Chapter 8

(Chapter song ‘Evil Ways' by Blues Saraceno)

JESSE The entire ride across the flatlands, I thought of those honey lips. Damn, the preachers daughter can kiss. That’s definitely a first for me. The dime girls got nothing on her.

I would’ve gone further, but I needed to get going. Plus, I do have some honor. I realize a girl like that won’t want to have herself soiled by a guy like me. I did notice her willingness. She did open right up for me. Her body moved on me like a mare in heat. It fit perfect and felt even better. I should be lucky to be that close, but the way she looked at me with those big, brown eyes, I could tell she thought she was the one pulling Aces. Kind a fills me with a little pride, right there.

Her pouty lips begged for mine. I was damn irresistible, so can’t blame her for that. Too bad I had to lace my kiss with my poison. She’s fine. I just know her type. The one out to save the bad guy from himself.

Yeah, that ain’t happening. I don’t care how pretty the smile is.

Once I got back to the ace in the hole, I was met with some serious sour pusses.

“What do we do now, Jesse?” Dakota says as he props his boots up on the table. He watches me hitch my britches and pull my suspenders while chewing a wood splinter.

“I don’t know, ok. I’m plum outta ideas. Why don’t one of you asses come up with the goddamn plan?” I growl as I find a vest that fits.

Justice walks in with a paper bag. “It’s a good thing we got one.” He drops the bag on the table. Dakota opens it and peeks in. His eyes shoot to Justice who bounces his brows with a grin.

Dakota grins too. “No.”

“Oh, yes.” Justice slowly nods his head.

“What?” I say as walk to the table. I look in the bag and my lips go small. My eyes meet Justices. “No!” I point to him aggressively.

“Come on, Jesse. I got the hat in the next room and everything. All you gotta do is pick the hair color.” Justice smirks.

“What’s he talking about?” Harley snatches the bag before I can grab it.

“Harley!” I growl.

Harley pulls out a silk purple dress. He holds it up and looks at me. “At least it’s your color.” He says as he tries to hold back his laughter. He balls it up and tosses it to Bill.

I narrow my eyes “Fuck you!”

Justice grabs my shoulder and turns me to him. He leans to my face. “Look. The stage coach is comin’ in two days. They’ve given up on stoppin’ for men in distress. We need a woman’s touch.” He stares into my eyes.

“Forget it! I ain’t shiftin' to a skirt!” I glare at him.

In 600 years, I’ve never worn a woman. Ever and I wasn’t about to start now.

He shakes me a bit. “This is not about yer dick, alright. This is like you actin’ a part. Like those actor types in…” He snaps his fingers to remember.

“California.” Bill says as he holds the dress to his chest.

“Yeah. Like Shakespeare. Those guys wear dresses.” Harley snickers.

I give him an evil stare and he puts his hands up while holding back his grin.

He hits my chest. “Yeah. Those guys. This is who ya are. Ya just playing a woman. You just look better.”

I breathe deep to try and contain my anger. “I am not a thing to be used for yer entertainment.” I say with pressed lips.

I see him fight a smile. “No…I know…I git it. Yer shifter is sensitive. I understand.”

“Git off me!” I smack his arms off me.

“Stop lookin’ at me like that, Dakota.” I turn to him and he’s covering his mouth with his hand.

“I can’t help it.” He whines. “Yer just so dang pretty.”

I feel my rage building.

“We won’t think less of ya, Jesse.” Bill smiles.

I twist my lips. Justice turns me back to him. “It’s just for this job. I promise.”

I think about. The stage would be easier to pinch. They carry a bit more than a small bank. I look to Harley then Justice.

“Gimme the damn dress.” I hold my hand out to Bill who tosses it to me. I point in Justices face. “The corset better be premium.” I clench my teeth as my eyes stab his.

“Only the best, sugar plum.” He slaps my cheek and laughs.

I smack his hand away. “I hate you.”

“But I love you.” He smirks.

I take a deep breath in and stomp into the bedroom to try and prepare for…being a lady.

Kill me.

****

The stage coach will be a couple of days, so now, thanks to Justice jackass, I have to search for a woman to mimic.

I use Edward to sneak into town. Too many people saw my face during the bank botch so here I am, waltzing through town in a city slicker. Honestly, I’m over this place.

Now, there’s plenty of women here. Some self respecting, most, not so much. The trick will be approach. High level ladies don’t take kindly to men just grabbing on them like a bar girl. I need a trick. No trick better then the old bump and snatch. Something I learned as a young-un. It’s good for lifting purses off men.

I stand at the edge of the street and observe. Looking for the easy target.

I see some spinsters walking across the street. Nope, not them. I’ll get beat.

Some young ladies group outside the general store. Possibly. A little charm and fondle. I weigh it over.

Then I see it. A laden woman. She’s young and burdened with provisions. Let’s make it even more difficult. I pull out a book and pretend to read as I walk. She’s walking past the farrier shop. I stride along. She’s struggling with several packages in her arms when I intently and on purpose, step in her way. I bump her shoulder. She drops everything.

“Oh dang it.” She curses under her breath.

“Oh…Miss…I’m sorry. I didn’t see where I was walking.”

She blows a lock of her hair. “It’s alright. I just took on more than I should have today.” She sighs.

“Let me help you.” I offer, squatting down to her packages.

