A/N
I just want to shout out another thank you to people who are letting me know their thoughts on this through reviews, PMs etc. It really does mean so much to me.
Right now I'm actually a bit reluctent to finish this story because I've enjoyed writing it so much!
A big thank you to Joshi for their review. Finding a fellow Joey nerd is rare indeed. If you ever fancy having a chat about his character just sign up here or Youtube and send me a message, as I can't reply to your anon review :(
Anyway, on with the tale...
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Ella stood outside for a while after Doc had disappeared from her line of sight. Maria soon appeared at the doorway asking her to come and warm herself by the fire, but Ella couldn't feel the cold, her body seemed to reject focusing on anything but her current thoughts and emotions. Besides, she preferred to be outside instead of inside the stuffy, sanguine smelling house.
Ella shook her head and smiled weakly at her friend, "I'll just take a short walk" she called, and Maria gave an understanding nod before she disappeared back inside to her task of preparing the evening meal, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Ella listened to the sounds of bustle from inside a moment, the corner of her eye catching the soft candlelight that spilled out from within. She wandered around the small corn patch, letting her hands brush against the large, rough leaves, and onto the part of land that was used to hang washing. She sat upon a propped up plank of wood that had been made into a makeshift bench and watched the scenes around her pass by for what seemed a long time, although it could not have been more than an hour as the sun was only just beginning to attain the tinges of orange and pink that meant it would soon be setting. She pulled her shawl further around herself and closed her eyes, feeling the cool touch of the wind upon her skin and relishing it for a short moment. She thought she could still almost feel the warmth of Doc's lips upon her own and the sensation gave her some small comfort. She convinced her already aching heart that he would return and for a short moment she believed it and was heartened from the warmth the thought offered.
As she sat there in relative ease with her eyes closed in enjoyment of the cool breeze she did not notice the menacing dark shadow that stalked her, nor hear the stealthy footsteps creep towards where she sat with practiced grace. Perhaps for a moment she felt a brisk chill ascend her spine but her senses were too slow to forewarn of any danger. Suddenly Ella felt a smooth hand snake roughly around her cheek, clamping itself firmly over her mouth in one brisk, jarring movement. Her eyes flew open at the contact, but her gaze had no chance to focus upon anything but a blur of her surroundings as a strong arm wrapped itself in an iron grip around her torso, pinning her hands to her sides. She struggled, panic beginning to take over her senses as a pounding of warning began to flow through her veins and mind, feeling almost like a second heartbeat that drummed deafeningly within her ears. The result of which only caused her own heart to quicken pace and the alarm to worsen, threatening to become hysteria. With a swift, violent force she was knocked to the ground and a gag of material was forced into her mouth and tied with a savage pull at the back of her head, preventing her screams becoming anything more than strangled cries. She was pushed onto her stomach, a knee pressing harshly into the small of her back as she continued to try and fight against her assailant. She had no doubts over who it was, even through the panic and without seeing his face, Joey's name flashed fast and hard within her mind. Her thoughts raced as to why he was here, why he was doing this, but her mind only gave blank answers in its mounting distress. Her hands were painfully bound in thin hide rope that within moments were biting into the flesh of her wrists. She knew from that small, pitiless action that she was in a position where she could no longer fight, no one would hear her, no one would come and with this fact burning within her consciousness she gave in to the urge of her already cramping limbs to stop her struggles and began to weep silently. Finally Joey pulled her onto to her feet with a rough jerking motion that hurt her shoulders and pulled at her muscles. He lifted her onto his shoulder as if she was no more than a bag of grain and from the glance she achieved of his callous expression he saw her as nothing more meaningful, her dread caught within her throat and felt as if it would choke her…
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She was bundled onto Joey's spare horse, laid over the animal so her stomach rested uncomfortably upon the saddle. He bound her legs, securing them to the straps before doing the same with her arms. She didn't struggle as he set about his chore, Ella didn't see the point and she was afraid, more afraid of the man before her than she had ever been. Each glance she gained of his face seemed to still her heart; it was as if carved from unrelenting marble, cold and hard with no emotion, just a beautiful polished surface that almost hid the hardness. He seemed to be avoiding looking at her directly but Ella could clearly see his eyes, she found herself wondering if they had always looked so dead and empty, she felt sure she remembered some warmth, some comfort in their depths… but she could not be sure.
