And somewhere in the darkness....

[Merelan]

the Gambler he broke even. And in his final words I found an ace that I could keep.


Sitting int he front row I watched him slowly lowered into the grave. My lover, my husband, my friend. Dead. Cold and lonely now he walked alone. I could no longer link my arm through his and walk with him. No longer would we ride across the countryside hustling and taking greenhorns for their hard earned money. No longer would I have to worry if the other guy was quicker with the draw.

I knew. He had been. One game too many and my love, my life was being covered with the damn earth.

Let me introduve myself. I am Maria. Or at least that's what he called me. So I keep the name, the clothes, the jewels, the money. yes, we made money. There hadn't been a need for that last game. Or for his cheating. He won even when he didn't cheat. But it was habit, addiction, and now our death. Iside I felt cold and empty. The tears I thought I should have cried frozen, with all the heat and passion that had been our lives.

And even now, the Sheriff eyes me with trepidition. Will she leave town quietly, or cause a ruckus. Slowly I gather my skirts, drop the ace of spades into the grave, and walk away. He doesn't have to worry. I am leaving, already booked, on the stagecoach tonight. My bags packed, accounts settled at the inn. There was no way I could face the town in public. For the bullet that had taken my beloved, had been fired only a fraction of a second from the one that took his murderer. He had been the upstanding pillar of the town, with a wife and children, and a whole passel of family. I was leaving, before they gave me any troubles.

A quick lunch and I styed in my room the rest of the day, only leaving when Millie, the bar maid, told me the couach was waiting. Hugging her close, for her help and support I left the town behind me. That life behind me. For I wanted now only to settle down. Become one with a town. Be somone whom the other ladies would talk to, laugh with. Not pull their children from my side and hiss at me.

I had been a card shark, a bar tender, a whore. And long ago, in the days before all that, a teacher. Could i ever go back to that? There was no need really. But I leaned back in the seat and relaxed. The outskirts of town passing. Looking a bit closer, out of habit, at my fellow travelers. Did they know who I was?

 

[Hecate]

The dust settled slowly around the coach as the horses were pulled to a halt. Another godforsaken town in the middle of nowhere ....

Trying to maintain at least a little dignity I pulled out my kerchief and dabbed a little pearl of sweat from my upper lip before the driver opened the door to let me out of the sweaty hot confine of the coach cabin.

A first insecure step on the dusty gound - stretching my aching muscles. Ohhh yes - that felt good - hopefully noone was getting on the coach here - it was uncomfortable enough already.

My drab black dress hovered around me like a turtle's protective shell, the veil hiding my not-so-young face from the eyes of what seemed a quite considereable crowd of onlookers. Something was odd about this stop - definitely odd! And I was feeling a pang of impatience to return to my own home - the garden behind the house, and the duties of our little town community.

Being a single woman in my late thirties I was well aware that there wasn't much more in store for me but a quiet and secluded life dedicated to the community and my studies - but after such a trip to visit relatives I was more than happy to retreat to my little secluded shelter, longing to return to the women's circle in the parish, to sunday school lessons.

It was a short stop only to water the horses - and soon we were on the way again - the additional passenger a Lady of unknown age and background. She had an air about her that was hinting at something tragic, mysterious.

While I was looking at her in my silent pondering she raised here eyes - looking back at me, and I felt compelled to introduce myself.

"My name is Martha Cameron."

 

[SexyChele]

OOC: Room for one more, I hope?

IC: I sat in a corner of the coach, staring out the window. How quickly things can change in this life. At 23 I felt as though I had lived 3 lifetimes. Called upon to take care of an invalid mother, I had missed many opportunities to truly live life. And when my mother died a month ago, I discovered that I had to sell almost everything to pay our debts. And now, everything I owned was in the trunk attached to the top of this coach.

Sick of the town were I had spent my youth, ashamed of my sudden poverty, I had managed to scrape up enough money for a ticket on the stage, and still have some left over. Perhaps getting to a large city might yield better prospects for me. Certainly couldn't be any worse than where I'd been.

But, I was free. I was thankful for that. But what does one do with one's freedom? How does one begin their life?

I glanced about when we stopped at the town to water the horses. Another in a seemingly endless string of small towns, each one looking remarkably like the one before it. I watched as the woman dressed in black stepped from the coach. My legs were cramped a little, my back jarred from the coach, yet still I stayed inside.

