They both snapped around when Brand stepped into the open, his revolver already moving to his first target. He shot the taller of the pair first, putting a single bullet through his head. The Chinese had time for a shocked grunt before he hit the ground. His partner was slightly more agile and as Brand shifted his aim, this one threw himself flat. The revolver in his hand made a flat sound, powdersmoke lashing from the muzzle. The bullet cleaved empty air. Brand had changed position the moment he had fired his first shot. As the hammer fell on the Chinese shooter’s gun Brand was already crouching, his own weapon lining up. He fired twice, placing the .44 slugs into the Chinese as the man started to rise. The heavy impact kicked the Chinese over and he died staring up at the sky. ‘Hell of a way to start the day,’ said Brand with a shake of the head.