Twisted Past

By Cristy
Copyright 2001

Christy Tunstall laid the newspaper aside and sighed. The paper slid from the table where it lay and landed with a small thump on the wooden floor. The article that caused Christy’s sigh landed face up and when she glanced at it, she didn’t even need to read the headline to know what it said. She already had the entire article memorized, although admittedly it was just a couple of paragraphs.

“Notorious Gunfighter Shot to Death in Saloon” read the headline. “Jimmy”, she sighed again. “Legendary Marshall ‘Wild Bill’ James Butler Hickok was shot to death while playing cards in a saloon in the Dakota territories. Apprehended shortly after the shooting was local town worker, Jack McCall, who admitted to shooting Hickok, but declined to give a reason. Hickok, who earned his legendary nickname in….”

Christy stopped reading. She didn’t need to know how “Wild Bill” Hickok had earned his nickname because she had heard the story from the infamous man himself. If fate hadn’t worked in funny ways, she might have been there to witness his death firsthand. It was sad that someone who had once meant everything in the world to her had drifted away until she felt she hardly knew him at all.

Had she ever really known James Butler Hickok? Yes, she thought she had, if only for a brief moment in time. She could still remember the sound of his voice, the touch of his hand, the way he would duck his head when he revealed the tender side he tried so hard to hide. That tender side was the part of him Christy had loved best because it would have been so easy for it to have died in him. Jimmy’s reputation caused him much heartache. He had to be careful of everybody because he never knew if someone was a friend or an enemy.

“A man sends someone to kill me, I make it my problem.”, his voice rang in her head.

“Oh, Jimmy”, she thought, “I guess you won’t have anymore problems now.”

Christy sat back down in her wooden rocking chair. Almost without noticing, she began to rock and with each squeak of the rocker, she let her mind slip further and further into the past. A single tear slid down her slightly wrinkled cheek as she thought of a young man with brown eyes and a penchant for trouble and a young girl with then smooth cheeks and a heart aching with love….

For many years Christy Tunstall had felt like a lost soul. As far back as she could remember, she had belonged to no one but herself. Even back in Virginia, during her happier times, she had always understood that she didn’t belong, nor was she really wanted. It was true that her Aunt Martha had loved her, and Christy was as close to her cousins as any brothers and sisters, but Uncle Thomas never let Christy forget that she was a freeloader, completely dependent upon his generosity for her care. Of course, Uncle Thomas’ generosity didn’t reach very far.

Then Christy had met Charles Tunstall and Harry Turner. Finally, she had not one, but two people who needed her and cared for her. Charles Tunstall was a bachelor with no use for a wife. Instead of matrimony, he chose to take in orphans and numerous strays to help him with his various chores. Christy herself had come to stay on the farm four years earlier. Charles Tunstall had found her standing outside a store. She had been looking in a window debating on trying to steal a couple of canned goods that beckoned her from inside. Christy’s money, which hadn’t been much to start with, had dwindled to nothing two days before.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”, said a voice from behind her.

Christy turned and looked at the gentleman with annoyance. “Well, you ain’t me.”

“There could be an easier way, you know.” He insisted.

“Yes, I suppose if I walked in there and asked, someone would just give me something to eat?”, she rolled her eyes sarcastically.

“As a matter of fact, I would.”, the man obviously wasn’t going to give up. “In addition, I would be willing to provide room and board in exchange for your labor.”

Christy started walking away. “No thanks, I ain’t that kind of girl.”

“Am not.” He stated.

She stopped, “What?”

“I am not that kind of girl.”

The man was really beginning to irritate her. “So now you’re giving me lessons in English?”

The man let out a chuckle. “Well, if you need them…. Now, if you will let me explain, I’m not proposing anything improper, I assure you. I run a small farm outside of town and I am a bachelor. I’ve hired several young gentlemen to help me with the manual labor, but I would like to enlist the assistance of a young woman to help with the cooking. My talents with the skillet are, shall we say, limited? In exchange for your help, I will provide a roof over your head and a reasonable wage until you can provide other means for yourself.”

“And how do you know I need anyplace to stay?” She eyed him suspiciously.

The man glanced at her ragged clothing. “My guess is, if you had a place to go, you wouldn’t need to steal from local storekeepers.”

She couldn’t think of anyway to respond, so she kept silent.

The man offered his hand. “Charles Tunstall. Do we have an agreement?”

Christy reluctantly shook his hand. “My name’s Christy. As long as you understand, I’m free to go when I want to, I’m looking for someone, and don’t plan to stick around long.”

“Agreed.” The man led her to his wagon, and Christy’s plan not to stick around long turned into four years. She grew to love the old man in a fatherly way, and when he suggested she take his name and become his daughter, she didn’t fight it much.

Christy had been living under Charles’ care for three years when Harry showed up. “Blackjack” Harry Turner was busy earning his nickname in the town’s only saloon, when two cardsharps by the name of Brooks and Dixon arrived. Within minutes, they sat down to play cards with Harry, accused him of cheating, and were about to shoot him when Charles Tunstall happened by. Charles cleverly managed to divert the attention of the two men and led Harry to safety. Soon after, Harry Turner joined the small family on the farm.

With his curly black hair and laughing brown eyes, Harry instantly captured Christy’s attention. It didn’t take her long to figure out she wasn’t the only one smitten with Harry. All the girls in town giggled and blushed whenever he walked by. Christy quickly gave up. She knew she didn’t have a chance with Harry with so much competition.

For almost a year, life proceeded quietly. Christy and Harry were hesitant with each other at first, but soon enough their shyness gave way, and they became the best of friends. Out for a ride one day, Harry leaned across her horse and planted a swift but firm kiss on Christy’s lips. She was so surprised she didn’t have time to stop him, not that she would have.

“What was that for?”, she asked, her eyes wide.

“Just wanted to see if you’d let me.” Harry’s grin was quick and sure.

“Well, I wouldn’t”, she paused, “if you were to try it again.”

Harry’s grin became wider and he accepted the challenge. Once again he firmly kissed Christy’s mouth, but this time he wasn’t so quick about it. “I reckon you’re a liar, Miss Tunstall.”

Christy could feel herself blushing. Not wanting Harry to see how breathless he had left her, she quickly urged her horse into a gallop. “That’s all right, I can still outride you any day.”

Harry whooped with laughter and chased after her. They raced all the way back to the farm. Christy, who still held the lead, suddenly pulled her horse to a stop. Harry was about to ask her why she had stopped when he noticed the plumes of black smoke rising from the main farmhouse. Christy looked at him with wide, frightened eyes. Without another word, they galloped the remaining distance. In the front yard, Harry jumped down from his horse without bothering to tie him and ran inside. Christy quickly followed.

“Charles!” Harry frantically called, running from room to room.

Christy felt she couldn’t move. She stood inside the door, choking from the thick, black smoke. “Harry! Charles!”

Suddenly, Harry came running past her with Charles slung over his shoulder. “Christy, come help me, he’s hurt!”

Christy dropped to her knees in the grass where Harry had laid Charles. “Is he--?”, she didn’t dare finish her question.

In response to her question, Charles began coughing and struggling to breathe. “Charles?”, she asked weakly.

He grasped her outstretched hand. “My dearest Christy.”

Harry gently touched the old man’s shoulder. “What happened, Charles?”

“The boys went into town…” Charles broke off as he began coughing again. He struggled to speak. “Brooks….Dixon.”

Harry stared. “Brooks and Dixon? You mean them two lying, cheating bandits that accused me of cheating in cards? That was over a year ago….”

Charles managed a weak smile. “ I guess they don’t forgive and forget. They finally figured out you were here and came looking for you. I wouldn’t tell them where you were…” his voice trailed off.

“This is my fault, then. I knew I should have finished ‘em when I had the chance” Harry’s eyes began to tear up.

“Shhh”, Charles said weakly. “It doesn’t matter….”

“Charles?” Christy whispered. “Charles?”

And so on a cold December day, Christy, Harry, and the other band of misfits Charles Tunstall had taken in over the years, stood somberly by as the preacher spoke and Charles’ coffin was lowered into the ground.

“I’m going to look for the bandits that did this to Charles.” Harry stated as he strapped on his gun belt. It was right after the funeral and without the gentle guidance from their father figure the ragged group looked lost. What should they do now?

“Harry, no!” Christy exclaimed. “What good would that do? Charles is dead, and if you go looking for them, you will be, too.”

Harry’s brown eyes flashed. “I won’t let them get away with this! Someone has to avenge Charles’ death, and that someone is me!”

“And what about me?” Christy asked softly. “What about us?”

Harry looked away. “I’m sorry. I’ll come for you when I’m finished.”

Christy heard nothing from Harry for nearly three weeks. She moved into the small bunkhouse, since the fire had heavily damaged the main house. She had been trying to hold Charles’ little farm together, but she was all alone. All the boys who had lived at the farm had drifted off without Charles around. Late one night, she extinguished the lantern and slowly made her way to bed. She heard a knock at the door and stiffened. Who would knock on the door at this time of night? It didn’t take long for word to spread that she was a woman tending a farm alone, so trouble could be expected.

She grabbed Charles’ rifle from its place beside her bed and cautiously tiptoed back to the front door. She tried looking out the small window to the left of the door, but saw nothing but darkness.

“Who’s there?” She called, trying to sound braver than she felt.

“It’s me, open up!” The voice answered.

Christy threw open the door. “Harry?!”

Indeed, there stood Harry Turner, although at first she didn’t recognize him. His clothes were torn and dirty. There was a small cut beneath his eye and his arm was bandaged and in a sling. Mostly what she noticed though was the overpowering smell of alcohol on him. Harry was drunk.

“Harry, what happened?” she asked, quietly.

He didn’t answer; instead he pushed past her into the house.

Christy hesitantly followed him. “Are you hurt bad?”

Harry sank into a chair in the kitchen and rested his head against his hand. Christy leaned the gun in a corner, she wasn’t sure what to say. What had happened? Harry appeared as if he might cry. Just as she thought it, Harry did begin to cry. Big racking sobs shook his body.

“What’s wrong, Harry?” Christy approached him and laid a hand gently on his shoulder.

He slapped her hand away with his good arm and looked at her mournfully.

She stared at him. “You did it, didn’t you? You killed those two men who killed Charles?”

Harry was silent, he just continued to look at her. “Was it worth it?” She asked.

Harry ducked his head, when he spoke, it was in a whisper. “I ain’t never killed nobody before, Christy.”

Christy was silent, waiting for him to go on.

“They deserved to die.” His voice began to crack. “Oh, God…”

“Harry…” Christy tried to approach him again.

“Get away from me!” He cried. “I shouldn’t have come here! I can’t be with you, Christy, find someone else!"

Harry ran past her and out the door. Christy stared out the door into the black night where he disappeared. “Harry!” She cried.

Christy waited three months, but she didn’t hear from Harry again. The little bit of money Charles had saved was rapidly diminishing, and so were her options. She felt smothered in the small bunkhouse, choked with memories of Charles and Harry and happier times. Just when she thought she had found a little bit of happiness, it all came crashing down around her.

One morning when Christy awoke, the sadness seemed to weigh her down so much it was hard to move. She debated for an hour over what to do, then she began to gather her things together. When she was finished, she went to the barn and saddled her favorite horse, Glory. She rode to the top of a small hill overlooking the farm and turned to look back.

Only a few months ago, Christy had heard word that her cousin was in Rock Creek working for the Pony Express. She tried to write to him, but kept tearing up the letters. It had been five years since she had seen him and she wasn’t sure how to say what she was feeling. Especially after the way they had parted…maybe he wouldn’t even want to see her again. So she put off contacting her cousin until now. Maybe he wouldn’t be happy to see her, but he was all Christy had left. With another sad glance at the farm, Christy turned her horse and headed for the town of Rock Creek.

Christy rode for days, only stopping to let her horse rest. She avoided any people she saw, not wanting to attract attention to the fact that she was a woman travelling alone. She finally stopped about a day’s ride from Rock Creek and made camp. Earlier, she had passed the settlement of Blue Creek but decided against staying in town. She didn’t have the money for a hotel room, and besides, she really wasn’t in the mood for company.

She built a small fire and heated some of the canned beans she had brought with her. She ate without really tasting the food. Tomorrow, with any luck, she would see her cousin. Would he still remember her? Christy was so lost in thought, she never noticed two shadows creeping towards her in the dark.

“Just keep real still, missy, and you won’t get hurt.”

The voice startled Christy out of her thoughts. She briefly thought of running for her horse, but decided against it when she saw the two men both pointing a gun at her. She had brought along Charles’ old rifle, but it was still tied onto the horse, and hardly of any use.

She slowly raised her hands in the air and tried to observe her captors. The younger of the two quickly grabbed the reins to her horse and began to go through her saddlebag. He had long dirty blond hair and a big wad of tobacco in his mouth, which he frequently paused in his scrounging, long enough to spit out a big stream of juice.

The older man continued to point his gun at her while grinning leeringly. “What’s a gal purty as you doing travelling alone, now?”

Christy refused to answer him, figuring anything she said could only make the situation worse.

The men said nothing else as they continued to search her belongings. Soon, the younger seemed to give up in disgust. “Shoot, Jim, she ain’t got nothing.”

Jim looked at her steadily. “Now why would a young thang like you be travelling by yourself?”

The other man looked around nervously, “Maybe it’s because she ain’t alone.”

Jim glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, what if whoever she’s with is just gone huntin’ for a varmint.”

This thought seemed to make both men nervous and Christy did nothing to sway their opinion. Evidently the men hadn’t been watching her long, or they would know that she was alone.

Jim seemed to be thinking things over. “Maybe we’d better skin out, Joe.”

Joe seemed to readily agree. He swung up onto his saddle, looking down at Christy. “What we gonna do with her?”

Without giving Joe an answer, Jim walked his horse over to Christy’s side, and using the butt of his gun, whacked her solidly in the head. She fell to the ground in a heap. “Get her horse.”, Jim said.

The two riders galloped off.

Jimmy Hickok had thought making the trip to Blue Creek with Cody would be a good little excursion. Two days with no corral repair to be done, no chopping wood for Rachel, and a little peace and quiet. Or so he thought. True enough, little work was required of him; all the two riders had to do was deliver an important letter concerning a gold shipment to the mayor of Blue Creek. The letter was the easy part; listening to Billy Cody’s mouth throughout the entire trip was another story entirely. Jimmy’s head ached because of Cody’s endless rambling.

“Jimmy? Jimmy, are you listenin’ to me?”

“Cody, how can I help but listen to you? You’ve got the loudest mouth in the dern territory.” Jimmy snapped.

“Well, I got lots to say, and I don’t want you to miss any of it.” Billy grinned. “I figure I’m the best shot at an education you got, Hickok.”

Jimmy cut his eyes at his best friend. “If you’re the only shot at an education I got, I’ll take my chances without it.”

The sparring was nothing unusual between the two riders. From the first day they met, James Butler Hickok and William F. Cody competed at everything, from shooting skills to women; nothing was too small or large to argue over. Cody’s laid-back, easygoing ways irritated Jimmy no end because Jimmy was as impatient and hot-tempered as his friend was relaxed. They were as different in looks as personalities. Cody was blonde headed and blue-eyed, while Jimmy had long dark hair and brown eyes. Jimmy and Cody believed that opposites attracted for nothing else could explain their friendship.

After two days of listening to Cody however, Jimmy was about to forget about friendship. His ears seemed to ring with Cody’s voice. “Cody, can’t you shut up a minute? A body can’t think with all that talking.”

Cody, who had actually been quiet for a moment, looked hurt. “What’s eatin’ you?”

Jimmy was silent. He figured anything he said would only add fuel to Cody’s fire. He scanned the horizon, ever watchful. Although the ride to Blue Creek was normally a peaceful one, Jimmy knew it didn’t pay to get too comfortable. “Watch your back”, was probably one of Teaspoon’s favorite sayings to his group of young riders.

Jimmy and Cody, along with Kid, Ike, Buck, Lou, and Noah all worked for the Pony Express. They lived together in a small bunkhouse in Rock Creek under the supervision of Marshall Teaspoon Hunter. While probably not ever known for his cleanliness, Teaspoon was looked up to by all the riders. Whenever some fatherly advice was needed, Teaspoon was glad to help out. Even if his advice weren’t wanted, he would usually put in his two cents worth. If it was womanly advice the riders seeked, they sought out Rachel Dunne, the stationmistress and cook.

Jimmy continued to observe his surroundings, mostly ignoring Cody’s continuous chatter. Wait, what was that? Jimmy almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. In the distance he could just make out something white against the ground.

“Cody, do you see that?” Jimmy cut his friend off midstream.

Cody squinted his blues eyes in the direction Jimmy pointed. He, too, could barely discern a white shape in the distance. “What do you think it is?”

Jimmy shook his head, he wasn’t sure, but he had a bad feeling.

Cautiously the two riders began to approach. As they got closer, they could clearly see the shape was a person, a girl in fact, lying on the ground.

Cody slowed his horse to a stop. “Psst, Jimmy.” He whispered.

Irritated, Jimmy stopped to look back at his friend. “What?”

“What if it’s a trap” He motioned with his head toward the still figure.

Jimmy knew what Cody meant. The girl could be a decoy, faking an injury, while someone else hid in the trees, waiting for a chance to attack an unsuspecting helpful stranger. Without speaking, both men drew their guns and began to approach again. Jimmy reached the girl first. He climbed down from his horse and squatted beside her. He gently shook her shoulder as Cody stood watch. The girl made no response so Jimmy eased her carefully onto her back.

