Dutch's Girl

Chapter Eight

I was laughing and going as fast as my beautiful new horse would take me. The wind was biting at my cheeks as we were moving so fast. I don't think I could ever describe this feeling. It was freedom and grace and power; things I hadn't felt in years.

Dutch at some point caught up, but he couldn't pass me. Nightmare was much younger than The Count, so she had a bit more energy. As Dutch slowed down, we sped up and soon Horseshoe came into view. "Cmon girl!" Nightmare whinnied out happily and soon we sped into camp.

Dutch soon came in after us, shaking his head. "I can't believe you beat me!", he laughed. I was grinning from ear to ear as I pat Nightmare on the neck. "Good girl!" She pawed the ground and threw her head up in a happy way. I dismounted and let her walk to the other horses. She'll feel at home soon. Maybe with her here, so will I.

Dutch stood in front me, and he was so tall I felt like I was leaning back to look up at the sky. He was smiling at me. I blushed. "Miss Wolff, well I... it's been really nice to have you around, you've only been with us for a little while, but it's been a pleasure nonetheless." His eyes were sparkling and his words held a genuine tone. I smiled.

"I had a real nice time too Dutch. In fact, I really like it here. I feel like I can make this gang a true family to me, especially since I've lost the real thing." I looked down at the ground, but there wasn't much I could see as he was so close to me. I looked up, his smile faltered and so did mine. I couldn't really tell where we were anymore.

He placed a hand on my right cheek and used his thumb to rub my cheek bone. I didn't break my gaze away from his eyes. My heart was beating so rapidly I was afraid the earth was going to start shaking from the force. We were beginning to get closer, but then we each hesitated. Dutch shook his head and stepped back a step.

"I have some things I must get back to, but please, you have freedom to leave and go hunt or do whatever you want. I think Arthur was planning to go see Hosea at Emerald Ranch. Maybe he'll take you with him if you ask." And with that, Dutch went to his tent. Before he did I stopped him. "Wait! Where do I sleep now? I still am taking Arthur's bed when he's not in it!" Dutch turned and winked at me. "You're always welcome to sleep in my tent, I got room enough for ya."

I chuckled and went to find Arthur. He said Emerald Ranch. So I assume maybe I can find him there. I mounted up on Nightmare and sped out of camp. I knew where Emerald Ranch was, so I just decided to enjoy the world and my new steed.

The ride was quiet and peaceful. I felt truly happy. Upon reaching Emerald Ranch, I could see Hosea sitting outside of the barn with a balding man. Arthur was nowhere in sight. I approached, and once he noticed me, Hosea greeted me.

"Ah, Miss Wolff, it's good to see you. I wasn't expecting you, were you sent in Arthur's place?" I dismounted and approached. "Actually, I was told to see if I could accompany you and Arthur in whatever you had to do." Hosea nodded and then pointed to the man who I took notice was giving me a thorough scan with his eyes. "Seamus, this is Chelsea. She's another one of my friends that can help us prove to you we have good credentials." I nodded.

Seamus snapped out of his scrutinizing investigation of my being and shook his head. "I ain't the trustin' type Hosea, I ain't too sure about this. If my boss catches wind of my little side business, I'll get fired and ran out of here. I have nowhere else to go!" Hosea sighed. "Look, once my other friend gets here, let me, him, and Miss Wolff here prove to you that we are useful business partners." Seamus didn't seem too thrilled, but one disgusting look at me, he seemed to change his mind.

"Well can she do something for me?", he asked, licking his bottom lip. Hosea looked at him wide eyed and back at me. "Well uh, she's not that type of gal Seamus, she's sorta... she's sorta taken." Seamus laughed and I backed up a bit to put space between us. "Who would want her as a wife?" I flinched and looked down. "I do, you sack of shit," sounded a voice from behind.