The Hunt for Black Hat Kralie

Howdy Stranger

A/N

A quick warning for alcohol and guns ya know cowboy stuff but also to those annoyed by written out accents. Keep in mind this is not supposed to be a period piece it's just my crack at writing a silly, dramatic, wild west story similar to the ones I grew up with. Hope ya'll enjoy *throws hat in air*

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The train screeched to a halt in front of the small wooden station. He jolted slightly at the stop and like the few others aboard grabbed his bag to exit the train. Walking off the platform he was surprised by the sight. A town lied before him of no more than 20 or so buildings. It was so small he could see the whole place from the tracks. He walked quickly not wanting to catch too much attention from the locals. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't often this town saw visitors so he was already getting odd looks. He wasn't sure where he was walking to but not wanting to gain any suspicion he headed towards the saloon.

The building seemed the most alive in the small town. Everywhere else had this eerie silence. This was the only place that felt close to the city life he was used to. There was hootin' and hollerin' as friends joked over glasses of whiskey. A gal in the corner played a jaunty piano tune. A couple of folks were even up and dancing. The air was more familiar to him so he stepped in and tried his best to slip past unnoticed. It seemed to work as he made his way to sit at the bar. That was until he caught the attention of the bartender.

"Howdy stranger, what'll ya be havin?"

"A Gin Sling if ya please." He chimed. The bartender raised an eyebrow laughing to himself.

"You're not from round' here are ya?" He asked as he reached for a bottle and glass.

"No, why?" The stranger asked. The bartender smiled as he responded.

"What's yer name son?" The stranger looked annoyed as the bartender slid him the glass.

"My name is Jay Merrick, an' I'd appreciate you not callin' me son." Jay huffed and grabbed the drink. "I doubt I'm much younger than you."

"Right. Then why don't we have a drink." The bartender turned not waiting for an answer and poured himself a cup from the same bottle. Jay stared at his glass unsure what was even in it but when the bartender turned around he still took the challenge.

"Fine!" He looked at the drink suspiciously but before he could back out he tilted his head back and the amber liquid fell back straight down his throat. Jay tried hard to save face. At first it didn't seem that bad but then the burning began. His throat felt like he dropped in a lit match. He immediately started coughing nearly spitting his drink on the man behind the counter. The bartender didn't mind though as he was laughing too hard to notice. A few others in the bar joined him. Jay suddenly became aware that not attracting attention wasn't working out too well. He needed to change strategies.

"What was that?" He spat. The bartender managed to stop laughing long enough to answer.

"Red eye whiskey. It's a staple round' these parts." He chuckled and the stranger coughed a bit more before the bartender continued. "You definitely ain't from round here. So, where ya comin' from kid?"

"I'm a journalist fer the Crowslake City News."

"Ah! So, yer a city boy! Well, that explains it."

"Explains what?" Jay exclaimed, offended.
The bartender laughed. "Only a city boy would order one a them fancy drinks." Jay turned slightly red and wasn't doing a good job of hiding it. "So what's a city slicker like you doin in a dusty old place like this?"

"I'm here fer a story." he said trying to get past his embarrassment.

"Oh? What about." the bartender asked, turning back to his work while chatting.

"I'm lookin' out for Black Hat Kralie. Heard he might be hidin' out near Devil's Rock west of the town." Jay's smile quickly fell at the serious look on the bartender's face.

"Get out."

"Wha-"

"I said get out!" The bartender shouted. Quickly he shoved the young man out the saloon doors and threw him to the dirt. The whole saloon was quiet now wondering what the scene was about. "An' don't come back!" His shouts did nothing to deter Jay. He stood up quickly, his hand on his hip. However before he could draw he found himself facing down the barrel of the bartenders revolver. "Don't test me kid. Now i suggest you get outta here an' never come back! In fact, I suggest you be gettin' yerself on the next train back to the city before there's trouble!"

The two stared at each other for a moment. Finger on the trigger the bartender was about to shoot when Jay fled. He ran as fast as his legs would carry him into the countryside. He wasn't sure where to go but he needed to find something soon. The sun was setting and even he knew it wasn't smart to be out past sundown. Looking around all he saw for miles around was dirt and sand.