As the coach prepared to depart, another woman got on the coach. Younger than the other one, but dressed somberly as well. I looked at my own clothes. Dispensing with custom, I refused to wear black. My mother had become hateful to me at the end of her life, and I had nothing to mourn for. I had sacrificed my life for her, and now I intended on living my own. My simple dress of blue seemed odd against the dark clothing inside the coach, but it lifted my spirits and gave me hope.

As we pulled out of the town, I once again looked out the window, when I heard a voice. Looking about, I noticed the woman next to me had stated her name, Martha Cameron. I glanced at the other woman, wondering if she would answer. Then I wondered if I should volunteer my own name.

 

[Hecate]

The Lady who had come aboard the coach at the last stop seemed to be totally lost in her thoughts, not noticing actually what was happening around her it seemed.

The offered introduction passed unnoticed and Martha wondered what fate had casue the pretty thing to retreat into such a shell of isolating herself from the world around her.

She herself had always been so very much self controlled that there was no room for the emotional ups and downs - she was what you would call "robust" in that respect, or at least that was what everyone thought.

Since there seemed to be no reaction from the new passenger, Martha turned to the other lady in the coach.

OOC: I hope Merelan didn't abandon us after that great initial post

 

[Thor's Hammer]

a bit player?

OOC: I'll behave!

IC: I had a last name, but I was known only as Thor. I was a sometimes gambler, sometimes gunfighter, and always a drifter, rolling like a tumbleweed from place to place. I had survived to an age that was far beyond expectations through a quick gun and a quicker wit. If there had been a mirror, I would have seen a dark hat, shadowing a craggy face - a face weathered by the harsh Western land. In that face I would have seen piercing blue eyes, eyes that could chill their target faster that the Winter's North wind.

After peering into the coach, I politely tipped my hat to the three women inside and climbed onto the seat next to the driver. The coach was small to begin with and though I dearly loved the company of women, I figured that they would not appreciate my crowding them. Besides, three women together chattered like magpies, and I wanted to be alone with my thoughts.

I nodded to the driver, muttered "Howdy," and settled back on the hard bench seat.

 

[ShyGuy68]

There he was, sitting in the corner of the coach, trying his best to stop his eyes from studying the other women traveling, so they wouldn’t feel like he was yet another sleazy man who couldn’t behave in company with women. So he focused on the book he had brought along to read in, and pass time as he traveled to visit his sister for the first time in 5 years.

So far the trip had been uneventful, and there hadn’t been much talking going on between the travel companions, even though he wouldn’t have minded to get to know them better, since it wasn’t often that he had the luck of being together with three so attractive women at the same time. He had always been a shy person and had had trouble approaching strange women, even though once he did get to know them, it was easy to talk to them, but things usually never got any further than that.

After having been lost in the book for a while, he looked up again, and again his eyes quickly swept over the women, before he looked out the window at the passing landscape. Even though he wasn’t looking at the women, he could still remember how they looked. The one across from him was wearing a light blue dress, which color made him smile since it resembled the clear blue sky on a sunny day. The second lady was sitting next to the lady in the blue dress, and was wearing a black dress that didn’t show much of what it was hiding, but he had been able to get a view of her face behind the black veil a few times, and thought it was an attractive face. The latest arriving passenger was sitting next to him, and he had noticed that when she entered the coach at their last stop, that she seemed very absent minded, but she also was a very attractive woman, and again he cursed silently that it was so hard for him to make casual conversation with strangers.

Suddenly he heard a soft voice emerging from behind the veil as the woman introduced herself. He looked at the two other ladies, and since it looked like they were considering if they should reply to her or not, he couldn’t help himself and said “Nice to meet you Ma’am, my name is James Earl”

 

[Merelan]

OOC Not abandonment. Real Life throwing me a few curve balls.

IC:

Maria

My throat was dry, and my lips frozen. The words she asked for wouldn't even pass. If I spoke one word, answered one question, a flood of anguish would emerge.
For as I had settled into the carriage it had dawned on me. he was gone. Not ahead to set up the game, or staying behind for me to feel out the land. He was gone. Buried in the filthy earth. RThe dank earth he had scorned as a youth when he had run away from his parents farm. And I was left to try to pick up the pieces and move along.
In silence I tried to make out who these players, I mean, other travelers were. The one in blue? Easy mark. Looked lonely, a bit embittered.
But the lady in black, Martha had she said? Not one to invite to the table. A self assured one, eyeing us as if she knew us.
The man? And then he spoke.
James Earle. A nice name, a nice man. Christ probably even a preacher. Not a saleman, or a family man.

