Violence disclaimer: Not this time.
Love/Sex warning: This story depicts a love/sexual relationship between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or if this type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live move along, move along, nothing for you here.
Feed back is totally welcomed at hml8127@yahoo.com
Sprigs stormed into the bar madder than a bear with a thorn stuck in his paw shouting, "Bring me a God Damn beer," The mellow mannered barkeep behind the bar quickly went about grabbing a mug and placing the drink in front of the red faced man. No sooner had the barkeep turned to rush off to the other side of the bar, Sprigs was shouting again. "Where the hell is that whore Fern?" The other patrons looked up with either a grin on their faces or a look of disapproval. The ones with a grin because they were imagining what was in store for the woman and the ones with disapproval because in general they didn't approve of Sprig's behavior or what he called the women. Yes true they were working women, and while almost none of the men in the room would consider taking any one of the women as a wife, they did realize the women did what they had to do to survive. Most of the men did realize the women they slept with were someone's daughter or sister, and the ones with sisters thanked God every day that they had better options than these women did.
"Hank where in the hell are you and why ain't you answering me?" He shouted again.
"Calm down Sprigs I'm right here and I heard ya the first damn time. Fern is upstairs at the moment, so either wait your turn or pick someone else. Looks like Elsie is free at the moment."
"Elsie you gotta be kiddin me, Elsie sure as hell ain't even close to my taste, she is mousy and skinny as shit ain't got anything for a man to grab on to," Sprigs complained.
"Well then wait your damn turn," Hank said as he walked off once more, ignoring any further mutterings Sprigs spewed.
"Now wait a damn minute here I pay good money for…" before he could finish Hank was beside him with an angry look all his own.
"No Jeremiah you wait a damn minute, you pay for what you buy, good or not your money ain't any better than anyone else's here. Now I suggest you either buy another drink, go play cards and relax or get the hell out of here," Hank hissed through his teeth. Now, normally the barkeep was easy going and wouldn't have said a word to Sprigs, but today he just wasn't in the mood for it.
Sprigs who had been shocked that anyone would speak to him the way that bitch Mathews had a week ago, was even more shocked at Hank speaking to him the way he just had. 'What the hell is goin on, who the hell these people think they are?' he asked himself. He could still feel eyes on him when he walked down the streets of this town; he just knew they were talking about how a woman had dared to speak to him, and that just made him madder. 'No matter, they'll be sorry especially that bitch.' He thought.
"Fine, get me another beer and take it to my table…and be sure to send Fern to me when she is done," he decided to say. All things considering today wasn't the day to start trouble. Hank just looked at the man and turned on his heel. As he got behind the bar he drew another beer and handed it to the younger man and sent him to Sprigs table.
After about three more drinks, a woman showed up at his table, a smile ready on her lips as a hand slid over his shoulders, the fingers soft and gentle as they burned through the fabric of his shirt. "Heard you been waitin for me handsome," she said in a low sex toned voice.
"Yup, what the hell took you so damn long?" Sprigs complained.
"Aw you ain't the only man I see baby," she said as she slid herself on his lap, a smile forming as she felt him stiffen up.
"Hm, I'm the only one that counts though," he said as he stood, dumping her on her feet, his hand gripping her arm tight as he made his way towards the stairs. As she felt the strong fingers tighten around her arm, she felt a rush of fear shoot through her. A look around the room confirmed to her that she may have more than she could handle with him and for the first time in her life she was in fear for her life. 'Well this is great, how are you gonna get yourself out of this Fern?' she thought as she was pulled behind the door to her room, a room she now realized was in the far corner right above the piano, no one would ever hear her screams. Up until that point she had never really thought about that fact. The door closed and cold look in Jeremiah Sprigs eyes caused the blood in the woman to drain.
An hour and a half later Sprig walked down the stairs straight up to bar and ordered a whiskey, which he downed in one gulp. He tossed enough money on the bar to cover his afternoon and walked out to his horse and headed home. His anger over Rayne Mathews was still coursing through him. "God damn bitch, wonder how she'd like a surprise visit in the middle of the night," he thought. "I think I just might do that!" now that was a thought that brought a smile to his face, and the rest of his ride home he was in a much better mood; a fact that made his men worry especially given his mood over the last couple of weeks.
The rest of the afternoon and even flew by and soon Sprigs was back on his horse heading towards his neighbors spread. He figured he'd waited long enough and the woman would be settled for the night. It would be a simple matter of sneaking in and teaching her some manners. As he approached the little house, he noticed that indeed the lights were out, but something didn't feel right. It was to quiet, the air didn't smell right… "Damn it, wish to hell there was some moon light," he said quietly. As he crept around, he realized that the animals weren't in the stables and what he missed in the air was the smoke from the fireplace. The house was empty. "Where the hell did she go? GOD DAMN IT!" he shouted into the night.
That same night, Rayne had met her aunt and uncles best friends and was finally pleased to get to know them through someone that actually had contact with them in the latter years. Yes she had letters from them but that really wasn't the same. She wanted to know the people they had been in the years after she had grown and stopped spending summers with them and had run from her home. She found Martin and Sarah Wilkins to be kind, friendly and helpful in getting to know her favorite Aunt and Uncle better; she also realized through talking to the couple that she missed them more than she had thought. She also learned that her Uncle had indeed had some trouble shortly before he died. When she had asked Martin the look that passed through his eyes was one of worry and regret.
"Yep, Luke did mention some trouble the last time I'd seen him. Not that he went into detail, just that he'd noticed some tracks and fences that had been messed with," Martin told her.
"Did he mention who he thought might be behind it?"
"Nope, if he suspected anyone he didn't tell me. Child what are you thinkin?"
"Just…heck I don't know. From what the Sheriff tells me it was an accident that took em. I just can't help but feel there was something else goin on too," Rayne explained.
"Well I think you should just leave it all alone and concentrate on the here and now," Sarah said kindly as she worried what Rayne might do. 'She is so much like Luke.' She thought, "How about another piece of pie and some more coffee?"
"Oh no thank you, I am stuffed!" Rayne said with a smile. "Dinner was fantastic; I don't think I've ever had quail that tasted so good,"
"Well thank you! Here let me get that for you. Would you like to see your room, I'm sure you're tired. Martin will talk your ear off all night if I'd let him,"
"Thank you ma'am I am plum tuckered. I guess too much excitement today," Rayne said as she realized she was indeed beat. Sarah showed Rayne to the guestroom and left her to relax.
"Do you think you did the right thing in telling her about Luke's suspicions?" she asked her husband when she walked back into their kitchen.
"The child has a right to know what she might be lookin at, I mean hell she could start havin the same troubles and a little warning might be helpful," Martin answered.
"Yes but then again she just might go lookin for that trouble. She seems to be too much like Luke, I'm worried about her,"
"We'll just have to keep an eye on her honey,"
"That's a little hard to do when she is a day's ride from here," Sarah countered.
"I'll take a ride in and have a talk with the sheriff,"
"Martin, the sheriff's a busy man he ain't gonna have the time to keep an eye on her!"
"I know that woman, but at least he can stop by now and then and check on her. Now relax, we'll take care of that youngun, don't you worry," Martin said as he thought.
