Jimmy arrived in Rock Creek tired, hungry, and emotionally exhausted. He hadn't remembered a run being this bad before. It started raining when he left (which was directly after he had dropped his mail at the handoff), so that by the time he had turned around to pick it up he had to dig the mochila out of the soggy, muddy ground. Shortly after he was mounted and back on route, his horse picked up a stone. When he arrived at the next station the manager had told him that he was going to have to go on an extra day because they were shorthanded. So the weary James Butler Hickok continued onward. He arrived at the handoff spot a half a day later. Then, much to his dismay, Jimmy could remember two distinct times of being called out while trying to eat his sandwich, and the one time when some drunk cowboy had tried to steal his horse.

All of these many things compiled helped to provoke Jimmy into snapping at Lou when she cheerfully greeted him on the porch. "Hi Jimmy! We were all getting worried since you were three days late. Buck was about to come out after you."

He grunted and tied up his horse. "Yeah, well that's real noble now isn't it"?

She noticed his sour expression. "Is something wrong"?

He stomped the dried mud off of his boots. Taking off his gloves he slapped them with his hand. "You could say that. So now if you don't mind, I'd like to go in and get something to eat. Or do you have more questions"?

Lou was completely taken back, and didn't hide her shock. She stood silently and shook her head in disbelief. "No, I got nothing to say."

He brushed past her. "Good, then I'll just go inside. See to my horse will you"? Without waiting for an answer he walked up the stairs and pushed open the bunkhouse door letting it slam closed. As Lou grabbed the reins of his horse she heard commotion that was unmistakably Cody and Buck putting up an objection to the arousing noise. Good thing Kid's on a ride. This would be the night where they would have killed each other. She rolled her eyes and took a deep breath, making her way to the barn with his horse.

The next morning proved to be just as rotten for Jimmy as the previous weekly days had been. He rolled over on his side and opened his eyes to see Lou sitting up at the table sipping a cup of coffee. She didn't seem to notice that he was stirring. Groaning, he heard the sounds of voices outside and looked out the window. The sun was almost full on the horizon, and he knew clearly that it meant it was past time to 'rise and shine.' I'll rise alright, but I sure ain't gunna shine! Lou noticed his movement and watched him sit up. "I thought we were going to have to use dynamite to wake you up. Everyone's been up for a few hours." She kept a stiff posture preparing for him to treat her as he had last night.

He didn't respond, just sat up quickly and slammed his head on the bunk above him. "Ouch!" He yelped rubbing his now very sore head.

Lou barely acknowledged the incident and stood up grabbing her hat on the way out. "They can't say you got up on the wrong side of bed....there's only one side for you to get up on." She mumbled to herself.

Slightly stumbling as he stood up Jimmy walked over to wash his face. Resting his hands on the table he looked down at the floor. What's happened to me? He wasn't sure why he was feeling so depressed and upset, he just knew he wanted it to end.

"Rider comin'!" Rachel yelled from the clothesline where she was gathering the few things that had been left out through the night, and were now covered with morning dew. "It's Kid." She announced.

"Uh oh, this won't be good with Jimmy acting the way he's been." Buck mumbled to himself more than Cody who was beside him helping to repair the broken gate on the corral.

Cody glanced up to watch Kid ride in. "Well, there's one way to look at it. If they kill each other, at least all we'll have to do is move the bodies. Do you think Jimmy would let me have his saddle when he goes"? Buck's expression clearly stated "no," and they both chuckled.

"Hi Kid!" Lou ran up to him with a warm greeting. She almost knocked him off of his feet as she rapped her arms around his neck.

"Woah, you'd think I'd been gone a month." He smiled hugging her closely.

She pushed back to look into his eyes. "Mmm, well that's what it felt like. Did it go well"?

He nodded affirmatively. "Yep, went great. Got a little something for you while I was in Denver too."

Her face lit up with her surprised expression. "What is it"? She begged.

He put his hands behind his back and stood his ground. "Nope, this is something special. Ask me after we're married. Until then, you're just going to have to wait." Kid continued gathering his belongings off of Katy.

Lou took a step closer. "You know Kid you only asked me to marry you two days ago, I can still change my mind you know."

He looked at her stone faced. "Yep, you could. Course then I don't know what I'd do with this." Opening a small pouch on his saddle bag, Kid pulled out a small hand-carved jewelry box.

