Wanted: Dead or Alive

[BeautifulDream]

(This thread is closed)

Arizona - May 20th, 1880

The shift of the mattress was enough to pull him out of his sleep. Regardless of how deep a slumber he was in, the moment his wife moved his mind snapped awake. Though small physically, his wife’s actions had such a hold on his. Opening his eyes slowly, he watched as she stood moving away from the bed.

“Darlin’ what are you doing?” He mumbled as he sat up. “Why are you up?”

She glanced at him over her shoulder, her hazel eyes barely visiable in the dark as she stepped toward the window. “Don’t you smell that?” Her voice light and still full of sleep.

He shook his head, rubbing his eyes when she gasped. “The stables!! They’re on fire!” She shouted, quickly bolting toward the bed room door. Samuel flung the blankets off, jumping out of bed. She was right. The sight out of their window was horrifying. Their horse stables were in full blaze, smoke and ambers flying everywhere.

Samuel turned quickly, following her lead out of the room and out of their small house. The stables were about a hundred feet away, Eva was already almost there. Breaking into a full sprint he caught up in no time as she jerk the door free. The horses neighing and whinnying in fear the fire burning through their space. Eva was fast opening the gates, pulling the horses toward the door to safety. Samuel knew she could handle the horses, so he worked fast grabbing as much of the supplies as he could.

“Sam!” Eva called out, her voice full of fear.

Samuel turned quickly heading for the exit, pulling a saddle out with him. The stable would come down any minute, there was no time to save anything else. “This is all I could grab, the rest is a goner.” He grumbled as he dropped the saddle a few feet from the burning building. “Are the horses safe? Eva? Are the horses safe?” He glanced toward his wife, seeing she was staring off to the side, her face pale. “Eva?” He shouted. “Are the horses safe?!”

“Eva?!” He growled turning around seeing what she was staring at. Seven men sat up on their horses, their guns aimed at him and his wife. He recognized the men instantly. “What in the hell are you doin’ here?” He asked angrily, pulling the reins off of his shoulder dropping it to the ground. He moved toward his wife, wrapping his arms around protectively around her waist. “We don’t want no trouble.”

One of the men chuckled, swinging his leg over the horse to drop to the ground. “Shoulda taken the deal, Samuel. This all could have been avoided if you took the deal.” The man said as he stepped toward them, tsking.

“I told you, my land ain’t for sell. Now why don’t you gather your men and head on out?” Samuel said, trying to remain calm. He pushed Eva behind him. “Darlin’, why don’t you head back to the house.” Eva shook her head. “Damn it, get back to the house.” He said in a raised voice as he shoved her away. Eva stood scared for a moment before obeying. She moved slowly, her eyes staying on the men as she walked.

The lead man nodded toward one of the other, giving a silent order. He raised his rifle, pulling the trigger back, letting the bullet fly toward Eva. It hit, her somewhere in the stomach, knocking her to the ground. His heart stopped as he let out a fierce cry. "Eva!" He didn't realize tears were running from his eyes until he found himself over her body, his fingers lacing in her brunette curly locks. "Comeon, baby... no... Eva..."

With a smirk the lead man, stepped toward them. His six shooter in his hand, cocked and ready. “This all could have been avoiding if you just taken the deal, Sammy. It was a good deal, I buy the land.” He raised the gun, aiming it straight at Samuel’s head. “Now it’s time for a new deal…” The gun clicked before pushing the bullet out with a loud bang.

---------------------------​

1886
Somewhere in Southern Oklahoma

The memory of that night haunted her. Every detail of it replaying over and over in her head. Every morning she woke up to the smell of ashes. The smell of blood. No amount of whiskey or crime could make it stop. Make the pain go away.

She remembered opening her eyes, the ache in her stomach, the sight of her small family house destroyed. "William...." was all she could mutter. Where was he? Please let him be somewhere safe... She knew the truth though, he wasn't. She should have died with them. She would have too if their farm hand hadn't smelt the smoke and come running.

Since that day she had been this mission. Dean Maxwell, Todd Smith, Abe Grant, Fred Swann, Daniel Swann, Dave Jackson, and finally James Matthews. It was her goal to rid the world of them.

“Do you know how long it took for us to capture three snakes? Do you know how hard it was? It was hell… I tell you.” The paper wrapped easily around the dry tobacco. She had gotten good at making cigarettes. Striking the match, she inhaled as the fire lit the tip, small waves of smoke rising from it. She took a deep breathe before leaning back against the rock. “Not just any snakes though, nah… three Cottonmouths. We were stalking the waters for days trying to catch these pretties.”

She chuckled, glancing at the bag by her feet. The snakes were moving like crazy; angry and hungry. She picked up the thick fabric, holding it over the pit, the double fabricate woolen bag made it safe for her. “They say getten bit hurts like no other. I never been bit, so I couldn’t tell you how bad but damn have I heard stories. First of all, it hurts, then you get a little bit woozy, then you get a hard time breathin’. It could take a full day to die from a bite, but I wonder ‘bout three?” Eva glanced down into the deep pit, her eyes fixed on the pathetic man’s.

He had been begging and pleading for her to spare him. But she wasn’t in the mood to give any mercy. Besides, he didn’t show her family any. Not when he shot her in the stomach, her husband in the head. She could have forgiven them, let it all go. But they took the one thing that she treasured the most.

“Please! We didn’t know! We had no idea you had a son!” he cried. His hands clawing at the clay trying to find an escape.

She gave a sick smirk before turning the bag upside down. The three tangled snakes falling onto the man below. She stood, taking another drag from her cigarette. His screams echoing throughout the empty plains as the pissed off snakes sank their long fangs into his body. One in the throat, one in the chest, and one in the arm. He deserved to feel the same pain she did. Turning away, she maked her way back toward the stagecoach. It didn’t matter that they didn’t know. They killed her little boy, her five year old. Her beautiful son.

“What have you done with my husband?”

Eva stopped before her horse, she let the cigarette drop to the ground before placing one leathered boot over it. Her eyes met that of the young girl, probably only eighteen, who spoke. The girl was dressed in a European type gown, obviously not suitable for the plains of Oklahoma. She gave a nod toward the pit before turning to mount her horse. “He’s over there, save him if you wanna, but I should warn you he's about eight feet under and covered in snake bites..”

Tipping her hat to the girl before mounting and pulling the reins, kicking the horse lightly making it trot away. “Leave the girl a horse and some water, take everything else.” She ordered with a shout as she squeezed her horse tighter, forcing him into a run back toward Texas, toward their current hideout in El Paso.

The satisfaction from today felt wonderful. Better than the first five she got rid of. He was the one who actually shot and wounded her, the others were nothing more than idiotic lackies. A smile formed on her lips as she felt a little closer to peace. She only hoped her husband was smiling down on her as well.

 

[marauder13]

The horse and rider rode around the bustle of the busy San Fransisco street. Both were travel stained and weary, taking their time moving toward their destination. The rider looked like what most people imagined a cowboy to look like; a broad brimmed hat darkening his face, leaving a chin covered in a dark brown stubble visible in the light, a triangular piece of scarf sitting under his neck in the middle of his upper chest, long dust covered, long sleeved shirt, long pants with chaps over them and well worn boots on his feet.

His solid brown horse was a seasoned steed, with many good years left in him, and enough years in him to know how to conserve his own strength when ridden. The close observer would have noticed that the rider barely held the reins, seemingly pleased with the horse making the decisions of where to go. A Winchester repeater sat in a sheath by the saddle, along with a coil of rope and saddle bags behind the saddle.

