Kill or be Killed(Darrell Case) “Who do yo want me to kill?” Jake said, fingering the six-shooter on his hip. The butt of his Colt had10 notches.

Gregory Silts had summoned him from his place west of Elapse. He retired two years ago after being acquitted of killing a lawman. the sheriff drew first leaving him no choice. He didn’t put a notch on his gun for that one. He almost felt the noose on his neck that day. What Silts didn’t know were the nightmares? At 28, he had his whole life ahead of him. Yet most nights he woke several times in a cold sweat. Out there somewhere was a man faster on the draw.

During those nights he wandered outside walking the corrals setting on the front porch until sleep took him again. The dream was always the same. A young kid with a faster gun and an accurate aim. He felt the pain of the bullet entering his heart. Yet it wasn’t dying that scared him. It was what came after. In his dream, he woke in hell. The realization hit him. He would be there forever. He set bolt upright, his feet burning. His mind went back to the time as a kid he touched a branding iron. The despair in his heart overwhelmed him.

Now he set before this wealthy rancher wishing he was somewhere else. Anywhere else.

“Kenton Dials.”

“The price goes up for Dials.” He said, his heart speeding up. He saw Kenton Dials draw on a man in Dodge City. The kid’s bullet entered the man’s head before the man’s pistol cleared leather. Despite the hot day, cold chills rumbled down his spine. Dials was fast, maybe too fast. Dials was one man from his nightmares.

“Five thousand now and another two after he’s dead.” Silts said, laying a stack of bills on the desk Infront of him.

“Three.”

“I could get someone else for half the price.” Silts said, his heavy jowls reddening.

“If you could have, you wouldn’t have come to me.” Jake said, raising. The money would be great. It would be enough to pay off the ranch and increase his herd of cattle. But it wouldn’t buy anything if he was dead.

“Alright. But I want proof. Silts said, laying another thousand on the desk. For a minute, Jake thought of killing the old man and taking all of his money. But he knew they would track him down.

Jake grinned. “You want I should bring you, his head.”“No, bring me his pistol and his trigger finger.” Silts said. “You’ll find him in Austin. Rumor has it he hung up his guns and picked up a Bible.”Jake raised his eyebrows.

“A Bible?”

“Yeah, supposed to be some sort of preacher.”

“Then he auta be easier to kill.”

Jake picked up the stack of bills and exited the house. Standing to his feet, Silts stepped to the window. He watched Jake mount and ride away.

Kenton Dials woke early the next morning. He lay in bed thinking of his life. The change took place when he called a man out. The man, Herman Jeffers, refused to fight. Kenton saw that Herman Jeffers was unarmed when he opened his coat. He stood unmoving even after Kenton put two bullets close to his boot. Instead, he invited the young gun hand to supper.

“So you will not fight me?”“No, I don’t see the point.” Herman said, refilling his cup of coffee. He offered the pot to Kenton. He held out his cup. Herman filled it.

“The point is, we find out who’s faster.”“Then what?”“One of us dies.”“Then what?”“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“The one who is killed goes to heaven or hell. And the other one keeps killing running for his life because there is always someone faster. Always.” Herman said. Picking up a slice of bread, he buttered it.

Kenton thought about it for a few seconds. “So… say I kill you. Where are you going?”

Herman smiled. “Oh, I’m going to heaven.”

“Of course, you are. All sweetness and light. I say you’ll split hell wide open.”

“You know much about The Bible.”

“I know it’s an old book I can’t understand.”

Herman put his hand inside his coat. Kenton pulled his pistol and pointed at Herman’s chest. Herman held up a New Testament.

“Sorry old habit.” Kenton said. He slid the pistol back in its holster.

Opening the Bible, Herman read: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

“The world needs you, Kenton. Seems I heard some time ago your daddy is a preacher.

“Yeah, back in misery. Preacher and farmer. Never knew which one was gonna win out.”

“Kenton say we had this fight, and I was faster than you and sent a bullet into your heart.”“Never happen.” Kenton said. Trying to seal himself from the thought.

“Maybe. But it will happen someday. The average age for gun hand to die is 35. If you live to be 36, we will consider you an old man.” Herman said. “What are you 27?”

“28.”“Then what? Hell for eternity?”“You trying to scare me?” Kenton said, thinking Herman was doing a pretty good job of it. Sweat formed around the neck of his shirt like it did when he faced a fast gun hand on the street.

“Scare you no. Inform you, yes.” He skidded his chair closer to Kenton. “Look here.”

For the next 10 minutes, he shared verses of scripture from the Bible with the young gunfighter.

