Post by Kit on Aug 26, 2009 16:11:01 GMT -8
Ok Here is another one. Thanks Again to my wonderful Beta Pet. Any remaining mistakes are mine ;D
The Night of The Lady’s Watch
The Wanderer stopped in a small town named Nowhere just outside of the state of Arkansas. James West was saddling his stallion, he didn’t understand why Artie wanted to meet here. He went over the message in his mind again “The falcon flies, the mice hide and the cat mews” So their assignment hadn’t changed but he wasn’t sure why this stop. They were supposed to meet in the town of Hot Springs two days from here by train to find one Mister Thomas McMaster, he was wanted for counterfeiting and two murders if they could find the proof. Although Artie was hoping the assignment would be over quickly and give them a chance to enjoy the bath houses, but Jim was more interested in the women who were supposed to rival even the ladies of New Orleans.
As he rode down the ramp he suddenly realized why this place was called Nowhere. There was nothing but trees and more trees. He rode into town and all was relatively quite. He made his way to the saloon and tied his stallion next to a familiar bay out front. As he walked in he saw Artemus across the room. He walked over and sat down next to his friend. Artemus looked up from his glass
“Jim, about time you showed up.” He motioned for another drink to be brought to the table and Jim took a long drink of his beer before speaking
“Artie, you mind telling me why we are here. I mean there is nothing here”
“Exactly Jim, that’s why its called Nowhere.”
Jim glared at Artemus over the rim of his mug and Artie just smiled he pointed to a young lady who was walking down the saloon stairs, She wore a dark blue dress and her raven hair was pulled back neatly with two curls on the left side, under a matching bonnet. Her deep brown eyes sparkled in the light of the saloon. Jim was awestruck she was not the type he usually went for but something about her drew him to her.
Artie saw his partner’s expression and grinned that famous Artemus grin when he knew something his partner did not “That, James my boy, is why we are here.”
The woman strolled casually over to their table and every man in the room seemed to watch her Both Artemus and James were up before she made it to the table.
She smiled at Artemus totally ignoring James “Artemus so good to see you again”
She held out her hand and Artemus kissed it “You look as lovely as ever my dear Emily.” The woman blushed and Artemus Introduced her “Miss Emily Fairheart, I would like you to meet my good friend James West.”
Emily extended her hand and Jim kissed it “A pleasure to meet you Miss Fairheart.”
“And you Mr. West, I have heard a lot about you” She didn’t even look Jim in the eyes before turning back to Artemus “Shall we be going?”
“Yes we shall my dear .” He extended his arm and she took it. They both strolled out of the saloon with Jim following, this he was not used to.
He spoke once they were outside trying remember if Artie had ever mentioned her and he couldn’t recall “Artemus, I hate to intrude but do you mind telling me what is going on.”
Artemus looked around and spoke softly “Yes as soon as we get to the Wanderer.” Artie helped Emily climb into a waiting wagon which was all this town had. They rode to the train with Jim and Artie following on their horses.
Once inside the train, Miss Fairheart removed her hat and cloak and sat down on the settee. Jim sat across from her and spoke.
"Would someone mind telling me what is going on here?”
“Yes, Jim” he handed Emily a glass of water and she smiled warmly at him “Emily here is our connection to Thomas McMaster.”
Jim looked confused “Now what would a lovely young lady be doing with such a man” He gave her his best smile.
“Mr. West...”
“Jim” he interrupted
“Mr. West, do not try any of your wiles on me as I am perfectly immune to them.”
Jim looked hurt as she continued.
“There is only one man in my life.”
“McMaster” he said drily
“Absolutely not!” she stood sharply
“Must have hit a nerve huh Artie?”
“Jim, no” He whispered rather loudly, with a noticeably grimace on his face, sometimes his partner just didn’t know when to quit.
“So what did he offer jewels, wealth?”
“Artemus, I do not have to stand for this, nor will I, You may contact Colonel Richmond and tell him this is off. I will not be treated in such a way, not again.”
“Emily calm down, let me show you to your room it has been a long couple of weeks”
She stood glaring at Jim, she was visually upset and in her best manners spoke “Good evening... Mr. West” It seemed to Jim that she spat out the last words of that sentence and he smiled to himself he had hit a nerve, Unfortunately it wasn’t the one he thought.
**********
Artie came back after getting Emily settled “I should make you sleep out here for that and take your bunk.”
