ONE SHOT

BILL MAYNARD: a bartender and owner of the local saloon

SHANE O’RILEY: A prospector looking to strike it rich in the gold mines near town. Engaged to HELEN FARLEY. Gregarious and impulsive. 

HELEN FARLEY: Fiancee of SHANE O’RILEY, calm and careful. 

AUSTIN PIERCE: Also known as THE BLOODPIERCER or BLOODPIERCER. An outlaw wanted across several territories for murder and robbery. Dangerous and combative. 

JETHRO HEATON: A Mormon farmer traveling west to Utah to settle with the mormon community. A very devout Mormon, originally from Illinois. 

ELIZA HEATON: Wife of JETRHO HEATON. Also a devout Mormon. Formerly a midwife in Illinois. Quiet and docile. 

(At rise, opens on Western-style saloon.People sit at booths quietly drinking.Pianist plays tunes while people chat. BILL MAYNARD polishes glasses and pours drinks to customers. BILL wears a  grey vest and khaki pants over a plain white button-up. Stopwatch hangs from vest pocket.  HELEN FARLEY and SHANE O’RILEY enter through swing doors stage right, arm in arm. HELEN wears a flower-patterned blue dress that covers her arms and goes to the floor. SHANE is wearing a brown cowboy hat, a red plaid shirt,jeans, and boots. )

BILL

Howdy Shane. G’ Afternoon Miss. Farley 

SHANE

Hello Bill. How’s business these days? 

BILL

(sigh) Oh, you know, I get by. Not great business, ‘specially since those Redskins are on the hunt. Scares the customers away. And those blasted mudsills could care less about us. Too busy fussin’ bout somethin or other. I’ll compain about all those greenhorns comin’ in knowing ntohin, but I tell you what-I appreciate an eager hand willing to work. Nowadays its just the regulars-Folks like yourself. But like I said, I get by.

SHANE

Right as rain Bill, right as rain. Me and Helen here are hopin for a nice find. A nice nugget or two would help, what with us marrying and all. We don't need too much, just enough gold to help us get settled, buy some land. 

BILL

I bet it would. Well, I can’t help with that, can I pour you two a drink?

SHANE

Oh, I suppose. How about a whiskey for me and a beer for the lady? 

BILL

(turns to face bar and grabs bottle off of shelf)

Coming right up

SHANE

(turns to face HELEN, and brushes her cheek)

Can you imagine it, honey? The two of us raising our boys on a farm. Somewhere safe. Just the family and the plains. (sighs wistfully) If I can hit just one big deposit, we’ll have it made. 

HELEN

(holds on to his shoulder)

Oh, I know you will. Just us. Any day now. Just as soon as we’re married. 

SHANE

Any day now. I just gotta figure things out at the mine, and then we’ll have the best wedding this town’s ever seen

BILL

(sets drinks on bar)

Here you are.

SHANE

(sets two coins on the bar, picks up drinks, and walks towards the back of the bar)

I appreciate it Bill. C’mon Helen, let's go find a place to sit. 

(AUSTIN PIERCE enters the bar stage right. He is dressed in dark clothing and a black hat. His overcoat has conspicuous protrusions from guns. Spurs rattle as he takes a seat at the bar. BILL immediately grabs a bottle and a glass and begins to pour in front of AUSTIN)

BILL

(nervously)

Any fixings today?

(AUSTIN continues to stare down at bar)

AUSTIN

Make me a double with extra bitters. I’m in no mood for a woman’s drink today. 

BILL

Of course. (pours in more alcohol and bitters) Here you are. 

(AUSTIN grabs glass, stands up and slowly walks to back of the bar)

AUSTIN

(to SHANE and HELEN)

You’re in my seat. 

SHANE

Excuse me?

AUSTIN

I said: you’re in my seat. Scram. This booth here is mine. 

SHANE

Sir, there are plenty of open booths here for you to sit, I don’t see why you can’t go to any of those. 

AUSTIN

(sets drink forcefully on table)

Because this here is my booth. Now are we gonna have a problem, or are you gonna move? (opens coat, showing holsters with guns)

SHANE

(stands up and puts hand on revolver)

There doesn’t need to be a problem, now why don’t you go take a seat at any of those open tables? The bar’s quiet right now, there ain’t many people that’d be a bother. Why don’t you just let us drink in peace?

HELEN

Shane, why don’t we just move? It’s not that big of a hassle. This sir clearly just wants the booth.

SHANE

Because Helen, we got here first, and there’s plenty of space for this gentleman to drink in peace. 

AUSTIN

Why don’t you listen to your hooker there and get the hell out of my seat! 

