The Man and The Outlaw

Chapter Seven

He'd caught sight of her from the window of the barroom as she rode past with a small group, two men, one tall and lanky, the other fair-skinned, and a native looking girl with long hair. The scarf around her neck acted as a beacon for attention from anyone not lost completely in their own activities and he thought it would have been better for her to just remove it and conceal the marks with some kind of makeup or paint. Of course, that would've constituted breaking the law and she was far too righteous for that.
He sneered as he watched her, knowing she would not see him in the haze of the crowded room even if she did turn to look. He knew she wouldn't though, as the look in her eye reflected some up ahead goal that was demanding all of her focus, making it nearly impossible for her to see for anything else. He was surprised to see her again so soon but glad for the turn of fate that had brought them together now. The time had come for her to answer to him, to pay for what she'd done.
He sat forward in his chair, drawing the sharp attention of the three men seated around him at their table in the corner. They were not the sort of men that he relished being seen with, but they were the sort that he needed now, and they would do as they were told if the price was right. He would make sure it was. To this end, money was no object to him.
He gestured towards her group riding steadily away from them, the same measured sneer still plastering his face. The three other men leaned over and turned their heads to watch the backs of the four riders as they progressed down the road. They said nothing but waited for him to speak first. They knew his temper to be something fierce and would allow him the chance to give instructions before they offered anything to him.
"That girl owes me a debt," he said sharply. "Follow her when she leaves town and bring her back to me. I don't care if you have to kill the other three, but I want her alive."