When the badge was revealed, Ruby, Pearl, Emily and even Precious breathed a sigh of relief. While Pearl’s manners were a bit tarnished, it was clear they were all thinking the same thing the youngest of the sisters was thinking.

As Pearl passed the butter and jam she smiled prettily at Harry but when he turned to ask Precious if she would walk with him before the skies let loose, she felt that pang of jealousy slip through her yet again. Knowing she shouldn’t be this way, she couldn’t help thinking that somehow she should be the one entertaining Harry.

Precious was caught a little off guard by Harry’s words but, as always, she didn’t let on. With a glance around the table she smiled at Harry and nodded her head.

”Well, Mr. Longbaugh, Mother Nature may be crying but that doesn’t mean her tears should hinder our evening. Would you happen to play chess, Mr. Longbaugh? If you do, I have a sitting room with a chess board in it that has been untouched in many months. I would love to engage you in a game of strategy and perhaps finish off this fine bottle of wine you brought to the table for me. Even if you don't play chess, I would still invite you to my sitting room for some conversation to accompany the wine.”

"I would be honored, and I have not played chess in many years, and quality conversation is always a pleasure. Uwaalasgvda, that thar horse of mine, ain't much of a conversationalist." Harry replied

The evening had been a pleasant one. Truthfully, Heather couldn't remember the last time she had felt so relaxed at ease and as much as she tried to convince herself it was the wine she knew the real reason. As Dusty paid for the meal, she chanced taking a long look at him. His rugged features softened by the warm candlelight were quite the contrast to Daniel's, who by comparison was a rather plain man. His strong jaw and intense eyes were the of the sort that her mother warned her about but they were also the traits that most women, herself included, were secretly drawn to.

"We best be headin' back whilest there's a break in the rain." Echoed Dusty's voice through her mind.

Heather snapped back to reality and thrust her eyes down to the table, or the floor, anywhere but Mason. She wasn't sure how long he'd been aware of her stare, but even a breath was too much.

"Yes." she agreed as her eyes flicked out the window. The rain was all but a light drizzle at the moment and she hadn't even noticed.

They made their way down Main street. Maple was a more direct route, but after a rain it was so slick with mud that few ventured down it. Walking briskly down the board walk, Heather drew Dusty's jacket tight around her shoulders. He had insisted she wear it to ward the night chill and she had happily accepted it even though the cool in the air was pleasant on her skin.

The rain started to come down heavier once more as they reached the intersection of Main and Beech they ducked under the overhand of the saloon on the corner for a spell.

"The Snake Bite." Mason read the name aloud, "Looks lively. Want to stop in and wait out the rain?"

Heather shook her head as she peered nervously through the window. "Let's just keep moving." she said, but even as the words rolled off of her tongue the one person she had been praying to avoid swaggered out through the saloon doors.

Five men had stepped out for some night air and one among them turned his eyes to Heather and smiled.

"Why, Miss Brooks. A pleasure to see you." Greeted the man.

His voice was rough and deep, and Mason detected something sinister underlying his tone made quite evident by the fear in Heather's eyes as he drew near.

"Mr. Haddrick." She acknowledged.



Evan Haddrick grinned as if the expression were unnatural to his boney face. His eyes flashed toward Mason for a moment then back to Heather. "Might I have a word in private." he politely requested.

Heather was reluctant but she nodded and followed the man over to the other side of the veranda. Mason watched her and the stranger intently and in return received harsh stares from the four men that had accompanied Haddrick. He knew right away what they were. Nothing but hired thugs, all of them carrying a sidearm.

"It's been a week, Miss Brooks." Haddrick reminded her.

"Yes. I know, Mr. Haddrick. I don't have the money yet, but I promise you'll get it, I have —"

"I have been patient." interrupted Haddrick running his hands through his black hair then leaning against wall, looming over the woman, "Now, I want my money by tomorrow."

"I can't get it that quickly, just another week is all I need." Appealed Heather, gripping Mason's coat nervously.

Haddrick smiled fiendishly and his hand brushed one of Heather's tresses. "You know, there are other ways in which you can pay your debt." he suggested and Heather began to feel that may have been his plan all along.

"Tommorow then." She said flatly, raising her chin defiantly. "You'll have it tomorrow."

"I'd better or you and I are going to get to know each other a lot better. If you get my meaning."

