Chapter 6
The sun was proudly hung high over the dusty plains as Vi adjusted her hat, the brim casting a shadow over her freckled face. She tugged her leather gloves tighter, her hands rough from days of ranch work but steady as ever. A soft wind kicked up, ruffling the hem of her faded blue shirt tucked into a pair of worn leather chaps over her washed jeans. Her vest, a deep brown matching her boots, was stitched with subtle patterns that hinted at her roguish side. The scars on her arms peeked out beneath rolled-up sleeves, the faint outline of her biceps visible even at rest. Hard work had made them stronger, and the way they flexed as she gripped the reins was impossible to miss.
Loris rode alongside her, a grand figure with a perpetual smirk and a knack for getting under her skin. His long duster coat flapped slightly in the breeze, and the spurs on his boots jingled faintly with each trot of his horse. He carried himself with an air of confidence, his hat tipped back to reveal a sharp jawline and piercing gaze.
Their destination was just on the edge of town—a wagon carrying fresh supplies for the Last Drop. As they approached, Vi spotted the driver: a striking woman with fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders, tied loosely at the back. She wore an elegant yet practical dress in deep burgundy, its lace trim swaying with each step as she climbed down from the wagon. Despite the confines of the era’s fashion, the dress hinted at her athletic build, and her boots, though heeled, were made for the road.
As Vi approached the wagon, Sarah Fortune stood with one hand on her hip and the other holding a ledger, her green eyes assessing Vi with curiosity and just a hint of amusement. The sunlight caught the fiery strands of her long red hair, making them glow like embers. She looked like trouble, Vi decided—not the bad kind, but the kind you wouldn’t mind getting tangled up with.
Vi adjusted her hat and stepped forward, her voice casual but with a teasing undertone. “Well, ma’am, seems like you’ve got quite the load here. You sure you didn’t bite off more than you can chew?”
Sarah looked up, a slow grin spreading across her lips. “I reckon I could say the same about you, cowboy.”
Vi chuckled, leaning against the side of the wagon. “Cowboy? What gave it away?”
“Well, you’re wearing one of them hats, aren’t ya?” Sarah shot back, her tone playful as she folded the ledger and tucked it into a satchel slung over her shoulder. “Figured you must be the strong, silent type. Though, judging by all the staring, maybe not so silent.”
Vi tilted her head, her grin widening. “Can’t help it, ma’am. Red’s a hard colour to miss.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. “Flattery, huh? That work on all the girls around here, or just the ones passin’ through?”
Vi shrugged, adjusting her gloves as she gave her a roguish look. “Don’t know. You tell me—how’s it working so far?”
Sarah laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Oh, you’re bad, alright. Good thing I like a little trouble now and then.”
“Good to know,” Vi replied, her voice low. “So, you just passin’ through, or do I get to see that pretty face of yours again?”
Sarah leaned against the wagon, her eyes never leaving Vi’s. “Depends, cowboy. You planning to make it worth my while?”
Vi smirked, pushing off the wagon and grabbing a crate to load into the storage shed. “Guess you’ll have to stick around and find out.”
Sarah watched her with a raised brow, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth.
Vi shot back, giving her a wink as she set the crate down.
Sarah laughed again, shaking her head. “Name’s Sarah Fortune, by the way. You got a name, or should I just keep callin’ you cowboy?”
“Vi,” she said flippantly, tipping her hat with a little flourish. “And I ain’t no cowboy. Just a ranch hand trying to make an honest living.”
“Honest, huh?” Sarah’s grin turned knowing. “I’ll make an honest woman out of you. Maybe I’ll see you around, Vi.”
Vi smirked, matching Sarah's energy. "Darlin', I’d be much obliged."
As Sarah climbed back onto the wagon, she gave Vi one last look, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Is that a promise?”
Vi chuckled, watching as the wagon rolled away. “No promises,” she muttered under her breath, her thoughts already lingering on the redhead and her sharp wit.
Loris, who had been watching the whole exchange, sauntered over with a crooked grin. “Well, would you look at that. The ranch hand charm strikes again.”
Vi smirked, brushing off her gloves. “You jealous, Loris?”
“Not jealous,” Loris replied, mounting his horse. “Just surprised she didn’t slap you. Reckon you’ve got a way with words with the ladies.”
Vi mounted her own horse, grabbing at the reins. “What can I say? Some folks just know quality when they see it.”
