Ella lay comfortably in Dave's arms, it was not the first time they had lain together, in fact Stella had lost count. She thought she had fallen in love with Dave Rudabaugh and he had told her many times he felt the same way. Ella had turned all other men away after Dave asked her to save herself only for him; he couldn't stand thinking of any other man putting his hands upon her. He had changed the way she thought about many things, she wanted to get out of her profession now, live with him as his wife, have his children… many things had changed because of Dave. She no longer used the name Stella, the sound of it made her somehow feel sad and dispirited and now no one used it unless it was for a scolding or to gain her attention quickly. Dave had affectionately begun calling her Ella, it had softness to it when spoken and hearing him call her by it sent a small shiver of pleasure through her.

He distractedly caressed her arm as they lay in their moment of lazy contentment.

"Ella?" he asked in a low whisper.

"Hmm?" Ella replied, feeling reluctant to part herself from the blissful silence.

"If I asked you, you'd marry me right?" His tone was lethargic but the question held a hint of need to it.

She laughed, "Course I would".

"I might ask you soon."

Ella turned to look at him fully. "Well, that'll be a good day." She smiled, wanting to ease the slight uneasiness that lurked behind his eyes. The look had haunted his expression since the word got out that Sheriff Pat Garrett was not just hunting Billy, but all of his gang. Ella would never have said the fact out loud, but Dave was afraid. Billy Bonney may have become infamous thanks to the newspapers, but Dave was the one with a heavy set of crimes resting upon his shoulders. Doc had tried to warn her that Dave was not a good man, that he had killed many men and was suspected of raping a good few women. But Ella couldn't listen to that talk, not when she felt truly at peace, not when her life was only just beginning to go right. But she did know Dave was a wanted man and if he was caught there would be no escaping the noose.

He rested his palm against her cheek, taking her away from the unpleasant thoughts that crowded around her. "But I gotta ride to Old Mexico first, get myself a place, Billy's gonna lead us on a hidden trail."

"I know you gotta do that first," she stated simply, "I know you'll come back for me too, I can wait." She smiled dismissively, making light of the situation and not allowing him to dwell on what might be.

"What did I do to deserve such a good woman?" Dave smiled in reply and kissed her sweetly.

---

It was late, long past midnight, when Ella felt the presence in her bedroom. It awakened her from a deep sleep and her eyes flew about the darkened room, focusing fully upon the shadowed figure. She took a deep breath ready to scream when the figure darted forward, a gloved hand coming to cover her mouth, preventing her making any sound. A strong smell of sweat, horseflesh and dust invaded her senses.

"It's me Ella." Dave's voice came out of the darkness.

Ella pushed his hand away from her mouth, a little annoyed that he had startled her, and at the same time near speechless with relief that it was him, that he was safe, that the newspapers the other girls had read to her had been wrong. It had been weeks since their last meeting and news had quickly come that some of Billy's gang had been ambushed and killed at Stinking Springs. Ella had feared the worst, what else could she do when most of the world assumed him dead?

"What are you doin' here?! I heard so many stories, that you'd been captured… that you'd been killed!" She sat up in bed and pulled him down to her, thankful that he was here, that he was safe. The stale smell again invaded her senses and she knew he must have been riding for many hours to get back here, to get back to her.

"No, they got Billy, at Stinking Springs, captured him."

Ella released him. "An' Doc? The others?"

Dave was silent for a moment as if the question irritated him. "Most escaped," he frowned, "I don't want to go into it."

She let out a relieved breath, not wanting to dwell for a second on the 'most' aspect of his reply, before returning her attention back to him. "What are you doin' here?"

"I'm leavin' for good, goin' to Old Mexico… my way this time, Billy had no intention of taking us, he was riding us in circles." He paused. "I know it ain't romantic but I want you to come with me, become my wife."

Ella stared at his outline, shocked into silence by his words.

"Leave? Now?" she asked in stunted words.

"Yeah, right now, the law might be right on my tail, I gotta skin out before it's too late an' I may not come back for a while. Come with me?"

Ella hesitated, she wanted to go but it was a decision she would not be able to take back once it was made. Was she really ready to abandon all she knew for a man she had known less than four months? She'd be changing a fair life for something unknown…

"I promise I'll make ya happy Ella, I won't let you sell yourself no more, it'll just be you an' me an' we'll be happy."

She could hear the honesty in his voice and her heart ached for that life, a house, husband and children. Living quietly and how they pleased with their own hands guiding them, it's all she'd ever wanted and he was offering her heart's desire upon a plate, surely she would be a fool to not take it. She turned her gaze back to him, finding the shadowy outlines of his face and features through the gloom.

"I'll marry you Dave" she said, after a moment of silence had passed.

Dave pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, whispering sweet words and her name softly as he pressed his lips to her cheek in gentle kisses.

"You won't regret it Ella, I swear… Ella."

