Blood In the Water

chapter four

"Method Acting."

The virgin lands of America were wild. There was no doubt about it. Home to people who were as dangerous as the animals. Yet, across the Great Plains and the rigid mountains, America was still a dream. A promise of hope for immigrant families. A promise of chance and of fortune for those who needed it most. In America anybody could be somebody, but in the city of Bristol it seemed like none of that was true.

Maybe it was because Sadie had learned to live off the land, and to appreciate nature and all its gifts, but even she was let down by the attitude of the city. She decided then that a muddy, small town, was much better than anything  this nightmarish city could promise. Bristol was nothing more than a mirage to her.

It was about an hour until sunset when they arrived in town. James leading the trio with Sadie riding by his side, and Li only a couple feet behind. All three were greeted by the so-called paradise with a sour taste in their mouths. Maybe it was the smoke that lingered above, having nowhere to go as it was pumped out of the factories constantly. Or the fake smell of flowers that the fancy-dressed women pumped all over their skin.

Despite being complete trash, somehow the city made Sadie feel like she was the one who was horseshit.

"Mornin'" Li greeted to a passerby, tipping his hat courteously. Only to watch the snot-nosed civilian turned away. Laughing to herself and a friend at Li's kindness.

Li frowned, but by the way his eyes narrowed and his lip stuck out, it was almost like he was pouting. "Don't think they like visitors," he concluded. Catching up to Sadie and James, making his black mare— Topaz, speed up.

"I dont think they like anybody for that matter," Sadie said trying to ignore all the scornful glances that she was receiving. "Maybe it's because we don't look like them?"

"How familiar," Li grumbled to himself. Sadie looked over her shoulder, since she was unable to hear what the black-haired man said, but from the way he avoided her eyes she figured he didn't wish to speak about it.

James sighed, still the only one looking forward. "The smoke probably got to their heads, too damn hard to breathe in this place." He said, then breaking his train of thought and glancing up at the sky.

Li followed his gaze and squinted a little. "Too damn hard to navigate either, you sure we ain't lost?" He asked. It was easier to know where you were going in the great open of the outdoors, but the city was a concrete jungle. Full of twists and turns. Reminded Sadie of the 'New York', that some people she's know over the years recall fondly.

"Yes, I'm sure." James said flatly.

"How's that?"

"Because, this isn't my first time being here, and I doubt it's goin' be my last."

Sadie decided not to build onto that conversation based on the shorter tone James took with Li. She hadn't recognized any bad blood between the two before, and wondered if it was something new— or maybe it was just because of James attitude lately. Something that didn't mesh well with Li's brighter personality.

Though she didn't have to worry about the silence lasting long. James spoke again as he made a right down some road. "When we get in there— the saloon I mean. Everybody just do their own thing, ask until you get something of use."