*Author's Note*

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Mo's New Job

Nancy POV:

I just couldn't believe that Jim Vance and Cap had come to me and Johnse's cabin and took Jefferson. Hell, I can't believe that fat pig beat me like an animal. That vile man. Damnit, once Johnse gets home I'm gonna make him get me my brother back. No tellin' what's bein' done to him right now. I took a swig from the bottle I was holdin', the likker doin' nothin'to calm my worried nerves tho. I just can't believe my brother got took. I promised to keep him safe.

I was sittin' on the bed, my face burnin' from bein' marred an' bashed in, whenever the door flung open. I looked up only to see Johnse's face fall in a tremble. "Somebody bashed you?" He asked foolishly as he knelt in front of me, touchin' my torn up cheek with his hand.

"Jim Vance done this; he beat me like I was a mule" I spat, pushin' my husband's hand away from my face.

Johnse's brows knitted as he asked in a stutter, "Uncle Jim?"

"Worse, he did vile and unspeakable things to me." I told me husband, shakin' my head. I still can't below that fat old coot beat me. Me, a woman an' his nephew's wife. "Him and Cap come bustin' in here, took Jefferson." I trembled, my hand wavin' 'round in the air. Pointin' a finger in Johnse's face I demanded in a shriek, "Now you tell me true, did ya know 'bout this?"

"No, goddamnit, of course not." Johnse told me, trying to touch me only to have me bat his hand 'way.

"Then you go after them and bring my brother back. Ya go an' do that for me." I demanded, shooin' my husband with my hand toward's the direction of the nearby door. Johnse just stood with his feet planted in the floor, chewin' his bottom lip and starin' blankly at me. Why weren't he goin' an' listenin' to me? "Go on, get!" I screamed, wanting him to go and bring me back my brother.

"I can't, Nancy." Johnse sighed, his blue eyes drifting to look at his boots.

"Can't or won't?"

"Can't, I can't." Johnse snapped, causin' me to narrow my eyes at him. He let out a sighed and ran his hands thru his lush golden hair before telling me in a soft tone, "I seen Cap up the road; Jefferson tried to run and my brother had no choice, but to shoot him." No, he can't be sayin' what I think he is. "I'm sorry, Nance, but Jefferson's dead." No!

"Oh shit…" I trembled, standin' up and runnin' my hand over my face. "Shit…" He's gone, he's really gone. I paced by the bed, feelin' my husband's eyes watchin' me. I didn't even notice that I cracked the bottom of the bottle in my hand on the bedpost til it started leakin' on the bed. I tossed the bottle 'cross the room, hearin' it land on the floor with a thud. "Now I'm all alone. I don't got nobody." I nearly cried, shakin' my head as I plopped down on the bed.

"You got me. You still got me." Johnse told me, rushin' over and wrappin' his arms 'round me.

I didn't want him, I wanted my brother, but he was dead. Dead all cause of his family, the Hatfields. "Goddamnit! Get off me an' get out!" I screamed, smackin' my husband. Johnse didn't say a word, just tried to pet my head and calm me down. He can't help me, his family's the reason I'm broken. I pushed him off, kickin' an' smackin', while screamin', "Go an' get out! Get!"

I felt him let go of me as I fell onto my side. As I curled up into a ball, cryin' over my brother's death, I heard Johnse's feet stomp 'cross the room. The light streamed thru as he opened the door, only to disappear as he slammed it shut.

I was now all alone. I had nobody no more. I don't know how, but I was gonna get revenge for my brother an' make all the Hatfields pay.


Novella POV:

Anna was takin' an afternoon nap while I was tidyin' up the house. It wasn't that dirty considerin' we'd been spendin' a lot of time at the main house, but it still needed dustin' an' sweepin'. Maybe moped too, but I was still undecided on whether or not I wanted to set up a bucket of cleanin' water to do that tho.

"Jefferson's floatin' down river, like a drowned fish." I heard Uncle Jim chuckle as the door flung opened.

What? I thought they were gonna bring him in for the reward? I looked up from the shelf I was dustin' in the livin' room, raisin' a brow at Cap and Jim, the latter followin' behind my husband into the house.

