Chapter 5
The first day on the ranch had been brutal. Vi’s muscles ached in places she didn’t know existed, and her body screamed in protest with every task she completed. She was thrust into the grind without much consideration for her injuries. Her leg, still aching from the infection, felt like it might give out with every step, but the ranch hands were relentless. The work didn’t stop, and neither did she. It wasn’t out of cruelty, though—just a tough-love approach meant to make her stronger.
By the time the sun began to set, Vi was covered in sweat, dirt, and the remnants of the day’s labour. She had spent the afternoon clearing out tools from the field where the harvest had ended, her hands gritty from handling farm implements and her clothes soaked with the day’s hard work. She could feel the weight of the heat still lingering in the air, the dust kicking up around her boots with each step. But the worst was over—at least for now.
Wiping the sweat from her brow onto her leather chaps, she decided it was high time for a quick bath. The communal washroom, a simple building with wooden planks and a deep wooden tub, was where the ranch hands went to clean up after a long day. It wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it would do. Vi stripped off her soiled clothes and lowered herself into the hot water, sighing as the warmth seeped into her aching muscles. She scrubbed off the grime, feeling some of the soreness ebb away with every splash of water.
When she emerged from the bath, she felt marginally human again, though still sore and fatigued. She dressed quickly, grabbing the nearest clean shirt she could find and headed toward the stables to find Loris and Darius. They’d promised to show her around town that evening, and after the gruelling day, she needed a drink more than anything.
The night was already well underway by the time they made their way into town. Vi climbed onto the back of Loris’ horse, the warm breeze brushing against her skin as they trotted down the dusty road. The street was alive with activity. The market was still bustling with vendors calling out to potential customers, selling everything from fresh produce to trinkets, and the air smelled like a mix of spices and roasting meat. Musicians played a lively tune by a nearby corner, and the sounds of laughter and shouting came from the direction of the local saloon.
Vi couldn’t help but notice the dishevelled, drunken men stumbling around, already well into their evening revelry. As they passed, one of them gave Vi a long, lecherous stare, making her uncomfortable. She quickly turned her head, not wanting to draw any more attention to herself than necessary.
They passed the apothecary next. A slim man stood inside, casting a quick, knowing look her way before he closed the shutters of his shop. Vi frowned, sensing the unease in his eyes, but didn’t think too much of it. The man had seemed odd when she first saw him, but there were more pressing matters at hand.
Loris guided the horse down the street toward their destination. The Last Drop. The saloon was located just next door to a building with a garish sign: Babette’s Babes. Vi snorted at the sight. The combination of a saloon and a brothel wasn’t uncommon in places like this, but it made her feel a little out of place. Still, she wasn’t here to judge. She was here for a drink, some conversation, and a bit of respite from the hard work she’d been thrown into.
As they rode closer, the lights inside the saloon flickered through the dusty windows, casting a warm, golden glow on the street. The sound of piano music, laughter, and clinking glasses spilled out into the night. When they arrived, Loris helped her down from the horse, and they made their way inside.
The interior of The Last Drop was just as she expected: rough, dimly lit, and filled with the smell of whiskey, tobacco, and sweat. A few patrons were hunched over the bar, some of them shouting over the piano music, while others were deep in conversation with the saloon girls. Vander sat at a table near the corner, a mug of beer in hand, as he waved them over.
“Didn’t take you long,” Vander said with a grin as Vi approached.
“Hard day’s work,” Vi muttered, settling into the seat next to him.
Loris pulled up a chair, gesturing for Darius to take the seat opposite. “You look like you could use a drink, Vi.”
Vi grinned. “You’re not wrong.”
The evening stretched on, and the bustle of the saloon made Vi feel momentarily at ease. The rough edges of the day seemed to fade with every sip of whiskey, and though she was still adjusting to life here, it didn’t seem like the worst place to be for now. The town had a rhythm, and she was starting to find her place in it. Whether she’d ever truly belong here was another question entirely, but for the moment, the music and the chatter made her forget the aches in her body.
