Vengeance at Red Rock Pt 2:- The Maids Day Off
Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2024 9:09 am
Fresh from their first meeting, Nancy and Rushing Sand enter the town of Red Rock, Arizona. Once a prosperous mining settlement since taken over by force by the villainous 'Four Fingers' McClaine five years ago. They arrive to find a town in the grip of fear as McClaine's outlaws rule with a iron fist. But doesn't deter Nancy or her new comrade, who must first determine the extent of McClaine's operation and begin to bring it all crashing down in order to draw him out....
The Township of Red Rock, Arizona Territory, Thursday 19th August 1884 10:30am
Cantering gently past a shot up sign that proclaimed 'Welcome to Red Rock', Nancy and Sand made their way down the dusty high street towards a high class hotel called "The Thirsty Hole" their progress watched by outlaws of every stripe, men and women, the young and middle aged. "Easy Sand, just don't make eye contact or they will ask you to draw." Next to her, Sand snorted. "I do not fear death, besides none of these white people will see me coming." Witnessing her new friend make short work of four outlaws back at camp, Nancy could well believe the stoic Navajo girl. "I don't doubt it, Sand. But we can't afford get into a gunfight on main street, we are not the Earp brothers. Let's keep things cool for now, alright?" Nodding in agreement, Sand dismounted her horse as the pair leashed their horses. Turning to enter the hotel, Nancy caught sight of a large manor with a Spanish style white washed façade and red tiled roof perched on a hill overlooking the town. Well, if was McClaine that's where I would hold up. They look like mighty find digs and would be a good place to start... Her thoughts returning to the present, Nancy entered the hotel with Sand on her heels.
Approaching the front desk where behind stood a well coiffed man wearing a suit and black cravat, Nancy flashed the man a warm smile. "Good morning, ma'am. What can I do you for you?" He beamed completely ignoring Sand. Laying her hands on the desk she leaned forward. "I would like to rent a room for myself and my friend here." Behind her shoulder Sand nodded. "Yes, I'am Mexican. A labourer." Nancy gently rolled her eyes at the Navajo's unhelpful statement. The receptionist coughed barely affording Sand a sideways glance. "Well, you're okay miss but we don't serve her kind here." Sand's eyes flashed dangerously. "Excuse me? What did you mean by 'her kind'?" Seeing her friends hand reach down to the revolver at her hip, Nancy held up a hand. "Is this because she's a mexican, sir?" The man nodded. "Mr McClaine gets nervous around people of the...spanish persuasion, ma'am." Shaking her head Nancy snorted taking her hand off the desk. "And yet some of his 'associates' are of that persuasion, at least from what I've seen." The man merely stood up straight, gripping his jacket. "It's the hotels policy. Now we do have one room available, for one." Nancy sighed turning to Sand. "And what about my friend? Where's she gonna sleep, huh?" The receptionist grinned condescendingly. "Well there's always the flophouse on the edge of town. They cater for...all sorts of proclivities. Not that I'am implying anything my good lady." The venom dripping in his voice told Nancy he was a stone cold liar. "Well the flophouse it is. I've had enough of this place, come on Rosa." Sand's brow furrowed for a moment in confusion before she realised and fell in beside Nancy as they stormed out.
"You sacrificed comfort and safety on my behalf, Nancy Cooper. Why?" Sand asked as the women mounted their horses. "He had no right to speak to you like that, the asshole. Besides, you saved my life and I will never forget that." The Navajo girl smiled a beautiful smile as they wheeled the horses towards the edge of town. Below them Nancy caught sight of a young woman walking in their direction. "Excuse me, ma'am? Who's lives in the big house on the hill over yonder?" She asked jutting her head to the mansion on the hill, taking out a pouch of silver dollars. The girl glanced around nervously. "Um, that will be the mayor Mr McClaine but he went out...on business a few days ago and won't be back until tomorrow night." Nancy flipped her a coin. "And what would someone have to do to get an audience with the Mayor." The girl shook her head. "No one goes up there. Not unless you have an invitation or work up there." Thanking the girl, Nancy handed her a few more coins before cantering towards the flophouse. "So what now, Nancy Cooper. Do we go up to the manor?" Nancy shook her head. "Not yet, Sand. First we settle in and get the lay of the town. Then in the morning we will ride for the manor, sneak in and find out the extent of his operations.." Sand glanced up at the large house on the hill. "Why not just wait until nightfall tomorrow and kill him?" Nancy followed her glance. "Because my uncle once said; If you wish to take revenge on a man, you must first destroy everything he stands for. Then when he's on his knees, strike."
