Dawn was approached; Richard woke his men from their slumber. Everyone got their belongings ready as they headed out of the bedhouse. "Emiliano, you can use any of the horses we have with us. We bought some since John needed them for his ranch. Take care of the one you choose."

"Yes, Richard, thank you." Emiliano and the others packed their belongings onto the horses' saddles. Once packed and on their horses, they drove off from town. Emiliano was behind the group; he looked behind to see the town and hills for one last time. The men rode until morning; they took breaks occasionally for their horses to rest. While on the road, they went by many hills, mountains, and small towns. Afternoon came and went until night landed in the skies. The men made camp and prepared their cots. Food was prepared; they ate with content while telling stories and jokes.

Richard informed everyone that they would arrive in Lincoln County by tomorrow night. Everyone slept until morning arose again; the Regulators continued their journey through the scorching heat. As the previous day, they had their small breaks and ate lunch. Morning became the afternoon, and the afternoon became night. The travel felt endless, but buildings were noticed from afar; they arrived in Lincoln County.

"Hey Dick, let's stop at the bedhouse; I wanna get a drink and rest," said Franky.

Everyone except Emiliano agreed; they continued riding until they arrived at Lincoln County. The bedhouse was in the corner; the men got off their horses and entered the building. A couple of men were drinking, gambling, or talking with the women in the building. The group got a table and had their orders taken. Emiliano ordered water while the others ordered alcohol.

"It is good to be back. I did miss being in the county," said Yginio.

"I also miss being able to drink good ol' whiskey," laughed Franky.

"Just don't get all blue," stated Jose as he tolled his eyes.

One of the prostitutes arrived at their table and gave each of them a drink. When she gave Emiliano his drink, she stilled for a bit. Emiliano slowly looked up at her. The woman was in her early twenties. She had a warm ivory skin tone, short, curly brunette hair, brown eyes, and a thin figure. The young woman wore a corset holding onto a red dress that looked wrinkly and undone. "Why, sir, I haven't seen ya in town."

"He joined our group. Emiliano this is Annmarie. Annmarie, this is Emiliano," said Richard as he sipped his drink.

"Nice to meet you, Miss." Emiliano extended his right hand. Annmarie looked at his hand and slowly grasped it. To her shock, he kissed her hand. Emiliano let go of her hand. "Thank you for the drink." He then minded his business. 

Annmarie went to the bar and looked back at him one more time. She then went to a group of prostitutes.

"He kissed yer hand!" said a middle-aged woman. "Looks like he's a new chap to the group; he a mighty good-lookin' one. I don't mind doin' him for free."

Annmarie shook her head. "Georgia, that's enough from ya." She kept looking at Emiliano, quietly sipping his cup of water. Her thoughts were interrupted when a drunk man came to her and roughly grabbed her waist, making her yelp.

"Heya, wench, I want yer services now."

"Five dollars for the hour."

The drunk man eyed her with annoyance. "Five dollars? I ain't rich; I can give ya two silver coins."

Annmarie frowned. "If ya can't afford it, sir, I can't provide ya with any services." She was about to walk away, but the drunk man grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. "Yer not gonna make this easy ain't ya?"

The other women tried to get the drunk away from Annmarie, but he pushed them off. Suddenly, the drunk man felt a tight grip on his neck, leading him to yelp in pain. Emiliano stood before the two as he gripped the back of the man's neck tightly. "If you can't pay for her services, leave her alone, borracho (drunkard)."

The man let go of Annmarie, who then went with the other girls who stood apart from the two men. The drunk growled as he pushed Emiliano away from him. "So we got a bean eater here? You dare put yer hands on me, boy?'

Emiliano was unfazed. "If you mistreat a woman, I will get involved."

"Ya defendin' the whore? She's nothin' but a bed warmer who needs ta satisfy the customer! Wipe your chin and mind yer business, ya bean eater!" He was about to go to Annmarie, but he was blocked. The drunk man got angry and swung toward Emiliano, but the young man dodged easily. The drunken man became enraged; he tried to punch his rival, who avoided the attacks. Emiliano grabbed the man's hand, twisted it, and moved it on his back. "I told you nicely to leave the young lady alone. If you don't, then I'll break your arm. Your choice."

The drunk man struggled to free his arm, but Emiliano held a firm grip. "O-Okay! I will stop and leave that whore alone!" He was pushed to the floor; he ran out of the building. It was silent, but Richard stood from his seat and cheered; many did the same.

"Th-Thank you," Annmarie stammered as she approached her savior.

The young man nodded and went back to his seat. "Ya spooked that drunk good! I should buy ya a drink," cheered Franky.

"There's no need. I did what I knew was right."

Jose took a sip from his drink. "I can't understand why you'd defend her. She is just a bedwarmer."

"Prostitute or not, she is trying to make a living." The men enjoyed their drinks until they noticed someone going their way. A woman in her mid to late 40s arrived at their table and stood behind Emiliano. Her long, curly blonde hair was put in an elegant bun. She was well-dressed as her large breasts were plump since her corset pushed them upward, but she was slightly overweight. Wrinkles were apparent on her slightly youthful face but were poorly covered by white powdered makeup.

"Ah, Madame Belle, it's so nice for you to grace us with your presence," said Richard.

"Richard, it has been a while since I've seen ya. Ya'll have been going around for Tunstall." Madame Belle then looked down at Emiliano. "I heard a fight in my house. When I looked, ya defended one of my girls. Thanks for that."

The young man stood, got a hold of her hand, and kissed it. "Nice to meet you, Madame Belle. My name is Emiliano. Sorry if I made too much of a ruckus."

Madame Belle raised her eyebrows. "Can't believe yer quite the gentleman." She laughed while clapping her hands. "I like ya, boy. Respectful one ya are! Since ya saved one of my girls, ya can choose any of them for the night!"

"Thank you, Madame Belle, but I don't want to. Keeping your women safe is enough for me."

"God dang, Emiliano. How could ya not accept that offer!? Hey, he don't wanna then can I-!?"

"Ya didn't defend my girl, Franky. Ya want any of my girls for the night, ya gotta pay!" said Madame Belle. "However, ya'll sleep here for free, only tonight. "If any of ya, except Emiliano, touches my girls without payin', I'll shoot ya dead!"

Franky rolled his eyes. "I learned my lesson last time; I won't do it again!"

Madame Belle motioned her workers to show the men the rooms they would share. Annmarie stood before Emiliano. "Follow me; you and I will be roommates for the night."