“What did I do?!” Jim asked a bit defensive while giving Artie that hurt look.
“Well you insulted a perfectly lovely young woman, James you should be ashamed.”
Jim poured himself a drink “I was right though wasn’t I?”
“No, James-my-boy, at least not completely” Artie paused a bit frustrated at his usually gallant partner, it was odd for him to treat a lady this way unless she was a criminal.“You see Emily and I go back a long way...a very long way, During the war she was a spy for the union. She made her way into the elite southern society she gave some valuable information to our side, Information Jim that saved a lot of lives on both sides of that war”
Jim stood quiet listening to Artie as he continued. “Close to the end of the war she was captured and beaten. When she wouldn’t turn over her contact and was about to be hung, we heard word that she had been discovered. I was sent with a small contingent to rescue her, we both barely escaped with our lives. Jim , Emily wears scars that no woman should bear.”
He paused and took a drink of his brandy before he continued “ Along with the physical reminders she has the memory of the betrayal by the one man she thought truly loved her.”
“Artie, I....”
Artie Continued “Her heart belongs to no man Jim, at least not that I know of and most defiantly not McMaster.”
“Artie, I Should.....”
Artemus cut him off “It's ok Jim she is a forgiving soul and assuming you make it through the night with out her killing you, she will be speaking to you by morning.” he smiled.
They were quiet for a moment when the telegraph started Jim translated “Has the package been picked up?”
Artie typed back “Yes and will be delivered in two days.” The telegraph went silent and Artie pushed it back into its hiding spot within the bookcase.
“Ok so what does she have to do with McMaster?” Jim said sitting down now across from Artie.
“She was sent to work as McMaster’s secretary and gain his trust, when the first reports came out about the counterfeiting, that she did all too well, he was getting to close so she told him her mother fell ill and would return as soon as she could. He asked her to hurry back he had an important question to ask her.” Artie Paused “She sent word from Nowhere to Col. Richmond and that is why we stopped.” Artie stood and refilled his glass “ Jim, The two men he allegedly had killed were admirers of Emily’s”
“I see so she is going back, now to draw him out?” He thought a minute and looked at Artie, and Artemus saw the realization flash behind those green eyes of his as Jim spoke “No, Artie I won't let you do it.”
“We don’t have a choice Jim.”
“Then I’ll be the bait.”
“Sorry James but it needs to be someone that she would be attracted to and you for once are not that gentleman.”
Jim looked insulted as Artemus continued “Nothing personal Jim, she just isn’t attracted to guys like you.”
Jim smirked “Oh you mean handsome, honorable.”
Emily spoke causing both Jim and Artie to spin around they had not heard her re-enter the room “No Mr. West, although you are nice looking and I am sure very honorable, Artemus is right. He has everything I am attracted to, build, brains and unfortunately, he can be quite the cad at times which I am attracted to as well.” Artie grinned devilishly trying not to laugh.
She noticed they were staring at her and she looked down to make sure she had put on her dressing gown, Jim couldn’t believe how wonderful she looked in a simple dressing gown.
Jim spoke “Well in that case, seeing as how I have never been a cad in my life, honor is all yours Artie...although I still don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.” responded Artie as he walked over to Emily “You should rest we will be in Hot Springs the day after tomorrow.”
“Would it be all right if I slept out here.”
Jim spoke first “Yes, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable in one of the rooms? ” her wanting to sleep out here made him nervous.
Artie was bringing back blankets and a pillow as she answered
“I am afraid not Mr....” She saw his look “Jim, I do not sleep much, and the past few weeks have not been easy, it's hard to know you are the cause of someone’s death. Besides I like to read and tend to pace when I can not sleep and you two are about to be in more danger than I.”
Artie put his hand on her shoulder and she reached her hand to meet his and looked into Artie’s brown eyes. Jim noticed a softness in her for the first time, and this endeared him even more to her.
**********
Jim was having trouble understanding all this with Emily. He wanted to trust her but he still wasn’t sure. At about three in the morning he heard a noise from the Parlor car that woke him from his light sleep. He slipped on some pants and a dressing robe then he stepped through the door quietly in time to see Emily pull her dressing gown up and over a scar. In the dim light he could tell it looked suspiciously like a whip scar, he had seen those many times during the war.
Emily had awoken from a nightmare, lit a lantern on the table and began to read. She pulled at her dressing gown a bit as it slid off her shoulder. She didn’t turn but spoke “Didn’t your mother teach you it is not gentlemanly to spy on a lady?”
