Happy New Year everyone! Sorry this chapter is so late, time sure did slip away from me! I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas and new year! Anyway, here we go! Enjoy!

Chapter 14

"Let's move!" Dutch ordered.

The majority of the gang rode in the carriage, but they also had three wagons to pull, so all of the horses were used for that. Nora hadn't been about to be stuck without Khan. That, and Khan wasn't trained to drive. She had never had a need to do something like that.

"Nora, will you ride behind and make sure no one is following us?" Dutch asked, riding over to her.

"Yes sir," she nodded, and pulled Khan to a stop.

She allowed them to get a bit ahead of her, but she'd made sure to not lose sight of the gang. It would be easier to see if anyone followed them that way. Lenny had made sure the Pinkertons had gone off, and from what she'd managed to see they were gone. No one followed them on the road, making it easier. There were a few people, but it was mostly quiet. John led the way, and they soon found themselves riding down a long overgrown road. One that didn't usually get traveled on. That would be helpful.

It led to an old plantation house that was well hidden. However, it was a big place. Hopefully the woods would keep it hidden enough. I would hopefully buy them the few days that Dutch said they needed. She grunted at that, because she was included in that thought. The longer she stayed here, the more wrapped up in this she'd be. The house was on the edge of the swamp, so they had that working for them. No one liked traveling through the swamp.

"Welcome home, all of ya!" Arthur greeted, shoving the doors open. "To my uh…humble abode. We got fine livin! If you ignore the corpses and alligators…it's paradise!"

"I love it!" Dutch grinned, hopping down from his horse. "Ms. Grimshaw, Mr. Pearson, will you two kindly work your magic!"

"Of course," Susan replied, handing a sack down to Mr. Pearson.

Arthur walked over and offered a carrot to Khan, who happily took the offering. He patted the stallion's neck, as Ms. Grimshaw walked over.

"So, Miss Nora," she said firmly, and Nora looked down at her. "I'm going to be putting you in a room with Mr. Morgan. Until you feel comfortable enough to have your own space."

"That is her space, Susan," Arthur rumbled, and the woman smirked at him.

"Oh yes sir," she smiled, walking off.

"Arthur, take a ride with me?" Dutch asked, coming over, and drawing their attention.

"Sure. Where we goin?" Arthur asked, turning toward him.

"To take a look at this Eighth Wonder of the Civilized World," Dutch snorted, getting back on his horse.

"All right," Arthur rumbled, and went over to his gelding. "Nora, you said you needed clothes?"

"Oh, yeah," she replied, still in the saddle. "I…I won't bother you two, whatever your business is."

"Of course," Dutch nodded, his voice warm. "I am so sorry, I never realized you came to us with nothing but what was in your saddle."

"It's all right, I'm used to living that way," Nora chuckled, as Arthur swung into the saddle.

"Dutch!" Molly cried, running toward them.

"Yes?"

"Can I have a word with ya?" she asked, and the man groaned.

"Not now," he snapped, and cued his horse to trot.

Nora noticed how Molly hung her head as she walked off. The woman was head over heels for that man, and he clearly didn't feel the same for her. It was easy to see. Khan easily caught up to them, and for the ride, she decided to stay out of the men's conversation. Dutch seemed to be in a hard place. He wasn't sure west was the best choice for them, so now, he was thinking about fleeing the country. She kept her mouth shut. Leaving the country wouldn't do them any good, going west would be better. There were still territories that weren't settled just yet.

"You know, if you head west, Wyoming and Idaho territories aren't largely settled yet," she said, coming up alongside Arthur. "Even past that. I'm sure one day it will be taken as a state, but there…you could really disappear."

"And how would you know that?" Dutch asked, looking at her curiously.

"I'm from California," she answered. "It's a big place out there. More people are scared of it than they'd care to admit."

"Huh…well that's very interesting to hear. I didn't know that," he replied. "But for now, we have more pressing matters."

The man fell silent after that, so Nora glanced at Arthur. He gave her a grateful look. She didn't think any of them wanted to leave the states, and she didn't blame them. As nice as a tropical paradise sounded, it came with its own problems. Nora wasn't sure she'd follow them that far. From the look on Arthur's face, he seemed the same. As they came upon a spot to see the city, Nora frowned at it.

"All right, I'll find you in there," Dutch rumbled. "Go see what you can figure out."

"Yep," Arthur rumbled, as Dutch rode forward without them. "You been here before?"

"Twice," Nora answered. "They make finer women's clothes here. But…I avoid it."

"Don't blame you," he grunted.

"There is a park in the center of the city. I'll meet you there in a few," she offered, and he nodded. "I'll see if I can find out anything."

"Don't draw too much attention to yourself," Arthur rumbled firmly, and she smiled at him as he pulled his horse to a stop.

"Worried I might be useful?" she asked, and he leaned toward her.

"You already are," he replied, his voice a husky purr.