When Haddrick motioned to touch Heather once more Mason had had enough. "I wouldn't do that again mister." he ordered and Haddrick looked over at the stranger with an angry glare.

"And who might you be?" he demanded.

"This is my new pressman." Answered Heather.

Haddrick laughed. "Pressman! Never seen a pressman before totting two guns."

He walked over and looked into Mason's eyes with a cold stare that turned most but this man didn't back down an inch even though he had four men at his back. He had no doubt this 'pressman' knew how to use the gun's he carried.

"Well pressman. Why don't you just run on back get ta printing. The lady and me gots some unfinished business to discuss."

"I think your done." Mason assured him.

Haddrick smiled and stepped back. "Is that so?"

Mason was silent and serious and Haddrick just sighed as if disappointed. He looked over his shoulder at Heather, "I'll see you tomorrow." he told her.

Haddrick then walked back into the saloon but before he did gave a nod to his men, who like well trained attack dogs went for Dusty.

Heather didn't know what to do. She could only watch in horror as the men laid into Dusty. The first one walked into a stiff jab then a punishing right. He fell to the floor and didn't move but then realizing that Mason could box the other three rushed him. It didn't take long for them to wrestle him down and then the beating ensued. Mason got in a few good hits but they got the better of him and he was thankful they were just making a point and not out to mame him, else he would have had to draw his guns.

After the beating Heather helped Dusty up. He had a bad gash over an eye and was bleeding quite bad but was determined to walk home. He staggered out into the rain, the cool water stinging his face and if wasn't for Heather he would fallen in the mud. They made to Delaney's and by that time Mason was beginning to pass out and there was no way that Heather could carry home and she was damned if she was let him lie down in the street. No on her account. She looked around for somewhere they could go, but there was only one place, the last place she wanted to enter.

Heather literally fell into the Gem as she collapsed under Mason's weight. Throwing her arm around his waist she lifted with all her strength and got him back onto his feet, just enough to get him into a chair in the foyer.

Mason's eye was starting to swell and blood was streaming down his face from the gash in his forehead which was caused by the heel of one of the men's boots. Heather did what she could with her shawl to stop the bleeding but she needed help.

"Anyone!" she called, "Can anyone help me!"

Before Precious could say another word, the sound of the front door practically being busted off the hinges and a woman’s voice calling frantically filled the quiet calm of the dining room. In the blink of an eye, the three sisters were up out of the chairs and heading for the foyer followed close behind by Emily and Harry.

As Precious left the dining room she reached in the corner by the door and when she walked out into the foyer, her Winchester rifle was securely cradled in her arm and ready for action. But when she saw it was Heather Brooks and a severely wounded man, she blinked and quickly put the rifle in a corner as she barked out orders as she made a quick examination of the man as she gently moved Heathers bloody shawl out of the way to see for herself.

“Pearl, get that door closed and locked then slip out the back and fetch the doctor. Emily, fetch me some fresh, cold water and clean rags. Ruby, get upstairs and get a room ready for the man. He’s gonna need to lay still for the next few days. Mr. Longbaugh, help me get the man upstairs. Ruby will be waiting at the top of the steps to guide us.”

Precious looked to Heather then.

“Are you alright, Miss. Brooks? Here….Help me get him upstairs. Be careful of his head, Mr. Longbaugh.”

As Precious took the man’s ankles, she had Heather take his legs, under his knees to help cradle his unconscious form while Harry grabbed under the man’s shoulders and all three helped get him up the stairs making sure they didn’t jolt too hard.

Ruby, as Precious said, was waiting at the top of the stairs on the first landing to guide them to an empty room at the end of the long corridor. By now, several of the Gems – who were not currently occupied of course – were standing in their doorways or just outside their rooms or congregating in the hallway a little down from the group and watching what was happening. Curios glances, worried looks and soft whispers soon followed.

The room was small compared to some of the others but it had everything they needed – a bed, a dry sink, a chair and a small window. As the man was placed as gently on the bed as he could be, Precious began to examine him a little m ore and frowned at what she saw. A few moments later Emily came in with the water and rags then quickly exited. Ruby lit the lamp on the small table next to the bed and turned it up as high as it would go illuminating the room in bright light.

Taking one of the rags and dipping it in the water, then carefully cleaning the worst of the wounds, in particular the gash on his forehead. There was a quiet anxiety that filled the room as Precious worked as best as she could on the man. Heather was looking on anxiously and trying hard not to wring her hands. Precious applied pressure to the wound and spoke to the woman without taking her eyes off her work.