As the night went on, Loris leaned in and, with a knowing grin, said, “You might want to check out Babette’s place later, but for now, let’s focus on getting you a drink and seeing how well you hold up, cowboy.”
Vi chuckled, raising her glass. "We'll see."
***
Vi scanned the room, eyes landing on Sevika sitting at the counter, surrounded by a handful of women. They were chatting and laughing as they nursed their drinks, but Sevika’s attention was fixed on Vi as soon as she entered.
"Hey, come on over!" Sevika waved her over, a mischievous grin already on her face. Her cheeks were flushed from drink, and she was clearly a little tipsy, but in a way that only made her more relaxed and approachable.
Vi made her way to the bar, squeezing between the bar stools and the various patrons enjoying the evening. As she neared, Sevika gestured to the empty stool beside her, a plate of what looked like stew in front of her.
Vi slid onto the stool next to her with a tired sigh, still not fully adjusted to the long day of hard work at the ranch. "Didn’t expect to find you here already," she teased, glancing at Sevika’s plate. "That looks good."
Sevika chuckled, cutting into her stew with a knife. "Can’t say no to a warm meal. And, uh, a drink or two to go with it." Her words slurred slightly, a sign that the alcohol had started to take hold. "Come on, join me. I don’t bite."
Vi raised an eyebrow. "Not the impression I got from our first meeting."
Sevika gave a nonchalant shrug, unfazed by Vi’s comment. "Oh, you know I’m harmless enough when I’ve had a drink or…two."
Before Vi could respond, Sevika motioned to the man sitting next to her—a burly figure with thick arms and a weathered face. His eyes were sharp, taking in Vi’s every movement, but there was a warmth in his demeanour that immediately put her at ease.
"Benzo," Sevika introduced with a grin, "this is the one I was telling you about. Vi. She’s been around the ranch for a bit now, just getting her feet wet."
Benzo extended a hand, nodding in acknowledgment. "Heard about you," he said, his voice rough but friendly. "Glad to see you're settling in. That ranch life’ll toughen you up quick."
Vi shook his hand, studying him for a moment. "I’m still getting used to it, but it’s not so bad."
Sevika raised her glass in a toast. "To toughening up," she declared, the other women at the bar joining in with a chorus of cheers.
Vi chuckled and accepted the mug of ale handed to her by the bartender. "Cheers, I guess." She took a sip, letting the coolness of the drink wash away some of the day’s fatigue.
"By the way," Sevika leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Loris told me you’re not so bad at taking orders after all. Seems like you might have a future here." She gave Vi a knowing look, her tone a mix of teasing and approval.
***
The jukebox played a soft, melodious tune that filled the saloon with a warm ambiance, as the setting sun painted the dusty street outside with a gentle orange glow. Vi took a sip of her whiskey, feeling the familiar burn as it slid down her throat.
Her eyes scanned the room, resting briefly on each patron, noticing the subtle shifts in their expressions as the music weaved around their conversations. Babette, the brothel’s owner, bustled between tables, ensuring every glass was full and every smile was genuine.
A young girl named Akali caught Sevika’s attention as she flitted around the room, her laughter as light as the fabric of her dress. Sevika couldn't help but smile at the carefree way she moved, seemingly untouched by the weight of the world outside.
Akali was one of the working girls that Babette looked after, and though she was petite, there was a fiery spirit in her that made the customers take notice.
Sevika, an increasing regular at the saloon, sat across from Vi, her muscular arms resting on the table. Her eyes narrowed as a sweaty man approached Akali, his intentions as clear as the cheap whiskey on his breath.
He reached out and grabbed her roughly, pulling her closer than she seemed to like. The room's chatter faded into the background as Sevika's hand clenched into a fist.
Vi knew the drill. She'd seen it before. The man was crossing a line, and Sevika wasn't one to stand for it. But she also knew that a brawl in the saloon could mean trouble for everyone. "Easy, Sev," she murmured, placing a firm hand on Sevika's forearm.
"We don't want to ruin the night." Sevika shot her a glare that could cut through steel, but Vi's gaze remained steadfast.
