Author's Note: "Choices In Time" is a sequel to "A Time For Love". It is recommended if the reader is not familiar with the storyline and characters therein it would be beneficial to read the first installment. This piece has been renamed from it's former title "Choices". Please let me know what you think. I enjoy any feedback from you readers!

The music from the piano filled the smoky room. The loud sounds of laughter and good cheer filtered through the crisp autumn night. It was just another busy evening at the town's saloon...

"I'll see your twenty and raise you fifty more." said a gruff voice from across the table as he tosses in the paper bills of his hefty wager into the growing pot before his reddened eyes.

"Well, that does it for me. I'm out." said a disgruntled player, slamming his cards on the table.

"Me too." announced another. "Too rich for my blood."

"Well friend, I guess it's just you and me." added the well-tailored gambler as he stared at his red-eyed, weary opponent.

" 'Fraid so." he simply replied, staring at the much younger man that sat across his view.

The intensity could be felt in the room. A small group of spectators had gathered around whispering to each other, wondering which of these two men would finally be the victor. The game had lasted for hours. A contest of wits and nerves of steel. Both men seemed like they had been down this road too many times to be squimmish, to feel the cloud of fear that intimidated many to back down. The money on hand, the prize to be claimed was no small change. Hundreds of dollars could be won or lost just by the luck of the draw. 'To the victor goes the spoils,' was the popular saying. And what a winner this one would be.

"Sorry it had to go down like this." the older man said with a confident air as he laid down his hand. He knew he had won. A boisterous laugh escapes his lips and he begins to garner his supposed winnings. The crowd voiced their sentiments. Some with loud cheers, others with disgusted murmurings. Wagers won, wagers lost.

"Not so fast my friend." interrupted the young man, putting a stern halt on the victory celebration. His announcement stopped the room cold. All eyes once again turned to focus on the battling men seated at this poker table.

"I would have to admit, that hand would be a good one on any other day but today." he said with a cocky grin now becoming visible as he laid down his hand staring directly at his older, not very refined opponent. "See, I'm a ladies man my humble friend and my house is full of them."

Resounding shouts of joy flooded the room from the once former losers now having been made the happy winners as money changed hands yet again much to the displeasure of the formerly winning crowd.

"That's impossible!" cried the man as his red eyes look down on the winning hand now laying prominently on the table. It couldn't be. "No one gets a hand that good." he thought. In utter disbelief that now all his money had been snatched from under his nose, his face reddened, his eyes narrowed and a deep wrinkle appeared on his brow. Blaring darts of anger shot through his eyes as he looked at the young man gathering the money that was rightly his. He drew his gun, pointing it directly at the winner.

"You swindled me!" he declared with full authority.

The small crowd quickly dispersed, the other two men that were seated there immediately rose from their seats, scattering at once so as not to be trapped in the middle of this now disturbing altercation. The piano man stopped. All eyes were now upon the winner and the sore loser.

"Now friend, don't go getting riled just 'cause you lost. Happens to even the best of us." His response was too calm. It's as if he had been through this scenario a million times before. It fazed him not. A pointed gun, scared him not. His demeanor was intimidating.

"Get your hands off that money!" ordered the older man with a slight quivering tone.

"Now I know..." began the young man just to be cut-off.

"SHUT UP! I know a cheat when I see one." came forth the accusation.

The young man's eyes darkened. One thing he couldn't stand for was being accused of unfair play. Afterall he too had a reputation to protect. He stood up at once, glaring at the older man. "I suggest you retract that statement Sir! We all saw the game. No one's cheated you man."

"I said be QUIET!" blared the man. "Don't you think I know who you are?!" he cried, trying not to let the fear he felt inside come through his words.

The younger one remained calm. "I don't know what you're talking about friend." he said, his voice still but intimidating at the same time.

"I-I ain't your friend!"

"I'm sorry. You must've mistaken me for someone else."

The older man swallowed. He needed to stand his ground, though fear was beginning to spread through him like a slow burning flame. "No...I-I don't think so Mister. See, I never f-forget me a face." he revealed as he cocked his weapon.

Suddenly, the well-dressed man lifted the table by its edge, pushing it into the gun-toting loser. A shot was fired sending several patrons running for cover as he stumbled backwards inadvertantly bumping another man who now proceeded to land a hefty punch on the instigator of this altercation. The older man retaliated pushing his pummeler into the neighboring table shattering it once he'd landed on top. One punch led to another, then another and soon the entire saloon had broken out into one major brawl.

