Red Rock II Chapter 2:- Escape from New Orleans (A Story by Rufusluciusivan and Stormtrooper1990)

[Stormtrooper1990]

With Nancy and Clinton captured by Victoria and awaiting transportation to Maximilian DeBeers, it falls to Sand to rescue her friends from their clutches and escape New Orleans. Meanwhile, Marshall Brett Stockton, an old friend of Nancy's father has made contact and Sand must see them safely to their meeting in the bayou…



Broussards Saloon, Dumaine Street, Tréme/Lafitte, New Orleans LA, Friday 6th November 1884 21:20pm



When Sand entered her inn room, the first thing she realized was that someone had already entered it beforehand. With a curse, she drew her gun, and inspected her surroundings.

Oddly enough, whoever the intruder was, they had only entered the room briefly and then left it without alerting anyone.

Deciding this would be a question for later, Sand swiftly got rid of Melanie’s clothes and put on the clothes she had been wearing during her trip to New Orleans. The young Navajo knew she would probably have to part with these clothes too, as informants of DeBeers had probably seen her during her arrival, but they would be more practical to sneak into the alleyways and reach the DeBeers Company’s warehouse. Plus, given how crowded the casino was, she knew the real Melanie had been found by now.

Just as she was about to leave, Sand noticed an odd detail. The intruder had left a note on her bed. She grabbed it. Unfortunately, it was written in English, and she didn’t know the language well enough to translate everything. However, she recognized Nancy’s name.

Sensing the message was important, Sand did her best to memorize the shape of the words, and pocketed the note. She’d show it to Nancy after breaking her and Clinton out...


Warehouse 7, West Riverside Docks, New Orleans, LA, the Same Moment



Nancy, still wearing the tattered remains of Eleanor's dress, languished against the wall of her cell. She was fuming.

"Clint." She called through the bars out to her lover, who was in the next cell. "That crook nosed bitch, how do you know her? She's not a former ex of yours, right?"

"What, Victoria?! Hell no! Besides, she’d be the first to put a bullet in my head if I made a move. I just-” He shook his head. “I tried getting her help against McClaine. It was before I met you. It… didn’t work out. I don’t want to talk about it.” He paused, then attempted to joke to lighten their hopeless situation. “You’re not jealous, right?”

“Why should I be? I trust you, and I don’t mind not being the first – as long as I’m the one. It’s just- There’s something in this woman that makes my blood boil...”

“Whatever it is then, it’s not that. Besides, I have a thing for charming, beautiful resourceful redheads, Mrs O'Hara."

Nancy giggled. "I've missed you calling me th-Wait! You said Mrs O'Hara? Does this mean...?"

"Yep. I wanted to wait until after we got DeBeers, but with this latest turn of event… Let’s just say I don’t want to have any regrets. Would you do me the honor of being Mrs Clinton O'Hara?"

Despite herself Nancy laughed. "Yes It's always been yes!" She breathed rising from the ground. “So let’s leave this place so I can wring Victoria’s neck with my bare hands. Then we will properly celebrate this marriage… and make mad passionate love…”

Clinton chuckled. “I like the sound of that.”

However, their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of the door being opened.

“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, sweetie!”

Victoria stepped inside the room. She didn’t look like a dame anymore. Her rugged brown duster, blue trousers, dark brown boots, black hat, and functional ponytail brought in mind battle-hardened ranch hands or bounty hunters – or outlaws.

However, she still behaved as if she was an actress on a stage.

Somehow this annoyed Nancy the most. “Stop calling me like that, bitch.”

Her insult didn’t faze the bounty hunter. “I must say I’m a bit disappointed. You made it easy. Of course I don’t spit on easy money, but still... I was expecting more of the girl who offed McClaine and his gang...”

“The party. It was a set-up.”

“And give this girl a prize! All DeBeers had to do was spread those rumors about you, and you came sniffing. The party, even Eleanor’s invitation… All baits. You played into his hand from beginning to end.”

“And what now? DeBeers can’t hold us forever. He’s not law enforcement.”

“This part of the docks belongs to his company. You’ll find the law is a bit more… flexible here. Maybe you’ve noticed the security is more… rugged than usual, shall we say. But you’re right. You’ll only stay here the time for him to make sure you fall under the hands of the appropriate law enforcement.”

“Someone on his payroll.”

“Enjoy your stay! Soon you may receive a brand new collar of rope…”

“Bitch! That’s what your master wants! He doesn’t want me dead! He wants to humiliate me first!”

“Wow! Look who’s a fast learner! Too bad you won’t be learning for long...”

Clinton intervened. “Victoria. Do what you want with me, but leave Nancy out of this!”

Nancy glared daggers at him. “Clint, don’t you dare play hero with me!”

“She’s pregnant, Victoria. Our child hasn’t done anything yet!”

Victoria glared at him. She was still smiling, but her eyes had become colder than steel.

Nancy frowned. Her insults hadn’t even fazed the bounty hunter, but for the first time she appeared genuinely taken aback – but also genuinely angry. During a brief second, Victoria clutched her stomach.

“Enjoy your stay.” she repeated. “I’ll go look for your friend.”


Baronne Street, Milan, New Orleans, LA 21:45pm


Sand was sneaking in the alleyways of New Orleans, heading to the docks. She could hear people combing the streets, looking for her.

“Not good.” she thought to herself. She didn’t trust the owner of their inn to keep his mouth shut. He probably had given the description of her clothes to her pursuers by now. If she wanted a chance to reach the docks and save her friends, she needed a change of outfit.

Sand clenched her hand on the hilt of her knife.

The prey was about to become the hunter…

Soon, she picked up a trail. A few female voices. She approached carefully.

Two women were searching the nearby alleyways. Their outfits just screamed ‘Outlaws.’ They were wearing thick brown boots, black trousers, brown flannel shirts, grey long coats, and dark grey scarves.

Sand grabbed her knife, and silently stalked her prey. She was furious after hearing DeBeers insult her people, after watching Nancy and Clinton being paraded in chains like common criminals… These two would be easy pickings…

In fact, maybe a bit too easy. Something felt… off. Sand was an observant woman. The way these two moved… They looked way too inexperienced to be battle-hardened outlaws. Now of course, in her eyes amateurish threats were still threats to be eliminated. However, she remembered Clinton’s and Nancy’s warning. They were in a big city. Killing the wrong people was too risky.

Sand discreetly followed the two gunwomen, silently running from one dark corner to another. The girls didn’t even realize they were being stalked!

On closer look, Sand noticed they were quite young; and their outfits were actually almost pristine – as if bought recently. And why were they both wearing the exact same sets of clothes?

One looked very familiar – a pretty half-Mexican half-Caucasian young woman. She had tanned skin, braided black hair, and brown eyes.

