We'd been holed up in the delapidated mission for hours and had managed to hold off the two deputies but knew the wind would change once the sheriff arrived. I assumed they would surround us. We were on higher ground and could see out across the dusty expanse but there were only two of us. Me and the kid knew it was gonna be a one way trip, well at least I did.
"We shoulda never spilt up with Rollo," said Pete right before spitting out the window.
Neither one of us had gotten much sleep in the past few days. There was hardly any stubble about his baby face.
"This was the only way, kid-- we can't all make it."
I heard rustling in some lower bushes so I fired.
"Did you get one?"
"Naw, think it was just a critter, kid. Relax."
My nevres kicked up and I could feel my belly tighten. I'd been in situations like this before. It always feels the same: horrible.
"Imma die here ain't I, Jesse."
"I don't look good for either one of us."
"Damnit."
"Sorry."
"If I don't make it and you I want you to do something for me Jesse."
"Come on."
"I'm serious."
"Ok."
Pete took off his hat and ripped out the lining.
"You know the story about my daddy's gold."
"Everbody does. It's just a story right?"
Pete pulled a stained and folded up piece of paper from the lining and put it on the table.
"It's true. The gold is there. I seen it."
That's when I shot Pete and whistled for my boys to come up the hill.