Shanghai Series

Chapter 6

Roy heard the front door slam. He had finished dressing, thanks to some clothes Devilwoman had brought him. He wondered who they belonged too but decided not to ask. They fit well; a little long in the trousers, but comfortable. Taking a quick look in the mirror he headed downstairs.

Zara and Luscious were standing near the fireplace when Roy appeared. They were surprised to see him walking around. Roy did his best to avoid Zara's gaze.

"What's he doing walking around?" Luscious asked.

Devilwoman glanced slyly at Roy without answering. The look didn't escape Zara. She nudged Luscious in the ribs with an elbow. Cocking her head towards Devilwoman, she gave a little wink.

"When the cat's away, the mice will play". Zara circled Roy slowly. "Or is it a rat?"

Roy moved away. Pulling up a chair at the table, he sat down. Whatever Devilwoman had cooked smelled great. He was famished.

Zara slithered up to Roy leaning in till her lips brushed his ear. "Forget about me already, querida?" she purred. Her fingers traced the nape of his neck. Roy shuddered.

"Did I miss something?" interrupted Luscious.

Zara pulled up a chair next to Roy and plopped down. She looked like the cat that ate the canary. Roy tried not to look at her. Just the thought of her made him ill. She slipped off a shoe and worked her toes up the leg of his trousers. Roy tried not to react.

"Did you put the money in a safe place?" he heard Devilwoman say as she hurried past Luscious with a plate of food.

 "Of course", Luscious replied. "No one will find it". She watched as the redhead sat the plate down in front of Roy. Their eyes met briefly. It made her stomach drop. As she reached over to pour Roy a glass of water, Devilwoman saw Zara sliding her foot near his crotch. Impulsively she slapped the Mexican's leg, knocking it down. Roy swallowed hard.

"Let the man eat", the redhead barked.

Zara released a string of expletives in Spanish before heading out the front door. Luscious stared at the couple, finally realized what she had missed before.

 "Where's Bob?" Devilwoman demanded.

Luscious didn't know. "Probably running around like a chicken with it's head cut off". She glanced towards Roy. "I don't know what's wrong with that girl today".

Devilwoman brought a plate for Luscious and herself to the table and sat down. Luscious toyed with her food.

"So did you tell him?" she asked.

Devilwoman nodded. "He's agreed to help us".

Luscious seemed surprised by that. She thought a while. "Did you tell him the plan?"

"We haven't gotten that far", the redhead replied.

"Then what the hell have you been doing?" cried the angry brunette. "He's up walking around like he owns the place. You're playing lady of the house. Did someone forget to wake me up from this nightmare?" She was on her feet, pacing back and forth.

 Devilwoman dropped her fork and sighed. "It's going to be alright. We'll get her back". She knew Luscious wasn't made at her or Roy. She was angry with the situation they were in.

Roy watched cautiously. Luscious was quiet for a moment.

"I'm sorry. I'm just scared".

 Devilwoman got up and went to her friend. They held each other tight. "Georgia is strong. She'll be ok. We have to believe that".

As Roy watched the two women, the seriousness of the situation was beginning to sink in. Luscious looked at her friend with moist eyes. "I'm supposed to take care of you", she said with a snifle.

"Come on", Devilwoman replied, laughing. "Sit down and eat. We have to be strong if we're gonna get Georgia back".

Resignedly Luscious returned to the table. The three of them continued their meal in silence. They each had a lot to think about.

Later that evening Roy and the women gathered in the sitting room to discuss "the plan". Devilwoman told Roy about a Wells-Fargo shipment they had been watching that routinely traveled to nearby Sacramento. It carried payment for the thousands of laborers working on the railroads. They could get all the money they needed in one night.

Roy listened with great interest. Robbing trains was his specialty but he figured stagecoaches couldn't be any harder. He was impressed by the basis of the women's plan, but there were a lot of details to be worked out.