Lou's eyes widened and she took it from him gently. "Oh Kid....it's beautiful!" Opening it she felt the soft velvet lining. "How did you know I always wanted one? My mother used to have a box like this. She always said it would be mine, but when the people took over our house I guess it was destroyed." Carefully she ran her hands over the delicate carved details. Finally, she looked up to Kid who was watching her with with a pleased smile. "Thank you." She embraced him and kissed his cheek.

He brushed the hair from her gentle face. "You know someday there might just be a few things to put in it too."

He stepped back slowly and grabbed his things. Turning he began walking up the bunkhouse steps. Lou called to him softly. "I'd be careful when you go in there. Jimmy's upset about something. Watch out he bites."

Kid gave her a confused look and proceeded inside; it didn't take long for him to figure out what she had meant.

"I'm sorry Jimmy! Since when has this whole place become your sole property"? Kid's voice was so loud that several people heard him outside and came closer to the bunkhouse to catch the upcoming show.

"Since now!" Jimmy snapped back.

Lou walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the door. "Oh great." She mumbled to herself.

Several heavy footsteps were heard stomping around inside. Lou and the boys just waited for the sound of something breaking. They all knew that with the war coming and the increased tenseness that seemed to loom around the bunkhouse, this fight was inevitable. Anxiously waiting for more arguing, the onlookers came closer. To their surprise and dismay, all grew silent.

"Guess it's over." Cody turned around and started his way back to the corral.

Buck nodded and followed, "Or they're dead."

Rachel, who had also now joined the scene, turned to Lou. "You better go in there. If one of them has been harmed we'll more than likely need a doctor." She sighed and returned back to the house where dinner was cooking.

Lou reached up to push the door open, stopping for a brief moment to take a deep breath. She stepping inside, not sure what to expect, but what she saw was definitely NOT what she expected. Jimmy and Kid were sitting peaceably at the table opposite each other. They both turned at her presence.

Lou's responsive look was quite unquestionably one of great confusion and bewilderment. She sat down at the end of the table and looked at both of them. "Sounded to me like the start of the war they say is coming was right here in this room."

"It's OK Lou, I was just apologizing to Kid here. I don't know what's wrong with me." He looked at both of them. They had always been such dear friends to him. Waiting patiently and silently, they waited for him to continue. Jimmy relaxed his clenched fists. "Everything's going wrong. I can't even make a simple run anymore without some half-witted kid to call me out. People I though I knew are changing. And I'm about to lose my...." He stopped in mid-sentence not letting himself finish. I'm about to lose my best friend to the woman I always felt like I could love.....and maybe still do. He looked down at his hands, ashamed of what he was thinking.

Lou moved over closer and sat next to him. Taking his hand she looked at Kid and then back to Jimmy. "You ain't losing anyone, Jimmy. We're always going to be your family. As for the other problems you're having, there's an answer to all of it. Why don't you let all of us help you"?

Jimmy stood up to go. Gently he released her hand. "Don't think anyone can help me, Lou....not anyone. My destiny's been sealed. I'm living by the gun forever, and there's no stopping that." He grabbed his hat and headed outside letting the door slam behind him.

Lou looked over at Kid who was staring at the table, absently picking at the knots in the wood. She gently touched his arm. "Jimmy will work through this. He always has before."

Kid looked up at her wanting to believe what she said. "I don't know, Lou. This time I just think it's different. I've never seen him like this before." With that he also stood up and walked outside.

Lou massaged her forehead with her hands. She was getting a headache, and it wasn't hard for her to figure out why. Things were falling apart faster then solutions could be found. I won't let this family slide apart. All we've got is each other. That's got to count for something.

Chapter Two

Cody burst into the bunkhouse as if the devil was on his tail. "Lou, quick! Teaspoon says you've got to make a special run to St. Joe. Get your stuff together, they're leaving now!"

Lou sat in slight shock at the speed at which Cody had uttered all of that information. "Who's 'they'"? She asked slightly puzzled.

"All of them!" Cody turned to head back outside with the same speed he had arrived in.

She stood up and called after him. "Cody, wait. What's this about"? Lou grabbed her gun belt and coat.

"Teaspoon will explain." He motioned with his arm. "Come on Lou, hurry up!"

Slamming the door again, Cody raced back outside. Lou shook her head trying to shake off her frustration. Opening the door, she almost collided with Buck who was unloading supplies and bringing them onto the porch. "What's going on"?