The first thing he noticed was the large gash at her forehead. The blood had dried into her hairline, staining her blonde locks darker. There was also a small cut on her lip that caused it to swell. The next thing he saw was despite her disheveled appearance, the girl was quite pretty.

Her hair was a dark blonde; long strands of it escaped the bun secured in the back. Her skin was fair and sprinkled with freckles. She looked to be in her early twenties. Jimmy noted that she was wearing men’s clothing and had no wedding band.

“Is she alive?” Cody interrupted Jimmy’s appraisal of the young lady.

Jimmy removed his glove to feel for a pulse. “Yeah, she’s breathing.”

Cody bents down to examine the girl closer. “Reckon what she’s doing out here all alone?”

“I don’t know, but one thing’s for sure, whoever left her out here may come back, and judgin’ from the looks of her, I don’t think they’re too friendly.” Jimmy began to gather the girl into his arms.

“What are you going to do with her?” Cody asked.

Jimmy grunted as he hoisted her weight over his saddle. “I’m takin’ her to Teaspoon, he’ll know what to do.”

Jimmy and Cody climbed onto their saddles and galloped home toward Rock Creek.

The first thing Christy Tunstall became aware of as she gradually regained consciousness was that the ground had gotten a lot softer. Ever since she left the farm, she’d had a horrible time trying to sleep on the rocky ground. Now it felt as if she were laying on a feather bed, she was so comfortable. Christy figured she must have been dreaming she felt so warm and cozy. She struggled to stay asleep, not wanting the feeling to end. Despite her efforts, she felt herself drift towards waking. She reluctantly opened her eyes and quickly decided maybe she wasn’t awake after all.

She was lying in a large wrought iron bed, beneath a heavy quilt. Sunlight streamed through the windows and splashed patches across the quilt. She struggled to sit up and that’s when she noticed she wasn’t alone. A pretty blonde headed woman rose from the rocking chair in the corner of the room, where she had been quietly knitting.

The woman came closer and laid her cool hand against Christy’s forehead. The woman looked to be in her early forties, but the years hadn’t taken away any of her prettiness. Her wide blue eyes were concerned as she glanced over her patient. “Well, I see you’re finally awake. You’ve had us pretty worried.”

Christy looked around for something familiar. If only she didn’t feel so tired, maybe she could figure out what happened to her. "Where am I?”

The woman smiled. “I’m Rachel, and you’re in Rock Creek. Do you remember how you got here?”

Christy lay back against the pillows. It took all her strength to hold her eyes open. “Rock Creek?” She asked drowsily.

Rachel leaned closer to hear the girl’s faint words. “Yes, you’re at the Pony Express station in Rock Creek.”

Christy fought to speak. She had to find out, before the sleep took her. “Kid…I’m looking for Kid…”

“Kid?” Rachel’s eyes widened. “You know Kid?”

The woman knew Kid; he must be here, then. Christy allowed herself to relax and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

After leaving the girl under the watchful eye of Ike, Rachel hurried to the stables to find Teaspoon. She found him in the process of reshoeing Daisy, who was by far the riders’ least favorite horse because of her nasty disposition. Rachel wasn’t sure which one was more aggravated, Teaspoon or the horse.

“You’re gonna do this whether you like it or not, you damned, ungrateful-“

“Teaspoon!” Rachel interrupted.

“Oh, Rachel,” Teaspoon continued unabashedly. “What can I do for you?”

Normally Rachel would have smiled at Teaspoon’s devilish behavior, but right now she had other things on her mind. “Teaspoon, I need to talk to you.”

He swaggered over to her, smoothing his long white hair down with his hands. “Well, sure, what seems to be the problem?”

“It’s about the girl Jimmy and Cody found.” Rachel began.

Teaspoon lost his teasing grin. “Is she alright?”

“Yes, at least I think she will be. She woke up earlier.” A worried frown creased Rachel’s brow. “I think she may know Kid.”

“Kid?” Teaspoon asked incredulously. “What makes you think a thing like that?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but when she woke up, she asked me where she was. When I told her she was in Rock Creek, she asked if I knew the Kid, then she passed out.” She finished.

Teaspoon scratched behind his ear. “Well, did she say who she was?”

Rachel shook her head. “No, nothing except what I told you. How on earth would she know Kid?”

“Can’t say that I know. Maybe she’s an old friend?” he volunteered.

“Maybe” Rachel allowed, “But where has she been all this time?”

“Well, I guess there’s one way to get to the bottom of this situation, let’s ask Kid.”

“No, good.” She sighed. “He traded with Buck and is out on a run. He won’t be back for a couple of days.”

Teaspoon thought for a minute. “Then I guess we wait for our mystery lady to wake up.”

During supper, the focus of the conversation was on the station’s newest visitor. Everyone wondered who she was, and most of all, how did she know Kid?

“Hell, who’s to say who she is?” Cody said between large bites of mashed potatoes. “Closed mouthed as Kid is, he’s probably got lots of folks lookin’ for him we don’t know about.”

“Whoever she is, I hope she knows Kid’s real name.” Noah Dixon joked. He was the station’s only black rider, and although he was proud of his heritage, he had come to consider the mostly white express station group as his family.

“Maybe she can tell us where he got that nickname, too.” Buck Cross, the half Kiowa Indian, said hopefully.

Ike McSwene, who was bald and mute because of a severe case of scarlet fever when he was young, signed in the Indian symbols Buck had taught him: “We may not want to know!”

It was true that although the entire group was close, Kid’s past remained a mystery. He never said much about his family or his days spent growing up in Virginia. No one had even known he had a brother named Jed until he showed up in town one day.

Of all the riders, only Lou was silent. Louise McCloud was the only female Pony Express rider. She had gotten the job by disguising herself as a man, and by the time Teaspoon and the others figured out she was a girl, she had already proven herself as worthy as any of the men. Everyone kept her secret to secure her job with Russell, Majors, and Waddell. Kid was the first person who had discovered Lou’s little act of deception. A group of robbers had shot her and Kid found her. While he was trying to examine her wound, he lifted her shirt and discovered this was no ordinary boy. Lou and Kid grew closer because of the secret between them and gradually that closeness had turned to love. Now there was a mysterious stranger at the waystation who knew Kid. Kid had never mentioned an old girlfriend to Lou; but then again, he had never mentioned Jed, either.

“What did the doc say, Rachel?” Teaspoon asked as he pushed back from the table and patted his round belly. Doc Barnes had made a trip to the station earlier that day to examine the young woman.

“Not much.” Rachel admitted. “She’s got a nasty bump on her head and some cuts and bruises. He seems to think she’ll be alright with enough rest.”

“Well, I guess Kid will be back tomorrow, maybe he can explain everything. I better get to work.” Teaspoon stood and refastened his gunbelt. He was the Marshall of Rock Creek and took his job very seriously.

The other riders started to pile outside the bunkhouse to enjoy the cool night air a bit before bed. Rachel caught Jimmy by the arm as he went by.

“Hold up a minute, Jimmy. I need you to do me a favor.” She said.

“Sure, Rachel,” Jimmy said agreeably. “What is it?”

“Take our guest this soup and feed it to her while I gather up the dishes.” Rachel shoved a bowl and spoon at him.

“Feed her?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes, Jimmy.” Rachel sighed impatiently. “We can’t let her starve to death, waiting on her to wake up. Go on, now. I’ll be up in a minute.”

Jimmy obediently took the soup and went to the house. He crept up the stairs and cautiously opened the door to the guest bedroom. The girl was still sleeping peacefully. He eased slowly towards the bed and sat the soup down on the bedside table. Pulling a chair up to sit in, he labored to spoon the soup down the girl’s mouth without spilling it. Jimmy remembered the last time he had tried this. Ike had been shot and had fallen off his horse, landing on his head, and had been unconscious for several days. Jimmy had been glad when Ike awoke and could feed himself, as it required more patience than Jimmy possessed.

Rachel had cleaned the girl up and dressed her in a nightgown. Jimmy noticed she was even prettier than he had originally thought. The cut on her lip was beginning to heal and if not for the ugly purple bruise near her hairline, she would have looked like she was merely resting.

Jimmy sat the bowl down causing the spoon to clang against the side. The girl stirred slightly and Jimmy watched as her eyes slowly opened. For a minute her gaze was unfocused but she soon saw him and gasped.

“Who are you?” She cried weakly. “Where am I?”

Jimmy tried in vain to calm her down. “It’s alright, miss. You’re at the Pony Express waystation in Rock Creek.”

“Rock Creek?”

Just then Rachel opened the door and noticed the girl’s frantic state. She hurried to the bed and took the girl’s hand. “You’re just fine. Do you remember me?”

The girl shook her head. “N-No.”

Rachel smoothed the girl’s hair. “I’m Rachel and this is Jimmy. You were hurt and Jimmy and Cody found you.”

Christy tried to remember. She had been hurt? The last thing she remembered was setting out to look for Kid.

“Do you know your name?” Rachel asked.

“Christy?” She was trying hard to think. Everything was so confusing.

“Well, that’s a start.” Rachel smiled. “Do you remember what happened to you?”

Christy was quiet for a minute. “Not really.”

She noticed the young man watching her. He had been silent since Rachel came in, but his gaze never left her. He was tall and lean, with long chestnut hair and brown eyes. Something about him reminded her of Harry, although she wasn’t sure what. The two men didn’t really look alike, but both of them possessed a certain haunted look, as if they had seen too much hardness in their lives.

Christy brought her attention back to the woman with difficulty. “I’m in Rock Creek?”

Rachel nodded. “Yes, at the Pony Express waystation.”

Christy clasped the other woman’s hand tightly. “Is Kid here? Do you know Kid?”

“Yes, Kid works here.” Rachel glanced at Jimmy “How do you know him?”

The girl fell back onto the pillows and for a moment Rachel thought she wasn’t going to answer her. She sighed deeply and tears began to fill her eyes. “I’ve looked for him so long, I can hardly believe I’ve finally found him. He’s the only family I got left.”

“You related to the Kid or something?” Jimmy spoke up.

“Kid’s my cousin.” Christy said softly as a tear trickled down her cheek. “Is he here? Can I see him?”

Rachel smiled and shook her head. “He’s out on a ride right now, but he should be back late tomorrow evening.”

“He’s sure gonna be surprised to find you here.” Jimmy chuckled.

“Oh, don’t tell him!” Christy begged. “Let me surprise him. I wonder if he’ll even know who I am.”

“He’ll remember.” Jimmy said. “The Kid don’t forget nothin’.”

Rachel and Jimmy soon left Christy alone with her thoughts. To be this close to Kid and not be able to see him was torture. So much time had passed and so much heartache had caused them to separate, it was hard to know how he would react to seeing her. Christy fell into an uneasy sleep, waiting for morning to come.

Lou was waiting on the front porch of the bunkhouse when she saw Kid approaching from a distance. It was late afternoon and Lou was in a much better mood after finding out the girl looking for Kid was just a cousin. The sight of Kid made her spirits rise even more. Days apart were to be expected because of their job, but Lou still hated to be away from him.

“Rider coming!” she hollered. Buck ran out and jumped onto his waiting pony just as Kid rode up. Kid threw Buck the mail pouch and climbed down from his horse, Katy. Lou took Katy’s reins from him and they both watched Buck’s departure. “Ride safe, Buck!” Lou called after him.

Looking around to be sure they were alone, Kid ducked his head for a quick kiss. “Hi.”

“Hi, yourself.” Lou grinned. They began to walk towards the barn to stable Katy. “Did you have a good ride?”

“Not bad.” Kid could hardly take his eyes away from Lou. “I missed you, though.”

As always, Lou could feel a blush begin to creep over her face. “Well, I missed you, too, Kid.”

Kid leaned closer for another kiss, this one more lingering. Lou was so happy for a minute she forgot about Kid’s cousin.

“Come on, I got a surprise for you.” Lou said when Katy had been fed and brushed. She grabbed Kid’s hand and began pulling him toward the house.

“What is it?” Kid asked, not really caring. He would have followed Lou anywhere. Kid thought maybe Lou had planned a private dinner at the house to get some time alone. He soon decided he was wrong when they walked into the house and saw everyone standing around.

“What’s going on?” Kid mumbled to Lou as he glanced around nervously.

Lou smile became even wider. “You’ll see.”

Just then a girl slowly began to descend the staircase. She was dressed in a simple green dress sprinkled with tiny purple and pink flowers. Her hair was a dark blonde and swept up in a bun. She walked tensely towards him a small smile playing upon her face. He noticed the way her nose crinkled up when she smiled. He glanced around at the others. Was this girl his surprise?

“Don’t you recognize me, Kid?” She asked softly.

Kid started to say no, but then he noticed her eyes. They were wide and blue and so much like his mama’s he wanted to cry. “Christy?”

Tears filled her eyes as she nodded and for a minute neither could speak. They embraced tightly as memories of Virginia and Jed and Kid’s mama swelled between them both. Kid quickly held her back at arm’s length to be sure it was really her.

“Lordy, what are you doin’ here?” He felt like he would never stop grinning.

“I’ve been looking for you, Kid.” Christy searched his eyes, which were the same blue as her own. “I never gave up trying to find you, just like Aunt Martha told me.”

Rachel noticed the strong need to be alone between Kid and Christy and quickly ushered out the others. “Come on, ya’ll. I need some help down at the barn.”

“Aw, Rachel.” Cody complained.

When everyone was gone, Kid simply stood and stared at Christy. She really hadn’t changed much in the five years since he last saw her. She had filled out a little and the haunted sadness in her eyes had faded some. To Christy, Kid hadn’t changed a bit. His blue eyes were as earnest as ever and his curly brown hair was the same as when he was a little boy. He grinned at her shyly, and for a minute, neither knew what to say.

“How did you find me?” He finally asked.

“It took awhile,” she admitted. “I heard word a couple of years ago that you had gotten a job with the Pony Express. I can’t believe I finally found you. I was on my way here when two men attacked me and stole my horse. Your friends Jimmy and Cody found me and brought me here.”

“Are you alright?” His concern showed as he gently touched the fading bruise on her forehead.

“I am now.” She said simply.

“Where have you been?” Kid led her to the couch and they sat down to talk.

She sighed. “Everywhere, it seems. Arkansas some, then I ended up in a little place called Pine Tree. Things got pretty hard after we got--separated, and a man took me in. I stayed with him until he got killed a month ago.”

“Were you married to him?” Kid looked confused.

“No, no!” Christy chuckled. “He was much older than me, and more like a father. I was very happy there.”

Kid looked at her somberly. “Then you were better off than when you were with us.”

Christy was quiet as she remembered her shared past with her cousin. “So, what about you? How have you been?”

“Good.” Kid nodded. “I’ve got a good job here.”

“What about Jed?” She asked. “Do you know where he is?”

“Uh-- yeah.” Kid paused. “He’s dead, Christy.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Dead! Kid, no!”

He swallowed hard before he went on. “He showed up here about a year ago. He told me he was working for the Army. I should have known better; Jed ain’t never had much respect for any kind of discipline. Turns out he was here to steal a gold shipment for the South.”

“Jed was always wild, but I never would have thought he’d become an outlaw.” Christy said sadly.

“He wanted me to join him.” Kid continued. “I couldn’t, though. Maybe if I had, I could have saved him. I tried to stop him and he shot me. Jimmy shot him before he could kill me.”

Tears welled in Christy’s eyes. “You couldn’t have saved him, then. If Jed tried to kill you, even if you had went with him, you wouldn’t have changed him.”

Kid didn’t answer. He stared darkly at the wall, lost in the past. Christy let him be. It was hard to believe Jed would have shot his own brother. She still remembered him bringing her candy from town and wrestling with Kid. She wondered how much their shared past had to do with the way Jed turned out.

Kid shook his head, as if to lose the bad memories, and stood up. “Come on, Rachel probably has supper ready.”

Christy stood and hugged her cousin tightly to her. “It’s good to see you again, Kid”

Kid smoothed her hair with his hands and smiled. “You too.”

She took his hand and let him lead her to the bunkhouse. Everyone was already gathered there and looked at the two of them expectantly. Cody scooted over to make room for them at the table.

“Well, did you two have a nice visit?” Rachel asked as she sat two more plates on the worn wooden table.

“Yes, thanks.” Christy grinned shyly. “We’ve still got a lot of catching up to do.”

Teaspoon raised his glass to them. “Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: To family; no bond as sacred, no love as strong.

“Here, here.” They all said in unison and settled in for supper.

For two days everyone stayed away from Kid and Christy to let them catch up. Finally Cody could take it no longer. It was early evening and Christy had settled on the porch to watch the sun’s last rays against the Nebraska plains. Kid had ridden into town earlier with Noah to pick up some supplies and Cody figured now was his chance.

“Good evenin’, Miss Tunstall.” Cody tipped his hat and grinned at her.

Christy couldn’t help but smile at the handsome young rider. Already his charming nature had won her over, although not in the way Cody hoped. His flirtations were not lost on Christy, but she chose to ignore it. She was so happy to be near Kid again, Christy didn’t want to give up any time with him for anyone else.

“Hello, Mr. Cody.” She scooted over on the porch swing to make room for him.

He flopped into the swing, his long legs dangling in front of him. “Billy, if you like.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Fine.” She agreed. “Billy it is, but only if you call me Christy.”

“Did you know that happens to be one of my favorite names?” He casually leaned an arm behind her.

“Why thank you, Billy. I bet you say that to all the girls, though.” She tried to hide her laughter.

Cody pretended to look wounded. “Why, no, I don’t. I guess Kid’s been spreadin’ rumors about me.”

Christy’s laughter spilled out. “No, he hasn’t, honest! Kid has nothing but the highest regard for you.”

