Amend

Chapter 10

"Boss, how do you plan to help?" Charlie asked after the entire group had met back up at the camp. He couldn't understand how or why Wade was willing to help him. Up until that point the only way out had been a bullet from the Hand of God, well that or hung.

They walked to the outskirts of the camp where the campfire barely illuminated the small shrubs in the quickly fading light. Somewhere in the distance a wolf howled out a lonesome cry that echoed eerily off of the surrounding rock formations. After a few moments Wade felt it was safe to talk.

"I've known you what….nine, ten years now Charlie?"

"That'd be bought right."

"I see it this way Charlie I either help ya or shot ya. You're the best in this outfit and I'd rather not do that." Wade paused staring across the beautifully stark landscape that had been the backdrop of his entire life. "The law is closing in fast, faster than I had anticipated. We got a few more runs in us maybe till the end of the year and that's it."

"This 'bought the other day."

"I ain't dumb Charlie I know we got a rat. I'll have him out soon enough don't you worry about that."

Charlie simply nodded and Wade continued. "Stick with me for a little longer, get some more cash and I'll make sure nothing ever gets pinned on you. A new life a new start is what I'm offering, an end to all of this."

"What if I walk now?"

"Don't make me shot you Prince." Charlie tensed but only nodded his understanding before making his way to his horse.

"Charlie?" Wade said his hand lowering to his left.

"Got something in town I got to take care of before the nights out." Charlie said meeting Wade's eyes evenly, and for the first time he wasn't the first to look away; Wade simply turned his back. Charlie almost leapt on his horse and raced out of camp cursing his stupidity for pushing Wade that far.

The rest of the gang eyed the scene warily. If Wade reached for the Hand of God on behalf of Charlie then none of them were safe. "Rest up boys we got a long ride ahead of us." Wade said taking up his position at the edge of the camp.

Charlie approached acutely aware of how late it was. He knocked without hesitation and heard a faint shuffling on the other side. He hated to wake her up, but if he was going to tell her it was now or never. The door opened and he was met by a pair of sleepy blue eyes.

"Charlie. What are you doing here?" Sara asked resisting the urge to pinch herself.

"I need to talk to you before we head out."

"We?" A faint glimmer of hope sparking within her.

"The gang."

"Oh…." And it was crushed with just those two words. She kicked herself mentally for even hoping for anything like that, she had already made up her mind about him, and hated how around him her will failed so easily.

Charlie looked around at the neighboring houses feeling very exposed, "May I come in?"

Sara stepped aside to let him in closing the door securely. "What is it you want now?" she asked standing a few feet away from him with her arms crossed tightly. As deep as she knew her feelings for Charlie were she knew she didn't need the added complication of him…an outlaw in her life. Especially one like him who would never change.

"I need to know if there is a chance you would go with me if I could secure your safety."

"Safety?" she asked incredulously, a sarcastic laugh escaping, "You have to be joking. There is no where you can go where people won't know your face or your name. You're a murderer and a thief; that ain't ever going to change."

"I could change if I wanted to."

"Problem is you don't Charlie. You don't want to change, you live for the thrill it's your opium. It's a high you don't want to lose."

"I thought you…"

"Thought what Charlie? That I love you and would drop everything to run off with you? I'm not going to lie Charlie; I care for you, but even I know better than to trust my heart to an outlaw."

"You talk like you know me so well." He said anger raging through his entire being; it took every ounce of control he had not to raise his voice.

"I know your kind. More than enough to know your chosen profession will be the death of you. Whether by the bullet or a short drop you will be dead. And it's going to be sooner rather than later."

Charlie didn't trust himself to speak and he turned to leave unlocking the door and cracking it a bit before finally finding the words he wanted to speak.

"I already told boss this was going to be my last few runs. I'll drop by when I'm done and if your mind is still the same you won't ever see me again."

"Don't expect me to be waiting here on you." Sara said and Charlie exited his head hanging low and anger in his soul.

A/N

Sorry it's so short but just wanted to get something out. As always reviews are always welcome.