The saloon girl! The daughter of the saloon owner!

Something clicked in Sand’s mind. DeBeers had hired local girls, and had given them outfits to make them look like outlaws. He had hoped Sand or Nancy would kill them to have them hanged for murder!

Well, she certainly wouldn’t give him that pleasure.

Still, the outfit could be useful to infiltrate the building where Nancy and Clinton were held. But of course killing the two girls was out of question now – it would cause her friends too much trouble with the law, and Sand knew Nancy wouldn’t approve the deaths of bystanders. And Sand would respect her friend’s wishes. She needed a plan.

That’s when she noticed the cat resting idly on a bunch of empty wooden crates in an alleyway…

**************

Manuela was feeling excited. She never thought she’d take part in a manhunt one day. She was a bit of a tomboy – probably a side-effect of her being around so many rowdy men in her father’s saloon.

Her friend Bertha wasn’t as enthusiastic – she had always been the reasonable one of the duo. The brewer’s daughter was a young woman of the same age as Manuela, with thick stray-like blond hair tied into a ponytail, dark blue eyes, and white skin with some redness.

The two were good friends – Bertha was one of the few girls who had never been bothered by the fact Manuela’s mother was Mexican. Manuela would often convince her to take part in crazy shenanigans. Just like this time

“Maybe we should stay with the main group?” she proposed.

“Come on! Where’s your spirit of adventure! It’s not every day we can wear men’s clothes and guns!” Manuela retorted. “Besides-”

The two friends shrieked when they heard a loud hiss, and held on each other’s arm for support.

A stray cat jumped in the middle of the alleyway, hissing at something that had disturbed it.

Manuela and Bertha breathed in relief.

“It’s just Skinny Stella…” Manuela commented.

“Skinny Stella?”

“She comes begging for food sometimes. I feed her scraps.” Manuela stepped into the alleyway, and crouched down. “Hey there little mouse catcher… We scared you? Sorry about that. We’re looking for a mean outlaw. Maybe you saw her?”

“Come on Manuela! Stop coddling your cat!” Bertha complained.

Sand jumped her from behind, having used the cat as a distraction. She clamped a hand onto the girl’s mouth, and hit her in the back of the head with the hilt of her knife. The hand-gag muffled Bertha’s grunt. Sand silently dropped the limp unconscious body onto the ground.

“You said something?” Manuela asked as she was getting up.

Sand didn’t give her the time to turn around, and wrapped her arms around Manuela’s throat and neck. She choked, ignoring Manuela’s muffled pleas and struggles. She didn’t have anything personal against these girls – she simply considered them threats to be removed. “Just sleep…” she whispered. She stopped once Manuela was unconscious, and dragged her behind the crates. She then went to fetch Bertha.

As she grabbed the girl’s legs, she glanced at ‘Skinny Stella’, who was licking her paws on a nearby barrel. The cat glared angrily at her.

“Sorry I had to pinch you. I needed a distraction.”

Sand dragged Bertha behind the crates, and laid her next to Manuela. She however decided to take Manuela’s clothes – the half-Mexican girl was closer to her size and her skin color was closer to hers. She removed all of Manuela’s clothes – including her white muslin drawers and matching white muslin top. Au naturel, Manuela was a cute young woman. Her well rounded but small breasts, with perky dark brown areolas were buoyant with youth and full trimmed womanhood topped with a strip of black hair, would attract anyone, man or woman. However, Sand couldn’t help but think she was plain and dull compared to Sylvié... She removed Bertha’s coat and took off her flannel shirt, intending to cut it into ropes, but didn’t bother with Bertha’s outfit – reasoning it would be a waste of time. She simply removed the woman’s gun. Though she also put the blond woman back to sleep with a choke-hold when she began to wake up.

Sand stripped off her clothes and cut her and Bertha’s shirts into strips to bind the two amateur gunslingers. She snatched Bertha’s scarf to gag her with it, and used her own discarded neckscarf to gag Manuela. She threw the two trussed up girls inside an empty crate of the alleyway, Manuela first, and then Bertha.

Sand threw the remains of her former clothes with the concealed town girls, and put on Manuela’s outfit. Once she was done, she adjusted her weapons, used the hat to obscure her face, and went to the warehouse in which Nancy and Clinton had been led.


Warehouse 7, West Riverside, 22:01pm


After Victoria exited, Nancy was left fuming for quite some time.

“You have a plan, Clint? There’s no way I’m letting this bitch have the last word!”

“Not yet.”

“Then we’ll use mine. I’ve seen how the guards are dressed. If DeBeers wants to bend the law and hire criminals because he owns this dock, it’s his loss. Now I just need to strangle one of those pretty outlaws and take her clothes.”

“Nancy? You’re angry, but trust me, you need to reign yourself in. I know how DeBeers and Victoria operate. Legally they are both clean – killing them would be like killing prominent citizens. Escaping the town will be no use if you’re wanted for murder.”

“Frontier justice won’t do any good, that’s what you mean?”

He nodded. “And that’s not it. They’re devious. They-”

He was interrupted by the door being open.

A young woman dressed in black boots, blue jeans, a red flannel shirt, light brown coat, and a brown hat entered. A red scarf was tied around her neck – the kind used by outlaws to conceal their faces. Her clean outfit was quite the contrast with her appearance. The girl was mousy-looking, with rodent-like facial features and a pointy nose. Her dark brown hair was stringy, and tied into a ponytail. There were red plaques on her white skin. She had plain chestnut eyes and a harelip. For some reason, she looked ill-at-ease.

“Brought you something to eat.” she said awkwardly.

“There’s no need. We don’t intend to stay.” Nancy retorted.

The outlaw didn’t retort anything – she just grimaced nervously.

Nancy discreetly readied herself to strangle her jailer. All her weapons had been confiscated, but the guards hadn’t noticed the fake coin hidden in-between her breasts. She intended to make good use of it. She observed the jailer as she was putting the food and water on two platters. “They hire them younger and younger these days…” she commented derisively.

Her own comment rang in her ears.

Young woman… Looking ill-at-ease being a jailer… Wearing clean clothes…

“Say, haven’t I seen you in town? I always remember a pretty face.”

The girl reflexively touched her lips with the grimace of someone who had been mocked all her life for her physical appearance. “I work at the match factory. But please don’t talk to me. I’m not allowed to answer your questions.” She didn’t get angry. This confirmed Nancy’s suspicions – no bandit would let such an insult slide.

“Nancy…” Clinton whispered.

“Devious as you said… Shit! I really wanted to shoot someone...” Nancy whispered back.