"Has anyone seen Fern?" Hank asked the young man who was behind the bar.
"Not that I know of, last I seen of her was when she went up with Sprigs. Ask one of the other girls, they'll know where she is I'm sure,"
"You're sure a lot of God damn help," Hank muttered as he went to look for Fern. After asking everyone, he headed upstairs to the room the woman used. After knocking several times and getting no response he opened the door to find the woman lying on the bed in a pool of blood. Rushing over to the bed he felt for a pulse and found a very weak one. He ran out the door and to the head of the stair way where he stopped one of the women that was heading back down, and told her to run and get Doc Adams and then the sheriff.
With in minutes the doctor arrived followed soon by Sheriff Kennedy. The doctor looked her over and did what he could to make the woman comfortable, only time would tell whether she pulled through or not. Questioned as to the last time Hank and seen Fern, he thought about it and realized he really couldn't recall seeing her after Sprigs had gone, although he couldn't swear to it. After questioning Hank, Kennedy rode out to Sprigs place once he got there he went to the main house and found no one there. Deciding to take a walk over to the bunk house he spoke with a couple of men and found out that Sprigs was in a foul mood when he rode out that morning and in a much better one when he returned. He was also told that as far as the men knew Sprigs should be at the main house. "Well he isn't there, when you all see him tell him I got a couple of questions for him alright," he said as he turned to leave. He rode out towards town with his mind on Fern and how he was going to proceed. He hoped and prayed that the woman lived to tell exactly what happened because unless she did there wasn't a damned thing he could do to sprigs.
Early the next morning Rayne said good bye to her new friends, saddled up and headed back to Willow Creek, she couldn't wait to get back home. The ride was nice and quiet, and she did a lot of day dreaming and planning. Yup her life was finally on the track she wanted and aside from being alone she was happy as a clam. The previous night she had once again dreamt about the blonde haired blue eyed mystery woman and woke this morning with a sense of excitement she couldn't explain. The dream had been so vivid she swore she could feel the woman in her arms, she awoke feeling warm and happy, and a love she had never felt before in her life. The joy she felt in her dream transcended through to her waking state, and that alone gave her hope. "Samson, what do you think, you believe she is real and out there waitin for me?" she asked. The big horse neighed and nodded his head, which caused the tall dark woman to smile. "Well alright then, if you think so then it will all turn out as it should," she said with a laugh.
CHAPTER 4
"Look with Fern gone, I'm lossin money, and it's about damn time you start earnin your keep. Now tonight I want you to wear that there dress and start serving the men their drinks. You work the floor, let em know your there and soon enough someone ell take interest in ya," Hank said to the small blonde woman who sat staring at the floor with tears in her eyes. The other women were all in an uproar, a few because they were afraid of the money they would lose with the young blonde working and the rest because they knew the girl since she was a child.
"Hank don't do that to her, look the rest of us will chip in a few dollars to help make up for what your lossin from Fern,"
"Mattie keep outta this, it ain't up to you. My decision has been made. Emma will start as a barmaid then work upstairs with you all, but make no mistake about it by this time next week she will be earnin Ferns share of the customers,"
"Hank please I can't…look I can cook and clean but please don't make me…" Emma began to speak; the hand across her face shut her up real fast though. The women rushed to her side and helped her up, the ones closest to her ear whispered for her to stop talking; thankfully she did heed their warnings. Hank walked out of the room, his temper high. He liked Emma but he was also losing money and had no choice as far as he was concerned. Emma was just gonna have do as he said plain and simple.
Walking into the saloon he spied Sprigs, the last person he wanted to see.
"Hank how ya doin, how's Fern?" he asked with fake concern. He knew what people were saying. Hell that son of a bitch Kennedy all but accused him of beating the whore. Okay yeah he'd hit her couple of times, she liked it rough though just like he did, no crime in that…as far as he was concerned anyway, hell she was a whore wasn't that what she was paid for he'd asked Kennedy. He chuckled inside when he remembered the sheriff's angry red face as he walked off.
"Well Sprigs, how do you think she is?" Hank said calmly, his voice betraying the anger he felt inside.
"Well, shit I'm sure sorry to hear she is doin poorly. She was…well she was fun what can I say. I suppose you'll be getting a new girl to replace her, ya be sure to let me know when ya do. I just might be interested, if ya know what I mean,"
"Jesus Sprigs, the woman ain't even cold yet,"
"Well, maybe not but you be sure to let me know," Sprigs said as he laughed and walked off to the bar where he ordered a shot of whiskey. 'God I hope whoever that asshole gets to replace Fern is as much fun.' He thought as he downed the drink in one gulp, ignoring the teeny tiny voice inside that said he should feel some small remorse for the woman who lay so close to death. Looking around the room he found a table with a card game going and a couple of guys he knew so he headed that way to join the game. The rest of the day that's where the man could be found. The women in the room tried to avoid him and the men did their damnedest keep from angering him, which was hard considering the man had been cheating them each and every hand they played. Later that evening Doc Adams walked in looking for Hank.
"Sorry to have to tell you this Hank but Fern didn't make it; her injuries were just to severe," Hank looked at the floor as he tried to keep the tears at bay, yes the woman brought in money for him but he liked her. Doc was at least pleased to see that the man's feelings were genuine.
"Thanks for all you did for her Doc. I know you at least made her comfortable in the end. I uh…hell suppose I need to go let the other girls know," he said as he looked up, the tears brimming in his eyes. After the Doc left Hank stood up on the bar and shouted for everyone to quiet down. As soon as the noise died he announced Ferns passing, and the party atmosphere of moments before was replaced with a sober one. Sprigs took the news in, reflected for a minute or two and then announced, "Well shit, doesn't mean the party's gotta stop, come on. Ken a round of drinks for the house," Against his better judgment Ken started getting shot glasses out and poured a couple of drinks, however stopped when he saw men slowly gathering their belongings and leaving. "Hey come on where the hell is everyone goin?" Sprigs shouted.
"Sprigs shut the hell up, you bastard. Ain't you got no respect?" one of the men walking out shouted back. The women all huddled together, arms around each other crying, and the ones who were still allowing the news to sink in passed on the news to the men and women that were coming down the stairs. Needless to say that evening the saloon closed early as the men went home to their families or bunkhouses, and left Hank and the rest in the saloon to mourn the woman who had been a part of their family.
Rayne rode into the yard of her place and immediately felt something off. Slowly she dismounted and tethered her horses to the fence she walked into the barn lit a lantern and looked around, seeing nothing out of place she took the lantern and headed towards the small house. Upon stepping onto the front porch she immediately saw a window broken out, Lucifer sniffed at the ground and walked into the house ahead of Rayne. The tall woman entered after the dog and watched him as he trotted through the house looking for any uninvited guests. When he returned and sat by her feet she lowered her guard and finally took a good look around. What she saw made her blood run cold. Lamps and tables were over turned, the sofa and chair had ragged cuts in them, in the kitchen dishes were shattered on the floor, her bedroom had windows broken out, the bed was torn apart the blankets cut to shreds… she didn't bother to look anymore but turned on her heel and headed back outside. She un-tethered Samson jumped in the saddle and rode out towards town leaving a cloud of dust behind her.