Since the young man didn't consider himself the fighting type, he instead took the opportunity to recover as much of the money which by now was spread all over the wooden floor when the table was toppled.

The matter was totally out of hand. "Go get Hickok and the Kid over here quick!" charged the barkeep as the sound of crashing glass was heard nearby.

"Think I got ya this time Jimmy." noted Kid with a wide grin as he looked down at the pieces on the checker board. "I don't think you'll be gettin' outta this one."

"Not so fast Kid." grinned Jimmy as he took his red checkered piece and in one, two, three moves, claimed three of Kid's men.

Kid let out a dumbfounded sigh. "How'd you do that?"

"Practice Kid."

"Deputy Hickok!" called the alert voice of a young boy.

The two men turned to the call at once. "Quinn, what have I told you about busting in here like that?" asked Jimmy annoyed. It must've been the hundreth time he'd told the boy not to barge into the Marshal's office but it seemed like it went in one ear and out the other.

"But-But..."

"What?" asked Jimmy irritably.

"There's a brawl at the saloon!" As the news fell on their ears, Kid and Jimmy both sprung to their feet, each walking with steady, hurried steps to grab their gunbelts off the rack.

"So much for peace and quiet." commented Kid as he strapped on his gun. Jimmy only offered a snicker and they were off. On their way Quinn filled them in on the latest fiasco at the saloon. He begged them not to tell Cassie he'd been there for he knew she would kill him. He liked to watch the poker games there but Cassie strongly felt such an establishment was no place for a child especially not her brother. She always told him: "Quinn Ellis, there's enough corrupting in this world, you don't need to be no part of it too." But Quinn always sought adventure and whenever he could, he'd always find a way to spend a few hours at the saloon.

Soon they reached the saloon. The brawl was still in progress. The sounds of crashing furniture, breaking bottles and solid punches came forth crystal clear. As they stepped up the stairs Quinn followed right behind but Jimmy turned to the young boy, leaning into him as he looked him in the eyes.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Inside."

"I'll tell you something Quinn. You step one foot in this saloon, it won't be your sister you'll have to worry about but Noah. Now get outta here." Quinn nodded as his eyes bulged at the sound of Noah Dixon's name. Dealing with Cassie he could handle but Noah, well, that was a different story.

The two deputies split the two-leaved doors, entering the madness. Pushing bodies aside and dogging bottles of their own, they began making their way to the bar.

"I tell ya Kid, I'll be glad when Teaspoon gets back."

"Next time he tries to deputize us, let's make sure we split before he gets the chance." added Kid as he pushed a brawler aside.

"I'm with you on that one."

They finally made it over to the barkeep who had taken temporary refuge behind the bar. Leaning over, Jimmy grabbed him by the shirt, hoisting him up. "Who started it?" he asked gruffly.

"That one over there, he pulled his gun...and that one's to blame too." he pointed.

"Thanks." Jimmy nodded over at Kid to apprehend the older man that had pulled the gun as he made his way to the middle of the saloon, firing two shots in the air. The gunshots brought an abrupt halt to the fighting matches.

"ALL RIGHT!" he yelled. "That's enough! Anyone one else here throws another punch, they'll be spending the night with me." No one moved. They all stared at the gunfighter as he stared back. His dark eyes crossing each of theirs. Now that all was under control he made his way to the finely dressed man who now was sprawled out on the floor out cold, courtesy of a bottle upside the head. "Great." he remarked looking down on the unconscious fellow. He squatted next to him and grabbing a handful of his dark hair, lifted his head and was moved to snicker. "Well, guess you'll be spending some time in jail." Jimmy nodded to the barkeep who rushed at once to aide the deputy with the dead weight of the man and off to the jailhouse they went.

An hour had gone by. Kid and Jimmy tried resuming their interrupted checker game to no avail. The constant wrangling and aggravation they were receiving at the hands of the man who'd started the brawl had gotten on Kid's last nerve.

"I'm going outside. He's driving me crazy."

"Then take him with you will ya?" joked Jimmy. He too had had enough of the older man's constant babbling.

"I keep telling you Hickok. It weren't my fault! That man's a cheatin' snake!"

