SEVEN (Kitty)

My hands shook and my heart was racing. Thoughts were coming into my head so fast I could hardly sort them out. If Gabe had received a Wanted Poster with my name on it and made the connection to me, then it wouldn't be very long until someone else made the same connection. Five hundred dollars was enough to earn the attention of bounty hunters, but it was also enough to turn friends into would be enemies. It was time to move on, but in my panic I knew there was no place to move on to, at least no place where Iwould be safe from the rope.

Flossie was at the bar talking with Georgie when I came out from my room, she greeted me, "Morning Cassie, heard there was a little trouble out here last night."

Old Georgie gave me his familiar five finger wave then said with as much bravado as his little bandy rooster physique could garner, "Next time that happens, you just holler fer me. I'll protect you."

I mustered a smile for the old man, "Thanks Georgie, Flossie can I talk with you for a moment?"

"Sure Sweetie, Georgie's got to get home to Irmagaard anyway. She doesn't mind if I keep him here all night, but she hates for him to miss his morning chores."

With a sad nod Georgie confirmed Flossie's statement. He gave a peck to her flawless cheek. "See you beautiful."

I waited by the bar as they made their good-byes and then Flossie came to join me in my room. Even in my fear, I couldn't resist asking, "You never cease to amaze me, do you actually... Umm you know … with him?"

She chuckled, "I don't think he could if he wanted to Sweetie, I just give him a little affection, which is more than he gets from his battle axe of a wife. He's a nice old fellow, and it saves me from having to wrestle with some ol' cowpoke or worse."

Flossie noticed the anxiety on my face. "Kitty, what's wrong? It's more than that tangle with Verdon Spencer isn't it?"

"Gabe has a wanted poster with my name on it, he knows who I am."

"What's he going to do about it?"

"Nothing … or so he says."

She shrugged her shoulders than patted mine, "Well, than I wouldn't worry about it? Gabe is a man of his word."

"Flossie, I can't take a chance. I've got to get out of here."

"Kitty Russell, I can't think of any place where you'd be as safe. You've got friends here, friends who will protect you."

"Flossie, you don't understand … I had friends in Dodge too, and I was this close to hanging from the end of a noose."

"Sweetie, if there is one thing I've learned; don't do anything without giving it careful thought. You must realize you'd be in worse shape if you just up and leave; besides, you have an advantage over what happened in Dodge. You know they're after you now. You can be prepared, have a plan in place. What you need more than anything is money. Money will speak louder than that pretty face of yours, if you get in a tight spot."

"Flossie, I've barely enough money to get by on."

"Well, if worse comes to worse, I can lend you some. But it still won't be enough to get you too far, or buy your way out of a tight situation. Kitty, I know how you feel about selling your affections. But it is the one sure fire way to make money fast."

I honestly considered the idea for a moment; it sickened me. How could I sell my body? It was akin to selling a piece of my soul. I had so very little, but that was the one thing that was irrevocably mine. Maybe it was a strange attitude for one in my profession; it certainly was impractical, especially at the moment. "There's another way to make fast money." I said. "I haven't done it for a while, but I don't think I've lost the knack."

Flossie looked at me and a light came to her eyes and a smile spread across her face. "You were the best I ever saw, even though you were just a kid. You were a natural. You think you can get away with it here in Rubicon."

"Oh honey, Rubicon hasn't seen the likes of me before. I'll take `em by surprise, and I'll take `em all for a pretty penny or two!" Just as fast as my inspiration had come it was gone. "Ferd will never let me deal cards here. In his eyes the only thing I'm good for is slopping his floors and selling his beer, especially after I man handled him today."

Flossie thought for a moment while she fingered the golden curls which fell across her shoulders. "Not on his own, Miss Cassie, but suppose we set him up?"

"Set him up? What have you got on your mind?"

Her smile was confident as she tapped her chest for added emphasis, "Sweetie you just leave it all up to me and my friends."

GS GS GS

Flossie was able to find another dance hall costume for me to wear that night. I held the black gown in front of me and looked in my cracked mirror. The dress was longer than the first had been, going to mid calf in the front and sweeping to the floor in the back. I slipped out of my skirt and blouse and wiggled into the costume; it was skintight and had an attached outer skirt of red netting. A large red fabric rose was sewn at the center of the low cut bodice.

Grabbing the razor blade from my sewing kit I slit the thread holding the netting and rose in place. The simple change altered the look of the gown, transforming it to an almost exotic elegance and I was pleased with the result. I studied my hair, which was hanging loose. With both hands I ran my fingers through the black tresses sweeping it up off my neck and piling it high on my head holding it in place with combs and pins. Several strands curled freely around my face. I was generous with both powder and rouge going so far as to add a touch of talc to highlight my bosom. I used coal to darken my brows, and a paste of the same substance to blacken and lengthen my eyelashes. As an afterthought I picked up the satin rose and placed it behind my ear. I had to laugh at my reflection, Kitty Russell was gone, and Cassandra Adams now well and truly inhabited my body. The only thing I saw in mirror's image, which defined my true identity, was the black onyx locket hanging from my neck. The necklace and the gold earbobs were the only jewelry I had left and had been gifts of my most ardent admirer to mark a special occasion in our relationship.