Jim walked into view and sat down at the table “She also told me that most woman could not be trusted.”
“She is a wise woman then and knows her kind well.”
“Artemus told me how you both met.”
“I owe him, and I will do anything to protect him, He saved my life not only from the hangman’s noose but risked his life to stay with me at a safe house when I contracted a fever from an infection.” She paused and poured herself some water.
Jim spoke softly “The lashes..” Was all he said
She nodded and continued “ He waited until I could travel, with great risk to himself, he also avenged me when we were discovered while leaving the safe house. The man not only turned me into the confederate army but he was also the one who took great pleasure in my punishment.”
That day ran through her mind. Her fiance had been the one to turn her in when he discovered who she was working for. She had thought love would keep her safe, it was then she realized that love had no place in war, and men were loyal only to their generals...that is until the gallant Artemus Gordon came to her rescue. In one swift movement he had restored her faith in at least one man. She stopped before she let her minds eye replay the rest of the scenario it was time this memory was controlled and she was relieved to know it left as commanded.
Jim thought how Artie never ceased to amaze him even after all the time they had been partners. So Artie had taken care of the man who had done that to her, Good he thought saves me the trouble, of hunting him down, although he wasn't sure how he would have done that.
“I am sorry for what happened to you.”
“It was war we all did what we thought was right and if my lies and treachery saved at least one life then the lashes were worth it as would have been the hangman’s noose” She said that with a confidence that seemed to surprise Jim although it was barely noticeable behind his eyes.
“May I speak frankly to you Miss Fairheart?”
“Emily please, and yes you may.”
“Emily, I do not like putting Artemus in danger this way.”
“I know Jim, however we do not have enough proof except for what McMaster has hinted to me about the deaths and we both know that is not enough.”
“Do you know where the counterfeiting is taking place?"
“Has to be in the basement of the Mansion. No one other than McMaster or his business partner are allowed down there and it is guarded heavily.”
She placed her hand on Jim’s and spoke “I will die before I allow anything to happen to Artemus.” she thought back to how she had faced death once before to save Artemus and finished her statement “... or you.” She looked into those deep green eyes “ I chose my fate long ago Jim and I have no regrets. I would do the same again given the chance and knowing what I know. It is the price of being human.”
He nodded, this mentality he understood. Both he and Artemus had chosen their fates long ago as well, maybe not going into it as head first as Emily, but chosen just the same.
He laid his free hand upon hers and smiled that famous James West smile. He trusted her now, at least as far as he could, he looked into her eyes “If you will excuse me I need to attend to the horses.”
“Of course.” he left and Emily was alone for only a minute before Artemus came through the door yawning.
She smiled “Would you care for some breakfast?”
He looked a bit shocked, it had been awhile since a woman had waited on him, usually it was him waiting on Jim.
“Sit right down here I will fix it, I made myself familiar with the galley in the early morning hours.” Artemus sat down as Emily brought him some coffee. She handed Jim a cup as he passed through the galley. He went and sat down across from Artemus.
“You know something Artie?”
“I know a lot of things but what in particular would you be referring to?”
“That is an amazing woman in that galley.”
Artemus looked up from his coffee “That she is Jim, that she is.”
“Artie?”
“Yes..”
“The contact she was protecting during the war, it was you wasn’t it?”
Artemus nodded but before he could say anything... Emily brought out breakfast and served the two men before sitting down herself.
“Wonderful Emily, you haven’t lost your touch.”
“I’ll agree with Artie, this is great” it was nice to have a woman’s touch aboard the Wanderer for a change.
“Thank you both. It has been along time since I have had the chance to cook for others.”
After they finished she cleaned the dishes and went to change. She came out in a deep purple dress, that hung loosely about her waste, it was more simple than the one she had worn when Jim first met her, and her hair was tied loosely at the nap of her neck. She looked at both men “Do you mind if I go stand on the platform I could use some air?”
Artie extended his hand “I will escort you, we are slowing to a water station.”
They stayed out on the platform until the train picked up speed again and the all three returned inside.
“I could get used to traveling like this.” She sat down and the rest of the day was quiet, for dinner Emily cooked an aged steak and potatoes for both Jim an Artie.
The night that followed brought more nightmares and a repeat of the early morning hours, only Emily was alone, Jim had been satisfied enough by her answers the previous morning too at least let himself sleep no one stirred until breakfast was ready and she was glad of that.