When one of the more reputable hotels came into sight, the rider took up the reins, steering the horse over to the hotel's main entrance. He brought the horse to a stop, sliding off easily. He grabbed his saddle bags, as well as the rifle, then wrapped the reins over the hitching rail. He patted the horse on the side of the neck, earning a kind hearted nudge before the beast took a well earned drink.

The rider walked into the saloon, and saw he was the odd man out. Everyone within was dressed in clean clothing of fashions favoured by the city folk. He ignored the stares from everyone in the room, searching for and finding the stairs that led to the upper floor. The slightest turn of his mouth was the only recognition that most of the people where focusing on the rifle he carried and the gun belt he wore.

He walked up the stairs, listening to the life returning to the room as he reached the landing. he walked to the room number he had been told to come to, knocked twice, then opened the door and entered.

Two men attired entirely in black spun and had their pistols drawn when the rider stopped, his hand on the opened door. Across the opulent room, the only other occupant of the room slowly stood up from his chair, a slow smile emerging on his face.

"State your name, Sir."

The rider fixed his gaze on the unarmed man, ignoring the other two completely. "Brown. Jim Brown."

James Matthews rounded the desk, and waved his hand when he was past the other two. They returned their guns to their holsters, but kept their hands close by. "Good to finally see you, Jim. James Matthews." He extended a hand to Jim, who shook it briefly.

Jim closed the door, and went to the coat stand and laid his rifle against it, then took off his gun belt, hung it up there along with his hat. His dark brown hair was wet, plastered to his head from the hat. His face showed the effects of many fears of outdoor living, but his bright blue eyes were sharp and missed little.

"Take a seat, Jim." James pointed to the chair opposite his own at the desk. James sat down, waiting for Jim to do the same. James was pleased that the man was showing signs of recent travel, rather than taking the time to clean up first.

"Well, Jim, since you took the time to come straight here, I'll get straight to the matter at hand. There's someone out there bearing a helluva grudge against me, it seems. A lot of my business has been disrupted, a lot of money has been stolen too."

James leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed Jim. “I’m prepared to pay whatever it takes… I just want this girl captured. I’ve sent some good men after her before and all have wound up dead. So, I’m hoping you might be able to do the job. They say you’re the best and damn if I don’t need the best right now.”

He let out a sigh. “That girl has killed five of my business partners, several of my workers, almost fifty others, and I worry she’ll be coming after me next. I have no idea why she’d want to kill us…” He slid the desk draw open, pulling out a wad of cash. “I‘ll pay you a thousand now and the rest when on delivery?”

Jim looked at the stack of cash sitting on the table in front of him. A thousand dollars talked really loud over a short distance like that. "The rest on delivery? Well, Mister Matthews, you sure do drive a hard bargain when doing business. So, how about you tell me all I need to know for me to "get the rest" when I deliver her."

~||~​

Jim received the same reception when he left the hotel as he did when he entered. He had more reason not to care when he left. He had a job, and he had a thousand dollars on his person to aid him in that job.

 

[BeautifulDream]

Eva slid off her black mare, handing her over to the local stable hand. "Give her a cool bath, will ya? She's had a long day." She said, tossing the boy a coin. The Texan sun was a bastard today on their trip back and she knew both of them could use a little relaxation. Her trip to Colorado had been useful though, she learned all she needed. Her final target had made his home in San Francisco, using the money he made off of the land he stole. She also found out he surrounded himself with hired arms. Good... that means he fears her.

And he should. Especially after the things she's done. His six close friends now laying in their graves, his banks depleted of their cash. She had robbed him of everything she could. She didn't care about the money of course, it was just a plus. She had more than enough to buy another ranch and restart her life.

But that wasn't her goal...

Most of her shares were given away. Families in need, churches, school, she really didn't care where it went as long as it was somewhere helpful. The rest went to bribing, being wanted made finding a safe place to rest difficult. Even with bribery it was still dangerous to call any place home, even if for the night. Someone could get smart and see the bounty on her head was higher than what she was paying. So her and the gang of ten tried to always stay on the move. El Paso made for a reliable resting place. The folks were less likely to call out the government as long as they always paid their tab and didn't trouble. And they didn't. Trouble for the kind folks was not their game. Ridding the world of cold hearted bastards was.

The Blue Moon Saloon

It was just like any other saloon she had stayed in over the past years, cheap whiskey, even cheaper whores. It was nothing new. Once upon a time she would have curled her lips in distaste at a place like this. Mind you, she was never some classy bit but she did have standards and this wasn't a place where she'd find comfort. But, regardless how she felt before she had grown accustom to the whores parading around, the fights over card games and even the smell of drunken dirty men (hell most of them were even employed by her). This was as close to home as she could get now a days.

"Ah! A drink, padre! A bottle of your finest whiskey for the boss!" Wayne shouted as she entered. "What took you so long, doll? Did you get lost or some'um?"

She gave a small chuckle as she took a seat next the man who was like her big brother. He was her closest friend and second in command. One wouldn't guess he was such a gentle heart, he was a big fella with a mean face, but truth was he was just a sweetheart. Unless you messed with her then he wasn't nice. "Some'um... just needed some air," she said as a bottle and a glass was placed before her. The whiskey burned her dry throat, it was bitter and low-grade. As long as it got her drunk... it'll do.

Her mind was in such shambles. Her thoughts on her husband and how she missed the warmth of his touch. She couldn't bring herself to ride with the boys and let them see her cry. Clearing her throat, she stretched her booted feet out before her. "Two days of rest, then we leave for San Francisco. Wayne, you're in charge of supplies as always. Get me some more of that cut tobacco I like, will ya? I smoked the last of what I had earlier."

"Sure thing, babycakes." He said with a small nod. The endearment she wasn't fond of, but he could get away with it because he said it with a sweet smile. The smile quickly faded into concern as he took in her face. She had dark bags under her eyes and her normally tan skin was pale. "Darlin' you ain't looking to good. Whens the last time you ate some'um?"

She gave a nonchalant shrug, pour another shot. "Don't remember. Sometime a few days ago I guess." She couldn't eat... not when she was so close to being done. Not when James was still breathing. She gave a sigh, "I think I'll head to bed though... wake me in two days." She took another shot and stood, removing her Peacemaker from its holster. "Do me a favor and hold on to this tonight." He'd know why. She trading it for the bottle, giving another smile to Wayne before walking to the stairs and toward her room.

Having a gun with her on nights like this never ended well.

 

[marauder13]

Jim wasn't sure if it felt better being back in the saddle again after the ride in the train or not. The ride on the Sante Fe to Houston, and then on the Southern Pacific from Houston to Sierra Blanca had got him close to the last know whereabouts of his target. But to actually arrive on the train in the town where she was holed up was not the wisest idea. He wanted to look as though he was riding in, and if she was halfway smart, which going by everything he had heard of her she was more than just halfway smart, she'd have eyes out checking for incoming trouble. And he wanted to be seen coming in.

Still, he preferred being on a horse because it gave him far more options as to where he could go and what he could do when things got too lively. He took a swig from his canteen, dampening down his mouth and his throat. He still had about another hour before he reached El Paso and his work began in earnest.

"Daniel about to walk into the Lion's den. Only Daniel went somewhere a lot safer than me."

~||~​

The town was busy enough, and Jim rode though without drawing much attention to himself by looking around. He knew where he wanted to go, so he only looked at those places that looked like they might have been what he wanted.

