A/N - OH MY GOODNESS. It's been so long. You all have permission to Dead eye shoot me. Seriously. Go ahead. This chapter (and a bit of the next) is just a sort of filler. Don't ask why it's late, life has seriously been kicking my arse. However, with the Easter holidays and two weeks off school I like to think I'll have more time for stories (yay!). But... enjoy! :D I hope this will satisfy your needs. :D
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who reads this story, and an even BIGGER THANK YOU to those who review. You guys really do make my day. :D I'm so proud of this story. I'll admit, there are parts I would change in terms of just improving description and flow and gramma and such, but this is the love of my life! So many reviews, so many pages on Word (123 currently!) and so much more plot to go! YAY. Long rant over, enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I do not, nor will I ever own Red Dead Redemption or anything related to it. This fanfiction is purely fan made and I only own characters and places that are new. apologise if any of this material offends any one. I assure you I don't mean to offend in any way, shape or form. This story will contain coarse language and graphic violence.

Chapter 18 – Back at Armadillo.

"Well, this bastard here won't live much longer," marshal Arrington said, giving the man a rough pat on the head as he loaded him onto one of the sheriff's horses. Susan and I had walked over, all of us now gathering around the two sheriffs and the gang leader. Vultures circled lazily overhead, their squawks an omen of death. I frowned at the man and shook my head, deciding to focus on the positives rather than let one man drag me down. So, carrying my head high, I turned from the man, condemning him to whatever hell he ended up in.

Lookin' towards the fort entrance I saw a group of horses. In particular, I noticed a golden stallion and a speckled stallion. A grin immediately overtook my face. I became elated and before I knew it was running to my horse, letting out a high whistle. His ears snapped to me and he whinnied before galloping over. I giggled and side-stepped, avoiding my stallions over-excited bulk as he bucked a little. "Dash! Oh, boy, I've missed ya so much!" I cried. I hadn't noticed it much, but I had really missed something that had been constant in my life. Dot Dot Dash pressed his muzzle into my chest as I hugged him. I pressed my lips to his forehead and whispered words of affection, and told him how much I missed him. His ears were fixed solely on me. Behind us I could hear chuckles, but though' nothin' of them. I was so glad to have Dash back – he was family! I giggled as he snorted into my shirt which was thick with dust. I released his head and took to patting his neck.

"He's the one who led me here." I looked over my shoulder to see Jack walkin' over, a grin on his face.

"He did?" I asked. The man nodded and gave Dash a grateful pat.

"He made me follow and took me to the place where ya got took. Then, it didn't take much figurin' to work out where you'd been taken." I grinned and admired my horse.

"Well, what d'ya expect from a horse raised by me and my pa?" I boasted playfully. I was happy; happy that this ordeal was over. Dash swung his head back and touched his nose to the saddle on his back. I grinned and leapt into the leather seat. "It feels so good to be back in the saddle!" I giggled. Jack laughed.

"You look like a kid at Christmas!"

"I feel like one!"

Marshal Arrington and his two deputies, Jonah and Eli, finished seeing off the two sheriffs who departed through the wooden doors and walked over to Jack and I. "I see ya been reunited with ya mount?" the marshal asked, chuckling and adjusting his hat.

"Yup! And what a magnificent creature he is!" I felt like I was bursting at the seams with joy. "Where're we headin' next?" The marshal opened his mouth to reply but someone beat him to it with a firm voice. "Armadillo so you can see a doctor," Jack cut in. We all looked to him. I blinked.

"OK... Because of my wrist?"

He nodded and added, "And, jus' to make sure you're ok... before we head out anywhere else." I suppose it made sense. I looked at my wrist. It was a sickly purple and swollen. I flinched slightly when I applied pressure. "That... would be a good idea," I sighed. I wouldn't be much good with an injured arm.

