Help in Strange Places

An Unexpected Ally

The atmosphere hung heavy with an eerie stillness as Waylon moved cautiously with each step. Navigating the dimly lit corridors of Celine's fathers New York abode. Despite exploring numerous rooms, he remained elusive in his search for the marriage documents Celine's father had. Each passing moment only deepened his sense of uncertainty that he might not ever find them. As Waylon ventured towards the next room, he couldn't help but ponder the unknown that awaited him upon his arrival in New York. Yet after encountering Celine's father, he had a newfound respect for Celine's resilience in enduring her upbringing in the presence of such a detestable man. Unbeknownst to Waylon however, he had unwittingly acquired a silent companion, a second shadow stealthily trailing him through the confines that was Celine's prison in her youth. Hyperfocused on his mission, Waylon knelt down in front of the next door, gently turning the doorknob to catch a glimpse of what lay beyond.

"Eh Excusez-moi but, may I inquire as to what you are doing?" a soft voice spoke, laced with curiosity.
Caught off guard, Waylon quickly pivoted, his piercing blue eyes locking with a pair that emanated a gentler aura. Standing before him was a young girl, she had a delicate figure, adorned in an exquisite blue dress, her raven-black hair cascading like silk, her complexion resembling that of a porcelain doll. Waylon recognized her as one of Celine's sisters; he struggled to recall her specific identity, given the whirlwind of introductions he had encountered in such a short span of time.

"Jesus wept," he thought to himself, slightly confused and heart racing, Waylon finally found his voice, "My apologies, madam." He began, "However, I could ask the same of you." Despite the unexpected encounter, Waylon's upbringing ingrained in him the compulsory need of maintaining his chivalry in the presence of a lady.

"Oh no, no please, apologies for my lack of manners. I was reading a book on one of the window sills when I caught sight of you sneaking about," she spoke softly, her innocence shining through. Waylon couldn't help but soften his expression in response to her gentle demeanor.

"I beg your forgiveness, madam. I have met so many people in the past few days that your name escapes my mind." Waylon replied, rising from his kneeling position and offering a slight bow.

"Oh, no need for forgiveness, monsieur. My name is Juliette, and I am actually a half-sister to Celine, the youngest among us," she introduced herself, offering a curtsy in return. Suddenly, Juliette's eyes caught a glimmer of light reflecting off something in the sunlight. Her gaze shifted downward, as she noticed Waylon's badge on his gun belt, along with his pistol. Her eyes widened with curiosity.
"Pardon, Monsieur Eastwood, but are you truly a law officer from out west, as Celine has mentioned?" she asked, barely containing her excitement.

Waylon paused for a moment, observing the spark of joy in the young girl's eyes, before answering, "That's right, little miss." He unclasped the badge from his belt and offered it to Juliette. Eagerly, she accepted it, turning it over in her hands, examining every detail, she even found some dried blood on the back.

"Is it dangerous work?" she inquired, attempting to remove the blood stains with her fingernail.

Waylon turned to face her, his gaze briefly meeting hers, before stepping into the next room, Juliette following closely behind. "Very much so," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of gravity. "I've been shot, stabbed, beaten... I've experienced just about anything you can imagine." Waylon paused, and couldn't help but grin. "And more often than not, it was your big sister who took care of patching me up."

Juliette's eyes widened in awe, her gaze fixed on Waylon as he shared his daring adventures. She hung onto his every word, captivated by the tales of danger and resilience. Though he toned down the violence and vulgarity for Juliette's sake, Waylon regaled her with stories of his standoffs with Sangria, his battles alongside the Lower Montana Militia and the Sawyers, and his encounters with other infamous gangs in Dakota like the Shepards, Kelly gang, and the cannibalistic Family. He even spoke of his thrilling pursuits in handling the bank robberies of the notorious Cassidy and Amelia Fern in the Western Union, as well as he and Celine's thrilling adventure on their gallivanting around the counties. Mysterious caves, ritualistic and paranormal encounters, giant remains, and even the monstrous constrictor that was found in the swamps of Lemoyne. Juliette's excitement and awe grew with each tale, her expression reflecting her admiration for Waylon's bravery, and her sister's independent spirit.