A few kids ran up to him, yelling hello, to whom he pulled the brim of his hat in reply. He waved to others who offered polite greetings, including a couple of whores looking for business. But he was looking forward to some food and drink and a different place to put his rather aching rear for a while.

The Blue Moon Saloon

He rode around to the stable, easing himself off his horse, to the delight of both the mount and the rider. The stable boy approached, taking the reins from Jim. The lad introduced himself to the horse while Jim unloaded his gear.

"Take good care of him, OK." He dropped the coin in the lad's hand and gave the horse a gentle pat before heading off for the saloon proper. Jim was working the kinks out of his body as he entered the cooler interior. As expected, he was the focus of every pair of eyes in the room as he made his way over to the bar.

"A bottle of Whiskey and a glass thanks. Plus, whatever you've got that passes for food would go down well too." Bottle and glass were handed over, money was given in exchange and Jim wandered over to a table and sat down with a sigh of relief. He poured himself a glass, downing the shot immediately, followed by two more in a similar fashion.

"Ahhh... Now that's cut the dust."

As he refilled the glass for a more leisurely drink, he was aware that he was being watched by a few of the men rather intently. It didn't mean they were the only ones watching him, but they were obvious to his eyes. But Jim was just passing through, which was true. They'd find out soon enough.

"Hello, honey. You got no one to keep you company?"

Jim looked over at the young woman leaning over to bring her face closer to his. Of course, his eyes never made it to her face to start with, being drawn to the dark patch between the luscious globes that were somehow not falling out of the corset the woman wore. He flicked his eyes up to the brown eyes and olive complexion of the smiling face looking at him in what was a rather good attempt at being alluring.

"Why don't you take a weight off your feet...?"

"Andrea." With a rustle of cloth, she turned herself around and sat down on his lap, with her clearly on his left side, leaving his right hand free to use his glass.

"Pleased to meet you, Andrea. Now, just between the two of us, I know you're a working lass, and I have no problems with that at all. But does this place have a bath at all?"

"Sure does, sweetie. Plus, for a little extra, I can make sure you're all nice and clean of the trail before getting you all dirty in other ways."

Jim smiled, taking a sip. "That's a mighty tempting offer, Andrea. One that I'll give some very serious thought to. But right now, I'm happy for the company, and you're more than welcome to a shot or two if you'd like. I'm not sure if I'm feeling up to getting all dirty again after washing the trail off me. But if I am, and you're not otherwise taken, you'll be getting a call from me."

"Well, sweetie, I'll hang around here for a little while, just in case you change your mind, but a gal needs to pay her way."

"I know, which is why I told you early so you didn't miss out somewhere else. I don't want to see a good worker miss out either."

Andrea smiled, all the way to her eyes. "If I'm not busy, and you go with someone else," she leaned in bringing her mouth close to his ear, "I'll make you a steer before you can blink."

Jim had brought the glass to his mouth when Andrea spoke quietly in his ear, causing him to spray whiskey across the table. She smiled sweetly, kissing him on the cheek before hopping off his lap and walking off to speak to some other men. Jim couldn't help but smile before laughing out loud.

 

[BeautifulDream]

"Mama, what are they doing to the cows?"

She turned her head to meet her son's quizzing face. His dark hair and light eyes, she knew he would grow up to be a fine man... one like his father. Other than having her brown hair, he was a spitting image of her husband. "They're branding 'em, baby. Marking 'em."

"But, why?"

She gave a small smile before turning back to the wash pan, her fingers scrubbing at the dirty shirt. "So people know they belong to us. That way they ain't runnin' of with 'em."

Her son stood still for a moment, his gazed fixed on Samuel and the help as they pulled down another calf and branded it. His lips were fixed into a straight line as if he was deep in thought. Then it dropped into a frown. "Does it hurt them?"

"No, baby, they have tough skin so they don't feel a thing." A lie, she couldn't even fathom how badly it hurt for them, but she couldn't tell her son that. She was already dreading the day he asked where beef came from. He loved animals and it would ruin him to learn that his daddy killed them for a living. "Now, come on, help me with the clothes."

He gave a small smile, satisfied with her answer. Turning, a light pounce in his steps as he moved toward her, sinking his hands into the water.

It didn't take them long to wash up the clothes and lay them out. By the time they were done during their chores, Samuel had finished his as well. "Well, all of them are done. Tomorrow, Jake'll be here to move them out." he said, wiping his brow with a tattered rag. He wrapped his arm around Eva as soon as he was close enough, kissing her softly on the lips.

The tender act made her heart melt. Was it possible to love someone as much as she did him? His blonde hair, his blue eyes, his beautiful face... he stole her breath. How did she manage to get so luck? "You're mad you can't go, aren't you?" she whispered, searching his eyes. He mentioned before how he wanted to see to the cattle getting transported safely, but she made it known she didn't like the idea. There was too much work to be done on their land and the help wouldn't be enough.

He just smiled, brushing her hair back away from her face. "Course not, darlin. I'm worried, sure. But why would I want to be on a trail for months when I can stay here and be with my lovely woman," he gave a small chuckle before swiftly moving to sweep up the oblivious child, "and my little boy!"

He turned in a quick circle, swirling their son in his arms. William squealed in delight, his little hands grasping to hold on.

Her beautiful family...

------------​

Eva's eyes opened slowly, her breath shallow and painful. She could feel dry tears, crusted on her cheeks. Her stomach twisted, bringing on a feeling of sickness as she laid still, staring at the dark ceiling.

Her husband... her son. Two days after that sweet moment they were taken from her. Their lives stolen away by bastards who wanted their land. Their farm in Arizona was right on water, a prime spot for cattle grazing. But they didn't know when they moved onto the land it would cut off the access for the neighbors. An arrangement could have been made -- they were not crude people -- but James Matthews wasn't interested in anything other than getting rid of the problem.

Her son only five years old, her husband twenty-five... they were too young to die. Hell, she was only twenty when she was assumed dead with them. That was six years ago; six long, hard years.

She shut her eyes, squeezing them tightly, trying to get the picture of her two most treasured loves played and laughed together to disappear. She could hear the laughter ringing in her ear. A sweet giggle from her little boy.

The image wouldn't leave. It was burned into her mind, causing her agony. Her hand slid across the blankets, finding the edge to drop down. Her fingers searched for the bottle of whiskey she took to bed. Finally, she felt the cold glass under her hand. It was empty. Had she really drank that much?

God dammit...

With no more than another thought she pushed herself up, her bare feet hitting the wooden floor. She pulled her worn leather jacket off of the chair, throwing it on.

Moments later she was in the saloon below. Her men were there again, a few drunk, a few in the company of women. She gave them an acknowledging nod before turning to the bar.

"Another bottle, friend." She said as the bar hand moved toward her.

"Another one?" He said with a skeptical look.

Pinning him with a harsh glare, her eye brow perked up. "Yes... another one. Or have I reached my limit?"

She could see a tic working in his jaw, but he obeyed. He wasn't foolish, she could any one of the men kill him with a simple command. A rather large bill was passed for payment on the drink as well as extra for gratitude.

The saloon was busy tonight, men and women laughing and chatting. If only she could be so cheerful.

"Eva, see the gent over there with Rosy? New fella." Adam, one of her employees, said as he appeared behind side her.

She glanced over her shoulder, spotting Rosy and the man. She didn't recognize him but he appeared to be of little threat.

