Choices In Time

Author's Note: "Choices In Time" is a sequel to "A Time For Love". It is recommended if the reader is not familiar with the storyline and characters therein it would be beneficial to read the first installment. This piece has been renamed from it's former title "Choices". Please let me know what you think. I enjoy any feedback from you readers!

Choices In Time

CHAPTER XIII

The reflection of the moon sparkled on the stilled and darkened waters of the Mississippi River. The night air was cool but pleasant enough to warrant an excursion out of doors and aboard the docked paradise called The Southern Belle.

The four friends strolled on board, one couple after the next, boarding on a night unlike any other they had previously experienced or even dreamt of. There was an air of excitement in this darkness, unforseen thrills running through their bones. They entered along with all the others, finely dressed and oh so confident, at least to the eye, and now stood in the middle of this massive gambling hall, gawking in awe at the colored picture before them. A picture so vividly drawn that to all probability could be retold a thousand times without missing the least of details.

Ladies in fancy gowns, men dressed in well-tailored suits, waiters attending to the every need of the guests, champagne flowing from the champagne glass tower, the sound of gaiety, the smell of money. It seeped through the senses of the three riders who never in their wildest dreams could've guessed they'd be standing in the midst of all the lavish things money could buy.

Louise grabbed unto Kid's arms, her eyes wide, her heart skipping at the thought that here she was, little Louise McCloud, in New Orleans, on a fancy riverboat with the love of her life, living one great adventure.

"Kid, it's a dream world. It ain't real."

"Oh it's very real Lou...very real."

Victoria was stricken at how much she actually missed this, this life she'd left behind, but just for one second. She engaged Jimmy's arm also and as she glanced at her love, who feeling her stare, met her dark eyes with a smile. A life with Jimmy was already ten times better without all the amenities she had grown up with. He'd made her truly happy, something she lacked in her old world. In her eyes, it wasn't a trade off but instead a step above all things. She felt Jimmy breathe deeply. This place was indeed enchanting but as he stood there next to her, he knew it was only temporary unless they got to the gold. That was their one and only objective and so distraction could not be afforded.

Deciding before their arrival that in order to cover as much area as possible, splitting up would be best, the four friends scattered, disappearing easily into the ordered chaos. Kid and Jimmy headed off in the direction of the poker tables each taking a seat at a different game while Louise chose her hand at the craps table.

Victoria weaved in and out of the crowds of well-to-do socialites and men of seemingly important character. "Pardon me." was the phrase uttered over and again as she exchanged smiles with the affluence of society, making her way to the roulette table.

Her dark eyes scanned the large room and from her vantage point she couldn't see Jimmy or Kid, not even Louise as a matter of fact. The sea of people, the sound of chatter, almost drowned the soft music playing on the piano as the reel of the round wheel whizzed in the air. Laughter and cheering over a winner tore her attention from the crowds in the distance.

"Would you like to place a bet Ma'am?" the bow-tied croupier at the table asked.

Victoria nodded, her handbag in hand, she went about exchanging some cash for chips.

She held the stack of chips before her, her eyes roaming the numbers set in blacks and reds on the table. Victoria was not much of a gambler. The closest to gambling she'd ever come was playing poker with the boys back at the station. Though roulette was not as intense as poker, still it was a game that took much skill to play. She though, didn't posses any such skill and blindly chose a number.

"26 Black please." She settled her chips on top. Two ten dollar pieces.

After all other wagers were set, the wheel was spun. All eyes followed the little white ball barely visible to the eye as it spun speedily. The spinning began to slow as the ball clinked and clanked around the pegs of the wheel finally coming to a stop.

"26 Black!" came the cry. "The lady wins!"

Victoria's eyes shot wide as she let out a yelp and a bounce soon followed, slight cheers coming from a certain few of the betters seated around the table.

The chips were immediately swept up with the shuffle stick by the croupier who quickly pushed them before the winner.

"I can't belive I won!" she laughed.

"Well take it while you can honey," said a woman seated to her right. "Winning streaks don't last long around here. Take it from me," she assured, the glass of whiskey in her hand soon finding its place on her lips.

"Thank you. But I think I'll play another."

"Suit yourself honey."

"Bets please. Place all bets. The round will start in twenty seconds," called the croupier.

"15 Red and 00," she quickly said, adding three chips, two on red, one chip on one of the only two green squares on the betting table...30 dollars total."

"Honey I sure hope you know what you're doing," the woman said noting the amount of the bet. She placed hers soon after.

Victoria grinned widely. "I don't!" she cried, her voice full of dumb excitement.

The croupier glanced at the young woman, his brow raised. "All bets are final," he called out, his hand pushing the wheel with force, while the ball spun in the opposite direction.