Jimmy rose from his seat, tucking his brown hair behind his ear as he straightened his black hat on his head and walked with slow steps over to the cell. "Then if you knew he was a cheatin' snake why'd you sit at his table?"

"Well I didn't recognize him 'til it was too late. I tell you I don't ever forget me a face." he added with a crinkled brow as his eyes fell on the unconscious prisoner in the neighboring cell.

"Well neither do I and I don't want to see yours in here." he said as he nodded for Kid to toss the keys to the cell.

"Oh you won't deputy."

"You know Mr. Conelly you can't go shootin' at folks just 'cause you think they're cheating."

"But..." started the rebuttal soon to be cut short by a hard glare from Jimmy.

"Now you just go on home and forget all about this. Remember, I don't want to see you around here...for a long time." he charged.

"I'm much obliged Hickok. I swear, you won't see my face, no sir." he agreed, tipping his hat as he backed out through the door.

"I don't see how Teaspoon does it Jimmy."

"Well Kid, Teaspoon's Teaspoon. He can handle anything but I'll sure be glad when I won't have to wear this damn thing anymore." he said tugging at his deputy's badge.

"Amen to that." chimed in Kid. "I'm going to go back down to the saloon and see how things are clearing up. I'll check back later." Jimmy nodded telling Kid to be careful. Kid gave his best friend an understanding smile and headed back to the saloon.

Fifteen minutes after Kid's departure, the finely dressed prisoner began to stir on the jailhouse bunk. Soft moans were becoming more audible as he regained consciousness. Jimmy walked over to the cell and facing the bars, leaned against them, his arms penetrating the spaces in between. The man began to sit up rubbing the back of his head from the tremendous pounding he felt. His vision was somewhat blurred and he tried knocking the cobwebs out of his head as he fought to regain his senses. His gaze soon fell on the form before him. He blinked hard trying to bring his light brown eyes into focus and shortly thereafter could adequately see the figure standing there, a smirk on his face.

"Hickok?" he was moved to ask.

"What are you doing in Rock Creek Lewis?"

"What? Don't I get a hello; How're you doing?"

"No, I can see how you're doing."

"All right. I've been better." he said, rising from the bunk. "Ouch. I sure got it this time."

"Not that it'll do you much good. You're still as hardheaded as ever."

"I'm really hurt Hickok. How can you say that after all we've been through?" he asked, a hand over his heart, mocking hurt feelings.

"Don't remind me. Anyway, didn't Teaspoon warn ya about coming back here?"

"Ah--that was months ago. Besides, I couldn't deprive the good citizens of Rock Creek from my humble presence forever. I mean who can blame a man from earning an honest living?"

Jimmy shook a finger at Lewis saying, "You and the word honest should never be used together in the same sentence. I want you out of town right away." he ordered.

"I-I just got here!"

"And it's been long enough." he remarked as he unlocked the jail cell.

"You can't blame me for this one Hickok. A man of my talents can't help it if folks are just bad gamblers." he smirked, stepping through the cell door.

"Bad gamblers? Or are you a better cheat?"

"That's such a strong word Hickok. I like to think of myself as a minister of finance, a trustee, a cash-keeper. They give, I take."

"Well Lewis call yourself what you'd like but, if you don't get out of Rock Creek come morning, I'm telling Jake Colter you cheated him outta fifty dollars."

"You wouldn't dare. He'd kill me for sure."

Jimmy gave Lewis a wicked grin. "Try me."

"You know what Hickok on second thought...I think I'll save you the trouble. I guess it is time I head back home to New Orleans. I tell ya Hickok, you need to come take yourself a looksy. Finest women you ever done seen in your life. The best food, the gambling even better. You ever been on a riverboat Hickok?"

"No Lewis I've never been." he said escorting the fellow to the door.

"Don't know what you're missing. You should come visit sometime. I'll make it worth your while." he smiled.

"Lewis...be gone." he said visibly annoyed.

"Oh-sure thing." said Lewis as he took several steps just to turn around to ask in a whisper, "Uhm, you won't mention anything about that to Colter will you?"

"As long as I count to ten and don't see your face."

"It's a deal." With that Lewis walked off into the starry, autum night in Rock Creek, hoping to keep himself out of trouble long enough so as not to see Hickok's face again.

