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Tales of the Untamed ( Darkkitten9389 & CrimsonMaster )

As Raf undressed Belle, he got to see how much her corset showed off her sexy curves before he freed her from the contraption. With everything off, Belle undressed him before she treated Raf to an excellent blowjob, showing him her skills at deep-throating a hard cock, making him ready for her before they had sex. After Raf was finished, she spent the rest of her night with other men. One of her patrons was a set of brothers, the three men having come to have a gang bang with one of the girls at the brothel. Luck had been on their side because Belle, who really enjoyed being involved in gangbangs, was free and she happily let all three fuck her at the same time. She showed them exactly why she was one of the best whores around and they all enjoyed her.

A couple days later, Belle was out with her sister doing some shopping, the two young women shopping for things they needed in the brothel. While they were out, they spotted a man that they'd never seen before. However, as Belle looked at this stranger, she could tell that he was dangerous. He had an air of danger about him in the way he held himself, moved and how he carried his pistol. She gave her purchases to Imala and softly told her to return to the store, letting her know that she'd be along shortly. After watching Imala head off, Belle looked in the direction that the stranger was heading and she frowned slightly before she followed after him.

She made her way into the same saloon that the man had gone into and she easily spotted him. After all, there was an empty gap at the bar where the man stood alone. With a quick glance around the saloon, she walked over to the bar calmly and came to stop not too far from the stranger, yet not exactly beside him. While normally she just drank at her own bar, she did occasionally go to some of the other saloons in town just for a change of scenery. And she usually got the same thing everywhere she went. "I'll take my usual." she told the bartender, unknowingly ordering the exact same drink that the stranger had ordered. While she waited for her drink, she turned her head and looked at the man for a long moment and then she looked at the bartender as he placed down both their drinks. "So, what brings you to a small town like El Paso?" she suddenly asked, her voice soft as she lifted her glass to her lips and took a drink. It was rare to see a woman drink whiskey, but it had become a common sight when it came to Belle. The first couple of times she'd been seen drinking it, others in town were a little surprised to see that she didn't grimace from the strength of the amber colored liquid.
 
The unknown man stood alone at the bar. That's the way he liked it. He wasn't the type of man who socialized. Those who had been standing near, moved when he glared at them. They could see how dangerous this man was. He carried himself like a man you didn't mess with. By the time Belle entered the saloon. The only one standing near the man, was the bartender. He held a bottle of whiskey in his hand. The bartender watched as Belle came, then moved up towards the bar. It wasn't an uncommon sight to see her. She proudly spread her money around the town. Belle was a business owner, a town leader. She may only own a brothel, but it was a thriving business. Her business helped other businesses in town. For those businesses which didn't benefit form Belle's business directly. She patronized as a customer.

The unknown man showed no signs that he noticed Belle. He remained standing, looking straight ahead. Even as Belle spoke, the man only moved to pick up his whiskey. He placed his glass down once the whiskey was gone. The man then reached into his belt, pulling out a folded piece of paper. The paper was then tossed onto the bar. Landing between the man and Belle. This paper was a wanted poster. This would tell Belle that this man was a bounty hunter, also called a bounty killer. Most often such people brought their targets in dead, rather then alive. Very few of the wanted were ever brought in alive. Who was on the poster would sent a chill down Belle's spine. The face on the poster was Josiah, and the name was Buck Morgan. The name Josiah used when he was robbing banks. The man then looked around the saloon. Giving every face another look over. His target wasn't here, but the man planned on searching the entire town.
 
After she spoke, Belle remained quiet as she drank her whiskey. She was patient and she knew men like this. They might not speak much, but their actions usually spoke enough. So she kept quiet instead of badgering him like some other dimwitted woman might of. Sure enough, after a while and once he'd finished his whiskey, he reached into his belt and produced a piece of paper and he tossed it onto the bar between the. Belle glanced at it for a long moment before she set her half finished glass of whiskey down and she picked up the paper, unfolding it and taking a look at what was one it.