Just as Loris took off, Vi was preparing her reins on her horse when Sevika sauntered beside them. Her shirt, a dusty beige that had seen better days, clung to her broad shoulders. She’d rolled up her sleeves as usual, revealing arms corded with muscle from her blacksmith duties. The faint smell of iron and leather followed her as she leaned casually against the stable door.
“You’re looking a little more chipper than usual,” Vi said, her deep voice tinged with amusement. “due to a certain Akali perhaps?”
Sevika smirked but didn’t look up.
“How did you now?” Sevika raised a brow. Her dark vest, patched in places but sturdy, hung open over her shirt. Her heavy boots were caked in soot, and the faint lines of a scar on her forearm gleamed in the light. She crossed her arms, her biceps bulging slightly as she leaned forward. “Well, let’s not get too distracted. We’ve got work to do.”
“Speaking of work,” Vi said, brushing the dust off her horse. Her voice carried an edge as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a folded piece of paper, holding it up like a secret too dangerous to keep. “I’ve been piecing things together. Found some clippings about Silco and Jinx. Thought you might want to take a look.”
Sevika, who had been leaning casually against her horse, froze mid-motion. Her usual smirk faded, replaced with a hard, calculating look. “Yeah?” she said, her tone low. “And how long you been sittin’ on that, Vi? You holdin’ out on me now?”
Vi tilted her head, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Relax, Sev. I’m telling you now, aren’t I? Figured you’d appreciate a little privacy when we talk this over.”
“Privacy?” Sevika repeated, stepping closer, her boots crunching against the dirt. Her broad shoulders cast a shadow over Vi. “Or are you just keepin’ secrets like always? If there’s somethin’ about Silco and Jinx, I need to know now, not on your damn schedule.”
Vi’s grin faltered for a moment before she squared her shoulders, standing her ground. “Only until tonight,” she said, folding the paper again and slipping it back into her saddlebag. “We’ll meet at the old windmill, same spot as before. I’ll bring what I’ve got, and we’ll figure out our next move together. Sound good?”
Sevika studied her for a long moment, her sharp gaze searching for any sign of deceit. “You better not be jerkin’ me around, kid,” she muttered, finally turning her attention back to her horse. Her tone softened just slightly, though her words still carried weight. “You know how important this is.”
“I know,” Vi said quietly, a rare seriousness in her voice. “You think I don’t want answers too? Jinx… Silco… I need to know what the hell happened. Just like you.”
Sevika nodded once, though the tension in her shoulders didn’t ease. She patted the horse’s neck absently before casting Vi a sidelong glance. “Fine. But don’t go notifyin’ your new sheriff friend about any of this,” she said, her voice laced with warning.
Vi barked out a short laugh, but it sounded hollow. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Sev. Caitlyn’s got enough on her plate without sticking her nose in our business.”
Sevika raised a sceptical brow. “Funny, I didn’t say her name, but you brought her up real quick.”
Vi felt heat rise to her cheeks but masked it with a smirk. “You’re imagining things.”
“Am I?” Sevika asked, her smirk slowly creeping back. “Don’t be ringin’ wedding bells soon, Vi. We aint gonna be here forever.”
Vi waved her off, but her grin faltered as Sevika’s words lingered.
“I’ll see you by the windmill,” Sevika replied, pushing herself off Vi’s horse, giving the four-legged girl a final pat. She glanced up at Vi, her tone turning gruff again.
Vi tipped her hat, her eyes briefly flickering toward the distant town, where she knew Caitlyn was probably busy with her duties. “Yeah,” she muttered under her breath, her grin fading completely.
As Sevika walked off, Vi sat there for a moment, her hands tightening on the reins, staring out at the horizon. The weight of the clippings in her saddlebag felt heavier than ever. With a resigned sigh, she kicked the sides of her horse and headed back toward the ranch.
***
The late afternoon sun now low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the ranch. The peaceful scene was abruptly shattered by a plume of smoke rising from the living quarters. Vi rode up from the pastures, her relaxed demeanour vanishing as she saw the flames licking at the wooden structure. Her chest tightened as shouts carried through the air.
“Vi!” Darius bellowed; his voice raw with urgency. He and Loris were already hauling buckets of water from the trough, sweat pouring down their faces as they fought the growing inferno. “Get to town and fetch the Sheriff! We can’t do this alone!”
Vi’s jaw clenched as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. She glanced at the blaze, then at Darius and Loris, before nodding sharply. “Hold on!” she shouted back, wheeling her horse around with practiced ease.
