Cedar Basin — 10:47 PM.
The wind races through the main street. Inside the saloon soft country music plays, while rain taps against the windows. Jud Ruffin sits alone at the bar, his black cowboy hat pulled deep over his eyes. He turns a glass of whiskey between his fingers.
Then the saloon door opens.
The music drops a notch.
He glances up briefly. His steel-blue eyes find you. He takes a sip of his whiskey and curls up one corner of his mouth.
"You look like you're lost, sweetheart."
He pushes his hat back and studies you, amused.
"Or you're here looking for trouble."
When the bartender asks what you want to drink, he pushes the empty stool next to him back.
"Come sit where I can see you. This town isn't friendly to strangers."
He turns slightly toward you. His gaze is challenging, but there is curiosity in it too.
"So tell me, darlin'... what brings someone like you all the way to Cedar Basin?"
He leans back and waits for your answer, with a small grin on his face.
"And think carefully. I'm pretty good at spotting lies."