((Author Note!: Trigger warning! This chapter will have adult and mature themes such as mentions of abuse and sexual violence and/or rape. And as usual there will be violence, gore, and foul language. Just a word of warning in advance.))

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Sitting in the same small saloon in Santa Rosa that Kristal had ignored him at, Ace traced the wooden lines on the table with his eyes. After sending out his men to follow the younger Starr woman, he had tried to enjoy the company of a Senorita and a beer. Neither satisfied. Not like how he knew taking Kristal Starr would. He dreamed of her in his bed, calling out his name. Sitting at the table knowing his Kitten had been in that very same room hours before bothered him. If only he had arrived sooner.

As time passed, he realized he needed to move on, away from the place he had last seen her. He was obsessing over the fact that she had been within arms reach and he didn't take her. So, he had to move. His men would find him easy enough. That Indian bastard would find him anywhere and he knew it. And even if they had trouble, he had Dade stay at the saloon. The man was to keep an ear open for any information about Kristal and these Regulators she was running with, as well as to bring his men to his new location when they returned. He knew of a little town near the Colorado border that would be perfect to lay low and wait.

So, he had gone northwest towards the territory border. Stopping in Agua Negra Chiquita, a small town with Mexican settlers meant no one would know him and that was just how he liked it. It wasn't too far from his original stop, so when he got word of Kristal's whereabouts he could quickly go for her. He just hoped it would be by morning. He wasn't sure how long he could wait after being so damn close!

Agua Negra Chiquita barely had a saloon, a general store, a blacksmith and livery. But all Ace cared about in that moment was something to slake his thirst. The saloon would do just that and so would a woman. He needed to sate his lust until he had his Kitten in his arms again.

To his dismay, there were no working girls at the hole in the wall saloon. Angry, he ordered a bottle of whiskey and started drinking. A poker game was taking place in the corner of the small adobe hovel, but he took no notice. He was brooding and he knew it. The whiskey didn't help him forget about the last time he had been with the younger Starr woman. Damn, he couldn't get her out of his head. And not one woman could ever take her place. Mostly because they were all too accommodating. Kristal was a firecracker. Sharp, untouchable, dangerous... and yet he came so close. And he vowed to go all the way next time.

The more he thought about her, the darker his mood became. He really needed a woman to satisfy his urges. Maybe he could find one in the locals, he could pay them well enough.

As he sat contemplating his options, a shadow loomed over him but he took no notice. He was starting to grow a little tipsy, after downing his fifth glass of whiskey. Or was that the sixth? He couldn't keep track anymore.

"Aww, what's a' matter Ace. Can't find a girl to fuck?" A woman's gruff twang sounded from over his right shoulder. "They all finally get wise ta yer no-good ugly ass?"

Ace immediately recognized that voice. He'd never forget it. He laughed at the irony. Of course it would be her. He had heard she was searching for the same thing he was. "What's it to you, Starr?" He looked up to see a tall woman, with a long chestnut colored braid hanging casually over one shoulder.

The woman had a few wrinkles on her forehead and crow's feet at the corner of her eyes. She was dressed in a simple shirt, with a brown skirt and a gun belt hitched to her waist. Her skin was weather worn and chapped. Though it was her deep brown eyes that made her appear malicious and wicked. Many men feared her. Not because she looked scary, even though half the time she did appear down right terrifying. No, it was more so because of what the woman was capable of. Belle was quite deadly with a gun. Accurate and quick for a woman. But worse than that, she had Apache connections. And she knew much of the Apache ways herself that she could torture or scalp a man if she were so inclined.

The woman merely looked down her crooked and pointed nose at him. "Nothin' really. 'Cept I fail ta see how a woman would ever be caught dead in your bed."

Ace bristled at the woman's words. God damn did he hate Belle. He hated her more than he ever hated anyone, ever. Gritting his teeth, he swore inwardly. He was not drunk enough yet to willingly go against the woman, so for now, he would try and remain civil. "What can I do ya for, Belle?"

"Fer starters ya can tell me where m' daughter is?"

"Daughter?" Ace scoffed. That was amusing. He knew Kristal was no more Belle's daughter than a rattlesnake. Messing with the older woman sounded like an entertaining time, however. Perhaps it wasn't wise, but he didn't give a damn. Fuck being civil. He hated the haughty woman anyway so why not? "Ya don't have a  daughter... At least, far as I know you and Sam never spawned a little bastard or bitch." His gaze tilted up to the scowling woman, and the look in her eyes chilled him. Sometimes he wondered if the devil himself lived inside the woman.

