Chapter 7
As Caitlyn helped Vi salvage what little belongings she had left, she couldn’t help but notice the stark simplicity of it all. Vi’s things were few—some worn leather jackets, a few spare shirts, a few battered boots, and a handful of other necessities that didn’t really speak of a life uprooted, but more of a life always in motion. Caitlyn’s fingers lingered over the items, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to make sense of it.
The sight stirred something in Caitlyn—an instinct, a curiosity that had only grown stronger since meeting Vi—but she chose not to press the matter. After the events of the day, the last thing she wanted was to start picking apart Vi’s past, not when there were more immediate concerns pressing in. Vi hadn’t even flinched when the fire broke out at the ranch, hadn’t hesitated to risk her own life to save others, and Caitlyn couldn’t help but feel a pull of admiration for her. Still, there were things Caitlyn didn’t understand about Vi, and a feeling lingered at the back of her mind: that Vi’s past was more complicated than she let on.
For now, Caitlyn decided to stay quiet. The day had been long and harrowing, and the last thing either of them needed was to rehash their pasts. Instead, Caitlyn moved to help her carry the remaining few items, offering a small, but understanding smile as she passed a few things to Vi.
As they made their way toward the shack, Caitlyn looked around the small area. The wind had picked up, sending a soft rustle through the dry grass that dotted the landscape. A few stray birds glided lazily overhead, and the sun hung low, casting a warm, golden light across the horizon.
The shack stood at the edge of town, simple and unassuming, its timbered walls weathered by years of sun and rain. It was nestled under the shadow of a lone, scraggly tree, its bare branches swaying in the evening breeze. The porch creaked slightly under their weight as they made their way up the steps, and Vi couldn’t help but notice how small and humble the place was. There was something comforting in its simplicity. Despite its rough edges, it was a refuge—at least for now.
The wraparound veranda, worn and chipped from years of use, stretched all the way around the shack, the railing weathered but sturdy. A clothesline ran from one corner of the porch to the other, where Caitlyn’s eyes quickly caught sight of an unexpected view. Her breath caught slightly as she realized her undergarments were hanging in full view, swaying gently in the wind. A blush crept up her neck, and she quickly dismounted her horse, rushing toward the clothesline to salvage what remained of her dignity.
Vi followed Caitlyn’s sudden movement with a bemused grin, her hands still clutching the few belongings Caitlyn had helped her gather. "Well, well, Blue Eyes," Vi teased, her voice laced with humour. "Guess you’ve got some explaining to do."
Caitlyn’s face turned crimson as she hurriedly tugged at the clothesline, attempting to hide her unmentionables with as much grace as she could muster. "This is not the kind of thing that was supposed to get aired out, Vi," she muttered under her breath, but the amusement in Vi’s voice was enough to make her try to laugh it off.
Vi stepped closer, moving with the ease and confidence that was uniquely hers. "Don’t worry," she said with a soft chuckle, "I’m sure no one’s going to come around and peek at your laundry, Sheriff." Her voice was a little quieter now, almost as if the teasing had faded into something softer.
Caitlyn shot Vi a side-eye, both of them aware of how close they were now—closer than usual, the tension between them palpable despite the easy atmosphere. "I’d appreciate it if you kept your distance from the laundry line," Caitlyn replied with an affectionate grin, trying to mask the warmth spreading through her chest at the shared moment of intimacy.
Vi’s grin softened, and for a fleeting moment, Caitlyn caught her gaze, eyes lingering. "Guess you’re a little shy after all, huh?" Vi said, her voice low and teasing. There was a flicker of something deeper there, something that Caitlyn wasn’t sure how to name, but it made her heart skip in her chest.
Caitlyn, still trying to mask the awkwardness of the situation, shot back, "Only when it comes to pretty cowboys." She tugged the last of her clothes off the line, folding them quickly to hide the lingering blush across her face.
As she stood up, Vi was still close—too close, almost—but Caitlyn didn’t step away. Vi’s hand brushed Caitlyn’s in a quiet, almost imperceptible gesture, the contact sending a pulse of warmth through her. It wasn’t anything overt—nothing more than a shared moment in the quiet of the evening, yet it carried weight between them. A simple touch, but one that seemed to say everything unspoken.
"You’re alright, Sheriff," Vi said quietly, her tone shifting, something almost tender in it. "I’ve got you covered."
