Camp was a light with people by the time they had arrived. Tami didn't recognize this specific spot, but it was so much bigger and better than she had ever seen. The tents were nearly twice the size as she remembered. The cloth stretching far over each tent to encase it in shaded protection.
A large lean to housed a good sized fire pit with an oversized pot. Dried meat hunt out in front of the lean to along side herbs and berries. A long table sat on its furthest wall and was home to many supplies including a cleaver and cutting bored.
A covered wagon held an unhealthy amount of weapons. Large shotguns, silver repeaters, a few bows propped in the front, and a mountain of ammo stacked in the middle. Next to it was a similar covered wagon with a large amount of tonic and herbs. Tami assumed it must be a medical wagon.
In the center was a few tables and chairs set up. Cow hide lines the ground underneath it. To the left of the tables was a smaller scout fire surrounded by fallen logs. Each tent had a personal touch from its occupants hanging on the wooden staves that held it up. It was easy to tell who was in which tent.
Wild land stretched for miles all around the occupied land. Long enough to see anyone coming for miles. A few trees and cacti stood among the sandstone and sparse grass. The back of camp was against a large canyon providing ample protection from anyone trying to sneak up into the back of camp.
The occupants of the camp looked up to see the new arrivals. Tami instantly blushes under their gaze. It was different to be face to face with so many people she knew so well. It was also strange to see them as human beings instead of an image on a screen. After dismounting, Bill took the reigns of Balefire and motioned for Tami to follow Dutch into camp.
She eyed the shiny guns that were pulled as a new face entered camp. While they weren't pointing at her directly, she knew the threat of death if she were to try anything was real. Dutch put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and lead her past the stoic Charles. He stood with broad shoulders and very watchful gaze.
Her eyes shifted around camp to see everyone she recognized. Surprisingly a few faces she didn't know at all as well.
"Gather around everyone. I want to introduce this young lady properly!"
Muttering began around camp as others started to come out of tents to gaze at her. Tami had always thought the gang was a bit small compared to the world around them, but once they started to form a crowd in front of her she shrunk against the onslaught of eyes.
The women were unabashed as they looked her over. Hands covered mouths as they gossiped to one another. A smaller Jack pushed his way to the front and eyes her curiously as his mother hovered just a little behind him. The men were still defensive in their stances. Guns drawn and muscles bunched in preparation.
"This here is Miss Tami Jackson. She will be joining for a while. Make her feel at home. I would appreciate it if everyone introduced her during the day, and let her get acquainted with our humble camp." Everyone was hanging onto Dutch's every word as he spoke. Even Tami felt enthralled at his command of the English language. It was easy to fall and slip into his voice as he spoke. The promise of a deep conversation, and insightful wisdom hung onto his every word, "Miss Grimshaw. A word please."
Tami wanted to reach out for Dutch as he left. The merger protection she knew his presence offered slipped away as he walked to a more secluded place with Susan at his heels. She stood there for a moment as if frozen still. The crowd was still looking at her with interest. A small woman broke free from the others and made her way forward with a large smile. The woman was unknown to Tami, but her warm smile made the new gang member relax a little.
"Hi my name's Jenny." She spoke with a slight accent in her voice. It was hard to pick out and very faint. Blond hair was up in a tight little bun, and hazel eyes sparkled with excitement. Tami felt her heart wretch at knowing this woman's fate.
Jenny offered a hand to shake and Tami took it without thought. Something ticketed the back of Tami's mind gently as a small vision appeared before her. She watched Jenny fall to the ground with surprise in her eyes. Blood spilled from her chest and down onto a brown dress in a large waterfall. A slip of blood started to pour from the side of her mouth as a cry escaped her. Tami jerked her hand back as if in pain and furrowed her eyebrows. The imagery was too real and sickened her to the very core.
"Nice to meet you." Tami spoke in a wavering tone. She watched confusion flash over Jenny's face for a moment before the smile returned. Tami was unsure if she was supposed to tell the other members of camp of her talents. Dutch hadn't done so, and she didn't know if that was a sign to keep it quiet.