She was horrified by DeBeers’ plan. He most likely had promised some poor girls of the town a hefty reward should they work as his ‘guards’ for some time – something to help them earn more money for their family – fully hoping Nancy or Sand would believe they were outlaws and kill them. Then he could frame them for murder.

‘That man is going down.’ Nancy decided.

The ‘match girl’ pushed the food under the bars, though she was careful to stay out of Nancy’s reach.

Of course, she didn’t expect Nancy to discreetly flick her coin through the bars at the other corner of the room.

The girl was on edge. The noise made her jump in fright and turn around – exposing her back to Nancy.

Nancy slipped her arms through the bars, and wrapped them around the girl’s throat. The ‘match girl’ attempted to scream, but Nancy’s viselike grip prevented her from making a sound. She was leaving barely enough slack for the girl to breathe. ‘Match girl’ could only gurgle.

“The keys. Throw them through the bars.” Nancy whispered threateningly in the frightened woman’s ear.

Her jailer complied.

“Thank you. Now don’t worry, I’ll only make you take a nap.”

Nancy tightened her hold like Sand had taught her, cutting the woman’s blood flow to the brain. When the ‘match girl’ passed out unconscious, she let go of her limp body. The girl slid against the bars, and fell into a seated position.

Nancy swiftly tried all the keys of the ring until she found the one opening her cell. She dragged the unconscious jailer inside. ‘Match girl’ was breathing softly. Nancy felt relieved – she wasn’t as good as Sand at this technique. She knew merely assaulting an innocent girl would worsen her case – bastard DeBeers had planned things to be a win-win for him. But at least if no innocent was killed she still had a chance to convince Brett to drop the charges… Plus, she didn’t want to kill bystanders period.

“Bastards set things up to make us kill town girls.” Nancy angrily commented as she was undressing ‘match girl’s coat and shirt.

“I hope Sand won’t fall into the trap. Knowing her, she’s already halfway to rescue us.” Clinton commented.

“Trust her. She’s observant enough to see through the trick.” Nancy said while pulling off the girl’s boots and trousers.

The jailer was left clad in faded grey open drawers and a matching chemise with some stains.

Remembering she was still wearing Eleanor’s petticoat as her only undergarment, Nancy grabbed ‘match girl’s underdrawers. “I’m going to need your underwear as well.” she warned the unconscious woman. She glanced at the stains on the girl’s chemise. “But trust me, I’ll hate it as much as you...”

After stripping her jailer naked, taking note of her slim undernourished body with small barely raised breasts with pink perky areolas and untrimmed womanhood, Nancy used shreds of Eleanor's dress to bind the wrists and ankles of ‘match girl’ and gag her, leaving her inside the cell.

Nancy put on the woman’s underwear, outer clothes and hat, then unlocked Clinton’s cell.

“Not the wedding dress I had in mind.” he commented.

Nancy grabbed him by the collar to give him a deep kiss. “All in due time, Mr. O’Hara… First, let’s give our friends here the slip.”

As the couple passed Nancy's cell, Clinton peered into the room recoiling as he saw the young jailer’s naked body lying unconscious on her side, her small buttocks completely exposed. "Jesus, honey did you really have to take her underwear too?" he said before moving on.

"Believe me Clint, I wish I didn't have to. Her chemise and drawers reek of creosote and I don't even want to know what those stains are. But needs must after all, besides you know me I can't stand dresses or petticoats." Clinton chuckled as they reached the door to the cell block.

"So a dress on our wedding day is out of the question I assume, Mrs O'Hara?"

Nancy kissed him on the cheek. "You'll have to wait and see, Mr O'Hara. After all, a lady never tells." She teased coyly opening the door as the two slipped out of the jail.

Exiting the building proved to be easier than expected. Using her hat and neckscarf to conceal her hair and face, Nancy could scout the corridors, and avoid the guards and employees. Clinton was following her.

They chose to escape through the backyard – using the front door would have been tempting fate.

The warehouse’s backyard was a storage area filled with barrels and crates. There was only one guard at the moment. She was carrying a sack of furniture.

Unexpectedly, the guard smiled when she saw Nancy. Then the redhead got a better look at the woman – at her tawny skin and mismatched eyes.

“Sand!”

She ran to embrace her friend.

“I grabbed you a set of clothes, but it looks like you won’t need it.” Sand dryly commented as she dropped the sack to return the hug.

There was indeed a set of clothes inside the bag – black boots, dark blue jeans, red flannel shirt, brown coat, red scarf, and white hat.

“The guard?”

“She’s in that barrel over there. Don’t worry. DeBeers’ trick didn’t work.”

Nancy took a glance. Inside, there was an unconscious light-skinned brunette with her hair tied into a neck bun. She was sitting with her thighs pressed against her chest and her chin resting on her knees. Her wrists and ankles were bound with ropes (Sand probably found them lying in the area) and she was gagged with some white strips of cloth (her own underwear, Nancy deduced).

Feeling her jailer’s dirty sweaty underwear sit loosely under her stolen clothes, Nancy sighed at the torn underwear binding the naked brunette’s mouth.

Sensing her friend’s discomfort, Sand replaced the barrel. "Something wrong?"

Nancy shrugged her shoulders, sighing. "Damn it, Sand. Did you really have to tear up her underwear? I could have done with a clean set..."

Sand cocked an eyebrow at Clinton who began to chuckle. "Yeah she had to steal the girl’s small clothes too. It wasn't pretty..."

Nancy growled in frustration. "Damn it, stop laughing, it isn't funny! Clean underwear is a serious matter for a woman out here!" She said her temperature was rising, gripping her belly as the two trailed after her.

Sand turned to Clinton "She actually stole underwear off a girl’s body? She doesn't usually do that unless she's really desperate."

Clinton flashed her a small smile. "She's with child, Sand. So she's bound to see things a bit diff-"

"Not another word Clinton O'Hara! Or so help me!" Nancy snapped as they slipped through the courtyard.

Clinton looked at her affectionately, glancing at Sand. "We are going to have one hell of a fiery baby. I'm so proud of her."

Nancy stopped suddenly for a moment before turning around. "I'm sorry Sand, I appreciate what you did back there." The two came together for a hug before Nancy turned to Clinton. "Sorry, Clint. You didn't deserve that and we are going to be married after all..." Sand's eyes widened in surprise at the news. "...so will you accept this apology for my poor manners, Mr O'Hara?" She leaned in passionately kissing her man, as Sand briefly looked away shaking her head.

"Apology accepted, Mrs O'Hara." Clinton said with a husky voice full of desire. Giggling Nancy turned on her heel, leading them up the street.

Sand chuckled. "You're going to be bonded for life? Why am I always the last to hear of these things?" Then she became serious again. “We have to hurry. I heard they’ve found the girls I mugged in the city. They’ll probably be here soon.”

