Thump In the Night

The little girl rode contentedly inside of the covered wagon alongside her little brother who was playing with a wooden horse that his father had made for him. She tried not to think about the savages whose land they were going through but the task was easier said then done. Despite her father’s reassuring words that the passage was safe for travel, the girl kept a knot in her stomach. They were heading out west to Oklahoma, the government was promising free land and her pa just couldn’t pass up an opportunity like that. Ma of course raised no objections to the venture nor did her brother who was all too anxious to see the ‘wild west’. Alexandra on the other hand, was full of questions and concerns. She had tried her best to dissuade her father. As a last resort she had even run away from home but her folks found her before night fall holed up in her friend’s cellar. So here she sat with her little rag doll listening to her parents prattle on about their plans for the new home.

The next thing she knew she was thirteen, sitting at a wooden table snapping peas. Dreams have a funny way of jumping around melding one’s entire life into mere seconds. Alex grinded her teeth together in response to the unwelcome image in her head for she knew all too well how the dream would play out.

“Alexandra, can you please take your father his lunch? He’s out in the fields today.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She eagerly took the basket containing the food and scurried out the door breathing in the familiar scent of earth and livestock.

Hidden under the protection of the trees the girl watched as her father was shot down in cold blood. Sinking to her knees she covered her mouth with her hands to keep from screaming tears streaking down her face unchecked. Once she felt certain that the men were gone she ran to the figure lying in the dirt. Collapsing to the ground at his side she threw herself across him and cried not caring that his blood was staining her dress.

Alex began to thrash about in her bed on the floor causing the blankets to twist around her. A light sweat now covered her body.

She sprinted all the way home, her braids flapping behind her. She didn’t know how her mama was gonna handle the news but she knew that she had to tell her. Being the eldest of the three children, it would be Alexandra’s responsibility to take up the slack around the house until her brother was old enough to do a man’s work. As she rounded the bend she was startled to see the sky glowing orange. A sickening feeling came over her and she slowed her pace not wanting to see the source of the eerie light. The sight from the knoll made her vomit on the spot – her home was completely engulfed in flames and there was no sign of her mother and siblings. Scanning the area for the perpetrators she carefully worked her way down to the side of the barn. Her heart skipped a beat as deep voices issued forth from within.

“I don’t see anybody else around, Blake”

“I guess that’s all of them then. With no survivors, the land is free and clear for the taking. The boss will be pleased.”

“I don’t like burnin’ that woman and her kids up like that, Blake. She would have givin’ us the land once she knew that her husband was dead.”

The sound of a gun went off causing Alexandra to jump she bit her lip to keep from screaming. “Anybody else not like the way I do things?” There was some incoherent murmurings. “All right then, let’s get out of here before the neighbors come snoopin’ around.”

That’s when Alex got a good look at the men. She saw their faces for a mere second or two each but that was all it took for them to be forever imprinted in her mind like a brand upon a steer.



* * * * * * * * * * * *


Nelly sat at the little table in the kitchen having a cup of tea with Ran when they heard the thumping from upstairs.

“Gracious, Nelly, what is that?” asked her startled guest.

“I’m afraid that’s the poor girl. She seems to be plagued by terrible dreams.” Replied Nelly looking warily up at the ceiling, “some nights are worse than others.”

“Should we wake her?” Ran jumped as another loud thump reverberated off the walls.

“I wish I could but she keeps her door locked. I take that as meaning she wants to be left alone.” Taking a sip of tea the older woman tried to ignore the thrashing sounds being emitted by her tenant.

Feeling awkward with the situation, Ran decided to call it a night and let herself out the back door. She was already feeling anxious due to the break-in that night, her nerves wouldn’t be able to take all of that racket. Slipping in the side door of the neighboring house, she blocked out the sounds of the young girl’s distress.

Nelly placed the teacups in the sink and tiptoed up the stairs stopping at Room 3. Placing an ear to the door she could hear moaning and crying from within. Nelly wiped away a tear that ran down her cheek. “Poor dear,” she muttered. Feeling helpless, she reluctantly retired to her bedroom across the hall. Upon closing the door she went to her knees in prayer on behalf of the girl.

Botched Job(Alex)

After stopping by her room at the bed ‘n’ breakfast to retrieve the green duffle bag containing the weapons and ammo, Will led her to a remote stretch of beach where she was able to shoot the guns without worry of bothering anybody. After about an hour or so of this they began to loose daylight; packing up the bag they decided to go for a stroll along the shore line. Again the brilliant colors of the sunset left Alex in awe. Not able to keep walking and watch the sunset, the young man found a nice spot in the sand where the two of them could sit and watch the sun sink into the ocean. The image from the little box came to mind and Alex wondered if it could show the future as well as the past. Not wanting to entertain such heavy thoughts at the moment, she relaxed and allowed herself to enjoy the moment.


* * * * * * * * * * * *


Alex awoke with a start. Something had startled her out of her dreams but she wasn’t sure what it was. Straining her senses in the darkness of the room, she held her breath waiting to recognize the object of her unrest. Crash! Some where in the street below the sound of glass shattering disturbed the silence of the night. Reaching under the bed, she grabbed the duffle bag and pulled out the double barrel shotgun, shoving a handful of shells into the pocket of her shirt. Not bothering with shoes she rushed down the stairs in her nightshirt and quietly slipped out the door.

Carefully maneuvering within the shadows of the buildings she found the source of the commotion to be coming from the This ‘n’ That store a block over from Nelly’s. Standing in a doorway directly across the street from the shop she waited for the perpetrators to appear. She didn’t have to wait long before two scruffy looking characters came out with two bulging sacks of stolen merchandise. When the men stepped into the street Alex made her move, emerging from the shadows she startled the men to a halt.

“Good evening, boys.” she said calmly while aiming the shotgun at them from her hip the hammer already pulled back. “I don’t believe the store’s open right now so you might want to put all that stuff back unless you’re prepared to pay for it.”

The men started laughing. “Yea, whatever, lady. Why don’t ya go home before ya get yourself into trouble. No tellin’ what fellas like us might do to a fine piece of meat like you.”

Just then about six other men stepped out of the store. Alex held her ground not taking her eyes off of the derelicts in front of her. Not sure of the situation at hand, the rest of the gang remained on the sidewalk in front of the vandalized building. For several heartbeats nobody moved then suddenly the lowlife on the right reached for a gun hidden under his shirt. Alex fired off two shots in rapid succession without batting an eye. While the two foolish thieves fell in slow motion to the pavement, the cowgirl chambered two more cartridges, her attention now on the men in front of the store.

“You all drop whatever you’ve taken out of the store and head on back to where you came from. We don’t want your kind around here.” The pathetic lot weren’t sure what to make of the girl. Conversing amongst themselves they debated on what to do. Several of the foul men began to raise their voices while gesturing wildly at the dead bodies lying in the street. After a few more angry words, they came to the conclusion that their fun play wasn’t worth their lives. Doing as they were told, they dropped the stolen items to the ground and walked away dejected and humiliated.

After she was sure that they were gone, Alex lowered her rifle and took a deep cleansing breath. The hidden bystanders began to divulge upon the crime scene. Her actions were met with nods of approval and hearty pats on the back. Feeling uncomfortable with all of the attention, Alex excused herself from the crowd and retreated to the sanctuary of the B&B.

Nelly stood in the doorway with her bathrobe pulled tightly across her large bosom, her eyes contradicting the smile on her face. “Come in dear,” she said bustling the partially clothed girl into the house. “you should really wear something warmer next time. You’ll catch your death running about like that.”

