The gang of outlaws spread out on the street in front of the Long Branch Saloon, their leader sneering as he dismounted.
Matt Dillon stood calm and steady, his hand hovering near his holster. Chester and the deputies flanked him, shotguns at the ready, their eyes darting between the armed men.
"I'll give you one last chance," Matt said, his voice cutting through the tension. "Turn around and ride out. You don't want what's waiting for you here."
The leader scoffed, stepping closer. "You talk big, Marshal, but you're outnumbered. This town's ripe for the taking."
Matt's eyes narrowed. "Then come and take it."
The leader's smirk faltered, but he signaled his men forward. "Burn it to the ground!"
Gunfire erupted as the gang charged. Chester ducked behind a barrel, firing his shotgun and taking out one of the outlaws. Matt's Colt Peacemaker roared, his shots precise as he dropped two more.
Inside the saloon, Kitty crouched behind the bar with Bill Pence. Bill passed her extra shells as they heard the chaos outside.
"Stay low," Bill ordered.
The gang's attention turned toward the saloon, and two men kicked open the doors. Kitty raised her shotgun, her hands steady despite the adrenaline surging through her.
"Not one more step," she said firmly.
The outlaws hesitated for a moment before one lunged forward. Kitty fired, the blast echoing through the room as the man fell. The second man retreated, only to be taken down by Bill.
"Remind me never to cross you," Bill muttered, reloading his weapon.
Outside, the fight raged on. The deputies were holding their ground, but Matt's focus was on the gang leader, who had just come out from behind his horse and now stood in the middle of the street, his pistol drawn.
"Just you and me now, Marshal," the leader called out.
Matt stepped into the street, his boots crunching against the dirt. The noise of the fight seemed to fade as the two men squared off.
The leader fired first, but Matt aim was deadly. His shot struck true, hitting the man in the shoulder and sending him to the ground. The remaining gang members, seeing their leader fall, hesitated before retreating into the darkness.
"Get out of Dodge," Matt barked, his voice cold. "If I see any of you again, I won't give you the chance to run."
The outlaws didn't wait for a second warning. They scrambled onto their horses and fled.