Caitlyn’s chest tightened at the words, her pulse quickening just a little. She nodded, looking up at Vi with a soft smile that carried more than just gratitude. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I’ve got you, too."
For a moment, the world outside the shack seemed to fall away. There was only the two of them, standing together under the softening glow of the setting sun, the warmth of their shared silence drawing them closer, leaving unspoken promises lingering in the air.
***
Caitlyn led Vi through the small shack, her steps steady as she pointed out the few simple, but functional furnishings. The place was nothing grand, just a humble retreat with everything they needed—a modest kitchen area, a small dining table, and a comfortable couch beside the fireplace. The room had a warm, lived-in feel, the wood floors creaking slightly beneath their feet. The soft scent of pine mingled with the lingering woodsmoke in the air.
Vi’s eyes wandered around, taking in the hominess of the place, but her gaze fell upon something in the corner that piqued her interest. Against the chair opposite the fireplace leaned a guitar, its wooden body worn, the strings slightly rusted from age, but still clearly cared for.
"You play?" Vi asked, nodding toward the instrument.
Caitlyn paused for a moment, her expression shifting slightly, before she gave a small shrug. "I used to," she said, her voice quieter now, almost as if the topic brought up some kind of old, unspoken feeling. "Not so much these days. I’ve got a lot to keep up with." She moved past Vi to the linen cupboard, pulling out a few spare towels with practiced ease. "But maybe one day, when things slow down a bit."
Vi eyed the guitar for a beat longer before turning back to Caitlyn, intrigued by the brief flicker of something hidden in her voice. "You should play again sometime," Vi suggested, her tone light but genuine. "Could be a nice break from all the hard work."
Caitlyn offered a quick smile but didn’t respond, her attention focused now on sorting through the towels. She placed them neatly on the kitchen counter, then turned toward the bedroom, motioning for Vi to follow.
"This is your room," Caitlyn said as she opened the door to the small, simple space. The room had a single bed with a handmade quilt covering it, its patterns intricate and warm, woven with care. A small nightstand sat beside the bed, a lamp perched on top, the glow from the fire outside the room casting flickering shadows through the open window.
Vi walked in slowly, her gaze taking in every corner of the room. It was humble but cozy—just enough for someone who didn’t need much but still made a space feel like home. There was an easy comfort to it.
"Looks perfect," Vi said, her voice soft as she ran a hand along the edge of the bed.
Caitlyn set the towels down on the bed, and for a moment, there was a slight tension between them, the air thick with unspoken words. Finally, Caitlyn broke the silence, her tone lighter now. "You look like you could use a shower," she said, her voice kind but firm. "Get yourself cleaned up. I’ve got to tend to the firewood, make sure everything’s stocked for the night."
Vi nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "Sounds good. I’ll be quick."
As Caitlyn stepped back toward the living area, she cast one last glance at Vi, her eyes lingering for just a moment longer than usual. "Take your time. I’ll be outside." She turned and walked out, the sound of her boots against the floor fading down the hallway.
Vi stood still for a moment, soaking in the quiet of the room. The weight of the day settled heavily on her shoulders, the exhaustion finally hitting her. She had never expected to find herself here, in a small shack on the outskirts of town, yet it felt oddly comforting. The soft glow of the lamp, the warmth of the quilt, the simplicity—it was all grounding in a way that Vi hadn’t realized she needed.
She stripped off her clothes and stepped into the bathroom, the sound of the shower turning on the only thing filling the silence. The warm water soothed her aching muscles, steam rising and swirling around her as she allowed herself a brief moment of respite. Outside, she could hear the crackling of the fire and Caitlyn’s quiet movements, a reminder that the world didn’t stop even in the quietest moments.
Vi closed her eyes under the spray, letting the heat and the sound of the water wash away the day’s tension. It was a rare thing to feel this at peace, but in this small, unassuming room, with the sound of Caitlyn’s presence outside, it was hard not to feel a little lighter.
***
Vi emerged from the bathroom, the towel wrapped securely around her waist, her loose linen top hanging loosely over her shoulders. The soft scent of soap clung to her skin, the warmth from the shower still radiating through her. She stepped into the small kitchen area, her eyes scanning the space as she half-listened for Caitlyn’s movements.
