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Short Stories & Tall Tales
Sundown
Cody Wells
In the small town of Bitter Creek, a gunshot followed by a high pitched scream echoed through the night air like a banshee taking flight. Tom McKlusky lay in dirt outside of the Red Dog Saloon on Main Street, blood oozing from a hole in his gut. A large number of the townsfolk had gathered around the dying man.
“Someone get the doc,” an old woman cried out.
“Too late for that!” another countered.
A well dressed man in his early sixties stepped off the sidewalk. He was of average build with a little extra weight around the belly. His wavy-silver hair and a bushy mustache were neatly trimmed. There was a bright tin star pinned to the jacket lapel of his navy blue suit.
“What happened?” the lawman asked as he pushed everyone to the side.
“Not sure, sheriff. There was a shot, the next thing we know, McKlusky here was yelling with a gunshot wound.”
Sheriff Bill Paxton had seen this kind of senseless act of violence many times before. He crouched beside McKlusky. “How you doin’, fella?”
“Not too good, sheriff. I think I’ve bought it this time,” he said as he looked down at the blood-soaked shirt. “It hurts like hell, Bill.”
“I’m sure it does, Tom. Who did it?”
“Dunno … I’ve never seen him around these parts.”
Before another word was spoken, McKlusky grabbed hold of the sheriff’s jacket with both hands, groaned … then died. Bill stood and shook his head. “Did any of you folk see who did this?”
No one answered. Bill looked to the dispersing crowd. “Can someone get the undertaker to see to him?”
A young man in the crowd stepped forward. “I’ll go get him, sheriff.”
“Thanks, kid. I appreciate it.” Bill began to walk towards his office when a man stepped out of the shadows.
“You, Bill Paxton?”
“Who’s askin’?”
The stranger walked out into the open where the moonlight revealed his stature. His five foot ten inch, lean frame stood motionless as he looked the sheriff up and down with his dark eyes. A narrow brimmed Stetson partially covered his curly, shoulder-length hair.
“My name is of no importance, but most folk call me, Sundown.”
“So what do you want of Bill Paxton, mister?”
“Oh, it doesn’t much matter. If you happen to see him, be sure to tell him I’m lookin’ for him.”
“Yeah, if I see him, I’ll do that. Er … I don’t suppose you happen to know anythin’ about the shootin’ that took place a few minutes ago?”
“Afraid not, sheriff.” Sundown tipped his hat. “No doubt we’ll be seein’ each other again.”
“If you are intendin’ hangin’ around town for a while, then I’m sure we will,” Bill said as he started along the street. As he opened the office door, the welcoming heat from the stove made him smile for a moment, before the night events turned the smile into a frown.
“You okay, sheriff?” the young man sitting in Bill’s chair enquired. “Yyou seem a little tense tonight.”
“Yeah, I’m fine, Josh.”
Josh Farrell was about the same build as Bill except for the extra weight. He was a simple lad, two quarters short of a dollar some folk would say, mostly because of his speech impediment. But he had a heart of gold, and would do almost anything for Bill, who’d have him hang around doing odd chores, which made young Josh feel important.
His soft blue eyes looked at Bill with some concern. “Did you find out what that gunshot was, sheriff?”
“Yeah, Tom McKlusky bought it, gunned down by an unknown assailant in the middle of the street. Can you believe that?"
“TTTom McKlusky?”
Bill reached for the coffee pot that was sitting on the top of the stove and strolled over to his desk. Josh handed him a tin mug. “Clecleaned it myself for you, sheriff. It was lookin’ kinda grubby,” he said as he stood to give up the chair to Bill.
“Yeah, gunned down and no one saw a darn thing!” Bill sipped at the hot drink as he sat and leaned back in his chair. “You know anything about a stranger in town that goes by the name of, Sundown?”
Josh took hold of a broom and began to sweep the floor. “No. Can’t ssay that I do, Bill. Is it important?”
“I’m not sure, kid. If I’m not mistaken that fella looks like a professional gun, and he’s askin’ about me.”
Josh stopped what he was doing. “I ccould make some inquiries over at the saloon, if you want me to, sheriff.”
Bill smiled. “It’s okay, Josh. You go and get yourself home. There’s nothin' left here for you to do tonight.”
Josh picked up the small pile of dust off the floor with his hands and tossed it into the waste paper basket next to the desk. He reached for his hat from a peg behind the door. “I’ll see yyou in the mornin’, sheriff.”
Bill drank the remaining coffee from his cup and placed it on the edge of his desk. “Sure, Josh. See you in the mornin’.”
Josh walked out onto the street and headed down the Southside of town towards the livery stable where he slept most nights in the loft. Lloyd Baxter, the Blacksmith didn’t mind the young man sleeping there. Just like Bill, he had a soft spot for the boy.