The players stood egging their number to come up. "25 Red!" shouted one, "Come on...10 Black, 10 Black!" So went the quarum around the table. Victoria bounced on the tips of her toes, her fists rooting for her number.

The ball slowed and bounced...and bounced...until it stopped. "15 Red! The lady wins again!"

"Yeeessss!" she cried unreservedly. "I can't believe this!" she laughed out loud.

"Must be beginner's luck honey. Take it and run."

"But I'm having so much fun!" she smiled widely as the croupier pushed the winnings before her. A stack of different colored chips lay before her.

"Winning alway is," drank the woman as she agreed.

"Having fun?" the deep voice from behind asked.

Victoria turned at once, her eyes rising slowly to meet Carson Moore's.

She was embarrassed, her cheeks flushed but nervousness was more the case. "I'm sorry for my sense of over excitability. I-I've never really gambled before." she chuckled.

Carson smiled. "Well they always say you never forget your first time. But it's always nice to see a winner. Especially a beautiful winner," he flirted.

Victoria blushed, turning away from him. "It's just because I don't know what I'm doing."

"That's what makes it so exciting," he added.

"Are you here all alone?"

She returned her gaze to him. "Oh no. Certainly not. I'm here with Louise."

"Miss Louise?"

"Oh she's around here."

Carson smiled down at her. He thought she was a very enchanting creature and being the opportunist he always was, offered the private tour he'd extended at dinner the other evening.

"I appreciate your offer Mr. Moore but you've quite a houseful here tonight I couldn't possibly..."

"It would be my pleasure," he cut in. "Besides, I don't think anyone would miss me," he grinned, offering his arm. She hesitated.

"Oh go on honey. He's tall, young and handsome...and rich. I'm sure you'll keep him out of trouble. Lord knows he could use it." she gave a low, tipsied laugh.

"Maxine you'll ruin my reputation," he frowned mockingly.

"Honey, there ain't no fixing that broken down ship. Now go on! Show this girl a good time," she winked.

Carson laughed. He charged his man to care of Ms. Sutton's winnings and have them ready at the cashier's for pick up later.

'This was not in the plans!' Victoria thought. Well, she took the good with the bad. She hoped first off that Jimmy wouldn't be upset if he saw them together and secondly, she would take advantage of this tour in the hopes of finding something matching their clue to get them one step closer to the gold.

Charlotte sat on the seat by her window, peering at the dark night filled with so many twinkling little lights. She smiled to herself, that silly nursery rhyme going through her head, to make wishes on as many stars as she could see, how many times had she tried that as a child? She chuckled. Her one wish, one in so many had come true but now it was lost again. "What're wishes good for if they're only fleeting moments in your life?" she asked to no one in particular, more to herself she guessed, trying to suppress the growing doubts that seemed to creep in her head.

With handkerchief in hand, Charlotte wrapped the cloth around her index finger, pressing the fabric lightly against her moistened cheeks. The tears had been coming for hours, only sleep really curtailed their pouring still. But sleep brought no comfort...more restlessness than peace. She missed Buck. Her heart, her love, her friend. But how could she even think of going back to him knowing the way he felt about her?

Rachel had stopped by earlier, speaking on his behalf and though her words were welcomed, applying a measure of tranquility and calm within her, the violent storms of doubt couldn't be quelched. She thanked Rachel for her visit, turning down Buck's offer to see her. "I just can't right now Rachel...I can't face him right now," she rememembered saying.

Her heart wrenched within her breast, the agony of one possibility becoming a harsh reality...could they be together...ever? Could they fight through this? But they had to, simply HAD to, no questions about it. They had been through too much. God she wished Victoria and Louise were here. They would know what to do, how to advise her. A smile played on the corners of her mouth when she thought of those two. They'd probably grab her by the hand, grab Buck by his and lock them in a room until matters were all ironed out. Charlotte sighed, feeling their absence so deeply.

It was late. Charlotte rose from her seat, slipped off her robe and in between the soft, cool sheets. "Tomorrow will be a better day," she told herself or at least so she hoped. Charlotte turned out the lamp but as soon as darkness enveloped her room, the sobs began all over again.

Victoria walked smiling along through the crowd on the arm of Carson. He was stopped in between every few steps or so to be greeted and thanked, to exchange a kind word or possible business venture in the mix, Victoria being introduced most gentlemanly to friends and associates.

"You certainly are one popular man Mr. Moore," she noted, as they finally escaped the bothersome crowd into one the quieter hallways on board.

