Once away from town, alone with Sam, Irene felt the tension ease.  The good thing was that she felt better. The bad thing was that it would seem that her discomfort was real, caused by something in town.<br/><br/>"I felt like there were too many prying eyes, Sam.  Not friends, either.  Something just not right about it.  But, I feel better now."  She looked around, not having left the town for quite some time.  Where was that place the Marshall had spoken of?  She'd barely paid attention to the name...<br/><br/>"Sometimes, it's good not to be looked at," she said, swinging her legs freely as they walked their mounts out to the open land.<br/><br/>After a while, Irene slowed her horse to a halt.  "Sam, you know what?  I miss trees.  And, mountains.  Trees are such comforting things; signs of life.  These prickly cacti are not nearly as good."  She looked over at him.  "Do you want to do anything in particular since were out here?" she asked.  "Maybe some work...?"  She smiled, teasing him.