Free Eldorado by Jay Allan Storey

her back while the other slunk toward her.
    “She’s a feisty one, Karl,” said the one advancing.
    “No kiddin', Bert,” said the one holding the woman, “an’ a tight little body on ‘er, too.”
    “It's nothing you'll ever lay your hands on,” the woman shouted.
    “But, honey,” said Karl, “I’ve already got my hands on you.” He transferred both her wrists to his left hand, and grabbed at her breast with his right. She screamed, and tried to bite his arm, but he twisted it out of her reach, laughing.
    “So you’re too good for the likes of us,” laughed Bert, approaching closer. He licked his lips and wiped his mouth on his shirt. “Well, you know what Princess? You’re gonna take ol’ Bert up inside you and you’re gonna scream for more. Then Karl’ll have his turn. Give us the ride of our lives, and maybe we take you along with us for later – maybe we keep you alive for a while instead of wastin’ you once we’re done.”
    Richard knew he should act, but he was terrified. Bert swaggered to within easy reach of the woman and sneered as he grabbed for her breast. With unexpected speed she hauled back and kicked him hard between the legs. He howled in pain and collapsed in a heap on the ground. This was no longer a game.
    Richard knew it was time. He would have to move – in this position his approach would be too far away and in plain view of the attackers. He crept around the back of the building to come up on the men from closer in. Seconds later he was peeking around another corner within a few yards of the men and their victim. He wasn't a moment too soon. Bert had recovered and he charged at the woman in full fury.
    “You fucking bitch!” he roared, slapping her brutally across the face. “I’ll teach you to fuck with me!”
    Bert and Karl were in full attack now, wrestling the woman to her knees and tearing at her clothes. They weren't having an easy time of it. She fought with a fury Richard had never witnessed before. She freed a hand and punched Bert hard in the face, sending him flying, and elbowed Karl in the stomach, though not hard enough for him to release his grip.
    Still under cover of the building, Richard rifled through his pack for the gun Keller had given him. Shaking with fear, he stepped out from the behind the corner, gripping the gun with both hands.
    “Let go of her!” he yelled.
    Bert, still lying on the ground, stared up at him. Bert jumped up, and at first looked like he was going to attack, but reconsidered. Karl turned, spotted Richard holding the gun, and let go of the woman. The two backed up slowly with their hands in the air. Richard stood anchored to the spot, the shaking gun straight out in front of him. Bert and Karl assessed the situation and apparently decided they were at a severe disadvantage. They ran behind one of the buildings and out of sight.
    The woman turned in Richard’s direction. He judged her to be in her early twenties, but she had a weather-worn look, as if she'd spent a lot of time outdoors. Her body was slim and muscular, yet surprisingly feminine.
    His impression was of a cat – powerful, but lithe and agile. Her expression was hard, as if she'd experienced a lot of sorrow in her life, but there was a hint of compassion somewhere behind her startling blue eyes. Her light-brown hair was cut short and streaked with gold by the sun. Richard felt his heart race. It was a sensation he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
    She didn't look friendly.
    "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she said.
    "Uh – saving you from being raped?" he said, annoyed at her tone.
    The woman did her best to re-button her shirt, hitched up her pants and re-fastened them, then strode over and picked her knife up off the ground. She turned again and faced him.
    "I don’t remember asking for your help."
    "What? You didn't want to be saved?"
    "By you? I think I'd stand a better chance with the outlaws."
    Richard was incredulous. "Well next time I'll be