"Come with me. I know the girls are during to meet you." Tami flinched a little as Jenny took her arm. She shook as she waited for another vision to take hold; however, it didn't even bother her this time. She looked to see Jenny's fingers touching the fabric of the dirty shirt. Her mind already started to work on a solution to her newfound 'gift'.
Jenny pulled Tami past the crowd and to a small area hidden between the tents. What looked like deer hide was stretched over the ground and a few books lay in a pile. A set of sewing and knitting were laying neatly to the side of the books. A few more sets of footsteps followed Jenny and Tami to the little area.
"Have you eaten today? If not lunch will be soon. Peterson makes the food 'round here. It ain't the best, but it's better than starvin'." Jenny spoke while waving a hand for Tami to sit.
"No I haven't eaten yet. But uh... I uh... I have new clothes. I got them today. I feel very dirty in this." Tami pulled at the stained clothing.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm assuming Dutch is talkin' to Susan 'bout that. You see, they don't like us goin' into town all my our lonesome. We usually have one of the men take us." Mary Beth's voice from behind nearly made Tami shit her pants. She flipped around and came face to face with Mary Beth, Tilly, Abigail, and even Molly. The small band of women let out low chuckles at Tami's expense.
"Uh, hi." Tami fumbled with her hands awkwardly, "Well, you see we've just come back from Blackwater. I'm not sure a trip into town will be so soon."
"Don't fret too much about that. We have a small gathering of bath water. It won't be very satisfying, but you'll be clean." Tilly spoke up in a soft voice. Her smile was like two rose pedals floating on a glass of beautiful ivory.
"I will let you borrow my bar of soap if you need it." Abigail offered from the back, "I know how it feels to need a good scrub." She looked exhausted. Blue spots under her eyes stained the otherwise flawless skin. Her fingers were clutching in uncertainty. Tami felt herself relax a bit more. It seemed she wasn't the only one riddled with nerves.
"Not meaning to be rude, but why did Dutch bring you here anyway." Molly's deep accent was different compared to the other women. Even with the richness her words held, her tone fell flat with dissatisfaction. The pretty face twisted into a rather nasty scowl.
Before Tami could reply another woman walked up behind the small gathering, "No need to be rude." Susan spoke in a tone full of authority. The girls jumped in response of the voice. Panic started to foot across the gentler women's faces.
"We were just gettin' aqua red." Mary Beth spoke up in a tone that screamed submission. Tami felt anger boil to her chest. She found herself attempting to take a step to protect the other woman before slumping back into her feet. This wasn't her place or world. She needed to keep her nose clean.
"Not you... You." Susan pointed to Molly. The Irish woman snorted in response and crossed her arms, "Dutch informed me that our new guest has a talent that will benefit us greatly and has offered to lend it to us in exchange for shelter."
"Like Abigail then?" Molly snapped in a cruel tone. The older woman gave a smirk that boarded on homicidal.
"Would you like to test the waters again? I don't mind teaching you this lesson again." Abigail's tone was surprisingly gentle for the threat it hid.
"You wouldn't dare." Molly scoffed in response.
Tami was intrigued at this new interaction between the people in front of her. Like a backstory that was never fully told unfolding before her very eyes. It almost made her forget that she was laying in a dark place covered in wires, and that this was simply her mind trapped in something that was never meant to be real.
"Hush." Grimshaw warned in a lower tone than before. The women's squabble ended shortly, but the glares between them lived a few seconds longer, "Now we aren't to know the specifics just yet. Dutch wants to speak to Tami about that first. I hope you haven't gone off and told a soul yet." Susan now turned her piercing gaze to Tami. She was a beautiful young woman once. That much was clear. Her bone structure showed the promise of a slim and chiseled face with sharp cheekbones and a jawline to die for. However, time wasn't kind as it danced lines into her face and drug scars along with it.
"No, Ma'am." Tami was intimidated by the woman in front of her. Susan stood tall and strong. Her backbone seemed to be forever straight and tall in a proud stance.
"Oh, leave her alone, you old croon." Karen walked from the tent to their left with a scowl on her face. Neck and cheeks tinged a deep pink and alcohol laced her breath, "She's here for a reason, same as all of us."
"I'd hold my tongue if I were you girl." Susan quipped, but looked to the small gathering of women. She took a step back and sniffed a bit, "Once you have her somewhat presentable, bring her to Dutch."
