Jolene

Chapter 24 Second Thoughts

"Your wife is here," Mari said.

"I need some shooting practice, so I skipped out of school."

"You came here alone?" Edward asked.

"Eli walked me over, Samuel did the last time." Jolene took off her cape and hung it on a hook.

"I like your sweater Jody," Edward said.

"You should, it's yours."

"I was wondering where it went, is that the tail of one of my white shirts I see hanging below MY sweater too?"

"Yes," Jolene said with a wicked smile. She started to pull the sweater and shirt off, "want them back?" He grabbed her hands and pulled them down and kissed her.

"No, besides you look so cute in my clothes. Like a little elf. I was wondering where they had gone too. What else do you have on?"

"I am wearing my long skirt, a short chemise and two petticoats."

"Anything else?"

"My socks and boots, it's cold out there." Then she whispered, "Nothing else!" and giggled.

"Your hair looks nice too." Then he whispered, "You're so bad Jody."

"Teddie brushed it out at school."

"So you girls spend all your day at school brushing each other's hair?"

"Something like that."

"Did you bring your gun?"

"Yes," she lifted her skirt and bent her knee to show off her gun. "And I have my derringer on my belt." She turned around and lifted her shirt and sweater revealing the derringer.

"What gun will use today sweetheart."

"I want to try one like yours."

"It's a much bigger than yours and has a real kick."

"I still want to try...please!" she said sweetly with her most effective pout looking at him then smiling.

"I never could resist your whims, even when we were children."

"That's because you love me!" Edward's parents were watching and smiling as the two of them fired. Edward handed her the requested gun. "It's heavy? What this loopy thing on the handle thingy." Edward laughed.

"It a lanyard loop. The cavalry really likes these guns and we can hardly keep up with orders. Hold the gun with both hands." Jolene fired off the first round.

"It really kicks!"

"The cylinder can hold eight rounds."

"The first one was empty?" Edward nodded. She fired off six more rounds.

"Dam Jo, all on target."

"I want to do it again."

"You're not finished."

"I shot all seven."

"Put you thumb on that flat bar on the hammer." She did. "Now push it down."

"I broke the hammer!"

"No you didn't," he said smiling at her, "Now pull the trigger."

"WOW! I blew a hole right in the middle of the target."

"You fired the second barrel. It's a shot gun."

"I want to load it this time."

"You're missing a lot of school coming here to shoot. Don't get me wrong, I love shooting with you."

"Could we talk about this later, please?"

"Yes, here's the bullets, let me help." They spent the next hour shooting and competing. Jolene demonstrated her two handed technique surprising Edward and his father.

"How do you aim?" Craig asked.

"No idea, I just do. Oh, before I forget, diner will be late tonight. Teddie, Addie and me are taking the mischievous five to the baths."

"Will they be content with a quiet soak?" Edward asked.

"No," Jolene laughed and continued, "I have an arrangement, we pay two Sterling extra and the staff overlooks our rowdiness."

"Excellent investment."

"Yup, we've yet to be kicked out of the baths. See you tonight."

It was the third hour of the day and Jolene was up pacing. Finding her missing Edward came looking for her and carried her back to their room. Jolene removed her robe and slipped into bed. "You're so cold Jody!" She put her feet against his legs. "OH! Your feet are freezing." Jolene giggled and continued to rub them against his legs.

"You're as warm as toast."

"Happy to be of service." Then he noticed her red eyes and tears on her cheeks as she looked at him smiling and biting her lower lip. "Have you been crying?" Edward cupped her face in his hands. She nodded. "Do you want to talk?"

"I'm dropping out of healing school."

"You're so good at it, why?"

"Just for a while. I'm just so overwhelmed with everything." Jolene started to sob. Edward held her tighter and kissed her forehead.

"I think it's a good idea for you to slow down."

"I think I'm paranoid Ed," she whispered looking into his eyes, hers wide with uncertainly as her tears continued. He took both of her hands into his.

"Tell why you think that?"

"I feel like I'm being followed. I feel that someone is watching the kids. I'm so scared."

"You could be right, a little paranoia might be a good thing."

"I have no idea of what is needed to save us. The emperor has eighteen huge angry dragons and unlimited resources."

"Have you talked to anyone?"

"No."

"Jo, you aren't meant to do this alone. You have nine stalwart sisters, a husband who loves you and a blue dragon."

"My mellow Blue," Jolene said then smiled. "I really need you Ed."

"Talk to everyone that will listen. Talk to Blue, talk to me. You don't have to do this alone."

"Loki is coming to talk to me."

"Who's Loki?"

"The king of the wild dragons, he allowed Gemma and Addie to ride him a few years ago."

"Talk to Loki too."

"I will."

"You may be under surveillance sweetheart. The empire has a long reach."

"Is that why you insist I carry a gun and train to shoot?"

"Yes, and I am pleased with your choice in a dog."

"Wolfy picked us, you know."

"Yes I know. Try to sleep."

"Let's cuddle, Eddie, hold me." He wrapped her in his arms pulling her close, spooning her and kissed her just behind her ear.

"Sleep, or I'll have to spank you good." Jolene laughed, wiggled her bottom, and then surrendered to sleep. Over the next few days Jolene talked to Ruth and Mathilda as well as her sisters verbalizing her fear and uncertainty. She was surprised that all of them shared her feelings. The Wyvern continued to visit the Imperial City sending reports of the progress of the imperial dragons. They also were present for planning meetings organized by the high priest and Jolene was aware of the plans. She was terrified when a plan to kill or kidnap her children was discussed. The person she talked to the most, sharing he most secret fears and doubts was Edward. He always took the time to listen, usually holding her, never making light of what she said or felt.

"Your destiny, sweetheart, is to win. You are stronger and cleverer than you can imagine. Don't be afraid to ask for help with ideas. Perhaps Loki has some ideas," Edward whispered. "I have the up-most faith in you, there is hope for all of us."