A slow grin grew on his face managing to get passed the chill in his bones. It was as if he only just realized what she really meant. Her glare was enough of a reward to tickle him pink. "Oh... wait, ya mean Kristal?" He was enjoying this little cat and mouse more than he thought he would. "She ain't no daughter of your'n, Belle. Not blood, remember? You made that clear to the entire gang every damn day... Yet also made sure we all knew she wasn't to be touched... Always thought it strange... Ya never claimed her as kin, but made sure to protect her virtue." He sneered, noticing her hands twitch out of the corner of his eye. He was tempting fate and he knew it.

"Anyway... Yeah, I heard ya lost her..." Ace then paused lifting a finger into the air like he just remembered something crucial. "Er, wait... no... that ain't right... I think it's more like she got tired o' doin' yer bidding. After ya betrayed her sweet ass."

"Funny." Belle's words were sarcastic, curt, and unamused. She was not smiling. If anything his attitude was making her mood darken by the minute. His idiocy was far from funny to her. "I'll have ya know, I didn't betray her. I made her stronger." And she sounded like she believed every lie that left her thin, constantly frowning lips. Her haughty expression was proof that she felt her actions were justified.

"I knew she'd survive. That's why she's so goddamn special. But a ignorant shit like you don't know her potential," the woman spat, her words venom on her tongue.

However, it didn't phase Ace. If anything it turned his thoughts back onto the wanton desire he held for his little spitfire. "That's where your wrong, Belle. I can assure you, I know her full potential." Ace couldn't keep the look of lustful desire from his eyes.

The elder Starr woman wanted to wipe that disgusting expression off his ugly mug. Instead she smirked, proud of herself for refraining... at least for the time being. "An', I can assure ya, you don't. Ya can't think passed that little worm 'tween yer legs." Before he was able to understand her insult, she quickly added, "'sides, what I'd really like ta know, is how the hell d' ya know what happened 'tween m' girl an' I?"

The dark molten pool of wickedness that swirled in Belle's gaze looked Ace over with disgust and unadulterated loathing before pulling a chair, turning it and propping her foot up on the seat. Leaning forward, she eyed him carefully, searching his face for any tell-tale signs that would give her the answers she wanted. "As well as who ya got that information from."

Anger had imploded on Ace's face at Belle's insult before it cooled just as quickly realizing he had one up on the older woman. Belle didn't know anything. She was lost and coming to him for knowledge. Perhaps he could use this to his advantage. "Little birdie told me." Ace was slurring now. A shit eating grin spread over his face seeing her frown once again. Ha! He DID have one up on her. Now if only he could keep it that way. "I ain't tellin' you who it was. Knowin' your bitch ass, you'll go an' have 'em killed. I protect my sources."

"That right?" Belle frowned, stroking her chin in thought. It was clear she was unhappy by the lack of information. A part of her wanted to end Ace right then and there. But, he might still have his uses. "Well, a li'l birdie tol' me ya saw her an' happen ta know where she went..."

Oh, this was so damn hilarious to Ace. The Queen of Outlaws needed his help. He chuckled and leaned towards her acting like he was going to tell her. He then jerked back in his seat, sitting up straight while shaking his head. A cackling form of laughter rushed from his mouth and he stomped his foot on the ground unable to control the mirth that built up inside him. "No way in hell, Belle! Even if I knew where she was, why the hell would I help you? After all, you kept her from me AND kicked me out o' yer fuckin' gang."

Belle rolled her eyes and shifted realizing this was going to be a longer conversation than what she had originally anticipated. Removing her foot from the chair she was leaning against, she instead sat on it, straddling the high wooden back. She didn't care that she was wearing a skirt, it was tucked beneath her bottom securely. As much as the men in the room hoped to get a glimpse of something, they were sorely disappointed. For pushing forty, she was still somewhat attractive in a crooked, devilishly weathered sort of way. And most men didn't care anyway. A woman was a woman. If she was pretty it was luck of the draw. As long as she could still perform in bed that's all most men cared about.

Ace didn't care either way. The only woman he desired was a blonde spitfire and he had no interest in helping Belle... Unless she proved useful in some way to him.

As Belle settled into her chair, two men moved a few steps closer, guarding her. As if the woman needed guards. But, she liked to be careful, always wary. If nothing else, they were expendable, in case she needed someone to take the fall for her. One of those spots had once been Kristal's position, but since she was missing, it fell to these two imbeciles. Ace eyed them, noticing how they were within hearing distance. Apparently she didn't care if their conversation was the talk among her gang... Unless they were sworn to secrecy.

Wait...

One of the men he remembered as Harlon, a man who couldn't speak because Belle had cut out his tongue. He communicated with gestures mostly. He was tall and muscular, the perfect goon to be a bodyguard. No wonder she didn't care if Harlon was in hearing distance, it wasn't like he could say anything anyway.

