Katelyn continued on with her day, like normal. Pretending nothing happened and everything was normal. Pip accompanied her, sharing stories and gossip as they both walked through town. Kate needed that sense of formality when Jackson admitted she was correct. He made himself clear that he was dangerous. She just didn’t know to what extent however.

  ‘…hey, is something wrong?’ Pip gently nudged Kate to get her attention.

  ‘Oh, ah… yes.’ She stuttered. ‘Everything is fine. I’m just really tired.’

  Pip folded her lip, disapproving of her friend’s lie. But she felt forgiving, as there could be something else on Kate’s mind. ‘Aren’t we all? But I have a shittier sleep schedule than you. So I should be the one complaining.’

  ‘It isn’t a competition.’ Kate laughed.

  ‘No? Well, you just made it one, and I intend to win it.’

  Kate rolled her eyes. ‘That is a stupid game, Pip.’

  ‘Bitch, I want stupid prizes.’

  The two continued walking, slowly making their way to the funeral home to meet up with Jo. But besides seeing an old lady that was always eager to talk. She seemed pale, distant. Her eyes looked heavy, like she saw a ghost. Pip put up the close sign before they both head over to their friend.

  Kate sat next to Jo, trying her best to comfort her friend. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing…’ She took a deep breath. An indicator to Kate that Jo was lying in some way. ‘An old friend passed away. I just got the news.’

  ‘Oh! I… we. I’m sorry.’ Pip stuttered, finding it difficult for her to figure out how to help. Jo cracked a subtle smile for a brief moment. Though Pip was hopeless to provide emotional support, she was at least thankful that she tried.

  However, Kate could tell that wasn’t true. Something had happened, and she knew it wasn’t a death of someone close. She scanned around her office, trying to find anything to indicate to her that something happened. All she could find was that some of her pink printing paper was missing. But nothing that could allude to a robbery.

  Maybe it is something that happened at home? She thought to herself. ‘Well, do you need anything? A coffee perhaps?’

  ‘Or maybe a little chat.’ Butch spoke out as he and his gang walked into the funeral home. ‘Hello ladies.’

  ‘Get out, Butch!’ Kate growled. ‘Can’t you read? The place is closed.’

  ‘No, it isn’t. I think we are all capable enough to know that this place is open for business. And I want to continue our conversation from where we both left off.’

  Before Butch could make a step, Jo reached for under her counter and pulled out a hunting shotgun and aimed it at him. ‘Get out!’ She ordered before racking it.

  Kate jumped out of her seat, surprised that Jo had a shotgun on her. She was never a gun owner. For most of her life she would be proud of never laying a hand on a firearm. But something changed, something caused her to get that weapon.

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  With a cocky smile, Butch walked towards her with his hands in his pocket. Jo warned that she would fire, but he couldn’t care. He wasn’t afraid of her. As he got to her face, he snatched the gun from her grip and smacked it over her nose. Jo fell to the ground, holding her face as she bled.

  ‘I do not appreciate this sort of hospitality.’ Butch said as he walked back to his gang. ‘I came to talk, and all I…’

  ‘What the fuck is wrong with you?’ Pip screamed as she held Josephine up.

  Annoyed that he was interrupted, he racked the shotgun to tell everyone that they should be quiet and listen. Butch then chuckled as he examined the weapon he took. ‘As I was saying. All I wanted to do was talk. Kate, you owe me money and I will get it one way or the other. And it seems your friend isn’t here to help you.’

  Kate’s hands shook, her legs stiff as she tried to figure out how to get out of the situation. ‘How much?’

  ‘I am glad you asked. But I fear you won’t have enough.’ He pointed to a friend who had his rib broken by Jackson. ‘His hospital bills cost a lot of money, and the poor man struggled to breathe for a bit. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad. However, it is still expensive. If you get my drift.’

  ‘How much?’ Kate’s voice buckled, her eyes glued to Butch, fiddling with the safety switch on the shotgun. A tear trickled down the left side of her cheek.

  In response, he shook his head in disappointment. ‘I don’t think you get it, Kate. At this point, it isn’t just about the money. Now it is about the principle. And the principle is, in my humble words. An eye for an eye is the fairest kind of payment.’

  With a wide smile, he aimed the shotgun at her. Kate crumbled into herself. Her eyes closed shut while she held her breath for what could be the last moments of her life. Her thoughts went to her family, her dearest friend Pip and her regret for not asking her out sooner.

  Click!

  Kate’s eyes widened as she gasped in relief. Butch chuckled before racking the shotgun again and pulling the trigger.

  ‘Here is the thing about you liberals. You know nothing about guns.’ Butch waved his finger at Kate to demonstrate a point. ‘I want to show I am better, that I am capable of mercy when necessary. Which is, I will go to get shells for this gun right here. Then, and only then, will I visit your father. So, when I walk out that door. I expect you to rush home and tell him. Really kindly. That I will have a talk with him and get what I deserve.’

  Butch motioned his hand for his gang to follow him outside. Kate rushed to Pip and Jo to see if they were okay. Pip was startled while Jo was still dazed when Butch smacked her over the face with her gun. Seeing that they were okay and without saying anything. Her heart shot into action.

  She bolted out of the store and ran to the other side of town to hop into her car. Her shaken hands made it difficult for her to put the keys in the ignition. But as soon as she managed to get it in. She started the engine and sped out of there. Going as fast as she could back home to warn her father.