“Hey, Cait, you seen my jeans and chaps?” Vi called out, glancing over the room with a furrowed brow.
Caitlyn, who had just walked into the kitchen, stopped in her tracks at the question. She glanced over at Vi, wrinkling her nose in mild disgust. “Seriously?” she asked, her voice tinged with amusement. She shook her head and crossed her arms. “Those things need a serious wash. You haven’t done laundry in ages, have you?”
Vi chuckled, but there was a touch of sheepishness in her tone as she scratched the back of her neck. "Guess I’ve been a bit... preoccupied."
"Preoccupied?" Caitlyn’s expression shifted from mock disgust to something a little more playful. “You mean too busy to take care of yourself? I don’t think I’ve seen you wash those things in at least a week. No wonder you smell like smoke and sweat."
Vi gave a dramatic sigh, letting her shoulders sag as she shot Caitlyn a look. “You’re just mad because I’ve been wearing them longer than you’d care to admit.”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused. “I’ve got standards, Vi,” she said, crossing her arms tighter. “And those jeans—” she pointed toward the pile of clothes near the door “—Practically walked themselves out your room.”
Vi smirked, stepping closer and leaning in, teasing her a little more. “Hey, if you’re offering, I could use a hand with the laundry.”
Caitlyn snorted, finally cracking a smile despite herself. “I’ll pass. But if you really want to keep your clothes around here, you’re going to have to give them a good wash, and soon.”
Vi winked, a playful glint in her eye. “Fine, fine. I’ll get to it... tomorrow.”
Caitlyn shook her head, giving her a playful shove. “You better. I’m not going to live in this shack if you’re walking around smelling like a burnt campfire all the time.”
Vi’s grin widened. “Guess I’ll just have to make sure I take extra good care of you, huh?”
The banter hung between them, light and easy, as Caitlyn walked over to the stove, shaking her head but clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. Despite the chaotic day, despite the fire and the danger, there was something simple and grounding about this moment.
Vi, towel still wrapped around her, couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth that had nothing to do with the fire or the warmth of the shower.
As Vi stood there, towel wrapped snugly around her waist, Caitlyn couldn’t help but notice the way the soft fabric clung to Vi’s body. Her skin still glowed from the shower, and the steam from the room clung to her, leaving a soft sheen that made her look even more alive, more vibrant. Caitlyn’s eyes involuntarily flicked downward for a moment, drawn to the outline of Vi's toned muscles—shoulders, arms, and the firm strength of her torso.
Vi was no stranger to hard work, and it showed. Her muscles weren’t just built from lifting hay bales or wrangling cattle; they were a testament to everything she had been through, every tough challenge she’d faced and conquered. Caitlyn's gaze lingered for just a second longer than she’d intended. The way Vi’s hair clung to her face, wet and messy, added to the picture of strength and raw beauty.
She shifted her weight, pretending to focus on the fire, but her mind betrayed her. Caitlyn's pulse quickened, and the warmth on her cheeks deepened. Her mind raced to places she wasn’t ready to visit—places she wasn’t sure she was ready to acknowledge. She’d always prided herself on her control, on the ability to keep her emotions and desires in check. But there was something about Vi that made it difficult to stay composed.
But Caitlyn wasn’t a fool. She knew better than to let her emotions show. She had a job to do, a role to play. And though she might have felt an undeniable pull toward Vi, she wasn’t about to risk complicating things. Not when everything was already so chaotic.
With a small, almost imperceptible shake of her head, Caitlyn gathered herself. She turned back to Vi, trying to suppress the flurry of emotions swirling within her.
“You know, I’m only teasing you about the jeans,” Caitlyn said, her voice more steady than she felt. “But seriously, you need to take better care of yourself. We both know you don’t stop for anything, but you’ve got to look after yourself too.”
Vi’s smile softened, as if she was completely unaware of the internal battle Caitlyn was fighting. “I’ll take care of them soon enough,” she said with a wink, the teasing edge still present in her voice.
Caitlyn forced herself to focus on the task at hand, brushing her thoughts of Vi's wet hair and strong form aside. But every glance, every movement from Vi, reminded her of just how much she didn’t want to push these feelings away.
She couldn't let herself fall for this. She wouldn’t. At least, that was what she told herself as she busied herself in the kitchen.