She went to Sheriff Kennedy's office and found some deputy she didn't know. Once the young man got her calmed down, she found out his name was Sam Marshall, he worked for Tom Kennedy as his deputy. She then told him what she rode back home to find, and together they rode over to the sheriffs house and talked to him. Tom and Sam decided it was best to wait until day light to ride over to Rayne's place. And with no choice Rayne went to Bessie's where she got a meal a room for the night. Bessie who spotted her as she sat down walked over to her.
"Well hi there, how are you? How's that place of yours comin along?"
"Oh hi Bessie, the place…well it was looking good,"
Taking a good look at Rayne Bessie sat down and said, "Girl you look wrung out, what do you mean it was lookin good?" And Rayne told her what had happened in the one night she had been away. She also told her how she had met her Aunt and Uncle's friends. Bessie was excited about that part of the news and worried about the other, who in the world would do such a thing. Well alright she had her ideas but that would be casting stones and well that was something you just didn't do, so she kept her thoughts to herself.
"So what's been going on, it's been a while since I was in town?" Rayne said trying to get her mind off of her troubles.
"Well poor Fern died," Bessie stated
"Who was Fern?"
"She was a working girl over at the saloon. Story is Hank went looking for her and found her in her room close to deaths door," Bessie leaned closer to Rayne and whispered the rest, "She'd been beaten, lots of people are sayin the last person she was seen with was Jeremiah Sprigs, he denies it of course. And well Sheriff Kennedy hasn't done anything but question the man,"
"Well surely the Sheriff would do something if he had proof; he seems to be a right fair man,"
"Oh I ain't speakin ill of the sheriff at all, don't think I am please, but seems to me it fits, and poor Fern ain't in no position at all to say who done her in,"
"When did all this happen?" Rayne asked.
"Oh last night, poor Fern passed on late this afternoon. Hank closed the saloon for the night. The other girls are takin her passing hard,"
"Well that's too bad, I sure am sorry for their loss. Losin someone ain't an easy thing," Rayne said quietly. As she thought about her Aunt and Uncle and the other people she hadn't lost to death but the ones that were no longer in her life due to choices she had had to make. Yes losing someone didn't always have to mean losing them to death…
"Well here comes your dinner, you eat and relax alright, I'm sure the Sheriff and Deputy Sam will get to the bottom of your troubles in the morning. I assume you already got yourself fixed up with a room for the night right?"
"I sure did! Can't say I wasn't looking forward to my own bed, but if I gotta stay somewhere else then I can't think of a place with a softer bed," Rayne said with a big smile.
"Good, now you go on and eat your dinner and we'll take later. Seems I'm being called," Bessie said as she smiled and nodded to the table of women over in the corner, she then leaned in and whispered in Rayne's ear, "Most likely want gossip, I swear some of these women ain't got nothing better to talk about," and then she was rushing off to the other table. Rayne watched her as she approached the table with a big smile and had to smile herself, she knew deep inside that Bessie loved knowing the latest gossip just as much as the others did.
Later after she had finished her dinner she decided to head over to the livery and make sure Samson had his dinner and was set for the night. The walk in the warm night air felt good and relaxing. She could smell the clean fresh night air that held a hint of summer. Since the nights were still cool there was a crispness in the night air and some far off homes had smoke drifting from their chimneys. The stars were bright and clear in the sky; the moon, almost full, was a sight to see. God she loved being out in the open where she could see the beauty of all of this. As she walked across the street she spied a short young woman, the moon light shining off of her blonde hair made Rayne's heart stop beating. Could this be the woman from her dreams? 'Oh get it together Rayne, she is imaginary.' A part of her murmured, but a bigger part of her said she was real and waiting for her to find her. Rayne rushed across the street but missed which building the young woman had entered. "Damn, where'd she go, she couldn't have gone into the saloon since it's closed," she said to herself, but so was the mercantile and any number of other buildings along the street.
Emma had ducked out of the saloon that evening, she had needed to think and she wanted to mourn Fern alone. Fern had been someone that truly cared about her, she had taken care of her when her mother had died, and she had been the one who held her each night as she cried. Sure the others helped out, but Fern was the only one she allowed to get close to her heart. As she sat on the little knoll outside the church gazing at the moon, she prayed that someone would come and take her away from the life that was waiting for her. She knew what fate awaited her and she feared she would end up as Fern had, alone and dying in a puddle of her own blood. At the moment she didn't care who rescued her, she hoped it would be the raven haired blue eyed woman, whose strong arms held her and comforted her in her dreams. "Stop it Emma, she isn't real and even if she was do you think she would ever want to take care of you and love you considering where you come from?" she told herself. As she walked back towards the saloon she didn't see the tall stranger across the street who watched her, nor did she see the woman rush to catch up to her. She just closed the door and walked up the narrow stairs to her room where she cried for Fern and the woman of her dreams.
The next few days were a flurry of activity for both Emma and Rayne as each dealt with the day to day activities that life threw at them. Emma was learning how to work the floor at the saloon and was constantly under either the watchful eye of Hank or that of Sprigs. The young woman was afraid of that man and did all she could to try to avoid him, however Jeremiah had other ideas and had spoken to Hank who in turn told Emma to stop avoiding his best customer. Hank also told her that her time of serving drinks was over, he informed her that later that night she would be entertaining upstairs like it or not.
Rayne had been busy with replacing windows and repairing what items in her house that she could, along with riding around with Tom, looking for unknown tracks around her ranch and settling her new herd into their new pastures. The days were long and at night she had the feeling of a good hard days work behind her and she knew her sleep would be well earned.
The day started with the normal riding the fence to make sure no breaks had occurred, she had tended to the plowing and planting through out the week and decided it was time to head back to town for more supplies a couple more planks of lumber would finish out the broken stalls, and be enough extra for maybe a rough table, and she was tired of her cooking so she figured she could spare enough for a drink at the saloon, a nice dinner and room over at Bessie's place. Just the thought of the steak and potatoes Bessie served was making her mouth water, and truth be told she missed talking to the woman. Rayne smiled as she realized that she considered Bessie her friend, she couldn't say she had a lot of those, maybe she would head out early and stop off and see Mark and Emily she wanted to thank them again for taking care of Apache and Delilah when she had gone to Cherokee Falls for her cattle. Yup that's what she would do. Once decided she headed towards the house grabbed her towel and a bar of soap, her clean pants and shirt and headed towards the creek that ran behind her house. Given the heat of the day she couldn't wait to feel the cold water on her skin. Sure enough once she stripped her clothes off and walked into the deeper part of the creek, she felt the cold water flowing ice like over her..."yup this is gonna be quick!" she said aloud as she quickly lathered the soap and washed, her hair and her self then quickly rinsed and ran out to dry off. Lucifer keeping watch over her wondering all the time just what the human was shouting about.
