Ch 4

Cody saw Audrey standing by the corral the next morning watching the horses. She had on a beautiful blue ball dress. He looked at her brown hair tied back with a ribbon. My first victim. He smiled as he walked up beside her.

"Morning Audrey. How are you on this fine day?" Asked Cody.

"I'm good." Said Audrey watching Cody suspiciously.

"I can't believe that three beautiful women would dare travel this country alone. You are a very brave woman."

Audrey laughed. She actually laughed.

"And you, Mr. Cody, think you are such a smooth gentleman that you can just win me over with your words. I'm flattered but sorry honey. I have played the part with the best of them." Smiled Audrey.

Cody didn't know what to say. Jimmy was watching from just inside the barn. Cody was speechless. He lowered his head to try to hide his laughter. Cody bid her goodbye and walked by Jimmy.

"Go ahead and laugh. I still got two to go." Said Cody stomping off.

Audrey saw Cody talking to a laughing Jimmy. She walked over.

"Jimmy, right?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You should be ashamed, picking on Cody like that. After all, he tried so hard." She said trying not to laugh.

"That's Cody. He is go hard or just quit. But he gives us quite a few good laughs at his expense."

"You must have a great friendship in order to be able to tease each other in such a way and not get upset."

"Ain't no need to get mad. It's all in good fun. We are all like a family here."

"I feel the same about Sheila and Mary. They are such bitches but I do love them. Sorry, pardon my French."

"A lady who speaks her mind. Not bad." Laughed Jimmy.

Audrey and Jimmy walked away talking. Cody watched them go. He saw Mary sitting on Emma's porch swing. Emma stood and went inside her house. He put on a big smile and walked over.

"Mary, looking gorgeous."

Mary looked at him and smiled.

"Um, no."

"Ma'am?"

"Just no." She smiled.

Cody bid her farewell and walked away once again in defeat. Emma smiled from inside her doorway.

Cody saw Sheila making her way to the barn. Last chance.

"Sheila, how are you today?"

"I am just perfect, you?"

"Better now that I am with you."

"My, my Mr. Cody. You are a natural charmer aren't you."

"Only in the presence of an elegant lady."

"Do go on, make me blush. Can I ask you a favor?"

"Anything."

"I need to run into town. Is there a mercantile there?"

"Why, yes ma'am. I would love to accompany you."

"Wonderful. I need to shop for a few things."

"I'll get the buckboard."

"Absolutely darling." Smiled Sheila.

Jimmy and Audrey were walking back down by the fenced pasture when they saw Cody heading toward town with Sheila in tow.

"Looks like he won that one."

"I wouldn't be so sure."

"What do you mean?"

"Sheila is playing him for his help and attention. That's how she gets what she wants."

"Really?"

"That was our job remember. You attract a rich client, pull them in, and get them to spend their money on you. We were the best. It's no hard feelings really."

"Is that what you're doing now?"

"Of course not, you don't have any money." Laughed Audrey.

"I guess you're right." Smiled Jimmy.