What she saw did indeed send a chill down her spine and she had to force back the shudder that wanted to run through her as she gazed at the picture of the man on the paper. It was one of the few people that she held very close to her heart and confessed to love, Josiah. But the name on the paper was that of his former life of crime when he had been robbing banks. So keeping control of herself, Belle casually lifted her glass and took another drink while studying it. She now knew who this man next to her was. Or rather what he was.

A bounty hunter. And a dangerous one. Bounty hunters rarely brought in their quarry alive. Usually because it was easier to just kill them and cart their dead bodies in then having to deal with a live target. After a bit, Belle shook her head slightly. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with a Buck Morgan." she softly told him while folding the paper and sliding it back to him, noting that he was looking around the saloon, looking at everyone in the room. Belle finished her whiskey and pulled out the money for her drink and placed it down upon the bar. "Good luck with your search." She looked at the bartender and smiled gently, telling him to have a pleasant day and to tell his family she sent her greetings. Despite being a madam and a whore, Belle had come to know plenty of the towns residents other then the men who visited her and many of them had actually come to respect the woman for what she'd achieved and how she helped other businesses thrive.

With a nod to the man at the bar, she turned and casually strolled out of the bar. She needed to see Josiah and quickly. Usually at this time, he was up at the church and that was where she would go. So keeping with her calm and casual pace, she walked away from the saloon and moved through town towards the church.
 
The man didn't see anyone in the saloon who looked familiar. Just because he was currently hunting Buck Morgan. That didn't mean he couldn't nab someone else along the way. There were plenty of people in the west with a price on their heads. The man took no notice of Belle as she left. He picked up his wanted poster, slipping it back into his belt. The man paid for his drink and left, just after Belle. The man would search the entire town. He had a good source which told him Buck Morgan was living in El Paso. That source couldn't say what Buck was doing, or what name he was living under, but it was clear that Buck was here. The man left the saloon. He stopped just outside the doors, again his eyes looking around. He could see Belle walking away. Nothing about her movements hinted at where she was going.

As the man started his search, Belle would Josiah at his church. He was currently talking with a young couple who wanted to be married. Josiah wanted to make sure this young couple were ready for marriage. He knew at times, people often rushed into such things. Being the minister of the town and since he would unite them in marriage. Josiah needed to speak with them before they tied the knot. Quite a few years had passed since Josiah went by the name Buck. He was older now, but still looked enough like the picture on the wanted poster. The man was walking down the street, looking into every store and shop. He knew Buck Morgan was here, somewhere. It was just a matter of time before they crossed paths.
 
Belle moved through town, her worry for the current situation beginning to show just a hint upon her face. It showed in the way her brows furrowed a little and the corners of her mouth turned down a bit. This man was a danger to the peaceful life here in El Paso and a danger to the very life of one whom she held dear to her. She should of known that if she had been able to find Josiah, a man like the bounty hunter would of been able to as well eventually. As she neared the church, she moved a little faster.

However, when she entered, she could hear his voice as well as that of the young couple he was meeting with. Recognizing this, she moved over to one of the pews and sat down. While she didn't attend church weekly like the other towns folk, she did visit once in a while just to spend some time in meditation. She hoped that the meeting with this young couple ended before the stranger decided to visit the church. After all, to people like him, not even a priest was beyond suspicion.
 
The meeting with the young couple lasted another ten minutes before they left. Josiah wrote own in his book the day they picked to be married on. Josiah wasn't a priest. He was just a minister, but his church was open to anyone, of any faith. Josiah knew God had many faces and was known by many names. He'd noticed Belle when she came into the church. While it wasn't odd to see her. It was odd to see her during the week. The church was open everyday to anyone. Josiah understood Belle's reason for coming to church, and he was always happy to see her. Once the young adults left. Josiah called for Belle to join him. He was seated at hsi desk. The same desk he was sitting at when she first met him.

The bounty hunter was still searching the town. He could always ask someone if they ever saw the man on the wanted poster. But, he also knew that the wrong person could try and warn Buck. As the bounty hunter was walking. His mind drifted back to that woman who asked him why he was in town. He remembered seeing her heading the same way. But, she was no longer in sight. The bounty hunter then began looking for her. He then noticed the church ahead. The county hunter stopped. His eyes focused on the church. He wondered if that was where disappeared too? He was leaning against a pole. His hand on his pistol. His finger lightly tapping the weapon.
 