The man either didn't hear or didn't care about the warning. He leaned in closer to Akali, whispering something in her ear that made her face pale. Without a second thought, Sevika was on her feet, the chair scraping against the wooden floor.
She strode over to the man, her heeled boots thumping with each step. The man looked up, surprised to find the towering figure of Sevika in front of him, her jaw set and eyes blazing.
"Let her go," Sevika said, her voice low but filled with authority. The man's grin slipped as he took in her broad shoulders and the way her leather vest clung to her muscular frame.
He glanced around the room, as if looking for support, but found only wary glances and the occasional nod of approval from the other patrons.
For a moment, it seemed like he might comply. But then, with a snarl, he shoved Akali aside and lunged at Sevika. Vi leaped up, her instincts kicking in, but she was too late to stop the fist that collided with the man's face. The sound of bone on bone echoed through the saloon, and the man staggered back, his nose spurting blood.
Loris had seen the commotion and was quick to join the fray. Together, he and Sevika grabbed the man by his collar and tossed him out the swinging doors. The saloon erupted into a mix of gasps and cheers. Vi sighed, her hand still on the handle of her gun. She hoped they hadn't just signed their own eviction notices.
As the dust settled, Babette hurried over, her expression a blend of relief and irritation. "What the hell was that about?" she demanded, her hands on her hips. Sevika brushed off her pants, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Just looking out for your girls," she said, her eyes flicking to Akali, who looked both shaken and grateful.
The saloon door swung open, and in stumbled the same man, now with a few more bruises and a couple of friends in tow. His eyes searched the room until they found the trio, and they narrowed to slits. "You think you can get away with that, bitch?" he barked, spittle flying from his mouth.
Vi and Sevika shared a look. The night was about to take an unexpected turn, and the whiskey in their bellies was about to be put to the test.
The man's friends fanned out; their own faces twisted in anger. One of them, a tall lanky fellow with a greasy moustache, reached for his gun. Before he could draw it, however, the sharp crack of a pistol echoed through the saloon, and the sound of glass shattering made everyone freeze. The man's hand hovered over his holster, his knuckles white, but the gun remained undrawn.
Caitlyn had arrived, her pistol trained on the would-be shooter. Her eyes swept the room, and when they landed on Vi and Sevika, she gave a curt nod. "Looks like you two have got a situation here," she said, her voice as dry as the desert outside. Vi nodded back, respectfully.
Deputy Jayce followed close behind, his eyes on the group of men who had come to seek vengeance for their friend. His hand rested on the butt of his gun that sat in his holster, but he made no move to draw it yet.
"Now, now," he began, his voice smooth as silk, "I don't think we need any more trouble in here tonight." He stepped between the men and the trio, his gaze unwavering. "You all know the rules. Take it outside."
The man with the greasy moustache spat his tobacco on the floor, his eyes never leaving Vi's. "With pleasure darlin'," he said, his voice thick with spite. "But this ain't over."
The group of men shuffled out, grumbling and muttering threats. Akali rushed over to Sevika, throwing her arms around her in a tight embrace. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
The saloon fell silent, the music from the jukebox seemingly muffled by the tension. Babette let out a sigh of relief and turned to the customers. "Show's over, folks," she called out. "Back to your drinks and games."
Caitlyn holstered her gun and approached them. "One night and you're causing trouble?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I knew you were trouble the moment I laid eyes on you, cowboy."
Vi grinned, leaning against the bar with exaggerated nonchalance. "What can I say, Sheriff? I like to make an entrance. Thought I'd give you something to do besides polish that shiny badge of yours."
Sheriff Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, I've got plenty to do, sweetheart. Like keeping an eye on a certain ranch hand who can't seem to stay out of mischief." She turned to address the saloon. "Alright, folks. The entertainment's over. Unless you want to see me throw this troublemaker in the drunk tank for the night."
Vi chuckled, pushing off from the bar. "You wouldn't dare, Sheriff. Who'd help you wrangle those cows in the morning?"
"I'm sure I could find a replacement," Caitlyn teased, her eyes lingering on Vi. "Maybe someone who doesn't turn my saloon into a wrestling ring on their first night out."