Alex smiled after the kind woman as she hurried off to the drawing room to retrieve a throw that she affectionately wrapped around the shivering girl. Gently, the short woman guided her guest up the stairs to room 3 as if she were a sick child instead of a woman who had just killed two men.

“Will you be alright in here on your own, dear? I’d be more than happy to stay with you if you need me to.” Tears glistened in Nelly’s eyes and she blinked rapidly to keep them at bay.

“I’ll be fine, Nelly. I’ve done this before.” Giving the owner what she hoped was a reassuring smile Alex closed the door to her room. Going over to the desk she turned on the little lamp and proceeded to disarm and clean the shotgun before going back to sleep. Even though she had taken lives before, she still couldn’t seem to steal herself against the emotions that threatened her sanity. She felt as though she was being pulled in two directions, one side being the woman that she was who knew right from wrong; the other side being the killer that she had become who didn’t shed a tear when a man fell down dead because of her bullet.

Not wanting to fall asleep with such perplexing issues on her mind, she reached for the little box on the nightstand. However, when she opened it she did not see the couple sitting on the beach, instead, they were dancing around a beautiful ballroom smiling and laughing while people stood around the edge of the room watching. Feeling her tension ebb away, Alex closed her eyes allowing sleep to steal upon her like a thief in the night.

A watcher?

Salvatore closed the laptop and got up from the desk. His apartment was sparsely furnished but to him it was comfortable. He didn’t want or need for anything. Scanning to insure that everything was it its rightful place he shrugged into his top coat donned his fedora and closed the door behind him. Carefully he navigated the old creaky stairs between his floor and the main floor of his apartment building.

Stopping at the head of the stoop Salvatore Giuseppe took in the sights and sounds of the ‘city’. Grasping his overcoat by the lapels he shrugged into it one last time and reseating his hat started on his daily trek across town to the Serendipity. His slow, steady gate carried him past a remnant of an ancient forest left standing by those that have, over the years, developed in the ‘city’’. Sal was not attuned to the supernatural by any means, but each day as he passed the remnant he could feel it pulse and vibrate with an energy not readily visible. He had always wanted to explore that energy but that quest was not his to undertake. Still images of centaurs, talking animals and huge floating eyeballs came to him unbidden as well as visions of creatures that required concerted effort to merely describe to those not privy to his visions. Still trying to make sense of the images, as he did every day, Sal turned and continued on toward the Serendipity and his friend Phae. That and the overpowering desire to partake of some elderberry juice prompted his daily trek.

Parting the hazy fog that seemed to perpetually hang around the bar, Salvatore stepped up to the threshold and turning the knob walked into the Serendipity.

Glancing around as he closed the door behind him the elder gentleman surveyed all that was there. He did notice that there was a table that had been moved off to the side near the piano that still had sitting at it a dwarfish man. Curiously enough that gentleman had been at that same table for the past several months as near as Sal could recall. Shaking his head slightly at the uniqueness of the situation Sal move on up and took a seat at the closed end of the bar.

“Good day, Phae”

“Salvatore, how is it today?”

“The Remnant seems more active then usual.”

“That it does, seems like others have been talking about it. Got an elfin friend that should be comin’ down in a day or two for his monthly, maybe he’ll know what’s going on over there.”

“Perhaps. Elderberry juice?”

“On the way” Phae replied retrieving the special carafe from the small fridge beneath the bar. Pouring Salvatore a snifter full of the only beverage he ever drinks at the Serendipity, Phae slid the glass to Salvatore.

“How’s Casey? I don’t see her about.”

“She wanted a day off to meet with her brothers Michael and Gabriel. Seems like her dad’s been concerned with her and the company she’s been keeping.”

“I’m sure he only wants what’s best for his little girl” Sal replied lazily sipping from his snifter.

“As do all parents.” Phae shot back wiping down the bar.

“So Phae tell me, how have you been doing?” Salvatore asked raising the glass to his lips.

“Hhhmmm….why don’t you tell me, Salvatore.” Phae replied arms crossed on his chest, standing directly across the bar from Sal.

“What do you mean?”

“It is what you do isn’t it?”

“What?”

“Watch me. Isn’t that why you are here?”

“Phaedrus, I’m just an old man that stops by periodically to partake of some elderberry juice.” Sal replied feigning an insult to his person.

“Salvatore Giueseppe, you have been watching me for the last twenty some years. You know more about me then anyone other then me. I can’t seem to figure if you do it for yourself or if there is some sort of organized effort to record my life.”

“Phae, that is just plain paranoid.”

“Perhaps it is, perhaps it is.” Phae responded retrieving the twin sabers that he kept beneath the bar. Carefully Phae unwrapped them and began to rub then down with an oilclothe.

Salvatore watched with an eye trained to pick up every nuance of that which is being observed.

The two men continued their games, knowing that both knew more then he was letting on.

People are Strange, When you're a Stranger(Alex)

After a few inquiries at some of the shops, Alex found herself standing in front of a posh looking clothing store called Armani. Shaking her head in astonishment at the elaborate window display she entered the glass door and was immediately greeted by a well dressed man who introduced himself as George. Alex wasted no time in presenting her idea to the gentleman but felt certain that he wouldn’t be able to help her. However, George reassured her that although he preferred working with silk and polyester, he was well learned in manipulating leather also. Seeing the girl’s doubtful expression, he took her up to the second floor of his shop where his creations were in various stages of assembly.

Alex was startled to see so much activity in one room. Workers were at various tables laboring on projects that George had designed. Lining the length of one wall and stacked just as high were bolts of fabric in every color and pattern imaginable. Two large peg boards covered another wall where drawings and sketches were displayed. There were even two people who did nothing but try on the finished product. All the while there was the constant hum of sewing machines drowning out all other noise.

“This is very impressive, George, but I think I’ve come to the wrong place for what I need.” She looked apologetically at the man who was smiling like an idiot.

“Nonsense, my dear. I will simply get some measurements off of you and by tomorrow you will have a gun sling that fits you like a glove.” Not waiting for another objection, he picked up a yellow measuring tape and without warning draped it down the center of Alex’s back. The girl stiffened at the touch but held her tongue all the same. After a few minutes of measuring and scribbling on a paper, George felt satisfied with the information and escorted Alex back down into the shop.

“Come back tomorrow afternoon and I’ll have your leather holster ready for you to take home.” Giving her an encouraging smile he gently led her to the door and bid her good day.

A large clock in the window of Gabe’s Furniture told her that she still had three hours to go until her rendezvous with Will. Spotting a bench further down the street she decided to have a seat and observe the neighborhood for a bit. There seemed to be an endless array of motion in the town, it put her in mind of an ant hill. People and vehicles were always moving and everybody seemed to be in a hurry. Some of the people had the strangest behavior, like talking into a small rectangular device that they held up to their ear. It reminded her of a phone but quickly dismissed that idea as there were no wires attached to the palm sized object. Another curious thing was the black glasses everybody seemed to wear. “How can anybody see where they’re going?” she wondered. Despite the hectic pace, everybody seemed to know everybody, especially the store owners. If you wanted to know anything about anybody, you need only ask one of the shop owners. Alex felt sure that if she sneezed half the town would know about it by nightfall.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been sitting on the bench but the numbness of her rear and the hunger pains in her stomach told her it was time to get going. Within minutes she was standing in front of Al’s Diner. Not able to ignore her stomach any longer, she reluctantly went inside hoping to find something more edible than her last ‘meal’ here. Taking a seat at one of the window booths she waited for the sassy server to come and take her order. As luck would have it, Will arrived in time to help her pick out her food. Trusting his judgment she placed an order for vegetable soup and coffee.

