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THE POSSE by Storm
Richards Hannibal
Heyes and Kid Curry were sitting at a poker table in Big Rock. They had just finished a job for Lom
Trevors - escorting a mining executive and his wife. Since the wife was traveling with
them, the partners decided to
bring Laurie along. They thought
the job was safe and she could help occupy the wife. Everything had worked as planned and
now the three of them were on their way back to Small Falls and the
relatively quiet life
they were trying to establish.
Heyes and Kid headed to the saloon when they reached Big Rock; Laurie
was at the hotel relaxing. The
night was going well. The
partners found a couple of empty chairs at a poker table in the back of the
saloon facing the front door.
They hadn't been there long when Heyes looked up as a group of men
walked into the saloon
and quickly shifted his body. Kid
noticed the movement and looked towards the door. He, too, became uncomfortable. "Well
boys," Heyes said, standing up and gathering the money in front of him,
"I think I'll call it a night." "Yeah,
I'm beat, I think I'll turn in," Kid added, following his partner. While keeping an eye on the front,
they quietly walked to the back door of the saloon. As they emerged into the alley Kid
asked, "Do you think he spotted
us?" "Don't
know," Heyes said.
"Spotted him as he walked in. Looks like most of the same guys are
still with him." "Did
you see the Apache?" Kid
asked as they walked quietly down the back alley. "Not
sure, maybe," Heyes responded, then added, "You get the horses,
I'll get Laurie." The
two split directions at the end of the alley, Kid headed to the livery and
Heyes towards the hotel. ***
Laurie’s
bath was just filled and she was about to get undressed when Heyes burst into
the room. As he closed the door
behind him, he instructed, "Get everything, we gotta leave." "Why?"
Laurie said as she started to gather the bags. "Jack
Packer and his crew," Heyes said as he grabbed Kid's saddlebag. "Did
he spot you?" Laurie asked
following Heyes to the door then turning, "My book!" She went back and grabbed the book on
top of her pillow. As she hurried
past the bath full of steaming water she let out a huge sigh. "I
told you this could happen if you were with us," he said as they hurried
down the hall. "I
know," she said, sounding annoyed, "I just wish I had taken my bath
earlier!" Heyes
turned and gave her a grin and a chuckle. Kid
was waiting for them in the back alley with the horses. "Lots of noise on the front
street, I think they know we're here," Kid told Heyes as they mounted
the horses. "Then
let's be quiet and get out the back," he replied. "Stay close Laurie." The
three rode out of town and soon after, looked back to see torches in the
distance. "Looks like
they're trying to pick up our trail," Kid said. "Yeah,"
Heyes said anxiously, "If that Apache is still with them, you know they
will. Let's go, we got to put
distance between us and them."
Heyes turned to look at Laurie, "You okay?" "Told
you I would be," she stated.
“Wish I had been wearing pants, but I'm doing just fine." "Good,"
he said. "I want to get to the top of the mountain before we stop. We can take shifts watching the
torches. Kid do you want first or
second watch?" "I'll
take first." "I'm
here too, I can watch too!"
Laurie stated. "We're
experienced at this, you just rest," Heyes responded. "How
experienced do you have to be to watch torches approach? They're going to have to stop at some
point to give their horses a rest.
I can tell if they're moving or not. All you have to do it tell me at
what point I should wake
you," Laurie said, sounding annoyed. "She
has a point Heyes, it's not like they'll be close. We just have to watch the
torches. We'll all get more rest
that way," Kid said. "Alright.
Kid you have the first watch, Laurie you take the second and I'll have the
third," Heyes grumbled. They
made it to the top of the mountain and the torches appeared to stop at the
base. Kid took the first watch
then woke Laurie up two hours later for her turn. Heyes woke up at the sound of his
partner’s voice, but quietly
lay there, not letting Laurie know he was awake. About a half hour into her watch, he
stirred and got up.
"Anything moving?" "No,"
she responded, "Their fire is real faint, but being as dark and cloudy
as it is, I don't think they would risk trying to come up the mountain
without any light." "Yeah,
I think you're right," Heyes said, somewhat impressed by Laurie's
thinking, "I'm awake so you can get some rest if you want." "It's
my watch, and I'm fine. You
should go back to sleep," she said irritated. "I'm
awake…" Heyes started. "Will
the two of you shut up?" Kid
said in a loud and disgusted sounding whisper. "I'm glad you're both awake, I
would like to sleep for a little bit." "Sorry,"
Laurie whispered. Heyes and
Laurie sat quietly watching for almost an hour when Laurie noticed something
in the valley. "Heyes, I
think I can see something moving.
I know it's still really dark but something looks different."
"I
was thinking the same thing," he stated, staring into the darkness.
"Kid," he gave his partner a little kick, "time to move."
"It's
still pitch black," Kid mumbled, "Sun's not comin’ up
soon." "No,
but something's going on down there, we better get moving," Heyes
stated. Kid
rolled over and got up. The three
mounted their horses and started off. "We
better stay single file ‘til we start getting some light." Heyes led, then Laurie and Kid pulled
up the rear. The
top of the mountain was extremely rocky and treacherous so they took it slow
in the dark. The night turned to
morning and as the sun came up they quickened their pace. For the rest of the day, they crossed
rivers and tried
everything they knew to throw the posse off their trail; nothing worked. The posse continued to follow pushing
them and their horses. Day
turned to night and the three stopped again to rest. Heyes took the first watch, Laurie
once again in the middle then Kid.
As the sun began to peek over the horizon, they were back in their
saddles trying to put distance between
themselves and the posse. As
Heyes changed directions, Kid yelled out, "Heyes do you know where we're
headin’?" "Yeah,"
he yelled back. "Is
it where I think?" "That's
the plan." "Okay,"
Laurie complained, "enough of the private conversation, anyone want to
tell me where we're headed?" "Devil's
Hole," Heyes replied. "Think
Wheat and the boys'll mind?"
Kid asked. "Don't
have a choice, can't shake the posse.
It's been two days and we've tried just about everything. Don't know how much longer the horses
are going to last." "Laurie?" Kid said quietly, looking at Heyes. "She's
with us. No choice," Heyes
responded as they kept riding. "Am
I a problem?" Laurie said,
over hearing the comments. "Women
aren't usually allowed, but this is different," Heyes responded. Out
of nowhere a shot rang out. It
whizzed by Kid and Laurie yelled out as pain shot through her arm. "Are
you okay?" Heyes yelled. "Just
startled," Laurie replied as they urged their horses to move as fast as
possible. A
couple more shots were fired in their direction. They rode fast and hard until they
reached a steep slope in the mountain.
Even with the best and freshest of horses, this slope would have to be
taken slow allowing those sitting
at the top to take pot shots at those on the way down. "Keep
as low as you can," Heyes instructed. “We're about half day's
ride to Devil's Hole. If we keep
pushing, we can make it ahead of them." Shots
rang out as the three of them zig zagged down, trying to make it as difficult
as possible for those up top to hit a moving target. As they reached the bottom, they
pushed their horses to a gallop.
A few minutes later, Heyes
began to slow. "Heyes,"
Kid yelled out, "What's wrong?" He
didn't respond. "Heyes!" Kid yelled louder. "Keep
going," Heyes responded as his horse continued to slow. Kid
pulled his horse up and Laurie fell in behind him "Heyes, you
hurt?" "Go,
gotta keep moving," Heyes said sounding weak. Kid
quickly dismounted and went over to his partner. The closer he got, the more he noticed
how bad he looked, and then he saw it.
"Heyes, you've been hit!" "Posse,
keep going, they'll catch us," he said, trying not to show any pain or
weakness. "They'll
be on the slope for a little while, we have a few minutes, let me
check," Kid stated. "No,"
Heyes responded. Laurie
had gotten down from her horse and was standing next to Kid,
"Well," she said stepping towards Heyes and grabbing the back of
the saddle, "If you're not coming down for us to look, I'll come up to
check!" She mounted
the back of his horse. The blood
had saturated the front of his shirt and was beginning to spread down the
sleeve; Heyes had been hit in the shoulder. "No exit wound, bullet's still in
there," she said looking down at
Kid. "Posse's
almost down, no time, can you bandage it?" Laurie
looked at the blood; Heyes was losing too much. She reached down and grabbed the
bottom of her dress and pulled, ripping off a big long piece, and then
repeated the process a few more times.
Balling up one of the
pieces she said, "This is going to hurt, but I have to stop the
bleeding." She pressed the
cloth to the wound as hard as she could; Heyes gasped. Handing the strips of cloth to Kid she
said, "Hand these to me one at a time. Heyes, you still with us?" “We
have to move. Kid they down
yet?" "Almost.
Laurie, we got to go. Heyes can
you ride?" Kid asked. "No
choice." Looking
at Heyes, Kid asked, "Laurie, can you ride with him? Don't know if..." "Yes,"
she said before Kid finished the sentence. Tying the bandages she said,
"Done for now. Let's
go." "Too
hard on the horse," Heyes mumbled. "Laurie's
lighter than me, it shouldn't be too much. We don't have far to go," Kid
responded getting on his horse.
"Laurie, I'll take your horse and up ahead, we'll split. You'll take Heyes to Devil's
Hole. I'll try to lead the posse
away and meet you later." He
looked behind him; the posse was just starting to hit the bottom of the
slope. "Let's go!" he
yelled and went straight to an all out gallop. Laurie
held on as best she could. Heyes
was still somewhat alert but she could tell he was having trouble. She hoped they could make it to the
hide out. He really needed
attention and if he didn't get it soon, it wouldn't matter
if the posse caught them or not. Kid
yelled something at her but she couldn't hear, she looked at him and yelled
"WHAT?" back. "Two
Forks is up ahead, I'll go to the right you go to the left; the rocks should
help hide your trail. Keep
ridin’ ‘til you get to a big rock. You can't miss it. Go around it, there is a small narrow
path on the other side.
