When you get to live for a long time and think you've seen just about everything there is, life itself has a way of showing it that there is always the element of surprise. There is always something new to learn or to remember that you've forgotten over time.


Today is a hot day and I mean hotter than usual. The dry hot wind mingled with grains of sand was far from a comfort against the climate. As a matter of fact, it made my throat drier than it already is and I've used up all the water that I had with me. Drops of sweat rolled from my forehead, quickly held the back of my hand against it to avoid rolling into my eyes. It's already enough with the grains of sand in the wind but I shouldn't complain, there are only few gusts of wind and not a blizzard. Suddenly in the distance I spotted a small town. Hurray civilisation! There must surely be a saloon to quench my thirst. Just that thought gave me strength to pace or rather run to the next closest saloon. As I reached the town it all looked deserted but couldn't help noticing a tomas or two in a small alley. So, there must be some people around here. Suddenly from the corner of my eye I spotted a shutter of a window above me slowly opening a gap large enough for a young girl to peek. Her eyes were filled with fear. As I turned to her to greet friendly she slammed rapidly the shutter shut before I could utter a word. A cough passed my lips instead. What is going on around here? Why are they so afraid? Maybe a drink in the saloon might give me some information. Slowly I walked to the saloon and swung the doors carefully open. The strong familiar smell of booze, tobacco and sweat penetrated my nose while in the background I heard faintly a harmonica playing from a gramophone. The mutter and chatter amongst men was cut silent by my presence. I felt their glances glued on me as I slowly walked towards the bar and whispers began to rise besides the music in the background. "Who is that guy? No idea, never saw him before. Is he dangerous? Friend or foe? He's wearin' a red coat like the other fella and round glasses! Is he a partner catching up? I guess?"

"Glass of water and a whiskey on the rocks, barman." I smiled with a raspy voice and removed my glasses. Another cough came out, proving I need a drink soon.

The barman bursted into a small laughter. "You got it."

While he prepared the drinks, I drew out a 10.00 $$ note hoping it should cover it since I'm running on low as it is. The barman took it without a word and received no change back. Within one large gulp I jugged down the glass of water. Reviving me with life from this dry heat and clearing my head. I sighed to its cool freshness and then took a good sip of the whiskey.

"Say stranger, what brought you here to November City?" Asked the barman at ease with a grin.

"Well you could say the wind brought me here." I smiled. "It's nice to see some folks here but where are the rest?" I wondered.

"I hope you're not catching up with meeting a partner of yer's?" Spoke a man behind me.

I turned to see a middle-aged man with dark hair and beard looking at me straight in the eyes. "You're wearin' the same red coat as the other scary fella and round glasses."

I shook my head. "This is the way I dress and by the by, I'm only passing through. What's with this other guy you've mentioned about?"

Immediately the music stopped and many men around me gasped of fright.

"Sounds like yer not from around here but maybe yer just fooling us." A chorus of guns clicking and single barrels pointed at me, ready to fire off a bullet. I swallowed loudly and slowly raised my hands. "Sorry stranger, don't take it personally but you need to stay in jail for a night to be sure you can be trusted." The man walked up to me and shackled my wrists behind my back. Soon I was led from the saloon to the sheriff's office. I expected the sheriff would recognize my face but he didn't to my surprise and found no wanted posters of me anywhere. That's good news for a change but being here in shackles isn't. Especially whoever this guy they're talking of must be really scary for them to react so. Is he trying to fraud me? It wouldn't be the first, however I must get some more information about this guy.

"Compared to other strangers you don't complain a single word. I'm really sorry for this situation, we usually won't be doing this to strangers but since the scary guy is out there you can never be too careful." Apologized the sheriff while locking the bared door as I stepped into the cell.

"Tell me about this scary guy. Why is he wearing a red coat like mine? Why is he scary?"

The sheriff sighed and leaned against the table with crossed arms while facing me. "It all started about few days ago when an odd stranger arrived in this city. We're a small city, not much to offer but always kind and friendly to lend a helping hand and trouble was barely found. He wore a long red coat like yours with a hat and dark round glasses. Beneath his coat were large guns visible and he wore clean white cloves. What I distinctly remember were his eyes, they were red as blood and they saw everything. Although his posture was calm and composed I sensed from his eyes that he was alert. He walked on places were there was most likely a shadow. Sadly, I didn't know what he did then because I got called to aid at the mines to end a ramble." He paused. "Anyway, as I got back he was gone, I asked the barman if the stranger stopped by and the hotel but they all stated that no stranger came by that day. With that fact I let the worries leave and returned to my post here. Until that same night something terrible happened that was first discovered at sunrise. Young Miss Davenport was found dead in her bedroom, door locked from the inside and the window was wide open. As a crowd assembled to see the terrible occurrence I spotted among the crowd the red-eyed stranger smirking at me. Smirking without regret, mercy or even respect. I don't care how he does it but he must be stopped and killed. Since I know it's him I can't undertake anything because he's cunning." He sighed. "Night after night he kills innocent young people ever since. That's why we're cautious when strangers appear into this city, especially one dressed like you, no offence."

