Chapter III

Lou sat at the corral fence, fuming as she thought of the scene in the bunkhouse. Her cheeks grew warm and she shook her head. She was so angry. Angry at them, angry at herself, angry at Wicks, angry at the world. She felt like something had to give soon, or she would explode.

A slight smile creased her lips. She'd pretty much just done that.

The longer she sat there, the more guilt riddled her. She'd said some pretty awful things to Kid. Especially the part about wishing she'd never trusted him in the first place. That wasn't true. She'd been so glad to take some of the strain of holding her secret in for so long off of herself. Of course, that was when she had thought Wicks was dead.

"And I wish he was," She growled suddenly, her hand closing on a rock which she pitched toward the side of the barn, "I really do."

"Hey Lou," came Jesse's voice as he poked his head outside of the barn.

"Hey Jesse," Lou smiled slightly, not able to be mad at him, even if she was ready to kill the others.

Jesse came to sit beside her in the dirt, "How come you're out here?"

"Needed a few minutes to think," Lou said softly.

"Want me to go away?" Jesse wondered.

Lou considered it, then shook her head, "No. You want to just sit with me a while and talk?"

"About what happened to you?" Jesse asked, looking as if he wanted to bolt, knowing that was one subject that was over his head.

"No, not that. Just about anything but that."

Jesse nodded, understanding Lou's desire to forget her trouble with the clarity of someone much older, "Actually, we are still talking about that book in school, and I have some questions for you."

"Ask away," Lou smiled, and gladly lost herself in the discussion of Alexander Dumas' The Three Musketeers.

*

Later that night, Lou wondered out onto the bunkhouse porch after Kid, who'd been out there for awhile. She sat down on the step next to him and looked at her hands.

"I didn't mean what I said to you about wishing I had never trusted you Kid. I don't regret telling you about my past."

Kid's smile was as gentle as always as he said, "I know you didn't mean it. I just," he sighed and paused, looking for words, "I just know what a hard time you are having right now, and I don't know how to make it better for you. I don't know how to help you."

Lou blinked back sudden tears that leapt to her eyes and nearly whispered, "I don't know how to help me either Kid. I don't feel like me. I'm so mad at everyone and everything. I hate feeling this way."

Cautiously Kid reached his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him, wrapping her safely in his arms, "We'll get you through it, all right?"

Lou sighed, "You sound so sure."

He nodded, "I am sure. I know you, and I know me. You are gonna be fine, Lou."

Lou gazed up into his light blue eyes for long moments. Kid saw the doubt in her warm brown orbs and gave her a reassuring smile, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I trust you," She said so softly that he had to strain his ears to hear her.

"That's all that matters, Lou," Kid told her, and held her more tightly. But, he added to himself, it also matters to me that this man pays the ultimate price for hurting you...

*

Time passed with its careless regard of those around it, and in the next few days, Lou found herself smiling and breathing more easily. The awkwardness she had felt around the boys and Rachel had gradually lessened, and things felt a little more normal. Only a small voice in the back of her mind spoke uneasy thoughts, warning her that something just wasn't right in her world and that a storm was coming.

"You sure you are ready to take this run Lou?" Teaspoon asked quietly as she stood by Lightning, tightening the girth of his saddle.

"Teaspoon, it's my turn. Of course I'm ready."

Teaspoon nodded, "What would you say if I sent someone with you?"

"Teaspoon!" Lou almost shouted, outraged.

He quickly held up his hands in a gesture of surrender, "That's what I thought. You win. Ride safe. Women!" He muttered at her, drawing a smile from her.

A few minutes later she was standing on the porch looking for signs of Noah. Kid paced nervously, afraid to say anything, but more afraid to let her go.

"Lou, don't you think you ought to wait a few more days before you go out? Give Wicks some time to really put some distance between you?"

Lou glared at him and snapped, "Wicks is in St. Joe. I'm heading toward Willow Springs. Now, I guess the trail could have changed, but last time I checked those two places were in opposite directions!"

"Leave her alone, Kid," Jimmy advised, "You ain't gonna be able to talk any sense into her."

Lou glared at Jimmy hotly, but he just grinned and winked. Lou had to smile and shake her head. Out of all of them, Jimmy at least was confident in her ability to take care of herself.

"Rider Comin'!" Buck called, from the corner of the porch, "Ride safe Lou!"

Lou jammed her hat down hard on her head and leapt on Lightning before Kid made a move to tie her down. "See you boys in a few days!"