At the last stop a man had gotten up on top. I had only caught a flash but he reminded me of someone. No matter, I would catch a better look when we stopped for the night.

Just in the sizing of them up I had felt better, controlled the emotions roiling inside me. But still, I sat silent, not daring to speak. Pulling out a book, it stuck in my reticule, and I jerked it free. Dropping it at Martha's feet. Bending for it quickly I knocked heads with Mr. Earle, who had bent also.

"Excuse me Sir." Holding out my hand, but he turned it over reading the cover.

"Elementary Spanish." The title almost glowed with it's gilded letters. I swallowed hard and rached again for it. trying not to cry. It had been a gift from him. For when we had enough wehad been going to South America. Where no one had known us.
Why had i kept it? Turning my face away quickly and clutching the book to my chest.

 

[Master T.]

Introducing: Black Bill

There it was – the coach swept past the bend at the entrance of the canyon, disappearing from sight in a cloud of reddish dust.

A little flash of reflected sunlight from a polished metal pan across to the other side indicated we were ready. I pulled up the black scarf, covering my face except for the piercing dark eyes that maliciously sparkled from underneath the rim of my black Stetson. There were only 5 of us – but that should be plenty for a simple thing as robbing a coach full of women... although – only one woman I was after – or rather not the woman personally but her knowledge!

She and her husband had spent too much time successfully cheating the coins out of the poor farmers’ pockets and cattle herd’s bags to not have some considerable wealth accumulated. Although that guy had been a hell of a gun slinger there had been the incidents when only a fair bit of money would have bought him and his hussy out of trouble.

The natural conclusion now after his sudden death was that there had to be something left by her husband to grant her a new start – and knowing the famous or rather infamous gambler he knew he would have seen to the caring for his love in a generous way.

And if he was honest – the charms of Maria hadn’t gone unnoticed in the Western adventurers’ community either. After all she had a fair bit of ... knowledge. Before she had met her companion she had been a whore with a quite enticing reputation – and he intended to get a taste of that as well as the money.

Those pleasant thoughts in mind he urged his black stallion down the steep slopes – and by the time he joined the gang the traveling coach was just about to be pulled to a halt at gun point.

He wasn’t a man of many words or a friend of introductions – and in this case he didn’t need one anyway as the driver hissed:” God save us – Black Bill !!”


OOC: if you don’t like that twist of the story just shoot me and continue your journey to wherever it is taking you ... no offense taken!

If though you feel like continuing along the robbery line, how about the “bad guys” kidnapping the coach to some hidden camp and get some intrigues and fights up for your freedom – after all a mix of gun slingers, gamblers, Ladies of a doubtful past and stern prudish matrons sound like a mix that has to be stirred some for full flavor

 

[Merelan]

OOC: Let's just see where this leads. May not be as easy to get to us as you think Sir Bill. There are three men aboard remember, and who says Maria is as helpless as yout hink? And I wouldn't count on Martha going without a fight either. And as for Sexy's character, the silent one's are more deadly then most.

Maria:

Settling back into my corner I felt the fool. So taking a deep breath I leaned forward, offering my hand to the lady.

"Mrs. Cameron. I am Maria. Mr. Earle." Holding my hand palm downward, for him to kiss, or shake, depending on his upbringing. He took it lightly, softly kissing my knuckles.
Turning held it to the silent one. "Hello, aren't you from the town I got on from?" Hoping against hope she wasn't. Would she know who I was? Would she care? Would she tell them what had happened. This was my first step into a decent life. Silently pleadign with her to stay silent on it if she knew.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor

........my eyes narrowed as I spotted a glint of something metal ahead. Black Bill had said that the ambush would take place in Dry Canyon, and that was it up ahead. For an equal split of the take, I was to neutralize the driver and, if one was present, the shotgun guard. This was going to be too easy. The driver was an old coot who had a gun that looked to be from the Revolution. I surreptiously eased my Colt .44 in its well-oiled holster and made sure that the shotgun between us was within easy reach. I had walked both sides of the law from time to time. I told Black Bill that one thing I would not stand for, however, was hurting women - that I would kill anyone who harmed them. I had done many things, but harming women was off limits.

 

[SexyChele]

OOC: Sorry for the late post all! As with Merelen, RL!

IC:

I watched as the woman across from me dropped a book to the floor, and caught how quickly the man across from me picked it up. Looking at him briefly, he seemed to distance himself from the rest. Typical traveller behavior? Shyness? James Earl, he said his name was. As I was about to glance away, I saw his eyes look up from his book and catch mine in a fleeting moment. Cheeks turning scarlet, I lowered my eyes, when I heard the woman across from me ask a question.

