Pickett's Apology For Mirella

Pickett's apology appeared to have the intended effect on Mirella, even through his concurrent attempt to turn her mind to the gruesome dangers that awaited the unfortunate or unwary. After he'd finished, he retained a relaxed demeanour, fingers lightly wrapped around the mug of spiced tea and eyes fixed on her. As naive and innocent as Vitrella had claimed her to niece to be, Jeremiah had begin to question that a little. Mirella appeared intelligent and unafraid to speak her mind. Troublesome qualities in a woman, but simultaneously traits that garnered his interest and respect. At least she wasn't overbearing in her speech like her elderly relative.

"Vitrella is indeed strong. We've been acquainted less than a day. however, I've no doubt
The pistol would surely kill a man, but would a woman such as the youthful Vitrella possess the mindset to shoot. Was she capable of making a decision to end a man's life in an instant or would hesitation overcome her. Pickett knew full well from experience that if you pulled a gun, then you'd best be damn-well prepared to use it or the consequence would be fatal. The number of men he'd sent to an early grave who'd been quick on the draw but slow on the trigger attested to
That Mirella could potentially be Pickett's personal goldmine, amongst other pleasantries she could offer along the journey, was at the forefront of the Pastor's mind. He opened his mouth to encourage her, before Vitrella came rushing through the door. From the elderly woman's demeanour, it was obvious the conductor had relayed anything but good news.

That was soon confirmed. Tracks washed out ahead, impassable. Iit would take month's to repair them, and for now, the only option was for the train to return to Garden City. The passengers would have the option of disembarking along the way and finding another route to their destination, but what of Viterlla and Mirella? How would they ever find another safe passage to California?

Despite the older woman's mention of a coach, the man knew that wasn't an option, at least for her, even before her niece confirmed his thoughts with her own.

As she'd grown more paler and breathless with each word and clutched at his shoulder, Jeremiad had stood. A look of concern and sympathy pasted on his face, he placed his hand over the old woman's. Jeremiah to stop his skin from crawling at the touch and patted her arm soothingly, joining the woman in their sorrowful state and cooing his sympathies. "That is terrible news,