Victoria County, Texas, 1888 -- OOM for Ben Wade (part 2)

[ikissdhimbck]

[following this:]


It was a breathtaking sunrise. Kate slept through part of it, waking when the sky was already on fire, pink clouds melting into a violet haze at the horizon. She rose up and gave Ben his coat back, shaking off the chill in her bones and the fog across her mind from not enough solid rest.

The morning routine set them in opposite directions at first, as they quietly attempt to wake themselves up for the ride into town. "Baths" need to be taken (in other words, they need to walk down to the river and splash freezing water on themselves), fires rebuilt, food prepared, and trail coffee is a definite must.

Kate leaves Ben to his own devices, wandering off to see what sort of game she can rustle up.


Moments later, gunfire breaks the serenity of the desert morning.

.

Comments

[ikissdhimbck]

"Biggest? I ain't sure. It's a big town, and the railroad feeds its profits. They do an awful lot of trade, cotton and livestock alike."

She offers over what's left of her breakfast, if he wants it.

"Sure they got themselves a gin, last I heard. Even a factory or two. Think they do parts, for the rail and such."

[almosthonorable]

He nods, and takes the proffered biscuit after a handful of beats.

"More'n one bank, then?"

[ikissdhimbck]

"Two, I believe."

[almosthonorable]

Another nod; he finishes off the last bite of biscuit and wipes his palms on his pants.

"Lemme wash up and I'll be ready to pack up -- sounds like we'll have some financial matters to attend to when we hit town."

[ikissdhimbck]

The corner of her mouth twitches again.

"Whatever you say, Tucker darling."

[almosthonorable]

"That's Reverend Tucker, Miss Prudence."