First appeared at Aphelion.
The challenge was to write a story with a twist ending in fantasy, sci-fi, or horror genre.
Maddie dismounted, tied the palomino's reins to the hitching post, and ambled through the swinging doors into the noname saloon, the chaps slowing her progress. She sauntered to the bar, her spurs providing a musical accompaniment to each step, and perched on a stool with her feet dangling above the floor.
"Barkeep, gimme a beer," she said and placed her Stetson on the bar.
"You wanna keep that hat I suggest you put it someplace else," the bartender said with a stare like her father used to give her.
"Didn't mean no harm," Maddie said and put the dusty hat back on her matted, black hair. "Jason been in today?" she said taking a sip of warm beer.
"Should be here anytime now." The bartender casually wiped the bar without looking at Maddie "You know Jason?"
"We've met," Maddie replied, while attempting to act like it didn't matter if Jason showed or not.
She saw Jason's reflection in the mirror behind the bar when he entered the saloon. Lowering her eyes, she pulled the brim of her hat down so he couldn't see her face.
"Hey, Paco. How's it going today?"
"Goin' fine" the bartender said. "Got somebody here wants to see you," he continued with a nod toward Maddie.
Maddie slowly slid off the stool and flexed her fingers. "Hello, Jason. Long time."
Jason stopped and smiled. "It has been a while, Maddie. How's Susan?"
"None o' yer business how my sister is. Not since you left her at the altar. She about died of heartache 'cause of you." Maddie spread her feet a little wider and rolled her shoulders to ease the tension.
Jason matched her pose.
"Hey, you need to take this outside," the bartender said.
"Shut up, Paco. This isn't any of your business." He stared at Maddie. "Anytime, Maddie, but we know how this is going to end."
"Oh yeah?" Maddie drew her gun, but Jason was faster. The bullet seared through her shoulder causing Maddie to lurch backwards. When she looked up, Jason was gone.
Maggie staggered toward the door and into the street. She removed her headset and spied Jason waiting with a teeth-baring grin on his face, his arms crossed on his chest.
"Let's see. That's me three and you zero," he said.
"I'm still new to these virtual reality games," she said punching Jason in the arm. "I'll beat you yet."
"We'll see little lady," Jason said with a bow, his arm pointing to the parking lot. "We'll see."
"You're damn right we will. Next time I get to pick the scenario," she said with a wry smile, "and it will be a joust. We both know how much you hate horses." Maddie winked and strode toward her car, confident she would win the next time.