Outside McClaine's Manor, Friday 20th August 1884 09:00am
"Alright Sand, here we are." Come morning the two found themselves crouched outside of McClaine's manor, with only a wrought iron fence wide enough for a woman to slip through. "You better keep watching here and stay outta sight, I will gone on in alone and find a disguise." Sand laid a hand on her forearm stopping her from rising. "Are you certain, Nancy Cooper. I should be going in with you to watch your back." Nancy shook her head. " No. We stand a better chance of staying undetected if only one of us goes in. Besides, you won't be able to pass as a maid." Sand sighed realising her hand. "Very well, you speak words of wisdom. But be careful in there and may the spirits watch over you, Nancy Cooper." After gripping the Navajo's wrist, Nancy left her father's revolver with her, then slid her knife into her boot before climbing through the fence dropping into the bushes of a well kept garden.
Manor Gardens
Hunkering low, Nancy saw a young pretty blonde maid who was busy dusting a veranda facing her. Smiling she appraised the maid; she was a slip of a girl attractive with heart shaped features, slender cheekbones and bright blue eyes framed by honey blonde hair tied into a bun under her white frilly cap. Her slim petite form covered by a long black austere dress, with white frilly collar, cuffs and apron tied around her waist, along with black buckled shoes. Nancy smiled. A maids outfit? Perfect, that should get me in. After all nobody suspects the help. I just need to get her turn around and then she's all mine. Luckily I have just the thing... Slipping her boot knife from her boot, Nancy also took her lucky doubled sided silver dollar something her father had given her in happier times. Aiming for a spot just behind the unsuspecting young woman, she flipped the coin.
21 year old maid Mary Blythe hummed gently to herself dusting the veranda of Master McClaine's garden. I can remember when he rolled in with his gang killed the sheriff and then the mayor and his family. Definitely not someone to cross. I would ask for a raise but I don't want to end up like Mayor Hodges, hanging from his bedroom window. Who would take care of mother if I don't get paid? Father? He skipped down a year ago and hasn't been seen since- what was that? The sound of a jingling coin from behind her made Mary spin around. Turning she looked down to see a silver dollar with Lincoln's face on it on the ground. "Where did you come from?" She shrugged binding over to pick it up. "Who cares? It must be my lucky day." But before she could grab the coin, Mary felt a slender hand clamp over mouth drawing her up and muffling her screams which ended abruptly with a surprised pained squeak as she felt a sharp blow to the back of her head. She slumped unconscious into her mysterious attackers arms who whispered into her ear. "More like my lucky day, darling."
Stopping to pick up the coin, Nancy slipped her knife back into her boot then dragged the unconscious maid into the bushes. "Sorry for the rough treatment honey, but I need your clothes. It wasn't anything personal." Stripping off the clothes she had taken from the outlaw Jane a couple of nights ago, Nancy began to undress the unconscious girl. Removing the maids hat, apron and shoes Nancy rolled the sleeping woman onto her side unbuttoning her dress from the rear before loosening it from her slender shoulders and peeling from her slim body leaving the blonde wearing only a matching lace trim chemise and matching briefs, the nipples peaking under the fabric. While she could appreciate the maids natural beauty, Nancy herself wasn't attracted to other women sexually she much preferred the company of a handsome man. Not that she had the time to go looking, after all her own quest for revenge at consumed much of her life but at times she did desire some male companionship. Shaking such thoughts from her head, Nancy finished getting dressed in the maids clothes. When she was finished she took out some rope from her satchel binding the scantily clad blondes limbs and gagged her with a length of rag. "There you are, girl. That should keep you from making a fuss. Now onto the manor." Emerging from the bushes, Nancy approached the rear door of the manor, concealing her knife in her apron.
McClaine's Manor, Ground Floor, 09:35am
Entering through the rear door, Nancy came to a small parlour with two young maids chatting while dusting picture frames and sat in the corner near a grand piano where two gang members; one male the other a young woman playing cards. The woman was pretty and looked slightly older than her, with tanned rounded features, slender cheekbones and stone grey almond shaped eyes framed by jet black shoulder length hair under her black stetson hat. She was dressed in a red buttoned shirt with blue jeans, brown leather spurred boots and matching chaps. A red bandana tied around her neck. While her male companion was quite ruggedly handsome, with a slightly squared jaw dotted with stubble and big brown eyes that matched his short hair. He was also was quite well proportioned and lean under his tight blue shirt, denim jacket and matching jeans. Both were armed with Colt 1851 revolvers. The handsome bandit, looked up from his hand flashing her a curious look before returning to his game. Tearing herself reluctantly from the handsome outlaw, Nancy focused her attention on the two maids eavesdropping while pretending to dust.