Belle had to drawn on all of her patience not to rush the meeting that Josiah was in with the young couple. She respected him too much to do that. Once it was finally over and the young couple had left, Belle quickly stood up once Josiah called for her to join him and she walked quickly to the back where he was seated at his desk. She paused and looked back at the doors of the church before continuing to where he sat and she stood close to him. "There's a problem, Josiah." she said quickly. "There's a man here in town looking for Buck Morgan."

Her words were hushed, just loud enough for him to hear, but hurried. Her body language and the way she spoke told enough of her worry as she sat down across from him. "It's a bounty hunter, Josiah." She had already lost too many she cared deeply for. Her parents and her brothers. Followed by that dear, gentle giant, Henry, who had sacrificed himself to help her find her sister. She didn't want to loose Josiah as well. He was a dear friend and lover. If it hadn't of been for him, she wouldn't of gotten Imala back.
 
Josiah could see that something was bothering Belle. It had to be something important because she was so normally calm. Belle wasn't the type who got shook easily. She was always so in control of her emotions. Josiah welcomed her, then sat back into his chair. He listened as she spoke of a man in town. This man was looking for Buck Morgan. This news made Josiah sit forward again. He was hanging on each word that Belle spoke. Josiah understood why Belle was so worked up. This was unwelcome news, but not unexpected. Josiah knew it was possible that someone could come looking for him. He'd been lucky so far, but it seemed his luck had run out. Josiah already knew who this man was. Long before Belle spoke the words. She said the man was a bounty hunter. This only confirmed what was already in Josiah's mind.

" I've been expect this Belle......I knew it could happen one day........I am a wanted man after all. " Josiah said while looking into Belle's pretty eyes. They'd shared a lot since their first meeting. She came to him when she needed help saving her sister, Imala. Josiah gladly helped her. Afterwards, he helped the two sisters get their brothel open and running. Becoming a part owner in the business. Josiah & Belle also shared some tender moments. Enjoying the pleasures found in each others bodies. Josiah was pretty good with a pistol. However, he had no idea who the bounty hunter was. It was possible he could beat the bounty hunter in a gun fight. There was also the chance Josiah could lose. But, Josiah also knew the bounty hunter couldn't just kill him. Despite being a wanted man. As long as Josiah was unarmed. The bounty hunter couldn't just shoot him down. " Maybe we should go for a walk? " Josiah asked. He wasn't sure how Belle would take what he just said. Outside the church. The bounty hunter watched the church for a while. He then turned around, spotting the hotel. The bounty hunter headed for the hotel to get a room. He would catch Buck when the time was right.
 
Belle spoke and watched Josiah as she did so, gazing back into his eyes as he spoke of having been expecting this and that he knew it could happen one day because of being a wanted man. Josiah would be able to see that this man being in town was upsetting to the beautiful Belle. Like Josiah, she knew that he was pretty good with a pistol, just as she was, but neither knew who this bounty hunter was nor how good he could be in a gunfight. The mere thought of Josiah loosing to this bounty hunter was one that she dreaded.

When he suggested they go for a walk, Belle looked at him like he was crazy for a moment before she sighed, her shoulders slumping a little while she gazed at him. "Very well." she softly said. "Let us go for a walk." As long as this man was in the town, Belle would be worried about Josiah. Despite what he'd done in the past, Josiah was a good man with a caring heart. Not someone who should be cut down by someone like a bounty hunter.
 
Josiah grabbed his coat before he and Belle left the church. He made sure to leave his pistol behind. Perhaps Josiah would need it. Right now, he saw no need to wear it. The weapon would only give the bounty hunter the excuse he needed to gun Josiah down. Bringing in a dead body was easier then bringing in a live one. The bounty hunter didn't need to worry about feeding a dead body. And there was no threat that the dead body would try and getaway. By the time Belle & Josiah left the church and started their walk. The bounty hunter was nowhere in sight. He'd already taken a room at the hotel, not far from the brothel.

