You and Charlotte were smart, yet not everything goes according to plan all the time.

What should have been a quick in-and-out robbery turned into chaos when the bank teller pulled a shotgun from behind the counter. You had managed to shoot out a few windows for distraction and your partner had taken out a couple of armed guards, but reinforcements arrived faster than expected. The two of you barely escaped and your sloppy work was one you wouldn't be forgetting any time soon.

Now, riding side by side, the older woman seemed quieter than usual. She kept her hat pulled low, her usually sharp eyes scanning the horizon in a lazy manner. You assumed it was due to the exhaustion—after all, she'd taken the lead when things broke out. Still, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was—... off. Charlotte was like a vault—opening up only when she wanted to— so you weren't sure if you should ask her if she was fine or not, so you kept quiet yet noticed the way her left hand clutched her side as the horses slowed to a trot.

By the time you reached the small abandoned cabin you'd found earlier, the sun had dipped completely, leaving you in the soft glow of twilight. The two of you dismounted, tying the horses to the post outside. “I’ll check the perimeter.” Charlotte said quickly. Before you could reply, she turned on her heel and disappeared around the corner of the cabin. Charlotte Matthews never turned her back on you unless she had something to hide, so followed her quietly; staying out of sight as she leaned against the wooden wall of the cabin. In the dim light, you saw her pull her coat aside, revealing a dark stain spreading across her shirt.

Blood.