The others mounted up and soon we were ready to go. I patted Dash on the neck and he nickered softly in return. We trotted out, one by one, and began heading to Armadillo. I wouldn't have admitted it, but I was glad that I was going to have rest, even if it was at a doctors. I didn't know how long I would be there or the extent of the damage to my arm. What I was sure of, 100 percent, was that I was on cloud nine. I was elated and felt like I could jump a hundred feet in the air! A silly grin was plastered on my face and it earned me a few chuckles and shakes of heads. I couldn't help it though! My freedom had made me feel ecstatic. The feeling must have travelled down through the reins for Dash became excitable, throwing his head, whinnying. I just laughed and gave him a spur, moving him into a gallop and shooting past the others. Dash's legs pounded against the ground and left a trail of dust behind us. I stole a look back to see the others fading away. "Woo!" I cried, voice echoing over the land. I was happy. Oh so happy.

-x-

The two sheriffs trotted on while the man on the back of one of their horses cursed quietly to himself. One sheriff looked back and tutted. "Look at ya. All tied up and gonna be trialled and killed. Ya should'a obeyed the law," he muttered, feeling nothin' but pity for the man. The man looked at him from the corner of his eye but remained silent. The sheriff sighed and shook his head then looked forward again. "Look out!" his companion shouted just as a gunshot echoed through the air.

The first sheriff fell dead and his horse charged away into the brush. The second sheriff cursed loudly and pulled out his revolver. He scanned the foliage around them and saw a man on a horse partly hidden. But it was too late. Just as he aimed and poised to shoot, a bullet entered his brain and killed him. The body slumped against the horse's neck making the animal stagger to a stop.

From the bushes came a small gang of men. There were around 14, each as ragged and frontier-torn as the next. They walked forward on their mounts and one snatched the reins of the sheriff's horse. Another man came completely forward and the others made a ring around him. He dismounted his dark, ebony horse and strode to the tied criminal. The man had fearful eyes and was whimpering. "I-It's you!"

"It's me all right, partner," the man spat. "Boss aint very happy. You said you had the girl, but I don't see no girl. I jus' see you all tied up, lookin' like a pathetic dog." The tied criminal shied away and flinched with every sharp word. "I-I... they came for her!"

"And you couldn't even hold them off." The man exuded anger and raw power and his thick hand shot out and seized the man by the throat. He let out a strangled cry as his windpipe was constricted. "Now, you better tell me where she is, or else you're gonna meet my mean side. And trust me, ya'll don't want that." The criminal could only cower in fear; Pure fear.

"I don't know... She's here somewhere! I-I can find her!"

"I'm afraid ya can't. You've helped quite enough. Boss said to execute all of those who were useless, and all I see is a useless, pathetic man." With those final words the enigmatic man turned his back and clicked his fingers. On his command the gang members shot a thousand bullets into the weeping criminal, ending his life in a bloody mess.

-x-

I spent the next three days in Armadillo. Jack was adamant that we waited for my wrist to heal and so put his foot down, even though I tried my best to sway him. The doctor had applied a coarse bandage to my arm, just to support the wrist. He said that I had sprained it or somethin'. He had rambled on in doctor talk that I did not understand for the life of me.

On the first day Jack had practically glued himself to me. It was sweet really. Anyone with eyes could tell that he was worried but relieved that I was back. He was constantly vigilant, eyed strangers dangerously that he thought got too close and could pose a risk, and was hesitant to leave me on the second day when the marshal invited him to sweep the county. "C'mon boy, ya gotta let them girls have their time," marshal Arrington persuaded. With a pause and an inner war raging in him, Jack hesitantly nodded. "I'll be fine," I added. "I'm in the middle of a town. And I got Susan, and I can hold my own – you know that."

"But last time I let you outta my sights you-" Jack stopped there.

I smiled softly and patted his shoulder, "I aint goin' nowhere." I spoke softly, like too loud and I would frighten him away. Jack heaved a sigh and nodded.

"I know, I know." I grinned and stepped back.

"If ya need to find us, Susan and I will be in the pens out the back the saloon." I waved the men off and walked away behind the Saloon with Susan.