The Night of The Lady’s Watch
The Wanderer stopped in a small town named Nowhere just outside of the state of Arkansas. James West was saddling his stallion, he didn’t understand why Artie wanted to meet here. He went over the message in his mind again “The falcon flies, the mice hide and the cat mews” So their assignment hadn’t changed but he wasn’t sure why this stop. They were supposed to meet in the town of Hot Springs two days from here by train to find one Mister Thomas McMaster, he was wanted for counterfeiting and two murders if they could find the proof. Although Artie was hoping the assignment would be over quickly and give them a chance to enjoy the bath houses, but Jim was more interested in the women who were supposed to rival even the ladies of New Orleans.
As he rode down the ramp he suddenly realized why this place was called Nowhere. There was nothing but trees and more trees. He rode into town and all was relatively quite. He made his way to the saloon and tied his stallion next to a familiar bay out front. As he walked in he saw Artemus across the room. He walked over and sat down next to his friend. Artemus looked up from his glass
“Jim, about time you showed up.” He motioned for another drink to be brought to the table and Jim took a long drink of his beer before speaking
“Artie, you mind telling me why we are here. I mean there is nothing here”
“Exactly Jim, that’s why its called Nowhere.”
Jim glared at Artemus over the rim of his mug and Artie just smiled he pointed to a young lady who was walking down the saloon stairs, She wore a dark blue dress and her raven hair was pulled back neatly with two curls on the left side, under a matching bonnet. Her deep brown eyes sparkled in the light of the saloon. Jim was awestruck she was not the type he usually went for but something about her drew him to her.
Artie saw his partner’s expression and grinned that famous Artemus grin when he knew something his partner did not “That, James my boy, is why we are here.”
The woman strolled casually over to their table and every man in the room seemed to watch her Both Artemus and James were up before she made it to the table.
She smiled at Artemus totally ignoring James “Artemus so good to see you again”
She held out her hand and Artemus kissed it “You look as lovely as ever my dear Emily.” The woman blushed and Artemus Introduced her “Miss Emily Fairheart, I would like you to meet my good friend James West.”
Emily extended her hand and Jim kissed it “A pleasure to meet you Miss Fairheart.”
“And you Mr. West, I have heard a lot about you” She didn’t even look Jim in the eyes before turning back to Artemus “Shall we be going?”
“Yes we shall my dear .” He extended his arm and she took it. They both strolled out of the saloon with Jim following, this he was not used to.
He spoke once they were outside trying remember if Artie had ever mentioned her and he couldn’t recall “Artemus, I hate to intrude but do you mind telling me what is going on.”
Artemus looked around and spoke softly “Yes as soon as we get to the Wanderer.” Artie helped Emily climb into a waiting wagon which was all this town had. They rode to the train with Jim and Artie following on their horses.
Once inside the train, Miss Fairheart removed her hat and cloak and sat down on the settee. Jim sat across from her and spoke.
"Would someone mind telling me what is going on here?”
“Yes, Jim” he handed Emily a glass of water and she smiled warmly at him “Emily here is our connection to Thomas McMaster.”
Jim looked confused “Now what would a lovely young lady be doing with such a man” He gave her his best smile.
“Mr. West...”
“Jim” he interrupted
“Mr. West, do not try any of your wiles on me as I am perfectly immune to them.”
Jim looked hurt as she continued.
“There is only one man in my life.”
“McMaster” he said drily
“Absolutely not!” she stood sharply
“Must have hit a nerve huh Artie?”
“Jim, no” He whispered rather loudly, with a noticeably grimace on his face, sometimes his partner just didn’t know when to quit.
“So what did he offer jewels, wealth?”
“Artemus, I do not have to stand for this, nor will I, You may contact Colonel Richmond and tell him this is off. I will not be treated in such a way, not again.”
“Emily calm down, let me show you to your room it has been a long couple of weeks”
She stood glaring at Jim, she was visually upset and in her best manners spoke “Good evening... Mr. West” It seemed to Jim that she spat out the last words of that sentence and he smiled to himself he had hit a nerve, Unfortunately it wasn’t the one he thought.
**********
Artie came back after getting Emily settled “I should make you sleep out here for that and take your bunk.”
“What did I do?!” Jim asked a bit defensive while giving Artie that hurt look.