"No, Maria, is it? Though I've visited the town on occasion, I'm actually from a town a little further east. Not really important, though."

Glancing around, I find that the other passengers are looking at me. It then dawns on me that I haven't even revealed my name.

"Oh, and I'm terribly sorry. My name is Samantha Wells, though most people call me Sam. Please to make your aquaintance, Maria. Mr. Earl. Mrs. Cameron. You must excuse me, Maria, but you do look very much like some one I'd met before. Were from the town we just left?"

My brain raced frantically as I tried to think of where I had seen her before, if in fact, I had. Catching a glimpse of the woman next to me, I smiled a greeting, as I shifted in my seat attempting to get comfortable.

 

[ShyGuy68]

It seemed like the lady sitting next to James Earl was a very quiet person, because she hadn’t replied with her name, but instead dug out a book, which got stuck and fell to the floor at the attempt to get it loose. Once it had landed on the floor, he quickly bent down to pick it up for her, but it looked like they were thinking alike, because she were doing the same thing, which resulted in them bumping their head together.

Since he was a curious person, he couldn’t help himself but had to take a quick peek at the title of the book, since it often told him something about the person reading it. “Elementary Spanish” was the books title, and it made him think that the lady next to him were going to take a trip the southern parts of the States where Spanish were a common language, or maybe even to Mexico.

He quickly handed it to her, and she let pressed it against her chest, like it was very precious to her. Shortly after she had recovered the book she seemed to change her mind, and introduced herself, first to Mrs. Cameron introducing herself as simply Maria, and them to him with her hand held as if she expected him to kiss it. To his own surprise he did something he had never done before, took it and gave it a light kiss, before he quickly released it again.

Maria then exchanged a few words with the woman in the light blue dress, which finally introduced herself as Samantha (most people call me Sam) Wells. He at that point leaned a bit back in his seat, put his book down as she smiled at the ladies, wondering what would happen next, would they start to talk, or would there just be silence between them.

 

[Hecate]

Martha Cameron

Martha glanced at the dropped and oh so quickly retrieved book - Spanish? what a strange choice of book for a young woman in our days... she must be quite literate to care for such.

The brief awkward moment passed as finally everyone was introducing themselves - more or less hesitant.

Just as Miss Wells was starting a conversation about having the feeling to know Maria (what propper woman wouldn't introduce herself by second nname? First names were for hookers and dubious females only!) things started to go definitely wrong.

A small group of riders closed in on the coach as it passed through a canyon. Martha didn't need to see them up close to know they meant trouble - and soon enough she was getting confirmation of her initial judgement as the horses were pulled to a halt.

"Jesus Christ! God help us!" she whispered ...

 

[Merelan]

Maria:
I heard her mumbled words, and turning saw the riders already too close. Meeting her eyes I tried to look brave.

'A late arrival?" But all the while slipping my hand into my purse, pulling out a small Derringer. Holding it out to her.
"Know how to shoot?" keeping the voice low. Hoping I could trust my instincts, the one's that told me she wouldn't fall apart on us.

Hiking up my skirts in the most unlady;like fashion and pulling it's twin from my garter, not showing the knife that was also strapped there. That might be needed later. if we lost the gunfight.

"You got a weapon Mr. Earle? Looks like we have company." As the couch slowed and we heard voices. One glance at Samantha's face and I lightly pushed her back agaist the set.
"You try to stay down and hidden, out of the way." So much for a respectable woman, these people now must realizer this was nothing new to me. Her face showed fear, though her chin stuck out firmly.
Stroking her arm I whispered. "Good brave girl." All habit. Then turning back to the window, my gun hidden I waited to see. Would the driver and, damn. Now I knew who had gotten up top. Thor. A fellow traveler, gambler, thief. Damn, bet he was in on this too. But, it didn't ring quite true. He was well known for being a gentleman. A rakish one, but a true gentleman none the less. He would never be involved if fighting were going to be part of it. What could they want anyways. Looking inside quicky. Did one of these fellow travelers have a hidden fortune on them?
Their voices got a bit louder, but were still muffled by the layers of curtains pulled down to keep the dirt and sand out. If I could just hear what they were saying.

 

[Master T.]

Black Bill

Excellen - Thor was sitting next to the driver - and apart from them there was no other gun to be seen. Piece of cake!