Kenton accepted Christ that night. The next day, he sold his pistols to the town gunsmith.

That was three years ago. During that time, his life took a dramatic turn. He kissed the woman laying beside him. She stretched and smiled. His breath caught in his throat. He still couldn’t believe this beautiful woman was his wife.

“Did you have a good night’s sleep?” He said.

“Yes, I dreamed of you.” Laura said. She rubbed her abdomen. “I hope our child is a boy and looks like you.”“Oh, a nightmare?” He said, smiling. She punched him in the arm. He just grinned at her.

A half hour later, he came in from milking. Spooning out eggs onto his plate, she said. “The ham will be done in just a minute. Then, picking up the coffeepot, she held it out.

He put his cup up a second later before the cup exploded. Laura screamed and leaped backward. Kenton jumped to his feet.

“Kenton Dials. I’m calling you out.” The voice came from out front. Laura paled. The day she had dreaded had come. Kenton started for the door. Laura put a hand on his arm.

“Don’t go out there.”“Honey, we knew this day would come. The Lord will protect me.”“He’ll kill you.”“No, he won’t. He won’t shoot an unarmed man.” He said, hoping he was right. She went to the rifle he kept over the fireplace for varmints.

“You can shoot him from here.” She said, with tears flowing down her cheeks.

“No, I can’t,” he said.

Not putting on his coat, he opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch. He raised his hands.

“Hello Jake, you’re just in time for breakfast.”“I didn’t come for breakfast. I came for you.” Jake said, holstering his six shooter. “Go get your gun.”“I sold my pistol. All I have is a rifle for coyotes.”“Then get your rifle.”“No.”“Then I’ll shoot you and put a gun in your hand.” Jake said, drawing his pistol. At that minute, the door burst open. Laura charged out and hugged Kenton. Kenton tried to loosen her arms, but she held on tight.

She turned a tear-stained face to Jake. “If you shoot him, your bullet will have to pass through me.” Jake holstered his pistol. He turned to the corral where he had tied his horse. “Jake stop.” Jake stopped he tensed, expecting a bullet in the back. He turned to face Kenton.

Come to breakfast with us.” Kenton said. Loosening her arms, Laura looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

He grinned, then whispering he said.” If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”

Letting go of her husband, Laura returned to the house.

Jake said. “Why? I was going to kill you.”

“We’ll discuss it over breakfast. How long since you had a home cooked meal?””I ain’t taking off my gun.” Jake said.

“No shooting in the house.” Kenton said, smiling.

As they entered the house, Jake eyed the rifle over the fireplace. Kenton said. “Varmint rifle.”“Just as long as you don’t think of me as a Varmint.”

“I have to fix some more eggs and ham. The last batch were runed.” Laura said. “And if you try to shoot my husband, I’ll shoot you.”Jake grinned. “I’ll behave.”Kenton smiled. “You better. She means it.”

After dishing out the ham, eggs and biscuits. Laura set down and reached for Kenton’s hand. Jake, who had a piece of ham halfway to his mouth, put it back on the plate.

Kenton and Laura bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Jake bowed his head but kept his eyes open.

“Lord, thank you for Jake joining us for breakfast this morning. May he find the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for the food you have provided for us. Thank you for the little one. May he grow up to be a fine young man.

In Jesus’ name amen.”

“Or young lady.” Laura said, smiling. Kenton laughed. “Or young lady.”

Jake eyed the couple. “How many have Silts sent against you?”

“Three, including you.” Kenton said, swallowing before he answered.

“What happened to the other two? You kill them.” Jake said, his fingers inching toward his pistol.

“Nope, we invited them to a meal. One for dinner and the other one for supper. You’re the first one to breakfast.” Kenton said.

“You’re also the first one to break one of our windows.” Laura said, looking at the hole in the glass.

“Sorry, I wanted to get your attention.” Jake said, feeling a little hot around the ears.

“Well, you certainly did that. I think I’ve got some glass in the barn.” Kenton said.

Wiping his mouth on a napkin, Jake said, “I’ll help you.”

“I’ll fix the bullet hole in the wall.” Laura said, smiling. Raising she swept up the broken glass. “Glad it wasn’t in my husband.”

By the time Jake and Kenton finished mending the window, Kenton said. “Jake, I’ve got to check the cows south of here. You’re welcome to ride along with me.”“Ain’t you worried I’ll shoot you in the back?”

“No, of all the things I’ve heard of you, I know you’re not a back shooter.” Kenton said.

