Snippet #1341829

Daniel's horse slowly trotted along the path leading into El Paso. Despite a moderate pick up of dust in the wind, it was still plain to see the town was bustling today. His eyes slowly scanned the area as the clops from the horses steps slowly came to a halt. The people paid no heed to him as they hurried along from building to building. Most of the men were in rancher get-ups with a few wearing suits. The stood out like a rifle bullet in a row of .45s. The women seemed more homogeneous in their outfits, sporting little variety. Some came across in a prostitute's garter going to the hotel and casino while others sported a more "refined" look. Still, it seemed like most of them looked alike. It didn't help that the recent dust storm had dirtied up the town and some of its inhabitants. Even when he was still, Daniel could tell dust was sifting off the brim of his hat. He sighed quietly as he gently tapped his heels along the side of his horse. It let out a quiet groan as it started forward with Daniel guiding it to the hitching post. He looked over the building. It seemed fairly well kept. Despite the dirt, he could tell it was given a fresh coat of paint quite recently. Through the windows, he could see people having a good time, be it at cards or certain activities for those unlucky at cards (through poorly closed curtains). It definitely came across as welcoming.

He soon pulled back on the reins, the horse quickly coming to a stop. He swung his legs over the horse and landed on his feel with a loud thud. He pulled down the handkerchief covering his face and took in a deep breath. It felt good to him to actually breathe the air instead of filtering it through a cloth. He looked over at his horse and pat him on the neck.

"Good job getting through the dust."

As he turned towards the door, a meek, hunched-over man with an odd smile began to approach him. He appeared to be in his fifties, sporting a walrus mustache. He worse a clean set of clothes, with a shirt, vest, and slacks, although they appeared wrinkled. Daniel rose an eyebrow as he came near. Even he was surprised at how quickly he came about. He suddenly had a feeling that this might be the vulture type.

"Welcome to El Paso, friend. Just arrived?"

"I have a feeling you know the answer to that," Daniel replied with a snide grin.

The man laughed somewhat uncomfortable laugh. He could tell most people weren't used to finding him out that quickly.

"You'd be surprised how many people walk around without you knowing," the man said. "I ask because you don't look familiar."

"It's 'cause I own a place about 30 miles east of here."

"Then I'm guessing you need a place to stay."

"That seems to be the case," Daniel said. "You wouldn't happen to have a room, would you?"

As Daniel asked this, he began to remove his duster coat. When doing this, it revealed a part of his arsenal: the Colt .45, with a wide stretch of bullets, as well as his bowie knife. The man's smile disappeared as his eyes widened as he spotted them. Daniel was too busy grabbing a bundled object strapped down to the back of his horse's saddle to notice the expression, however. As he looked back, the man composed himself and chuckled quietly.

"Uh, we do have some rooms upstairs. One of our finer ones. However, since they're our only ones left and I think they might outdo your... er, necessities, I can give you a discount off the normal price."

Daniel gave him a surprised look. It suddenly dawned on him why. He realized the weapons made him look to be a threat. He figured the man was trying to play nice. For most others, they'd view someone with his load out as a threat that they should keep happy, lest they blow up the town. Daniel smiled thankfully as he nodded.

"Thank you, sir. It's considerate of you."

Daniel wrapped his arm around the bundled object and headed towards the door. He figured the price wouldn't have been an issue either way... especially after he got what he was after.