“Um-hmm, I bet.” Cody rolled his eyes. “Well, since you brought up the Kid…”

“But I didn’t, Billy; you did.” Christy said matter of factly.

He looked surprised. “Huh? I guess you’re right. I did. Anyway, since the subject of Kid has been brought up, there’s something I’d be much obliged if you’d tell me.”

“What?” She asked suspiciously.

“Well….” Cody hedged. “It’s the whole Kid thing. I dare say his mama didn’t name him Kid, and I was kind of wonderin’ if maybe you might know his real name.”

Amused, she watched Cody lean toward her hopefully. “Yes, actually, I do know the Kid’s real name.”

Cody waited impatiently. “Well, what is it?”

“Now, Billy, I can’t tell you! Kid would strangle me!” She exclaimed.

“No, he won’t! I won’t tell another soul, I swear!” Cody could hardly contain his excitement.

“Leave her be, why don’t you, Cody.” Cody jerked around to find Jimmy Hickok standing at the bottom of the steps with his hands on his hips.

“Aw, Jimmy,” Cody looked very much annoyed. “Why don’t you mind your own business. Can’t you see I’m having a private conversation with the young lady.”

Instead of leaving, Jimmy began walking up the steps to join them. “All’s I see is you meddlin’ in somethin’ that don’t concern you.”

“Come on, Jimmy! You want to know Kid’s name the same as the rest of us.” Cody whined.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Jimmy leaned against a post, his eyes on Christy. “But I don’t intend to harass folks to find out.”

“I wasn’t harrassin’, was I?” He turned to Christy.

“Well, I-“ She began.

“See there, Hickok.” Cody said triumphantly. “Now, don’t you have anything better to do?”

“Nope.” Jimmy looked amused. “But you do. Rachel’s lookin’ for you to bring her some more wood, like you promised. She sent me to find you.”

For once, Cody was at a loss for words. “Fine.” He finally spit at Jimmy. He then turned to Christy. “I’m sorry we got interrupted. I look forward to talking to you again.”

Grinning, Christy watched Cody make his way towards the bunkhouse, still grumbling. When he was out of sight, she turned her eyes to Jimmy. “Would you like to have a seat, Mr. Hickok?”

“Call me Jimmy.” He insisted as he lowered himself into the swing.

“Alright.” She agreed. “I’m glad you’re here, Jimmy. I never got a chance to thank you and Mr. Cody for rescuing me.”

Jimmy shrugged. “Tweren’t nothin’.”

“On the contrary; it was everything!” She smiled happily. “I must be the luckiest girl in the world; not only did I get rescued by two of the nicest strangers in the territory, but they brought me to my cousin, too.”

Jimmy shifted uncomfortably. “I’m just glad I could help out, is all.”

Christy studied Jimmy for a minute. He was quite handsome, and really, he appealed to her more than Cody did. Maybe it was those dark, intense eyes of his. They reminded her strongly of Harry, who despite her happiness at seeing Kid, still lingered in her mind.

“So you and the Kid grew up together in Virginia?” Jimmy was asking.

She hesitated. Christy wasn’t exactly sure what all Kid had told the other riders about his past and she didn’t want to be the one to blab all his secrets. Kid had always been the strong, silent type. He never cried out when Uncle Thomas beat him, never admitted to Christy or his mother how bad his father had hurt him, both physically and mentally.

“Yes,” she finally said. “My parents died from scarlet fever when I was very young. I got it, too, but somehow I survived. Kid’s mother was my aunt, so I went to stay with her. Kid and Jed were always like brothers to me.”

At the mention of Jed, Jimmy dropped his steady gaze. “ I guess Kid has already told you what happened to Jed.”

Christy touched his hand. “Yes, but don’t let it worry you. Jed always had a wild side, at least we know what happened to him, instead of him just disappearing forever. I can’t believe he would try to hurt Kid, though.”

While trying to think of a way to change the subject, Jimmy unthinkingly reached over and gently ran his finger across the cut on her forehead. Christy drew in a sharp breath and he jerked his hand back as if burned.

“S-sorry,” he stammered. “That, um, that looks like it’s getting better.”

Christy lightly rubbed the spot where his finger had been. “Yeah, I think so.”

There was an uncomfortable silence for a minute before Jimmy stood. “Well, I better go see what kind of mess Cody has made. Goodnight.”

Christy smiled to herself as she watched him go. “Goodnight, Jimmy.”

Christy was still sitting on the porch when Kid and Noah came home. She watched for a minute as Noah gathered some supplies and headed into the bunkhouse, then she ran to the stables where Kid was unsaddling Katy.

Upon entering the barn, Christy jumped back with surprise. She had just walked in on Kid and Lou engaged in a sweet kiss. She tried to back out of the barn without making any noise, but she accidentally stepped on a rake leaning against the wall. It tumbled to the floor and she stumbled against the wall to keep from falling. Kid and Lou jumped apart instantly.

“Sorry, sorry.” She exclaimed. “I’ll just go-“

“Christy, wait!” Lou called, trying to suppress a giggle.

“No, really, I don’t want to intrude.” Christy felt herself turning red.

Kid came to her and took her hand. “You’re not intruding. Actually, I’ve been trying to think of someway to tell you about this.”

“So, you and Lou are-?” Christy looked back and forth between the two.

“Louise is a girl, Christy.” Kid had to laugh at his cousin’s stunned expression.

“A-a girl?” She asked hesitantly.

Lou took a step closer to Christy. “I’m sorry, Christy. I should of told you, but we ain’t had much time to get acquainted. I have to pretend to be a boy to keep my job. You won’t say nothin’, will ya?”

Christy chuckled with relief. “A girl! I should have known, really, if I would have looked closer. But do you mean none of the others know?

“No, no, everyone here knows, but I have to keep up my act in town so Russell, Majors, and Waddell don’t find out.” Lou explained.

“Well, you’re secret is safe with me.” Christy assured. “Kid, you’ve been holding out on me!”

Kid grinned and put his arm around Lou. “I guess I have.”

“I better get in here and help Noah put up these supplies.” Lou excused herself to give the two cousins some time alone.

“Would you like to go for a walk?” Kid asked.

Christy took his arm and they walked together towards the field behind the barn and past the corral. The evening was chilly, but the sky was unusually clear. Christy stretched her head far back to look at the millions of stars above them in the black sky.

“I never knew there were so many stars!” She exclaimed in amazement.

Kid glanced up. “Yeah, I guess I never really paid any attention to them.”

“So how long have you and Lou-you know…” Her voice trailed off.

Kid looked shy and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Pretty much ever since I found out she was a girl.”

“She seems very nice.” Christy offered.

“Yep, she is.”

Christy could tell this was going to be like pulling teeth. “Are you very serious?”

“Well,” Kid hedged. “Truth is, I don’t know. Sometimes it seems like we can’t get enough of each other, and other times…”

“But you love her?” She persisted.

“I don’t know, but yes, I think so.” He said quietly. “Here lately, I’ve been thinking all kinds of crazy things.”

Christy took his arm again. “Such as?”

He avoided her eyes. “Such as marriage, maybe.”

“Kid!” She hugged him tightly. “That’s wonderful!”

“I guess. I don’t know what she thinks, though.” Kid’s face was downcast.

“Why don’t you ask her how she feels?” Christy demanded.

He sighed. “It’s not that easy, Christy. Every time I try to tell her how I feel, it’s like I get all choked up inside. I just can’t get the words out.”

She snorted. “No, it never has been easy for you to say what you’re feeling. Have you told her about-our past?”

“No, I don’t intend to.” Kid said quickly.

Christy stopped to look at him. “It’s not a crime, you know. You didn’t do anything wrong, Kid. It’s not your fault Uncle Thomas beat us, beat Aunt Martha. And it’s not your fault Aunt Martha died.”

Kid began to walk away. “I don’t want to talk about it. It’s in the past, and it’s best left there.”

“But it’s not in the past, is it, Kid?” Christy hurried to catch up with him. “It’s eating you alive, because you can’t forgive yourself for being a little boy!”

He turned to her with fury in his eyes. “I wasn’t so little I didn’t know what was going on. I could have stopped him from- I could have stopped him!”

Christy touched his face gently. “Don’t you think I’ve thought the very same thing? He always hated having to support me; maybe if I hadn’t come, he would have left her alone some.”

“That’s crazy!” Kid cried. “That was going on before you showed up.”

“And don’t you think it was going on before you came along?” She asked softly. “Aunt Martha chose to stay with him, and it ended up costing her dearly.”

“It wasn’t Mama’s fault!” He said vehemently.

“I don’t mean that, Kid. All I’m saying is it started before you came along, so you’re not to blame for it.” She shook his arm to make her point stronger.

As they talked they had gradually made a big loop in the pasture and were now nearing the bunkhouse. Both were silent as they thought about a past that was never far from their minds. Christy studied Kid’s handsome face, which was drawn into a frown. She hated to see him look so sad. Poor Kid, he had always carried the weight of the world with him. Even when Uncle Thomas was at his meanest, Kid would always be one to try and restore the peace to their unhappy little family. Jed would leave to go on one of his many drinking binges and she would usually hide in the barn for a day or two, but Kid always stayed right with his mother. Kid withstood the pain silently, and now all these years later, he was the one who was still hurting the most. Jed and Aunt Martha were dead, and time had healed some of Christy’s wounds thanks to Charles Tunstall, but Kid still tormented himself as much as he did back then.

“I’m sorry, Kid. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Christy said quietly.

“It’s not you. Jed and I had the same argument not long before he died.” Kid sighed. “I just wish I could forget it all.”

“I guess me being here doesn’t help any.” Christy looked at the ground.

“Don’t say that!” He gently lifted her face with his hand. “Look at me. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Really?” She asked fearfully.

Kid smiled down at her. “Really. It’s kind of nice to have somebody around who knows where I come from. Plus, you don’t ask me what my real name is a hundred times a day like Cody does.”

Christy laughed. “Goodnight, Kid.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “”Night.”

Morning dawned bright and sunny. Christy woke to the sound of knocking on her bedroom door. Rachel poked her head in. “Get up, sleepyhead. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”

Christy yawned noisily. “We do?”

“Sure.” Rachel bustled around, gathering clothes and laying them at the foot of Christy’s bed. “Rock Creek is having its annual pie-eating contest. There will be roping contests, which Billy hopes to win, and a horse race. Plus, I know you’re getting tired of wearing my old clothes. We need to pick you up a few things.”

Christy voiced a concern that had been bothering her for a few days. “Gee, Rachel, that sounds great, but I’m kind of low on money right now. Maybe I can get a job working at the hotel or something…”

“Nonsense.” Rachel cut her off. “There’s no need getting a job in town, when you’ve got one right here. I need some help around this place. Taking care of these boys is more than I can handle, not to mention cooking and cleaning and laundry…”

“Alright, alright!” Christy laughed and held up her hand. “Stop, don’t tell me anymore, before I change my mind!”

Happily, Christy climbed out of bed and dressed. She understood why Kid was so content to stay here. Everyone had been so kind to her since she arrived. Christy was glad Kid had a little happiness in his life. Nothing would ever make up for the awfulness of their past, but maybe Kid’s little surrogate “family” could ease some of the pain.

Christy hurried down the stairs and out the door, where she found everyone else gathered around waiting. She noticed the only person missing was Ike, who had left on a run earlier that morning.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting.” She apologized.

“I’d say the effort was well worth the wait.” Cody smiled at her appreciatively.

“Thank you, Billy.” Christy blushed. “You’re very kind.”

Rock Creek was brimming with activity for the day’s events. Women from the church were covering long tables fashioned from sawhorses and board with bright red and white checked tablecloths. Soon they would cover the tablecloths with many different kinds of pies, cakes, jams, and jellies to be sold. Two men were setting up a lemonade stand, where they would sell big dippers full of the cold, tart liquid for ten cents.

Cody was most excited about the roping contest. He had been practicing for ages, roping anything that would stand still, including the other riders, much to their annoyance. The prize for winning was fifty dollars, and in his mind, Cody already had the money spent.

“Will you be attending the roping contest?” Cody asked hopefully.

“Are you planning to enter, Billy?” Christy inquired; pretending she didn’t already know Cody had thought of little else for weeks.

“Why, yes, as a matter of fact I am.” Cody tried to look nonchalant.

“Then I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Christy stated.

Jimmy snorted. “Neither would I. I never miss a chance to watch Cody make an ass of himself.”

Cody turned red and stalked off, presumably to practice some more. Jimmy turned to Christy, noticing how much happier she looked today than the first time he saw her. She was wearing Rachel’s bonnet, and it was the exact same blue as her eyes. Not for the first time, Jimmy was aware of how pretty she was.

“You shouldn’t have hurt his feelings.” Christy said reproachfully.

“Who, Cody?” Jimmy laughed. “He’s too full of himself to have his feelings hurt long. Besides, I don’t doubt that he will win that contest. He’s good, bad as I hate to admit it. Now, would you like a tour of the town?”

Christy looked hesitantly at Kid, but he was deep in conversation with Lou. If she went with Jimmy, maybe Kid could spend some time with Louise. She remembered her conversation with her cousin last night. If only Kid could tell Louise how he really felt about her, Christy was sure they could work their problems out.

“Sure, why not?” Christy said, taking the arm Jimmy offered her.

Kid looked up in surprise as Christy left with Jimmy. His eyes narrowed. Jimmy was his friend, but Kid wasn’t sure if he like the idea of Christy and Jimmy together. Jimmy’s reputation preceded him. Kid and the other riders knew Jimmy wasn’t a gunfighter, but try telling that to every outlaw in the territory. Trouble seemed to find “Wild Bill” Hickok everywhere he went.

“Kid?” Lou was looking at him with concern in her dark brown eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“What? Nothin’, nothin’.” He muttered, still watching Christy and Jimmy.

True to his word, Jimmy gave Christy a thorough tour of Rock Creek. He was an excellent guide, and Christy was enjoying his company more and more. She found he lost some of his stiffness with her, and he actually had a wonderful, sly sense of humor.

“That’s about it to Rock Creek, I guess.” He said as they began to make their way towards the jail, which also served as Teaspoon’s office as Marshall of Rock Creek.

“Thank you for showing me around. You’re very kind.” Christy smiled up at her handsome escort.

“Well, if you liked it, maybe I can give you another tour sometime. There’s a pretty little creek about half a day’s ride from here. We could pack a picnic, and I could show it to you.” Jimmy’s voice had a light tone to it that belied his direct gaze.

“That would be lovely!” She exclaimed.

“Good, then we’ll plan to go when I get back from my next ride.” Jimmy said firmly. “Now, weren’t you looking for some new dresses?”

He deposited her in front of Thompkins’ Store with a promise to return soon. “I’m just going to go look at this gun display next door. Take as long as you want.”

Christy entered the clean, bright store and looked around. To her left were bolts and bolts of fabric. She made her way to them and began searching for patterns she liked. Soon an older gentleman appeared beside her.

“Can I help you, miss?” He asked in a deep voice.

“Yes, sir, hopefully. James Hickok told me you could help me with some new dresses.” Christy began.

“So you’re friends with those Express riders, huh? Loud bunch, I’ve had to kick them out of here a few times.” The man boomed.

“Oh, well, he, uh, didn’t mention that…” She stammered.

“Now don’t get me wrong,” The man said, noticing her expression. “They’re a nice bunch of boys, just rowdy is all. The name’s Thompkins, what are you looking for?”

Christy took the hand he held out to her. “T-thank you, Mr. Thompkins. I need a few new dresses…”

Within minutes, Mr. Thompkins had laid before her a vast array of fabrics to choose from. She carefully picked out three prints of a soft blue, and then she noticed a dark green taffeta.

“This is beautiful, it would make a lovely formal dress.” Christy sighed. She held it up for Thompkin’s approval. “What do you think?”

“Looks good, looks real good.” A voice whispered menacingly in her ear.

Christy whirled around and gasped. Behind her was one of the men who had attacked her outside of Blue Creek, she was sure of it. Her memory of that night was vague, but there was no mistaking the man called Joe with the long, dirty-blond hair, and mouth full of tobacco.

“I’ll come back later.” She said to Mr. Thompkins.

Christy turned and fled the store. The man followed her, laughing wickedly. She heard Mr. Thompkins yell for him to leave her alone. In a panic, she looked blindly around for Jimmy. Joe grabbed her by the back of the arm and pulled her towards him.

“Leave me alone!” She cried.

“Now, where are you goin’? We ain’t through talkin’ here.” Joe grinned, exposing a mouthful of tobacco and brown teeth.

Christy was debating whether to scream, when suddenly Cody appeared out of nowhere. Grabbing the man by his shoulders, Cody threw him against the wall of the store.

“I think the lady asked you to leave her alone.” Cody said through clenched teeth.

“Cody! What in tarnation is going on here?” Teaspoon yelled as he came running across the street, at the same time Jimmy came around the corner and joined him.

Cody still had the man pinned to the wall. “I’m not sure. Why don’t you explain, mister?”

Joe’s eyes danced wildly back and forth between Cody, Teaspoon, and Jimmy. “Why, nothin’s going on, fellows, I swear. I was just trying to talk to the lady is all.”

“Christy?” Teaspoon turned to her.

Her face pale, Christy struggled to stop shaking. “H-he’s one of the men who attacked me, Teaspoon, before Jimmy and Cody found me."

“Why, you-” Jimmy started for Joe, his fists balled up tightly.

“Jimmy!” Teaspoon held the hotheaded young man back. “Hold on a minute! Christy, are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m positive.” She nodded.

“Looks like you’re going with me.” Teaspoon grabbed Joe roughly by the arm and led him toward the jail.