"You an' him are real close, aint ya?" Susan said as soon as I fell into stride beside her. I shrugged and couldn't help the blush.

"I guess..." I missed the small smirk Susan had. "Jack's been awful nice to me. I aint known him for too long and already we're the best of friends!" I suddenly felt 12 again, talking about a new friend I had made. "He didn't have to take me around the frontier, yet he has." Susan and I had walked behind the saloon, where they kept the livestock. We walked to the horse pen and leant against the wood. Two bay mares nibbled absent minded at a pile of hay in the paddock. I let a soft smile on my lips as I gazed out towards the distant Redemption mountains. Susan stood silently by my side, facing the saloon.

"And... he's been through so much. His pa... his ma... Gone. And, I know he's lonely. He's mentioned it a couple of times." I paused and inhaled deeply, glancing sideways at Susan. "I'm mostly glad that I get to ease that loneliness, even if I am more trouble than I'm worth." I closed my eyes and giggled slightly.

A gentle breeze passed through us as neither of us talked. Susan breathed in deeply then exhaled. "Well, you an' him suit." I raised an eyebrow and looked away from the Redemption mountains and to her over my shoulder. "We do?" She nodded slightly, but a sudden sour look came over her once calm features.

"But you be careful. I know what men are like. All they want is-"

I cut her off quickly. "Jack aint like that! I know he'd never do anything like that," I defended. Susan blinked then rolled her eyes.

"If ya wanna think that, then go ahead. Be my guest," she sneered, turning her head the other way. I sighed but smiled. I understood Susan had been hurt in her past, but I wanted to show her that not all men were bad. And I knew, deep down, that Jack would never do anything to hurt me, or anyone he cared for. "So, are ya stayin' here in Armadillo?" I asked, changing the subject. Susan shrugged.

"I guess. Though there aint much," she commented, glancing about the small livestock area we stood in. Men walked about, tending to chickens in pens and leadin' horses to and from the barn.

"What about the marshal?" I asked.

"What about the marshal?" Susan replied, raising a brow.

"I'm sure he'd have room for another deputy," I suggested, giving her a grin.

Susan started, seemingly affronted. "If you think I'd ever work with those idiots!"

I flinched at her sudden rise in volume and replied, "They aint that bad... not when you get to know them... What other options do you have?" Susan scowled and looked away into the distant barren land that stretched before us. "I told ya, I can do whatever I want. There aint anything holdin' me down." I sighed and felt a little tired of this conversation. "Susan... Please stay and become a deputy. I want you to have a good life, and I want you to enjoy life, and to see that not everyone is as bad as you think. I know that there are more men like that gang out there but... If you're a deputy then you can make a difference!" I tried my best to change her mind. I truly did want the best for her. It was the least I could do for the kindness she showed me during the fort. Susan laughed bitterly. "A difference? Don't be so naive." I pouted and huffed, insulted.

"I'm not naive! I'm just being an optimist. You're too much of a pessimist," I countered.

"I prefer the term realist..."

I rolled my eyes and got back on track. "So, deputy?"

"You aint gonna drop it, are you?" Susan grumbled, narrowing her eyes at me from between slips of hair that had fallen across her face from the whispering breeze. I giggled and shook my head. "Nope." Susan inhaled deeply then exhaled sharply through her nostrils.

"Fine... I'll think about it," she agreed, much, judging by her face, to her chagrin.

"Better than nothin' I guess," I offered, trying to console her. We stood in silence for a few minutes, jus' listening to the sounds of Armadillo. Susan pulled out a cigarette and lit it. I watched the stick reach her lips before asking, "Have you been to Mexico?"

She inhaled deeply on the cigarette then blew the smoke out. I scrunched my face ever so slightly when I caught a whiff of it. "Briefly. Before, in the past. Why?"

"'Cause Jack and I are headin' there next," I said lightly with a grin.

"You are?" Susan asked. She sounded vaguely interested.

"Well, I don't know about Jack but I am," I replied, laughing.