That’s the
entrance; start down it then stop.
Shoot three shots in the air and wait. They'll see Heyes and come and get
you." "Why
three shots?" she asked. "So
they don't shoot you. You're
announcin’ your intentions of enterin’. If you go without the three shots,
they'll shoot. When you ride up
the path, don't turn to look at the guard until he tells you," Kid
yelled. They got to Two
Forks; Kid looked at Laurie, "Take care of him. Ride fast and safe. See you soon." He took off down the right side of the
path taking her horse with him. Laurie
quickly went to the left. Kid was
right; it was very rocky.
Hopefully they wouldn’t leavea trail. She also hope she wouldn't have
trouble finding the entrance to Devil's Hole. By now, Heyes was drifting in and out
of consciousness. As they continued forward and up a
small hill, Laurie could see behind her.
Most of the posse had followed Kid, but it looked like four riders
were following her. Heyes
looked up, "The rock," he mumbled quietly. "The rock," he
took a breath, "don't look," he said faintly and drifted off
again. *** The
posse was riding fast and hard behind them, she could hear the thunder of the
horses. She held tight to the
reins and kept pushing Heyes’ horse as hard as she could. She couldn't believe it was holding up
so well with the
weight of two riders. She knew
she would have to take extra special care of Magic when they stopped. That is, after she took care of
Heyes. He had lost a lot of blood
and she wanted so desperately to check the bandages
she had quickly applied but with the posse so close, she couldn't take the
chance. If she stopped and they
got caught, Heyes would never forgive her, she would never forgive herself;
Kid would never forgive her. He
risked his own life, being captured or killed so Laurie could get Heyes to
safety. Most of the posse took off after Kid, but there were still four
riders on Laurie's tail. Up
ahead she could see the rock Heyes had mentioned before he passed out. She quickly steered Magic around the
rock and started down the narrow path.
At the last second she remembered what Kid said, she pulled Magic
to a stop and using Heyes' gun, shot three times in the air. She waited for a moment and then went
forward. As she came out of the
narrow path and up a small hill she heard the sound of a gun being cocked,
she pulled
her horse to a stop. "Who
goes there?" the voice said from behind her. "I
have Hannibal Heyes, he's been shot and needs attention," Laurie said. "That
posse after you?" the voice asked. "Yes,"
she said. Then going against what
Heyes and Kid told her, she tried turning around to face the voice,
"Kyle, Wheat, is that you?"
She had heard Heyes and Kid talk about them many times. "Turn
back around," the voice demanded. "Look,"
Laurie said impatiently, "I've got to get Heyes off the horse and take
care of him. If you're not going
to help, I'm going forward to see if anyone else will. If you shoot me in the back, remember
you're shooting a lady
and Heyes and Kid will not like that." Laurie slowly coaxed Magic
forward into the compound of Devil's Hole. By now, most of the residents had
heard the shots and came out to see who was arriving. "Looky,
it's a woman, and she's holdin' someone. Is that Heyes?" one of the men
asked. Laurie
stopped Magic as the men started to gather around her. "I have Hannibal Heyes. He's been shot. I need help getting him
down." The
men just stared at her; no one moved.
Laurie
surveyed the group, "Kyle, Wheat, Lobo, Hank," she asked trying to
remember any and all names Heyes and Kid talked about. "Anyone?" She waited half a
second, when no one moved she yelled, "Fine!" took a deep
breath and leaned Heyes forward.
With one hand on him, she quickly dismounted and then with a little
tug she pulled him toward her. He
leaned over and slid off the horse onto her as she fell to the ground
breaking his
fall. The
men stood around watching amazed that a woman would even try to take a man
off a horse by herself. Laurie
was desperate by this time and knew Heyes couldn't last much longer without
the proper attention, she hoped it wasn't already too late. She very carefully moved Heyes off her
and onto his back. She looked
around and
no one had moved. As she slowly
started to stand up, she took Heyes' gun out of his holster and grabbed the
gun of the closest outlaw out of his.
Laurie pointed the guns at the men, "I have Hannibal Heyes
here. He has
been shot and needs attention. I
need him carried to the cabin." "We
ain't takin' no orders from no woman!" smirked one of the outlaws. Laurie
cocked both guns and seethed, "I am Hannibal Heyes' woman and if you
don't help me NOW, you will not only have to answer to me, you'll answer to
him when he is better and Kid Curry when he gets here. Now, I
said, I need you men to carefully pick him up and get him to the
cabin." Four
men carefully stepped forward; "Are any of you Wheat, Kyle?" she
started. "I'm
Kyle," said one helping pick up Heyes, "This here is Lobo and
Hank. Wheat ain’t
here." He paused, "where's Kid?" "Wish
I knew Kyle. He took most of the
posse with him when he headed to the right after we passed Two Forks. I was to come here. He figured it was the closest safe
place for Heyes." Laurie
waited a second then asked,
"After we get Heyes in the cabin, could you send some men to see if he
needs help?" "Gee,
don't know," Kyle hemmed and hawed, "Wheat ain't here; he's the one
that gives the orders." Going
into the cabin they placed Heyes on the bed in the front room. "Heyes
and Kid always talked so highly of you and being your friend. Guess they were
wrong," Laurie said quietly as she started to remove the bandages from
Heyes' shoulder. "Well,
I guess I could send some of the boys to see what they can see," Kyle
responded. "Thank
you. Now I'll need my saddlebag,
some whiskey, water and anything I can use as a bandage. Start a fire before you go,"
Laurie instructed. "It's
awful hot fer a fire," Kyle replied. "I
need it to sterilize the knife, I've got to get the bullet out of his
shoulder," Laurie said as she continued to remove the bandages and then
Heyes' shirt. "What's
the whiskey for?" Lobo asked
handing her a bottle. Laurie
raised the bottle to her lips and took a swig, "For my nerves to start
with, then to clean the wound before I cut." Laurie took her hand and caressed
Heyes' face for a moment and then got up to get supplies out of her saddlebag. She took out a knife and placed it
directly in the flames of the fire.
She slowly turned it so that all sides of the blade turned red-hot and
then held it until it cooled.
She walked back to Heyes, "Kyle," she said, "I need
you to come hold him down. I
don't think he's aware of anything, but I can't take the chance he'll start
moving and make things worse. You
must hold him completely still." Kyle
walked over and placed his hands on Heyes' good shoulder and chest, Hank
moved over to hold his legs. Laurie
leaned over and removed the final bandage, the blood was flowing. She took the bottle of whiskey and poured
it into the wound; Heyes moved slightly. Good, Laurie thought as she
sighed, he's still enough with us to
feel that. "Hold him down,
don't let him move," Laurie instructed as she placed the tip of the
knife into the wound and dug down.
Heyes
moaned and tried to move but Kyle and Hank kept him still. After a few minutes of digging,
cutting and pouring water on the wound, Laurie finally extracted the bullet.
She poured some water and then whiskey on the
opened wound to clean it; and then placed a clean cloth on the wound and
pressed her palm down on it as hard as possible. Handing
the knife to lobo, who had been watching, she directed, "Get this red
hot. I need to stop the bleeding." Lobo
did as she asked and handed the knife back to her. "Hold
him tight!" she yelled as she lifted the cloth and placed the knife
blade directly on the wound sealing it.
Heyes
screamed out. Laurie
handed the knife back to Lobo, "Again!" she demanded. She repeated
the process until she was satisfied the wound was closed. Finally, Laurie
said, "You can let go of his feet Hank. I need the salve from the saddlebag." Laurie
applied the salve, dressed the wound then picked up the bottle of whiskey and
took a big long swig. She handed
the bottle to Kyle and sat down. Kyle
took a swig and smiled, "Heyes sure do get the best women. Not only is she a looker, she doctored
him up good and she drinks out of the bottle!" They
all laughed in relief. ** About
an hour later, the door of the cabin opened and someone walked in with Kid in
tow. Kid pushed passed the man,
"Laurie," he said as she stood up. He wrapped his arms around her,
pulling her into a hug.
"How's he doin’?"
"Holding
his own," she said forcing a smile. "Kid
you should have seen her. Did he
call you Laurie?" Kyle said looking at her; Laurie nodded. "Kid,
Laurie here comes ridin' in. We
heard the three shots, but it was a woman. She stopped for a secon' then jest
kept goin'. Then we seen Heyes was with her, but
he don't look good. She rode
right into camp tellin' Stucky to shoot her in the back cause she weren't
gonna stop. She pulled Heyes off
her horse right on top of her. We
never seen
a woman do that before!" Kid
interrupted, "Laurie had to take Heyes off by herself, you didn't
help?" "We
didn't know what to do," Kyle explained. "We didn't know what was
goin' on. Then she stood up with
Heyes' gun and she grabbed Lobo's and threatened us. She said she was Heyes' woman and we
was gonna answer
to her and to Heyes when he got better and to you when you got here. So we
helped." "Smart
move Kyle," Kid said sarcastically. "How'd
you get away from the posse?" Hank asked. "Ran
into Wheat and some of the boys.
Since the posse was split and they were outnumbered, I think they
thought it was better to back off." "We
showed them, didn't we!" Wheat laughed. "Yeah
Wheat," turning back to Heyes, "The bullet?" "It's
out," Laurie said quietly. "You
should'a seen her Kid, she done the whole thing herself. Ain't never seen nobody do it that
quick before," Kyle said. "She
stopped the bleedin’ with a hot knife," Lobo interjected. "Then
she drank whiskey from the bottle!"
Kyle gushed. Kid
put one arm around Laurie's shoulder and squeezed, she let out a small sound
and sagged, as her knees got weak.