"Should we douse her in pretty clothing and nice perfume?" Molly asked in a snark tone. Tami flinched at her meaning within the words.
"I'm not a whore, Molly O'Shea." Tami stepped forward and grabbed the Irish woman's hand roughly.
She felt pain within Molly. A great pain within the very heart and soul of a woman whose man is never loyal, yet a deep yearning to prove her worth to him. Tami watched as Ireland was exposed to her. The red-haired beauty giggled and felt powerful as she explored her fathers land in freedom. A whistle in her soul of a calling that wasn't simply being a brood mare for a man whom she didn't love.
A new understanding came across Tami for the poor woman. It wasn't as if she was a cruel person, just that her heart was slowly being turned black by the fierce leader, "Neither are you." Tami whispered hollowly.
"Remember the fields of green and the little yellow flowers you adored so much. It's why you always wear the color green. Reminds you of home, doesn't it?" Tami watched as Molly pulled her hand away. Not from anger but from pure shock.
"You… Y… You're bleeding." Molly spoke in a hushed tone. A drip of red fell from Tami's nose and onto the collar of her shirt, "How did you…"
Tami pushed past Molly and wiped her nose harshly. The headache that thrummed behind her ears bordered on debilitating. Her vision warped into a small square shape for a few seconds. A buzzing of electronics kissed her eardrums until her vision came back in full force. Even with the moment of loss, Tami walked on strongly to her horse and dug in its overstuffed bag. Her fingers wrapped around a basic red shirt and jeans. With a sigh she worked on pulling out a black vest as well.
"You got some dip or cigars in that bag too?" An unknown man was leaning against the tree watching with a lowered gaze.
"Never seen a woman wearin' pants before?" Tami replied in a sharp tone. She worked on slipping a bar of soap and basic comb into the satchel on her hip.
"Keep wearin' things like that and somethin' might happen to you." He sniffed and rubbed his fingertips together. Dark brown hair lay to his shoulders in dirty strings. Dark brown eyes were sinking in anger. Pale skin was covered in bruises and sun burns.
"You're one of the Callander boys. Aren't you." It wasn't a question. The man scowled and shrugged.
"I could be."
"Look, me an' you. We work for the same man now. I highly doubt he would take kindly to you throwing threats my way." Tami let out. She was trying to fight off the shaking fear in her body. She had forgotten that these men were a very real threat. Seeing just one of them was horrifying.
"She's got a point Mac." A second man appeared looking similar to the first. He looked a few years older, but kept a cleaner appearance. A slight stubble kissed his own sunburnt skin, "I'm Davey, that's my younger brother Mac. Don't pay too much mind to him. We don't want to risk getting' nearly kicked out again do we?" While the second man was more pleasant to Tami, his stance was anything but kind. His muscles were bunched much like an angry wolf, but he kept calm and even managed a slight smile. With a large hand he turned his brother away from Tami and left her be. For that she was at least a little grateful.
When Tami finally returned to the small shelter with the other women, she found only Tilly to be reading. Her gentle smile was a large relief in such a hostile area. It was hard to remember that Tami needed to stay within the gang and try to finish this with nerves and fear constantly flowing over her.
"Mary Beth has the water warmed and, in the tent, just behind me. I know it's small, but it keeps us modest while we bath." Tilly looked back down to her book, but continued to speak, "And Tami? Welcome to our gang."
Tami was trying her best to comb out the tangled mess of her hair and put it into a bun by the time Mary Beth had returned. The sweet woman covered her eyes and bowed her head as she entered the tent, "You don't need to do that. I'm dressed." Tami said and watched as the woman looked over her, "And thank you for the corset. Where I'm from we use something different, but I didn't really have anything under my clothes. It was getting uncomfortable." The simple black corset Mary Beth provided was still a little uncomfortable and dug into Tami's sides, but it provided much needed support to her feminine features.
