Same Old Song

Louise primped in front of the mirror, shifting her hat back and forth in a desperate attempt to shield at least half of her face from the cheering men out in the auditorium. She was certain that she did not want anyone to recognize her, and seeing as how she had now sworn off Denver from her life never to return, she didn't think that it would be too much of a problem.

Her largest obstacle now was convincing herself to get on to that stage and put on a performance with her own voice. That was more terrifying to her at this moment than the thought of being chased by a band of Apaches.

"Hey, you look beautiful," Alana said, fluffing Lou's skirt. "You're going to be magnificent out there."

Trying to prevent her mouth from falling below her chest, Louise studied the clothing that her new friend wore. It was a simple dress, and for the first time since Lou had known her, Alana was without makeup.

"Hey, aren't you going to get ready?" she asked, afraid of the answer that she was about to hear.

Alana shook her head, "I am ready."

"But, but, you're not dressed!" Lou nearly choked.

"Of course I'm not," the younger girl replied putting the finishing touches on Lou's face. She took a comb and brushed out a few of the stray tangles on the back of her head before continuing. "If I go out there, those men are going to see that you're a fake, and that you aren't me. I'm going to have to stay in disguise and keep to backstage."

"WHAT!" Lou exploded at the revelation that had just slapped her, "You aren't going to be out there with me? Alana!! It was bad enough when I was going to face the masses alone, and you expect me to go by myself!? You're insane!"

She started to storm out of the building but was reined in when Alana's strong grip yanked her backwards and her hat flopped off at the motion. "You're going to do it because lives depend on it!" she snapped, causing Lou to swallow. With her soft spoken demeanor, Lou did not expect that Alana was capable of such a fierce tone; obviously she had been proven wrong.

Cupping her face in her hands, Lou sank into her chair and wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry at her own misery. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she looked up to face Alana, "I can't sing! I've never sung before in my life! Besides, I don't know any songs!"

Placing a hand on Louise's arm, she gave her a reassuring smile. "You won't have to sing, I'll see to that. Just study this list of songs, because I'll sing them in this order, and you'll move your lips to the words. That way it will sound like it's coming from you, when it is really coming from me."

Lou contemplated her options and realized that this was probably the best she was going to get. "You mean I'll move my mouth, but the sounds will actually come from you?"

"Yep, that's it exactly."

Trying to force herself to believe that it was as simple as Alana made it sound, Lou sat back and relaxed. "That doesn't sound so hard."

But then, as if on cue, a loud roar of applause seemed to fill the small room from upstairs. Lou leaned back forward and felt a cold sweat break out across her brow. "On fifth thought, this isn't such a great idea," she stammered, "I mean I really really don't want to do this."

"Louise," Alana said sternly, "get your act together, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and GET ON THAT STAGE! It won't be THEM you'll fear, it'll be ME if you don't do what you're supposed to do this instant! I will make you shiver in your shoes right here and now. Stage fright will mean nothing to you if you aren't around to feel it!" her eyes seemed to flash with flames, and Lou was not about to hang around long enough to find out if she was kidding or merely exaggerating. All she knew was that she was being threatened, and it was her choice if she wanted to die in front of a hundred faces, or in a small room where there would be no witnesses.

Lou pointed towards the door and the stage up the stairs several times and stammered. "You know, I…I, um, I think I'll just, um, go up on the stage and sing."

Alana crossed her arms in satisfaction, "I knew you'd see it my way," she came up behind Lou and walked only a few inches from her just to make sure she wouldn't double back. "Go ahead, I'll be watching."

As she climbed up the stairs, Louise realized that she might as well be walking up to her own hanging. She felt her heart flutter and her stomach filled with millions of tingles that could not be washed down with water or by steady breathing. It was like they were fixed into her skin and flew in circles more rapidly the closer that she drew to the stage.

And then, as she saw the bright red velvet curtain, she realized that those same butterflies in her insides had tickling feathers on their wings. She tried to swallow only to find that she had no throat. When she moved her hand to self-consciously brush hair back from her face, it did not respond. Lou had no control over her body, and the few steps forward that she took were prompted with Alana's hand mashing into her back…forcing her to walk.