Kid whipped his head around, "Laurie," he could feel his hand
get moist as red shown through her dress. "Your arm!" "It’s
just grazed, I’m okay, Heyes needed to be taken care of first,"
she said quietly. "Let
me look at it," Kid said. Laurie
stared at him and shook her head.
"We'll
rip the sleeve; you don't have to take it off." Laurie
continued to stare, not moving. "If
I don't, Heyes will kill me when he wakes up, do you want that on your
conscious?" Laurie
smiled and allowed Kid to check her arm.
She had been grazed by a bullet; he cleaned it, dressed it and then
they both took swigs from the whiskey bottle. "She's
my kind of woman!" Kyle
exclaimed. "Lay
one hand on her and I'll kill you Kyle," Heyes said very weakly. Laurie
turned around and sat on the bed next to him. For the first time all day, Kyle
noticed a tear running down her face as she smiled at him. "Hey,"
Heyes said quietly as he reached up with his good hand to wipe the tear from
Laurie's face. "I'm
just glad you're okay," Laurie explained. "I'm
fine," Heyes said, forcing a smile as he tried to adjust himself in bed.
"Stay
still," Kid scolded as he came over to stand next to Laurie, "You
have a big hole in your shoulder." "Oh,"
Heyes said still trying to force a smile, "That's what hurts." Noticing Laurie's bandaged arm,
"You're hurt." "I
was grazed, it's nothing," Laurie said calmly. "You
were shot!" Heyes exclaimed. "I told you it wasn't safe to be with
us." "I
was grazed. They were shooting at
Kid, not me! It barely bled. I'm okay. Kid just wanted to make
sure, so he put a bandage on it," Laurie said angrily. "How
do you know they were shooting at Kid?" Heyes' voice strained to get
louder. "It
was the first or second shot, Kid moved and it grazed me. That's how I know! Why would they be shooting at me
anyway?" Laurie yelled. "They
may not have known who it was; maybe they thought you were me or the
Kid." "I'm
wearing a dress! Unless there is
something I don't knowit’s kind of hard to confuse us!" Laurie stated as she started to become
very agitated. "If I hadn't
been there, you probably would be dead and Kid would be in jail
or dead right along with you!" "How
do you figure that?" Heyes
asked glaring at Laurie. "Because
if I wasn't there, you would have had to ride with Kid. The horse wouldn't have been as fast
and there wouldn't have been anyone to lead the posse away." Laurie yelled, "That's how I
figure it!" She abruptly stood
up, turned and stormed out the cabin door. "What
just happened?" Heyes yelled at Kid. "I
think that instead of sayin’ thank you to Laurie for savin’ your
life, you decided to yell at her," Kid stated. "Yeah,
the great Hannibal Heyes probably just made the woman who saved his life
cry," Wheat said sarcastically, "Feelin’ good about
yourself?" "Jeez,
Heyes," Kyle said quietly, "You really did treat her bad." "My
head is spinning, Kid, what ‘s going on?" Heyes asked sounding
very confused. "Don't
you remember what happened?"
Kid asked. "I
remember sitting in the saloon when we saw Jack Packer come in. I got Laurie. You got the horses. We got out of town and they were
following us, two days I think.
Then out of nowhere we were being shot at. I remember
going down the slope and turning to see if they were following. I had a burning fire in my
shoulder. Then we stopped, I'm
not sure where and you got up on Magic and checked. Laurie was saying something, I remember
the rock," Heyes spoke trying to put the pieces together in his clouded
mind, then realized, "We're in Devil's Hole." "That's
right Heyes, were in Devil's Hole," Kid stated. "Thing is, I didn't
check your wound, and I didn't get you here." "Laurie?" Heyes asked sheepishly. "Yeah,"
Kid replied, "You weren't bein’ cooperative, and so she climbed up
on Magic and took a look. She
ripped her dress for bandages, bandaged you up and stayed with you so you
wouldn't fall off." "Kid,
where'd you go?" Heyes
questioned. "We
split at Two Forks; I hoped the posse would follow me and Laurie's
horse. I told her to bring you
here." "Did
they?" Heyes asked. "Most,
but four followed her," Kid told Heyes. "She had to ride fast and hard
to beat them here. All while
tryin’ to find a place she's never been and keep you on the
horse." "She
did?" Heyes said sounding guilty. "She
did, then no one would help her get you off Magic, so she did it herself and
had to threaten them with yours and Lobo's gun." Kid kept talking, "They got you
in here, she took the bullet out of your shoulder, cauterized the
wound and then you yelled at her." "I
did," Heyes said meekly. Kid
nodded. "She
drank whiskey out of the bottle too Heyes," Kyle announced. "She
did," Heyes said surprised raising an eyebrow. "And
all you could do is yell at her and tell her how she shouldn't be with
you," Wheat interjected.
"Don't know why she'd want to be your woman!" "Kid,"
Heyes said looking at his partner. "On
my way," Kid replied patting Heyes' good shoulder. ***
Laurie
stormed out of the cabin right into a group of men gathered outside. She quickly turned to the right and
kept walking. She was so upset
with Heyes and with the way she acted.
She needed to get as far away from him
and everyone else as she could.
She wasn't going to let them see her break down and she knew any
minute she could lose it. She
walked down the embankment and ended up on the side of a pond. Normally
she would marvel in the beauty of it, but right now her mind was reeling and
all she could do was close her eyes and try to collect herself. She plopped herself down on a log and
tried to fight the tears building in her
eyes. Couldn't he see what she
had done? All he could do was
yell at her. She had done her
best, she wasn't whining or crying.
She took care of him and bandaged him up, why couldn't he see
that. Laurie sat on the log
for what seemed an eternity tossing rocks into the lake but in reality it was
only about five minutes Kid
came up behind her and sat down on the log next to her. "You okay?" he asked. "Fine,"
Laurie said curtly as she continued to toss rocks into the pond. "You
plannin’ on fillin’ the pond with rocks?" Kid asked trying
to get a reaction from Laurie. "No!"
"Do
you want to change out of those clothes?" Kid asked with compassion in his
voice. "I'm
fine," she barked, still being short and curt with her answers. "Are
you sure?" Kid said looking at her. "I'm
fine. Why do you keep
asking?" Laurie said sounding very annoyed as she turned to look at him "I
just thought," Kid started quietly, "that you might want to get
changed into something that wasn't ripped and covered in blood." Laurie
looked down at her dress. She hadn't even thought of the way she looked! The bottom of the dress was uneven
where she tore it to make bandages.
One sleeve was missing and the top was covered in blood, Heyes'
blood. Laurie took a deep breath
and closed her eyes trying desperately to hold the tears back; she was
covered in Heyes' blood. Kid
put his arm around her and pulled her close. She
put her head on his chest and quietly cried. After a few minutes, she took another
deep breath and gathered herself.
"I'm okay. I didn't
mean to cry, I'm just tired. I'm
okay," she repeated as she sat up and wiped her face.
"It's
okay to cry. You were strong for
Heyes when it mattered. You
didn't let him see how upset you were.
That's all that matters.
You can cry. I have when I'm worried about him but never let him see
it," Kid said with such
compassion in his voice. Laurie
looked at him and gave a slight nod and then she forced a giggle as she
looked at her reflection in the pond.
Not only was the bottom of her dress a mess, her arm was bandaged and
her hair looked like she had been
in a tornado, what a sight! She let out a quiet laugh. "Aren't I a sight? I guess I should get cleaned
up," she said, "Then I'll clean up Magic and be on my way." "What!" Kid exclaimed. "I'll
be on my way. I know women aren't
allowed in Devil's Hole. I'll get
cleaned up so I can ride into town.
If I take it slow, Magic should be fine. You stay with Heyes until he's
better. I'll make it back to
Small Falls and you
can send a telegram letting me know where you'll be," Laurie said
stoically. "You
can't leave." "Yes
I can, and I'm going to," she said adamantly. "No,
you can't…" Kid started. "Yes,
I can, he doesn't need me here.
He doesn't want me here.
You're here to take care of him, women aren't allowed. I know when I'm not welcome, I'm
leaving," Laurie argued. "If
you would let me finish," Kid said raising his voice, "You can't
leave because we don't know where the posse is. They could be sittin’ out there
waitin’ for someone to come along.
We can't take that chance." "Oh,"
she said quietly trying to figure out what she was going to do now. "Okay, then I'll wait until we
know what happened to the posse, then I'll leave." "I
don't think Heyes wants you to leave," Kid said calmly. "He got upset when he saw your
arm. He doesn't want
anythin’ to happen to you.
That's why he yelled." Laurie
closed her eyes tightly, for the first time since all of this had happened;
she started to think of exactly what had happened. Up until now, it was about survival
and then it was about Heyes. Now
for the first time, it was
about her. A tear slowly rolled
down her face. "Kid,"
Laurie said quietly, "I just want to take care of him and he just pushes
me away. I don't know what to
do." "I
know, it's his way of dealin’," Kid said quietly as he put his arm
around her, "How about if you get changed and go see him." "Do
you think he'll want to see me?"
"I
know he wants to see you." ***
Kid
retrieved Laurie's saddlebag from the cabin and cleared everyone out of one
of the bunkhouses so she could change.
She changed andhe was waiting for her when she emerged from the
bunkhouse. "Thought
I could escort you," he said with a smile. Laurie
smiled back at him and they walked along silently towards the cabin. The men that had been gathered outside
were still milling around, just not as closely. They tried to look as though they were
busy as they watched Kid
walk Laurie over to the cabin. Kid
opened the door for Laurie and she walked in. Still standing in the doorway,
Kid nodded at Wheat and Kyle to leave.
