For a good remainder of the afternoon Ruby stayed silent, curled up on the floor reading the book she had plucked off the shelf, not really processing the words her eyes scanned, but passing the time and enjoying the heat that pulsed off the fireplace. Every once and a while she would reach over, toss in a new piece of timber, listen to the fire crackle and pop before returning to her book.

She had been faintly listening to everyone. Mannix had strolled over, sitting down and talking to the general until a little while later came over with a fresh cup of coffee for her.

"Here you go lady, fresh off the stove and a far bit better than the batch before."

Ruby lifted her eyes seeing the man grinning down at her. She had been listening to him speak with the General and had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes listening to the two of them. Accepting it, Ruby thanked him before sipping it. Right away Mannix smiled.

"So lady, you're a gypsy now aren't you?"

Instantly annoyed, Ruby sat up.

"If that's what you wanna call me."

Mannix held his hands out in defense.

"Hey, I didn't mean any offense, honestly. I mean it sure is better than being called a witch right?"

Getting to her feet, Ruby smoothed out her shall before smiling and handing Mannix her cup back.

"Thank you for the warm drink Mr. Mannix. I certainly do hope if you are in fact Red Rock's new sheriff, you carry this beautiful charm of yours all the way over there and then some."'

Walking away with a sweep of her shall, she left Mannix speechless before she walked over to the hooks where her coat and hat hung. Instantly John turned from his stool and glared over at her.

"Just where are you going?"

Ruby fit her hat on, keeping it snug on her head.

"Checking on my horse."

"The horses are just fine Mrs. Muldoon, Bob and myself checked in on them just a few hours ago. Hell, they are probably warmer than us."

Warren said by the stove. Turning as she did up her coat, Ruby smiled.

"I'm going to get their feeding over with for the night, besides old Pallor and myself go way back. He was a gift from my late husband and it would put my mind to ease making sure he's okay."

Warren nodded.

"I lost my horse on this journey, I understand but it's getting pretty awful out there…"

"I'll go with her, help her along."

Joe said rising and strolling over. Grabbing his coat he began to fasten it closed before John glared over at the two of them.

"Make it snappy."

Bob turned.

"Need help?"

Joe shook his head as he began prying the wood boards off the door.

"No need, we'll be back."

"Well hurry, stew is almost ready."

Nodding, Joe got the boards loose and the door flew open, sending howling wind and snow. Hurrying over, OB and Bob began hammering the boards against the door closing it.

Outside

Ruby kept her head down as Joe took hold of her hand and pointed. It was almost white out conditions.

"Come on! They put a rope down to guide us! Let's go, hold on!"

He shouted over the screaming wind. Holding on, Ruby carefully made it down the steps with him as they began taking large steps through the nearly knee deep snow. Both found the rope and struggled as they pulled themselves forward, helping each other as the wind and snow continued to fight against them pushing them back. After ten minuites or so, they reached the barn doors.

Joe fought with the door before both stumbled inside.

"Jesus Christ!"

Joe shouted as Ruby steadied herself, gasping for breath as she leaned against the wooden door. On the other side she could hear the wind slamming against it. Looking, she fumbled for the matches and lit one of the lanterns as Joe got to work on another. Lighting two more and hanging them, it casted a faint dim light around the barn where the horses stood in their stables. Holding one of the lanterns and sticking her other gloved hand under her arm she shivered and looked over at Joe.

"I'm sorry you had to come out here, it's horrible out. I really could have done this myself…"

Joe shook his head as he walked over taking her lantern and hanging it up on a hook by the first stable.

"No need, just needed some air."

Ruby laughed.

"Yeah, out there there's plenty of air, wind, snow, and shit."

Joe chuckled before looking her over.

"You cold?"

"I'll survive."

"I hope that idiot in there didn't upset you, he's talking completely out of his ass."

Ruby smiled strolling over to the pile of hay that stood beside several large drums. Using the pitchfork, she began to work.

"Oh no, I've grown accustom to name calling in this profession. Plenty of people have called me worse. I got tough skin, he didn't bother me none. Just seems a little tense in there and wanted to check in on old Pallor. Sun just set and I'm sure it's going to get a whole lot colder in here soon."

Joe nodded looking around.

"Um, yeah…I think you may be right…"

Grabbing the other pitchfork the two began shoving out piles of hay, dumping it into the stables for the horses. Soon after they filled the buckets for water and within no time the horses were taken care of. They worked silently and quickly before finally Ruby smiled reaching over and gently petting her horse.