“Any suggestions?”

“I found this message in my room. I believe it’s for you.”

Nancy grabbed the small sheet. “If you want help, wait for me where your father and I busted our first gang.” she read.

Nancy mused briefly. “My father busted his first gang at the Queen’s Nest… a derelict boat in the middle of the bayou… not too far away from here actually… Only one man knows about the Queen’s Nest… Brett.”

“The marshall?”

“He was my father’s partner and mentor. I trust him. If he wants to meet us alone, then it means he wants to help us.”

“Then it’s settled. Now we only need to leave New Orleans.” Clinton summed up.


Antonine Street, Touro, New Orleans, LA 22:15pm


Victoria and DeBeers were waiting in an isolated part of the town, away from prying eyes. DeBeers was fidgeting with his cane, while his coach was waiting nearby. A few of Victoria’s women were securing the area.

"So it's just like you predicted, my dear Victoria. Our foes have escaped leaving a trail of naked unconscious women strewn about New Orleans. It will be easy to rouse the mob into a frenzy. They are playing right into our hands. I have instructed our employees to lock down the city. When they’ll see they can’t escape on foot, I anticipate they’ll try to steal a boat at the docks. That’s where we’ll be waiting for them."

DeBeers smiled smugly while Victoria sighed at the pompous businessman.

She then noticed a pretty young blue-eyed blonde was walking towards them, wearing a bottle green dress, a cameo fixed at the neck and a white bonnet covering the head. She was clutching a blue parasol.

"Cooper is insufferably predictable but that doesn't mean we should underestimate her. I must give chase and follow her, guide her into a confrontation and for that I need a change of clothes."

She smirked evilly as the girl approached her. Looking at the pretty blonde, her curly strawberry blonde hair pinned in place under her bonnet, Victoria knew she was her size. From afar, she mentioned to her lieutenants to make sure no other bystander would be allowed to witness what was about to happen.

“Max, I say you should wait behind this wall. You wouldn’t want this girl to recognize you. It’ll be easier to frame our marks if she only remembers being attacked by a woman dressed as a man.”

“As thoughtful as ever, my dear.”

DeBeers complied, while Victoria mentally prepared herself to deal with an insufferable rich floozy. The thought of punching the blonde helped her stomach the idea.

"I say, ma'am. Are you from the Company? Why is the city in lockdown? I need to get home this instant!" The girl said in the southern drawl of a New Orleans native. Victoria knew her type; self entitled little bitch who was used to having everything her way. "And why are you dressed so preposterously? Answer me!"

Victoria looked her up and down, balling her right fist. "Nice dress..." she narrowed her eyes, advancing on her.

The woman reared back in fear. "Wait what are you-argh!?" She cried as Victoria lashed out, launching a fast right cross across the woman's face, sending her crashing down to the ground with a pained squeak, unconscious. Wasting no time, she stripped off her clothes before rolling the unconscious girl on her back.

DeBeers left his hiding spot. "My word, Victoria, you certainly know how to treat a lady. And you’re taking her clothes? How delightful." he sneered with a lecherous look on his face, as he was watching Victoria unbutton the blonde’s dress.

Victoria turned to face him. "If I were you, Max I’d avert my eyes elsewhere and keep my hands to myself."

The man simply chuckled as he entered his personal coach. "My dear. Where I am from they call women like you, spoilsports."

Victoria resumed stripping the blonde, taking off her dress and removing her hat and shoes. "I better not catch you peeking, Max. All your money couldn’t afford me."

DeBeers tittered as he struck the roof of his stage with his cane. "No matter, I have some entertainment waiting for me back at the Chateau. Farewell, my dear Victoria." With that his stage trundled away, leaving Victoria with the stripped blonde.

"Pompous asshole..." she muttered under her breath.

Looking down at the woman, wearing only an expensive white satin chemise and matching petticoat, Victoria decided to help herself to the woman's underwear as well. While she didn't need it, if they found this girl stripped nude attacked by Nancy and her posse, then all the better to stoke the public fury.

Besides, I needed some new undies...

She roughly pulled off the woman's undergarments, not caring about the girl’s buoyant youthful breasts with puffy light pink areolas and small trimmed womanhood. As she got dressed in her stolen outfit, one of her lieutenants, an attractive but no nonsense brunette named Mary came over.

"What do we do with the blonde, boss?" She asked as Victoria nonchalantly fixed on the woman's hat and gloves.

"Dose her with Laudanum. Should make her memories foggy enough. Then put her in a crate, fits the MO of that Navajo wench Sand or whatever her name is."

Nodding, Mary dragged the naked blonde away by her legs. Picking up the lady’s parasol, Victoria opened it staring in the direction of the French Quarter docks.

"Let the game begin." She smirked smugly heading north.


Annunciation Street, East Riverside, New Orleans LA, 22:20pm


“Shithead put the entire city on lockdown!” Nancy cursed. “We can’t leave on foot.”

“Then we will have to steal a boat.” Clinton concluded.

Many citizens of New Orleans were out for their blood – angry armed citizens – a surprising number of them being women.

When they hid from the first group in an alleyway, they heard one furious woman shout: “Hurry up and find those bitches! They mugged Manuela and Bertha!”

Nancy glanced at Sand. The native shrugged. “They’re alive.” Nancy nodded. That was all she needed to know.

When they hid from a second group behind a board fence, they noticed they were led by a man wearing fancy clothes. “These outlaws will pay for what they did to my sweet Melanie!”

Nancy glanced at Sand. The native shrugged. “I needed a change of outfit to leave the party. She’s alive too.” Nancy nodded. That was all she needed to know.

When they hid from a third group behind a bunch of crates, they heard an overseer of the DeBeers company. “I just heard Lady Crossford had been found in a barrel, stripped naked! Must be the work of that savage! Find her, men!”

Nancy glanced at Sand. The native clenched her fists. “That wasn’t me.” she growled.

“They’re framing us.” Nancy deduced, sharing her friend’s anger.

“Let’s not waste any time.” Clinton urged.

When they arrived in front of the access to the docks, they hid to observe the area. Several groups of mercenaries were patrolling. They had to time the moment they’d enter the port’s storage area in-between two patrols.

Nancy was watching the access. Then suddenly she saw her. Standing at the entrance of the storage area. Victoria. Wearing a dress that wasn’t hers, a taunting smile on her lips. The bounty hunter winked at her.

Nancy lost control of her temper. Was it the baby once again? Was it Victoria’s taunts back in the prison? Was it because her best friend had been framed because of the bounty hunter? Most likely all of the above.

Taking Sand and Clinton completely by surprise, Nancy rushed towards Victoria. The bounty hunter retreated into the storage area. Nancy went after her.