"You know", he began, "they aren't' going to stop for just any reason. They're fast and well armed". Roy didn't want one of the woman getting hurt if it all went bad. "We've got to come up with a fool proof plan".

 "We?" started Bob. Her back was up like a cornered cat. "Since when did you become the boss?"

"Down girl", Luscious said, eyeing the little blonde with amusement. Zara laughed.

"Now let's settle down. We've gotta all work together. That's the only way to pull this thing off". Devilwoman didn't need another squabble. She looked at Roy. "We get the stagecoach to stop and the rest is easy".

 "And just how do you plan to make it stop?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

Zara stood up, thrusting her hips provocatively at Roy. "I'm sure we'll think of something".

Roy swallowed hard. His mind flashed an image of her on top of him. He shuddered.

"Of course no one would stop for Bob. They'd run over her first".

Bob's face turned red. Zara laughed. She enjoyed making fun of the girl. El raton pequeno she liked to call her; "little mouse".

 Luscious reached over and slapped Zara, which saved Devilwoman from having to do it herself. She started to say something to Bob, but the girl ran out. The slamming of the door shook the entire house.

Zara sat down, pleased with herself. Roy didn't know what to say. He was embarrassed for the girl that had been so sweet to him.

"What's wrong with you?" Devilwoman hissed.

 Zara only shrugged.

"Let's get back to the plan. That is what we're here for". Luscious just wanted to get it over.

 "Right. This is what we'll do..." the redhead began. Roy listened intently, jumping in at times to offer a suggestion. It was sounding like a good plan, and Roy O'Bannon loved a good plan.

The rest of the day was spent with each member of the group carrying out assorted chores. There was little time to prepare for the heist and they needed everything to go smoothly. By tomorrow night they would have enough cash to free Georgia, if everything went according to plan.

Roy headed to the barn to check on his horse. His old pal was chewing fresh hay. He lifted his head and snorted when he saw Roy, his way of saying "hi". Roy stroked his mane. He and his pal had been through some tough times. Although he hated to admit it, his horse was his best friend. He was cleaning his saddle when Bob came breezing through. She didn't notice Roy. He watched her toss hay in a stall.

"Hey Bob".

She jumped, thinking she had been alone.

 "You ok". He was worried about her since the episode at the house.

"I'm fine", she replied nervously.

"You sure?" He tried looking directly into her eyes.

"I need to get back to work", she said, moving away.

His hands reached out to grab her arm. "Don't go".

 She fought the urge to run. "There's just so much to get done". Standing this close to him overwhelmed her. Other men, boys really, had stirred feelings inside her, but not like this one. This man made her want to throw caution to the wind.

Without thinking Bob reached up and planted a kiss on Roy's lips. He was taken back by the sudden move. Her mouth pressed hard against his, making it ache. He was beginning to relax when she pulled back and slapped him. The blow landed on his cheek with a sting.

Roy's face turned red, his eyes widened. "Owwwwww! What was that for?" He was rubbing his cheek lightly.

Immediately Bob regretted it. "Roy", she cried. "Roy, I'm so sorry. Please, please forgive me".

He opened his mouth to speak and the girl was on him again. She pressed her body tightly against him, hands wrapped tightly around his neck. She put her tongue in his mouth. He was still in shock about the slap. It took him a minute to react.

"Bob. Bob, we can't do this", he said.

The girl looked into his eyes pleading. "Why? Don't you want me?"

"That's not it at all" he assured her. "You're just so young".

Wack! Bob slapped him again.

"Hey! That's enough", he pleaded, voice raised.

 "I am not a child. I'm a full grown woman, in case you hadn't noticed".

 Roy opened his mouth to speak when Bob's foot connected to his groin. His mouth opened wide, eyes squinting. He doubled over, clutching the tender area. "Damn!" he said biting his lip.

 Bob walked out. She never bothered to look back. He made his way over to a hay bale and tryed to sit down. "

Roy", a voice called out. "Roy". It sounded like Devilwoman.

