The Third Act

"It's foreshadowing," said Tad. "We saw the gun on the mantelpiece."

"Gun's not on the mantel now," Doug grunted. He displayed it in his hand. The snow-cold light from the cave mouth reflected from the barrel.

"I'm talking metaphors," said Tad. He stared outside. Grey-white flakes sifted down. It wasn't snow. "We should have seen this coming."

In the distance, there was a flash-rumble as another building fell.

"Three," said Doug.

"What?"

"You asked how many bullets. There's three."

"Good. That's good. I wouldn't want to leave her without an option."

The curtain came down.

A shot rang out.