"You're such a lucky girl Marianne! Getting the key to Mayor McClaine's study on the third floor." Squeaked brunette maid Cassie as she and the auburn haired Marianne dusted the picture of a buffalo. Marianne grinned looking sidelong at her friend, patting at the key hanging from her apron. "Well their are certain "benefits" of being the bosses favourite maid. Private access to his study for one, whenever he wants a massage or something to...work out that tension he has." Cassie winked. "If you like him so much, why not join his gang? Then you could be with him all the time doing exciting things like robbing trains and holding up stages." Marianne shook her head. "What risk getting shot over a few lousy dollars, just to be with him always? No thanks. I much prefer staying safe and alive." Hearing enough, Nancy put down her duster and approached the clueless Marianne. Brushing last her, she lifted the key from the woman's waist just like her uncle taught her and made her way up the stairs to the third floor.
McClaine's Manor, 3rd Floor Study 9:45am
Using the key to open the door, Nancy approached the desk rifling through the drawers. "Well, well. What do we have here? Mining operations, a casino and brothel? Looks like you've been busy, this is exactly what we need to bring you down." Stuffing the letters and plans into her stolen apron, Nancy made for the door but froze hearing in the distance could hear the chiming of a bell. "Oh shit! That doesn't sound good." She gasped looking around for an exit.
The Manor Gardens, the Same Moment
Gardener Frank Pritchard preened the bushes with his shears, the morning sun bearing down on him. It was then he thought he heard the muffled screams of a young woman coming from the bushes in front of him. Probably just my imagination or wishful thinking... Shrugging he was about to turn away but the screams became more insistent. Turning he peered into the foliage parting them, gasping with surprise when his eyes caught sight of the pretty but scantily clad blonde maid Mary bound with rope and gagged with a rag a pile of clothes at her feet, dressed only in a thin lace trim chemise and briefs . "Mmmph!" The girl screamed through her gag as Frank admired the maids fine petite body through her small clothes. Mary reared back screaming indignantly at him. "Hold on, Mary. I will go alert the guards!" Frank tearing himself reluctantly from the sight of the naked bound Mary.
McClaine's Study 9:50am
Hearing the sound of rushed footsteps from beyond the door in front of her, Nancy darted into a nearby cabinet. Taking a deep breath and taking out her boot-knife, Nancy saw the door open to reveal the two guards from downstairs; the handsome rugged man and the young dark haired woman their revolvers drawn and cocked. "Marianne saw the redheaded girl go up the stairs after swiping the keys from her apron, and she's dressed like one of the maids. Word is she cold-cocked a maid outside and stole her clothes." Said the woman in front of the handsome bandit, eyes searching for anything out of place. Behind her the man shrugged. "Come on, Sally. If she heard the alarm bell, she's long gone by now." The woman shook her head. "Are you soft in the head, O'Hara? You gonna tell the old man you couldn't catch the broad who broke into his house? Ha! You're walking on quicksand with the boss as it is. Now, hold up. Do you see that cabinet door? It's wide open. Someone's hiding in there." Nancy gasped as the two looked right at her. Bearing her knife, she heard Sally let out a cry of triumph before walking towards the cabinet doors, flinging them wide open. "Well, well. What do we have here? A little intru-!" Whatever Sally had to say was cut short, as O'Hara cupped his right hand under her chin and left on the back of her head savagely twisting it to the right with a vicious crack! As Sally's corpse tumbled to the wooden floor, the handsome man held out his hand.
"It's alright, ma'am. You can put away the knife, the names O'Hara, Clinton O'Hara. I can see you have no love for McClaine. I can help you get out of here." Nancy secreted her knife back into her apron and reluctantly took his hand. " How the hell I'am I supposed to trust you? You've just killed one of your own in cold blood." O'Hara shook his head. "That bitch was no friend of mine. Look, we don't have time to argue. Strip her and put on her clothes. That way I can walk you out dressed as an outlaw. I promise you that I will explain everything once we are safely away." Nodding but still unsure, Nancy knelt by the dead woman stripping out of her stolen maids outfit and rolling the corpse onto her back. "So how are you going to get rid of her body?" She asked taking off Sally's boots, bandana, hat, gunbelt and chaps before unbuttoning her shirt. Clinton stood by the door keeping watch. "Don't you go worrying about that, miss. I know some of the maids who owe me a couple of favours, they can dispose of Sally here and the evidence. In fact I can pin it all on her and leave you in the clear. So have you a name, ma'am?" Nancy paused for a second opening out Sally's shirt to reveal her well endowed breasts with full puffy dark pink areolas. "Nancy Cooper, at your service. Mr O'Hara." The man smiled, a sight that made Nancy blush the same colour as her hair. "Well that's a mighty pretty name for a beautiful lady. Sorry, apologies for being a little too bold. I should let you get back to stripping Sally." Pulling down the dead woman's jeans exposing a modesty covered by frilly blue shorts, Nancy went a even brighter shade of red grinning from ear to ear. "Why thank you Mr O'Hara." She said pulling up the dead woman's jeans.
