Billy Bob Pete (Bill Temple)

119 17 13
                                    


They called me Wild Bill, all my life.


Then I moseyed into Busted Gulch.


When I went into the saloon and the bartender asked my name, I said, "Wild Bill Temple."


There was a hush over the saloon.

I thought my reputation had preceded me, but then the bartender leaned across the bar.


"You have to change your name stranger."


I slapped back the cheap whiskey.

"Another barkeep. And why would I change my name."


Suddenly the saloon doors opened up.

There was another hush that fell over the saloon.


I turned, the bartender's voice in my ear.

"That's why," he barely whispered.


The man walked straight to me.

"You the one they call Wild Bill?"


"What of it?"


The man laughed.

"I am Three Gun Wild Bill Dakota Kid, Jr."


I dropped my glass to the floor.

He did exist.

I had heard rumours and there were talks, on the desert, late at night.

But I thought ...


"We have a situation, stranger. We can't have two Wild Bill's in Busted Gulch."


I swallowed hard.

I thought it was the end.


Three Gun Wild Bill Dakota Kid, Jr., laughed and slapped my back.

"From now on, you will be known as Billy Bob Pete."

He slapped my back again.

"Buy me a drink, Billy Bob Pete."

Busted Gulch vol 1Where stories live. Discover now