The saloon was already packed when I made my entrance. There were the usual card games going on. Cowpokes in from the trail eager to add to their wages occupied tables with shopkeepers and businessmen. The games for the most part were played in good humor; it was only late in the night that the mood would change. With whiskey came mistrust, too many hands won by the same player and suspicions were aroused. I'd been brought up in gambling palaces and Mississippi River Boats. I'd learned my trade at an early age, I knew about Lady Luck but more importantly I understood the mind of men playing poker.

I stood for a moment at the bar giving the saloon a chance to notice me. I watched as faces turned and a hush came over the crowd. Seated at a table in the center of the room playing poker, were Ferd, Buck the stage driver, Parm Harris and Georgie. I smiled at them as I walked to their table and leaned over Georgie's shoulder, giving the rest of the occupants of the table an eyeful. "How are ya doing boys?" I asked.

"Why, just fine Miss Cassie. Say, but don't you look mighty fine tonight. Is this a special occasion or something?" Parm asked.

I smiled and opened my eyes extra wide, "It might be Parm." I glanced around the table to see who the big winner was. Ferd was doing well for himself I noted, as was Parm. My guess was Buck was breaking even and Georgie was down to a small stack of coins sitting in front of him.

The old man reached up and grabbed my hand bringing it to his lips for a kiss. "Much as I'd like to stay, Miss Irmagaard has plans for me tonight. Seems she invited the parson over. I fear the worst. Say, Miss Cassie, why don't you finish out my run? You win,we split the profits, you lose, and you can buy me a beer." He released my hand and stood. With a flourish he pulled out the chair he'd been sitting on and motioned me to take a seat. "Fellas, I present you Miss Lady Luck may she shine on all of you tonight!"

Ferd made a move, "I ain't playin' poker with no puss."

Parm looked at the fat man and laughed. "Kutz, I believe you're afraid you'll lose to the pretty lady."

Buck winked at me then turned to the bar man, "What's wrong Ferd, ain't you got the balls to play poker with a gal?"

I wasn't above cheating. I considered it part of the skill of the game; it was the way I was schooled in the profession. But I never cheated friends, which meant I wouldn't have any problem seeing to it that Ferd had a deep run of bad luck. He owed me and as I saw it, this was a way to even up the score a bit. It wasn't long before the amount of winnings had exchanged size from his side of the table to mine.

Ferd began to drink heavily and his comments became cruder. Our table was drawing a crowd as the game turned into high entertainment.

SEVEN - (Matt)

I had ridden all day. Both my horse and I were dog-tired, but I had wanted to make Rubicon before dark. No such luck, I figured it to be going on midnight when I tied the buckskin to the hitching post outside the Rubicon Hotel. I stopped in front of the door to remove the badge from my chest. From this point on, I wasn't a lawman; I was just a man trying to save the woman he cares for. After securing a room for the night and making arrangements for someone to take the horse to the stable, I set out to find Kitty.

I stood on the boardwalk and surveyed the main road. The shops were closed and only a few lights burned from the residences above the stores. Gay music could be heard coming from the three saloons located on the street. The first saloon was a place called the Gray Dove. I glanced over the batwing doors and inspection the interior. Only half a dozen drunken cowpokes were in the place, so I knew Kitty wasn't working there. Kitty Russell would draw a crowd.

I continued down the boardwalk until I came to the Trails End. While still outside I heard the sound of Kitty's laughter and it burned like a light in my heart. I walked into the saloon. Spectators were gathered around a poker table in the middle of the room. I searched the crowd for Kitty; I strained my ears for the sound of her voice. A tall cowpoke stepped aside from the crowd revealing the back of a redheaded saloon girl watching the game. I moved to her and placed a hand on her bare arm. Lowering my head and voice I whispered in her ear, "I've been looking for you; I was beginning to think I'd never find you."

The face of a woman I'd never seen before looked up at me, "Well hi there big fella, my name's Loretta."

I immediately apologized, "Sorry ma'am, I thought you were a friend I haven't seen for a while."

"No need to apologize. Why don't you buy me a drink and I`ll be your friend too."

"Maybe later."

"Say? Does this friend of yours have red hair like mine?"

I nodded, forgetting for the moment the empty bottle of Madam Sophia's Hair Color Restorer in my saddlebag.

"Well then, she ain't here. I'm the only red head in these parts, so if you're partial to this here color hair, I'm your gal. Spend a little time with me, and I'll make you forget all about that other gal."

I heard the laugh again, and this time I identified its location. "Like I said," I replied hurriedly. "Maybe later."

I pushed through the crowd until I was standing over a bulky loud voiced man, with a bartender's apron tied over his ample frame. Directly across from the table was a dark haired beauty. She obviously had won the bartender's last penny, and he was not happy."Dirty puss cheats; you saw it didn't you Harris? She was dealing from the bottom of the deck. Why if I had a gun, I'd shoot her dead."

A well-built rancher to his right said, "Ferd you lost, fair and square, like you always do. Everyone in Rubicon knows you're a pisspoor poker player once you start hitting that bottle."

The woman gathered her winnings. "That's enough for me tonight gentlemen." She said in a familiar voice. I stared at her with new eyes, seeing now the black onyx locket nestled between her breasts. Observing too the gentle slope of her shoulders and the proud set of her slender neck. She stood, taking no notice of me. Pulling several dollars from her jackpot, she handed them to the defeated bartender and ordered, "Set up a round of beer on me Ferdie."

I couldn't hide the smile on my face. I had found Kitty Russell and she was alive and doing fine.