Laurie smiled at the men as they left. Heyes was sleeping again
so she went to sit by the side of the bed. "I'm
gonna rustle us up some food. He
should eat somethin’ when he wakes up. If you need anythin’, I'll have
Kyle on the door. He'll come and
get me." Laurie
smiled at Kid and nodded as he closed the door and left. The
sound of the door closing woke Heyes up.
As his eyelids started to close again he spotted Laurie sitting in the
chair. "You're back,"
he said quietly and tried to smile. Laurie
nodded and forced a smile. The
day's events, the last three days events and lack of sleep were creeping up
on her. She was trying not to
allow it all to come crashing down on her. The less she talked for the moment
the better she thought. "I'm
sorry," Heyes said quietly as he lifted his hand to touch her face. She
placed her hand on his and held it to her face as she closed her eyes. Talking in a deep breath, she calmed
herself then opened her eyes and smiled, "I know, I'm sorry too. Now
rest, you need sleep to get your strength back."
"I'm
okay," Heyes forced out. "We're
not starting this again." "Okay,"
Heyes replied managing a grin.
"You changed." "Yes,
Kid told me that I really needed to." "He
did?" Heyes said lifting an eyebrow. "Did he also tell you to wear
pants?" "No,"
Laurie answered, "I thought that is was more appropriate here and
anyway, my track record wearing dresses when you're around isn't very
good." Laurie smiled and
giggled slightly. Heyes
chuckled then moaned, as he moved, "No, I guess it isn't." He reached up and gently touched
Laurie's arm; a pained expression came over his face. "I'm sorry." "No. You can be sorry for yelling at me,
you can't be sorry for anything else!" She said sternly, stiffening her
body. "I knew what I got
into when I fell in love with you, all of it. You will not be sorry for anything but
yelling at me. If I have to deal with you being shot
you will have to be able to handle this." Heyes
nodded his head ever so slightly.
He knew how hard it must be for her, to live with the fact that at any
time he could be captured or killed.
He and Kid had lived with the prices on their heads, but it was their
own doing. Laurie was innocent in all of
this, yet she had to be strong and live with the fear of them never coming
back to her every time they walked out the front door. True to her word, she never
complained, cried, or whined
about it. The
door to the cabin opened and Kid walked in carrying a tray. "Took a while," he said,
"but I found us some food."
He looked at Heyes, "You're awake. How do ya feel?" "Like
I've been shot," he said flippantly then seeing the pained looked on
Laurie's face added, "I'm fine, just a little tired." He reached his good arm over and
grabbed Laurie's hand and gave it a little squeeze. "How the boys
handling Laurie being here?" "They
don't know what to think except, Kyle," Kid said, setting the tray down
on the table. "Kyle?" Heyes repeated. "Kyle,"
Kid replied. "Think he's in
love with Laurie. Don't know,
somethin’ about her takin’ charge and then drinkin' whiskey out
of the bottle." Turning
to Laurie, Heyes remarked, "You drank whiskey out of the bottle." "Nerves,"
Laurie said with a smile then added, "I thought the bottle would be
cleaner than any glass I could find anyway. Heyes
chuckled then moaned again as he moved.
Kid
laughed and stated, "Smart woman you got Heyes, real smart." "Don't
I know it," Heyes said with a smile as he pulled Laurie's hand over to
give it a kiss. Laurie
stood up and propped Heyes up as Kid brought over a plate of food. He ate some food but was fading
quickly. "Heyes,"
Laurie said, putting his plate down, "You lost a lot of blood, you need
to rest." "I'm
fine," Heyes said, trying to keep his eyes open. "Heyes…"
Kid started, but was interrupted by Laurie. "You're
not fine," Laurie said sternly as she stood up. "You're going to
rest now. Kid can handle anything
that needs to be handled. You're
in Devil's Hole; nothing is going to happen while you sleep." Heyes
finally gave up the battle and drifted off to sleep. Kid
fixed a bed for Laurie in the side room and one in the back room of the cabin
for himself. Then he went to the
bunkhouse to play some poker with boys and gauge the boys' reaction to Heyes,
Laurie and himself being there,
especially the reaction to Laurie being there. Hank and Lobo reported seeing
campfires in the valley around the area.
They said they had seen the two posses join together and continue
looking for the pair. Laurie
and Heyes were both asleep when Kid got back to the cabin. Laurie was sitting on the floor next
to Heyes with her head leaning on the bed touching his good shoulder and her
arm resting on his chest. Kid
grabbed a
blanket from the back room and placed it on her. He put another log on the fire to make
sure the room would stay warm and then turned in for the night. ***
As
usual, Laurie was awake first and was going to make coffee; both Heyes and
Kid were still asleep as she quietly left the cabin to retrieve the
water. The sun was just peeking
up over the hills as she walked outside.
She didn't
see the man standing in the shadows watching her as she walked over to the
pump. She filled the pot first
and then took some water in her hands and rubbed her face. She quietly turned and returned to the
cabin as the
eyes watched her. Heyes
was sitting on the bed with his feet on the floor when she walked back
in. "Was going to come look
for you," he said weakly. "Oh
that would have been a sight, you probably would have passed out before you
got to the door," Laurie chuckled as she rolled her eyes. "I only went to get water for
coffee. I couldn't have been gone
more than a few minutes."
"I
was worried," Heyes replied, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. She
put the water on the table and walked over and sat down next to him.
"Hannibal Heyes, I can take care of myself," she said looking at
him. "I
know, but it's different here," Heyes tried to explain. "These are real outlaws." "Unlike
fake ones, like you and Kid," Laurie said sarcastically as she
interrupted him and smiled. Heyes
took a breath and paused, then gave Laurie a faint smile, "Unlike fake
ones like Kid and me," he replied then took her hands in his and
continued. "I am being
serious. There are guys here that
weren't here when Kid and
I were. I don't know how they
will react to us being here, let alone you. I know things must have been bad for
Kid to take the chance and send you by yourself." "It
was, the posse was right on top of us, I don't know how or when they caught
up, but they were right there and we couldn't shake them. And then there was you," Laurie
said quietly. "We knew it was bad, the bullet hadn't
gone through and you were losing so much blood. Kid knew you needed help fast. He also knew if we stayed together, we
probably wouldn't make it. He
figured Jack Packer would let you bleed out. He, we couldn't
take the chance so he decided to split and try to take the posse with
him. Most followed him. I guess they figured they could catch
up with a woman faster than getting Kid Curry. It slowed them enough for me
to make
it here." Heyes
placed his hand on Laurie's cheek. "Guess they figured wrong huh?"
he said with a smile. "Thank
you for everything you did," he said quietly, then kissed her gently on
the lips. Laurie
forced a smile and nodded her head.
Not wanting to think about yesterday's events anymore, she stood up,
"Well, I better make the coffee and start breakfast, Kid will be stirring
shortly." Heyes
started to stand up. She
put her hand on his good shoulder, "I don't think so. Rest, you lost a lot of blood and
you're too heavy for me to pick up when you pass out!" He
sat back down and nodded in agreement as he slowly lay down. He didn't want Laurie to know that he
was still very weak and the room was spinning. ***
As
breakfast was just about ready, Kid rolled over and yelled from his room,
"That smells so good.
Laurie, have I told you I love you." "I'm
awake Kid, and I can still shoot you if you try anything," Heyes yelled
back. "Oh
Heyes, Kid will tell anyone he loves them if there is food involved,"
Laurie said with a laugh. Heyes
and Kid joined in. "She
has you figured out Kid," Heyes chuckled. "What
can I say, I'm guilty!" Kid
said in defense, "It smells so good and it's not your cookin' or coffee,
Heyes!" They
all laughed a little more. Kid
came out of the back room and walked over to Heyes, "How ya
doin’?" "Fine,"
Heyes replied. "Fine,
always fine," Kid almost yelled, "Will you ever tell the truth, I
hurt, I feel awful, anythin’ but fine!" "I'm
fine," Heyes replied. Kid
just glared at him. "Okay,
I've felt better, but considering, I feel fine!" Heyes said raising his voice. "You
don't have to yell," Kid yelled back. Laurie
turned around and looked at both of them, "You can both stop
yelling. Kid come sit and have
breakfast, Heyes I'll bring you a plate." There
was a knock at the door. Kid
opened it and Wheat and Kyle walked into the cabin. "Mmmm. Somethin' sure smells
gooooood!" Kyle said
enthusiastically. "I
made plenty, why don't you sit down and have some breakfast," Laurie
said. "But,"
Kid started to protest. "Jed,
did they help us out?"
Laurie asked using his real name, which she only did when she was mad
at him and talking to him like a little boy. "Did they tell us we couldn't
stay yesterday?" Kid
shook his head no as Laurie continue, "So I think we can share some
breakfast with them. I'll make
more. Now eat before it gets
cold. Kyle, Wheat, help
yourselves." As
the boys ate at the table, Laurie took a plate over to Heyes. With a little of his help, Laurie was
able to prop some pillows behind him.
She sat down in the chair next to the bed and started to feed him. "I
can do this myself, you don't have to feed me," Heyes argued. "Let
me help you." "I
don't need help," Heyes said almost yelling. "Fine,"
Laurie stood up, placed the plate on the bed and turned to walk to the side
room. "If you want to wear
your breakfast, you're more than welcome to do it yourself Hannibal
Heyes." "I'm
sorry," Heyes, said before Laurie took her second step, "I'm sorry,
I just..." "I
know it's not easy for you to accept help," she said as she sat down and
picked up the plate. "Don't
forget, you took care of me for a long time, it's my turn to repay you. I know you can do this; it's just that
you don't have
to. I want to help." Heyes
nodded and gave Laurie a small smile. When
he was done eating she said, "Well, I think I'll get cleaned up. I'm sure you boys have things to
discuss." She leaned over
and gave Heyes a kiss on the head and then went into the side room. When
the door closed behind her, Kid asked, "What's the word?" "The
posse is still hangin’ around.
