The morning air was light and crisp, the warm scent of prairie grass accenting it. I adjust my hat, the sun’s too damn bright today. The weight of my bandolier is as reassuring as an old friend. He’s been on my trail for a good four hours now, and it seems he ain’t goin’ off it anytime soon. The warm, sweet air fills my lungs as I take one last deep breath before my legs start pounding like a train engine.

I hit the ground running and don’t stop. Unfortunatley, neither does he. Looks like it’s gonna be a stand-off, and judging from the sounds of his big ole’ footfalls, one pretty damn soon. Well, if he wants a fight, it’s gonna be to my accordin’. An outcropping of rocks looks about right. I juke left and dive into the maze of stone and sand, holding my breath. The old fella has one helluva nose, but his eyes ain’t so great. Bigger than I thought. Must be an old lady.

As I climb, the big lizard sees me. The roar shakes my bones like a rattle. Looks like I ain’t getting out.

I draw my guns.

I leap.