ROY Shanghai Series


Title: The Poison Apple
Author: Devilwoman
Type: Shanghai Series
Genre: Mystery
Disclaimer: The character of Roy O'Bannon is borrowed from the movies Shanghai Noon & Shanghai Knights. I do not know Owen Wilson or anyone from Touchstone Pictures & no copyright infringement is intended.
Premise: Roy becomes intangled in a murder mystery.
Rating: NC17 - Sexual situations, language

 

 

    Roy sat slouching in his chair, watching the people come and go in the restaurant. He wasn't very hungry, thanks to Chon.

    "Come on, Roy. It's not so bad. You won't even know I'm gone". Chon was like the big brother Roy never had and probably his only true friend.

    "I don't see why you have to go all the way to San Francisco. Why can't Pepe come here?" A pout formed on Roy's lips.

    "She is very busy. It is easier for me to go to her".

    Roy knew Chon was right. He missed his fiancé very much, but Roy was jealous and sometimes selfish. He was about to speak again when they are interrupted by the waitress, bringing fresh coffee. She smiles sweetly at Roy. Chon watches with great interest. The girl, a petite blonde, is probably no more than twenty. Clearly she was interested in Roy, who doesn't seem to notice.

    After she leaves, Chon leans over to his friend. "I think she likes you".

    "Who?" Roy asks, brow wrinkling.

    Chon cocks his head in the girl's direction. "That girl. She couldn't take her eyes off you".

    Roy shrugs, turning back to Chon. "So what?"

    "So?" Chon wonders. "She's pretty. You could do worse".

    "Are you trying to set me up?" Now that Chon had found someone, he was working hard to make Roy settle down too.

     "No. No", he answers. "Forget about it".

     The two men sit quietly. The girl approaches again. She looks past Chon, straight at Roy. For the first time, he looks her straight in the eye.

     "Can I get you anything else?"

     Roy offers a polite smile. "No thanks. I'm fine".

     "Me too", Chon adds.

     She casts an irritated look at Chon, but to Roy she is all smiles. "If you change your mind, my name is Marnie".

     Already losing interest, Roy stares out the front window. Chon offers the girl a smile.

     "Thank you, Marnie".

     With a puzzled look at Roy, Marnie walks away.

 

     Outside the restaurant, Roy and Chon head down the street. Roy tips his hat to the ladies he passes.

     "What are you going to do while I'm gone?" Chon asks.

     Roy shrugs. "I don't know. Maybe I'll read a book or

something".

     Chon reaches over, laying a hand on Roy's shoulder.

     "Don't get into trouble. I won't be here to help you".

     Roy feigns shock. "What's that supposed to me? You think I can't get along without you? Is that it?"

     "Of course not, Roy. I know you too well".

     Chon offers him a devilish smile. No matter how hard he tries, Roy cannot be mad at his friend.

     "Promise me something, buddy", he asks Chon. "Don't get too comfortable in San Francisco. I can't run this town without you".

     "It's a deal, buddy". Chon seals the deal with a handshake.

 

     Goldie's is in full swing when Roy arrives. After a few drinks at the bar, Roy takes Violet by the hand and heads upstairs. The tall brunette with ivory skin and a full figure, knows the cowboy all too well. Many times she has taken him to her bed and never once been disappointed.

     In her room, Roy takes off his gun belt and lays it on a chair before stretching out on the bed, arms folded behind his head. Violet sits down beside him and runs her hands along his lean, muscular body.

     "So what'll it be tonight? Lady and the outlaw? Teacher and student?" One of the things she loves about Roy is the games he likes to play.

     "I'll tell you what", he purrs. "Surprise me".

     Violet stands up and turns her back to him. Slowly, she begins to slip her chemise off one, ivory shoulder. With a look over her shoulder, she blows Roy a kiss. Her hips begin to sway back and forth as she slowly struts about the room.

     "Oooo, the stripper and the preacher. I like this one". Sitting back, Roy watches the show. "I can save your soul, young lady. All sinners can reach salvation". A little smile forms on his face as her clothes slowly hit the floor and more bare skin is exposed.