---

"Ella!" Her mind became awake at the sound of her name being called, for a moment she was sure she was back in her little room, safe and warm in her husband-to-be's arms, that Dave was calling her name softly. "Ella!" The voice was more forceful and sounded nothing like Dave's lazy drawl; it was soft, refined in its own way and worried… Her eyes flickered open, she hadn't even been aware they were closed she'd been so sure she was back in Jane's house…

She squinted as the bright winter sunlight hurt her eyes; it took her a moment to adjust to it before her eyesight would focus upon the man kneeling before her. She blinked hard a few times, regaining clear sight from the fuzzy blur of colours.

"Oh thank God" Doc said in whisper of relief. He looked back at her and smiled. "You've been asleep for near on two whole days, I was startin' to get worried."

"Doc?" Ella's voice sounded scratchy and strained to her own ears.

"I'm here" he said, smiling again, she felt him reach underneath a heavy blanket that covered her and clasp her hand in his, squeezing reassuringly.

"Asleep?" she said, just digesting the words he had spoken. Then as a wave lapping gently against a shore it all came back to her. Dave was dead now, Joey was gone, he had left her and Mox Mox and his band had captured her but Doc had rescued her… she'd been sick with a fever and… she couldn't remember anything else, she wished she could have forgotten most of it.

"Yeah, we are only a day from Ojinaga, but I didn't want to chance moving you while you were so sick, I think the fever's broken."

Ella reached up with her free hand and placed it upon her brow, her hair was stuck in damp strands to her cheeks but her brow felt cool, Doc was right, the fever had finally broken.

"How do you feel?" Doc asked, still clutching her hand.

"Tired," she replied truthfully, "thirsty and hungry too."

He smiled. "Well I can do something about that, then you can sleep some more and we'll set off for Ojinaga tomorrow at first light."

Ella nodded, just the thought of getting home made her spirits lift and she smiled warmly at Doc, thankful that she had him beside her, thankful that he was who he was…

---

Joey left the canyon, leaving the blond man Doc to pursue Ella, he knew she would be safe enough once he caught up to them, the Indian's horse would not be able to travel fast carrying two, and yet… he couldn't dispel the feeling of irritation. He didn't he like the blond man, perhaps once he had finished Call he would kill him, this thought lifted his spirits and a smirk hinted upon his lips. For now he wanted to focus upon Call and so he spurred his horse onwards in the direction Call had gone.

Joey had to admit that the old man had surprised him a little; his reputation it seemed was not ill given. Joey had followed Call and the blond man as they pursued Mox Mox and had been impressed that the old ranger had seemed to sense they were being followed even though Joey kept a good distance. He would backtrack and try to catch Joey out but the Apache had taught him well and Joey would not easily be seen. He didn't need a fire on the cold nights and he knew how to stay far enough behind to avoid prying eyes.

Now Joey was following Call and the two children he had saved from Mox Mox's clutches, Joey was a little annoyed that the old man had killed the Manburner, now all his plans of taking Teresa and Rafael to be burnt by him were dashed. Still, Joey did not lose hope completely, he would perhaps take his younger siblings deep into Mexico, sell them to a rich man so they could be used as slaves, his mother would never be able to find them if he took them far enough. But then there was the possibility that no one would want them, they were damaged… but still, other options remained if it came to that. He would take them up to his cave and throw them off the steep cliff, that at least should let his mother know how much he disapproved of her life and the men she had had in it. Then things would change, his mother would know he was to be obeyed and she would do as he said.

Call's tracks were more than easy to follow, by the second day the horse the children had been mounted upon had become lame, Call gave them his horse and led them towards the town that was now just in sight. By midday they had entered the town. Joey waited as patiently as he could, but he was annoyed that Call seemed to intend on spending some time in the town. He had to admit the old man had not looked well after such a long journey by foot, Joey expected he would be there for a few days at the least, regaining his strength before he rode to join the rest of his posse.

Joey made camp a few miles outside of the town, but the waiting bored him and by late evening he was restless and his temper was rising with every hour that passed. He had a strange ache that would not leave, no matter what he did it remained, even thinking of killing the famous old ranger did nothing to dampen it. He knew only too well that if Ella had been with him he could have lain with her and experienced that blissful release that made him feel as if he was free falling and it would be quenched, his focus would return… but that whore wasn't here. Why he had even spared her life at Roy Bean's he was still unsure. It would have been so easy to crush her throat within in his hands, yet he hadn't… he had let her go… even now he was annoyed at himself for being so weak in that moment, perhaps it was the lure of desire she held, the feeling she gave him, perhaps he wanted to use her again at a later point and this is why he had allowed her to live.

He shook his head, annoyed with his own thoughts. What need did he have for her; one whore was as good as any other. He knew there was a small boom town not seven miles from where he now sat, he could go there and find a saloon, satisfy his hunger and return within a few hours. Call would still be holed up in his hotel room and Joey would feel less agitated.

---

Joey entered the saloon, he had made good time and it was still early in the night when he arrived. The saloon itself was just like many others he had seen, small with a few drunken men scattered at the tables, some passed out, some playing cards and talking loudly.

