Dead, my brother is dead.

I pressed my fingers on the stained paper in my butterscotch hand. It couldn't be true.

The door screeched. "Is everything okay?"

Ron's words brought the world back to life. The door closed, and the rug's pungent odor stung my nose. The floor creaked. Ron moved towards the mahogany table in the center of the room.

I rubbed my crooked nose. "Yes, everything is fine, Ron."

Ron lit the candle on the table. Its warmth reached my back. "Karen, you have been staring at that letter for two, three hours now and you haven't moved from by the window."

"That's not —"

Ron sighed. "I know. I checked on you earlier. At least turn around and tell me what's going on."

Exhaling, I folded the paper in my hand. I shifted my focus to the blurry people walking below on the street. A tear ran down my left cheek.

"It's work-related." I stammered. "For your own safety, I can't discuss it, Ron, especially now. I have to — I have to leave to head to Black Water."

"Leave?"

"Yes."

"Can't they get someone else?"

"No, not for this job. This is one that I have to be there for. They have temporarily transferred me."

Ron's hand tapped on the table. "For how long?"

"Weeks, months. It may even run into years. I am not sure until I get there how long it will take to get everything done."

"Years!" Ron shouted. "We are supposed to be planning to get married before year's end. You know how my mother thinks."

I stroked my chin. "I can't control this. It has to be done."

"We can weigh all our options. We can make an objection and get someone else to go. My father had many connections in the law. I am sure someone would — help."

I took a deep breath. "I can't. It's above one's bend."

"How do you know? We haven't even tried yet!"

"Ron, I can't. I have to leave in the morning."

There was silence. Ron's footsteps broke it. He had opened the door and closed it. I turned towards the table, holding the paper still in my hand. I walked towards the chair and sat. Time slipped away while I stood in that one position. Finally, having the letter before the dim candle, I read it one last time.

Black Water Sheriff's Office,

Ariginia, 12th September 1875.

Dear Karen,

It brings me deep sorrow to write this letter to you. On August 23rd, your brother Tom was killed. Shot with silver in his back while out hunting.

We have requested your relocation from Mannorland to Black Water on your father's direction. I will explain all the details when you arrive. This is all that I can reveal.

Sincerely,

Saul Hively.

It was bad medicine. Placing the paper by the flame, it burned while I wiped the dry tears from my face. I licked my thin lips and exhaled.

I picked up the hand mirror on the table and adjusted myself, ensuring that my pants and shirt were decent. As I styled my long ginger hair into a ponytail, my freckles were on full display. I opened the door to the hall, half expecting Ron to be there.

No one was there.

I walked down the long hallway towards the spiral staircase.

Was the letter true? Saul wasn't one to tell lies.

Ron's mother sat in a yellow wing chair, drinking tea in the living room. The chandelier above revealed her white blouse and gray skirt. The pointy nose servant behind her waited on her every beck and call. Mrs. Davis wrinkled face frowned as I came into view.

I tried to pass her, and our eyes met — this green-eyed witch.

"Karen," Mrs. Davis said, pointing her pinky finger toward the winged chair opposite her. "Come sit down."

Did Ron already tell her?

"Mrs. Davis, I —"

Mrs. Davis waved her pale hand. "Karen, sit down. I won't take no for an answer."

I came to a stop and sighed before walking toward the chair. Now seated opposite Mrs. Davis, I folded my arms.

Mrs. Davis slammed her cup down onto the tray, and it crackled. "So you're leaving."

Did she hear us?

My eyebrow rose. I gripped the chair's arm. "Yes."

"When do you plan on leaving?"

"In the morning about eight, maybe nine, I suppose."

Mrs. Davis chuckled, which pronounced her hollowed cheeks. "You know, Ron asked me before he left to go to the lush-crib. Do everything in my power to stop you from getting a transfer. To stop a woman that squatted in my house and stole my only child from me. You left handed nibbler."

Mrs. Davis paused, scratching her white hair in a bun, and a crooked smile was laden on her face.

"I never squatted. I was invited."

"Looking at you now, a woman who wants to be a man. I knew you were never fit to be with my son. You will end up as one of those Angelicas. What kind of woman wants to be a deputy? Does it make you feel strong in those clothes? Blue pants, white long sleeves, and a black vest with two pistols at your side. You're nothing more than an unwanted presence in my house."

"I am a woman, and it's what I am good at. I am sorry, madam, if I don't exactly dress the part."

"I don't know what Ron saw in you, but it seems finally, God has answered my prayers and sent you away to some backwater place."

I bit my lip and rubbed the back of my hand.

Mrs. Davis forehead furrowed. "Where you, Karen, can be as wild and savage as you are in that town without pretending."

"Would you prefer me to be like you? Sitting at home and waiting for a man that's landed to take care of me?"

"Shut your mouth, girl!" Mrs. Davis tried to fling her tea towards me, but the cup instead fell from her frail hand. The young servant rushed to pick up the cup and clean, only to find herself on the receiving end of the old woman's fury.

