Emerald City

Some two hours later, they were galloping down Dead Plank road toward Black Cove. They finally noticed a fence made of stone pop up along the right hand side of the road and Curry hoped they were getting close. Some thirty minutes later, they came upon large, ornate iron gates with the words Black Cove carved over the top arch. Curry reined his horse to a stop and the two men just sat there, looking at the sight in front of them. It was a long road lined with oak tress that went up to the main house. It wasn’t a house; it was a castle. It looked so out of place, there in the countryside of Kentucky. Its stone was old and weathered and ivy grew up the side in spots. The windows in front must have been ten feet tall.

Heyes looked over at the Kid and asked,” You ready?”

Curry spurred his horse and they galloped another quarter of a mile, looking for the magnolia tree. The Kid saw the small trail out of the corner of his eye as the past it, so they both turned around and headed down it. Luckily, it was still daylight, as the trail was small and overgrown and Heyes didn’t think they would have been able to navigate it in the dark. Through the trees to the left, they saw a white pasture fence with horses grazing. A bunkhouse was beyond that and they could see about twenty men on the property. The past two large log cabins and then, finally, sitting next to a stable was the white cottage. The windows were open in the house and a glass if wine sat next to a rocking chair on the porch. Curry pulled his horse up short and pointed to the stable; in front was the mare she had bought in Laredo.

Heyes nodded as he dismounted and whispered, “I’ll take the back.”

The Kid walked up on the porch and behind a screen door, the door stood open. He walked in and quickly looked around, but there was no side of Vic. He met Heyes in the hall coming from the back. Heyes just shrugged and pointed to the ceiling with a questioning look on his face. They climbed the stairs quietly and a quick search of the rooms yielded nothing. Heyes cast his eyes outside and there was Vic, saddling up another horse, a black thoroughbred.

She looked up from cinching Prancer’s saddle to see Heyes and Curry walking from the cottage toward the stable. She thought at first that she had drunk too much of the laudanum and it was making her hallucinate. She quickly realized that she couldn’t hallucinate the determined look on the Kid’s face. She quickly put the bridle on Prancer and mounted up. All she had to do was say ‘HUP’ and the horse bolted off across the pasture. The Kid cursed and ran back toward the cottage and his horse tied outside. He swung up quickly and raced off after her. Heyes sat down on the porch and sniffed the glass of wine, shrugged and finished it off.

Prancer jumped the fence easily to the next pasture and they were past the bunkhouse before the men could shout a greeting. A minute later a man on a mustang raced by as well. The men started to panic and there was talk of pursuing the pair.
Mr. Nightlinger stepped out of the door and called to them. “Let it be.” He smiled and went back inside.

Vic didn’t need to spur her horse all she had to do was call out to the horse for more speed and Prancer would respond immediately. She shot across the main trail and into the pasture on the other side of the road and turned to see the Kid gaining ground. She knew his mustang couldn’t outrun Prancer in the long haul, so she had to try to outmaneuver him until his horse was winded. She cut north and into some trees with the Kid in hot pursuit.

Across the road, Heyes was watching the show, wishing he had another glass of wine. Or whiskey, or beer. He decided to go into the kitchen and rummage. After all, he was practically family.

As soon as she knew he was in the trees, Vic cut back to the pasture at full speed.
They jumped the fence easily and took off down the road. Curry appeared suddenly on the side of the road, and Vic wheeled Prancer back around. At the bunkhouse, the men were starting to take bets on the chase.

Wanda emerged from one of the large log cabins to set on the front porch and laughed to her self. “Just look at them two git at it.’ She sat down in the rocker with her coffee and watched the chase.

For nearly an hour, the chase continued, with the Kid just able to keep her pinned in the north pasture and surrounding woods. Prancer was getting winded and she felt his sides heaving and the lather building on his neck. She could see the Kid coming too close behind her and cut hard east. Kid Curry had anticipated another maneuver and he cut the corner and was almost up next to her.
“Damn it, Vic, STOP!”

She took the reins and slapped Prancer on the neck for more speed. Curry spurred his horse as well and he was right beside of her. He reached out to try to grab the reigns or bridle but Vic would stay just out of arm’s reach as they thundered across the pasture side by side.

Heyes emerged from the house to reclaim his place on the porch with another bottle of Bourbon. He saw them still racing in the pasture across the road side by side; if he didn’t know better, he would have thought she didn’t want to be caught.

“Damn it, Vic, STOP!”

“You stop!” she finally addressed his presence. Her horse was heaving greatly now, but she was managing to keep just out of arms reach so he couldn’t grab the bridle.

“Stop or I will take you off of that horse!” Curry was incensed when she just ignored him and cut her horse south again.

Heyes could see them coming directly toward him, horses side by side and only about a hundred yards from the pasture fence. He poured another bourbon. To his amazement, he saw the Kid jump off of his horse onto hers. They stayed on Prancer momentarily and then they both fell to the ground. Vic hit her head when she came rolling to a stop and was dazed for a moment. It was enough time for the Kid to get to his feet and jump onto her, pinning her to the ground.
“What in the hell are you doing?” he growled.