     "I don't think I can be a good girl, mister", she says coyly. "I'm just so bad deep inside".

     Roy gets up on his knees, reaching across the bed for her. "Come here, sweet girl. Let me free you from your evil ways".

     His hands caress her bare back. His blue eyes rage with passion. Her mouth stops inches from his. "How can you help me?"

     "Let me drive the evil spirits from your body". Taking her around the waist, Roy pulls her to him. Their lips meet with an explosive passion. Violet's hands hurry to help Roy undress. Together they use up every once of energy between them, stopping only when both are satisfied. And while Violet sleeps, Roy gets dressed, slips the money on the dresser, and leaves.

 

 

     A knock on his boarding house door the next morning, pulls Roy from his sleep. Opening his eyes, he is assaulted by the bright morning son streaming through the small window.

Naked, he plods his way to the door, half asleep.

     Marshall Jacob MacBride stands waiting. He looks Roy up and down. "Roy O'Bannon?"

     "Yeah. What do you want?"

     "I need to talk to you about your visit to Goldie's last night".

     Stepping away from the door, Roy motions the lawman in. After closing the door, Roy stands silently, waiting for the lawman to explain.

     "You think you could get some pants on?" the lawman asks, looking off to Roy's side.

     Embarrassed, Roy covers himself with his hands. "Sorry, I was, you know, asleep...". His voice trails off as he reaches for his pants and quickly puts them on.

     The lawman, more comfortable now, is ready to talk. "Can you tell me about your visit last night?"

     "What do you mean?" Roy is confused. This is a first for him. Secretly, he tries to remember if he did something he shouldn't have last night.

     "Who were you with at Goldies?" Sitting down, the Marshall eyes Roy suspiciously.

     "Violet. Why?" Roy is beginning to get nervous. Obviously he is not getting the whole story. "What's this about? Has something happened?"

     Without hesitation, the lawman spills. "Violet's dead. She's been murdered."

     Roy feels like he has been kicked. He tries to draw a breath but it hurts. The Marshall doesn't take his eyes off of him. Slowly, Roy reaches for a chair and sits down. He says nothing.

     "Are you all right, Mr. O'Bannon?"

     Not exactly all right, he thinks to himself. "Murdered? When? How did it happen?"

     "I was hoping you could tell me something", the lawman tells him. "It seems you may have been the last person to see her alive".

     Roy can't believe it. She was fine when he left.

     "Can you tell me exactly what happened between the two of you. It's very important".

     Roy goes over the evening step by step, leaving out the more intimate details. He finishes by telling the Marshall that Violet was asleep when he left and that he left money for her on the table.

     "Are you sure that's everything? You don't remember seeing anyone else or hearing anything before you left?"

     "No", Roy tells him. "She was asleep. That's all I know".

     Standing up, the Marshall seems satisfied with Roy's story. He walks to the door with Roy following.

     "If you can think of anything else, anything Violet might

have told you, let me know".

     "I will", Roy tells him.

     The Marshall is in the hallway when Roy stops him. "Excuse me, but can I ask how she died?"

     "She was strangled".

     Roy swallows hard. "Thank you, Marshall".

     Inside the room alone, Roy walks robotically to the bed and sits down. He thinks of Violet, tall and brunette, giving herself to him the night before. Suddenly, he can't get the picture of her lying cold and motionless out of his mind. Lying back, Roy squeezes his eyes tight and tries to block it from his mind.

 

     Later, on the street, Roy is oblivious to someone sneaking up from behind. A tap on the shoulder spins him around. He finds himself face to face with Marnie; the smiley girl from the restaurant.

     "Hi. Are you going to the restaurant?" she asks.

     "No, not now".

     Marnie is disappointed. "Oh".

     Turning away, Marnie rushes to catch up to Roy.

     "Do you think you'll be in later?" she asks.

     Roy answers, but keeps walking. "I don't know. Maybe".

     In front of the restaurant, Marnie makes a last ditch effort and dives in front of Roy.

     "I'll save a big piece of cherry pie for you".