“I’m sure Nelly will feed you more when you get back to the B & B but that’s the only non-greasy thing they have in here.” he said while running a hand through his brown curly hair. “I take it we need to stop by your room to get the guns . . .”

Alex nodded her head slowly while trying to concentrate on what he was saying. She didn’t know why but she found it awful hard to concentrate when she was around Will. Her behavior annoyed her to no end “it’s not like you’ve never been around men before, Alex” she silently chastised herself for such foolishness.

“Alex? Alex are you listening to me?” Will was starring at her with a confused look on his face.

“Umm, I’m sorry, Will. What were you saying?” Her face flushed with embarrassment and she fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth. Before Will could say anything their food was brought out.

“Here ya go, you two. Will you be needin’ anything else right now?” The girl popped her gum loudly causing Alex to jump.

“No thank you, Susan, this will do just fine.” replied Will kindly.

Alex was thankful to have the food to look at instead of the handsome face before her, maybe now she could follow the conversation. Taking a sip of her soup, she was happy to find it to her liking.

“As I was saying,” began Will, “I thought we could go into the forest for you to practice.”

Alex’s head shot up so quickly that she forgot that she was about to take a bite, spilling soup down the front of her shirt. “No, we are not going into any forest.” She fought to control the panic in her voice while dabbing at the soup on her blouse.

“Come on, you don’t believe all that stuff about creatures in the forest, do you? That’s just something parents tell their kids to keep them out of the place.”

“No it’s not.” Putting down her spoon she looked the young man in the eye and firmly stated that they would not be going anywhere near the forest.

Seeing that the girl was dead set against this location Will racked his brain for another isolated spot. “I know, how about the beach. If we walk down a bit from the houses we’ll be pretty much left alone.”

“We’re not going toward the forest though, are we?” Alex asked nervously.

Smiling at seeing this vulnerable side of her again he reassured her that they were not going anywhere near the forest.

The popping of chewing gum announced their server’s arrival. “You two love birds doin’ alright? Need a touch up on the coffee?” she asked holding out a pot of hot coffee. Both Will and Alex declined kindly and Susan withdrew with a shrug of her shoulders.

“One of these days I’d like to eat someplace where they don’t chew that awful pink stuff.” Remarked Alex irritably.

Will burst out laughing, “I promise you, Alex Milds, that you will eat at a four star restaurant before the month is over.” Alex gave him a baffled look which only caused him to laugh harder. Wiping the tears from his eyes he announced that they should get going.

Girl Talk(Alex, Nelly)

After finishing her shower and other bathroom duties, Alex headed downstairs to the kitchen, smiling at the click-clump sound that her new boots were making on the wooden floors. She was also in a good mood because her many wounds were finally starting to go away, just the scabs on her back and the red marks on her ankles and wrists remained. Stepping into the kitchen she spotted several lumpy white bags stacked in a corner.

“Mornin’, Nelly” she said while still eyeing the bags.

“Good morning, dear. Those are for you,” replied Nelly, noticing the direction of the girl’s gaze. “We’ll get to them after breakfast. Pancakes sound good to you?” She pulled out a flapjack laden platter from the warmer and set it in the center of the table.

“They look good, Nelly, can’t wait to try one.”

“Why wait, dig in, dear.” Smiled the older woman as she brought over two cups of steaming coffee.

The two women fell into a comfortable silence as they devoured their first few bites. Having eased their hunger they felt human enough to hold a conversation.

“Nelly, do you know where Will lives? I need to get in touch with him about a few things.” Asked Alex as she took another bite of the golden cake.

“Why don’t you just give him a call? I’m pretty sure I have his number written down some place.” She gave Alex a mischievous smile, “He is a right handsome boy, isn’t he?”

Alex blushed at the statement, “I haven’t noticed,” and with that she shoved a forkful of food into her mouth. Nelly chuckled in amusement at the girl’s discomfort and continued to eat.

After breakfast, Nelly made good on her word and found William Paris’ phone number. Using the phone in the living room, she dialed the number and handed Alex the receiver, leaving the girl alone to conduct her business.

“Hello?” Alex’s heart did a flip-flop upon hearing the familiar voice on the other end.

“Um. . . Hello, Will. This here’s Alex.”

“Oh, hey there!”

“I was wondering if you could help me out. . .”

They had a polite conversation and in the end Will had agreed to meet Alex after work and take her to a place where she could target shoot. She was to meet him at five o’clock in front of Al’s Dinner.

Returning the phone to its cradle, Alex returned to the kitchen where she found Nelly finished with washing the breakfast dishes. “So are you going to show me what’s in the white sacks?”

“We’ll need to take them up to your room,” grabbing two bags and gesturing for Alex to do the same, they went upstairs to number 3. Dumping the contents of the first bag onto the bed, Nelly explained “Some of the ladies in town have noticed your clothes. As a thank you, they sent over these for you to look through and take. Some are new and some are used but hopefully you’ll find a few things to fit you.”

Alex stared at the clothes, amazed by the variety in both style and color. Picking up a red leather skirt she quietly told Nelly that there was no way she could wear one of these things. “Just pick out what you would wear, dear, the rest we’ll send back.” Before Alex could make any other objections, the woman began pouring out the contents of the other bags. Seeing no way out of it, Alex proceeded in rifling through the garments.

“Here, try this on.” suggested Nelly as she tossed Alex a black button up shirt with long sleeves that ended in a ruffle. “Simple, yet feminim plus it would look great with your boots. Reminds me of a pirate.”

Alex looked around the room for a private area to change into the shirt, “Oh, don’t be shy, I wont look.” And Nelly turned her back on the girl.

Alex quickly began disrobing and was just about to slip on the black shirt when Nelly gasped, without thinking Nelly had glanced up into the mirror above the dresser and saw the girl’s many stripes on her back. “Good heavens, child, what happened to you?”

Alex finished putting on the shirt before answering the stunned woman’s question. “I had a run in with a few unsavory animals. Now how do I look?”

Nelly eyed her suspiciously “It looks good on you, dear, but why don’t you tell me what really happened while we continue trying on clothes.”

That was all it took for the flood gates to open. Alex told the woman everything that happened to her starting with the sand storm in Mexico. By the time she had finished, Nelly sat sobbing on the bedside clutching a handkerchief to her face. “You poor thing.” She repeated over and over again.

“It’s alright, mam. I’m here with you now.” Alex folded the last of the clothing that she had decided to keep and stuffed it into one of the drawers. Patting the teary eyed woman’s back she took a seat next to her on the edge of the bed. “I’m really alright, Nelly.”

Looking up into the young girl’s emerald green eyes, Nelly dried her tears and smiled, “You’re right, dear, but would you please let me take a look at those wounds of yours to make sure none of them are infected?”

“If it will make you feel better,” muttered Alex as she lifted the back of her shirt for the woman.

Fresh tears sprang to Nelly’s eyes as she surveyed the mutilated flesh. “They seem to be healing up just fine but I’m afraid you’re going to have some nasty scarring.”

“I figured as much,” replied Alex lowering her shirt. “It’s really nothing to worry about, who’s going to see my back anyway.”

Nelly gave hear a sympathetic smile and began rebagging the remaining clothes. “You did pick you out some nice things, dear. Next we’ll do something with your hair.” having completed her task she left the room before the girl could reply to her last statement.

Alone in her room, Alex stretched out across her bed feeling both physically and emotionally exhausted. She wasn’t used to sharing personal information with people and yet she felt better at having done so. It was like a big weight had been lifted from her. “Maybe there’s something to this whole friends thing.”