He was still trying to negotiate the pain.

"Roy", she called again.

Roy O'Bannon looked skyward before shaking his head from side to side. "Give me a minute". "Just give me a minute".

Chapter 7

Devilwoman woke Roy before dark. He dressed before heading to the outhouse. The horses were saddled and ready to ride. Back in the house the women gathered together. They waited for Roy to join them before running through their plan again. Everyone was nervous, even Roy. The women were expecting a lot from him. He didn't want to disappoint. After dumping the last of cold coffee and extinguishing the oil lamps, the gang mounted up and headed west towards Sacramento. They had half a day to make the rendezvous spot. hey reached their destination in plenty of time to prepare for the stagecoach's arrival. The women had previously staked out his spot for it's vantage point and heavy cover. Unlike the rest of the trail, this section was narrow, surrounded by hills on either side. They would be able to see the stage coming but no one would see them.

Roy and Bob moved three of the horses uphill so they couldn't be seen from the road. Devilwoman and Luscious had disappeared behind some thick bushes. When they reappeared their riding clothes had been replaced by low cut, frilly dresses. Roy couldn't help but smile. He liked the change.

He whistled. "That's enough", Devilwoman chided.

Roy slid up and whispered in her ear. "Why don't you and me go behind those bushes?". He was grinning ear to ear.

Devilwoman swatted at him half-heartedly. "Don't you ever think of nothing else?"

"What's left to think about?" he called out as she walked away.

They went back to their preparations. When everything was in place, they waited. It would be a long wait.

Hours passed; they didn't know how many, but the sun was high. Roy guessed it was around two or three o'clock. Bob was the first to spot the dust trail in the distance signaling the stage's approach. Roy and Bob hurried up one hill, Zara up the other. They would stay low until Devilwoman and Luscious did their part.

Devilwoman grabbed her horses reins and forced him down on his side. Carefully she tied a rope to his back leg before kneeling down beside him. Her hand held the rope to keep him from getting up. She stroked his flank to keep him calm. Meanwhile Luscious and her horse stood close by.

The stagecoach slowly came into view. The entire plan hinged on getting it to stop. Roy prayed their plan worked or someone might get hurt.

As it came closer, Roy was sure they could see Devilwoman and her horse in the road by now. It surely began to slow. From his vantage point, Roy could see the driver pulling back on the reins. Another man sat beside him, a Winchester rifle in his hand. They eyed two women as the team came to a halt.

The rifleman was the first to jump down. Luscious stood anxiously by her horse. She put on her best act for the men.

"Oh please help us" she pleaded. "I think he's broken a leg". He glanced around. He was amazed to see such beautiful women out in the country all alone. "Please help us", she asked again.

"It's ok, ma'am", he soothed. "Let me see what I can do". He walked toward the redhead, rifle in hand. The driver had stepped down and was following him.

Roy eyed the stage curiously. Another person was inside. He had to assume it was an armed guard protecting the money. They would have to watch him carefully.

By now the rifleman had reached the sobbing woman. Her head lay against the horse's neck.

"Ma'am? Are you alright?"

 She raised her head, eyes dry, gun drawn. "I am now".

On cue, Roy and the women surrounded the others.

"Reach for the skies gentlemen" Roy announced. His gun was trained on the window of the stagecoach. Zara and Bob covered the driver.

The rifleman tightened his grip on his own rifle. The redhead watched his eyes.

"I wouldn't if I were you", she warned. He considered it briefly before flinging the weapon away.

Roy and Bob approached the stagecoach. "Throw out your weapon", he told the passenger. He watched as a rifle came through the window. "I'll take that" he said. Roy was pleased with the coup. He and Bob waited for the frightened man to climb out.

 Devilwoman and her horse were on their feet. "Move them over there" she instructed.

The men were led up the hill. Each was tied to a tree. When they were secured, the group gathered in front of the stagecoach.

