Chapter 46

“Two out of three,” Juan Luis announces. The bastard barely misses a shot and smiles arrogantly. He’s too arrogant to think I’m better than him. Am I? If I don’t beat him, I’ve already lost. I’ve got everything riding on this round.

“Don Oscar, it’s your turn.” I step on the mark and grip the gun with all the poise I am capable of despite my sweaty hands. I aim at the target. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, open them, and fire. One, two, three. I close my eyes again, waiting to hear Juan Luis’ voice.

“Three out of three,” he shouts almost instantly. I relax incredibly. The one who doesn’t relax is Braulio, who looks annoyed. He was counting on winning this round and killing me. But no.

Not yet

“Last round to go,” I say with all the poise I have. It’s the first time I see Braulio nervous. Sweat drips down his forehead; it’s the sweat that comes from fear. He is scared. I like him. He no longer has that security, that arrogance. Now, at last, he fears for