"I went there a long time ago. Aint much out there but pack mules and banditos," Susan said with clear boredom in her tone. Mexico did not impress her at all – but I doubt much does.

"Sounds good. It'll be a change to America," I said, trying to lighten the mood. Susan rolled her eyes.

"You really can make anything ten times better." I giggled and winked playfully at her.

"You bet."

Susan and I stood around for a while longer before I became bored and needed something to do. Susan had scoffed and sat down, leaning against the wooden bars of the fence. "Go help people out... or something." I huffed at her lack of motivation. Perhaps she wouldn't make a good deputy after all, I thought sourly. I then paused and thought of Jonah. On second thought... I'm sure she'd fit right in. I spared Susan one last look. Her eyes were closed and her head tilted skyward. I pouted and walked away, looking for something to do. I looked at men lazily leaning against the saloon and barn. No one seemed to be doing anything. I huffed more and swept the area with my hazel eyes. I put my hands on my hips and thought. What is there to do? I doubt anyone needs help from the way they're jus' standin' around. I hummed before an idea struck me. Dash needed exercise and I was sure I would be able to find someone in town who needed me to run errands. I grinned and left the back of the saloon and headed towards the front.

I walked down the main road, getting the odd polite hello, which I returned. I was lined either side by buildings. The end opposite the saloon had the marshal's office, as well a few inhabitants' houses. I headed that way, hoping to find something. Perhaps there would be some bounties for me to hunt? I giggled silently. Jack wouldn't be too pleased with me if I did.

As I approached I noticed a hunched figure sat on a crooked chair. The bulk seemed to tremble and sob loudly every now and again. I hesitated slightly in my steps. Was someone crying? I approached faster now; my natural instinct was to offer the poor woman help. The woman raised her head and I could see, clearly, that she had been weeping for a long time. Pity fell over my features as I took in her bedraggled appearance. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot and they turned to me.

"Oh, oh my!" she cried. She leapt out of the chair and I was sure she would have advanced all the way to me had there not been a wooden rail in-between us. Her hands clenched the wood tightly and shook – whether it was from the force she was holdin' it or from her crying I was unsure. "Y-you! Can you please help a dear mournin' mother?" she cried. Her voice cracked at several points. I looked around me, for fear Jack would arrive at any moment, then looked back at the woman and nodded.

"What is it you need, ma'am?" I asked gently, keeping a distance between us.

"My boy, he was jus' 18! He's gone missin'! Out in them hills! Those cursed hills!" Her finger pointed wildly in the direction of Redemption mountains. "P-please! You gotta help him! I fear for him!" I blinked before nodding.

"I'll go have a look around and see what I can see, ma'am," I answered, not confident with handling the woman. One minute she was sobbing, the next she was shoutin' and cursin' the hills. She began hyperventilating. "Please! Ya have to!" she cried wildly, before collapsing backwards into the chair and curling into a ball and sobbing loudly. I frowned with concern at the woman before backing away and walking back towards the saloon for Dash. The woman's sobs echoed down the street after me.

I mounted my horse and clicked my tongue, steering him out of town. Dash snorted and pranced eagerly. I giggled but kept him under control. I looked out into the flat expanse that stretched before me. I had to head off the carved paths to get to the hills the woman claimed her son was missing in. How could someone manage to get lost in the hills? The lands largely flat around it and with that vantage point he'd be able to clearly see the town. I thought deeply about it and reasoned that somethin' must have befallen the boy. The chances were low of findin' him alive. I gulped at the thought of tryin' to break the news to the woman. I was beginning to regret offering my help.

I should have stayed with Susan.

I cantered across the plains with Dash. He kicked up a low trail of dust that billowed behind us. A cool breeze whipped through a few loose strands of hair and felt enjoyable on my face. It was a nice feeling, one that made me close my eyes briefly and smile widely. My wrist was still aching, but only slightly. It was healin' fast, which I was very grateful for. It meant that I would soon be on the road again with Jack. I had become restless in Armadillo. It was a nice enough town, I jus' was still excited to be explorin' the remainder of New Austin (and Mexico). Dash now trotted up the hills, stumbling twice over the uneven ground.