Within a short time he had seated himself upon his own horse and, taking up his reins and those of the horse she was tied to, he pushed his mount into a trot and they headed for the path leading out of the village. Ella twisted her position, the action causing her some pain but it gained her a view of Maria's, the warm, welcoming light still flickered, beckoning her to come back. She wished bitterly that Maria would suddenly decide to check upon her, but her wishes died in the cold night air, and as she took her last look at the village the gleam of homely luminescence seemed to silently mock her…
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How long they travelled Ella wasn't sure, the pain of the horse's movements as they dug painfully into her ribs took all her thoughts. She just wished to stop, no fears of what would happen could penetrate through the unpleasant feeling and the quick, stiff trot of the horse as endless sand extended below her gaze. After some time had passed she began to feel light-headed, perhaps it was the pain or the blood that was running to her head because of the position she was tied in, she sorely wished that she would faint, to have nothing, no pain, no fears to fret upon seemed like bliss. But she received no unconscious relief. By the time the stars twinkled down at them and the moon cast an eerie glow across the plains they had reached their destination. Joey cut the bonds that held her to the horse and allowed her tired and cramped body to fall with a dull thump to the ground.
Ella found that her muscles screamed with the sensation of pins and needles pricking cruelly and painfully. Joey knew she wouldn't run, or more to the point she couldn't, so he left her for a brief moment as he concealed the horses. When he returned Ella made muffled groans of objection and whimpers of pleading but he paid no heed to either. After re-binding her hands in front of her Joey forced her to walk behind him as he began to climb up a steep embankment that led to a rocky outcrop. If she fell behind a sharp tug, that nearly off balanced her, was delivered via the rope at her wrists. Soon he was forcing her to climb; the task was difficult with bound hands and the labor arduous. Many times Ella thought she might fall, she knew he'd let her fall and so she focused all her remaining energy. She willed herself to scrabble for handholds and footholds, clinging to them with the knowledge that her very life hung in the balance, suspended over a painful, rock strewn death.
Finally they reached a platform of rock. Ella's muscles ached from the effort, her body feeling near spent; her breaths came in gasps as she glanced over at Joey who still paid her no attention, acting as if she were no more than a bag of spoils.
He strode over to a small crack in the rock and bent, his actions aided by the pale light of the moon and an instinctive knowledge of his surroundings. His hands easily found a rope and he threw it down into the narrow crack.
He walked back to her, his steps seeming to betray the rage within him in this moment. He grabbed her upper arm, his fingers pinching her flesh as he guided her towards where he'd let the rope fall. He gestured with a push forwards that she was to climb down it. Ella looked down into the hazy shadow that descended into pitch darkness below her and shuddered, she could feel her death lay in that place and the fear snaked up her spine like a jolt of ice. She took a few fumbled steps backwards and was once again pushed forward. She turned, her face cast in a grey glow from the silver light around them and with pleading eyes she shook her head. Without warning Joey lashed out, his hand clashing against the soft flesh of her cheek. Ella gave a stifled cry and felt her eyes smart painfully with tears; she knew full well it had been a warning strike. Reluctantly, and with a heavy heart she shuffled forward and taking the rope between her bound hands she slowly lowered herself down. The rope had been tied with large knots which made the descent easier but still Ella could feel the rope burning into her palms and the scrape of its roughness against her legs as she slowly shimmied herself down. It was not as large a drop as she had expected, perhaps fifteen feet, the inky blackness had deceived her and soon her feet were planted upon solid ground.
She glanced around her but again the night prevented her from seeing far. She looked down and saw a pattern beneath her feet, she squinted her eyes, her brow furrowing as she tried to understand it. Finally her eyes adjusted enough to see it clearly, at first it looked like a train track but it was far too small to carry such a large object, she soon realized that it was a mine cart track. The place she now stood in must be part of an abandoned mine, probably a section that had been cut off by a cave in.
She had no choice but to wait as Joey climbed down to join her. It took him a much smaller amount of time than it had taken her; he jumped the last few feet, landing with graceful ease nearby. Without a pause he again grabbed her arm and began to lead her into the darkness. As the sound of wind and the noises of the night dulled, Ella became aware that they had entered a cave. Joey let his grip upon her go and wandered further ahead leaving Ella blind and lost in her surroundings. She heard him walk forward, the sound of glass scraping across metal pricked her ears before the sizzle of a match being lit echoed around the silence and a bright, stark light came into being a few feet ahead of her. Joey finished lighting the small oil lamp he had obtained and blew out the flame still burning upon the match before grasping first the lamp and then reaching back for Ella.