Unfortunately, when Sand and Clinton recovered from their surprise, they couldn’t immediately run after her. A group of mercenaries had turned back around the corner. They had to duck for cover under some bushes.

“Nancy… What has gotten to you…” Clinton lamented.


Pier 20, Irish Channel Docks, New Orleans, 22:30pm


The storage area on the dock was a true labyrinth of crates and barrels. Nancy had lost sight of Victoria. Gun in hand, she was running.

“Show yourself! Or are you afraid to face me?”

Victoria’s laugh resonated from somewhere nearby. “Aww~. It’s cute you think I ran away ‘cause I was scared.~”

Nancy found the bounty hunter more and more grating by the minute. “Will you stop acting like a cheap two-cents actress?”

“The world is a stage, sweetie. Everybody’s an actor pretending to be something they’re not. Might as well have some fun doing it.”

“Bitch, your fun ends here! I have questions, and you better have answers!”

Nancy turned around a corner, gun in hand.

Nobody.

She heard the click of a trigger behind her. She had been tricked!

“My fun is only beginning sweetie. Why don’t you put your gun back in its holster?”

Nancy had no choice but to obey.

“Turn around.”

Hands raised, she complied.

Victoria was leaning against a pile of crates, grinning from ear to ear. With her dress, she looked like a high-class lady. Except for the gun belt tied around her waist. “Now that’s a good girl.” Then, unexpectedly, she also put her own revolver in its holster.

Nancy seethed with rage. “You’re not taking me seriously.”

“Should I? You’re still wet behind the ears. I mean, how old are you? Fifteen?”

“Twenty-three!”

“Ah… I remember twenty-three… That’s when I began drifting… By that time I had already been married and widowed...”

“You better stop patronizing me! And don’t think I’ll forget the little stunt you did with the guards!”

“Is it my fault if you don’t think before you act?”

Nancy saw red. “You did it on purpose, bitch! You made sure we’d hurt those girls! You left us no choice!” The deception was making her furious.

Victoria waved a finger. “Ah-ah-ah. First rule of law enforcement. Nobody cares for your reasons. Only for the results.” Her lips corked into a twisted grimace. “Tell me. How does it feel? It must be exhilarating, to feel so powerful… to have them naked at your feet… and to know you’ll never be punished for hurting them…”

This time Nancy grabbed the cross of her revolver.

Then she froze.

Victoria had already drawn her revolver. Victoria’s gun was already pointed at her. If Nancy attempted to take her weapon, she was dead.

God she’s fast!

That was why Victoria hadn’t kept her gun in hand. She didn’t need it.

“You pick up quite neat tricks when you drift from place to place.” Victoria winked, relishing being in control. “Why don’t we try again? It wasn't very fair. I got you by surprise. Best out of three?”

Nancy had no choice. She moved her hand away from her gun. Victoria put her weapon back into its holster.

Nancy attempted to draw her gun as fast as she could.

Victoria’s gun was already in her hand by the time Nancy grabbed the cross of her revolver, aimed at Nancy’s head.

Nancy’s eyes widened. She was an expert gunslinger. She understood the implications well. Not only was Victoria fast on the draw, but she was also good enough to do it while wearing impractical clothes and to not shoot Nancy by accident in the process. In a way, Victoria’s complete control was even more impressive than any shooting stunt. She’d give Sand a run for her money...

“You’re a bit too young to be a gunslinger. Or a mother for that matter.” For the briefest amount of time, Nancy could sense the venom hiding behind Victoria’s smile. “Now raise your hands and submit to the law like a good little sheriff. You have an appointment with the gallows.”

Nancy realized there was a skill gap between her and the bounty hunter.

A decade-long gap.

In a fair duel, she stood no chance.

Thankfully, Nancy was not alone.

Clinton emerged from the labyrinth of crates, revolver in hand. He had caught up with them. “Drop the gun, Victoria.” he growled menacingly.

While Nancy was of course furious Victoria had managed to best her, she admitted in the privacy of her mind Clinton looked unbelievably hot when he was being protective.

The bounty hunter wasn’t impressed though. “Or what? You’re gonna shoot me?”

“I’ll have that pleasure.” Nancy intervened.

“Don’t!” Clinton interrupted her. “She’s goading you! She wants you to shoot! You saw it like me! She works with the marshal and his men! She’s an official of the DeBeers Company! You shoot her, it’s like shooting a deputy!”

Nancy grimaced. “Looks like it’s your lucky day, bitch. Law’s technically on your side.”

Victoria refused to lower her weapon, and kept ignoring the gun Clinton was pointing at her. She looked Nancy in the eyes. “And who’s an actress now? You’re quite good at the role of the perfect little sheriff, I’ll give you that. But you hurt these women and didn’t care. You tell yourself you uphold the law, but you don’t seem willing to take responsibility when you break it. I’m a bitch, alright. I hurt people, and bend the law to not face the consequences. But I won’t pretend I’m in the business for justice or some crap like that. I don’t lie to myself about the kind of person I am. You-”

“Alright everyone. Lower your weapons. The game's over.” a gruff voice suddenly intervened.

Marshal Brett Stockton. Surrounded by a dozen men.

“Marshal! Splendid timing! These ruffians have threatened to shoot me. Me, an enforcer of the Law!”

The man glanced at the bounty hunter in a way that was anything but friendly. “Don’t overdo it, Victoria. We both know I wouldn’t want the warrant DeBeers gave you to wipe my ass…” He then took one step forward. He gazed at Nancy, and she could see in his eyes he was sorry. “You all put your guns away, and we’ll sort out what happened like civilized folks.”

Nancy shared a look with Clinton. Victoria was standing one step behind the marshal and his men, a mocking smile on her lips. “She’s gonna escalate things.” she whispered to her man.

Clinton nodded.

They heard a soft rustle behind them. It was Sand. She was walking crouched down, hiding behind crates. Nobody had noticed her yet. A true Navajo scout.

“There is dynamite on the pier over there. I can shoot it. It’s far enough so the explosion won’t harm anyone. Get ready to jump in the river.” she whispered.

Victoria noticed Sand move. She shouted: “Look out, she’s got a gun!”

Several nervous deputies aimed their weapons to shoot.

“I didn’t give the order!” the Marshall shouted.

But it was too late.

Nancy and Clinton ducked and jumped into the water. Sand shot at the dynamite, and followed them. The explosion was deafening. Brett, Victoria, and all the gunslingers fell onto the pier.

While they were recovering their spirits, Nancy, Sand, and Clinton swam to safety.