“Are you alright?” Cody asked Christy. Still shivering, she tried to nod. Cody wrapped his arm around her and hugged her tight. “Come on, let’s get you somewhere you can sit down.”

Within minutes, it seemed as if everyone had heard of Christy’s near disaster. Cody led her back inside Thompkin’s store, where he insisted she rest in a chair in the back. Rachel, Buck, and Noah soon appeared, concerned about her condition.

“I’m alright, really.” Christy insisted. She felt embarrassed by all the attention.

“Christy! Christy!” Kid ran into the store, dragging Lou behind him. He looked frantic as he pushed people out of the way to get to her. He engulfed her in his embrace.

“Are you alright?” He asked, searching her face.

“Yes, I’m fine, thanks to Billy here. Once again, Mr. Cody, I am very grateful to you.” Christy smiled her appreciation at her hero.

“Do you want to go home?” Rachel asked worriedly.

“No, don’t be silly!” She exclaimed. “I’m fine, really, I’m much better now. Please, let’s don’t leave!”

“I’ll stay with her.” Jimmy spoke up.

“Like you did a few minutes ago?” Kid inquired sarcastically.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jimmy asked hotly.

Kid stood up straight and met Jimmy’s eyes. “I mean if you had stayed with her, none of this would have happened.”

Jimmy fought to keep his temper under control. “How was I supposed to know that lowlife was here?”

“Boys, boys!” Rachel quickly stood between the two angry men. “Jimmy’s right, Kid. I don’t think any of us would have left Christy alone if we knew one of the men who attacked her was in town. Now, why don’t we put it behind us and enjoy the rest of our day. Cody, I think it’s about time for your roping contest.”

Kid and Jimmy continued to stare at each other. Lou tried to diffuse the situation by looping her arm through Kid’s and pulling him gently towards the door. After a minute, Kid slowly followed.

Jimmy squatted in front of Christy. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” She paused. “What was that all about?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jimmy’s face broke into a slow grin. “That was just Kid being Kid. Now, come on, we don’t want to miss Cody making a fool of himself.”

Christy looked at him doubtfully, then took the hand he offered. She followed Jimmy outside and down the street to the Express station’s corral, which had been cleaned up for the contest. Kid, Lou, and the others were already lined up against the fence. Jimmy and Christy joined them, but Christy couldn’t help but notice that Jimmy and Kid were careful to stay clear of each other.

Many of the ropers in the contest were good, but Christy had no doubt in her mind who would win as soon as Cody’s turn began. He roped and tied the small calf in minutes with seemingly little effort. As he left the corral amid much cheering, Cody caught her eye and winked.

“You’re right, he’s wonderful!” Christy said to Jimmy when Cody was presented the small brass trophy and fifty dollars for winning.

“Don’t tell him that, it will go to his head.” Jimmy chuckled. “Especially if he knows you said it.”

“What do you mean?” Christy asked innocently.

“Hasn’t Cody made it perfectly clear? I believe he’s sweet on you.” Jimmy’s smile grew wider.

Christy snorted. “Yes, me and every other female in the territory. I’m no fool, Mr. Hickok.”

“I didn’t say you were. In fact, I think you’re smarter than most people I know.” Jimmy insisted.

Christy looked at him incredulously. “Why do you think that?”

Jimmy shrugged. “I don’t know. You survived on your own, without a ma or a pa. And you found Kid by yourself. That must take some smarts.”

“No, Jimmy.” Christy said seriously. “You’re wrong, I’ve just been lucky. I never would have survived on my own without Charles Tunstall, and as for me finding Kid, well, I’ve got you to thank for that, don’t I?”

As they talked, Jimmy and Christy made their way through the crowd of onlookers and back onto the main street. The lemonade stand was busy, as the day had turned unusually warm for the month of March. Little boys ran in the middle of the road, lighting firecrackers and quickly throwing them down. Christy hardly noticed the noise. The more time she spent with James Hickok, the more she liked him. To have led such a hard life, he was surprisingly gentle.

“How did you get your nickname, Jimmy?” She asked as they took a seat on a wooden bench outside Teaspoon’s office.

Jimmy shook his head in disgust. “Fellow named Marcus wrote a book about me. He made up a bunch of lies, saying I killed a bunch of people. I guess most folks would rather believe a lie than the truth.”

“It must be very hard for you, knowing most people think you’re a cold-hearted killer.” Christy said softly.

Jimmy tried to look as if he didn’t care. “Teaspoon says if you believe something long enough, it becomes the truth.”

“Not if you don’t let it.” Christy insisted. “You’re not some hardened murderer, I haven’t even known you very long, and I know that. Don’t you?”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

Christy tried to force him to meet her eyes. “You guess?”

Jimmy looked away, his eyebrows furrowing together. “The fact of the matter is, I am a killer. I’ve had to kill to survive and I’m not proud of that.”

Christy gently touched his arm. “I think you’re too hard on yourself. You defended yourself the only way you could. The fact that you feel bad about taking another person’s life shows that you’re not the cold-blooded monster some people think you are.”

Jimmy stared silently at her. A dozen emotions conflicted within him. How could this girl who barely knew him understand him so well? He felt the beginnings of something stirring deep within him, and he fought to contain it. If there was one thing he didn’t need, it was to get involved with someone, especially if that someone was Kid’s cousin.

“Jimmy, I think you’ve hogged enough of Miss Tunstall’s attention for one day.” Cody suddenly appeared beside them. He was proudly brandishing his trophy, which shone almost as brightly as his smile.

“Maybe you’re right, Cody. Why don’t you take over for awhile.” Jimmy stood and pushed his black hat further down onto his head. Without another word, he walked away.

Cody looked stunned to have won his argument with Jimmy so easily. His mouth hung open as he watched his friend disappear down the crowded street. For her part, Christy didn’t know what to think. Had she said something wrong?

Cody quickly recovered from his surprise. “Well, that was easy! Now how about I show you a real tour of the town?”

Christy glanced again in the direction Jimmy had gone. Then she decidedly made up her mind and linked her arm through the handsome blond rider’s. “I’d like that, Billy.”

Christy didn’t get a chance to talk to Jimmy the rest of the day. She and Cody arrived home late as Cody’s idea of a tour included not only the saloon and the jail, but also dinner at the hotel restaurant. Everyone else was already tucked safely in their beds when Cody walked her up the steps to the house. They stood for a moment on the moonlit porch, laughing about the day’s events.

“Thank you, Billy. I had a wonderful time. I don’t know what people will think of me, though; a woman in a saloon!” Christy’s eyes danced in the pale light.

Cody smiled softly. “They’ll think the same thing I do-that I was the luckiest man in the place to be with such a beautiful companion.”

Christy felt herself blushing and was glad it was dark. “You’re very sweet, Billy.”

“Sweet enough for a kiss?” Billy removed his hat and looked at her hopefully.

She hesitated. She adored Cody as a friend, but she didn’t want him to get the wrong impression. She quickly leaned over and kissed his cheek. Cody looked disappointed but continued to smile.

“Well, goodnight…” He whispered.

“Goodnight, Billy.”

The next morning, Christy dressed quickly and hurried to the bunkhouse, where she found most of the other riders already gathered around the table. Rachel was frying bacon and Cody was eating it as fast as she cooked. Christy noticed that Ike had returned. He shyly waved hello to her.

“Where’s Jimmy?” Christy asked Rachel casually. A quick glance had shown him to be the only person missing.

“He left this morning on a ride. He’ll be back tomorrow. Can you help me with the bacon? I haven’t even started on the eggs.” Rachel said as she slapped another plate of bacon on the table. Cody eagerly dived into it.

After breakfast, Christy pulled a large washtub to the porch and settled in a large rocking chair to shell some peas. She looked up when she heard someone climbing the steps and smiled when she saw it was Kid.

“Hi.” She greeted him.

“Hey.” Kid fidgeted nervously with his hat. “I need to talk to you.”

“Sure. What about?” She reached into the tub and grabbed a handful of unshelled peas.

Kid sat down in the porch swing. He rested his hat on his knee, then replaced it back on his head. “It’s about Jimmy, Christy. I don’t think you need to get involved with him.”

“What?” She asked, startled. “I’m not involved with Jimmy.”

Kid avoided her eyes. “You know what I mean. You spent the whole day with him, and I seen the way he was lookin’ at you.”

“Kid, Jimmy was showing me around as a friend. I wouldn’t even have gone with him, but I thought it would give you some time alone with Lou. He’s very nice, and we had a good time, but I hardly think that qualifies as ‘involved’ with him.” Christy stated emphatically.

“Look, all I’m saying is don’t let it go any farther.” Kid pleaded.

Christy could feel her irritation rising. “Are you trying to tell me what to do?”

“No! It’s not that, I just-I just don’t want you to get hurt, is all.” Kid looked at her earnestly with his deep blue eyes.

“Kid,” Christy sighed. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but really, Jimmy and I are just friends.”

Her cousin shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sorry. I just worry about you, I guess.”

“Well, stop.” She smiled to take the sting out of her words. “I’m a big girl now, Kid. I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah, I know.” Kid nodded. “So, you need some help with these peas?”

Despite worrying about Jimmy’s strange behavior the day before, the day passed quickly for Christy. The more time she spent with the Express group, the more attached to them she felt. Buck and Ike spent most of the afternoon with Christy, showing her the sign language the others used to communicate with Ike. She was very pleased with herself when she learned enough signs to be able to hold a simple conversation with the shy mute. A bond developed between them when Ike learned that Christy had also had scarlet fever.

Noah helped Christy and Rachel slice some tomatoes to go with supper. He told her a little about himself as they worked. Noah was obviously the most educated of the riders, and he was proud of the fact. Christy listened in awe as he spoke about his mother being a slave and his desire to see slavery abolished.

“Your cousin and I seem to have different opinions on the coming war.” Noah spoke carefully. “I reckon you feel the same as him?”

“I am a Southerner, Mr. Dixon, if that’s what you mean. However, I don’t condone the enslavement of human beings.” Christy said lightly.

“And if war breaks out, which side will you choose?” Noah looked at her intently.

Christy hesitated. “If war comes, I will probably choose to stay with my family, what little I have left.”

Noah nodded and let it drop. When they had finished with the tomatoes, he excused himself to go wash up for supper. Rachel smiled gently at her as she sat the table.

“You handled that pretty well.” Rachel commented.

Christy grimaced. “You think so? I felt like I might as well have been standing here with a whip and chains.”

“Noah’s had a lot to overcome, it’s been hard on him.” Rachel soothed. “I don’t guess the white man will ever really understand how it feels to be completely stripped of freedom.”

Just then Teaspoon came through the door. He rubbed his belly as he lifted the lids of the pots on the stove, stopping to sniff each one appreciatively. “Hello, ladies. Smells good.”

“You’re home early.” Rachel observed.

Teaspoon smiled slyly. “I sort of let Barnett take over, while I get something to eat. Christy, you’ll be glad to know we’ve got both those scoundrels who attacked you locked up. We didn’t recover your horse, though, I’m sorry to say.”

“That’s alright, Teaspoon. I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about those two anymore.”

The other boys and Lou soon arrived, and everyone sat down to eat. The conversation was lighthearted, and Christy was relieved to find Noah didn’t seem to have any ill feelings toward her. With all the good food, good company, and especially Kid’s presence, Christy felt she had never been happier. She went to bed that night with a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Christy rose early the next morning, partly because Kid was leaving on a ride, and she wanted to tell him good-bye, and partly because Jimmy would be arriving back, and she wanted a chance to talk to him alone.

She quickly tied her hair back and ran down to the barn, where she found Kid in the process of saddling Katy.

“You’ll be back tomorrow?” She asked worriedly. Now that she had found Kid again, Christy was reluctant to let him out of sight.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Kid grinned at her reassuringly.

Kid led Katy out of the stables and climbed up in his saddle. In the distance, Jimmy had just appeared over the horizon, galloping hard towards home. Katy pawed the ground impatiently, rearing to go. In minutes, Jimmy arrived. He threw Kid the mochilla, and reined in his horse.

“See you tomorrow, Christy! Watch out for Lou for me!” Kid called over his shoulder.

Christy waved at her cousin’s retreating back, then turned to Jimmy. “Have a good ride?”

“Yeah, it was alright.” Jimmy climbed wearily down from his horse.

Christy tried to think of something else to say. “Jimmy, did I say something to offend you the other day?”

“No.” Jimmy glanced at her. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, no reason. I guess I’ll go help Rachel with breakfast.” Christy started slowly towards the bunkhouse.

“Christy?” She turned to find him watching her. He smiled a little. “You still want to go for a ride today?”

She let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, absolutely.”

He walked into the stables. Christy watched him, feeling very puzzled. James Hickok was certainly a strange man.

After breakfast, Christy and Rachel packed a picnic lunch while Jimmy disappeared on a mysterious errand. Christy was tying a warm woolen hat on her head when he returned. Smiling, he grabbed her hand and led her outside. She gasped when she saw his surprise--a gleaming buggy hitched to a small, dappled-gray pony.

“I thought we were taking the buckboard! Where on earth did you get this?” Christy exclaimed.

“I rented it from a man in town. It’s ours for the whole day.” Jimmy grinned, obviously very pleased with himself.

Rachel came outside to inspect the handsome carriage. “Ya’ll sure you want to go on a buggy ride on a day like this? It’s sure cold out.”

“We’ll be fine, Rachel.” Christy soothed.

“Well, at least take a couple of my quilts with you. You can wrap them around you and keep the draft out anyway.” Rachel went back inside, and reappeared a moment later with two large, heavy, patchwork quilts.

After burrowing under the warm quilts and securing the picnic basket between them, Jimmy and Christy set off. The day was extremely cold, but the sun was bright and pleasant. A cold breeze blew against their faces, and Christy’s cheeks rapidly turned a rosy pink.

“Are you too cold?” Jimmy asked.

“No, I’m fine. This is wonderful!” Christy loved the feeling of the wind against her skin.

Jimmy smiled over at her. “I’m glad you like it.”

“So, is this how you impress the girls?” She asked coyly.

“Just you.” He looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

Christy decided to change the subject. “Tell me about yourself, Jimmy.”

He looked at her, puzzled. “Like what?”

“Anything!” She laughed. “Why did you want to work for the Pony Express?”

“I don’t know.” Jimmy shrugged. “I saw a sign wanting workers and figured it would be a way to stay out of trouble.”

“You, stay out of trouble?” Christy said sarcastically.

Jimmy chuckled. “Believe it or not, I used to be worse, just ask Teaspoon. What about you? You don’t ever say much about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?” She asked.

“What was it like growing up with the Kid?”

Christy paused. “Kid was always very brotherly to me. He looked out for me. I can’t tell you how many fights he got into, taking up for me.”

“That sounds like Kid, always sticking up for other people.” Jimmy agreed.

They rode along in silence for awhile. The vast plain was mostly empty and brown, except for a large barn, which looked deserted. Next to the barn, were the charred remains of what must have been a house. The grass around it was blackened from the fire.

“I wonder why that house burned?” Christy mused.

Jimmy shook his head. “Don’t know. Could have been Indians, I guess.”

Christy turned to her companion. “Jimmy, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” He adjusted the reins and urged the horse to go a little faster.

“Why did you leave me with Cody the other day in town?” She searched his eyes.

Jimmy shifted uncomfortably. “I needed to be by myself for awhile, I had to think some things over.”

“I thought maybe I had said something that made you mad.” Christy sighed. “I wish you would have told me that.”

“Well, I didn’t want to tell you because you were what I had to think over.” Jimmy said hesitantly.

“Me? Why?” Christy’s clear blue eyes were confused.

Jimmy raised an eyebrow as he studied her. “I’ve never met anyone like you. Most people would be afraid of me because of my reputation. You act like you don’t even care.”

“I don’t care, Jimmy. I try to judge people by their character, not what other’s say about them.” Christy gaze was still puzzled. “However, that doesn’t explain why you would need time to think about me.”

Jimmy seemed to turn slightly red. “I just-just, can’t stop thinking about you, if you know what I mean.”

Christy felt her mouth drop open in surprise. “Wh-what?”

Jimmy looked annoyed. “Ever since I found you laying there on the ground, I can’t get you out of my head.”

“Is there something wrong with that?” Christy asked slowly.

“ Yes!” Jimmy snapped. “I can’t think that way about you.”

“Why not?” Christy felt more bewildered by the minute.

“Because you’re Kid’s cousin.” Jimmy stated flatly. “Because of who I am.”

“Whoa, wait a minute! First, what does Kid have to do with this? And what way are you thinking about me?” Christy exploded.

“I don’t know!” Jimmy practically yelled. “But all I can think about doing right now is kissing you!”

“Then why don’t you just do it!” Christy bellowed back.

Jimmy abruptly stopped the horse and pulled her into his arms. His lips found hers quickly and he kissed her with such passion and force, Christy almost fell out of the buggy. She wrapped her arms around him to support herself and gave in to his sweet kiss. Finally she pushed him away with both hands. They sat there, breathing wildly, and staring at each other.

When they finally resumed their ride, Jimmy glanced sideways at her and chuckled. “Now do you know what I meant?”

“I guess I have some idea.” Christy replied smartly.

Christy was quiet, thinking of what had just happened. She couldn’t deny that she had found Jimmy attractive from the start, but never had she expected anything like the kiss they had shared moments earlier. She wondered what Kid would think. He wouldn’t be very happy, Christy was sure of that.

She observed Jimmy out of the corner of her eye. He seemed to be lost in thought, too. Was he wishing he had never kissed her? Although Christy hadn’t anticipated his actions, she couldn’t honestly say she was unhappy about it.

“What are you thinking?” She asked after a time.