“What in the hell are you doing?” She tried to kick him in the groin, but he had her pinned to well.

Heyes poured another bourbon and watched them struggle together on the grass.

“Get off of me!” Vic screamed, she was starting to tire and couldn’t keep it up much longer.

Prancer had been pawing at the grass next to them, and he now trotted up, tail high and tried to nose the Kid off of Vic. Curry grabbed the bit and pulled the horse’s head down, “You better whoa back, boy.” He growled at Prancer and the horse took off across the pasture. Curry pushed up on his knees and pulled her up with him. Vic tried to scratch his face so he wrestled her arms behind her back and held them there.


Heyes poured another bourbon and wondered if there were any binoculars in the house.
“Stop it, Victoria Morgan!” The Kid commanded.

She gave one final push toward him and then defiantly looked up at him.

He pulled her closer to him, but didn’t let her arms loose. “Please just stop.” He leaned down to kiss her and she turned her head away.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed.

“I told you how I am when I settle on something; and I’m settled on you.” He could feel her heart pounding and he swore it was in perfect rhythm with his. He leaned down again and this time he captured her lips in a bruising kiss.

Heyes poured another bourbon and squinted to see what was going on. It looked like they were kissing or she was biting his face off. He wasn’t sure which.

A small cry escaped her lips and was captured by his. Being this close to her again excited him incredibly. Her breasts pounded against his chest as she tried to catch her breath. He began to slowly make the kiss gentler and felt a tear against his cheek. He broke the kiss to see what was in her eyes.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t come after me.” Her eyes were brimming with tears and he finally let her hands go so he could cup her face in his hands.

“I had to sink the British armada first.”

She laughed through her tears.

“What do you want me to do to prove that I believe we belong together? I’ll fight a lion with a switch or dig a ditch with my hands. Just tell me what to do.”

“You just did it.” She said softly.

“Stand up.” He requested.

“What?”

“Stand up.” He insisted.

Vic stood up and the Kid stayed down except to bring one leg up so he was on one knee. Then he reached into his pocket.

“Victoria Morgan, would you do me the honor of being my bride?”

Heyes upended the bottle of bourbon when he saw the Kid on one knee on front of her. He’s actually doing it.

Vic looked back down at him in a stunned silence. The Kid held up a ring and she looked at it in amazement. It was a large diamond, maybe three carats, cut in the shape of a heart with three rows of smaller diamonds laid around the heart.

“Marry me, Vic, Right here, right now.”

She looked down into his eyes and took in the sight of him on his knee in front of her holding out the ring. She wanted to burn it into her memory forever.
“I marry you. I marry you.” And she held out her left hand.

Kid Curry stood and slowly placed the ring on her finger. “I marry you, Victoria. In front of God and that’s what counts.”

Heyes took another swig, okay he’s standing up now, is she going to slap his face?

The Kid bent down to kiss her and she put her arms around his neck and stood on her toes to meet him. They kissed long and deep and then they just stood there wrapped in each other’s arms.

Heyes took another swig. That was definitely a kiss, and I think we have a yes verdict with a life sentence.

Wanda lit up her corncob pipe and just watched the pair holding onto each other.
At the bunkhouse, Mr. Nightlinger smiled and the boys were settling up the bets.

They finally made it back to the porch of Vic’s cottage where Heyes was just rocking away in the chair. “Am I to assume congratulations are in order?”

“From you...” Vic started but the Kid cut her off.

“She said yes.” Curry announced proudly.

“I thought she looked a little like she was leaning to the left.” Heyes joked. “I’m sure you’ll get used to the weight.”

“So, what do you think of the place?” Vic spread her arms out.

“More importantly, what does the place think of us?” Heyes was trying not to stammer. He didn’t want Vic to know that he had drunk all of her bourbon, and gin.

“Let’s go find out.” She grabbed Curry’s hand and Heyes’ arm and stepped off of the front porch in the direction of the castle.

“Is this completely necessary?” Heyes asked.

“Well, for Jed it is.” Vic informed them.

“It’s necessary for me to do what?” Curry was getting a little nervous. “And why does it involve a castle?”

“My ancestors have to bless our union or curse it, whatever the case may be.”

“And you’re just telling me about this now?” the Kid asked anxiously.

“It’s really just a formality. We have to stand in the hall of ancestors and declare our intentions.”

“And you will know if you two are blessed or cursed by…what?” Heyes tried to clarify.
“We’ll just know.”

“I knew you were going to say that.”

They walked past the rear formal garden and up to the massive French doors. Vic dug around in the large urn outside the door and came up with a key. They walked into a spacious eighteenth century drawing room with twenty foot painted ceilings and period furniture. The fireplace must have been eight feet tall and surround by a hearth of marble.

Heyes looked around and whistled. “Why don’t you live here again?”

Vic just laughed, “Because it’s haunted. If you boys weren’t with me, I wouldn’t even be in here.”

Kid Curry and Heyes turned around at the same time and started back toward the French doors. Vic grabbed them by the arms. “No you don’t. You get back here you whiners. I’m just kidding.”

