May. 12th, 2020

Merciful Vices (Chapter 7-9)

Chapter 7

Heather,
It might be strange for me to continue to talk to this dead memory, the worst kind of witchcraft is necromancy, but letting it go seems stranger still.
Yours,
Charlotte

*******************************************

The desert heat was almost a reprise from the all-encompassing swamp. Almost. They'd made camp to rest only once. Everyone was ill-tempered and tired.

Charlotte wiped the sweat from her brow, "Tara. We're making excellent time, let's take a break. There's a small town just west of here. I know I could use a drink. So could the horses."

Tara turned, her blue shirt stained with sweat, "You're right. I'm sorry." With a click Julian changed direction, the others turned to follow excitedly.

The desert town was not much to behold, but they had a saloon. The group hitched they're horses and took up just about the whole bar. The barkeep eyed the women's clothes and guns with distaste and turned to Rex.

"Uh. Whiskey's all around please." Rex muttered.

"What? My money ain't as good as these gentlemen's?" Charlotte hissed.

Tara put a hand on Charlotte's shoulder and she bit her tongue, "I'm tired too Char."

The four of them sat quietly enjoying their drinks and the break from the searing sun.

"What is it we're picking up?" Rex asked.
"Guns."
"Why all this for them? Why not just have them shipped to New Orleans?"

Tara smiled at him, "These guns are for select eyes only. So just consider yourself lucky."

Warren reached out to still Rex when he looked like he might push the topic.
"Quiet ones are always the smart ones." Tara winked at Warren.

"Warren and I will go check on the horses. Make sure they're drinking." Rex huffed and Warren followed him out the saloon door.

Tara turned to Charlotte, "Are you okay?"
"Are you okay?" Charlotte countered.
Tara sighed, "Don't care for the desert. Don't care for the heat in general, if I'm being honest, but at least there's rain and greenery in the swamp.

"I like the desert," Charlotte mused into her whiskey, "Life is so different out here. It's like it's own little unique world."
Tara ordered another round and they cheered to their differing opinions.

"We should get moving we're only about two hours out now."
"Ah. Do we have to?" Tara whined, a glimpse of the girl Charlotte knew before this trip.
"Unfortunately. Come on." Charlotte held out her hand.

The men had fed and brushed the horses, they looked rejuvenated. Ready to push on.

As the border came into view Tara stopped everyone, "Charlotte, Warren you two head up to that ridge over there. Keep your scopes on us, see anything suspect you take them out."

"Is splitting up a good idea?" Charlotte asked wearily.

"If there is any trouble then I want the element of surprise. I don't want them to know how many of us there are."

Charlotte nodded and turned to Warren, "Let's go then."
He followed her up onto the ridge. They tethered their horses just out of sight and lay prone, rifles in hand.

Warren gave a long sharp whistle when he saw the wagon appearing over the horizon and Tara nodded in Charlotte's scope.

Shire's pulled the wagon. They looked uncomfortable and out of place amongst the cacti. Charlotte's mind drifted, only for a second, to Heather's shire and then to Heather herself.

Three men jumped from the wagon as it pulled up to Tara. While she stood unarmed, as a gesture of goodwill, Rex had his finger on the trigger of his double-barrel.

Charlotte's finger sat tight on the trigger too, her scope hovering over one of the men's heads. Warren was quiet, likely focused on the same thing.

The group talked amicably for a while. A note exchanged hands, some sort of proof of payment. Tara moved to the side of the wagon and lifted the tattered cloth, after a few moments she nodded to Rex. He hopped onto the wagon and pulled her up.

The other men unhitched their horses that had been trailing the wagon and went on their way.

Charlotte realized she'd been holding her breath. She released a sharp exhale. She stood and dusted herself off before offering Warren a hand up. He still looked uneasy.

"Is everything okay?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Just glad that it went smoothly.

Charlotte nodded and started to the horses.

"Charlotte! Wait." Warren called suddenly. She turned back an inclined her head for him to speak.

"Rex. He-" Warren stalled.
"What?"
"He wants us to rob ya'll. Take the guns."

Charlotte's vision narrows, "He what?"
"I know crossing the Cabarros is a huge mistake, more than that, I know crossing you will be our last. Miss Locke."

Charlotte grabbed the big man's shirt and put her knife to his gut.

"Please. Wait." He squirmed, "I'm sure you have your reasons for this new identity. I used to follow your story in the papers. I'm not going to tell a soul. I don't want to get on you or the Italians' bad side. Rex is an idiot and I'm not dying because of it.

Charlotte took a steadying breath, she rolled her head on her shoulder's trying to dispel her anger.
"Fine. Let's go."

Warren trotted after her like a kicked dog. They rode down to the others. Tara was chatting with Rex.

Charlotte cocked her cattleman as she walked up to them.
"Rex." Was all she said before she blew his brains over the back of the wagon.

Tara clapped her hand to her mouth before cursing in Italian.

"Warren, here, filled me in that Rex intended to Rob us. He'd have died doing that too, so I figured I'd save everyone the trouble."

Tara looked from Charlotte to Warren and he nodded.
"Well that's certainly taken care of then, isn't it." She wiped a drop of blood from her boot. "Warren my father will reward your loyalty. Handsomely I'm sure. Hitch the horses to the back and let's go home.

If Charlotte's rash actions had shocked Tara she didn't let it show. She joked with both Charlotte and Warren as they drove into the night. In truth, she'd meant to threaten him, not kill him, but playing nice had apparently been wearing thin. She pulled the trigger without even realizing.

The ride back home was long. The horses needed regular breaks from the heat and the heavy wagon meant sticking strictly to well-worked roads.

When city lights finally came into view several days later the three of them were quite worse for wear. Charlotte longed desperately for a bath. She'd swim in the river with the alligators if she had to.

"Tara. Love, we're home." She stirred Tara who'd fallen asleep in the back of the wagon.

"Oh, thank God. My back is killing me."

Warren pulled the wagon onto the Cabarro estate. Mr. Cabarro must have been waiting because his men were outside almost straight away to unload the wagon.

"Bellisima!"
"Daddy!" Tara jumped down and hugged him.
He offered Charlotte a hand down and to her surprise hugged her as well.
"Did everything go okay?" He asked as he noticed Rex's absence.
"Yes. Thanks to Charlotte and Warren." Tara smiled up at him.

Her father didn't ask about Rex. Instead, he handed Warren both his own and Rex's cut of the promised payment, "Come to me if you find yourself in need of work again, Kid."

Warren nodded and packed up his bag. Charlotte doubted, very much, that he'd be back.

"I have to take a bath." Tara sighed.
"That you do. You both do." Mr. Cabarro laughed and wrinkled his nose. "I'll have two tubs made up." He headed back inside yelling at maids in Italian.

"Tara." Charlotte began.
"Go get some rest. Take the weekend too. It's been a long few days." Tara kissed her cheek and trotted after her father.


*****
Chapter 8

Heather,
To say I'm moving on from you feels sacrilegious. Instead, I'll say, I sometimes god from day to night without your shadow on me.
Yours,
Charlotte

*************************************************

After a long bath Charlotte wrapped herself in the robe she'd evidently forgotten to return to Tara. As she made her way upstairs she heard Mr. Cabarro talking in his study. She didn't recognize the replying voice. She tiptoed soundlessly up to the doorway.

"These guns will give our men every advantage imaginable. This will be the kind of war no one survives."

"Our families have managed peace for so long in Italy. Is this massacre really necessary, Gio?" The stranger replied. He addressed Mr. Cabarro respectfully but casually. Charlotte had never heard anyone call him by his first name.

"This land is ripe for the taking. We could single-handedly control the criminal world of this whole country if we play our cards right." Though he spoke quietly Charlotte could hear the excitement in Mr. Cabarro's voice.

"The Romano's are playing nice, for now. I believe Kane is the only one here, but have no doubts, my boy, they will take us down given half the chance."

The other man sighed, he sounded annoyed. Charlotte jumped when she heard footsteps turn towards the door. She scurried upstairs.

She paced her room slowly. Kane. The Cabarros aimed to take out their competitors. Kane and his family? Her reasons for being here were becoming more clear now. Kane was doing the same thing. Instead of importing destructive new guns, he was fishing for information. Something he could use to bring the Cabarro family to its knees.

Charlotte thought of Tara and how fond she had become of her. She thought of the night with Kane. She also thought, briefly, of whatever affect these families would have on her country. America had crime as it was now, but she had a feeling that a few gangs and wayward cowboys were nothing compared to the kind of organized crime that these families promised. The guns were proof of that.

This thought passed though. Replaced by curiosity and hunger. She could be coming in at the ground of something incredible.

She threw on some clothes and made her way to Tara's room. Tara stirred when the door creaked.

"Oh. I didn't mean to wake you, Darlin'. I just wanted to let you know I'm riding into town. I'll be back tomorrow. Do you need anything?"

Tara pulled her blanket over her head and groaned, "Don't forget Loverboy's jacket."

The streets were dark and uncharacteristically quiet as Charlotte rode. She was not concerned, she knew these streets well enough, she could make this trip blindfolded.

Kane's house stood dark when she arrived and she wondered if she should have waited for morning, but Kane answered only minutes after she had knocked.

"Charlotte. What an unladylike time to visit a suiter." He teased.

"I had to talk to you."

Worry sullied his neutral expression, "Are you okay?" He looked her over.

She shooed his hands, "I'm fine. I overheard a conversation Mr. Cabarro thought was private. I think it's time you tell me exactly what is going on here."

Kane sighed, "Cazzo. Fine. Let's go to the kitchen."

Charlotte leaned against the counter and Kane moved to stand over her.
"I admire your ability to get straight to business, Miss Locke, but can't I tempt you with a distraction?" He purred.

She pushed him off in part to make a point but mostly to stop that very distraction from working. Kane rolled his eyes which made her laugh. He waved her into a chair and poured them each a drink.

"Have you ever heard of the Mafia?"

Over several hours Kane explained in detail the two families that had a stranglehold on all of Italy's most elicit trades. Police called them, the Mafia and acronym of an old Italian warcry "Morte Alla Francia Italia Anele" - Death to France is Italy's cry.
The two families had a tense and fragile truce. With both their sights set on America that truce was wavering.

When Kane stopped his explanation Charlotte refilled their glasses, "So why not just have them killed. I've had ample opportunity."

Kane's eyes darkened with something she could only call lust, and Charlotte felt genuine fear again, like the first day they had met. She realized just how much he enjoyed all of this.

"Miss Tara may be Gio's only heir but there are plenty of people willing and able to step up to her position. It's not enough to pick off leaders one by one. I need to destabilize their whole organization. Besides, with what you've told me I am in no position to go picking fights. I have a few men, and dare I say, you, on my side."
Charlotte only nodded in response.

"It sounds like Gio has, not only, his very capable heir but also his Caporegime. His right-hand man." Kane added when Charlotte looked lost, "Not to mention a small army."

Charlotte tried to process all the information that he had just dumped on her.
"Mr. Cabarro called this war." She said, sounding more afraid than she cared to admit.

"It is. I wouldn't blame you if, after our deal is done, you cut and run." He held her gaze looking for an answer to a question he hadn't asked. Her calm demeanor returned.

"Kane. I want in."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I want in. Not as a way to sort out my idiot brother's financial fuck ups, but as a fully-fledged member. I've already proved myself as a loyal informant and I happen to know you're in need of a good Caporegime."

She was deadly serious but her haughty American accent made the Italian word sound absurd. He could barely hide his smirk.

"I have good Capo's, and when they get here they will not be impressed to find a little blonde girl stepping on their toes."

"I can make believers of them."

Kane did laugh this time, but he knew she was right. The news of the guns was big. The Cabarros were preparing for a hell of a fight, and it'd be a while before his men joined him.

"I can't give you that title, not yet. But consider yourself a trusted employee. Your brother's debt will still be covered, as promised."

Charlotte was thrilled but kept her face stoic. This must have been how Heather felt working again. She felt guilty now for not understanding at the time, but she was starting to think everything had lead her right to where she needed to be.

She hadn't noticed Kane standing or moving behind her chair. He draped her long hair over one shoulder and kissed the exposed skin of her neck.

"Don't think that what we do behind closed doors means you will be treated any differently than the rest of my men. I will kill you if you fuck up or fuck me over." With that, he offered his arm and lead her upstairs.


******
Chapter 9

Heather,
I'm weathering the kind of storm that makes me miss you.
Yours,
Charlotte

********************************************************

The sun woke Charlotte. Kane's arm was draped lazily over her waist. He stirred when she moved, "Darling." He murmured. The word she used so often sounded strange on his lips, with no lost syllables.

"Stay. Paulina won't say a word."
"She's sweet on you. Did you know?"
He laughed, "She loves me and I her. It is completely plutonic though."

"You said, last night, That you have a few men. I've never seen them."
"That's part of their training. I'll introduce you to them today before you leave. Be warned they are a prickly bunch."
"Must be an Italian trait." She teased.

Paulina knocked and entered expertly balancing a tray with coffee and fruit on it, "Ricky said you had company- Oh! Miss Russo. What a pleasant surprise." Her smile was genuine as she handed them each a steaming cup.

"Mr. Romano. I have collected your mail and set it in the study. I will be in town most of today running errands. Do you need anything before I go?"

"Just let Ricky know to gather the boys and meet in the study in thirty minutes. Thank you, Paulina."

"Whatever shall we do with thirty minutes, Mr. Romano?"

When they finally made their way into the study four men sat drinking coffee. They stood when Kane entered, "Morning Boss."

Kane nodded, "I want to introduce you to our newest-" He paused, searching for an English word, although they only spoke English for Charlotte's sake. "Recruit."

The men looked from Kane to Charlotte and back again.

"This is Miss Charlotte Locke, although she goes by Russo in the Cabarro estate which is where I planted her as a spy of sorts."

The men nodded and the largest of then stepped forward. He shook her hand firmly instead of kissing it. Treating her as equal, not a woman.

"I'm Ricardo, Ricky to most. These buffoons behind me, acting as though they've never met a pretty woman, are Leo, Frank, and Alex." He had the same easy swagger as Kane. If his flirting bothered Kane he didn't show it.