The other man he didn't recognize. He was a bit shorter than Harlon with copper colored hair. He had mischief in his stormy grey eyes and he appeared to be a little manic. His eyes shifted around them, constantly watching, it gave him a crazed sort of look. Belle did like her men as crazy as her and these two fit the bill perfectly.

A cold smile appeared over Belle's thin lips, and once she was comfortably settled in her chair, she raised a brow to Ace. "an' why is that, might I ask?" Belle was baiting him and he wouldn't have it. Still, it did draw his attention away from those guarding her. Continuing, Belle sneered at the scarred outlaw. "I could'a killed ya fer what ya tried. Be grateful yer still breathin'. Sam saved yer ass that day. Not many leave m' gang an' live. Ya should be damn grateful, Ace."

"Seems I remember it bein' yers an' Sam's gang. Not just yours," Ace retorted with a roll of his eyes. He then waved a hand in a wide gesture of dismissal. "'Sides, yer spitfire of a girl would'a liked it in the end. They always do."

A dark shadow passed over Belle's eyes. Ace was pushing his luck. "Ya damn ignorant bastard, she wanted ta kill ya! An' I should'a let her. But I let Sam stop me... an' her. I let Sam allow ya ta leave." The woman shook her head, her frown deepening. Belle was a lot of things, but she didn't agree with men taking advantage of unwilling women. "Ya tried ta rape my girl! I've killed fucked up pissants like you fer less."

Ace broke into laughter. His laughter surprised Belle. She clearly had not been expecting that from him. And yet, he continued to laugh so hard his sides started to hurt. It was a mocking sort of laugh and once Belle got passed her initial surprise, the expression on the older woman's face darkened. He was scornfully making fun of her.

Still, Ace had to hand it to her. This pain in the ass woman played the concerned and offended mother figure perfectly. "Don't be all high and mighty with me. Ya ain't no saint Belle. I know what ya did. I ain't so easily fooled like that daughter of yourn, wantin' to think the best of her mother figure."

The older woman rolled her eyes, tilting them heavenward a picture of innocence. "I dunno what yer talkin' 'bout. Can we get back ta the matter at hand?" Her soulless eyes snapped back to him, "I wanna know where my girl is!"

The woman was sly but Ace wasn't so off his rocker yet that he was so easily able to fall for her manipulations."Oh no! We ain't changin' the subject. Ya brought this up. I'm callin' ya out, Belle Starr." He took a breath, his eyes alight with accusatory criticism. He knew the truth of what she was trying to hide. She was no innocent party and he was going to make her admit to it.

"It was all you!" Ace accused. "Yer the one who set Kris up ta be in the barn that day. An' how sweet she was, brushin' down them horses. You knew I was gonna find her in there. That Sam knew where she was an' whispered in m' ear on where to go an' find her. Both you an' Sam knew that I wanted her. From the moment I first joined yer gang, I set my sights on her. I wanted her as mine. Sam didn't give a shit. You were the one that always held me back..." He gave a little chuckle. "We'll, you an' my fiery Kitten. Her threats and venomous tongue made me want her all the more. And Sam didn't give a shit. Hell, he was fine with it. That's why he tol' me where she was. He told me to break her. He was tired o' her tongue and attitude. He wanted her broken. Did ya know that Belle? Yer own husband wanted me to break my sweet little kitten an' he was willing to help me do it."

Again Ace paused, his expression darkening, "but you knew all that already. 'Cause you were the one to put the idea in his head. Don't play innocent. You wanted it to happen."

"Yer bein' ridiculous, Ace. Stop makin' up stories ta cover yer own ass." Belle was good at playing innocent, but the twitch of the corner of her lips gave her away.

"I'm gettin' awful tired of this innocent act ya keep playin' at." Ace was growing angry now. He slammed his hand on the table. "I ain't helpin' you. You're a bitch. I could'a had Kristal all to myself by now. She would have been mine! Not out there runnin' around with wannabe outlaws."

Without warning both men behind Belle had their guns drawn and aimed at Ace. His outburst seemed threatening to them. They kept their guns trained on him even as amused cackling came from Belle's lips.

"You? She didn't want you. I knew that. Yer advances disgusted her." She paused and waved a hand to let her guards know to relax. As their guns slid back into their holsters, Belle sat considering her next words. Dark brown, almost black eyes spanned the room. No one was paying attention to them anymore. The two men watching her back were of no concern to her. Neither would spill what she was about to say. They were loyal if by fear alone. As for Ace, Belle knew no one, least of all her girlie, would believe him. Then again, she could always just kill his ass before he had the chance to tell Kristal anything.