Ha! Little threat? Everyone is a threat. Hell, even some of your own men can be a considered as a threat!

Shut up, mind...

Taking another shot, Eva gave the man another quick glance as he seemed to laugh at something the young prostitute said. "Keep an eye on him and let me know if he acts up. We leave for San Francisco tomorrow and I don't want no trouble if it ain't needed."

With that, she grabbed her bottle and started her retreat.

"Oh!" She stopped, turning back to Adam. "You're scouting tomorrow. We run along the railway but as close to the boarder as possible. We cross the Grande at the bridge near Las Cruces."

 

[marauder13]

The joys of riding alone is that getting organised first up is a helluva lot easier that getting a posse organised, no matter how long they've ridden together. If nothing else, getting the horses out, saddled and packed takes longer the more of them you have, even if each rider tends to their own mount. You can only squeeze so many mounts out the stable door at once.

So Jim was heading north before Eva and her Posse were in their saddles ready for their next leg of the journey. Being a lone rider, he was in the habit of checking all around him, and noting that he was being watched, but not followed, as he rode out of town. He felt a little better about not having to dodge pesky scouts while in turn trying to catch up with Eva.

The night before had been better than he hoped. He saw Eva come down. She looked haggard. More tormented by ghosts or demons rather than being an outlaw sitting safe and sound in her home range. He also confirmed one of the more subtle watchers was one of hers when he approached and the two started talking to him. Not even the young, and enthusiastic whore called Rosy was able to distract him enough for him to miss that little chat between them, and her not quite hidden enough glance at him.

"... scouting tomorrow. ... Grande ... near Las Cruces."

He caught the little pieces of her instructions to the fellow, carrying a full bottle in hand. He kept up his attentions with Rosy, but took the occasional look around the room for Andrea. He saw her go upstairs with a customer, but hadn't seen her come down again.

He down his shot quickly, letting the glass rap on the table loudly.

"You, my sweet, little darlin', are comin' upstairs with me to help me unwind enough to get a good night's sleep. Maybe, I can show you a thing or two that will keep some of the other fellows happy."

Rosy batted her eyelashes. "What makes you think you could teach me anything new?"

"Oh... there's just something about you that tells me that there is something missing that's all. Let's go see if I'm right or not."

Jim and Rosy got up, and headed off to his room. He knew he was the centre of a few fellow's attention because of his newly arrived status, but he had got what he wanted, and needed, and it was time to relax and ready himself for the day to come.


Jim smiled as he remembered when Rosy left his room when they had finished. The shy smile on her face after being shown something new, which he was truly surprised she hadn't known about. He had slept well, got up early, ate, got himself ready and was off before Eva had shown up. The early morning ride was good, and he was nicely loosened up by the time he was ready to go looking for Eva's Posse by the Rio Grande.

He turned himself west, kicked his horse into a canter, and hoped he could get into a decent spot before his quarry got past him.

~||~​

He lucked out three times in one go.

Jim found himself the perfect spot to watch the stretch of the river for a good couple of miles in either direction. Only one way in, and he had plenty of time to get out before he got himself trapped.

Secondly, he spotted the fellow Eva had been talking to the previous night riding alone. He appeared to be scouting for the posse, which meant he had get ahead of them.

Finally, the pair of them had found a disused road bridge. The other fellow was actively checking it out, being rather cautious about it too. Even from his vantage point, the bridge didn't look that good, but he managed to walk the length of it and back and even did it with the horse. He heard it creak when the wind blew the right way, but the bridge held.

"I hope you tell 'em to walk across it, fella. That'll make my life a lot easier for sure."

Shortly after, the other fella was on his horse, and was riding back to join his posse. Jim moved quick. He got down to where the bridge was, taking a closer look. The structure looked bad. Around the lead up was a lot of debris; large rocks, fallen logs and branches and general wreckage. It was good for cover in a gunfight, but not good enough to hide behind.

He raced back to his horse, grabbing one of his sticks of TNT, and dashed back to the bridge. He found one of the sturdier supports, climbed down and wedged the explosive in the woodwork. He climbed up, and got back onto dry land again. Taking a look, he was pleased to still be able to see it. He hurried back to his vantage point, and waited.

Seemingly an eternity later, Eva and her posse arrived near the bridge, the scout talking , waving and pointing at the bridge while everyone else looked around for possible trouble. He had to wait to see what they would do next.

 

[BeautifulDream]

"Dammit, June!"

The horse, stomped a front hoof, her head bucking up with a annoyed neigh in responses.

"Don't give me that! It's the last ride I swear it! Just gotta get to California then we're done." Eva shouted, pulling the horse's reins making the horse's eyes level with her own.

June was being a pain. And she understood all too well why. They had been through hell over the last couple of years. Long trips over rough terrain, freezing in the snow, burning up in the heat. Part of her felt bad for the horse, and honestly if she was in June's shoes she'd put up a fight too.

But Eva was not in the mood to deal with a cranky horse. Hell, moments ago she was tempted to shoot the damn horse for kicking her off. She wasn't anywhere near sober enough to deal with this.

Another stomp. Eva shook her head at the mare. "Come on, girl, we made it this far, just a little more. Now buck up, Bronco!"

"She's talkin' to a horse..."

Wayne let out a booming laugh at the stable hand's comment as he watched the boss argue with her horse. "Yeah... she does that some time. June, there, can be a handful." He gave a small chuckle as Eva gave the horse a loving pat, before moving to mount again. He expected to see her thrown off again, but it seems the mare had calmed. Eva swung her leg over, settling into the saddle like a pro.

"That's a good girl..." Eva whispered before, turning the horse out of the stables to where her men sat on their own horses.

"We're heading to San Francisco. As always, we stay off the trains and two scout will ride ahead by no more than two miles.*Wayne, Adam that means you." She paused pinning Wayne with a hard stare. "Two miles, Wayne. Two." She said, making sure the point got across to him. He just gave a grin and shrugged.

She wanted to get off her horse and go wipe that damn grin off his face, but she doubted June would let her back on if she did. So she just continued... she'll deal with him later.

"The South Pacific Railway is gonna act as our guide, following it all the way through New Mexico, Arizona, and ending in California. I hear Captain Wallace is around nearby. I expect he'll be following close, trying to get me back for the bullet I gave 'em. Everyone is to stay as a group other than scouts. Its gonna be a tough ride." She gave a small grin, adjusting the Colt Peacemaker at her side. "But that's how we like it."

The men gave a cheer as she concluded her speech. Kicking her horse into a run, they headed out if El Paso. They may return one day.... she knew she wouldn't.

------------------------
​

After getting a few miles out of town she slowed the pace, easing the group into a steady trot. It wasn't long until the passed through Las Cruces. Wayne was barely visable as he and Adam rode ahead, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

"When we're done, Imma buy myself gallons of whiskey."

"Ha! What you should be doin' is buying a hot bath!"

"Shaddup! I smell better than you do!"

Eva shook her head as her men talked aimlessly about what they had planned after this last mission. She just kept her mouth shut and her eyes forward. Not all of them were coming home and she knew it.

"Boss, what chu got planned?" Dave asked with his deep Southern accent.

"Don't know yet. Just see where the days take me, I suppose." joining my family... She couldn't let her men know about that.

Dave was about to say something when Adam came close. "Boss, we found a way across the Grande. There's-a bridge not far ahead. Seems sturdy 'nough."

"Seems sturdy enough or is sturdy enough? There's a big difference."