"You know what to do". She was eager to finish up and leave. Everyone had their jobs. Roy, Luscious and Bob would split up and ride in different directions to confuse trackers. Devilwoman and Zara would drive the stagecoach off the trail then use part of the team to help carry the money home. If the phony trail trick worked, no one would ever trace the robbery back to them.

"You ready?" she asked, looking from face to face.

Roy felt like a kid in a candy store. They had grabbed the money and no one got hurt. "Let's go".

Chapter 8

Roy spent the next few hours switching directions and doubling back on himself. It was nightfall by the time he started heading for home. He was pleasantly surprised to run into Bob. She was happy to see him too.

 "You think we should keep going?"

Roy knew it could be very dangerous traveling at night. He had heard of riders accidentally going over cliffs in the dark.

"Why don't we rest for the night", he suggested. Bob definitely approved.

They made camp in a small clearing near a clear stream. Bob started a campfire while Roy unsaddled the horses. He led them to drink before plopping down on his bedroll. Bob was trying to catch a fish with a sharp wooden stake. Roy reached into his sack and pulled out some jerky. He watched Bob with amusement.

Bob was oblivious to Roy's attention. She devoted her full concentration to the fish. After several poor attempts to catch one, Roy decided he'd had enough. Pulling a small net from his saddlebag, he walked over to Bob and knelt down.

"Here", he said. "I think this might help".

Bob couldn't believe her eyes. Why hadn't he said something before. Now she felt foolish.

"I always come prepared", he said flashing a devilish smile.

Bob watched him scoop a fish into the net then yanked it away .

"Hey!"

Bob ignored him and went to the fire.

"What did I do?". Roy was feigning innocence.

"You could have spoke up before", she replied.

"Before what?" he asked.

"Before I made a fool of myself".

 Roy could see she really was mad at him. He hated it when girls were mad at him. "I'm sorry. I was just kidding around".

It sounded heartfelt to Bob. "Really?". She looked at him a moment before turning back to the frying fish.

"Honestly", he implored.

Bob couldn't help herself. His expression was so sweet and innocent. Unable to help herself, she relented. "Ok. Ok. Don't beg".

Roy flashed a brilliant smiling. "Alrighty!"

He rubbed his hands together, pleased with himself. Bob just shook her head and smiled. She had never met anyone like Roy before.

When the fish was done they shared the meal side by side on Roy's bedroll. They were warmed by the fire. The meal was plenty to fill them up after a long day. The sounds of the woods played like music in the background. Bob sat with her arms wrapped around her knees. She stared off into the distance. After a long pause Roy spoke.

"Why do they call you Bob?" he asked. "I think Roberta is a pretty name".

Bob turned to face him. "I hate it" she said. He watched her gaze at some unseen object in the distance.

"How old are you?"

 She turned angrily. "What difference does that make?" she snapped.

"Well, I, I.." Roy had done it again.

"I'm tired of being treated like a baby. I'm just as much a woman as any of the others". Her face was read, her eyes flashed. "And I can damn well take care of myself".

Roy tried to calm her. He certainly never meant to set her off. "I'm sorry", he sputtered.

Bob was having none of it. "And I don't care if you don't want me either. I don't need any man". She scooted away from him, turning her back.

"I'm sorry" he managed weakly. He sat quietly twisting a blade of grass between his fingers. The fire crackled and an owl hooted in the trees. Roy was hurt by the girl's outburst. It was just his curious nature to ask questions, he meant no harm. Suddenly he noticed she was shaking; he figured she must be cold. Grabbing a blanket he moved over and laid it across her shoulders. Her eyes were red and puffy, tears rolled down her face. "Bob", he said gently, "don't be mad at me".

She refused to look at him. She hated for a man to see her cry, especially one she liked so much. Roy laid his hand softly on her back. Oddly enough he was seeing a different Bob; less boyish, more womanly. But seeing her crying was breaking his heart.