As Josh passed Kitty’s Café, he glanced nonchalantly through the open doorway as a customer was leaving. He noticed a man sitting in the corner of the room who he’d never seen before. Curiosity got the better of him and he stood in the doorway staring at the man.
The man happened to be Sundown, and when he saw the boy staring, he narrowed his eyes and glared at him. “Somthin’ on your mind, boy?”
Josh didn’t answer.
“I’m warnin’ you!” Sundown snarled.
Kitty, the café owner, came hurrying from the kitchen. “Take no heed, mister. The boy’s deranged.”
“Huh?”
Kitty made a gesture with her forefinger, tapping the side of her head with it. “He’s a little slow, if you get my meanin’. Simple minded.” She began to wipe down the table opposite. “It’s hardly surprisin’ that his ma and pa abandoned him when they realized what a burden he was gonna be.”
“Well I don’t mind tellin’ you, he’s spookin’ me out!”
As if he’d snapped out of a deep sleep, Josh briskly shook his head. “Are yyyou cccalled SSundown?”
Sundown’s mouth opened wide, and then he began to laugh uncontrollably.
Kitty stopped what she was doing and raised an eyebrow. “Oh yes, I forgot to mention that he stutters. Why on earth Sheriff Paxton puts up with him, I’ll never know. He’s too soft for his own good if you ask me.”
Sundown immediately turned his gaze to Kitty. “Paxton, you say?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Bill Paxton, he’s the sheriff in this town?”
“Yes, what of it?”
Sundown stood and reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a wad of notes, peeling off a dollar bill and laying it on the table, he smiled, “Keep the change, and thanks, you’ve just made my day.”
“Huh!” she said as she quickly picked up the money.
Sundown grabbed his hat from the rack and pushed Josh out of the way. He stood on the sidewalk taking in the night air. There was a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Josh staring at him again.
“Well, what is it, you half witted moron?”
Josh gulped, “You nnnnever answered my question.”
“Jeez, boy, you’re thicker than a tree stump. Yes, I’m known as, Sundown. Now go and find someone else to pester.”
****
Bill Paxton was at his desk reading an old newspaper when the door bust open. He jumped out of his chair. “Oh, it’s you. I was wonderin’ when you would show.”
Sundown stepped into the office and closed the door behind him. “I guess you had your reasons for not wantin’ me to know who you were, Sheriff Paxton, or should I say, ex-Ranger Paxton.”
Bill sat and folded the newspaper and placed it in the desk drawer. He pursed his lips and let out some pent-up breath. “So what do you want of me, mister? Retribution for someone you know? A family member perhaps? You’re too young to have been a problem for me in my days of being a Texas Ranger.”
Sundown looked the sheriff up and down then walked over to the stove to take in some warmth through his hands. “You’ve got it all wrong! I’m not here for revenge or the like. I’m here because of who you are.”
Bill scratched his head. “For who I am. I don’t understand!”
“I came lookin’ for you because I wanted to see for myself the man that I’ve heard so much about.”
A look of surprise overcast Bill’s face. “Look, mister, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but whatever it was happened a long time ago.”
Sundown pushed back his hat slightly. “Oh don’t be so modest, Bill. Everyone knows you are the fastest gun this side of the Rio Grande.”
“That was a long time ago, son. I was younger then and foolhardy. Age changes a man. I’m just an old man enjoyin’ the quiet life in a peaceful, law-bidin’ town. Nothin’ excitin’ about that.”
“Where I come from, you’re a living legend. Folk say you’re the best there’s ever been.”
Bill felt uneasy at the stranger’s tenacity. “Like I said, mister … that was a long time ago.”
For one brief moment, Bill remembered his time as a Texas Ranger. How he earned the rep as a fast gun, and bringing countless outlaws to justice. It never dawned on him that one day someone would look up to him as someone famous. But Bill had the strangest feeling that Sundown hadn’t tracked him down just to satisfy his curiosity.
“Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but I get the strangest notion that you didn’t come here just to pass the time of day.”
“You’re right, sheriff. I came to call you out!”
Bill quickly got to his feet. He’d an idea that this was the real reason for Sundown to come calling. The gunman wanted to make a name for himself, and Bill had no intention of giving him the satisfaction of a gunfight. “I’m not going to give in to your stupid games, mister. I think it’s time you left.”
“Oh, it’s no game, believe me, and I ain’t leavin' … not until you hear me out!”
Bill wandered over to the stove and poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot. He took a sip and stood next to the window glancing at the passersby that were turning out of the saloon. “Well, I’m waitin’,” he said evenly.
