Chapter 34

The following day, Beulah and Lois, now proud sheriff’s assistants, set out in the early morning sun, the dust from their carriage wheels trailing behind them like a banner of hope. They had been tasked with an important mission: to bring the last ten survivors of Lady Maud’s human trafficking ring from Crookedhill Fort to the safety of the Golden Ranch.

As they approached the fort, they spotted a figure lounging against the wooden fence, a cigarette dangling from his lips and a cocky grin spreading across his face. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves an audience,” Lois murmured, her grip tightening on the reins.

Beulah nodded, her hand resting on the butt of her gun. “Sergeant Tyller,” she said, her voice cool as she took in the tall, broad-shouldered man. His uniform was rumpled, and his eyes were a piercing blue that seemed to see right through them.

Tyller pushed himself off the fence and sauntered over, his swagger speaking volumes. “So, you’re the new sheriffs in town,” he drawled, eyeing them up and down. “Heard a bit about you two. I’ve gotta say, I’m interested in seein’ what all the fuss is about.”

Lois met his gaze, her own eyes unyielding. “We’re here for the men and women,” she said, her voice firm. “They’re under our protection now.”

Tyller’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a hint of respect in his eyes. “Fair enough,” he said, flicking his cigarette away. “I’ll have my men get ‘em ready.”

The women waited in tense silence as Tyller disappeared into the fort. They knew that not everyone was happy with the changes in Lawless Ridge, but they were determined to see this through. When Tyller returned with the survivors, they couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. These people had suffered unspeakable horrors, and now they had a chance at a new life.

Beulah took the reins of the carriage, her eyes scanning the faces of the ten survivors as they tentatively climbed aboard. Some looked at her with hope, others with suspicion, but she offered them all a warm smile. “Welcome to Lawless Ridge,” she said, her voice gentle. “You’re safe now.”

Lois checked the horses, her eyes flitting to the fort behind them. “Let’s get movin’,” she called, her hand resting on the butt of her gun. “We’ve got a lot of ground to cover before nightfall.”

The journey to the Golden Ranch was a quiet one, filled with the creak of the carriage and the occasional snort from the horses. The survivors huddled together, their eyes wide with apprehension as they took in the vast, unfamiliar landscape. They had spent their lives in the shadow of fear and now, for the first time, they were stepping into the light.

As midday approached, the sun beating down on them like a hammer, they spotted the ranch in the distance. It was a beacon of hope, the golden carriage standing proudly in the sun, waiting for their arrival. Goldie saw them coming and rushed out to meet them, her eyes shining with joy and compassion.

“Welcome to your new home,” she called out, her voice carrying across the dusty yard. “You’re safe here, all of you.”

The survivors looked at her with a mix of awe and disbelief. One by one, they began to introduce themselves. “I’m Genevieve Cross,” a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with haunted eyes said. “This is Effie Sharp,” she added, nodding to the woman beside her.

David and Marcus, two burly black men with the unmistakable air of seasoned fighters, stepped forward next. “We’re here to help,” Marcus said, his deep voice resonating with authority. “We’re all in this together.”

The eight women looked at each other, their expressions a mix of hope and skepticism. It was Genevieve who spoke up first. “Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “But we’ve been through so much. We’re not sure if we can trust anyone anymore.”

Effie took a step closer to Genevieve, her arm wrapping around her friend’s waist. “We’ve seen the worst of this world,” she said, her eyes meeting Goldie’s. “But maybe, just maybe, we can find some good here.”

Goldie nodded, her expression softening. “You can,” she assured them. “We’re going to work together, build this town up from the ground. And we’re going to start right here, at the Golden Ranch.”

Turning to David and Marcus, she spoke with a firm kindness that brooked no argument. “You two are going to be in charge of the livestock,” she said, her eyes meeting theirs. “David, you’ll take care of the cows. Make sure they’re fed, watered, and healthy.”

Marcus nodded, his gaze flicking to the corral where the horses were grazing. “And I’ll handle the horses,” he said, his voice deep and steady. “They’re the lifeblood of this place, after all.”

Goldie’s eyes lit up with appreciation. “That’s the spirit,” she said, her voice warm. “You two are going to be essential to our operation here. And don’t you worry, we’re going to make sure you’re well taken care of.”

Turning to them, she gestured to the barn. “We’re going to need to build some small houses for the workers,” she said, her voice firm. “But for now, Marcus and David will have to stay in the barn. It’s not ideal, but it’s the best we can do until the homes are ready.”

The women looked at each other, their eyes filled with hope. “We’ll help,” Effie and Genevieve said, her voice firm. “We’re not just looking for handouts. We want to contribute.”

Goldie’s heart swelled with pride. “That’s the spirit,” she said, turning to the eight of them. “What do you all hope for in your lives?”

The six women looked at each other, and a cautious optimism began to replace the fear in their eyes. One by one, they spoke of their dreams. Some wanted to longed for families and homes, and a few talked about stay at the town behind for a fresh start elsewhere. Goldie listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities.

After a moment of contemplation, she turned to three of the women, Rachel, Clara, and Abigail. “You three,” she said, her voice firm but gentle. “You’ve talked about going home. I think it’s time we get you back to your village.”

The three women looked at each other, a mix of surprise and hope flickering in their eyes. Rachel spoke first, her voice trembling. “You’d do that for us?” she asked, her eyes filling with tears.

“Of course,” Goldie said, her voice firm. “You’ve been through enough. You deserve to go home.”

Beulah and Lois exchanged a knowing look. This was their chance to prove their worth as sheriffs and to cement their place in the town’s new order. “We’ll take you to your village,” Beulah assured Rachel, Clara, and Abigail. “We’ll make sure you get there safe and sound.”

The three women clung to each other, their relief palpable. Rachel looked up at Goldie, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered. “We won’t forget what you’ve done for us.”

Goldie nodded solemnly, her eyes scanning the remaining five. “But what about you?” she asked, her voice gentle. “Vivian, Della, Bettie, what do you want to do?”

Vivian Shepard, a voluptuous woman with fiery red hair, stepped forward. “We heard about the Blossom from Lois and Beulah,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. “We want to help. We’ve got nothin’ but our wits and a willingness to work hard.”

Goldie’s eyes searched their faces, looking for any sign of doubt. “I know it’s not an easy life,” she said gently. “But if that’s what you truly want, we’ll support you. The Blossom is a place of refuge, not just for the night, but for as long as you need it.”

With renewed determination, Goldie turned to Rachel, Clara, and Abigail. “You three will go with Beulah and Lois,” she said. “They’ll make sure you get back to your village without any trouble.”

Beulah and Lois nodded in agreement, their eyes steely with resolve. They knew that this journey would not be without danger, but they were ready to face it head-on. They had come too far to let fear stand in the way of these women’s dreams.

Goldie, her heart swelling with hope, turned to Vivian, Della, and Bettie. “Alright, let’s get you three settled at the Blossom,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I promise you’ll be treated with respect and dignity.”

The carriage ride into town was bumpy but filled with excitement. The three newcomers peered out the window, taking in the sights of Lawless Ridge with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. The buildings were a hodgepodge of ramshackle wooden structures, the streets dusty and lined with tumbleweeds, but there was a palpable sense of change in the air.

Upon their arrival at the Blossom, Goldie helped the women down, her hand firm and steady. The saloon looked much different than it had when it was under the auction. The sign above the door had been repainted, the name ‘The Blossom’ gleaming with fresh paint. The walls had been whitewashed, and the windows were clean, letting the soft light of the setting sun stream in.