Busted Gulch vol 6

Double Trouble (baileygaines)

Double Trouble

I rode into Oh Aces at a leisurely gait.

I was meeting someone and I couldn't be late.

I entered the saloon and slid into a chair,

Hoping that soon my buddy would be there.

I kept an eye out for sheriffs and deputies,

God knows I already have too many enemies.

Dougie didn't show up, but Shamus did.

He was fuming and fussing, ready to blow a lid.

"Howdy, there, Skirt," Shamus said with a sneer.

"Sure, I didn't expect to see ya back here."

I rolled my eyes at the hated nickname.

Shamus had always been one for games.

"Shamus, where's Dougie?" I asked with a frown.

"He told me to meet him in this little town."

"You oughta know," Shamus hissed with a jerk of his chin.

"You should remember since you did him in."

"Me kill Dougie!" I said with a laugh.

"Shamus, you must be going daft!"

Shamus frowned and shook his head.

"I'm not daft. Dougie is dead.

If ya didn't kill him, it'll be a surprise.

I saw ya with my very own eyes!"

"Look, Shamus, it sure wasnae me.

I...well, I've got a twin brother, you see.

He's always had a thing for knives,

But I didn't think he'd stoop to taking lives."

Shamus groaned and stared at me.

"You're kidding me, right, Bruce?" He asked hopefully.

I shook my head and stared at the floor.

"We dinnae see eye to eye anymore.

His name is Buck and he's younger than me.

He must have been the one who killed poor Dougie."

Shamus stood for a moment; I offered a chair,

And said, "There must be a silver lining somewhere.

Let's work together and get rid of bad luck.

You shelter me from the law and I'll help you with Buck."