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I wouldn't think a few beef and a scrub ranch would be worth dying for, mister. Jerred Maddox

The strong tequila burnt Alacran´s throat as he emptied the glass. In front of him, there were half a dozen slices of lemon and a salt shaker. Normally, he would not bother about the salt and lemon. But the tequila at Casa Rodrigo did not go down easily.

Casa Rodrigo was on old farm house southeast of Bornite Creek. It had been empty for many years, but recently Rodrigo had opened a clandestine cantina, and a meeting place for the Mexicans living south of the Creek. The conflict with the Bronson clan and the other cattle owners had escalated, and the Mexicans had no business going up north. But here, in the south, the territory was hostile for the gringos. The Mexicans would not say it openly. Not yet…

Mr. Bronson had hired Jose “Alacran” Luciano to blend in with the local Mexicans. He was, after all, one of them. For the last months, Alacran had visited different pueblos and ranches, and soon enough he got to know the men who were pulling the strings. Mainly, the Romero brothers Rico and Enrique, and Salvador and Hector who rode with them. Tonight, Rico and Salvador were in the Casa Rodrigo.

But Alacran was not interested. He kept staring at the empty glass, and filled it up again. His mind was miles away, in Sabbath. With Rosanna…

Alacran had visited her last week. Late at night, like a thief, he had hidden in the back alley. Rosanna had come out. He had embraced her, they had kissed quickly. But there was something different. Her lips did not have the passion, her voice did not tremble like his did. Her heart did not pound like galloping mustangs.

He was too afraid to ask, he did not want to know. He smiled as he tried to fight back the tears. She looked different. Her hair was different. She had told him it was dangerous for him to visit her. That she was fine. A quick kiss. And she was gone. Like a whisper in the night.

He could not get her face out of her head. No matter how many shots of tequila he drank...

But slowly, Alacran started to put together the pieces of the puzzle. She looked happy. She did not want him around. She was working in a saloon. It was dangerous, but she felt safe. And protected.

There was someone else...
 

Akacran drains his last glass of tequila. He feels betrayed , and must find the person who did it. If Rosana must be happy without him he would accept , but not the theft of his wife ...

Alacran belt fits, caresses his other Rosanna as if it were a talisman. He rises unsteadily, looks around and whispers

It´s time to go back home cariño.

Then Alacran left Casa Rodrigo for hunting again...

It took a moment for Alacran to steady his footing. His head was spinning, and he breathed heavily feeling a bit sick. But he knew the feeling would pass.

-Todo bien?, the owner asked and smiled. -This is strong, eh?, he said pointing at the tequila bottle with a big scorpion inside. Then he stretched out his hand waiting for payment.

-Rodgrigo! Stop! We pay your drinks today, Jose. You are our amigo, Rico said and got up from his chair and put his arm across the outlaw. He was wearing two bandoleers with bullets. -It´s good to see you here. Mi hermano Enrique wants to meet. At the Old Fort. Tonight. You good to ride?

Alacran was pretty sure the Romero´s were involved in the cattle rusting and other things. For some time, they had shown interest in Alacran. It looked like today they had made a decision. The Old Fort was a little more than a few ruined walls nowadays, but it was far enough from roads to go unnoticed, and it offered a good meeting or hiding place.

I would go amigo, but now I have to go hunting. I´ve just know some pig is wallowing in the mud with my princess and I´ve to go to have dinner today pork ribs. We are macho-mex , and things cannot wait. Do you understand it?

Alcaran puts a knowing smile.

When exterminate the pig , I will return and we  and your hermano will take another one of these . Alacran point to the empty bottle of Tequila.

-Jose, listen amigo, he said grabbing Alacran´s shoulder stronger. -Yo comprendo. A beautiful senorita can make your head dizzy and your blood boil. You are a true Mexican, he added pounding his chest with his closed fist. -But don´t think with your only with your cojones. Think with your head. Don´t ride away now. Enrique is waiting for you, and it is important. Finally, we will take back what is OURS by right. And we want you to be a part of this. He will wait until tomorrow, at the old Fort. Then, it is too late for you. 

Rico let go of Alacran and took a step back. -Think about it, compadre. There are plenty of princesas in the world, he added as he walked towards the door, -and plenty of time for venganza. You decide. 

And he went out the door of Casa Rodrigo, leaving Alacran inside.

Akacran goes away thoughtfully. The possibility to leave everything , and find a new band with his people is tempting, but ... The need to kill the traitor is superior to any thought. His site is with Choctaw, with Jack , but with Rosanna? They were with Alacran when he started his new live.

Alacran leaves Casa Rodrigo, while think´s vengance is all in life. 

Outside of Casa Rodrigo, he picks up his horse and goes to the Bronson ranch.

Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!

Alacran felt dizzy, his head was spinning. But he was determined to get revenge. He sat down for a moment and through the dirty window he saw Rico Romero ride south, towards the Old Fort. Then he got up and went out to the back. He had to visit the outhouse before taking his horse and riding north...

It took him a few tries before he finally was able to mount his horse, and head north.