It was mid day when she rode into town, she stopped off at Gillum's and placed her order and stood chatting with the owner, and Tom Kennedy who had stopped by to place an order as well. After a while both Tom and Rayne decided it was time to head on to their plans and said their good byes, both telling Cyrus that they would be in the following morning to pick up their supplies. Tom headed towards his office and Rayne towards Mark Benton's office. As the door opened Mark looked up and immediately smiled, he liked Rayne and was glad she had stopped by. They spoke for a bit and Mark gladly closed his office for an hour or so so that he could accompany Rayne to his home. In all honestly he was happy for the interruption; he was always willing to head home to see his pretty wife, Rayne just gave him a reason to today. The three enjoyed their visit and before long evening was falling and Rayne decided it was time to say her good byes even though they repeatedly asked her to join them for dinner and offered her the use of the guest room. She promised she would come to dinner one day the following week and both Mark and Emily were happy, so Rayne headed out into the warm evening air.
She decided her first stop was going to be the saloon she hadn't had a good drink in quite a while, and hell it was time the people get use to seeing her stop in from time to time. The piano was playing loudly in the corner and the combination of laughter and talking filled the room. Tables of card games were scattered around as well as women dressed in frilling tight fighting dresses; either serving drinks or sitting on laps flirting or with their hands on a particular mans shoulder. With her hair up in her hat, no one could see the long tresses and they all figured she was a he. Rayne walked up to the bar and took a seat, ordered a whiskey and sat taking a look around. Soon she spotted a table that was vacant and decided to head to it, might as well relax as she drank her whiskey. She had a good view from the table and was enjoying watching everything that was going on. She spotted a couple of card sharks and was quickly finding out which players to stay away from and which ones were actually in it for the draw of the game and not just to cheat whoever approached them.
She had been studying a particular man and his game when all of a sudden the hair on the back of her neck stood up and her eyes were drawn to the stairway. Coming down the steps was a beautiful blonde woman, her complexion and eyes marred by the tears that streamed down her cheeks, and the tell tale redness of embarrassment. Behind her walked Sprigs, with a huge smile and a look of total satisfaction. As Sprigs walked towards a table at which sat a couple of dirty looking men, his words loudly proclaimed that 'he had taught the woman a thing or two about how a man likes things.' A comment which made the woman turn even redder. Hank who had heard the comment and saw Emma's tear streaked face wasn't so sure he had made the best decision, and was feeling like shit over it. His greatest desire at the moment was for Sprigs to leave and never come back.
Something in Rayne snapped and she stood up silently walked over to where Sprigs sat with his smug looking face, telling his friends "Yup I gotta say I think I broke her in real good! Though I might have to have another go at her after a while," Rayne yanked the man up and spun him around. The look on his face quickly turned to anger as he felt himself being hauled up like some small child about to be reprimanded. Before he could react how ever he felt a force as strong as a brick hit him square in the face, and then nothing more. He fell to the floor in a heap. The two men with him stood so fast their chairs tumbled to the floor, both eager to teach this stranger who had knocked their friend out in one punch a quick lesson. Quickly they decided to mind their own business when they looked into the cold clear ice blue eyes of the 'man' that stood in front of them and dared them in a low growl to "go ahead, lets see how fast you are," They shook their heads no and grabbed for Sprigs and pulled him out of the bar as the fled. The tall 'man' took off 'his' hat and wiped the sweat from 'his' brow. When the long black hair fall they all took a better look and realized this was a woman who had knocked Sprigs out cold. They murmured quietly to each other, some feeling somewhat ashamed that they didn't have the courage to do that to the lowlife. Rayne walked towards the blonde grabbed her hand and walked out of the bar as well. Hank deep inside held a smile and great appreciation for what the woman had done. He decided then and there that…what's her name….oh is yeah, Rayne, would always be considered a friend and be treated as such. Truth be known he never wanted Emma to be one of the girls, or end up like Fern, and with Sprigs interested in her, she would have.
Rayne walked with the blonde back towards her room at Bessie's not saying a word. They entered the boarding house, walked up the stairs and into her room where she sat the woman down and draped a blanket around her shoulders. Despite the warmness of the night the young woman was cold and more than likely a bit in shock. Rayne spoke quietly to her, her voice calming and tender. She then walked back out of the room and headed down to find Bessie. When she did Rayne requested a warm meal be taken up to her room and a hot bath be prepared. Rayne explained what had happened and asked that Bessie sit with the young woman until she returned. Rayne had walked back to the saloon; she wanted to speak to Hank. Finding the man behind the bar she asked if they could speak in private and together they went back to his small office.
"I wanna apologize for my actions earlier, not that I hit him, but that I did it in here. I should have taken it outside. I don't know what the woman's name is but I can promise you sure as I'm standin here, she will not be returning. So if you feel I owe you anything, speak now and I'll compensate you for a night or two otherwise I'll expect to not hear how I cheated you or anything otherwise on the streets."
"Miss Mathews, I can assure you ya ain't gonna hear nothin bad from me. I want ya to know that putting Emma out on the floor to work was honestly the last thing I wanted to do, especially once I knew old Sprigs had an eye out on her. Any money I took from them girls went to feedin and clothin em, nothin more. With Fern gone and Emma not bring nothin in…well I just couldn't see a way to make it all work. With Emma now in your care…she is in your care now right?"
"Yeah I suppose she is…I'll see to her needs from now on," Rayne answered.
"Right then, with you takin care of her I ain't gotta worry about it, and well, I thank ya for gettin her out of Sprigs' way…can't prove it but I know it was him that did Fern in," he finished saying as he looked down at the floor.
"Well if he did trust me he'll pay, and no way will he do the same to Emma,"
"Thank you," Hank said as he put his hand out in friendship and in thanks for what Rayne had said and done.
"No need to thank me, something just made me see red when I heard what he'd said when he came down those stairs and the look on her face. Ain't no need to talk that way…" she said as she shook her head and turned to leave.
"Miss Mathews, anytime you're in town stop by please, your next beer is on the house,"
"That's mighty nice of ya, I'll do that!" Rayne said as she looked good at Hanks face, she was looking to see if the man meant what he'd just said…and with a good feeling she realized he did.
Rayne walked back into the boarding house and found Bessie waiting for her. When Bessie saw her she motioned her to join her. Rayne walked into the dining room and sat down with Bessie.
"How is she?" She asked.
"As good as can be expected, poor child. Look I know you're new in town and wouldn't know this but that poor girl has been through a lot,"
"Ok, so tell me about it all,"
"Well her name is Emma Rodgers, lost her mother when she was only a year old. Seems her folks were passing through dad died on the trail mom ended up here sick and dyin… one of the girls that work for Hank found em both. Wasn't long after that the mom passed, Fern took a liking to the child and raised her. Now don't you go holding Hank to blame for nothin he was only doin what he had to…"
"Bessie I already spoke to Hank,"
"Alrighty then, so what are ya gonna do now young lady?"
"Well…when I pulled her out of there I guess is sort of assumed responsibility for her. So I take her home and provide for her if that's what she wants,"
"Em and I spoke a bit, now mind you she is scare and upset and well it bein her first time and all…well, anyways, she is of the mind that she is sticking with you for the time being. She asked me if that was what you had a mind to do. Now I told her I had not idea, but that you is a good woman. Rayne make sure you realize exactly what it is your doing before you cause that child any more hurt please," Rayne nodded as she stood up to leave. As she walked to her room she did indeed think about what she was doing. She knew in her heart that there was no way in hell she could let that poor girl go back to the saloon, and she knew she couldn't allow her to just wander the streets. There was something that called to her, something that drew Rayne's heart to the blonde. Emma was her name, she had never met the woman before but her soul felt as though she had known her, her whole life. As she approached the door, she stopped as the full ramifications of what she had just accepted hit her. Taking a deep breath she slowly opened the door and entered, feeling as though from this moment on her life would never be the same.