"Watch yourself Lou," Cody advised.

"Lou, I really don't think..." Kid began.

"Ha!" Lou cried to Lightning before he finished his predictable spill and grabbed the pouch from a dust covered Noah, disappearing from sight.

"Way to control your girl there Kid," Buck commented slyly, prompting Jimmy and Cody to burst into laughter.

"He could sooner control the weather!" Jimmy pointed out.

"Shut up," Kid muttered, but smiled in good humor.

*

The next morning Lou climbed off Lightning stiffly. The station master surprised her by coming out to meet her.

"Hey Lou, I have a letter for you here."

Lou pulled her hat lower and deepened her voice, "Thanks Horace."

"Want me to take your horse for you? There's a bath and a meal inside."

"Nah, I think I'll be heading out," Lou said, having long ago given up staying in other bunkhouses. Teaspoon had required that she do so when he'd found out she was a girl.

She took the letter from him and glanced at it. Her name was scrawled out, but the letter hadn't been posted. It had been hand delivered. There was no address and no name but her own marked the front.

She turned and began walking away from the station house, a bad feeling gnawing at her. When she was far enough away from the curious eyes of Horace, she allowed her trembling fingers to open the letter. She felt her previously flushed face turn ghostly white as she read the letter.

Dear Louise,

Interesting how life works. You have something I want. I need not go into detail, I'm sure. I have something you want. Two things actually. I guess I probably am the one who should go into detail now. Two small children by the names of Jerimiah and Theresa McCloud have come into my care. Strange, but the girl favors you as I remember you. Such a pretty little girl, just like you were. About the same age too, maybe just a little younger. The point is, Louise, that I'll make a trade. My money for your brother and sister. A fair trade, I'm sure you'll agree. Meet me in Sand Creek, a small town north of here by Friday, or I can't guarantee these kids' safety. Come alone or I'll not only kill them, but any one you bring with you. Don't assume I can't Louise, or that I won't. You, more than anyone else, should know my capabilities.

There was no signature to the letter, Wicks had no doubt she would know who he was. He was right. Tears rolled down her face. Dear God, she thought, not my sister! She would have let Wicks kill her before she'd have him lay hands on her sister. If only she hadn't been so stupidly proud and defiant! She should have known better than to cross a man like Wicks. He was right, she of all people should not have underestimated his capabilities for great cruelty.

Although she was trembling violently, Lou wound her fingers in her horse's mane and forced herself to think. She had the money with her, in her bedroll. Going to Sand Creek would be so dangerous, and she knew she would need help. However, the letter had said to come alone, and that is what she planned to do. She couldn't risk getting her brother and sister hurt. Wicks would do it. She prayed Wicks hadn't already done it.

She had been running from this man all her life.

Now, she vaulted onto her horse and ran to him.

*

Lou pushed her horse hard all day, and finally at sunset pulled him up. Sand Creek was stretched out below her. It was a pretty little town, nestled up against the base of a mountain. Windows from the town's new buildings glowed cheerfully, but Lou didn't appreciate the peaceful sight. Her stomach churned violently, and for the umpteenth time that day, she thought she might be sick. Placing a hand to her damp forehead, clammy even in the cool night air, she forced herself to take deep breaths. It wouldn't do to lose her wits now. Wicks had her brother and sister.

She allowed Lightning to walk down the hill toward the valley the town lay in. Her eyes scanned every passing figure on the street, looking for Wicks, trying desperately to remember what his men had looked like. There had been one hired gun that he'd been especially fond of. Lou's mind struggled for the man's name.

"Thomas Harley," She murmured to herself as it came to her. He'd be there, if he was still alive, and she guessed he was the way he preferred to shoot people in the back rather than in a fair fight.

In the livery stable, Lou took special care of Lightning. He'd had a hard ride, and she'd not considered his weariness. Rubbing his ears softly after she'd cooled him down and brushed him, she whispered, "I'm sorry boy, but you just may have to run again soon. At least I hope we will get the chance to..."

Sighing, Lou realized that she wasn't going to get her brother and sister back by petting her horse. Carefully, she tucked the stolen money in behind a board in Lightning's stall. She'd make sure her brother and sister were safe before Wicks got his money back. She knew better than to trust the man.

For the hundredth time, she scanned the letter, but it hadn't amazingly developed a information on where Wicks would wait for her. She had a feeling the hotel was her best bet, but she wanted the element of surprise to herself. Suddenly, she thought she might have the perfect plan to achieve that surprise.