Her mare, a sleek and powerful creature named Ember, responded instantly to Vi’s firm hand on the reins. With a quick nudge of her heels, they were off, galloping at full speed down the dusty trail. Vi leaned forward, her muscles taut as she gripped the reins and shifted with the horse’s movements. Her arms flexed as she steadied herself, her thighs gripping tightly against Ember’s sides to maintain balance.
The wind rippled at her shirt, the loose fabric whipping behind her as her braid bounced with each powerful stride of her horse. Vi’s sharp eyes scanned the trail ahead, her mind racing as fast as Ember’s hooves. The rhythmic pounding of the mare’s gallop reverberated through her body; every muscle engaged in the ride. She guided Ember with subtle shifts of her weight, her bond with the animal evident in the way they moved as one.
The town came into view, its buildings bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. Vi didn’t slow, her focus honed on the Sheriff’s office. People in the street turned to watch as she thundered past, a blur of urgency and determination.
She pulled Ember to a sudden stop in front of the office, dismounting with speed. Her boots hit the ground, and she sprinted inside, her breathing heavy but steady.
Caitlyn was seated at her desk, bent over paperwork, with Jayce leaning against the wall nearby, arms crossed. Both of them looked up in surprise as Vi burst in, her face flushed and her braid dishevelled.
“Sheriff, the ranch—” Vi’s voice was hoarse from shouting against the wind. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “The living quarters are on fire. Darius and Loris are trying to put it out, but they need help—now.”
Caitlyn’s expression shifted from startled to steely in an instant. She stood, grabbing her hat from the desk. “Jayce, rally the brigade,” she commanded, her tone sharp and no-nonsense.
Jayce nodded, already heading out the door to sound the alarm.
Caitlyn turned to Vi, her gaze unwavering. “You ready to lead us back?”
Vi smirked despite the tension, brushing soot from her sleeve. “Already saddled up. Let’s go.”
Minutes later, the town’s volunteer fire brigade, a mix of farmers, shopkeepers, and ranch hands armed with buckets and axes, was assembled. Caitlyn and Vi led the charge, galloping back toward the ranch with urgency etched into every face.
The once-golden afternoon now flickered with the ominous glow of the fire, and as they approached the inferno, the stakes became clearer. It wasn’t just a fire—it was a threat to their way of life, and everyone knew it.
The scene was chaos as Caitlyn, Vi, Jayce, and the volunteer brigade arrived at the ranch. Smoke billowed into the sky, the acrid stench of burning wood thick in the air. The men and women wasted no time, leaping from their horses and unloading pails of water. Caitlyn quickly took charge, directing them to form a line from the ranch’s well to the fire.
“Keep the water moving! Don’t stop for anything!” Caitlyn barked, her voice cutting through the noise.
Vi darted between people, helping wherever she could. Her muscles strained as she heaved pails of water, the heat from the fire licking at her face. Despite the exhaustion and chaos, the adrenaline kept her moving.
But then, a horrifying sound ripped through the air—a deafening crash as the roof of the living quarters caved in. Flames roared upward, sending sparks flying.
“Darius!” Loris shouted; his voice panicked.
A scream erupted from inside the wreckage. “Help! I’m stuck!”
Vi and Caitlyn froze, their eyes locking for half a second before they bolted toward the sound. Jayce was right behind them, grabbing an axe on his way.
They reached the collapsed structure, the heat nearly unbearable. Darius was pinned beneath a massive beam, his face slick with sweat and soot. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he tried to push against the debris.
“Hang on, big guy,” Vi called, already gripping the edge of the beam. “We’ve got you.”
Caitlyn crouched beside her, tugging her bandana up over her nose and mouth. “Jayce, over here!” she shouted.
Jayce dropped to his knees beside them, planting his axe into the ground. Together, they began prying at the burning wood. Vi’s muscles bulged as she pulled, her knuckles white, while Caitlyn wedged another piece of debris free.
“On three!” Jayce yelled, gripping the beam alongside Vi.
“One… two… three!”
With a guttural shout, they lifted the burning beam just enough for Caitlyn to pull Darius free. He collapsed into her arms, barely conscious, his chest heaving. His shirt was scorched, his skin blistered and raw in places.
“He’s barely breathing,” Caitlyn said, her voice tight with urgency.
“We’ve gotta get him to Viktor,” Jayce said. He grabbed Darius under one arm while Vi took the other. Together, they carried him toward Vi’s horse.