"There, there old boy…"

"Sure is a beautiful horse."

Ruby turned smiling as Joe strolled over. Right away he frowned and motioned to her hands.

"You look frozen solid, we better get inside."

Ruby held her hand out and sighed, her hand was red and chapped by the cold.

"Yeah, my fingers feel like ice…"

"Come here…"

Joe took hold of Ruby's hands within his, cupped them and leaned down blowing into them. Gently he rubbed them together before lifting his eyes and staring at her.

"Better?"

Ruby, almost lost in a trance stared up at him before slowly nodding. Leaning down, Joe slowly began kissing Ruby, his mouth gently opening and closing over hers.

Inside…

"I'm giving those two less than twenty minutes, if they ain't back I'm sending you to go check in on them."

John barked over at Warren who looked over surprised.

"Why me?!"

"Because I don't want anybody out of my sight, anyone you hear me. Also if you wanna earn the rest of the ride you'll do as I say!"

Daisy chuckled taking a sip of her spiked coffee.

"You tell em' John, you tell that nigger. That old cowboy is probably out in the barn fucking that gypsy's brains out!"

John roughly elbowed Daisy.

"Shut up bitch!"

Quickly the subject changed as Mannix began commenting on how horrible the storm was getting. That it was just his luck he would be getting sworn in as new sheriff at this time of the goddamn year. Laughing, John remarked that he was full of it, beginning a new debate yet again on if Mannix was in fact actually going to become sheriff or not.

Outside the snow continued to fly down as the night grew darker…

In the barn…

"Ruby…"

"Shut up and don't talk, come on…"

Ruby laid back in the hay, pulling up her skirt as Joe knelt between her spread legs. Reaching forward, Ruby grabbed a handful of Joe's shirt, franticly moving her hands up and down before finding his belt buckle. Helping him pull and undo it, she seemed eager, and frantic. Staring down, Joe looked at her.

"You sure?"

Staring up, Ruby's eyes became serious.

"I need you to hear me here Joe. I ain't no whore…"

"I…"

"No, I want you to say it. I'm not a whore."

"You're not a whore…"

"I don't fuck men I just met. You are the first man I've been with since my husband died. I like you Joe…but I'm not a whore."

"I know…you aren't a whore."

Laying there silent, Ruby nodded before she laid back as Joe undid his slacks, slipping his belt off, all the while not taking his eyes off her. Reaching up, she found his manhood pulsing, ready to be worked out and she gently squeezed it causing Joe to moan.

Inside…

John sat at the table with Daisy as Bob was doing the last finishing touches on the strew that was ready to serve.

The blizzard was getting worse and he had a terrible feeling. He had been silently sitting back looking everyone over. The cowboy and fortune teller were due back soon. He meant it if they weren't due back he would be sending Warren out there guns blazing. Besides, he had plans. Plans on what to do soon about these strangers, and the guns.

In the barn…

Joe collapsed on top of Ruby, his weight pinning her down. Breathless, Ruby laid beneath him stunned before Joe lifted his head and stared down at her. Instantly that rough face flickered to the younger man he once was. A kinder, more gentle looking soul.

"Are you all right?"

Staring up at him, Ruby lifted her head kissing him before Joe pulled himself out of her and rolled off. Laying beside her, he began working himself back into his slacks. Sitting up, Ruby began dressing herself before looking around.

"We outta get back…"

Joe reached out and grasped her wrist causing her to turn.

"Listen, I meant it. I hope I didn't hurt you or anything…"

Ruby stood up fixing her skirt.

"I hate to break it to you but this wasn't my first time…"

Joe chuckled shaking his head and putting his hat back on. Looking up he smiled.

"I'm sure it wasn't."

Closing her coat, she motioned to him.

"Ready?"

"In just a second…"

Getting up, Joe brushed the hay off himself before walking over. Cocking his head to the side he smiled.

"Turn around…"

Ruby did so as he gently swept his hand over her clothing and legs taking off the hay that clung to her. Laughing, Ruby turned.

"Puts a whole new meaning to a roll in the hay huh?"

Joe smiled before offering his arm.

"Ready?"

Nodding, Ruby took his arm before Joe stared down at her. Smiling, Ruby stared up.

"What?"

"I don't know…how long we're going to be laid up here, but…maybe you wouldn't mind latching up old Pallor to our carriage and riding along with us?"

"Really?"

"It would be a pleasure…if you trust me?"

Ruby stood up on her tip toes gently kissing the side of Joe's mouth before walking with him to turn the lanterns down.