While lying on the bed an idea flashed in her mind regarding the weapons. Getting up she approached the desk and retrieved a pad of paper and a pen. Quickly, before the image was gone, she began sketching a design for a “back holster” for the double gauge shot gun along with some other ideas for toting her weapons. “A pirate, huh?” she mumbled recalling Nelly’s words. “And this town is my ship” she thought finishing up her work she glanced over it before heading downstairs and out the door in search for a leather craftsman.

The Feline and the Hare

“Rufus, what are you doing out of the forest? There are no rabbit holes around here.” The tabby cat flicked his tail in annoyance.

“I was sent here by Glottack. Seems Tavalox wants an eye kept on the girl.” the brown rabbit twitched his nose as a gentle breeze blew across his whiskers. “Don’t go twitchin’ your tail at me you flea bag, you’re spying on her too.”

“I’m here for more noble reasons, not to be someone’s snitch.” replied the feline indignantly.

“Snitch, I’m not a snitch, I just know who I have to answer to. Besides that human has stirred up a hornet’s nest. Did you know she escaped the mountain?”

“Indeed I do. Who do you think helped her?” answered the cat with a rather smug look on his angular face.

“Why would you do a hair-brain thing like that? You know that girl tried to eat me!” Rufus shifted his weight in frustration.

“Too bad she didn’t succeed,” purred the feline squinting its green eyes at the rabbit.

“Now listen here, you disgrace of an animal, you can’t talk to me like that. I’ll tell Tavalox on you.”

“I dare you,”challenged the cat as he licked a dainty paw.

Rufus began hopping up in down in anger, snagging one of his large floppy ears on a twig. “Ow! Now look what you made me do. Are you happy?”

“Yes I am” coming to his feet the tabby turned its back on the rabbit. “Better hope the humans don’t spot you, I hear they enjoy a good rabbit stew now and then.” And with a flick of his tail the cat disappeared into an ally.

“I hope you choke on a fur ball!” he hollered after the striped feline. “I hate that putty tat,” he grumbled as he hunkered down for another sleepless night.

Magdalena

Moknine was one of the smaller towns that dotted the Mediterranean coast of Tunisia. Brandy quietly made her way streetside toward her target. The high volume of tourists made it easy for her to ‘blend in’. She carefully picked her way through the volumes of clay pots that denoted the rich heritage this seaside town had. Paying careful attention to those shops spilling light into the street through their soiled panes Brandy steadily made her way toward The Olive Kiln, a local seaside hotel. Her target had been placed there fifteen minutes ago by Stormcenter satellites after nearly two weeks of tracking.

Brandy turned the corner and knocked a rather frail looking man into the cobblestone street and onto his butt.

“I am so very sorry,” Brandy said extending her hand to help the old man up while also attempting to keep her eyes on the front door of the Olive Kiln not a block in front of her.

“No ma’am it was my fault I should walk with my head up, my boots do just fine without my watching them.” he replied placing his bowler back atop his smooth, shiny head.

“She’s still in there.” He replied turning and continuing his slow journey.

Brandy walked up to the front door and entered quickly not realizing what the old man had said until she started up the stairwell toward the third floor. Stopping she momentarily thanked God for the information.

With a step that told of much training and with a practiced eye the lithe young lady entered the dingy hallway. Slowly she made her way toward a doorway at the opposite end; the only doorway emitting any light into the inky blackness that surrounded her. Straining her every sense Brandy cautiously continued down the hallway searching for the slightest atom out of place.

Her skintight bodysuit moved with her as if it were the hand of a lover. Unlike those men and women she had been with her ‘uniform’ was far more necessary to her well being. Composed of Kevlar laced with a fine mesh of microtubules it protected her from all but the most insistent of threats. Climate controlled though it was Brandy still could not suppress a chill as it ran through her bodysuit clad body. Knowing herself as she did she immediately realized that her reaction was not due to the environment but rather her shiver was a response from her ‘celestially’ attuned senses. One of the Infernal was nearby and may have sensed Brandy as well.

Finally reaching the door Brandy quietly focused her concentration on what was on the other side of the door. Reaching out with senses granted her as the Magdelena by Yahweh, Brandy silently prayed for the boon of sight, hoping to glimpse what was in store for her. The vision granted her did not register as something her earthly experience could explain, she saw two people laying on a bed joined at the torso like some kind of macabre domino.

Withdrawing from her prayers and focusing once more on the material Brandy deftly fingered the small belt pouch near her right thigh. Feeling the liquid metal stud fill her hand she willed it into an eight foot staff. Taking a step back into the hallway Brandy violently kicked the door right next to the doorknob. Exploding into the room Brandy followed the door passing it as she continued deeper in, leaving it hanging awkwardly on its bottom most hinge. Looking across the room and seeing in person what God was trying to show, Brandy now understood why her vision had not made sense.

On the small twin bed the demoness Lilith was in the process of consuming her latest john. She was ingesting him feet first with her genitals, thus the appearance of a fleshy, doubles domino.

“What now little girl? Will you attempt to dispatch me in my vulnerable state?” Lilith asked knowing that she could not reasonably fight in her current condition.

Brandy scanned the room for any immediate signs of any ‘lilins’ that normally were not far from Lilth when she manifested on our plane. Since turning her back on God and being banished she had purposefully mated with any and every Infernal being. The offspring of those unions provided the basis for her own personal army. The bevy of demonic beings fulfilling Lilith’s every wish.

“It is not my boon to dispatch you demoness. Senoy, Sansenoy and Semangelof have been granted that task by Jehovah. Their plans are unknown to me; I have come for the essence you guard.” Brandy shook off the mesmerizing affect of watching Lilith feed and searched the room for the small glowing vial that was her true target.

As her search progressed Brandy started hearing with increasing frequency small scratching and scrambling sounds in the rooms surrounding her and saw as well that only the shoulders and head remained of Lilith’s meal. Not wishing to encounter any of Lilith’s children, nor wishing to face Lilith herself, one on one, Brandy stepped up her search.

Three things then occurred simultaneously or as nearly so as we mortals would have been able to ascertain. Reaching into a small coat Lilith had apparently tossed onto the floor near the bed Brandy found the vial she had been sent to retrieve. At that moment a sudden onrush of demonic forms tore the door off its last hinge as her ‘lilin’ finally responded to Lilith’s silent calling. Brandy responded by flipping up the hood of her cloak, engaging the invisibility circuitry and launched herself out a nearby window.

She silently watched from across the street as the window continued to ooze demons as more and more children responded to their mothers call and searched for the Magdalena.

Riddle Me This(Alex//Riddles)

Having finished a wonderful ham dinner, Alex retired to her bedroom to think things through. She needed to prepare herself for whatever lay ahead. Before turning on a light she crossed the room to one of the windows and peered out. Once more a brown rabbit was perched beneath the bush across the street but this time he wasn’t alone, an orange tabby cat was huddled next to him. “Odd couple,” She thought aloud while pulling the shade down. Opting for the softer lamp light, Alex began arranging her blankets on the floor. Kicking off her new boots she stretched out on the blanketed floor and allowed her mind to wander.

She hadn’t been asleep long when a knock on her door roused her from her dreams. Bleary eyed she fumbled her way to the door, “Who is it?” she croaked.

“It’s Ms. Nelly, dear.”

Alex rubbed the sleep from her eyes with one hand while opening the door with the other. Squinting into the hall light she recognized the short round form of Nelly.

