LeighAnn

I don't own these characters. I just like to spend time with them. No other profit to be had.

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LeighAnn Turner walked down the dusty boardwalk of Dodge City taking in her surroundings. Though not oblivious to the blatant stares of the people she passed, she was impervious to them. She'd long since grown accustomed to the rudeness of others even if she never grew to like it.

As far as towns were concerned, Dodge City seemed to be no better and no worse then any other she'd been in. It was, perhaps, a bit dustier and maybe a little smaller than some and larger than a few others. But she didn't plan on spending her time out in the street or patrolling the sidewalks. Looking ahead of her, she saw what she was looking for and where she planned on spending most of her time.

Straightening her shoulders and brushing a bit of the dust off of her green suit, she held her head up as she walked further down and then entered the swinging doors of the Long Branch.

"Good morning." A tall mustachioed man with a craggy face nodded at her with a questioning expression.

"Good morning." LeighAnn returned.

Sam was sort of stunned at the appearance of the young woman. About 5'7" with sparkling blue eyes, perfectly colored chestnut colored hair, an alabaster complexion and a figure to rival any woman, Sam was sure she was lost. Women that beautiful, with the exception of Miss Kitty were rare and seldom came into saloons. "Can I help you?"

"I hope so." She smiled at him. "I'd like to speak to Miss Kitty Russell. I've heard she owns this establishment."

"She certainly does." A slightly husky, yet very feminine voice spoke up from behind her. "I'm Kitty Russell."

LeighAnn turned and saw a stunning red head coming towards her with her hand outstretched. Extending her own hand, she took that of the proprietor. "Good morning." Her smile turned brighter. "My name is LeighAnn Turner. I… uh, sent you a letter that…"

"Oh, yes, of course." Kitty nodded. "I have it in my office. Why don't you come with me?"

"Certainly." LeighAnn nodded and waited until Kitty passed her then followed along behind.

"My office is right through that door." Kitty pointed to a door just to the left the bar. "You go on in and I'll be right there."

"Thank you." LeighAnn answered politely.

As she disappeared into the office, Kitty turned back to Sam. "Sam, I'll be in my office for a little bit. Can you handle everything out here?"

"Certainly, Miss Kitty." He nodded.

"Good." Kitty nodded and started to turn but paused. "And, Sam?"

"Yes, Ma'am?" He answered.

"Close your mouth." She grinned as a slight blush crept across his lined face.

With an amused shake of her head, Kitty completed the trip into her office and closed the door softly behind her. "Well now, Miss Turner…"

"Uh, LeighAnn." The young woman spoke up. "I know very few people who use my last name."

"Alright, LeighAnn." Kitty smiled as she moved across the office and took a seat next to her. "I have to say, when I got your letter, I was a bit mystified as to why you wanted to work here. I'm proud to say the Long Branch is the best saloon in Dodge but it's a far cry from the some of the places you list here that you've worked for."

"Perhaps." LeighAnn shrugged. "But you see, it's not necessarily the place that's important but the people. Specifically, you."

"Me?" Kitty arched a brow. "I'm not sure I understand. Why me?"

"Because you can help me, Miss Russell. And I can help you. I'm experienced and capable and…." She paused not wanting to point out the obvious.

"And you're certainly beautiful.'' Kitty finished the thought. "I have no doubts that you can help me, LeighAnn. But I'm wondering what it is that you think I can help you with."

LeighAnn took a deep breath. She was not one to share much of herself and her plans with total strangers. But something about Kitty Russell calmed her concerns about that. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she instantly liked Kitty but in a way, trusted her. At least, she trusted her enough to share some things. Other things she had no intentions of sharing.

"I want to own a business of my own. I'm a hard worker and a quick study but what I'm not, is experienced in running a business. Ever since I heard about you and the Long Branch, I knew I had to get here. From what I've heard, you started with nothing and built this place into something really special. That's what I want for myself. But I need to learn how."

"Well," Kitty tipped her head. "I'm flattered, LeighAnn, but you're not completely correct you know. The Long Branch was in existence before I came here and it was hardly nothing."

"True." LeighAnn nodded. "But it wasn't this grand. And it didn't have the class that you've given it or the decency. That's something that most saloons or gambling parlors don't have."

"So," Kitty leaned back in her chair. "You want me to teach you how to run a saloon?"

"No, Ma'am." LeighAnn vigorously shook her head. "No, I have something else in mind, something I'm not yet ready to talk about. But anyway, I'm experienced at a lot of things. However, I lack the business side of things. I believe you could teach me, if you would."

LeighAnn saw the skeptical look on Kitty's face and quickly continued. "Please don't misunderstand me, Miss Russell. I plan to give you a hundred percent or more as your employee. I'm good with cards and honest as well. I can carry a tray loaded down with drinks while sidestepping even the orneriest of men. Very little fazes me in a place like this. As you saw in my letter, I do have plenty of experience."

Kitty remained silent as she listened. Something about LeighAnn both intrigued and compelled her. From the letter, she'd received, as well as the references that had been attached to it, she could definitely handle any job given her. And as far as looks were concerned, Kitty knew she could rival any woman in town, including herself. But Kitty still had questions.

"LeighAnn, are you sure you want to work here?" Kitty queried. "I mean, with your looks you could probably get any man…"

"Miss Russell." LeighAnn quickly interrupted as she sat forward in her chair. "No offense, but I don't want to get married, at least not yet and not to any man I've met so far. I can't say I would never marry, if I met the right man, but that's not my main objective. And if I did get married, I wouldn't plan on giving up on my goals. I know a lot of girls want to work just long enough to snare a husband but I'm not one of them. I have a plan for my life and I truly believe you can help me accomplish that. And if you do, then maybe, someday, I can do the same for someone else."

Kitty shook her head as she got to her feet. She liked LeighAnn Turner and she believed her. "Alright then, LeighAnn. You're hired. You can start tonight. Come by about six and I'll show you around."

"Thank you, Miss Russell." LeighAnn happily got to her feet and reached her hand out, again shaking hands with Kitty. "I do appreciate this. I'm grateful you're giving me the chance."

"If you're as good as I think you'll be," Kitty smiled. "I'll be the one that's grateful. Now, do you have a place to stay?"

"I took a room over at the Dodge House for a couple of days." LeighAnn answered. "I don't know what you pay but I doubt I'll be able to stay there for too long."

"You won't." Kitty shook her head. "I pay good but not that good. Bring your bags when you come and I'll have a room for you."

"Alright." LeighAnn nodded as she moved thru the office door Kitty had just opened. "I'll see you tonight then."

As LeighAnn left the saloon, Kitty walked over to the bar. "Sam, she's going to be starting here tonight. I want you to keep an eye out for her, if you would."

"As pretty as she is, I have no doubt that'll be necessary." Sam answered.

"Maybe." Kitty shrugged. "Maybe."

TBC