Together they hunkered down, bracing the howling cold wind as it roared out at them as they exited and began walking towards the cabin.

Later…

John and a few others were huddled around the stove whispering and talking. Ruby was laying on the bed made out with Joe. The two had returned fifteen or so minutes ago, wind blown, and freezing. John closely watched them as they took their coats off and hurried over to the fire.

They informed them the horses were fed and set for the night. Watching them, instantly John knew the two of them had most likely screwed. He wasn't completely sure if they knew each other before tonight, but from the looks of it this dumb gypsy girl was head over heels all ready with this dumb lug. Joe continued rubbing her hands and blowing into them before taking her over to the bed to warm up. Ruby took her blanket, wrapping herself up tight before laying down beside him.

The two were softly talking, snuggled up like two peas in a pod. Frowning, John knew before dinner was served he was going to need to take guns and take them soon. Getting up and dragging Daisy with him, he announced what he was doing here. Ruby and Joe listened from the bed before John stalked around before saying he was taking guns from anyone he didn't trust. Strolling over, he stopped at the edge of the bed asking for Joe and Ruby's guns. Shortly after Warren snuck up behind them, putting a knife to Joe's throat. Ruby sat up, gasping before Joe blinked to show he understood how serious they were and gave up his gun. Warren stepped back before Ruby shot him a look and handed him her gun as well.

"Bastard…"

She muttered before Joe sat there. Instantly Ruby scooted over and looked over his neck.

"Jesus you're bleeding…"

"I'm fine…"

Joe sighed as Warren, John, and Daisy walked over to Oswald asking for his gun as well. Looking at the small cut on his neck, Ruby reached for one of her scarfs which were tied around her and tore the frabic before handing it to him. Joe sighed, thanking her before twisting it around and wrapping it loosely around his neck. Getting up, Ruby glared at John who went behind the bar taking the three guns apart and emptying the pieces in before asking OD to dump the parts into the outhouse because his coat was on and he somewhat trusted him. A few minutes later OD left with Warren hammering up the boards behind him.

Getting up, Ruby paced before Bob called everyone over saying the stew was on. Hungry, she knew it was better with a man like John around to sit down, eat, and keep her mouth shut. She liked Joe a lot, more than a lot and didn't think for one second she was being reckless or foolish for doing what she did. There was something special about Joe, something she couldn't put her finger on. Still, she had to give him the respect he deserved for not losing it after what Warren did. Watching him from afar she wanted to talk to him but knew this wasn't the time. Refusing the sit down with them at the table, she strolled over as Joe offered her a bowl of steaming hot stew.

The two stood together, leaning against the counter in the kitchen area eating and watching. Mannix was starting something about a letter written by the president, harping over and over. Ruby ate, standing next to Joe. Suddenly there was loud laughing as the woman named Daisy started to cackle.

"Talk that sass nigger! Talk that sass!"

John glanced at her disgusted before tossing the hot stew over into her face. Warren and John seemed to be arguing and very silently he got up, heading to the stove. Just then the door burst open as OD stumbled in, swearing that he was frozen solid and he was never going out again. Walking over he grabbed the bear's fur which hung on the wall, wrapped it around him and collapsed in front of the fire. Bob strolled over offering him stew before Joe shook his head before leaning in and whispered softly in Ruby's ear...

"Keep your eyes glued on Warren, I think he's up to something."

Ruby raised her eyebrow as Warren walked over, filling a new bowl of stew. For a brief second he looked straight at Ruby who held her bowl in her hands. Ruby couldn't explain it, but from the tiny bit if what she heard Warren talk to John about it strangely made sense. No matter what, people would just look at Warren for his color. Nothing more, and nothing less. Warren took the second bowl and fresh spoon and strolled over to where the general was. Glancing over at Joe, she raised an eyebrow before he leaned in whispering again. "Watch him, and stay here…" With that Joe placed his bowl down and strolled away rolling a fresh cigarette. Ruby stared at him puzzled before she overheard Warren and the General's conversation across the room. Putting her bowl down as well, she listened, watching Warren as he stood before the General, their voices slowly beginning to rise. Oswald was walking by as well, tapping out his pipe, and Bob was sitting, beginning to try and play silent night.