Those waling the streets of El Paso, greeted Josiah and Belle with pleasant hellos. The town was peaceful. The bounty hunter was peeking out the window, looking down on the street. He spotted the woman who questioned why he was in town. He saw the man walking with her. A sly smile played over the bounty hunter's face. Even from here, he could tell the man with her was Buck Morgan. It would be so easy to kill Buck from here. However, that would be much to easy for Johnny Reno. One of the most feared and deadliest bounty hunters the west knew. Reno did wonder who the woman was and what her connection to Buck was. Obviously she warned Buck, but that didn't bother Reno. He knew Buck wouldn't run. Another man would and many did, but that's not the type of man Buck Morgan was.
 
Belle watched Josiah grab his coat before they left the church. She did notice that he had left his pistol behind, but she didn't say anything. She carried weapons on herself most of the time, though it wasn't always obvious. Such as that day, while she had left her own pistols back in the brothel, she did carry her knife with her. It was carefully hidden on her person so that it wasn't obvious that she was carrying it. With Josiah ready to leave the church, they left together and began walking the streets of El Paso.

Moving just a little closer to him, Belle slipped her arm through his while they walked. It wasn't an altogether unfamiliar sight to see her walking with someone like this. As they walked the streets, they were greeted with pleasant hellos from others which they responded to. Belle usually smiled and nodded her head politely with a soft hello. While they walked, Belle's one hand rested on Josiah's forearm. "What are you going to do?" she softly murmured to him.
 
Josiah was the preacher of the town. Besides another man, a younger man who Josiah was teaching how to be a man of God. Josiah was the only minister El Paso had. He was a beloved figure in town. Josiah walked along with Belle on his arm. He didn't think it was a good idea for Belle to walk so close, but he said nothing. Belle was making herself a target. Neither know who the bounty hunter was. If it was someone very dangerous. Belle could be putting herself in great danger. She could handle herself against most. Belle handled a pistol as well as any man. But, as Josiah knew, there was always someone faster. Someone who could out draw and out shoot you. Even Josiah knew his time could be up. He'd lived a good life and if this was the end. Josiah would meet death with his head held high.

Josiah heard Belle's question. It was a good question at that. " Well I'm not hiding and I'm not running away.......If this man wants me.......He'll find me sooner or later........I'd rather get this over with then wait around. " Josiah's words were surely get a reaction from Belle. He was looking around as they walked. So far, there was no sign of the bounty hunter. Josiah was sure the man was still around. He just didn't know where. Josiah and Belle were passing the saloon where Belle encountered the man before, Josiah suggested they stop for a drink. He spoke of it being his treat. After Josiah & Belle passed the hotel Reno left the window. He then left his room, heading downstairs and out into the street. Reno watched as Josiah & Belle stopped just up the street.
 
The danger of walking so close to Josiah wasn't unknown to Belle, but if his time was indeed up, she didn't want to miss out on walking down the streets with him like this. She knew that time was precious and the moments of life were fleeting, something to be cherished and held onto tightly with both hands. This was something she'd learned with the loss of her family. So even if it meant possibly painting a target on herself, she would enjoy these moments with Josiah, as she'd always had.

After she spoke, she looked down as he spoke of not hiding nor running away, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She knew he wouldn't do such things. That wasn't like Josiah to act a coward, so they weren't surprising. But they did draw a reaction from her. A soft sound escaped the woman and she lifted a hand to her mouth for a moment before she took a deep shaky breath and she looked up at him as they walked. "Never before had I wished you were the type to run and hide, Josiah." she told him, her eyes glassy from tears she was holding back. "And as much as I wish you would flee, I would never want you to change for all the world." It was a moment that had never really been seen before by anyone since she'd started down the path that had brought her to where she was now. When she spoke, she looked vulnerable and a little scared. While Josiah was willing to face this man and meet death with his head held high, Belle was scared of loosing him.

She hadn't realized that they'd reached the saloon that she'd met the man in earlier until Josiah said about stopping for a drink. This made her look over at the building they were now standing before and she nodded. "I think I need one." she murmured.
 