Sebastian Lewis was a con-man, one of the best card sharks known in the south. He was a young rouge of about 25 years of age, a tall, handsome man. Lewis had run away from home when he was boy. Trying to escape the nightmare of a drunk for a mother and the beatings of an abusive father, he quickly learned the ways of the street to survive. He had the good fortune of never living in an orphanage, at least that's what he prided himself in and always found cheating and stealing a better way to make a living than honest work. His long journey from the growing immigrant slums of New York brought him to the bustling city of New Orleans when he was 15. There he would sneak unto the huge riverboats which he thought were a world of their own and witnessed the best gamblers and card cheats at their games. His talents and skills were quickly noticed by one of the regulars who took him under his wing, teaching him the tricks of the trade. He was taught that the mind was feeble, that it could be easily fooled. "The eyes are not quicker than the hands," he was told, "or mouth at that." He realized the life he chose to live to be a dangerous one. Many a gambler had been known to get shot if caught cheating at the tables but the high he got, the rush of adrenaline that pumped through his veins at the knowledge that he could get away with it at times he felt was even better than sex.

Lewis became acquainted with the riders when under protective custody by Teaspoon. He had been an eyewitness to a murder while attending a gambling tournament in Blue Creek and was needed to testify in court. Blue Creek's Marshal, cashing in on a favor Teaspoon owed him, asked his good friend if he could keep an eye on Mr. Lewis until the trial was to begin.

His stay with the riders had been much more than what they had bargained for as they came to the stern realization and appreciation of Lewis' quick hands and vitrual trickery which led to him having to be rescued at their hands on more than one occassion. His brief stay was one they'd soon all forget, yet he had been able to carve a notch in their lives.

Teaspoon having had enough of the young Mr. Lewis charged him not to come back to Rock Creek less he'd want to be shot on sight. Of course, the kind Marshal didn't really mean it. Afterall even though Lewis had fast hands, even a faster mouth, he'd grown fond of the lad; almost cared for him as one of his riders.

Jimmy sat at the Marshal's desk, his feet propped up, hat over his face. Things had finally quieted down enough where the only sounds were those of people conversing as they passed by the office. There was a crisp chill in the air which told them fall was now here. Summer had come and gone way too quickly. Victoria had recuperated fully from the horrible experience with the Adams boys and was back to her cheerful, happy state and Jimmy loved seeing her like that once again. They had grown even closer and many in Rock Creek wondered, some even made bets as to how long it would take Jimmy Hickok to ask her to marry him, seeing the two were virtually inseperable.

Jimmy had never been happier and the same could be said of Victoria. She beamed with happiness and the townsfolk had welcomed her back with open arms. They were all glad to see her doing so well. There was still an aura of mystery that surrounded her kidnapping. After the deaths of Chet and Kyle Adams, the law did indeed catch up with Marcus Stiller but there was no concrete evidence linking him to the kidnapping. It was his word against Taylor's and it was considered insufficient evidence to prosecute and so the case was dismissed. As far as Kate Wescott was concerned, her brother Phillip, shipped her out to Texas for a few weeks, far away from the controversy that could easily develop around their family due to her ill-advised acquaintance with Mr. Stiller. Phillip took matters into his own hands. He would not stand by and see the Wescott name drug through the mud. Kate continued denying any involvement in the kidnapping affair though it did little to satisfy her brother's suspicions before he told her to pack her bags because to their father in Texas is where he was sending her. Kate was not pleased, resisting the thought she'd have to leave Rock Creek and Jimmy behind but figured if she had to go to get Phillip off her back, so be it for now. She had lost this round but in her eyes the fight was far from over.

Kate was not the only one who had to leave Rock Creek. Taylor Adams felt he had to do the same. The transition for the youngest of the Adams boys wasn't easy. Though he didn't don old or tattered clothes any longer, Victoria had seen to that for she had basically adopted the boy seeing to it he lacked nothing, his past, the legacy his brothers had left behind still haunted him. The townspeople for the majority had put aside their disdain and distrust in him but it was that relative minority that reminded him everyday that he was still who he was; not that Taylor wanted to forget, but only the bad, the negative is what they saw.

One of the women which consisted of the higher social status in town told him as he shopped in the general store with Victoria one afternoon that it didn't matter who was in charge of his well being now. "Trash will always be trash." she told him scornfully. Victoria catching the slightest bit of the conversation became furious with the woman telling her that "Trash was not only found in one's gutter but some even spoke proper English and wore fancy dresses." The woman left the store insulted with her snobbish nose pointed straight in the air. Taylor and Victoria could only laugh. She was very protective of Taylor. He appreciated all that Victoria had done on his behalf. Giving him a home, material things he'd never had but her friendship was the most precious of all things. He loved her like she was his own flesh and blood and she felt the same towards the boy.