Vi swung up into the saddle first, her hands steady despite the chaos. Jayce and Caitlyn hoisted Darius up behind her, securing him as best they could.
“Ride like hell,” Caitlyn ordered. “I’ll come with you.”
Vi nodded, gripping the reins tightly. Caitlyn mounted her own horse with ease, and the two of them tore away from the ranch, their horses kicking up clouds of dust.
The ride back to town was frantic. Vi’s eyes darted to Darius slumped behind her, his head lolling with every gallop. She leaned forward, urging Ember to go faster. The mare responded, her powerful muscles rippling beneath her coat as she surged forward.
Caitlyn was right beside her, her face set in grim determination. “We’re almost there,” she shouted over the wind.
They reached the apothecary just as the sun dipped, casting long shadows over the town. Viktor was already outside, alerted by the commotion.
“Get him inside!” Viktor called, his sharp eyes assessing Darius’s condition as Vi and Caitlyn dismounted.
Together, they barely managed to haul Darius into the apothecary, the scent of herbs and medicines replacing the stench of smoke. Viktor immediately cleared his workbench, pushing jars and vials aside. His sharp eyes darted over Darius’s blistered skin and laboured breathing.
“Lay him here, gently!” Viktor commanded; his usually calm voice tinged with urgency.
Vi and Caitlyn eased Darius onto the table, but his weight sagged, and he groaned in pain. Vi planted her hands on the table and leaned down close to him, her jaw tight.
“You’re tougher than this, Darius,” she said firmly, her voice low and steady. “You’re not checking out on me. You hear me lad?”
Darius’s eyes flickered open, glazed but faintly registering her voice. “...Vi…” he croaked, his voice barely audible.
“Yeah, it’s me.” She gripped his arm tightly, her knuckles going white. “I didn’t haul your big, stubborn ass out of that fire just for you to give up now. You’re going to let Viktor do his thing, and you’re going to pull through, got it?”
Darius managed a weak nod before his eyes fluttered shut again. Vi straightened and turned to Viktor, her usual smirk replaced by a grim expression.
“What do you need?” she asked, her tone all business.
Viktor didn’t even look up as he started working, his hands moving with precision as he gathered supplies. “I’ll need fresh water, clean cloths, and my burn salve. His wounds are deep—some may already be infected.”
“I’ll get the water,” Caitlyn said, already moving toward the basin in the corner.
Vi turned to Viktor. “And after that? What else?”
“Keep his airway clear,” Viktor replied, carefully removing the charred remnants of Darius’s shirt. “If his breathing worsens, I’ll need to make an incision here.” He gestured to Darius’s throat.
Vi clenched her fists, her gaze narrowing.
“Vi,” Caitlyn said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. “He’s in good hands. Viktor knows what he’s doing.”
Vi shrugged Caitlyn’s hand off gently, her gaze fixed on Darius’s motionless form. “I know. But I can’t just sit here while he’s fighting for his life.” Her voice was softer now, but there was still steel in it. She took a half-step closer to Viktor, her broad shoulders tense, her hands clenched at her sides. “If you need anything—anything, Viktor—you call me. I don’t care if it’s holding him down or stitching him up. I’ll do it.”
Viktor glanced up, his sharp eyes meeting hers briefly. “If it comes to that, I’ll let you know. For now, stay close.”
Vi nodded, but before she could say anything else, Caitlyn’s hand gently gripped her arm again, this time lingering a moment longer.
“Vi,” Caitlyn murmured, her voice low and warm. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? You don’t have to do this alone.” Her thumb brushed lightly against Vi’s arm, an instinctive gesture of reassurance.
Vi turned to her, their eyes meeting, and for a moment, the chaos around them seemed to fade. “I’ve got this, Cait. I promise.” Her voice softened even more, a rare tenderness breaking through. “Darius needs me here. You’re better off back at the ranch, making sure everything’s okay. They’ll listen to you.”
Caitlyn hesitated, her lips parting as if to argue, but then she closed them again. Her hand tightened briefly on Vi’s arm before she let go, her touch leaving a lingering warmth. “Alright,” she said quietly, her blue eyes searching Vi’s face. “But promise me you’ll call for me if you need anything. Anything, Vi.”
Vi gave a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach her tired eyes. “You know I will.” She hesitated, then reached out, her calloused fingers brushing lightly against Caitlyn’s hand in a rare moment of vulnerability. “Take care of them, Sheriff.”