"Oh, am I?" she smiled, "I guess I'll take that compliment."

Arthur chuckled softly, and she pressed a kiss to his lips. He reached into his satchel, and pulled out some cash. She leaned away from him when he went to hand it over, making Arthur frown.

"No, you take it," Arthur ordered. "I've got more than enough. Get what you need, and I'll meet you in the park. Please, just take it."

"I don't…"

"You've more than earned it, if that makes you feel better," he cut her off, and grabbed her hand.

He set the bills in her hand, and closed her fingers over it. Nora made a face at him, but Arthur simply grinned and trotted off. She had no time to throw it back at him, so she grumbled and put it away. Moving through the city, Nora kept to herself and only greeted those who said hello to her. Making her way to the store she needed, she hitched Khan and gave him a carrot. Walking into the store, Nora smiled at the woman behind the counter. The woman smiled back, and gestured her over.

"Now…you've only been in here twice, but I don't forget a face," she smiled. "Or a woman who prefers to wear pants."

"I wear skirts on occasion," she smiled politely. "I am in need of some pants, shirts, and the like."

"Of course, of course. I have everything you need, miss. You like the freedom of movement, yes?"

"I do. The less restriction the better," Nora answered, as the woman gave her a quick look over.

She was guided to where she needed to go, and then left to browse. Nora was able to pick out five new outfits, complete with socks and undergarments.

"Do you have any coats?" she asked, and the woman beamed.

"Oh yes," she nodded. "Just got them in too."

Nora grabbed a nice leather coat that fit her well, and was a little on the warmer side. Arthur had given her more than enough money, so she decided on using it. Not all of it though. She also grabbed a pair of boots. She sighed to herself. She was going to need a pack mule. Khan could carry two deer without any problems, or a deer and their things, but if she kept buying things she'd have no room. It was at that point she realized that being with the gang…she didn't have to worry about that.

"Is that all?" the woman asked, and Nora nodded.

"Yes, that'll do great," she smiled. "Where can I go get a bath?"

"There is a hotel right across the street," she answered.

"And the men's tailor?" Nora asked.

"Across the park and at the end of that row of shops," she nodded. "You can't miss it."

"Thank you," Nora smiled, packing her clothes away so that it'd be easy to put on Khan.

"That'll be sixty even honey."

Handing her the cash, Nora smiled and left the store. She still had over a hundred dollars left. Packing her things tightly on Khan's back, she kept a new outfit and went to take a bath. It was nice to be clean and in a new pair of clothes. It was exactly what she needed. She had left the majority of her weapons back at camp, so all she had was her two revolvers. People in the city didn't like to see others so heavily armed. Once she was clean and ready, she headed out to the men's tailor. She knew exactly what she wanted, so Nora was able to get what she wanted easily. She also bought a new leather vest for Arthur.

Once she was done, she made her way through the city and to the park she'd told Arthur about. She found him sitting on a bench facing the road. Dutch wasn't anywhere to be seen. Hitching Khan beside Cash, Nora hopped out of the saddle. It was clear that Arthur had bathed and changed as well.

"Look at you, all clean and nice," she teased, and he looked up.

"Very funny," Arthur smirked. "I see you did too, and new clothes."

"I might have to make bathing here a regular thing," she admitted, making him chuckle.

"Maybe we'll rent a hotel for a night or two," he mused, standing up to kiss her.

He was wearing his red and black leather vest today with a white shirt that was rolled up at the sleeves. It made him look sharp. Today he wasn't sporting his bandolier, and simply had his weapons belt. His rifle was in the saddle.

"You look good, if I may say so," she smiled, and he snorted.

"Why thank you, ma'am," he grinned, and pulled her in for another kiss.

"So, what did you find out?" she asked, when they parted.

"Well, I got robbed by some kids," he chuckled, leading her to the bench to sit down. "They are working for Angelo Bronte. Big shot Italian man living on Flavian street."

"If he's got kids working for him he might prove to be more of a problem," Nora said quietly.

"I'm hoping not," Arthur sighed. "Dutch went to go get John, and we're heading in."

"Italians are known for liking the finer things in life," she said, trying to think. "He must be a big power in this city. Be careful."

"I would assume so," Arthur agreed, resting his elbows on his knees. "But Dutch…he says he's got it under control. So, why don't you head back to camp. You remember the way?"

"I do," Nora nodded. "I can't be much use otherwise."

"I don't want to involve you in this part," Arthur rumbled. "Hell, I don't want you in any of this, but there isn't much we can do."

"Oh, stop whining," she answered shortly, making him chuckle. "I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere. But…I will head back to camp. At least tell Abigail that y'all found something."

"Okay," Arthur nodded, and they rose to their feet.

Leaning down, Arthur captured her lips again, and then helped her back into the saddle. Khan shifted slightly, and then pressed his nose against Arthur's chest. He patted the stallion as she gathered the reins.

