Grow Wild Page 6

  In the end, the judge hemmed and hawed, but even he couldn't let the wealthiest man in town be forgiven for kidnapping a child. The sound of his gavel striking the bench when he declared her not guilty was the sweetest thing she'd ever heard.

  After she was released, she walked home with Dahlia and Bit. Bit was sent directly to bed, and Dahlia went upstairs with her, not saying a word as she led her to sit down on the bed and closed the door behind her.

  "Did he touch her?" was the first question out of Josie's mouth.

  Dahlia sat beside her. "Bit said no. She was asleep the whole time, but I think she's right; I have a feeling Mr. Walters was just heading home and was anticipating her to be waiting for him."

  Josie felt sick. "Thank the stars," she said, lying back on the bed, her hands resting on her thighs. She could feel something in her pocket, and went after it. It was the choker. "I had a gift for you, before I… before I left."

  "What is it?"

  Josie undid the clasp of Dahlia's pearl choker, and set it on the bed. She replaced it with the one she had bought, the cameo contrasting nicely with the dark purple of her dress. "Have a look."

  Dahlia rose and picked up the mirror disc from her dressing table and held it. "It's beautiful," she said, setting it down and turning around. "Thank you."

  She swallowed hard and nodded, rising. "I should… leave in the morning. Can't imagine I'll bring you much fortune after killing Bill Walters."

  "Do you have to go?" Dahlia asked her softly.

  "I…" Josie dropped her head, unable to look Dahlia in the eye. "Yeah. I won't leave without saying goodbye." She rose and walked out of the room before she could be stopped, heading to her own.

  She dropped both of her guns on the dresser and pulled off her boots, kicking them to one side, still-damp trousers joining them, her coat draped over a bedpost. With a groan, she lay on the bed, too weary to get undressed further.

  Bill Walters was dead. She had done it and now she hoped that John's spirit could rest. And that her own could know some peace—right now, she felt empty inside. Josie had no idea what she was going to do now, or where she would go. Maybe ride to the next town where the train went through and ride the rails for a while.

  The thought left her all the hollower. She'd be alone again, and while she'd been alone for a long time, she already missed Dahlia's sweet smile and the warmth of her arms. Maybe she should leave in the morning without even saying goodbye; it would be easier that way.

  Josie hadn't even realized she'd drifted off to sleep until she was jerked awake by a knock at her door. She groped for her gun before forgetting where she'd put it and forced herself out of bed, picking up her pistol before she opened it. "You scared the devil out of me! What's wrong?"

  Dahlia was on the other side, her hands on her hips. "Josephine Sparks," she began, her tone scolding, "If you think that I would let you just up and leave me like that, you're crazy as a loon!"

  "What do you mean?" Josie put her gun back and moved aside to let Dahlia in, closing the door behind them.

  "If Mr. Walters's family is so inclined to hunt you down, they'll do it whenever you go to. And you will have no one to help you," Dahlia said, her hands still on her hips.

  "But if I stay, you'll be hurt." Josie said, sitting down on the bed again.

  "You don't think they would hurt me regardless for being involved? I'm no fool, Josie, and I will protect myself, but I'd be safer with you to help protect me."

  "But I—"

  "My girls like you," Dahlia interrupted. "Henry likes you. Bit likes you. And most of all, I like you. I don't want to see you go." She took Josie's face between her hands. "I know you've been wandering for a long time, but even wild flowers can be replanted. You could have a home here."

  Josie wasn't sure what to say. "What will I do for work? The Chinaman won't have me on forever."

  "I'm going to need extra security here, and I do believe you and your guns could provide that." Dahlia bent and kissed her. "Stay here with me, Josie."

  "… You make it very hard to say no," Josie said, her hands going up to Dahlia's shoulders.

  "Then say yes," Dahlia said, smiling. "Whatever happens, we can overcome it together."

  Josie touched the cameo at her throat, hand sliding to her cheek. She would have people around her that she cared about. Friends. A roof over her head, and a job to work. Most important, she would have Dahlia, and could see her face every morning.

  She pulled Dahlia onto the bed beside her, and held her close, taking in the scent of her perfume. There, in the comfort of her arms, she whispered yes. For the first time in longer than she could remember, Josie felt like she was home.

  Fin

  About the Author

  K.M. Penemue has been dreaming up stories for as long as they can remember, but didn’t start putting them to paper until they were sixteen. A Detroit-based office-worker by day, by night K.M. is a word ninja who loves to romp around in different genres.