     Looking past her, Roy responds with disinterest. "Sure". Marnie watches him cross the street. She is furious to see him heading straight for Goldie's.

 

     In the grand foyer, several of the girl's are gathered. Some of them cry and hold each other. Goldie herself sits at the bar, her arm around a young redhead with a tear streaked face. Seeing Roy, she comes to him with out-stretched arms.

     "Roy, have you heard?"

     He takes her hands in his tenderly. "The Marshall came to my room this morning. He told me Violet had been strangled".

     "It's awful. She was such a beautiful girl". Goldie wipes a tear from her eye. Roy escorts her to a loveseat and sits beside her.

     "What happened, Goldie? Who would Violet dead?"

     "I don't know, Roy. Poor Amber found her this morning. The poor thing had to be sedated". She hangs her head sadly.

     "Was she having a problem with anyone? Maybe she said something to one of the other girls?".

     "No. Not a word. Everything was fine, as far as I know".

     A familiar, buxom blonde rushes over. She kneels down before Roy, resting her hands in his lap.

     "Roy, I'm so glad to see you", she says.

     "Hi, Fifi. How are you?"

     "It's awful about Violet. She was so sweet. I can't think why anyone would want to hurt her".

     Goldie interrupts. "You two talk. I have to check on a few things".

     With Goldie's departure, Fifi takes her place on the loveseat beside Roy.

     "Did she say anything to you?" she asks.

     "No. We...you know. Then we went to sleep. She was sleeping when I left".

     "I'm scared, Roy. What if whoever did this comes back?"

     Roy puts his arms around the trembling woman. "Don't worry, Fifi. I'll look out for you".

 

     Throughout her shift at the restaurant, Marnie peers out the front window, waiting for Roy to arrive. When darkness falls, she realizes he isn't coming and her blood begins to boil. Mrs. Bascum, the owner of the restaurant, comes from behind. Marnie jumps at the sound of her voice.

     "Something wrong, dear?" she inquires.

     Marnie plants a smile on her face and turns to face her. "No ma'am, but I'd like to take off now, if you don't mind".

     The place is quiet, only a few patrons left. "That'll be fine", Mrs. Bascum tells her. "See you in the morning?"

     "Bright and early", Marnie replies. Like the wind, she gathers her things and disappears down the street.

 

     Roy fastens his gun belt. A curvaceous redhead, naked except for a sheet, peers up at him with a pout.

     "Do you really have to go?" Cherry asks innocently.

     "Look at you", Roy teases. "Aren't you sleepy yet?"

     "A little", she admits, "but I'd rather you stay all night".

     Roy leans over and plants a kiss on her forehead. "Get some sleep. I'll see you later".

     When Roy closes the door, a sleepy Cherry shuts her eyes. She doesn't see the shadow outside her window and is fast asleep when light footsteps cross her room.

 

     Like a bad dream, Roy is awakened the next morning by a persistent knocking at his door. Cursing under his breath, Roy slips his pants on and drags himself to the door. To his surprise, Marnie stands before him, a basket in hand. She offers a sweet smile.

     "Good morning, Roy. Can I come in?"

     Roy offers her a puzzled look. "What are you doing here?"

     She holds the basket up. "I brought you fresh homemade muffins". She pushes past him and into the room. "You better eat them while they're still warm".

     He is astonished. Not only does she show up uninvited, she helps herself to his room. Standing in front of the open door, Roy makes no effort to move.

     "Come on, silly. Sit down and eat". She looks at him with an innocent, sweet face.

     "Look..."

     "Marnie", she offers.

     "Right. Marnie. Look Marnie, this is all very nice, but you really shouldn't be here".

     "Why?" she asks. "Don't you like muffins?"

     "I love muffins, but I really don't know you, and I didn't invite you in".

     The impact of Roy's words hurt, but she tries not to show it. She's not ready to give up yet. Walking over, she tugs on his arm, trying to move him away from the door.

     "Come on. Just one muffin. Then I'll leave".

     He is about to protest when a sound from the hall gets his attention. Roy turns to find Marshall MacBride heading his way. Marnie continues to hold on to his arm. The lawman is all business when he gets to the door.