“What happened, Miss. Brooks? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”

Just before Heather could say anything, Pearl rushed in followed quickly by the doctor. The doctor glanced around, looked at Mason and saw what Precious was doing then pushed his glasses up on his nose before he stepped forward.



“Alright, ladies, step outside and let me see if I can get him patched up.”

Glancing at Harry the doc raised his eyebrows.

“Stick around, son. I just might need your help.”

Within a few seconds, the room was cleared out of women leaving Harry, the doc and Mason in the room. As the door was closed, Precious looked at the closed door then glanced at Heather and saw the look on her face as the woman looked over Precious’ shoulder. When Precious turned to see Heather was looking at the women who lived and worked at the Gem standing in the hallway, Precious knew she had to handle the woman with kid gloves. Squaring her shoulders, Precious took a deep breath then turned to face Heather with a smile on her face.

“Come, Miss. Brooks. The doctor will let us know how he is once he gets done. No need in us standing here looking at the wood grain on the door. We all know once you’ve seen one wood door you’ve seen them all.”

Knowing Heather was uncomfortable being in the Gem, Precious did what she could to help soothe the woman’s nerves. Gently hooking her own elbow around Heather’s, Precious patted Heather’s forearm as she guided her back down the hallway and down the stairs and into the dining room. The table had been cleared and a tea set of fine china had been set in the middle of the mahogany wood.

Letting go of Heather’s arm when she got to the table, Precious walked to the chair on the opposite side of the table then gestured for Heather to sit down. Ruby and Pearl made their way into the dining room joining Precious and Heather as well. Precious poured four cups of fresh, hot tea then handed them out to the ladies, handing Heather hers first.

“Forgive me, Miss. Brooks. We’ve seen each other in passing and at church on Sunday’s, but we’ve never been formally introduced. I’m Precious Matthews. This is my older sister Ruby Prestwick and my youngest sister Pearl Graham. Welcome to our home. Even though the circumstances are rather unorthodox. Doc Benson will be down shortly with news of your friend in a little bit. In the meantime, please, try to relax as best you can and enjoy a cup of tea with us. If you like, Emily made a fantastic bread pudding for dessert. We’d be honored to share a piece, or two, with you. Perhaps then you can tell us what happened.”

Precious was trying to help make Heather feel as comfortable as possible knowing she was the sort of woman who was rather modest and the last place she wanted to be connected to was The Gem. But Precious had heard rumors drifting on the wind about Heather Brooks being pressured by Evan Haddrick collecting money for his slimey boss. Did this vicious attack on this man have anything to do with that? If so, Heather was in serious trouble.

Heather steadied her trembling hands round the cup and slowly sipped away at the hot tea. As much as she cursed Evan Haddrick for sicking his men on Dusty she cursed herself for not being stronger. She could not help but feel responsible for the beating he had endured and should have known to steer clear of the Snake Bite saloon. Placing the tea cup lightly down on the table, Heather touched the small silver crucifix around her neck and said a silent prayer for Mason and for the lie she was about to tell.

"Some man tried to rob me and Dusty... he chased him off, but he got jumped by some of his friends. I've never seen any of them before, Miss Matthews." She fibbed but it was really for her and sister's own protection. At least that's what she believed.

Evan Haddrick was a snake. When her fiancé had cleared out of town on a business trip he had descended upon her like a jackal and it turned out that, Daniel had racked up some bad gambling debts. He had been very polite and understanding at first, agreeing to wait until he returned before troubling her again, but when Daniel failed to return home after three weeks Haddrick's patience began to wear thin. He wanted his money and since Heather would not let him know the location of her fiancé put the debt on her.

Heather's head hung low for moment after telling her lie and she pretended of all things to find interest in the tea before her. As if that wasn't going to tip off the savvy women! She really believed that she would be able to raise money in time, but it Haddrick, true to his kind had added interest to the debt, doubling the amount owed.

"Enough!" Heather told herself and thrust her chin up. Her fiancé may have abandoned but she would be damned if she ever let that snake Haddrick touch her, or any other man! One thing she knew for damn sure was that Heather Brooks wasn't for sale! Brushing a stray tear from her cheek, forced out from the emotions welled up within her, she thought to distract the sisters from the topic by asking them a question that had been weighing on her mind since their introductions.