Josiah gave Belle a kiss on her forehead. Her concern for him was easy to see. It touched him deeply that Belle cared so much for him. Belle was a good woman, with a heart of pure gold. Josiah was honored to have known her. He felt his life had been enriched from having her and Imala being around. Josiah took Belle into the saloon. They walked up to the bar. The piano player was against the wall playing a tune. Josiah ordered them a couple of whiskeys. The bartender brought a bottle and two glasses. He placed the glasses down, then filled them. Josiah took one glass and toasted Belle and her sweet sister. He said they were two of the finest people he'd ever met. Josiah then downed the drink before ordering another.

Reno watched as Josiah and Belle walked into the saloon. Once they were inside. Reno started walking down the street. He slowly grew closer and closer to the saloon. Inside, Josiah & Belle stood together. The saloon was more active now then it had been before. Reno moved from the street to the sidewalk. He stopped at the large window and looked inside. Reno quickly spotted the pair standing at the bar. Reno then moved towards the swinging doors. As he stepped inside the saloon, the piano player stopped. All the talking stopped. Reno stood right in front of the swinging doors. His right hand hung loose over the pistol on his hip. From where he stood. Josiah could see the stranger standing at the doors in the mirror. He now knew who this man was. Josiah finished his second drink then paid the bar tab. He slowly turned to face Johnny Reno.
 
Belle closed her eyes as Josiah kissed her on the forehead, her lip trembling a little as she stood there. After he did this, she slowly looked up at him again, the afternoon sun shining down on the pair before they entered the saloon, moving up to the bar where he ordered them a couple whiskeys. He knew exactly what she liked to drink and she watched the glasses being set down and filled. Picking hers up, Belle smiled as Josiah toasted her and Imala. "And a toast to you, Josiah. A fine man who selflessly helped to bring a broken family back together." she told him before she downed her own drink. Her own was quickly refilled.

Those around them could tell that Belle was upset about something, but none dared to ask at the moment. Belle leaned closer to Josiah as she picked up her second drink. "How about a toast to all our time together?" she murmured so he could hear but others couldn't. "Both out on the road and in private." She was sipping from her glass when she saw the shadow pass the window and moments later the piano player stopped after Reno entered. She glanced over at Josiah, watching him from the corner of her eye as he looked in the mirror at the man who had entered before he finished his second drink.

As Josiah paid the bar tab and slowly turned to face Johnny Reno, Belle bowed her head, her shoulder hunched over as she finished the last of her drink before she turned as well to look at the man who had come to town searching for the man at her side.
 
Josiah slowly opened his coat. Showing he wasn't carrying a pistol. Reno had been ready for a showdown. He'd been ready to gun Buck Morgan down and take the body. Reno soon realized that wasn't going to happen. At least not right now. Reno approached where Josiah & Belle stood at the bar. He stared at Belle for a long moment. Studying her face. In case she was wanted for something and Reno just didn't know it. He soon turned his attention on Josiah. " Not wearing a gun Morgan?........I should have guessed you wouldn't have the guts.....Well don't think that will save you........And hiding behind a woman won't help you either......You got one hour to get a gun.......Once that hour is up.......Whether you have a gun or not won't matter.......I'll kill you. " Reno's voice was gruff as he spoke. He then turned and walked out of the saloon.

Josiah remained where he stood. He never moved while Reno stood in front of him. Any movement could be taken as a reason for Reno to just kill Josiah there. Reno left the saloon, turning and walking down the sidewalk. Josiah followed behind him. He stepped out of the saloon as sounds returned to the bar. People began talking again and the piano player started playing again. Josiah stopped just outside the doors. He watched Reno who continued down the sidewalk, before entering the hotel. " You better go back to the brothel Belle.......I have something to do. " Josiah spoke. He knew Belle would have followed him outside. It would be clear that Josiah planned on fighting Johnny Reno. The fight would take place in one hour and the clock was ticking.
 
