Original Wild West Stories

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?"