All eyes are locked on me once I've made my way into the saloon. They continue following me as I saunter in, and never really leave my buxom figure as I quietly scan the crowded floor. The patrons of the saloon give me all kinds of looks, some appear timid and curious, others agitated and rattled. Quite a few just flat-out leer at me. I'm used to that. After a few moments of lookin' about, I realize Lexi ain't amongst these folks. I sigh heavily.
"Can I help you, darling?"
A voice as rich as honey opens up from my side, and I guide my eyes over to the bar from where the voice originated from. My expression softens as I gaze at a young voluptuous woman wearing a lacy green dress, with dark silken hair swept up into a bun and piercing blue eyes staring right into mine. She stands there behind the bar, lazily wiping down empty mugs and steins with a rag, a warm, comforting smile on her full, rosy lips. I tap the tip of my hat to her and step a lil' closer to the counter.
"Ya probably might. I'm lookin' for someone."
"Aren't we all?" the bartender replies smoothly, flashing me a wink, which makes me blush a bit.
"This is strictly business, kiddo. The gal I'm lookin' for is a fugitive on the run."
"Mm. Aren't they all?" The smile on her face deepens and she sets down her freshly cleaned stein. "A fugitive, huh? So, that makes you what, a bounty hunter, then?"
"A Sheriff, actually."
"Well, this town's already got a Sheriff," she sighs, sounding a little annoyed herself. She pauses, sizing me up slowly. "But, not nearly as good looking.."
The blush on my cheeks deepens as the bartender smiles dreamily.
"So, who's this outlaw you're gunning after?"
"She goes by the name 'Lexibabe'. About average height, slim build. Long black hair, tanned complexion. A real looker, and a real troublemaker. She's been runnin' amuck across several towns in the past few months," I shake my head in annoyance, propping my elbows atop the counter top. "Hittin' up banks, robbin' stage coaches, causing mayhem wherever she goes. Her trail's gone cold about a month ago, but she popped up very recently and I tracked her down here, to this very town. She must have just rode in today. Ya seen anyone like that pass on thru here?"
I narrow my eyes at the pretty bartender, but she simply shrugs in response. "I'm sorry, honey. I haven't seen anyone like that in my bar, or around here in the last few hours."
I study the gal's face for a moment, trying to detect if she's hiding something..or, someone. But she seems to be on the level. I sigh again and nod, leaning back onto my heels as I straighten up.
"That's all right, kiddo," I reply softly, glancing around the saloon once again. "Damn it, I know she's gotta be around here, somewhere.."
"Well hon, I'll keep an eye out for her, just for you," the bartender coos, "in the meantime, how about I fix you a drink?"
I look back at her and a faint grin touches my lips. I'm about to take her up on that offer before I notice a a flight of stairs leading to the second level just on the other side of the room. I nod to em' and look back at the gal, asking, "mind if I take a look upstairs, first? Who knows, she might have snuck up there when ya weren't lookin'."
She chuckles softly. "Work never stops for a girl like you, does it?" Nonchalantly, she waves her hand in the direction of the stairs. "There's just a few empty rooms up there, don't think you'll find what you're looking for. But go on ahead, honey. Just try not to cause much of a ruckus while you're up there."
I tip my hat at her and flash her a smile. "I'll try my best, ma'am." With that, I turn to the stairs and make my way up...
(yt Lexi)