Epilogue, Room 200, The Royal Sonesta Hotel, Bourbon Street, The French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 20:12pm


When Sylvié had woken up, she had found out she was lying on her soft bed, with sheets covering her body. The ropes binding her limbs and the gag silencing her were tight enough to look convincing, so that her rescuers wouldn’t find out she had cooperated with Nancy and Sand, but they were loose enough to not hurt her.

They made sure I would be comfortable... she thought fondly, her mind still filled with the image of Sand’s beautiful features.

Sylvié didn’t struggle. She also didn’t try to call for help. She just closed her eyes, and rested. Her mind was focused on Sand, trying to remember every detail of her face, of her eyes, of her gentle hands.

I can’t let her go! I have to find her!

Sylvié suddenly heard a commotion in the room next to hers.

“She’s in the wardrobe!”

Muffled screams.

Then proper screams.

Eleanor had been freed.

Hearing the shrill voice of her mistress finally convinced Sylvié. I refuse to work for her anymore. Not even for one second. Her mind was made up.

“S- Search the other bedroom…” a confused man instructed his partner. “I’ll try and calm her…”

Good luck with that. Sylvié thought to herself. She pitied the poor guy.

The door of Sylvié’s bedroom was opened. Soon, a deputy removed the blanket covering Sylvié to see her head.

“Jesus!”

Sylvié moaned in her gag, playing the part of the damsel in distress.

The guy took off the gag. “You’re alright, ma’am?”

“Yes. I was so scared… I didn’t dare to make a sound…” She lied.

“You were right to do so. Hold on, I’ll untie you. Just-” She saw him blush madly. “- please try to keep the blankets.”

The poor guy tried his hardest to cut her ropes without ogling her naked body. Sylvié appreciated his efforts. Once she was freed, she used the blanket to conceal her nakedness.

“I’ll try and find you some clothes, ma’am.”

Sylvié noticed the star pinned on the man's shirt. She got an idea. If she wanted to find Sand, worming information out of law enforcement was her best bet.

“You’re in charge of the investigation?”

“No ma’am. That would be marshal Stockton. I’m his deputy.”

“Please, I need to see the marshal. I have important information for him.”

“I- I don’t know if…”

Sylvié flashed him her brightest smile. “Please! It’s very important for me!”

The man gulped, and blushed. “I- I’ll see what I can do...”

[meditions142]

I have to say that I absolutely love the concept in this one. The idea of DeBeers as you described it "had hired local girls, and had given them outfits to make them look like outlaws. He had hoped Sand or Nancy would kill them to have them hanged for murder!"

Great concept for two reasons. First, it shows how evil DeBeers is. He has not concern about setting up these women to be killed. It also makes them the perfect totally outclassed guards. They of course will never stand a chance. The whole concept is so much fun.

It first gives us the great scene with Manuela and Bertha. Love Manuela disregarding Bertha's suggestion they stay with the group and looks for adventure but then both women fall for the distracting noise from the cat. Then Sand grabs Bertha from behind and knocks her out with a hit to the back of the head with Manuela never even knowing what happened.

The she chokes out Manuela. Love the description "She didn’t have anything personal against these girls – she simply considered them threats to be removed." And then the great comment "Just sleep".

Love too that we also get the scene of her dragging both unconscious women out of sight.

The next scene with the jail guard is also great. The woman is completely outmatched. She too falls for the distracting noise. Love how she so willingly passes the keys in to Nancy once Nancy has her. Then great comment "Now don’t worry, I’ll only make you take a nap.”

It is also interesting. The woman said she was not supposed to answer questions but had given up she worked at the match factory which probably saved her life. That was how Nancy figured out DeBeers' plan to hire local women to appear as outlaws and be killed. Good for her that she didn't completely follow her orders.

Also love that Sand had taken out another one of the guards. Love the exchange between Sand and Nancy:

“The guard?”

“She’s in that barrel over there. Don’t worry. DeBeers’ trick didn’t work.”

Would have loved to see how Sand took her out!

Just a really neat concept of these local women being set up like that by DeBeers.

[Stormtrooper1990]

I have to say that I absolutely love the concept in this one. The idea of DeBeers as you described it "had hired local girls, and had given them outfits to make them look like outlaws. He had hoped Sand or Nancy would kill them to have them hanged for murder!"

Great concept for two reasons. First, it shows how evil DeBeers is. He has not concern about setting up these women to be killed. It also makes them the perfect totally outclassed guards. They of course will never stand a chance. The whole concept is so much fun.

It first gives us the great scene with Manuela and Bertha. Love Manuela disregarding Bertha's suggestion they stay with the group and looks for adventure but then both women fall for the distracting noise from the cat. Then Sand grabs Bertha from behind and knocks her out with a hit to the back of the head with Manuela never even knowing what happened.

The she chokes out Manuela. Love the description "She didn’t have anything personal against these girls – she simply considered them threats to be removed." And then the great comment "Just sleep".

Love too that we also get the scene of her dragging both unconscious women out of sight.

The next scene with the jail guard is also great. The woman is completely outmatched. She too falls for the distracting noise. Love how she so willingly passes the keys in to Nancy once Nancy has her. Then great comment "Now don’t worry, I’ll only make you take a nap.”

It is also interesting. The woman said she was not supposed to answer questions but had given up she worked at the match factory which probably saved her life. That was how Nancy figured out DeBeers' plan to hire local women to appear as outlaws and be killed. Good for her that she didn't completely follow her orders.

Also love that Sand had taken out another one of the guards. Love the exchange between Sand and Nancy:

“The guard?”

“She’s in that barrel over there. Don’t worry. DeBeers’ trick didn’t work.”

Would have loved to see how Sand took her out!

Just a really neat concept of these local women being set up like that by DeBeers.

Thanks my friend, I remember that during our initial discussions about DeBeers, Rufus and I wanted to make DeBeers a thoroughly evil and diabolical chap. So Rufus suggested that he hire local girls like Bertha, Manuela, Match Girl (who's name will be revealed at a later date) and the unfortunate cute brunette at the end, in an effort to set our heroes up for a fall. And we ran with it.

It does represent how cruel DeBeers is that he no thoughts to the welfare of these girls, knowing that they would out of their depth and easy pickings for women of Sand and Nancy’s calibre. Luckily, our heroines were smarter than he by noticing just how poorly trained and innocent they were thus saving their lives.


I think in this chapter Sand shone here, as it demonstrated boyh her stealth skills and cunning as she trapped both Manuela and Bertha by using Skinny Stella the cat ( a little reference to Desperadoes 3) before taking out both girls with clinical detachment and graceful efficiency dragging both out of sight and stripping Manuela. I was really pleased with how Rufus represented her here and how this scene turned out. And of course the sexy mental image of two unconscious girls being dragged out of sight always a plus.


