Betrayal (35 page)

“Fascinating.”

Bethany nodded in agreement, and then pulled a chord that hung next to the window of the door closest to her. It let out the sound of a clunky bell that notified Night Wind that we were ready to stop and exit the carriage.

Night Wind opened the door to Bethany's side, and extended a hand to help her step down. When he extended his hand to me, I saw a trace of a smile and a glint of amusement in his eyes. He held my gaze for a moment. I wouldn't allow myself to appear attracted to him. I looked away, and stepped down onto the dusty road. I pretended to smooth my dress as Night Wind retreated to ensuring the horses got enough water.

The sights and sounds amazed me. I stared in wonder at my little ancient town bustling in what was known to be its glory days, the days of getting rich quick. The days where miners mined day and night for the precious silver as thieves and looters waited to boost it. It was a very advantageous, yet dangerous time. The average thief was no longer just a thief. The riches produced today caused a thief to upgrade to a murderer.

I snapped to attention with the sound of several gunshots ripping through the air. I was practically deaf for a few seconds. Bethany grabbed my hand as if she thought I would run off like a scared child. I followed the sharp popping sound with my eyes, as everyone else did, to where we all thought it originated from.

My eyes fell on a grubby looking man who appeared to be drunk and waving a pistol over his head and into the air. His expression was pure glee. He looked to be anywhere in his thirties, and was dressed in a dirt smeared shirt, a dusty brown leather vest, sooty chaps, and shiny silver spurs tacked onto his mud coated boots. He waved a pistol in one hand and drank long gulping sips from a bottle with the other. He was causing a disturbance that wasn’t going unnoticed. The man literally had everyone’s attention. Some folks were laughing while others shook their heads in disgust, as if he was sullying the town with his spectacle.

Another man with salt and pepper hair, slightly hidden underneath his tall black Stetson, and a salt and pepper curled mustache to match, who was dressed in a tailored black suit, tried to keep the shooter at bay. The sun’s vibrant rays ricochet off of the gold star on his chest. The drunken man spun around, causing everyone to back up, and duck as he let off a couple more rounds for good measure. Then he stumbled in the middle of the road on account of an out of place stone, and fell to the ground. Fortunately, all this was done without blowing anyone’s face off. Everyone, including me breathed a sigh of relief. The sheriff smiled at everyone, and announced that all was well and that everyone could go back to carrying on their business.

“Never a dull moment.” Bethany sighed.

“This town has never been more exciting.” I agreed.

The inebriated man passed out in the street. He looked as if he might be dead, but of course he wasn’t. He was toasted. Two men dressed in what looked to be matching vests and holsters, picked him up by his arms and legs and carried him back into the saloon he had come out of. Perfect I thought. He can get even drunker when he comes to.

The doors to the saloon, etched with the words ‘Bucket o’ Blood Saloon opened, and cheerful ragtime music flowed out onto the street along with the sounds of high pitched laughter and shrieks of delight. The sounds grew faint as the swinging doors swung closed.

Next door to the saloon was another bar like establishment. The fancy sign swinging read ‘Madame Clairy’s Secret’. I presumed that Madame Clairy was a fortune teller. I was tempted to go in, and find out just what her secret was when Bethany, still with a firm grasp of my hand, whisked me into the shop that we had parked the carriage in front of.

Once inside, all eyes were on me. I received some truly shocking stares. A short, slightly portly woman quickly shuffled up to us. Her face reminded me of a baby chick, eyes deep set into a round fuzzy face with a beaklike nose. She must be the shopkeeper since she came out from behind the counter, totally ignoring the customers who she had just been waiting on. Her welcome smile was broad and full of decaying chipped teeth. I guess yearly trips to the dentist just weren’t a priority these days.

“Oh, Miss Tieron, I didn’t know that you were back in town? Oh my, how was your trip? Is Mrs. Tieron here with you” The shopkeeper asked in a high pitched pig squeal that fit her portly figure. Everyone in the shop seemed to wait with bated breath for my response. I was caught off guard and couldn’t seem to put an answer together.

I felt weird being referred to as Miss Tieron, the name still didn’t feel like it was mine.

“Hello, please call me Del –”

“Mrs. Hickam,” Bethany interrupted. “We have an appointment with our seamstress and are in a bit of a hurry. Please show us your newest bolts from Italy, and the Orient. We are interested in your finest silk, satin, lace, and tulle. We only want to see your brightest hues.”

