“Wanted”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “An outsider enters a saloon and things go south.” — suggested by E.L. Stew

The saloon doors swing open. The sound of wood knocking against wood echoes around the room.

You walk in, spurs clinking on your boots. You hold your head high; that’s the only way you can assert your dominance in a situation such as this.

All eyes are on you. It’s a small town and so you’re an unknown. A danger.

A flicker of movement on your right draws your attention. A tall, lanky man slips down from his bar stool. He approaches you, one hand hidden beneath his jacket but clearly resting on top of his gun.

“Now, what brings a nice lad like you all the way out here?” he asks, stopping in front of you.

You can smell the stench of alcohol on his breath as he leans toward you. His breath is warm on your face as his eyes examine you.

A shiver runs down your spine. On wall, just behind where the man had been sitting, is a poster. Not just any poster; a WANTED poster.

With a picture of you.

At least you have a good reason for shooting first.

Final Comments: I wish I’d put more details into the story. I enjoyed writing a Western though!

Overall Rating: 🤔