Sundown pulled a cheroot from his shirt pocket and struck a match on the stovepipe to light it. After slowly exhaling the smoke, he walked over to the desk and sat in Bill’s chair. “You come from a large family, Bill?”
“What’s that got to do with anythin’?”
Sundown’s eyes narrowed. “Just answer the question, yes or no.”
“No!”
“My ma struggled to bring up eight kids, five boys and three girls. Can you imagine what that’s like, Bill?”
“No, I don’t suppose I can. But why are you tellin’ me this?”
“Because I was never noticed, I was in the middle. It was always the eldest or the youngest that got all the attention. I was just a nobody, and that’s the way it’s always been for me.”
“And I suppose callin’ me out is gonna change all that?” Bill said wryly.
Sundown scowled. “In a manner of speakin’. Anyone that can beat, Bill Paxton to the draw, has to be a somebody.”
“And you think there’s glory in beatin’ an old man to the draw?”
Sundown laughed. “It doesn’t matter about age. Just knowin’ that I beat you, will give me respect from folk.”
Bill shook his head and gave a half hearted smile. “Well, son, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I won’t be obligin’. Now if you’re all done here, I’m headin’ home.”
Sundown narrowed his eyes and curled his lip. “Not so fast sheriff, I’m not finished.”
As Bill reached for the office keys that were sitting on top of the desk, Sundown leant forward and grabbed hold of his wrist and gave the sheriff a cold stare.
“I said, I’m not finished! You’d be well advised to listen to what I have to say, unless you want to see more bloodshed!”
Bill pulled away from Sundown’s grip and rubbed his wrist. “It was you, wasn’t it? You gunned down Tom McKlusky.”
Sundown smiled. “I needed to get your attention, Bill.”
“Attention … you killed a man in cold blood … to get my attention?”
“Well, Bill, the way I figured it, you wouldn’t willingly face me in a gunfight. I knew you must have loved ones around you, a wife or a son, or maybe a daughter. Now if I threatened to hurt them, it might just get you riled up enough to take me on. You know now that I can be cold blooded and I wouldn’t hesitate in carrying out my threats.”
Bill’s eyes widened as he looked at Sundown with loathing, and tried to take in what he’d just told him. How could a man be so cold and yet so calm? This was a man not to be taken lightly. A loose cannon ready to go off at any moment.
“I could arrest you here and now,” Bill said unconvincingly.
Sundown laughed. “Oh, come on now, old man. We both know it is my word against yours. I’ll just deny everythin’.”
“Well in that case, it’s just as well I don’t have any loved ones that you can harm. So like I said, I’ll bid you goodnight, I’m leavin’.” He turned the handle to the door and began to open it.
“What about your little helper? It would be a pity if he met with an accident! You know … the one that stutters.”
Bill quickly ran over to the desk and grabbed Sundown by the throat. “Why you no good sonofabitch,” he said as he squeezed as hard as he could. “You leave the boy alone … you hear? Releasing his grip, he pushed him. The chair toppled backwards sending Sundown crashing to the floor. He coughed and rubbed his throat where Bill’s fingers had dug into it.
“You crazy old man, you’re gonna be sorry you did that.” He stood and walked over to the door. “Tomorrow, in front of the saloon … at sundown … be there, or else!”
“I’LL BE THERE YOU SONOFABITCH, YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!”
****
Sundown had been in the Red Dog Saloon for over an hour, playing cards and making a nuisance of himself with the working girls, when Josh walked in. Sundown caught sight of him. The young man walked over to his table.
Sundown laughed then mockingly said, “And wwwhat can I dddo for you?”
Josh was straight faced and seemed a little different than the first time Sundown had met him.
“I hear tell you’re gonna face Sheriff Paxton tomorrow in a ggunfight, is that right?”
Sundown looked surprised. “What’s up with your stutter, boy? You seem to have lost it!”
Josh narrowed his eyes. “I only sstutter badly when I’m nervous.” He sat at the table next to Sundown. “So, is it true?”
“Yes, it’s true. I will be known as the man that beat, Bill Paxton. I’m gonna get me some respect.”
“Bill’s old and nnot as fast as he uused to be. It just ain’t right.”
Sundown laughed once more. “Ah, go and play with your broom, boy.”
Josh stood and began to walk away. He felt helpless and angry. Bill had been so good to him, more like a father than a friend. He stopped when he reached the doorway, then about turned and hurried back to Sundown, who was surprised to see him.
“You forget somethin’, kid?”
“Yeah, someone should teach you a lesson. Bill’s a ggood man, he’s been a real help to a lot of folk in this here ttown.”
Sundown stood and pushed the chair back and grabbed Josh by the front of his shirt. “Now listen to me, you halfwit. If anyone is gonna teach me a lesson, it certainly won’t be you. Now beat it!”