"Well you sure look more the part than she did, Miss Cooper. You wear her threads well." Clinton smiled as Nancy doffed Sally's hat before putting on her gunbelt. "Would it surprise to know that this isn't the first time I have worn a dead woman's clothes, Mr O'Hara?" Laughing nervously, Clinton helped her stash Sally's cooling half naked corpse eyes wide head lolling to one side into the cabinet, along with the discarded maids uniform. Closing the cabinet door, Clinton turned to her. "Okay, just stay by my side and keep it cool. Let me do any talking. Got it?" Slipping her boot knife into Sally's right boot, Nancy nodded falling into step beside them as they swept from the study.
The Grounds of McClaine's Manor 10:05am
The pair walked through the grounds towards the front gates, making their way past McClaine's man has they rushed this way and that searching. Nancy even smiled upon seeing the half naked blonde maid being comforted by two male bandits. When they had arrived at the gate Sand was already waiting with two horses ready to go. "You never said that you brought back up with you, Miss Cooper?" Clinton said turning to face her. "That's because you never inquired, Mr O'Hara. That's Rushing Sand, my friend who saved my life on the trail. Sand, this is Mr Clinton O'Hara. Who's a complete mystery to me at present." Clinton smiled as Sand nodded a stiff greeting. "Ah yes. I made you a promise, Miss Cooper. And I'am a man of my word..." He cleared his throat before doffing his cap. "Allow me to reintroduce myself, ma'am. I'am Clinton O'Hara, former deputy sheriff of Red Rock. My father was James O'Hara and McClaine gunned him down in cold blood the day he rode into town five years back. He forced me to join his gang on pain of death. I have been living with the shame and guilt for years." Nancy felt her heart melt hearing Clinton's story and felt like hugging him. Instead she laid a hand on his. "Mr O'Hara, you mustn't blame yourself. It sounds like we all have a reason to see that sonofabitch pay." O'Hara looked at her hand on his arm, tearing up slightly he quickly wiped his eyes.
"Thanks Miss Cooper, I needed to hear that. Look, I have enough of McClaine and his lawlessness. I want to bring the law back to Red Rock and I think you're the woman who's the one to help me do that." Smiling he handed her a piece of paper with a date and time on it. " I will be in touch, Miss Cooper. Where are you staying in town?" Nancy glanced at Sand who nodded before answering. "The flophouse on the edge of town. Do you know it?" Clinton nodded flashing a wan smile. "Yeah, it's what you could call a local landmark. Hardly a place for a brave and resourceful woman like yourself to hole up." Nancy couldn't resist grinning at the light flirtation. As she slipped through the gate, Clinton called her back. "Oh and Miss Cooper? Good on you for sparing Mary, tells me you're just what this town needs. See you around, ma'am." Doffing his hat he turned jogging back into the grounds, giving Nancy a generous view of his well formed ass. Smiling she clambered back onto her horse, with Sand shaking her head.
