A Life Of 'Shine - Lem Fike

54

"What the hell are you doing here?" Lem asked, his voice aggressive. Nora watched from the table as her friend marched up to the man, a smirk on her face at the slight fear Danny-Lee showed.

Lem could never purposely harm him, he couldn't harm a fly if he so pleased but damn was he scary when pissed off.

Instinctively Danny-Lee had walked back a few paces, trying to avoid Lem on all accounts but the wall he had bumped into prevented him from moving farther away. "I ain't lookin' for no trouble Lem, so just stay back okay?" He pleaded.

Nora slowly stood up, dragging a chair with her as she approached the other's. She sat down on it a couple feet away, giving the intruder of sorts a smile.

"You better have a good reason then."

Danny-Lee was quiet, looking between Nora and Lem. His gaze eventually wondering over to Kieran and Cripps who had their guns pointed at him. "I know Cripps, but who's this?"

"Don't matter." Nora cut in; waving the other two over for her to discuss matters with them. They followed her to the corner, whispering to eachother.

"Make sure he don't try anythin' funny. Can't trust him but we're nicer than just leaving him to take care of his own troubles. Holster the weapons for now, but be ready."

They nodded. She gave them both a gentle pat on the shoulder before leaving them to return to talking with Danny-Lee.

"Listen. You better not try anythin' with us, we got enough problems as it is an' you comin' back. Well, it just weren't what we need right now."

"I understand, Nora. But; I seen you fight an' I seen your brother's fight. I wouldn't be here if I knew I didn't need you."

She rolled her eyes, wondering if this was his attempt at a compliment or what. Instead she chose to ignore any further words he threw her way and leave the other's to their own devices.

She found herself having wondered outside, the cool air a nice distraction from inside. Being alone was peaceful, she liked it but that peace could never last for long no matter how much she craved for it.

"You okay?" Lem asked, slowly approaching. She shrugged, letting out a long sigh through her irritation.

"I don't like him here but I'm nicer than to throw a man out for asking for help. No matter how much I dislike him."

"I-If you want I can tell him to get lost. I ain't so nice." She chuckled at Lem's response, turning towards him with that same gentle smile on her face.

"Maybe. For now I guess we gotta put up with him."

Lem gave her a pat on the shoulder, turning towards the shack where he disappeared inside. She was glad he didn't stay longer, needing time for herself right now rather than deal with other's.

She hadn't realised until now that her brother's were not with her, in the shack that is. She had been meaning to ask Cripps about it but the distractions had derailed her train of thought and now she noticed that they weren't here.

She let out a breath she wasn't aware to be holding, walking inside to find Cripps or even Kieran as either would know where Harry and James actually were. Luckily she didn't need to travel far, finding Kieran and Lem to be sitting upstairs mid conversation by the time she had joined them.

"I apologise for being rude and cutting, but I've been meaning to ask where Harry and James are."

"Bounty huntin'. They left two day's ago, gone as far up as lake Isabella I believe."

"So it could be a while before they come back then."

Kieran nodded. Lem had his arms crossed as he leaned against the surface of the counter, minding his own business while the other two conversed for a little while longer. Eventually Nora had said her goodbyes and left the room, returning to the basement with the intention of 'checking to see if Cripps was still alive down there with the snake.'

Lem kept a neutral expression as Nora left the room but there was a subtle hint of annoyance in his eye that Kieran picked up but chose not to worry over, especially given that it could be Lem annoyed with them keeping his old business partner around and agreeing to help.

"Society is becoming more civilised, us, we're not wanted anymore. I don't see why we just make thing's easier for everybody and hand Danny-Lee over. It'll just be another unnecessary fight on our hands if we help." Kieran passed this comment, breaking the silence that lingered over them after Nora's departure. Lem chuckled at the boy's attitude, nodding his agreement all the same.

"Nora wouldn't let us, no matter how much we begged we'd help him."

"Too good a heart that girl has."

"Indeed."

The pair shared one last drink together before they decided that they should move back down with the other's in the basement. However, they didn't manage to even progress down the stairs before they heard shouting from outside. Lem gave Kieran a worried look, listening as a voice had called out for them.

"Danny-Lee Caton, Lemuel Fike and Nora Morgan. I suggest you come out here and make this easier for everyone!"