"Whoa, boy. Careful now," I said softly to him, keeping my eyes trained on the land passing beneath us. We made it to the summit of a small rise. I hopped off Dash and let him breathe while I stared out at the landscape. Armadillo was a dark dot on the horizon, rippling with the heat. A steady stream of men and horse ran in and out of it and consisted of carriages and lone horsemen. I could see for miles and suddenly was content to just sit and look; to admire the scenery.

But an uneasy feeling hung over the area. I mentally pressed down on the feeling and told myself I was being silly. A thick dread hit me and I uneasily looked about. I didn't know what I was expecting – perhaps a savage to jump out from behind a cactus and trying to eat me. I gave Dash a pat and left him where he was and moved about the area, searchin' for signs. I didn't really know what I was searching for, but I told myself that I would know it when I saw it. It made me feel a little better.

I crow squawked overhead and I snapped my eyes up to it. The black bird flew past and landed not too far away. I eyed the bird whilst I continued to explore the area. I couldn't think of anywhere that the boy could have been hidden. I frowned and knew my chances of findin' the poor boy were almost zero. Had he been kidnapped he could have been taken anywhere. He could have even been taken out of the country! I was now beginning to deeply regret helpin' the woman. I didn't want to have to face her and explain that there was no chance of findin' her boy.

I sighed deeply and flinched when the crow suddenly cawed sharply. My eyes flashed towards the bird as it shot up into the air, wings beating furiously. I watched the dark sharp soar higher and further away before looking to where it was. I stared at the ground, confused. There was a break in the sparse shrubs and the dirt seemed to have a strange red tint. I cocked my head to the side as my eyes scrutinized the dirt. Is it me or does the ground look... wet? My heart suddenly started to beat faster and my eyebrows furrowed. I stepped lightly closer to the red patch and my head spun. Is that...? I froze when I saw exactly what I was lookin' at.

A red puddle was covering the ground and splattered about the place. A horrible stench rose from it and scattered in it was a shoe and an arm. I slapped my hand over my mouth and stumbled backwards. "Oh, my God!" In my haste to distance myself I tripped clumsily over my feet and feel backwards, landing harshly onto my behind. I stared in horror at the scene before me.

I felt sick. Now I knew exactly where the boy was. How was I supposed to explain this? He had been killed, and mutilated! His arm laid on the ground before me, along with his blood! I shakily got to my feet and scanned the area one last time before shooting the blood and remains a horrified look and sprinting to Dash. I jumped on, startling him, and spurred his sides, making him gallop away. I wanted to be as far away as I could and I desperately wanted Jack with me. I screwed my eyes shut and thought of the poor woman who I now had to explain this to. I whispered to myself a silent prayer and crossed my fingers, whilst mentally scolding myself.

I should had stayed with Susan!

Dash and I made it back to Armadillo quickly, but I pulled him to a sharp halt beside the marshal's office, hidin' just from the woman's view. I swallowed thickly. How was I going to explain this? I had to tell her that her son was dead, and that was somethin' no one wanted to do. I took a deep breath and told myself, it was now or never. So, mustering up all the bravery I could, I dismounted Dash and lead him to the front of the marshal's office. I released his reins and approached the woman cautiously. She was still huddled in the same chair and spotted my approach with keen eyes and shot forward.

"Did you find him?" she gasped. I hesitantly stayed silent and shook my head. She withdrew breath sharply and began to shake. "What? M-my boy! Oh, my baby boy!" She then broke into fresh tears, leaving me bewildered. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I-" My weak apology was cut short by an agonised scream.

"No! No, I w-won't believe it!" she cried. She looked up with bloodshot, wild eyes. "I'm goin' for my boy!" She suddenly ran forward and turned sharply, sprinting off into the distance.