The Road back into Red Rock, 10:10am
"You like him, don't you Nancy Cooper?" Came the voice of Rushing Sand as the two women cantered back towards down. "I do not! Well I suppose I do." She replied defensively leaning back into her saddle. "He is quite ruggedly handsome and very charming with a lot of conviction in that he reminds me a lot of my father. But I'am not sure that I trust him... yet." A dark haunted look appeared behind Sand's mismatched eyes. "Never trust a sweet face and honeyed words, Nancy Cooper. A lesson my mother learned to her cost." Nancy looked sidelong at the woman but said nothing. She's as much a mystery as Clinton is but I get the feeling I can trust her. Silence passed between for five minutes until Sand broke it. "So did you get what you came for, Nancy Cooper?" Nancy nodded patting the chest pocket of her stolen shirt. "Oh yes and perhaps a little bit more. Once we get back to the flophouse I will show you what we have. You wouldn't believe the amount of dirty laundry, McClaine's mixed up in. All we have to do his pick one and strike." Sand grinned widely as a hunter would sizing up it's prey. "Good, we will be as silent as the rattlesnake. And he won't know what hit him." The two women laughed as a gust of wind caught the desert behind them, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
The Township of Red Rock, Arizona Territory, Thursday 19th August 1884 10:30am
Cantering gently past a shot up sign that proclaimed 'Welcome to Red Rock', Nancy and Sand made their way down the dusty high street towards a high class hotel called "The Thirsty Hole" their progress watched by outlaws of every stripe, men and women, the young and middle aged. "Easy Sand, just don't make eye contact or they will ask you to draw." Next to her, Sand snorted. "I do not fear death, besides none of these white people will see me coming." Witnessing her new friend make short work of four outlaws back at camp, Nancy could well believe the stoic Navajo girl. "I don't doubt it, Sand. But we can't afford get into a gunfight on main street, we are not the Earp brothers. Let's keep things cool for now, alright?" Nodding in agreement, Sand dismounted her horse as the pair leashed their horses. Turning to enter the hotel, Nancy caught sight of a large manor with a Spanish style white washed façade and red tiled roof perched on a hill overlooking the town. Well, if was McClaine that's where I would hold up. They look like mighty find digs and would be a good place to start... Her thoughts returning to the present, Nancy entered the hotel with Sand on her heels.
Approaching the front desk where behind stood a well coiffed man wearing a suit and black cravat, Nancy flashed the man a warm smile. "Good morning, ma'am. What can I do you for you?" He beamed completely ignoring Sand. Laying her hands on the desk she leaned forward. "I would like to rent a room for myself and my friend here." Behind her shoulder Sand nodded. "Yes, I'am Mexican. A labourer." Nancy gently rolled her eyes at the Navajo's unhelpful statement. The receptionist coughed barely affording Sand a sideways glance. "Well, you're okay miss but we don't serve her kind here." Sand's eyes flashed dangerously. "Excuse me? What did you mean by 'her kind'?" Seeing her friends hand reach down to the revolver at her hip, Nancy held up a hand. "Is this because she's a mexican, sir?" The man nodded. "Mr McClaine gets nervous around people of the...spanish persuasion, ma'am." Shaking her head Nancy snorted taking her hand off the desk. "And yet some of his 'associates' are of that persuasion, at least from what I've seen." The man merely stood up straight, gripping his jacket. "It's the hotels policy. Now we do have one room available, for one." Nancy sighed turning to Sand. "And what about my friend? Where's she gonna sleep, huh?" The receptionist grinned condescendingly. "Well there's always the flophouse on the edge of town. They cater for...all sorts of proclivities. Not that I'am implying anything my good lady." The venom dripping in his voice told Nancy he was a stone cold liar. "Well the flophouse it is. I've had enough of this place, come on Rosa." Sand's brow furrowed for a moment in confusion before she realised and fell in beside Nancy as they stormed out.
"You sacrificed comfort and safety on my behalf, Nancy Cooper. Why?" Sand asked as the women mounted their horses. "He had no right to speak to you like that, the asshole. Besides, you saved my life and I will never forget that." The Navajo girl smiled a beautiful smile as they wheeled the horses towards the edge of town. Below them Nancy caught sight of a young woman walking in their direction. "Excuse me, ma'am? Who's lives in the big house on the hill over yonder?" She asked jutting her head to the mansion on the hill, taking out a pouch of silver dollars. The girl glanced around nervously. "Um, that will be the mayor Mr McClaine but he went out...on business a few days ago and won't be back until tomorrow night." Nancy flipped her a coin. "And what would someone have to do to get an audience with the Mayor." The girl shook her head. "No one goes up there. Not unless you have an invitation or work up there." Thanking the girl, Nancy handed her a few more coins before cantering towards the flophouse. "So what now, Nancy Cooper. Do we go up to the manor?" Nancy shook her head. "Not yet, Sand. First we settle in and get the lay of the town. Then in the morning we will ride for the manor, sneak in and find out the extent of his operations.." Sand glanced up at the large house on the hill. "Why not just wait until nightfall tomorrow and kill him?" Nancy followed her glance. "Because my uncle once said; If you wish to take revenge on a man, you must first destroy everything he stands for. Then when he's on his knees, strike."