Wicks would expect her to come as Lou, not Louise. Well, she wasn't going to give him either of the two. She quickly grabbed a bill from the money roll hidden in the stall, and then pulled her hat low. Staying in the shadows the entire time, she made her way towards the long row of shops. There was only one dress shop open, but that was all she needed. With the help of a kinder older woman who owned the shop, a while later a very clean, slim, beautiful young woman stood before the dressmaker, who wrung her hands in delight. In front of her stood not a young man or an orphan, but a well bred, wealthy looking young lady.

"How romantic!" She exclaimed, "Imagine, you braving riding over here all the way from Seneca to accept your beau's proposal! He'll be so surprised!"

A bitter smile almost reached Lou's lips, but she stopped it and instead nodded her head, "Yes ma'am, he sure will be surprised," She hated to lie to the older woman, but couldn't let any suspicions arise, "Now, you promise not to say anything to anyone? If my parents found out..."

"Oh, far be it from me to come between two lovers! I eloped myself, you know!"

Lou somehow gently disentangled herself from the seamstress and slid away. Anyone who had seen her go into the dress shop wouldn't recognize her now and many more noticed her on her way out.

Lou walked out of the dress shop with her best lady-of-the-manor air. She, well actually Wicks, had bought her a dark purple velvet dress, with a fitted bodice and flaring skirt. The seamstress had gathered her hair and twisted it at the back of her head. She appeared a very refined, composed, serene young lady to all that looked on. Only someone looking very closely would have noticed the terror in her eyes or the pallor of her skin.

Lou felt coldness close around her and steel resolve worked its way into her heart. Whatever he would do to her she would bear, but he would not hurt Theresa. Not while she was still alive.

She let herself into the hotel carrying only the small velvet handbag that contained her gun and a small amount of money. The man behind the desk was instantly interested, and eager to help her.

"May I send someone out to get your bags, Miss?" He wondered.

"No sir, that's not necessary. My things will be arriving on the stage in a few days," She said in her best southern accent, "All I will be requiring is a room for now, if you please."

The man's eyes lit up and he nearly broke his arm in his hurry to open the book for her to sign in, "I'm sure you'll find our accommodations to be satisfactory."

"Ah, yes..." Lou said distractedly, for in the mirror that hung over the desk she'd watched a man walk in that looked vaguely familiar. She was certain it was one of Wick's men, and she struggled with her cloudy memories of Wick's brothel.

"Miss?" Lou jumped and gave her attention to the clerk, having the feeling it wasn't the first time he'd called her.

"Oh, excuse me, yes?"

"Just sign here, and I'll show you to your room," He smiled.

Lou picked up the pen, and tried not to hesitate as she signed the book "Rachel Hunter".

"Miss Hunter, this way, please," said the young man, "And if you require any thing at all, my name is Roger Miller."

"I won't be needing anything, but thank you sir," She breathed tensely as they passed the man Lou thought she might recognize. His eyes fell on her briefly in admiration, but when Lou met his eye, he looked away and blushed. She sighed with relief, he hadn't recognized her, he had simply been admiring. Maybe he wasn't one of Wick's men after all.

Once in her room, Lou sighed with relief and leaned against the door.

"Now what?" She said out loud. She'd frantically scanned the book for Wick's name and room number, but hadn't seen it. She was sure he would use a different name, just as she did. She only hoped he didn't give her credit for being smart enough to do the same.

It wasn't much later she did the only thing she could do. She made her way back down the stairs, and discovered Roger Miller asleep behind the desk. Ever so quietly, she opened the sign in book, and began reading every name, hoping one would jar her memory.

And suddenly there it was, Thomas Harley. Room 206, just a few doors down from her. With a triumphant squaring of her chin, she headed back for the stairs. She crept up them, holding her skirts so that they would not make a sound and edged towards the door. She placed her ear against it, and held her breath. Low male voices came from inside. She longed to hear a child's voice, but there were none.

Knowing she needed to load her gun and formulate some kind of plan so the kids wouldn't get hurt, she headed back to her room. It was pitch black inside, and she thought the lamp must have burned out. She groped around the unfamiliar room until she found the lamp, and fumbled with it for a few minutes before she was able to light it.

It was at that moment she realized something was terribly wrong. The hair at the back of her neck stood up and chills raced down her spine. She swung around just in time to see an arm swinging at her head. She yelped softly and tried to raise her arms against it, but was too late. The contact of the fist with her face was swift and severe, and she went crashing to the ground.