"You are all 'sisters' right? I mean, you none of you have the same name? You're not... that is to say... were any of you..."

As Heather fumbled with her words, attempting to learn if any of the sisters were married once to account for the name change, the doctor strolled into the dining room.



"Well, it's not as bad as all that." Informed the doctor, "Like most ruffians, he has a head like a rock. Precious, if you would be so kind as to let the man rest for the night, he should be able to make it home tomorrow. I left a bottle of medicine on the bedside table, please make sure he gets two teaspoons a day until it's gone. Good night, Precious, Ruby, Pearl and you too Miss Brooks."

After the doctor had left the room, Heather piped up, "He's not really a ruffian" she assured Precious and her sisters, "He's my new pressman. Just arrived in town today. Well it's good to hear that he's going to be all right. Thank you all for taking care of him."

Harry nodded to Doctor Benson and shut the door after Precious had left. He watched as the doctor administered aide to the young blonde haired man they had carried up the stairs. When the doctor had finished, he followed the doctor out of the room, shutting the door behind them, "I'll be down directly Doctor Benson." Harry said as he made his way down the hall and up the stairs to his room. Unlocking the door Haryy stepped inside, took off his jacket and slipped a bandellero of ten gauge shot gun shells over his shoulder, slipped his jacket back on and picked up his shot gun. Checking to be sure it was loaded, Harry craddled the weapon under his arm and walked out of his room, closing and locking the door behind him.

Harry then walked down the hall and the two flights of stairs to the main floor, then to the dinning room, where he stood and listened to the doctor's instructions and the woman's explanation of who the man upstairs was. Harry's insticts told him there was more to the story this Miss Brooks was telling. He glanced at Precious then to Miss Brooks. "Reckon somebody ought ta fetch the Sheriff ." Harry said. He then looked at Precious and said "I think I'll just have me a sit down on the porch, wilst you lady's see ta Miss Brooks and her new pressman. Precious be right sur that back door is bolted and locked." Harry then went out on the porch and sat down in a chair, with his shot gun across his lap, watching the dark street through the rain.

In a place like Medicine Bow, with its booming business and heavy traffic, it was not immune to the rumor mill. In fact, rumors seemed to spread faster with all the people occupying the streets these days. They had heard of everything that had been happening between the young woman and Evan Haddrick when Heather’s fiancé left. They had even heard he had a taste for gambling and that he’d left her holding a ton of debt, to of all people, someone like Evan’s boss. The owners of the Gem didn’t engage in spreading gossip. It was bad for business first of all and secondly, they had enough to worry about in their own home without having to stick their nose in other peoples business.

Still, Precious, Ruby and Pearl knew a lie when they heard one. Especially when a person couldn’t bring themselves to look you in the eyes as they told it. And Heather’s conscience wouldn’t allow her to tell such a blatant lie while looking all three women in the eye. It was simply immoral for Heather to do.

The three sisters exchanged glances as Heather bowed her head and fingers her crucifix. Obviously things were rather difficult for her, even more so than anyone knew. Hadn’t they been in similar situations a while back?

When Heather lifted her head and the sisters saw the determination in her eyes, it made them proud of her. Perhaps she will turn over a new leaf. Time would certainly tell, that’s for certain. When her curiosity got the better of her and she asked about their sisterhood, Ruby was the first one to speak. Of course it came in the form of a soft laugh at first. But when Heather looked at Ruby she would see no thing but mirth in her dark eyes. Of course as the Doc strolled in, all answers were put aside for now.

As they heard the news on the man upstairs, all of the women seemed to draw a sigh of relief. It was welcomed news. As the doc gave his instructions, Precious assured the man they would be followed to the T. Just before he slipped out Ruby handed the doc some coins for his time and effort then escorted him to the back door.

Precious couldn’t help but smile when she heard Heather quickly defend the man who laid upstairs. The fact Heather had referred to the man by his first name, Dusty, told Precious a great deal about the whole situation. Heather probably didn’t realize how much she had given away about herself and this Dusty by the words she chose and the way she reacted to the way the doc had referred to him.

As Harry came down and into the dining room, Precious walked over to where he stood, glanced down at the shotgun in his hand then looked up into his rugged but handsome face. When he mentioned getting the sheriff, Ruby snorted rather unladylike.