     "Roy O'Bannon. You need to come with me".

     Roy glances at him and the two men standing behind him. He can see it isn't a friendly request.

     "Excuse me, Marshall. Is something wrong?" he inquires.

     The Marshall eyes the young woman beside him. "I think we should talk privately".

     Marnie pulls away from Roy, smiling at the lawman. "Oh, I think I hear someone calling my name", she giggles. Turning to Roy, "I'll pick up my basket later". She stands on tip toes and gives him an unexpected peck on the cheek before slipping past the Marshall.

     Relieved she has gone, Roy picks up where they left off. "Why do you want to talk to me?"

     "Were you with a woman named Cherry at the brothel last night?" the Marshal inquires.

     "Yeah. Why? Did something happen?" Alarms begin to go off in Roy's head.

     "That's exactly what I want to ask you. She's dead and once again, you seem to be the last person to be seen with her". He looks at Roy's shocked face. "You've got some explaining to do, boy".

 

     Sitting on the cot, Roy stares out from behind the iron bars. No matter how much he protests his innocence, it is clear the Marshall doesn't believe him. Without an alibi, Roy fears he may not be able to get out of this one, but the Marshall returns and unlocks his door.

     "I'm going to let you go, but don't leave town. This

isn't over".

     "Then you believe me", Roy wonders.

     "I talked to several of   Goldie's girls. Lucky for you, not one of them believes you could do something like this. On top of that, I don't have any proof".

     Relieved, Roy picks up his step. "Can I have my guns?"

     "Sure". The lawman goes to his desk and opens a deep drawer. He tosses the gunbelt to Roy. "Let me ask you something", the Marshall says, eyes narrowed. "If you didn't kill them two woman, who did?"

     Roy looks at him, face blank. "I don't know, Marshall. Honest to God, I don't know".

     "Just don't forget what I told you. Stick around town till this is settled".

     With a polite "yes sir", Roy gets the heck out of jail.

 

     Roy immediately heads to Goldie's. To his surprise, Benny, Goldie's gargantuan bouncer, is waiting at the door. Roy barely makes it up the front steps before Benny blocks his way.

     "I'm sorry, Mr. O'Bannon. I have my orders". His arms are folded tightly against his chest. To Roy, he looks like a brick wall.

     "What? What orders?" Roy asks. Never before has he been refused entry into Goldie's.

     "Miss Goldie told me to keep you out, so I'm keeping you out", the bouncer tells him.

     Roy is dumbfounded. His arms flail about aimlessly. "I didn't do anything to those women. Is that what everyone thinks?" Surely the women know him better than that.

     Before the bouncer can answer, Goldie herself, hearing the commotion, steps outside.

     "I'm sorry about this Roy, but it's the only thing I can do".

     "You don't think I killed Violet and Cherry do you?" he asks innocently.

     Goldie rests her hands on his shoulders. "No Roy, of course not. But some of the girls are scared. For whatever reason, you seem to be tied to the murders".

     "But I didn't do it. I couldn't".

     "I know that Roy, swear to God I do. But until this thing is settled, I need you to stay away".

     Sadly, Roy shakes his head. He wants to understand Goldie's position, but he is disappointed and hurt nonetheless.

     "I swear to you Goldie. I'm going to find out who killed them. You can count on it". Turning on his heels, Roy slowly walks away.

 

     In his room that night, Roy tries to drown his sorrow in

a bottle of whiskey. Just as the numbness starts to come, so does a knock on the door.

     "Go away", he calls. The last thing he wants is company. Another knock occurs. Frustrated, Roy gets up and swings open the door. Marnie, in her Sunday best, is waiting outside. She smiles when she sees Roy.

     "Hi. Can I come in?"

     "Marnie, what are you doing here?" he asks, voice tired.

     She slips under is arm and into the room. Behind him, she rubs a hand along his back. "I thought you could use some company".

     Letting the door close, Roy gives her the once over. Although she is pretty enough, something about her doesn't sit well with him. Ignoring her, he sits back down at the table and pours himself another drink.