Caitlyn nodded, her gaze lingering on Vi for a beat longer than necessary. She tipped her hat, the gesture slower and more deliberate than usual. “Don’t push yourself too hard, alright?”
Vi’s faint smirk returned, though it was softer this time, more personal. “Hard’s the only way I know, Cait.” Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. “But I’ll be careful. For you.”
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile, and for a moment, her hand hovered near Vi’s before she finally turned and walked out the door.
Vi watched her leave, her chest tightening with something she couldn’t quite name. She turned back to Darius and Viktor, her determination hardening again, but her thoughts lingered briefly on Caitlyn’s touch and the look in her eyes.
“She’ll keep them safe,” Vi murmured to herself, as much a reassurance as it was a promise. Then she squared her shoulders and turned her full attention back to the battle in front of her. As Caitlyn left, Vi turned her focus back to Darius. She hovered by Viktor’s side, ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. Her eyes stayed locked on Darius, her mind racing with memories of their short time working together on the ranch.
“You’re not going anywhere,” she muttered under her breath. “Not on my watch.”
The weight of responsibility pressed down on her shoulders, but Vi didn’t flinch. She knew what it meant to step up when things got tough, and tonight was no different. This wasn’t just about saving Darius—it was about proving that she could rise to the challenge, no matter how high the stakes.
***
Darius was alive, but barely. Viktor had worked tirelessly, his quick hands and sharp mind pulling off what felt like a miracle. Vi had lingered only long enough to see Darius breathing steadily before she mounted her horse and hustled off back toward the ranch.
The ride was fast and focused, the cool evening air rushing past her as her horse’s hooves pounded against the dirt. Her muscles burned from the effort, but she leaned into the rhythm, her body moving fluidly with the horse as if they were one. When the ranch came into view, her heart sank at the sight of smoke still rising faintly from the charred remains of the living quarters.
Jayce and Caitlyn stood near the smouldering wreckage, deep in conversation with Vander, whose face was set in a stormy scowl. The remaining ranch hands worked to clear debris; their sombre expressions illuminated by the flicker of lanterns scattered around the scene.
Sliding off her horse with practiced ease, Vi jogged over, catching the heated tone of the conversation.
“I’m telling you, it was them!” Vander barked, jabbing a finger toward the edge of the property where the neighbouring ranch lay just out of sight. “They’ve been circling like vultures for months, sniffing around what ain’t theirs!”
Caitlyn, her arms crossed and her expression sharp, didn’t flinch at Vander’s accusation. “That makes no sense, Vander. If they wanted the land, why would they set it on fire? It doesn’t add up.”
“They’re sending a message,” Vander growled. “Trying to scare us off. I’ve seen their kind before—cowards hiding behind dirty tricks.”
Jayce, standing to the side with his arms crossed, looked between the two. “But we don’t have proof, Vander. Accusing them outright could make things worse.”
Vander’s jaw tightened, and he turned away, muttering under his breath. “Proof or not, I know it in my gut.” He adjusted his hat and waved a hand dismissively. “I’m heading back into town. Got other business to tend to.”
Without another word, Vander strode toward his horse, leaving Jayce and Caitlyn to exchange a weary glance.
As he disappeared into the distance, Vi stepped up to Caitlyn, her hands on her hips. “What’s his deal?”
Caitlyn sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “He’s convinced the neighbouring ranch is behind this, but the logic just doesn’t hold. Burning down the living quarters hurts everyone, including them.”
Vi tilted her head, glancing toward the scorched ruins. “Guess I’ll be sleeping under the stars tonight.”
Caitlyn’s stern expression softened, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Not if I can help it. I’ve got a spare room at my place.”
Vi raised an eyebrow, her smirk playful. “Careful, Sheriff. Sounds like you’re making me an offer that is quite hard to say no to.”
Caitlyn chuckled, the sound soft but genuine. “Consider it a temporary arrangement—just until we get the quarters rebuilt. Don’t make me regret it.”
“Temporary arrangement,” Vi repeated, her voice low but warm. Her gaze lingered on Caitlyn for a moment before she clapped a hand lightly on her shoulder. “Thanks, Cait. I mean it.”
Caitlyn’s smile lingered as she shook her head. “Come on. Let’s see what we can salvage from this mess.”
Vi followed her, the tension of the evening still heavy in the air, but for the first time since the fire, a flicker of hope settled in her chest. Whatever came next, she was beginning to settle in her new home, with new friends and a new purpose. The past looking less attractive as the days went on.