"Fine. Ya found me out. Whatever will I do?" Her voice mocked everything about him. "Yer right, I did have a hand in gettin' her ta see how men really are. Liars, cheaters, decievin' bastards an' lustful assholes. Good fer nothin' but a good time every now and again. At least fer me." She gave an amused scoff, "what's it matter? My girl will never believe you over me. Ya never stood a chance then, ya still don't now."

"It matters to me. If you hadn't involved yerself, I would have worn her down eventually," Ace argued. "Hell, had I taken her like I wanted, she would have relented. They always do. Ya've kept her so withdrawn that she don't know what it's like to feel... anything. She would have liked it in the end."

"Are ya even listenin' ta yerself? Yer full o' shit, Ace!" Belle was snarling, her expression vicious. The woman's tone drew concerned eyes their way. To those onlookers, it appeared that the woman was going to tear the scarred man apart.

Not at all phased by those staring, Belle continued, "my girl fought ya as hard as she could. She was winnin'. Ya didn't get those scars on yer ugly mug from no damn animal like ya claim." The violent features on her face twisted into a cruel smile, "Yer right, I didn't want her feelin' nothin'. Feelin's get in the way of logical thinkin'. I wanted her ta be cold, ta hate men, ta be the killer I know she's capable of. It's what she's good at. And that's what I still want fer her. She don't need no man to weigh her down. Nothing but distractions and annoyances. She don't need no attachments. That girl's good on her own."

An annoyed frown worked at Ace's mouth and he rubbed at the scar on his brow remembering Kristal's wild and vicious tendencies. "That girl is a hellcat. Wild, vicious.... dangerous." And that's what drew him to her.

"Ya almost succeeded Belle. When she's about ta kill someone, I ain't seen no one colder. Only one thing you failed to realize though," he paused watching as Belle's gaze drew suspicious, "that girl's got heart. She's got more heart'n ya realize she's got. She ain't cold an' unfeeling. An obviously she don't hate men. She's with a whole gaggle of them right now." He scoffed, "the only thing ya actually managed to succeed at is that she is a killer. She can kill an' torture a man better'n anyone. Even you."

"Ya should know best, she made ya bleed good'n plenty." Belle's comeback was swift and stabbing. Much like the knife that Kristal had nearly killed him with that day. "As fer those me--"

Anger shot through Ace and his hands clenched into fists. "I had her!" He was shouting now, interrupting the woman's word. "She was mine! Why couldn't ya leave well enough alone an' stay the hell outta of it. Ya set her up in the first place. Why not just leave it?!"

Dark eyes traced Ace's features. He would have been handsome if it weren't for the large scars on his face. The one near his right eyebrow that drew a line down to his ear. And the other along his left cheek, starting just shy of his nose and curled to his jaw. And the last starting above his upper right lip and tilted downwards towards the left side of his chin. Reminders of Kristal's wrath. They made the woman smile inwardly, proud of her girl's skill.

"I would have. I wanted to. I wasn't gonna get anymore involved 'cause I was gonna let it play out. But ya called fer Sam's help. If ya hadn't had my Sam intervene, she would have killed ya, Ace. Ya realize that right?" Belle's gaze raked over him, darkening. The memory of Ace's attempt on Kristal's virtue at the forefront of her mind. "Honestly, that's what I was hopin' for... what I wanted." The dark haired woman pointed to his chest, just to the left of his heart. "That knife o' hers would have penetrated yer heart. You'd be dead right now had Sam not grabbed her an' pulled her off of you. You then had ta have Sam hold her down. Ya ruined m' plan. She was supposed to kill you. Then I would'a been rid of ya fer good."

Rolling her eyes, Belle continued, her proud smile returning. "That girl bested you. She managed ta pull yer own knife an' damn near almost stabbed ya with it. Till ya called fer Sam an' he involved himself. Even after he held her down she still fought like hell. Broke Sam's nose and a couple of his ribs. Shit, she was a wildcat. One of the few times she made me proud." Her smile turned wistful. "That girl attacked ya both. Sam's got a scar along the side of his neck from her rakin' her nails at him too." Everytime she saw her husband's neck, she was reminded of how brutal Kristal could be. Her husband cursed Kristal every time he saw it, but Belle held no sympathy for him. He shouldn't have gotten involved.

"That man o' mine nearly knocked her senseless fer all that. He probably would'a killed her, 'cept he wanted her ta suffer. An' you did nothin' but allow it. She was barely conscious after that. She couldn't fight ya then, could she? You had an unfair advantage over her after that. And then ya had ta actually touch her, suggestively, rippin' at her clothes. Sam just watchin' with that satisfied sneer on his face. Ya almost raped her." Belle spat the word with such vehemence, it was like spitting acid. "Yer a lecherous asshole! An' 'cause of it, she recoiled. I had ta stop it before she panicked an' froze. I could see the fear buildin'. Bless her crazy heart she still tried to fight ya off, but she was weak an' disoriented an' bein' held down. Sam made sure o' that. So, I had ta put a stop ta it. I ended it. An' you failed."