As Josiah moved, Belle remained still at his side, her heart pounding hard in her chest as she watched this man approach. As he stared at her, studying her face, she stared back. She knew that she probably was wanted for the slaughter of the men who had taken her sister. However, no one knew who was involved in the whole thing and she wasn't about to say anything. After all, the only other people who knew that she'd been there were the people who helped attack the place with her. Josiah being one of them. Besides, who would ever guess that the beautiful woman who ran El Paso's only whore house was a killer?

Belle was silent as the man spoke, her hand gripping the edge of the bar firmly as the man spoke about Josiah having one hour to get a gun, because once that hour was up, whether Josiah was armed or not, he planned on killing the man. Once the man left, Belle finally moved and she turned to face Josiah, but she didn't say anything as he followed behind Reno. The woman trailed after Josiah as he stepped just outside of the saloon and watched Reno continue down to the hotel and disappear inside.

When he told her that she better go back to the brothel, she looked up at him. "I will be there when you fight him, Josiah." she told him. "Please don't ask me not to be." She wouldn't interfere with the fight, Josiah knew she wouldn't. But she wasn't going to just hide away in the brothel during this. If he was going to die, she would be there for him during his final moments. "One hour. I will be here." And she wouldn't be the only one either. Word would spread quickly through town and others would want to watch such a fight. With that, Belle turned and head off to the brothel.
 
Josiah didn't really want Belle to be there and witness what could be his death. He didn't want her to live with that memory. However, Belle protested being asked to stay away. She wanted to be there and watch. Belle was a strong woman, but was it really good for her to watch Josiah die? Josiah didn't argue the point. Belle would do what she wanted to do. If she wanted to see Josiah die, then no one could stop her. " Alright Belle.......I'll see you here in one hour. " Josiah said with a sad smile. He gave Belle another kiss. This time he kissed her lips. Josiah then started walking away. He was heading back to the church. Josiah had a few things to do in case he lost the gunfight.

Josiah entered the church, walked to his desk and sat down. He took out some paper and began to write. The first thing Josiah wrote was a letter to the young man who was like his assistant preacher. He spoke of the young man being ready to do more and become the man of God for the town. The second letter Josiah wrote was his will. He left everything he owned to Belle & Imala. He still had some money left from the last bank robbery. This money could be used by the sisters for whatever reason they wanted. Josiah then left the letters on his desk, He opened the bottom drawer of his desk. He reached in and pulled out his gun belt. Josiah stood up, then strapped on his pistol. Time was running out. Reno would be waiting for Buck Morgan, and he was. Reno was standing out front of the hotel, his arms acrossed over hsi chest,
 
Over the last few years, Belle had seen plenty of death, some of it having been done by her own hands. When avenging her family, she'd even stared a man in the eye after dealing the final blow to kill him and she'd watched as the life left his eyes. However, this would be quite a bit different. This was someone she loved. But she would be strong and she would show her support for Josiah no matter what came. After she pleaded for him not to tell her to stay away, Josiah agreed with a sad smile before he gave her a kiss. When he kissed her, she wanted to keep him there and part of her wished that they could stay in that moment. But it lasted just that. A moment in time that was quickly ended as the two parted ways.

Belle returned to the brothel and she retreated to her office, closing the door behind her. The woman paced the office for a while before she poured herself another drink. However, while she waited, she barely touched it. Instead, she spent that time staring at the clock until the hour was just about up. With one last look at the clock, she snatched up her drink and finished it before heading out of the brothel again. As she walked towards the saloon that Reno had confronted Josiah in, she saw the very man standing out front of the hotel with his arms crossed over his chest. She gave him a glance before moving over to the saloon, standing near the door in the shade. Other people had already begun to gather along the side walk to witness the fight between this stranger and their preacher.
 
Gunfights were frowned upon, but they weren't against the law. The town marshal of El Paso wouldn't get involved in what would be called a fair fight. No laws would be broken as long as no one else was hurt during the fight. Some of the town's people were gathering around. Others were still going about their days. Raf took notice of people hanging around. He left his saloon, taking a look, then he moved closer. Raf soon found Belle standing there. A smile drew over his face. " Good afternoon Belle.......Would you by chance know what is going on? " Raf asked after he moved to stand beside her. His eyes caught sight of the stranger, who moved away from the hotel. He moved closer towards the street. Raf dealt with such men in the past. He could tell this man was a gunfighter.