Outside McClaine's Manor, Friday 20th August 1884 09:00am
"Alright Sand, here we are." Come morning the two found themselves crouched outside of McClaine's manor, with only a wrought iron fence wide enough for a woman to slip through. "You better keep watching here and stay outta sight, I will gone on in alone and find a disguise." Sand laid a hand on her forearm stopping her from rising. "Are you certain, Nancy Cooper. I should be going in with you to watch your back." Nancy shook her head. " No. We stand a better chance of staying undetected if only one of us goes in. Besides, you won't be able to pass as a maid." Sand sighed realising her hand. "Very well, you speak words of wisdom. But be careful in there and may the spirits watch over you, Nancy Cooper." After gripping the Navajo's wrist, Nancy left her father's revolver with her, then slid her knife into her boot before climbing through the fence dropping into the bushes of a well kept garden.
Manor Gardens
Hunkering low, Nancy saw a young pretty blonde maid who was busy dusting a veranda facing her. Smiling she appraised the maid; she was a slip of a girl attractive with heart shaped features, slender cheekbones and bright blue eyes framed by honey blonde hair tied into a bun under her white frilly cap. Her slim petite form covered by a long black austere dress, with white frilly collar, cuffs and apron tied around her waist, along with black buckled shoes. Nancy smiled. A maids outfit? Perfect, that should get me in. After all nobody suspects the help. I just need to get her turn around and then she's all mine. Luckily I have just the thing... Slipping her boot knife from her boot, Nancy also took her lucky doubled sided silver dollar something her father had given her in happier times. Aiming for a spot just behind the unsuspecting young woman, she flipped the coin.
21 year old maid Mary Blythe hummed gently to herself dusting the veranda of Master McClaine's garden. I can remember when he rolled in with his gang killed the sheriff and then the mayor and his family. Definitely not someone to cross. I would ask for a raise but I don't want to end up like Mayor Hodges, hanging from his bedroom window. Who would take care of mother if I don't get paid? Father? He skipped down a year ago and hasn't been seen since- what was that? The sound of a jingling coin from behind her made Mary spin around. Turning she looked down to see a silver dollar with Lincoln's face on it on the ground. "Where did you come from?" She shrugged binding over to pick it up. "Who cares? It must be my lucky day." But before she could grab the coin, Mary felt a slender hand clamp over mouth drawing her up and muffling her screams which ended abruptly with a surprised pained squeak as she felt a sharp blow to the back of her head. She slumped unconscious into her mysterious attackers arms who whispered into her ear. "More like my lucky day, darling."
Stopping to pick up the coin, Nancy slipped her knife back into her boot then dragged the unconscious maid into the bushes. "Sorry for the rough treatment honey, but I need your clothes. It wasn't anything personal." Stripping off the clothes she had taken from the outlaw Jane a couple of nights ago, Nancy began to undress the unconscious girl. Removing the maids hat, apron and shoes Nancy rolled the sleeping woman onto her side unbuttoning her dress from the rear before loosening it from her slender shoulders and peeling from her slim body leaving the blonde wearing only a matching lace trim chemise and matching briefs, the nipples peaking under the fabric. While she could appreciate the maids natural beauty, Nancy herself wasn't attracted to other women sexually she much preferred the company of a handsome man. Not that she had the time to go looking, after all her own quest for revenge at consumed much of her life but at times she did desire some male companionship. Shaking such thoughts from her head, Nancy finished getting dressed in the maids clothes. When she was finished she took out some rope from her satchel binding the scantily clad blondes limbs and gagged her with a length of rag. "There you are, girl. That should keep you from making a fuss. Now onto the manor." Emerging from the bushes, Nancy approached the rear door of the manor, concealing her knife in her apron.
McClaine's Manor, Ground Floor, 09:35am
Entering through the rear door, Nancy came to a small parlour with two young maids chatting while dusting picture frames and sat in the corner near a grand piano where two gang members; one male the other a young woman playing cards. The woman was pretty and looked slightly older than her, with tanned rounded features, slender cheekbones and stone grey almond shaped eyes framed by jet black shoulder length hair under her black stetson hat. She was dressed in a red buttoned shirt with blue jeans, brown leather spurred boots and matching chaps. A red bandana tied around her neck. While her male companion was quite ruggedly handsome, with a slightly squared jaw dotted with stubble and big brown eyes that matched his short hair. He was also was quite well proportioned and lean under his tight blue shirt, denim jacket and matching jeans. Both were armed with Colt 1851 revolvers. The handsome bandit, looked up from his hand flashing her a curious look before returning to his game. Tearing herself reluctantly from the handsome outlaw, Nancy focused her attention on the two maids eavesdropping while pretending to dust.