She led them through a maze of rooms, each more spectacular than the last, a ballroom, a library, and a music room. She led them up a Parisian marble staircase to the second floor and came to a stop at the beginning of a long hall. Crystal sconces lined the walls and revealed pictures of all shapes and sizes hung upon a background of Chinese silk. Portraits of men with their horses, women in their finery with their children, a knight kneeling with his sword erect in front of a cross. They stared out from their hand carved frames upon the trio of visitors.

“This is the Morgan hall of ancestors,” Victoria explained. “Some of these portraits date back to the eleventh century B.C. and each of them in their turn have stood in this hall to have their unions blessed.”

“Or cursed.” Heyes chimed in. “And exactly how did it get here?”

“My great-great grandmother was the Duchess of Cornwall before she met the Dread Pirate Morgan, this is her family castle. When they gave up the sea faring life, he had it dismantled, stone by stone and had it shipped here. Funny thing is no one seemed to notice. That’s one thing about Kentuckians; they really mind their own business.”

“Well, we’re getting married.” The Kid said and was already turning around to leave.

Vic pulled him back. “They can’t hear you.”

“Of course not, they’re pictures.” Heyes was sober enough to reason.

“They can only hear their descendents.” Vic snipped. She held Kid’s hand and walked to the middle of the room. “Greetings, Victoria Elisabeth Morgan, descended of your blood bring Jedidiah Curry to invite your blessing that he and I might marry. What say you?”

They all looked at each other for a moment and Heyes thought he could hear the crickets chirping outside. Vic started turning around looking at the portraits, “What say you? “she said louder.

“Apparently nothing.” Heyes observed. He was starting to wonder if he was the only sober one among the bunch.

“Hush up and be still.” Vic warned.

From above, they could hear three loud thuds. They all looked up.
“Is anyone else in the house?” Heyes asked.

“I don’t think so.”

“She doesn’t think so,” snickered Heyes and Curry shot him a dirty look.

A light breeze blew through the hall and the chandelier above began to sway.
“Someone opened a window.” Heyes explained.

The Kid looked at him. “Which window would that be?”

Heyes looked around the great hall and there were no windows present. “Old castles are breezy.”

Victoria let loose of Curry’s hand and took a step forward and screamed at the top of her lungs, “What say you?!”

They could hear it start at the far end of the hall, a great wind that sounded like a tornado, coming directly for them. The tiny crystals on the sconces began to clink and it was upon the before they could realize it. It blew Vic to her knees and Heyes and the Kid grabbed furniture to stand upright. As the mighty wind blew through the hall, the pictures on the wall started to shake and rattle. Victoria struggled back to her feet and pointed upward. Some of the portraits were spinning completely around, and the portraits seemed to start pounding the walls in unison. The sound of the pounding and the howling wind were deafening. There were three more tremendous thuds on the ceiling and suddenly everything came to a halt. The wind stopped blowing; the portraits were still, all in their proper places.

Heyes looked at Curry. “I’m not sure how to interpret that.”

“I’m not even sure what that was.” The Kid replied.

Victoria stood looking up and the Kid and Heyes asked in unison.” Was that yes or no?”

Victoria continued to look upward. Curry and Heyes looked at each other and then turned their eyes upward. Floating down from the ceiling was a folded parchment. It wafted slowly down and they all stood mesmerized at its progress, not to mention its presence. It landed at Victoria’s feet. She looked at Kid Curry with wide and determined eyes and then bent down to retrieve the message.

“It’s a letter.” Vic looked at them. “From my Father.”

“The dead one?” Heyes asked and the Kid kicked his ankle.

“Just clarifying.” Heyes protested.

She tenderly opened it and another letter was inside with a sheet of notepaper. She read it and started crying. She handed the other envelope to the Kid and went to sit in one of the ornate chairs along the wall.

Kid Curry looked at the envelope in his hand that was simply addressed K.C. He opened it, removed the contents and began to read.

“My dear sir,
It is my deepest regret not to be there to greet you and receive you into the family. Death waits for no man. My daughter, Victoria is our last and greatest treasure and is henceforth entrusted to you. My admiration of you for taking on this challenge is great. My assurances of your rewards are greater. It has been my privilege to raise her to be a suitable companion and mate for the man who will continue the Morgan bloodline. I trust she will be to your satisfaction, and I desire you to hers. In considering your circumstances, it behooves me to bestow a dowry in order to facilitate your journey into the future. Enclosed is the deed to the West Wind Mine located in Big Bend, South Carolina. Don’t run it into the ground. (ha-ha). Victoria will have a map to the treasure of the Dread Pirate Morgan, may your hunt be more successful than mine.
Warmest regards on your happy occasion,
Edward G. Morgan”

There was dead silence in the room except for the soft weeping of Victoria, sitting in the chair against the wall. The Kid walked over to her and bent down in front of her in order to console her. He could see the sheet of notepaper in her lap. It simply said,
I love you, Princess.

Heyes cleared his throat and attempted to be the voice of logic. ” That letter could have been left here, stuck to the ceiling in order to fall at the appropriate time.” A vase flung itself from a side table, narrowly missing his head to crash into the opposite wall.

