifle at the moment of firing. Picking up a rifle started the time, while the second shot fired ended the time. As timekeepers, Patricio, Juan and the non-active shooter would each mark start and stop times.

     “How about we flip a coin,” asked Amado, “to see who shoots first?”

     Diego reached into his inner coat pocket and produced a thick silver dollar made in the United States of America. Don Amado inspected the coin, handed it to Patricio and said,

     “A fine coin, Diego, and since you offered the coin, it’s only fair that I claim a side first. I pick the side of the eagle, and you can have the other side. It looks like a lion.”

     “The bird versus the cat,” said Diego, “I have no objections. Whenever you’re ready, we can begin.” 

     Two tables waited, along with ammunition, while the shooters carried their rifles. Both men switched their rifles, inspected them and made sure no rounds were loaded. Only Diego had to unload Don Amado’s Spencer repeaters. And, once weapons were checked, each shooter prepared their table and themselves to shoot.

     Diego stared at his rifles and reached forward and held his hand over his ammunition. He sniffed at the air and placed two rounds on the table, one next to each rifle on a coin tray.

     Don Amado glossed over the range as he rolled up his sleeves. He said with a dry tone, “I’ve always wondered about the business of war. How was it with you, Diego, in the forties?”

     Diego swallowed hard and jerked his head over to Amado. He held his tongue for several breaths before giving his response.

     “It is a horrible experience, señor. Truly, I’m blessed to be alive.”

     “To be alive,” asked Amado, “if I recall, didn’t you insist on volunteering? Do I detect some regret?”

     Diego subdued his anger by checking his rifles. He felt comforted by the heaviness of his weapon as he replied, “None, señor. I fought for my country—just like the soldiers from the north did.”

     Amado tsked twice, and said, “It sounds like a miserable business venture—best controlled at a distance. Do you think you could ever do it again, the racket of war; and serve your country, if needed?” He placed his box of rounds between his rifles and side glanced at Diego.

     Diego calmly inspected the range and stared at the dirt swirls around the location of the target. Careful with his words, he asked: “What man neglects his duty? Are not all responsible and accountable in any war, señor?”

Thank you

     I appreciate your time in reading this blog post. Next Saturday I will upload the next part of Chapter Two: The Bird and The Cat, from my first novel: Guerrero of Passions.