"Well, it ain't much more than a walkin' bridge, but it held Wayne and his horse without breaking. That's gotta count for something."

She chuckled. Yeah that counted alright. If it could hold the big man. "Alright, get back up there and tell him to we're coming."

He tipped his wide brim hat then rode quickly away.

The bridge WAS just a walking path. Old and rotten, it was amazing it was still standing. Boarded missing, a discouraging creak at the lightest breezes.

"It's the only one for a few miles, boss. I say we do it." Wayne said, gesturing to the the west. "I didn't see another one anywhere near by."

Eva gave him a skeptical look. "You gotta be shittin me, Wayne! You got a death wish or something? That bridge looks like it'll fall if we put one foot on it!"

Wayne shook his head. "It held me fine."

Eva sighed, leaning back in her saddle. Did they really have any other choice? Its either cross here or ride for miles more before finding camp and the horses were growing tired already. "Fine, but we go one at a time. You don't set foot in the bridge till the one before you is off, ya hear?"

The men nodded slowly, all glancing nervously at the edge and down at least a good thirty feet and. The jagged rocks below didn't help anyone's fear. Wayne was the first to cross, then Adam, then a few others. Each step causing a creaking and a groan. She groaned herself as her turn was coming closer. God she hated heights.

Oh, holy hell...

"Alright, June. Keep it slow and whatever you do, don't look down."

 

[marauder13]

Jim lay quietly, watching the show below. Eva and her posse arrived at the bridge, and the scout was making his pitch for them to use it.

"I hope that mouth of yours is good, buster. Get 'em crossing that pile of dry rot and you'll make me one happy fellow."

More discussions followed, Eva sounding less than impressed when the wind changed enough to carry their voices. But the fellow who found the bridge sold her on the idea, and he walked his horse across the bridge, crossing the river safely. Jim smiled.

'When are you going to try and cross, Eva? Are you going to make this easier, or more difficult?'

One at a time, her companions crossed the bridge. He caught the occasional creak of wood, but the bridge stood up well to their passage. Jim watched the numbers dwindle on his side of the river, Eva watching them go across. Then, as it was just her and one other man left, she started getting herself ready for her turn. Jim, took aim on the stick of explosive he placed. The current person crossing was halfway, and Jim couldn't risk having Eva on the bridge.

The shot rang out like a boom of thunder. a small patch of wood bloomed in a puff of splinters a couple of inches away from where he was aiming. Wasting no time, he reloaded took aim, adjusting and fired again. Closer by the wood chips flying. A second later, the third bullet slammed into the rotting wood, frustrating close. The rider closest to Eva had an idea of where Jim was, and was trying to shoot back, but his pistol lacked the range. A couple of the riders on the other side of the river opened up with their own rifles, but they fell wide of the mark.

Jim reloaded, and took his time aiming. He took a breath, slowly letting half of it out. He held his breath, firmed up his aim and squeezed the trigger. The closer half of the bridge ceased to exist. The shower of wood fragments obscured the area for a few seconds, then Jim heard a massive, low groan as if someone was giving up, followed by a man's cries of terror that grew further away.

Both Eva's and the other fellow's horses threw their riders as they were scared by the sudden explosion. Jim took aim on the other fellow as he scrambled to his feet, pumping two shells into the man. He dropped to the ground, dead or dying going by the amount of blood soaking into the soil.

Jim scrambled to his feet, going down the back of his vantage point to go grab his bounty. Hoping all the way, he didn't have to kill her.

 

[BeautifulDream]

The bridge must have been at least a decade old, if not older. Rotting wood was a quick sign. The boards holding it up decaying and splitting. The weather hadn't been fair to it at all. How had it even survived this long? Larger, more well structured were built to last, not to mention constantly fixed up... bridges like this were only constructed as a quick means across the wide river.

Eva watched carefully as her men slowly walked across the dreadful bridge. Her breath catching as each hoof dropping caused a new groan, a new sign if breaking. But it held as they passed over, her own turn was coming up. Why had she agreed to this? They should have searched for another way across. It was too late now.

She glanced toward Jess, the youngest member of the group and the only one remaining on her side. He didn't look scared but she could see the way his hands shook lightly. His blue eyes moving quickly over the bridge.

"You alright, Jess?" She asked, forcing her voice to be calm.

He swallowed hard before responding, his gaze traveling to her. "Yes, ma'am, I am."

She gave him a small nod, looking back at the bridge. The last man almost toward the end. Her turn. "It held the big guys without falling, we should be easy." Yet she couldn't shake the feeling something was going to go wrong.

Eva gave a small kick to the horse's side, forcing her to turn to the bridge. Here we go...

The sound was easily recognized. A gunshot booming near by. She couldn't tell where it came from, but it was close. Her horse bucked back, turning in a quick circle. She pulled on the reins trying to calm June when another shot rang out. The wood splintering and flying up toward her. June jumped again, her erratic movements making it difficult to hold on.

She heard an inaudible shout. Sounded like Wayne but she couldn't be sure. Another shot... this time behind her and across the river. "Wayne! Get them out of here!" She shouted, her left hand moving to her right hips, pulling the pistol out of the holster. She couldn't tell where he was. But the moment she could see him, she could kill him. Her gun was the best in range. Eighty yard easily, a hundred with a good aim and a steady hand. She just needed to find the assailant.

Another shot pulled her attention away.. an explosion following. Her side of the bridge flying into pieces, wood chips crashing to the ground beside her.

June let out a terrified neigh, her front legs pulling up high at the shock. She couldn't hold on. With one hand grasping her pistol, she had no way of staying on the horse. Her body slid back, slipping out of the saddle, crashing to the ground. The air was forced out of her lungs as her ears rang from the explosion, the pistol falling out of her hand.

Time seemed to stand still as she rolled slowly to her side, her back aching, her lungs trying to pull air in. She saw Jess trying to stand, apparently his horse didn't like the situation either. Two shots. "No!!!" She screamed as blood stains growing on his shirt. He's too young to die... He fell onto his knees, a soft gasp passing through his lips before he fell face first to the ground.

Eva scrambled to grab her pistol, aiming it toward where she thought he may be. She cocked the hammer back, pulling the trigger, shooting in pure rage only hoping to hit the bastard. She cocked and pulled until all she heard was clicking.

"Fuck!" She shouted. Her ammo was on the horse.

The other gun shots stopped. She moved herself to her feet, glancing quickly at Jess. He was dead, she knew it. Wayne had gone as she requested, but he'd be back. As soon as he had a better handle. She didn't even know how many men were out there, where they were. And her gun was empty.

She was definitely in a bad spot and the only option was to run...

Eva breath came in quick pants, her mind racing as she looked for her now gone horse. Looks like she's traveling by foot. God damn it, June!! Once she found that damn horse, she was going to give her a piece of her mind.

With one last glance at the dead boy, a feeling of guilt washing over her, she turned on her heels and ran in the direction away from the bridge. Her feet moving in large strides.

She wasn't sure how long she had been running. All she knew is she had to put as much distance between the bridge where the unknown man was and herself. There wasn't much cover nearby, maybe a few trees to hide behind but none large enough to conceal her. Then she saw it, the rocks. She aimed herself at them, running as fast as she could before sliding down behind the biggest one she saw. Even then she didn't feel safe.

That boy is dead cause of you....

No! He knew the risk when he joined up with her.

Yeah, but you should have turned him away...