"Stop it? Why the hell'd ya let it start if ya wanted it stopped?"

"Why? Because I wanted ya gone, Ace! I was tired o' yer disregard in followin'' m' orders. I said she was off limits! All o' ya knew that! An' yer boarish ass kept persuin' her! Everytime I turned around ya were harassin' her. Ya wouldn't leave her alone." Belle sneered, anger swirling in her dark eyes. "I wanted her ta kill ya."

The woman then shrugged having an afterthought, "It only added to the fact it would show her what filthy animals men were. How they are nothin' but salacious jackasses who want nothin' more ta bed and claim a woman as their own. And ya certainly proved that perfectly. Showed her what men are really like."

The woman's malicious smirk returned, "I also wanted her to fight ya. I wanted her ta kill ya fer all the times ya harassed her. I wanted her to gain that confidence, knowin' she could take down lewd assholes like you. An' boy did she hate ya. Hell, she wanted yer head, Ace. I'm sure she still does. Ya sure ya wanna be going after her? She might make good on it next time." Belle grinned, giddy knowing her girl could easily take down this arrogant jackass. "Hell she hates most men now. And it's a joy to see."

"I'm not afraid of Kristal. If anything, her fight turns me on. I'll get her, and finish what I started." The confidence in Ace's tone grated on Belle's nerves, but the scarred man didn't care.

"That right? She hates men, all thanks ta you an' Sam." Belle grinned, triumphant. After Ace had been forced out of the gang, Kristal had been more leery and snappy to the other members of the gang. Even the ones she would normally talk to and treat decent. Belle couldn't have been happier that her plan had worked.

Ace scoffed and shook his head. He couldn't believe this woman. In a way, even his black heart felt pity for Kristal. Sure he lusted after her, but he also wanted Kristal to be his and his alone. He liked her for more than just desire, she was smart, talented. She'd make a good asset to his own newly formed gang. "I don't get it, Starr. Why d'ya want her to hate men? You're married to one, ya know?"

"Oh, I know." Belle's tone was bitter. Though she did love Sam, he also drove her crazy. "As much as I hate that man, I do love him. I love to love him..." her voice was a purr. Motioning to the lone server, she ordered a whiskey. Talking about Sam always made her need a drink. "Sam ain't no good man. He's an asshole same as the rest o' ya. Cheated on me a number of times." Here she paused as a fond smile twisted over her lips. "But, he always came back ta me. Sam is mine. He think he owns me. Oh God no. More like it's the other way around. I own him. He thinks he's m' one an' only... I like ta let him think that."

Ace was not surprised by Belle's admittance. His eyes flashed to the guards, who still stood beside her. Neither one appeared like they were even tuned into their conversation. "You disgust me, Belle. I'm glad my Kitten ain't nothing like you." He swore and took a drink, watching as the server set a drink in front of Belle and another in front of him. He hadn't even asked for another. He winked at the Mexican woman before she walked away. Maybe he found his woman for the night.

Turning back to Belle, he shook his head still confused by something. "That still begs the question, why make her hate men? What's the point?"

Laughter erupted from those thin lips. Belle couldn't believe the man could be so dense. "Ain't ya payin' attention? 'Cause, if she hates men, she'll never fall for one. She'll never love. If she don't fall in love, she'll always be my girl. All mine! That's why I raised her, trained her an' taught her the way I did. My little killer an' thief. Best damn outlaw I know, 'cept for myself of course. And since she won't ever love, she'll never have a desire ta go no where else. I'm what's familiar. I'm all she needs." Belle raised her glass to her lips, "she don't need love anyway. It ain't worth the heartache."

"Damn!" Ace breathed, shock washing over his features. And here he thought he was pretty damn cold. This old bitch took the damn cake. "That's cold, Belle. Even for you."

Tapping the glass rim of her whiskey, the woman shrugged not at all bothered by Ace's accusation, "perhaps." Her lips sneered into a wicked smirk, "but it keeps her in line."

Ace scoffed. If that were true, Kristal wouldn't be running around with some random boys. Belle was delusional. "Till you betrayed her by shooting her and leaving her for dead."

"I was desperate. She'll forgive me." The woman shrugged, not all worried about any repercussions. "She always does. I shudder ta think what she'll be like when she truly has no heart left. It'll be grand. She'll truly make me proud then."

"You'll probably be the first to die," Ace mumbled.

