THE DEADLY SEVEN

Chance meetings

Lucifer;

I watched her golden hair flow behind her as she ran off through the fields. She was starting to have doubts, I could feel her energy shifting. That wasn't nearly as hard as I thought. I mentally patted myself on the back.

Like some creep, I have been following Lucy around. I need to casually end up where she is. I need to gain her trust. I have to admit, this woman is involved in every part of the town. She is so modest though, if it weren't for my looking, I would not have known the extent of her good deeds.

Such a shame to shake that foundation, I smirked.

The pole bending down into the stream stole my attention. Still no means to feed the growling pain in my stomach. No where to rest my head. That bastard took my life and proceeded to give me this s**t! I fumed as I reeled in my breakfast.

I slowly wandered through the fields, back towards my hideaway. An old barn that had long been abandoned. I slipped through the cracked door, too scared to move it. This place did not look stable enough to withstand the creaks a rusty door would make. It was home for now and that was all I needed.

The afternoon sun beat down mercilessly as I strode through the small township. I had found some coins during my daily travels, I was going to " bump" into Lucy and repay her kindness. I needed to swing my plan into motion. I was not getting any further ahead. This was frustrating me. I knew this was a long war, but I hadn't even began to battle yet. It was making me uneasy. I can't let that fool win! I can imagine him laughing at my misfortunes now.

" Good day young man" a portly fellow bellowed from across the street. I lifted my gaze too meet his, raising an eyebrow. " I need a good strong lad to help move some cattle, I can make it worth your while" My ears pricked with interest. " What is it you think will make it worth my while?" I questioned.

His lips twisted into a smile and he slapped his hand across my back " Ah young man. I will pay you a livable wage, offer a bed to sleep and I won't file a trespass complaint." the man finished with a wink. My body froze, the barn wasn't so abandoned after all.

My plans to intercept Lucy would have to wait. As Important as she was, living it rough didn't suit me well. I had always been pampered.

" You have yourself a deal." I held my hand out, which he grabbed eagerly " Frank, Bill Frank, pleased to have you son. Tell me what did your parents feed you boy! You are built like a brick shithouse!" He smiled and chuckled at his joke. It was contagious. I laughed back matching his mood " Luc, sir. Nothing special that I can remember. Just a lot of hard labour I guess you could say."

Bill, took me through the cattle yards explaining the ins and outs of the system. It seemed easy enough. I couldn't wait to have a proper bed to sleep in.

The work was hard, dirty and tiring. They would call the cattle, wealthy station owners would bid and I would go and bring that fiesty beat to them. My body ached. Sweat soaked my grey shirt, turning it a darker shade. The dirt on my face mixing with the sweatand dripping into my eyes. I lifted the bottom of my shirt to my eyes, a small group of middle aged women giggled and blushed to the side of me. My ego soared. Nice to know I still have charm. I lowered my shirt, winking at the flusted women. The feeling of being appreciated and gawked at will never get old.

I traipsed foward, dragging the foul smelling beast down the narrow dirt corridor, towards the cashier's station. " Hey Luc." Her cheery voice was music to my ears. " Hey, what are you doing here." I questioned her.

" More like what are you doing here." She laughed, the smile barely reaching her eyes. She looked tired, I studied her face, her eyes were still puffy from this morning. My heart strings pulled as I realised I may have feelings for this innocent girl.

" The cattle sales are held by my grandparents. My nanna is to old, so I do the book for her." Her soft voice broke my thoughts.

"Do you ever get time for you Lucy? you seem to do so much. Your parents must be proud of you." I saw her mulling over my questions, her cheeks turning pink, her eyes gazing down to the table.

" Nothing I do is particularly special Luc, its all just what a good person would do, you know to help someone out."

my hands placed on the table I leaned foward close to her ear " well I think what you do is very special. I see you Lucy" I felt her body tremble. Not sure if that was the reaction I need. I swiftly push myself backwards off the table " wanna have a milkshake with me this afternoon" I happily cherp. Anything to lighten to mood.

" Sure, at the diner?" She beamed up at me.

" Anywhere you want sweetheart." Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, a colour I wasn't exactly sure had existed until now.

" I finish at 4.30 meet you out the front" I called over my shoulder.