“Sorry to bother you, dear, but Sam just brought this by. Thought you might want it in here as I don’t know how to use the things.” Flipping the light switch Nelly entered the room in order to place a worn green duffle bag onto the bed. She was about to leave when she spotted the blankets on the floor. “What on earth?! Don’t you like your bed, dear?” she asked, concern clouding her small brown eyes.

“It’s fine. I’m just not used to such luxuries; it will take a bit of gettin’ used to is all.”

Nelly shook her head sadly. “I’ve certainly got my work cut out in taking care of you.” And with that she bid good night and left the room.

After locking the door, Alex went directly to the large duffle bag. Unzipping it she sucked in her breath in awe as she carefully removed the first item, a 12 gauge double barrel shotgun. Caressing the weapon’s cold metal, she set it aside on the bed in order to retrieve the next item, a 30-30 Winchester. It was very similar to the one she used to have with only a few modifications, one being some sort of looking glass device that she would soon discover is used for sighting. Last but not least she pulled out a pair of six shooters, twirling them about in her hand she smiled at the choice of her weapons. Also inside were various boxes of ammo for each weapon. Meticulously, Alex studied each fire arm, cleaning it down and familiarizing herself with their mechanisms. Satisfied with the barrowed weapons she placed the items back into the bag and slid it under the bed. In the morning she would search out Will and see if he knew of a place where she could target practice.

Feeling confident now that she had some protections about, she quickly fell into a peaceful sleep.



* * * * * * * * * * *


Riddles approached the entrance to Red Lantern Ally wearily. Although he had changed into street clothes he knew that nobody would mistake him as a regular to this rat infested area. Patting the bulge under his left arm that contained his 9mm, he squared his shoulders confidently and entered the disgusting street.

He was glad that his destination didn’t require him to go too deeply into the abominable place for he wished to do his business and get out of there as quickly as possible. Refraining from covering his nose from the stench, he casually worked his way through the filth. Spotting the Crowing Rooster, Officer Riddle left the deplorable conditions of the street. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim light, he spotted his companion at a dirty table in the corner. Casually he strolled over to the bar and ordered a beer. Having received his beverage, he joined his shady looking friend.

“So Officer Riddles, what brings you to my part of the town?”

“I have a business proposition for ya.” Taking a swig of the stale drink he continued on “Me old neighborhood is rebellin’ against me. Seems they don’t want to pay up. They hired themselves a pretty little girl to protect them. I want you and your friends to teach them a lesson.”

“And what’s in it for me?” hissed the scruffy man while staring down his bottle of vodka.

“A handsome salary for starters. Plus you and your men can keep any booty that ya may acquire along the way – no questions asked.”

The bearded stranger looked Riddles in the eye, searching for some trace of a set-up. “I’ll do it but I want some cash up front.”

“Done.”

“Riddles, if I find out this is some scam and you take me and my men to the cleaners, you’ll never live long enough to regret your mistake.” Choking down the alcohol saturated worm, the man slammed down the bottle satisfied.

Riddles tried to hide his shaking hands as he reached for his own drink. “Meet me at the edge of the ally tomorrow evening and I’ll have your money for ya.” Rising from the rickety chair he exited the bar. “Thugs are so easy to hire,” he smirked with glee feeling braver now that he was out of the presence of the menacing character.

Change of Plan

Alex kept a death grip on her seat as Will absentmindedly maneuvered the streets pointing out various things as they sped along. They had already made several stops since leaving the little produce shop, some were to restaurants and hotels, and others were to residential areas for shut-ins and elderly. The scenery shifted every few blocks, exposing a variety of life styles. Alex found the outing both terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. Other than seeing the town, she found that she was enjoying her companion as well. He seemed to know a little bit about everything and was more than willing to tell her all about himself.

Will explained that the reason they delivered to so many areas was because Trumper’s was well known for its honesty and fair prices, both of which were hard to come by now days. Each piece of produce was inspected personally by Mr. Trumper himself. Will had started working for him when he was 10, sweeping the floors and taking out the trash. Through hard work, he had earned Mr. Trumper’s trust and respect thus providing young Will with a steady paycheck.

Will had left home for a brief spell when he was seventeen to “see the world.” He found free passage aboard one of the many ships in the area in exchange for his cleaning skills. He had been gone only a year when he received word that his mother was ill. Catching a ride on the next ship home, the young man said farewell to his wandering ways. Returning home, he resumed his job at Trumper’s much to the delight of the aging man. Will relocated his mother to one of the above store flats in the neighborhood and hired a young girl to stay with her while he was at work. Will never said what was ailing his mother but she seemed to need constant supervision and some very expensive medicines.

Before long the delivery van pulled up in front of Nelly’s Bed and Breakfast. Parking on the curb, Will removed the last bag and escorted the pretty young girl to the kitchen door. Knocking to announce their arrival, they entered the unlocked screen door.

“Why, hello, Will” Nelly bustled into the kitchen wearing a smile. “Just put the bag over there on the counter.” She gestured to the spot. When the delivery boy stepped to the side he exposed his partner for the day. “I see you’ve found my girl” she patted Alex’s back causing the girl to flinch in pain. Nelly gave her a puzzling look but quickly dismissed her thoughts as a figment of her imagination.

“Yes, mam, you can say we ‘ran’ into each other on my way into the shop.” He winked at Alex whose face had turned a bright red. Nelly nodded with a knowing look and began unpacking her order.

“Looks good Will. Tell Mr. Trumper I said thank you.”

“Yes, mam.”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Nelly walked across the kitchen and retrieved something off of another counter. “This here’s for you and your mamma.” She handed him a beautiful golden crusted cherry pie.”

“Thank you, Miss Nelly. This will certainly lift Mum’s spirits a bit.” He took the pie in hand and turned to head out the door. Walking over to where Alex stood, he leaned down and whispered something into her ear that caused her to blush yet again. Nodding her head in the affirmative, he left with a big grin on his face.

“Well now, what was all that about, missy?” The round woman was all too eager to hear what Alex had been up to today. Alex took a seat at the kitchen table and filled her in on the day.

“Well, if you’re going to be seeing Mr. Paris again we must get you some decent clothing. It won’t do to have you running around in the same outfit day after day.” Nelly placed a cup of tea in front of Alex and then headed to the telephone. “Let me make a few phone calls and we’ll see what we can’t come up with.”

Alex finished her tea then retired to her bedroom her head buzzing with uncertainties and questions. Upon entering her room she flopped onto the bed with a sigh, “What are you doing, Alex? This isn’t your life, you have business to finish.” Somehow the words seemed hollow, she wasn’t convinced that she was supposed to leave here and return back to Mexico. After all, chasing down those men hadn’t brought her family back and it certainly hadn’t made her happy.

Reaching across the bed she picked up the now familiar box from the nightstand. Opening it, she was startled to see a new scene being played out. The happy pioneer family had been replaced by a young couple sitting on the beach watching the sun go down. The waves rolled in one upon the other, seagulls flew overhead or walked on the shore, all the while the couple sat entranced with one another. Alex attempted to remove the key once more and again felt the searing heat upon her skin. “What are you for?” in frustration she closed the lid on the happy couple.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked the reflection in the mirror. Falling down onto her knees she buried her face in her hands and cried. For so long she had had a purpose, a goal, but now she felt a need to change that goal. For the first time since her family’s passing she felt content with where she was at and who she was. She liked belonging to a community and having people to talk to but was it the right thing to do.