Vic and the Kid looked at him with a ‘shut up’ look.

“Well,” Heyes attempted again, “it appears we have our answer.”
Curry helped Victoria to her feet and with arms around each other; they walked out of the room toward the staircase. With Heyes close behind. “And you’re sure this place is NOT haunted?”

“Well, Father used to say. ‘There are a lot of people that live here that we can’t see, don’t piss them off.’ So, you can just interpret that anyway you wish, Mr. Smith.” Vic called back over her shoulder.

Heyes and the Kid sat out on the porch, smoking a cigar with a stiff drink nearby. Wanda was inside of the cottage with Victoria, continuing to console her. The Kid looked over at Heyes and smiled.

“You know Heyes, I think God meant for us to be rich.”

Heyes downed another shot and shook his head. “That mine will probably turn out to be a worthless hole in the ground.” Immediately, a plant hanging above Heyes’ head dropped down, narrowly missing him. He jumped a mile out of his chair.

The Kid leaned over to confide in his friend. “You know Heyes. There a lot of very strange goings on when it comes to anything connected to Victoria. I believe it’s best just to go with it.”

Wanda poked her head out of the front door. “Well, let’s all git bedded down then. Missy here needs sum sleep.”

They followed her up the stairs to the second floor. “Well, MR. I ain’t no outlaw, this un be yours.” She shoved a blanket in Heyes’ hand and shoved him through the door.

“An you be all the way down the hall, now git. Last door on the left.”

She gave Kid a shove and walked back past Vic , who was standing in the doorway to her bedroom. “An you, you lock yer door.”

Vic put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to one side, looking down the hall at Curry. He just shrugged and went inside the far bedroom. Vic slammed her door and Wanda laughed all the way down the stairs.

Vic sat on the window seat staring out at the stars and looking at her ring. She had turned it to the inside of her palm and was sure Wanda hadn’t seen it yet. She smiled; it was kind of like carrying Kid’s heart around. In her hand. She thought she heard the creak of a floorboard and ran to her door. She opened it slowly and peeked out. Nothing. She paced around the room. Then she ran to the door and opened again. Again nothing.

She straightened the pictures on the mantle and wondered if she should get ready for bed. She wondered what she should wear. Maybe I’m not supposed to wear anything. She thought. She paced some more and checked the door some more. Nothing. She sat on the edge of her bed and took her boots off. She checked the door. She walked the bed, spreading her dust and chanting. She thought she heard something and ran to the door to check. Nothing. Wanda has scared the bejesus out of him. She finally decided. She needed to remember to tell him that anything Wanda did to him, she could undo. Maybe that would help. She thought she heard something and ran to the door to check. Still nothing. She went over to her dressing table and started to brush her hair. She flipped her head over and brushed the back. She flipped her head back up and there was a belt buckle right in front of her eyes. She screamed.

The Kid put his hand over her mouth, “SSHH!”

She jumped up and hugged him by the neck. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

Kid laughed softly, “It’s our wedding night, I kinda thought I should be here.” He planted tiny kisses over her face. She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down for a lusty kiss. She ripped his shirt open and buttons went flying everywhere, making loud pinging sounds as they hit the floor. “ SSHH!” he reminded her again. “Slow down, we’ve got all night.”

“Is it going to take that long?”

“Oh, yes.” Curry assured her.

“I guess I should go change?”

“Okay.” He let her go with a kiss and snuck downstairs for a bottle of champagne Heyes had managed to miss. He grabbed a handful of candles and crept back upstairs.

The Kid had lit a fire in the fireplace and placed candles in various places around the room. He didn’t know if he should stay fully clothed or go ahead and already be naked in the bed when Vic came in from the dressing room. He didn’t remember the last time he felt nervous in this sort of situation. He just wanted so badly to make it good for Victoria. The door opened from the dressing room and the decision was made for him, oh well, at least his boots were off. She emerged dressed in white silk and lace. He could see the outline of her body through the fabric and the darkness of her nipples. She had woven white ribbons in her hair like she had in Laredo. Her long curls shone in the candlelight. He caught his breath and took a step toward her, holding out his hand. She looked at it and placed hers gingerly into his and stepped towards him.

“It was nice of you to light a fire.” She noticed. She looked at the floor and then back up at him. He smiled and gave her hand a squeeze.

“You look like an angel.” He stood in awe. He thought he could see her blush as she looked at the floor again. “Nervous?”

She nodded.

“Me too.”

“Why?” Vic almost laughed.

“I have no idea.”

Vic smiled and took another step towards him. She placed her hands on his chest and slid then up to his face. There she traced the outline of his lips.

He kissed her hand and each of her fingers. With both hands he held her face and turned it upwards as he bent down to meet it in a kiss. It was like fire and he pulled back, looking into those amazing green eyes. He had made love before but this time it was different; it was for real. He kissed her again and let his tongue invite itself into her mouth. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his waist. He didn’t know how long they stood like that, kissing. When he finally broke it, he flooded her face and neck with kisses and whispered into her ear. “Mrs. Curry”.

