3. Distrust

Shivering softly, you pull the thin material of your shirt closer around your body. Both men have retreated to the other side of the large hangar, continuing the previous discussion in hushed voices. Turning away from the unintelligible discourse, you anxiously mull over your new situation. The possibility you would run into anyone was slim, yet it never occurred to you they may turn you away. Biting your lip nervously, you stare ahead at the flickering lights on the wall. Several lanterns have been placed around the large area, providing dim illumination. Eventually the voice behind you cease, and not longer after the lights begin to wane. You hardly notice the shadow of a figure appear on the wall as one of the men moves behind you.

"You should get some sleep." You recognize the voice without turning back.

"I'm fine." You mutter back in reply, drawing your knees up to your chest.

The material of the cloth you're sitting on stirs slightly as the man takes a seat beside you. Keeping your eyes forward, you're still apprehensive to let your guard down.

"I realize we still haven't been properly introduced." He speaks in a low tone, leaning towards you slightly while holding his hand out. "I'm James."

Glancing at it skeptically, you look up to meet his seemingly friendly gaze. Biting the inside of your lip, you hesitantly reply with your own name, but avoid his touch. He slowly lowers his hand but appears unperturbed by your dismissal. Uncomfortable silence lingers as you're **** to say more. Seemingly unaffected by the tension, the man stretches his legs out somewhat leisurely and makes himself more comfortable. Shifting away slightly, you feel your skin flush again when his arm brushes against you.

"You're the first person we've encountered since arriving here." He remarks thoughtfully, his eyes looking over you somewhat quizzically. "How is it you ended up finding this place?"

Knitting your brow in confusion, your mind quickly traces back to the map that should have been in the same satchel as your revolver. Surely had they seen it your arrival here wouldn't be a mystery. Looking over in his direction, you try to read his curious expression.

"You brought me here..." You reply, trailing off in what you hope is a perplexed tone.

There's a slight pause as James continues studying you back. His shaggy hair hangs over his brow, somewhat irksomely draping over one of his eyes. Suppressing the urge to look away, your eyes remain fixed on his in a silent confrontation.

Finally, his expression breaks when he smiles lightly before responding. "Yes, it's lucky I stumbled across you."

"Right." You mumble somewhat dubiously, having not forgotten the gun he had pressed to your back during said meeting.

"Well, I'll let you get some rest now." James states curtly before swiftly rising to his feet.

You watch warily as he goes to put out the last lantern then disappears into the darkness. Laying down cautiously, you find yourself unable to sleep the rest of the night. Every creak and groan from the structure settling seems to echo around. Shivering softly as you pull the makeshift blanket around your form, you feel completely **** and uneasy. It's not until the first rays of light spill in through the cracks in the wall that you finally feel yourself relax slightly. The sound of movement behind you quickly sends you to your feet despite your fatigue. Looking back, you see the men also beginning to rise. Swallowing nervously, you straighten your back and walk towards them.