“Well you insulted a perfectly lovely young woman, James you should be ashamed.”
Jim poured himself a drink “I was right though wasn’t I?”
“No, James-my-boy, at least not completely” Artie paused a bit frustrated at his usually gallant partner, it was odd for him to treat a lady this way unless she was a criminal.“You see Emily and I go back a long way...a very long way, During the war she was a spy for the union. She made her way into the elite southern society she gave some valuable information to our side, Information Jim that saved a lot of lives on both sides of that war”
Jim stood quiet listening to Artie as he continued. “Close to the end of the war she was captured and beaten. When she wouldn’t turn over her contact and was about to be hung, we heard word that she had been discovered. I was sent with a small contingent to rescue her, we both barely escaped with our lives. Jim , Emily wears scars that no woman should bear.”
He paused and took a drink of his brandy before he continued “ Along with the physical reminders she has the memory of the betrayal by the one man she thought truly loved her.”
“Artie, I....”
Artie Continued “Her heart belongs to no man Jim, at least not that I know of and most defiantly not McMaster.”
“Artie, I Should.....”
Artemus cut him off “It's ok Jim she is a forgiving soul and assuming you make it through the night with out her killing you, she will be speaking to you by morning.” he smiled.
They were quiet for a moment when the telegraph started Jim translated “Has the package been picked up?”
Artie typed back “Yes and will be delivered in two days.” The telegraph went silent and Artie pushed it back into its hiding spot within the bookcase.
“Ok so what does she have to do with McMaster?” Jim said sitting down now across from Artie.
“She was sent to work as McMaster’s secretary and gain his trust, when the first reports came out about the counterfeiting, that she did all too well, he was getting to close so she told him her mother fell ill and would return as soon as she could. He asked her to hurry back he had an important question to ask her.” Artie Paused “She sent word from Nowhere to Col. Richmond and that is why we stopped.” Artie stood and refilled his glass “ Jim, The two men he allegedly had killed were admirers of Emily’s”
“I see so she is going back, now to draw him out?” He thought a minute and looked at Artie, and Artemus saw the realization flash behind those green eyes of his as Jim spoke “No, Artie I won't let you do it.”
“We don’t have a choice Jim.”
“Then I’ll be the bait.”
“Sorry James but it needs to be someone that she would be attracted to and you for once are not that gentleman.”
Jim looked insulted as Artemus continued “Nothing personal Jim, she just isn’t attracted to guys like you.”
Jim smirked “Oh you mean handsome, honorable.”
Emily spoke causing both Jim and Artie to spin around they had not heard her re-enter the room “No Mr. West, although you are nice looking and I am sure very honorable, Artemus is right. He has everything I am attracted to, build, brains and unfortunately, he can be quite the cad at times which I am attracted to as well.” Artie grinned devilishly trying not to laugh.
She noticed they were staring at her and she looked down to make sure she had put on her dressing gown, Jim couldn’t believe how wonderful she looked in a simple dressing gown.
Jim spoke “Well in that case, seeing as how I have never been a cad in my life, honor is all yours Artie...although I still don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.” responded Artie as he walked over to Emily “You should rest we will be in Hot Springs the day after tomorrow.”
“Would it be all right if I slept out here.”
Jim spoke first “Yes, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable in one of the rooms? ” her wanting to sleep out here made him nervous.
Artie was bringing back blankets and a pillow as she answered
“I am afraid not Mr....” She saw his look “Jim, I do not sleep much, and the past few weeks have not been easy, it's hard to know you are the cause of someone’s death. Besides I like to read and tend to pace when I can not sleep and you two are about to be in more danger than I.”
Artie put his hand on her shoulder and she reached her hand to meet his and looked into Artie’s brown eyes. Jim noticed a softness in her for the first time, and this endeared him even more to her.
**********
Jim was having trouble understanding all this with Emily. He wanted to trust her but he still wasn’t sure. At about three in the morning he heard a noise from the Parlor car that woke him from his light sleep. He slipped on some pants and a dressing robe then he stepped through the door quietly in time to see Emily pull her dressing gown up and over a scar. In the dim light he could tell it looked suspiciously like a whip scar, he had seen those many times during the war.
Emily had awoken from a nightmare, lit a lantern on the table and began to read. She pulled at her dressing gown a bit as it slid off her shoulder. She didn’t turn but spoke “Didn’t your mother teach you it is not gentlemanly to spy on a lady?”