That shocked her to hear it said out loud. “Yes, Mr. Curry.” She responded, rubbing her blushing cheek against his.

“Help me with my clothes.” He thought if he went first, she might feel more comfortable. He watched as she placed trembling hands to his torn shirt. He grabbed her hands and brought them to his mouth, kissing each one.

“Remember the waterfall?”

She smiled and nodded. She remembered how bold she had been and how it had excited him. “ It’s just that I have been waiting for this moment for such a long time and now it’s finally here…I am scared out of my mind.”

He couldn’t believe he was saying this, “We don’t have to do anything. We will just do what we’ve always done. Just be close and be with each other.”
He led her over to the bed and picked up a bottle of champagne, pouring two glasses. “Here, this might help.

“It might help more if you put some medicine in it first.”

He shook his head, “Oh no, you’re going to be here with me and your eyes are going to be wide open.”

They touched glasses together in a toast. “To us, Mrs. Curry.” He actually liked saying that.

“To destiny, Mr. Curry.” She took a long drink and placed the glass on the side table. Then she reached up and slid down his shirt. When she had it off, she kissed his toned chest and ran her hands over his arms. She just loved the feel of his muscles. She loved to feel how hard he was all over. She reached for his belt buckle and silently thanked him for removing his gun belt already. Leaning in to kiss his nipples as she unbuttoned his trousers, and with a little nip, she began to push them to the floor. She reached around to run her hands over his ass, feeling the roundness and the muscles through the cloth of his under things. She could already see the evidence of his excitement and she pulled down his under things following them to the floor. She removed them as he lifted each leg and she ran her hands up his legs, feeling the strength there also. She felt his hands on her shoulders, pulling her back up and she couldn’t resist watching the view all the way up. My god, he was an amazing man! Perfect in everyway as far as she was concerned.

He pulled her close so he could feel the silk of her gown against his naked body. He ran his hands over her breasts, stomach and hips. He untied the ribbon at the top of her gown and it slid to the floor revealing another layer underneath it. He ran his hands over her ass and bent to kiss her ear. Dutifully working his way slowly down to her neck, kissing and nipping. When she threw her head back and moaned; he knew she would be okay now. He let his hands wander up to her breasts to massage them through the flimsy material. He briefly considered leaving the gown on because it felt so good against his skin, but he decided to save that for another time. They both needed to be naked in front of each other. This was their wedding night. There hadn’t been any ceremony because none was needed, and right now couldn’t be afforded. This was their wedding night, nonetheless.

She pushed him back slightly as if reading his mind and put her hands to her shoulders, untying the bows that held the gown on. It floated to the floor and lay in a pool at her feet. He looked at her completely for the first time and thought she was the most exquisite woman on the face of the earth. Her breasts were large, rounded, and high with erect nipples, her stomach long and flat. Her tiny waist just served to accentuate her broad hips and slender legs. He wanted those legs wrapped around him badly.

She reached for their glasses and finished off the contents in hers as she handed him his. She placed the glass back on the night table and watched him finish his off. Then he reached down to pick her up for a kiss. He continued the kiss as he laid her on the bed and sat down next to her. Caressing her all over, just looking at the beauty spread out in front of him. He lay down next to her and gathered her in his arms just to hold her, letting her get used to the feeling of him next to her. He rolled to his side and kissed her deeply while exploring every inch of her satiny skin; trying to call forth the vixen he had seen her turn into before. He nipped and sucked on her neck; she wrapped her arms around his back and lightly scratched it. He moved down to her breasts, suckling on each one as he ran his hands down her thighs parting them just far enough for him to get this hand in.

Vic was running her fingers through his hair, feeling every nerve come alive and sing with desire as he put his hands all over her. It was breathtaking to have him suck and nip on her breasts and she felt a thrill when he parted her legs slightly. Suddenly, his finger was down there and rubbing down between her lips. His cock grew harder when he felt how wet she was for him; he wanted to relax her as much as possible for what was to come. He inserted his finger and found her button with his thumb. She arched her hips up into his hand and cried out. He kissed her soothingly and slowly pumped his finger in and out. She reached out with her hand to find him; she wanted to feel it, all of it at once. She squeezed his cock and it was his turn to moan with delight. She began to stroke the base like he had shown her, and she decided to gradually make the strokes longer, so that they encompassed the entire length.

All of the sudden, she froze. “Is it gong to fit?” she asked pensively.

He considered his answer carefully. There had been more than one girl that had asked him not to go in all the way in because it hurt too much.
He whispered into her ear, “Remember we were made for each other.”

“I was made for you, Jed.” She breathed in agreement.

She began to stroke his cock again. Kid finally decided to start stretching her out for him. Slowly, he worked another finger into her body and she let out a small scream as he felt her tear a little. God, he didn’t want to hurt her, but he was on fire.

“You okay, darlin’?” Please say yes

“I don’t want to stop until you’re inside of me.”