She pulled her hat off, dropping it to the ground, then her empty gun. Curling her hands into her hair, her chest heaving from the running. Was it really her fault he had died? She didn't pull the trigger but she still felt as though she was to blame. Her pulse slowed as moments passed, but the guilt hadn't faded. Why did she have to hire men? Especially if she knew they would soon enough die.

Because I couldn't do it on my own.

 

[marauder13]

The return fire made him naturally cautious when he reached the flat ground. He ran in short bursts, usign what little cover he could to his advantage. He looked about, scanning the vicinity for other members of her Posse. All of them had ridden off, which made his task a great deal easier. All he had to do was worry about one shooter rather than many.

The more he moved towards where he suspected her to be, the more tense he got in anticipation of a bullet coming his way. While it was hot, and he was sweating due to the heat, his nerves seemed to be making him expel water like the river near by. He slowed as he found the body of the kid he had shot. There was no need to check further. No one lived after loosing that much blood.

But there was no sign of Eva.

"Damned bitch." He jogged forward, finding her foot prints in the loose soil. She ran off, away from the bridge, and away from his vantage point too. Jim frowned slightly, then grinned. He ran back to his horse, planning on making the most of his advantage. When he got back to his horse, he got another surprise.

"How in God's name...?" Next to his mount was Eva's horse. The two seemed calm with each other. He approached slowly, coming up on the mare carefully.

"Well, thank you for coming over to meet me." He stroked the horse's snout, getting some happy nudges and sounds from her. "We can't just leave you here all alone, now can we?" He hooked the reins of the other horse to his saddle horn, and gently led her after him as he went hunting Eva. Her mount followed easily enough, and soon they were moving at a ground eating trot, while Jim slowed the horses from time to time to verify he was still on her trail.

The lack of cover worked both ways, making it easier for Jim to find her, but also for her to see him. He brought his horse to a stop, put his rifle to his shoulder, and fired a warning shot. Dust kicked up a few feet to her left, as well as just before her. He kicked his horse into another trot.

"Now, Eva, listen carefully. You can either surrender now, or I'll put bullets in your legs and stop you from running. Your choice. What will it be?" As he spoke, he closed the distance between them. He was closing on a distance where he couldn't miss her if she stood still, and had a fair chance of hitting her on the run.

"You've got no Posse to help you, and it will work better for you to surrender now. Otherwise, more of them will meet the same fate as the kid before the bridge. Plus, I have a one time offer of a horse you can ride, rather than walk."

He kept his eye on her the entire time, watching her and waiting for her to try and escape or attack him. Everything he knew about her told him that she was a capable fighter, and someone who planned out her actions in advance. Just because they were now one on one didn't make him feel that more comfortable. But she hadn't shot at him, nor taken the fight to him. This was not right from what he knew of her. Unless...

 

[BeautifulDream]

Her brunette locks were tangled from the wind, the running, the falling earlier. She ran her fingers through it, catching on a knot before jerking free, brushing it out of her face. Her heart had calmed back to a normal beat, her head cleared only a little.

The sight of Jesse laying there hit her hard, the more she saw it the more she saw Samuel in the same manner. Blood coating his perfect face, soaking the soil beneath him. Eyes open staring at her as she woke. She winced slightly, her body shaking in a silent sob. If the man could hit Jesse he could have hit her. But he didn't. He wanted her alive. Or maybe he wanted to make it fair. One on ten was hardly fair, but that was the point of having a Posse. Having the power.

Who was he? A sheriff from a neighboring town? A ranger? A bounty hunter? The last one was the worse. They only cared about the money, innocents did not matter. Shoot first, ask questions later. She couldn't stand them.

She thought for a moment about Captain Wallace, he was her latest trouble. Mr. Wallace was an over confident ex-Union solider. He caught her a few months ago in Kansas after she had done off the Swann Brothers. She chuckled once at the thought of him being after her. She had shot the Captain in the shoulder during their last encounter. His last words ran through her mind, "You think you're invincible? I'll get you one day, whore, I'll get you."

"And when the day you try again comes I won't just injury you, I'll kill you," She retorted, leaving him bleeding on the main street of that small town as they rode off. Maybe it was him trying to get her again.

She shut her eyes, leaning her body back against the rock. Whoever he was he was most likely looking for her, and she wasn't in any position to fight him off. A small sigh pasted her lips, she hoped this day would come later, at least when she was finished. She had come to far to lose now. Maybe Wayne was circling back or finding another way across. She was sure he wouldn't leave her to die, it wasn't in him.

The gun shot brought Eva's eyes open, staring into the distance as a man trotted toward her, his rifle resting on his shoulders. Another chance to shoot her, he had to want her alive. No sane man would willing miss twice. The sight of her horse walking beside his made her scoff. Traitor. After all they have been through June takes sides with the enemy.

He was close enough now for her to hear his voice. A deep command echoing through the plains. His words light a fire in her soul, making her body tense. So it was it was him, the man who shot down Jesse. Her eyes stayed pinned on him as she stood, her gun and hat remaining on the ground. She couldn't make out his face, the sun behind him creating shadows and blurring her. Dropping from the rocks, the soft thud as her boots hit the dirt.

She surprised herself as she kept her face calm, never betraying the anger the burned inside of her, the need to shoot the bastard. Stepping slowly toward the man, she slid the coat off her shoulders letting it fall into the dirt. Her fingers moving to remove her holster belt, letting it drop as well. Leaving her in a white buttoned blouse, trousers, and boots. Completely unarmed. She stopped, at least a good ten feet from him. Her arms moved slowly, palms facing up, she surrendered.

 

[marauder13]

It was in those few moments that anything could happen, and normally did. Which was why Jim was tense as a bow string while Eva made her way out into the open. He knew he could put the bullet right through her heart at the range she was, and he was ready to do it too.

But the tension flowed out of him as he watched her shed her coat, and gun belt, and approach slowly with her hands held out wide.

"I thought you were a smart woman, and it's good to see it in action." Jim holstered the rifle while he drew a pistol to keep her covered. He slid off his horse, grabbing the manacles he needed and walked over to where Eva stood.

"Since you're being smart about this, put both your hands forward, wrists close together." When she complied, he secured the manacles to her wrists. He grabbed her coat, and gun belt. Seeing she had no gun or hat, he looked around and found them, bringing them back with his haul to his horse.

"Come on, let's get you mounted up." With her hands in front, she would be able to get onto her horse by herself. He mounted up, and brought his horse close to hers. "Now, just in case you get any ideas." Jim tied her hands to the saddlehorn of her saddle.

"I'm going to take care of you, Eva." He put her hat back on, sitting it so she could see well enough as well as get good shade. "We wont be going too fast, so you wont be getting dragged along the ground. I'll make sure that you get enough food and water. Behave, and I will be a good companion. Misbehave and you'll regret every moment that follows."

He turned their horses around, and headed back to El Paso. Outwardly, he appeared relaxed, but he was far from. His attention was evenly split between his captive and the surroundings. Now, the hardest part of his job was coming into play; keeping the captive. Again, he kicked the steeds into a ground eating trot. He needed to get back to town quickly enough for them to get the train to San Fransico before her Posse, or other excitable friends and associated, attempted to free her from him.

He took the time to check on her as they rode, so she didn't feel like she was being ignored. He felt no need to talk to her just then. It would probably happen once they were on the train. Jim had too many things to keep his mind on to include aimless chatter.

The ground moved along swiftly, and it wasn't long before they could see the outskirts of El Paso in the distance.

