Stephen slept straight through until noon the next day.
It had been an exceptionally comfortable rest.
When he opened his eyes, the rain outside had already stopped.
The storm had come at just the right time, washing away the heat from the air.
The cool breeze left him feeling completely refreshed.
Stephen took a relaxing bath, went downstairs for lunch, and then left the saloon under the bartender’s reluctant gaze.
The reason was simple.
Stephen’s tips had been very generous.
Following the directions the bartender had given him the day before, Stephen quickly found the camera shop.
“Kodak Cameras.
Capturing the beauty of your life.”
Stephen glanced at the slogan at the entrance, smiled faintly, and pushed the door open.
“Welcome, sir.
How may I assist you?”
The moment he stepped inside, a man dressed in a very… very artistic fashion greeted him with exaggerated elegance.
A tall hat, a mustache curled sharply upward on both sides, and a red-and-green outfit so flamboyant it would look excessive even by modern standards.
Stephen studied the peculiar man for a moment, then said calmly, “I need a camera.
Something portable.”
“Oh, of course.
Who comes here for anything other than a camera?” the man replied in an overly theatrical tone.
“Our cameras are the finest in the world.
Without equal.”
He led Stephen to the counter and pointed at a model.
“This is our newest product.
Just a little bigger than your fist.”
“Load it with film, and you can capture anything you like.”
“You can mail us the film at any time.
We’ll develop the photos, place them into a beautifully crafted album, and send them back to you.”
Stephen picked up the camera and nodded.
“How much?”
“Oh, it’s not cheap.” The man quoted a price that did not surprise Stephen in the slightest.
“I’ll take one.
And give me two… no, three rolls of film.”
“Oh?
It seems you have quite a lot you wish to photograph.
May I ask what you do for a living?”
The man suddenly grew curious.
“Of course, it’s just personal interest.
You don’t have to answer.”
“Nothing to hide.
I’m a bounty hunter.” Stephen looked at him.
“Why do you ask?”
“Oh, that’s perfect.
I’ve been looking for someone like you.” The man beamed.
He quickly wiped his hands on his clothes and extended one.
“Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Willen Ake.
As you can see, I’m the owner of this shop.”
“Stephen.
Stephen Johnson.” Stephen shook his hand.
“Judging by the way you’re acting, you’ve got a job for me.”
“Oh, you’re very perceptive.” Willen smiled.
“Would you care for some coffee?
We can talk in comfort.”
“Sure.
Sounds good.”
Willen led him into a private room.
The place was well furnished.
A comfortable sofa, a finely made table, and paintings on the walls that looked quite expensive.
“Make yourself comfortable.
I’ll prepare the coffee.”
Stephen sat down without ceremony and picked up a couple of newspapers from the table to pass the time.
“Would you like milk in your coffee?” Willen called out.
“No.
I prefer it plain.”
Before long, Willen returned with steaming cups.
“Give it a try.
These beans were just imported from Africa.”
Stephen took a sip.
The flavor was rich and smooth.
“Plenty of sunlight over there.
Perfect for coffee,” Willen said with a smile.
“And judging by your bearing, I’d say you’re a very capable bounty hunter.”
“You can tell that just by looking?” Stephen raised a brow.
“What gave it away?”
Since someone else was paying, he did not mind chatting a little longer.
“Presence.
You understand?
A kind of presence.
Hard to describe.” Willen gestured animatedly.
“I’ve met many people.
I’m rarely wrong.”
Stephen shrugged.
“Maybe.
So what does that have to do with this commission you’re about to offer?”
“Everything,” Willen said with a grin.
“Our company is hosting a competition.”
Stephen looked at him with mild curiosity.
A camera company’s competition had nothing to do with him.
Or so it seemed.
“The theme is… evil.”
“Evil?” Stephen frowned slightly.
“What kind of theme is that?
You want people to commit crimes for photos?”
“Of course not.” Willen looked a bit embarrassed.
“Look at me.
What crime could I possibly commit?
Tax evasion?”
They both laughed.
In the United States, that was practically a legendary difficulty.
“So I thought it over and decided.
I’ll photograph notorious criminals,” Willen said, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.
Stephen immediately understood.
No wonder he needed help.
This man clearly could not handle himself outside the city.
Someone like him would not last long in the wilderness.
“So you want me to take photos of criminals while I’m capturing them?” Stephen asked with a faint smile.
Criminals like that?
He knew plenty.
The Van der Linde Gang alone had more than enough.
“Exactly.” Willen snapped his fingers, clearly excited.
“And if you could include a description of their crimes, that would be even better.”
“You don’t expect me to photograph them in the middle of committing crimes, do you?”
“No need.
Written descriptions will do.” Willen shook his head.
“Nothing represents evil better than criminals themselves.”
“For each photo, I’ll pay you well.” He made a gesture with his fingers.
Stephen nodded, satisfied.
“If I win this competition, I might get promoted.
Maybe transferred to Saint Denis, or even to the more developed cities in the East.” Willen’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“Alright.
I can handle that,” Stephen said.
“Give me an address.
I’ll mail the photos to you.”
“But I’ll say this first.
I won’t always run into criminals.”
“Of course.
The competition lasts a full year.
Just send them before winter.”
Willen finally relaxed.
He raised his cup.
“To our cooperation.”
“Cheers.”
…