Belle didn't catch what he said, but the copper haired man that stood behind Belle did. He nearly chortled, and made a motion of scratching at his nose to stop himself. His wild eyes swerved around to make sure no one caught his near mistake. And thankfully, it seemed, no one had.

"What I find funny," Ace mused leaning back in his chair again, his eyes carefully watching Belle, curious as to how she might respond to what he was about to say, "is that you keep talking about her hating men, yet she's with a group of them now. Those Regular-whatever the hell they are. Or have you not been paying attention to the papers?"

"I've read them." The woman still appeared uninterested, though her response was short.

When Belle didn't bother to add more, Ace raised a brow, growing amused once again. "Seems she's that Billy the Kids mistress. Maybe both you and I are outta luck." Not that he believed the papers. And even if it were true, he'd steal her away from that Bonney guy. There would be nothing some Kid could do against him. He had years on Bonney. Nearly six years the boys senior. He could easily take out some child.

"She ain't no mistress." Belle's words were scornful and full of disbelief. " She ain't no one's mistress." There was once again venom in her words. Almost as if whoever had claimed those untruths, would get Belle's wrath. "I ain't sure why she's with them. There's gotta be somethin' more to it than that. An end game. Maybe there's money somewhere." Belle refused to believe that the paper was true.

The depraved man rolled his eyes, "how long's she been gone now? A couple months? That's given her time to really get to know these Regu-shits." He smirked when Belle's eyes snapped to him. He could see her thinking, considering his words.

"Been near six months, actually... Least since I last seen her." That would mean...Belle let out a slew of curse words. "She's been with those shits fer that long?! Why?" Belle's eyes narrowed, "there's gotta be some reason she's with 'em." At Ace's accusatory brow raise, Belle waved a hand, "an' no, I don't think my girlies done an' found herself a man."

"Then, why Belle?" Ace queried, skeptical of any other reason. "It's kinda funny that fer a gal who's supposed to hate men so much, she's with a group of them now. Maybe she's become their whore---"

A sharp slap sounded and Ace was clutching his hand to his burning cheek. "I will not have ya talk 'bout her like that."

Anger set Ace's heart racing. It took everything in him to not react. The only reason being, that asshole, Harlon and that wild eyed body guard were staring at him, waiting to see if he tried anything. "Like you care! Ya've called her worse. Homely, skinny, manly. Hell, ya've done worse. Don't act all concerned."

"That's because she is homely. That girl don't know how ta be feminine fer the life o' her, but a whore, she ain't." Belle was glaring now, her dark eyes filled with a black fire, "I made damn sure o' that. Kept all ya assholes away. She don't need a man. Nor does she ever need ta be with child. That shit will destroy her. She'll be worthless ta me then."

Ace leaned back in his chair, watching Belle. In a way, he pitied his Kitten, especially when Belle went on like this. The old hag had no love for the girl she raised. No sentiment or feeling. Kristal was the old bitch's favorite weapon, and when that wore down, Belle would then toss Kris aside like a sack of moldy potatoes. He shook his head. At least he could care for his blonde Kitten. He found her attractive. She was like a coiled mountain lion, every move she made assured and powerful. It was partially what attracted him to her. Sure, he did want to satiate the lust he held for her, but he was fond of her too. Now, Belle on the other hand, he found her homely and unattractive. Belle was just plain, cruel and heartless. Her despicable personality made her downright hideous.

"You are somethin' else Belle." Ace shook his head, disappointed in this woman who should have been more of a role model to his Kitten. "I had a fucked up childhood... But it was probably tame compared ta Kristal's. You're fucking savage."

Belle shrugged unbothered by his statement. "Being soft gets ya killed or worse controlled. I'm doing her a favor. An' I don't give a shit if anyone else sees it or not. Especially not you." Belle pushed up from her chair, "but since it seems ya got nothin' fer me, I'll be on m' way. This was a waste o' m' valuable time."

"Wait..." Ace began, an idea forming in his head. He hated the woman but she had valuable resources that he didn't. If he could get her to work with him... "I tell you what, Belle, if you help me, I'll help you?"

A brow rose, disbelief in her dark eyes. But she waited, curious to the proposal she knew was coming. "I'm listening."

"I do know where, Kris is..." Ace was confident that Tahakyk had followed Kristal and it would only be a matter of time before he learned where she was. "What say you to agree to let her be mine and we both come back to the gang? My men can join yours and we'll be unstoppable."

The woman's eyes narrowed, anger flashing in those abyss-colored orbs. Before Belle could answer, however, two men stumbled through the door. The taller one was holding the other who was clutching his chest.

Seeing the sight of Dade half carrying, half dragging Amos — the same Amos that had gone with Tahakyk to follow Kristal— Ace's features turned sour. Amos was bleeding, half dead and sputtering about how he barely managed to get away.