“Don’t waste yer time, Mr. Longbaugh. Unless ya can meet or beat the lining of his pockets, he’s as useless as a boil on a bears rump.”

Precious had to agree with Ruby on this one and she turned to look up at Harry again.

“Ruby’s right, Mr. Longbaugh. The sheriff is nothin’ but a name around these parts unless you’ve got the money to buy him like the others have. Otherwise he turns a blind eye to the problems of the small people. Survival of the fittest, he calls it.”

Turning to look at the others and smiling at Heather, she politely excused herself when Harry told her to be sure to lock the back door. Walking with Harry to the front door, she paused and looked up at him again just before he opened the door and stepped outside.

“You be careful, Harry Longbaugh. This here town may look nice on the surface but don’t let that fool ya. There’s all sorts of nastiness that happens around here when the sun goes down. Last thing I want is for ya to wind up needing a late night visit from Doc Benson or worse yet, having an appointment with Joshua Talbert, the local undertaker. If ya need anything, just yell. I’ll be right here.”

As Harry stepped outside and took a seat in the chair, Precious quietly closed the door behind him then pressed her forehead to the door and closed her eyes whispering a silent prayer for his safety. Standing up straight again, she heard voices coming from the dining room and deciuded to return to their guest once more. She walked in just in time to hear most of the conversation Ruby and Pearl were having with Heather.

“We are indeed true sisters, Miss. Brooks. All three of us have the same mother and father. We didn’t start out in the profession we now have. Survival can be quite the driving force in determining what path your life will take. It just so happens we discovered we were rather good at what we do and therefore decided to capitalize on our….assets.”

Pearl chimed in then with her own comments.

“Ruby was 20 when we left Atlanta. Her husband became ill after being held prisoner by the Yankees and died while in their captivity. Captain Prestwick was quite the honorable man and she decided to keep his last name as a memorial to their love. Precious found a man a few years after we left Atlanta. Unfortunately, he died of small pox a few years after they were married. Like Ruby, she chose to keep his last name as a memory of their life together. I was just a youngun when we left Atlanta and the only one who never married so I still have our family sir name.”

Precious spoke up then. Her words were direct and to the point but not once was there any malice in her tone. She was merely stating the facts as they were and eliminating the white elephant that was in the middle of the room.

“Through twists of fate, we found ourselves in a position to make a good life for ourselves. May not be the life others approve of, but as long as their are lonely men in the world, there will always be a need for women like us. A necessary evil, as we've been called. But if it weren't for our business sense, we wouldn't have this lovely place we all seek refuge in now.”

Smiling softly at Heather, she reassured the woman her pristine reputation would not be tarnished.

"When the time comes to get ya back to your home, we'll make sure it's done discreetly. It's the second best thing we're good at."

Josephine heard all of the commotion and the first thing that crossed her mind was that Tom had returned drunk – again. Even after Pearl had warned him not to. But when the Mexican woman saw it was an injured man that was being hauled up the stairs, she quickly returned to her room and dressed for public. Donning a dark red skirt, white blouse and a black shawl to ward off the chill, Josie made sure all of the buttons on her blouse were buttoned to the neck and her dark hair was pulled into a tight bun before she quietly slipped out of her room.

Precious and Ruby were preoccupied with tending to the man and Pearl was no were in sight so Josie took the opportunity to quickly slip out the back of the Gem, pulling her shawl up over her dark head. The rain had made the usually dirt covered streets rather muddy and quite treacherous for keeping your balance. Several times Josie slipped and nearly fell as she tried to hurriedly make her way to Delaney’s, which is where she knew Tom would be, causing her to mumble some words in her native Spanish.

By the time she had enough distance between herself and the Gem before she could easily step up onto the boardwalk, she just happened to be near the Snake Bite. She didn’t care for that saloon. It seemed to be the place where the seediest of the seedy congregated. Still, it was either take her chances with the Snake Bite or risk falling and hurting herself in the mud. And with a closing rain storm about to dump more precipitation on the town, she really didn’t have much of a choice.

Holding her breath, turning her head away from the lights spilling out onto the boardwalk from the Snake Bite, crossing herself, and saying a silent prayer, Josie quickly darted past the open entrance of the saloon and didn’t breathe again until the Snake Bite was well behind her.