"You're such a lucky girl Marianne! Getting the key to Mayor McClaine's study on the third floor." Squeaked brunette maid Cassie as she and the auburn haired Marianne dusted the picture of a buffalo. Marianne grinned looking sidelong at her friend, patting at the key hanging from her apron. "Well their are certain "benefits" of being the bosses favourite maid. Private access to his study for one, whenever he wants a massage or something to...work out that tension he has." Cassie winked. "If you like him so much, why not join his gang? Then you could be with him all the time doing exciting things like robbing trains and holding up stages." Marianne shook her head. "What risk getting shot over a few lousy dollars, just to be with him always? No thanks. I much prefer staying safe and alive." Hearing enough, Nancy put down her duster and approached the clueless Marianne. Brushing last her, she lifted the key from the woman's waist just like her uncle taught her and made her way up the stairs to the third floor.
McClaine's Manor, 3rd Floor Study 9:45am
Using the key to open the door, Nancy approached the desk rifling through the drawers. "Well, well. What do we have here? Mining operations, a casino and brothel? Looks like you've been busy, this is exactly what we need to bring you down." Stuffing the letters and plans into her stolen apron, Nancy made for the door but froze hearing in the distance could hear the chiming of a bell. "Oh shit! That doesn't sound good." She gasped looking around for an exit.
The Manor Gardens, the Same Moment
Gardener Frank Pritchard preened the bushes with his shears, the morning sun bearing down on him. It was then he thought he heard the muffled screams of a young woman coming from the bushes in front of him. Probably just my imagination or wishful thinking... Shrugging he was about to turn away but the screams became more insistent. Turning he peered into the foliage parting them, gasping with surprise when his eyes caught sight of the pretty but scantily clad blonde maid Mary bound with rope and gagged with a rag a pile of clothes at her feet, dressed only in a thin lace trim chemise and briefs . "Mmmph!" The girl screamed through her gag as Frank admired the maids fine petite body through her small clothes. Mary reared back screaming indignantly at him. "Hold on, Mary. I will go alert the guards!" Frank tearing himself reluctantly from the sight of the naked bound Mary.
McClaine's Study 9:50am
Hearing the sound of rushed footsteps from beyond the door in front of her, Nancy darted into a nearby cabinet. Taking a deep breath and taking out her boot-knife, Nancy saw the door open to reveal the two guards from downstairs; the handsome rugged man and the young dark haired woman their revolvers drawn and cocked. "Marianne saw the redheaded girl go up the stairs after swiping the keys from her apron, and she's dressed like one of the maids. Word is she cold-cocked a maid outside and stole her clothes." Said the woman in front of the handsome bandit, eyes searching for anything out of place. Behind her the man shrugged. "Come on, Sally. If she heard the alarm bell, she's long gone by now." The woman shook her head. "Are you soft in the head, O'Hara? You gonna tell the old man you couldn't catch the broad who broke into his house? Ha! You're walking on quicksand with the boss as it is. Now, hold up. Do you see that cabinet door? It's wide open. Someone's hiding in there." Nancy gasped as the two looked right at her. Bearing her knife, she heard Sally let out a cry of triumph before walking towards the cabinet doors, flinging them wide open. "Well, well. What do we have here? A little intru-!" Whatever Sally had to say was cut short, as O'Hara cupped his right hand under her chin and left on the back of her head savagely twisting it to the right with a vicious crack! As Sally's corpse tumbled to the wooden floor, the handsome man held out his hand.
"It's alright, ma'am. You can put away the knife, the names O'Hara, Clinton O'Hara. I can see you have no love for McClaine. I can help you get out of here." Nancy secreted her knife back into her apron and reluctantly took his hand. " How the hell I'am I supposed to trust you? You've just killed one of your own in cold blood." O'Hara shook his head. "That bitch was no friend of mine. Look, we don't have time to argue. Strip her and put on her clothes. That way I can walk you out dressed as an outlaw. I promise you that I will explain everything once we are safely away." Nodding but still unsure, Nancy knelt by the dead woman stripping out of her stolen maids outfit and rolling the corpse onto her back. "So how are you going to get rid of her body?" She asked taking off Sally's boots, bandana, hat, gunbelt and chaps before unbuttoning her shirt. Clinton stood by the door keeping watch. "Don't you go worrying about that, miss. I know some of the maids who owe me a couple of favours, they can dispose of Sally here and the evidence. In fact I can pin it all on her and leave you in the clear. So have you a name, ma'am?" Nancy paused for a second opening out Sally's shirt to reveal her well endowed breasts with full puffy dark pink areolas. "Nancy Cooper, at your service. Mr O'Hara." The man smiled, a sight that made Nancy blush the same colour as her hair. "Well that's a mighty pretty name for a beautiful lady. Sorry, apologies for being a little too bold. I should let you get back to stripping Sally." Pulling down the dead woman's jeans exposing a modesty covered by frilly blue shorts, Nancy went a even brighter shade of red grinning from ear to ear. "Why thank you Mr O'Hara." She said pulling up the dead woman's jeans.