"Jefferson ran all way to the river, swam over it too." Cap told me as he hung up his hat and made his way over to his chair. Sittin' down he shrugged, "Had no choice, but to shoot him."

"Our boy here made a half mile shot in the head." Jim bragged, takin' a seat in the chair next to my husband's.

"Well, I was expectin' an extra $50 in the money jar, but I reckon ya had'a do what you felt best." I remarked with a slight sigh evident in my flowin' voice before turnin' my attention back to dustin' off the bookshelf.

"Ya think we didn't want that money, Nova. Hell, we did, but we weren't gonna follow him down river an' fish him out for a quick buck."

"I just said I was fine with what ya did, Will. Y'don't need to defend yourself to me."

"Ooo…" Jim whistled out. Tiltin' his head at his favorite uncle he advised in a deep drawl, "She's usin' your real name son, trend lightly."

"Jim…" Cap warned, narrowin' his eyes at the large man next to him.

"I'm sure once Nancy hears that Jefferson's dead, she'll hate Johnse or at least not want to be bothered with him for a while." I told the men as I bent down to dust the lower shelves of the large wooden bookcase in the corner of the room. Lookin' over my shoulder I added in a smirk, "That's the main thing we wanted, for her to hate him."

"So, is supper here t'night or at the main house?" The gruff mountain man asked me, most likely cause he wanted to crash here for the night.

Lookin' over my shoulder I gave Jim a smile while tellin' him, "I'm cookin' an' yes, Jim, your welcome to stay."

"Thanks, but I was stayin' whether you gave permission or not." The gruff mountain man chuckled before takin' a swig off his flask. "So, the lil one nappin'?"

"Yea, but I'm sure she'll be up soon 'nough." It really was gettin' close to the time she usually wakes up. She doesn't nap for too long like some chil'ren do.

My husband narrowed his eyes at his uncle. Pointin' at the older man, my husband ordered in his deep timbre, "Jim, let my kid sleep. Ya can see her an' the pup once she wakes up."

"I wasn't gonna do nothin'." Jim feigned innocence, his lips curlin' up into a slight smirk.

"I'll go cut up some wood, see t'any barn chores that need done." Cap announced before risin' from his chair and walkin' to the door.

Turnin' to look at my husband while pausin' in my dustin' I told him, "Okay, make sure to bring some wood inside."

Cap just nodded 'fore walkin' out of the house. I stood up and went to put my duster away, in the cabinet by the back door where I kept all my cleanin' supplies, whenever Jim's gruff drawl rang out into the air with, "How's the pregnancy goin'? Cap says ya'll thinkin' its twins."

"It's goin' good and yes, twins are a big possibility with how I'm bigger then I should be for this early on." I told Jim, a faint smile breakin' out on my face, as I put the duster 'way before grabbin' the broom from it's place by the back door.

"Good t'hear." Jim told me, takin' a sip from his shine flask. "Ya'll have any names in mind?"

While sweepin' the kitchen floor I reminded my great-uncle-in-law in a light tone, "Jim, it's still early. Babies ain't comin' for 'nother 7-months or so."

"Ain't too early t'start considerin' names. 'Fore ya know it time'll be here for birthin'." He told me, a know it all type tone drippin' from his rough voice, as he leaned back in his chair as he lazily took swigs from his flask.

"I'll keep that in mind, Jim." I told him as I continued to sweep the floor. I didn't get a verbal reply from the crotchety man so I just assumed he nodded at me or somethin'.

Suddenly the sounds of paddin' feet comin' downstairs was heard, markin' that Anna and her pup Spot were up. Well, looks like Jim's not goin' to be relaxin' for long. He's goin' to be entertainin' his niece while I clean.


Moses POV:

I had just walked down stairs and had my books tucked under my arm, prepared to actually go to school this mornin', only to be met by my uncle waitin' for me at the bottom of the stairs. "Um, mornin' Uncle Perry." I greeted him with a look that I hope wasn't leery lookin'. He never waits for me at the bottom of the stairs in the mornin'. Hell, he's usually at his office whenever I'm leavin' the house to either go to school or to go 'cross the Tug.

Holding a hand out he ordered, "Moses, give me those books. You won't be needing them anymore."