"It's easier to wear with a dress or skirts." Mary Beth prodded gently. Tami knew what she wore was different for the times. In fact it was nearly criminal to be out in such an attire, but she couldn't bring herself to wear skirts. The chaffing and extra fabric always bothered her even in her own time, "I have an extra one and some bloomers in case…"
"Thank you, but I'd rather just wear some pants." Tami watched the gentle woman frown a little and nearly felt shammed, "It's just that where I'm from women can wear anything really." Tami worked on pulling the vest over her shirt. The leather felt heavier with a corset on under her, but the extra protection was nice. She wasn't a large woman, yet had worries about her body all the same. Her fingers worked to unbutton the top button of the shirt to allow her skin to breath a little without feeling her neck being grasped tight.
"Where are you from? I've never heard of such a place." She pried with a dreamy look on her face. Tami worked on trying to find an answer. It wasn't really a question she had been prepared to answer.
"I don't want to talk about it much." She lowered her gaze and pushed her way from the tent to find a sort of party brewing outside. A few new faces had appeared amongst the gang while she was tucked away in the nearly overly hot tent. John and Arthur had returned from what she assumed was a task set before she had arrived, and hovered near Dutch's tent with pointed looks in her direction. Charles was standing near the scout fire talking to Javier, Karen, and Sean. Tilly and Abigail were tucked away on one of the tables setting out what looked to be bowls. Micah was standing near Bill closer to the horses than the rest of the gang.
"Feel better?" Jenny made Tami jump in surprise as she appeared out of thin air. Lenny was standing rather close to the other woman with a dreamy look on his features. Something Tami was unused to him having.
"Tons, thanks." Tami felt drawn to Dutch. As if her heart pulled at the task at hand. A ping in her mind kept remind her every so often of her next task. It was strange and made her wince every so often. Jenny quirked an eyebrow at Tami, but shrugged the strange mannerism off. Dutch slowly made an appearance from his tent and waved a hand lazily at Tami. She looked at Jenny and bit on her tongue in apprehension.
"Looks like you're being summoned." Jenny quipped and shook her head, "It's probably about the party he has us preparing for later on. I'll save you some stew." She looked at the panic in Tami's eyes and placed a gentle hand to Tami's shoulder, "Don't worry. If it was bad, you'd know."
"That helps." Tami spoke dryly making Jenny laugh. Lenny gave a slight chuckle and shook his head. With a deep breath Tami approached Dutch. He was smiling as bright as ever and held his hands together. John and Arthur stood to either side of the tent like a pair of western guards. Just inside an elderly man sat with a bemused expression. It occurred to her that she hadn't seen Hosea up until this point. His wispy grey hair was nearly hidden in it's entirety by his hat. Nearly golden eyes looked at her with a kindness she hadn't seen from any of the other men.
John was glowering slightly from where he stood. His face lacked it's normal scarring making Tami take a double look. It was so strange to see him this way, and it made him look so much younger. His blue eyes were deep beautiful pools, and his black hair was surprisingly clean. Arthur was very impassive in his stance and looked at her with his own emerald orbs. Like with the training he had a bit of a bite to the way he held his body, but also a softness to it. His signature hat was places asymmetrically to his blond locks. Like she usually had him groomed, he had a slight stubble of blond kiss his jawbone.
"I see you've cleaned up." Dutch spoke and placed a hand to her lower back to guide her into his tent. Neither John nor Arthur made a move to enter, but simply stayed outside as a silent warning, "Would you like something to drink." He offered while waving to an opened decanter full of dark liquid.
"Water?" She asked delicately. Hosea and Dutch shared an amused glance.
"John? Would you grab a glass of water for Miss Jackson here?" Hosea uttered in a smooth voice. John gave a slight scoff but departed on his mission.
"I would ask you to start earning your keep as everyone does around here, but I understand you do need time to settle in our own rhythm of things. So tell me, what's the limit to your gift?" Dutch asked and made Hosea sit back and look at her in apprehension. She shifted her eyes to see Arthur no so subtly lean an ear to hear better.
"Something I've learned is that it takes a toll on me. The deeper I go the weaker I become, but so far I can always draw something out of everyone." She spoke honestly. It was something new to her, but the facade of keeping up with her lies had her picking words very carefully. Dutch gave a slight nod.
"Hosea lend her your hand. Tami, my dear, show him." Dutch smiled as Hosea reached a hand out.