Carson chuckled. "It's all business Ms. Sutton. I was taught that all connections are good connections, no matter how insignificant they may seem at present," he noted. The matter of Victoria's last name had come to light between their lengthened walk from the gaming table to the hall. Her introductions to his associates brought forth the revelation.

"And who was the man who taught you such wise course of action? Your father?" she asked, with peaked brows.

Carson's expression changed. From a smile came forth the look of a son who'd lost a father. Victoria noticed it immediately and was moved to apologize for her insensitivity.
He waved off the apology, letting her know she couldn't have had any clue of sorts.

"My father died when I was a young boy. My mother before him along with my sister."

Victoria's heart fell. "I'm so sorry," she lamented.

"It was hard at first. Knowing their deaths were so foolish. Our home was swept up in a fire. It moved so quickly..." he began, his eyes taking him back to that horrible night. "My father and I were returning late from a trip when we came up on the house. All I remember is the heat, the hungry flames biting through our home. The crackling sound of splitting wood. My father rushed into the burning building. He got to Melinda, my sister. She was only eight. I remember sitting next to her soot covered body, barely hearing her breathing. I held her hand, begging her to hold on. I promised I'd take better care of her. That I'd be a better brother." Carson swallowed hard, fighting the stinging memories back. For some odd reason, understanding it less himself, he'd shared such a hidden part of himself with her. She seemed easy to talk to...those eyes alone said so much.

Victoria stood there silent. Listening to this awful tragedy. She'd lost her family too, but at least she was able to say her goodbye's...to her father and mother at least. Charles on the other hand had been taken from her and she still fought that angry pain inside. But Carson, to not have an opportunity, pained her even more.

"Father came out a minute later carrying mother but she was already gone. He died a few weeks later from his injuries...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..."

"No...it's quite allright. It's good to talk about our losses. It doesn't take all the pain away, but we can remember the goodness in them. And never forget them." she comforted.

Carson managed a smile. "Thank you for your kind words...you seem to understand."

"I do," she simply said, feeling satisfied to leave it at such but then he inquired of her family which she informed had passed on as well. Her father and mother to illness, her brother to the coming war.

"But we rise and we go on. We live so they can live through us," came her soft comfort.

"And that we do," he agreed. "I've prided myself on my success because it is partly for their honor that I do it. Yet people of course will see it far different I assure you."

"Where you born and raised here?"

"Native. I love this city. It lives in my blood. Though I go away, I shall always return."

"It is a beautiful place," she noted.

"Yes, that she is. And growing by leaps and bounds. New Orleans I like to think is the jewel of this fine state but I forsee greater things in the future here in Louisana. Our sister cities Baton Rouge, Alexandria, St. Martinique, Lafayette are all progressing fairly well. This is the prime opportunity for anyone seeking a good investment. It's a rich culture Miss Sutton, unlike any other you'll find elsewhere."

"I do not doubt it," she agreed.

"Have you visited any other sections besides New Orleans?" he inquired, resuming their stroll.

"I'm afraid not really. Just in passing."

"Then you must join us." She looked at him inquisitively. "We will be taking a three day tour up the river to Nahitoches...the view of the countryside is breathtaking alone...I'm sure you and your companinons will enjoy it."

"I..."

"It's an open invitation. You can be my guests. I assure you the accommodations are more than suitable."

Mildly attempting to turn down the offer Victoria began, "Thank you. You're much too generous." There were more important matters needing their attention. "I don't want to sound ungrateful Carson but we are here on other business and well...touring the countryside, though I'm sure it's lovely, wasn't exactly in our plans."

"Oh..." he frowned with a thoughtful stare. Their eyes met again in which time he said, "I was hoping it would give me a chance to convince your gentlemen escorts of the possibilities of an investment here."

Victoria smiled. "Does your mind never rest Mr. Moore? I recall someone recently telling me that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," she cocked a brow. "Does that apply to you as well?" she asked wryly.

Carson grinned. He admired a woman who spoke what was on her mind. "I do believe so at times Miss Sutton. I supposse that is why I'm either not married or am afraid of commitment...the wheels in this head are turning continuously."

"And do you seek a change?" she probed.

"Perhaps."

They walked along the beautifully decorated hallways to the dining area of the boat, then off to the smoking room which had that distinct smell of tobacco in the air. "The forbidden room." she called it in jest. He laughed, thinking such male standards pure nonsense yet, in certain circles it was a by gone rule and as a host, he wouldn't disappoint.

"I'll see your ten Sir and raise you twenty more." The man sitting across Jimmy Hickok tossed in his wager, waiting to see if the young rogue across his view would bite or not.

Jimmy glanced at his cards one more time, and with a crooked grin asked, "Sure you wanna do that? It's an awful lot of money to lose."