(All patrons stop talking, and glance at table)

SHANE

(loud and angrily)

The hell you just say?

AUSTIN

(calm and slow)

I said: Why don’t you take your hooker to some other table, get out of my seat, and leave me alone if you know what’s good for you. 

SHANE

I’ve about had it with you. Now I’m gonna ask you to leave before things get out of hand. 

BILL

Hey now boys, why don’t we all just take it easy now. 

AUSTIN

I’ve had it with you yellowbellies. Why don’t we take this outside like real men?

SHANE

I’ll do you one better. You. Me. Sunrise on Main Street. First blood. 

HELEN

(gasps and through tears) Please Shane, think this through. Think of us. Think of our future. 

SHANE

(turns to HELEN)

 I am thinking of our future, I won’t let him disrespect you like that. (turns back to AUSTIN) We’ll see who the real yellowbelly is tomorrow. 

AUSTIN

Fine by me. Soon your wh*re will be a widow too. You’re a dead man. No one disrespects the Piercer and walks away unharmed. 

(Throws back drink and slams empty glass on table)

Dawn tomorrow, you die. 

(Adjusts hat and walks out of saloon doors stage right and offstage) 

HELEN

What have you done Shane? Why’d you have to go and do that?

SHANE

No one disrespects you like that. Don’t you worry, I’m a sharpshooter. He doesn’t stand a chance. 

HELEN

Oh Shane, let’s just go. Please. 

SHANE

Alright Helen. But you really don’t have to worry. 

BILL

Shane, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you should really take back that duel. You just challenged the Austin Pierce-Blood Piercer to a duel. 

SHANE

I don’t care what he calls himself, he offended my honor, and I intend to defend it. 

BILL

No, you don’t understand. Blood Piercer is wanted in The Nebraska and Dakota territories. I don’t bother him and he doesn’t bother me, but now you’ve gone and challenged him to a duel. He’s killed tougher men than you Shane. I like you, which is why I’m telling you this. If you have any sense, you’ll withdraw your challenge. Lay low and hope he forgets about you. 

SHANE

No! I don’t know who this Piercer thinks he is, but no one dishonors Helen like that. Especially not some outlaw lowlife. I know what I did, and I intend to make good on my promises.

BILL

Oh, Shane, you’re brave, but you think with your heart, not your head. Why don’t you grab a beer and get some rest for tomorrow? I'll stop by with some supper later on. 

SHANE

You’re too nice Bill, y’know. Don’t you worry. We’ll stop by for some bread and beer later on. Tomorrow, we won’t have nothing to worry about. 

BILL

‘Course. You take it easy now. 

(SHANE walks towards door. HELEN lags behind)

HELEN

(softly)

Thank you Bill. Truly. I just wish he wouldn’t get himself mixed up in these kinds a things. He loves me so much that he doesn’t know when to stop defending me. I love him, but he thinks with his heart not his head sometimes. (holds back sob) I just hope he has the sense to get himself out of this. We have so much ahead of us. 

BILL

You take it easy Ms. Farley. If there’s anything you need, you let me know. I’ll try and talk some sense into Shane at supper tonight. 

SHANE

(from outside)

Helen! What’re you holding back for. I mean to stop by the ammo store and clean up before supper. Don’t dally no more. 

HELEN

(shouts)

Coming Dear! 

(To Bill) I’ll see you tonight. Thank you

(HELEN walks out of saloon. Bill picks up glasses and continues to clean them, and pour drinks to customers. As Bill returns behind the counter stage left, lights dim from white, to sunset orange. Extras playing drinkers walk out, and different extras walk in. Slow trickle of people fill up bar. Small talk becomes louder and more raucous. A serving lady appears from door behind counter, stage left, with platters of food. Music plays over speakers, setting a more jovial tone. HELEN and SHANE walk in, wearing different clothes.)

SHANE

Howdy Bill, I think we’d like some supper now. 

BILL

I’ll have Sherry bring you two something to eat. Some fresh beer came in this afternoon. Can I pour you a glass?

SHANE

That’d be great. 

(HELEN and SHANE sit at bar next to a very traditionally dressed couple. Woman is wearing a bonnet and flowy white long sleeved dress. Man is in wide brimmed hat and black overalls over a yellow plaid shirt. They are eating food, but they are the only ones not drinking an alcoholic beverage. Bill sets down two beers in front of HELEN and SHANE)

BILL

Here ya are. Sherry will have some pork loin and potatoes comin' soon. (to the HEATONS) Mr. and Mrs. Heaton, can I get you anything else?

