As the two made conversation at her table in the dark back corner, Deputy Reynold could not help but find Meriem St. Mares enchanting. He literally couldn't find her any other way but enchanting; it was if a spell was cast over him, forcing him to stay seated. An unknown force continued to push the lawman to smile at his busty companion each time she smiled and him, and to order drinks for both of them, even as he could feel himself becoming more and more intoxicated. It had merely been his intention when he walked into the saloon to forget about the sad letter he had received from Norma breaking off their engagement through a reasonable amount of alcohol, but the plan certainly was not to do so in the company of a scantily-clad stranger. It was like Reynold was no longer in control, as if someone else was making his actions for him as he looked on, his mind growing increasingly foggy.

As he felt his head spin and face burn from inebriation, the deputy tried to focus on the condition of the woman seated across from him. The two had been keeping up with each other, drinking about the same amount by his count. Despite his impaired state after so many rounds, Meriem seemed surprisingly sober, as if she hadn't touched a drop of alcohol at all. The smile on her red lips seemed to remain plastered to her face with each glass of liquor Reynold held; however, it was no longer a pleasant smile, but just what it meant Reynold could not place.

As the night wore on and drinks continued to flow, the details Meriem shared about herself seemed to go in one of Reynold's ears and out the other. She indicated was originally from Oklahoma - or was it Nebraska? She said was alone in Fox Den- or there was someone she had waiting for her? The alcohol was playing tricks with his memory, but try as he may, Reynold could not keep the stories she told straight, nor could he stop drinking.

"We'll have another round, Simpson!" he called out as he had many times already, words slurred and not at all what he wanted to say yet could do nothing to resist saying them.

The barman, however, was growing concerned as he approached the table.

"Deputy," Simpson answered as professionally as possible, "I think you've had enough."

"He wants another round," snickered Meriem with a playful glance across to the debonair drunk deputy, "he knows how much he can handle. If he wants another round for us, why not get it?"

"Deputy," Simpson's worry began to come through as he lowered his voice, intending just for Reynold to hear, "you are a man of the law in Fox Den. It would not be very good for your reputation to be seen drinking with a woman like this, even with the recent developments in your personal life today. I believe you've had enough."

Simpson was right, Reynold thought, though he gave no response. He did not have to- Meriem incidentally could hear what was said to him.

"Well, I suppose he has a point, Rexford," she nodded slowly, "I have appreciated your company, but I wouldn't want anyone to think your behavior with me was unbecoming. I can only imagine the importance of proper conduct for a man in your position."

She turned rapidly towards Simpson. "Yes, bartender, I believe both Rexford and I finished drinking tonight."

Her eyes flickered as she looked seductively at Reynold.

She continued: "In fact, I believe it is later than I realized. I really should go. What do I owe, bartender?"

"-I'll cover her drinks! All of them!" exclaimed Reynold, though not by his conscious choice, "and, please, let me walk you back to your hotel, Meriem! You are our guest in Fox Den, it would be my pleasure."

"Why, how very nice of you, Rexford."

Simpson, watching the conversation, remained on edge. Something was not right. The deputy had been madly in love with his out-of-state Norma. She had only just written to end things; it didn't seem likely Reynold would be able to put that behind him so fast at the sight of another pretty face. Sure, the deputy had had a lot to drink that day, but never had his previous binge drinking changed his sense of good moral behavior. Even if his engagement was over, Reynold was not the sort to pursue an unknown woman so quickly, her low-cut dress or not playing a role.

"Deputy, I...I will keep a tab for you to pay next time you visit. I don't think right now you're in any condition to make financial transactions. And, ma'am, you seem to be of sound conscience. You must handle your liquor exceptionally well. As you appear of good health and mind, perhaps it is best you let the deputy rest here a bit to sober up and walk to wherever you are staying on your own. Fox Den is a safe place, I am sure you'll find-"

"-no!" interjected Reynolds, "I'll walk her back! I said I would and I keep my word!" He unexpectedly jumped to his feet, though once on them found himself uneasy as he stumbled a bit from his inebriation. Meriem rose to her feet as well, hands clasped together in delight.

"Why, deputy! You're a man of your word!" she exclaimed, "I am grateful you'll take the time to walk me back, as I must confess I'm unfamiliar with this town- even if it is as safe as the bartender says."

"Reynold..." Simpson began but to his disappointment the deputy was already tripping and wobbling g his way out the door, followed closely by the bewitching woman.

Simpson sighed. He picked up the pile of empty glasses that remained on the table and thought about the odd happenstance.The feeling that something was not right about the lady who had left with the lawman remained heavy with him, but that was all it was- a feeling. A strong feeling, but Simpson couldn't explain what caused it to himself, let alone the deputy. Reynold had had a hard day; maybe he was interested in the unfamiliar woman and drinking to beyond excess to forget about his failed nuptials. Perhaps this stranger reminded him of his long pined-for Norma and her presence had some appeal to the distraught deputy. But Simpson continued to find such rash decision-making, heartbroken or not, out of character for Reynold.

As he grabbed the last glass and was about to return to the bar counter, he suddenly noticed a ten gallon hat on the floor by the now empty table. It was Reynold's; he must have taken it off in the course of the evening and forgotten it in his departure. Setting the glasses back down, Simpson picked the headgear up and rushed out the door.

"Deputy!" he called out, "your hat!"

It was dark outside the saloon and no one seemed to be around. Simpson looked left and right, finally spotting the pair well on their way heading south of town. Even though Simpson's voice had been loud it seemed neither Reynold or Meriem had heard him as they continued on their way, Reynold stumbling as the woman giggled beside him.

Something is not right, was all Simpson could continue to think to himself as he watched them walk off.