He went back to kissing the sensitive spot on her neck and applied more pressure with his thumb to her pleasure spot. She started to stroke him again and squeezed the base of his cock, slipping her hand lower until it was caressing his balls. He bit her neck, moaning; he picked up the pace with his fingers a little and was rewarded with her beginning to buck her hips against his hand again.

“Take me, husband.” He almost came on the spot. Unhurriedly, he spread her legs apart and bent them at the knee. She tried to follow as he removed his fingers and pushed himself to his knees at her feet. His hands caressed her knees, carefully pushing them apart as he stroked lower on her thighs. The fact that she kept her eyes on him the whole time didn’t escape his notice. She wasn’t afraid of anything he was going to do her; wasn’t afraid to see. Curry lowered himself over her with his shaft resting against her inner thigh.

He kissed her deeply and looked into her eyes. She looked at him with such trust beyond question, it humbled and unnerved him. It bewildered him down to his very soul. He had thought he knew what love felt like until this moment; he felt shamed she wasn’t the first, but she would damn well be the last. Kid was about to take the woman that he would stand with for the rest of his life; he understood what that meant and he felt nothing but deliverance. He lowered his lips to hers again to tenderly convey his yearning. He kept his eloquent kisses soft and gentle, seeking her total acceptance.

“There’s nothing I can do about the next part, Victoria, it’s going to hurt at first, but then I promise we’ll both fly to the stars together. “

There was such fire in her eyes and she simply replied, “Then hurt me, just let me know that I am alive and I belong to you.”

Those words went straight to his cock and he ran his hand downward to guide him to her. Then he found her hands, interlocking his fingers with hers, raising them over her head. “You belong to me…always have, always will.”

She felt something blunt and rigid against her opening, she struggled with her body not to tense up. She felt him push slightly against her as he lowered his lips and kissed her passionately. Their tongues danced together and then she felt a mighty push from his hips and a searing pain, she threw her head back as she cried out, Kid!

He came immediately upon entering her. He felt her tightness, reveling in the moment she had opened up to him and became his. He captured her mouth after she cried out and kissed her slowly, wanting to give her a moment to accept his cock inside of her and relax again. She was breathing hard. And he was still hard. He slowly backed out and re-entered her, pushing a little farther this time. She moaned, but she didn’t cry out. He flexed his muscles to drive himself a little farther. She broke the kiss, panting and trying to catch her breath. He went in farther, but he wasn’t half way in yet. He was thinking about his next move, he didn’t want this to take too long; she needed to start feeling pleasure again soon. Suddenly, he felt her wrap her legs around his hips and try to draw him in, the next time he felt her tighten her legs against his ass, he plunged in fiercely and finally felt his balls come to rest against her body. They both cried out in unison and sought each other’s mouths instinctively.

Victoria concentrated, trying to relax; she felt the worst of it was over. She was his! She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she tried to take in all of the sensations she was feeling. They were overwhelmed by passion and surrounded by love. He filled her up, filled her entire body with his. Vic had felt him pulsing inside of her when it first happened; it was almost like a heartbeat. She wrapped her legs around his body to help her rock against him. He picked up the rhythm, steadily stroking in and out of her body. He kissed down her neck and moved to suck on her breasts. She was thrusting with him now and he could feel himself building again. Suddenly he pushed back with his arms to raise himself up until he was kneeling, looking down into her eyes. He needed to know what she was feeling. He reached around to grab her ass and lift her lower body into the air, allowing himself to stroke more smoothly. She had her hand by her mouth and was biting on her fingertip, looking back at him with those exotic green eyes. He reached around to hold her with one arm and brought his hand up to fondle her button directly, she threw her head back and he smiled. He was stroking powerfully now and applying more pressure to her; steadily increasing the pace on both. She was still looking at him unabashedly and licked her lips. She started to make little sounds he couldn’t describe. Vic reached up to push her breasts together and caressed them herself. He didn’t think he had ever seen anything more erotic in his life. He could feel her tightening around him and he let himself go a little, still careful not to pound into her too hard.

“Oh, God”! She cried and he massaged her clit faster. She screamed and he felt her muscles tighten around his cock and he knew he could let go. He threw his head back and thrust once more, hitting his paradise stroke; felt his cock pumping his seed far into her. He fell forward on his arm until he was directly above her.

It took him a moment before he could speak. “Darlin’, you okay”?

She tightened her legs around him and said, ‘don’t go yet.”

He nodded, “as long as you want.”

They lay there together, panting and trying to catch their breath. Her muscles were still contracting around his penis, milking him for every drop.

She finally relaxed her legs, and unlocked them from around his waist. She wiped the sweat from his face and kissed him briefly. “You’re getting heavy.”

“Sorry, “he said and rolled over. The sudden shock of removal felt like fire to her and she doubled over, letting a cry sprung from her lips. He immediately drew her to him and asked in a worried tone. “What’s wrong?”

“How am I supposed to know? I don’t know.” She cried. He just held her and stroked her hair, murmuring into her ear soothingly until her body started to relax.

“What you need is a nice hot bath. C’mon, I’ll help you draw it.” He got out of bed and put his trousers on and handed her the silk gown.

