Chapter 8

Ike's bullet sped towards Charlie, while he had the hugest grin on his face. He was finally going to kill that bitch that 'stole' all his money. Or injure her, and that was good enough for him. He didn't realize the consequences he would soon face. But his thoughts rambled on...

All of a sudden there was a huge boom, an explosion right in front of his eyes. His eyes widened and grin faded as he looked beyond the explosion at his intended target. Her gun arm was extended and her pointer finger was already compressed against the trigger.

Seconds passed and Ike's bullet never reached Charlie. Even though he was an idiot he soon realized what had happened; the bullets collided. Before he knew it, his gun was shot from his hands and his arms were pulled behind him. Despite his protests he was dragged on to the local jail. All the while, screaming profanity. "Let go of me you filthy Law dog!"... "I have rights!"... "No proof!" It just went on like this before his screams faded off into the distance being dragged off by Wyatt and Morgan Earp.

Charlie just stood there, a calm expression that never left her face. She was casual, chill, and Zen. Not a worry in the world it seemed. She twirled her gun back into her belt. As she looked off into the direction Ike was forced, she couldn't help but suppress a grin. She didn't notice it but a grim Virgil stood next to her ready to comfort but noticed he need not. Doc was slowly making his way toward them, a sweat broken out on his face long ago since the whole scene took place in front of him. He had his handkerchief out and dabbing it over his face trying to wipe the sweat away. He was worried, indeed. Almost to the point of fear. But not enough so where he was incapable of drawing his gun and shooting Ike's from his hand. That he was secretly proud of.

Doc was now over by the pair and stared at Charlie. He was immensely relieved to find her so relaxed, as if nothing had occurred just then. Charlie, meanwhile, felt Doc's cool stare on her. She turned her head, looked up and grinned at him. He gave her an unsure smile. He still wondered about her. Who she was? Why was she there? What was she running from or searching for? He had so many questions but he chose not to dwell on them as much as possible.

"Why so serious, Doc?" Charlie said mockingly, her head cocked a bit and her mouth slightly opened. His smile must have faded as his thoughts wandered.

Doc just stared at her with sheer exasperation. How could she be so fearless, was it? Maybe the word was 'careless.' There were hardly any words he could think of to describe her. He loved everything about her though: her brilliantly red hair, large green eyes, and her quirky, sarcastic personality. She was tough and there was something about her that he loved most of all. Maybe it was the combination of all her traits that made her the perfect woman for him. There. He thought it. He knew then that she was the perfect woman for him. He hoped she realized that too.

What is wrong with me? Doc thought, I don't even believe in love at first site. That was when he realized he did believe that. He believed that very thing.

"Not serious, just… never you mind, darling."

"Fine. Nice aim you had there though. A little careless but not bad." Charlie said with a hint of humor in her voice trying to keep the mood light.

Finally Virgil spoke up, "What was that all about, Charlie? You look terrible." He clearly meant no harm in his saying.

"Yes, dear. Your hair is all disheveled and … what's wrong with your arm?" Doc inquired, concern being placed.

Charlie realized she was holding onto her left arm, where she fell onto it after jumping out the window. She quickly brought it down to her side. The recent event with Ringo quickly flooded back to her mind.

"Nothing. Nothing happened."

"Yeah, except you getting beaten around a little," Virgil said still curious as to what happened.

"It's nothing guys. Just a little trip over a rock, you know?" Charlie quickly said, knowing that they knew something was up. "I'm just going to go get a horse with my gambling winnings. Wanna come?"

"Count me in, darling." Doc said holding his arm out for her to link her arm into his.

"You two go on ahead. I have business to attend to with the dummy Ike," Virgil said, "Those cowboys aren't going to be happy. But say, Allie will be cooking dinner tonight for Wyatt, Morgan and their gals. What do you two think about coming over too? I was going to ask you later, but since you're here and all."

"I'd love to Virgil," Charlie said appreciating that he had asked her over and forgetting her plans to leave Tombstone for the moment being. "Thanks for thinking of me."

"And me as well, old pal," Doc said, "But we must now be off to pick this fine girl out a horse to her liking… and stop by the general store. I need to stock up my whiskey."

"Oh right. Good plan." Charlie smiled at him.

Doc and Charlie started walking off with Doc leading the way. Charlie turned her head to look over her shoulder, "See you tonight, Virgil." She giggled and waved her hand up high in the air as the distance grew between them.

"So, Charlotte, any horse in mind?"