Josiah left the church once he was ready. His pistol hung low in his hip. Josiah was pretty good with a gun. He needed to be having been a bank robber earlier in his life. However, that didn't make Josiah a gunfighter. He could handle himself, but Reno could be faster. Being fast wasn't everything, even in a gunfight. Being accurate was better then being the fastest. The deadliest gunfighters were those who were accurate and fast. Only time would tell who was both, or who had the advantage over the other. Josiah started walking towards where Reno stood waiting. Those standing around wondered why their preacher would be fighting this stranger. Only Belle knew why Reno had come. She was the only one who knew that Josiah was wanted under another name.
 
While Belle had heard of gunfights like this before, she'd never actually witnessed one. She just hated that it had to be Josiah who was involved. She stood there in the shade of the saloons overhang, one of her arms wrapped around herself while she absently tugged upon a lock of her hair that hung down around her face. Her gaze watched Reno, locked on the bounty hunter as they all waited for Josiah to show up. When Raf approached her and spoke, Belle didn't even look at the man as he greeted her and asked if she knew what was going on.

"That man challenged Josiah to a duel." she softly said. She wasn't about to say that Josiah was a wanted criminal who was known by a second name. The worry that she felt colored her soft words. It was known in town that Belle and Josiah were friends. While some disapproved of it, others thought that it was good that she had a friendship with the preacher, believing that it brought her closer to god. When Josiah appeared, Belle felt her heart beating faster as she watched him approach, his pistol hanging low on his hip. She hoped and prayed that this wouldn't be her friends last day on this earth.
 
Raf was very surprised by Belle's answer. He knew of Johnny Reno, having seen him in action before. Raf tried to hire the bounty hunter in the past. However, Reno wasn't a gun for hire. He made his money from gathering bounties on the heads of wanted people. The fact that Reno had challenged Josiah told Raf a lot. Clearly Reno was here because of Josiah's past. Something best kept hidden. If the preacher survived the gunfight. Raf would just have to find out what that was. Knowledge was power, and Raf was a man who loved power. Raf watched as Reno moved away from the hotel. It wasn't long before Josiah came into view. He was walking down the middle of the street.

Reno walked further out into the street. His gun hand was hanging loose, over the pistol on his side. Josiah kept coming forward. A determined look written on his face. He was a man ready to face death. Josiah would still rather not have Belle here to witness what could happen, but she couldn't be talked out of it. The two man finally could see each others face. Josiah had stopped about 15 feet away from where Reno stood. Josiah shook his gun hand a few times. It seemed a little stiff. Josiah was older now then the last time he faced someone this way. Everyone held their breathe as the two men stared at each other. No words were exchanged. Both men grabbed for their pistols. Two shots rang out. It seemed time had stopped. Reno lowered his pistol. Firing another shot into the ground at his feet. He then dropped his weapon before falling down. Josiah twirled his pistol before placing it back into the holster. A man rushed out from the crowd. He knelt down beside Reno. It looked like he was checking the man for signs of life. He was really checking what Reno had on him. This man worked for Raf and had been standing near Raf & Belle when they spoke. This man found the folded paper which Reno had in his belt. He stashed it away without anyone seeing it. The town marshal came over. Telling the other man to back a way. He turned Reno over. There was a red blood stain in the center of Reno's chest.
 
Belle fell silent after Josiah came forward and Reno walked further out into the street, her eyes wide as she stood there at Raf's side. She watched Josiah, watching him shake his gun hand a couple times. The man was older and while she knew he was a hell of a shot with his gun after having fought at his side, she knew that this was different. Everything seemed to go completely still as everyone held their breath while the two men stared each other down. Then suddenly they surged into action, both grabbing for their pistols. When the shots rang out, a yelp escaped Belle's lips and she covered her mouth with both hands, her breath catching in her throat and her body ridged as she stared at the two men.