"A pleasure to meet ya'll."
"Is that what they call a Southern drawl?" Jack mused aloud and they all laughed.

"I should get going before I'm missed," Charlotte said to Kane.
"Of course. I will walk you out."

It was not lost on his men that she wore his shirt, but they knew better than to question him.

On the way back the Cabarro estate Charlotte stopped at her uncle's store. He loaded her satchel up with sweet treats and a bottle of her favorite whiskey before sending her on her way.

When she got to the estate Mr. Cabarro's carriage was gone. Tara sat reading in the lush gardens.
"What a lovely way to spend your afternoon," Charlotte said, then laughed when Tara jumped. "You should be more aware of your surroundings, Miss Cabarro."
"And you should stop stealing that poor man's wardrobe." Tara eyed the blue striped shirt.

Where is your father?"
"He left early this morning on some secretive errand. Said he'll be back tomorrow night."
"Well, that's convenient." Charlotte gave her a conspiring wink and laid her uncles spoils on the grass between them.

Tara's eyes lit up, "You know me so well."

They sat in the sun and gorged themselves on chocolates and sweet fruits. A blissful afternoon of pretend. Pretending that they were simply young women without the weight of both the past and future on their shoulders.

"I'm dying to know who he is!" Tara said suddenly. Charlotte turned to see her flushed and murky eyed from the whiskey.
"As am I, dying to know who she is."
Tara flushed more than one might think her olive skin could, "I can't say."
"Then, I suppose we are at an impasse."

"Would I like him."
Charlotte downed her drink, "No. No, I don't think you would."
"That's a shame." Tara replied, then to her discrete bodyguards, "A little privacy." They nodded and headed for the house.

"Charlotte, you've been such a wonderful addition to my life."
"I'm honored."
"I haven't figured out how I'm going to move forward with everything, but I know with you at my side I can handle it."

Charlotte felt guilt prick at the back of her eyes, "You would manage just fine on your own, Darlin'."
"Maybe."

Tara leaned her drink-heavy head on Charlotte's shoulder, "You have such beautiful hair."

Charlotte laughed, "Thank you, Darlin'. Come on, I think you've had enough of both sugar and whiskey for one day. Let's get you out of the heat."

Tara stood, wobbling only slightly. They packed up their impromptu picnic and went to the sitting room. Tara curled up on a large soft chair and Charlotte made them both tea, when she handed Tara her cup she looked different, the light mood from earlier gone.

"Tara. Are you okay?"
Tara looked up at her, "Oh Charlotte. I fear I've gone and done something incredibly stupid."
"What is it?"
"I've fallen in love with a woman who does not feel the same way."
"How do you know she doesn't, have you spoken to her?"
"No. Her heart is elsewhere. I'm well aware."

"Love doesn't run linearly." Charlotte said, "It's a winding, unstable path, full of pitfalls and crevices. There is no way of predicting how someone might feel looking in from the outside. You have to jump in and find out."

Tara sipped her tea and stared out of the window, "I suppose that is true, but I have too much on my plate as it is to worry about heartbreak. I don't know if you've noticed, but I do not like being bad at things, love is no exception."

Charlotte could tell Tara needed a moment. She went to ready her bedroom for the night. Laying out a nightgown and putting water beside the bed. Tara appeared at the doorway a few minutes later. Charlotte unlaced her corset and then made to leave.

"Charlotte. Would you lay with me?"
"Of course."

Tara fell asleep almost straight away. Charlotte lay staring at the ceiling. She couldn't imagine who Tara could be talking about. They spent very little time apart, other than church and events with her father. She was wondering if it could be the wife of one of her father's friends. That would be a right mess.

Apr. 3rd, 2020

Merciful Vices (Chapter 1-6)

Chapter 1

Heather,
Remember how I told you I like to hide in plain sight? Well I'm still here, hiding. From what exactly? I don't know. Demons. Memories. Photographs of you. Our home. It's all a lot of has-been and could've been now.
Yours,
Charlotte
-Letters I'll Never Send



******************************









Charlotte fanned herself with a ratty menu. The Southern heat was all-encompassing, it didn't help that the saloon was packed. A ship had come in, full of what appeared to be uppity Europeans.


"Miss Locke?" A timid voice came from behind her.
"The one and only," Charlotte replied without looking away from her drink.
"Oh, good. The last lady I asked was quite offended," The woman gasped softly, "I mean, not that it's offensive to be confused with you-"

"Well, that depends on who you ask, Sweetheart." Charlotte spun around to face the woman and was shocked to find herself at eye level with her, even seated. Curiosity subdued, Charlotte's tone flattened once more, "What can I do for you?"

"Well, there's this gang been harassing my farm- I have money."

Charlotte zoned out. It always came down to killing. People paid for the service so brazenly, why not just do it themselves.

The woman was still blathering on when Charlotte downed her whiskey. She handed the tiny woman a scrap of paper, "Since you know who I am, I assume you know my rates. Leave the money with my friend at this address. Your problem will be taken care of this week. If my money isn't there by Sunday you will be taken care of."

The woman nodded and left quietly. Charlotte nodded at the bartender and he poured her another drink. No disapproving looks in this bar, people came and went like the seasons. No one judged, because no one cared.

"You want to book a room, Miss? The one you like is open."
She considered her drink for a moment, "Uh, no. I'll be heading out. Thank you."
She gathered her satchel and headed out the door.
"She's so very hurt, it breaks my heart." A saloon girl whispered to the bartender.
"That she is, my dear, but it's not our business."

Charlotte's cabin was dark on the horizon. It had been that way for weeks, but she hated it now as much as she did the first night. She hitched Kane to his post and brushed him down.
Inside she heated water for a cup of coffee. She pushed the whiskey to the back of the cupboard, only to pull it back out and add some to the coffee.

She'd been having a hard time laying off the stuff since, well, since Heather had left. She'd ultimately been the one to ruin their relationship but in truth, the seed of destruction had been planted weeks before her affair. Not that any of that mattered now.

When the sun rose over the swamps Charlotte had been up for hours, tracking the gang the lady had spoke of. They had numbers, but not much else. They were amateurs, it was painfully obvious. She'd ask the saloon owner if he knew any tough guys looking for quick cash and it'd be done in a day or two.

"Sure, I know a few kids, they need a distraction. Don't get them killed though." Lyle muttered, just a few hours later.
"Of course not. They will be fine. Send them over tomorrow evening." She patted his shoulder in thanks, "Hey, is Sinead here?"

Lyle smiled, "Yes, she is. I'll- Josie! Go find Sinead." A saloon girl nodded and trotted up the stairs. "I'm so glad you want to see her. It's been so long."
Charlotte sighed, "It's not a big deal, Lyle. I just need some company. We'll take a room for tonight."
Lyle nodded, sadly, and took the coins from her.

"Charlotte, I wasn't expecting to see you- well at all." Sinead appeared behind her.
"Hey Gorgeous, I hope you don't have plans tonight."
"I'm all yours, Char."



"There sure are a lot of them, Miss Locke." A burly street kid whispered. The sun was setting and they were huddled behind a fallen tree just outside of the gang's camp.
"I said, call me Charlotte and yes, they are big. Dumb as rocks too. They have nothing on you and your boys. Don't y'all kill anyone, unless you absolutely have to. Leave that to me."
"Have you killed bad people before Missus?" A small boy chimed in next to her.
"I've killed people, yes. You'll learn when you're older, that good and bad aren't real."

It took Charlotte and the boys all of forty minutes to persuade the gang to move on. They watched their leader die at the edge of Charlotte's machete. With him gone, they lost much of their bravado. They promised to leave town, not that they had much choice. Charlotte paid the boys and sent them on their way. It was time to go see Ben, to make sure she'd been paid.

"Charlotte! Sweetheart." Ben embraced her heartily as she walked in the door.
"Uncle Ben, I've missed you. Sorry I haven't been around. Things have been busy."
"Oh, I know. You have quite a sum stored here."

Charlotte unlocked the safe, there was quite a bit more than what the woman owed her.
"She left you a note too." Ben dug in his desk and handed it to her.

Miss Locke,
I have no doubt you will get the job done. I appreciate your help so, very much.
My farm will be able to double its profits thanks to you, so I added a little extra as a personal thank you.
Come see me for dinner some time,
Lizette
x

Charlotte grinned at her boldness.
"Where do you find these women Char?" Ben laughed, as he poured them each a drink.
The two sat in companionable silence and drank. Until Ben awkwardly cleared his throat,
"Any word from Heather?"

Charlotte grimaced, the name cut through her like a rusty blade, "No, and there never will be. I've told you, that relationship is over."
"I know Darling. It's just, you two were perfect for one another. I don't understand how it went so sour."
"I slept with Sinead, she found out. We have been over this."
"I know that, but I also know, you were mad for that woman. You wouldn't have strayed if something hadn't happened."

Charlotte downed her drink and slammed the glass down, exasperated. Then something unexpected happened. The words began to tumble from her mouth and she couldn't stop them. She hadn't spoken about it all, and it felt like she could finally breathe.

"You remember when we went to save Leon, Jake's friend, he was to be hung."
Ben nodded but did not speak.
"It was supposed to be fairly straight forward. For us anyway. Heather and I would blow up the cargo train to distract the police from the hanging square. We had no part in the fight. Jake and his group would get Leon out of there."

Ben refilled their glasses.

"Well, the fight, back at the square got out of hand. There were still too many officers. We could hear the gunfire. Heather wouldn't let it go. That sweet, deaf kid she liked, he needed Jake and the rest of them. We couldn't let him down. So we raced across the rooftops back to the square.

They'd managed to get Leon out but Jake was cornered. We shot from the rooftops and he threw his last stick of dynamite into the crowd of officers, the damn thing didn't blow, faulty fuse or something. Heather spotted it, you know that woman could shoot the head off of a pin. She fired and it blew what looked to be half the precinct up. Jake gave us a quick nod and he disappeared."

Ben looked bewildered, "That's all very exciting, my dear, but what has it to do with you stepping out on Heather?"

"Well. I didn't know it then, but I should have. I watched her take that shot, there was a fire in her eyes that I hadn't seen since we retired into our average lives." Charlotte put air quotes around average and rolled her eyes, "It wasn't average to me of course. We had all the money we could need. We had Seras and the horses."

Ben smiled at that, he'd been very fond of Heather's wolf Seras.

"But that fire in her eyes that day, it reminded me that, that was not the life Heather was accustomed to."
Ben stroked her hand, "You were one of the most infamous women in the south, it is not the life you are accustomed to either. Doesn't mean its not the life she wanted."

"No, but after that day she proved my suspicions right. She started picking up jobs again. Each more dangerous than the last. She was so alive, Ben. I couldn't understand how I didn't notice how bored she had become with my idea of bliss."

Charlotte wiped a tear away, "That's when my own stupidity came into play. I was so lonely, even Seras joined her on most jobs. I spent night after night, drinking alone. I didn't want to be back in this life, always looking over our shoulders for bad guys and police alike. That's when I met Sinead. You met her, she's gorgeous but more than that she's smart and grounded. She has a kid. She has no want for an exciting life on the run. It took Heather no time to figure it out. She knows me so well."

"She must have been furious. I'm surprised Sinead is alive." Ben half-joked.

Charlotte laughed, "No, lucky for Sinead, she wasn't. She was very, very sad. She knew, just as I had, that we were burning out, she trusted me nonetheless, even hoped I'd come around and join her. She left that night, with Seras. She took her Shire and left the Fox Trotter I had gotten her behind."

Charlotte started laughing uncontrollably, "And then. After all of this. After losing the woman I loved most in the world. My idiot brother calls in an age-old favor, and here I am, Ben. Working again. Taking jobs and money and lives. The very thing I wouldn't do for Heather."
The hysterical laughter gave way to body wracking sobs.

Ben jumped to his feet and wrapped his niece in a bear hug. She sobbed into his shoulder for nearly an hour before she passed out from exhaustion. He carried her to his bed and tucked her in. He settled himself in a chair by the fire and sipped whiskey from the bottle. He dosed off wondering if bad luck in love was hereditary.

Chapter 2

Heather,

Not that I'm keeping tabs on you, but I read the paper, they're calling you the Moonshine Siren. After all that you've done to be free of this world, it's hard to see you all over the papers again.
Charlotte
-Letters I'll Never Send



*********************



The next morning Charlotte was up bright and early, as though last night hadn't happened, she hoped Ben would forget it too. He did. He made them breakfast and said he had to go run some errands.

More than happy to be left alone Charlotte washed up and tended to Kane, the Andalusian seemed highly unimpressed with her but warmed up at the appearance of a sugar cube or three.

She saddled up and rode into New Orleans. The city was bursting with life. Street musicians filled the streets with music. Even in the early morning fog one couldn't deny the city's charm.

Her mind wandered to how much Heather had hated this city, followed quickly by guilt, at having made her stay. Heather loved the cold, loved the tiny farming town of Cheyenne.
"Uh, Miss? You're blocking my path." An elderly man called gently. Charlotte stirred from her daydream and spurred Kane forward, muttering an apology.

The saloon appeared before her and she was tempted to get a headstart on the evening's pity party, but Sinead's old mare stood outside. She'd done that poor girl enough harm. Instead, she kept going, through the slums and to the city outskirts. Where her home stood empty as always.

Or not? A white stallion stood outside. Charlotte didn't recognize it. She quietly hitched Kane and pulled her double-barrel from the saddle. She approached the door and kicked it open.
"Who's in here? I will not hesitate to blow your fucking head off."

"Now, now, Miss Locke. Is that any way to treat a guest in your home?"
A man stood from her kitchen table, where he had helped himself to a drink. Charlotte gasped and cocked the shotgun.

The man raised his hands and grinned, "I'm not armed. Aren't you a right firecracker? I knew I'd come to the right woman. Although, no one bothered to tell me how beautiful you were."

Charlotte grimaced and lowered the shotgun, "What do you want, Mr?"
"Romano. Kane Romano."
Charlotte couldn't contain a snicker.
He looked offended, "My name usually instills fear, not laughter. Perhaps your little breakup has pushed you over the edge."

