Click went the empty cartridge. Roan released his grip and Ugly dropped to the floor. The gun fell and skidded to Roan's feet. He was grinning wildly, relief had rolled over him like a tidal wave. He bent over and picked up the gun, spinning the cartridge.

"What can I say, when it's not your time, it's not your time…I swear there's a bullet in here somewhere…maybe," he turned and extended his arm in a perfect stance with the barrel aimed at Kyro's head. "Are you up for a little Russian Roulette?" He asked Kyro, who was sitting in a wooden chair with glassy eyes.

"Do it." Kyro said, his voice thick with twisted desire. Roan pulled the trigger. Click. Roan smiled.

"Lucky us," Roan commented. Ugly was still on the floor struggling to pull herself together. Her vision was blurred and her mind was wailing. Roan casually circled her. "Who's turn is next?" He asked. "Anyone? Anyone?...hmmm…maybe our special guest can answer that one," He swung around to face the door. "Conlon?"

Spot Conlon stepped into the room from the shadows behind the open door. His marred face dark and his step resolute. His eyes were like the sinner's flames on judgment day.

Roan faced him and extended the hand with the revolver out behind him, so that it was pointing at Ugly. "It's her turn, isn't it Conlon? It's only fair." Ugly shuddered on the floor, her eyes fixed on the barrel that was lined up with her head. She'd always wondered what it felt like on the receiving end. Now it seemed she might finally know. "I was willing to take a bullet for her, are you?"

"I won't have to." Spot said. His voice was strong and sure. It was the voice that kept the bigger, the stronger and the smarter in line beneath him. The voice that kept him on top. Roan smiled. It was the first time he had ever been scared of Spot Conlon.

XXX

Mwa hahaha! You didn't really think I'd killed off Roan did you? That just wouldn't be right. Don't you just love that I can't hold out a cliffhanger for more than five seconds? I can't help it; they just drive me crazy, even though I am in control of what's happening (supposedly).

So, why won't Spot have to?

Is there really a bullet in that gun? I'd feel more comfortable if someone checked.

Is this chapter wickedly short or what? Okay, I confess, I'm dragging it out a little.

What is going to happen? A brawl? Peace talks? An orgy? Obviously, it's going to be something crazy! Yikes, I'm starting to get concerned. At least everyone's still alive, for now anyway…