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| After being stripped of all his money, Buck slammed his fist down, scattering the money and cards. �Ya lousy son-of-a-bitch, yer cheatin�!� The Undertaker stood, scraping the chair back against the filthy floor. His hands caressed the cold metal of the pair of Colts at his hips. The room fell silent as all waited for the death of the foolish man called Buck. �I suggest you watch your mouth, friend. The next time I�ll lay you out on the floor with a bullet �tween your eyes.� Buck paled but his mouth thinned, anger still at the forefront. �I can beat ya, I know I can. Let�s raise the stakes.� The Undertaker narrowed his eyes, wondering what the man had in mind. He nodded his head but remained silent, waiting for Buck to throw down his idea. �My land n�house for yer guns n�all that-there loot.� The Undertaker bared his teeth, pleased. He could afford any number of guns; his bounty on warrants allowed him that freedom. What really got him excited was that he�d learn precisely where she could be found. Buck was her husband; it stood to reason that she would be wherever his land was. His nose flared slightly as the memory of her smell drifted through his mind. Lavender, she had always liked lavender. He sank back into his chair, nodding his head for the deal to begin. The dealer, a former player, broke out in sweat, his eyes darting back and forth between the two men. Buck jerked the cards from his grasp, smiling maliciously. �Ya don�t mind if I deal �em, d�ya?� The Undertaker shook his head, his expression bland. None of his anticipation showed for the spectators. He�d been around outlaws too long to reveal so much on his face. Anyone with half an eye would notice Buck dealing from the bottom of the deck. The Undertaker remained quiet. Either way, he would find her. She would answer as to why she�d married this fool. His hand was good. A sigh escaped his lips and Buck took it as defeat, laying his cards down with flourish. Success flashed in his eyes when he saw Buck�s hand, but it lasted only seconds before he tamped it down. One by one he laid down his cards, until the last lay face up, for all to see. The men in the saloon hollered with astonishment and congratulations to the stranger. The noise died down as the spectators wondered off to the bar or a private table, to discuss, over their whiskey, the big game of cards that night. Buck still glowered with hatred. He had no intention of handing over the deed. It may be needed for another bet some night. He�d skipped out on signing it over before. Tonight would be no different. A slice of pleasure wedged into his brain as he decided to have a little fun with this over confident man first. A good beating put many men back in their place in life. He didn�t expect one of the pistols the stranger wore to be raised and aimed squarely at his head. �If one of your friends move, I'll blow you to hell.� Buck�s face drained of color and he nodded in understanding. |