"Why not?" I asked, passin' the books over quicker than a hot potato.

"Because I deem it unnecessary to keep you enrolled in school when any and all legal training, I can give you." Okay, well that makes sense since he does want me involved in the law trade. "Today I want you to help Bad Frank sign up men at the saloon."

What?! "Why, I thought I was a law clerk?"

"Yes, but you're my part-time law clerk. I think you've got a needed roughness to make a lawman, such as a deputy." He held his left hand out, my gun an' holster in it for me to take.

"So, you're sayin' I'm workin' for both you an' Bad Frank now?" I took my gun an' holster, quickly puttin' it on 'round my waist.

"Yes, now get to that saloon." He ordered, his brows furrowed as a stern look appeared on his face. Before I could walk off, he placed a hand on my shoulder and told me in his slick voice, "I expect you to help him interview potential deputies. He knows that you're to be hands on with this."

Ah shit, now how am I gonna be able to sneak off 'cross the Tug now? Guess I'll be makin' night visits. Reckon when I get a day off is when I'll have to bring Mariah to see Robert E., but if I don't get a day off, they're on their own wit' seein' each other.

"Okay, Uncle Perry, I'll get goin' right now." I assured the snake I was sadly related to before shruggin' his hand off my shoulder and makin' a beeline to the front door.

Once at the door I slung it open and walked thru it, lettin' it slam shut with a loud thud behind me. I was livid, I'd rather be in school then workin' under Bad Frank Philips to take down the very people that I considered friends and family now. I stormed down the porch, boots thuddin' heavily against the floorboards, and then down the street.

I was fumin' mad as I reached the saloon, which had a few whores leanin' 'gainst the front porch rails smokin'. The whores eyed me up, most likely thinkin' I was fresh meat, as I walked by. I just rolled my eyes at the women 'fore openin' the door and steppin' inside. I spotted the bar tender, who was also the owner of the joint, at the bar cleanin' glasses with a rag. A few patrons were inside, sittin' at tables while drinkin' their breakfast. Near the large spiral staircase was a sign-up table with Bad Frank sittin' at it.

"Moses, Mr. Cline said he'd be sendin' ya down t'help me as a deputy." The man called out at me as his beady eyes spotted me.

Noddin', I made my way over to Bad Frank's table. "Yea, I'm here to help ya make a deputized posse."

I took a seat in the open chair by Bad Frank while he told me, "Mhm, last sign up day didn't go to good. All kinds of riff-raff or old men sign up, none of what we need t'go over into Kentucky with."

Leanin' back into my chair next to the weasel-face man I asked, "And what do we need?"

"Young men that can handle a gun." He told me 'fore reachin' for his mug of coffee. Eyin' up the gun on my belt he asked, "You can use that?"

"Yea, I wouldn't be wearin' it if not." I quipped, my mouth pulled up into a sarcastic smirk.

"Good, cause I wouldn't want t'bring ya into the fight unarmed." Bring me into the fight, what the hell did my uncle tell this joker? Upon seein' my slightly furrowed brows he told me, "Mr. Cline says you're rough 'round the edges; that you're to be with me durin' the captures and take downs cause he thinks you're up t'becomin' a lawman."

"Ah, so he thinks I'm the next Wyatt Earp." I nodded before snappin' at the barkeep and shoutin' out, "Coffee please!"

"I've seen Wyatt Earp an' kid ya ain't got the true grit that man's got." Bad Frank chuckled 'fore takin' a sip of his coffee.

"So, you've been to Dodge City then?" I asked as the barkeep, whose name I'm sure I'll learn later on, placed a mug of steamin' out coffee in front of me. I just nodded my takes at the man before he took off to man the bar again.

"I've traveled all over out west in my youth. My past as an outlaw's made me the man I am today." Yea, a ruthless killer who scalps somebody for 250 bucks. If he learned that shit out west then I think I'll pass on a transcontinental rail line trip. I just sipped on my coffee while lookin' at him with fake interest. "I'm sure I'll teach ya all I know an' one day you'll be nearly as good as me." Dear god I hope not. I don't want to be anythin' close to this loon.

"Yea." I nodded, keepin' my cup close to my lips so that I could resume sippin' on it as an excuse not to talk to jackass next to me.