In the case of the Match Girl, it was her naive innocence and unfamiliarity to acting like a jailor and following orders that saved her life. A case in loint that it was her lack of experience working in her favour. And the reason why Match Girl left such an impression on me when Rufus and I first discussed this scene, which I think was very well executed.


With the brunette guard at the end at the end I can picture Sand entering the area and sizes up the woman knowing she's Nancy’s exact size and that her friend would be needing clothes. So she walks up to her and the guard is fooled by the outfit thinking it's Manuela, Sand then punches her in the gut then finishes her off with a punch to the back of the head. Then Sand strips her down, tying up in her undies (which ironically Nancy would have needed, but Sand wasn't to know) before putting her neatly in a barrel.


Thanks for enjoying the story and your support my friend, there will be more to come in Chapter 3!

[meditions142]

With the brunette guard at the end at the end I can picture Sand entering the area and sizes up the woman knowing she's Nancy’s exact size and that her friend would be needing clothes. So she walks up to her and the guard is fooled by the outfit thinking it's Manuela, Sand then punches her in the gut then finishes her off with a punch to the back of the head. Then Sand strips her down, tying up in her undies (which ironically Nancy would have needed, but Sand wasn't to know) before putting her neatly in a barrel.

What a prefect scene. You could imagine the cute brunette like the other women was just an ordinary girl maybe worked at the bank as a teller or maybe a secretary of one of DeBeers' acquaintances. She would allow the disguised Sand to walk right up to her given she is out of her league. Then Sand gets a bit rough with her with the punch to the stomach followed by the punch to the back of the head. But hey, it was effective.

[Stormtrooper1990]

With the brunette guard at the end at the end I can picture Sand entering the area and sizes up the woman knowing she's Nancy’s exact size and that her friend would be needing clothes. So she walks up to her and the guard is fooled by the outfit thinking it's Manuela, Sand then punches her in the gut then finishes her off with a punch to the back of the head. Then Sand strips her down, tying up in her undies (which ironically Nancy would have needed, but Sand wasn't to know) before putting her neatly in a barrel.

What a prefect scene. You could imagine the cute brunette like the other women was just an ordinary girl maybe worked at the bank as a teller or maybe a secretary of one of DeBeers' acquaintances. She would allow the disguised Sand to walk right up to her given she is out of her league. Then Sand gets a bit rough with her with the punch to the stomach followed by the punch to the back of the head. But hey, it was effective.

Thanks, the brunette would probably not have recognised Sand and easily mistook her for one of the local hired hands, since New Orleans was (and still is) a big city with people from many different backgrounds. The brunette probably just shared a nod and wished Sand a good evening, and that was the opening our young Navajo needed. What I like about Sand is her no nonsense approach, granted she's a little rough but like you say very effective at what she does, and efficient to boot. Whether she goes lethal or otherwise.

[meditions142]

Thanks, the brunette would probably not have recognised Sand and easily mistook her for one of the local hired hands, since New Orleans was (and still is) a big city with people from many different backgrounds. The brunette probably just shared a nod and wished Sand a good evening, and that was the opening our young Navajo needed. What I like about Sand is her no nonsense approach, granted she's a little rough but like you say very effective at what she does, and efficient to boot. Whether she goes lethal or otherwise.

Another fun scene would actually perhaps be with Sand actually using her disguise to get some more information. Maybe she even chats with the guard a bit. Asking her about if the prisoners are still inside and asking her about the woman watching the prisoners. It fun to imagine this woman doesn't know her colleague inside has already been knocked out.

Then Sand just coldly punches the unsuspecting woman in the stomach followed by the hit to the back of the head to knock her out.

[Stormtrooper1990]

Thanks, the brunette would probably not have recognised Sand and easily mistook her for one of the local hired hands, since New Orleans was (and still is) a big city with people from many different backgrounds. The brunette probably just shared a nod and wished Sand a good evening, and that was the opening our young Navajo needed. What I like about Sand is her no nonsense approach, granted she's a little rough but like you say very effective at what she does, and efficient to boot. Whether she goes lethal or otherwise.

Another fun scene would actually perhaps be with Sand actually using her disguise to get some more information. Maybe she even chats with the guard a bit. Asking her about if the prisoners are still inside and asking her about the woman watching the prisoners. It fun to imagine this woman doesn't know her colleague inside has already been knocked out.

Then Sand just coldly punches the unsuspecting woman in the stomach followed by the hit to the back of the head to knock her out.

I agree that sounds like a great idea. You can picture Sand approach the brunette, she's already decided that the woman is close enough to Nancy's size so her fates sealed. Our navajo plays the guard who just asks a few innocent questions, and the brunette being naive provides them. Unknowning that Match Girl is already out for the count.

Then Sand thanks the poor girl, punches her out and strips her. Cold, clinical and no nonsense. Then after spotting a 'guard' out if the corner of her eye leave the warehouse , she hides the naked body and makes out she's moving stuff, when actually it is just Nancy and Clinton making their escape and she's reunited with her friends.

Definitely fun to imagine all that, off camera as it were.

[rufusluciusivan]

Just a really neat concept of these local women being set up like that by DeBeers.

Hello meditions! Glad you enjoyed this chapter as well. The detail of DeBeers hiring local girls was a very important one, Stormtrooper perfectly summed up why already. I'm happy it caught your attention. I mostly proposed it to showcase the extent of his villainy, but it indeed has the nice bonus of giving this chapter many instances of the "young inexperienced guards". And a justification of why they are young and inexperienced.

My favorite scene among those you mentioned was the one with Manuela and Bertha, since it features a direct reference to Desperados III (Stella, the cat), but my favorite damsel was the "Match Girl". She's just so sad and worn down, one just wants to hug her!

While I'm at it, I'll add the general comment I intended to upload here. Checked the story yesterday, but circumstances delayed me from adding my thoughts sooner.

The end of the 'beginning arc'. Now, all key players have been introduced, and the bulk of the story begins.

More behind-the-scenes:

Marshall Brett Stockton is a classic case of a functional character who began as a walking talking plot device, and who kept receiving more and more layers as the writing process progressed. In a way, it was logical. Being a former friend of Nancy's father and an important part of Nancy's backstory, it was logical he'd receive attention and development. And in the process, his personality of an old gruff but fair lawman was expanded. However, it's through his relationships with Nancy and Victoria he shines the most, but I'll have to wait chapter 3 to reach the bulk of it. No spoilers.

In general, Stormtrooper and I agree on the fact that while USB shenanigans should always be the bulk of USB stories, we don't mind the male characters getting their own character arcs and moments to shine. Hence why both Clinton and Brett get their share of spotlight and cool scenes.

