Get out of this business; get away from this terrible place.

“Finished, gringo?” She could see it in his eyes. She could see that he could not be left behind. He’d give her trouble and she remembered the vaquero’s warning, “Never hesitate, Maria, never hesitate.” And, as if on cue, the severe looking man went for his gun. Maria killed him with one shot.

She ran for the door and was quickly outside. Alanza was not where she’d tied her. She looked up and down the street. She’d have to escape on foot.

“Lady! Lady!” It was one of the whores who’d preemptively prepared Alanza and was waiting in an alley. Maria ran up and in one motion was on her beloved pony. She reached down and touched the woman’s face. “Thank you, lady.”

The whore blushed as she’d not been called a lady in a long time. Maria reached into her blouse and grabbed a handful of bills, thrusting them into the prostitute’s hand. “Here’s for you, lady. Get out of this business; get away from this terrible place.” And she was gone. Maria's Trial