Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Chapter 127

Nick instructed Erika to bring the horses closer to the house while he talked to their Aunt Mary-Beth. After Erika walked out the front door, Nick turned to her.

"Erika had a nightmare," he began, sitting down across from Mary-Beth, "she said that in her dream, we got attacked by Skinners, and one of them shot Pa. It scared her, and Pa asked me to take her out by ourselves to clear her mind a little bit. I finished what Momma started when teaching her how to use a gun, so she knows a little bit but still needs some more practice."

Mary-Beth covered her mouth. "Oh my word," she shook her head, "Nicholas, why did you tell me sooner?"

"Well, we did just get here, and I didn't really want to explain it in front of Erika." He looked up at her. "It was really bad, Aunt Mary-Beth. She woke up screaming and crying, waking everyone in the house. And she clung to Pa like he was actually gone and she was seeing his ghost."

Mary-Beth took in a deep breath. "Nightmares like that can be really scary. I've had several dreams where I personally witnessed a death within the gang. I never did, but for her, I mean," she shook her head, "your Pa has come close to death many times within his life. When he was in the gang, before he joined us. There have been many close calls."

"And Momma?"

"I didn't know much about your mother when she joined. But she has had a couple herself while in the gang."

Nick shook his head. "That life you guys lived before us," he looked out a window, "it seems like it's catching up with us and quick."

Mary-Beth patted his knee. "It is. But all we can do is hope that everything will turn out okay. And I'm sure it will." She stood and smiled. "You shouldn't worry too much. Your parents have done everything to make sure you guys have a good and safe life."

He nodded. "I know."

Erika came back in and smiled at the pair of them. "Horses are hitched and fed."

"Good," Nick stood and turned to his Aunt, "would it be okay if we stayed the night here?"

Mary-Beth turned and smiled. "Do you really need to ask? You know I have extra rooms."

Erika smiled. "Thank you."

She pointed to the stairs. "You know where they are. Come and give me hugs before you go to bed, though." She opened up her arms.

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As they pulled up in front of the saloon, they all tethered their horses, and John had to practically drag Abigail off Rachel. Amelia watched and laughed as Arthur came around. He held out his arms, and Amelia slid into them with ease.

"Thank you." She said quietly. The seven of them walked into the saloon together, and everyone's heads turned at the large group. The bartender looked stunned at the many people who had just entered.

"Oh, stop your stares!" Amelia called out to the crowded saloon. "Go back to doin your things!"

They all followed the woman's orders and Amelia smiled in amusement. Hosea leaned on the bar and smiled at the bartender.

"How much for two bottles of whiskey?"

"Ten dollars for two."

Hosea pulled out some dollar bills and slid them over to the bartender. "Give us the best you got."

The bartender reached under the bar for two bottles of whiskey and laid them on the counter for the small family. He grabbed plenty of shot glasses and handed them between Amelia and Jack, and they all took their business to a big round table that was empty.