"I don't really know. Teaspoon just said he had a special run and that he needed three riders." Buck smiled before he stepped around her and proceeded to the house.

"Lou, there you are. Teaspoon wants to talk to us." Kid pulled on her arm gently. No sooner had they started to make their way down the few steps when Cody shouted, "Rider comin' in. It's Noah!" They cleared the way for him to pass the mail off to the next rider and gave him space to dismount.

"How'd it go"? Kid asked.

Noah took his gloves off and wiped his sweaty palms. "Not too bad. That rain sure made the trail muddy though. Slowed me down a bit."

"There's some leftovers from breakfast if you're interested." Lou added.

"Thank you. Don't mind if I do." He replied.

Kid and Lou proceeded over to the opposite side of the house where Teaspoon and Jimmy sat waiting. Somehow it all looked so secretive and Lou had a bad feeling. Of course she realized that she had felt this way before and had been wrong. "What's all this secretive stuff about anyway"? She asked the two men sitting there. "Cody came busting in like hell fires were burning across the plains."

Teaspoon repositioned his hat and motioned for them to sit down. "I got word from Russell, Majors, and Waddel saying they needed three riders to come to St. Joseph. They didn't say what it was about, but I'm suspectin' that they've got some special delivery for you to make. Now I'm not forcing you in particular to take this. Cody is scheduled to leave for Denver tomorrow, Buck rides out tonight, and Noah just got back. If one of you wants to work a trade with them, that's fine. Just get going before too long so you can get some miles behind you."

Teaspoon looked around at the three of them. They glanced at each other and nodded in affirmation. Drawing in a deep breath Teaspoon turned to Lou. "Now I'm sure that Noah would take this for you, Lou. Seeing as...."

Lou raised her hand, stopping him in mid-sentence. "I already know what you're going to say, Teaspoon, but I can handle this."

Kid shot Teaspoon a 'better-not-push-it-any-farther-with-her" look, and he quickly got the message.

Teaspoon smiled slightly. "You boys ride safe." They all rose and began to hastily make preparations for the upcoming ride. Making their way back inside, the three riders collected the necessary things needed. Cody saw to their horses, and within an hour they were ready to go.

Lou took Lightning's reins from Cody's hand and looked down at him as she mounted. "Next time if something is really that important, do me a favor and don't tell me about it."

Cody shrugged his shoulders. "I was just following orders." He paused for a slight second, "Of course, I guess maybe I did overdo it." She chuckled slightly unable to respond as firmly as she had wanted to.

"If you two are ready, let's go." After receiving agreeing nods, Jimmy spurred his horse and took off with Kid and Lou right behind. Within moments the riders had vanished on the horizon. The only remaining trace of their presence there was the low-lying cloud of dust. Teaspoon stood leaning against the corral fence. "Take care you three." He whispered to himself.

Jimmy had been staying in the lead for several hours now. He slowed down allowing his other companions to catch up and ride along side. "Guess we should stop at that creek ahead and water our horses." Without waiting for a response he rode ahead and dismounted, gently guiding his horse to the flow of clear fresh water. Kid and Lou did the same. "I figure we can stop at Seneca tonight, and from there we should be able to make it to St. Joseph by tomorrow evening." Jimmy said stroking his horse's neck absentmindedly.

Lou bent down to splash her face with cold water. She her closed eyes at the cool chill it sent down her body. "That sounds good."

Kid grabbed his canteen and automatically gathered Jimmy and Lou's to fill as well. "I take it we don't have any more idea as to why we're here"?

Jimmy turned to look at him. He tried not to make his answer seem as stupid as the question. "You know as much as we do."

They rested for a few more moments, taking in the fresh scents that lingered after the spring shower. It seemed like ages since the three of them had been together like this. For once in a long time Lou was beginning to feel that the Jimmy she knew might be coming back. They laughed at the recollection of recent mishaps in their Express adventures. She smiled to herself as Kid and Jimmy playfully argued as to who was the fastest rider. Maybe this is what Jimmy needed. Time to get away and leave some of his feelings behind.

Lou finally interrupted her own thoughts. She listened for a few more moments to the petty bickering. "Hey you two, I hate to break this up, but don't you think we should be movin' on"?

"Yeah, guess we should. I'll deal with that one later." He pointed to Kid in a scoldful manner. Swiftly he lifted himself back into the saddle and shifted into a more comfortable position. Jimmy looked to see if his companions were ready.