“Get a grip on yourself” harshly wiping the tears from her eyes she got back to her feet. Going to her saddle bag she began rifling through it until she came across the list of names. Instead of the usual anger that she felt every time she looked at their names she felt nothing. Disgusted with the whole thing she tossed the slip of paper onto the dresser and went downstairs to have a chat with Nelly. Alex needed somebody to help her make sense of her emotions before they drove her insane.

She was at the top of the steps when she heard Officer Riddles voice for the second time today. “Nelly, I’ve warned ya. No money, no protection.”

“I don’t need your protection, I’ve got Alex now.”

“Who’s this Alex fella that everybody’s talking about? I’m getting’ tired of hearing his name. Is he going to stop the drugs from coming in and the gangs?”

“I believe so, and she wont rob us blind doing it either.”

“Is he going to stop me?” The man’s face was purple with rage.

Fearing for Nelly’s safety, Alex rushed down the steps. “Yes, I am going to stop you.” She stood glaring at the disgruntled paddy.

“A girl? You’ve hired a girl to protect the neighborhood?” Laughing the officer backed his way out the door. “The lot of yas is crazy. I’ll leave yas to your own undoing. This isn’t even worth a fight.” He gestured wildly down the street in the direction of the docks, “Once they hear of this they’ll be on you all like flies on crap.” Turning abruptly on his heels he left the women staring after him.

“Well, that was easy,” remarked Alex happily coming to stand next to Nelly.

“Yes, that was easy, but now we have to get ready for the war.” Turning she retreated to the kitchen to begin preparations on dinner.

“What war?” Alex followed the woman into the kitchen and began cleaning potatoes.

“He’s going to let every thief, murderer, and drug dealer know that we’re easy game. They’ll come from miles around to lay claim to this area.”

Drying her hands, Alex approached the distraught woman, “I wont let that happen, Nelly, I promise you. Just get me those guns and I can take care of you and the rest of the shop keepers.”

Nelly brushed away a rogue tear and resumed her cooking. Alex now had her answer – she was going to stay and help these people. This was her life now.

Boy Meets Girl (Alex, Will)

Alex strolled down the sidewalk, taking in the sights and activities of the busy neighborhood. She new that this was just one little corner of a much bigger town, she had seen this first hand from up on the mountain. She was baffled at how so many diverse cultures could exist in one area.

She almost didn’t notice the angry voices in the side ally because she was so engrossed in her own thoughts. Stopping at the corner just outside of the darkened ally, Alex eavesdropped on the conversation.

“I’m a tellin’ ya now, kid, you best be handin’ over me money by weeks end or you and your mum can find a new place to be livin’. And it wont be in this neighborhood.” Alex recognized the heavy accent as that of Officer Riddle.

“I’m working as hard as I can but Mum’s sick and I had to use the money to buy her medicine.” The voice was strong and masculine and had a hint of an English accent.

“I don’t want to hear no sob story, I just want me money. I’ll be back on Friday. Sell your furniture for all I care but have the money.”

Alex quickly darted into a doorway not wanting to be seen by the dirty cop. After the man had passed she hurried to the ally entrance, colliding with the owner of the other voice.

“I’m so sorry, mister.” She backed up a bit so that she wasn’t standing right on top of the poor man. Glancing up she was startled to see a rather handsome young face looking at her with an amused look on his face.

“Are you alright, miss?” He placed a firm hand upon her shoulder looking her over for injuries. Alex blushed at his close scrutiny.

“I’m fine, thanks.” She forced a smile despite her embarrassment. “Should have been looking where I was going.” She started to step away wanting to put some distance between her and the fine looking fellow.

“Did you hear anything?” he inquired looking at her rather sheepishly with his big brown eyes.

Alex didn’t know why, but she couldn’t lie to the stranger. “Were you the one exchanging words with Officer Riddle?” The boy nodded timidly. “What’s your name?”

“William Paris but most people call me Will. And you are?”

Glancing around to make sure that nobody was within hearing range she quietly answered, “Alex Milds.”

“So you’re the infamous Alex.” He said with a smile that made his entire face light up. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Are you really going to try and protect this neighborhood?” Alex nodded, feeling awkward with all the attention she had been receiving. “I don’t think Officer Riddle’s heard yet but I’m sure he’ll be looking for you once the people stop paying him.”

Alex stared at her new boots, thankful to have them. Noticing the awkward silence she realized that the fellow was looking at her expectantly. “Is there something I can do for you, sir?”

“How would you like to tag along with me today while I make my deliveries?” he asked with a sincere smile on his face.

“I don’t know. I really should be getting back to Nelly, she’ll be wondering where I’m at.” She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt suddenly aware of the appearance of her clothes.

“No problem, we can use the phone at the store. Come on I know you’re new in town so this will give you a chance to see the sights and make a friend.” He gave her a mischievous smile, eyes sparkling.

“How can I say no to that” she wondered silently.

The two of them began walking in the direction that Alex had just came from. “I work at the produce stand on Elm Street. It’s just the next block over. I make the deliveries.” The young man talked nonstop, telling Alex all about the shops and their owners and filling her in on all the gossip. She discovered that her ‘tagging along’ was proving quite beneficial.

After a pleasant walk they finally arrived at the produce stand. It was a small shop with a lovely display of vegetable and fruits on hand. A faded wooden sign hanging at the side of the door revealed that the name of the place was simply called Trumper’s. A line of customers stood at the counter hands full of their colorful purchases.

“There you are, Will. I was getting worried about you.” A mature man with gray hair at his temples greeted them from behind the counter. “Who’s the lovely lady you’ve got with you today?”

“This here’s Alex Milds.” All movement stopped as the gentleman and his patrons ceased their activity to take a better look at the girl. Alex inched a little behind Will trying to hide from their prying eyes. “I’m gonna take her with me on my deliveries today so she can learn the town. If that’s alright with you, Mr. Trumper.” The young man seemed unaware of Alex’s discomfort, walking closer to the counter with her following close behind.

“I suppose that would be fine.” Replied Mr. Trumper still eyeing the curious girl. “The list is in the back, go ahead and get to work.”

Will took Alex by the hand and led her to the back of the store where they began putting together the orders and loading them into the back of a van. The produce market quickly sprang back into action now that she had departed from their sight.

“Don’t worry about them,” Will remarked as if he knew her thoughts. “Once people get used to seeing you and feel confident that you can do the job, they’ll leave you alone.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “This is the last of it, let’s get out of here.”

He climbed into the driver’s seat of the van and started the engine up. He was just about to pull out when he noticed that his passenger wasn’t with him. Hopping out he came over to the right side of the vehicle and saw a rather frightened girl looking apprehensively at the door of the van. “You alright?”

She looked at him her cheeks going pink, “I’ve never ridden’ in one of these,” she gestured at the idling vehicle.

“It’s just like riding in a car only it’s roomier.”

“I’ve never been in one of those either,” she admitted quietly.

Will walked over to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I wouldn’t put you in it if I didn’t think it was safe.” Opening the door he gestured for her to get in, “come on, you might even like it.”

Looking into his face she knew without a doubt that she could trust him. She climbed into the contraption somewhat awkwardly but she was in all the same. Shutting the door behind her, Will quickly hopped back into the driver’s seat. “Let’s go!” working the petals effortlessly they pulled out of the ally and onto the street.

Al's Diner(Alex)

Discreetly she slipped in the door and took a seat at the far end of the counter. She didn’t have to wait long for somebody to come over and take her order.

“What’ll it be, miss?” asked the server while blowing a bubble with her pink gum.

Averting her eyes from the nasty display of cud chewing, Alex looked over the menu for something appetizing. “Umm… I’m not familiar with the food here so I’ll take whatever you recommend.”