She stood up and looked down to see the blood between and on her legs.
“Oh my God. What’s wrong?”

He shook his head; someone should have given her a book or something, because she was absolutely clueless.

She turned around and saw the bloody sheets on the bed. “AAGH!” she screamed. “Okay let me think.” She jumped on the bed and started stripping the sheets off of it. She handed the bundle to the Kid and instructed, “Here, put these in the fireplace. I don’t want Wanda to see those.”

At the mention of Wanda’s name, Curry started stuffing the sheets into the fireplace and the room started to fill with smoke.

Vic screamed again when she saw the mattress.” Quick, help me flip it over, or we’re doomed.”

After he assisted her, he went into the bath and started to fill the tub from the water heater. He returned to the room to find Vic at the fireplace with the poker, trying to make sure the fire was consuming all of the sheets. He grabbed up some candles, the champagne and a cigar out of his shirt and headed back down to the bath as Vic poked furiously in the fireplace. When he returned, he took the poker from her hands and wordlessly grabbed her by the hand to lead her to the waiting bath.

From her cabin, even in the dark, Wanda could see black smoke rising from one of the chimneys at Vic’s cottage and decided she would go investigate. She climbed the stairs to the second story calling out to Vic, “ Watcha doin’ up in here? Tryin’ to elect a new pope?”
She reached the bath and saw Vic reclining against the high back of the bath, smoking a cigar. The room was filled with candles and a bottle of champagne sat on the floor. “What mischief you up to?”

Vic just smiled, “Just taking a relaxing soak before bed.”

“With champagne?”

“Oddly enough, someone drank all of my bourbon and gin.” Vic countered.

“And whatcha doin’ with the cegar?”

“I just love the way it smells, it reminds me of the Kid.”

Wanda thought she was starting to look a little nervous. “Well, then, I reckon I’d best go make you some special tea.”

“Oh no thanks, I’m fine. I just want to go straight to bed. I am sooo tired.”

Wanda shook a finger at her. “Do ya want a baby?”

“Well, I’m kind of busy right now.” Vic was confused.

“I’ll be back with that tea.” Wanda turned around muttering to herself.

Vic kicked and Curry sprung up out of the water, gasping for breath. “What did she want?”

“Well, she wants me to drink some tea and baby sit.”

He pulled the cigar from Vic’s mouth and reclined on the opposite end of the bath from her. “Why are you so afraid of her finding out?”

“She’s a big stickler on ceremonies and papers and the like.”

“Victoria, trust me, we’re married. Anyway, she’s going to see the ring.”

“I’ll tell her it’s an engagement ring.”

“Darlin’, you could signal a train from a mountaintop with that rock. It screams wedding not engagement. You feeling better?”

She splashed a little water in his direction. “Yes, thanks. I’m sorry; I’m not ashamed of you or what we have decided was best for us to do. I’ve just spent so many years waiting for something that I’m not sure how to handle it now that I’ve gotten it.”

“Good,” he smiled. “I was starting to wonder.”

At that moment, Wanda walked into the bath matter-of-factly and placed a cup of
tea on the table next to Vic and walked out, calling back over her shoulder, “every drop now, lessen ya’ wanna git pregnant.”

Vic just stared at Kid with an open mouth.

He stared back. “Well, that problem seems to have worked itself out. You don’t mind if we hang a door in this room, do you?”

Vic just shook her head.

“Drink your tea, darlin’”


The next morning, the Kid dressed as Vic continued to slumber. He walked downstairs to see what could be rustled up for breakfast. He turned the corner and ran straight into Wanda, who was setting the table.

“Well, mornin’” Wanda called.

“Morning.” Curry waited for the next shoe to fall.

“Well, sit yerself down, them biscuits is done.” She motioned to an empty chair at the kitchen table. “Reckon you best git used to how things is run round here.”

The Kid sat down pensively. “How are things run?”

“Well, now, when that child is home. I do the cookin’ and such. She can whip up vittles on a campfire, but put her in front of a stove an’ she jus kinda goes blank.”

“I’ve seen that look.” Curry confessed.

“ Whatcha gotta understand is that missy there was born under Gemini and that there’s the twins. So, basically, what ya git is a lady an a trail hand in the same body.” Wanda put a plate of eggs in front of him.

“I think I’ve seen that too.” The Kid confirmed as he reached for the bacon.

“Well then, I thank you done seen it all!” she laughed a crone’s laugh and poured him coffee. “When that child comes home, we kinda charge her back up again an’ then, phat, off’n she goes again.”

Heyes walked groggily into the kitchen and sat down. He patted the Kid on the shoulder knowingly.

“What?” Curry inquired.

“Didn’t get much sleep last night.” Heyes informed him. “Someone kept screaming.”

“I didn’t hear anything.” The Kid quickly noted.

“Hell, I heard it all ta way over to my cabin.” Wanda exclaimed as she put a plate in front of Heyes.

“Maybe it was just some kind of wild animal.” Curry reasoned.

Wanda and Heyes both looked at him. “It was wild alright.” Heyes volunteered.

At that moment, Catfish Joe walked in and helped himself to some bacon and a biscuit. “Boy, did you hear that screaming last night?”

