Thread: The Untamed: Revisited (Katy1008 & CrimsonMaster )

Katie stared up at JP. His invitation had taken her completely by surprise. In some ways, her life had become a little comfortable... different but... perhaps settled was a better word. It was true she was doing a job that few if any women in the country were doing. The town trusted her to do it but then she could buy the town out a few dozen times over. She could probably do anything she wanted and the town would say yes. Raf was the only man who could match her for wealth and his was about to disappear... almost certainly it would be seized by the federal government as most of it would have been obtained through illegal means. She liked the job she did and she liked the town. But the way people looked at her now was different. The way Colorado was with her was different. Ben was perhaps the only one who treated her the same now as he did the first time he spoke to her. She liked Ben. She could easily see herself settling down with him maybe. But the idea of being with JP... of really being with him. Her mind was racing. She couldn't just walk away could she? There would be things she needed to do? Arrangements to make. Her mind was quickly working through her options, working out how and what she could do. She looked away, looked around at the street and then looked back at him. I... I would need to erm... I can't just... She saw JP's shoulders sag just a little in the expectation that she was going to tell him she could say. She smiled. I want to come with you... I... want to be... with you... but you're gonna have to give me a little time to put things in order. I can't just get on my horse and ride out here. Now it was JP's turn to smile. He stepped closer to her then looked down to the star pinned just above her left breast. He lifted his hand and unpinned it. Then he turned around and looked at Colorado. He tossed the star to him. You've just been promoted Colorado. You have any problem with that? Colorado caught the small metal badge but was clearly surprised. He shook his head. No... I guess... I suppose... No. JP shifted his gaze. That okay with you Mayor. The Mayor looked from JP to Colorado... his future son in law and then back to JP. It's okay with me Marshal. JP shifted his gaze again, this time he was looking for Ben. He saw him across the street but close enough to hear what was happening. Is Katie right to trust you Ben? He gave a slight smile. She is. Good. He looked down at Katie who stared up wide-eyed, a little in shock. Are you as rich as everyone says you are. Katie shrugged a little. I guess. Okay Ben... I'm leaving you in charge of Katie's assets here. The saloon up the street plus the mines. In return you can take 30 of everything they bring in. I'm gonna go and saddle Katie's horse and she's going to the bank. She'll transfer 10,000 to your account. When it comes up for sale, you buy Raf's place with the money. Keep whatever is left as a bonus. It'll go cheap I'm sure. You then manage that too and Katie will raise your take to 40. Deal? Ben could hardly believe the offer JP was making with Katie's money, but Katie wasn't arguing. Deal. Part of him was sorry to see Katie go. But he liked women too much to just stay to one woman. He was a born bachelor and with what he would take as his percentage from Katie's mines and the saloons... he had no need to go anywhere or double cross her. JP looked down at Katie. Deal? Katie stared. Then nodded. Good. You don't need to pack, you can get new clothes in Sacramento. Go to the bank. Get the clerk to draw up a straightforward contract outlining exactly what I just said. You and Ben sign it. Katie took a breath and nodded. In the end she didn't transfer 10,000. She transferred 20,000 telling him it was a bonus for the work she knew he would do for her. All the details were agreed everything was made legal and an hour after JP had made her the offer, the two of them were riding fast to catch up with Mathew.