The stag coach came to a halt and with two of my men to each side and me approaching from the front there was nothing really that the driver could have done - specially not now with a gun pointing at him. So far there had been no need for Thor to intervene, and I figured it would be best to not yet reveal he was part of the plan - a nonchalant touching of my hat all the acknowledgement that was needed to keep the respective roles for a little longer... and I surely hoped that he would be on my side!

His code of honour was strict and unbendable - and I knew that his hard line was drawn where women and children came to harm. He sure was a better amn than I was, but he was just as warmly welcoming the coins.

For now though there were more iminanet matters to be taken care of!

"Joe, come here and take care of those gentlemen! We wouldn't want them to get hurt by doing anything - stupid, now, would we?" I knew I didn'T really need the additional attention of Joe with Thor there, but well ...

As I watched one of my men take my place my eyes already fixed on the passenger department. There was no way to tell what was occuring in there, the curtains were drawn close, but if my informations were right, there shoul only be Maria and another two women in there, no match for the five - or rathr 6 - of us!

"Ladies, " I addressed the unseen interior of the coach "I guess I don't really have to introduce myself, but just in case there was any doubt, my name is Black Bill. See, me and my men, we are a frinedly bunch of guys as long as you are cooperating and not giving us any trouble .... as to what we want, well ... Maria ... " I paused there to make sure she was paying me attnetion " I think your heritage of your poor, recently deceased husband would be just too heavy a burden so I will just take that weight of your shoulders. Hand over the money he left you and you will all remain unharmed ... oh, and while we are at it Ladies, I think just for support of poor Maria you should donnate your valueables too. I shall expect you to step out of the coach one by one with your hands raised above your heads - and no nonsense, you may hurt yourseves trying to do anything stupid .... "

 

[SexyChele]

Sam

Before I knew what was truly happening, Maria was pushing me against the seat, telling me to get down. Needing no prodding, I tried to do just that in the small, cramped space. My heart thudding in my chest as I watched the exchange of guns in the coach, wondering just where I could hide if anyone truly started shooting.

Suddenly, I felt the coach slow, then stop abruptly. Voices through the curtain, fear in my heart, I had to concentrate on not allowing myself to scream. When the door burst open, I gasped, turning quickly to see a swarthy man standing at the door, a cruel smile across his lips.

At his orders, I watched the other passengers as they hesitated for only a moment. When the villian at the door raised a Colt, the incentive to leave the coach presented itself. With as much dignity as I could muster, I attempted to climb from the coach, while attempting to keep my hands visible. My thoughts were on the ladies with the guns - and figuring out the safest place to be when bullets flew.

I moved towards the back end of the coach, frantically doing an inventory in my mind of valuables. It wasn't hard - there wasn't much. As one of the goons of this "gang" came to me with gun raised, I opened my reticule and pulled out the few dollars it contained, hoping that would satisfy these monsters. I handed it to the man, thankful that I had thought ahead to hiding the bulk of my money elsewhere.

"And the ring, lady. That would make a worth contribution as well."

"But, but, it was my mother's wedding ring! Please! She just died recently, and it's all I have of hers!"

"Well, if she's dead then she don't need it, right? Hand it over!"

Glaring at him with murder in my eyes, I pulled the gold, diamond, and ruby ring from my finger. It was my trump card, the one item that I could sell if all else failed. Yes, it had been my mother's, but I had planned on selling the moment I reached San Francisco. It was going to hold me over until I got settled. Now-

I watched as he snatched it from my hand and put it in his pocket. Maybe there was still a chance to gain it back, somehow. As I was deep in thought, I felt eyes penetrating into me. I looked up to see a man who must have been riding with the driver staring down at me. Uncomfortable with his glance, I looked away, and then back again. He gave a brief, cool smile, before turning away.

Looking up, I watch as the other passengers make their way out of the coach. Curious, I wonder how and when the ladies might use the guns given them. I cursed myself at not having some sort of weapon at my disposal. But then....looking down, I realized I just might have an even better weapon than a gun. After all, women, especially good looking women, were sparce here...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor

Black Bill was a clever one. He did not make the slightest sign that he recognized me. Damn, what a genius. I would be an ace in the hole.

I raised my hands slowly and said to the driver, "Raise 'em old timer. They want money. If we all behave, no one will be hurt.." Setting an example, I raised my hands slowly over my head........knowing that Black Bill's gang knew who I was.

 

[Hecate]

Martha Cameron

Martha had seen her share of "foul play" in her days - but she had never been in a robbery before. Right now she was more furious though than scared - mainly because her sense of justice simply screamed out in protest. On the other hand she was well aware that they ran pretty little chance to get out of this unharmed if they tried anything silly, like shooting from inside the coach.