A group of women sat at a table talking quietly, their scanty attire instantly broadcasting to everyone that they were whores. Joey allowed his gaze to graze over each of them; there were four in total, a blonde who was thin and pretty with large brown eyes, two Mexican girls and a dark haired white girl. Joey studied the fourth intently, she had a pretty heart-shaped face and her eyes were a light green in colour. She wasn't exactly what he wanted but she would have to do.

He walked slowly over to her and wrapped his gloved hand around her wrist, tugging her up from her seat; he saw no need for words. She stared at him, startled for a moment not only by his unexpected actions but by the fact the man that had chosen her was nothing like the normal rabble that came into the dirty little place. He was handsome, some may even have dared to call him beautiful and he had an aura to him that pulled her to him, she found that for a moment her voice was lost before she regained herself.

"This way" she said softly and began to lead him to the back of the room, through a curtain and into a narrow hallway. Four doors lead off into private rooms that the girls used to entertain their customers and she opened one of them and gestured for him to go inside before following.

"It's two dollars" she said, closing the door behind her.

He turned to look at her, his deep blue eyes grazing over her body and she shivered, if he now told her he had no money she'd allow him to stay anyway, it was rare she got anyone as beautiful as this young boy.

"Have you got a name?"

He removed his hat and took the rifle from his shoulder, laying it carefully against the wall. "Joey" he said, not looking at her but gracing her with this small piece of information, expecting her to feel grateful for it.

"I'm Charlotte, most just call me Lottie" she said, hoping to again some sort of reaction but his smooth face did not hint at any expression. She hesitated, "Is there anything you want in particular?" She wanted to hear his voice again, it was thrilling to have someone clean and young before her, it made a spark light up somewhere inside her, which flickered and whispered that she was too young to be used up.

"No," he said simply. "Undress" he ordered.

Lottie obeyed, for the first time in her many months of working at this run down shack, after so many men coming into her bedroom, she found she was blushing slightly at the sensation of his eyes upon her as she slowly began to remove her clothes. When she had removed everything and she stood before him naked she slipped under the covers, sensing he was not a man who counted patience as one of his virtues. He wasted no more time and removed all of his clothing, placing his gun and knife onto a chair near the bed.

Joey roughly pulled the covers away from her body and lowered himself onto her. Their lips connected and he felt the desire beginning to burn within him, his lips merged into hers, verging upon violence in their need and want. Without waiting for a moment longer, Joey roughly parted her legs and slid inside, the woman beneath him groaned sweetly against his lips as he began to thrust slowly, in the way he now enjoyed, the way she had taught him. He broke the kiss and studied the girl a moment; her eyes were closed in pleasure, her plump lips moving in silent sighs and groans. But Joey's face was not in any expression of enjoyment, although perhaps his methods now pleased women more, he was not pleased, the sensation was not the same. He could feel more shivers of need flickering through his skin as the woman below him caressed his shoulders, but he had no desire to touch her and feel her beneath his hands… it wasn't the same and this annoyed him, annoyed him more then he would ever like to admit. The sick, disgusted feeling was beginning to build within his stomach, something he had not felt in a very long time. The sensation repulsed him, the girl repulsed him and his anger flared and grew.

He gritted his teeth, what had that woman done to him?! She had awakened a lust within him that only she could quell. He was dependant on her, the thought infuriated him, that fact that this whore beneath him could not give him what he wished just embittered him even more.

He gave out a sound of frustration and reached out to the chair, his hand clasped around his sleek, curved dagger and he nimbly pulled it out of its sheath. He glanced down at the girl, she was still in the throes of enjoyment, despite his feelings Joey had not abated in his thrusts and she was taking full pleasure in what he did. Joey slowed his pace and finally stopped, he leant near to her ear and she arched her back at the feel of his movement. Without another thought Joey brought the knife up, and with one swift movement he sliced deeply across her exposed skin, opening her throat. Blood cascaded in a torrent from the wound, coating her chest in sticky red liquid. Her eyes flew open and she stared up at him, her eyes full of hurt surprise. The one man she had really desired had just killed her… she supposed it was just her luck…

She stared up into his eyes as they watched her with interest as if he wanted to catch the very moment death would take her. She tried to take a breath but felt as if she were choking upon the very air that she knew could save her, she tried to swallow but this too only intensified the unpleasant feeling. She reached up and placed a bloody hand against his cheek, perhaps she had meant to fight, but her palm rested softly against his skin. His eyes flickered for a moment as if deciding if he would allow this action, he finally relented giving her this one last pleasure. Joey's eyes once again watching her, waiting. She felt like her very mind was flowing out of her along with the blood, out of the corner of her now blurry gaze she could see the blood reaching the bed clothes, soaking into them in red blooms. She suddenly felt tired and her eyes began to flutter closed, she just needed to sleep and all would be well once again, her last look at the world was into those mysterious, cold blue eyes, hinting with cruel intent… and then there was nothing more but darkness.