Cat began to think, [i]He's not buying the sale.[/i] Her father had taught her that if someone wasn't buying a sale, try to reflect them. [i]Be a walking mirror[/i] was his favorite phrase. She hid her realization of this, which made her heart rate elevate and her neck feel a chill. Her response was hesitant, until he offered her the cigarette, then her soft lips curled into a grin.

"Tell me, good sir," she began, "give me one good reason why you would want me to have one of your cigarettes?" She motioned down to the body with one hand, but kept them visible for him to see, as if trying to ensure trust. "After all, t'wasn't me that managed to take down a foe in one shot. But a lady knows not to take a gentleman's offer..." With that, she stepped in slow, methodical steps, towards him. Her hand stretched out, and a slender finger and thumb took the cigarette from him. It was like one giant test of trust, trying to show him that she really had no negative influences.

She took the cigarette and slipped it behind her ear. Her smile still kept on her lips. "The reason I'd offer you a ride is for the same reason you'd offer me a cigarette. We're just two poor souls lost in this here place that they call Kansas Territory. From what I hear, it's going through some growing pains, and that's all the more reason why we should be lookin' out for each other." She motioned to the dead body his boot had tapped not too long ago. "Besides, as I said not but a minute ago, you look like you may be needin' a ride, and that right soon. I reckon the friends of the loser of your quarrel will be wantin' to have some words with the one who did this, and they'll be less suspicious of someone ridin' with a young lady."

She shrugged then. "But, if you're a reckonin' you need no ride, I won't force you. Good day, sir." With that, she turned and walked away. As she did, her hips swayed a bit, causing her skirt to sashay this way and that, as if she were almost emphasizing the point.