Gunslinger's Moon by Eric Barkett

assured that you are the best man for the job. I abhor waste in any form. So right now I wish to know how deserving your reputation seems to be.” Beth gave Douglas an annoyed glance. He ignored the warning.
    The steely voice of Douglas made most people squirm in their seats. It didn’t faze Jed. It was just exhausting. In that moment he was tired of the harsh criticisms of men like Douglas and Ross. The ingratitude of towns when the filth was cleaned by dangerous means. The arrogance of men, unwilling to do what he did. The ingratitude, especially the reluctant payment.
    The gunslinger spoke in a low controlled voice, “To clarify Douglas you ain’t paying me for service, just the results. I’m retired. But that’s neither here nor there. Since fourteen I’ve been hunting monsters. I’ve killed scores of foul beasts. When the war broke out, I joined a company specializing in hunting the legions that sprang up. I saw my fair share of the horrors. Be it howling mutts in the forests or ravenous hordes of zombies in Antietam. Trolls in the mountains of Appalachia or ghouls in the graveyards of Gettysburg. Bloodthirsty vampires in the dark places of the night and so many other creatures to drown the world in fear. I have seen innocent victims and their broken bodies. I have killed evil men worse than any demon and good men caught up in the wrong side. Mr. Douglas if there is anyone better, then I will gladly stand back and let him go out tomorrow night.”
    Then Jed coughed harshly and the room was silent. The aging butler stood in the entrance and announced supper was ready. The cough subsided, Jed stood and said, “Good. I’m famished.”
    They moved to the dining room. The aroma was intoxicating. Joyfully, Jed discovered dinner would be steak, corn muffins, vegetables, and no beans. A red wine was also served, however he did not have a taste for wine and he drunk sparingly. For him the steak was cooked medium well. He glanced at Beth’s plate, hers was dripping red and he half expected it to moo.
    An awkward silence still drifted in the air, so Jed asked Nadi about the plants growing in the garden. He expressed his surprise that they were growing in the heat.
    Nadi replied, “I planted ones that thrive in the heat. This climate is where they thrive.”
    “Really. I could have sworn I saw a foxglove.”
    “You have a discerning eye, but I’m afraid to say you are mistaken. The plant is very similar though.”
    “How is that boy doing?” Carter asked. Without his hat, Jed could see his thinning hair. The sheriff was more at ease here at the dinner than at his job.              
    “Name is Obadiah. He is doing fine,” Jed said noncommittally.
    Beth chimed in, “Do tell his story. I was surprised that you hired help. You seem the lone wolf type.” She gave a dazzling smile. “Pardon the pun.”
    Jed couldn’t help but smile and respond, “I didn’t hire him. He is the son of an old friend, so I let him hang around. I’m giving him some pointers is all and some valuable experience. He knows once this whole werewolf situation ends I’m moving on to San Francisco.”
    “What is waiting for you in San Francisco?” Beth asked.
    Jed paused, unwilling to answer. Hastily he lied, “I wanted to see the other coast.” He rushed the words out and doubted anyone believed him.
    Dinner passed, lasting only a short time. Carter was the first to leave, before the sun fully set. Jed suspected the convenient timing. Douglas left soon after, commenting on work at the mine requiring his attention. Soon after Nadi went to bed, leaving Jed and Beth alone. Well Henry was busy clearing the dishes, but his presence was easily forgettable.
    Beth sipped her drink, the dark red swirling down her throat. Jed leaned back in his chair. “You should tell me how you came to be a co-owner to a coal mine.”
    She told him, “My late husband started the company with Ed Miller years ago. They had a little success until