Manuela's and Bertha's scene is as good a time as any to talk about the most difficult aspect I encountered when writing for this saga: Sand's character. Indeed, her cold pragmatic nature made it that she was the character with whom I clicked the less. In my own sagas, her archetype is more often than not in an antagonistic role, so writing a heroic version of this kind of character was quite the challenge. Of course, Stormtrooper was of great help to help me find the right voice. There were many back-and-forths between Stormtrooper and I to help me grasp her personality and reactions. Bertha's and Manuela's scene was the first of a long list of PMs I exchanged with Stormtrooper to ask for instructions and advices to find Sand's voice... I'm very satisfied with the result, although you guys will have to wait Chapters 4 and 5 for my favorite moments with Sand.

I think "I had the click" as far as Sand is concerned when we began exploring her relationships with Nancy and Sylvié. Those show the soft side Sand only reveals to the few people who are close to her, and in my opinion make her more interesting. (Plus, it gives a good dynamic.) But you guys will see more of it in future chapters.

I'm having a hard time refraining myself from speaking about Sylvié right now, but given how the story is structured, it's more logical to wait chapter 3. Her character has been introduced, and astute readers probably guessed by now what will happe in the next part, but you'll have to wait Chapter 3 to see Sylvié in action. Once again, no spoiler.

Chapter 2 features one of my favorite scenes of the saga - the duel between Nancy and Victoria. (Though all confrontations between Nancy and Victoria are highlights to me.) The moment which establishes their rivalry and showcases Victoria's threat. Plus, it will lead to interesting developments for Nancy.

To sum things up, Prologue from Chapter 2 were tons of fun to write, but that's nothing compared to the blast I had with working on Chapters 3 to 6, and I hope these upcoming parts will be as fun to read as they were to write. I don't know how you felt ST, but to me it really feels like we reached our cruising speed with Chapter 3 onwards.

[Stormtrooper1990]

Just a really neat concept of these local women being set up like that by DeBeers.

Hello meditions! Glad you enjoyed this chapter as well. The detail of DeBeers hiring local girls was a very important one, Stormtrooper perfectly summed up why already. I'm happy it caught your attention. I mostly proposed it to showcase the extent of his villainy, but it indeed has the nice bonus of giving this chapter many instances of the "young inexperienced guards". And a justification of why they are young and inexperienced.

My favorite scene among those you mentioned was the one with Manuela and Bertha, since it features a direct reference to Desperados III (Stella, the cat), but my favorite damsel was the "Match Girl". She's just so sad and worn down, one just wants to hug her!

While I'm at it, I'll add the general comment I intended to upload here. Checked the story yesterday, but circumstances delayed me from adding my thoughts sooner.

The end of the 'beginning arc'. Now, all key players have been introduced, and the bulk of the story begins.

More behind-the-scenes:

Marshall Brett Stockton is a classic case of a functional character who began as a walking talking plot device, and who kept receiving more and more layers as the writing process progressed. In a way, it was logical. Being a former friend of Nancy's father and an important part of Nancy's backstory, it was logical he'd receive attention and development. And in the process, his personality of an old gruff but fair lawman was expanded. However, it's through his relationships with Nancy and Victoria he shines the most, but I'll have to wait chapter 3 to reach the bulk of it. No spoilers.

In general, Stormtrooper and I agree on the fact that while USB shenanigans should always be the bulk of USB stories, we don't mind the male characters getting their own character arcs and moments to shine. Hence why both Clinton and Brett get their share of spotlight and cool scenes.

Manuela's and Bertha's scene is as good a time as any to talk about the most difficult aspect I encountered when writing for this saga: Sand's character. Indeed, her cold pragmatic nature made it that she was the character with whom I clicked the less. In my own sagas, her archetype is more often than not in an antagonistic role, so writing a heroic version of this kind of character was quite the challenge. Of course, Stormtrooper was of great help to help me find the right voice. There were many back-and-forths between Stormtrooper and I to help me grasp her personality and reactions. Bertha's and Manuela's scene was the first of a long list of PMs I exchanged with Stormtrooper to ask for instructions and advices to find Sand's voice... I'm very satisfied with the result, although you guys will have to wait Chapters 4 and 5 for my favorite moments with Sand.

I think "I had the click" as far as Sand is concerned when we began exploring her relationships with Nancy and Sylvié. Those show the soft side Sand only reveals to the few people who are close to her, and in my opinion make her more interesting. (Plus, it gives a good dynamic.) But you guys will see more of it in future chapters.

I'm having a hard time refraining myself from speaking about Sylvié right now, but given how the story is structured, it's more logical to wait chapter 3. Her character has been introduced, and astute readers probably guessed by now what will happe in the next part, but you'll have to wait Chapter 3 to see Sylvié in action. Once again, no spoiler.

Chapter 2 features one of my favorite scenes of the saga - the duel between Nancy and Victoria. (Though all confrontations between Nancy and Victoria are highlights to me.) The moment which establishes their rivalry and showcases Victoria's threat. Plus, it will lead to interesting developments for Nancy.

To sum things up, Prologue from Chapter 2 were tons of fun to write, but that's nothing compared to the blast I had with working on Chapters 3 to 6, and I hope these upcoming parts will be as fun to read as they were to write. I don't know how you felt ST, but to me it really feels like we reached our cruising speed with Chapter 3 onwards.

Hi Rufus

I definitely agree that it was Chapter 3 was where we reached our cruising speed with the saga. Especially when it comes to Sand, and was happy to help with the finer points of her character. She's arguably my favourite character in Red Rock I but I always regretted not developing her character more, so I'm pleased with the work we've put into her giving her a voice, despite your initial misgivings and what I'm proud of the most was the work we did in exploring Sand's more softer gentler side, something she only ever lets those closest to her see. But like you said, Sand's moments to really shine will come in Chapter 4 & 5.


To our readers:-


With regards to Sylvié, I smile everything I read her name since Rufus and I have a lot of fond memories with building her character arc, including her affection for a certain young Navajo. But no spoilers! You've have to wait and see from Chapter 3 onwards.


Indeed, I agree with rufus that while the core of our stories are the USB moments with our heroines, we shouldn't forget including male characters like Brett and Clinton and giving them their own memorable scenes and time in the spotlight. Brett definitely made an impression on me and it will be something you'll see in the later chapters.


Nancy's duel with Victoria on the pier was my favourite scene in this chapter. Rufus captured the moment beautifully, establishing Nancy and Victoria's rivalry, which will become the centrepiece of the saga and lead to more electric scenes of confrontation between the two, along with Nancy's character and her bond with Clinton and her friends growing as a result.


I think rufus in his summing up, took the words right out of my mouth. And I to share his hope that our readers will enjoy reading the upcoming chapters, just as much as we had working on them.