"Well you sure look more the part than she did, Miss Cooper. You wear her threads well." Clinton smiled as Nancy doffed Sally's hat before putting on her gunbelt. "Would it surprise to know that this isn't the first time I have worn a dead woman's clothes, Mr O'Hara?" Laughing nervously, Clinton helped her stash Sally's cooling half naked corpse eyes wide head lolling to one side into the cabinet, along with the discarded maids uniform. Closing the cabinet door, Clinton turned to her. "Okay, just stay by my side and keep it cool. Let me do any talking. Got it?" Slipping her boot knife into Sally's right boot, Nancy nodded falling into step beside them as they swept from the study.
The Grounds of McClaine's Manor 10:05am
The pair walked through the grounds towards the front gates, making their way past McClaine's man has they rushed this way and that searching. Nancy even smiled upon seeing the half naked blonde maid being comforted by two male bandits. When they had arrived at the gate Sand was already waiting with two horses ready to go. "You never said that you brought back up with you, Miss Cooper?" Clinton said turning to face her. "That's because you never inquired, Mr O'Hara. That's Rushing Sand, my friend who saved my life on the trail. Sand, this is Mr Clinton O'Hara. Who's a complete mystery to me at present." Clinton smiled as Sand nodded a stiff greeting. "Ah yes. I made you a promise, Miss Cooper. And I'am a man of my word..." He cleared his throat before doffing his cap. "Allow me to reintroduce myself, ma'am. I'am Clinton O'Hara, former deputy sheriff of Red Rock. My father was James O'Hara and McClaine gunned him down in cold blood the day he rode into town five years back. He forced me to join his gang on pain of death. I have been living with the shame and guilt for years." Nancy felt her heart melt hearing Clinton's story and felt like hugging him. Instead she laid a hand on his. "Mr O'Hara, you mustn't blame yourself. It sounds like we all have a reason to see that sonofabitch pay." O'Hara looked at her hand on his arm, tearing up slightly he quickly wiped his eyes.
"Thanks Miss Cooper, I needed to hear that. Look, I have enough of McClaine and his lawlessness. I want to bring the law back to Red Rock and I think you're the woman who's the one to help me do that." Smiling he handed her a piece of paper with a date and time on it. " I will be in touch, Miss Cooper. Where are you staying in town?" Nancy glanced at Sand who nodded before answering. "The flophouse on the edge of town. Do you know it?" Clinton nodded flashing a wan smile. "Yeah, it's what you could call a local landmark. Hardly a place for a brave and resourceful woman like yourself to hole up." Nancy couldn't resist grinning at the light flirtation. As she slipped through the gate, Clinton called her back. "Oh and Miss Cooper? Good on you for sparing Mary, tells me you're just what this town needs. See you around, ma'am." Doffing his hat he turned jogging back into the grounds, giving Nancy a generous view of his well formed ass. Smiling she clambered back onto her horse, with Sand shaking her head.
The Road back into Red Rock, 10:10am
"You like him, don't you Nancy Cooper?" Came the voice of Rushing Sand as the two women cantered back towards down. "I do not! Well I suppose I do." She replied defensively leaning back into her saddle. "He is quite ruggedly handsome and very charming with a lot of conviction in that he reminds me a lot of my father. But I'am not sure that I trust him... yet." A dark haunted look appeared behind Sand's mismatched eyes. "Never trust a sweet face and honeyed words, Nancy Cooper. A lesson my mother learned to her cost." Nancy looked sidelong at the woman but said nothing. She's as much a mystery as Clinton is but I get the feeling I can trust her. Silence passed between for five minutes until Sand broke it. "So did you get what you came for, Nancy Cooper?" Nancy nodded patting the chest pocket of her stolen shirt. "Oh yes and perhaps a little bit more. Once we get back to the flophouse I will show you what we have. You wouldn't believe the amount of dirty laundry, McClaine's mixed up in. All we have to do his pick one and strike." Sand grinned widely as a hunter would sizing up it's prey. "Good, we will be as silent as the rattlesnake. And he won't know what hit him." The two women laughed as a gust of wind caught the desert behind them, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
