Cold Nights

Cold wind whistled through her hair, causing her to shiver. The days were warm but the nights are unpredictable. Every window she looked at reflected the bright moon, lighting the dark alleys between buildings.

Lately Annie felt watched, like every corner she turned there were fleeting footsteps. She never found anyone, only silence and nothing. Sometimes she wondered if she was going crazy.

Earlier she debated whether she should go tonight or not. But she figured why be afraid of what you can't see, they have yet to be a threat. The distance from her house to the saloon was pretty far, but she determined that the back way was less… conspicuous. Whoever was following her always seemed to be discreet. But she was always armed.

She wore a burgundy cape, and held it tightly around her as she walked quickly through the cobblestone streets. The silence was strange; there were not even the sounds of horses or dogs. It rung in her ears, and made it seem even colder. It was a little past nine, so it did seem odd for things to be so… calm. Annie looked around her, seeing only a remote carriage. She let out a deep breath, and continued on.

The rest of the way there was spent in miserable silence. Her heart sounded like drum in the emptiness. She wondered whether she should be worried or not, but when she entered the bar, it was teaming with life.

She let her cape hang, and looked around. She placed her hat on the hook, biting her lip. The only other woman was the barmaid, which left her uncomfortable, but didn't deter her in the least. Sitting down at the only table available table, a coupled table, and waited for the barmaid to get her order.

The older woman looked at her funny, but approached anyways.

"Is there anything I can get for you miss? Some tea or something?"

"A bottle of ale please." Annie said with a darling smile.

"Ale?" The woman asked with wide, confused eyes.

"Yes."

"Uh, okay." She walked away shaking her head, and gossiped to the man behind the bar. She saw him scoff, but she didn't worry.

When the barmaid came back and gave her the ale, she handed her twenty pounds.

"What's this for?"

"I need a room," Annie gave her a sly look; "I hope you have a room."

"Of course, it's the first one to the left up the stairs. I hope you don't mind, there are others staying in the other rooms." Annie nodded and the barmaid walked away holding the money appreciatively.

Annie sat back and watched the scene around her. A group of men where gambling on a game, while others sat and talked. A lot were already drunk.

She asked herself why she was here. It wasn't like she had anything else to do. Her ship was gone, along with her father. She had no friends, no family, nobody. Telling herself that loneliness was inevitable for her, she accepted her fate. Yet she grew bored of it. She was still wealthy, but spending money was no fun. She could always explore the wilderness around her, but it was dangerous. And being in danger is no fun when alone.

Taking a big swig of her drink, she leaned back. She hoped to get near drunk, and then fall into a deep sleep. She had only been here once; it smelt like stale alcohol and men. But any change of scenery was welcomed by her.

A group of men were getting rowdy, and she assumed it was going to evolve into a fight. Their curses were getting louder and the sounds of bottles being thrown consumed everyone's attention.

She looked back to see two big men wrestling, and shook her head before taking another sip of her drink and closing her eyes. The bar owners ran over to break up the fight, causing it to settle down again.

But in the midst of the drama, she didn't notice a familiar figure walk in the door. She didn't notice until they sat in the empty chair in front of her.

She opened her eyes slowly, and placed down the ale.

His white hood was pulled up, and she could only see the tip of his nose, lips, and chin. Annie lifted her chin up slightly, "Hm, I never thought I'd see you again."

"I pondered the same thought." He says simply.

"What brings you to this hell hole?"

"I'm waiting."

"Of course, I assume your life is filled with all types of adventures and wondrous things." She took another swallow, still looking at him. He opened his mouth as if to question her, "How I envy you." She says lightly, not putting the bottle down.

"I think you're the first woman I've ever seen to drink ale."

She shook her head with a small smirk. "Sometimes tea and water aren't enough to rest your uneasiness. But you're waiting, for whom?" She takes another large sip, drinking the rest.

"Allies." He said bluntly, still looking at her through his large hood.

"Colonial business? 'Should have known. You won't want to be seen around me when they come. Trust me," Annie warned, tipping the now empty bottle towards him.

She waved at the barmaid, and she brings another glass and takes the empty one.

"I don't think it really matters."

"And why not? Do you not see me as an enemy?" She asked getting offended.

"Not really," Connor retorts calmly.

Annie huffs, taking a big swallow of her fresh drink. "I'm a powerful enemy; you best keep that in mind. Now who are these 'allies' of yours?"

He leans back and gives her an incredulous look. "Just some… acquaintances."

"Well you're obviously not going to tell me, but oh! Where are my manners, do you want a drink?" Her small hand runs through her wild hair as she licks her lips.

"No thank you," he says politely.

"You could at least put your hood down," She notes.

"Not here."

She purses her lips, and taps a delicate finger over her lips.

"Do you plan on killing me tonight?"

"No," he says with all seriousness.

"Connor."

He takes a deep breath, "You remember my name."

"Of course I do. Why would I not?"

"Because I'm… an enemy."

"Funny, because you're also the only person left alive to have seen me cry." She glares at him, taking a long swig.

"I am honored."

"Oh shut up, I had almost wished to never have seen you again. You haunt me, you know." She slams her drink down and leans in.

"I haunt you?" Connor repeats.

"Every night. Every single damn night." She whispers, her eyes glossy.

Suddenly the front door slams open, and two men walk in. Connor sits up straight, and nods towards them as the approach. The taller man with brown hair notices her and makes a pinched face.

Annie leans back and smiles, "Fancy meeting you here."

"Is this who you call company?" Samuel remarks towards Connor. "Anyways, we have important things to discuss. Follow me Connor; I know a secret meeting house. Follow us and you're dead Pitcairn."

She nodded her head, "If you think I have the slightest interest in what you're doing, than you will be deeply disappointed. Off you go then, don't let me hold you up." She smiled darkly before finishing the rest of her drink.

Connor stood up and moved towards her, "You should lay off the alcohol and sleep." He grabbed her hand and kissed it lightly, ignoring Samuels grunts of disproval. "I have a feeling that we'll meet again very soon." He says as he pulls away.

"And why's that?" She asks softly.

"Time will tell, goodnight Annie," Connor says with a bow before following Samuel and the other men out the door.

Annie sighed and played with the empty bottle until she finally decided to take his advice.

But it took her hours to fall asleep, for all she could think about was what Connor had said. And what that meant.

She had no idea what to feel, let alone expect.