Popping another loud bubble, the dark hair woman hollered over her shoulder to the cook in the back, “Yo, Vinny, I need a cow smothered in cheese and painted red and yellow.

Do you want fries, onion rings, or chips with that?”

Alex could only shrug her shoulders as she had no idea what the woman was talking about.

“Small order of fries with that, Vinny.

“I suppose you don’t know what to drink either,” she said popping the gum again.

“Actually, if you have coffee I’ll take that.” replied Alex clenching her hands into fists at the irritating smacking sound coming from the woman.

“Sure thing, miss.” The annoying waitress finally walked away and Alex felt the tension leaving her body.

Turning on her stool she observed the tiny establishment. The place had a steady stream of customers ranging in age and appearance. At a table for four sat a group of old men engrossed in a checker game. Several couples occupied the tables that lined the large windows, some holding hands others absorbed in their eating. The counter was lined with mostly men who looked like they knew what a hard day’s work was about. The cook poked his head out of the kitchen from time to time to yell that an order was up or to tell the waitress that she needed to quit gabbing so much.

“Here ya go, miss.” The waitress placed a cup of coffee before her. “Your order will be up in a sec.”

Alex watched the girl walk away; she couldn’t have been much older than herself. She had black hair that was cut close to her head and large doe shaped eyes. The server was bantered back and forth with various customers all the while blowing and popping bubbles with that disgusting pink stuff. The girl was so slender that Alex feared that she would break if she fell on the floor but yet nothing about her said that she was fragile.

“Here’s your food” plopping the plate in front of Alex with a clatter, the waitress retrieved some silverware from beneath the counter. “Hope ya like it.” She stood there in her little pink and white uniform waiting for Alex to take a bite.

Alex stared at the food in front of her feeling certain that she would be sick if she ate it. Not wanting to offend anybody, she picked up the large greasy meat thing that was covered in cheese, ketchup and mustard and sandwiched between two large round slices of bread. Reluctantly she took a bite, fighting to maintain a pleasant expression on her face.

“What do ya think?” asked the smiling waitress.

Alex could only smile politely and nod her head. This seemed to satisfy the server because she left to tend to another customer.

Somewhere in the diner a phone rang and was quickly answered by the waitress. “Al’s Diner, Susan here. What can I do for ya? . . .No foolin? . . .Get out of here. . .”

“Susan, who the heck you gabbin with now?” bellowed the cook from the kitchen.

“It’s Roselle,” she said hanging up the phone, “says to keep an eye out for that Alex girl today. Seems she’s checking out the shops.” The whole place began to buzz with talk of the girl as the waitress spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. Alex looked down at her plate of disgusting food trying not to be noticed.

“I hear she escaped from prison” remarked a grungy looking man at the counter.

“Herald, you think everybody’s escaped from prison,” interjected another man from the counter causing the diner to erupt in laughter. “Besides, I’ve been told that she washed up from sea after the ship she was on was attacked by pirates.”

“You both are crazy” replied a middle aged woman who was standing in the door. “She’s a survivor of those dreadful raids at the docks.”

Alex turned to look at the newcomer and quickly averted her gaze having recognized her as another one of the visitors to the bed and breakfast this morning.

“How do you know this, Ran?” asked the cook as he emerged from the kitchen wiping his hands on a dirty dish towel.

“I can’t reveal my sources, but I can tell you that she knows the girl first hand. The poor thing came to her hungry and beaten. She didn’t even know how to use a proper bathroom.” Ran walked up to the counter her eyes taking each customer in turn. “She’s offered to help us. She’s going to protect us instead of that thieving Riddle. No more of our hard earned money will go to line his pockets.”

“And this girl’s just gonna risk her life for free I suppose,” remarked Vinny sarcastically.

“Of course not but I don’t think she’s looking for money either. I think that if we just show her kindness and help her learn how to live like a civilized person she’ll be quite satisfied. But a little money would be nice.”

The diner exploded in a heated discussion about how to pay the stranger and if they really needed her. Alex decided that she needed to get out of there before things got ugly. Placing two gold pieces next to her plate of uneaten food, she quietly slipped out into the street.

“Escaped prisoner, pirates, dock raids, where did they come up with this stuff?” she shook her head in disbelief.

Crossing the street to put some distance between her and the diner she notice a brown rabbit sitting in the doorway of one of the buildings. “That looks like the same rabbit I saw earlier.” While squinting to get a better look the large rabbit appeared to wave and then hopped away. “Now I know I’m seeing things. Must be that nasty food.” Dismissing the idea to pursue the rabbit, Alex headed back in the direction of the bed and breakfast.

Shoe Shopping(Alex, Rosealee)

Breathing in the fresh morning air, Alex glanced around the street. For a moment she forgot that she was in a strange place but was quickly reminded by a fancy motor vehicle speeding along on the road. “I sure miss seeing horses,” she muttered aloud. Stepping onto the sidewalk, she decided to take a right and see what was what.

The area was well kept and clean. Colored awnings protruded from various store fronts and wooden signs were on display announcing the name of various establishments. The people seemed friendly enough, not like the first community she had entered upon leaving the seaside. Here the patrons smiled or tipped their head at her. News seemed to travel fast as she caught bits of conversation revealing her identity and purpose. A knot of apprehension settled in her stomach like a rock “what do they want me to do?” She felt sure that all in due time she would have her answer.

Alex was stirred out of her musings by the sight of a slender well dressed woman eagerly gesturing for her to come over. Crossing the street she recognized the woman as one of those who had been gathered in Nelly’s dinning room.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Miss Milds. Come in and we’ll get you fitted for some shoes.” The woman held the door open before Alex with a smile. "Shoe for You" was meticously printed on a sign shaped like a lady's shoe.

Upon entering the shop, the girl was greeted by the aroma of leather and rubber. The smell was so strong that it was almost suffocating. “Do you mind if we leave the door open? I’m not used to smelling so many shoes in one place.”

The blond haired woman put a hand to her red lips to stifle a giggle. “Yes, Miss Milds, we can do whatever you please.” Promptly she retrieved a chair from behind the counter and used it to prop open the door. “Now what kind of shoes do you prefer? We have gym shoes, running shoes, walking shoes” she whisked Alex down an isle filled from floor to ceiling with boxes and colored leather shoes. “Over here we have stilettos, high-heels, and sandals.” They had stopped in the middle of another aisle surrounded on all sides by strange looking ‘shoes’ that reminded Alex of some kind of torture devices.

“People don’t really wear these things, do they?” Alex picked up one of the flimsy shoes and studied it before returning it to its spot.

“No heels then. What kind of shoes were you looking for, Miss Milds?”Asked the pretty woman apparently amused by Alex’s distaste of the fancy shoes.

“Please, lady, my name’s Alex and I’d like it if folks would call me that.” Again the woman stifled a giggle, a habit that was quickly becoming annoying. “As for shoes, I prefer boots, just plain old boots. Do you have those?”

The lady gestured to the back wall, “Right this way, Alex.” Alex followed the woman to the area indicated. Lining the entire back wall were every sort of boot imaginable – high boots, low boots, spiked heel and no heel, some with fur, some with shiny plastic. Alex looked over the wall carefully, her heart sinking as she neared the end.

“Don’t you like any of them?” Asked the woman with a hurt expression on her painted face. Obviously she was used to satisfying her customers.

“These don’t look like the boots I’m used to.” Glancing down the row she began pointing out various characteristics that she was looking for in the hopes that the woman could help her.