Emma's worse fears were being realized as she walked into the saloon and saw Hank and Jeremiah Sprigs speaking in hushed tones, and saw them look at her…the grin on Jeremiah's face made her shiver. She knew from Fern that he liked to be rough, he liked to hurt and even though no one could say for certain that Fern hadn't been up in her room with someone after Sprigs, Emma knew in her heart that the man was the one responsible for her friends' death. She had tried all week long to steer clear of the man and not bring his attention, but that was harder than she thought. Now it appeared as if her time had run out. Hank was walking towards her, and she couldn't quite define the look on his face. As he walked towards her Sprigs' smile grew bigger which scared her even more.
"Em it's time. I need you to go upstairs and entertain this man, do whatever he wants ya hear,"
"But Hank I don't think…"
"GO and don't sass me girl," Hank responded before Emma could finish. With no choice Emma walked to Jeremiah, and Hank stormed to his office. He tried all he could to get Sprigs to choose someone else, he knew what the man was capable of and he knew the damage he could cause. That was an experience he didn't want for Emma but Jesus Sprigs had his mind made up on this and there was no changing it. "Well shit!" he growled as he threw his glass of whiskey at the wall.
As the young woman approached him Jeremiah got a good look at her. 'Yup she is down right pretty. Nice green eyes and creamy skin framed by that strawberry blonde hair, the nice way she filled out that dress…mm, yes nice indeed.' He thought to himself as he watched her.
Plastering a fake smile on Emma said, "Good evening Mr. Sprigs," her voice a bit shaky from the underlying fear that coursed through her.
"Evening Miss Emma, down right nice of you to agree to share your company with me tonight," Sprigs replied as he applied all his charm to the young lady.
"Yes, well…how could I refuse such a kind offer," 'yes more like there was no way I could get out of it.' Was the thought in her head as the words left her mouth.
"Well, shall we head upstairs?" Sprigs asked,
"Wouldn't you like another drink first? I would be happy to get you something,"
"Well now that sounds good, in fact why don't we just get a bottle to take up with us?"
"Of course as you wish," Emma said knowing her time had just run out. She headed towards the bar with Sprigs behind her, a part of her had hoped she would be able to run and get away tonight. But then that would only delay the inevitable and make Hank angry with her. Resigning herself to her fate she smiled weakly as the young man behind the bar handed her a bottle of whiskey, and then turned towards the stair way.
As Rayne opened the door to her room, she saw that the woman was wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the bed. She looked up as Rayne walked in, and the moment their eyes met, it was as if their souls recognized each other. Every molecule in Rayne's body felt charged with electricity and the overwhelming need to protect the blonde, and everything in Emma told her she was safe and couldn't trust anyone anymore than she could this tall dark haired woman.
"Thank you," Emma stated softly.
"For what I didn't do anything,"
"You did, you just don't know it yet,"
"Well, um…I guess we need to decide where to go from here. I kinda feel like…well…"
"I don't have anyplace to go; I have no family and no money. I know you don't know me and you have no responsibility towards me, but I can't go back there. I'd be downright appreciative if I could go with you…at least until I figure out what to do," Emma said softly, her face pink with embarrassment.
"You're welcome to stay with me for as long as you want. As for goin back to that place…I don't think so. That line of work ain't for you, and I'd die fore you went back there,"
"So um…think I can know your name?" Emma asked.
"Oh I'm sorry. I'm Rayne."
"Mathews…Luke and Martha were your kin," Emma finished.
"Yeah…did you know em?"
"Enough to know they were good people. She always spoke to me never treated me differently than she did any other woman she encountered. Not like a lot of the other women around here,"
"Yeah that's what I'm hearing, guess I missed out on getting to know em better. Shoot last time I seen em I was only a sprout maybe eight years old,"
"So you're alright with me stayin until I figure out what to do?" Emma asked shyly, not knowing what to say and slightly afraid Rayne would change her mind.
"Of course you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like. Mind you it ain't much to look at right now but its home. I had to do some quick repairs the other day seems someone decided it was a good idea to throw stones through my windows…I hope that don't scare ya off," Rayne said quickly.
"Trust me after the week I've had I don't think broken windows worry me much…unless of course its in the middle of the night, then I'm sure you'll come runnin cuz I promise I'll be screamin,"
"Trust me, anyone comes around in the middle of the night ol Lucifer will have them screamin," Rayne said with a smile.
"Lucifer? Um what or who is Lucifer?"
"Lucifer is my dog…well actually he ain't mine, he just showed up and decided to stick around. Follows me like my shadow,"
"So you're kind of a beacon for strays?" Emma joked.
"Yeah I suppose so," Rayne said as she chuckled at that statement. "So um, it's late and we need an early start in the mornin. I suppose we should get some shut eye,"
"Oh of course, I'm sorry I'm usually not so chatty…just feel like I've known you all my life. I'll just settle down on the floor so you can have your bed," Emma said.
"No that's alright you stay where you are. I'll sleep on the floor,"
"No I can't do that to you after all you done; besides I'm kinda still a little…I don't know…would you mind sharing the bed? I feel safe with you here and I think I might be able to sleep better if you were next to me," Emma said as she stared at the blanket on the bed, afraid to look at Rayne, and afraid the tall woman would say no.
"Oh well yeah I'm sure you are tad…um…sure I can do that," Rayne said unsure as to what to do.
Emma moved over and slid off the bed then went to the side and pulled the blankets down, then quickly slid under them. Rayne turned to give the blonde some privacy, sat on the bed and slid her boots off, then slowly undid her shirt and pulled it off. She stood up to do the same to her pants, and then slid under the blankets as well dressed in her long johns. She lay on her back staring at the ceiling, feeling so right being next to the other woman yet uncomfortable. She rolled on to her right side and realized that was a mistake because now she faced the woman, 'just breathe Rayne it's alright, sounds like she drifted off to sleep already, so just relax.' Eventually Rayne did slip off to sleep as well, of course that was only after she had thought of every responsibility she had taken on when she said yes to Emma staying with her. She was no responsible for feeding and clothing and providing shelter for the woman as well as protecting her. Not that she had a problem with any of that, hell she actually looked forward to doing all those things, and what was it with this woman, Rayne felt as if she found the other half of herself. She would look into Emma's eyes and see her past in them it was is if they had shared a life before, her heart felt like it wanted to explode for some reason every time Rayne looked at the blonde. Sometime during her sleep Rayne had rolled over and her arm wrapped around Emma, a move that woke the smaller woman. She jumped the remnants of her dream and the memory of Jeremiah's hands on her fresh in her mind, that made Rayne bolt from sleep and sit straight up in the bed her hand on the ivory handle of her 45.
"What…whose there?" she shouted.