"Did you memorize those songs on the list?" Alana whispered, as the girl performing on stage took her final curtsey and the audience applauded.

Lou froze as she realized that she had not done so. She had been more concerned about trying to find a way out of the building that she forgot to glance at it. When she tried to speak as much, she discovered that no words came out. So, instead she reminded herself that it was too late to do anything about it anyway and nodded.

"Good. I'll be right behind you in the back curtain, so if you forget something, just smile and act like you're singing through your lips, I'll take care of the rest. Just pretend to sing watermelon, watermelon over and over again till you can remember what the words are! Don't look at me like that! It'll work, trust me!"

With one last look at the door behind her that would offer an escape route, Louise licked her lips and hastily turned away from it…not wanting to tempt herself into making a mad dash to flee the premises.

The dancer that was on stage gracefully trotted off of stage left and Louise watched her begrudgingly. She wished that she were the one darting off after having just finished her performance instead of getting ready to step on and meet her ruination.

Alana turned her like a doll and smoothed her blush while Lou kept her gaze transfixed on the countless eyes staring at the stage. "I'm going out there?" Lou gasped.

"Yes, and it's time too…so git! Remember, I'm right behind you," Alana gave her a shove and before she knew what had happened, Lou was tripping onto the wooden platform with a fake smile plastered to her lips, wondering if her coach's last words had been meant as support or a threat. A roar of cheering filled the air, and Lou couldn't help but notice that deeper male voices seemed to dominate. She would decide later if that were good or bad….

A piano ran out before Lou had much time to think about any of the other attributing factors to her stiff body as she was intently glanced at, glazed over, and winked at. Then, she immediately tried to remember the first tune that would be sung. She hesitated and a timid, "Ooooh," came from behind the curtain. Lou opened her mouth, trying to mirror a facial expression of that sound. She formed her lips into an 'O' shape and let Alana do the rest, feeling slightly more confident as contented smiles filled the auditorium at the sound.

She stood stiff and found herself able to only do three things; blink, move her lips, and swallow. Aside from that she was at an inability for anything else. When Alana began singing the words, Louise smiled extra wide and moved her lips until she figured out what it was that Alana sang. Then, she recognized the song and was able to fake it, "Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear youuuuu…….."

Pete "Huge Belly" turned to his boss and nudged him, "Hey, that girl is good," he grinned.

Tobias gave him a shrug and refused to admit how much he enjoyed her performance, "Yeah, it's okay, if you're into that sort of thing," he grumbled, having not particularly wanted to come.

Louise continued holding her jaw open on the final chorus until Alana had let the last note fade out. She held her breath, dreading what was coming next once she closed her mouth. The crowd erupted into a loud band of hoops and hollers and Louise felt her stomach settle down slightly, and then the lights grew brighter as the stage director turned up the flames in the stage lanterns. It took a few moments for Lou to regain her clear sight from the drastic change, and she suddenly felt extremely exposed and vulnerable.

Not being able to see the faces for more than three rows out, she insecurely took a step backwards and swallowed. Was this supposed to be happening? The key for the next tune was struck on the piano, and Louise waited in anticipation for whatever song it was that would begin next.

Alana's voice was as clear as a crystal vase and Louise fought off the urge to just stand there and listen to her without participating. She was not sure which song was being sung, but she tried desperately to catch up as soon as she could. "Did you ever hear of sweet Betsy from Pike…"

Lou found that the words formed on her lips naturally, as long as she did not try too hard to think about them ahead of time.

Everything seemed to be going beautifully, and once again Lou settled into her new position. But then, as if a riot was forming, one of the men out towards the back of the auditorium stood up and began yelling, "Well don't just stand there darling, move…show us those pretty legs of yours!"

Several of the other men started whooping and whistling and Lou looked around for some supporters off of the stage. One of the young boys standing off to her right stopped the notes he was writing, placed his pencil behind his ear, and shrugged. Lou had not even contemplated the idea of them wanting her to DANCE! This was going to be more than she had bargained for…and was rapidly turning into her worst nightmare.

"Yeah, dance! We want to see you move, sugar!" another one shouted to her dismay.

