Paladin, Chapter 19

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Later that night, PALADIN walks the streets of Windfall.

INT. STABLE - NIGHT

Finally, PALADIN enters stable to check on his horse.  Its seems well cared for.  The stable owner, an old man named SMITTY, is the only person there.  PALADIN notices another horse, well lathered, must have recently arrived in the stable.  

PALADIN: SMITTY, who brought this horse here?

SMITTY: POLLYANNA, BIG DAN's wife.  Bout ten minutes ago.  She must a bin in a hurry, I figer.  

PALADIN: Did you see where she went?

SMITTY: No.  I was too busy with her horse.  But, sometimes she takes a room at the hotel, I hear.  Pretty strange for a missus, if ya ask me.

PALADIN: Thanks.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

PALADIN leaves stable and heads to hotel.  Half-way there he see a man walking in the dark also walking towards hotel.  PALADIN rushes to cut him off.  It is CHARLES.

PALADIN: Good evening, CHARLES

CHARLES: (surprised) What?

PALADIN: Going my way?

CHARLES: Where?

PALADIN: The hotel.

CHARLES: Ah, no, just out for a walk.

PALADIN steps in front of CHARLES, preventing him from proceeding to the hotel.

PALADIN: I think we should have a talk.

CHARLES: Can this wait till tomorrow?

PALADIN: No.  We need to talk now.

CHARLES: What's this about that's so important?

PALADIN: Your wife.

CHARLES: My wife?  My wife is no concern of yours.

PALADIN: Well, sir, the way you're acting, she is no concern of yours either.  So, somebody has to be concerned.  And I am taking on that responsibility.

CHARLES: What are you talking about?

PALADIN: Sir, I know exactly where you are heading and who is waiting for you there.  And such a meeting is not in the best interest of Grace.  

CHARLES: I still don't know what you're talking about.  And you, sir, are not in charge of what is in the best interest of my wife.

PALADIN: I strongly suggest you turn around and go back home.

CHARLES: I'm sure I will in good time.  I don't need you to tell me this.  Am I violating any law at present?

PALADIN: No law of man, but perhaps a law of ethics and God.

CHARLES tries to push past PALADIN, but fails because of the impairment of his right arm.

CHARLES: You have me at a disadvantage, sir.  I'm asking you as a gentleman to let me pass.

PALADIN: If I let you pass, will you act as a gentleman and go home?

CHARLES: I'll do as you ask, but next time we meet, I'll be better prepared to confront you, sir.  

PALADIN:  As will I.

CHARLES retreats to his home.  PALADIN waits for some time to make sure CHARLES does go home and then PALADIN continues to the hotel.