Delaney’s piano could be heard even from where she was and somehow she just knew Tom was standing beside it and having a hell raising good time, as he called it. The closer she got the Delaney’s, the more she could hear a male voice raised up over the piano, singing merrily along with the tune being banged out on the keys.

By the time Josie got to the entrance of Delaney’s, the boisterous atmosphere inside made her glad she never got a job working at a place like this. Peeking into the saloon from the window on the boardwalk, Josie’s dark eyes scanned the place looking for the dark haired Tom. Just as she suspected, he was having a grand time with the piano player and singing up a tune.

Relief washed over her and she quickly crossed herself again thankful her on again, off again suitor was doing well and in good spirits. Satisfied all was good, she turned to make her way back to the Gem. Tom would either sleep off his alcohol and come back when he was sober or Pearl would bend the rules and let the dark haired man back into the Gem with a warning he had best be very quiet or else he would find himself out on his keister.

As the Snake Bite came into view again, Josie did everything exactly the same as she had done before, only this time, she wasn’t as lucky. She had made it just two steps beyond the entrance of the seedy joint when she heard a male voice behind her.

“Well, well….what we got here, fellas? All purtied up and lookin’ fer someplace ta go.”

Josie wasn’t stopping for anything but the large male body that stepped in her way as she tried to move on prevented her from doing so. In fact, he stepped out in front of her so quickly that she collided with the immovable object and quickly found herself being held by a vice like grip on her upper arms. Instinctively Josie tried to fight back but when you are a petite female fighting against a large, burly male, it’s next to impossible.

The next thing Josie knew, she was being thrust forward and into the grip of another man who quickly passed her off to another who quickly shoved her into the Snake Bite. And so that’s how it went for the next few minutes before she finally gained enough of her senses to shove herself away from the men and stand back from them. Her shawl had been yanked from her and in doing so, most of her hair had come undone from the bun and fell haphazardly around her shoulders. She was frightened but more so, she was angry. Down right pissed, would be a better way to describe her. The men had surrounded her in a circle and she could see the leering looks they were giving her as she turned slowly to see all their faces. She began spouting out threats and insults at them in her native language determined they wouldn’t see just how much they frightened her but all they did was smile and laugh at her.

“Hoo eeee….got us a genuine, spit fire seenoreeta, men! I ain’t never tamed me no Mexican a fore.”

“I seen her b’fore! She be one of dem Gem prissy’s. I seed her walkin’ ta church with the rest of dem bitches from dat high faluttin’ whore house.”

“Well I’ll be damned. Is at right now? You be a church goin’ whore?”

Before Josie could say or do anything, the man reached out, grabbed her crudely by the waist and pulled her to him, placing his hands on her rear and grinding into her.

“Tell me somethin’, is you as spicey as I hear you is?”

Instinct took over and as Josie pushed against the hard chest of the man her left knee came up like a shot and connected with the anatomy between his legs. He cried out in pain and doubled over, grabbing his crotch. The other men around starting laughing and making fun of him

Josie backed up a few paces but when the man looked up she could see the rage in his beady eyes and knew she was in much bigger trouble than she was just a few seconds ago. She took a few more steps back but was unable to go any further as she felt the hard chest of another man blocking her way. Josie shook her head trying to prevent what she was certain was next to come.

“You BITCH!”

In the blink of an eye, the man stood up and reached for her while at the same time she was shoved violently towards him. His hand grabbed a hold of the back of her hair and pulled so hair tears instantly filled her eyes. Josie’s natural reaction was to reach up with both hands and try and stop him from pulling. He yanked her head back so hard she heard the hair literally being pulled from her scalp and she screamed out loudly in pain. The next thing she knew a fist hit her hard in the chin all but knocking her unconscious.

Barely able to stand on her feet, Josie felt herself shoved to the floor of the Snake Bite an then a hot, sweaty body quickly covered her and the hard, wooden floor pressed against her back. She could feel her skirt being raised and heard the sound of material ripping as her blouse was ripped open but to her it was as though it were happening in a dream. With one last rush of adrenaline, Josie found the strength to try and fight off her attacker and scream one word.

“TOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!”