A silence fell over us as we sat drinkin' coffee and waitin' for somebody to come in for our sign-up booth. A saloon durin' the mornin' is very borin' considerin' most people are asleep or workin'. Eh, bet it won't liven up til the afternoon.

"Mr. Phillips, Mr. Quincey!" A middle-aged man called out, rushin' into the saloon. "I went me Mr. Cline, but he sent me here." The man, who I vaguely recognized as a local farmer, told us while walkin' up to our table.

"Why?" I asked at the same time Bad Frank quirked up a brow and ordered, "Tell us why he sent you."

"Jefferson McCoy's been washed up down river close t'my farm. He's got a shot in the head, killed by Hatfields." The farmer told us, causin' Bad Frank to just shake his head.

Uh oh…Reckon me bringin' Mariah to the Hatfields and tellin' them bout Jefferson murderin' Fred was the nail in his coffin. That and the fact that his sister married Johnse. It won't be a stretch to think that they killed Jefferson to get back at Nancy for marryin' their golden boy shiner idiot.

"Mr. Cline wants ya'll to fetch him an' bring him to the funeral parlor." Of course, he did. Since we're the lawmen my uncle's sendin' us on a body retrevial errend. What I don't understand is why this guy didn't just bring the body in. Why tell my Uncle Perry 'bout it, but leave Jefferson rottin' on the riverbank?

"Okay. Just, where's this farm at?" Really, he really just asked that? Didn't he pay attention to what this guy just told him? The farm's by the damn river. Bad Frank needs to learn better listenin' skills.

"Down by the river in Mouthcard." Was the answer the farmer gave us. Bad Frank looked at me, clearly tryin' to guage if I knew where we had to go. I just nodded, lettin' him know that I knew where that was and could find the man's farm. "If ya don't need me no more I gotta go to the newspaper office. Mr. Cline wants me to meet him there so I can tell a reporter 'bout what I found."

"Go an' tell Mr. Cline we'll fetch Jefferson McCoy; bring him to the undertaker." My boss told the farmer 'fore risin' from the table. Silently, he nodded his head at me in a gesture to follow him.

Oh hell, this is gonna be a long day. Thank you, Uncle Perry, for makin' me work with Bad Frank. Not…


The crisp spring air was slightly breezy as we rode down the dirt path that'd take us to the riverbank in Mouthcard. We were close to our destination and I was glad for that since I was gettin' tired of listenin' to Bad Frank. If I had to hear one my wild west story, I was gonna pistol whip that bastard til the cripple fell off his horse. He might think braggin' 'bout his time out west is impression; will make me like him, but it ain't. He's an outlaw in a badge, nothin' more to it. How he kept gettin' lawman jobs tho beats me since I thought outlaws couldn't do that.

"When'd ya get your gun? I was maybe 9 when I got mine." Bad Frank asked as a way to keep up a conversation with me. Eh, now he wanted to direct the subject onto me. Great…

"Last summer." I simply told him, keepin' my sight set on the dirt path in front of me.

"Oh, awfully late there huh?" He sarcastically asked, a slight chuckle emergin' from the back of his throat.

Rollin' my eyes I scoffed, "You've met my uncle, I was lucky he even got me the damn thing."

With a smirk takin' up his weasel-like face he pointed to me and said, "Mr. Cline's right 'bout you. You've got the stones it takes t'be a lawman. That and more."

"Thanks." I remarked over the sound of the leaves on the nearby trees rustlin'. Eh, the sooner we get to the clearin' and the riverbank the better. I'm so sick and tired of talkin' with this bastard.

"So, y'know we'll be gettin' every last one of them Hatfields." No shit, that was his job wasn't it? I mean it's why my uncle hired him. Hell, is it mean to want a tree to crash down on this guy? I'm over him. My new job's gettin' old real fast.

"I know." I said, keepin' my face straight even tho I wanted to scream and tell the man ridin' next to me to go to hell.

Lookin' at me he said, "Means your sister's gonna get taken in." Was he tryin' to play a fake sympathy card with me? Well, it ain't gonna work. He's not gonna get me to open up 'bout Nova and her part in this feud.

