"Lucky us," Katie says as she leans back against the wall, letting the dollar rest on the warped, splintery plank of the bar.  She smirked at SuLan's boisterous behavior and studied the saloon keeper, listening for hints as to the nature of the town's general paranoia.<br/><br/>She lets Brandon continue his questioning, knowing that he tends to draw people out of their shells.  And scared people let their phantoms out to trusted friends, just like a magnet pulling nails from the gut of a heffer.  Properly coaxed, they ease right on out.<br/><br/>If necessary, I can be more direct.  Instead, I pan the room, study the floorboards and rafters for signs of the usual rabble-rousing that goes on in this kind of place.  No reason to get jumpy yet... just waiting for dinner.