In a second Charlotte was across the room, her shotgun pushed him against the wall.
"Get. Out."

"Oh, I touched a nerve, I see. Look," He once again raised his hands in surrender, "I mean no harm. I have a proposition that I think you will like."
Charlotte scoffed at that but he continued, "I can clear your brother's debt. You could go back into retirement."

Charlotte perked up at the sound of that, "You have ten minutes. Either I like it or I decorate my home with your innards."

He grinned, "Fabulous! But first I have to know. What's so funny about my name?"
"You share a name with my horse, Mr. Romano."
He laughed at that, "Well, I bet, I'm more handsome." He gave her a wink and began to lay out his plan.



"I'm not sure I understand what you get out of this," Charlotte said, as Mr. Romano stood to leave.
"That doesn't concern you, Gorgeous. Just know you will be compensated more than fairly."
Charlotte opened the door for him. In truth, she didn't want to know how their deal would benefit him. Despite his genuine, warm personality he scared her. That rarely happened.
"Oh, and Miss Locke." He moved to pin her against the doorway. "I am not a man to be trifled with. I like you, don't make me regret this."

Charlotte held her breath, too terrified to breathe. She just nodded. Kane took his hat from the stand behind her and tipped it in farewell. She watched that white stallion disappear into the swamps.

She closed the door and latched the deadbolt, before collapsing to the floor in relief. She'd faced men and women from all walks of life. All famously dangerous. Mr. Romano? He was a different kind of dangerous, she could feel it. But the chance to pay off her brother's debt was too tempting to ignore.

"I don't know Char. This seems like a very dangerous game to play," Ben said over coffee, the next day.
"I don't doubt that Uncle Ben, but I can't keep running these small jobs. It'll take me years to pay Mickey's debts down. He said this job will take a year or less. I'll be free again."

Ben sighed, "What do you need?"
"I need to leave Kane with you. Mr. Romano said he doesn't fit the part. I'll be taking Tanner, Heather's Fox Trotter. I'll be out of touch most of the time. I will try and stop by when I can but you can't write me. Okay?"
Ben nodded, "Of course I'll look after Kane. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I'm always careful." She wrapped her arms around him, "Thank you for everything Uncle Ben. You couldn't have come at a better time."

Two weeks passed. Just when Charlotte began to wonder if Mr. Romano had changed his mind, he appeared at her door.

"Hello, Gorgeous. Miss me?"
Charlotte rolled her eyes, "Is this it? Are we leaving?"
He nodded and she grabbed her bag.
"Oh no, Sweetheart. We won't need any of that. One small revolver is all you can take."
"I don't go anywhere without my guns, and what about all my clothes?"

Mr. Romano rolled his eyes and took an exasperated breath, "You can bring the guns to my house, they will be safe there, but that is as far as they can go. As for clothes, we're going to pick up some new, more appropriate clothing."
"What's wrong with my clothes?"

Mr. Romano laughed, "You're pretending to be a lady's maid. Not a- well-" He gestured loosely at her.
"I should have shot you." Charlotte snapped. She couldn't help but get caught up in his teasing tone.

"That would have been no fun, Miss Locke. Now let's head into town. My friend is an excellent tailor. We'll get you a new wardrobe."



"I look ridiculous!" Charlotte groaned and squirmed.
Kane laughed, "You look like a fish out of water, beautiful nonetheless. Get changed back into your clothes. It's quite a ride to my home, you'll suffocate in that corset."

The tailor boxed up the clothes and handed them over, "Good luck Miss. Good seeing you Mr. Romano."

He hadn't been exaggerating, the ride was long. They stopped in a wealthier part of the city. Charlotte had ridden passed the breathtaking homes many a time, she would never have imagined ending up anywhere near them.
"Over here."
Charlotte realized Mr. Romano had led his horse behind a stunning home.
"Stables are back there. Hitch Tanner up and the stable hands will set her up with a stall."

The house was magnificent but sparsely decorated with basic furniture. Charlotte set the box of clothes down in the kitchen.

"Paulina, Dear. Take Miss Charlotte's things up to the guest suite. We'll take lunch on the terrace." He packed her guns into a large hall closet, where Charlotte spotted an extensive collection of his own.

"Just how rich are you?" She asked.
"I've done fairly well for myself." He poured them each some whiskey, led her to the terrace and motioned for her to sit. He pulled an envelope from his suit pocket.
"I've got you some new papers. Charlotte Locke is dead."

She took the papers from him, "Charlotte Russo. I'm Italian now?"
"By blood only, you grew up here. There's no hiding that southern accent of yours."
Just then Paulina brought two plates of salad to the table. It smelled heavenly.

"Thank you, Paulina, you can leave us for the rest of the day." He refilled their glasses, "Eat, I will fill you in." He took a bite of his own food and continued, "You will be working as a lady's maid for Miss Cabarro. She is the daughter of a very powerful man. He is not a good man."

"Are you?" Charlotte interrupted.

"No." He replied bluntly, "They are a dangerous family, but they are good to their staff. They will be good to you. I wouldn't send you in there if that weren't the case. Tara, Miss Cabarro, is very easy on the eyes too." He winked at her.

"What do you want from them?"

"I can't tell you that just yet. You'll have to trust me. More importantly, you have to get them to trust you. Once that is established I'll give you further instruction." He paused. "Don't look so nervous. I know you can handle yourself and I won't be far."

Charlotte refilled her glass once more. She took in the man before her. Stoic, intense. She felt overwhelmed. Before everything with Heather, she would not have gotten involved with any of this. She'd become so reckless lately, she knew somewhere deep in the back of her mind, she wanted one of her ridiculous endeavors to end badly.

"Charlotte. Are you okay?"

She snapped back to reality, "Sorry Mr. Romano. " I was miles away.
"Please. Call me Kane. We're friends now. You must be exhausted I'll show you to your room."
Friends. She didn't like the way the word sounded on his tongue. Charlotte didn't get much sleep that night. She couldn't help but feel she'd made a deal with the devil.

A knock on the door woke her, "Mr. Romano requests your company for breakfast."
She dragged her heavy head from the exquisite pillow, "Thank you, Paulina." She looked from yesterday's filthy clothes to the box of new ones. She picked out a yellow and black skirt and a black camisole.

"You look ravishing," Kane said as she entered the kitchen. For the first time, she heard a hint of his Italian accent.
"Thank you. But I feel so uncomfortable, where would I even holster a weapon?"

Kane raised an eyebrow, "There are few things more attractive than a pistol in a woman's garter. However, you cannot carry a weapon, Charlotte. You can hide one of your revolvers in your luggage, but it has to stay there, to be used only as a last resort. As for how uncomfortable you feel. We will work on that today."

"I haven't been without my guns since I was thirteen. There is no way I'm going to be unarmed all the time. You said yourself that these people are dangerous."

"They are, but they won't hurt you as long as you play your part." Kane sighed as Charlotte crossed her arms defiantly. "You are a stubborn one aren't you? Fine. A compromise." He stood and left the room. When he returned he had a leather band with what appeared to be a knife sheath attached. Charlotte took it from him and stared at him quizzically.

He laughed and kneeled in front of her, "Don't kick me!" He lifted her skirt and buckled the band around her upper thigh. His left hand lingered and she glared at him. He extended his other hand for the knife he knew she was hiding somewhere. She handed it over and he sheathed it.
"There, you keep that on you. Do you feel better?"
She nodded.
"I'm glad. Now back to breakfast. I have a feeling we will be working on table manners for a while."


Chapter 3

Heather,
Knowing you was like knowing a wolf. I found myself so wrapped up in your love and loyalty, somehow I forgot about your teeth. I foolishly acted as though that was a part of you that I could take away or file down to nubs.
But that's not how it works, is it?
Yours,
Charlotte

*******************************



Charlotte spent the rest of the day with Kane and Paulina, working on her Southern Charm. Etiquette hadn't been particularly high on her list of life ambitions. Paulina turned out to be an absolute angel, clearly enamored with Kane. He remained kind but disinterested.

Kane also had a beagle named Garland. He took to Charlotte immediately and when it came time to wind down for the night, he set up camp in her lap in front of the fire.

"You did great today, Char." Kane handed her a drink, the nickname had come about at some point during their long day.
"I'm off to bed. Mr. Cabarro and his daughter arrive in New Orleans tomorrow. I've written them letting them know an acquaintance of mine would be a perfect helping hand. That's you," He winked. "We know each other from the theatre. You were a dancer."

"Got it. Thank you for today. I had no idea what a slob I was." Charlotte half-joked. Kane laughed, kissed her cheek and headed upstairs.

Charlotte woke with a stiff neck. She'd fallen asleep on the floor with Garland. The frills of her camisole dug into her armpits. She slipped upstairs. Paulina had put together an appropriate outfit for her. she squirmed into the yellow and black skirt with a black blouse. Just as she was wondering how she would manage to get into the garish corset Paulina walked in.
"Let me help you with that, Dear." She tightened the corset around Charlotte's waist, it felt like a cage.

"Charlotte! Are you ready to go?" Kane turned to see her descending the stairs. She looked so different. A corset adorned her tiny waist and a large black sun hat obscured her eyes. She pushed the hair from her face and looked up at him.
"What? Oh God, I look ridiculous don't I?"

"You could never. You look - you look marvelous."

Charlotte grinned at him, "Are you blushing Mr. Romano?"

He cleared his throat and offered her his elbow. She took it and he led her to the waiting carriage.
"We're not going far. The stable hand will bring your horse around."

"Kane Romano! I'm so glad you could make time for us." A large man bellowed as Kane stepped out of the carriage.

"Anything for the Cabarro family. My father spoke very highly of you and your brother."
Charlotte wondered if she had imagined the venom dripping from Kane's voice.
"I'm so glad to hear that! We are not everyone's cup of tea. As the British say. Please will you and Miss Russo join us inside? Ernesto will bring in your bags Sweetheart." With that, he put his hand on the small of Charlotte's back and guided her into his extravagant mansion, bigger and more ostentatious than Kane's. It took everything in her power not to shove his arm away. Instead, she thanked him for his hospitality.

She'd spent many a night looking at this very mansion with Heather. They'd made up lives for the people living in it. They'd pretended to be rich and snobby until they laughed so hard they couldn't breathe. Neither of them aspired to riches. It all seemed so absurd. Now standing in a breezy sunroom, taking it all in, Charlotte felt very much like the imposter she was.

"Charlotte, can I offer you a drink." Mr. Cabarro called from his office. Charlotte followed him into the dimly lit room. She teetered between an appropriate and an authentic answer. She'd known men like him before. Something told her he'd appreciate the latter.

"I'd love a whiskey, neat, if that is not too forward, Sir."
"Not at all! I admire that in a woman, only wish my daughter had more of it in her." He poured her a hearty glass from an unmarked bottle on his desk. "I was left this as a house warming gift, so don't judge me if it is sewer water."

Charlotte laughed, genuinely. She'd been nervous but Kane was right. He may very well be bad but she had a feeling they would get on just fine.
"It's actually very good. Whoever left it must like you."
"Oh, my dear. No one likes me. Not even your friend out there. However, lots of people want to impress me."

Charlotte laughed, "That's fair. I don't mean to cut our meeting short but I'd love to hear exactly what you are expecting of me, Sir."
"Straight to business. I like you more and more Miss Russo." He straightened himself in his chair and lit a cigar.

"My daughter is a good girl, naive even. Especially for the world in which she exists. I'm hoping, obviously, you will tend to her daily needs. But more importantly, I hope you'll be a friend to her. She has her head in the clouds and could use a less obvious influence than I have tried to make of myself. She's an heir. No, the heir. To my business and my fortune. She is the one that will lead the Cabarro name to excellency and likely infamy, here in America." He stood and leaned on his desk before Charlotte.

"Now. I know that that is not what is expected of most young women. But believe it or not, I am a man before my time. I believe she is more than capable. Consequently, I have not worried about any other heirs. However, she seems set on a peaceful life. Husband, children- whatever. Kane says you are quite the pioneering woman yourself and I suppose I am hoping you might rub off on her."

Her past flashed before her eyes and Charlotte desperately clutched her glass. She'd been pioneering in exactly the way she felt Mr. Cobarro meant. For the first time, she wondered if Kane had been completely transparent with her.
"I fear I may have been oversold to you, Sir. But I will do my best."

"Oh. I don't doubt that, Miss Russo." He offered her a hand and led her back into the parlor where Kane stood talking with his stable hand.
"Charlotte." He beamed effortlessly, "Your horse has been stabled outback. She has been fed but you may want to go check on her and reassure her that you are here."
"Excellent! I'm sure the poor beast is confused. Tara, Bellissimo. Show Charlotte where the stables are and then her quarters. Would you?"

"Of course, Father."
Charlotte turned to see Tara had removed her hat and corset. She looked relaxed and friendly now. So unlike the raven-haired heiress, Charlotte had met only briefly outside.
"Charlotte. I am so glad Mr. Romano set this up. I am an utter mess without my maids here. You are going to be a lifesaver I just know it!"

Charlotte smiled and took Tara's outstretched hand. She radiated joy and Charlotte couldn't help but bask in it, if only for a minute.


Chapter 4

Heather,
So much has changed, for both of us, I suppose. I wonder if we still share the same stars at night.
Yours,
Charlotte

*************************************

Charlotte's first week with the Cabarro family had been a whirlwind. It seemed she'd made quite the impression on Mr. Cabarro because he had no qualms about her knowledge of his illicit dealings. She still didn't know exactly what he was involved in but she knew it was dangerous.

She also knew Tara wanted no part of it. The girl had a mean left hook and was a better than average shot. Two hours every other day, she trained with her bodyguards. Two sourly, mountains of men who only ever spoke in Italian. Charlotte sat the lessons out, trying to preserve her image but she had to admit it all looked like a great deal of fun.

Any free time Tara had was spent reading. She'd share her favorite poems and stories with Charlotte, either in her room before the fire or outside in the luscious estate gardens.

"I am the daughter of Earth and Water,
And nursling of the sky,
I pass through the pores of the oceans and shores.
I can change but I cannot die."