The Express family had also taken him into their fold, though it took Jimmy a little longer to warm up to him, leaving the past in the past. Although Taylor knew he had their support he felt compelled to move away from all the memories that dwelt in Rock Creek. A clean start...somewhere, is what he sought. Victoria wasn't happy to hear of his desire to leave, leave her, but his mind he'd made up he guessed long ago. It just hadn't been time but now the time had come. She convinced him that San Francisco was the place to go. It was an exciting, growing city. He would see and experience things there he never even knew existed. Victoria had family in San Francisco that would look after him while he attended school there. Her aunt Constance, sister of her father and her husband Peter, a prominent banker with the Wells Fargo home station in San Francisco along with her strong-willed, very opinionated, fun-loving cousing Margaret, couldn't wait for his arrival and arranged it at once. Her uncle Peter received inquiry from Victoria as to the possibility that Taylor could live with them. His wife Constance was more than agreeable to the idea knowing Taylor was the one their family would be indebted to for her niece's well-being. And so it was all arranged. Taylor would say goodbye to Rock Creek, heading for new territory, and to him it was what he'd always dreamed of doing.

The day for his departure was a sad one for everyone but especially so for Victoria.

"You make sure you write to me often you hear?" she charged through teary eyes as she adjusted his tie. They stood outside the Marshal's office waiting for the arrival of the stage.

"I will."

"And don't forget to read fifteen minutes everyday and practice your writing, they have tough schoolmasters over there."

Taylor was embarrased over all the fuss. He rolled his eyes and told her, "Don't worry Victoria, I will."

"I know." she said touching his face softly. Although she didn't have children of her own, she felt the despair of a mother, sending her only child off into the cruel world.

"Take care of yourself Taylor." added Jimmy with a handshake as he stood next to Victoria, his arm around her waist. "Stay outta of trouble."

"Will do. Take care Jimmy and take good care of her." he said glancing at his friend.

"Will do."

Cody, seeing this goodbye was getting too solemn for his taste took charge to lighten the mood, "Don't forget to practice your shootin', I'm holding you to that shootin' contest we never finished." he said, bringing a smile to Taylor's face.

"Shoo Cody, you don't think you're gonna win do ya?"

"Name the day."

The Marshal approached and held the boy by his shoulders giving a sigh as he looked on him, "You're a good boy son. Make me proud."

"Thanks Teaspoon...for everything."

"Here you are Taylor. I packed you some lunch in case you get hungry on the way." sniffed Rachel.

"Don't cry Ms. Rachel. Boy, I'm sure gonna miss your cooking." She smiled and gave him a tight hug. Buck, Noah, Kid and Lou also bid the boy a solemn farewell but promised they would one day all be together again.

Taylor Adams boarded the stagecoach to San Francisco leaving his friends, his past, his place of birth behind and looked ahead to new friends, an unchartted future and a new town, a city to call home.

The door to the Marshal's office slowly opened. The creaking sound of the old door alerted Jimmy to the presence of an unexpected visitor. Uncovering his face he shot a quick glance at the door, a smile escaping him as he saw her.

"Victoria?" he said with a questioned air in his voice. She offered a broad smile as she entered seeing her beau for the first time all day.

"Hi Sweetheart." she greeted. Jimmy sat up at once, his own smile beaming forth. It was the look of two people madly in love.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her, rising from his seat, his heart warm with affection.

She approached slowly and told him, "I haven't seen you all day and I know you and Kid were probably starved so...I brought you supper." she ended, holding forth the picnic basket which he gratefully took, opened and inhaled deeply the smell of the contents it held.

"Rachel made some of her famous stew creole style, there's biscuits, spuds and of course my famous cherry pie." she added in a soothing, flirty voice.

"Mmm, Mmm" he grinned in response. "I don't know what we'd do without you and Rachel."

"Starve. You're all too spoiled." He laughed. "So things been pretty quiet tonight?" she asked as she looked around the office, fumbling with some papers that sat on the desk.

He followed her every move. "Quiet?...well no but, I'm glad it's quiet now." he said as he walked over to her placing his arms around her waist, hugging her from behind.