The boys spotted ‘em this mornin’," Wheat replied. "They’re
not gonna leave anytime soon," Kid stated. "Guess we'll be
stayin’ a while." "Don't
think that's a great idea," Heyes said from his bed. "Why?"
Kid questioned. "Laurie,"
Heyes responded. "She
won't complain. She knows you
need to get your strength back before we chance leavin’." Kid stood up and walked over to the
side of the bed followed by Wheat and Kyle. They grabbed chairs and sat down. "It's
not that," Heyes said then turning to Kyle and Wheat. "How many new
boys you got here?" "New
boys?" Wheat repeated not
really understanding what Heyes was asking. "How
many weren't here when Kid and I were here?" Heyes said, clarifying his question. "Oh,
we got ‘bout eight," Kyle responded puffing out his chest. "Eight
guys that weren't here when we were here," Heyes replied. "That's
eight guys that might not be too happy that we're here. Might not like us here. And might like it even less that
Laurie is here." "Heyes
there's still enough guys loyal to ya to watch out for Laurie. No one will bother her as long as Kyle
Murtry is here," Kyle stated with pride. "Thanks
Kyle," Heyes said with a smile. "Heyes,
Kyle is right," Kid said. "Even if we just have the four of us,
Laurie will be fine. Right
Wheat?" "Well
Kid," Wheat started. "Wheat,"
Kid said glaring at him. "I
was just gonna say that Heyes has a point. That's all. I heard rumblin’s that some of
the boys ain’t exactly happy there’s a lady here," Wheat
stated. "I didn't say I agreed, I'm just sayin’ Heyes has a
point." "Wheat,"
Kyle said in amazement, "I don't think I've ever heard you agree with
Heyes!" "Jeez,"
Heyes said running his hand through his hair. Kid,
Wheat and Kyle stared at him. "It's
just I was thinking about it, but wasn't really sure it was a problem. Now Wheat agrees with me, I think we
might want to take our chances with the posse." "Heyes,"
Kid said, "You couldn't out run a normal posse right now and you
certainly can't out run a Jack Packer posse. Do you really want Laurie to go
through that again? All because
Wheat agreed with you?" "Maybe
we should get her out of here," Heyes said even though he knew it wasn't
a possibility. Laurie was at
Devil's Hole until Heyes and Kid left.
"How? If she goes alone they’ll grab
her. Then what?" Kid asked Heyes. "You gonna sit here while they
have her? Who knows what they
would do to try to draw us out." "I
know Kid," Heyes snapped, "I just don't like it that's all." "Heyes,"
Kyle said trying to help, "I promise t’ watch Laurie. I won't let nothin' happen t’
her. I know none of us that
rode with ya would do nothin’.
She'll be safe." "Thanks
Kyle," Heyes said turning to his loyal friend, "I appreciate your
help. Since we really don't have
a choice, I'm counting on one of the three of you to be with Laurie any time
she is out of the cabin. She goes
nowhere
alone!" "Nowhere?"
Wheat asked tilting his head. "Nowhere!"
Heyes reiterated, "You don't have to be on top of her, but you have to
be aware of where she is and who's around her." "Heyes,"
Kid said drawing out the name and shaking his head, "she's not going to
like this." "She
doesn't have to like it," Heyes said tersely. "She just has to deal
with it. If she doesn't like it
she can stay in the cabin." "Okay,"
Kid said still shaking his head. "I think I'll be tendin' to the horses
when you tell her." "You
got my help," Kyle announced. "I'll be more than happy t’
stay with Laurie wherever she goes." "Kyle,"
Heyes said, "Laurie is my wife.
I expect you to respect that, and respect her." "Your
wife!" Kyle and Wheat
exclaimed as Laurie opened the door from the side room. "You
and Laurie are married? When?"
Wheat asked. "Three
months ago," Heyes responded as he watched Laurie walk into the room. Kyle
got up and ran over to greet her.
He put his arms out and with a huge smile on his face asked, "Can
I give the bride a kiss?" Laurie
smiled and giggled, "Yes." Kyle
turned to Heyes, "It okay Heyes, can I?" "Yes
Kyle, but remember, I still have one good arm I can shoot you with," he
said jokingly. "No
need fer that," Kyle said, "I just want to congratulate Mrs.
Heyes." He smiled, leaned in
and gave Laurie a soft peck on the cheek. With a huge smile on his face, Kyle
turned back to Heyes, and tugged on the front of his
pants, "Heyes you sure are lucky and I will do my part in keepin' your
wife safe." Both
Heyes and Kid closed their eyes waiting for Laurie to respond to Kyle's
comments. When there was no
immediate response, their eyes slowly opened; one eye and then the
other. Laurie was still standing
where she had
been, with no expression on her face.
Heyes looked at Kid and Kid gave an ever so slight shrug of his
shoulder. She
walked over to the bed, seeing the two looking at each other, she announced,
"I heard what Kyle said.
Don't worry; I will do whatever the two of you want while we are
here." Heyes
smiled, "Good, you go nowhere without Kid, Kyle, Wheat or myself; understand."
"I
understand," Laurie said, as she stopped next to Kid and put her hand on
his shoulder, "I don't think it's necessary but I don't want to
argue. You need your strength. Anyway, where am I going to want to go
here anyway?
I'll be in the cabin taking care of you." Turning to look at Kyle, Wheat and
Kid, Laurie continued, "Speaking of which, Heyes needs to get some rest,
so if you boys can leave him alone, I would appreciate it." "I'm
fine…" Heyes started. "If
I have to have someone with me at all times," Laurie interrupted,
"then you can make me happy and get some rest. Later Kid can help you into the side
bedroom so that everyone doesn't have to leave the cabin for you to
rest and you can have some privacy.
Boys, before you go, get me some warm water, and clean bandages, I
have to check the wound and change the dressing." "I
can do that," Kid stated. "It's
okay,"she said. "I can
do it. I need to do something so I don't feel so useless. I mean having three body guards
is a bit much." "It's
four!" Heyes corrected. "And no it's not too much. You're dealing with outlaws!" "Heyes,"
Wheat said sounding hurt, "I take offense to that!" "Not
you Wheat!" Heyes said
sounding annoyed. "The new guys that don't know me or Kid. They may want to prove something and
might use Laurie to do it." "No
sir-re," Kyle stated, sounding protective of Laurie. "I promise, I'll take care of
Laurie and I'll tell the others that knows ya t’ do the same." He hitched his thumbs in his pants. "Thanks
Kyle," Heyes said sounding tired. "Thank
you Kyle," Laurie said and gave him a peck on the cheek. He
blushed. "Now,
if you could get me the water, I'll change the bandage and Heyes can get some
rest." Kid
brought over the water and placed it down on the small night table next to
the bed. Wheat
retrieved the bandages and salve.
"You sure you don't need help?" Kid asked. "Positive,"
she said. "Go, I'll be fine."
The
three men left the cabin and Laurie sat down to take the old bandage off the
wound. "This might hurt a
little," she said as she started to remove the bandage. "I'm going to soak it with some
warm water to help it come off. Let me know if it hurts." Heyes
nodded and Laurie began. As she
got to the last part of the bandage she said, "Well, it looks okay. There was a little more bleeding but
not too much. It is very raw but
I have to clean it. Do you want a
shot of whiskey
before I start?" "No,"
he replied, "I'll be fine."
He looked at her and wondered how many other women there were, that
could do what she did, but also do it and not complain about it. He knew he was lucky to have two
people in his life that
would take care of him. "If
you're sure," Laurie hesitated, "here goes." She gently put some water on a clean
bandage and started to lightly dab the area and then poured the water
directly on it, to flush the wound.
Heyes
closed his eyes, gritted his teeth and took a deep breath but never made a
sound. "Well,
I think that is enough for right now.
I should flush it again later, but it's looking pretty good. I'm going to pat it dry, put the salve
on and then bandage you up. You
okay?" Heyes
opened his eyes and smiled at her, "Fine," he forced out. Laurie
gave a tight smile back. She
bandaged Heyes and let her hand linger right below the wound. As she started to stand up, she leaned
down and kissed him gently on the lips, "You're exhausted, rest. I'm going to clean the dishes from
breakfast." As she
walked away she continued, "If I am making too much noise, tell me and
I'll do it when you wake up."
Getting no response from Heyes, she turned around to see him already
asleep. A small smile
appeared on her face as
she looked at how peaceful he was and then she turned her attention to the
dishes. *** When
she finished cleaning up from breakfast, she looked over at Heyes; he was
still sleeping. Looking around
the cabin for something to do, she decided to go sit on the porch to get some
fresh air. Figuring she could hear Heyes,
she decided to prop open the door.
As she opened the door, she was greeted by Kyle's smiling face. He stood up from the chair he was
sitting in and tipped his hat, "What can I get for ya Mrs.
Heyes?" "Oh,
I just came out to get some fresh air," Laurie responded. "Well
then, have a seat and enjoy the fresh air Mrs. Heyes," Kyle said with a
smile across his face. "Thank
you, Kyle," she said.
"It’s Laurie." "You're
Heyes' wife, so you got to be Mrs. Heyes," Kyle corrected. "Well
actually," Laurie said, "It would be Mrs. Smith. Hannibal Heyes couldn't get married,
but Joshua Smith could." "That
legal?" Kyle asked before he thought about it. The
smile on Laurie's face disappeared and was replaced by a look of
embarrassment. When
Kyle realized what he had just said and the hurt he had caused he quickly
added, "Well, you'll always be Mrs. Heyes to me, but if you'd rather,
I'll call you Laurie. That's if
it's okay with Heyes. I don't
want him mad at
me." "Heyes
couldn't get mad at you. You're
such a loyal friend. Thank you
for all your help," she said patting Kyle's hand. He
blushed, "You're welcome." "Where's
Kid and Wheat?" Laurie asked
looking around the compound. "They
went up top to check on the posse," Kyle responded pointing to the top
of the mountains surrounding the compound. "Theys be back soon and I’m
in charge ‘til they come back.
