Showdown…

Despite the presence of Ellis' men, Mr. Wong made it his business to keep a close watch on their "guests". The code of sanctuary afforded them the right to be here but he had no intention of making them feel welcome. In his book, there were only two kinds of people in this new world: those who were worthy of life and sustenance and those who were beyond redemption and, therefore, an utter waste of resources. He regarded Hans, and anyone who willingly joined his crew, as being squarely in the second category. As the two women made a beeline toward Hans' table, he wondered which category they fell into. He knew that not everyone who'd fled to this place had been as fortunate in finding a benefactor as his family had been and, because of that, he felt a sense of empathy toward them.

Brenda held no such sentiment. She had history with Hans' sister, Flora, and recognized her as soon as she stepped into the room. She'd not seen the other woman before though she had heard Hans had a new girlfriend... Despite being more than a little curious about the stranger, she quickly dismissed her—as well as Flora—after a quick glance into the bar mirror assured her Ellis' men had seen them. She turned her attention to the hunters.

Jolene and Roxy should have been back at least an hour ago and she was becoming more than a little concerned—particularly since Roger hadn't been forthcoming with any information on whether or not anyone was out looking for them. She wasn't worried about foul play—anything a man could come up with Jolene could handle. She was a force to be reckoned with. But mother nature was another story…

Although the bar was far from crowded, it was deafening enough between the blare of the Juke box and several competing conversations that she had to raise her voice to be heard over the noise.