***
Vi dashed out of the shack with urgency, her boots pounding the earth, still damp from the shower, and the wind pulling at her loose linen top. The fire from the shack had faded to a mere memory as the cool night air hit her skin, but her mind was anything but settled. She had almost forgotten—Sevika. They had plans to meet, to discuss the information she’d gathered.
"Shit," she muttered under her breath, throwing open the door of the shack as she raced out into the night. Her horse was tethered nearby, and with the fluidity of a seasoned rider, she mounted it swiftly, her body moving as if it were second nature. The horse trotted briskly beneath her as she guided it toward the town, the rhythmic sound of hooves beating against the dirt road. She could feel the tension in her muscles, the adrenaline kicking in as her mind flickered to the conversation, she’d promised Sevika earlier.
It was close to midnight now, the town dark but still awake. As Vi rode past Babette’s Babes brothel, the flickering of dim light spilled out onto the street. She slowed her horse instinctively, noticing the figures stumbling out of the brothel.
Sevika.
Vi’s brow furrowed when she saw Sevika, with Akali holding her up, barely able to walk on her own. Sevika looked… off. Her usual sharpness was clouded by drunkenness, her movements stumbling and erratic. Vi’s heart skipped a beat, and before she could think, she urged her horse forward, closing the gap.
"Sevika," Vi called out, her voice tinged with concern as she reined in her horse, but Sevika didn’t immediately respond.
When she finally caught sight of Vi, her eyes narrowed, but instead of greeting her with gratitude or relief, Sevika's face contorted with anger and frustration. "You forgot," she slurred, her words stumbling over each other. "You forgot about me… forgot about our damn meeting." She staggered, her words loud and bitter in the still of the night, slurring with every syllable. "Who the hell raised you, huh? Who took care of you when you had nothing?"
Vi’s jaw clenched, confusion and frustration mixing in her chest. "What the hell are you talking about, Sevika? I didn’t forget anything. We had a plan, and I’m here now, aren’t I?"
Sevika’s eyes flickered, clearly foggy with drink, but the anger behind them was palpable. "You always forget me, Vi," she hissed, her words exaggerated by the situation. "Like you always forget where you come from. Who had your back when you couldn’t fend for yourself? Who was there when everyone else left you, huh?"
Vi's heart twisted at the words, the truth laced with a venom she hadn’t expected from Sevika. They had been through so much together, their bond built on trust, loyalty, and unspoken understanding. But this… this was something different. The rawness in Sevika’s words stung harder than she anticipated, the anger hitting too close to home.
"Don’t do this, Sevika," Vi growled, her tone steady despite the emotions crashing through her. "You’re drunk. This isn’t you." She dismounted, the urgency in her movements more about trying to help than anything else. "Come on, we’ll talk about this, but not like this."
Sevika, still seething, tried to lash out but stumbled into Akali’s arms, her words fading into a jumbled mess. Akali, who had been quiet until now, stepped in with surprising calmness, her hands gently holding Sevika’s shoulders.
"Let her be, Vi," Akali said, her voice quiet but firm. "She’s not in a place to talk right now. Let me take care of her." With a gentle but insistent hand, she guided Sevika back toward the brothel. "Come on, Sevika. You need to sleep this off."
Vi stood frozen for a moment, the argument still hanging in the air, unresolved. Her mind raced—she didn’t know what had caused Sevika to lash out like that, but it hurt. It hurt more than she wanted to admit.
As Akali led Sevika back inside, Vi didn’t move. Her heart felt heavy with the weight of words left unspoken and a friendship now hanging by a thin thread.
But before she could gather her thoughts, a sudden presence made itself known. From the shadows, Caitlyn emerged, riding her horse from a distance, her gaze fixed on the interaction that had just transpired.
Vi’s pulse quickened. She hadn’t noticed Caitlyn, but now the sheriff was there, watching her, watching everything. The weight of Caitlyn’s quiet observation settled on Vi like a cloak, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense moment.
Caitlyn didn't speak immediately. She simply watched as Vi stood there, her posture rigid, still trying to process the argument, the broken pieces of her friendship with Sevika, and the lingering feeling of being watched.
After a moment of silence, Caitlyn tipped her hat, her voice calm but with a quiet concern that Vi could feel, even from a distance.
"You okay, Vi?"