I sniffed to his story, that is so terrible and sad! These poor young souls! Never getting the chance to live their lives to the fullest and died in the most brutal way. Tears welled from my eyes, shedding tears for these poor souls that never deserved this.

"What? You're- really crying?" The sheriff blinked at me amazed.

"These poor people, they should have lived a long and happy life." I sniffed and whipped with my hand a tear away.

"Here, clean yourself up." He offered to me a white handkerchief. "What's your name son?"

"Well it's-"

"Sheriff! We got another problem! A bunch of robbers are at the bank!" Sprinted in a young man nearly out of breath.

The sheriff sighed. "Just the thing needing right now." He quickly checked his gun. "Are they just robbing or did they take hostages?"

"As I left they just broke in."

"Wait sheriff! Don't leave me here all alone!" I stood up against the bars and the sheriff stepped up to me. "You know that I can't even hurt a fly after what you just saw."

"Sorry son, rules are rules that even the sheriff needs to hold on to." He noted and sprinted out with the young man.

I sighed, it was worth a try. At least to get his key. Quickly I unlocked the door and took hold of my gun. Immediately I sprinted after, actually all I had to do was follow the sound to find the bank and it sounded like things aren't going smooth. I froze on the spot as I recognized the robbers. They were already on the street, trying to flee with a hostage and pointing their guns at the lonely sheriff.

"One false move sheriff and the woman gets it!" Threatened the short-built robber. There were in total of four men, one held the hostage with a gun resting at her temple, the other two carried bags of cash over their shoulders. The shortest I reckon is their leader and carries only two bags of cash.

Besides the woman's helpless situation, I couldn't help noticing her beauty. Maybe this is my chance once I've saved her.

"Damnation!" Cursed the sheriff and dropped his hand from the gun at his belt.

I must take action to save this beautiful woman, take the place as a hostage? Won't work. How about running about like crazy and shout 'earthquake!'? That's even worse. I recall the other time I faced robbers back then and had a little help of Frank Marlin. I know exactly what I must do.

"Let her go! She has nothing to do with this!" Shouted the Sheriff.

The short robber only chuckled to sheriff's words. At least the sheriff tried with words which almost would have been my first option. So, I'll stick to second option since they haven't noticed me. As quick and silent as I could I approached from behind the tall robber to liberate the beauty first by placing my gun against his neck. "I suggest you do what the sheriff says guys."

The other three robbers faced me surprised that I sneaked from behind with widened eyes. Rapidly one turned his gun to me. "Do you want to correct your sentence there?" He smirked. Crap!

Suddenly the man began to shiver, dropped his gun as he fell to his knees and seized for his trousers below- Oh ouch! Wait! Where did that come from? Immediately the tall robber cried out in pain as he let go of the beauty and clasped for his nose and mouth. That was all her? Then I saw her up close and clearer, my sight has not failed. Her long wavy golden-brown hair like the desert reached to her elbows and noticed few small braids close by the ears and eyes. Her large hazel-green eyes are a delightful mix of the desert and a fruitful land that many wishes dearly to achieve. Across her nose and upper part of her cheeks were faint freckles visible. She was slim built and a bit shorter than me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She wondered confused and distant. I smiled at her. "Well, thanks for the distraction to free myself."

"D-distraction?" I blinked.

"You're all under arrest!" Called the sheriff. His voice was accompanied by a chorus of guns clicking in our direction. "Everyone except the lady!"

"Eh! Me too? I was trying to save her!" I exclaimed surprised and raised my hands.

"Sorry son, rules are rules. I don't know how you escaped but you're heading back."

I sighed. "Alri-"

"Sheriff please, he tried to rescue me." She walked up to the sheriff.

Sheriff sighed. "Very well."

Immediately I sprinted after her as she walked on. "That was very generous of you, thank you. Let me buy you a drink."

She gave a short laugh without stopping or looking at me. "Thanks, but no thanks, I don't drink alcohol."

"Then let me be in your company."

"Back off!" She turned rapidly to me and held a stopping hand in front of me.

"Then at least tell me your name." I gently took hold of her hand and held it up to my cheek while looking deeply into her eyes.

Rapidly and with some considerable strength she pulled back her hand and paced off without another word or glance. Oh man, that is just cold. T-T