"I don't need your advice man, are you in or out?" he asked with a voice on the verge of irritation. Jimmy had won the last three hands and to his opponent, losing wasn't a taste he liked in his palate.

Jimmy bit the cheroot between his lips and shrugged. "It's your money."

"Damn straight."

Jimmy tossed in a matching bet and looking at his opponent said, "Well, let's see your hand."

"You first," he glared, clutching the cards in his hand.

"It's your call," Jimmy smiled, laying out his hand.

"DAMN IT!" he cursed, seeing the winning hand...a straight flush.

Jimmy smiled as he gathered his winnings.

There was a warm grip that had taken a hold of Jimmy's wrist. "One more," the man demanded.

Jimmy looked from the man's hold on him to his glaring eyes which matched his own. Jimmy's stare sent a clear message across the table and his arm was released at once. The man settled back into his chair, tugging at the crumpled vest over his body. "It's your money," Jimmy reminded. He cocked his head and sweeping his winnings next to him, opened the table to another round which was joined by two others.

Kid had taken his leave from the game at his table having won a couple of hands of his own but he never had the stomach for high stakes gambling as Jimmy did. He took a trip to the washroom, gawking at the fineries of the room. He looked puzzled at the small couch in the large room wondering what in the world would they need a couch in here for? He was tickled at all the unnecessary necesities that donned the place to cater to these folks. Standing in front of the mirror, he straightened his tie and then running damp fingers through his hair, took a last check of his appearance and left. He headed back out to the busy gambling hall. Kid sat at the bar, watching the lively gaiety that surrounded him. It was a better view from this venue. He looked about to see if he caught sight of his friends only catching sight of Jimmy, involved in another intense game he could see.

"Sir...your drink," startled the bartender.

Kid turned to look at the man puzzled. "I'm sorry. You must have the wrong person...I didn't order a drink."

"Compliments of the ladies," he nodded in the direction where the two ladies, twin sisters sat at the end of the bar.

Kid blushed boyishly at the two beautiful brunettes as they lifted their glasses in unison to the handsome man they had admired all night.

Kid not wanting to insult but really not knowing what else he should do, took the complimentary drink, hefting his up to the ladies and turning back to the sights, took a nervous swallow of the good liquor.

The craps table was the place to be. The loudest, roudiest bunch in the entire casino. Louise had spent a mezmerizing evening stuck at the table, watching at first, the intrigues of this very volatile game. If you won, you won big but god help you if you lost...men were literally brought to tears, knees bended at the mercy of this all pure "luck-on-the-roll-of-dice" game.

"Come on little darlings...don't let papa down!" said the shooter of the dice as he kissed them before tossing them on the felt covered surface. The dice bounced hard off the wall, skipping back to midpoint to reveal the lucky number...7! A loud outburst was heard from the patrons about the game, the winners of course. The rest having lost their bets, simply grunted, anxioulsy awaiting for the man to shoot again. They waved for him to get on with it and the giddy man did so.

Lou's eyes watched the dice roll to the wall, hit with power and bounce back and the tension of the moment that revealed the number cut through the table like a knife. Suddenly another outburst of cheers broke out and Lou hadn't noticed that her voice had become mingled with the crowd about her. Her heart raced with excitement...she had never experienced such delight before. The poker games back in Rock Creek held nothing in comparison with the riveting atmosphere here on this boat, in New Orleans!

"Why if my eyes deceive me now I must know I have died and gone to heaven. Lou?!"

Lou turned to the voice that had called her by that name. Who in the world could know her here? was the instant question in which came a faster reply. Her eyes darkened along with her brow. "Lewis?!!" The startling shock was clearly written in her face.

"In the flesh," he grinned widely. "God it's good to see you!" he lifted her, giving her one good twirl. Lou laughed, not believing it was him!

"What in the world are you doing in New Orleans? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?!" he asked in his excitement.

"W...We're...we're visiting." she stammered.

"Who? You and the boys? Why that Hickok! That rascal DID take me up on my offer! Where is he?" he asked, looking around.

"Wai...wait a minute," she distracted him, "What are you doing here?"

"You know I live in New Orleans Louise," he snickered, straightening his jacket.

"No Lewis...I mean...what are you doing on this boat?"

"Need you ask? The gambling is great...the women, better," he winked. "And much better tonight I see," he held her hand, stepping back to admire her beautifully dressed body. "My you are looking mighty fine Louise McCloud," he smiled handsomely.

"Lewis you haven't changed one bit."

"I would hope not. That would be a crime," he kissed her hand.

"I'm sure you'd like to think so."

"Mend my wicked ways and deprive the young ladies of this fine city of my gentlemanly charms?"

