1857

Carter Slade felt a chill grip his spine before the saloon door creaked behind him.

The conversations around him dropped off as the sharp 'crack' of a can approached the bar.

Musicians lost their place in the tune they'd been playing.

A cold wind swept through, causing the doors to clatter loudly behind the new arrival.

The jingle of coins sounded across the bar top as patrons grabbed their hats and took their leave.

The pale stranger stepped behind the bar as everyone else rushed for the door.

"Hello Rider."

Slade looked at the man in the bar mirror before tipping back his drink. "Mephistopheles."

The King of Hell made his way around the bar, refilling the man's glass.

"What brings you around these parts?" Slade asked.

"I need you to go to San Venganza." He set the now frosted bottle on the bar top. "Just a little paper run."

"Paper run?"

"I contracted a few of the townsfold there. I just need you to bring me the contracts." He leaned into his cane. "I know you're headed down there for your daughter's birthday."

Smoke began to rise from Slade's hand. His glass started to turn red before melting down his fingers.

"I just want my contract, Slade. Nothing more."