"Let's get going!" Kid said answering the questioning look his friend gave.

Jimmy turned back around to leave, but was suddenly face to face with a well-dressed man who was holding gun and wearing a very sour expression.

Lou froze and let out a gasp. Fear swelled up inside of her, but with much effort she kept her stature stiff and erect.

Kid moved Katy up closer, creating a shield to close the gap between she, Jimmy, and the stranger's gun.

"Listen mister, we're not carrying anything valuable. We are just Pony Express riders." Jimmy kept his hands raised slightly, not wanting to show the man any sign of hostility. Nor, did he want to give the man an excuse to shoot.

Much to their surprise, the newcomer lowered his weapon as his face became grim. "Now, James Hickok, I'm hurt. You don't even remember your best old friend."

Jimmy sat staring at the man in front of him. His gaze was fixed into the stranger's eyes and he tried to pull the memory of the man's face from his mind. Finally, it came to him. "Harvey? Harvey Cutter"?

Harvey's previous stern face melted into a soft smile. He re-holstered his gun. "It's been a long time, James."

Jimmy nodded in affirmation. "Yes it has. So what brings you out to these parts? I thought you were in Boston."

Harvey moved in closer. "Well you know how it goes. Something just came up and I had to come out here." He motioned to the two riders who were sitting in bewilderment. "Who are your friends here"?

Jimmy turned, "Oh these are my fellow riders. Kid and Lou, meet my old friend from back home. His pa and mine started a ranch together.

They both smiled back. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Where are you boys headed"? Harvey asked.

Kid responded. "We're going to Seneca tonight, and from there to St. Joe." There was something about this man that Kid didn't like. He wondered if the others felt it too. Jimmy hadn't exactly been too friendly with this man who was supposed to be his dear old friend, which didn't help to stifle his suspicions.

Cutter turned around to face the direction of Seneca. "Good, I'm on my way there too. Now we can just travel together."

Lou glanced at Jimmy and noticed the distress that the prospect of his friend journeying onward with them brought. She looked over at Kid and saw that he was observing the same thing.

Jimmy looked back at his companions who shrugged their shoulders. He returned his glance to face Harvey. "OK, then we should be on our way." With that the four riders continued on their path to Seneca.

For what seemed like an eternity, Kid and Lou had ridden behind Jimmy and his friend. They listened to old stories of the boys' adventures. There was something about Harvey Cutter that you didn't like, but at the same time you couldn't help but like him. Lou found herself laughing at Cutter's recount of the time he and Jimmy had gone fishing and instead of fishing for fish, they spent the whole time pulling each other out of the river.

It was nearly dark when the riders stopped in Seneca. Cutter had practically insisted that they stay at his small place in town, but they were graciously able to back out of it.

"Nice to have a little peace." Jimmy said as they unpacked their few belongings and boarded their horses in the town stables.

Lou was removing Lightning's saddle and she glimpsed over at him. "Really? Sounded to me like you were enjoying yourselves." She snickered slightly.

He threw her a disgusted look. Jimmy had never been to keen on people telling tales about his younger years. In fact, he found himself quite embarrassed by all that had been discussed. Fortunately, he realized the stories wouldn't travel through the entire West as fast with Kid and Lou having been the witnesses. Now if it had been Cody....

Kid seemed oblivious to their conversation. "Did he ever say why he was here? It seems strange that he was so jumpy with that gun of his." He patted Katy's neck and started behind the others across the street to the hotel.

"No, that was unusual for Harvey. Makes me wonder if there's a lot he's hiding." Jimmy wiped his brow. Figures that I'd run into him of all people. Just proves my point that everything's going wrong.

Kid approached the man who was siting at the front desk in the hotel lobby. Apparently it had been a rough day, because the man was peacefully sleeping with his chin on his chest. "Excuse me." Kid said trying not to alarm him.

The man jumped slightly. "Huh? Oh, may I help you"?

Jimmy stepped forward and rested his elbow on the desk. "We'd like two rooms please."

The man looked around behind Kid and pointed to Lou. "Can't you three share a room? I'm short tonight."

Lou's eyes widened slightly. She wasn't very thrilled at the prospect of having to share a room. A room and the bunkhouse were two completely different situations.

Kid caught her expression. "Well we really need two. See he's got this snoring condition."

