Busted Gulch vol 10

Deception & Subterfuge (NehpetsEnal)

Deception & Subterfuge

Missy had a vision, just a momentary glance of a beautiful young woman's face, it was like a reflection in a mirror, but many years younger. Without thought, she understood the implications and was spontaneously overwhelmed by a wave of anger, the like of which she'd never felt before, and for the first time in her long life, she now knew that her life had been built on deception and subterfuge.She thought of all the heartbreak and pain, the feelings of guilt and doubt that had plagued their every quiet moment, since agreeing to give up their daughter, but what was even worse she trembled at the thought of her daughter's needless suffering to survive in an alien world.

How could they do this to her and her children, her own mother must have been involved, for there's was no way they could have deceived her without her help. Sadly, she's taken her secrets with her to the grave, where they will remain buried forever.It is most likely that the same fate had caught up with the Elders whose dirty hands we responsible for the violation of her mother's rights.

With them all gone she has nowhere to vent her anger, so the mental pressure can't escape and builds up quickly as un-mouthed screams reverberate like cannon fire inside her head, she stumbles and falls, fainting overcome by the all-consuming shock. Fortunately, Denver is at her side and she falls safely into his waiting arms, he is totally confused with no idea what to do, he's never seen his love this way before.His first instinct is to take her to the Doc's, and he lifts her like a child in his arms, he's ready to run, but for some unaccountable reason, he turns and crosses the road, heading straight for the Bounty Hunters Café.

As if by magic, as he approaches the door opens, he rushes in and lays her to rest on the nearest couch.It's his/her lucky day the women folk have gathered together to discuss what needed to be done in the absence of the townsmen who were busy chasing bank robbers and prison escapees. Without a word, he is bustled aside by the ladies, CG, Myna, Margarita and Annie and others, but it was Aunt Sue who took charge. 

She got one lay to loosen her blouse, another to fan her face, another to prepare a drink, and another to bring her the little purple bottle with the glass stopper, from the mantle. To Denver, it seems like an eternity, but it was only a matter of moments and a few whiffs of pungent smelling salts later and she's awake. Missy feels embarrassed and immediately tries to stand, but her attempts are gently resisted by the ladies, who insist she stays put and finishes her drink.

Denver was aghast, these women were simply amazing, considering the pressure they were already under and Missy's earlier words echoed in his ears and he truly understands what she'd meant."

On the surface, it simmers with a constant chain of trouble and confusion, but beneath the surface flows the lifeblood of these people who are strong and good, if the core is not rotten the flesh wounds can be healed."

These women didn't know her from Eve but without question, rallied around as if a lifetime friend was in trouble. For once in his life, his quick wit deserted him and he was lost for words, but still managed to thank them all individually, but was left with a feeling that he was somehow in their debt.By the time they were ready to continue their walk to the Grand Hotel, Missy believed a friendship with the BG women had been cemented, their faces and their names were etched affectionately in her mind. However, not a word of what had affected her did she reveal, to the women or to Denver, this would have to wait until they walked alone.

The next few moments we're going to be far from what she'd expected, but for some reason, she was more relaxed than ever before, knowing that only good should come from this day.