Not seeing that there were any other options, Lou struggled against her legs to move forward. With one gentle motion, she kicked her right leg towards the men and added a delayed wink. She realized her mistake and that her timing was about five seconds off. Again, she did her best to put a little "shoulder action" into her motion; anything that she thought might be alluring to her audience. All the while she continuously reminded herself to move her lips. Unfortunately, it was just too much to take in all at once!

"Kid forgive me," she groaned as she attempted the same maneuver, only this time it worked a little more smoothly and brought about a round of cheers. She winked at one end of the audience before kicking her left leg, right leg, and left leg again to get over to the other side and do the same thing.

Lou was aware that all the blood in her body had rushed to her cheeks but on she danced, and sang…or pretended to sing, wondering where the outlaws were and if any moment they might discover that she was an imposter and shoot her down. Here she was for them, a dancing, singing target with bright colors and not a soul to get in the way of a bullet. She faltered in mid-kick at the thought.

For a moment she stood paralyzed, then realized the audience was ready to revolt. So, she seductively walked to upper stage left and bent at the waist, fixing her eyes on an audience member, pointing and singing to him exclusively with a smile.

The crowd went wild. Getting the idea that it was a good sign, Lou walked to the opposite end of the stage and smiled brilliantly, secretly searching for the outlaws but trying to look coy at the same time. She picked her victim and extended her gloved hand to him.

She instantly forgot to move her mouth. The man she pointed to stared back calmly, but suddenly his face was the picture of shock. She suddenly knew why. He recognized her. And she recognized him. It was Nathan Goodwin, the reporter she'd promised to let reveal her secrets to the world.

Would he keep his word, she wondered, now that he saw part of her plan? One slip up in tomorrow's paper could end her life, and the three hostages as well. She warned him the best she could with her eyes, then backed away, mouthing half-heartedly "watermelon" for the rest of the song. She knew it wasn't the last song on her program, but she threw a meaningful glance backstage to where Alana stood glaring, and then dropped her knee in a graceful curtsey. The crowed responded with cheers and whistles, and Lou jumped backwards in surprise when they started throwing things, wondering if she'd really been that bad.

But, the objects tossed to her were roses, and with a smile and a flare for showmanship she didn't know she had, Lou walked to the edge of the stage, bent gracefully, and retrieved a single red rose. She brushed it against her cheek, then tucked in her hair. The crowd went wild, she curtseyed again, and left the stage on trembling knees.

Once free of the oppressive heat of the stage lanterns and the stare of the crowd, Lou plastered herself against the backstage wall and froze completely. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead and lip and she trembled uncontrollably with the sudden loss of adrenaline that comes with the end of a performance.

"Oh God. Oh God. What did I just do? Oh, I have to be crazy!" Lou ranted through chattering teeth as Alana stormed up to her.

"You still had two songs left! What are you doing? The next girl had to go on stage without any cosmetics because you quit early!"

Lou shook her head, "Alana, I'd advise you to back off. I'm on the edge of having a nervous fit, and I'm not responsible for my actions. A newspaper reporter who knows who I am is in the crowd! If he breaks this story, I'll be dead by noon tomorrow and so will Kid and Jimmy!"

"And Layla," Alana added softly, then sighed, "Where is he? I'll go talk to him!"

"You can't be seen out there! What if the men recognize you?" Lou exclaimed.

Alana shot her a level glare, waving a hand toward her unadorned face. "Do you recognize me, Louise?"

"Well no, but I don't want to kill you either," Lou said, but seeing the set of Alana's chin, she sighed, "Okay, okay, he's on the right side, probably three or four rows back. Dark hair, horn rimmed spectacles, and a notepad in his hand. His name is Nathan…drag him back here if you have to! Tell him to meet me in my dressing room, and then fade into the woodwork! It won't be long before those men come to get me and take me to their hideout for the night! I'll send word through the Governor what to do next."

Alana nodded, and Lou admired the girl's resolve to do what needed to be done without complaint to save her friend. She squeezed Lou's hands and turned in a whirl of simple skirts to get Nathan.

Lou was bent over the wash basin and attempting to remove the face paint when a light knock at the door caused her to jump. Taking a towel and rubbing off the last of the colors, she opened the door.

Nathan Goodwin stood before her, twirling his derby in his hands and looking sheepish. "Your friend told me you'd like to see me?" His brown eyes steadfastly avoided her own eyes the same color.

