Read Online The Sapphire Gun by J. R. Roberts - Free Book Online

enough to get Clint to relax just a bit.
    â€œThis can go on for a long time,” Franco mused.
    â€œIt doesn’t have to. Not so long as you drop that holster and come with me without making a fuss.”
    The Spaniard smiled once more and nodded. “Ah yes. I have heard this about you. You will give a man the chance to walk away before you gun him down. At least, that is how the story goes.”
    â€œNot every man gets that choice,” Clint pointed out. “Only the ones who don’t force my hand.”
    â€œAnd you would forgive our little scuffle from before?”
    â€œNo, but I wouldn’t have to kill you.”
    â€œAnd where would we go?” Franco asked.
    â€œI know some U.S. marshals not far from here. Since you strike me as someone who might have a badge or two watching your back, I’d prefer to take you to someone I can trust.”
    â€œIf I had bought the law in this town, I would not have needed to be so careful, no?”
    Clint shrugged. “Maybe. I’d still rather do it my way to be sure.”
    â€œAnd how do I know you would hand me over to a lawman I could trust? Or that I would even make it there alive?”
    â€œBecause, if I’d wanted you dead, you’d already be facedown in the dirt.”
    Franco’s eyes narrowed and he pulled in a slow breath. When he let that breath out, it was in a short, decisive sigh. “I think not, Adams.” With that, the Spaniard snapped his hand toward his holster and pulled the .44 from its spot.
    Clint’s arm moved in a similar flicker of motion as his hand was suddenly wrapped around his modified Colt.
    Both weapons cleared leather at the same time, but Clint was able to aim and pull his trigger before Franco’s hammer could drop. The Colt barked once and sent a bullet through Franco’s heart. The .44 roared as well, but only after a twitching reflex of Franco’s finger.
    The Spaniard had a surprised look on his face as the fire in his eyes slowly dwindled away. He started to wobble backward, but was spun around as Clint’s second shot punched through his shoulder.
    As promised, Franco’s body landed facedown in the dirt.

FIFTEEN
    Rosa laid on her back in the same spot where Clint and Johnny had found her. The hill was a little ways outside of town and had a good view of nearly every side of Dover Shallows. It also had a real good view of all three roads that led into town.
    She could feel the rumble of approaching hooves and winced when that rumble got so close that she got fresh dust kicked in her face when Eclipse skidded to a halt. Straining her neck to get a look at the new arrival, Rosa was only given a closer look at the business end of Johnny’s rifle.
    â€œI told you not to move, bitch,” Johnny snarled as he leaned down and pressed the rifle barrel against her forehead.
    Tears formed in her eyes as she looked up at him and did her best to nod.
    Johnny looked up for a moment and asked, “Did you find the other one?”
    â€œYeah,” Clint said as he climbed down from the saddle. Walking to stand next to Rosa, Clint made sure she could see his face when he added, “He’s dead.”
    â€œReally?” Rosa asked anxiously. She was so anxious, in fact, that she caused Johnny to lean in and shove her head down once more.
    Clint looked at the top of the hill, which was mostly flat and only big enough to possibly support one more horse before forcing someone to stand at an incline. Laying well out of reach were the things that had been on Rosa’s person when Clint had snuck up on her upon his arrival.
    Most prominent among her possessions was a large shotgun. The shells for the shotgun were scattered on the ground, and a spyglass laid nearby as well. The only other things Rosa had when she’d been searched were the clothes on her back.
    â€œHas she been behaving?” Clint asked.
    Reluctantly, Johnny nodded. “She asked to sit