“I’m thinking we may have to cut our ride short.” Jimmy’s gaze was worried. He nodded toward some heavy gray clouds, hanging low in the sky. Although the clouds were still far away, they were steadily moving in their direction. “I’m afraid a blizzard may be coming.”

Christy felt a chill of fear run through her. “A blizzard? But where will we go? Can we make it back to Rock Creek?”

“I don’t think so. We better try to find some other shelter.” Jimmy swung the horse and buggy around and headed back in the direction from which they came.

“What about that old barn we passed?” Christy asked as she looked over her shoulder at the ominous clouds.

Jimmy urged the small gray pony to go a little faster. She seemed to sense her driver’s apprehension, and soon they were fairly flying across the bumpy plains. When they reached the barn, Jimmy handed Christy the reins, and jumped down from the buggy seat. He opened the creaky barn doors and Christy urged the pony inside.

The barn was dark and dusty inside and the smell of animals still hung heavily in the air. Jimmy stumbled around until he found a lantern hanging on the wall. He removed some matches from his vest pocket and lit the lantern. The small light did nothing to cheer Jimmy and Christy’s temporary shelter.

It was obvious the barn hadn’t been used in a while. Cobwebs grew in every corner, and the hay on the dirt floor was damp and moldy. Most overwhelming though was the bitter cold. Snuggled in the buggy with Jimmy right beside her, Christy hadn’t noticed the temperature. Now her teeth chattered and she began to shiver violently.

Noticing how uncomfortable she was, Jimmy set about trying to build a fire. First he cleared the hay from a small area of the dirt floor. He went back outside and began toting in several large rocks, placing them in a rough circle on the floor. In a corner, some old scraps of lumber lay piled in a heap. Christy helped Jimmy drag them over to their makeshift campfire. Jimmy poured a small amount of the kerosene from the lamp onto the wood and lit a match. The wood ignited with a blaze that soon settled into a small fire.

“Do you think that will last until the blizzard is over?” Christy stared at the small pile of lumber remaining.

Jimmy looked very grim. “Not unless this is a very short blizzard.”

Jimmy unhitched the pony from the buggy and led her into one of the stalls. He found a small sack of oats and sparingly poured some into a trough. Outside the wind began to blow fiercely. It pounded on the walls of the barn and howled around the corners.

Christy sat miserably huddled close to the fire, thinking how worried Kid would be. Kid! He was out on a run…what if he got caught out in this blizzard? She could only pray he would reach safety before the blizzard’s blinding snow started.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be alright for a day or two.” Jimmy said as he warmed his hands in front of the fire.

Christy swallowed the lump in her throat. “Actually, I was thinking about Kid. I hope he can find some kind of shelter.”

“He’ll be alright, Christy.” Jimmy reached over and lightly touched her knee. “Kid’s a smart man, he’ll find some place to hole up before it reaches him.”

The blizzard hit the barn with the force of a cannonball. The wind’s pitch raised to a scream that sounded eerily like a woman’s voice. The driving snow scoured and lashed against every inch of the barn. The small fire seemed very puny against the force unleashed outside.

Jimmy and Christy sat staring into the fire. Just thinking about Kid and her nice warm bed at Rachel’s caused a single cold tear to trickle down Christy’s cheek. Jimmy saw the tear but tried to ignore it. It had been his experience that crying women were best left to themselves. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help, but he often found that he made matters worse.

Finally he could stand it no longer. He scooted closer to Christy. “Did Kid tell you about the time Teaspoon taught us to play baseball?”

“B-baseball? What’s that?” Christy’s lip trembled a little.

“It’s a game. You hit a ball with a bat and run around in circles trying to score.” He explained.

Christy looked at him doubtfully. “Sounds fun.”

Jimmy nodded understandingly. “That’s we thought, too, at first, but it really was fun. Until Cody and me got into a fight because he hit me with the ball. Jed was there…”

“Really?” Jed’s name seemed to catch her interest.

Jimmy was relieved to see Christy had stopped crying. Encouraged by this, he began telling her funny stories of things that had happened to the riders over the years. He told her of the time a woman had temporarily left her baby in the care of the riders, and when Kid had stupidly tried to move Lou out of the bunkhouse because she was a girl. He chuckled as he related the story of the rider’s claim in a gold mine that they thought would make them all rich. The hours passed by and before they knew it, it was almost midnight.

“So Lou and Kid kept it secret that Lou was a girl?” Christy shook her head in amazement.

“Yep, until Lou’s father kidnapped her younger brother and sister. When her father said he had two daughters and not two sons, Lou had to come clean.” Jimmy laughed.

“I like Lou. I’m glad Kid has someone like her in his life.” Christy commented.

Jimmy looked thoughtfully into the fire. “Yeah, Lou is very special.”

Christy glanced at him sharply. “Are you and Lou close?”

Jimmy didn’t meet her eyes as he shook his head. “Nah. Well, I guess we better turn in. It’s getting late.”

Christy couldn’t help but feel Jimmy was hiding something from her, but she didn’t ask anymore questions. She rolled up in Rachel’s quilt as close to the fire as she dared and tried to go to sleep. Without Jimmy’s amusing anecdotes to distract her, the cold once more seemed to chill her to the bone. Before long, her feet felt numb and her teeth began chattering.

Jimmy propped himself up on his elbow. “You know, two quilts are warmer than one.”

“Wh-what d-do you mean?” She stuttered.

“I mean if we share, we can have two quilts instead of one.” Jimmy caught the look on her face. “Don’t worry, I’ll behave.”

She flashed him a quick grin. “Maybe it’s not you I’m worried about.”

As she lay next to him beneath both quilts, Christy was very much aware of Jimmy’s presence. Her cheeks felt like they were burning and her heart raced at the feel of him next to her. She tried to lie stiffly, so that no part of her was too close to him. Christy didn’t know how she would ever get to sleep, but she had to admit she was much warmer. With the extra quilt and Jimmy’s body heat, she began to feel quite cozy, and despite her fears, she soon became drowsy and drifted off to sleep. Long after she had slipped into dreams, Jimmy lay awake, staring down at the girl who despite his best intentions, was slowly taking over his heart.

The next morning Christy awoke with a start. She was embarrassed to find that during the night she had apparently gotten over her shyness of sleeping next to Jimmy. She was snuggled up very close to him and her head was lying on his chest. She quickly moved away from him causing him to stir.

“Whazzamada?” He mumbled sleepily.

“Nothing.” Christy lied. She surely didn’t want him to know how close they had been sleeping. “I thought I saw a bug.”

Jimmy slowly raised up and rubbed both his eyes. He yawned and Christy thought she caught a glimpse of what James Hickok must have looked like as a child. His expression was vulnerable and his dark brown hair was a mess, which made him look years younger.

Jimmy cocked his head, listening. “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Christy asked after a minute.

Jimmy jumped up and ran to the barn door. “Nothing! The wind has stopped, the blizzard is over!”

He threw open the barn doors and a pile of snow rushed in to greet him. Although the sky was cloudy, the sun was peeping out and the driving snow had finally stopped. The bright sun reflected off the white snow making a glare that was impossible to look at too long, however Christy was glad to see it.

“We got lucky.” Jimmy stated. “If it had lasted three or four days, we could have froze to death.”

Christy glanced at the small pile of wood remaining and shivered. “Will we be able to leave?”

Jimmy tried to judge the depth of the snow. “I think so, we’ll just have to go slow.”

Within an hour, Jimmy and Christy were once again loaded in the buggy bundled under the quilts. The trip was slow going. The small pony had to be encouraged to brave the deep snow, but once she started, she pulled the buggy easily across the packed snow. Jimmy had to keep her at a walk to avoid falling into deep drifts where the pony would sink up to her flanks. Despite his precautions, twice the small mare foundered. Jimmy would then have to climb down from the buggy and pack the snow down until she could climb out. It was well after dark when the familiar buildings of Rock Creek rose up against the horizon and Christy breathed a sigh of relief.

Jimmy smiled at her sigh. “You weren’t worried, were you?”

“A little.” She admitted. “I just hope Kid is alright.”

As soon as they pulled into the barnyard, Buck ran outside to greet them. “Here, I’ll take care of the horse. Go on inside and get warm.” He grabbed the reins from Jimmy and drove the buggy into the barn.

Inside the bunkhouse, Rachel, Lou, Teaspoon and the others were waiting. Rachel looked very pale as she set about heating up coffee to warm Christy and Jimmy. Kid sat at the table with his head in his hands. He looked up as they came in, then jumped to his feet and engulfed Christy in his embrace.

“Are you alright?” He held her face between his large hands and looked at her worriedly.

She nodded tiredly. “I’m fine.”

“We’ve been so worried!” Rachel looked as if she might cry. “Cody and Kid were fixing to leave to start looking for you.”

“We stayed in an old barn.” Jimmy said simply.

Kid flashed him a murderous look. “How come it is, every time Christy is with you, something happens to her?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jimmy’s voice had a tone of warning in it. He was tired, cold, and in no mood to listen to Kid’s lecturing.

“I’m saying, why don’t you stay away from her!” Kid said hotly.

“Kid-” Christy began, but Jimmy cut her off.

“I think Christy is old enough to decide for herself whether she wants to spend time with me. Why don’t you stay out of it.”

“Because she ain’t known you long enough to make that decision.” Kid stated stubbornly. “Trouble seems to follow you around, Jimmy, and I don’t want her involved in it.”

“You tryin’ to say I ain’t good enough for her?” Jimmy felt his temper spinning out of control.

“Well, you ain’t exactly got a good history, do you? First, you try to take Lou away from me, and now you’re trying to get my cousin killed.”

“Kid, I’m warnin’ you.” Jimmy shook from his anger as he pointed his finger at the Kid. “This ain’t none of your concern, so stay out of it.”

“And I’m warning you, Jimmy. Stay away from Christy.” Kid said flatly.

Jimmy shook his head, then suddenly he made a lunge for Kid. The two of them fell to the floor, fists flailing. Jimmy sat astride Kid, but Kid managed to land a punch that caused Jimmy’s lip to start bleeding. Chairs fell over as the two men struggled with each other.

“Now hold on a minute!” Teaspoon struggled to be heard above the noise.

“Boys! Jimmy, Kid!” Rachel hollered helplessly.

“Cody, grab Kid!” Teaspoon yelled as he yanked a very angry Jimmy to his feet.

Cody pulled Kid up by his arms and strained to hold him. Jimmy also struggled to break free of Teaspoon’s grasp. The two men glared at each other menacingly.

“Let me go, Teaspoon!” Jimmy growled.

Rachel stepped in between them and placed a hand on each of their chests. “Stop it, both of you!”

Teaspoon pushed Jimmy down onto one of the bunk beds. “I don’t know what in tarnation is going on here, but both of you had better cool down!”

“He started it!” Jimmy protested as he rubbed his sleeve across his bleeding mouth.

Kid’s chest heaved as he pushed Cody away and sat down on another bed on the opposite side of the room. “You could of got her killed!”

“Enough!” Rachel yelled at the top of her lungs. “Will somebody please tell me what’s going on here?”

Both Jimmy and Kid began to speak at the same time, their voices rising as the tried to out talk the other.

“Hush!” Rachel bellowed. “Kid, why are you so upset with Jimmy? You know he would never do anything to hurt Christy! Jimmy, hush, let Kid speak!”

Kid hung his head. “I just don’t think Christy needs to get involved with him is all.”

“You don’t know what she needs! You still treat her like a child!” Jimmy snapped.

“Excuse me!” Christy interrupted loudly. “Do either of you think maybe I can speak for myself?”

Teaspoon raised an eyebrow at her. “She’s right. Christy, why don’t you tell us your opinion on the matter?”

“I think,” She began slowly. “Both of you are acting like children! Kid, you know perfectly well that I am capable of making up my own mind about Jimmy. Jimmy, likewise, I don’t want you to think that one kiss gives you the right to take charge of my life.” Christy turned on her heel and stalked out of the bunkhouse.

Cody stared at Jimmy with his mouth agape. “You kissed her? Dammit, Hickok, I can’t have nothin’ around you!” Then he too, turned and left the bunkhouse, slamming the door behind him.

Kid said nothing. He reached down and picked up his hat from the floor and walked out the door. The small room seemed to reverberate with the blast of the door closing. Lou followed closely behind him. After a minute, Jimmy stood shook his head, and left, too.

Teaspoon looked around at Rachel, Ike, Buck, and Noah. “Well, now, that’s better, isn’t it?”

The next morning dawned gray and cold. Christy hurried to the hen house to gather eggs in a foul mood. All night she had tossed and turned, thinking of the evening before. She didn’t know who she was angrier with, Jimmy or Kid. She began chunking the eggs into her basket, her face set into a grim scowl.

She turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. “You’re going to break those eggs.” Ike signed to her.

“What? Slow down, you’re going too fast.” Christy watched as he repeated his movements. “Break the eggs? Yeah, well, I’d like to break something else right now; like Jimmy’s and Kid’s heads.”

“I think they both care for you.” Ike insisted.

Christy observed him carefully. “That kind of caring I can do without. Besides, I think it has more to do with some stupid grudge between them than it does me.”

Ike smiled. “Those two are very different people, but they are like brothers. If you mess with one, you mess with both of them.”

“Ike, can I ask you something?” When he nodded, Christy continued. “What do you think of Jimmy?”

“What do you mean?” He signed.

“I’m not sure.” She absently plucked another egg from the nest. “I like him, a lot. Maybe Kid’s right, though. Maybe I should stay away from him.”

“Why would you do that?” Ike asked.

Christy sighed. “Because I don’t want to mess things up with Kid. He’s the most important person in my life, and he’s all the family I’ve got left.”

“Kid will come around.” Ike comforted and he patted her shoulder. “Don’t give up. If being with Jimmy is something you really want, then don’t let anyone change your mind.”

“You know something, Ike? For someone who doesn’t say much, you sure are smart.” Ike grinned and grabbed the basket of eggs from her. Together they walked back to the house.

After a very quiet and tense breakfast, Kid and Christy set out to Thompkin’s store to pick up some supplies. They trudged through the snow without saying anything, their breath’s mingling in the frosty air. The warmth emitting from the buildings they passed beckoned them.

“Hello, Kid, Miss Tunstall.” Thompkins called to them as they entered the store. “Glad to see you two survived the blizzard. What can I get for you?”

“Just some supplies; flour, sugar, coffee, salt. And Christy wants to check on her dresses.” Kid handed over the list Rachel had written out for him.

“Let’s see, coffee I got, sugar I got, all out of salt, though. Folks been buying it like crazy to put down on some of this ice we’ve been having. Should come in on the next train, though. Check with me day after tomorrow. Miss Christy, your dresses should be done next week. My seamstress has been working on them night and day, but this blizzard slowed her down some.” Thompkin’s moved busily around the store gathering items as he talked.

Within minutes they were hurrying back towards the waystation, packages in hand. Kid’s stride was so long; Christy had to take two steps to his one to keep up. She glanced at him warily. His mouth was set in a firm line, and his blue eyes looked dark and cloudy.

“Slow down a little, would you?” She panted. “Kid? Come on, Kid, talk to me, please.”

“Ain’t nothin’ to say.” Kid muttered, shifting the flour to his other arm.

Christy grabbed his free arm, forcing him to stop. “So you’re not going to talk to me from now on? Just because I went for a buggy ride with Jimmy?”

“That ain’t all you did with him, is it?” Kid spat.

Her fair face flushed. “One kiss, Kid, one kiss. Is that a crime?”

“You’re missing the point.” His eyes flashed.

“Explain it to me, then. What is the point?” Christy led Kid away from the bunkhouse and into the barn, where they could have some privacy.

“The point is Jimmy’s reputation. Folks believe he’s a gunfighter and as long as they think that, he’s gonna be trouble. I don’t want you in that kind of situation.” Kid removed his hat and ran a hand distractedly through his curly brown hair.

“I’m not thinking of marrying him, Kid.” Christy sighed. “Besides I haven’t had any problems because of Jimmy’s so-called reputation.”

“Not yet.” Kid said ominously. “But believe me, you hang around ‘Wild Bill’ long enough and you will.”

“Know what I think? I think you’re no better than those people who believe he’s something he’s not. You’re saying just because he has gotten falsely labeled that he doesn’t have a right to happiness. That’s not fair, Kid.”

“Why do you have to be so hard headed about this?” Kid demanded. “Just listen to me, for once.”

“I am listening to you! What you’re saying is absurd. I am a grown woman. I have a right to make my own choice, and if that choice includes James Hickok, then it’s none of your business!” She snapped.

“Then I wish you never would have come here!” Kid yelled. “Cause messing with him will get you killed!”

“Kid!” He turned to find Lou standing in the barn door, her hands covering her face and her eyes wide in shock. Christy took one last look at her cousin, then ran, sobbing, out of the barn and down the street into town.

“Christy! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that!” Kid ran outside after her, but she had already disappeared.

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Teaspoon bellowed.

Kid and Lou had made a frantic search of Rock Creek to no avail. Christy seemed to have vanished into thin air. Finally, they had returned to the bunkhouse to enlist the help of the others. After explaining the situation to Teaspoon, a very contrite Kid waited for the haranguing he knew was coming.

“This is all your fault, Kid.” Jimmy said angrily. His dark eyes seemed almost black with rage.

“Jimmy, hold on a minute. I think what we need to do right now is find Christy and quit worrying about who’s to blame.” Teaspoon stepped between Jimmy and Kid before they could come to blows again. “Kid, you and Lou come with me. The rest of you boys split up and search this town inside out. Rachel, you stay here in case she comes back. Cody will be back from his run soon and you can send him out looking.”

“You think something’s happened to her, Teaspoon?” Buck asked quietly.

