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The Aztec Curse – Chapter 27

“Y’all just settle down!” a man yells. It’s the sheriff. And he’s got a deputy with him. Had to know this was coming. He fires two more shots into the ceiling—it’s gonna be wet in here the next time it rains—and now he’s finally got everyone’s attention. A few men rolling around on the floor … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 27

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 26

I’m bluffing. This gun I’m pointing at him is no more dangerous than a rock. As I drew I automatically cocked the hammer back with my thumb. When I did that, the hammer came out again. The only thing holding it in place right now is my thumb. There’s no way I can fire this … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 26

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 25

“Holy shit, is that real?” Gopher exclaims. Rock-scratcher leans forward, one skinny hand reaching out. Right before touching it he looks at me. “Can I?” I nod and he picks it up real gentle, a little beatific smile on his face. It’s a brooch. But not just any brooch. The setting is solid gold and … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 25

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 24

I shuffle some more, closing my eyes partway to really focus on the feel of the cards in my hand. The deck is definitely short. Just a card, so most people wouldn’t notice. But knowing the feel of the deck is something Pa drilled into me. How long has the deck been light? I wonder. … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 24

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 23

Well, my heart just speeds right up when he says that. Keeping one hand down near my pistol I reply, “Maybe you do, but I sure as shooting don’t know you.” His eyes narrow. Everyone at the table goes very still. I can’t see his hands. Is he already pointing his gun at me? Then … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 23

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 22

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for all three of us to ride into town together,” I tell Victoria when we first come in sight of Santa Fe. The day is drawing to a close, the sun falling behind the lonely mountains to the west. “We’ll draw too much attention.” “I will yield to … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 22

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 21

“I have to confess something,” Victoria says to me one night when we’re camped by a small stream. Block is sitting halfway back in the darkness, not speaking, barely moving, doing his best impression of a stump. The horses are hobbled nearby—except for Coyote. Coyote roams free. I know he’ll never go too far. I … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 21

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 20

Victoria is crying so hard she’s shaking. I don’t know what to do. I look to Block for help. The look he gives me is more poisonous than a sidewinder. I pat her awkwardly on the shoulder. She turns away, hunched over her tears. “Just go!” she cries. “I don’t want to see you anymore!” … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 20

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 19

I am stunned. “The Temple of Totec? The Temple of Totec?” “By your reaction, I take it you have heard of it then?” “Ma’am, everyone—” She raises her hand and cuts me off. “Victoria, please.” “Victoria, everyone knows about the lost Temple of Xipe Totec, the Aztec god. Even we Apaches know about it.” “I … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 19

The Aztec Curse – Chapter 18

  It’s easy to get shut of them. I wait until we’re out of town, then fall back and veer off. I have a good laugh at their expense while going to meet up with the others. How long until they figure out what I done? Will they go all the way to Denver? When … Continue reading The Aztec Curse – Chapter 18