"That's Perry Shelley," Charlotte said softly as she pulled Tara's unruly curls into a braid.
"You know of his work?" Tara beamed up at her.
"Yes. I am quite well-read for a poor American." Charlotte quipped.

Tara's face fell, "That's not what I meant. You know that."
Charlotte sighed, " I know. I'm sorry. I'm just tired."

Tara sat bolt upright, "Of course you are! I don't think you've had a day's rest since you arrived. You must hate me! I've so enjoyed your company, I completely forgot that it's being paid for."

"Tara, I've had a wonderful time with you too. I don't hate you."

An idea lit up Tara's face, "Why don't you take the rest of this afternoon and tomorrow to yourself. Is there some forlorn suiter missing you?"

Charlotte laughed, "Not for a long time, but if you really don't mind I do have a friend I'd love to go see."

"Of course! Go. Go! I'll let father know."

Charlotte walked into her quarters, she hadn't been lying about being tired but she needed to get out of the house and breathe. Maybe see Ben. She dug out the one pair of slacks she'd manage to hide from Kane and saddled Tanner up.

In a few minutes, she found herself in the middle of New Orleans, surrounded by the kind of sights and sounds only this city held. Ben's general store and his living quarters above it were just outside the train station. When she arrived, the storefront was closed. She bound the stairs, up to his room, two at a time. Just as she lifted her hand to knock, the door swung open.

"Charlotte! Oh, I'm so glad to see you." Ben bellowed and wrapped her in a bear hug.
"Me too! Are you headed back to the store?"
"Not anymore!" He pulled her into the small space and sat her down, "You hungry kid? I made a stew."
Charlotte felt her stomach growl, "Yes. Please. I have been withering away on all that fancy, rich people food."

Ben handed her a heaping bowl.
"How have things been?" She muttered between large mouthfuls.
"Oh, you know. Things are quiet at the moment but I'm managing. Ships will be docking in two weeks and it'll pick back up."
"If you need money, Ben, I can help."
"Not at all. I'm doing fine. Your friend, Mr. Romano stopped by to check on me too. Told him the same thing."
Charlotte almost choked, "He did?"
Ben nodded and Charlotte could not be bothered to press further.

An hour later Charlotte hugged Ben goodbye once more.
"I'll see you soon, Dear?" It was more question than statement.
"I'll try," Charlotte called as she spurred Tanner back into town.

She ran a few errands before finding herself in front of the post office. Her satchel seemed to double in weight as her mind drifted to the notebook inside, filled with unsent letters. She had no address for Heather these days. Even if she did, what would be the point in sending the letters? There was far too much between them now.

"Miss Russo?" Lost in her thoughts, Charlotte didn't recognize her new last name. A hand touched her shoulder and dragged her from her haze. She spun, instinctively and landed a punch square on Kane Romano's chin.

"Oh, Jesus. Kane. I'm so sorry. I was, well, nevermind. Are you okay?"
He grinned at her and rubbed his reddening cheek, "You have one hell of a punch, Char."
"Come on." Charlotte led him into the nearby saloon and went in search of something cold. She managed to find a cold bottle of whiskey but by the time she returned two saloon girls sat at either side of Kane.

"Get." Charlotte barked, and the poor girls scuttled back to the bar.
Kane laughed and flinched immediately. Charlotte handed him the bottle.
"I'm sorry," She said again, "I was worlds away. You startled me."
"I've survived much worse, My Dear. I'm glad I bumped into you. I haven't had much reason to visit the Cabarros. I hoped you were managing alright."

"I'm doing fine. They have been model employers."
"Good." Kane waved a few drinks over to them.

Time got away from them and it was dark by the time they left the saloon. They walked aimlessly along the street. Charlotte felt the sudden need to explain herself.
" I was thinking of Heather earlier, when, well-" She gestured at his swollen face, "I've been so busy since meeting you. I suppose I haven't had much time to wallow in my own shit. It's been nice."

Kane placed his hand on her back and guided her across the rickety train tracks to the bustling pier. There he sat and patted the spot next to him, legs swinging jovially off the edge.
"You two were quite the infamous team weren't you?"


Charlotte laughed at that. It had been so long since all of that.
"That we were. Bloodshed wherever we went and all that." Despite herself, she felt a tear escape her eye.
"It wasn't all like that though. That's just all the newspapers cared about. There was fun too and love."

Kane handed her a handkerchief and she quickly wiped the tears away.
"Thank you for checking in on my Uncle. That means a lot to me."

Kane simply nodded. Charlotte rested her head on his shoulder. They sat in the darkness admiring the stars.
"Isn't it something, that we are all born and die under these stars. Worlds and lives apart but connected somehow." He said almost too softly for her to hear. He was different here, calm.

Her neck was stiff by the time he stirred her from her thoughts, "It's late, Char. Are you expected back at the estate tonight?"
She shook her head.
"Stay with me then? Paulina and Garland would be thrilled."
"And you?" Charlotte teased.
Kane scoffed and helped her to her feet.

They rode through the streets enjoying the eccentrics of the city. Kane's home stood dark when they arrived. He hitched the horses and led them into the parlor.
"The guest room is still made up for you." He said, as he took Charlotte's coat and handed her a nightcap, "I'd love to have breakfast with you before you go."

Charlotte took the drink and placed it on the mantle before putting her palm to his face.
"Are you sure you are okay?"
Kane cupped her hand in his and moved it from his face, suddenly serious, "This is an awful idea, Charlotte."
"Probably, but both of us have long strings of awful ideas. What's one more?"
His brilliant grin returned and he tilted her lips to his.


Chapter 5

Heather,
I hope you are okay. Wherever you are.
Yours,
Charlotte
-Letters I'll Never Send

*****************************************************

Thunderous rain woke Charlotte. Kane's room was still dark and he snored lightly beside her. She rose quietly, a technique she was well practiced in. She started to gather her discarded clothing from various corners of the room.

"You wouldn't sneak out on me, would you?" Kane's sleep-heavy murmur came from the bed. Charlotte spun around to find him propped up on an elbow his Cheshire grin in its place.

"I was promised breakfast, Mr. Romano."
He sat up, "That you were."
"Paulina will be up soon. I'm going to head to the guest room."
"Ashamed of me?" He teased.
Charlotte tossed a sock at him and left.

"Miss Russo. Breakfast is ready." Paulina knocked lightly an hour later.

Charlotte found the table set with lavish fruits and pastries.
"Paulina. You're too good to me."
"Oh, Dear. It's my absolute pleasure." The older woman beamed, proudly.

"Good Morning, Bellisima." Kane patted the chair beside him.

Charlotte took a cup of coffee and sat, "Kane. Last night-"
"Don't fret about it. I know things are a bit complicated. We had a wonderful night and that's that."

Charlotte felt her stomach unknot in relief and reached for an orange.
"A wonderful night indeed." She winked.

They sat chatting and gorging themselves on the delicious food.

"How are you and Tara getting on then?" He asked suddenly.
"She's lovely. We've bonded a lot over books and poetry."
"That's wonderful. And her father?"
"He appears to like me but, Kane. He seems to know a lot more about me than you've led me to believe."

Kane put his coffee down and cupped his hands beneath his chin.
"He does. He doesn't know who you really are but he's aware you're no average handmaiden."

"Why wouldn't you tell me that upfront? I could've exposed myself or got caught in a lie."

"He needs Tara to believe you're her handmaid and her friend, not some plant from him. And well, I needed to make sure I could trust you."

Charlotte jumped to her feet, "Is that what last night was about?"
Kane stood as well, trying to catch her flailing hands.

"You had to make sure I was well and truly under your stupid spell?"

Finally, he got a hold of her hands and pulled her to his chest, forcing her to look up at him.
"God. No. Last night was as unexpected for me as it was for you. You aren't known for being the most trustworthy My Dear. We're both criminals after all. Last night had nothing to do with all this."

"I best head back before they get curious of my whereabouts."

Kane let her hands go, "Of course. I'll have Tanner brought out front."

Charlotte grabbed her satchel from upstairs. She stood for a second before the mirror. Last night her loneliness had, had such a hold on her heart she'd made a careless choice. Working with people like Kane and The Cabarros left no room for recklessness.

"Mistakes kill people every day." Heather's voice filled her head.

When she went downstairs Kane stood by the front door looking sheepish, his grin absent for once.
"Charlotte. I don't want you to leave upset at me. Please."

The look in his eyes and that word on his lips were both so foreign it caught her off guard. The realization of the endless repercussions of last night faded to the back of her mind as her resolve softened.

"I'm not upset at you. You're the only friend, other than my uncle, that I have right now. I don't regret last night. I wish you'd been transparent from the start but I know my reputation precedes me. It isn't the most reassuring."

"It isn't, Outlaw." His grin finds its way back to his eyes. "But I should have known better than to listen to rumors."

Charlotte looked from him to the dark storm clouds outside, "Could I borrow a coat?"

"Of course." Flustered he pulled a long grey one from the coat rack. He held it out for her to slip into. His hands lingered on her waist.
"I wish you could stay."

"Behave yourself." Charlotte laughed. She turned to face him and then gave him a spin, "How do I look?"

"Ravishing, as always." He kissed her cheek and sent her on her way.



By the time Charlotte got back to the Cabarro estate, she was soaked through. She handed Tanner over to a rather annoyed stablehand and went around to the kitchen door.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is." Tara's voice came from the pantry. Charlotte jumped.

"Tara. I thought you'd be at Mass."
Tara coughed dramatically, "I'm too ill."

Charlotte laughed and extended her hand, "Let's get you set up in bed then."
Tara grabbed a bottle of Merlot from the pantry and took Charlotte's hand.
"Nice coat, by the way."

Charlotte tucked Tara into bed and poured them each some wine.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to change out of these soaked clothes before I catch my death."

"Don't be silly, put my robe on. It's nice and soft."

Charlotte shrugged off the wet clothes and wrapped herself in the fluffy robe.

"There! Now sit." Tara shuffled over and Charlotte hopped into the bed. They'd spent many an afternoon like this, getting to know each other.

"So. Why were you sneaking in through the back door, in a man's coat?"

"You're too nosey for your own good. It's my uncle's. I saw him yesterday. Why are you feigning ill to skip Mass?"

"You said your uncle was a bear of a man. That coat looked quite-" Tara faltered, "accogliente."
"Snug? It was soaked. You didn't answer my question."

"Fine. Mass is a bore and Daddy has been relentless about introducing me to business contacts. He's readying me to take over. I can't stand another minute of it."

"Not many women get an opportunity like this, Tara."

"Why would I want to live a life of crime and stress and bloodshed. You know that's what Daddy's life is, right? No one gets this wealthy without it."

Charlotte's heart panged at Tara's pleading tone. She'd heard it in her own broken heart so many times.
"I understand that, but to turn down this life for uncertainty, out there, is such an incredible risk. Don't think I didn't notice you pining for that seamstress in town."

Tara blushed crimson. "I wasn't- I. That's absurd."

Charlotte took her hands, "It's okay. The love of my life was a woman. So were many other loves of mine. I'm not judging you. I'm just telling you. I'm just telling you. There's hardly a life for married women out there. There's certainly no life for women who love women. It's hard for you to fathom that life, Darlin'"

"I can't live the rest of my life in a world I want no parts of. It'll destroy my soul. Just like it has Daddy's."

Charlotte pulled Tara into her arms as the tears fell, "Okay, Darlin'. You're okay. You've got time to work this out."

Tara's sobs died down to sniffles and she looked up at Charlotte, her eyes shining with defiance.
"I've not been pining after the seamstress for a while now."
"Oh. Who then?"
"Who's coat is that?"

Charlotte laughed, "No deal, Sweetheart."

"You're no fun, Char."

"So I've been told. I think I hear your father's coach. You best finish that wine and lose the bottle. I'll go and make you some tea."



Chapter 6

Heather
You always give such practical advice. Oh, how I wish I had that advice now.
I'm so lost.
Yours,
Charlotte

**********************************************************************

"Char, why on earth would you let me drink that whole bottle of wine yesterday?"

"I'm your maid, not your mother, Darlin'. You're a grown woman." Charlotte tutted.

"Oh. Am I?" Tara grinned over her coffee. "I'd almost forgotten with the way you lecture me."
Charlotte rolled her eyes as she laced Tara's corset.

"Your father wants to see you before breakfast. Let's head down to his office."

Tara sighed, dramatically rubbing at her temples, "If I'm lucky yesterday's wine will kill me first."

"Cuore Mio!" Mr.Cabarro bellowed as Tara entered. He kissed her forehead and waved her into a chair. Charlotte turned to leave them.
"Miss Russo. Please stay. I wish to discuss something with you both."

"What is it, Daddy?"

He sighed, "Show your father just a little respect, will you?"

She rolled her eyes but kept quiet.
"I have to take a trip into the bayou for a meeting. It seems I've overextended myself. I'm supposed to be in Tombstone in a few days, but there's no way I can manage both. I need you to take care of it."

"But, Daddy," Tara whined.

"No." He cut her off. His tone sharper than Charlotte had ever heard him use with his daughter. "Tara. Whether you like it or not, you're a Cabarro. That name comes with responsibilities. You're twenty-three, any boy would've started working at sixteen. I've been more than patient. You will step up and there will be no further arguments."

Charlotte glanced over to see Tara nod, her eyes shiny.
"There's a wagon coming over the border." He paused as if he just realized Charlotte was still there. "I trust I have your discretion, Miss Russo?"
Charlotte nodded.

"Good. So, there is a wagon coming from Mexico. They contain a very special type of guns, that have come a very round-a-bout way from Italy. You need to pick them up and get them home. Simple as that."

Charlotte eyed him wearily. She knew better than most that these things were almost never simple enough. She knew better than to question him though.

"This is a simple trade and they have already been paid for. If they try anything, kill them."

"Yes, Daddy."

"I've hired two local sharpshooters to go with you since your regular guards will be accompanying me. They are being paid handsomely and shouldn't be any trouble. If they are-"

"Kill them," Tara stated plainly.

"That's my girl." He smiled.

"I won't put Charlotte in danger. She stays here." Tara spoke as if she wasn't in the room. She tried not to be offended.