"I know, I ain't stupid." I nearly snapped thru gritted teeth. I didn't want to talk bout my sister with this man.

"I don't believe in harmin' women. When the time comes t'catch her we'll bring her in as gentle as possible." The fuck? He scalps a guy, but don't hurt women. He's nuts…

"Okay." I nodded, keepin' a neutral look on my face. I have no intention of ever lettin' him near my sister. Nova's not gettin' arrest by Bad Frank, hell none of the Hatfields are if I can help it. Comin' to the clearin' that opened up to the lush green grass and rushin' river rapids I announced, "We're here."

"Where's he at?" Bad Frank asked, lookin' at the water straight ahead.

"Prolly down a bit more, but this is the riverbank." I told Bad Frank as we trotted over to the riverside path.

He just nodded his black hat covered head at me. Silently, thank god, we rode down the path while keepin' our eyes peeled for Jefferson's water-logged corpse. We were 'bout a quarter mile from the clearin' whenever I spotted him sprawled on the bank with a bloody hole in the head, right 'tween the eyes. Ah, so Jefferson met his end at Cap's hand.

"There he is." Bad Frank announced, his voice a bit raspy and loud, as we rode closer to the site of the dead body. A dead body that was givin' a couple of one-fingered salutes too. Hell, no wonder Cap shot him in the head, I would've too. Jefferson's big drunk mouth always got him in trouble if ya ask me. "You're gonna have to help me sling him back over my horse." Bad Frank told me as we came to a stop by Jefferson.

No shit, I doubt he can lift much weight wit' that poker leg of his. "Okay." I nodded as we dismounted our horses.

"Y'think Cap Hatfield did this? Heard he's a sharpshooter." Bad Frank remarked as we walked over to the dead body, that was a short distance from our horses.

"Maybe." I shrugged even tho I knew it was my brother-in-law that done it. I just didn't want to incriminate him. Hell, god knows he's got the McCoy boys' so-called murders hangin' over his head an' don't need another added to the list.

"Selkirk McCoy's a kin killer, he could've tipped off Cap Hatfield 'bout his cousin." He grunted as we picked up Jefferson's body, slowly inchin' it towards the horses.

No, asshole, it was me that did that. Yep, not tellin' him that tho. "Oh, so y'wanna go after him?" I asked Bad Frank as we got closer to his black stallion.

"Depends, where he live? If it's too far in we'll need more deputies, but if it's close, we can go ourselves and get him." Bad Frank told me as we, and when I say we I really mean me, slung Jefferson's corpse onto the back of his horse.

"I dunno, I've never seen him, but one-time years 'go at a pig trial." Yea, that was a lie, but he didn't need to know that. "You'll have to ask Uncle Perry 'bout that."

"Pig Trial?" He quirked his brow at me while we mounted our horses.

"Yea, haven't ya ever heard 'bout the infamous pig trial?" I asked, one of my brows slightly raised, as we started to trot off up river on the dirt path that'd take us back to the clearin'.

"No, can't say that I have."

"Then I'll tell ya bout it on our way back t'Pikeville." Ah, karma's a bitch. Now it's my time to drive this man crazy.


My uncle was asleep and I snuck out to ride 'cross the Tug to my sister's house in Mate Creek. It was late, but I needed to relay some information to Cap and Nova. After my day with followin' Bad Frank 'round like a puppy, even tho I'd rather be doin' somethin' else, I had no choice, but to ride ov'r in the dark. Ridin' over to West Virginia in the pitch-black night with only the moon and stars as guidin' lights meant I had to be a bit more careful and aware of where I was goin'. One wrong move could get me made.

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holdin' as I reached down town Mate Creek since it meant I had safely reached West Virginia. The only buildin' bustlin' at this time of night was the tavern. I just rode on by and down the road, determined to reach my sisters house. And when I did finally reach Nova and Cap's house, I hitched my horse to the post and ran up the porch steps.

Poundin' on the front door, which I knew was locked, I shouted, "It's me, Mo! Open up! I need'a talk!" I pounded some more while shoutin', "Wake up in there! It's Moses, here to talk! Open up!"

