Hayes's plan was clear. Now that he knew Scarlett O'Hara was one of Rhett's women, he had leverage. With a longing look like he just saw from that woman he knew Rhett would undoubtedly do anything to save her. Unfortunately, Hayes was all too aware of just how hard it would be to fool Rhett Butler, but with Scarlett in his custody he could wave her over Rhett's head like a whip – surely he would fall to his knees and beg for her safety.

Hayes knew Scarlett was a pistol – her spit-fire mouth had proven that to him. He also knew that she would be difficult to control. His plan was to keep her in line no-matter what it took – a fist to her face once more will keep her in line, he thought. Hayes Brady was also known throughout the south as one of the best shots around, this too, might come in handy if Scarlett decided to try and run off.

Hayes made his way down the secluded drive and headed toward Atlanta; he was determined to find Rhett and get a reaction from him somehow. He would have to keep a cool head though, Rhett had thrown him over the edge once before and only now was he beginning to pull his life back together. He rode down the dirt road full gallop until he made it to the charred remains of the jailhouse. Yankee officers were busily working outside to clear the mess strewn into the streets – Marshall was busy giving commands to his men, but Rhett was nowhere to be seen, and there was no way he could be inside that mess. Hayes had seen Rhett, still shackled, standing beside Marshall last time he rode to town, where are they holding him now, Hayes thought.

"Whoa boy...!" Hayes pulled the reins tight in his horse's mouth pulling the gray to a halt right beside Marshall, "Hello sir, what's happened here?"

Marshall looked up and shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun, "Well sir, seems the Klan is at it again. Their revolts are becoming more and more violent every day, after we clear up this mess we're goin' down to the Shanty to if we can't find the culprits behind this mess."

Hayes jumped from his horse and faced Marshall, "Well, what happened to your...prisoners?"

"We only had one, but we released him shortly after the fire. No use holdin' him here, we haven't enough evidence to convict him anyhow. Besides, we need all our men workin' this damn Klan." Marshall turned his head over to a nearby guard and shouted another order. Hayes's fury rose, Rhett was gone!

"You wouldn't happen to know the prisoner's whereabouts now do you?" Hayes raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes to ward off the sun's glare.

"No sir, we just released him – we don't keep tabs on presumed innocent people. If you'll excuse me, sir, I have a lot of work to attend to." Marshall tipped his hat and strode over to another officer.

"Damn." Hayes whispered under his breath. He grabbed his saddle and hoisted himself back onto his horse. If he was released yesterday surely he wouldn't have left Atlanta – and I know Scarlett was visiting him the other day so he must want to know where she's gone. Hayes knew he had to come up with a plan to locate Rhett without being to conspicuous, but how? In need of a good drink, Hayes pulled the horse toward the local bar.

Hayes sat with a glass of whiskey in his hand – he had to find Rhett somehow, but his mind reeled with what he would say when the time came. He was beginning to feel hopeless, like his plan would turn out to be just another feigned attempt at revenge – until he heard a voice from his past.

"So you haven't seen her either? I'll be at the hotel tonight Belle, see you in the morning; maybe she is having a hard time getting away from Pitty, I'll call on her tomorrow afternoon. Good night Belle." Hayes turned his head slightly and saw the man he had loathed for so many years standing in front of the harlot that lived up stairs. Just as he turned his head he saw Rhett kiss Belle's hand and walk out the door of the bar. This was his chance. His decision was made – this woman of his would do.

Hayes made his way over to Belle who was beginning to start back up the stairs, "Ma'am, I need to speak with you." Belle turned her head and smirked back at him.

"Sorry honey, I'm closed today – but you can come back tomorrow and see me." She winked and turned away from him.

"No, I need to speak with you now. Not about your services either. I need you to relay a message for me to the man you were just speaking with." Hayes was very close to Belle's face and she was becoming uncomfortable.

"What do you need with Rhett?" She asked confidently.

"It's more of what he's going to need with me. Tell him I have something he will soon desperately want back; tell him Mr. Brady is back. He'll understand." Hayes half-smiled and looked into Belle's eyes. "Have him meet me here, in the bar, tonight at 7. If he's not here you'll regret not giving him the message I assure you, good day Ma'am."

Hayes left Belle standing on the bottom stair with a stunned expression on her face. Oh God, she thought, it must be Scarlett he's talking about. She quickly left the bar and headed for the hotel across town, she had to tell Rhett immediately.

Belle stopped her carriage in front of Rhett's hotel. Normally she would worry about the reaction from the receptionist's – Belle Watling calling on a man instead of the other way around – but she was more concerned with finding Rhett and telling him about Mr. Brady.

"I need to know what room Mr. Rhett Butler is stayin' in ma'am. Please." Belle's frustration was mounting; the teller moved as slow as molasses!

"He's in room 134 miss, but we don't tolerate your kind of...er...services in this hotel." The receptionist was an older woman with a pretentious kind of "rich" attitude. Normally this would infuriate Belle, but she had the room number so she quickly made her way down the long hallway.

Belle knocked on Rhett's door and waited. When he didn't answer the first time she resumed knocking louder and louder until she heard from behind the door, "Alright, I'm coming."

The door cracked open and she could see that Rhett had been shaving; the white foam was still lingering on his hairline. "Belle, are you alright? What's wrong, come in." His eyes searched her white face; he could see the fear in her eyes, a look that didn't suit Belle and raised his alarm.

"Rhett, you've got a problem." Belle sat on his couch and stared up to him.

"What is it Belle, tell me." His eyes studied her face.

"A man came up to me after you left and told me I had to tell you to meet him back at the bar tonight. Rhett, I think he has Scarlett. I think that's why we haven't heard from her." Belle watched as Rhett's expression grew more and more worried.

"Who was it?" He asked quickly.

"A Mr. Brady, he said you'd recognize the name." Rhett's face reddened in anger, "He said to meet him tonight at 7, Rhett I'm so sorry."

"Thank you Belle, you must leave. I need to go to her Aunt Pitty right away. I'll be there tonight." Rhett finished wiping his face and quickly grabbed his coat before starting out the door, Belle followed close behind. The two of them exited the hotel together – Belle went to her carriage and Rhett to his horse, both rode in opposite directions.