Mortified, I cried after her, "Wait! Ma'am, please wait!" My cries fell on deaf ears as I watched her figure stumble off towards the hills.

I couldn't believe it. The woman had tore off in search for her boy. I just stood where I was, firmly rooted to the ground, and stared after her figure, which was now a tiny dot in the distance. "What jus' happened?" I asked myself. I got no answer (not that I was expecting one) and slowly turned to Dash. I took his reins and lead him round to the back of the Saloon. Susan was still slumped against the wood, relaxin'. I walked Dash into a pen and left him in there. I then stood before Susan, still shocked. "Have fun?" she drawled from the ground, lazily opening one eye.

"Well... I found the remains of a missin' boy," I started. This gained Susan's attention.

"What?" she asked sharply, opening both eyes now. I looked down to her.

"I found the remains of a dead boy," I repeated. Susan had a confused, but deadly serious face on. She silently commanded me with her firm eyes to explain, which I did. I told her about the sobbing woman, about the hills, about the blood, the shoe and the arm, and how the woman denied her son's death and took off into the hills. By the end of it Susan was jus' as confused as I was. "So she just... ran off?"

"Yep. She just suddenly started screamin' and started running towards the hills. Goodness knows what's happened to her." I sat onto the floor besides Susan and leant my head against the hard fence. "I should'a stayed with you," I sighed. Susan rolled her eyes and growled.

"When I told ya to go help some one I didn't mean investigate a boy's death!"

"What? How was I s'pposed to know what the woman wanted? I was jus' tryin' to help!" I cried in defence.

"Perhaps now you'll think twice before helpin' people."

"Are you kiddin' me? If Jack was with me I bet we'd both be out there now, helpin' the woman." I spoke with a sort of pride, and allowed a firm grin on my face. Susan made fake gagging noises. "Please, don't be so heroic," she sighed. I humphed and looked away.

"Jus' because you're a stick in the mud doesn't mean we all have to be," I retorted. I felt a little proud of myself after that. Behind me Susan scoffed.

"I aint no stick in the mud," she replied. I ignored her and smirked when she took to sayin' my name. "Eva. Eva, don't you ignore me." I giggled as I heard her curse under her breath. However, my giggles were cut short when she sharply poked me in the ribs. "Ack!" I cried, wriggling about.

"Don't ignore me," Susan demanded. I looked to her and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Well, you shouldn't insult me."

"I didn't insult you."

"Ya did. You said I was tryin' to be heroic."

"Then you insulted me by callin' me a 'stick in the mud'." I hummed for a second before smiling sheepishly.

"Call it evens?" I asked, tryin' to seem innocent. Susan stared blankly at me.

"No."

"Aw, come on," I sighed. Susan smiled – more like smirked – at me.

"I'mma get you back one day," she teased. I felt uneasy about this. Knowing her she would strike when I least expected it. I could see it now. Me fallin' over and makin' a fool of myself whilst Susan hid round a corner, grinning maniacally. I shivered at the thought. "Ok, ok. Jus', please don't tell Jack about this."

Susan raised a brow and grinned, "And why not?"

"Because he'll have my head if he knows I left Armadillo!" I cried. Susan didn't answer, only grinned with narrowed eyes. "That look is scaring me..."

"I'm jus' plottin' your demise," Susan said.

"NO! Please, don't tell Jack!" I begged. He'd skin me alive if he found out! Susan opened her mouth to reply but shouts cut us off.

We stood up and trotting into town was marshal Arrington, Jack, Jonah and Eli. "Afternoon," the marshal greeted with a smile. I waved and greeted him back. I then greeted the others, all the while glancin' suspiciously at Susan.

We met with the Jack and the others at the front of the saloon and walked with them back to the marshal's office. "How was patrolling?" I asked Jack as I walked stride by stride with him. I was aware of Susan's presence behind us. "Fine. Nothin' came up," Jack answered. "What did you do?" I flinched slightly and looked over my shoulder. Susan was starin' dead at me. "Oh... ya know. Susan and I jus' talked for a bit then I trotted Dash around a bit." Jack hummed.