I’m t’stay with you.” They
sat there for a few minutes in silence when Laurie asked, "Whose cabin
is this anyway?" "It's
Wheat's cabin," Kyle replied, "Well it's the leader's cabin and
since that's Wheat right now, it’s Wheat's." "Oh,"
Laurie said sounding surprised, "I guess I owe an apology to Wheat for
taking over his cabin and a thank you." "Nah,"
Kyle said, "It's for Heyes and Kid.
If theys here, it's their cabin." "But
Wheat's the leader," Laurie said looking confused. "Wheat's
the leader cause Heyes and Kid don't want it no more. It wasn't like they got replaced, they
gave it up," Kyle said as he turned his head and spit some tobacco into
the spittoon. "So,
this was their cabin when they ran things?" Laurie asked curiously. "Yep,"
Kyle replied adding more tobacco to his mouth. "Kid’s stayin’ in
Wheat's room, but it was Kid's room." "Who
stays in Heyes' old room?"
Laurie questioned. A
stunned look came over Kyle's face as he shook his head, "No one stays
in Heyes' room. That's Heyes'
room." "But,
he's not here anymore," Laurie said being very confused. "Don't
matter," Kyle replied.
"Heyes was the best leader we ever had. Wheat and him argued ‘bout it,
but even Wheat'll tell ya, Heyes is the best. That was Heyes' room then and it's
Heyes' room now." "What
about Kid?" Laurie asked. "He'd
tell ya it's Heyes' room too." "No,
I mean, wasn't he a leader too?"
Laurie said trying to understand. "Yeah,"
Kyle replied wondering what Laurie was confused about, "He and Heyes ran
everythin' together." "Then
why does Wheat stay in Kid's room and not Heyes?" Laurie finally asked. "Oh,"
Kyle nodded as he finally understood her question, "Kid was there but
it's Heyes who has the plans. Kid
backed Heyes up. Theys partners,
but it's Heyes who done the thinkin' and plannin'." "Who
sleeps in the bed that Heyes is in now, the one in the front room?" Laurie asked. "No
one. Wheat had the bed put there
last winter so he could be right next to the fire. He jes ain't moved it yet," Kyle
explained. Two
men approached the cabin, "Ma'am," they said, as the tipped their
hats. "Kyle do ya need
anythin’?" "Nope,"
Kyle said turning and spitting his tobacco. "Jes enjoyin' some fresh
air." "You
both helped carry Heyes into the cabin, didn't you?" Laurie asked, looking at the two men. "Yes
ma'am. I'm Lobo and this here is
Hank," Lobo said, introducing the two. "I'm
sorry, I'm sure you told me your names before, I just forgot. It was a little confusing and I
don't think I thanked you for your help.
Thank you," Laurie said with a smile. "Heck,"
Hank stated, "Anything for Heyes and the Kid." ***
From
the cabin a faint call was heard, "Hello." Laurie got up and excused herself as
she walked into the cabin.
"You're awake," she said as she walked over to the side of
Heyes' bed. "How
long have I been out?" Heyes
asked groggily. "Couple
hours," Laurie said as she carefully sat on the bed next to him. She felt his forehead for any signs of
fever; it was cool. "Can I
get you some water or food?" "Water
be good," Heyes said still trying to focus his eyes. "Relax
and don't strain yourself. You'll
get better, it's just going to take time," Laurie said and she got up to
get Heyes a glass of water. "Where's
Kid?" "He
and Wheat went to ‘look up top' I think Kyle said." Heyes
nodded as he took the water as he tried sitting up. The room began to spin and he laid his
head back down. "Take
it slow," Laurie said quietly. "You lost a lot of blood, if you
move too quickly you'll pass out." Kid
walked into the cabin followed by Wheat and Kyle, "She's right Heyes,
it's gonna take a while for you to get your strength back.” Kid walked over, pulled out the
whiskey bottle and poured three glasses and then jokingly
went to hand the bottle to Laurie. "I understand you don't need a glass,"
he said with a smirk on his face. "Very
funny," Laurie said playfully swatting him. "Where's
mine?" Heyes asked. "None,
for you. You lost too much
blood. Can't have any for a few
days," Kid replied. "Since you're back, I think I'll
go take a walk," Laurie stated. "Kyle,"
Heyes, Kid and Wheat called as Kyle was already standing up to go with
Laurie. "I
know, I know," Kyle assured as downed his glass of whiskey in one gulp. "This
really isn't necessary…" Laurie started. "Yes
it is," Heyes insisted. Kid
walked over to Laurie and gave her a kiss on the head, "Just humor us,
okay." "Fine. Kyle, why don't you show me around the
place?" Laurie said as she grabbed Kyle's arm and wrapped hers around
it. "Why
certainly," Kyle said with a smile that went ear to ear as he puffed out
his chest and walked towards the door.
Kyle showed Laurie around the compound. As they walked most of the men were
friendly. They didn't notice
the eyes of one lone occupant standing on the porch of the bunkhouse watching
every move they made. After
a long walk around the compound, they made their way back to the cabin. Walking into the cabin they saw Kid
and Wheat sitting on one side of Heyes with Lobo and Hank on the other
side.Heyes was propped up with
pillows and his lap was the table for the poker game they were playing. Laurie
smiled as she and Kyle walked over, "Feeling better?" Heyes
put his cards down and reached up and grabbed Laurie's hand, "Yes, how
was your walk?" "Fine,
it was nice to get out and walk around a little," she replied as she
stared into Heyes' eyes. He returned the gaze, as the rest of
the room got quiet. Wheat,
Kyle, Lobo and Hank watched in amazement, as they had never seen anyone have
the effect on Heyes that it appeared Laurie did. They wondered how this person could
have gotten to him when no one except Kid
ever got close to him. After
a few moments, Laurie asked, "How about I make something to
eat?" She broke her gaze
from Heyes and turned to the rest of the boys, "Hungry?" "Yes
ma'am," they eagerly responded. "Great. Kyle, can you help me get a few
supplies? I'll cook something for
everyone?" Laurie said as
she walked over to the kitchen area in the cabin. She looked in the cabinet and turned
to Wheat, "Guess you don't do much
cooking in here." "Naw,"
Wheat replied, "I go to the bunkhouse to eat." "Lobo,
Hank, Kyle might need some help gathering supplies. Do you mind?" she asked. Hank
and Lobo put their cards down and stood up. After
writing a few things down on a piece of paper, Laurie handed it to Kyle,
"See if you can get anything on the list. If not, bring back whatever you can
find and I'll make something."
Kyle
took the list and he, Hank and Lobo left to get the supplies. "Man,"
Wheat said shaking his head, "They never jumped so quickly for me when I
ask them to get supplies." "Laurie
has that affect on people," Kid said smiling. She
shook her head and rolled her eyes, "Did you ever think it could be
because someone offered to cook for them?" "True,"
Heyes interjected and then added, "Could be your cooking Wheat." "Could
be the fact that they think a woman's cooking is better than what they
usually get," Laurie stated. "Of course, it is blind faith. They
have no idea how good of a cook I am, or what I'm going to make." Wheat
turned to Heyes, "Smart woman you got there," and then added
sarcastically, "What she see in you?" "Wheat,"
Kid said with caution in his voice. "Wheat,"
Laurie said with force, "I need some water. Will you please get some?" Wheat
looked at Laurie, then he looked at Heyes and Kid, he really didn't know how
to respond to being told what to do by a woman. Yes, she did it in the form of a
question, but no, a response of no would not be accepted. He stood up, took the pail from
Laurie's hand and left the cabin. "Kid,"
Heyes chuckled, "I think I was wrong." "Wrong?"
Kid answered amused. "Yeah,"
Heyes continued, "I don't think I have to worry about Laurie." "Nope,"
Kid agreed, "Don't think WE do.
In fact, I think if we decided to stay, she would be the leader."
"Good,"
Laurie said with a smile, "Guess I don't need a body guard
anymore?" "Wrong!"
Heyes and Kid yelled in unison. Heyes continued, "You still don't
go anywhere without one of us.
Just because you can get Kyle, Hank, Lobo and Wheat to do what you
want, doesn't mean you can get everyone else. I'm not worried about you getting them
to do what you want; I'm worried about what they want to do with you. You don't leave this cabin without one
of us, understand?" Laurie
didn't respond. Heyes
said with more force, "Understand!" "Yes,"
Laurie said meekly, "I understand." ***
Kyle,
Lobo and Hank came back with the supplies, some on the list, some not and
Wheat brought the water. They
went back to playing poker while Laurie cooked. She made a big pot of stew and
biscuits. As the aroma began
to permeate the cabin, the boys began stirring in their seats, turning to
look at the simmering pot. The
game was getting very sloppy as their concentration was broken by the smell. Finally
Kid threw his cards in and stood up, "I can't play anymore; it smells so
darn good, I’m starvin’!
Laurie, how about a biscuit to hold me over?" he asked with a
puppy dog look on his face; a look that usually gother to
hand over something before the rest of the food was ready. "No."
Laurie scolded, "It will be done in a few minutes, go get washed
up. If I give you a biscuit then
I have to give everyone a biscuit."