“No, sir. Please. Don’t trouble yourself…” She stutters.

“No. It’s quite alright.” I smile.

“Edward?”

My eyes widen as I hand the lady her packages.

I rise, smile and turn around. “Penelope. How are you?”

“I’m good. I thought you left town yesterday?” Penelope batts her lashes to this fancy pants. For some reason it riles me. Yeah, I know. I’m jealous of myself, just shut it.

“I…um…” I think. “Wouldn’t you know, I missed the boat.” I chuckle.

“Oh dear. How will you get back to Oxford?” her sweet mouth falls making mine water like a flash flood.

“Excuse me, sir.”

I turn to the lady I bumped. “Of course.” I put my hand on her bare forearm and guide her around us. Likeness collected. Just need to eat it.

“I have the next one booked.” I confirm.

“Oh good.” She nods.

Penelope starts to walk. “What are we reading today?” She motions to the book in my arm.

“Oh, it’s a fabulous story…” I open the book and lick my finger to turn a page, putting the lady's likeness into my system. This book thing is pretty good, if I don’t say so myself. “It’s about a man who invents a way to move forward in time. There he sees what’s to become of us.” I lean to her as I pull the stored memories of Edward I have. Since he’s not in my possession anymore, I can’t pull current memories.

She gently smiles. “Interesting. Sounds imaginative.” Her voice is sweet and almost softens the grizzly roaring in my head. Almost.

I nod. “It is. I think man often worries about the future. This not only tells of what we may expect to find, but should we like what we see. Sometimes it's better not knowing what the end looks like and just live in the moment.”

“That sounds very wise.” She glances at me. “What’s the name? Should I like to read it.”

“The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.” I hand her the book.

“Interesting.” She goes to hand it back.

“Keep it.” I put my hand up.

“But you’re reading it.” She looks softly concerned.

“I’ve read it three times. I’d like you to have it.” I smile. I’ve never seen this book once in my damn life, but I know the guy who wrote it. Wells likes a solid drunk that’s for sure. You really don’t want to see what’s behind his closed doors, let me tell ya. It’s funny how much I can relate to it though. Come ta think…I may or may not have let it slip I’m 600, but who knows. I was just as drunk as he was.

She looks at the book and up at me. “Thank you.” She says softly.

“It’s entirely my pleasure.” I grin.

She tilts her head with a strange look.

I was about to address it, but something caught my eye.

I stop and walk to a store front wall. Pinned is a wanted poster. I wrap an arm around myself and rub my chin.

“Wanted Dead or Alive Jesse “The Ghost" Ferguson Wanted for Bank Robbery, Horse Rustling, Gambling, Theft, Cheating, and Murder Considered Armed and Dangerous"

I shake my head. “Cheatin’? Really?”

“You disagree?” She turns her eyes to mine as I look at the yellow paper.

“No…” I realize I was talking out of myself not Edward. “Just…with all the other offenses, it seems a moot point.”

She ticks her head. “If you sinned, it must be mentioned, I presume.” She looks at the badly drawn picture of me. I watch her expression change. “I often wonder when looking at these men if they truly believe they’re lost as they say.”

“I’m sure they do. Men like this have crossed that line of finding their way back.” I glance at her.

“Not necessarily true. They just need a good person to show them the way.” Her eyes meet mine as she smiles and I see that same look I saw in the barn. That look that says she’s thinking of being that person. I won’t let her. She’s hunting something that doesn’t want to be led. He’s out for his own skin. Loyalty to only himself. If she wants to give me the hand, I will bite it.

I take a last look at the poster. It’s not even a good likeness. Who drew that shit? I shake my head and get in line beside Penelope. “Well, I’m off the saloon. I’ll bid you good day.” I pull my hat and turn to cross.

“Edward.”

I stop and turn. “Yes, Miss.”

“There’s a gathering tonight in the Square. A celebration for the towns 20 years as a registered town.” She holds her hands in front of her and looks down the street.

I turn to where she’s looking. There’s crews setting a wood platform at the end of the street. I turn back to her. Her cheeks are that soft pink that makes me think things a man shouldn’t about a woman like her.

“Yes. I can see that.” I nod.

“Everyone’s going. It’s supposed to be a lovely time.” She smiles.

Damn. I know what she’s getting at. I turn my head toward the exit of town. I’m suppose to be preparing for this robbery.

My eyes meet her sparkling ones. I step up to her and clear my throat. I take off my hat. Would…would you…uh…ya know…like ta go with me?” I can’t believe I’m stammering like this. Jesse! What the hell?

That heart stopping smile crosses her lips. “I think that would be lovely.”

I smile back and replace my hat. “Wonderful. I’ll pick you up at the church…”

“No.” She interrupts. “I can meet you on the bench by the school house.”

“Oh. That’s fine by me, I guess. I’ll see you tonight.” I bow just a bit.

“Can’t wait.” She grins and turns to go on her way.

After she’s far enough away, I internally pitch a fit.

Goddamn! What the fuck?! What are ya dumb and fucking stupid?! We don’t need this Jesse! We don’t!

I turn and watch her cross the street up ahead. My stomach flips and my pants get tight as the sight of her amazing figure enters the steps to the hat shop.

I whine. “Dammit!” I kick the dirt and head to my horse. “Holy ass kick!” I growl under my breath.