With an acknowledging smile she accepted the seemingly miniscule Derringer - tiny but nevertheless deadly if used on close distance. The young woman, Sam, followed the brief and determined instructions of Maria without hesitation, and Mr. Earl seemed to be handling the situation well enough on his own.

What on earth could they want of a coach mainly transporting widows and poor church mice?

"Ladies, I guess I don't really have to introduce myself, but just in case there was any doubt, my name is Black Bill. See, me and my men, we are a frinedly bunch of guys as long as you are cooperating and not giving us any trouble .... as to what we want, well ... Maria ... I think your heritage of your poor, recently deceased husband would be just too heavy a burden so I will just take that weight of your shoulders. Hand over the money he left you and you will all remain unharmed ... oh, and while we are at it Ladies, I think just for support of poor Maria you should donnate your valueables too. I shall expect you to step out of the coach one by one with your hands raised above your heads - and no nonsense, you may hurt yourselves trying to do anything stupid .... "

So that was it ... RICH widows .. now that sure was an explanation ... Martha shot a glance over to Maria, wondering if indeed that lady had values worth robbing a coach.

While she still was frantically thinking about a possible escape, from the outside the handle of the door was pushed down. No more time for plans - and more by instinct than deliberate thought Martha slid the gun into the sewn in pouch hidden in her wide layered black skirts.

Head proudly high and back straight she climbed out of the coach - knowing that a woman her age was of virtually no interest whatsoever for those men. With a pang of regret she had images of her study and her little garden flashing before her inner eyes, wondering if she ever would see those again....

The obvious leader of the pack, a tall dark figure on an even darker horse, the hat pulled deeply into his face, the black scarf hiding his facial features except for his piercing dark eyes, kept still some distance. Black Bill indeed, Martha thought, black inside and out!

And then she saw one of the robbers approach her, yellowish teeth showing in a wicked grin as he raised her veil. With a grim satisfied snort she saw his face drop in obvious disappointment as he called "Geee - that one's OLD! " ... the same moment though she realized that - since she had no valuables of any kind - her fate sure would be a quick and irrevocable one.

After all she was of no use to even entertain the gang menbers should they be thinking of that kind of additional benefit of their "guests" ... confirmation came swiftly as her captor called "... that one isn't really fuckable in daylight anymore ... maybe we could let have One-Eye-Joe have a go... in the dark ... "

Martha very well knew she was not a fresh peach anymore, and she had never cared overly much - but to be discarded even by the men who usually had to pay for their women in the sleazy etablissements hurt!

She was composed outwardly - but inside she was furious ... and wondered if maybe indeed she had wasted her life by never allowing her body to be taken to full bloom in a lovers arms, now that her life was going to end, away from her flowers and books....

When he turned away from her, the strain forced a hissed "you bloody bastard" over her lips - the worst curse she had uttered ever .... and even though she couldn't be sure she had the feeling the dark black figure had heard her - and chuckled amusedly under his mask.

 

[ShyGuy68]

"You got a weapon Mr. Earle? Looks like we have company,” Maria asked. And he was happy that he as always when travelling had taken precautions and strapped him slim stiletto around the lower part of his arm, under his shirt, as a backup to his sidearm, just in case something would happen. So he nodded a yes in reply to Maria

They then slowly exited from the coach, and soon he was stripped of his sidearm, and a nice stack of dollars were missing from his wallet. Fortunately enough they hadn’t done a very thorough search of him, so they hadn’t discovered his stiletto knife and the money belt he had strapped around his waist.

After it had been his turn to get searched, they had moved on to Mrs. Cameron. One of the robbers lifted her veil and he then got a good look at her face. He didn’t agree with the robber at all that she was old and unattractive, on the contrary she had very nice eyes and her lips were full and, he admitted to himself, rather kissable. So once the robber was satisfied that he had gotten what he needed from her, he very carefully stepped a little closer to her, and then whispered “Mrs. Cameron I can assure you that not all men agree with that tough of a robber!” And as she turned her head towards him, face hidden behind the veil again, he smiled kindly at her.

 

[Merelan]

Maria:
Sitting back quietly, my body tensed and ready to fight if that was what they wanted. His voice sounded familiar though. A game in St. Louis? no. That time in Kansas City? unable to place him. Whoever he was, it seemed Thor wasn't with him after all. Maybe he would be of help then. Then he spoke again.
"Ladies, " Leaning forward to catch his words. "I guess I don't really have to introduce myself, but just in case there was any doubt, my name is Black Bill." Damn. Damn and double damn. It was him.

