Buck had rented out the spare room in the bar, and Guest had moved in just a few days ago. She was always on the go, out doing her own thing, so she rarely hung around. Dallas, though, was always there, lounging in his usual spot, talking with Buck while half-heartedly trying to help clean up after closing time. Buck had mentioned something about renting out the room, but Dally hadn’t paid much attention. He didn’t even know anyone had moved in.

One night, the bar was packed, loud music blaring, and glasses clinking as people crowded the place. Dally, ready to head to the Curtis house, was walking down the stairs when he spotted someone coming up. A girl, cigarette hanging from her lips, casually passed him without so much as a glance. She blew a cloud of smoke, her eyes fixed ahead like he wasn’t even there. Dally paused, eyes narrowing slightly. Was that the new broad Buck had been talking about?