“Of course Miss Capius, Miss Tieron. Please, follow me...” Mrs. Hickam practically jumped. It was as if Bethany and I were royalty or something. “We have just received several new bolts of silk from the Orient that may interest you.” Mrs. Hickam said, appearing embarrassed by how Bethany spoke to her, yet she seemed used to it. I didn't know the woman, but I was embarrassed for her and pissed at Bethany.

After sifting through numerous bolts of luxurious fabrics in an array of bold colors and prints, Bethany finally approved of two satins, three lace patterns, after disapproving of all the silk fabrications Mrs. Hickam allowed us to preview. It was exhausting. I couldn't care less which fabric was which or the color it came in. Every shade and color made no difference to me. I couldn’t see the point in looking pretty yet feeling grossly uncomfortable in a corset and bustle.

All the while we shopped, I was the object of everyone’s attention. I think I kind of had an idea of how celebrities felt when they were gawked at. I just wanted to leave the shop of peering eyes. Outside we watched Night Wind load the bolts of fabric onto the top of the carriage.

“We have company Miss Bethany” Night Wind’s face became contorted. I followed his eyes to the right of us about a yard away from where we stood on the boarded side walk. Sauntering toward us in chocolate brown cowhide pants, a tight matching vest – worn like a corset minus the blouse which exposed her full cleavage, and a Stetson, was Sacha, and she wasn’t alone. She had an entourage of about six people with her, and they all were dressed pretty much the same – mostly in dark colors. The men, who made up five of her crew, were unshaven and grimy looking. There was only one other woman and she looked as tough as Sacha. Every pair of eyes was fixed on me. I was the bull’s eye.

Only Sacha’s intense gaze danced between Bethany and me. She watched Bethany carefully. She knew better after that little episode this morning. She made sure not to get to close to Bethany and kept her distance; at least two feet between them. She wasn’t looking to be sent home to doze again.

Bethany didn’t act phased at Sacha’s presence. “Night Wind, are we ready.”

“Yes Miss Bethany.” Bethany proceeded to enter the carriage as Night Wind held the door open.

People were quickly getting out of the way and steering clear of Sacha and her gang of wannabe Ischeros. The women snatched their children, and the men watched with a curious light in their eyes. They were anticipating some kind of brawl. Sacha’s backup seemed antsy. They looked to me to be itching for a battle. Sacha’s didn’t seem to appreciate the fact that we were departing. Her vibrant hazel eyes flashed hatred. A vicious wind was picking up tremendous speed. The turbulent wind seemed to surround only Sacha and her gang, whipping the hair from beneath their Stetsons across their faces. The hem of my dress, as well as Bethany’s flew up causing me to bend slightly to push it back down; I was too modest to expose my petticoat. The wind reminded me of the tornado, minus the water, that erupted from out of nowhere when Evan had vanished through my bedroom ceiling.

Sacha looked ready to pounce on us. I prayed that she didn’t dare to shapeshift into a panther, again. Would Sacha take a risk and shapeshift in public?

No way. She wouldn’t dare. Although, she need not fear the Apolluon; anyone with a pistol would shoot her dead on the spot. She’d be riddled with bullets from the looks of it. Nearly every man sported a holster & a gun, as did a few women.

Bethany might’ve been considering this the notion of Sacha shifting as well. She stepped in front of me, shielding me behind her. I figured as long as Sacha’s eyes didn’t change from hazel to bright yellow then we might be safe, but you never knew with someone so evil.

“Your brother will pay with his life for attempting to kill my brother, but not before I kill you, and that pathetic excuse for an empress,” Sacha promised in a high shrill voice. I gasped as I heard her insulting reference of me. The nerve.

“Did you enjoy your nap Sacha? The bags under your eyes lead me to believe that you had not. Perhaps, you need another.” Bethany’s sneer and words caused Sacha to smile, but the liveliness didn’t reach those wicked eyes. To think, I had felt sorry for her and her twin when first hearing of their unfortunate beginnings.

“You’re wrong, Sacha. The debt is your suitors to pay,” Bethany informed, in a whisper that only Sacha and her posse could hear. It was obvious that Bethany didn’t want the town folk eavesdropping. As mortals they could never understand this conversation. I hoped for a quick exit out of this altercation but it didn’t look probable. Sacha’s backup was inching closer as if they desired to get a better look at me.