"Aw, come on," Vi said, stepping closer. "You know you like a little excitement in your life. Admit it, I make your job interesting."
Caitlyn shook her head, fighting a smile. "Interesting is one word for it. Now, are you going to behave, or do I need to escort you back to the ranch myself?"
Vi's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Well, if you're offering a personal escort, Sheriff, who am I to refuse?"
As they rode back to the ranch, Vi's body pressed against Caitlyn's back, the night air cool and crisp around them. Caitlyn could feel Vi's breath against her neck, sending a subtle shiver down her spine. The horse's steady rhythm created an intimate cocoon of silence between them.
"Comfortable back there?" Caitlyn called over her shoulder, a teasing edge to her voice.
Vi's hands were wrapped loosely around Caitlyn's waist, her grip relaxed but present. "Never better, Blue Eyes," she replied with a hiccup.
As they approached the ranch, the moment began to feel charged with unspoken tension. The moonlight cast long shadows across the dusty ground, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
When they finally arrived, Vi attempted to dismount with her typical swagger, but her earlier confrontation at the saloon had left her slightly unsteady. She half-jumped, half-tumbled from the horse, landing with an ungraceful stumble.
Caitlyn couldn't help but laugh, a rich whistle followed. "Smooth, cowboy," she teased, dismounting with practiced ease.
She helped Vi steady herself, her hand lingering on Vi's arm. "Let's get you inside before you hurt yourself again," Caitlyn said, her voice soft but still carrying that playful undertone.
Supporting Vi slightly, she guided her to the living quarters, making sure she was safely settled in for the night. The moment of potential intimacy dissolved, but the electricity between them remained.
***
The weeks on the ranch had worn on, the laborious routine of feeding livestock, mending fences, and hauling hay slowly becoming second nature to Vi. Her muscles ached in new ways, but there was a strange satisfaction in the rhythm of the work. Still, her mind couldn’t completely quiet the questions gnawing at her.
In the rare moments she wasn’t busy, Vi found herself retreating to the solitude of her bunkhouse, where the quiet gave her space to think. She’d noticed how the other ranch hands would head down to The Last Drop after their shifts—Loris and Darius usually coaxing her to join them—but Vi had sometimes excused herself from the group, preferring the quiet of her own thoughts.
She’d scavenged for clues over the last few days, piecing together what little she could. Bits of old newspaper clippings she’d tucked away under her mattress—the ones she’d found scattered about the town—painted a grim picture. Headlines about the botched train heist. Rumours about a mysterious "heist leader" whose name was whispered in dark corners of the town. It was all so damn cryptic, but there were enough hints to make Vi wonder.
The group leader—Silco—had been the one who called the shots, the one who had kept them all in line. Where the hell had he gone? What had happened to him after the failed job? No one in town seemed to have any solid answers, and the more she thought about it, the more the unsettling sense of loss tightened its grip on her chest.
Silco had been her mentor. More than that, he had been her family when she’d had none.
Jinx, too. Vi’s sister. The one person who had always been by her side, for better or worse. The silence surrounding her disappearance made Vi uneasy. Had she survived? Was she out there somewhere? And if she was, was she still... Jinx?
Vi couldn’t push these thoughts away. She wouldn’t, not when she had nothing but fragments to hold onto. Every newspaper she found added a layer to the mystery, each headline a thread leading her closer to some truth, or at least a hint of it.
She’d learned that some stories were never fully told, but it didn't mean she wouldn't try to piece them together. Even if it meant going back into the dark places she'd left behind.
She wasn’t the same person she had been before the heist, but the fire still burned. There was unfinished business, and it called to her.
Tonight, as she sat on the edge of her bed, the latest clipping clutched in her hands, Vi knew she wouldn’t be able to ignore it any longer. The town, the ranch, even her routine—all of it was a distraction.
She had to know what happened to Silco, to Jinx. And she had to find out, even if it meant facing things she wasn’t sure she was ready to confront.
The thought of returning to the past, of going after the answers she desperately sought, stirred something in her chest—something that had been dormant for too long. She wasn’t done yet.