"What the hell is this?" Demanded Ace, eyes turning to Dade for some kind of explanation.

"I found him, Ace. Clinging to his horse barely hanging on," Dade claimed. He grunted at the weight of the muttering man, but held him tight. "Amos here 's been shot in the chest..." He then shook his head letting his boss know the man wasn't gonna make it.

"She found us Ace." The man coughed, breathing heavily. His eyes were wild and dazed. He kept seeing the scene over and over in his head, of being shot and witnessing the woman kill Tahakyk. "She came at us... Her an' her... men. Killed all of us..."

"Obviously not, yer still alive,"Ace growled annoyed. Though he knew it wouldn't be long before Amos took his last breath. Though he didn't care. He had no information that could help him so the dying man could be damned. Glancing at Belle he could see the maliciously smug smirk on her thin lips. This was not good.

Dade helped the dying man into a chair where Amos collapsed. "She killed... Yancy... The other two with her... her boys..., shot Ed an'... me."

"What two?" Ace had to know. Could it have been that blond that Kristal had clung to as they left that Saloon in Santa Rosa?

"Blond... both of 'em... one was the Kid..." Amos took a breath, trying to stabilize his sporadic breathing. "He's the one... what shot me." He had a spasm of coughing before shivering. It was so cold. He felt so cold. "Think he thought I was dead... 'cause he said..." He coughed again and spat blood on the ground, "he said...." He paused and tried again, "said nobody hurts... those he cares... 'bout. Said, if he sees ya... again... he'll kill ya... Like he did t' Ed... an' me... Only, I weren't dead." Yet.

"That's awful bold of him." Ace frowned considering what he learned. Amos had said 'again'. Did that mean he had run into the Kid before? "Wonder if that blond I ran into back in Santa Rosa was the Kid then?" He was musing aloud, before then asking, "where's Tahakyk?"

"Dead. That... She-Demon killed him... " Amos clutched his chest weakly, pain shot through him at each word. "That... Injun... had that blond... The Kid, Billy. He w-was gonna... kill him. But... she, Kris,... offered herself up as... sacrifice for him. Tahakyk... took it... Only, she tricked him... They fought... An' he... lost." That had been an effort to get out. Exhausted, Amos closed his eyes. His breathing became shallow as he grew quiet.

A hint of pride lit Belle's face before it was quickly gone. The news had impressed her, knowing Tahakyk's brutal and relentless fighting style. For her girlie to beat him was truly a remarkable feat. However, knowing that her girlie had willingly sacrificed herself for these boys concerned her. She had been free of Tahakyk and in turn Ace, but she gave up her freedom to help those boys? Why? What was going on among them?

Amos muttered something unintelligible before coughing. Leaning down, Ace spoke to the dying man in hushed tones. To those watching, Ace appeared compassionate, being a good friend. But Belle knew better. The man was pulling information from the dying man. Information that Belle was sure she would probably want.  A frown formed over Belle's face as the two men conversed for a minute or two before Amos took a large gasping breath and fell off the chair, dead.

Straightening, Ace mulled over the information he had received while purposely ignoring Belle and the now dead Amos. The woman could sweat for a minute as he considered what to do next. Maybe he shouldn't work with Belle. He had more information to work with than she did now. Then again, Belle had larger numbers and could search more ground.

"Well?" Belle queried, her gaze narrowing expectantly. "Ya got something or am I walkin' outta here an' continuing to look fer her m'self. I don't really need you. Hell, my girl will come back to me when she's good and ready. I got no problem jus' sittin' back an' pushin' things into motion."

A muscle clenched in Ace's jaw. This haughty bitch thought Kris would actually go back to her! "Fer the hundredth damn time, yer fuckin' delusional. She ain't gonna go back willingly to ya." He shook his head finding the whole thing amusing in a deranged sort of way. "Like I said, if ya wanna work together, I'll tell ya what I know. But ya gotta let me have her. She's gotta be mine. Then, an' only then, will I bring her back into your gang."

Belle was silent for a moment before Harlon moved. His hand's flew together before curling his fingers and waving them in the air. The woman watched the man's crude attempt at communicating before grinning. Becoming mute had made Harlon's other senses grow stronger, including his hearing. And being closer to the dead man and Ace, he had heard some of what had been said. A grin slid over Belle's formless lips, "I ain't the only delusional one it seems. Ya think Kris would want you... want to be with you. She'd rather see yer entrails bein' hauled away by vultures an' yer remains burnin' ta a crisp."

The scruffy faced man was now staring at the dark haired women in disbelief. His gaze flashed between the big, brawny Harlon, before landing on Belle once again confusion awash on his face. "What the hell did he say?"