 "Do you think I'm ugly?" She saw him look at her. Suddenly she regretted the question and looked away.

 "No", Roy insisted. "No!" He took her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. "You are beautiful". She averted her eyes, embarrassed by his answer. "Don't ever let anyone tell you different".

Her heart was light. No one had ever spoken to her like this. "Roy? Can I kiss you?"

Roy drew his head back a little, surprised by the question. Then he smiled that sweet Roy way. He leaned in to allow her lips to meet his. He tasted the saltiness of her tears. The kiss was long and sweet. Roy felt a familiar stir.

Bob could hear the beating of her heart in your ears, pounding like a drum. She reached up and took Roy's hands in hers, staring into his sparkling blue eyes. "Roy", she said quietly, "I want you to be my first".

Roy felt his body tense. "You mean you never..." his voice trailed off as Bob shook her head. Bob being a virgin had never entered his mind. After all, she had come onto him in the barn. Now he was glad things hadn't progressed. "Bob, I don't think we should".

Her face showed disappointment. "But it's what I want". She kissed him more urgent this time, letting him feel her need. His apprehension began to fade. Bob slipped the blanket from her shoulders before undoing the top buttons on her shirt. She sat looking at Roy, her eyes begging him to take her. She knew he couldn't say no.

 Roy went to her. Scooping her up in his arms, he lowered her to the blanket. They kissed slowly at first, then more passionately. Roy wanted to be gentle since it was her first time. He began to undo the remaining button's on her shirt, slipping his fingers inside the fabric as he went. With the last button free he peeled her shirt open, revealing small, firm breasts. Her nipples hardened in his mouth. His tongue teased and taunted. She moaned at his touch. Roy sat up and moved to her feet. He slipped her boots off and lay them aside. She felt nervousness building inside. He took hold of her trousers, slowly sliding them off her hips. Continuing down her body was fully revealed to him. Her skin was soft and smooth. Roy couldn't take his eyes off of her. The thought of being the first man to see her nakedness gave him increased excitement.

He quickly removed shirt. Running his hands down her body, Roy slipped his hands between her legs, pushing them apart. Bob held her breath. He kissed her thighs, sending chills down her body. He kissed his way up her thighs until his mouth found her womaness. Bob shuddered at the sensation of his mouth and tongue. "My God" she thought, "I've never heard of anything like this". He continued to pleasure her, enjoying the sweetness of her in his mouth. Her hips writhed in his hands. Her soft moans excited him. He had to stop himself before it was too late.

Bob could feel something new and strange welling up inside when Roy suddenly stopped and stood up. Momentarily, she wondered if he had changed his mind. "God, I hope not". she thought till Roy began undressing. He had pulled off his boots and tossed them aside, his fingers were on his waist band. Bob watched with anticipation as he slipped off his own trousers. She was wide eyed as he stood naked in front of her, his manhood firm and erect. She had never seen a man naked before. "Oh my God", she thought. "Is that going in me?" She swallowed hard. It sure didn't look like it would fit. Before she could dwell on it any longer, Roy had lowered himself onto her. She could feel the hardness of him between her legs, hot and throbbing. He kissed her again, his tongue searching for hers. She felt an ache in her loins. Roy couldn't wait any longer. He reached down and took himself in hand. Looking into Bob's eyes, he guided himself into her as gently as possible. He could see her face register pain as he pushed in deeper into her. She closed her eyes. Bob was confused. It hurt with each thrust but she didn't want him to stop. Roy moaned. Bob tried to move but she couldn't, so she lay there watching Roy's face as his thrusting came harder and faster. Before long she felt a warm rush inside her as her came. Then his body relaxed.

They exchanged a long kiss before Roy rolled off her. He wrapped her in his arms, her head against his chest, before pulling the blanket across them. They lay silent listening to the night. "You ok?" Roy asked after a while. Bob had been so still. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

She loved how concerned he was about her. She tilted her head to look at him. "It hurt a little, but I'm fine". She smiled. Roy was glad to hear it. He smiled too. "Good ol' Roy", he told himself, "always pleases the ladies".