JETHRO HEATON

No need Mr. Maynard. Compliments to your cook, the Lord has blessed her with a talent, and blessed us with a warm meal. 

BILL

Alright, well, you let me know if you need anything else. 

JETHRO

My thanks, good sir. 

SHANE

Excuse me, Mr. (pause) Heaton, was it? If you don’t mind me asking, you don’t sound like you’re from ‘round here. You from out of town? 

JETHRO 

You are quite the observer. Yes, me and Eliza here are from Illinois. We’re on a journey out West. 

SHANE

We’re pretty far west, don’t you think. There’s plent of good land around here. Me and my fiancee Helen have a plot of land, a few leagues south of here. 

JETHRO

Oh no. We’re not here for land. We’re headed to the Utah territory. We’re going to live in a paradise ordained by the Lord. The Great Salt Lake is where the Lord intends us to be, right close to Mr. Young. 

SHANE

Who is this Mr. Young? Is he that fella leading all those folk down to the desert to worship the same god we worship here? 

JETHRO

(laughs) Oh no, sir, the Utah Territory is a paradise. Full of people like us who will live in the New Eden. 

SHANE

Y’know it sounds familiar, aren’t you those folk who have ten wives and all that?

JETHRO

(scoffs) There is so much more to be found in God than just wives. The Church is a haven from the ills of society. I’ve heard you have been getting in some trouble recently. Perhaps you could use the Lord’s guidance? Or a prayer of security from me and Eliza? 

SHANE

Who said anything about me getting into trouble? 

JETHRO

Word travels fast. I don’t judge a man without knowing him. 

SHANE

That ain’t normal for folk these days. Thank you. I was defending the honor of Helen. Some lowlife scum called her unspeakable things. I can’t have anyone tarnishing her reputation.

(SHERRY brings plates of food. She sets it down and SHANE and HELEN begin to eat)

JETHRO

You treat your wife as the lord intended. You must think carefully and do what the Lord sees fit.  

ELIZA

And you have your family to think about.

SHANE

(surprised and confused)

Family? All I have is Helen. I mean I’d like a family but it’s just us for now. 

ELIZA

Can’t you see it?

JETHRO

What do you mean Eliza?

ELIZA

Look at her. She’s with child. 

(Helen gasps, Shane snorts) 

SHANE

Now don’t go making things up now.

JETHRO

I’d listen to her more closely, Eliza here used to be a midwife back in Illinois. She knows these things, the Lord has blessed her with a gift. 

Shane

(turns to Helen)

 what is she talking about? 

HELEN

Well, I’ve been feeling a tad ill recently and putting on a bit of weight. She might be right. 

SHANE

You mean… I could be a father.

HELEN

I suppose it’s possible. (Lays arm on his shoulder) 

JETHRO

It’s more than possible. Eliza is never wrong. The Lord intends you to have a family. 

HELEN

Exactly Shane, think of our family. Don’t die for me. Live for our family. 

SHANE

You know I can’t just back out Helen. Tomorrow I’ll defend your honor and our child’s. This time tomorrow we won’t have a thing to worry about. 

JETHRO

I pray for you and your family sir. If we are still in town when her time comes, Eliza would be happy to help with the delivery. 

ELIZA

Indeed I would. 

SHANE

I appreciate that. Let me buy us all a round of drinks. To our new friends and our new family. 

(Shane waves over Bill. Helen starts crying softly) 

BILL

What can I get you folks?

SHANE

Your finest whiskey all around. 

JETHRO

 just water for me and Eliza. 

SHANE

Let me buy you a drink!

JETHRO

My thanks, but we don’t drink. 

SHANE

Ah well, then two for me. 

BILL

Coming right up. 

( pours whiskey, and sets glasses on table) 

SHANE

to family and to honor

JETHRO

 And to God

SHANE

And to god 

(ALL Clink glasses together, drink. Lights dim. In the dimmed lights, crew rolls out backdrop of traditional main street. Lamps from bar now appear to be streetlamps. Backdrop shows a Saloon, Ammo Store, General Supplies store and more. Dusty road is front and center. Enter SHANE, HELEN, ELIZA, and JETHRO stage right. BILL is still onstage.)

JETHRO

Son, the lord doesn’t require you to do this. You can still back out and retain your honor. 

HELEN

See Shane! Please just listen to him. You don’t have to do this. 

SHANE

No. I need to do this. 

HELEN

No, you really don’t. 

SHANE

(grabs Helen’s arm)

(softly)

Listen. I’m going to make quick work of him. I have a plan. Will you please just trust me?

HELEN

Okay. Please. Think of us. Think of our children. 