Mr. Cabarro gave Charlotte a wolfish grin, "Oh. Miss Russo can handle herself. A lady doesn't grow up an orphan in these swamps without learning a trick or two."
"An orphan?" Tara turned, "I had no idea."

Flustered, Charlotte waved away her concern, "It was a lifetime ago, Darlin'. Your father is right though. I'm more than capable of looking after myself. I'd like to come if you'd let me."

"Fine." Tara quipped, "But if I tell you to leave, you leave. I will not have you hurt on account of us."

Charlotte stifled her laugh with a cough and nodded.
"If only you knew," She thought.

"Then it's settled. Let's go have breakfast and I'll fill you both in on the details. You'll have to be on the road by sundown if you're to make it on time."



A few hours later Tara and Charlotte stood in the stables.
"Tanner is a wonderful horse but you'll need something sturdier for such a long ride." Tara mused as she looked over the horses. "Why don't you take Guerra?" She pointed to her father's Turkoman.

Charlotte guffawed at the golden beast, "I couldn't take your father's horse. That's hardly appropriate."

"Oh please. He hardly rides him anymore. He's gotten too comfortable with carriages. Guerra could use the exercise. He's not as scary as he looks. He's a lovely animal. Julian is his son." She pointed to her own horse.

Charlotte walked up to the big horse. He sniffed her curiously before nuzzling her for a treat.
"I suppose they were bred fro the desert?"

Tara beamed, "Good." She nodded to the waiting stablehands, "Saddle up Julian and Guerra and bring them upfront please."

"Miss Cabarro?"

Tara spun to face two burly men.
"You're our backup I suppose?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm Rex and this here is Warren." Warren tipped his hat.

"Excellent. Rex. You can call me Tara and this is Charlotte. We'll be plenty acquainted by the end of this trip. The formalities are not needed."
"Yes, Ma'am- Uh. Tara."

Charlotte nodded at the men.
"Now Charlotte has as much authority over whether or not you get paid as I do. So it'd be in your interest to show her as much respect as you would me. If this pretty thing says jump. You two say?"
"How high?" Rex smiled.
"Good. Load up your horses and guns. We'll be on the road in ten."

Charlotte followed Tara into the house in a stupor. She was witnessing a side of Tara she had no idea existed. The timid girl who'd cried in her arms only a couple of days earlier seemed to be well and truly tucked away. For the first time, Charlotte could see, in her, the same thing her father did.

"Alright. Let's get you loaded up too, Char." Tara led her into her father's office. She walked up to the bookshelf behind his desk and pulled a red book forward. Charlotte heard a clicking sound and the bookshelf swung forward revealing a hidden safe. She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it.

"I know." Tara handed her a black belt with two holsters attached, "Tacky isn't it?"

Charlotte laughed again and took a closer look. These were not the scratched up hand me downs she'd left with Kane. These were all polished metals and shiny wood. Tara picked up the Colt she used most often in her training. She then picked up a second, identical Colt. She put them on the desk and added a repeater and shotgun to her collection. She methodically checked and loaded each weapon.

She turned to Charlotte who must have looked as dumbfounded as she felt because Tara reached out to touch her arm, "Just in case, Char."

"What are you most comfortable with?"

Charlotte stepped into the safe and stared at the arsenal. She turned her back to Tara as a huge grin split her face. She ran a hand down the black barrel of a bolt action rifle, "Yes, please." She whispered.

Tara watched on curiously as Charlotte swung the rifle over her shoulder along with a pump action.
"Do you have a cattleman?"
Tara pulled a shiny revolver from her father's desk, "You're in luck. Daddy like's them too."

"We should change." Charlotte eyed Tara's impractical corset.
"Oh, God. I completely forgot I was wearing this thing." She took Charlotte's hand and dragged her upstairs.

"I packed us a bag this morning. Here are some slacks for you."
Charlotte took the trousers gladly stripping off her skirt and corset.

The two of them threw a few more things in their bags and headed downstairs. Rex and Warren sat on the front steps chatting quietly.
"Shall we gentlemen?"

Feb. 5th, 2020

A Moment's Notice - A Story of Redemption

Chapter 1 - Winter Sky

Heather opened her eyes begrudgingly to the sound of Gunner winnying and huffing.
"Goddamnit, what time is it?" She muttered. The silver crested pocket watch she'd stolen yesterday said 7:30 but it felt and looked a lot earlier than that. "I'll have to go into town and get this damn thing checked. That can't be right."

Getting up off the hard ground was getting more and more difficult with each day. Heather knew she had to find a better place to pitch camp and soon. Winter was moving in, and as if to remind her there was a thin layer of ice over a bucket of water she'd collected the evening before.

Splashing her face with the frigid water was surprisingly pleasant, she poured the rest over the glowing embers of last night's fire and headed over to her favorite brute. He huffed once more as she dug out a sugar cube and started to brush his ashen mane.

She felt him before he spoke. God, what now.
"Miss!" Came a gruff voice behind her. Heather spun around cursing softly upon realizing her holster was still in her tent. She reached for her sheath instead.
"Can I help you, Sir?"
"I noticed you seem to be alone here. You're husband out hunting?" He smirked. It turned her stomach sour.

Unsheathing her hunting knife she stepped toward the man. It took her further from her weapons, but she couldn't show fear. "No husband to speak of Old Man."
He took in her appearance. The men's shirt. The scars. "You one of them 'liberated girls' huh?" Annoyed and tired Heather brought the blade from her back to her side.
"You sound educated too. Women like you is what's wrong with this country. Why don't you let me show you how nice it is to submit?"


Heather thought she might be ill. This pig.
"Get away from my camp before I gut you for catfish bait."
The man patted his horse's neck, weighing his options. He had a rifle and a shotgun on his horse. Could he pull one of them before she covered the few feet between them and made good on her threat?
"Breaking a filly like you is just something I don't have time for. Aren't you lucky? Hya!" He trotted away. Heather considered shooting him in the back. Gunner stomped his hooves for another sugar cube. "Not worth it huh boy?"

Heather figured it a sign to go ahead and find a better camp.
"Alright big boy. Let's get moving then."
They were on the road within the hour. Or so she guessed with the faulty pocket watch as her only guide. She planned to make a quick stop in Blackwater before heading for a cave she hoped hadn't changed since last winter. It'd be a great spot to hunker down for winter. It was dry and easy to warm. She could even fit Gunner inside if the weather got too intense.

Blackwater rose on the horizon. Heather really liked the smokey city. All the convenience of St Denis with less of the pretentiousness. She knew a barber who knew his way around a clock. She also suspected he was sweet on her. Surely she could charm him for a cheap repair.

"Miss Shepherd. It's been a while." Bo smiled warmly as the door chimed. "I was starting to worry you'd upset one too many of those Lemoyne boys."
"Oh Bo. You know me better than that." Heather dug out the pocket watch. "Damn thing seems to be losing more time than keeping it."
"Now Miss Shepherd. You wouldn't want me feeling as though you only use me for my skills, would you?"
Heather laughed. "You're right Bo. I'm sorry. It's been a rough morning. How are you, my friend?"
"Oh, you know Blackwater. As much a mess as ever. Business is good though. There's been an influx of 'nobles'."

The old friends talked for a while as Bo tinkered with the beautiful watch.
"It's your lucky day. I have got it going. It must have been dropped when you... acquired it."
Heather resisted rolling her eyes at his judgemental tone.
"Bo you promised me, years ago, you wouldn't look at me like that."
"I'm sorry Heather, you're right, I did." He smiled his charming smile by way of apology.
"Those charms don't work on me Bo." Heather laughed and walked out. "Be well Bo. I'll try not make it quite as long before I see you again."

After a few errands, Heather tethered Gunner at the Old Mare saloon. The haul she picked up with the pocket watch had turned out to be worth more than she anticipated. She figured she'd treat herself to a few drinks and a warm bed.

The saloon smelled of smoke and vomit. Laborers had been paid it seemed. She pulled a stool to the corner of the bar and settled in with a whiskey.
"Barkeep. Do you have a room available?" She yelled over the crowd.
"We do miss. Would you like to add a bath to that?" Heather swooned at the thought of soaking in a warm bath.
"That'd be lovely. Thank you." She put a note on the bar. "Keep the change."
"Thank you, Miss. Your bath will be ready in 15 minutes."

Just as Heather was considering scalping the third guy to bother her a sultry voice came from across the bar. "Miss. Your bath is ready." Heather picked up her whiskey and let the maid lead her upstairs.
"Those men are always harassing us. It's nice to see someone standing up to them.
"I've faced too many wolves to be worried by rats, Miss?"
"Leithe, but please, call me Emma." Her hazel eyes shimmered in the candlelight.
"Emma. Are you free to assist me with my bath?" Heather purred. Emma's already rouged cheeks flushed even more.
"Oh. Of course Miss. I'm at your service."

Emma left well before dawn to start her duties. It was for the best. She was a sweet girl; naive really. More than willing to go on the road with Heather after one night. In truth, Heather knew she'd probably be safer as a wanderer than in this brothel. So loosely disguised as a saloon. She also knew she couldn't take on the burden. She'd be bored in a week and Emma would grow to resent her. Instead, she left a note promising to visit.

The trip to Lemoyne would take a few days at best. The cave Heather hoped to find untouched was just north of St. Denis. A bit too close to the city really, but there weren't many warm dry places for the taking for people like Heather.

In the end, the trip was even longer than anticipated. Heather had managed some good hunting along the way though. Meats she could salt and dry. Herbs that would keep. Even with regular breaks in between Gunner was tiring of the long journey. Thankfully the cave was just about an hour away. They'd be able to rest soon. Patting his soft nose and handing him an apple she was overcome with emotion, thinking of the big beasts loyalty. He was strong and true, he'd even been known to nip and kick pesky visitors.
"Let's go boy almost there."

The cave appeared in front of them. Looking gloriously untouched. However, as Heather hitched Gunner and walked closer she saw wolf tracks. Lots of them. Wolves in the swamps hardly made any sense but the proof was right in front of her in fresh mud. To her relief, the tracks only led out. They'd left. Hopefully for good. She'd scope it out and light a fire. They wouldn't risk returning at the sight of fire.

She grabbed her trusty sawed-off shotgun nonetheless and proceeded cautiously.
"Hello."
She heard something in the back of the cave. A whimper maybe.
"Is someone there?"
The whimpers continued but no response.

As soon as she lay her eyes on the pup her heart broke. A wolf pup. Her leg, badly broken. The number of prints made sense now. A mother with pups. She'd made the impossible decision to leave her injured pup in hopes she and her other pups could get back to the pack.

Heather kneeled by the tiny pup. Her lantern showed no blood. Hopefully a simple break. God knows she'd had a few. The pup didn't even growl. She hardly knew fear yet. Heather pulled a piece of quail from her satchel. The pup gulped it down. Her tail wagging furiously.
Well, at least you are weaned little one. Let's get that leg splinted shall we?"
Her big blue eyes looked up at Heather while she licked her chops.

With some help from an old deer antler and some leather, the pup was splinted and even able to hobble a bit.
"I guess I'm stuck with you hmm?"
For every human she would kill, there was an animal she'd lay down her life for.

Heather ate some fruit and set up her bedroll. She dozed off without even starting a fire. Thankfully the wolves were long gong. As luck would have it some bounty hunters rode by in the night hoping to stumble upon someone with a head worth their time. With no sign of smoke or fire and Gunner sleeping nestled in the trees, they rode by unaware that a very worthwhile head slept peacefully just off their path.

The sound of gunfire awoke heather with a start. The entrance of the cave was ablaze with afternoon sunlight. How did I sleep so late?
Perhaps the trip was more exhausting than Heather had expected. She rubbed her face trying to clear her sleepy eyes. The gunshots had passed. Probably just a hunter. The sound of running water startled her, she spun around to find the pup pissing on her satchel.

"Jesus. No!" She ripped the satchel away and the pup dropped her ears in shame. Heather laughed.
"Better name you if I'm going to scold you. Hm?"
The pup hobbled over to her looking pathetic. Heather shared a piece of bread with it, as she studied its sweet face. She was so tiny and so determined. Not even a broken leg could stop her.
"Seras." She stated simply. She'd read once of an Italian creature who grew heavenly wings in darkness. The pup's tail wagged.
"You like it? Good. It suits you!"

She tied a leather string around Seras' neck. "Look at you, you're a real dog now!" Heather stood. "Let's go introduce you to Gunner." She picked up Seras. "Fair warning. He doesn't much care for wolves."

Heather carried Seras over to the big horse. She reached into her pocket. Best to lead with a snack she'd learned. Gunner whinied at the sight of her, or maybe the snack. She handed him the apple slice and he ate happily. Once he was done she held the tiny pup up to him. He studied it and to her surprise shoved his nose into Seras' belly and sniffed the pup. Seras looked frightened at first and Heather couldn't help but laugh at the irony. After a few seconds, Seras' tail started flying. She was clearly enamored with the big beast before her.

Heather smiled at the two. She wondered if Seras was part Husky. She seemed so domestic and Heather had heard of it happening before.
"Nonethematter." She smiled giving each of them a kiss. "I think we'll take a ride around St Denis today. See if we can get any leads on good scores. Assuming my face isn't plastered all over the place of course."
She'd heard from a friend that St. Denis was clear and as far as she knew it should be. She strapped Seras into a saddle bag. She didn't seem to mind at all. The trio headed for the 'City of Arts'.

She could smell it before she saw the first building. She truly disliked this city, but it was far from her problems and for once she felt like a bit of human interaction. The afternoon proved fruitful. Heather got leads on a few small jobs that wouldn't cause too much of a stir. Before heading home, she stopped by a sketchy looking saloon. She was almost certain she'd seen a rat but in truth, the big saloon down the road was too much for her. She transferred a sleepy Seras to her satchel and headed in. The bar was pleasantly empty. She sat herself right in the middle. "What'll it be Miss?"
"A whiskey, thank you."

Heather was admittedly a bit tipsy when a woman sat down beside her.
"That's a cute pup you have there. Looks like a wolf."
"Oh. Hi. Yeah. She is a wolf. Abandoned."
The woman patted Seras' sleeping snout.
"Well. Isn't she lucky you found her."
Heather took in the woman sitting next to her. She wore pants and had both a revolver and a knife on her hip. Sure the world was changing, still, Heather rarely saw a woman like her.

