| �The job needs to get done Kevin. Those girls are going to be the biggest help in getting Curly Bill and Johnny Ringo.� �Let them hang them own selves. Ya know trouble is brewin� with that gang of Cowboys and the Earps?� �I heard, it�s the talk of the town.� �Somethin� is goin� to go down, we�ll just be there to lend a helpin� hand.� �That could takes years and ya know Howie don�t want that Kevin.� Alex sighed and took his hat off. �Ya can�t think of them as ladies Kevin.� �And think of them as what Alex? Whores?� �It�s what they are.� �But not by choice Alex. These women were pushed into fendin� for themselves.� �I know that.� �Whatever happens, these women are strong, a lot stronger than what we�re given credit to.� �And a lot smarter. Howie told ya what happened when he talked to Jane?� �I don�t recall.� �Blew him off. These ladies know we want somethin� and know we�re going to get it.� �And they want somethin� in return.� Alex shrugged and smiled. �Could just be a fair trade.� Kevin shot him a look. �It ain�t no fair trade Alex and you damn well know that.� �Ya just never know Kevin. Though, Tombstone might be a fine town to retire in. Lovely ladies.� Kevin laughed and shook his head. �Let�s head out now.� He watched as she drew the dress back into the water and scrubbed down the board once again. He could only laugh to himself as she cussed out the dress. �Wanna wash my shirt while you�re at it Mary?� Mary quickly whirled around and shot Nick a death look. �I hate doin� my own clothes, you want me to do yours?� �It�s a woman�s job.� She planted her hands on hips and mimicked just what he said, making a face as well. �Did you want somethin� to drink? I think someone just made some tea.� �Thank you Nick, would be awful nice of you, but I�m fine. Just this one dress and I�m as good as done.� �Did you want to do something tonight?� �Like what?� �I found a pretty little place a few miles out of town. Thought we might make a picnic for dinner.� Mary shook the dress out and glanced at Nick, seeing the smile tuggin� at his lips. �Just you and me?� �Yes ma�am. You didn�t have to work tonight, did you?� �I�m supposed to work every night as it goes.� �I can�� �Don�t even dare say those words Nick. There�s some men I�m allowed to be kind to. Sure you won�t get into trouble?� �Never.� Mary walked over to him and shoved him down in the chair and sat on his lap, sliding her arm around his neck. She grabbed the hat and threw it on the ground. �I have a question for you Nick.� He swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled. �Yes ma�am.� Her lips found his cheek and placed a gentle kiss there. She slowly worked along his jaw till her lips were barely above his. �Why are you so interested in me? What is that gang of boys you have?� Nick tried to focus on what she was saying but was losing the battle of his wits; with her on his lap and her body pressing against his. �Nick!� Mary quickly pulled away and glared at Howie. �I do recall we have to work to do.� �Yes sir. I was just talkin�.� �Looked like you were doin� more than talkin�. Hit it up Nick, we gotta ride.� Mary moved off his lap, offering her hand to help him up. He smiled as he placed a small kiss on the back. �I�ll be back, so have dinner ready darlin�.� Mary smiled and nodded her head, watching him walk off. �So very close.� �Yes Annie, I was. Damn that Howie.� Mary smirked as she turned to Annie. �You know sister, if we want to find out information, I�m thinkin� we�re gonna have to seduce these men. But we�re gonna have to make sure Howie is far away.� �Sweet Mercy, Mary, such a devious mind you have.� �Rachel darlin�!� Mary called. I sat down on his lap, taking his hat off and ran my hands around the brim. �Yes ma�am.� My gaze flew to his and I smirked. �You�re ruinin� my business Howie.� �I�m sorry ma�am.� �I hardly doubt that.� I leaned against his chest and smiled to myself when his arm slipped around my waist. �Though, you can help us.� �In what sense?� �We need money.� �I ain�t robbin� nothin�.� �Oh, no, I�m not thinkin� that at all.� I caught his earlobe in my teeth and I heard his quick in take of breath. �Howie, it�s quite plain I want you and,� I moved my hips a little and smiled, �it�s plain you want me.� �I don�t deny you�re lovely ma�am.� I pouted my lips a little and frowned. �I don�t want you to think I�m just lovely hon. I want more than that. I want to prove to you I�m not lousy at all.� Howie jumped a little and shook his head. �Ma�am, I don�t, I mean, I know you�re not lousy.� �Just what in dear God�s name is goin� on in here?� I jumped up as I heard the door slam open and moved off of Howie�s lap as I stared into Ringo�s eyes. �Johnny, didn�t know you were back in town.� �I am.� He stalked towards me and I backed away, my back hitting the wall. �I�m takin� what is mine.� �I will never be yours and you damn well know that you little piss ant.� His hand connected with my cheek and I quickly covered it. �Don�t tempt me to hurt you woman.� �That�s enough Ringo. Leave the lady alone.� Johnny turned around and glared at Howie. �It�s your fault. You came in this place, turnin� their minds against us.� �Get out Ringo.� He glared at Howie and quickly stalked out the door, slamming it behind him. �Rachel.� �Don�t touch me. Do you understand that I just lost my money. Everything that has happened is your fault. Damn you Howie.� I ran past him and upstairs, slamming my bedroom door behind me. �They�re gone.� |
| Journey Of The Heart By: Resa Dorough (thanks to Terri for the title) |
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