“No, at this point, I don’t. I think she’s just got her feathers ruffled, but you never know when another blizzard will pop up, and I’d feel better having her back here safe and sound.” Teaspoon grabbed his coat and headed out into the cold, followed by Kid and Lou.

Christy wandered aimlessly around town. Twice she saw Kid and Lou looking for her, but each time she ducked out of sight. Deep in her heart, Christy knew Kid hadn’t meant the things he said, and really his words were not what troubled her. She felt like she was in a game of tug of war, and she was the rope, caught between Jimmy and Kid.

Kid was her strength, her link to the past. No one would ever understand her like Kid did, simply because they had shared so many of the same struggles. Christy knew why Kid was so overprotective; there had been so much pain in their past, he wanted to shield her from anything else hurtful.

Jimmy, however, was new and exciting. He was charming, obviously good-looking, and so, well, masculine. Christy had heard that girls tended to seek out men like their fathers, and even though she had been very young when her father died, the few memories she did have reminded her somehow of Jimmy. It wasn’t merely the physical that attracted her to him; Jimmy made her feel womanly and safe. She didn’t know how Kid could worry about her being in danger with Jimmy around, because she had never felt so protected.

Christy also realized there was a flip side to the coin. If she choose Kid, he could marry Louise, leaving her alone again. And who was to say that things would even work out between her and Jimmy? Their blossoming friendship was so new and fragile; it wouldn’t take much to break it. Maybe he didn’t even think of her in a romantic light. The kiss they shared could have been just a whimsy of his. Christy didn’t know when she had been more confused.

She walked slowly past the saloon, thinking of the night that Cody had dragged her inside. Cody was another person who had been hurt during this mess, although Christy had the feeling he would be the first to recover.

The inside of the saloon was smoky and dim. She looked in the window, examining all the people moving around. The saloon girls were dancing around in their gaudy red costumes, rough looking men sat at tables, hunched over cards. Christy watched for a minute as the men placed their bets and laid down their cards. One of the men in particular caught her eye. He looked younger than most of the worn, grizzled cowboys he sat with. His brown hat was pushed down low on his head, obscuring most of his face. She studied him closer. There was something almost familiar about the way he was sitting, slouched down in his seat, with his legs sticking out straight in front of him. Just then the man turned to face her, and Christy gasped. It was Harry Turner.

Christy rubbed the grubby window to get a better look. It was definitely Harry, although he had changed since she last saw him. He had lost weight, making his already lean frame look slightly bony. He sported a week’s worth of stubble and his black hair was longer. She watched as he stretched his thin frame then quickly downed a shot of whiskey. He glanced casually around the saloon, his eyes following the saloon girls as they paraded by him. He absently glanced at the window where she stood, then did a double take as he noticed her there. He stood, knocking over his chair and tipping over his whiskey glass. The other men at the table grumbled at him, but he took no notice.

Christy waited nervously until he made his way outside. Up close, Harry’s appearance had changed even more. His eyes had a wild look in them, and his hands seemed to shake as they reached up to embrace her face.

“Hello, Harry.” She said quietly.

“Christy?” His eyes were disbelieving. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same of you.” Christy tried to hide the bitter tone in her voice unsuccessfully.

He glanced over his shoulder at the saloon doors. “Just got here this morning. I’m passing through actually.”

She noticed he didn’t tell her where he planned to go next. “It’s good to know you’re doing alright.”

Harry flinched at her sarcasm. “I know, I’m sorry. I should have let you know where I was.”

“It would have been nice.” She stared at him icily.

“Why are you in Rock Creek?” He asked again, obviously trying to change the subject.

“My cousin is here.” Christy felt a flash of guilt as she thought of Kid. He would be worried sick, wondering where she was.

Harry glanced at her, then looked away. “Look, Chris, I know you have every right to angry with me, but-“

“Christy!” Harry was interrupted as Kid ran up to them. “Where have you been? We’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Just then Kid noticed the man standing next to his cousin. Kid looked the young man up and down and noticed he appeared very drunk. “Is he bothering you?” Kid asked with a steely glint in his eyes.

“Not anymore.” Christy replied. “I was just leaving.”

“Christy, wait! I want to talk to you.” Harry pleaded.

“I don’t think we have anything to talk about.” She said stiffly. She grabbed Kid by his arm and pulled him reluctantly after her.

Harry quickly stepped in front of her. “Please, wait. Can I see you before I leave?” His tone sounded desperate.

Christy studied him for a minute before replying. “Alright. I’m staying at the Pony Express station. You can meet me there tomorrow."”

Harry flashed his lightening quick grin, and for a second, he looked like his old self. “Tomorrow would be great. See you then.” He tipped his hat to her and jogged away.

“What was that all about?” Kid stood with his hands on his hips.

“Just an old friend.” Christy tried to sound casual.

“What’s he doing here?” Kid asked.

Christy seemed lost in thought. “That’s what I would like to know.”

“Christy,” Kid changed the subject, sensing he would get no further with her on her mysterious friend. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things earlier. You know I don’t want you to leave. I just-- I was just being overprotective, I guess.”

Christy’s eyes filled with tears. “Kid, I know you love me, and don’t want me to get hurt, but you have to let me make some decisions on my own.”

Kid nodded. “I just can’t stand the thought of losing you again. If something happened to you…”

“It won’t, Kid. Between you and Jimmy, how can it?” She teased. “But I can’t go on feeling torn between the two of you.”

Kid took her hand. “I’m sorry. Just promise me you’ll take it slow with him, please.”

“I promise.” She sighed.

They made their way back to the bunkhouse. Teaspoon and Lou were already there waiting with Rachel, but the rest of the boys were still out looking for Christy. Christy felt immense guilt at having the riders out in the bitter cold because of her.

“I’m sorry, Teaspoon, that was immature of me.” She apologized.

“Well, that’s alright. I reckon everyone of us in this room has done somethin’ foolish at one time or another.” The older man comforted.

Jimmy and Cody was the last to come in. “We didn’t have any luck-” Cody stopped as he saw Christy sitting quietly in the rocking chair.

“I’m sorry, Jimmy, Cody.” Christy said sincerely.

“Are you alright?” Jimmy asked. It was hard to tell if he was concerned or angry.

“Fine. I just let my temper get the best of me. I’m sorry all of you had to suffer because of me.” Christy couldn’t stand the thought of any of them being mad at her, but at the same time, she couldn’t blame them if they were furious.

“Well, now, everyone’s home safe and sound. Why don’t you help me start dinner, Christy?” Rachel said lightly.

The boys sat down at the table and began playing a game of cards. Christy helped Rachel cook, barely saying a word. As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, now she had Harry’s visit tomorrow to think about. Why on earth had she ever agreed to let him see her?

“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Rachel said quietly to Christy. “These boys will have forgotten all about this in the morning.”

“I just feel so stupid and childish.” Christy explained.

“Believe me, I know the feeling.” Rachel laughed. “The best thing to do is forget about it, and get on with your life.”

Christy looked at the motherly woman with admiration. “You’re way too nice, you know that?”

“Shh.” Rachel put a finger to her lips. “Don’t you dare tell these boys!”

After dinner Christy wandered out to the barn. She went to Katy’s stall and fed her a carrot. While the brown and white horse munched, Christy absently stroked her mane. It must be nice to be a horse, Christy thought.

“What are you thinking so hard about?” Came a voice behind her.

“Jimmy!” She breathed a sigh of relief. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

“Sorry.” He said as he came closer. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Are you mad at me?” Christy glanced at him uncertainly.

Jimmy shook his head. “No.”

They stood looking at each other for a minute. Finally Jimmy took another step closer and reached out gently to touch her face. Christy closed her eyes.

“Jimmy-“ She whispered.

“Shh, let me talk. Christy, since the day I found you, I’ve been fighting these feelings I got for you, because I knew it would cause problems with the Kid. Kid-he’s stubborn. When he latches on to an idea, he don’t let go, and Kid thinks I ain’t right for you. I know what he means to you, but you gotta tell me, before this thing goes any farther; Christy, how do you feel?” Jimmy looked at the floor as he talked and Christy saw something in him she’d never seen before-Jimmy was scared.

“When I first came here, I was just so happy to see Kid again, I didn’t think I would ever look at another man. The things Kid and I went through, Jimmy, well, they made us closer than most cousins. I need him. He understands me in a way others can’t.” Christy tried to make sure Jimmy understood her love for Kid before she went on.

“Then you gave me that tour of Rock Creek, and you changed all that.” She sighed. “You made me realize I could trust someone besides Kid. I just never thought it would be this hard. I don’t want to have to choose between you and Kid.”

Jimmy nodded. “I understand.”

He started to walk away, but Christy caught him by the arm. “Wait.” She said. She pulled him back close to her, sensing his puzzlement as she wrapped her arms around him. She kissed Jimmy then, trying to express in that one kiss what words would not let her.

“Are you sure about this?” He asked gruffly. “If you’re not, say so now, because I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Christy leaned her head against his broad chest. “I’m sure.”

“Then damn Kid. Damn him and anyone else that gets in our way.” Jimmy held her closer and breathed for what felt like the first time in a very long time.

Christy decided the next morning to seek out Kid and Cody. She couldn’t stand the tension hanging in the air between the group. She decided the sooner she talked things over with them, the quicker things could be smoothed over.

She found Cody sitting on the bunkhouse porch, cleaning and polishing his rifle. She felt very relieved when he grinned at her as she climbed the steps to join him.

“Hello, Miss Tunstall. You’re looking pretty as ever.” Cody drawled as she sat next to him.

As always, Cody’s blatant flirting caused her to blush. “Thank you, Billy. I was hoping I could talk to you.”

Cody turned his baby blue eyes to her, batting his eyelashes shamelessly. “Sure, talk, or anything else you want to do.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s about Jimmy, Billy. I-“

Cody held up one hand. “No need to go any further. From the day me and Hickok found you, I knew you were destined to be with him.”

Christy raised an eyebrow at him. “You did?”

“Yep. No hard feelings, the better man won.” Cody leaned forward to take her hand. Grinning devilishly at her, he kissed her palm. “But, if you ever reconsider…”

“Billy!” She pretended to be shocked. “You’re going to make some woman very happy someday, you know that?”

“I intend to make a lot of women very happy someday.” Cody laughed.

Feeling buoyed by Cody’s attitude, Christy approached Kid with a lighter heart. She located him behind the bunkhouse, feverishly chopping wood. Lou was leaned against a fence post watching him.

“He always does that when something’s bothering him.” Lou commented as Christy approached.

“He does?” Christy asked worriedly.

“Yep, when we first started courtin’, he chopped a lot of wood.” Lou smiled mischievously.

Lou left, heading toward the barn, leaving Christy and Kid alone. Christy walked toward her cousin cautiously. He swung the axe forcefully, cracking the slab of wood down the middle. He paused to wipe the sweat from his forehead, for the first time noticing Christy.

“Hey.” He picked up another piece of wood.

“I hope you’re not pretending that wood is me.” She tried to sound lighthearted.

“Nope.” He took another swing with the axe.

“Kid, please don’t be mad at me.” Christy pleaded.

He laid down the axe and sighed. “I’m not mad. I’m not anything. You’ve got a right to live your own life.”

“Good.” Christy nodded. “I just don’t like this feeling of distance between us.”

Kid put his hands on his hips as he observed her. “Neither do I.”

“What do you mean by that?” She asked curiously.

He paused. “Christy, who was that fellow you were talking to in town yesterday?”

“I told you-an old friend.” She looked away guiltily.

“Since when have you become friends with con artists?” Kid watched her closely.

“What do you mean?” Christy’s tone registered surprise.

“Last night, I asked Teaspoon whether he knew of any new faces in town.” Kid sounded casual, but his gaze was direct. “He told me he was keeping his eye on a fellow who rode into town yesterday. He said this fellow liked to hang around saloons, cheating folks out of their money. According to Teaspoon, his description matches the man you were talking to yesterday. Who is he, Christy?”

Christy tried to hide her irritation. “Kid, I had forgotten how nosy you always were.” Kid said nothing, merely waiting on her answer. “Fine, I’ll tell you. His name is Harry Turner.”

Kid looked stunned. “Harry Turner? As in, ‘Blackjack’ Harry Turner?”

“You’ve heard of him?” Now it was Christy’s turn to look shocked.

“I heard he murdered two men.” Kid said with some disgust.

“Yes, he did.” Christy’s tone turned bitter.

“You knew?” Kid asked incredulously.

She nodded. “You remember I told you about the man I stayed with before I came here? Well, his name was Charles Tunstall. He was a good man, Kid. He took me in when I had no place to go, and not only me, he took in several boys who were homeless. Charles gave us a home, he taught us, loved us. Harry was one of those boys.

“When Charles found Harry, he had been accused of cheating by two card sharps. They were going to kill Harry, until Charles showed up. He distracted the men long enough for Harry to get away, then Harry came to live with us. A year later, the two men showed up at our farm looking for Harry. They attacked Charles and burned down our main house. Charles died.” She looked up at Kid with tears in her eyes. “Harry swore he would get revenge, and he did. The last time I saw Harry was the night he killed them. I’ve never seen him like that, Kid, never. I think-I think it destroyed him. I stayed in the farmhouse, hoping he would come back again, but that was the last time I saw him, until yesterday.”

“You were in love with him.” Kid stated.

“Yes.” Christy admitted.

“Why does he want to see you now?”

“I don’t know.” She answered.

Kid shook his head. “I don’t trust him. You may have thought you knew him once, but I don’t think he’s the same person anymore.”

“Kid, it will be alright.” Christy grabbed his arm. “I’m meeting him here. What could he possibly do with you and the others around?”

Kid sighed and picked up the axe again. “I hope you’re right. I have a bad feeling about this.”

Harry didn’t arrive until late afternoon. Christy had already given up on him and was contemplating saddling Katy for a ride, when he rode up. He jumped down from his horse, offering her an uneasy smile. Again she noticed how bad he looked, although he looked more sober today.

“Thank you for seeing me.” He began shyly.

She nodded curtly. “What do you want?”

Was it her imagination, or did he look a trifle hurt at her tone? “I wanted to see you, of course.”

She stared at him silently.

“Are you going to be mad at me forever?” He demanded.

“No.” She said calmly. “After today, I don’t plan to see you again.”

“Chris, I’m sorry if I hurt you-“ he started.

“Hurt me?” Christy fought to keep from yelling. “Harry, you walked away from me when I needed you the most! All you could think of was revenge.”

“What did you want me to do? Just let those two lowlifes get away with murder? Charles deserved better than that, and you know it.” Harry’s eyes flashed indignantly.

She glared at him for a moment, then threw her hands up in the air. “It doesn’t matter now anyway.”

“It does matter.” Harry said quietly, with urgency. “Christy, I told you I would come back for you, and I did.”

“You also told me you couldn’t be with me, to find someone else!” She cried.

He shrugged. “I didn’t mean that. I just went through a bad time, I needed some space.”

“You’re unbelievable!” Christy stamped her foot for emphasis. “You left me. I didn’t hear from you for months, and now you just want to pick up the pieces and pretend like nothing happened.”

“Why can’t we? Chris, we had the beginnings of something good. Do you just want to let it all slip away?” Harry begged.

“It’s too late, Harry.” She whispered.

“Too late? Why?” He grabbed her hand. “Because I made a mistake? We can get past that, can’t we? Please just give me another chance.”

She removed her hand from Harry’s grasp and shook her head. “It’s too late.”

“Why do you keep saying that?” He asked. He gazed at her, then slowly, comprehension seemed to dawn. “You’ve found someone else.”

Christy looked down guiltily. “It doesn’t matter. If I have or haven’t, it’s still over between you and I.”

“Who is he?” Harry’s eyes were dull, his voice soft.

“Why do you care, Harry?” Furiously, she turned away from him. “It’s none of your business.”

Harry grabbed her by the arm and pulled her roughly to him. “Who is he?”

“Harry, let me go. You’re hurting me.” Christy tried to sound unafraid.

He shook her. “Tell me who he is, Christy.”

“Let her go!” Jimmy walked into the barn, his Navy Colt drawn and pointed directly at Harry.

Harry smiled and it chilled Christy. It was the smile of a madman. “Stay out of this.”

Jimmy walked closer, his gaze never leaving Harry, his gun never wavering. “I’m not gonna tell you but one more time; let her go.”

Harry laughed. For one dreadful minute, Christy thought he would ignore Jimmy, but then he let go of her arm and pushed her away. “I guess I got my answer.”

“I think you better leave.” Jimmy said to Harry. Christy ran quickly to hide behind Jimmy.

Harry slowly mounted his horse. He looked down at Christy and Jimmy before tipping his hat to them. “This ain’t over, Christy.”

“It is now.” Jimmy replied.

Harry smiled wickedly again. “Ya’ll have a good day, now.” He said as he rode away.

Christy breathed a sigh of relief as he disappeared. “Thank you.”

Jimmy uncocked his pistol and put it away. “Who was that?”

“Harry Turner. We used to be friends.” Christy said nervously.

“Friends, huh?” Jimmy looked suspicious. “I think you better stay close tonight. I don’t doubt he’d try something foolish.”

Christy was dismayed to see Jimmy begin saddling his palomino. “Where are you going?”

“I’m leaving on relay.” He replied. “I’ll be back in the morning.”

He noticed Christy’s worried look and continued in a softer tone. “Look, don’t worry. As long as you stay here, he wouldn’t dare try anything.”

She nodded and tried to look reassured. “You’re right. Be careful and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jimmy gave her a quick kiss before riding away. Christy watched him go and she couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. She comforted herself with Jimmy’s words. He was right; Harry wouldn’t come back here with Kid and the others around. Slowly she walked back to the main house to help Rachel with the cooking.

