"Ah'm Sorry, But My Life Is Being The Sheriff..."

(Originally by DanceDanceImmolation)

"Ah'm sorry."

Was all Texas had to say. Madame's ears drooped and her smile slowly faded. But Texas wasn't finished. She took a hand to Madame's cheek and lifted her head to look her in the eyes. Madame could see that Texas was just as broken up as her, but still resolute in her decision. She took a long, hard moment to compose herself before she told Madame exactly what she felt.

"Yer incredible. You really are. Yer the most beautiful, wonderful woman ah've ever met. But ah need to do my job, ah need to keep Gold Springs safe. And ah feel like, if people knew about us, they might go after ya. Ah couldn't let that happen. Please understand ah need to keep everyone safe, including you."

Madame dabbed a tear from her cheek with her kerchief, "Yes, yes I understand completely. We both need to tend to our lives. Just like how I need to think about my business and scoping out this new town for my new establishment. Can I ask you to accompany me along the way? Exclusively for protection, of course.

"Of course," said Texas.

"Thank you, Sheriff."

The two dressed themselves in the carriage and arrived in Dusted Dunes, a bustling town close to the border with a very different flavor from Gold Springs. It looked to be expanding, as if it would soon be the largest city in the south. But for now, it was the potential spot for Madame's new and improved brothel and show house. Deciding to check out the land the next day, Texas and Madame quietly checked into the Inn and went to bed early. But neither of them would be ready for what the next day had waiting for them.

When Texas awoke, she found...