"Oh…" Nora said, looking at Arthur's horse. "His name is Cash."

"You come up with that?" he asked, and she shook her head.

"No. That's his name," she said gently, and he nodded.

"Cash," he rumbled, and the gelding turned toward him. "Not a bad name."

"No," she agreed, turning Khan toward the road.

"Be safe," Arthur rumbled, touching her leg.

"You too," she answered, and cued Khan.

She grabbed something to eat before she left the city behind, and a drink. By the time she got back onto the road it was night. Cuing Khan to canter, Nora let the reins hang a little, letting him have his head. She moved them through the swamps as quickly as she could. Nora hated this area, it gave her the creeps. They rode for a while without any issue.

Khan slowed his canter, and Nora watched his ears flick back and forth. It made her pay attention to their surroundings as well. She stroked his mane quietly, but kept him moving. Nora heard them before Khan did, but she hadn't expected them to be so close. Two men stepped out of the trees, their guns trained on the stallion, who Nora immediately yanked to a halt. Behind them, two more men came out of the woods, soft chuckles leaving them.

"Fuck," she whispered, trying hard to control the panic rising in her body.

"Well look here fellas," a man grinned, showing broken teeth.

"I'm not looking for trouble," she said firmly, keeping her voice under control. "I don't wanna shoot you, and I don't want my horse shot. Please let me on my way."

"How kind of you," another smiled, walking up beside her.

Before she could do anything, the man yanked her out of the saddle, which made Khan rumble loudly. Stumbling to the ground, Nora gasped as a knee found her stomach. It sent her down to her own knees, trying to catch her breath. As soon as the men were all on one side of the road, she glanced at Khan.

"Run," she hissed, and though he didn't want to, the stallion bolted.

Thankfully they didn't waste any ammo on him. Just a horse that bolted, leaving their rider vulnerable. A woman no less. Rising to her feet, Nora took a step back, only to feel the barrel of a gun at her back.

"It'd be wise not to fight," the man purred in her ear.

"That's not my style," she answered, and ducked from the gun.

She spun as she ducked, and yanked the gun out of the man's hands as he fell. He stumbled, and she smashed the butt of the gun across his face. He hit the ground hard. As she did, someone hit her as well. Nora gasped in pain as she hit the ground, but didn't black out. Whoever had hit her, yanked her up by the hair. As her body was turned, Nora pulled the trigger. He was dead instantly. A shotgun at close range would obliterate anyone.

"You bitch!" the man's friend spat, and shot his gun.

The shot went wide, and grazed her arm. Nora cussed, and the white hot pain caused enough of a pause for him to charge her. He slammed her back against the tree, making her cry out.

"Asshole," she snarled, as his hand found her throat.

Gasping for breath, Nora swung the shotgun, and hit him in the stomach. When he heaved, she broke his hold on her. She swung the gun up again, hitting him. There were no more shots in the gun, so she kicked him back and pulled out her gun. Without hesitation, she shot him in the head. Just as he fell, Nora realized that there were more than the four men who had stopped her. She'd killed two, but now she was staring at eight. Still backed up against the tree, Nora tensed. She had to try. Going to aim, she shot one of them, just as one of their guns went off. She couldn't stop the scream that left her throat. Her leg was on fire. She'd been shot plenty of times, but that never dulled the pain.

"You sure are feisty," a man smiled, walking forward. "You sure will be fun."

He smacked her injured leg, and she couldn't stop the sob that came from her. As she had bent, he wrapped his hand in her hair, and pulled her forward. They managed to bind her hands, ignoring her heavy protest. Nora had been in situations like this before, she'd be able to get away, but that never stopped the terror that would race through her. She hated swamp people.

"Don't you guys have anything better to do?" she hissed, and a good yank on her hair shut her up.

The hut they took her to was deep in the swamp. Nora had tried to map where they were, but it was dark out, and she knew she'd get lost. She'd have to go up. There was a small path, but it was worn, and would only appear as a deer trail. The bullet in her leg made every step agony, and when they threw her into the small hut, Nora didn't have the strength to get up.

"Fucking…" she trailed off, and pressed her cheek to the warm wood.

She felt like she was going to throw up from the pain. The bullet hadn't come out. Moving her thoughts, she thought of Khan. He had gotten away, and that was all that mattered. She wouldn't know what to do with herself if he'd been shot.

"You sure she's worth it, James?" someone asked.

"Oh yea," he smirked. "We'll keep her a while yet."

The man named James grabbed her by the arm, hoisting her up. His other hand wandered freely, grabbing where he liked. Rage bubbled in her stomach, but she was in so much pain.

"She'll do just fine," he smirked, squeezing her wounded leg. "Gag her."

Nora fought them as hard as she could, but all that happened was getting smacked across the face. She spit blood at him, and cried as they forced the gag on her mouth. She needed to calm down, so she could breath and do what needed to be done. During her struggle, they hit her so hard that everything went black.