Canyon: A Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure (The Traveler Book 2) by Tom Abrahams Page B

drawn in front of him in a V-shape and his legs were crossed at the ankles. He’d positioned Inspector’s barrel between his crossed legs. His left arm was behind his neck, supporting his head, and his left hand gripped the rifle’s butt.
    It was an odd-looking position and not altogether comfortable, but it minimized his profile in a way that kneeling or standing couldn’t do. Were he lying prone, in a prototypical sniper position, he’d expose his head to oncoming threats.
    He was lying in wait for whatever or whoever turned that corner. The rifle was braced and steady. His aim would be true.
    Lola and Pico were half a block south. He’d sent them to retrieve the backpacks. He knew the Cartel would come after them. He knew they’d anticipate a northward trek and never expect them to retrace south. It gave them a leg up despite being outnumbered.
    He’d instructed them to arm themselves once they’d gathered the packs, and told them to join him in the street. They’d head west and north to find the Humvee at the church.
    At least that was the plan he’d spat out to his companions as they ran from the coming onslaught. Battle knew nothing was ever as easy as the plan.
    He was breathing in a comfortable rhythm in the street—in through his nose and out through pursed lips. The measured breaths slowed his heart rate and relaxed his muscles.
    Even without the scope, he’d focus when a target came into view.
    The first horse was followed quickly by two more. The first turned away from him and circled back. By then, the other two were closer targets, one in front of the other. Battle eased his finger onto the trigger. He tilted his head to the right and the world dissolved into a blur beyond the narrow focus of the rider atop the trailing horse. Battle exhaled.
    He squeezed the trigger.
    Thump!
    He quickly adjusted his aim to the left. He exhaled.
    Thump!
    In succession, the men spasmed and slumped atop their saddles. One of them, his hands wrapped in the reins, fell backward and jerked his horse’s head. The horse spooked and fought the reins. It snorted and bucked the rider from his saddle. He fell awkwardly onto his head. The horse trampled him and ran off.
    The other fell forward onto the horse’s crest, his arms falling limp to the sides, as if hugging its neck. His horse stayed put and blocked Battle’s view of the boss who’d first turned the corner.
    Pop! Zip! Pop! Zip!
    The boss fired twin shots from his revolver. Both of them came close enough to Battle for him to feel them rush past him. The boss and his horse emerged from behind the obstruction. He was riding straight for Battle at full gallop.
    Pop! Zip! Pop! Zip!
    Battle took another deep breath and exhaled. He knew he was exposed, but this was the best possible position. The boss had only one more shot in that six-shooter.
    The boss was high in his saddle, his legs straight as he stood. His hat flew off his head. He leveled the pistol.
    Battle knew there was no point in running or rolling over. He was stuck.
    The boss drew closer. He was bouncing with the rapid gait of his horse. Battle could see the grit on his face, the determination.
    Battle couldn’t flinch. He…just…needed…one…more…
    Thump!
    A single shot found the boss right below his left eye. It whipped his face like a hard slap across the cheek, and the boss twisted in his saddle. He flexed higher for an instant, fell limp, and dropped from the horse. His left foot was stuck in the stirrup iron when his head and shoulders hit the pavement. The horse kept its fast pace directly at Battle.
    Battle was transfixed by the disintegration of the boss against the asphalt as the horse drew precariously closer. And closer. And closer.
    “Battle!” Lola’s voice shook Battle from his momentary trance. He hugged the rifle against his body and rolled to the left as the horse barreled past him. The boss’s body flopped against him as he rolled.
    From his stomach, Battle looked up at the