no-where land

“Well, I’m much obliged, Sheriff. Daddy’s ranch hands will have a much easier time rounding up the cows that escaped now that there won’t be any more fugitives to catch.” Dolores smiles meekly at the ranch hand-turned-sheriff who used to work for her father, and accepts the tools handed to her.

“There oughta be somethin’ I can do to thank you for your help. Would you like to stay for supper? I know Mama won’t mind.”

Not too many cattle had escaped from their fenced field through the broken fence so Gabriel felt no cause to join them in rounding up the runaways. Escapees from his family ranch sometimes wandered to hers over the fields that separated the Valentine’s land from Abernathy’s. How could he blame them? Dolores was a delight.

              “Much appreciated, my friend.”

He took another sip of his drink before setting the glass down, instead reaching inside his pocket for a coin. After placing it on the table, he slid it closer to his companion with a gloved hand, grinning all the while.

             “I am a… patron of the arts, you see. Give the artist              my gratitude for depicting my likeness once again.              And, well… much as I’d love a welcome wagon, rest              assured that I’m on my own today.” 

It’s considerate of the outlaw to pay for his drink --- he’s not always a robber apparently. Ah, so it’s not for the drink after all. Since the move reveals to merely be a cheeky gesture, Gabe squints at the coin before looking back up to the scruffier, darker clad man.