He was a little off key, but nevertheless was still a pleasant noise to keep her mind off the wind outside. It made hearing a little harder, but she continued to do what Joe said keeping her eyes on Warren. He didn't seem like someone to worry about, but being a woman in the middle of nowhere shacked up with a bunch of strange men and a convict, she learned to trust her gut instincts. She glanced just for a mere second and saw Joe standing across the way listening to Warren and the General. Turning her eyes back to the men by the fireplace, she didn't feel one ounce of regret. She liked Joe, even if she did barley know him. She had become awfully lonely since Robert's passing and carrying the title of a widow was starting to weigh down on her. She had loved her husband, adored him in fact, and was thankful for him for dragging her out of her old life and giving her some purpose. There weren't any children, but a handful of happy years with him. She saw him through his sickness, and finally to his grave. She missed him horribly, but knew as time went on the window of her ever finding someone was getting closer and closer to shutting completely.

She didn't need a man to feel whole. In fact she had passed off several advances from different men from her town, including one proposal from the town mason. She was independent and happy enough on her own but as of lately she hated to admit it but she longed for a man's touch. She could't explain it, but as much as Joe was a stranger, from the moment she saw those blue eyes she knew she was a goner. The sex had been good as much of a hurry they were in, and how freezing it was out in the barn. She was satisfied, and knew Joe's clumsy large hands knew their way around a woman's body. As large as he was, he seemed like a gentle giant, and she knew that once the weather died down she would in fact consider Joe's offer of latching Pallor up and having her join him. She wondered if maybe he wouldn't mind joining her for her job in Red Rock and maybe going up to his mother's for Christmas afterwards. Still, she knew not to be foolish. Joe didn't strike her as any other typical man, but he still got what he wanted. For all she knew she was just good sex on a cold night. His feelings might change once the snow stopped flying. Whatever was going to happen, she pushed it out of her mind. She decided that she would enjoy the attention and company, even if it wasn't meant to be. Watching Warren, her ears picked up on something. Warren was talking about knowing the General's son, and suddenly her eyes widened in shock as the story began to unfold.

Ten minutes later…

When Warren shot the General, Ruby was completely speechless. By the end of his haunting tale of what he exactly did to the General's son, Ruby's eyes were as huge as saucers, her jaw dropped as she listened. When the pistol went off and the General went flying down to the ground. Shortly after the debate on Warren's self-defense began as the men stood around as Joe and OD offered to take the General's body out. Ruby stood back, still stunned before Joe strolled over, his coat back on.

"I'll be right back. You all right darling?"

He said softly, tipping his hat back. John was currently speaking to Mannix, and OD as Warren continued speaking to Oswald as the General's body was prepared to be carried out. Daisy remained at the table, almost in a silent trance with the faintest trace of a smile on her face. Looking up, Ruby blinked still stunned.

"Do you think what he said was true?"

She whispered over to Joe. Glancing over at Warren, Joe made a disgusted look before fixing one of Ruby's scarfs.

"Hell, maybe. Just stay away from him…"

He then watched as OD began trying to carry the body of the General as Mannix started taking the boards off the door. Sighing, he cocked his head and looked down at her.

"I'll be back in a second. You okay?"

Ruby sighed.

"Right as rain, how's your cut?"

She stood on her tip toes, pulling down the cloth to look it over. Gently grasping one of her hands, Joe looked conflicted for a second before turning her chin upwards to stare at him. Before he turned to leave he whispered quickly one last thing. Something she wasn't quite sure she had heard.

"Whatever you do, don't drink the coffee."

With that the door flew open, howling snow and wind coming in as Joe turned and hurried over, helping carrying the body out. Ruby stood there puzzled. She wasn't completely sure what she had heard, but was certain he said something about the coffee. Glancing over at the kettle she was sure nothing was wrong with it, she had been drinking it nearly all day. In fact everyone had. She had stopped drinking it awhile ago seeing that as much as it warmed her up it made her need to pee. With the way the weather was, she knew she didn't have the will for too many walks outside to the outhouse. Still, she had squatted behind one of the stables while Joe and her were feeding the horses earlier to relieve herself. Looking at it, she glanced down at Daisy before shrugging and brushing back her hair, her bracelets jingling.

"So was he a good fuck gypsy?"

Daisy asked from the table. Broken out of her thoughts, Ruby looked down.

"Huh?"

Daisy licked her bloody chapped lips.

"You heard me? Was he a good fuck?"

"You shut that trap Daisy!"

John yelled from across the way pointing his gun. Rolling her eyes, Daisy stared off past Ruby, lost again in that trance. Feeling extremely uneasy, Ruby rubbed her hands together and strolled over to the windows. Looking out she couldn't believe how horrible it was getting out. The weather didn't seem to want to stop. Glancing through the window, she frowned hoping to God this night would be over and be over soon.