“Look at you,” Sacha said, giving me a once over. “Like a scared little rabbit standing there in your pretty little dress.” Sacha sneered, and then took a step closer. “I could kill you right now if I wanted to. But I won’t deny Victor that joy.” Sacha cackled, and her posse chuckled along with her. I gulped as I thought of being devoured by a panther.

“You? You are nothing. Neither you nor Victor will get a chance.” The anger in Bethany’s voice was detectable although calm.

Now Sacha stared both Bethany and I down. “You actually think that you are better than I am. Never forget that I know what your kind is capable of.

The both of you are no better than I am.” Sacha bellowed.

“Death will be your destiny if you continue to fulfill your boyfriend's orders.” Bethany declared fiercely,

“Ha!” Sacha’s wicked snicker had me on edge. I wanted to run and hide in the carriage. “Oh yes, you know my suitor very well. But she doesn't know you and what surrounds her.” Sacha pointed a jeweled finger at me. Probably all stolen, I figured, by her gang of thieves, or maybe she looted them herself. “But why should I care? As far as I'm concerned, you both deserve death.”

“I'm quite sure I don't know what you're insinuating, but as usual you’re proving to be a waste of my time.” Bethany hissed clearly passed the stage of annoyance. I was confused by what Sacha meant.

At first everyone stood around enthralled in what was transpiring between Bethany and Sacha. They all appeared to anticipate this gun – less duel, as if they had seen it before yet like a train wreck they couldn’t tear their eyes away. I knew that Bethany would never allow these people to see her lose control, and expose what she is. Sacha must’ve known this. But would Sacha be willing to expose her secret? Does she fear the Apolluon, or at least the frenzy that would take over this town if they knew what she was? I’m sure Bethany must wonder. Because If Sacha is foolish enough to shapeshift into a panther here, Bethany would have no choice but to react.

Sacha stood only a few feet away now, her stunning face was enraged with pure evil. She was thirsty for a fight. Bethany was still standing angled between Sacha and me, so I couldn’t see Bethany’s face although, I could feel the energy radiating from her body. She was almost vibrating.

“We are not that different, you and I.” Sacha gave Bethany another once over as she dared to step even closer. My heart was beating so fast, as I remembered the black stealthy panther that dove onto Bethany earlier. “We are going to kill to achieve what we want. You are devoted to your gods as I am devoted to mine.”

“I am nothing like you. You’re an animal, and out of control. Two things which I most certainly am not.” Bethany looked at Night Wind, who took his seat up front. She then pulled me forward towards the carriage; ending the conversation.

“You’re right, and I’ll tear your beautiful little head off, and eat it for supper.” Sacha said as I ambled to get into the carriage. “I am feeling a bit hungry.”

Sacha said as she narrowed her eyes. A malicious smile spread across her lips, sending chills up my spine. Her gang chuckled eagerly. They wanted to attack us as bad as I wanted to escape. “You got lucky this morning. How long do you think Victor will allow you and your family to babysit the little Queen here?” Sacha added.

“You shouldn’t make idle treats, and Victor’s only concern should be how long Evan will allow him to breathe,” Bethany said over her shoulder as she inched toward the carriage. Sacha couldn’t help herself, and lunged like an animal at the mention of her lover’s name, making me wonder if perhaps she was the out of control side to the double headed coin.

It was as if I was weightless in Bethany’s firm grasp as she shoved me into the carriage. I slammed up against the opposite side door, “Owww…” I yelped. Bethany had already boarded when Sacha landed on the very same spot where Bethany had just been standing. Sacha was fast, but Bethany was faster. When Bethany got into the carriage, she didn’t seem the least bit concerned about my shoulder which was throbbing with pain, but only for a second. Now the pain was gone. I loved this healing power. I was still stunned by Bethany’s strength. She had practically picked up my entire body by my one arm.

Luckily the carriage had somewhat concealed the displays of power both girls had revealed. I don’t think any of the town folk saw anything with the huge carriage blocking the way. I hoped. The town folk, who were too nosey to go on about their business, stared in what I guessed to be fascination, as Sacha and her sidekicks completely surrounded our carriage, blocking Night Wind an escape route.