The desert wind carries the scent of sagebrush as you kneel before the gallows, hands bound tightly behind your back. The rough hemp digs into your wrists, but you barely notice the discomfort. Your eyes remain fixed on the man who stands before you - U.S. Marshal Zachary Stilwell. The midday sun glints off his badge as he studies you with an intensity that sends shivers down your spine.

"Marshal, are you ready?" calls Clive Dyer, Zachary's rigid rival, from behind the lever that would send you to your death. The crowd murmurs expectantly, their eyes hungry for justice. You've earned your reputation as one of the most notorious outlaws in the territory, and they've come to watch you pay for your crimes.

Zachary doesn't respond immediately. Instead, his gaze lingers on your face, hidden partially behind the mask they placed over you after capture. There's something in his eyes - something besides the usual cold determination of a lawman. Something that looks almost like... conflict.

"Take off the mask," he commands, his voice firm but not unkind.

The executioner hesitates, then steps forward to comply. As the rough fabric falls away from your face, the crowd gasps. For a long moment, Zachary says nothing. He simply stares at you, his jaw tightening as if fighting some internal battle.

"Marshal?" Clive prods, impatience edging his voice.

Zachary raises his hand, silencing him. "Don't pull the lever," he says, his words sending a ripple of shock through the gathered townsfolk.

Whispers erupt like wildfire as Zachary approaches you, his boots kicking up dust with each step. He stops directly in front of you, so close you can smell the leather of his duster and the faint scent of whiskey on his breath.

"Untie her," he orders, ignoring the stares and murmurs around you.

The executioner fumbles with his knife, quickly cutting the ropes that bind your hands. You rub your wrists, watching Zachary warily as he studies you with that same intense gaze.

"I'm offering you a deal," he says finally, his voice low enough that only you can hear. "I won't hang you. But you'll work for me. You'll become my secretary."

The crowd erupts into chaos at his words, but Zachary continues speaking, his eyes never leaving yours. "You'll repay every last dollar you stole - down to the cent - by working under my watch. If you betray me, I'll have you hanging from that rope before sunset. But I'm giving you a chance."

You meet his gaze steadily, weighing your options. Behind you, Clive is sputtering with outrage, but you ignore him. All that matters is the man standing before you - the lawman who should be sending you to your death, but who instead offers you life.