Gunflame

Matt Wildew was a killer who wore his .44 low in a tied-down holster. He saved Rick Malone's life and taught him everything he knew. For years they were a team, hiring out their guns, side by side. Vance Spargo was the owner of the huge Hatchet ranch. When he was found murdered, everyone involved with the Hatchet ranch came under suspicion. Wildew wanted to ride out and start a new life in Arizona, but Malone said he wasn't going anywhere, especially now that he and Nan Rawlins had finally declared their love. Now in Bald Rock's main street they faced each other. Wildew began moving toward Malone, talking softly, easily. It was his way, Rick remembered—an old killer's trick. So he waited, every sense alert. The sound of Matt's voice was drowned in the roar of both their guns.