Tami took his cool hand in her own and closed her eyes. At first, she could see Bessie, but felt as if that was a little too on the nose. Her head buzzed as she felt something inside of her reaching into the unknown. The power felt like cool water in her bones as she pressed deeper.
She could see a man. A young version of Hosea standing next to a drunken man. The man had laughter around him in shadowy waves. The bright light of memory surrounded the vision, and she held onto it. With a deep grasp she pulled it over herself and felt it's searing heat fight away the cold. A taste came over her. Dry cinnamon paired with the sickly sweet smell of alcohol.
"You've always made me proud, boy. Don't make the same mistakes I've made in life. I know you can do better. Do better than me Hosea. I know you can." The man radiated pride and love for his son even through his drunken haze.
"I will Pa… I always will."
Tami felt the vision slip away from her as if something was pulling her back. Her muscles felt weak and her mind was a little foggy for a few moments. She blinked as the world reshaped itself around her. Hosea and Dutch were watching as she shook her head and took in a sweat breath of air. Knowledge racked inside of her brain. Things she hadn't seen, but rather felt came as fact.
"Your father… He was proud of you. So very proud. You loved him even after seeing him so little in your life. He didn't want you making the same mistakes he made in his life. I'm sorry he passed." Hosea brought his hand back with a snap that was becoming familiar to her. He gave the same awed look to Dutch that Bill had before, "I… I need..." Tami bent forward and held onto her head. Her mouth was utterly dry and her stomach sched something fierce.
"Hey there." Dutch held onto her shoulders tightly, "I've got you." He shot a look of pride to Hosea, "What did I tell you."
"Well, you weren't wrong. That's for sure." Hose was apprehensive in the way he looked at Tami now. Warmth still radiated from his gaze, but it was pared with a slight tinge of fear, "You sure 'bout this, Dutch?"
"Imagine what we could hold. She's just a fortune teller, not a witch." Dutch spoke a little dryly to the older man.
"I've never seen a fortune teller do that." Hosea replied but quieted as John returned with water. He handed the wooden cup off to Dutch and went to walk away this time. He looked at the sudden nervous shift in Arthur and Hosea.
"What's goin' on?" he asked and Dutch suddenly grew even more excited. Tami sipped the water and was happy to learn it was cool and sweet. She downed the entire cup of water as Dutch motioned for John to get closer.
"The future this time if you don't mind." Dutch looked at Tami then to John, "Give her your hand."
The black-haired man furrowed his brow, but did as he was told. Tami felt a sigh of relief wash over her. This was something easy she could latch onto. A bit of knowledge she already had, and hopefully some energy saved. She gripped his worn hand and closed her eyes. The bite of cold washed over her, but even as she tried to push it away it clutched at her bones and wouldn't let go. A terrifying reality came to her. She had very little control over this. While she could melt the memory to her bidding, once the link was made it couldn't be undone until it played out.
John's future was colder than Hosea's past and made her shiver. Cold clean air bit into her nose and throat. It was dark and snow blurred her vision. Something barked behind her and the shout that left her throat was that of a man. It finally occurred to her that she WAS John this time. A growl that was deep and menacing was in front of her. She waved the torch in her hand in fear. The fire waved into the air and her fingers clutched at a very cold gun. Before she could get a shot off, teeth tore into her arm causing her to scream. Hot pain raced down the right side of her face, blinding her right eye. Something came across her face hard and made her gasp. The link snapped and her eyes opened.
"You okay?" John's hand was still firmly in hers when he spoke. He didn't seem as fearful as others before him.
"You are attacked by wolves. I was in you as they tore through your body. There was snow. You'll be hurt but survive… barely. It was so dark, so damn cold. God…" Tami let go of his hand and put hers to her chest yet again, "You'll have scars. Two most prominently across your right cheek and down to your throat. You'll be known for them."
John scoffed but took a look to Dutch for confirmation, "Do you know when or where this will happen?" Dutch asked suddenly. He desperately wanted to know how deep her gift dug. She shook her head.