Lou motioned him in and closed the door behind him, pointing to a chair, eyeing him knowingly. "I wanted to make sure our agreement still stands. That you weren't going to print anything about who I really am."

Nathan shook his head, "Well, ma'am, I got to tell you. If going out on stage and flirting with a room full of men is your idea of saving your friends, I don't really know what to think or do."

Lou growled and threw down the stained towel, "Have you ever heard of undercover work? Did it looked like I was having a good time to you?"

Nathan stood up, his gawky frame towering over her. He raised his hand to her and Lou jumped backwards. He rolled his eyes and when she was still again reached to pluck the rose from her hair and comment, "Looks like you enjoyed yourself as much as any."

"It was an act! The men who took my friends think I am a singing girl, and that I can find another girl that saw them take their first hostages! If you print anything about who I really am, not only will the hostages die, but so will I!"

Nathan took a deep breath, "Do you know how dangerous this is? You are playing with people that could blow up all of Denver! The law can't find them! They've been looking, I assure you!"

"That's why you must take me seriously and keep your word, no matter what you see or hear about me. This isn't a game! My friends will die if you don't listen to me!" tears touched her eyes when she realized how true it all was. Suddenly stage fright seemed a trite fear after all.

"I don't think I can stand here and let you put yourself into danger like this. What kind of a man would let you do that?"

"A smart man that realized I can take care of myself and that I know what I'm doing!" Lou hissed, hearing heavy footsteps in the hall and knowing the one they called Pete and the leader were getting close, "Please, give me your word of honor! Nathan! Please!"

Nathan saw her furtive glances towards the door, heard the footsteps getting closer. Lou grabbed the rose and suddenly took his arm, raising her voice in a cheerful laugh and steered him towards the door.

She opened it, thrust him out of it and spoke in a loud, cheerful voice, although her eyes bore into his and pleaded for cooperation.

"Why sir! You aren't supposed to come back to the dressing rooms! I'm surprised the guard didn't catch you! But since you brought me this lovely flower, I guess I'll forgive you! Now I'll see you, out in the audience, at tomorrow's show!"

With that, she promptly slammed the door in his face. Nathan stood in confusion before turning in the direction of the approaching men and walking down the hall. He studied them from under the brim of his hat, and paused in the hallway after they burst into Louise's dressing room.

"Who was that? You wouldn't be thinking about telling no one about us would you, Lori?" one of them roared as the door slammed inside he could hear the sound of shattering glass.

Nathan took a deep breath and gathered his wits to go save her. Her words rang in his ears, begging him to let her take care of herself. He sighed in irritation, angry at her for placing him in this situation between his honor and his instincts that she really knew what she was talking about.

Lou backed from the man with the eye patch until she bumped into the vanity. Then she squared her jaw and glared back at him.

"Answer me or I'll break your neck!"

Lou clenched her teeth and fought the urge to go for his throat. If there was one thing she couldn't abide, it was a bully. She drew herself up to her full height and screamed right back, against her better judgement.

"An admirer, damn it! Singing girls tend to attract them!"

"It had better be! And if I see him around you again, I'll kill him, Lori!"

Lou narrowed her eyes, "You do, and you won't have my help one second longer, I swear it! I won't tolerate innocent people being hurt!"

"Oh? You won't tolerate it?" Tobias felt the blood sing through his temples as he charged her, lacing his hands around her throat and squeezing hard. Lou kicked him firmly in the shin and clawed at his face.

He cursed and let her go, wiping the scarlet crescents that appeared on his face, "You do that again, and I won't let go of your throat!"

Lou bit her tongue and stared at him levelly.

"Let's go," Tobias finally growled, taking a savage hold of her arm and propelling her through the door.

She was pinned between Tobias and Pete as they exited the building, and although the crowd that was just letting out called and whistled, her somber escorts discouraged anyone from approaching. She caught a glimpse of someone in the shadows, and recognized the gangly form of Nathan Goodwin.

She closed her eyes and shook her head in desperation as she realized he'd never promised to leave her name out of the papers nor had he sworn he'd let her handle the situation herself.

To be continued...Chapter 10