SHANE

I will. I promise. 

JETHRO

Then at least let me pray over you. 

SHANE

I suppose that would be alright. 

JETHRO

(reverently)

Dear Lord-Today a man of yours defends the honor of his bethrothed which you ordained and bestowed upon him. May you keep him safe and secure if that is your will. Keep Mr. O’Riley and his family safe. May you guide the shot of your man. May evil be expelled, and may righteousness prevail. We know not your will, but we pray for your protection. In your name we pray, Amen. 

SHANE, HELEN, ELIZA

Amen. 

(BILL approaches the group somberly.)

BILL

Any minute now the Bloodpiercer will be here. You know the rules and so does he. I’m not supposed to play favorites, but I’m rootin' for you Shane. Bloodpiercer has been a dretch on these lands for far too long. I can’t interfere with a clean duel, but I hope things go your way. 

(SHANE embraces BILL in a strong hug and claps him on the shoulder.)

SHANE

You’re a good man, Bill. Whatever happens today, I want you to know that. 

BILL

Good shooting. 

(Stage left, AUSTIN PIERCER enters. He is armed with a rifle slung across his back and two revolvers holstered. His black hat hangs low over his eyes. Spurs tinkle as he approaches the group. Behind him a crowd of onlookers anxiously follows, whispering)

AUSTIN PIERCE

(loudly)

You ready to meet your maker, yellowbelly?

SHANE

Just as ready as you are to meet your punisher. 

BILL

(loudly)

Now gentlemen. You both know the rules, but let me repeat them so we are all clear. The two of you meet here in the center of this road. Back to back. Ten paces on my count. When I say ten, you turn, draw, and shoot. One shot and that’s it. The powers that be decide beyond that point. I expect a clean duel and honorable men. Do you understand?

SHANE

‘Course I do. 

AUSTIN PIERCE

I don’t need the Lord. I never miss. But yes old man-I understand. 

BILL

Good. Now you two come here. 

(SHANE embraces HELEN, and kisses her passionately, and then walks towards center stage. AUSTIN ambles over uninterested. They meet center stage. SHANE holds out his hand. AUSTIN spits on the ground as a response.)

BILL

Alright then. Back to back. Paces on my mark. 

(SHANE and AUSTIN turn back to back center stage. Dramatic music begins to play as they do so)

BILL

One.

(SHANE and AUSTIN take a step at every count.)

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five.

(HELEN begins to weep. ELIZA embraces her.)

Six.

Seven.

(JETHRO starts to pray under his breath, quickly murmuring to the sky, hands clasped)

Eight. 

Nine.

(Onlookers fall silent. All chatter stops. The music stops suddenly)

TEN!

(SHANE and AUSTIN turn. SHANE fires his revolver as AUSTIN does so simultaneously. Four shots are heard. The sign of the store nearest SHANE falls to the ground. SHANE collapses. Crowd members gasp and scream)

HELEN

OH MY GOD! You killed him! 

(HELEN and ELIZA rush to SHANE’s body on the ground)

CROWD MEMBER 1

He Fired more than one shot!

CROWD MEMBER 2

That’s not allowed. That’s against the rules. 

AUSTIN

Listen here, everyone. The only rule is every man for himself. I don’t lose. He did. That’s just the way it is. The sooner you learn the world isn’t just some game, the better off all of you will be. Now I don’t see anyone here challenging me again. That man was stupid and he got what he deserved. There are no rules to life, except win. 

BILL

That’s where you're wrong. 

(BILL unloads 6 shots of a revolver into AUSTIN. AUSTIN PIERCE falls to the ground dead)

HELEN

He’s alive. It was just a shot in the arm. 

SHANE

(barely conscious)

Did I win?

HELEN

Yes, honey. You did. It’s gonna be all fine. 

JETHRO

I thought you couldn’t intervene at all?

BILL

He broke the rules. You get one shot. When you break the rules you face the consequences. Now does anyone here want to say what I did was wrong. That the Bloodpiercer didn’t deserve that?

(Crowd murmurs a general agreement with BILL)

SHANE

So.. . Our family? We can still have a family. 

HELEN

Of course we can Shane. Of course we can. 

BILL

See that’s what he didn’t understand. There are just some rules you can’t break without facing the consequences. Why don’t we clean this up and get ourselves a drink. 

SHANE

(chuckling)

I could go for a drink. A round on me. To Bill, the best bartender and sharphooter this town has seen. 

JETHRO

I’d toast to that. I may not drink, but perhaps tonight we make an exception. 

SHANE

Drinks on me, to family. 

(lights dim, Curtain closes)