He was congratulating himself when Bob sat up and leaned across his chest. "Can we do it again?" Roy O'Bannon could never say no to a pretty woman.

Chapter 9

The next day everyone was back at the farmhouse. The ladies had totaled their earnings at nearly fifty thousand dollars. They were ready to move on to the next step.

 Roy had yet to hear the rest of the plan. After taking a hot bath, he was refreshed and ready to listen. The ladies were gathered on the front porch. Devilwoman sat in a creaky rocker, Luscious and Zara on the front steps. Bob was perched on the railing with her feet hanging down. She was quiet, wistful.

Roy sat down next to the redhead. "What's next?" he wanted to know.

"We go to Cerisola".

Roy was unfamiliar with the name. "Who?"

"Amando Cerisola", she answered. "He has Georgia and probably more just like her". Cerisola was a wealthy Mexican landowner. He had made the majority of his fortune from kidnapping young girls and selling them into slavery. The rest had come from trading weapons and supplies across the US/Mexican border. Devilwoman told Roy of Cerisola's ranch Tuscon. The girl's were kept there temporarily. When the men had gathered enough women for a hefty profit, they moved them by wagon into Mexico.

Roy wanted to ask how she knew so much about this man but she spoke again. "If they take Georgia into Mexico, we'll never see her again". She turned away, trying to hold back tears. She couldn't cry now.

Roy was silent for a while. He was thinking about the details. "We can probably make it in a week", he began. "Once we get through the mountains we should be able to make up some time".

 Zara laughed. "And what it it's too late?" she taunted. "They could be gone for all you know. I say we keep the money and forget about Georgia. Georgia is gone".

A blow from Luscious hit Zara in the side of her face. The impact knocked her to the ground. She staggered to get onto her feet, mouth wide open, eyes wild. "Bitch!" she screamed before lunging at Luscious.

The two women became locked together, kicking and screaming. They grabbed handfuls of hair. Zara bit Luscious on the arm. Bob tried to intervene, but was knocked to the ground. Roy rushed forward grabbing Luscious around the waist and pulling her away. Devilwoman struggled to hold onto the flailing Mexican. Zara spit at Luscious again. She kicked Roy as he struggled to keep her under control.

"Enough!" yelled Devilwoman. "I said enough!" She glared at both woman. "I've had it with you two. I've got enough problems without the two of you adding to it". Her face was red. It'd been a long time since they'd seen her this angry. Then she turned to Zara, pointing her finger in the woman's face. "If I ever hear you mention Georgia again, you'll wish you were dead".

They watched as Devilwoman stomped up the stairs and through the front door. Roy decided it was safe to release his hold on Luscious. He looked from woman to woman, not sure what to do. Luscious and Zara stood staring at the ground, angry and embarrassed. Looking over he saw that Bob was still on the ground where she had fallen. Walking past the feuders, he reached out his hands and helped her up. She smiled as he brushed the dirt from her clothes. He turned to see Luscious and Zara walking off in opposite directions. When he turned around, Bob was leaving too.

Roy O'Bannon found himself lost and abandoned. After thinking about it for a minute, he decided it wasn't such a bad thing. There would be three angry women in the house tonight. He knew what he must do. Roy spent the night in the barn. Besides, it wasn't the first time he had made his bed in hay.

By morning everyone had calmed down. The women chatted as if nothing had happened. He was glad about that. Roy was never good with conflict. Over the next twenty four hours they prepared for the trip south. A couple of them went into town for supplies. The horses were rested and ready to go.

The night before their departure, Roy came to Devilwoman's room. She sat brushing her hair. He was smiling in his usual Roy way. "Can I help you Mr. O'Bannon", she asked coyly.

 "I just wanted to make sure you were alright". He was a little nervous about the trip.

