Desert Rose (Book One of The Medjai Saga)

Chapter Two: Stranger?

The Warden, a first-rate scumbag himself, escorted them across the courtyard. Gallows were erected in the middle of the yard and Molly stared at it, dismayed. What poor sucker had earned that fate?

Evy and Jonathan had started to bicker the moment they had entered the prison and seen the state of the place. Molly was used to the banter that came with the Carnahan siblings, she could see it from miles away, from even the smallest sign. And she was always amused.

Jonathan's nonchalant, jester attitude was clear as he replied, "I lie to everybody, what makes you so special?"

"I'm your sister!" Evy exclaimed, essentially harrumphing.

Molly fought a chuckle as Jonathan bit back, "That just makes you more gullible."

Molly had gotten used to their dynamic in the almost decade she had lived under the same roof as them. Most of the time, it was just background noise for her. Jonathan was more trouble than he should have been, yet he was cunning and wicked funny. Evy was awfully smart yet could often be a little rash and harebrained. Somehow, Molly with her wit, hardiness, and even her occasional rascality, had fit in well with the Carnahans.

The Warden ushered them over to the holding pen. The sun was sweltering, and Molly drew the brim of her large hat down further, blocking the sun. She was sure she'd get sunburnt if she spent too much time here. The Warden filled them in about their elusive, yet knowledgeable prisoner.

"And what is he in prison for?" Evy asked

"I did not know, so when I heard you were coming, I asked him that myself," the Warden answered puttering along

"And what did he say?" Jonathan questioned

"He said... he was just looking for a good time."

Molly laughed, a good time was usually her area of expertise, even she had ended up in police custody once or twice. Yet, using her feminine charm she'd escaped charges and a prison cell.

The interior door of the cell was thrown open then and their man of interest was dragged into the cage-like holding pen. He was trouble, Molly could see, from the way he struggled against the guards who slammed him into the bars. He was dirty too, his brown hair was a long, tangled mess, and his clothing was dirtied with desert sand and stains.

"But he's just a filthy criminal?" Evy exclaimed and the prisoner scowled at her

"Way to go, Evy," Molly replied as she noticed the prisoner's reaction

The man looked at Molly briefly before his eyes went to Evy, giving her the once over, then he looked back at Jonathan. The man was familiar to Molly in some strange way.

"So, who're the broads?" the prisoner asked

"Broads?!" Evy exclaimed, but Molly just narrowed her eyes

"They're," Jonathan motioned to Evy, "My sisters. Evelyn and Molly."

"Well, I'm sure they're not a total loss," he said looking to Jonathan. Evy was stunned and furious. He turned his gaze on Molly, his brows furrowing slightly, "Funny, my sister's name was Molly. Same hair colour too."

"It's a common enough name," Molly stated.

"I knew at least three Molly's back in London." Jonathan piped in.

"I suppose," he replied, huffing a breath in an attempt to move his hair from his eyes.

In the time of conversation, the Warden had disappeared, and the prisoner hung from the bars casually. He didn't seem to care much for his predicament, or he was just very good at playing it cool. Molly became distracted by the Warden's business across the large open space and whilst she could hear Evy questioning the prisoner, it wasn't until she heard the magic word, that she turned around abruptly.