I stowed the heat I was packing and took a leisurely stroll over to the perforated door. Setting my hat on the counter as I passed it, I loosened my tie, shrugged off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves. Crouched in front of Clarence, whose shoulder was blown to Hell, but at least it was a clean shot.

I gripped the fella's arm with my right mitt, digging a thumb into the bloody hole and catching Clarence around his neck and up under his chin with my left.

"Y'know," I started with a pretty fine humor, twisting my finger in the wound. "I didn't wanna hafta wreck the rest of you. But if you sit tight a spell then this won't be near as bad as it could be."

Because believe me, I'd entertained some notions.