"No… I just know what will happen. The past is different. You know your past; I can latch onto that and feel what you felt. Know what you know. The future seems more uncertain. Things can change between now and then; however, the path he's on at this moment will lead him there." Tami fought the buzzing in her head, "I need to rest. I can't…" She brought her hand to her nose as the familiar feeling of warmth started to build up. John pulled the scarf from his neck and numbly handed it to her. The blood stained her hand and was promptly soaking in the cloth as she placed it.
"Of course. I need you strong. Now for the rest of you. Keep this to ourselves for a while." Dutch ordered.
"Don't think that will last too long." Arthur spoke in a lazy tone. He leaned against a tent post and was trying his best to seem unbothered. John scratched at his throat and was touching his face every so often.
"Do you think you will be up for a grand showing tonight?" Dutch asked Tami directly. He looked into her eyes and sought for her reply.
"I… I think so. I'm just not used to so much at once. If we can space everyone out, I don't think it would be too bad. But I need rest and food." Tami was still unsure herself, but the test needed to be done anyway. She was growing curious herself. It was a strange power and drained her, but it made her feel special and strong in a way.
"Hosea and John if you could I would like a moment with Arthur and Miss Jackson." The other men rose to leave.
"Be careful, Dutch." Hosea warned in a low voice. His wise eyes looked up and down Tami before he departed behind John.
Dutch nodded, "I already had Bill bring out the supplies you purchased earlier. You'll be by Arthurs tent and near mine. If Arthur doesn't mind setting it up you can eat. You don't mind, do you?" He asked Arthur.
"I don't suppose so." Arthur rubbed the back of his head and looked at Dutch with uncertainty, "You sure, Dutch?" He asked, "Why can't she say in the tent with the other woman?"
Dutch rose and waved for Arthur and Tami to follow him. Tami felt light on her feet. They approached a small area of barren land between Arthur's tent and the medical wagon. Behind them a scorned Molly quickly made her way into the haven of Dutch's tent to lay her claim.
"I promised her." Dutch replied with a smile, "We will just set her tent up by yours." The leader turned to Tami and put a hand on her shoulder, "You are safe here. I will make sure of that." With a turn of his heel, Dutch pranced off in the direction of his own tent and a beautiful young woman.
"Well, that's one hell of an awkward introduction." Tami sighed rubbing her hands together.
"You're tellin' me." Arthur rolled his shoulders and looked at the supplies on the ground, "Better get this up then. And ah... welcome I guess... You sure you know what your doin'?" he asked.
"Nope." Tami replied with a sigh, "Truthfully, I have no damn idea."
"Look, I ain't gonna pretend what you do isn't strange. In fact, its goddamn witchcraft, but you're on Dutch's good side. He likes you. I'd keep it that way, cuz the second you screw up… To be honest you'd be in grave danger. Many people will want to use you, lock you up, or kill you." Arthur bent to grab a wooden post.
"You mean like you?" Tami's words made Arthur stop, "It hasn't been a second I've been here that feels like I've been safe. I'm still human damnet. Orphaned just because I'm a little different. Thrown out of my own home because someone I loved died and I was left with hate. I don't even want to be here." She replied with a bit more venom than she needed to. However, her own fear was starting to bubble into confident anger.
"Why are you here, then?" He asked and looked at her with raised eyebrows.
"Fate." She replied matter of factly, "Fate deems I stay here." She closed her eyes and sighed with sadness, "I'm not one to fight fate… not anymore."
Tami felt like a bloated tick by the time she finished her meal. Now her body required rest. Her muscles bunched as if she had run a marathon. Jenny had run off with Lenny after providing Tami with her meal. Dutch was looking at her as if she was gold, and with the plans forming in his mind that's exactly what she was. Unknown treasures, hidden troves, expanses of knowledge, and forbidden truths were for the taking. She was his golden goose now. To him, she could literally gave golden eggs right into his palm.
Her tent was finished by the time she returned to it. It was basic with a simple mattress on a canvas floor, but it was all she needed at the moment. She dove onto the thin bed and closed her eyes to allow herself rest.
It was nearly dark when she felt a kick on her boot, "How long was I out?" She moaned and rubbed her eyes.
"Half the day." It was Arthur in the opening of her tent. He held a bottle in his hands, "Dutch asked for me to check on you. He's growing anxious. Wants you to preform in front of everyone tonight."