Again he led her, further and deeper into the man made tunnel until it widened into a cave. Glints and shimmers caught her eye as the light filtered into the room. As her sight adjusted to the dimness she became aware that the luster came from various gold objects and large gems that sat in old suitcases and wooden crates, placed carefully in soft hay. Joey left Ella where she stood and lit another lamp, revealing the full splendor of the cave's contents. More jewels, precious stones, gold, silver, ivory and silks then Ella had ever laid eyes upon. Fine gold thread embroidered waistcoats, rich cotton shirts, silk flowing skirts and velvet bustle gowns were laid lovingly over large leather travel trucks. Guns of all shapes and makes rested upon rough closed wooden crates; rifles, shining in their newness were laid against a wall. Ella's eyes were dazzled by the grandeur, she thought that the amount this collection was worth would easily make any man very rich, afford him a stately home and all the luxuries he could desire and yet here it all was stowed away in a dark, dank cave. She couldn't quite believe the rumors of Joey Garza's cave were true, she'd often heard talk of it, but how could anyone really have a cave full of treasure? It sounded like a story from one of her childhood fairytale books.
She finally tore her eyes away from the glamour and looked at Joey who stood a few feet away, leaning casually against a trunk, his eyes intently upon her as he studied her reaction to her new surroundings. Smugness hinted at the corners of his lips as if he were proud to reveal all his bounty. Ella remained still, her body shaking slightly from the effort of her journey and the unsure fear that still licked teasingly at her senses. She waited for him to speak, almost willing him to speak… if only he would talk to her, perhaps her fears over the situation would abate, she knew it was a foolish thought; nothing Joey had ever said had the effect of easing any of her fears.
Finally he cast a lazy glance over her. "This is my cave" he said with a small gesture to their surroundings. "I have never brought anyone here before." His smug smile tugged once again at the corner of his mouth. "Many believe it is only myth."
Ella watched him with cautious eyes, trying to discern what his next action would be and why he had brought her here…
"Do you like it?" he said, his tone mocking and callous.
Ella gave a quick glance to the room and nodded, not knowing what else to do, only wanting to please him so perhaps he would just decide to let her go or reveal why she was here. It seemed not knowing was the worst thing in this moment, she knew that could easily change and swallowed hard.
"Good" he said with a firm nod, "I'm glad you like it." He gave a soft smug smile as if he was enjoying every word he spoke. "You will not leave."
Ella's eyes widened as she tried to process his words and what they meant. She had never really thought Joey would kill her. She had dwelt upon him causing problems for her new life, threatening her, yes… perhaps he would even try to kill Doc… but despite everything she had foolishly thought she was safe from Joey's cold killing ways. The trickle of thoughts flowed from her scalp down her body, feeling as if it left every hair on end as it passed. There was no escape now, she was trapped and he meant to end her life. Her eyes flew about the place looking for any way out but nothing offered itself to her, with bound hands she was limited and if she made a dash for any of the objects Joey would be upon her within a hair's breadth and things may become worse, he may torture her first. She was stuck in a place there was no resolution for, no light at the end of the darkness… She suddenly felt dizzy and closed her eyes, willing her body and mind to come back to her and give her the strength she needed.
She opened in her eyes at the sound of Joey's footsteps coming towards her in his usual confident stride and Ella flinched away from him, her mind screamed at her to run but her feet would not obey. He caught her by the hair and forced her to walk towards a large rock that had been roughly cut into a small platform for resting oil lamps, hammered into it was an iron ring, meant for securing the miners' means of light as they worked. Joey tied her bonds to this ring, halting any other thoughts of running that had been forming in her mind.
His cool eyes studied her for a moment, before he turned from her and picked up a beautiful gown. Stunning burgundy façonné velvet in the shape of roses placed over a cream silk background made up the bodice and skirt. The neckline was adorned with fragile lace as were the sleeves. It was stunning to look at and the woman who had owned it before Joey stole it must have been rich, Ella doubted such a person would even miss this gown; they would already have many more bulging from their closets.
"You will wear this" he stated, before placing the dress nearby her and drawing his gun. Joey untied her hands and with the gun pointed at her he gestured with his eyes towards the dress.
Ella gave him a wary look, unsure just what game he was playing, but she knew full well that was exactly what this was, a game, and he was enjoying it. She picked up the skirt and studied it, acquainting herself with its fittings before removing her own dusty skirt and replacing it with the new garment. She did the same for the bodice; she silently cursed her trembling hands as she fastened the buttons that ran up the front. When she was finished she glanced up at him, the icy feel of his eyes upon her had made her work fast in her task. Joey nodded as if he was pleased with the result before he again tied her hands and secured her to the iron ring once more.