“Does everyone eat breakfast here?” The Kid wanted to know. “I thought I saw a bunkhouse up the road.”

“Well, good morning to you then.” Joe replied as he grabbed another biscuit and left.

Victoria came plodding down the stairs and sat I the first available chair. She rested her head in her hand and her eyes were barely open. Wanda sat a cup of coffee in front of her and patted her on the head. “Did ya have a good nite missy?”

“Oh, you have no idea.” Was the reply as Vic upended the coffee cup.

“Did you hear that screaming last night?” Heyes challenged good-naturedly.

“Someone scared me.” Vic held out her cup for a refill. The Kid was suddenly very interested in finishing breakfast.

Wanda poured the refill and asked quizzically, “What’s that on your hand?”

“My fingers?” Vic was annoyed and still not awake.

“On your fingers.” Wanda clarified.

Vic slammed her coffee cup on the table.” It’s my wedding ring. Last night was my wedding night and there isn’t any surface in this house that doesn’t need to be cleaned. Now, will you quit pestering me?”

The Kid choked on his eggs. Heyes looked amused. Wanda leaned over to the Kid. “Lesson one – git her first thing in the mornin’ before her coffee and she’ll sing like a bird. We’ll work on Lesson two tomorrow.” She patted the Kid’s shoulder knowingly and went to check on Vic’s eggs.

By her third cup, she was ready to talk business. “Heyes, have you given any more thought to my suggestions for you & Jed’s situation.”

“Well,” Heyes started slowly, “I’m sure we’ll be fine to lay low here for a little while, but I don’t think it can be too long.” He looked nervously over for the Kid’s reaction.

“I’ll ride with you.”

“I’m not so sure that would be safe for you…” Heyes started.

“Isn’t the law looking for the two of you? Three of us might walk right under their noses.” Vic went on. “And it’s not the law you better be worried about, it’s the bounty hunter. You two have to get the price off of your heads.”

“So, you reckon to buy our way free?” Heyes started. “How much money have you got?” The Kid kicked him under the table.

“How much do you think it will take?” Vic asked straightforward.

“There’s no telling.” Was Heyes’ reply.

“Okay, let’s think worst case then. There are the railroads, the banking association, and the cattleman’s association, right?”

Heyes nodded.

“Let’s say we’ll start at a million apiece for each of them and in turn for each of you. So, that’s six million.” Vic buttered some toast and the boys just looked at each other. “Now, we’ll have to be prepared for the greed factor, so let’s say twelve million tops.”

The boys thought they could here crickets chirping outside. Wanda didn’t seem to bat an eyelash and she started to clear the breakfast dishes.

Heyes cleared his throat. “That might do it. Are you saying you have twelve million dollars?”

“ Well, I can sell is the distillery, the shipping interests, the race horses and stables, the mercantile store chain, the train and crew, various stocks and bonds. What I can’t do is sell Black Cove and the land it sits on or the Morgan family jewels. Jed can’t sell the mine, and I thought you would want the saloon.” Vic was calculating.

Heyes was stunned.

“So, my liquid assets should come in between five and six million.”

The Kid was stunned.

“But that’s just barely enough for the opening negotiations.” Vic shook her head. “I would hate to approach them unprepared to go as high as necessary, they might not see us a second time.” Vic got up and went upstairs, and they could hear things being thrown around.

She came back downstairs and threw a worn and tattered cow skin on the table. “You boys ever do any prospecting?”

Heyes nodded. “And never with any luck.”

Victoria carefully unfolded the skin and spread it out on the table. It was a map of a large spread of land with what looked like hundreds of x’s covering it.

“What’s that?” Heyes inquired.

“A map to a pirates buried treasure.”

Heyes laughed and the Kid looked at the map more closely. “And all of the x’s are?”

“Where the treasure isn’t.” Vic explained. “As you can see there isn’t a lot of territory left to cover. For three generations the men in my family have sought this place, always dutifully marking off where they had searched without success.”

“How much do you figure is there?” Heyes inquired.

“About thirty years worth…” Vic started. “What my father told me was that when Dread Pirate Morgan first relocated his treasure to this land, it took one hundred and seventy two wagon loads to move it all. I don’t know how much is still there. But what do we have to lose by trying? I do know that my great-great grandmother’s tiara is there and that’s all I’m interested in. Jed will be free to decide how the rest is spent.”

The Kid exhaled the breath he had been holding; this was all getting to be a little much. Dirt poor or god awful rich and nothing in between. It took a little getting used to. It didn’t even seem real to him.

“We’ll be out in the middle of nowhere, Heyes. On my land. Surrounded by friendly Indians. How could we possibly get into trouble?” Vic challenged.

“Madam, we have had some of our worst troubles out in the middle of nowhere.”

“I’m in,” Curry said suddenly. “Let’s go treasure hunt.”

Heyes turned incredulously to the Kid. “Are you serious?”

“We don’t have anything to lose, and besides the lady wants her tiara. And what the lady wants...”

Heyes just shook his head, “ ...The lady gets.”