He took out one of his gun, and handed it to Clanton while Scott took out one of his and handed it to Finn. Then they each took their remaining gun and passed it across the bar to Frank Leslie, who opened the Warding gates, held them up one at a time, barrels up, rotated the cylinders and let the bullets drop out.
“Five each.” he said, after making sure both guns were empty. He put the bullets down on the bar and handed the guns back to them. They replaced them in their holsters.
“Anytime you’re ready. Frank,” said Scott.
Curly Bill nodded. They stood about three feet away from each other.
“I’ll count to three,” said Leslie. ‘On three, go for your guns. You ready?”
Everyone in the saloon gathered around. There was utter silence.
“I’m ready “ Scott said.
“Ready,” said Curly Bill.
“Okay, here goes.” said Leslie. “One…
Curly Bill flexed his fingers.
“Two…
Scott stood perfectly relaxed.
“Three!”
Curly Bill’s right hand darted toward his holster, but his gun hadn’t even cleared it when he suddenly found himself looking down the barrel of Scott’s Colt. 45. He froze.
Scott squeezed the trigger and the hammer fell with a loud snap.
“Damn!” said someone in the crowd.
Someone else whistled and the whole crowd started talking excitedly. Brocius simply stood there, staring at Scott, his eyes like anthracite. Clanton cleared his throat.
“How about that drink, boys?”
Curly Bill snatched his bullets off the bar, took his other gun from Clanton and stalked away without a word, going out through the double doors into the street.
“Some other time, Ike,” Scott said. “I feel like a walk, Jenny…
She took his arm.
“I’ll walk with you.” Finn said.
They went outside. There was no sign of Curly Bill.
“Was that smart?” asked Jenny. “He knows you’re faster now. He’ll look to shoot you in the back”
“He probably would have done that anyway,” said Scott.
“Scott, what the hell is going on here?” Delaney asked, as they walked down the street. “Drakov’s here’?” He glanced at Jenny. “And where does she fit into this?”
“I’m in love with her, Finn. And she’s in love with me.”
“Oh, Jesus Christ!”
“She’s the one who warned you about Drakov. He knows about me. He knows about you, too. That girl, Becky, is one of his.”
“Shit. Where is he?”