Jim walked into view and sat down at the table “She also told me that most woman could not be trusted.”
“She is a wise woman then and knows her kind well.”
“Artemus told me how you both met.”
“I owe him, and I will do anything to protect him, He saved my life not only from the hangman’s noose but risked his life to stay with me at a safe house when I contracted a fever from an infection.” She paused and poured herself some water.
Jim spoke softly “The lashes..” Was all he said
She nodded and continued “ He waited until I could travel, with great risk to himself, he also avenged me when we were discovered while leaving the safe house. The man not only turned me into the confederate army but he was also the one who took great pleasure in my punishment.”
That day ran through her mind. Her fiance had been the one to turn her in when he discovered who she was working for. She had thought love would keep her safe, it was then she realized that love had no place in war, and men were loyal only to their generals...that is until the gallant Artemus Gordon came to her rescue. In one swift movement he had restored her faith in at least one man. She stopped before she let her minds eye replay the rest of the scenario it was time this memory was controlled and she was relieved to know it left as commanded.
Jim thought how Artie never ceased to amaze him even after all the time they had been partners. So Artie had taken care of the man who had done that to her, Good he thought saves me the trouble, of hunting him down, although he wasn't sure how he would have done that.
“I am sorry for what happened to you.”
“It was war we all did what we thought was right and if my lies and treachery saved at least one life then the lashes were worth it as would have been the hangman’s noose” She said that with a confidence that seemed to surprise Jim although it was barely noticeable behind his eyes.
“May I speak frankly to you Miss Fairheart?”
“Emily please, and yes you may.”
“Emily, I do not like putting Artemus in danger this way.”
“I know Jim, however we do not have enough proof except for what McMaster has hinted to me about the deaths and we both know that is not enough.”
“Do you know where the counterfeiting is taking place?"
“Has to be in the basement of the Mansion. No one other than McMaster or his business partner are allowed down there and it is guarded heavily.”
She placed her hand on Jim’s and spoke “I will die before I allow anything to happen to Artemus.” she thought back to how she had faced death once before to save Artemus and finished her statement “... or you.” She looked into those deep green eyes “ I chose my fate long ago Jim and I have no regrets. I would do the same again given the chance and knowing what I know. It is the price of being human.”
He nodded, this mentality he understood. Both he and Artemus had chosen their fates long ago as well, maybe not going into it as head first as Emily, but chosen just the same.
He laid his free hand upon hers and smiled that famous James West smile. He trusted her now, at least as far as he could, he looked into her eyes “If you will excuse me I need to attend to the horses.”
“Of course.” he left and Emily was alone for only a minute before Artemus came through the door yawning.
She smiled “Would you care for some breakfast?”
He looked a bit shocked, it had been awhile since a woman had waited on him, usually it was him waiting on Jim.
“Sit right down here I will fix it, I made myself familiar with the galley in the early morning hours.” Artemus sat down as Emily brought him some coffee. She handed Jim a cup as he passed through the galley. He went and sat down across from Artemus.
“You know something Artie?”
“I know a lot of things but what in particular would you be referring to?”
“That is an amazing woman in that galley.”
Artemus looked up from his coffee “That she is Jim, that she is.”
“Artie?”
“Yes..”
“The contact she was protecting during the war, it was you wasn’t it?”
Artemus nodded but before he could say anything... Emily brought out breakfast and served the two men before sitting down herself.
“Wonderful Emily, you haven’t lost your touch.”
“I’ll agree with Artie, this is great” it was nice to have a woman’s touch aboard the Wanderer for a change.
“Thank you both. It has been along time since I have had the chance to cook for others.”
After they finished she cleaned the dishes and went to change. She came out in a deep purple dress, that hung loosely about her waste, it was more simple than the one she had worn when Jim first met her, and her hair was tied loosely at the nap of her neck. She looked at both men “Do you mind if I go stand on the platform I could use some air?”
Artie extended his hand “I will escort you, we are slowing to a water station.”
They stayed out on the platform until the train picked up speed again and the all three returned inside.
“I could get used to traveling like this.” She sat down and the rest of the day was quiet, for dinner Emily cooked an aged steak and potatoes for both Jim an Artie.
The night that followed brought more nightmares and a repeat of the early morning hours, only Emily was alone, Jim had been satisfied enough by her answers the previous morning too at least let himself sleep no one stirred until breakfast was ready and she was glad of that.