Page 74 of Jagger's Remorse
Or recognition of what she's finally cut free from.
"Scarlett!" I shout.
The Three Devils' president, Butcher, has a gun to Mel's head.
When did?—
"Drop the weapons or she eats a bullet!" Butcher yells.
Everyone freezes.
Mexican standoff in the truest sense.
"Let her go," I call out. "She's got nothing to do with this."
"She's with the Iron Veins. That's enough for me," Butcher says.
"Then take me. VP for an ol’ lady. Fair trade," I offer.
"Jagger, no," Scarlett breathes.
But I'm already moving.
Hands up.
Walking forward.
"That's it," Butcher grins. "Nice and easy."
I get within arm's reach.
See Scarlett shifting in my peripheral.
Trust her timing.
Trust her aim.
Trust her.
"Now," I whisper.
She draws and fires in one motion.
The bullet passes so close I feel it kiss my cheek, finding Butcher's eye.
It drops him instantly.
Mel screams through the duct tape and falls forward, but she’s alive.
The warehouse erupts again.
But the Three Devils are shaken.
Their president's down.
Their numbers are thinning.
"Pull back!" someone shouts.