Everything seemed to freeze for a moment before Reno lowered his pistol, fired another shot at the ground and then dropped his weapon before falling down. Seeing this, Belle's gaze quickly returned to Josiah as he twirled his pistol and returned it to its holster. While a man rushed from the crowd and moved to Reno's side, Belle broke away from Raf's side and pushed past several people before running over to where Josiah was, throwing her arms around his neck in a hug. A soft sob of relief escaped her lips as she hugged him in the middle of the street. "Thank god." she breathed, hugging him tight for a long moment before reluctantly releasing the man and looking up at him. Then she turned to look as the other man turned Reno over, seeing the red stain forming in the center of Reno's chest.
 
The majority of the town wouldn't know why Johnny Reno and Josiah had a shootout. The excitement was over and people returned to whatever they were doing before they found out about the gunfight. Even the marshal didn't ask any questions. He knew Josiah was their preacher and must have had a good reason for getting involved with Reno. Only Belle & Imala knew. Raf would also soon know. Thanks to his man with quick hands. The marshal had someone go get the undertaker. Reno would find a place in the town's cemetery. Raf remained where he stood. He nodded his head while watching how Belle treated Josiah. They seemed rather familiar with each other. More so then one would expect for him being a preacher. It wasn't against any rules for preachers to be with woman. But, Belle worked in a brothel and was the town Madame. Raf slowly turned and started walking away. There was much more to Josiah then just being a man of God.

Josiah was glad to be alive. He was also glad to have Belle greeting him with a hug. " Between you and me.......I said a prayer while walking up here. " Josiah admitted before he and Belle started walking back towards the church. He spoke of needing a drink and Josiah just happened to have a bottle of the good stuff in his desk. Raf returned to his saloon and entered his office. His hired man soon knocked on the door and came inside. He pulled the folded paper out and placed it down. Raf picked the paper up, unfolding it. A smile slowly appeared on his face. " It's just as I thought........Our preacher has an interesting background. " Raf said while sitting back into his chair. The wanted poster held in his hands. Raf wasn't a man who showed his cards to early. He would play this hand out when the time was right. That would be after he started working on putting Belle out of business.

If things seemed strange when Johnny Reno came to town. Things were about to get even stranger. A friend of Sally's had gone missing. The teenager disappeared from her bedroom. The house was just outside of town. The marshal found nothing which pointed towards anyone. The girl's body was found after a search. The only marks found on the body were two small marks on her neck. The girl's body was drained of blood. Doctor Miller, the town's doctor had no explanation for what happened. That same day, when the girl's body was found. A stranger dressed in all black climbed off the train. The way he was dressed indicated that he was a priest. El Paso had no Catholic church, but it seemed to have picked up a priest. Belle was at the train station when the priest got off the train, She was waiting for a supply of new linens ordered for her by Mr. Wells. The priest was tall, handsome and well built for a man of the cloth. He got off the train carrying a black leather bag and a long black case.
 
There was plenty that others didn't know about Belle. She had just shown up one day with her sister and quickly began to charm the other towns people. No one really questioned who the woman was, where she came from nor her past. All they knew was that she appeared with Josiah who helped her get settled into the town. After that, they all learned that she was running a brothel and that was the end of it. After Josiah admitted to saying a prayer while walking up here, she smiled up at him. "I've been saying a prayer since I learned why that man was here." she softly told him. A gentle laugh escaped her when he said he needed a drink and she nodded as they walked back towards the church. "I could use another one as well after watching this."

Neither of them knew that Raf now had some dirt on the preacher, but they'd learn about it in time. However, until that time, other strange things seemed to be happening around town. Belle was told by Sally about a friend of hers which had gone missing. It was a young woman whom had gone missing from her bedroom and after a search, the girl was found. However, the strange part was that the girl seemed to of been drained of blood with just two small marks in her neck. The same day that she was found however, Belle was down at the train station and she witnessed a strange man climbing down off the train. The man was dressed in a way which said that he was a priest, something that El Paso did not have until that moment.

She was there at the station waiting on a shipment of new linens that Mr. Wells had ordered for her when she saw this priest and she paused, the fan in her hand stilling as she watched the man getting off the train. He was certainly a good looking man and she spent some time admiring him.
 
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