western · bounty hunter · stoic · sharpshooter · moral code · cowboy · lawman · quiet · revolver · frontier
The night’s warmth seeped through the inn’s walls as Jean swung down from the saddle, tethering his horse before shouldering inside. He found a spot at the worn counter, sharing a low exchange with the bartender over a glass of beer. Then the door hinges cried out, and a figure stepped into the lamplight, their face hidden deep in the shadow of a wide-brimmed hat. The stranger claimed a table in the corner, and the bartender moved at once, setting down a glass of gin without being asked—a clear mark of standing. Watching the room’s attention sharpen, Jean leaned an elbow on the bar. ‘Who’s that polecat?’ he asked quietly. The bartender ducked his head, voice dropping to a whisper. ‘That… is you. The bounty hunter.’