It was night in Lincoln County; Emiliano arrived at the bedhouse where many male customers drank, played cards, or flirted with the prostitutes. He slowly walked to the bar while looking for Annmarie. At the bar, a prostitute arrived. "Yer that man that saved Annmarie; welcome back."

"Oh, I guess everyone still remembers."

"We sure do! We never forget a good man! But don't expect somethin' free. The Madame will not be as nice!"

"Of course not. I wanted to know if Annmarie is here?"

"She's over there!"

Emiliano looked at the other side of the establishment and saw Annmarie serving men whiskey. When she was done, Annmarie walked towards the bar but stopped midway when she saw him. A smile crept on her lips as she walked quickly toward him. "E-Emiliano, yer here."

"Evening, Annmarie."

The prostitute noticed that Annmarie motioned her to leave. She wanted to stay but knew she wouldn't hear the end, so she left. Annmarie put the empty glass cups on the table and went to him. "It's been a while since we had seen each other. Been workin' hard?"

"Yes, Tunstall has been keeping us busy. How have you been since we had seen one another?"

She blushed. "I'm doing well. No man has been a hassle since ya showed that man a thing or two." Annmarie motioned her face closer to his, looking in every direction to ensure no one could hear her. "Are ya here to see if I have any information?"

"Yes. Anything regarding the ranch owners?"

"No, the customers I've been with know anyone named Quinteras. Sorry for not bein' much of a help."

The young man smiled while shaking his head. What he was about to ask would put Annmarie at risk, especially with Madame Belle. It was selfish of him to ask for dangerous favors, but he had goals and missions to fulfill. "It's alright. I appreciate your help. However, I wanted to ask you for another favor."

Intrigue plagued her, but she felt that what he was about to ask would go against Madame's rules. For her, Emiliano was an exception. He was the only man to help her in her time of need. "What is it?"

"There is trouble for Tunstall, and I need your help to watch for any suspicious activity."

She knew it had to be something regarding Tunstall. "What kind of suspicious activity?"

"Anyone who wants to bring him harm. I just want to keep him safe and avoid an unnecessary bloodbath." Emiliano put his hand over hers. "I know what I'm asking is a lot, and it could land you in trouble. This will only be between us, and I'll make sure not to cause suspicions on you. It's only if you want to."

Her heart beat with anticipation as she felt his hand. It was filled with gentleness and warmth. It had been so long since she ever felt such an intimate moment. Society viewed her as trash and treated her as such. Emiliano, however, regarded her with respect and as an ordinary woman. Her heart ached for him. "I'll do it for ya."

"Thank you! I knew I could count on you!" Emiliano kissed her hands.

The young woman tried hard not to blush. She then noticed Madame Belle coming down the stairs. The Madame saw the two and went towards them. "Well, look it here. It has been too long, handsome. Tunstall keepin' ya busy?"

Emiliano was surprised by the sudden appearance but contained his composure. "Madame Belle, it sure has been a while. Tunstall has kept me and the others busy, but I enjoy the work. I hope you have been doing well."

Madame Belle eyed Annmarie and motioned her to tend to other customers. She then sat next to the young man, her eyes never leaving his. "I like ya, but it don't mean that ya can take advantage of my kindness. I noticed ya both chatting."

"Yes, we did. You think I'm asking her for favors?"

"Ya tell me."

"I came here to distress myself. I'm sure you know that tension is still going on between businessmen. Tunstall has been stressing out; it makes us stressed." He bit his lower lip as he scratched his head. "I-I just want a friend who isn't part of the Regulators. This is so embarrassing."

Madame Belle wasn't expecting that answer. She saw how Emiliano tried looking away and fighting off a blush. She smiled, showing her crooked yellow teeth. "Ya men and yer pride! Yer too handsome for ya own good!" A chuckle escaped her lips. "If I were still young, I would've gone after ya. Back then, I was the talk of the town."

"I can imagine I'd be in trouble." The two kept on laughing and talking about different topics. Without anyone noticing, the entrance door opened; two men entered. The Madame eventually saw; she stood from her seat and fixed her hair. "Excuse me, handsome; I must welcome some guests." Emiliano watched as she walked away; he also noticed the two new guests. "My, my! If it ain't Luke Bixby and Isaac!"

Emiliano's eyes widened when he realized his target, Luke Bixby, was in the same building.