"Not being myself or able to express my opinion, that's what I see when I look at you. From the time I was here, how many servants have gone or disappeared in the night never to return?"

"Didn't I tell you to shut up!?"

"You have done it for so long you don't know how to take care of yourself. I have read —"

"Get out, get out of here! You harlot!"

"Now you're mad as a march hare." I tipped my hat. "Alright, I will leave. Thank you for allowing me to stay here for the years I have been in the city."

Miss Davis sat back and wiped her forehead. The servant's delicate hand shook while she brewed another cup of tea. I got up and headed towards the door.

The servant was stiff, on the verge of tears. She would probably leave by month's end. I passed her and opened the door, stepping onto the street.

Should I go to the bar? Ron had to be there. Or should I go to the sheriff's office?

I exhaled, observing a shadow by the window of the house. Tomorrow I will get my clothes. If I got to sleep on the goddamn road to Black Water, at least I would see my man one last time. You can't deny me that, Mrs. Davis. I got my horse Sally off the hitch and rode on the paved road towards the direction of the lush-crib.

The streets were busy the further I got away from the housing districts. In the distance, the smoke left the factories going into the night's sky. I brought Sally to a halt when I got to the lush-crib. Many eyes were on me, but they moved out of my way when I stepped up to enter. I pushed the door open; Ron and a few patrons sat by the bar. The small space reflected why most people stood outside after getting their drinks. The bar dog met my eyes warily, but I paid him no mind. I got closer to the bar, and a few patrons moved away. I had already pulled up next to Ron when he turned to me. Even seated, Ron struck an imposing figure, cleanly shaven, and in his navy blue waistcoat. He held a glass in his right hand, and the bar dog poured Pirate Rum.

"Anything I can get you, 'Three Gun', I mean deputy?" the bar dog asked. "It's, it's on the house."

"The same as him," I said.

Ron ran his hand over his face. "Why did you come here, Karen? Aren't you leaving in the morning?"

"I came here to see you, darling, and to — spend whatever time I have with you before I go."

Our eyes met, causing me to look away. The bar dog rested my drink on the counter before me. I knew what he wanted to ask, but the answer would still be no.

"How much is it going to cost you to get there?"

"To get to Black Water from here, it would take all my actual or more."

"Can't you get the train?"

"No passenger trains run to Black Water or that county's side. Its only cargo drops."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I don't make the rules."

"Isn't the government going to pay for it then?"

I shook my head. "You know that's not their major concern. Right now, it's all about the war of the land and drafting people."

Ron scoffed at the mention and knocked back his drink. "How many people are getting transferred with you from here?"

"From here, only me, others will come from different areas across Ariginia."

"Only you?" Ron gritted his teeth. "It's not safe to be on your own."

"It's a bit of a risk, but I have got my barking irons and Sally," I smiled. "Besides, it won't be my first time on the road."

Ron scratched the top of his blonde hair and sipped his drink. He grabbed his brown hat that sat on the counter.

"How did you know I was here anyway, my mom, I guess?"

I nodded. "I suppose she doesn't want to see me again after our little chat."

"Again?"

I half-smiled.

"Don't mind my mom. She's stuck in her old ways. She's a pleasant woman at heart."

"I have pull the leg for too long. It was bound to happen. I have — work that can't be avoided." I gripped my fist. "Your mother and I have way too different views and she wants you to have a traditional kind of woman."

Ron's hand hit the counter. "I don't want any other woman. I want you."

There was a tightness in my chest. Heat spread across my body. My face was red, and I turned my head away.

"It's cute when you blush, Karen," Ron whispered.

"I want to be with you, Ron, but would you wait for me to come back?"

"Wait? For what? Months, years? I am not waiting —"

My head sunk. "I understand."

"It's because I am coming too."

"You're what?" I said, looking Ron in his eyes.

Ron placed his hand on mine. "Where ever you go, I go too."

"It's dangerous work — I don't know what to expect."

"Whatever happens will happen, but I am not leaving you alone." He downed his drink and hit it on the counter. "Come, let's go home."

"But I haven't even touched my drink, and besides, I am going to spend the night at the sheriff's office."

"Why?"

Ron's breath bore down on me, laced with rum. From his face, I knew he was loaded for bears.

"I told you, your mom and I were at it again."

"Was it that bad?"

"Yes."

"You know, Karen, I don't know what you read, but for something that has you this torn up, I would be a fool to let you go alone."

I placed the drink on my lip. "This rum is awful."

Ron chuckled in response.

"How the hell do you drink this?" I asked as we left.

"You sure you won't change your mind?"

"Yes, darling, I am sure. I will see you tomorrow."

Ron rode with me to the sheriff's office. On arrival, he turned and blew me a kiss before heading back. My smile faded as I opened the door. The cells that greeted me were filled with many criminals whom I had put here. I clenched my fist. Passing them to the latty, they snickered and jeered.

How many would the sheriff allow to leave here by morning?