Gunfire: The Moment

Ryle, who acting as spotter tonight, muttered something about the rising wind. He seemed utterly unconcerned about the situation. I nudged the crosshairs left.

The Minister lit his cigar and leaned on the balcony. Through the telescopic sight, I could almost read the conversation from his lips. I needed to make the shot, and with a tiny increase in pressure did so.

The weapon flashed and spat flame into the evening sky, rising a little from the sandbag. I watched a dull haze sail ever so gently down, down, down until there was a huge blur of red right where there had previously been a man.

Ryle grunted in approval, clapping me on the shoulder. I stood up, slung the rifle over my shoulder and pocketed the spare rounds before ducking through the door that Ryle was holding open for me.

We quietly slipped out into the deserted chapel, moving between shadows and archways - and stopped at the sound of footsteps.

"The shot came from this direction, sergeant."

There was no way they could be here yet.