Lou's eyes pierced him as she bit her lip trying not to laugh. She returned her gaze to the hotel manager, who was rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I guess seeing as you boys look like you've had a rough ride, I'll open the spare room."

"Thanks." Jimmy signed the register and took their keys. "Let's go get settled. I'm hungry."

Picking up their small packs, the three riders headed upstairs. Jimmy handed Lou the key to her room, which was directly across the hall from his room. "We'll meet you right out here in a few minutes." Kid said as he waited for Jimmy to open the door.

She nodded and proceeded inside. Lou smiled in satisfaction at the sight of the large bed in the center of the room. The bunks back at the station weren't bad, but these beds were luxurious by comparison. She took off her hat and sat down allowing her feet to dangle. After a few moments she proceeded over to to the wash basin to clean her face. Oh, this water feels good! She sighed to herself.

"Which side do you want"? Kid asked Jimmy as he threw his saddle bag on the bed. For some unknown reason he was beginning to feel uncomfortable around the looming silence of his best friend.

Jimmy blotted his now-clean face on the towel. "Don't really care, just so long as I get my share of the blankets."

Kid began changing is trail-dirtened shirt and sat on the chair by the desk. "This Cutter friend of your's seems pretty nice." Kid watched as Hickok kept a straight, stiff face. Jimmy really wasn't in the mood to discuss his former childhood friend....and it showed.

"You could say that." Was his short reply. Kid decided to drop the subject and leave well enough alone....for now. He had this feeling that James Hickok wasn't telling him all there was to know.

A few moments later there was a light knocking on the door. "It's open." Kid called.

Lou peeked her head in slowly. "You boy's ready. This lady's starved." She stepped inside their room.

Jimmy looked at Kid. "I'm ready if he is."

"Yeah, just got to find my hat." He looked around searching. "I just had it."

Lou stepped over to the small table sitting in the corner. "You mean this"? She said picking it up.

He playfully grabbed it. "That's the one." He smiled, then noticed her attire. "When did you get that"? He said pointing to her blue-laced dress. "It's pretty."

She looked down at it brushing out the wrinkles. "Oh just a little something I picked up on my last run. Thought you boys might like the company of a real lady at dinner, rather than a dirty cowboy."

Kid tickled her. "I'd take you any old way." She laughed and regained her composure.

"Now Kid, remember, you're supposed to be a gentleman." Lou said as she wiped her watery eyes.

Jimmy stood staring at the scene. Then, the feeling came back again... James Hicock, you're jealous. He thought to himself. It was terrible to have these emotions swelling inside, but he didn't know how to handle them. Can I ever deal with this? Jimmy knew it wasn't a question open for debate. He HAD to work things out for himself. The hardest part was knowing how.

"If you two are finished, we can go now." He said, breaking the thoughts being churned in his mind. The agreed and followed him downstairs. The hotel manager was once again asleep at his post, so he payed no attention to the young boy who had so miraculously transformed into a pretty woman in a dress. They tip-toed past him, not wanting his precious sleep to be interrupted.

There was a small restaurant two blocks away from the hotel. It was a lovely evening, making the walk all that more pleasant. Dinner was delicious, which seemed to make everyone happy, and in spite of Jimmy's silence, Lou considered it most enjoyable.

It was completely dark when the three of them said goodnight back in the hallway of the hotel. Jimmy hastily entered their room, touching Lou's shoulder gently before he bid her sweet dreams. Kid watched him go in and close the door. "Lou, you really looked beautiful tonight. Course you're always beautiful."

She smiled warmly at him. "The company I'm with has a lot to do with it."

A few precious moments of silence passed before he kissed her gently. "Get some rest Lou. We've got a long ride tomorrow." She hugged him tightly peered into his gentle blue eyes. "You too, Kid." With that he waited until she was safely in her own room before he proceeded to his own.

Lou was so exhausted from the past day that she was asleep within moments, snuggled warmly under her covers. In what seemed like minutes, when in reality several hours had passed, Lou was awakened to a hand firmly pressed against her mouth. As she was abruptly awakened, her startled squeal was muffled.

"Don't move." The gruff voice ordered. She felt the clammy metal of a gun barrel pressed against her neck. "Now, I'm going to take my hand off of your mouth. But if you scream, you won't live to see morning."

Slowly raising his arm he whispered into her ear. "I want it, and I want it now."