"You're cheating."
Reagan looked over her cards at the man and raised an eyebrow, "So are you."
"You expected less?"
"Not really."
Slowly the other eyed his hand before continuing the game. A few more moments of silence made it apparent that the rogue couldn't take the unanswered question any longer. "Why are you here?"
"Because I can't escape," she was wearing on him, she knew it. Every time Reagan avoided a question her companion's face would darken a little more. Finally he set the cards down and looked her in the eye for the first time that night.
"Listen, if you're going to hunt me down, demand a drink, and then cheat at cards I think I deserve to know who you are."
With a huff Reagan lowered her own hand and held his gaze, "The only thing you've ever deserved was a bullet in the head, and you know it."
"That was a little harsh," he told her as he took another drink.
"But it was true."
Suddenly he slammed his pint down on the table and swore before continuing their conversation, "Tell me what you want!"
"I'm looking for someone, I think you can help me find him."
"What does that have to do with not being able to escape?"
For a moment she was taken aback, she had suspected him too drunk to remember her saying that. "The thing I need to escape is the person I'm trying to find."
"Then why not tell me who they are and then you can be on your way. I don't like your mysteries, girl."
"Neither do I."
"Quit trying to mess with my head, it won't work."
"It already has," slowly she reached over and pulled a card out of his sleeve, holding it over the table candle. "Did you really think I didn't know it was there?"
The man looked at her, surprised. No one had ever caught him before. He watched as the playing card caught fire and a look of amusement filled the girl's eyes. It was a look he knew all too well. As she watched the card burn he fixed a steady gaze on her young face. She looked like someone he had known once. He felt his mouth go dry but didn't reach for the dirty mug of ale. Instead he asked, "Who are you?"
As Reagan blew out both the flames she laughed at his distress. And although it meant ending her little game she smiled even when her laughter had died. However, the smile disappeared as she whispered, "I'm Reagan Sparrow, mate. Savvy?"