Wild West - Chapter 1 - Part 29 - 5 minute freewrite challenge

“But really, what was your favorite job?” James put on a serious face and persisted with the question.

“The first time I faced another gunslinger. Also the first job I did alone. Some Wyatt guy all the way down in California,” Tom lit himself another cigarette and handed the pack over to James. “He killed the sheriff in a gunfight, bribed the deputy and claimed the town for himself,” he took another puff of the toxic smoke. “Anyway, I got to town and people at the saloon were literally begging me to leave and save myself before I couldn’t leave anymore. I tried to keep my cool, but I’ll admit, I was still green and they managed to make me pretty damn nervous. First time I faced a target that knew how to shoot back. It’s those feelings, what I felt prior to the shooting, that made it so unique. The rush of adrenaline, mixed with the shaky knees and then about 500 people waiting anxiously for the clock to hit 12 and see whether they were saved or doomed. Sure the rewards after were nice too, but I’ve never felt that fear and adrenaline since. It’s like I got immune to it. I wasn’t even afraid when I faced you earlier today.”