HELL HATH NO FURY (A Jess Williams western novel) by Robert J. Thomas Read Free Book Online

Jess.
                  “Mr. Williams, please have a seat and join me for a drink,” said the man.
                  Jess, never one to be careless leaned over to see if the man’s hammer strap was off, but it wasn’t and the man had both of his hands on the table so he figured it was safe.
                  Harney Wales knew exactly what Jess was doing and he would’ve done the same if he was in the same position. “Just make sure you keep both hands above the table like me, Mr. Williams,” Wales said in a very polite and calm voice.
                  “It seems you know my name, but I don’t know yours,” said Jess, sitting down as Wales poured Jess a shot of fine whiskey after Jess downed the one he got from the barkeep.
                  “My name is Harney Wales and I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Williams. I’ve read all about you and I’ve been waiting a long time to finally meet with you.”
                  “Well, Mr. Wales, if you are here on the matter of the blood bounty on my head, you’d be well informed to know that it has been canceled.”
                  “I heard all about that, but I’m a rich man and wouldn’t be here for the money anyway,” replied Wales.
                  “I guess that leaves only one other thing, I suppose you’re here for the reputation that you would gain from taking me down.”
                  “Now that’s what I call an understanding between two reasonable men,” replied Wales, calmly and still with a polite tone in his voice.
                  “Well, I know from experience that I’m not going to talk you out of this, so pour me another shot of that fine whiskey and then we can get on with our business,” replied Jess.
                  Harney Wales smiled a wide smile. “Finally, someone who understands the dance of death and respects it for what it really is.”
                  “I have to tell you though, it’s not my first time,” replied Jess.
                  “I know. I heard about you taking down some of the best gunslingers around these here parts. I heard all about that Manny Welch thing you were involved in. Is it really true that he sent ten men to ambush you in a hotel at night and you killed every one of them?”
                  “Actually, it was more than that, but I did have some help,” said Jess.
                  “Let’s finish up with one more drink and then get to it,” said Wales, as he poured two more glasses of whiskey. Wales topped off their glasses and they both sat there in silence drinking and looking into each other eyes. They finally finished and Wales looked at Jess.
                  “I guess it’s time, Mr. Williams.”
                  “Okay, if you insist,” said Jess, standing up. They both moved about ten feet apart and they both remove their hammer straps. Wales was admiring Jess’ pistol.
                  “So, that is the famous and very unusual pistol and holster I’ve heard so much about,” said Wales.
                  “It sure is and it has served me well,” replied Jess.
                  “Well, if I get lucky, I guess I’ll get to keep it for myself,” said Wales.
                  “Yeah, but that just ain’t going to happen,” replied Jess.
                  “I heard you were quite the cocky fellow in the midst of a gun fight.”
                  “It just seems to come natural anymore,” replied Jess. “I guess the talking is over so go ahead, I always give the other man the first move.”
                  Harney Wales wasn’t rattled or scared. He had stared into the face of death over a dozen times in his lifetime, but he had never faced what he was facing now, Jess Williams and the pistol of death. Wales smiled and