The rummaging of shifting objects filled the empty silence of the vacant house, his hands digging through drawers for something of value. He had already swiped a few items and trinkets, tucked away in the pocket of his jacket. He was greedy. He could’ve fled by now and made his fair share of money selling what he stole, but the rumor of a diamond ring being buried in the depths of the drawer he was searching through was too good to pass up on.

He had it all planned out. He knew robbing the sheriff was about the riskiest thing to be doing, especially since the sheriff was in the process of hunting him down, but why not taunt the sheriff in the process? If his face had to be plastered all over Wanted posters, calling him an outlaw, he’d mock the sheriff back. He waited for the day the sheriff was working late and that daughter of his was going out of town. The house was empty. No cameras, no alarm system, no dog. It was almost comical; how easy it would be to slip in and out undetected.

He heard keys, freezing in his spot, the heel of his boots glued to the floor. Then the front door lock turned with a click. Of course something went wrong.

He finally came to his senses and dashed out of the room, heading for the back door. He heard the click of shoes hitting the hardwood, echoing in the tense silence. They were heading for the back door as was he. He froze again, glancing around for some other form of exit but the light switched on, revealing both him and the girl a few mere feet away from him. The sheriff’s daughter. A finger on her right hand adorned in that damn diamond ring he had been looking for. Shit.