The Fast Gun...Chapter Five

Keegan takes one more job. Work in Progress.

At the Fargo Ranch, all seemed ready to explode. The men were waiting for the word from Jim Fargo to wage an all-out war. They could not figure out why he was waiting, but he was like a Rattlesnake ready to strike. Fargo stepped out on the porch of his two-story Colonial House. A Cuban cigar stuck in his fat lips, and a haze of Blue smoke circled his head.

Those who had been going about their business stopped and looked at him. He just stood there smoking that raunchy cigar and puffing out his chest like the Headcock he thought he was. He did not say a word to anyone. Not even to Mitch, his Foreman, who stood not three feet by him. He knew who he had been waiting for these past few weeks, the Outlaw Mendoza and his gang of cutthroats. Fargo had wired him to take care of a little problem, namely, all the smaller Ranchers and Farmers.

Jim Fargo smiled when he heard galloping horses drawing near, many of them. It was about time. They were long overdue in his mind.

Leaning gainst a porch post he waited, a smug smile upon his face. The galloping horses slowed down to a walk when they reached the ranchyard. The regular hands stopped for a moment and upon seeing the gunhawks, they went back to what they had been doing, regular ranch work. None of them liked what they seen.

Mendoza rode forward to stop near the bottom of the steps. "Senor Fargo? I am Mendoza, and these are my gang. You mentioned some money for just showing up. Well, we are here. Where's the money?"

"About time you showed up. And you'll get money when I think you deserve it."

"And if I decide to take it from you. You have a lot to lose here, Señor." He grinned an evil grin.

"I will have you horse-whipped before I hang you. Do you want the job or not?"

"Of course. That is why I am here. Let's talk over this job you want me to take care of for you."

He turned around and strutted into the house, not really caring if Mendoza followed him or not. The gunhawks climbed down off their saddles and watered their horses, then themselves. Anyone who worked with horses knew you took care of them first, for a man out here without a horse miles from the nearest help would be most likely die.