Dusty had just finished walking down the long drive way to the farm that she and her siblings had lived in with their uncle. She was expecting a mail from her mother whom it had been some time since she saw last. Her mother usually visited every other weekend to at least see the younger ones and to teach Dusty some other skill that she had learned in the city. Now she was beginning to worry as it had been three weeks since she had last heard.

She had just grabbed the mail and noticed one letter with her mother's writing on it. Quickly reaching the house she let herself in and shut herself away from the younger kids in her room. Taking the letter as Dusty's hand trembled and began to unravel it. Her eyes darted over the words as she began to read.

Dearest Dusty,

I reckon by now that you are worried about me and I am very sorry that you have to hear this from a letter. If you are reading this particular letter than I have passed away and someone has sent you the letter I have written for you when they cleared out my city place. So here it is...

I have hidden a life away from you for so long. You are the oldest of all the children I have had and you have learned everything I have taught you about the life I was involved in. It's a dangerous world to get involved in and can shorten your life span considerably. Do you remember how I taught you to use bobby pins and pick locks? Those lessons in safe cracking? Even robbing ladies of their purses without being caught? You will need to know these things now. I hate to drag you into the world, as you are a very bright girl but your uncle will not watch your siblings without some money coming in. I taught you these skills on the off chance that you will need them should I pass on.

I would understand if it wasn't the life you had dreamed of. You won't get those white fence moments that come after a beautiful wedding as I know you have always dreamed of. This will be hard work and even harder to maintain the money to keep your uncle and whomever you work for happy. I know that you can do this though. You are very clever.

I will depart a few words of wisdom with you though.

1. Family. Always do what you can for them even if you have not reached the esteemed rank of Made Man. There has to be someone that can be depended upon and you should always try to be steady as a rock.

2. Tributes. The leader you pick in this world may not expect donations but don't turn into a greedy girl. Be sure to pass along what you can to your boss even when they do not ask it of you. Someone has to keep your safe and those things don't come cheap.

3. Loyalty. You will find this a struggle. I have watched with my own eyes people betray their families and cities. Don't be like them. You may not always like what your boss choices but that is no excuse to flee to what you feel is the safer side. Stand your ground and be brave.

4. Hard work. This is a trait that seems to have lost its way from what I have seen. Do not expect hand outs. Work hard for everything you got so no one can lay claim that it was given to you or hold it over your head. This will fill you with a sense of pride at your own abilities.

5. Live. If you get down time, use it to have some fun. You can't live a life if you are constantly working. Make time for a drink, hell bring a book with you in case you have a moment to find a park. Las Vegas has a lovely park that I recommend should you ever visit there.

6. If you are ever speaking in the streets be civil. You don't have to like what people are saying but you don't have to stoop to being rude or name calling. Keep your temper in check.

That is all the advice I can give you to get you started but I am sure that you will find your way. Visit your siblings as often as you can. I know that you did not always get to see me often and I am truly sorry for that but I would rather you hate me and be fed then love me and sleeping on the ground.

Keep this from your siblings. Tell them you need to find a job. Evelyn will babysit if you arrange it ahead of time.

Love you always,

Mom

Dusty wiped away a tear as she folded the paper up. Deep down she knew her mother was teaching her things for a future she could not see. She felt a sense of loss as she read the last words that her mother had left for her. All of her childhood dreams had just went up and smoke and it felt like a heavy weight was on her chest. She really hoped that Evelyn would do as her mother thought she would. Her uncle would need the help once she was gone.

Leaving the safety of her room she went and gathered up her siblings. Tash, Patrick and Beth were all ready to burn off some energy as soon as Dusty had mentioned a walk. They spent the afternoon checking in with Evelyn and ensuring she would help Dusty's uncle. Once everything had been arranged and settled she tended to her siblings. Making their favourite meal of roast before sending them to bed.

Packing up her bags before sitting down at the table to wait on her uncle to come home. As he walked through the door he glanced at her and saw the letter sitting on the table.

"Mom sent me this."

She pushed the letter towards him and let him read it. He seemed mildly upset but she wasn't sure about what.

"I guess I will need to get going if I plan to catch a ride to the nearest city with one of the neighbours. Evelyn has agreed to be here while  you are at work. I am sorry for the sudden way of this but I wasn't expecting it either."

Her uncle only nodded. She gathered her bags and headed out the door. Dusty was resolved to do whatever she could for the younger ones but first she would need to get settled into her mothers world first.