The boys' faces all lit up at the prospect, as Laurie continued,
"Then we would have nothing
for dinner. Go get cleaned up and
I'll serve when everyone's cleaned up and sitting at the table." They
all jumped up, chairs flying backwards as they jostled with each other trying
to get out of the cabin door. Laurie stood there, shaking her head. Heyes chuckled and Laurie laughed as
she turned to look at Heyes, "The power
of food." "No,"
Heyes said and smiled as he held his hand out towards her, "The power of
Laurie! Even taming hardnosed
outlaws." Heyes laughed as
Laurie walked over to him, she grabbed his hand and sat on the bed next to
him. He reached up with his good arm and
cupped her chin, pulling her close and kissing her. "They’re
not hardnosed," Laurie mumbled as she stared into Heyes' eyes. "No,
but they like to think they are," Heyes responded, pulling Laurie into
another kiss, this one more passionate than the first. The
door to the cabin burst open as the boys came pushing in, tripping over each
other to get to the table. They
all came to an abrupt stop when they saw Heyes and Laurie kissing. "It's not on the table!" Kid
cried out; you could
almost hear his heart drop as he spoke.
Laurie
pulled away from Heyes smiling at him as she stood up and turned around,
"Have a seat, I just have to serve it." They jumped into seats and picked up
their forks; she shook her head.
As she started to serve, she asked,
"Did any of the cooks ever lose a hand while serving?" There
was no answer as the boys dug into the stew and biscuits. Laurie
made a plate for Heyes and brought it over to him. "Do you need help or can you
handle it today?" she asked. "I
think I can handle it today."
Heyes responded and took the plate from Laurie before asking,
"Where's yours? I haven't
seen you eat since we got here." "If
there is any left, I'll get some when everyone else is done," she
replied. "No,
you will eat now, or I won’t eat," Heyes stated firmly. "You
have to eat," Laurie responded, just as firmly. Kid
stood up, made a plate and walked it over to Laurie. "Here, eat!" Kid demanded. "Heyes is right,
you haven't been eatin’ and you have to keep up your strength
too." "You
don't have to go getting proddy Kid," Laurie said sheepishly. Kid
shook his head and went back to the table to eat. "Are
they always like that?"
Wheat asked. "Like
what?" Kid asked. "Arguin’
all the time," Wheat said. "Pretty
much," Kid mumbled as he continued eating. "Jeez,
Laurie's just like Heyes," Kyle announced and smiled as he inhaled his
food. "Another
Heyes." Wheat sighed and rolled his eyes, "When's he gonna be
strong enough to leave?" "Not
soon enough!" Heyes called out. ***
They
finished dinner and as the dishes were being cleaned Laurie turned to
Heyes,"Let's move you into the side bedroom." "I'm
fine, I don't want to bother you at night if I not sleeping," he
responded. "You're
not going to bother me," Laurie stated, "I'm staying with you in
here or in the bedroom." "There's
no bed in here for you," Heyes stated. "Didn't
matter last night, not going to matter tonight." "You
slept in here last night?" "Slept
in the same room as a woman and didn't even know it," Wheat snickered. "I
was shot yesterday, Wheat!"
Heyes yelled. Turning to
Laurie, he asked quietly, "Where’dyou sleep?" Laurie
walked over to the side of Heyes' bed and sat carefully on the side. "I sat on the floor," she
said, then taking her hand and touching his good shoulder, she continued
"and I rested my head here."
She looked into his eyes
and smiled. "I
don't want you sitting on the floor all night," Heyes said softly as he
returned her gaze. "It's
only until you have your strength.
I recall someone not leaving the side of my bed for four or five
days," Laurie said as she let her hand glide over his shoulder. The
boys all looked at each other; Kid nodded, indicating he would explain
later. He stepped towards Heyes,
"How ‘bout if I help Heyes into the bedroom. Then the boys can move this bed in
there too. That way, Laurie won't
be sittin’ on the floor and everyone doesn't have to leave or be quiet
when Heyes is sleepin’." "Sounds
like a plan," Heyes said starting to sound tired, "Except I don't
need help, I can do it myself."
He sat up and swung his feet to the floor. His face turned white as the whole
room seemed to spin rapidly around him.
"Okay,
maybe I could use a little help." Kid
walked over placed his arm around Heyes' waist and helped him up and into the
bedroom. Once he was in bed, the
others moved the bed from the front room. They placed it next to Heyes'. "Thank
you. Now, if you'll excuse us, I
think I should give Heyes a shave and he should get to bed. So run along to the bunkhouse. Oh, and I'll be staying in so there is
no need to post a guard," Laurie stated. ***
The
next few days were fairly quiet.
Laurie mostly stayed in the cabin with Heyes. Whenever she ventured out, one of the
boys went with her. Heyes was regaining
his strength and was sleeping less.
With Kid’s help, he would
even venture out into the big room of the cabin. Laurie's cooking was the talk of the
compound as they all tried to get an invitation to dinner. Kid kept watch over the pair and an eye
on the rest of the occupants of Devil’s
Hole. From
all indications, the remaining men of the posse were clearing out. With any luck, Kid thought, Heyes
would have enough of his strength back in a week to get out of there. Nothing had happened, but even Kid
felt an uneasiness;
a feeling that he had never before felt in the compound. He had made it a point to meet most of
the new boys but there were still one or two that were never around when he
was. *** The
fourth morning started the same as the past few; water had been brought in
the night before so Laurie could start coffee and breakfast before anyone
else was awake. As it was almost
done, Wheat and Kyle showed up
at the door. Kid would protest
and Laurie would invite them for breakfast. At this point, Heyes had enough
strength to get himself slowly out of bed and sit at the table with the
others. After
breakfast, most of the occupants of the Hole would leave to get supplies or
do chores in the area. Others
would be on look out duty which left only a few men remaining in the
compound. Wheat
and Kid were set to ride up top again to check the area out. Jack Packer had been known to make it
look like the posse had left, only to come back in a day or two when he
figured his intended target would have relaxed
a little. He had captured
many unsuspecting outlaws that way and Kid was going to make sure he and
Heyes didn't fall into the same trap.
The men going for supplies also looked for any indication Packer and
his men
were still in the area. After
breakfast the men left the compound.
Kyle stayed with Laurie and Heyes. He had been appointed Laurie's
bodyguard; which was okay with Laurie as she really did like Kyle and could
see how much Kyle liked Heyes
and Kid. It was okay with Kyle
because he liked Laurie and as long as he was her bodyguard, he was eating
Laurie's cooking. Since
the compound was going to basically be empty, it was agreed that Kyle could
help move some heavy debris and branches on the other side of the compound as
long as Laurie stayed in the cabin.
If she wanted to leave
the cabin, Laurie was supposed to call for him from the porch. As the morning became afternoon and
Heyes had gone back to sleep, Laurie was feeling a little stir crazy. This was the fourth day she had stayed
in the cabin with Heyes. She
stayed initially because he needed her and she needed
to be there for him. But as he
gained his strength back, she thought it would be nice to be outside for a
while. She checked on Heyes and
saw he was resting peacefully.
She opened the door of the cabin and stepped
onto the porch. She was about to
call for Kyle when she looked around the compound and there wasn't a soul in
it. It was perfectly quiet. She
didn't see the eyes watching her from the clump of trees near the cabin. Wouldn't
it be wonderful just to take a short walk without someone watching every step
you took? She thought and decided to go get water by herself. If she felt she needed to go further,
she would call for Kyle. Laurie grabbed
a bucket and went to get the water.
She stood there for a moment looking around. It was so quiet in the compound it
sent a shiver up her spine. She
quickly looked around to see if anyone was there and was about
to yell for Kyle when she decided she was imagining things. As she turned and started back to the
cabin she saw him for the first time.
He
stepped out from behind a tree about five feet in front of her. When he saw her, he acted as startled
as she was. "Excuse me
ma'am," the man said, "I almost drew on you. I thought everyone was gone." "You
certainly scared me," Laurie stated. "Were did you come from?"
"Over
by the pond," the man answered. "Well have a good day," he
said as he tipped his hat. ***
Heyes
rolled over and opened his eyes.
He called out "Laurie" but there was no response. He could feel a breeze coming into the
cabin and decided she must be sitting on the porch. Slowly, he got up and started towards the
open front door. He stopped for a
second and went back and put his gun belt on. He didn't know why; it just seemed
like the thing to do. He
continued slowly to the door of the cabin. Kyle,
Hank, Lobo, and a few other men were done moving the large branches that had
come down in the last storm and were blocking one of the trails. They started to head back to the main
part of the compound. Kid
and Wheat were finished checking in with the lookouts. They had seen the riders ride out for
supplies without any indication Jack Packer was still in the area. They were on their way back to the
compound and hopefully
some of Laurie's cooking. *** Laurie
sighed quietly and took a step forward as the man moved across her path. She smiled put her head down, moving
with determination.She knew Heyes would be mad if he found out that she had
been off the porch by
herself. She decided he was right
and there were men there that could possibly be trouble. This man in particular gave Laurie the
creeps. Just
as she was about to pass his back, he abruptly turned around and grabbed her
arm. "I don't take kindly to
no woman ignoring me or a woman who gives orders," he barked. "I
don't know what you mean sir, but you are hurting me. Kindly remove your hand," Laurie
said, trying to stay calm while looking to see if anyone else was around. "I
told you to stop when you got here and you told me you had to get your
precious Hannibal Heyes off the horse.
Then you start barking orders.
You have no right to tell us what to do." Noticing that Laurie was looking around
the compound, "keep lookin'," he seethed, "there's no one here
to protect you. Should’ve
listened to your wonderful Hannibal Heyes and not left the cabin by
yourself." Laurie
realized this meeting was not an accident. "Please let go of me," she
said."Heyes and Kid are going to be really mad when they find out you
hurt me."
The
man laughed, "It will be too late when Heyes and Curry get
here." He laughed and shook
his head, "They're gonna to pay for what they did to me and my
boys." "They
haven't done anything to you," Laurie said as she struggled with the
man. Kyle
and the others were just entering the compound from the far side. "Who's that with Laurie?"