Harry saw the form of a woman step out of the alley behind the Gem and make her way through the rain and mud, step up on the boardwalk and walk swithfly past The Snake Bite. Then across the street to stand briefly in front of Delaney's. She then turned and quickly crossed the street, back up on the boardwalk and start to hurry past The Snake Bite. It was then he observed three men man handle her onto the saloon. Harry quickly stood up and made his way down the street to The Snake Bite, shot gun in his hand. As he stepped through the swinging doors, Harry saw that one of the men had evidently knocked the woman to the floor and was trying to have his way with her as a crowd of men looked on. Harry pointed the double barreled shot gun at the cieling and fired both barrels, flipped the shot gun open, ejecting the shells and sliding the two he held between his fingers in. Then flipped the shot gun closed, recocking and brought the butt of the shot gun to his shoulder, pointing it directly at the man, who had rolled off the dark haried woman after Harry had fired the shot gun the first time. "I reckon I'd let the young lady up ifin' I was you. Lessin ya want ta loose what little man hood ya got." Harry said. "An' I'd do it right now. The rest of ya step back and let the young lady up, an I want ta see everybody's hands right clear."

The piano never sounded better, man that fat man could play! Tom sipped his whisky, his back to the front of the saloon. The rain was falling steady and Tom had decided against riding to his stash box that he had buried in a secret place just outside of town.

Instead he had passed a few hours in Delaney's only this time he was taking it easy, he was taking his time drinking his third drink. Tom was singing with all his heart, the piano man was playing well. Above the sound of the music and the patter of the rain on Delaney's state of the art tin roof Tom heard the sound of a shotgun, it was somewhat muffled but there was no doubt that trouble was unfolding somewhere nearby.

Tom sat his drink on the piano and made his way to the front doors of Delaney's. Across the way was The Snakebite, a place where drifters and the crustiest of cowboys spent their money. The Snakebite was what you call a 'bloody tub', a place that where trouble and violence where a familiar occurrence.

A few grimy patrons where rushing out the front doors of The Snakebite, and Tom could only figure that this was the source of the shotgun sounds. Tom crossed the street, slogging through the mud. Curiosity killed the cat but it never caused Tom Sheane any harm. Tom walked to the doors of the saloon, he could see a good deal of mud on the front steps, whatever the trouble was it had started outside and found it's way in. Tom sidestepped the mud and walked slowly through the swinging double doors and into the dingy barroom.

Tom went stiff when his eyes found Josie inside on the floor and Mr. Longbaugh holding one hell of a gun. A few scabby cowboys stood near Josie with their hands up. The look on Longbaugh's face said it all, these filthy dogs had been trying to have their way with the beautiful Mexican woman and Harry had put a stop to it.

Tom rushed to Josie and put his arms around her.
"My Lord Josie, you alright? Are you hurt sweetheart?" Tom stroked her hair as he spoke, for the moment he was only concerned for her but he was making mental notes of the crusty cowboys that had attacked her.

The rowdy roar of the Snake Bite had been clubbed silent by the presence of Harry Longbaugh and his shot gun. The rough patrons abided his warning and kept their distance but it was only a matter of time before one of the whisky tempered cowboys found their courage at the bottom of a bottle.

The sound of footsteps and the jingle of spurs broke the silence as Evan Haddrick made his way slowly down the stairway. A man who prided himself on his appearance, his disheveled look alluded to activity he had been partaking in on the upper level of the saloon. Normally, there wasn't much that could cause Haddrick to jump off of, Annabelle, save the place burning down around him but dead silence usually meant something just as bad.

All eyes shifted toward the stairway and fell on Haddrick as he descended the last step. The man stood there for a moment gripping the towel around his neck, surveying the situation. His sharp eyes darted toward the sobbing mexican girl and black haired man who consoled her then rested on Harry for a long while. He couldn't see the man's badge but everything about the stranger wreaked of a law man.

"What's going on here boys?" Haddrick asked his men, noticeably controlling the anger in his voice, his accent pure Kentuckian.

The three men looked nervously over at their boss, their eyes shifting back and forth between one another until one finally stepped forward to speak on their behalf, "We wuz jus' havin' a little fun, Mr. Haddrick, sir, then this har feller had to go 'n spoil it. She wanted to come in, I swears she did. Ain't that right." explained the man, looking back at the other two for support.

Haddrick smiled uncomfortably as he slowly walked toward the men. "What'd I tell you about messin' with the 'gems'?" he silently growled and the men instinctively knew not to speak anymore and lowered their heads.