After dinner, Christy sat on the porch swing next to Rachel and listened to Teaspoon tell stories of his days as a Texas Ranger. Lou and the boys sat scattered around, listening, too. The night was warmer than it had been all week, with a touch of the coming spring in the air. If Jimmy had been here, it would have been a perfect evening for Christy.

One by one, everyone began turning in for the evening, until Christy and Rachel were left alone. They rocked in the swing for a while silently, enjoying the night. The only mother figure in Christy’s life had been Kid’s mother, and she felt a strong urge to confide in Rachel.

“I’m sorry we worried you during the blizzard.” She began unsure how to broach the subject of Jimmy. “And I’m sorry I ran off yesterday without telling anybody.”

Rachel leaned forward to pat her knee comfortingly. “Well, I guess you have a lot on your mind with Kid and all. You can talk to me, you know, instead of running away.”

Rachel’s words were all the encouragement Christy needed. “I just feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions.”

“Because of Jimmy and the Kid?” Rachel clarified.

Christy nodded. “Kid is the most important thing in my life, Rachel. But Jimmy…”

“Jimmy is becoming important to you, also.” Rachel finished for her.

“Yes.” Christy sighed. “It’s almost like it’s a competition between them, to see who can win me.”

Rachel chuckled. “Well, you may not be far off. Now, I wasn’t here when Kid and Jimmy first started working for the Express, but Teaspoon has told me some stories. They are total opposites, those two. Sometimes that works for them, but sometimes, they are like oil and water-they don’t mix.”

“What happened between Jimmy and Lou?” Christy leaned forward in the swing, hoping to look casual.

Rachel hesitated. “I’m not sure, Christy. All I really know is for a time Jimmy and Louise seemed to be getting really close. It happened around the time Kid and Lou were having some problems and they had sort of parted company for a while. Jimmy was trying to get over a lady named Alice because things hadn’t worked out between them. Jimmy and Lou had to go to Willow Springs, and I think they spent quite a bit of time together.”

“So, did Lou and Jimmy---?” Christy trailed off.

“No, not that I know of.” Rachel shook her head. “Things were kinda tense for a while, but I think Lou realized that she really did love Kid. I think it’s that connection between Louise and Jimmy that worries Kid. He doesn’t really believe there can just be a strong friendship between a man and a woman without anything else."

“Hmmm.” Christy mumbled. “Do you think maybe that’s why Kid doesn’t want me to be with Jimmy? He’s getting back at Jimmy because of Lou?”

“I don’t know.” Rachel considered. “Could be, or it could just be Kid is just afraid of you getting hurt, like he says.”

“You mean, Kid thinks Jimmy is in love with Lou and is just using me?” Christy asked.

Rachel shrugged. “Maybe, Kid can be awful hard-headed sometimes. Just give it time; things got a way of working themselves out.” She stood and stretched. “You want some coffee?”

“No, I think I’ll pass.” Christy said.

“Well, I think I’m going to fix a cup and take it to bed. Maybe I’ll read for a while. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Rachel. Thanks.”

Rachel went inside, but Christy decided to stay outside for a few more minutes. She walked around the porch for a minute to stretch her legs, thinking over what Rachel had told her. Could Kid be right? Would Jimmy ultimately end up hurting her because of feelings he still had for Lou? Now Christy understood Kid’s hesitation at expressing his feelings to Lou better.

She walked down the porch steps, enjoying the feeling of the night air on her skin. Life had certainly become more complicated since she had come to Rock Creek, but Christy still felt happier than she ever had. She thought back to the terrible night right before she had gotten separated from Kid and Jed.

That was the night Kid had vowed he would never take anything from his father again, including his name. Never would she have guessed then that she and Kid would end up in a place like this, with a sort of makeshift family to ease some of the scars of the past.

Lost in her thoughts, Christy hadn’t noticed that she had wandered so far away from the house. With a start she realized where she was and hurriedly walked back toward the house. She hadn’t gone two steps when out of the darkness, a figure loomed in front of her.

“Harry.” She murmured a feeling of dread growing within her.

“Shh.” He whispered as he stepped closer with a foul smelling piece of cloth in his hand. He grabbed her arm before she could even think of running and brought the cloth up to her face.

For Christy the world suddenly ceased to matter…

“Whoa.” Jimmy spoke gently to the tired horse. Having just passed the mail pouch on to Noah, Jimmy climbed wearily down from his saddle and led the golden palomino to the stables. Ike was waiting inside and he took over the job of feeding and putting the horse away. Gratefully, Jimmy signed his thanks and stumbled his way to the bunkhouse, stopping by the washbasin only long enough to rinse the grit from his face.

“Mornin’, Jimmy.” Rachel greeted him as she removed a pan of steaming biscuits from the oven. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”

“Hey, Rachel.” Jimmy quickly snatched a biscuit before Cody could grab them all. “Sure smells good.”

Kid yawned loudly and stretched. “Where’s Christy?”

“She must be sleeping in.” Rachel added a bowl of eggs to the table. “We stayed up a while talking last night, and she was still outside when I went to bed.”

Jimmy glanced quickly up from the piece of bacon he was fixing to bite into. “You left her outside? Alone?”

“Yes, Jimmy, why?” Rachel looked at him with obvious confusion.

He closed his eyes with frustration. “She didn’t tell ya’ll what happened yesterday?”

“What are you talking about?” Kid asked, his brows creasing.

“That fellow you saw her talking to in town was here yesterday. I walked in on them talking and he threatened her.” Jimmy explained.

“Threatened her, how?” Kid’s temper immediately flared.

Jimmy sighed. “Something about things weren’t finished between them. I told her to stay here in case he decided to come back.”

“You don’t think…” Rachel let her sentence die unfinished.

“I’ll go check the house.” Lou volunteered, rising quickly from the bench.

Kid pounded his fist on the table. “Why wouldn’t she tell me about something like this?”

“I think she’s still holding onto the way he used to be.” Jimmy replied.

Lou was back within minutes. “She’s not there.” She said breathlessly. “Her bed ain’t been slept in either.”

Kid began strapping on his gunbelt. His mind flashed back on the man he had found talking with Christy. Kid berated himself for not expressing his instant dislike for the drunken slob better. If anything happened to his cousin, he would never forgive himself.

Just then, Teaspoon came through the door, obviously tired from having worked all night. Quickly he sensed the tension in the air and became more alert. “What’s wrong, boys?”

“We think Christy has been kidnapped.” Rachel explained, her hands covering her face.

“Kidnapped! By who?” Teaspoon demanded.

Jimmy looked up from gathering supplies long enough to answer. “Harry Turner. They evidently go way back and I think he still holds a grudge that she’s moved on with her life.”

Teaspoon looked around at all the riders gathering up their gear. “Hold on a minute. Now, I know we’re all worried about Christy, but this outfit still has to operate. Some of you are going to have to stay here.”

Each one of them looked at the next and no one volunteered to stay.

“Alright. I guess I’ll have to do the pickin’. Do you have any idea where he might have taken her?” Teaspoon asked.

Again there was silence.

“Alright, Buck you go on and start trackin’ them.” The young Kiowa ran dutifully out the door. “Kid, you and Jimmy and Cody come with me.”

Lou immediately began to protest being left behind and Ike nodded his agreement. “Lou, Ike, I know how much you want to come, but you can help more by staying here and seeing that the pouch gets through.”

“Teaspoon, be careful.” Rachel whispered.

The four of them soon set out, following Buck, who had picked up Harry and Christy’s trail heading south. Their tracks were undisturbed and Harry had made no attempt to hide the direction he was going. This worried Buck gravely, as a man who didn’t bother to cover his tracks was probably either in a hurry to get where he was going or he was panicking.

Silently they pushed on, unsure of how big a lead Harry had on them. Kid felt sick with worry. His face was drawn and his blue eyes were a dark shade of gray. Teaspoon noticed his condition and tried to soothe him.

“It’ll be alright, son. We’ll get her back.” Teaspoon said gravely.

Kid wanted to nod; wanted to say he believed the older man’s comforting words, but he found himself unable to respond.

“Kid?” Teaspoon prodded gently.

“I can’t lose her again, Teaspoon.”

Christy awoke with a horrible headache. She tried to open her eyes, but the sunlight was so bright, it caused them to water. She was vaguely aware of being horseback, though where she was going she couldn’t remember. Try to focus, she told herself sternly, but the only thing she could really concentrate on was a gnawing feeling of uneasiness.

She wiped her eyes and caught a brief glimpse of a man riding ahead of her, leading her horse. “Kid?” She called out hopefully.

The man turned to her and smiled. She shuddered. It was Harry, but why was she with him? She clawed for some reasoning. What exactly had happened to her? She tried to think back. The last thing she clearly remembered was talking with Rachel on the porch swing. Everything afterwards was a blank.

“Harry, where are you taking me?” She tried to keep the unsteadiness out of her voice.

Harry laughed. “Home. Where do you think?”

Christy was silent. Home? Where could that be? Unless… “You’re taking me back to Charles’ farm?”

Harry looked back at her again. “Maybe. Right now, I’m just trying to get out of range of those Express friends of yours.”

Christy thought of Jimmy and Kid hopefully. “They’ll never let you get away with this. Kid will hunt you down like a dog.”

He snorted. “I doubt that seriously.”

They rode on for a while in silence. Every step the horse made jarred Christy’s head until it felt like it would explode. She tried to reach up and wipe the hair out of her eyes when she noticed that her hands were tied to the saddle. For the first time, Christy felt more than just annoyance at Harry for kidnapping her; she felt fear.

At dark, Kid and the others were forced to make camp. Kid prowled restlessly around the camp, unhappy at having to stop. Teaspoon built a fire, careful to keep an eye on Kid and Jimmy. He knew how impatient both of them could be, and wouldn’t put it past either of them to take off to search for Christy on their own.

Jimmy at least seemed to be resigned to stopping for the night, but Kid was like a caged panther.

“Kid, come sit down.” Teaspoon called. “You might as well save your strength for tomorrow. There’s nothing more we can do today.”

Kid reluctantly approached the fire and squatted beside it. “It don’t seem right, Teaspoon, us stopping while she’s still out there.”

“I know, son, I know.” Teaspoon offered him a piece of jerky. “But we can’t track ‘em at night, and we can’t afford to lose time by getting off course.”

Jimmy tiredly rubbed his forehead. “Where do you think they’re headed?”

Teaspoon raised his hands. “I don’t know, but he’s sure in a hurry to get them there.”

“If they keep going at this pace, the horses will be worn down.” Buck said.

“That’s fine, that’ll make them easier to catch.” Teaspoon replied.

Kid stood, then sat down again. “All I know is, if he hurt her, there’ll be hell to pay.”

“Yeah, well, we won’t get anywhere sitting around here talkin’ all night. I say one of us goes on ahead.” Jimmy threw down his piece of jerky.

“Jimmy, you ain’t gonna find nothing at night. Now, not one of us wants to find her more than the other, so we best just wait till morning and leave together.” Teaspoon explained patiently.

“Why didn’t you tell me that lowlife threatened her?” Kid stared accusingly at Jimmy.

“Because!” Jimmy tried to hold his temper. “I thought she would tell you. I was leaving on a run, Kid, I didn’t exactly have a whole lot of time for talkin’.”

Cody looked anxiously between the two of them, sensing a fight. “Let’s not go through this again. We shouldn’t fight now, we have to stick together.”

“Cody’s right, boys. We need to worry about Christy right now, not whose fault it is.” Teaspoon had a feeling Jimmy and Kid were both at the boiling point. Tension had already been high between the two men, and with Christy in danger, their anger threatened to spill over.

“How far ahead of us are they, Buck?” Cody asked.

Buck considered it for a moment. “Probably half a day.”

“Our best bet would be to turn in.” Teaspoon advised finally.

Everyone lay down, making pillows from their coats. It was soon clear that no matter how long they lay there, no one was going to sleep this night. Kid finally sat back up, staring into the fire, lost in his thoughts. Teaspoon waited a few more minutes, then rose to join him.

“Can’t sleep, huh?” He poked at a log in the small fire.

Kid shook his head.

“You want to talk about anything?” Teaspoon asked casually.

Again Kid shook his head.

“I know what you must be going through, son. I just wish I could make it better.”

Kid spoke quietly, his gaze never leaving the fire. “I thought I would never get over when Jed-died. It was like a part of me went with him. But, it was nothing like this, Teaspoon. Christy and I went through a lot together, maybe even more than me and Jed. All this time I thought I’d never see her again….”

“Kid, I know it ain’t none of my business.” Teaspoon began. “But I’m going to ask you anyway. How did the three of you get separated?”

Kid sat motionless for a long while. He had always vowed to himself that he would never tell anyone what happened in Virginia so long ago. Happy as he was to see Christy, she stirred up those old feelings that he had thought were long forgotten. If something happened to Christy, he would lose his only link to the past. As bad as his past had been, there had been happy times, times only Christy would remember.

“Kid?” Teaspoon gently prodded. “It’s alright, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

Kid leaned his head on his hand and made his decision. He could sense that the others were awake, waiting for his answer. Maybe it was time to tell someone…

“We took Christy in when she was pretty young. Her parents got scarlet fever and died, but she hardly got sick. Christy’s mother was my mother’s sister. Christy looks a lot like my mama actually… My pa, well, he was pretty rough, things were always bad, but they got worse after Christy came. It was like, like he resented having to take her in.

“One night they got to arguing worse than usual.” Kid swallowed, finding it difficult to continue. “Pa wanted to send Christy to an orphanage, but Mama wouldn’t hear of it. They started fighting. Christy and I hid under the kitchen table. They were upstairs, and-and Pa pushed her-“

Teaspoon gently laid a hand on Kid’s shoulder. “You don’t have to-“

“No, it’s alright.” Kid took a deep breath before going on. “Mama fell down the stairs. She just lay there even though we kept shaking her and telling her to get up. Pa came down the stairs and told us to leave her be.

“Jed came in, he had been out somewhere with his friends. He took one look at Mama and he jumped on Pa. I thought he would kill him right there, but Pa finally shook him off, then he left. Jed sent me to get the doc, but he said there wasn’t much he could do. Either she would live or she would die.”

Kid’s voice became quieter as he talked, but his tone also became harder. “Two days later, she died in her sleep. We never saw Pa again. A widower named Mrs. Williams took me and Christy in, but she didn’t have room or money enough to take Jed, too. We stayed with Mrs. Williams for almost five years, until she got the small pox. An old lady came and got Christy one day, said she would keep her until Mrs. Williams got better. She died a few days later, so I went to find Christy, but she had disappeared. Turns out the old lady was from an orphanage, she had planned to come back and get me after Mrs. Williams died. I spent the next few years looking for Christy and Jed, until I got the job with the Pony Express.”

Teaspoon shook his head in disbelief. “You young’uns have been through quite a bit.”

Kid turned to Jimmy. “That’s why I was so set against the two of you. Maybe I’m just being overprotective, but I don’t want her to get hurt again.”

“Why didn’t you tell us this before, Kid?” Cody asked.

Kid looked down guiltily. “Maybe I should have, but I really didn’t want to remember much from that time. Mama had made each of us promise that if we ever got separated that we would try to find each other again. It’s almost like she knew what would happen. By the time I got my job here I had pretty much given up on ever finding Jed or Christy.” He laughed sadly. “I quit looking for them, and they both showed up.”

“Aren’t you glad to at least have found them?” Buck asked, noticing Kid’s forlorn expression.

“Not if just when I get them back, they both get killed.” Kid replied.

Teaspoon pointed a finger at Kid. “Now, you can’t think that way. We are going to find Christy and she’s going to be fine.”

“I hope you’re right, Teaspoon.” Kid looked at him earnestly. “I hope you’re right.”

When Harry finally decided to stop for the night, Christy was past the point of caring whether she lived or died. Her headache had grown steadily worse as the day wore on, and her backside was tender and sore from riding in the saddle all day. Harry had stopped only once to water the horses. He had quickly untied her hands and allowed her to dismount long enough to get a drink and relieve herself.

They stopped in what seemed like the middle of no where to Christy. Nothing surrounded them but the vast open plain and the stars above. Once again Harry untied Christy’s hands from the saddle while she climbed tiredly down from her horse. Then he retied her hands and settled her on a log in front of the campfire.

“Don’t want you to get no ideas about running off.” Harry grinned at her nastily.

She stared at him sullenly. “I won’t have to run off. Jimmy and Kid will come for me.”

Without warning, Harry slapped her hard across the face, splitting her lip. Feeling the warm blood spill into her mouth, Christy refused to break down and cry. Hatred glowing in her eyes, she spit in Harry’s face. She expected him to be furious, but instead he merely laughed.

“You always were a tomcat.” Harry said with some amusement.

“Why are you doing this, Harry?” She asked.

Harry’s look of mirth quickly faded. He looked very sad as he answered her. “Because I let you down, Christy. I had to come for you and make things right. I shouldn’t have left you.”

She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now, Harry. It’s too late-“

“Don’t you say that!” He cut her off. “Don’t you say it’s too late! I’ve screwed up everything I’ve ever done in my life; I won’t give up on you.”

“Harry, what are you talking about?” Christy looked puzzled.

Harry sighed deeply. “You remember that night I came back to Charles’ farm? The night you asked me if I had killed those two men who killed Charles?”

She nodded and he continued. “Well, I sort of misled you that night, Chris. I did kill two men, but they weren’t the same ones who killed Charles.”

“Wh-what?” Christy felt a cold wave rush over her body.

