Excerpt of On the Outside by Diana Green

Orla saw Rej across the way, talking to a man in a cowboy hat. It was impossible not to notice the pistol, ammunition, and long knife on the man’s belt. He probably had another one or two blades hidden somewhere. She guessed he was the teeth of the operation.

He was reddish tan, from top to toe. Even his goatee and the leather of his boots were similar color. They matched the brown stripes running through the wool of his vest and the dusty color of his hat. He reminded her of a desert wolf, only bigger and more dangerous.

The man glanced briefly her way. Then Rej looked over, waving and smiling like they were old friends. Orla ducked her head, self-conscious. What were they saying about her?

When she looked up again, the man in the cowboy hat was walking over. He was lean and moved with the menacing confidence of a predator, his eyes never leaving her. As he sat down next to Orla, the skin prickled along the back of her neck, and she forgot to breathe.

“My name’s Charlie,” he said, the words unhurried and touched with a slight drawl. “I’m head of security around here, and Rej suggested I make myself known to you. He’d like me to be your special guardian.” He eased back, sliding his elbows along the top of the bench. “You wouldn’t mind that, would you?”

“It’s probably not up to me.” She tried to sound calmer than she felt.

“Probably not,” he agreed, giving a half-smile. “Still, it’s not a bad arrangement. I’ll see no harm comes to you. You got a problem or concern, just come to me, and I’ll sort it out. That clear?”

“Sure.” She had to fight the urge to move farther down the bench, away from him. Trust Rej to appoint her own personal guard.

“You’re about as nervous as a jackrabbit,” Charlie observed, studying her.

“Everything’s new. I’m not used to it yet.” The excuse was lame, but she wouldn’t admit to being scared of him.

“Well, just remember I’m here, watching out for you.”

He reached over and patted her shoulder. Orla jumped before she could stop herself. She saw Charlie’s mouth twitch, but he made no comment. He stood, slow and easy, the same way he talked, then he tipped his hat to her.

“See you round camp, Jackrabbit.”

Orla nodded then focused intently on eating her stew, trying to ignore Charlie. He stood there a moment longer, silent. She could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look up. Finally he turned and walked away.