     Marnie moves behind him and begins to rub his shoulders. "Oooo, you are so tense". Her hands feel good to him, working out the soreness in his neck and shoulders. He closes his eyes.

     "That's nice", he purrs.

     Giggling, she continues her massage, moving slowly up and down his back. Finally, the cares of the day begin to leave his mind. Leaning over, she whispers in his ear. "Why don't you go lay down on the bed so I can give you a proper massage?"

     Roy does as she asks. Laying on his stomach, Marnie leans over him, putting her strength the rubdown. To Roy, it feels like heaven.

     "How's that feel?" she asks.

     "Wonderful", he tells her.

     Marnie sits on the bed beside him, continuing her slow, stimulating massage. With his head to the side, Roy watches her face as she works. She is so young and pretty, and the whiskey has blurred his senses. He reaches out a hand and strokes her face. He thinks she lets a small moan escape from her lips.

     Rolling over, Roy reaches up and pulls Marnie onto him. His lips find hers, kissing her firmly. She tastes the whiskey on his lips. Passionately, she kisses him back.

     Lost in the moment, Roy touches her breast, stroking it lightly. At first there is a little gasp, the Marnie pulls away violently and slaps Roy hard across the face. He sits upright.

     "What the hell?" he demands.

     Marnie is on her feet, her face red. "I'm not one of your whores. You can't treat me that way".

     "Are you nuts? You came to me, all touchy feely. Not the other way around".

     "I wanted to make you feel better. I didn't come here to be raped".

     Roy jumps to his feet, hands in the air. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. I wasn't trying to force you into anything". Marnie's

angry expression worries Roy. "I think you better leave now", he tells her, heading for the door.

     Suddenly, she changes again. The anger is replaced by remorse. "Oh Roy, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it, really I didn't".

     But Roy has had enough. "Look, I don't know what you expect from me, but I'm not looking for anything permanent right now".

     Marnie pulls on his shirt sleeves. "That's ok, Roy. Really, I don't mind. All I care about is you".

     Now Roy is really starting to worry. After all, he barely knows this crazy person. "Marnie, I'm sure you're really nice and all, but there is not going to be anything between you and me...ever".

     Marnie looks at him, sad and disappointed. Slowly she begins to make her way to the door. At the last minute, she throws her arms around him and begins kissing his face.

     "I'll do anything you want, Roy. Please, please don't make me go".

     Roy grabs her by the arms and pushes her away. "Stop it, Marnie. Stop it".

     As he leads her through the door, she continues to plead. "Please don't make me go. I love you, Roy. I love you".

     With her safely on the other side of the door, Roy offers his final advice. "Stay away from me, Marnie. I don't want you around". Roy closes the door in her pleading face. He collapses against it, hearing her voice on the other side telling him how much she loves him. He closes his eyes, trying to drown her out. When he hears her no more, he sits back down to pour another shot.

     Roy is barely finished with the shot when another knock is at the door. Figuring it's Marnie, Roy rips the door open in a rage. To his surprise, Fifi stands before him, all perfume and curls. Immediately, Roy softens.

     "Fifi, what are you doing here?"

     "I heard what Goldie did to you. Are you all right?"

     "Sure", he tells her, ushering her in. "I'm ok".

     Inside, Fifi holds Roy tightly, her head rests on his shoulder. "I know you're innocent. You would never hurt anyone".

     Roy strokes her hair. "You came all this way just to tell me that?" He looks longingly into her eyes. "You're so sweet".

     Fifi tenderly kisses his cheek. "I care about you, Roy. Don't you know that?"

     Holding her face in his hands, Roy kisses her. She presses her body against him, melting in his warmth. With Roy, everything old is new again. He gives her a feeling of comfort.

     Breaking free from his embrace, Fifi begins to undress Roy. He stands silent, watching his discarded clothes hit the floor. She takes a moment to admire his naked form before taking his throbbing manhood into her mouth. Eyeing him from below, her mouth moves tenderly up and down the growing flesh. Roy's head drifts back, his eyes closed. Small moans escape is lips. Fifi, knowing what Roy likes best, is relentless in her pursuit to please him.