“I killed the wrong men, Chris. Brooks and Dixon set me up. I heard from a man in a saloon that Brooks and Dixon would be meeting at a certain place, so I decided to go ahead of them and meet them there, so to speak. It was dark, two riders showed up, and I opened fire on them. Turns out it was two law men Brooks and Dixon had sent on a wild goose chase to catch a bank robber.” Harry’s eyes filled with tears as he remembered that night.

“You shot two law men?” She asked in disbelief.

He nodded. “Yep, a sheriff and a deputy. I’ve been on the run ever since. Now you know why I told you to find someone else.”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here now.” Christy insisted.

“No, I guess it doesn’t.” Harry agreed. “Truth is, I don’t rightly know. After I saw you in town that night I asked around about you. Couple of people told me they had been seeing you with this Hickok fellow a lot. All this time, Chris, all I’ve been thinking about is you. How I wished it would have worked out between us, how things coulda been different. When I heard you had found somebody new, it went all through me.”

“Jimmy and I are just friends-“ Christy tried to explain.

“Don’t you lie to me!” Harry cried, his anger suddenly returning. “That didn’t look like friends what I saw earlier.”

“Harry, you threatened me! What was Jimmy supposed to do?” Christy felt her own anger returning.

“You shut up!” Harry slapped her again, this time knocking her to the ground. “You don’t belong with him, you’re mine!”

Christy crawled away from him. “You’re crazy, you know that? Not only will Kid and Jimmy come for me, you’ve got every lawman in the territory looking for you for killing two men. You’ll never get away with this, Harry.”

He looked at her and grunted. “Maybe not. But if I go, I’m taking you with me. I’ll die before I see you with another man and so will you.”

Kid woke with a jerk and sat straight up. He had been having a dream that his pa had come back and kidnapped Christy. For a moment he looked around in relief, then he remembered what had really happened. Christy had been taken, but not by his pa. He glanced at the horizon and was relieved to see it was almost daybreak. Today they would find his cousin. He was as sure of it as he was his own name, though why he couldn’t say. He could only pray she would be all right when they found her.

He sat for a few more minutes, thinking about the day ahead, then he rose and made a quick breakfast. Slowly, Teaspoon and the others awoke, and within an hour they were on their way once again. Kid noticed he wasn’t the only one who seemed unusually tense. Even Cody was quiet for once. A feeling of dread seemed to hang in the air.

Jimmy sighed heavily and shifted uncomfortably on his horse. “How much longer, Buck?”

Buck glanced back over his shoulder at his impatient friend. “It will be awhile, Hickok.”

“I just hope we’re not too late.” Kid replied.

In the morning, Christy was surprised when Harry didn’t immediately pack up and break camp. He dawdled over breakfast, and spent awhile just staring into the fire. She wondered why he wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

“Shouldn’t we be going?” She asked as he continued to sit around.

Harry stood and scanned the horizon. “Nope, I think we’ll just wait right here.”

She followed his gaze but saw nothing. “Wait for what?”

“I can’t outride those friends of yours; they’re better mounted, so I’m going to stay here. They’ll show up sooner or later.” Harry sat down again and began cleaning his pistols.

Christy looked at him in amazement. “Harry, there’s only one of you. There’s no way you can outfight all of them.”

“I won’t have to fight them. I have you.” Harry sneered. “They won’t shoot because they’ll be afraid of hurting you. All I’ll have to do is pick ‘em off, one by one.”

“Harry, this is crazy. Let me go, I promise I won’t tell anyone where you are.” Christy pleaded. “They will have you outnumbered and you can’t hide behind me forever.”

He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her roughly. “You just don’t know when to shut up, do you? If I let you go, you’d have that cousin of yours and Mr. ‘Wild Bill’ Hickok on my back quicker than I could turn around. Now, sit down over there and keep that trap of yours shut. I will get us out of this, and after I’m finished getting rid of all your pesky friends, we’ll go back to Charles’ and we’ll be together, just like it was meant to be.”

“And what if you don’t get rid of all my ‘pesky friends’?” Christy risked asking.

He snorted. “Well, I think you know what happens then. Either we get rid of them, or we’ll die trying.”

Much to Buck’s surprise, they caught up with Christy and Harry in the early afternoon. So unexpected was their appearance, that Buck almost rode in on them before he knew it. He observed them over a small ridge, relieved to see Christy seemed to be all right. He quickly rode back to the others.

“What is it, son?” Teaspoon asked with concern as Buck came galloping back towards them.

“They’re camped about half a mile that way.” He pointed. “It doesn’t look like they have moved since last night.”

“Why wouldn’t he be trying to get as far away from us as possible, Teaspoon?” Cody wondered.

“I don’t know, Cody, but it sounds awful suspicious.” Teaspoon scratched his head thoughtfully.

“Do you think it’s a trap?” Jimmy looked to the older man.

“Could be. We better watch our back. Why don’t we split up and surround them?” Teaspoon checked his guns to make sure they were loaded. He looked at Kid. “You come with me.”

“Teaspoon, I ain’t gonna do nothin’ to get Christy hurt.” Kid insisted.

Teaspoon looked at Kid doubtfully. “I know you wouldn’t on purpose, son. I’d just feel better having you with me.”

The riders split up, with a very aggravated looking Kid following Teaspoon. Before long they had closed in on Harry’s camp and quickly they surrounded it. Kid sat anxiously on his horse and Teaspoon was glad he had brought the young man with him. Kid was so agitated he looked ready to charge the camp at any moment.

Except for the small ridge from which Buck had observed Harry and Christy the open plains offered no protection so the riders advanced upon the camp in plain sight and Harry soon spotted them. He yanked Christy off the ground by her arm and pulled her in front of him. He pulled his gun from its holster and held it to Christy’s side.

“Mornin’!” Harry called to them cheerfully.

“Let her go, Turner.” Jimmy spoke in a quiet deadly voice. He had no doubt that if he got the chance, he would kill Harry Turner.

Harry chuckled. “Now you know I can’t do that.”

“Quit hiding behind a girl!” Kid yelled. “Come fight like a man.”

“Stay back!” Harry warned as the group of riders steadily advanced toward him. “Stay back or I’ll kill her!”

Teaspoon held up his hand and tried a diplomatic approach. “We don’t want no trouble. Just let the girl go and we’ll be on our way.”

“Shut up, old man.” Harry growled. “How stupid do you think I am? If I let her go, you’ll drop me in a second.”

Cody smiled. “You’re probably right, mister, but we’re gonna take you anyway. The question is do you want to make it easy or not?”

Kid slowly began to unfasten his gunbelt. He removed it and threw it to the ground. Ignoring Teaspoon, who tried to stop him, Kid slowly raised his hands in the air. “Take me instead.”

Harry looked at Kid as if he’d lost his mind. “What?”

“You heard me. Let Christy go and take me instead.” Kid cautiously took a step closer.

“No way.” Harry shook his head. “You don’t understand, boy. The only way you’re going to get her back is to kill me.”

With growing panic, Harry watched the riders close in a little more on him. Things weren’t going as well as he’d expected. With Christy as protection, he’d thought her friends would be afraid to attack him. However, the band of riders seemed to ignore the fact that he held Christy’s life in his hands as they steadfastly approached him.

Christy shivered in Harry’s grasp. She had a horrible feeling something was fixing to happen. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Jimmy looking at her. The expression on his face was terrible; it shone with hatred towards Harry, rage, and fear. Kid kept creeping closer to them, his eyes dark with anger. She could feel Harry trembling next to her. He seemed very close to losing complete control.

“Get back!” Harry screamed. His voice broke and he began to sob. His finger shook on the trigger of his gun.

“Kid!” Teaspoon warned. “Kid, get back. He’s gonna-“

Teaspoon’s words were cut off as a shot rang through the air. For a moment, all Christy felt was surprise that everyone was still standing after Harry had fired his pistol. She looked around at the riders, her friends, wondering why they were all staring at her. She glanced down and saw the blood beginning to pour down her dress. He shot me, she thought with dismay. The last thing she saw as she fell to the ground was Kid rushing to catch her. He seemed to be saying something to her, but she couldn’t make out the words.

“Christy, oh God, no!” Kid caught Christy and pulled her to him.

Kid laid her gently on the ground, resting her head on his lap. He was unaware of the activity around him, he didn’t even notice when Jimmy shot Harry, who was dead before he even hit the ground. Kid rubbed Christy’s cheeks, trying to rub some color back into them. He felt a sob tear loose from deep within him.

The others gathered around him, looking at Christy’s motionless body. Jimmy swallowed hard as he bent down. He placed two fingers on Christy’s neck, hoping against hope to find a pulse.

“She’s alive!” He cried weakly.

Kid looked up, his face tear-stained. “She’s alive?”

Jimmy nodded and Teaspoon quickly stepped between them. “We’ve got to stop this bleeding.”

Jimmy removed his coat and ripped the sleeve from his black shirt. Balling it up, he placed it firmly against Christy’s side. Within minutes the piece of material was soaked with blood. Next he tried his saddle blanket, leaning over her still form to apply pressure. Cody and Buck began looking for limbs to fashion a travois to carry Christy on.

“Where’s the closest doctor, Teaspoon?” Kid asked quietly. Relieved as he was that Christy was breathing, he knew the danger was far from over.

“I think there’s a little town called Bear Creek not far from here.” Teaspoon said thoughtfully.

“Can’t we take her back to Rock Creek?” Jimmy looked up from his position at Christy’s side.

Teaspoon reluctantly shook his head. “It’s too far, she’d never make it.”

When they were finally ready to leave, Buck gestured back to Harry Turner’s body. “What are we going to do about him?”

Jimmy glanced back at the body in disgust. “Leave him.”

Buck glanced at Teaspoon who shrugged. “We don’t have time to bury him anyway.”

The doctor looked skeptically out the window again at the odd lot of men waiting outside. He sighed as he glanced down at the pale young woman lying on the bed. “I don’t know who you are, miss, but you sure have a lot of folks who care about you.”

As he talked to his patient, he moved busily around the bed. The group of men had brought her to him almost four hours ago, during which time the doctor had feverishly worked to remove a bullet lodged in her side. There had been no time to ask questions when they arrived, but now the doctor found his curiosity aroused. All of the men had looked tired and edgy, so he figured he better save his questions a little longer.

The doctor washed his hands and headed outside to talk to the little group. Closing the door behind him, he stepped onto the porch and was immediately surrounded.

“Well?” Jimmy asked.

The doctor shook hands all around, introducing himself as Dr. Hawkins, before turning to the impatient young man. “I got the bullet out, but she lost a lot of blood.”

“Will she live?” Kid’s eyes were ringed with dark circles.

Dr. Hawkins shrugged helplessly. “I don’t know. Thankfully, none of her internal organs seem damaged, but it’s hard to say. The next twenty-four hours will tell us a lot.”

“Can we see her?” Teaspoon spoke up.

The doctor hesitated. “Well, she’s unconscious, but I don’t suppose it will hurt. I’ll run over to the hotel and pick up a bite to eat, if you’ll watch her.”

They filed into the small, dim room and huddled around the bed where Christy lay. Even in sleep, her face looked drawn and troubled. No one spoke as they gazed down at her.

Finally, Teaspoon stirred. “Well, boys, I don’t think there’s anything we can do for her tonight. Why don’t we go get us a room for the night and check on her first thing in the morning?”

“I won’t leave her, Teaspoon.” Kid replied.

Jimmy stood up behind him. “Neither will I.”

Teaspoon sighed. “I know. I didn’t figure you would. What about you two?”

Buck shook his head and Cody patted Teaspoon’s shoulder. “Looks like we’re staying.”

Teaspoon finally managed to talk Buck and Cody into going to the restaurant with him to get some supper. Kid sat in a chair by Christy’s bed and Jimmy sat on a bench outside the office. The doctor returned soon with a plate of beans and steak. Noticing the pair standing guard over his patient he glanced guiltily down at his supper.

“You and your friend want something to eat?” He offered Kid. “I’ll be glad to share.”

“No thanks.” Kid answered. “Teaspoon is going to bring us something back.”

Kid sat in the half dark room silently. He was glad the others had left and glad that Jimmy sat outside. He felt like being alone with his thoughts. He watched Christy’s chest gently rise and fall with her breathing. In his head, Kid replayed the events of the afternoon over and over. If only he hadn’t gotten so close to Harry, maybe Christy would be unhurt right now.

The hours ticked by. Every once in a while Jimmy would come inside to check on Christy. Each time Kid greeted him with the same response. “Nothing’s changed.” He could see Teaspoon, Buck, and Cody lined up on the bench outside the window. Teaspoon’s head was tipped back as if he were sleeping and Cody’s head rested heavily against his hand. The doctor snored loudly from his bed on the couch in the tiny living room.

For two days Kid maintained his position at Christy’s bedside, only rising to relieve himself and once to cross the street to the hotel for a quick bath. He ate when Teaspoon brought him something and he slept some late at night, sitting up in his chair.

Jimmy mostly stayed on the porch of the doctor’s office. If he stayed inside for more than a few minutes, he would begin to prowl the room like a caged animal. The very sight of Christy seemed to intensify his discomfort; he could hardly stand to see her lying on the bed so lifeless.

Teaspoon, Buck, and Cody had finally given in and gotten a room at the hotel. Teaspoon had sent a letter to Rachel and the others to let them know what had happened. It seemed there was nothing else to do but wait.

On the third morning, Kid rose from the wooden, ladder-back chair that he had sat in so long he felt like he was attached to it. He stretched and looked hopefully at Christy. With disappointment he noted she hadn’t moved. He went to the window and looked out at the busy street, filled with people going about their daily business.

Sensing Kid’s movements, Jimmy quickly came inside. “Is she-“

Kid shook his head. “No, nothing.”

Jimmy noticed again the dark circles under his friend’s eyes. “Listen, Kid, why don’t you go get something to eat? You’ll feel better if you get out of here for awhile. I’ll stay and watch her.”

“I don’t know, Jimmy. What if she wakes up?” Kid hesitated.

“Then I’ll come get you.” Jimmy said firmly. “Now go.”

“Jimmy,” Kid turned to face his friend. “I just want to say I’m sorry. I haven’t been exactly fair to you lately.”

Jimmy ducked his head. “You don’t have to apologize, Kid.”

“Yes, I do.” Kid said earnestly. “When I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong. I was just so determined not to let Christy get hurt again; I didn’t even give you a chance. Then she ends up getting hurt by that lowlife Turner…”

“It weren’t your fault, Kid. You can’t protect her from everything.”

Kid shrugged. “Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I’m right.” Jimmy guided Kid to the door. “Now get out of here.”

Reluctantly, Kid allowed himself to be pushed outside. The bright morning sunshine blinded him momentarily, but he had to admit the warm breeze against his skin felt wonderful. Teaspoon stood up so fast he almost knocked Cody off the bench.

“Anything change, son?” Teaspoon asked as he settled his brown bowler hat more firmly onto his head.

“No. Jimmy just talked me into getting some breakfast, is all.”

“Well, that sounds like a good idea.” He turned to Buck and Cody. “How about it? You two want to join us?”

Jimmy watched as the four of them headed toward the hotel, then he took Kid’s place in the narrow chair. Dr. Hawkins had risen and was examining Christy. He sighed and shook his head as he continued his poking and prodding.

“I don’t know. I just don’t know.” The doctor sighed again. “I thought she would have woken up by now.”

Jimmy rubbed his forehead, hoping the doctor would leave soon.

“Well, I’ll be back.” Dr. Hawkins began gathering his bag and supplies. “I’ve got to check on one of my patients. She just had a baby.”

Jimmy nodded and tried to be polite. “That’s real nice.”

“I won’t be gone long.” The doctor said as he left.

Relieved to be alone, Jimmy stretched his long legs in front of him and leaned his head against the wall. He closed his eyes, glad for a chance to rest. He jumped as he heard a noise to his left. He looked down at the bed to find Christy staring back up at him.

“You’re awake!” Jimmy smiled unbelievingly as he tried to hide the tears welling in his eyes.

“That doctor was making too much damn noise.” She mumbled.

Jimmy couldn’t restrain his laughter. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.” He glanced at her again happily. “I better go get Kid.”

“Jimmy, wait.” She called weakly.

He turned to her expectantly. “Thank you.” She whispered. “Thank you for coming for me.”

Jimmy leaned down close enough to give Christy a soft kiss. “I’ll always come for you.”

Christy Tunstall leaned back in her rocker. She patted the tears from her cheek, now wrinkled slightly from the sun despite the fact she was only thirty-seven years of age. It seemed like a lifetime ago that Jimmy had whispered those words to her, but she could still hear his voice as plainly as if it were yesterday.

Jimmy had meant his words, he had proven that to her later on; but Christy knew he hadn’t counted on a war coming that would pit brother against brother; a war that would eventually tear the little express family apart straight down the middle.

How unfair, she thought, for a man to die at the age of thirty-nine. How cruel to be shot down in cold blood. Christy could only hope that Jimmy had found some happiness before his untimely death. She knew he had eventually married and she wondered if his wife had made up for some of the demons in his past.

As for herself, Christy admitted that life hadn’t been unkind to her. She had married five years ago, although she choose to keep her last name in remembrance to the man who had believed in her so long ago. Just last year she had given birth to her first child, a boy she named Charles Ike: Charles for the man she considered her father, and Ike in memory of another wonderful human being who had died before his time.

She loved her husband and he had provided well for the little family, but no one would ever take Jimmy’s place in her heart. James Butler Hickok had been many things; a gunfighter, a hero, and a legend; but to Christy he would always be only the man-loyal and brave and kind, the man who ducked his head when he revealed his tender side that he tried so hard to hide. To Christy, he would always be simply Jimmy.

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