"I miss you." she confessed turning to face him, her arms resting gently on his shoulders. "I hate not having you around the homestead. I get so bored."

"I thought the others were keeping you quite entertained."

She leaned to his ear and in the softest of whispers confessed, "It's not the same." The hairs on his neck stood straight up. She knew how to get to him. She took a step back, holding his hands in hers. "I hope you never decide to become a lawman Mr. Hickok. Makes for too many lonely nights." she advised. "Well I better go. Buck's outside waiting and I told him I wouldn't be long. Now make sure you eat your supper." she ordered, giving him a peck on the lips. As she turned he grabbed her arm pulling her into him.

"I have a better idea. How about some dessert first." he flirted wickedly as he laid gentle kisses on her neck, his hands resting on her hips. Victoria welcomed his seducing tactics but shortly composing herself interrupted.

"Mr. Hickok, we've talked about this already." she reminded him as she removed his hands off her hips, and walking away said, "I, am not on the menu." She looked at him with raised brows. Jimmy walked up to her, taking hold of both her hands, bringing them to his mouth and kissed them. Victoria felt shivery all over. He knew how to get to her too. He then looked deeply into her eyes and said softly, "Well...you can't blame a guy for trying but ah--you do look like a mighty tasty dish to me." came the devilish compliment as he brought his mouth close to hers.

"You do go on."

"I just know what I want." he lastly said as he engaged her in a sweet lover's kiss. It was slow, deep and full of lust. Victoria never tired of how often they kissed. She relished every one. Feeling his love, his desire through his powerful kisses made her even more aware of her own desires. Yet she knew where those desires could easily lead and for now she wasn't sure if she was ready to make such a commitment afterall she was always told that marriage came first.

"Ahem." alerted Kid as he entered the room. "Sorry." he blushed quite embarrassed. They separated from their kiss lacking the same embarrassment that poor Kid felt. It seemed that he had interrupted more kisses between them it was a miracle Jimmy hadn't shot him yet.

She smiled at the Kid empathetically sensing his embarrassment. "Don't worry Kid, I was on my way out." He simply nodded and as she walked to the door turned to him and told him to enjoy supper and dessert. She sure had. She winked at Jimmy who could only smile in return and feel sorry for Kid who by now had turned several shades of red.

He apologized once again for the intrusion. "Ah, don't worry Kid. I'm sure you'll graze us with your presence at another inopportune time." Kid rolled his eyes and took a seat as Jimmy unpacked supper. He handed Kid a fork, napkin, then a plate. Jimmy took his seat at the desk, directly across from Kid as they served themselves.

"So...things looks like they're getting pretty serious 'tween you and Victoria." he pointed out as he slapped some mashed potatoes on his plate.

"Well we are courtin' Kid." responded Jimmy wryly.

"I know but I mean serious, serious." he stated as he brought a forkful of Rachel's stew to his mouth.

Jimmy agreed. "Seems that's the way things are going." he said, taking a bite of the warm biscuit. There was silence. Kid wanted to ask the forbidden question but wasn't sure if he should. "Why not?" he reasoned. "Jimmy is my best friend. Best friends share that sort of thing." he told himself.

"So have you..." he hesitated, drawing out the sentence.

Jimmy took one look up at Kid and asked as he chewed, "Have I what?"

Kid shrugged, a hint of a smile becoming evident. "You know...have you two..." he hinted with raised brows.

Jimmy got the hint. "Kid! I can't believe you just asked me that!" he cried with playful disbelief.

"Well I ain't gonna lie to you and say I wasn't wondering. I mean I'm sure you figured it out with me and Lou once I asked for that run to Redford.

"Yeah I knew it 'cause you sure didn't look the same when you got back." he teased as they both chuckled.

"Funny." responded Kid smiling broadly.

Another silence followed, this time longer than the first.

"You scared?" asked Kid of his best friend. The question hit Jimmy deeply. He settled his fork down, wiped his mouth with his napkin and threaded his fingers, pressing them against his mouth. He thought briefly and the answer he gave made him look intensely at his own feelings for Victoria and how seriously involved they were becoming. He looked at Kid.

"Yeah." he said with frank seriousness.

Kid nodded. "I know the feeling Jimmy."

"I never thought I'd find anybody like her. Somebody to love me the way she does. I-I can't live without her."

"I know."

On to Chapter 2....