There was no way she could go back to Octoton and face Santiago; or worse, be sold at auction. Amelia had to gather her things and leave town.
In the panic of the bounty hunter’s final words, she’d not even bothered to dress yet. She quickly threw on her clothes, though the corset took some time to lace up, then she gathered up the bar’s takings for this week so far. She had just under a hundred marks. It would be enough to travel to another city and start fresh at least.
She poured herself a shot of whisky to settle the nerves and wash down the cum taste from her mouth. It burned her mouth and stomach, but she needed it. She grabbed up a few more bottles for the road, putting them in her bag, then she headed out into Novilla.
It was a big city, hopefully she could find her way out without being seen.
She used the basement and the back entrance of the bar, locking the door behind her. It fed out onto a back alley.
The alley stunk, and she stepped over the sleeping drunk who snored. Then she walked out into the streets.
She normally avoided the city at this time of night, but she had to do this tonight. Daylight would be upon her in a couple of hours.
There was no colour in the buildings at this time, and at least it was too late at night for there to be anyone about. She reached the south gate, ready to leave the city forever and embark on a new life.
Amelia looked back at Novilla solemnly, thinking about what could have been. The bar was in her past now.