"See, me and my men, we are a frinedly bunch of guys as long as you are cooperating and not giving us any trouble .... as to what we want, well ... Maria... " Jesus, sweet Jesus. He knew I was here. Quickly looking at my fellow passengers. Felling them pull away in spirit from me already.
" I think your heritage of your poor, recently deceased husband would be just too heavy a burden so I will just take that weight of your shoulders. Hand over the money he left you and you will all remain unharmed ... oh, and while we are at it Ladies, I think just for support of poor Maria you should donnate your valueables too. I shall expect you to step out of the coach one by one with your hands raised above your heads - and no nonsense, you may hurt yourseves trying to do anything stupid .... "

I had half lost his words at the mention of my name. My heritage? Did he mean the money? But surely he knew how we had lived. High on the hog when we were flush, and from hand to mouth when we weren't. There wasn't much money. Not enough to please this man. I knew his reputation. Had met him in the tail end of my days as a whore. When I had already met my love. They had fought it out in that bar, costing my love all his current bankroll, and me, my job. He was a filthy animal, and I had turned him down then, and after. When our paths had crossed a couple other times. Persistant and fresh. Not wanting to hear no for an answer.

Sam had moved to obey. Such a trusting sweet thing. What would he do to her? I could only follow quietly. Hoping they would take me and go. But soon they were stripping the ladies of their valuables. Standing back, hoping he would be happy with the hundred in my purse, and the jewels. Silently I pleaded with Sam not to protest. it was just a ring. And what these men could demand of her, fresh and sweet as she was still would be far worse if they chose. Slyly I slipped to her side, putting me between her and them. God, I prayed silently.
"I know you probably don't really want to hear me. It isn't for me I pray. I haven't lived a great life, broken quite a few of your rules, bent the others beyond recognition I am thinking. But this woman. She looks like a sweet one still. Please protect her. These men, they are after money right? And will take me and go. And I guess, that's okay. But these ohers. Please."

But I reckon I hadn't spoken to him in awhile now, and he was busy with the preachers. Cause I saw the leers and heard the way they had spoken to Mrs. Cameron. Reaching out I gripped Mrs. Cameron's hand. Whispering quickly.

"Take care of her. Please. I don't dare." Then dropping her hand and stepping forward, boldly. If I was going to go, and I knew it wasn't only the money he wanted from me. I would go out in style.

"It's me you wnt, and my money. You got their goods. Now let them go on." Catching his eye. Pausing to make sure he heard me clearly. "Now that I am free, maybe we could work out a deal, one for you and me." Trying to sound sure and willing. My insides roiling and protesting. My heart breaking.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor

I sat easily on the hard seat on top of the coach. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the old coot of a driver. My hands were still raised, although none of the gang was paying me the least bit of attention. I wondered.......but, no, I will wait a bit. The passengers seemed to be cooperating, although the loot appeared rather meager. Black Bill had said that we would all be rich.....his gang will not like this at all.

 

[Master T.]

Black Bill

OOC: sorry but life is a bummer atm ... so quick and dirty ...

IC: So that was the crop? oh my .... not really promising moneywise, but ...

Maria was splendid as always - money or no, I had a bill to settle with her anyway. And that young chick in the blue dress, she sure had something innocent but promising about her. The old one - well - she had spirit and after all, it wasn't as if the men had a lot of choice so they sure wouldn't mind too much - not after a few drinks and in the dark anyway....

Back to business though - I pulled myself out of my thinking.

"Maria - what a nice performance but I am afraid your audience isn't really receptive today. Now - where is the money? And don't you tell me there is none - you woldn't like me to think there was no use in ... keeping you around, now would you?"

With a look around I whistled and gestured to my men....

"I think we have been hanging out here long enough. You seemingly have no values worth mentioning on you and we sure won't make an effort of unloading the coach here so I suggest we seek a more convenient spot for that conversation..."

With a fluent gesture he uncoiled a single tail whip from his saddle and before anyone could intervene the end hissed and bit in the arm of Maria, clutching her in a tight grip when he pulled her towards him... and finally he reached down and lifted her into the saddle in front of him, hissing "Don't you give me any trouble dear or I shall have to get rid of your co-travelers so I can dedicate my attention to you ..." and in a loud voice he called "Well ladies and gentlemen, we shall have to take your means of transport with us - and this means we will have to take you all with us too - else we would be leaving too ovious a trace to be tracked easily... so I advise you to do as we say and nobody will get hurt !"

