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Jimmy said nothing as he and his two companions walked back into the ebony darkness. Lou had long ago closed her eyes, even though Kid kept frantically shaking her. Then he too had given up. Maybe it was better that Lou not be awake when they met their death...at the hands of their friend.

Kid looked up at Jimmy now, with eyes devoid of emotion. All his anger seemed to have faded. The sadness to was gone, it was as if he had given up, and slowly accepted his fate. He lowered his eyes again, as if he was trying to make it easier on Jimmy.

Jimmy drew his guns. "I'm really sorry." He whispered hoarsely, before firing the four shots that killed Peter and John.

Kid looked at him in surprise. Jimmy held his finger to his lips, signaling for silence. He quickly untied Kid's binding and walked out to greet his old friends as Kid tended to Lou.

"Where's Peter and John?" Robert demanded.

"You said two bullets for each of them, didn't you?"

Understanding dawned on the pair, and they narrowed their eyes at Jimmy.

"You know, I'm insulted that you'd think that I'd actually kill two of the people I care most about in this world. Now get down, you're goin' back to Rock Creek."

Just as the siblings dismounted, Kid walked out of he mouth of the cave, Lou held limply in his arms. He looked at Jimmy in anguish. "We gotta get her help. Now."

"We will Kid, we will." His eyes were turned to Kid, so he didn't notice as Josephine drew a small derringer from her stocking. However, he turned back just in time to see her take aim for Lou. Without thinking, he pulled his gun and shot her in the shoulder. She fell under the impact and looked at Jimmy dazed.

"C'mon Kid, we got to get help." Jimmy said as he began to tie up their prisoners.

Lou looked up as the door opened, and smiled as Jimmy came to sit awkwardly on the chair by the bedside. He took his hat off, and stared at the floor. Lou reached over and patted his arm.

"Didn't think you was ever goin' to come see me." Lou smiled lightly.

"I...uh...I just didn't think you'd want to see me."

"And why not?"

"It was all my fault."

"No it wasn't."

"I should never have trusted them..."

"Jimmy, you were in a bad place then. You were feeling guilty over Alice's death...you thought they were genuine. I don't know, maybe they were, they just didn't think about the consequences of their actions. Sometimes people are blinded by their need to do good that they don't realize they end up hurtin' others."

"They were sent back to Kansas to stand trial."

"I know...Kid told me."

"Where is Kid? He didn't want to let no one near you for a couple of days."

She laughed. "I finally convinced him to go get some sleep."

"Not an easy job."

"No...Jimmy, I want you to know that I never doubted you."

"What?"

"I knew you wouldn't let them kill us."

"How'd you know that?"

"Because I see a lot more than you think I do." Lou said mysteriously.

Jimmy's cheeks blushed a bright shade of red, and Lou grasped his large hand. He looked into her eyes and smiled shyly. He was about to respond, but Kid poked his head in the door and smiled at the duo.

"How you doin' Lou?"

"What are you doin' up?"

"Couldn't sleep. Uh...Jimmy, could I talk to you for a minute?"

Jimmy nodded his assent and stood up from his chair, giving Lou's hand a slight squeeze. He followed Kid out onto Rachel's porch and watched humorously as Kid paced back and forth. Finally Kid stopped in front of Jimmy and looked at him seriously.

"There ain't no easy way to say it Jimmy...I'm sorry. I should have trusted you."

"I didn't give you no reason to."

"No...but I know you're a good man, and well I-"

"Kid, I would have had the same reaction if our places were reversed."

"Maybe, but-"

"Look Kid, apology accepted."

"You saved Lou's life and I'll never be able to repay you." he said seriously.

"No, she's saved mine." Jimmy said as he walked away.

Kid looked at him in quiet understanding before walking back into Lou's room.

As Jimmy walked back towards the bunkhouse, he saw Teaspoon standing in the door to the barn. A long moment passed between the two. Jimmy knew he'd hurt Teaspoon, even though the grizzled station master would never admit it.

However, he knew he'd been forgiven as Teaspoon smiled and walked back into the stable.

Jimmy knew he didn't have his life figured out, and probably never would. He seemed more lost than ever, but right now he was content to lose himself in his duties. The war was coming, but he didn't want to think of that now. He wanted to spend the rest of the peace time with his friends. It wouldn't be too long before them all scattered, and possibly ended up facing each other on opposite sides. He didn't want to think of that now though.

He began to unpack his things and reveled in the feeling of being back home. This was really the only home he'd ever known. A home filled with love, laughter, and yes arguments.

However, Jimmy knew that through it all, he could always come back and still be accepted by his friends...no, his family.

Way Station
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