GUNS AND GRUDGES

"Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody.

— Benjamin Franklin"

Emilio leaned back in his chair, casually pulling a cigar from his pocket. He lit it with a slow, practiced motion, taking a deep inhale before exhaling a thick plume of smoke that drifted lazily upward. As he did, his gaze flickered to his watch—a subtle movement, but one that Wes noticed instantly. Across the table, Old Jack also glanced at his watch, a barely perceptible motion that made Gabriel’s senses prickle with unease.

Gabriel shifted in his chair, his jaw clenched as he caught the faint tension in the room. The air felt charged, like the calm before a storm.

Emilio let out a low, seemingly relaxed chuckle, his tone taking on an almost conciliatory note as he looked at Gabriel. “You know, Gabriel, despite everything, I’ve always respected you. I truly want this… truce to work.”