The Bandit Mills

Story

I walked through town. It was now spring in Bear Rock and everyone was getting ready for the annual spring festival. I held my coat around my mid section because I was currently carrying child. My red headed friend slipped her arm in mine as we walked toward the market.
"When were you going to tell me you were with child?" She chirped.
"What me? No! I would never be able to have a kid of my own because I'm not into men." I said dismissing it.
"Oh but that new fellow in town has taken quite the shine to you! What was his name? Neil Cassidy?" She teased.
"As I said I'm not into men." I growled.
"Oh but being with child has no effect on weather you like men or not dear." I rolled my eyes because her and her sister had a thing of calling me dear.
"I was drunk and looking for action. I'm no longer married. So why not? I've only had sex with two people. The man that is father to my child and her." I whispered the last part.
"No need to be ashamed darling. Remember I got knocked up and left the Dark because I will not allow my child to grow up as I did." I nodded in understanding.
"Who is the father?" I asked.
"Well he's practically hell. His name is Hades. I guess his parents thought it suiting as do I. Good time but he's a total bastard." I laughed.
"Cassidy is the dad though he doesn't know it nor will he ever." She chuckled.
"He doesn't need to know it's his if you don't want him to." I agreed. I saw a brunette walking along the road that made me look twice but it wasn't her. It's been about four years. And I've had the hardest time with things. Like the dogs? Robin died on a bear hunt. I can no longer take Daniel on hunts because I've had him for so long I think he's going blind. Belle and Neil are great they just need their pack in order to do things. I don't want to get another dog because I don't want to have to name it.
"The Evil Queen is what they are calling her." "Really? What an odd name to call her." "Oh but it suits her. She's like royalty. But she's so vile. She takes what she wants when she wants. But the thing is you only know if she killed someone if there is a lip stick mark on their head." I looked to my right to see a couple old ladies sitting on their rocking chairs while knitting.
"Excuse me but what did you say her name was?" I asked walking over to them. The one who more white in her hair answered.
"They are calling her The Evil Queen. Nobody knows her real name but they say when you see her you know it's her." She said while looping the yarn.
"Where is she? Certainly not here?" She hummed.
"She is on the move. She was in Canada. But her killings have been going south east." I looked at the other women.
"So do you think she is after some one?" I asked. They all looked at me.
"I don't know. Is she after you?" They all laughed breaking the serious notion.
"I've just never heard some one called after royalty." Zelina spoke for me.
"Why so interested?" The one that looked the oldest said leaning forward.
"It's just we haven't had a bandit in the US sense the Bandit Mills. She disappeared. Then The Dark vanished without a trace. The only one found was a woman Named Nimue. Strung up in a tree all her bones broken except her spine. Down in Utah I presume." I said acting like I didn't know much but in fact I knew the entire story.
"Utah? Mormons get 'em?" They all laughed.
"No the couple Snow and Charming were said to be the ones to do so." Zelina said picking some green flowers and closing them in the book she had in her other hand.
"Well she won't hit here for about a year. She's making slow progress." I nodded and walked away with Zelina.
"You don't think that the Queen is her do you?" I asked as we walked into the store.
"I don't know it could be anyone. Why?" She asked grabbing a basket to put food in.
"Because while we were running we stopped at a bed and breakfast that was attached to a diner I believe it was in Colorado I'm not sure. But when we were in the diner a dark man by the name of Merlin sat down and told us them at if she didn't change her was she would become and Evil Queen." She stopped and looked at me.
"Merlin visited you?" I nodded.
"Why?" She shook her head and kept quiet the rest of the time in the store.

When we got to her house she closed the door and locked it.
"Now will you tell me how you know this man?" I asked sitting at her table.
"He came to me and said that if I let envy control my life then the envy would turn me green and I would be known as a wicked witch." I scrunched my brows.
"Like that story parents tell to kids?" I asked unsure.
"Yeah. Well I got pregnant before anything serious like jail could happen." I nodded in understanding.
"But what if it is her Zelina?" I asked exasperated.
"Well if it's her don't worry about it. I'm sure she wouldn't come here. You're here and she left for a reason. If she shows up I know you carry your gun around all the time."