Having recovered and realizing that she was safe, Emma reached out and spoke gently to Rayne, "I'm sorry it was just a dream, please put the gun down,"
"You sure you're alright? It was just a dream?"
"Yes I think you placed your arm around me and well…I was already dreaming and I'm sorry…"
"Oh God, I'm sorry I didn't mean to…I…"
"Rayne it's alright I'm sure you didn't mean anything by it, I over reacted because of what happened earlier tonight,"
"Did he hurt you?"
"Define hurt…I mean he wasn't gently by any means. God I feel so ashamed,"
"Did he raise his hand to you? I've heard stories…"
"Not this time no, he said he was going easy it being my first time and all…" Emma said as she again remembered Sprigs' words to her. "You're getting special treatment this time; need to break you in easy. I expect you'll eventually fill Fern's shoes mighty nicely."
"Yes,"
"That miserable bastard, I should have killed him,"
"Rayne if it hadn't have been him it would have been someone else, Hank made sure I understood that," Rayne gently place her hand on Emma's shoulder only to have the woman jump back in pain.
"What's wrong?"
"I just…sorry that hurt a bit,"
"Can I see?" Rayne asked and at Emma's nod gently moved the gown off her shoulder. The shoulder showed an angry red out line of teeth, deep enough to have drawn blood in a few areas. The anger in Rayne boiled and she saw red, she swore under her breath but gently said to Emma, "Did Bessie see this?"
"No she left me alone while I…cleaned up, I asked her too, but she was right out side the door. She said she wouldn't leave me any farther than that said she promised you she wouldn't leave me alone,"
"She did promise yes, and before we leave we need to have Doc Adams look at this I wanna make sure it ain't infected,"
With Emma agreeing, the two lay back down, this time Emma asked if it would be okay if she snuggled against Rayne, and that's how the two feel asleep. The next morning Rayne was up and getting coffee from the dining room when Jeremiah walked in, his eyes both had dark rings under them, without a doubt Rayne had broken his nose. As soon as he saw her he was shouting and it took both his friends to hold him back.
"What the hell do you think you're doin, let me go damn it. That bitch needs to be taught a lesson," and with that the room fell quiet. Of course nearly everyone in the room knew how the woman had punched Sprigs out cold and walked out with the blonde that Fern had raised, and all of them wanted to see what or how the dark haired woman would handle things.
Rayne looked up from the table where she had been waiting, looked directly at Sprigs and said "Nice look for ya there Sprigs!"
"You bitch, God I can't wait to teach you a thing or two. You ain't no man, you ain't got the right to speak to me that way and you sure as hell don't deserve no God damn ranch. Why don't you sell me that place and let a real man show u how it's done. Better yet marry me and I'll show ya how a man does lots of things,"
"If you're gonna teach me a thing or two like ya did last night…well damn, I suppose I should be down right scared! And if I thought you were any sort of man I just might consider selling you my place, but I don't so get this straight…in fact all you men here that think my place is up for grabs, ya'll might wanna hear this too… my place AIN'T FOR SALE. Now Sprigs if you're still think ya can take me lets go on outside, don't wanna mess Miss Bessie's place up. Course, I just might be more of a man than you are, and it might be you that's afraid, if that's the case why not go back and crawl under that rock you slithered out from,"
Jeremiah turn a deep red and felt his two friends backing away from him, he turned on his heel shouting "What the hell is wrong with ya, get outta my way," and stormed out of the diner, the roar of laughter following him. "What are you two lookin at?" he spat at the two men.
"Nothin boss, just…"
"Just what, you two cowards didn't think to back me up in there?"
"Jeremiah you ain't seen that look in her eyes, I damn near guarantee you she'd just as well shoot ya than talk to ya, and honestly we kinda like livin right now."
"Shit you two just turned chicken shit; don't go givin me no damn excuses,"
"Yeah well you walked out just as quick as we did," Norman Bigalow stated snidely. Which won him his shirt being gathered up in one of Sprigs' hands and being pushed against the building, Sprigs' face in his as he said through gritted teeth, "Remember who I am boy, I'll kick your ass from here to next Sunday. Everything I do I do for a reason, I choose when and where that cunt learns not to fuck with me ya hear,"
CHAPTER 5
"Em…um do you mind if I call you Em?"
"No not at all!" Emma answered with a smile, she actually liked the way it sounded coming from Rayne.
"Ok," Rayne said with a big smile. "This here is Lucifer, Lucifer this is Emma, she is gonna be stayin with for a spell,"
The big dog turned his full attention to the woman this time and studied her. He slowly walked towards her watching her the entire time, her scent didn't ring of danger and she seemed nice, maybe she would be alright. He allowed her to reach out and pet his head, just for a minute or so mind you, wouldn't want her thinking she had him in the palm of her hand, and then he trotted back to his spot on front stoop. Rayne laughed at his lack a daisy attitude towards the new comer.
"And this here is Apache and the lighter bay is Delilah. Apache here is my best friend, we rode out here together." Rayne said as she tenderly stroked the horse's mane, and hugged him. She loved that bay and knew deep in her heart that her time with him was getting short.
"Well hello there Apache, my aren't you a beautiful animal!" Emma said to the big bay, a comment which got her a snort and a front hoof pawing at the ground from Delilah.
"Oh my yes you are too Delilah, I'm sorry to have neglected to mention that sooner girl!" Emma laughed.
"I should have warned you, Delilah is sort of touchy about things. She seems to feel the need to be the center of attention, don'tcha girl!" Rayne chuckled. "I got her at the same time I got Samson; she was glued to his side and wouldn't allow me near him without her bein involved. It was so cute I just didn't have the heart to separate em,"
"How did Apache deal with two new arrivals in his stable?"
"He don't mind none, think he likes the idea that he ain't gotta go out and pull the plow or herd the cattle much anymore,"
'Oh well yeah I can understand that. I don't blame ya none at all Apache!"
"Come on I'll show you the house then I need to come back out and feed the critters,"
"Let me help with that. I might as well start earning my keep around here,"
"No that's alright I got it," Rayne started to say but was interrupted.
"Rayne, look you did me a big favor by taken me out of that saloon, and I don't expect to stay with you and let you do all the work, not when I'm able to help. I can cook and clean the house for you, make sure you got clean clothes, and I'll help you tend to the animals and what ever else needs tendin to,"
"Well I figured we'd get to that later, but if ya wanna help sure come on. First thing we need to do is unsaddle Samson and brush him down. I'll do that if you wanna give ol Apache and Delilah a bucket of oats," Rayne spoke as she walked with Samson towards the barn, with Emma following her. Together the two began working side by side getting the few chores done in little time. Once that was done, Rayne showed Emma the rest of the areas of the barn and then showed her the house, she then stated that she needed to head out to the canyon and see how the rest of the cattle were doing. As Rayne saddled Apache up she thought about the smaller woman, she was amazed how she had just stepped up and helped without a complaint. Most women she'd known hated to be around any animals, course they were mostly working women and they had made it clear they had no plans on taking care of any animals…not that she'd asked any of em, hell none of em had made her heart skip a beat like Emma did. Hell what was it about this one…she didn't even know her and yet every time Rayne looked at her or thought about her it made her heart dance. "God I need to figure this out Apache, come on lets take a ride," The big bay was all for that and took off in a gallop as soon as he knew his master was on board.
