4. Coincidences happen

"You've got some nerve to come here, Sheriff!" Bill growled.

Shortly afterwards Rango felt the cold metal of a gun on his forehead.

"Stand up! Slowly!"

In obedience, Rango stood up with weak knees.

"Bill. You are the one who I searched," Rango said when he stood on his feet.

"I'm not surprised. How did you know where I am? Did someone natter?"

Rango cleaned his throat. "No, it was just a coincidence."

Bill snorted with disgust. "A very unhappy coincidence. What do you want?"

Rango took a deep breath. "You have something which doesn't belong to you."

Bill growled threateningly. "Did someone squeal? This time I have been very carefully while stealing."

"Nobody is perfect," Rango muttered. "Give the roadrunner back which you have stolen."

"Strictly speaking, it was no stealing. It has been "Cheap shopping"."

"Yeah, especially if you don't have to lay out money."

"You say it."

"Alright then, give it back."

"Why should I do that?"

"Otherwise, I have to arrest you."

Bill laughed mockingly. "I'd like to see you try."

He pointed at his revolver.

Rango scratch his head. "Well, it's different than originally planned…"

Suddenly he toppled sideward. In last second he could hold himself on the door frame.

"Say, are you drunken?" Bill asked.

"I donnu. I feel something strange."

"People like you shall stay in bed before they go to work."

"I will keep it in my mind," Rango muttered. He felt very weak. He held his head again. "I think I will come back later."

But before he could leave the house, Bill grabbed his collar.

"Where do you want to go so fast?" the Gila monster asked mockingly. "Do you think I let you go only that you can lock me in later? I'm tired of to look for another place to stay. Just now, I equipped my new house comfortable. But maybe you want to keep company with me."

"No, Bill! Let me go! I think I need a doctor."

"What a happy coincidence. Fresh country air is healthier than stuffy town air. You can cure here."

Rango screamed when Bill pulled him brutally into the house and threw him on the ground. He stood up immediately. But Bill ran against him with his whole weight and Rango crashed against the house wall. Panting the chameleon stayed on the floor. He never had a chance against Bill's forceful attacks.

"Bill, let me go or you will be sorry!"

"Shut your gob!" Bill growled, while he tied Rango. "I'm sorrier about that I didn't that earlier."

After he had tied together Rango's hands on the back, he also tied the legs together.

"What are you going to do with me, Bill?" Rango asked hoarsely. It was hard for him to swallow.

"I don't know yet. But I know where you will be very soon."

With these words, he grabbed Rango's arm and foot and carried him out like a cheap doll to the old shed. With a foot kick, he opened the shed's door and dragged the chameleon inside.

The shed was almost empty. Only a few wooden boxes and ropes lay around in the corners.

"Bill, I'm feeling really bad," Rango cried frantically.

"Well, even better. I don't have to soil my hands to kill you."

Without regard, he threw the tied chameleon on the ground.

"You can stay here until you croak."

Rango sat up immediately, but Bill forced him again on the ground.

"Why are you doing that?"

"Why? Because I hate you!"

"You can't leave me here alone!"

"I bet yes."

Bill turned around and went to the door.

"No Bill! Please, don't!"

Rango threw himself forward. Bill grabbed his collar with rage and slung him away.

Moaning Rango laid with dusty clothes on the floor again.

Bill was going to leave the room and looked at Rango gloatingly.

"Sleep well."

With these words he closed the door bolted it.

Shortly afterwards he heard how the chameleon crawled to the door and leaned himself against it.

"Bill! Let me out! Please, let me out!"

Bill snorted sneeringly.

"You are too quiet. I can't hear you," he sneered and went over to the house where he couldn't hear Rango's screams fortunately.