Josh felt a hand on his shoulder. When he turned around, it was Lloyd Baxter, the blacksmith. “C’mon kid, he’s not worth it.”
Lloyd put his arm around Josh’s shoulder and led him outside. “That man is dangerous, Josh. Don’t give him an excuse to go beatin’ up on you … or worse!”
“Well, it ain’t right, him pickin’ on BBill.”
“I know, kid. But what can anyone do? He’s one mean son-of-a-gun. I even heard a rumor why they call him Sundown.”
Josh’s eyes widened. “Tell me.”
“Cause he’ll only fight at sundown facing east. The other guy is facing the blinding sun low in the sky, which always gives Sundown the edge.”
“The low down good-for-nothin’ coward. That’s why he is callin’ BBill out at ssundown.”
****
The following morning seemed like any other day as the streets bustled with folk going about their business. But for Bill, it was anything but an ordinary day as he sat at his desk writing what he thought might be his last few words addressed to, Josh. He signed it and pushed it into the envelope that contained his life savings. If nothing else, Josh would be financially secure.
He was dressed in his Sunday best, a dark blue suit that he usually wore for church. I might as well save the undertaker the job of putting it on me when I’m laid out. He chuckled to himself, trying to make light of the appointment he had later that day.
****
It was six-thirty and almost time for the two men to face one another, as Kitty poured more coffee into Sundown’s cup. He pushed the empty plate away from him and lifted the cup of coffee to his lips and took a little sip.
“That was a mighty fine meal. Ma’am … very filling.
Kitty lifted the discarded plate. “Will there be anythin’ else?”
Sundown took another sip of coffee. No, I don’t want to overdo it. Least ways not until after the showdown.”
Kitty was taken aback. “So you’re really goin’ ahead with this gunfight? I mean … I thought it was just idle gossip that folks were putting about.”
“Yes, I’m gonna face Bill. And that’s not idle gossip,” he said as he stood and drank the remainder of the coffee in one large gulp. “You can make a fresh pot if you like. I’ll be back in a little while.” He grabbed his hat from the stand and walked out into the street. He stood twenty feet from the saloon and pulled out his short barreled .45. He opened the loading gate and checked that it was loaded and ready for action. In a loud profound voice he called, “Paxton, I’m here waiting for you. Let’s get this show rollin’.”
He watched as the batwing doors opened and out stepped the man that would change his life forever. Sundown observed the man’s slow deliberate gait. His wide brimmed hat pulled low at the front, concealing his eyes and most of his face from Sundown’s glare. He walked twenty or so feet down the street then turned. There was about forty feet between them. Sundown looked puzzled, Bill had his head tilted. The sun wouldn’t blind him, but at the same time there was no way that he could see his target.
“Okay, Bill. You’re makin’ this easy for me. It was a pleasure knowin’ you.” He went for his gun and bellowed, “I killed Bill Paxton.” His thumb pulled back the hammer, and the pistol almost cleared leather when he felt the bullet hit him hard in the chest. “What the…” He dropped to his knees, a look of dismay showed on his face. “How can anyone be that fast?” he hollered.
He touched the sticky fluid that was flowing from the wound and looked at it in disbelief. A trickle of blood ran down the side of his mouth. “Damn … it wasn’t supposed to happen like this … not like this!”
“You brought it on yyyourself, Sundown. No one wwanted this ‘cept you.”
Sundown looked up at Josh with narrowed eyes. “You! How could you beat me? You’re a nobody… the town idiot.”
Josh crouched. “I have a speech problem, is all. The mmore nervous I get, the worse my speech is. Bbut there’s nothin’ wrong with my hearin’ or my ggun skills.”
“How the hell did you learn to skin a gun so fast? I don’t understand.”
Josh placed his hand on Sundown’s shoulder. “Bill taught me. It gets mighty borin’ some days, so mme and Bill used to go on the north side of ttown and he’d teach me everythin’ he knew. He even taught me to listen for the gun leaving leather. It was like a game. I took to it like a duck takes to water. It just came natural to me, but I never thought I’d have to do it for rreal, though.”
“I don’t feel good,” Sundown said in a low voice, almost a whisper. “Why the hell didn’t Paxton show?”
A broad smile spread across Josh’s face. “Oh I told him you’d cchanged your mind and left ttown. I suggested he go fishin’ for the day, and he did.”
“The sonofabitch!”
I want to tthank you, mister.”
“What?”
“You’ve given me the opportunity to rrepay BBill for all the kindness he’s shown to me over the years.”
Sundown’s eyes widened as he took his last breath and slumped sideways into the dirt.
Josh stood and took off his gun belt. As he made his way to the sheriff’s office, he looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “It’s funny how things turn out!”
*****
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