From the small kitchen window Emma watched the tall woman and the bay ride off towards the south. She had a mixture of feelings going through her as well. Along with relief and thankfulness she felt other things as well. For instance sitting behind her on the horse as they rode here, she had a feeling of having did that before, there was a security and feeling of belonging in that simple action. Every time Rayne looked in her eyes, she was filled with a warmth she'd never felt before in this life time, and one she was sure she would never feel again, there was something else something she couldn't put a finger on or explain. It was as if her soul came alive; to feel the woman's hands simply brush her, over the simplest of reasons, cause her to feel things she had never felt before. "Oh boy, I'd better figure this one out quick," she said to herself as she turned away from the window, and quickly looked for something to do.
From the rim of the canyon a lone figure watched as Rayne rode. With his rifle aimed and steady, his one thought was that it would be so easy…one shot and all his problems would be over. The ranch would revert to the bank and he could take possession of it. With the prime prairie grass and the creek that ran through it, his cattle would fatten quickly. "No not yet," he told himself as he got up from his prone position and stuck his rifle in the scabbard before leading his horse farther from the rim so as to minimize his chances of being seen as he climbed into the saddle. He couldn't afford for the bitch to suspect she was being watched. Soon he figured he would be able to start rustling some of the cattle and have his tracks washed out, it wouldn't be long before the creek running through the canyon would flood over its banks, he knew of a spot where he could cross with the cattle and they would be safe… "Very soon…" he mumbled. He thought about how close he had been, the plan was going well, that sniveling coward Wilson was about to foreclose on the land and had assured him once that happened the spread would be his. Then from out of the blue a week before, old Mathews up and paid off the balance. Wilson told him there was no way he could get his hands on the place now. Then fate jumped in and Mathews and the old lady died, he figured he could pick the ranch up for next to nothing, being that there was no one to claim it, then again Wilson informs him the place was taken outta his hands, this time by some relative. Wilson told him that bastard Benton had opened an account and placed the money from what cattle had been sold in it and this person was on his way to take possession. Who would have guessed the new owner was a woman. He had thought for a while that he could sweet talk and charm the woman, but she wasn't interested nor was she falling for it.
Feeling uncomfortable for some reason Rayne looked up at both sides of the canyons rims but saw nothing. "That was strange," she said to herself as she cautiously continued riding deeper into the canyon. She looked down at the ground close to creek bed to see if there were any new tracks, finding none however she increased Apache's gait and rode towards her herd. Her cattle were all fine, contently eating the sweet grass and drinking the cold water, some even lay in the sunny areas. Not exactly sure why, she rode over to the creek and followed it for a while then crossed and rode over to the fence line, and rode it for a good while. She did come upon a spot that didn't look right. She knew she had fixed this area, getting off of her bay she went in for a closer look. Sure enough the wire had been pulled off and then lightly tacked in place to appear structurally sound. Unfortunately the ground on that side of the creek was harder and dry so she couldn't see any tracks. "Well shit," she said as she went to her saddle bag and got out her pliers and gloves. She was gonna have to fix it, which wasn't a problem, what worried her was someone had been out here. Thankfully there were no cattle missing but a talk to the sheriff was next on her list of things to do. After a while the fence was mended sufficiently that Rayne was certain the cattle wouldn't get out so she mounted Apache and headed towards home. The late afternoon sun hit her back causing the sweat to drip from her neck and soak the collar of her shirt. She had just ridden up to the house and was walking towards the barrel of water when she heard Lucifer growl. Looking up she saw one of the men that had been with Sprigs the night before, and quickly her hand lowered to her 45 that was strapped to her waist.
"Relax ma'am, I ain't got no beef with you. Sides think that dog of yours would kill me fore you even cleared leather,"
"What do you want Mr. uh never did catch your name sorry about that…"
"Names Roger Macmillan, like I said I ain't got no quarrel with you, just wanted to make that clear. Sprigs seems to have a burr under his saddle where you're concerned and I think ya need to watch your back,"
"Why are you warnin me?"
"Cuz he's got something in the works, he ain't telling any of us about it, being real close to the vest about it all. But he don't like you none at all. That he is real clear about,"
"That's fair I ain't got no love for him either,"
"Miz Mathews, I ain't sure your gettin my drift here, he'd soon as see you dead as he would look at cha,"
"Yeah well, not much I can do about that now is there?"
"Well no I suppose not, but I just wanna make sure you is clear on me ain't havin no part of it,"
"Look Mr. Macmillan, I don't intend on endin up dead just yet, and I do thank ya for the heads up. I'll keep in mind you tryin to warn me an all. Now if there's nothing else I'd like to go in and grab some dinner before I have to tend to the rest of my ranch,"
"Oh yeah sure, sorry I didn't mean to interrupt nothin, like I said just wanted to let ya know," the lanky man spoke as he turned to mount his horse and ride away.
"Hey Macmillan, you know anything about visitors to the canyon? Seems someone decided to loosen some wire that marks the boundary and keeps my herd in place,"
"Na I ain't got any idea, sounds to me your fixin to have a whole heap of troubles on ya though," he said as he spurred his horse and rode off in a gallop.
"Well that's just dandy…" Rayne muttered as she entered the small house.
Emma looked up from the stove; the table was set with two places, glasses of ice cold lemonade sat at each setting. From the stove Emma was pulling ham steaks and mash potatoes, which she placed on the table. She then went back for the biscuits and poured gravy into a bowl and sat them on the table as well.
Rayne's mouth was watering when she was the bounty on her table. "Wow, you did all this with what I had in the house?"
"Well…yes, there is peach cobbler for dessert as well," Emma answered with a smile.
"Are you serious? Where did you find it all? I mean I … Lord it smells great in here!'
"Sit down Rayne; eat before it goes cold," Rayne readily complied, with her first mouthful of food her eyes closed and she groaned softly at the taste that exploded in it. She tasted potatoes, and creamy butter, with salt and pepper a hint of garlic and onion. She decided that she had never tasted anything as delicious as this before. The ham was tender and seasoned perfectly as was the gravy, and lord the biscuits were light and fluffy the almost melted in her mouth. As the Rayne sat and ate, Emma watched with satisfaction, every now and then taking a bite off her own plate. The sun outside was making its way down towards the western horizon, its rays shining though the clouds casting the sky in pink and violet colors, occasionally the silver streaks of sun light reached the ground. Rayne reluctantly stood before dessert because she had the rest of the chores to do, as she explained this to Emma, the shorter woman also stood, her intent was to help Rayne. Realizing Emma's intent Rayne smiled and opened the door and allowed the blonde to walk out first. Together they walked towards the barn, where they needed to feed the horses and throw fresh straw down in the stalls. With in an hour or so they were done the horses in their stalls and settled for the night, and the two headed back to the house for hot coffee and the peach cobbler Emma had made. Rayne was still surprised she had all the ingredients in her kitchen.
"That was delicious, thank you!"
"You're welcome. I take it from the way you ate it's been a while since you had cobbler,"
"God yes, my mom use to make it…" Rayne began to say and then stopped.