When Alex had finished her description, the shop owners face lit up with relief, “Why those are cowboy boots! Why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” Grabbing Alex by the hand she hurried to a small section on the far wall of the store. There in front of them were about twenty different pairs of western boots ranging in size and color.

“Now this is a boot,” remarked Alex as she picked up one of the selections.

After being sized, Alex finally slipped on a pair of black mid-calf leather western boots. Smiling with satisfaction she announced that these were the ones.

“Let’s find you some socks and you’ll be on your way.” Relieved at finding the right foot wear for the girl the woman left Alex sitting in a chair as she retrieved a package of white socks. “Here you go,” she said handing over the package, “you can go ahead and slip on a pair now so you can walk out of the store with proper foot cover.”

Alex gladly did as the woman directed. She smiled at the sensation of the warm socks on her cold feet. Sliding her feet into the new boots, Alex stood up feeling much more confident in her looks. “How much do I owe ya?”

“Not a single knout. You’re doing all of us a service, this is my way of repaying you,” she said as she guided Alex to the door. “You come back any time, and maybe one day you’ll walk out of here in a pair of heels.”

Alex felt guilty about not paying for the merchandise but she didn’t want to offend the lady either. Waving farewell and muttering a thank you, she left the woman smiling at the door. There was no denying that the boots felt great. Walking more comfortably now, Alex proceeded to scope out the area. Spotting a quaint little diner, Alex decided to stop in for some lunch and try to hear what was going on in town.

New Sheriff In Town

Alex awoke before the sun was even up. She quickly set about making the bed - she didn’t want Nelly to see that she had slept on the floor for fear of hearting the dear woman’s feelings. After finishing the task the girl decided to try her hand at the bathroom once again. Slipping out of her room she quietly locked the door and tiptoed to the end of the hall. Entering the small bathroom, she quickly flicked on the light and shut the door. Glancing around the room she spotted the various items that Nelly had purchased for her use. A glance in the mirror told Alex that she desperately needed a good cleaning. Having been shown the previous night how everything in the room worked, the girl felt confident enough to shower. Carefully, she adjusted the temperature of the water and turned the middle dial to get things started. A lovely cascade of water poured out from the faucet mounted high up on the wall and a billowy steam soon began to run out from the bathing area. Carefully disrobing, Alex stepped inside the tub releasing an audible sigh of contentment.

“It’s like bathing under a waterfall,” she thought smiling to herself and enjoying the warmth on her aching muscles. Looking at the bottle of shampoo in the corner of the tub, she carefully read and followed the directions. She was amazed at how silky her hair felt between her fingers. “Lye soap never felt like that” she though as she ran her hand over her hair once again. Spotting the bar of soap on a shelf she quickly went to work scrubbing off the layers of dirt and dried salt.

Feeling satisfied that she was sufficiently clean; she turned off the water and stepped out from the tub. Reaching for a towel she proceeded to dry off in the steamy bathroom. After having done that she looked at the dirty mound on the floor that was her clothes. Knowing that she had no other clothing to change into, she reluctantly put back on the soiled garments. A small purple brush sat on the sinks edge, Alex eagerly went about combing out her long auburn hair, pulling it back into a pony tail. Looking around the little room, she began straightening everything back up as she had found it upon her arrival. Happy with her efforts, she left the room for downstairs hoping to have a bite to eat.

As she was about to step foot on the hardwood floor at the bottom of the stairs, she heard voices coming from the dining room. “She must have gotten guests in last night.” She thought approaching the bottom step. As Alex rounded the corner to enter the dining room she was surprised to see that not only was the large table packed with people but the room was too.

“Oh, here’s the dear now,” said Nelly proudly as she worked her way through the throng of people to stand next to Alex. A murmur issued forth in the room as all eyes turned to look at the girl. Alex felt the heat of embarrassment still across her cheeks.

“What’s going on, Nelly?” she whispered to the older lady once she reached her side.

“Well, I was just telling a few of my friends how you stood up to Officer Riddle yesterday.” A round of applause interrupted Nelly. “You see, we have all been victims of his schemes, but no more. You’re going to protect us.”

Alex turned abruptly to look at the plump woman to see if she was serious. Her heart sunk as she saw the hope in the lady’s face. Slowly she looked at each of those who were gathered there and saw the same look repeated on each them. Alex was dumbfounded, “Now what have I gotten myself into.”

“Um, Nelly, can I have a word with you up in my room?” gently she reached for Nelly’s elbow and guided her to the stairwell.

“Is something the matter, dear?” asked the woman innocently.

“Why are all of those people down stairs?” she asked once inside of room 3. “What have you told them?” Alex was pacing around the room like a caged lion.

“They’re business owners just like myself, friends of mine. I just told them how you stood up to Officer Riddle and offered to protect us in his place.” Nelly was moving about the room tidying up invisible messes.

Alex stopped her pacing to stare at the woman in disbelief. “I never offered to protect you. I don’t even have a gun. For Pete’s sakes I don’t even have shoes!” she regretted raising her voice immediately but her frustration kept her from apologizing. Glancing out the window she noticed a brown rabbit huddled under a bush across the street.

“Listen, dear, I saw how you talked to that dirty cop yesterday. You might be young, but you’ve been around. I don’t know what they taught you down in that ship yard but you’ve got guts.” Coming over to stand next to the distraught girl she placed an arm affectionately around her, giving a slight squeeze. “We need you to do this.”

Alex nodded her head in submission she couldn’t say no to the kind lady who had taken her in despite her appearance. Together they returned to the crowd downstairs.

“She’ll do it!” Hollered Nelly the moment they stepped into the dining room. Another round of applause broke out in the room as people shook their heads in approval.

“Wait,” Alex interrupted raising her hand to quiet things down, “there’s a few things I’m going to need.”

“Just name it, miss, and we’ll get it for ya” a tall man standing in the corner shouted out and was met with a murmur of agreement.

“Well, to start with I need a couple of pistols and a shotgun with plenty of ammo to keep them goin’ should the need arise.”

“We can do that, can’t we?” Nelly asked looking at her friends for support.

“Oh, sure. No problem” came a reply by several men in the room.

“And secondly,” Alex paused for affect, “I need some boots.” She smiled while wiggling her toes on the hard wood floor. The room erupted in laughter.

“You just come by my shop this afternoon, miss, and I’ll get you taken care of.” replied a well dressed lady seated at the table.

With business taken care of, the crowd dispersed heading back to their various shops. Nelly went about straightening up the dining room. “Well, dear, you must be ready for some breakfast.”

Alex nodded her head and followed the ruddy face woman into the kitchen taking a seat at the table. She watched Nelly go about her cooking, all the while wondering what she had just agreed to do.

In no time at all Nelly placed a large plate of eggs, bacon, and toast in front of her accompanied with a cup of coffee. Taking a seat opposite of her guest she proceeded in saying the blessings. Having done so they set about eating the filling breakfast.

Seeming to sense the girl’s apprehension, Nelly reached across the table and patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, dear, you’ll do just fine. I reckon you learned a lot of useful stuff aboard those ships. I can sense things about people and you’re a strong one.”

Alex smiled at the kind woman but quickly furrowed her brow in confusion, “Ships? What ships?”

Nelly opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted by the telephone ringing. Shrugging her shoulders apologetically, she engaged the person at the other end in conversation. “Yes, she’s going to do it . . .”

Shaking her head in exasperation, Alex finished her meal and returned to her room to retrieve some money. “Let’s go see these shops you’re going to be protecting” she said to her reflection in the mirror. Pocketing the money she headed down the stairs and out the door.