As if reading her mind the woman spoke.
"Nice to see someone who gets it from time to time. That's why I sat. The pup was a pleasant bonus." Her grin was infectious.
"Who says I'm looking for company?"
She laughed again. "I'd risk your blade not to speak to the morons around here."

Heather nodded and waved for two more whiskeys. The woman drank and spoke for a while. The sun started setting and Heather didn't want to navigate the unnerving swamps in the dark. She stood to excuse herself.
"I'm Charlotte. Maybe I'll bump into you and sweet Seras again."
"Heather. Maybe you will."
Charlotte snuck Seras an almond from the bar.
"Bye Seras."

Heather was in the sheriff's office bright and early.
"Sheriff. Good Morning."
"How can I help you, Miss?" He was polite but his gaze fell quickly to her weapons.
"I'm passing through. Wondering if there are any bounties I might help with."
"There's always bounties here miss. I just have to make sure there's none on you. A formality. You understand, of course."
"Of course, Sherriff." Heather moved over to the poster board, of course, she'd paid a street rat to scout ahead, but there was always a risk and her heart skipped a beat when she saw five women on the board. A rarity.

The sheriff looked form her to the board a few times.
"Looks like you're good to go Miss."
"Call me Emma, Sheriff."
"Well, Emma. I have one for you. She was last seen here in St Denis, buying a horse."
"Don't go giving me easy bounties because I'm a woman, Sheriff."

"To the contrary. This woman is ruthless. Known to shoot instead of run. Many a man, better shots than me, have fallen at her feet."
Heather frowned, "So what makes you think I'll live?"
The old man blushed and fussed with his hat. "Well Miss, you're very beautiful..."
Heather scowled.
He stammered, "No, uh. I mean there's rumors. That she. Well. Is of a certain persuasion."
Heather sighed, "She's attracted to women?"

The sheriff looked awkward. "Yes. Of course, they are only rumors, and I'm not one to judge. You're very pretty, though. If they are true maybe you're less likely to get shot on sight."
"You're putting my life in the hands of some rumors Sheriff."
"It is a risk of the job is it not? Besides, you'll be handsomely rewarded if you are successful. I can promise that."

Heather stifled another sigh and extended her hand for a poster.
"Oh, well. I'm afraid we haven't got a sketch for her yet, and she has so many aliases that a name wouldn't be much help either. I've heard she has long blonde hair and green eyes but more reliably, the horse she bought is a reddish brown thoroughbred. A fast beast. With an unusual white blonde mane."
"Seems strange that a fugitive would ride such a unique animal, but I suppose as you've said she isn't afraid of much." Heather tipped her hat. "I'll bring her in. Dead or alive."

Heather patted Gunner's nose and checked in on a sleeping Seras. Still too young to stay awake for any substantial amount of time. The first stop would be the stable boy who had sold her the horse. She needed a better description of this woman and an idea of her movements.

The stable boy was helpful. He could describe her and the horse in detail. By the time heather had finished asking around town, it was getting dark. She decided to head home and get some rest. Besides Seras was awake and restless in her saddlebag. She'd let her run around the cave where she could safely keep an eye on her.

Heather had strange dreams that night. She dreamed of Seras and her pack. She dreamed of winter storms. She even dreamed of Charlotte at some point. She was awoken during the middle of the night. Aware that someone else was in the cave. She slowly tried to reach for her knife.
"Don't bother, Wolf Whisperer." Came a voice. Heather froze as the barrel of a shotgun pushed into her lower back.

Chapter 2 - Wolf Whisperer

"Charlotte, we've been walking for hours. You have my guns. Can we take a break?"
Charlotte smiled a wry smile and removed the barrel of her shotgun from Heather's lower back.
"Fine. Sit." She nods toward a fallen tree and Heather obliges.
"How did you find me? Why are you doing this?" Heather sighed. She seemed more annoyed than afraid, even as Charlotte stood over her.

"I saw you paying our friend, the sheriff, a visit. Was I wrong to assume you were picking up bounties?"
"It's you! The oh so ruthless killer." Heather stated matter of factly.
Charlotte laughed at this. "You caught me." She threw her free hand up in mock surrender.
"Why haven't you killed me then?"
"Couldn't leave this sweet girl without a home." She pulled Seras from her satchel and put her on the ground to play. Seras hobbled straight over to Heather. Who picked her up and fluffed her ears.
"So now what happens?"
Charlotte eyed Heather curiously. "In truth, I was hoping we could work together. There's a few jobs in St. Denis, but they need more than one person. As you can probably guess I don't have many friends."
Heather took a sip of water from her canteen. "Are you offering or telling?"
"Jesus, Heather, I'm not a monster. As much as that sheriff would convince you otherwise. Of course, you have a choice."

"I'm not known for my ability to work well with others." Heather replied.
"Nor am I, but you are smart as a whip and I'd bet a great shot. Things are changing around here. It's getting harder to get by alone."
Heather thought about the horrible man at her old camp. How she'd lost track of her weapons.
"Fine. Tell me one thing though. Why did we walk all the way here?"
Charlotte giggled, playing tug with Seras who'd found a stick. "Oh. That was just spite for trying to kill me."

******

Heather was shocked to learn that Charlotte had a modest cabin at the edge of st. Denis. A city where she was very much a wanted woman. Again with her mind reading powers Charlotte smiled as she helped unload Gunners saddle.
"I'm not home much, besides, I am a fan of hiding in plain sight. It's always worked for me."
Heather nodded her acknowledgement. Charlotte's face hardened for an instant before she gathered herself.
"Look, I like you. I wouldn't be letting you stay here if I didn't, but I'm no idiot. You'll be leaving your guns with me at night, at least until we're better acquainted. Can't have you turning on me while I sleep."

Heather wanted to argue, for the principle of the matter, but the sight of a real bed and a fireplace ultimately changed her mind. Again she nodded instead of speaking. She put Seras down on the grass. She was getting stronger and stronger. She had a stroke of wild in her, but not a mean bone in her body. She hobbled after butterflies but never hurt them.
"Some guard dog you'll be while I have no guns." The pup wagged her tail and pawed at Heather's boot for a treat.

Night fell, Charlotte had gone hunting. Heather had plenty meat for them to share but the afternoon had been, admittedly, awkward. She was glad Charlotte was out. She sat on a soft blanket by the fire. Seras curled up in her lap, the flames reflected in her sleepy eyes. Heather stroked her head. She'd taken a big leap of faith on this collaboration with Charlotte. She hoped it wouldn't back fire.

Heather's dreams were a mess once again. She dreamed of fire dancing, this time, in Charlotte's eyes, of Emma's sleepy green eyes, of wolves on a snowy horizon. It was a fitful sleep. When Charlotte eventually came back she watched Heather twitch and mutter for a few minutes. She threw a scrap to Seras and pulled the blanket over Heather.
Who is this woman? Why did I bring her here. Have I caught that brain plague from the dessert?
She shook her head and poured herself some whiskey. She took the glass and Heather's holster to the bedroom and locked the door behind her.

***

"For God's sake Charlotte. What were you thinking?!" Heather yelled as she wiped blood from her chin with a dirty handkerchief. Charlotte scoffed, indignant.
"You know I'm an excellent shot. I had to kill him or he'd have killed you."
"That was way too close! You could have killed me!"
"Well. Fine. I'll leave him to it next time." Charlotte huffed childishly.
Heather spat blood from her split lip, and patted Charlotte's bruised shoulder roughly.
"Thank you."

The two had been running together for weeks. Winter had set in and Seras was out of her splint. It had been awkward at first but the two had become fast friends, both glad that they had taken that risk. Charlotte had been right too. Pulling jobs was much easier with two people. They still stuck to smaller jobs. Lemoyne stayed warmer through winter and they didn't want to have to leave.

They headed back to the cabin as the sun was setting. Seras jumped off of Charlotte's bed as the door opened.
"Seras, you're not fooling anyone." Heather laughed as she filled her bowl with some stew from the night before.
"We did good today." Charlotte said as she swept Heather's long auburn hair over her shoulder and clasped a silver necklace around her neck. "Keep that one. It's pretty on you."
"And worth a fortune, Charlotte. We should sell it."
"We're doing fine. Keep it."

"Are you going to see Hamish anytime soon? He's been lusting after you like a dog for weeks."
Charlotte scoffed, "He's a child. A spoiled one at that. I don't have time to mother him or teach him about this life."
"You're dramatic. He's only a few years younger than us, and quite handsome too." Heather retorted as she threw off her coat and put on a bed shirt. She couldn't tell if she'd imagined Charlotte staring or not.
"I suppose he is." Charlotte busied herself locking the day's earnings away.
"Good night Char." Heather smiled at her and called Seras to bed.

Heather awoke to Seras growling loudly. It had to be the middle of the night. She rubbed sleep from her eyes, trying to adjust her vision to the dark.
"Seras. Hush. What are you on about?"
Seras whined and growled some more just as Charlotte crept into Heather's room with her finger on her lips.
"There's someone outside. Keep quiet. "

Heather slipped from her bed, staying below the window line and grabbing her revolver.
"I'm going to let Seras out. Stay here."
She grabbed Seras' collar and crept to the back door. She opened it quietly. Seras knew exactly what to do. As young, as she was she was already quite big.
"Sha!" She whispered and Seras took off. She followed behind her with her back to the wall and her revolver raised. She heard her growl followed by a yell.

"Seras! Back." Heather called and Seras ran to her side. "Put your goddamned hands up!" She growled. The figure stood slowly. Easily over 6ft.
"That's a pretty dog you got there." He replied. His face still in shadow.
"I won't ask again." Heather pulled the hammer back on her revolver.
"Now. Now." He drawled. "How about we talk?"
"I don't think so." Came Charlotte's voice behind him followed by the sound of a shotgun cocking. Defeated, the man removed his hand from his holster and raised his hands lazily.
"Who sent you?" Charlotte said in his ear.

"The sheriff, naturally."
"Jesus. When will you idiots get the message? I'm not going in and you are not taking me." Charlotte growled behind the bounty hunter.
"Calm down Sweetheart. I'm not after you. I came for the redhead."

Heather's heart skipped a beat. There had been no signs that there was any amount on her head. Or that anyone even knew who she was.
"That's impossible. No one knows me in st Denis." Heather spluttered.
"I don't know about that Baby, but everyone knows you in Valentine."

"Heather. Take Seras inside." Said Charlotte calmly.
Heather was shell shocked. It had been nearly a year since the mess in Valentine. How were they still chasing her? She grabbed Seras' collar and led her back inside. She covered the pups ears just as two loud shotgun shots rang out. Followed by a chorus of ravens taking flight.

An hour had passed by the time Charlotte came back, covered in blood and mud.
"Heather. What was that? What are Valentine bounty hunters doing after you?"
Heather tossed a rag to Charlotte.
"Some really bad stuff went down there last year. I thought it was over, it's been so long."
Charlotte sighed, gesturing at their life together. "This only works if we are honest with one another Heather."


"I know. I'm sorry. I really thought it was over.
"Charlotte stripped out of her dirty clothes and Heather turned away shyly.
"I don't think we will have to run right now. Must be quite a price on your head for him to come all this way. I doubt he would have shared that information."
Heather nodded. Charlotte always managed to be logical and calm. Meanwhile Heather felt she might faint, reminded of that night in Valentine. \
"I'm going to get some rest." She hugged Charlotte tightly. "Thank you."
Taken aback Charlotte only nodded as she watched Heather close the bedroom door. She wrapped a blanket over her bare shoulders and sat by the fire with Seras at her side. They had to be more alert for a while. At least make sure no one followed the man.

When Charlotte woke Heather was nowhere to be found, panic spread through her chest like ice. She threw a shirt on and ran out the back door. Gunner was gone as well.
"Heather! Heather where are you?"
Charlotte spun around desperately searching. Then she saw Seras trotting up to her happily, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Heather would never go anywhere without Seras. Just as she was handing Seras a bone she heard Gunner's heavy hooves cross the train tracks. She'd grown to love the big brute almost as much as Heather did, but she still couldn't imagine taking on the cost of feeding a shire.

"Are you Charlotte?" Came a voice Charlotte didn't know. She spun around pulling her revolver, and dropped it just as quickly. The sight before her made her chest tighten and her vision blur. A young woman in a bright green dress steered Gunner. Heather was slumped over his neck, her blue shirt stained crimson.
"What happened?" She yelled. She ran forward as the woman dismounted carefully and tried to lift Heather off of Gunner's back.
"Move!" Charlotte grabbed Heather, "Help me get her inside."
They lifted her onto the bed. Other than a few groans she hadn't said a word. The front of her shirt was such a mess Charlotte couldn't find a wound straight away. She ripped the shirt open and saw the bullet wound, just below the color bone.

"She's lost a lot of blood. She kept muttering about not going to a doctor. I wasn't sure Gunner would let me ride him."
"I have a kit in the bathroom. Go get it." Charlotte growled and the girl nodded, disappearing.
"Heather. Can you hear me?" She softened, as she put pressure on the wound. Another incomprehensible groan.
"Oh, Heather, Talk to me."
"Is this it?" The girl said behind Charlotte and she jumped.

She took the kit and cleaned the wound. She slipped off her belt and put it to Heather's lips.
"Here, Honey, open your mouth." Heather obeyed groggily. Charlotte slipped the belt into her mouth.
"Bite down on this."
She started to dig around the wound looking for the bullet. She found it relatively quickly and stitched the wound. Heather groaned and bit down hard at first before passing out.
"She's passed out. She won't feel it now." Said the girl as she helped lift Heather's shoulder to bandage it.

As soon as Heather was settled Charlotte turned on the strange girl.
"Who the hell are you? What happened to her?" She said with her knife in the girl's face.
"I swear to God. If she dies I'll kill you."
The girl placed her hand gently on Charlotte's arm.
"It's okay. I'm a friend. My name is Emma."

Chapter 3 - Whiskey Nights

"She's going to be okay Charlotte. You did a wonderful job stitching her up." Emma smiled pouring whiskey into two chipped tumblers, handing one to Charlotte. "She lost a lot of blood, she just needs to rest."