Emma watched the play of emotion that flashed through Rayne's eyes; it was only for a minute or so before she quickly shut down any emotion. That caused Emma to wonder what had happened to her new friend to cause such pain, and she did see that before Rayne quickly shut down the emotions. Rayne shifted uncomfortably in her chair and cleared her throat, before saying, "Anyway, thank you for the delicious meal. I was thinking I need to ride into town tomorrow to talk to the sheriff, wanna go with me or maybe I can stop by the saloon and pick up your clothes…"
"Oh…I'm not…"
"I know it's kinda soon for you to wanna go to town, but I figure the sooner you show you ain't afraid the better…I mean I'll be with ya and all,"
"I know that…I suppose you're right. Rayne promise not to leave me alone?" Emma asked quietly. Before she realized what she was saying Rayne answered, her eyes locked with Emma's, "I've spent a life time searching for you, I will never again leave you alone," Then as if she conscious thoughts returned and claimed her mind again she uncomfortably said, "Sorry not sure where that came from. I'll stay beside you for as long as you need tomorrow. If that's a plan we should head on to bed I suppose."
"Of course that sounds like a good idea, I suppose I didn't realize just how tired I am until now," Emma responded as she stood. "I need to do up the dishes first, so if you'll just show me where my bed is, I won't disturb you when I do go to bed,"
"Uh well here's the problem only got one bed and I know for a fact that sofa ain't comfortable at all. So um…I'll help ya with the dishes and um if you don't mind I guess we share the bed, that is until I can figure something else out,"
"Oh…okay well that's fine I don't mind if you don't," Emma spoke as she gathered up the coffee cups and plates from their cobbler, she set them down and walked to the kettle that had been placed on hearth of the fire place to heat before they had sat down to eat their cobbler and dumped it into a wash basin which contained cold water. She then began to wash their dinner dishes.
Rayne followed her and grabbed a dry towel and begin drying them as soon as Emma had rinsed them. With the dishes done, there was nothing else to do but blow out the lantern they had burning on the table and head for the bed room, Rayne turning down the lantern in the living area as well. With the bedroom door closed the two took off their clothes and climbed under the blankets and let sleep claim them.
Rayne felt the blonde clutching at he clothes, her tears streaming down her face as she begged her not to go. It was Emma, she knew this with out a doubt, yet she was dressed in clothing from another time, hell it was even from another continent from what she could tell. Their home was more of a hut than anything, lined with rock and sod and a pit dug in the corner for warmth and cooking, the animal skins piled on the floor were used as bedding.
"Let the others go and fight, this isn't our battle, I beg of you," she heard the blond say.
"It is, though my love. If we don't fight for one another who is there to fight for us? What was done too Marshal could be done to us just as easily. We were lucky it wasn't our home and livestock burned and killed," she heard the words come out of her mouth.
"And if you're killed, will Marshal see to your family…to your responsibilities here…will you have him see to me as well?"
"Will I be me if I don't go fight? You taught me the importance of standing up for each other, and honor. Does that all go away just because you fear I may die?"
"Honor means nothing if you're not alive to have it," she heard the blonde spit at her as she turned and slammed the makeshift door of the hut.
"I'll be back; I swear I'll not leave you alone…' and with that she climbed up on a steed and joined the group of men that waited on the knoll. The mist was cold and dense, the fighting long and hard. Maybe her love had been right, she should have stayed out of it, this battle was one they couldn't…wouldn't win. She heard the screams of dying men, the hissing of arrows as they flew past her head. She never heard the man sneak up on her, all she remembered feeling was the blade of the knife plunging into her heart. In one unguarded, unsuspecting moment all had been lost. With her dying breath she remembered her words to the blonde, and knew it was a promise she would not be keeping.
Rayne woke with a start and a burning pain in her chest. The air being taken into her lungs burned and the sweat poured from her brow. Emma bolted up in bed and immediately her arms were around Rayne, her voice quietly, soothing her from the dream. She knew about the dreams, she'd had them too. It was always the same; someone was always bringing back her body. She remembered waking in the same state, her heart breaking as she saw the dark haired woman leave, and then breaking even more when a few straggling men returned with her body as well as others. The hate and bitterness she felt in those moments fueled the hate and rage that kept her going through countless life times. With Rayne in her arms and calmed down, the two fell back to sleep. The dawn broke through the clouds and gently and with great care Emma untangled herself from Rayne's tight embrace, and dressed then quietly went to the kitchen to make breakfast.
Rayne woke to the aroma of coffee and bacon frying, vague remnants of the dream from the night before refused to let go of her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than just a dream. She knew in her heart the blonde was Emma, she knew somehow that she had been 'there' before. That alone left her shaken. She walked out of the bedroom trying to shake the dream, seeing Emma standing at the stove she was again struck by a vision or memory so strong it nearly knocked her to her knees. She was taken back in time in memory to when her dream took place, instead of the stove however Emma stood next to the crudely formed hearth in her arms was an infant, and she was quietly humming the baby to sleep, and as quickly as the memory hit it was gone. Rayne was once again standing in her kitchen, Emma standing in front of the stove humming…the same exact melody that she had been in the memory.
Emma heard a sharp intake of breath and quickly turned to see Rayne standing there pale. She put the coffee pot back down and rushed over to the woman. "What's wrong are you alright?" she asked in a rush, "Come on sit down," she said as she led Rayne to a chair.
"Rayne, come on you're scaring me,"
"I'm…I'm okay just I thought I saw something and well it startled me, guess a little more than I expected," Rayne said trying to laugh it away, the laugh came out as a weak shaky half chuckle.
"Let me get you some coffee, might help. Um would you like some breakfast, I have bacon and some biscuits, I can fry up some eggs real quick,"
"Just some coffee for the moment thanks. Guess I'm still reelin from a dream I had last night." Rayne tried to explain.
"Wanna talk about it? Sometimes it helps…" Emma said quietly as she sat a cup of coffee in front of Rayne and sat down with hers, all of a sudden she wasn't as hungry as she had thought.
"I don't know…its strange didn't feel like a dream really, not sure I can explain the feelin. Felt kinda like I was there, like it was real. Only it was here or any place I've ever been or hell even this century from what I could tell,"
"What do you mean?"
"Felt like it was another lifetime…and here's the thing, you was in it; you were there beggin me not to go…"
"Go where Rayne?"
"I don't know… don't remember the rest," Rayne said sharply. She didn't want to remember the rest. Uh how about we eat and then hitch the wagon to head to town, need to talk to the sheriff and pick up a few things for you and some supplies I was suppose to get yesterday from Gillum's,"
"Sure of course, would you like eggs?"
"Just some of those biscuits and bacon, it smells great and I'm hungry as a bear," Rayne said with a half smile. Emma jumped up to grab the small breakfast and was pleased when Rayne ate as much as she did, Emma had been afraid she would still be worried about the dream. Once breakfast was finished, Rayne placed her hat on her head and went to hitch the wagon while Emma cleared up. Once done Emma dried her hands on her skirt and looked around and was satisfied that the place was clean she walked towards the door with a smile and off the rode towards town.