 

[BeautifulDream]

"I thought you were a smart woman, and it's good to see it in action."

You don't know the half of it, bucko.

Eva watched the man, her hands staying out before her as he bound her hands. She felt the need to thrust her knee into his groin then quickly thought better it as she eyed the pistol. He may want her live, at least that's how it made it appear so far, but she was sure if she pushed him he'd kill her. Still the urge to cause him pain was still there. He killed Jesse, and even if they were outlaws that was still unacceptable in her eyes.

Keep calm...

She followed his orders without so much as a single expression. Her face not betraying any thoughts or her plan. She just placed one boot in the stirrup, swinging her body up and over onto her horse. She squeezed her legs tightly against the horse causing June to adjust. Eva made damn sure the horse knew she was pissed. The black mare neighed in response as she squeezed as tight as she could before letting go as the man moved.

To be honest, she hadn't expected him to tie her hands up. It made getting to the knife in her boot all the more difficult. It made the plan playing out in her head all but voided. Fuck. It made her jaw clench so she wouldn't say something she may just regret.

"I'm going to take care of you, Eva. We won't be going too fast, so you wont be getting dragged along the ground. I'll make sure that you get enough food and water. Behave, and I will be a good companion. Misbehave and you'll regret every moment that follows."

Maybe she was just being cocky, but she actually scoffed at his words. If she had her hands free then she wouldn't still be on her horse. And neither would he.

The ride was quick, not all too fast, but quick. Her eyes stayed before her along the way, never once glancing toward him as the wheels in her head turned. Perhaps she could shimmy the knife up? No, that wouldn't work all too well, she could drop it. Maybe kick Little Miss June into high speed? The horse could run, that she knew. But didn't help that he had the guns still, he could shoot her before she got too far away. She needed her hands free. She tugged slightly at the rope, trying to test if she could slip it off the saddle-horn. It wasn't happening.

Then El Paso came into view, and a short while later the train station.

A slow smile curved onto her lips, he'd have to untie her when she dismounted her horse. She could move quick enough to get the knife. And the crowd of people help all the more. Disappearing into the gathered people would be easy. Not to mention there was most likely there would be a few cavalrymen around, as there normally were. He couldn't shoot her at the train station.

She turned her head, the smile still wide on her lips as she spoke to him for the first time. "Better hope no one that wants me is on that train. Because it'll be you regretting things, not me."

 

[marauder13]

Jim slowed the horses to a walk, giving him the time to refine his plans and ideas before he needed to put them into action. The town was her home ground, and there were sure to be at the very least eyes and ears friendly to her scattered about. He wouldn't put it past her to have a few capable friends that did nothing but stay in town for just such an emergency.

"Better hope no one that wants me is on that train. Because it'll be you regretting things, not me."

He glanced over to see her broad grin shining back at him. He returned the gesture in kind.

"Well, I'll deal with that when I get you on the train. Anyway, you're mine, and if anyone thinks of taking you from me, they'll wish they hadn't."

He kept his usual routine of scanning the surrounds and checking on his captive. Since they were moving slowly, he took the time to have a drink from his canteen. He moved himself beside Eva.

"Here, have some water." He held the canteen to her lips, watching her reactions and adjusting his to accommodate. He gave her enough water to drink without spilling any, or holding any back from her. He put the canteen back, then reloaded his rifle and checked his pistols. Happy that all were fully loaded, he nudged his horse into a trot, bringing Eva's mount along as well.

He decided that there would not be any way of hiding her while getting her onto the train, he would do something that he wouldn't normally do. He rode into town in the same way he did the first time. Openly.

As they closed on El Paso, he felt himself tense up in readiness for the trouble he was sure was waiting for him. One hand held the reins of his horse while the other sat on his thigh, exactly half way between his pistol and the rifle. His eyes moved constantly, trying hard to detect the slightest movement, while checking everyone in sight thoroughly.

'Jim, that was not the smartest move on your part. You're not Daniel, and this ain't no lion's den. If fact, this is closer to the Valley of Death. In more ways than one. Well, let's get her to the station, and see what happens between now and then.'

Jim poured every once of his self control into not kicking the horse into a full gallop, which would be too dangerous for his captive if he did, and to turn in his saddle and look around behind him. He knew where he was going, he knew where he was, and he was ready for whatever was going to happen.

He didn't care what Eva thought of him or his actions. She was in part his safety as they rode. If the lead started to fly, there would be a great risk that they would hit her too. Which is why he pulled her a little closer as they moved through the main street. Not even he would risk taking a shot if his target was that close to a 'friendly'. But then, he wasn't some farmer or shop owner who maybe fired their piece once in a blue moon.

'All I need to do is get her to the station, then I can forget about this problem and focus on another one.'

 

[BeautifulDream]

Eva couldn't help but grin at the man in front of her. A cocky sonofabitch ain't he? The question was, when worse came to worse could he really live up to his words? She doubted it. Then again, if any other man put a bullet in him, she would rain hell on them. He killed Jesse and damn it she was going to be the one to make him pay for that.

"Here, have some water."

His horse was right next to hers, he was just so close. She thought about throwing herself at him for a moment. Truth was, it would only end up hurting her more than him. Thought dismissed she simply tilted her head back, letting the water fall into her mouth as he poured slowly. She didn't swallow, she turned her head and spit it to the ground. As thirsty as Eva was, she wasn't going to make anything easy for him. Hell if he planned to get her anywhere, she'll starve herself before he can get her there.

Her eyes moved about, watching him load his weapons, watching him eye things as they rode. He was nervous, she could sense it. It made her grin all the more. This most likely isn't his first time, so why is he so nervous? Her eyes pulled away from him, from the guns, landing on the town. She could see the confused looks on the peoples faces. All wondering why she was being dragged behind this strange man no one recognized. She nodded to them, a simple acknowledgement not some signal. They couldn't do anything. Even though they owed her for a lot of the things she had done around town, none of them would act. They wouldn't risk their lives for her.

The sheriff wouldn't either, but maybe... just maybe she could get him to do something.

Eva adjusted herself as much as she could within the saddle. Her eyes flickering from the sheriff's office barely visible down the road to the man pulling her horse.

"Seeing as I ain't getting away anytime soon, why don't you and I make friends?" She said with a smile. "Eva Chapman, but I'm guessing you already know who I am."

 

[marauder13]

Jim was busy concentrating on his surroundings that he almost missed his bounty's attempts at talking.

"Seeing as I ain't getting away anytime soon, why don't you and I make friends? Eva Chapman, but I'm guessing you already know who I am."

Jim turned his head enough for his voice to carry easily to Eva, but not taking his eyes of potential trouble. She was smiling, which immediately put him on guard for something not going his way.

"Well, Miss Chapman, I'd like that we go on all friendly like, but you don't seem to be the one who wants to get on good terms with a fella like me. Since you spat out the water I gave you earlier, I guessed you didn't want nothing to do with me." He continued to look around. "As for my name, well, if you prove to be good enough, I might tell you at a later date. But not right now."

He kept some of his attention on her, but most of his focus was on everything around him. Given the success of this woman, Jim was sure that Eva had something up her sleeve. Some safety or backup in town for just such an emergency. The train station was getting closer, and Jim was feeling more relieved as well as more anxious at the same time.

Jim saw the Sheriff's office, and pondered whether or not to make use of one of the cells inside while he waited for the train to arrive. He quickly dismissed the idea, as the Sheriff was probably on the take. Jim decided that he had better odds remaining outside than he did going inside anywhere with his bounty. He kept them moving towards the train station at a steady walk.