Charlotte nodded, only half listening.
"She told me about you. Said she met you in Blackwater. What are you doing in St. Denis?"
"It was Heather actually. She was worried about my safety, convinced me I deserved better. I knew that I did. I needed to hear it from someone else. I'm handy with a needle so I decided to try one of these fancy new tailors down here. I got lucky, a sweet man with the store on the square took me on as a seamstress."

Charlotte let slip a wry laugh.
"I meant, what were you doing that led to my... to Heather getting shot. I don't care for your sob story."
If Emma was stung by her words it didn't show.
"I was cleaning some cloth out behind the store. Some street rats came out of nowhere. They knocked over my bucket. They were going to..."
"Got it." Charlotte growled.
"Well, she must have heard me scream. She came running. As she is one to do."

Charlotte downed the whiskey and poured herself another.
"That she is, the moron."
"The shock of seeing me must have distracted her The biggest one managed to get her gun. Luckily he was an awful shot. The others ran off when the gun went off. I took my washing board to his head and he dropped the gun and ran."

"A washing board?" Charlotte laughed, despite herself. "You and Heather are better matched than she let on."
Emma blushed and smiled. Finally, as rage left Charlotte's vision she was able to take in the girl in front of her. She was a tiny thing. Tough as nails it would seem.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't a very welcoming host was I?"
Emma took her hand, "I think your behavior can be excused this once." Charlotte nodded and tipped her glass to Emma's.
"This Once."

A cough from the bedroom broke the somewhat awkward silence. They both jumped to their feet and ran to the door.
"How are you feeling Crazy Girl?" Charlotte asked softly.
"Like I was dragged by a carriage," Heather replied hoarsely.
"Emma. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine but I wasn't the one who was shot."
Heather looked at her wrapped shoulder.
"I've survived worse."
"Indeed you have." Laughed Charlotte, "If I have to stitch you up anymore you'll look like my old rag doll."

"Are you hungry?" Emma asked.
"I am a little."
"I'll get you something." Charlotte started.
"Don't be silly, sit. I'm sure I can put something together." Emma turned tail for the kitchen.
"She's sweet," Charlotte said laying on the bed next to Heather.
"Mmm, too sweet."

Half an hour later Emma walked in with two bowls of oatmeal and some fruit. Heather put her finger to her mouth shushing her. Charlotte was fast asleep on her good shoulder.
"You're supposed to be the one resting." Chided Emma.
Heather stifled a laugh and took an apple slice from the tray.

"Is Seras okay?" Heather asked, slipping off the bed.
"She is. She's sleeping by the fire."
"Emma, will you stay the night? It's dark and I obviously can't take you."
"Oh, I don't want to be a burden." She replied timidly.
"A burden? If not for you I'd be dead."
"If it weren't for me you wouldn't have been shot at all."
"If it hadn't been you, it would've been some other poor girl. One not so handy with a washing board."

Emma laughed, " Fine I'll set some blankets by the fire. Seras can keep me company."
Heather pulled blankets from a chest.
"Actually, I was hoping, I could."



Charlotte woke with a stiff neck. She was slightly disappointed to find the bed empty.
"Heather, you should be resti- Oh." She stopped when she opened the bedroom door to find Heather, Emma and Seras curled up in front of a dying fire. A pang of jealousy hit her and she called Seras over.
"Want to come into town with me, sweet girl? Go see Doctor Martin."
Seras jumped up wagging her tail. No one else stirred.

"Miss Locke. You've been away some time." Doctor Martin called as Charlotte walked in. "Seras is getting big!"
"She grows an inch a day, I swear. I'm in need of some wound dressing and something for pain."
"I know it's not my business but are you okay?"
"It's for Heather, it's just a flesh wound. She's okay."
"Oh, Dear. I am sorry to hear that. I'll gather what you need."

Charlotte left the doctor and a thought crossed her mind. She whistled Kane over and started the short ride to the tailor with Seras trotting behind her, stopping to bother the friendly, old butcher for scraps.

Heather's shoulder was in agony when she woke up. She groaned and stretched gingerly as she stood.
"Good morning, you're up just in time for breakfast," Emma said cheerfully behind her.
"Is Charlotte up?"
"Her, Kane and Seras are gone. I suppose they left early this morning."
"Oh, okay," Heather said as she sat at the kitchen table.
"I gave Gunner some apples, I wasn't sure what he usually gets."
"That's perfect Emma. Thank you. When Charlotte is back I'll ask her to ride you into town."
"Oh, I don't want to trouble her. It's not far at all. I can walk. I just wanted to make sure you ate first. The tailor will be wondering what happened. I'll have to head out now."

"Okay, be careful, please. Do you have the knife I gave you?"
"Yes. I do. Thank you. I'm glad I saw you again. Even if the circumstances were a mess."
"Me too. I'll visit you in town."
Emma smiled, "Of course. I'd like that."



Charlotte's Andalusian Kane raced through the streets of St Denis like lightning. People cursed her as they dove out of the big horse's way. Seras followed not far behind, panting as she tried to keep up with Charlotte.
"I knew it. I fucking knew it." Charlotte cursed as she raced along the main road leading out of the city and towards her cottage. She was so consumed with her own thoughts she didn't notice Emma pull her hat down over her face, walking the opposite direction, as Charlotte flew passed her.

Charlotte jumped off Kane before he had even stopped. She burst through the front door Seras at her heels. Heather dropped her coffee and the cup shattered.
"Are you crazy?" She yelled as she bent to pick up the shards.
"Where is she? Where is Emma?" Charlotte demanded.
"She left this morning. Why are you shouting?"
"She's lying to you. She doesn't work at the tailor in the square. Or any tailor in St Denis."
"Calm down Charlotte, what are you talking about?"

"I was at the doctor's getting supplies for you and I just had a feeling, so I decided to check on her story."
"You're stalking her?"
"Luckily I did because the tailor has never heard of her. Neither have any other tailors in the area."
"So she lied about where she works. She's probably at another saloon and was embarrassed." Heather sighed cleaning the floor with a rag.
"That's not suspicious to you at all Heather?"
"No. Frankly, if I didn't know you better I'd say you were jealous."

Charlotte recoiled and hurt flashed across her face.
"Yes, I'm jealous! I'm in love with you. Is that what you want to hear?"
"What?" Heather stammered.
"Oh come on you're not that dense. Even if you were, there I've said it loud and clear, but I need you to trust that, that is not what this is about. For once just fucking trust me." Charlotte spat the last part like venom. Seras tucked her tail and slipped under the table. Heather was taken aback. She stood staring at Charlotte's reddening face. Her bright eyes blazing like they were on fire. She couldn't muster a response.

In two strides Charlotte closed the space between them. She grabbed Heather's face and before Heather could take a breath Charlotte's mouth was on hers and it felt like lightning. After what felt like forever Heather broke the kiss to catch her breath.
"I trust you. Of course, I trust you. She didn't leave too long ago. We can catch her. Let's see what this is all about. Okay?"

Chapter 4 - Dandelions

Emma had made it a considerable distance by the time Charlotte and Heather caught up. The ride hadn't been easy, Heather couldn't ride with her shoulder but she had just as hard a time holding onto to Charlotte.

"Emma wait! Heather called, as Kane skidded to a stop a few feet away.
"Heather? What are you doing here?"
"Tell me the truth," Heather said flatly while Charlotte helped her, gingerly, off the horse.
"I know you're not working at any tailor in St. Denis, so what are you really doing here?"
"You're following me?"

Charlotte scoffed loudly but Heather's warning glance kept her from speaking.
"I'm just worried about you. Are you in some kind of trouble?" Heather softened, "We can help you."
"Heather, I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"I, I have to go."
"What on earth are you talking about? Emma wait!" But it was too late. Emma darted down a dark alley.

"Heather! Get down!" Charlotte screamed as she tackled her. Pain shot through her shoulder as she hit the ground hard. A squeal of pain escaped in place of words. Even if she had been able to form angry words it wouldn't have mattered. Charlotte was up and moving towards a rat of a person, pistol drawn. He shot first but Charlotte dove to the side and shot from there, hitting the man in the shin just as he was aiming at Heather, as she scrambled to cover. His scream was deafening as he fell. The people in the slum around them took to the safety of their homes. The law was no friend of theirs either. No one would try to call for them.

Heather managed to drag herself to her feet. She walked to where Charlotte had her shotgun trained on the man's face.
"Who sent you?" She spat.
"Valentine sheriff." He spilled.
"How does he know where I am?" She kicked the man's wound and he gagged.
"Why not ask that little vixen you was just talking to huh? You called her Emma, no?"

"Emma." She growled as she grabbed Charlotte's pistol from her holster. She ran down the alley Emma had escaped through. Adrenaline numbed her shoulder and rage narrowed her vision. Charlotte was yelling somewhere behind her, unable to coax Kane through the narrow alley. The streets of St. Denis were a maze but Heather just kept running. She'd find Emma if it was the last thing she did.

Charlotte had to stick to the main roads with Kane. He was as panicked as she was. She raced up and down the crowded streets yelling for Heather. Kane stopped eventually, exhausted. Charlotte was losing hope when she heard people screaming for the law. She hitched Kane and prayed street rats wouldn't take him. She followed the screams to the garden in the middle of St. Denis.

Heather kneeled with her knee on Emma's chest. Emma had tears streaming down her face. Charlotte took an unconscious step back. Heather's face was empty, so fare beyond rage.
"Heather. Please. Think about what you're doing." Charlotte said softly.
"Stay out of this Char! I never should have brought you into this." Heather begged. "And you. You lying bitch." She turned her attention to Emma.
"Why would you do this? Why would you sell me out to those pigs?"
"You have some nerve calling anyone a pig." Emma retorted with surprising confidence. "I've slept with some vile people in my line of work, but you. It turns out no amount of money can wash the stench of your evil from me."

Heather heard Charlotte ask something but she couldn't make it out over the blood rushing in her ears.
"You know nothing about me!" Her knee pressed harder into Emma's chest, but instead of shrinking away Emma managed to spit in Heather's face.
"You burned a man's family and home to ashes! So I do know about you, all about you."

A crowd had gathered. Even two lawmen stood aghast. Charlotte realized her face was wet with tears, although she had no idea when she had started crying.
"Did you ever think, for a second, to ask me what happened?"
"There is no reason good enough for me. When the sheriff told me what you did to his family I would have done what I did for free. You were so easy to fool too, thinking I could have feelings for a monster like you. When you left I thought it was over, that I had missed my chance to get out of this damned country. Then came your letter telling me exactly where you'd gone. That bounty is going to take me somewhere tropical."

Heather stood slowly. Despite what she'd just heard, Charlotte couldn't help but feel her heart breaking for the defeat in Heather's eyes. Then she saw a flick in Heather's good arm. A flick she'd seen a million times.

The gunshot was deafening as she ran to Heather's side. It was too late. Blood trickled down Emma's forehead and splattered the dandelions behind her. The pistol hit the floor, the sound seemingly jarring everyone out of their stupor. Heather kneeled down and raised her good hand in surrender.

Time seemed to stand still as the two lawmen drew their weapons. It felt like minutes but in reality, it took Charlotte only a few seconds to take them both down. She pulled Heather to her feet and dragged her through the yards of mansions back to where Kane waited patiently.

"Come on Darling. Come back to me!" She yelled as she tried to shake Heather from her haze.
"Get up here, one foot. There you go. Now hold on to me."
Kane took off. Charlotte's mind was racing. She needed to stop at the house and get their valuables and get them on the road. It would be safer for them to keep moving.

***

"I knew I loved you, you know?" Heather said softly.
Charlotte looked up from the fire, startled. Heather hadn't said a word in almost 24 hours.
"You did?" She asked.
"I did. Our partnership seemed more important though. I didn't want to risk that or our friendship."
"Nor did I, seems silly now, doesn't it? A lot of wasted time." Charlotte mused.
"No. No. None of it was a waste. Every minute with you has been well worth it." Heather smiled across the flames at Charlotte and saw a blush creep up her neck.

The two fell into an amicable silence. Charlotte busied herself with cooking while Heather seemed caught up in her own thoughts again. They ate some turkey and stale bread. Charlotte had grabbed what she could carry but it wasn't much. They'd have to hunt soon, or at least she would, Heather's shoulder was still pretty immobile.
"Heather, do you think you could tell me what happened with the Valentine sheriff?"
Heather looked up from her whiskey. She sighed, looking dejected.
"Of course. You trusted me. You deserve to know."

Charlotte sat down beside her and refilled both their glasses. Heather took a deep breath.
"Like I told you, it all started more than a year ago. The Sheriff and I had our issues, mostly small things. He couldn't seem to make anything stick, but he was hell-bent on putting a noose around my neck after he caught me kissing his daughter."
Charlotte snorted.

"Don't laugh!" Heather smacked her playfully. "I didn't know who she was, we were drunk. He walked into the saloon and lost his mind. He was raging but he's a smart man. He didn't make a scene in front of the townsfolk, for all my bullshit, people liked me in Valentine. He was mad at his daughter too. I bumped into her in town the next day. She had bruises up and down her arms. She wouldn't look at me, much less talk to me."

Charlotte rubbed Heather's neck with her free hand. "That poor girl."
"I was furious, she begged me to leave it be. Naturally, I couldn't do that. I should have. God knows I should have." A tear ran down Heather's cheek. She wiped it away before Charlotte saw it. "She was just a kid. I went over to the sheriff's house that night. I wasn't armed. I just wanted to talk, clear the air. Protect her somehow. When I got there all I could smell was smoke. The horizon was bright orange. The Sheriff's house was burning. I ran towards it to see if anyone was inside and I saw the sheriff walk out the front door. I asked him if he was okay. He pointed his shotgun at me and started yelling that I'd burned his house down. Neighbors swarmed and it became a manhunt. They all believed him. I could hardly blame them either."

"But who did start the fire?" Charlotte asked looking shell shocked.
"I don't have proof, but I'm certain he did it himself. He had a nasty affair come to light, then the scandal with his daughter. I- He's an evil man Char. I can't prove it but I know it. He was so desperate to bury his scandals and the temptation to take me down with them got the better of him."