"Oh I'm sure they'd all just wither away Lewis," she rolled her eyes.

"Jealous are we?"

"Hardly!"

"Oh come on Louise...you know out of all the women in this world you're the only one for me."

"Save it Lewis...you know I am committed elsewhere."

"Ahhh come on! Kid?! Now don't get me wrong Lou...I love Kid as if he were my own flesh and blood but we don't even know what his real name is," Lewis looked up to the fancy ceiling his eyes squinted with a reminiscent glint. "Mrs. Kid...just doesn't befit a woman like you," he turned back to her.

"Oh really? And Louise Lewis does?" she asked in the same wry manner.

"I rather like the sound of that," he smiled handsomely. Lewis had been taken with Louise from the first day he lay eyes on her and seeing her tonight like this, served to stir all those feelings he held for her. He took hold of her hand, "Run away with me Louise...Kid will never know."

"Lewis! You are a rascal! You never give up do you?"

"I could never do that."

"Well you know Kid and I will be marrying come spring."

He smirked. "Ouch...can you not show a little mercy?"

"Lewis, you know I love you...like a brother...but Kid and I have been in love for a very long time...ever since he found out what I really was."

"Yes, I remember the tale...no need to refresh my memory. Well, I am invited to the wedding?"

"As long as you keep your mouth shut during the entire ceremony."

He cocked a brow.

"Lewwww-is," she glared at him.

"Just teasing," he smiled. "Boy it's good to see you," he added and Lou reciprocated his feelings.

"So you come on board often?" she asked.

"Just about...this place pulls me in and I cannot resist it." She laughed. "So are you and the boys here for a little rest and relaxation? Out to see what the real world is like?"

"You can say so."

"How long will you be in town?"

"Two weeks...Jimmy's here with his lady and then just Kid and me."

"Jimmy? Things do change my oh my. Well, I will be looking forward to meeting this lady of Jimmy's and seeing those two rogues. Where are you staying?"

Louise informed him of the hotel and their room numbers as Lewis jotted these down to mental notes. "I do hope you will join us for the cruise up to Nahitoches. I'm sure Carson will not mind...there is always room for good friends."

"Who did you say?"

"Carson Moore...the owner of this vessel."

"You know him?"

"My connections are many Lou...but this is a secret...to my dismay I work for the intorlerable man."

"Doing what?" she asked with half a laugh as he offered his arm.

"It's a secret," he winked.

"Oh come on Lewis...it's me Louise." They weaved through the maze of people, stopping by a quiet corner.

"Mmmm...let's just say that I'm on temporary assignment...and the payoff is huge."

"And?"

"Sorry Lou, if I told ya then I'd have to kill ya," he teased.

Louise rolled her eyes but when she inquired again, he didn't budge. She needed to figure this out. It was already a bad thing that Lewis was here. It was worst that he worked for Moore. Before any further inquiries could be made, Lewis was called away and kissing her hand charged they get together for breakfast in the morning. She agreed.

Her heart raced as she filtered through the masses to find Kid at the bar. Louise having caught sight of her beau with the two lovely ladies, one on either side of him and a glass of some intoxicating beverage she could only guess in hand, crossed her arms before her and glared with raised brows.

"Lou!!" Kid cried, almost choking on his drink. She merely responded with a cocked brow, the look she wore all too telling. "Excuse me ladies," he eased from between them, his collar suddenly very hot and not due because of the drink. "Thank you for the drinks and company ladies." The twins gave him a wide smile and waved their fingers goodbye as Kid stood dumb, a goofy grin on his face and not until Louise grabbed his arm did he begin a long list of apologies as she pulled him along away from the preying twins.

Making their way outside on the deck, Kid's voice continued on, seeking the forgiveness of his beloved. "Lou really...it was only two innoncent little drinks," he said almost childlike.

Lou frowned. "If you weren't such a good man Kid, I swear I'd push you right over the side of this here boat." They could finally share a laugh as everything was forgiven which
no doubt it would've been, but hearing Kid go out of his way to apologize made Lou love him that much more.

Then the news had to be broken.

"Kid...we've got a BIG problem."

"W-What? Lou, I thought you just said..."

"Kid would you listen to me?! Lewis is here."

Kid stood staring at her as if she spoke a different tongue. "Le-Lewis?" came the puzzling question. They hadn't counted on running into Lewis.

"AND he's working for Carson Moore."

"What?!"

"If he blows our cover we are DONE!" she underscored.

The news sunk in slowly, the realization that the success of their venture rested solely on the silence of one man. Kid frowned and finally uttered, "Come on...let's go get Jimmy."

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