When the door flung open I fell inside and would've hit the ground face first if it were for Jim Vance pushin' me up, helpin' me balance back on my feet. "What're ya yellin' bout, boy?" He gruffy asked, sleep heavy in his drawlin' tone, as I noticed behind him Cap and Nova emergin' from their bedroom with tired looks on their faces.

"I got some urgeant news." I answered 'fore givin' the old crotchety man the side-eye and askin', "What're you doin' here? As far as I know ya don't live here."

"Ya lil shit, I'm visitin'." Jim snapped as I just brushed by him, walkin' further into the room. He slammed the door just with a huff, clearly not amused by me, but I didn't care right now.

"Moses, be nice." Nova chastised as she made her way over to me, her husband at her side.

Cap cut his mismatched eyes at me, him and Nova stoppin' right in front of me. "Can't this news wait til mornin'? It's awfully late."

I quickly shook my head. "I can't come by in the mornin'. Perry's got me playin' deputy to Bad Frank Phillips for lawman experience."

"What?" All of them asked at the same time, shock mixed into their various tones and voices. They sounded like a choir, all in unison, except they didn't let out music, but a stunned question instead.

"Yea, I'm stuck workin' with Bad Frank." I told them, lettin' them know I wasn't bullshittin' 'bout my new job. "So far, we're still signin' men up for the posse, but we had to take a break today t'fish Jefferson out the river near a farm down in Mouthcard."

"Cap 'ere got that head shot in half a mile." Jim bragged on his nephew, a proud grin spread cross his face. Lucky Cap, he's got people to brag on him. My uncle's not the type to pat ya on the back with prideful words. Hell, gettin' a compliment from him's harder than pullin' teeth.

"Yea, I figured it was you that put a hole in his head." I told my brother-in-law, who just nodded at me. He was too humble 'bout his sharpshootin' skills, man needed to enjoy a compliment or take pride in it once an' a while. Not all of us get kind words tossed our way so easily. "Anyways, I since Selkirk lives too close to the Kentucky border Bad Frank wants to pay him a visit. He thinks he's the one that told ya'll 'bout Jefferson, so Selkirk needs to get out of town and fast."

"I'll tell pa 'bout it, but for now I'll go get him and bring him here." Cap told me, puttin' my mind at ease. I mean I liked Selkirk and he was kin, I didn't wanna see him locked up for somethin' blown out of context.

Everyone's eyes were on me as I said, "Look, I'll come by at night with anythin' I hear. If I can I'll try to give ya'll a heads up 'bout who my boss wants to go after."

"Moses, be careful. Bad Frank ain't a good man, if he finds out you're a spy it can cost ya your life." My sister told me, her voice filled with worry as her cornflower blue eyes were a bit dull with dismay.

"Sissy, I'll be fine." I assured Nova, givin' her a quick hug. With smirk I told everyone, "Hell, the man's too excited 'bout showin' a youth the ropes of gun slingin' and the lawman ways to be suspicious."

"Just be careful and come here if y'get found out." Cap ordered me 'fore turnin' round and takin' off to his room in order to get dressed since he had to get Selkirk, keep him safe til Devil Anse was able to sneak him somewhere else.

Jim Vance patted me on the back and flashed me a grin. "You're doin' real good spyin' for our family."

"You better get back home, it's late and y'need sleep." Nova told me, her arms crossed over her nightgown as she gave me a small, but worried smile. "Be safe, Mo."

"I know, I'll be safe." I told Nova 'fore turnin' my back on her and walkin' out the door. I hurried down the porch and over to my horse. After unhitching it I got onto the horse, only to quickly trot away from the house. I had a long ride home, which I needed to make in a quick pace so I could actually get some sleep.

I'm in real deep now, but I won't have it any other way. I won't turn my back on my sister and her family. Hell, I consider them t'be my kin too. If I play my cards right me workin' under Bad Frank can save my family, keep them out of harms way. If I fuck up, then I'll be seekin' refuge 'cross the Tug with a price on my head. I don't think that'll happen tho. I'm smart, I can stay one step ahead of everything.


AN:

Yikes! Moses spying has just entered dangerous waters. Hope you guys liked this chapter. Next up is Nancy's visit to Bad Frank and some other stuff.