As the two men rode out of sight. Laura prayed Kenton would come back alive.

“Let me ask you, Jake. What are your plans for the future?”

“To stay alive. To drink as much as I can and be with as many women as I can.” Jake said grinning.

“Then what?”

“I guess to die with my boots on and my gun spitting fire.” Jake said, unsmiling now.

“Then what?” Kenton said. “What will happen after you die?”

“I guess you’re gonna tell me I’m going to hell?” Jake said, his temper raising.

“No, you’re telling me.” Kenton said.

“You sound like my mammy.” Jake said. Yet he could not shake the idea that plagued him every day. Not a praying man, he just hoped he was faster than the next guy he faced. But just like every gunfighter he knew, somewhere there was someone faster than him.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Kenton said, grinning.

 Jake held up on the rains, pulling his horse to a stop. He pointed his colt at Kenton. “I could kill you right now and say you pulled that rifle in your boot. He gestured at the.30.30.

“You could but you won’t.” Kenton said wheeling around to face Jake. “I hung up my gun two years ago. We’re going to have a baby and I‘ll not jeopardise my wife’s happiness for you.”

Jake stared at Kenton for a few seconds. Then, holstering his pistol, he wheeled his horse around and rode away at a fast clip.

“Come back when you’re tired of running, Jake.” Kenton called.

Gregory Silts put his foot on the bottom rail of the corral. He turned his head to this unwanted visitor. ”I didn’t ask you to come.” He said.

“Yes, you did.”He dropped his foot and faced the pastor. “And how did I do that? I haven’t even been in church for the last few months.”

“The Lord and I have our talks daily.” Pastor Miles said. He put his hand on Silts’ shoulder. The rancher shook it off. “I know you’re hurting. But your son egged Kenton Dials into a fight. He was drunk.”

“Get on your horse and go back to where you belong.” Silts said, his face a deep red.

“If you want to talk, you know where to find me.” Miles said, mounting his bay he rode away. Gregory Silts, his eyes moist, watched the preacher ride acrossed the plains. The problem was. He knew Miles was right. He relived the terror of the news from his foreman.

“I ain’t never seen anybody so fast.” Bill Layman stood in the house’s doorway, his hat in his hands. “Had his gun back in the holster before Johnny cleared leather.”

Alone in his office, Gregory wept. He warned his son about the dangers of alcohol. he almost heard an audible voice. ‘You were wrong.’

He wanted to scream. No, I’m not. But he knew he was.

The next morning, when his foreman came in for daily instructions, Bill found his boss packing a saddle bag.

“I’ll be gone several days.” Silts said.

The situation surprised Layman. Of course, he was the boss if he wanted to take off. That was up to him.

“Anything I should do different?”

“No, Bill, you been with me for 20 years. I could leave for a year, come back and it would be better than when I left.”

“I’ll do my best.”“I know you will.” Silts patted the other man on the back. Twenty minutes later, Bill Layman watched Silts ride over the ridge.

“Lord, help him find the peace he so desperately seeks.” Bill prayed as he did most days when he was alone.

As he rode, Gregory Silts reflected on his life. His wife, the anchor of his life, died five years ago next month. He still mourned for her and now his son. He thought of stopping by the pastor’s home and telling him he was right, but didn’t. His reasons were many he couldn’t settle on one. He saw dust rising on the trail behind him. Someone was in a mighty big hurry. He rained up under a tree and waited. The rider came around the bend, riding hard. Silts felt a chill chase up his spine. Jake slowed his horse and came alongside. He held out a bag.

“What’s this?”

“You said you wanted poof.” Jake said.

Gregory Silts heart dropped. He was too late. Too late for his wife, too late for his son and now Kenton. Suddenly, he felt very, very tired.

Reluctantly, he took the bag. Weighting it, opened it. He stared at Jake.

“I couldn’t do it.” Jake said. “That’s the money you gave me to kill him.” Silts handed it back.

“Put it on your ranch, Jake.”

Jake held up his hands, palms out. “Can’t do that Mr. Silts. I didn’t earn it.”“Yes, you did. I was coming to call you off.”“ Why would you do that? He killed your kid?” Jake said.

“My son was wrong. I was wrong.” Silts said. “Please keep the money. If not for a job well done, then as a gift.” He held out the bag of money. “I’ll take it as a loan and pay you back with interest.” Taking the sack, Jake put it in his saddlebag.

“A loan, no interest.” Silts said. For the first time since his wife died, Gregory Silts felt light-hearted.

Together the two men turned and rode in the directs of Silts ranch.

 

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