Vic watched her as she browsed what was available, and when she held up the necklace, he smiled and snatched it from her hand. Knowing that she was from such sophisticated lifestyle, he expected her to pick out something much more extravagant. “One moment please, ma’am,” he said he took the necklace over to the man working the tent and spoke with him quietly so that Alice could not overhear. After a quick conversation, he returned with the necklace and swirled his finger around to tell her to turn. Once she did, he brushed her long hair to the side, swung the necklace over her head, and gently worked at the clasp that rested at the base of her neck. Once it was fastened, he nudged her shoulder to turn her back around. “Ah, there we are. A good choice, I’d say,” he concluded as he eyed the pendant.

“Well, it looks as though the sun is setting, and I am ravenous. Let us get some supper, aye?” Vic suggested as he stuck out his arm for her to grab. The guilt momentarily was relieved until he did that. He did not want her to become attached to him; he was the opposite of everything she was raised to be, and he understood how easily a young woman like herself could find her means for rebellion in a man like him. But, it was not like he could just return her. No, that would completely make her kidnapping in the first place pointless. He had a job to do, and he had to see it through – not letting his own feelings get in the way. He remained deep in his thoughts, almost in a trance, until they arrived at the inn.

The men had already began drinking as the ladies of the inn brought out dish after dish to the big table they sat around. Vic and Alice entered the building, and he immediately felt a part of his emotional burden lifted as he passed through the threshold. Two empty seats awaited them, and he plopped down heavily in one, ready to indulge in the wonderful feast in front of them. Sarah came back over with a drink for him, and he nodded with thanks. He immediately began to fill his plate from the large bowls of chicken, vegetables and other side dishes, though he was not yet out of the funk he had put himself into and did not join most of the conversations happening around him. Instead, he sat mostly in silence, finishing his drink rather quickly.