"Oh great." Tami replied sourly. Her head was pounding, but her body felt a million times better, "Do I get to wear a jesters outfit and juggle apples on my head as well?" She swore she heard Arthur chuckle lightly.
"When you're up to it. He's waiting. I wouldn't let him wait too long."
"Yeah. You're right." Tami rose from the bed as Arthur left. She noticed a small bucket of water near her bed, and a cup on the decrepit table next to it. She took three large cups of water to sate her thirst before bringing the water to her face and wiping the sweat from it. When she was somewhat ready, she left her small sanctuary out into the hostile territory.
The campfires were lit and ready. Boxes of unknown items littered the tables. Two chairs were set out with a table between them. A purple cloth was laid on it with a small glass ball. She rolled her eyes, but understood what was going to happen. Dutch was all to happy to work her to death it seemed, and her first day wasn't even over yet.
"You're awake, good. I was getting worried we were going to have to postpone." Dutch was at her side in an instant, "I'll have them come to you one at a time. When you need a rest do so. I don't think you'll need to tell everyone's future tonight, but I would like them to see exactly why you're here."
Tami shuffled her feet nervously as Dutch guided her to sit. She watched as the full gang started to peer at where she sat. Dutch preened proudly and stood with a hand on her shoulder.
"I think it's about time I told everyone why Miss Jackson is now within our fold. This lady here is a fortune teller, but not like the ones we have experienced. She can tell your future or even your past with the simple touch of your hand." There was muttering around everyone. Some in disbelief and others in wonderment. Sean stepped forward with disbelief on his face.
"That's bullshit and you know it Dutch." His accent peppered his words with a scoff, "Let's see if you are the real deal." He placed his hand in hers and she took a deep breath. The familiar cold washed over her as she pulled it closer. Hopefully it wouldn't hurt so badly if she tried something closer to now.
She was stumbling along the campgrounds. The bubbly mind of being drunk was fogging her mind. Her foot caught on a log and she nearly fell into a fire. Arthur came into view just long enough to push her onto her ass.
"Drunken bastard…"
"You're going to stumble and fall, nearly into a fire. Arthur saves you." Tami shrugged and sat back. The buzzing was barely noticeable as Sean scoffed and threw his hands into the air.
"You're a fraud!" He laughed and stood up, "You've made a bad choice." Sean pointed at Dutch.
"Don't you dare point a finger at me, son." Dutch huffed and watched Sean walk away. He looked to Tami with a raised brow.
"Sometimes its big and sometimes its small." She sighed and rubbed her temples. Mary Beth was slowly sitting in the chair.
"I would like to know if I ever find love." She spoke in a breath. Her weariness of the woman in front of her was apparent in her eyes, but their hands touched all the same.
A small store. Smell of paper and mass amounts of perfume. In front stood a line of people waiting with books in their hands. She looked down to see the book in her own hands. The slender fingers rushed over them. Tami watched as Mary Beth started to smile and look up into the crowd. Her eyes sparkled in a way that made Tami's heart fill with joy.
Tami looked at Mary Beth, "You're going to be famous one day. A writer in your own right. There was lines out the door for you. All knowing who you are." Tami squeezed Mary Beth's hand in her own, "It was beautiful."
Mary Beth's face turned from confusion into a great smile, "A… a writer? Me?" She looked into Tami's eyes and gave a soft sigh of happiness, "You think so?"
Tami gave a soft laugh, "I know so."
Tami rose in a weary state. Nearly everyone had wanted to hear of their future, and she was exhausted. Some believed and other scoffed. The few who wanted to hear of their past eyed her with nervous expressions. As if they thought she now knew of their entire lives. In some ways they were correct.
She passed the fire and stretched while watching the laughter around. Tami wasn't one of them. Not yet, but hopefully soon she would be sitting with them while singing and drinking. Without weary bones and pounding head, hopefully. Sean let out a loud yell as he stumbled over one of the logs. A woman screamed as his hands touched the fire for a few seconds before Arthur stood up and pushed Sean on his ass. Tami gave a smirk, "Told you so."
Everyone at the fire looked at her for a few seconds and then back to Sean, "Dumb luck." He scoffed before standing and stumbling to her, "Pure dumb luck."