     With the passion overwhelming him, Roy can wait no more. Lifting her from the floor, Roy pushes her against the table. The whiskey bottle falls to the floor, spilling it's contents. Lifting her skirt, Roy pulls her undergarments down and casts them aside. Looking into her eyes, Roy enters her with a violent thrust. Fifi cries out. Roy thrusts harder.

     Laying back against the table, Fifi moans with delight. In a frenzy, Roy delivers a steady thrust, spurred on by Fifi's passionate cries. As she begins to come, Fifi digs her nails into Roy, causing him to cry out too. With a series of earth shattering thrusts, Roy spills into her. Only when he is spent, Roy pulls Fifi to him and holds her tight.

 

     Wanting to make sure she is safe, Roy walks Fifi back to Goldie's that night. Only when she is safely inside does Roy return to his room at the boarding house. After mopping up the spilled whiskey, Roy removes his clothes and climbs into bed.

 

     In her room, Fifi undresses and washes off. Sitting on the pillow filled bed, she meticulously brushes her hair over and over again, thinking about her latest encounter with Roy. With her back to the window, she doesn't see the small figure slipping across her room.   

     A tiny voice whispers "He's mine". Fifi turns to see a figure in a dark cloak. Without warning, the figure is on her, something tight against her throat. Fifi struggles, grabbing a handful of cloak. She tries to push the figure away, but she can't breath. Her head starts to spin and she feels incredibly light. For a brief second, she sees a female face before everything goes black.

 

     Roy is dead tired. He doesn't hear someone picking the lock or someone sneaking into his room. When the morning sun feels warm against his face, Roy opens his eyes and stretches. The muscles in his back stretch and release. With a sigh he rolls over.

     Marnie sits in a chair beside the bed, one of Roy's prized pearl handles in her lap. Seeing him awake, Marnie raises the pistol to his face. Instinctively, Roy is scared, but angry.

     "How the hell did you get in here?" he demands.

     "You'd be surprised what a hairpin can do", she informs him.

     Feeling naked inside and out, he scans the room for his other gun.

     "I hid the other gun, if that's what you're looking for. It's just you and me now".

     "Ok", Roy says. "What do you want?"

     Marnie laughs. "Oh, now you want to know what I want. You weren't thinking about what I wanted when you threw me out last night, or when you were rutting with your little whore".

     Roy feels alarms sounding in his head. "What are you talking about?"

     Feeling she has the upper hand, Marnie is happy to explain. "I heard you last night, rutting like the disgusting pig you are; rutting with that filthy whore. But she got her. They all got what they deserved".

     "What did you do, Marnie? What did you do to Fifi?"

     "Fifi?" she spits. "Is that the whore's name?" Marnie laughs. "I made sure she never touches you again, just like the others".

     Roy sits up, pulling the sheet across him. "Oh My God". Everything is starting to add up. "You killed them, didn't you?"

     "I had to protect you from yourself". She enjoys the look on his face; scared and submissive. "I need you to get dressed now. This is your big day".

     "What are you talking about?" he asks, afraid of the answer.

     "Why, it's your wedding day, of course. It'll be you and me, forever and ever".

     "Marnie..." Roy begins, but is cut off. She aims the gun at him again.

     "I told you to get dressed. Don't keep me waiting".

     Reluctantly, Roy gets up and takes his clothes from the back of a chair. He quickly dresses, aware of Marnie's watching eyes the whole time. Inside, he is worried for himself, but worried for Fifi too.

 

     Goldie is waiting in the hall when the doctor comes out of Fifi's room. From the look on his face, she can't tell if it's good news or bad.

     "How is she, Doctor?" Goldie asks.

     The Doctor, a man who looks a hundred, if a day, is slow to answer. "She's a lucky girl. Her neck is badly bruised, but she'll live".

     Marshall MacBride, who has been standing nearby interrupts. "Can I talk to her, Doc?"

     "I don't know how much she can tell you, but you can try".