She patted the bed next to her. Roy sat down. "I don't know if I can do this". Roy wasn't sure exactly what she meant. "I'm afraid it's too late and all this is for nothing".

Roy pulled her close letting his lips kiss her forehead. She laid her head on his shoulder. She felt safe with Roy. "Stay with me", she whispered.

When morning came they were still wrapped safely in each others arms.

Chapter 10

Two days later they were well into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It would take three or four days to make it through the rough terrain. The going would be slow. They often rode single file. Conversation was minimal. Each of them carried fifteen thousand dollars in a gunny sack.

When dark came the first night, they made camp. A spatter of small talk highlighted the evening. After a full day's ride all they needed was sleep. The air grew cooler in the higher elevations. The horses slowed at times, working much harder to keep their footing. Progress was slow over the next day and a half. But midway through the third day they were beginning the downhill leg of the journey.

This brought lighter moods and a small amount of relief. That night they camped by a mountain stream. They ate fresh fish instead of jerky and bread. Conversation was livelier around the campfire. Roy was feeling optimistic. He sensed it in the other women too. Except for Zara. She was quiet, withdrawn. Roy didn't trust her. Something about her made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. None of the others appeared to be bothered by her lack of participation. They went to sleep with full stomachs and rested minds.

Roy woke just before daybreak. Stretching and yawning he headed off into the trees to relieve himself. Whistling as he returned to camp, he saw the three women sleeping near the fire. He was rarely the first to wake.

"Wait", Roy thought aloud, looking around. There were only three women. "Oh my God" he said, reaching down to rouse Devilwoman. "Wake up!" "Wake up!" He shook her hard. She opened her eyes, confused. "Zara's gone".

"What!" she exclaimed, jumping up.

 Zara's bedroll was indeed gone, along with her horse. "That little bitch" she screamed.

 Bob and Luscious were awake now too.

They saw the redhead stomping and cursing. "I'll kill that bitch myself".

Luscious was on her feet. "What the hell happened?" she asked, looking at Roy.

Roy stood hands on hips, head cast down. He shook his head in disbelief. "Zara took off. She's gone".

Luscious waited for his words to sink in. Then without a word, she began gathering her bedroll and belongings. "I can't believe that little witch thinks she can double cross me and get away with it".

 Devilwoman looked to Roy, like a tornado ready to roll. "Where are you going?" she asked the brunette.

Luscious continued her preparations. "I'm going after her".

"What?" Roy's eyes were wide with shock.

"You can't", cried Bob. "What about Georgia?"

Things were really beginning to fall apart for them. "You can still make Tuscon. You, Bob and Roy. But I'm going after Zara".

Devilwoman could see Luscious' mind was made up. She knew it wasn't just about the money, it was about the betrayal she felt. "You get Georgia. Leave Zara to me".

Devilwoman felt her heart sink as Luscious rode away. Something in her gut told her she should follow, but that would mean giving up her last chance to find Georgia.

"We can't let her go off alone". The alarm in Roy's eyes when he spoke matched her concern. "Zara's dangerous and she's not in this alone. There has to be someone else. She could be walking right into a trap".

She hated to admit it but Roy was right. Luscious was a smart woman but impulsive. And as they had just found out, they really didn't know Zara at all.

 "I'll go". His voice was soft yet firm.

 Devilwoman laid her hands on Roy's shoulders. "I couldn't stand to lose either of you", she told him tenderly.

 Roy returned a brilliant smile and a little toss of the head. "Hey. This is Roy O'Bannon you're talking to". He flashed a brilliant smile.

She quickly reached up and kissed his sweet lips. "I'll be waiting in Tuscon".

"Don't you go running off with another cowboy before I get there", he teased.

"Not a chance".

 Devilwoman slipped an arm around Bob as they watched him ride off. Bob fought back tears. The two women were all alone now and neither of them knew if they'd ever see Luscious or Roy again.