THE GUNMAN

Chapter 7 : A Red Headed Thief

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Greenpine, a thriving city nestled in the heart of the Wild West, lies in the escape to the lands of Always Green, a land of breathtaking beauty and untamed wonder. This magnificent city is situated in the Pine Region, a unique and captivating area renowned for its lush green landscapes, which stretch as far as the eye can see. Greenpine is the crown jewel of this region, celebrated for its extraordinary farming and crops, which flourish in the fertile soil and mild climate. The city's reputation as the only place in the Wild West where green is found in the wild has earned it a special place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike.

As you explore Greenpine, you'll discover a city that's full of life and energy. The streets are lined with bustling markets, filled with an array of vibrant fruits, fresh produce, and exotic spices. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter and conversation. People from all walks of life come together here, sharing in the city's prosperity and creating a melting pot of cultures.

Greenpine's strategic location, just a few miles from the capital city of Wild View, makes it an essential hub for trade and commerce. Merchants and traders come from far and wide to experience the city's warm hospitality and to sample its famous cuisine. As a result, Greenpine has become a beacon of hope and opportunity in the Wild West, attracting adventurers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from far and wide.

With its rich soil, mild climate, and abundant greenery, Greenpine is a true oasis in the Wild West, a place where the boundaries of nature and human ingenuity blend seamlessly together. As the city continues to grow and flourish, its reputation as a place of wonder and discovery is cemented, inspiring generations to come.

Oliver, a 19-year-old thief, sat on a corner of the bustling streets of Greenpine, his eyes fixed on the man's golden gun gleaming in the sunlight. He couldn't help but stare - it was the most beautiful weapon he had ever laid eyes on. His excitement grew as he thought about getting his hands on it. "That gun is so shiny, I can practically see my future felonies reflected in it," Oliver thought to himself.

As people walked by, they couldn't help but glance at Oliver's getup. His faded black duster coat had more patches than a quilt, and his white shirt had a mysterious stain that looked suspiciously like a pizza sauce splatter. His pants were held up by a combination of prayer and twine, and his scuffed boots looked like they'd been through a war (or at least a rough game of hopscotch). Despite his questionable fashion choices, Oliver was a thief with a heart of gold (okay, maybe just a heart of slightly-tarnished-brass). He only stole from people who could afford it, and always made sure to leave a sarcastic note behind. His motto? "I'm not a thief, I'm just a redistribution specialist... with a penchant for bad jokes."

The man, munching on an apple, declared, "Mmh, the green ones are so sweet...." Oliver moved towards him, his eyes fixed on the gun. As he reached out to touch it, the man's hand caught his, grip firm but gentle. "Ah-ah, I don't think so, kiddo," the man said with a chuckle. "You're not getting your hands on my weapon that easily. Besides, I think you'd look terrible in gold. It clashes with your hair," the man added with a grin.

Oliver's face turned bright red as the vendor exclaimed, "A thief! We have a lot of these in the capital, I'm afraid. Should I call the soldiers?" The man replied, "Aaaa, sir, this is my... uh... friend. He's a bit... enthusiastic, aren't you?" Oliver protested, "Uh, no? I don't know you!" The man laughed, "And we are leaving. Your apples are delicious, by the way." "Let me go!" Oliver demanded, trying to wriggle free from the man's grasp. The man chuckled, his breath warm against Oliver's ear. "Uhh, we're just getting to the good part..."

Oliver's face flushed with annoyance. "I don't know you!" he protested, his voice rising above the din of the market. The man's smile faltered for a moment before he recovered, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And I am Max. It's a pleasure meeting you." As they navigated through the throngs of people, the sounds and smells of the market grew louder and more intense. Oliver's senses were overwhelmed, his heart racing with excitement and fear.

They arrived in a narrow alley between two tall buildings, the walls towering above them like giants. The air was thick with the smell of urine and decay. The man let go of Oliver's hand, then faced the wall and started to piss, the sound echoing off the brick. Oliver was shocked by this; he didn't run away, even though he wanted to. "Oh, that's ummm... great," Oliver said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You took me all this way so you could piss?" "No, it wasn't part of my plan, but then I wanted to," the man said, his voice gruff.

The man continued, "I saved your life... uh... what's your name, anyway?" He spoke in a low tone, his breath visible in the chilly air. "I'm Oliver," Oliver said, his voice firm. "Thank you for saving me. Can I go now?" The man turned to face Oliver, his eyes gleaming in the dim light of the alley. "If you wanted to leave, you would have gone already. But since you're still here, don't you want to hear why I saved you, Oliver?" He spoke with an intensity that made Oliver's heart race.
Oliver's eyes grew wide as saucers as Max rose from the shadows, a glint of gold flashing in his hand like a tiny sunburst. The sunlight dancing through the alleyway highlighted the coin's intricate ridges, making it gleam like a miniature treasure trove. Max tossed it to Oliver with a flick of his wrist, and Oliver caught it with a satisfying clink, the sound echoing off the alleyway walls. Without hesitation, Oliver popped the coin into his mouth and bit down, the metallic taste exploding on his tongue like a firework. His eyes went wide with wonder - this was real gold, not some tin-plated trinket!

"Ha! You're a true thief at heart, boy!" Max boomed, his deep voice rumbling like thunder on a summer day. "I'm a thief, just like you, but I don't waste my time swiping apples from farmers. I hit the big banks, where the real treasure lies!" Max declared, his eyes sparkling with mischief and mayhem. "You surprised me today, almost swiped my luck charm without me noticing. You were a bit...scruffy, like a wild mustang, but with a little polish and training, you could be the best in the whole Wild West!"

Oliver thought to himself: "Wait, this coin is real! I can finally upgrade from pizza sauce-stained shirts to...well, slightly less stained shirts! And who is this guy, some kind of Robin Hood or a modern-day outlaw? I'm in, partner! I wonder if he'll teach me how to rob banks and trains, or maybe even how to make a decent cup of coffee. Priorities, people!"

"This is an opportunity to do something great, kid. You can join me and let's make history!" Max exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Oliver's mind raced as he considered Max's offer. He thought to himself:

"This guy is either completely crazy or a genius. I'm not sure which one, but I'm intrigued. Making history sounds awesome, but what kind of history are we talking about? Is it the kind where we become legends or the kind where we end up in prison? I've always been a bit of a thrill-seeker, but this is a whole different level. Can I really trust this guy? He seems confident and charismatic, but what's his motive? Is he just using me for his own gain or does he really want to make a difference?"

As Oliver hesitated, Max added, "Come on, kid. Don't miss out on this chance. We can change the world together! And if we get caught, I promise to bail you out... or at least provide a good alibi."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "That's reassuring."

Max chuckled. "Hey, I'm just trying to be realistic. But seriously, kid. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't let it slip away."

Oliver looked at Max, his eyes searching for answers. He could feel the weight of the decision before him, the thrill of the unknown calling to him. But he was also scared, unsure if he was ready to take the leap.

"Okay..." Oliver started to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "I..."

And then he paused, his eyes locked on Max's, his heart pounding in his chest.

...
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