Lobo asked pointing in the distance. "Oh,
jeez!" Kyle yelled and started to run towards Laurie; the others
followed. Heyes
finally got to the front door and leaned on it for a moment to catch his
breath. He looked up and saw
Laurie struggling with someone.
He knew the person but it took a second for it to click who he was,
"Ribs, let her
go!" he yelled. Ribs
held tight but was surprised by Heyes' voice, "Well, well, look what the
cat dragged in. You finally got
yourself out of bed now didn't you." "Ribs,"
Heyes responded in a stern voice, his eyes were black and his lips were thin,
"Let go of her!" "Not
on your life," Ribs said and laughed, "well actually, not on her
life! No one else is around; you
can't even stand by yourself Heyes.
Watcha gonna do to me?"
Ribs drew his gun and fired towards Heyes. Heyes
responded as soon as he saw Ribs flinch. Laurie
screamed. Kid
and Wheat heard the shots as they were coming around the corner and rode fast
with guns drawn towards Laurie. "Wow!"
Kyle exclaimed, "Heyes, you're as fast as Kid! Did you see that Lobo? Heyes jes beat
Stuckey? He's as fast as
Kid!" Laurie
pulled away from Ribs when he was hit and ran to Heyes. "Are you okay?" she
asked. "Did he hit
you?" Her voice shaky as her
eyes searched his body. He
reached out and pulled her into a tight hug. “I'm fine," Heyes said,
"He missed." He stood
holding Laurie as tight as he could. Kyle
was still yakking away when Kid and Wheat rode in. "Kid, Wheat," Kyle
exclaimed, "You shoulda seen it!" Kyle turned to Kid, "Heyes was as
fast as you!" "Almost,"
Heyes called out from the porch where he held Laurie who was shaking
uncontrollably. "Always
has been," Kid stated as fact.
He looked over towards the man lying face down in the dirt. "What happened?" "Stuckey
was grabbing Laurie and Heyes told him to let go, but he wouldn't," Kyle
said. "‘Cept Heyes kept callin’ him somethin’
different." Turning to
Heyes, "What ja call him?" "Ribs,"
Heyes replied, "Kid, it's Ribs from Junction City." Kid
rolled the man over and shook his head.
"Guess that's why Stuckey was never around when I was
lookin’ for him. He knew I
would recognize him." "How'd
you know him?" Wheat asked. "Shot
a Sheriff in Junction City a while back.
We helped catch him and put him away," Kid stated. "He wasn't exactly happy with
us. Must have broken out of jail
again." Three
shots and the sound of horses running were heard. The group of men coming back with the
supplies came flying into the compound.
One of them yelled out, "Posse's still out there. Almost caught us by the big
tree." Heyes
stepped forward on the porch, "Kid," he called out, "Tie Ribs
to the saddle and send him out.
Put a note on him saying who he is, maybe they'll be happy with one
reward and get out of here."
Heyes turned, walked Laurie
into the cabin and shut the door behind him. "Wheat,"
Kid said. "Got
it," Wheat replied, "Go!
Man, can the two of you ever be separated for five minutes?" Kid smiled, patted Wheat on the back
and walked to the cabin. Heyes
was standing holding Laurie close when Kid walked into the cabin. "Everyone okay?" Kid asked. "Yeah,"
Heyes said quietly. Laurie
lifted her head off of Heyes' chest, "I'm sorry, I really am." "Shhh,"
Heyes said rubbing Laurie's back, "I know." "I
didn't think anyone was around. I
looked, I checked. There was no
one. I was only getting water and
coming right back. That's why the
door was open," her voice trembled as she explained, "If I would
have seen him, I
would have called for Kyle or waited for Kyle to come back. I really did check. He said he wanted to make you
pay." "I
believe you," Heyes said, "I don't think it was an accident. I think he planned it. Kid met all the other new guys and
they all seemed fine. Never met
Ribs because he knew Kid would recognize him." Kid
walked over and poured three glasses of whiskey. He brought them over to Heyes and
Laurie, "Here," he said as he handed them each a glass. Heyes and Kid drank theirs in one
gulp; Laurie just stared at her glass.
"Heyes,"
she said so quietly they could barely hear her, "You were right. I don't belong in your world. I didn't listen to you and because I
didn't, I got a man killed.
Worse, he could have killed you.
I'm sorry." Laurie walked
over to the table and set the drink down. "I think I need to be alone for a
little while." She walked
into the bedroom and closed the door.
Kid
looked at Heyes; he was extremely pale, "Heyes sit down. She'll be okay, just give her a few
minutes. Sit down now before you
pass out. You need to take it
easy Heyes
sat down in the chair and handed Kid his glass indicating he wanted another
one. "I
don't know if that's a good idea.
Remember, you lost a lot of blood a couple days ago." "Kid,"
Heyes said calmly, "I just killed a man. Granted he was supposed to hang, but
my bullet killed him. I need
another drink." The
events that had just happened came flooding back into Kid's mind. He was always the one who protected
Heyes. Heyes rarely ever had to
pull his gun let alone use it. It
was always Kid's job to use his gun.
Heyes had
killed for the first time.
It was just, and the man would have hanged if he was caught, but
still, it was Heyes' bullet that killed him. Kid walked over, picked up the bottle
poured Heyes another drink then sat down in the chair
next to him and had another too. "You
okay Heyes?" Kid asked. "Yeah
Kid," his partner said quietly, "I'm okay. Did what I had to do. I would do it for you too." He turned and looked at his cousin,
"You know that don't you. I
would only do that for you and Laurie.” "I
know.” There
was a knock on the door and Wheat and Kyle walked in. "All taken care of," Wheat
said. "Tied him to his
horse, put a note on him and sent him out. I have the lookouts reporting back to
me as soon as they see anything. We'll find out if the posse takes him
and runs or stays around."
Wheat looked around the room, "Where's Laurie?" "She's
in the bedroom," Kid replied. "Heyes,"
Kyle said as he took a step forward but continued to look at the ground,
"I'm real sorry I weren't there.
I didn't hear her call me." "She
didn't call you Kyle," Heyes said. Kyle looked up at him. "It's not your fault," Heyes
assured. "We all agreed that you should go move the debris. Laurie was supposed to stay
inside." "Thanks
Heyes, but I still think I should have been with her," Kyle replied. "Kyle,
Ribs wanted to get us back for gettin’ him and his boys caught. If it wasn't now, I'm sure he would
have tried somethin’ before we left. Even if you were here, with everyone
else gone, I think he would have liked the odds. He could have killed you to get to
Laurie," Kid stated.
"She said she looked around and didn't see anyone. He was hidin’ and waitin’. What happened, happened, but now it's
over. Everyone is alright." They
sat there for a few minutes in silence when Kyle spoke up, "Heyes, can I
ask ya a question?" "What
Kyle?" Heyes responded. "If
you've always been as fast as Kid, how come you never done that before?"
"Almost
as fast," Heyes corrected then added, "Never had to, Kid's always
been there." He finished his
drink and stood up, "I'm going to go check on Laurie." He gave a pat to Kid's shoulder and
went into the bedroom. *** Laurie
was standing in the middle of the room facing the back wall when Heyes walked
in. He walked over to her and put
his hands around her waist and pulled her close to him. He kissed her neck and leaned
his head against
hers as they stood looking at the back wall. "Whatcha looking at?" Heyes
whispered in her ear. A
small smile appeared on Laurie's face, "Nothing," she quietly
responded. "Good,"
Heyes whispered back. "I thought the whiskey was affecting my eyesight
‘cause I didn't see anything." He could feel a little shudder in
Laurie and feel a smile form on her cheeks. "I love you," he whispered. "I
know," she responded, "I love you too." Heyes
could feel the side of his face getting wet as he heard quiet whimpers from
Laurie. He took his good arm and
pulled her around so she was facing him.
He wiped the tears from her face and leaned in to kiss her. "I need
you," he said as he lightly kissed her lips. She
trembled, "I need you too."
Laurie looked at him and saw how pale he was. "Heyes, you need to
lie down. You're over exerting
yourself." "I'll
lie down if you lie down with me." "You
need to rest," Laurie pleaded. "I
will. With you," Heyes stated weakly. "Okay,
lie down. I'll lie down in my bed." "No,
together," he said and pulled her down with him as he sat on the
bed. "I need you next to
me." The
two of them lay down together with Heyes holding Laurie. Before he drifted off to sleep, he
whispered into her ear, "You do belong in my world." *** Heyes,
Kid and Laurie stayed in Devil's Hole for another week. The posse had taken Ribs and
left. There were no other signs
of them. Heyes got stronger every
day. Kyle told everyone over and
over again how fast Heyes
really was. Laurie became
everyone's little sister and could barely have a second let alone a minute by
herself. She began cooking all
the meals in the bunkhouse for everyone.
Finally,
Heyes was strong enough to ride and they decided they would leave in the
morning. When Kid asked Heyes,
"Before breakfast?" the rest of the occupants of the compound
looked as crushed as he did. Heyes
replied, "After breakfast." Laurie
cooked breakfast for everyone then went around and received hugs from all of
the boys. When she got to Kyle,
he took off his hat, kissed Laurie's cheek and gave her a hug. "I'll miss you Mrs. Heyes,"
he said with a
smile and kissed her cheek again.
Laurie
smiled and placed her hand on Kyle's cheek, "I'll miss you too
Kyle." Then she gave him a kiss on the cheek that made him blush. As
they mounted their horses Wheat said, "You're welcome here anytime. That includes you Laurie." "Thanks
Wheat," Heyes said with a smile. "Wheat,"
Kid said tipping his hat. They
rode out of Devil's Hole firing three shots in the air. The rest of the journey back to Small
Falls was quiet and uneventful.
Just the way they liked it. |
|