Pointing out Martha... "You look like a clever one judging your chances right - get on the bench next to the gentlemen there. Listen everyone... she is gonna be an easy target if any of you feel like doing something heroic! You others - get back into the coach and stay there - quiet and invisible!"

Looking at Thor: "Can you drive a coach?" Not awaiting an answer a bullet cut the air and the driver dropped from his bench, the horses nervously whinning and moving about "Well - you better do know now! Back to the camp!" and I rode off, knowing my men including Thor would handle the sitaution well enough - with not much to be afraid of cause we had both, Maria and that old crow as "special" hostages in the scheme....

edited for horrible typos

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Thor

I had seen stone cold killers before, but Black Bill was right up there with the best. The bullet hit the driver square in the chest. Sooner or later..... I put that thought aside and picked up the reins. The old coot driver lay sprawled in the dust beside the coach. I gave some thought to killing them all, but with the woman in Black Bill's saddle, innocents would be hurt. Even though Black Bill had recruited me, I had a cornball view of the world. One thing I would not tolerate was mistreatment of women. Although I felt mildly sorry for the driver, this was a harsh land. Bill's use of his whip, however, made me think that I was in the wrong camp....

I kept my face a mask, and snapped the reins to get the horses moving again as soon as everyone had gotten back in the coach.....

 

[Merelan]

Maria:

Hauled onto his horse like a sack of potatoes. As if I was nothing but some baggage. And I was to him. Not a human woman with feelings. But a fuck, a lay. Something to brag about after he broke me. There was no doubt in my mind it was what he wanted. Wanted not only any money I had, but to break my will. We would see who broke.
My arm stinging from the whip, I could feel the blood on it. Not daring to look at it. Only flash a look at Mr. Earle, and then over to Sam. Hoping he understood. She stood there so silent, as if she was going to faint. Her eyes frightened. If she did, they would use her here, and leave her to die. Or Bill would put a bullet into her as simply and cooly as he had the driver.
Maybe that would be for the best. Would she want to live after his men were done with her? And what about Mrs. Cameron? She was older, but, to my eyes, still beautiful. What fate had I brought them too.

One last plea.

"Bill." Whispering into his ear. "If I promise to behave, and, " swallowing hard, trying to hold back the tears. "And stay with you. Be your woman, share the little he left. Would you please." Nuzzling against him, recoiling from the filth and smell. But doing my job. "Please let them go." Silently praying he had an ounce of human kindness in him. Somewhere. Did he want me badly enough? Or was it the struggle he saw in me he wanted?

 

[Hecate]

Martha Cameron

"We are still alive!" Martha Cameron was a fighter, had been , and as long as there was aheart beating in this chst and breath filling her lungs nothing was lost!

He had Maria - that was what he wanted, fine. Although she felt somewhat sorry for the young woman it seemed odd enough that this badit would know her by name to feel suspicion crawl up on her. Nevertheless, being a good Christian she wouldn't leave her to her fate if there was anything she could do. Nothing much though right now that could be done.

Gratefully acknowledging the kind words of Mr. Earl and taking to heart the plea of Maria to take care of Miss Wells she silently observed the developing situation around her.

"You look like a clever one judging your chances right - get on the bench next to the gentlemen there. Listen everyone... she is gonna be an easy target if any of you feel like doing something heroic! You others - get back into the coach and stay there - quiet and invisible!"

There sure was no use in arguing - specially not after having witnessed the swift and unfortunate fate of the driver. A quick sotto-voce whisper to Miss Wells "It will all be allriqght my dear, don't you worry!" was all she could dare to utter, followed by a friendly nod towards Mr. Earl, pleading him silently for assisting the already faint looking young Lady.

Pressing her lips tightly shut she stepped around the coach and stepped on the wooden platform for a step-up, not heeding the fact that she was displaying an unthinkable amount of leg as she lifted her skirts to climb up - surprisingly well toned and slim legs that one wouldn't have expected maybe under the cocoon of black folds - mainly preoccupied in not loosing or showing the Derringer still neatly and undiscovered nestled inside her skirts.

The man awaiting her up on the driver's bench seemed strangely detached from all that was happening - but Martha figured everyone had their own way to deal with a crisis.

"Are you ok, Sir? I guess we are pretty safe as long as they think there is still something of value to be gotten from us ... although I am not sure this expedition won't be a disappointment... then God help us if we are still around to suffer their fury!"

The words were followed by a quick sign of the cross over her chest and she fell silent again...