"Ya didn't go too far, did ya?" he asked. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"No, no. Only round the outskirts of the town." I stole another glance behind us. Susan was gone. I paled a little.

"As long as ya didn't get into trouble," I heard Jack reply.

I absent mindedly replied, "Yeah... no trouble..." I trailed off as I scanned about for Susan. Where was she?

"Are you ok?" I snapped out of it and looked to Jack. He was regarding me strangely, with a raised eyebrow.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine," I laughed, waving him off. He didn't look convinced.

"Are ya sure? You keep lookin' around."

"Oh, am I? I was just... admirin' the town!" I mentally screamed, That's the best you can come up with? You suck Eva...Jack stared blankly at me.

"Ok... If ya say so," he said slowly, givin' me a strange look. I grinned sheepishly and quickly changed the conversation.

"Did I tell ya about Susan?"

"What about her?"

"I managed to convince her, with my amazing ways of persuasion, to stay here in Armadillo and become a deputy," I said with pride. Jack laughed.

"Is that so?" I nodded excitedly.

"Yup. I don't want her to make the wrong decision I know she'll regret," I explained.

"Are ya sure this is a good idea?" Jack hesitantly asked. My smile dropped and I frowned a little in confusion.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"It's jus'... well, she's an outlaw, aint she? And she's got a bounty?" I paused. Jack took two more steps before halting as well.

"Yes... but..." I sighed and realised Jack was right. Jack noticed my disheartened look and smiled softly.

"Why don't we talk to marshal Arrington and see what he says?" he suggested, raising my morale. I grinned and began walkin' again.

"Sure. I'll use my persuasive powers on him," I joked. Jack rolled his eyes but grinned.

"If you say so. If you say so," Jack laughed.

"That's Eva for ya." I suddenly jumped out of my skin and shrieked. Susan had appeared out of nowhere and frighten' the life outta me! She smirked and laughed as I practically jumped behind Jack.

"DON'T do that," I gasped, placing a hand over my beating heart. Susan waved her hand as she continued laughin'.

"I should do this more often," she said between laughter.

I scowled and snapped, "No. You shouldn't. I don't think my heart can take it..."

"Well, that's what ya get. Say, Jack, wanna hear about what happened to Eva today?" Susan said innocently, but I could hear the undertone of devious. I inhaled sharply and shot her a warning look. Jack raised a brow questioningly and looked between us. "What?" he asked obviously confused. Susan grinned evilly and took an over exaggerated breath. "Well..."

"I tripped over! That's all! I fell into the chicken pen!" I cried, cutting Susan short. Jack blinked blankly at me.

Behind me, Susan hissed, "That's not-" I stepped forward and pretended to trip. "Oops," I said with force as I bumped into Susan, cutting her short.

"Sorry, I must'a tripped again." She kept a fake grin and bumped me back.

"That's ok." I grinned falsely also, and bumped her with my shoulder.

"I HATE it when I trip." Susan bumped me back and it soon turned into an all out bumping match.

Jack, however, stared at us like we were crazy. "What is wrong with you two?" he asked.

We had stopped outside the marshal's office and the four men were all staring at Susan and I. "Nothin'," I growled with a smiled.

"I'm jus' missin' my son," Susan said. I felt my eye twitch and bumped her harder this time.

"What?" Jack asked, narrowing his eyes in utter confusion.

"You have a son?" Eli piped up.

"NO. She doesn't. She's jus' delusional. It's the heat," I rushed to say. Eli opened his mouth to talk but closed it and shook his head.

"I don't wanna know what's goin' on," marshal Arrington sighed, turning and walking into his office. Jack hitched his horse and followed along with Jonah and Eli.

"We'll be inside when you two decide to be normal again," he said, shaking his head and walking away.

"We'll be in shortly," I called after him, just as Susan charged into me and knocked me off my feet.