"Sorry, Josephine." Haddrick apologized, crooking his neck toward the woman in a most unforgiving manner. He knew the names of most of the girls from the Gem and like most of the more prominent businessmen extended a courteous respect to the women. Still, once they wandered into his territory they were fair game, but he wasn't about to relay that to the law man. "My boys got carried away." he told Harry, "I assure you it won't happen again."

Haddrick's eyes turned once more to the three men and with a flick of his chin they scurried away. He then let his hands drop from the towel, his right one swinging near the gun hanging on his hip as he looked once more to law man and the couple. "Please, allow me to buy you all a drink." he offered, gesturing toward a private table at the far end of the room.

Back at the Gem...

Heather smiled weakly at Ms. Matthews. She was was most appreciative of her care and consideration and this made it all the harder to be deceptive. She wanted more than anything to tell Precious and her sisters the truth but she just wasn't ready yet to admit that Daniel had turned out to be a wretch and left her. She had done everything right so how could this have happened? Looking around at the sisters she knew that they had the answer, but she wasn't ready to hear it. Heather still believed that Daniel was going to come riding back into town and prove everyone wrong, at least up until she met Dusty Mason.

"Before I go, do you think I could see him? Just to check up on him of course." She quickly corrected.



Mason's eyes shot open. Lazily he looked around and not recognizing his surroundings got out of the bed, at least that's what he would have done if the sharp pain his head didn't pull him back into his pillow. His face winced and his hand reached up to inspect the bandage on his forehead and it was then that he noticed that his clothes had been laid out to dry on chair in the corner of the room.

"Land sakes!" Cursed Mason at the indignity of it all.

Gritting his teeth, Mason forced himself into a sitting position. The room spun, but he managed to get a bearing on his clothes and felt that if he could just concentrate on a single target he could steer himself toward it. He swung his legs out, wrapped a sheet about him and slowly made his away toward his clothes, swaying back and forth, like a ship in a rolling sea.

"Where you boys goin'? Just stand right still." Harry said as he swung the shot gun
towards the man that had walked down the stairs and spoke with a Kentuckian accent, looking at him coldly, Harry said "I don't think we're thirsty right now, I'd keep my hand clear of that pistol mister, lessin' ya want your 'boys' here ta see what ya had for supper. ...... Tom you take Miss Josie, on back ta The Gem, then go and fetch the Doc. I'll be there directly."

Haddrick grinned at the law man and raised is arms ever so slightly. "If you're hungry, we've got better grub 'round here than my guts, sir." quipped the Kentuckian loudly and a roar of laughter from the patrons ensued.

"Please forgive me," Haddrick continued, "everyone knows me round here and often my reputation precedes me. My name is Haddrick. Evan Haddrick, I own this here etablishment my good man. Now, please if you would be so kind as to lower that thar hog leg, we can get on with discussing matters in a civilized manner. I didn't catch your name, sir?"

Haddrick was smooth, a trait that so often went hand in hand with people from Kentucky and the more he spoke, the more his mannerisms stirred Longbaugh's memories. Some years past, a vicious gunman went on a killing spree. He was never caught and the man just seemed to fade into the sunset. Folks called him 'Even Hand', and the name seemed a match for this confident gunfighter standing before the law man. 'Even Handed' Evan Haddrick, that's what people used to call him.

Josie barely heard the sound of the shotgun as it blasted in the Snake Bite when Harry arrived and saw what was taking place. What she DID notice was the way the pig on top of her had ceased trying to do anything to her and as quickly as she could, she scrambled out from beneath him. The wooden, dirty floor scraped her hands and arms as she desperately tried to close her ripped blouse to cover her exposed chemise but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to get away from this place and these filthy men.

When Tom arrived and knelt to help and protect her, Josie fought against him at first still frightened thinking it was another one of the horrible men who had attacked her. Spurting out a slew of Spanish words so quickly no one could understand them clearly, she finally looked up and saw, through blurry eyes, it was indeed Tom, the next instant she was clinging to him, practically choking him as she whispered frantically in his ear.

”I swear, I did not want to come in here. They pushed me inside. I swear by the Virgin Mary, Tom.”

With Tom’s assistance Josie got to her feet as Harry exchanged words with Mr. Hadrick. When Hadrick turned to apologize to her, Josie furrowed her brows then spit on the floor in front of the man as she once more slung several insults at him in her native Spanish language. When Tom brought her back close to him she glanced up at him and nodded towards the entrance.

”Take me back to de Gem, please?”