 

[BeautifulDream]

"Well, Miss Chapman, I'd like that we go on all friendly like, but you don't seem to be the one who wants to get on good terms with a fella like me. Since you spat out the water I gave you earlier, I guessed you didn't want nothing to do with me. As for my name, well, if you prove to be good enough, I might tell you at a later date. But not right now."

Eva kept the smile up, a small laugh hidden in her throat. Well ain’t he a friendly guy! Her head turned slightly, glancing toward the road before back at him. Regardless of the fact that he was her warden at the moment, she felt a ping of interest. Something about him made her want to know more. Why was he so nervous about where they were? Who was it that hired him? Hell, she just felt the urge to know more about him overall and she couldn’t explain why.

“I wasn’t thirst, that’s why I spit it out. Nothing to do with the fact that it was your water.” She said, eyes moving back to him. “Why drink when you ain’t thirst? Although I appreciate the act.” She didn’t, not really. She knew it wasn’t a kind act, it was one he had to do to either earn her trust, which didn’t seem likely, or to keep her live. She doubted that he actually cared about her comfort. Why would he? She was just another paycheck. The man wouldn’t even tell her his name. Was it because she thought she’d use it for something? Get the word out about who he was? It was just a name. Eva shrugged. His name really didn’t matter. “You don’t wanna tell me your name, your choice. I was just trying to get to know you, that’s all. You know, small talk. Looks like I’ll be stuck with you for a while.”

But, hopefully not. She didn’t say it.

Damn it, June. Slow the hell down, girl! Give me time to think.

Eva’s eyes kept moving, taking in her surroundings. She knew the town well from her stay, but now she was seeing it with a completely different mindset. She had to figure out something…. anything! She just needed a damn way to get away. The sheriff’s office was coming closer and she had no plan. Hell, he still probably wouldn’t even do anything. But, she had to try. Something…. anything!

Her eyes went down, studying the binds that held her to her horse. She pulled at them; no, that wouldn’t work. Perhaps she could shout and make a scene? That would draw a crowd, she could escape in a crowd. Only if she could get off of her horse, which didn’t seem like something that was possible at the moment. The sheriff could try to stop him. Maybe distract him enough to give her a fighting chance. Maybe… just maybe.

Eva’s mind clicked. A thought came to her. All she needed was his attention. What could happen after that might be nothing but it could possibly be the help she needed to get free. The horses were bringing them closer to the sheriff’s office and all she had to do was spook the horses and make it look accidental. The horses could get his attention.

 

[marauder13]

Jim was bordering on nervous, but still keeping himself cautious. Eva's small laugh at his reply spoke of how cool she was feeling, or trying to show. Either way, that made him be a little more alert for trouble. He would feel a lot calmer once he got her out of El Paso. He never liked playing on someone else's home ground.

He respected her for what she had managed to pull off in the years she was raising hell. She wouldn't stay quiet for the sake of being helpful. No, he was certain she was being quiet because she was planning something. His problems was trying to find out what before she did anything.

“I wasn’t thirst, that’s why I spit it out. Nothing to do with the fact that it was your water. Why drink when you ain’t thirst? Although I appreciate the act. You don’t wanna tell me your name, your choice. I was just trying to get to know you, that’s all. You know, small talk. Looks like I’ll be stuck with you for a while.”

"There's plenty of time to talk later."


Sheriff Jake Brayden heard the news and couldn't believe his ears when the young lad raced in almost out of breath.

"A rider's got Miss Chapman all tied up, an' he's heading to town."

Jake waved off the boy, cursing the Lord for doing this to him. Jake was a smart man, and knew the types of people Eva was dealing with. She was doing what he wanted to do, but couldn't because he had to act within the law. He could have tried to stop her too, which was his duty, but everything happened outside is jurisdiction and no one had come to tell him to look out for her. Plus, she behaved in town, and the money was spread out and helped the locals. For that, Jake sorta turned a blind eye.

Now she was being dragged in by some bounty hunter, straight back into her lair. He didn't know if he wanted to help her out, or let her suffer her fate. He sat lost in his thoughts until he got the sense that she was there. The background noise of the town changed, like the calm before a storm. He eased himself from his chair, checking his weapons before he went out the front door.

Sure enough, there was a man leading what looked like a well bound Eva on her horse. The fellow was taking in everything around him, coolly as possible under the circumstances. Jake did nothing save move his head slightly tracking the pair as they approached. The Sheriff was nervous, but pushed it down deep.

When the pair were close enough, Jake just nodded to the rider, then glanced at Eva, his face showing nothing of the turmoil within.

 

[BeautifulDream]

A small smile casted toward her warden. The need to say I sure as hell hope not held. Eva knew if she didn’t get away while they were still in town, then there wasn’t much hope of getting away at all. She knew the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, but being wanted wasn’t going to make it easy. Especially without the posse. Anyone who recognized her could easily try to take her, and while she could shoot her way out of pretty much any mess, it was going to be extremely hard.

I won’t fail you, Sam. I promise to destroy the man who took you and our boy.

Eva swallowed hard. She may be able to put up a hell of a good front, but truth was, she was worried. Never, in all of the years that she has been doing this, had she been caught. At least not by anyone who concerned her. Wayne always got her out. Or she got her own way out. Bribery, murder, she always had a way out. Then again, she always had an idea of who was after her. With this man, she knew nothing, and it didn’t help that he wasn’t so willing to share who he was.

One thing that she did know was that she had a promise to keep. She wasn’t one for breaking promises. Even if it did not bring Sam or William back, she had no intention of giving up. James needed to die. He had to die. She could rest peacefully or join her family until it was done.

Eva gave a silent sigh, eyes locking on the sheriff’s station. She saw the movements within as they grew closer. Then, just as they were passing, the sheriff appeared in the doorway. Hello, Jake. More words held on the tip of her tongue. The dilemma of greeting him or just ignoring him. The warden could be a little upset by the fact that she knew the sheriff and vice versa. So, simply a nod was casted back. A small smile quirking on her lips as they passed by. Then her eyes were off of him. No signal given.

The man could pick up on that and it could end badly. But, she still had hopes to get word to him.

The plan about spooking the horses was still in play. Eva glanced down at the mare. She only hope it’d work the way that she planned.

She knew people would be about. Workers working. Stores selling different items. Children playing. There were plenty of people. The boot furthest from the man slipped out of the stirrup. The heel coming down hard on June’s side, as hard as Eva could push it. The horse reacting the way she hoped, neighing loudly, bucking up as she ready to run. But, Eva had other plans. The arms tied to the saddle, the saddled buckled to the horse. She leaned back and away as far as she possibly could. Tilting the horse as she lost her balance.

June went down just as she hoped.

And, it hurt like a bitch.

Eva's breath fled from her lungs as the heavy horse came down on her. A curse held between clenched teeth. The pain shooting through her trapped leg as the horse tried to gain its bearings.

"Oh my god! Are you alright?!"

She heard the shout, head turning toward where it came from. Two men, farmers from the looks, were running toward her. Hand's extended, one going toward the horse's reins to try and control her, the other toward Eva. She shrugged the hand as it reached her shoulder, her voice low but fierce. She had only moments before her bounty hunter would be off his horse and near. "Tell the sheriff a thousand dollars if he gets me out. Tell him if he doesn't I'll burn the town down."