"He said, we don't need you. He also asked me ta let him kill you, but I rather enjoy watching ya squirm. And once my girlie does get her hands on ya, I look forward to seeing what she will do to you." Belle flashed the cocky man a smile, "shame. An' ya tried so hard too. It was almost cute." Her mocking tone grated on his skin but she didn't seem to notice or care.

"You're making a mistake Belle! You'll see! When I get her, she'll be indebted to me and she'll be mine for the rest of our lives!" Ace shouted after Belle as she turned to leave. The woman didn't bother to acknowledge his shouting which caused Ace to let out a slew of curse words. When he turned to Dade, he had anger burning in his eyes. "Find me a woman, Dade. And quick. I might just fuck up this damn town if I don't get one soon."

The seemingly mild Dade had been staring down at the dead Amos. His mind was reeling at what he had learned. When Ace shouted his name, the right hand man lifted his head and sighed. This was becoming ridiculous. "Alright, Ace. I'm sure there's one 'round here somewhere... Hopefully willing, for the right price." If not, Dade knew Ace would do what he wanted anyway, willing or not.

---

Outside, Belle mounted her chestnut colored thoroughbred. A horse that had been stolen from an army captain she had once seduced. Turning her attention on Harlon, she nodded to him encouraging him to continue what he had been trying to tell her earlier. "Springs? Kris is at a springs?"

Pulling on her braid, she grew thoughtful. The territory had a few hot springs, if that's what that did mean... But it was the only thing that made sense. Making up her mind, she nodded her head as if agreeing with her own thoughts. Turning her mount to face the men she had with her, dark eyes raked over the crazy eyed Wilkes and then to Harlon. "You two, I want you each to search the nearby springs. Wilkes you go Montezuma Springs near Las Vegas an' Harlon, ya go ta Giggling Springs 'tween  Santa Fe and Albuquerque. They're the closest ones 'round here. Do not engage her if ya find her. AND do not let her know yer watchin'. Jus' watch an' report back to me."

The middle aged woman then grew quiet, considering all she had heard and learned."Billy the Kid hmm? Maybe there is some truth to these rumors. He seems awful protective of her and she o' him apparently. My girl has been by his side for some time now. This needs to end." Whenever she learned of her girl's whereabouts, she would make sure to keep tabs on her. And if she started to see that the papers were telling the truth, she would have that Billy fellow killed.

Seeing that neither man had moved, Belle hissed at them, "what the hell are ya waitin' fer? Get! Find my girl!"

***

A white and brown speckled paint colored horse raced away from the woman, Wilkes sitting astride the equine's back. A frown had formed on his face, his wild eyed facade now gone. He glanced back seeing Harlon racing southwest. He hoped that Harlon wasn't going to find Kristal at Giggling Springs. With any luck he'd be the one to find her, or at least traces of where she might have went. He needed to warn her. A letter, which was his normal go to, wasn't fast enough. No, this had to be done in person. He had to relay what he had learned to Kris. It was unlikely she knew the truth of that encounter she had with Ace trying to take advantage of her. It was over a year ago, before Wilkes had joined the gang. With any luck though, maybe that would be what he needed in order to convince her to not rejoin the Starr Gang. He knew Belle was insane, but what he had just learned took the damn cake.

In truth, Wilkes felt like he had violated Kristal's privacy by overhearing such intimate and personal details. He could only hope that she would forgive him when he informed her of the truth of it all. Hopefully, she wouldn't be angry with him.

He still couldn't believe what he heard. That Belle had allowed that disgusting piece of shit to try and take advantage of Kristal! He couldn't believe how cold and malicious Belle truly was. It bothered him.  Belle was worse than he originally thought. It had taken everything in Wilkes to reel in his temper and swallow the bile that rose in his throat when listening to the woman gloat. As if she was doing Kristal a favor. It was sickening. His heart ached for the young fiery woman. She had gone through hell, and he was sure that didn't even skirt everything she had gone through.

Belle and Sam were the worst kind of people. Even worse than Acid, in Wilkes opinion. Allowing for a young woman to be taken advantage of, or at least attempted. He knew there were other instances that Belle and Sam had caused some kind of physical abuse to the girl too. But Kris had always denied it. How she stayed with the Starr seniors, Wilkes had no idea. He didn't even want to be part of the gang anymore. After learning everything he had. If he wasn't spying on Belle for Kristal he would have left and prayed that the crazed Starr woman wouldn't hunt him down and kill him. No one left the Starr gang and lived. Except Ace... and Kristal.

The Irish man sighed and urged his horse faster. He needed to find Kristal or maybe even that Bonney lad... and soon.