Chapter 5 - Forrest Fire




The morning air was crisp. With all that had been going on Heather had barely realized that winter was working its way back around. Charlotte was still fast asleep when Heather slipped out of their tent to watch the sunrise. She wrapped her wool coat tight around her shoulders and listened for any signs of people but none came. The woods around her stirred gently to life.

"You're up early." Came Charlotte's sleepy voice.
"Yeah. Couldn't sleep anymore. Listen, Char. I need to leave. I was going to do the cowardly thing and leave while you slept, but that's not fair. It's not safe for us to be together. I know he's still looking for me. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you because of your association with me."

Charlotte tried to shake the haze of sleep from her head and process what Heather was saying.
"What on earth are you talking about Heather? You can't leave we can do this together. I know how to look after myself."

Heather sighed and took Charlotte's hands in hers, "Of course you do Darling, but I can't put you in danger any longer than I already have. You shot two lawmen in front of a massive crowd. You can't spend your life like this; on the run for something you had nothing to do with."
"You didn't do anything either!"

Heather turned her back to Charlotte. She could barely look at her, now panicked, face.
"I love you so much, Char."

Charlotte sobbed but no sound came from her, she jerked Heather around to face her, "If you leave me now that's it. There is no more us! If you walk away today don't bother looking back. I killed with you and for you. I love you! If that isn't enough to trust me on this revenge plot of yours then I don't know what will ever be enough for you."

The words stung even though Heather knew she was just speaking from a place of hurt. She deserved it too. She'd never wanted to hurt Charlotte. She already had in so many ways. It had to end, and that end would be today.
"I'm so sorry Charlotte."

She stood and grabbed her duffel bag and her small gear bag. Seras stirred beside the fire. She'd agonized over Seras too. The right thing, the safe thing, to do would be to leave her with Charlotte, but she was selfish and didn't want to be completely alone. She whistled for Seras to follow her. Charlotte was on the ground. Head in her hands. She was shaking, whether from anger or sobs Heather couldn't tell. She wanted, so desperately, to hold her, kiss her, one last time. Instead, she tied the bags to Gunner's saddle and got on. Seras looked lost and tried to lick Charlotte's face, she pushed her away.
"Come on sweet girl. Let's go."

Charlotte watched Gunner's shape disappear over the horizon. She felt like her world was crashing down around her. She felt her heart break in unimaginable ways. Memories of fleeing her brother's house years before. Memories of the long lonely nights on the road. Of the years and months, she spent avoiding people. How it all changed that night in the bar when she had met Heather. Of Seras growing and learning to hunt. Their first kiss. The few kisses after it. Sobs wracked her body so viciously she could hardly stand. Or breathe.

__________________________________

Weeks passed in a daze for Heather. The journey up to valentine had been long and agonizingly slow. Seras and Gunner were not themselves and only managed small distances each day. Seras had only just begun to eat again. Heather hadn't realized the hold Charlotte had, had on them as much as her own heart.

They had set up camp about two miles from Valentine. It was bitterly cold but she had to keep a low profile. She didn't want any news of her getting back to the sheriff. She'd poured over all the ways she'd kill him once she caught him. So much rage bubbled over in her it was hard to keep a level head at times, especially with no one but the animals to talk to. Seras nudged her hand and stirred her from her thoughts. She looked down to see that Seras had caught a hare.

"Look at you! You're getting better and better at that." She said as Seras tried to offer her the carcass. She Grimaced. "That's all yours girl."
Darkness was setting in quickly. Heather ran through her plan in her head one more time. A young deaf boy she'd met along the way had done some scouting for her in town. The sheriff had hired a second deputy upon hearing she was on the move. She liked that. She wanted him to be afraid. At night he worked with just one deputy. A ruddy old alcoholic. Not much of a man really, but the talk of the town was that he is a great shot.

She'd chosen Monday because the saloon closed up early to do inventory and clean up a bit. This meant the town would hopefully be dead by midnight, other than the sheriff station. Heather stood downing the last of her whiskey and attached a rope to Seras' collar.
"Time to go girl. Let's get this over with." Gunner whinnied where he was tethered and heather gave him sugar cube. Her and Seras would be going in on foot. Gunner was much too big to risk riding in. They'd be spotted a mile away.

Seras walked silently beside Heather as midnight approached Valentine appeared on the horizon. A few lanterns burned and horses brayed but otherwise, it was a ghost town. Heather and Seras moved like ghosts themselves crouched behind building moving along to the end of the main road where the jail stood. Lit up like a bonfire. The big deputy stood outside smoking. The cloud of smoke illuminated in the lantern's light looked ominous.

Heather picked up a small rock and threw it just to the left of him. Further from the front door.
"Hey! Who's back there?" He bellowed, "I am armed and I will shoot." He waddled over to investigate the sound. Heather told Seras to stay and snuck up behind him. In one swift movement, she dug a throwing knife into the nape of his neck and up into his head. He was dead before he hit the ground.

"Wallace? I heard you yell. Everything okay?"
The sound of the sheriff's voice was a sound she thought she'd prepared herself for but it turned Heather's blood to ice. She took a moment to steady herself and listened for his heavy boots coming around the corner when he did he found himself face to face with a sawed-off shotgun and a woman he'd been chasing for years.

"Miss Shepherd," he laughed. "I thought you'd died in St. Denis."
"No, you didn't. You have been tracking my every move."
"Ah, I guess you're right about that. Except for this move of course. I thought you'd be on the run with that pretty girlfriend of yours."
"Don't you dare bring her up! You have no right!" The shotgun shook furiously in Heather's hand.
"Oh dear, it would seem I've lost my manners. Why don't we go inside?"

Heather nodded and pushed the shotgun into his back as he turned and walked inside.
"Is it safe to assume poor Wallace has met his end then?"
She nodded again, "And you will be next, old man, but first we have to have a little talk."
The sheriff sat at his desk, hands raised his head. The years had not been kind to him. He looked old and haggard. Perhaps his demons weighed heavy on him too.
"You know I'm not afraid of death Miss Shepherd." He nodded to the shotgun.
"I had a feeling you might not be, but you'd be surprised the things you can survive." She whistled sharply and Seras bound through the door, all 120lbs of her. Fear flashed across his face when he saw her, but he composed himself quickly.

"Of course someone like you would do something as unnatural as befriend a wild beast." The word unnatural dripped venom and she knew just what he was referring to.
"Whatever you may think of her she is very well trained. I will have her rip you limb from limb if you don't answer my questions. One hand moved towards his desk and Seras let out a low warning growl, prompting him to put his hand right back on his head.

"What is then that you want to know?"
"Why did you do it? Why did you kill them?"
He paused, he looked genuinely surprised.
"Smarter than I gave you credit for, or rather, more intuitive." His eyes darkened and leaned forward, "They shamed me, Heather. First, my wife decides she's going to leave me. Leave me! The sheriff of this town. What a fool she'd have me be?"
"You betrayed her! What did you think was going to happen?"

"Of course, you wouldn't know this but a wife is meant to stand by her husband no matter what. I would have looked a right idiot if she left me. And don't get me started on that whore daughter of mine. Can you imagine the press? 'Sheriff's daughter caught canoodling with a known criminal!' A woman no less? I'd be run out of town. What man can be expected to run a town when he can't even run his own family."

Heather couldn't believe what she was hearing, "You are sick! You are a fucking monster."
"How dare you? How dare you, call me sick!" Spit flew across the room as he yelled, but then his voice softened, "God will welcome me, Miss Shepherd, for I have done his word justice."
"I'm bored with your rambling old man. So here's what we're going to do. You're going to write up a suicide note. In this note, you will absolve me of burning down your home and consequently absolve Miss Locke of her part in the trouble down in Lemoyne."

"And if I don't?"
Heather took a deep breath, her patience wearing thin, "Let me make this very clear to you. This is the end of the road for you. Regardless of whether or not you write that note, you will be dying here. However, if you do not write the note your exit from this world will be very painful and incredibly drawn out, at the hands, or rather teeth, of this here wolf. I don't expect you to make an honorable choice but I do know you are a coward and you will make the smart choice."

The sheriff saw the fire in her eyes and knew, just then, that she meant every single word. He reached slowly for a pen, eyes locked on Seras, and he began to write.

Chapter 6 - Mountain Tops

"Miss Charlotte! Miss Charlotte! The paper is here, and I think it says something about your Heather."

Charlotte looked up from, what had become her morning whiskey. The innkeeper Mr. Rudd's young daughter Eloise was sprinting, haphazardly across the street, dodging people and horses. She caught herself smiling, she'd been teaching Eloise, or Eli as she called her, to read while staying at the inn. She had no mother and between running the inn and looking after her, her father hadn't kept up with her reading and writing.

"I'm serious!" She squealed as she ran smack into Charlotte. "Big H, e-a-" She began. Charlotte was shocked. There had been many false alarms but this actually might be it. She grabbed the paper from Eli and poured over the front page.

'Valentine Sheriff Gives up the Ghost.'

Underneath the title, there it was, Heather Shepherd. "It is her Eli! Great job."
"I knew it! What are you going to do now, Miss Charlotte? You must go find her! You must!"
Eli was pattering on but Charlotte was distracted. She'd done it. She'd gotten the bastard to absolve them both. She doubted, very much, that the man had shot himself though.

Eli's squeals brought her back to reality. She was right. It absolutely was time to go find Heather, but she had no idea how.
"She always called Valentine home before this mess didn't she?" Mr. Rudd said, appearing out of nowhere to brush Eloise's mop of hair. "Do you think she'll stay, even just to see old friends?"

"You're right! I'll have to hurry then, won't I?"
"I'll help you pack!" Eli ran up the stairs to Charlotte's room.
"I'm happy for you, Charlotte. Now go on, go find her." Mr. Rudd gave her a tight squeeze and nodded towards the stairs.

Charlotte slammed her glass down and took the stairs two at a time. Eli had already pulled out her old rucksack and shoved so clothes into it.
"They'll never fit that way, silly." Charlotte chided. She took a shirt from Eli and showed her how to fold it neatly, "Now you do one."
Eli's tiny hands folded away as the two filled up the bag.

"How come I've never seen you in a skirt, Miss Charlotte?" She asked as she held up a rather extravagant blue skirt. Charlotte took the skirt and laughed,
"I'm actually quite fond of them, but they aren't very practical for holsters, riding or running. Which I do a whole lot of."
"Oh, that makes sense. I can never run and play with the boys when Daddy makes me wear my Sunday clothes."

Within 20 minutes the two had packed up Charlotte's meager belongings. She headed to the stables to load up her camping gear and get Kane ready to go.

"Mr. Rudd, I can't thank you enough for what you've done."
"Charlotte, you were a paying customer. No thanks needed."
"You know very well I don't mean the room." She laughed, "You and Eli kept me sane, during what has been one of the hardest times of my life."
"We were glad to help, Eloise has grown to be such a good reader, thanks to you."

Mr. Rudd grew serious, "I know you are excited, but if things don't turn out the way you hope, know you are always welcome to call this home. Rhodes will be a sight emptier without you here."
Charlotte teared up and threw her arms around him, "I will visit soon. Regardless of how things turn out." She hugged Eli tightly and whistled Kane over. He mirrored her excitement, stomping, and whinnying restlessly.

The sun had moved well into the middle of the sky when Charlotte got moving. She'd ride through the night at least, see how far she could get and then after some rest on to Valentine, to Heather. Kane hadn't had much chance to stretch his legs since they had settled in Rhodes and he was happy to push on. His nose in the air taking it all in.

-------------------------------------------

The smell of Valentine had never been more welcome. The sun was setting and Charlotte could just make out the farming town on the horizon. She was so nervous she felt ill. What if it was too late? What if too much had happened for them to find their way back to one another?

She shook these thoughts from her mind, spurring Kane into a gallop, she followed the distant hum of music towards a brightly lit saloon. She stood before the lit doorway for what felt like forever. The piano was blaringly loud and the cheers of drunk folk filled the air. Someone would know where Heather was.

"You look lost Missy."
Charlotte turned to see a big drunk oaf behind her.
"Leave me be."
"Aw, now. I'm just making sure you're alright. This ain't one of them fancy towns where a lady is safe just wandering about alone." His hand moved quickly considering his drunken state, he pulled her away from the door and down the dark alley beside the saloon.

Rage boiled in Charlotte. She could not handle anything else standing between her and finding Heather. She pulled her revolver out and smacked the large man across the face. He bounced back unphased.
"You little bitch!" He grabbed her collar and threw her towards the street. Before she could stand he was on top of her trying to choke her. She punched him a few times, finally knocking him off of her, she straddled him. Sending punch after punch to his head in a blind rage.

She barely registered a crowd cheering her on, or cheering the fight on. All she could hear was blood rushing in her ears. Then it happened. A voice broke through the noise.
"What is all this? We're supposed to be celebrating my freedom. Y'all can't help your damn selves, can you?"

Charlotte stopped. She had no idea how long the man had been blacked out, that didn't matter though. A figure pushed through the crowd drunkenly. A gold pin shimmering on her hat. Charlotte stood and rubbed mud from her eyes but she already knew exactly who it was.

"Heather?"

Heather's drunk eyes faught to focus on the person calling her name, but she sobered the second she saw the long blonde hair.
"Charlotte- I." Before she could find words Seras pushed passed her and ran to Charlotte. She was knocked back into the mud where she cried and hugged the big beast's neck.
"It's her." A few people muttered, realizing she must be the woman from the article. The love Heather spoke of.

"Go on get! The lot of you. Drinks on me." The crowd ambled back into the saloon. An older woman patted Heather's shoulder and smiled at her.
"Charlotte. It's really you." She pulled Seras off and helped Charlotte stand.
"In the flesh, Darlin'"
"I- I thought you wanted nothing to do with me?"
Charlotte put her hand to Heather's cheek, "I was angry and scared. You have to know I didn't mean those things."

Heather threw her arms around Charlotte and it felt like she was soaring, well above the mountain tops, watching it all happen in slow motion. And finally, she kissed her. Kissed the woman she'd loved since before this life. The woman she'd love long after this life.