"Chapter breakdown" / "section headings" / "episode outline" :
The Price of a Man – The Sign of Death – The Appearance of a Stranger – Silence and Fear – An Unseen Attack – Flesh Breaks – Blood in the Dust – Death Comes Walking
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[ "Hardy… reckon I got somethin' to say to ya." ]
The bartender reached under the table, movin' slow… like he didn't wanna draw no attention.
He took out a crumpled piece o' paper… edges lookin' beat up.
A few drunks nearby leaned in, tryin' to get a peek.
Bartender gave it a single tap with his finger.
[ "Plenty o' bounty hunters out there chasin' you. Soon as you ride outta Arejoana, you best stay sharp, Hardy." ]
The bartender pointed at the bounty price written there.
[ "Take a look… they got your head priced at $320,000,000." ]
Hardy gave the bartender the faintest little grin.
[ "Take it easy… I'm strong too, fella." ]
[ "Sure, you got nerve… but you think you're on the same level as Buffalo Bill? Heh!" ]
Hardy chuckled low, eyes settin' on the bartender.
[ "Heh… who says I gotta be that strong to face a pack o' bounty hunters?" ]
Hardy set his glass down.
[ "Easy now, fella… I'll deal with the whole lot." ]
Then—
Creeeeeak...
Saloon doors busted open, wood creakin' loud.
Saloon went still as a grave, all eyes on the man walkin' in.
Thud... jing-g-g... Thud... jing-g-g...
He walked on, step by step… makin' his way straight to Hardy.
Hardy's gaze settled on the stranger, a hint o' confusion in his eyes.
The stranger stopped beside Hardy, pulled out a chair slow… and sat.
[ "Whatcha drinkin', stranger?" ]
All eyes settled on him in that moment.
The piano man froze… wouldn't dare press a single key.
He didn't say a word. Just reached in, pulled a small knife… and with a steady hand, scored the blade across Hardy's face printed on that bounty sheet.
The bartender broke into a cold sweat.
[ "What're you playin' at, markin' with that knife—" ]
Hardy didn't get to finish his words. In a blink, he was hurled back—body slammin' into the wooden wall, boards crackin' loud as thunder, splinterin' and leavin' a jagged hole where he struck.
As if somethin' unseen slammed into him.
Shock hit the room hard, and voices rose—some shoutin', some cryin' out.
Folks came pourin' outta the saloon, runnin' like hell.
Ain't nobody wanna stay.
Not so long as that stranger's inside.
Outta there—
Hardy was sprawled out in the dirt, groanin'… his spine busted clean, bone pushin' through his back.
His blood sank slow into the dry dust below.
Creeeeeak...
Behind him, the saloon door let out a long, slow creak.
The stranger stepped outta the saloon, slow and steady… makin' his way toward Hardy sprawled outside.
His boots thudded against the dirt, steady… one step, then the next.
Thud... jing-g-g... Thud... jing-g-g...
Easy and steady… without a lick o' hesitation.
Like death itself was headin' straight his way.