     Following the Marshall into the room, Goldie stands beside the bed, reaching for Fifi's hand. The wounded woman offers her a weak smile. Taking his hat off, the Marshalls kneels beside the bed.

     "I need to know who did this to you", he tells her.

     Fifi swallows hard. She winces from the pain. "Roy" comes out in a whisper.

     "Roy?" The Marshall looks at Goldie. "Roy O'Bannon?"

     "It must be", confesses Goldie.

     The Marshall gets up, shoving his hat on his head. "That son-of-a-bitch. I had him and let him go".

     Before he can move, Fifi reaches out and grabs his coat. The lawman looks into her pleading face.

     "Please", she whispers, "help him".

 

     Marnie moves the chair to the side, gun still aimed at Roy. She is calm and cool.

     "We could have been so happy together, but you ruined it. You had to stray".

     "There never was an us. You're crazy". Roy realizes his point his moot, but he feels the need to defend himself anyway.

     "None of that matters", she confirms. "In a few moments, we'll be together forever and ever".

     Roy gulps. The crazy woman's intentions are clear. Not wanting to die, Roy makes a last ditch effort to save himself. Bending over as if to pick something up, he uses to distraction to lunge at Marnie for the gun. His assault throws her off balance. Her grip on the weapon is so tight, that the weapon goes off. Roy stumbles back, clutching his shoulder. Blood oozes between his fingers.

     Writhing in pain on the floor, Marnie circles him, weapon drawn. "Why did you have to do that? Now you've messed everything up". Her eyes rage, her voice rises. "It's time to end all this. Get on your knees".

     Roy stares at her blankly. She waits for him to obey and it only makes her more angry when he doesn't. Lashing out, she kicks his injured shoulder. A cry escapes his mouth.

     "I said get on your knees".

     Reluctantly, Roy gathers himself up. Not taking his eyes from the gun, Roy does as he is asked. A smile crosses Marnie's face.

     "Now we're ready. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this couple as man and wife..."

     Marnie's voice drones on. Thoughts whir around Roy's mind. What the hell do I do know, he asks himself? How do I get out of this one?

     "Now it's your turn", Marnie tells him. "Repeat after me: I Roy, take thee Marnie, to be my lawful wedded wife".

     "Marnie, you don't really want to kill me, do you? If you let me live, we can be together for real".

     Marnie is taken back. She proceeds cautiously. "What do you mean?"

     "I mean a real marriage, you and me. Isn't that what you really want?"

Marnie is suspicious but Roy is saying all the right things. "Don't toy with me. That wouldn't be smart".

     "I'm not", he assures her. "I can give up all the others for you. I swear".

     Marnie's voice softens. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

     "Of course I would. I just didn't realize how much you loved me. I know now and I feel the same way".

     Marnie's head spins. These are the words she has longed to here. Relaxing, she lets the gun drop to her side. "Oh, Roy. I knew you loved me. I knew it all the time".

     Taking a step forward, Marnie reaches out an arm to Roy. At the same time, a loud sound occurs at the door just before it bursts open. Roy goes for the gun. Knocking Marnie to the ground, he rips it from her grip. Looming over him is Marshall MacBride, his own weapon drawn.

     "Move aside, Mr. O'Bannon".

     Roy does as asked. The lawman pulls out his handcuffs. Kneeling down, he secures them around Marnie's wrists.

     "Lucky for you, Miss Fifi told us you were in trouble".

     Marne squirms beneath him. "That filthy whore. She can rot in hell".

     "That's exactly where you're going, little lady, for what you've done". The lawman drags her to the door. Passing Roy, he glances at the wound in his shoulder. "You better have the doctor look at that. You don't want to lose that arm to infection".

     "Thanks" Roy offers.

     "Oh, and I almost forgot", the Marshall adds. "There's a little lady at Goldie's just dying to see you". He gives Roy a little wink.

     Roy watches as the Marshall leads crazy Marnie away. He thinks about the conversation he had just days ago with Chon. Oh man, he wonders, how am I going to explain this one? With a chuckle, Roy heads to Goldie's. He can make up a story for Chon later, he decides. Right now, someone more important waits.




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