"I thought you'd see it my way," Wicks growled from above her.

Lou blinked hard against the blackness that was swimming at the corners of her eyes, fighting it. She had a job to do, and Wicks couldn't get the upper hand. She leapt to her feet and backed away from him, trying to appear fierce.

"Where are my brother and sister?" She demanded, "If you've touched them, I'll rip your heart out through your toes!"

Wicks surprised her by breaking into a laugh.

"Where are they?" Lou asked frantically, unnerved by his laughter.

"I never had them, Louise. I thought you would be smarter than that honestly, but I went along with Harley's idea to say we had them."

"Then how did you know their names?"

"Oh, because I looked for you after you left the morning after we got aquatinted. I remembered that you'd come from an orphanage in St. Joe, so I checked it out the week after you ran away from me. They said you used to live there with your brother and sister, and gave me their names. I have an excellent memory, you see."

"Why did you come looking for me?" Lou asked, a nervous pulse ticking along her throat.

"Because I had big plans for you, Louise. Big plans," He laughed coarsely, "I thought you had rare fight in you. Men like that."

"No they don't. Real men don't get pleasure out of hurting children!" Lou hissed.

"Mmm, no matter, I've got you now. And I'll get my money back. And after that, who knows?"

"You aren't getting your money back. I don't have it. I came to rescue my brother and sister. Of course you wouldn't have them," Lou said out loud, feeling weak with relief, "You never could have gotten from Rock Creek to St. Joe, to Sand Creek in that length of time. Stupid me for not realizing that sooner!"

"Yes, stupid you, Louise, and unlucky you, unless you get me the money right now."

"I told you, I don't have it. I never had it."

"You're lying," Wicks said after studying her for a minute. Without warning he crossed the space between them, and struck her again across the cheek.

Again Lou fell to the floor.

Wicks laughed, "No matter, the money isn't important. I'll see ten times that amount next week alone. I think I'll take out my revenge other ways..."

A knock at the door sounded, and Roger Miller's voice drifted to her, "Miss Hunter? I heard a crash and I just wanted to make sure you are all right."

Lou was about to scream for help when Wicks was suddenly on her, winding his fingers painfully through her hair and jerking her neck back.

"Tell him you are fine!" Wicks ordered her.

Lou swallowed hard and closed her blackening eyes, seeing her only chance of escape without serious injury disappearing.

"Miss Hunter?" Came the concerned man's voice again.

Wicks wrapped his fingers around her neck at that point shaking her hard. Finally Lou gasped out, "I'm fine, I just dropped the water basin. I've already cleaned it up."

"Goodnight then miss," Roger said, and Lou closed her eyes tightly as she heard his footsteps retreating, every nerve in her body telling her to scream bloody murder.

"Quite the actress," Wicks commented and threw her back on the floor.

"Leave me alone," Lou growled, "You think Marshal Hunter was joking around with you? Do you really think you'll live if you lay your hands on me?"

"That washed up old man can't touch me, and neither can any of those two bit gun slingers you know."

"You are so wrong..." Lou warned him.

"I'll take my chances, Louise," Wicks growled, and Lou knew he was fearless.

She, on the other hand, was afraid for her life.

*** It was many hours later when Lou stirred and opened her eyes. Searing pain went through her skull, and she realized she was still laying on the floor where she had fallen. Tears ran out of her eyes as she thought about the scene that had taken place. Wicks had demanded she give him his money, and Lou had denied having it. He'd beaten her badly, trying to extract the information, and finally in one last uncontrollable flash of rage had taken his gun and struck her on the temple. There had been instant and welcomed darkness for Lou then.

Catching her breath in her throat, Lou quickly took stock of her physical situation, afraid of what could have happened to her while she was unconscious. She breathed a shaky sigh when she realized Wicks had left her alone after she blacked out.

Slowly, she brought her hand to her temple, feeling warm, sticky blood on her fingers. Ever so gradually, she dared to make herself sit up, trying to ignore the sickening pain and the dizziness that was making the dimly lit room spin. It was morning already. She'd been out for at least eight hours.

After swaying unsteadily on her feet for a moment, she went to her door. Turning the knob, she discovered it locked from the outside. Sighing, she walked unsteadily to the window. The man who she'd thought worked for Wicks and noticed her yesterday was leaning against the sill from the outside of the balcony. He turned around and sneered at her when she pulled the curtain aside, so Lou instantly withdrew.

She had to get out before Wicks came back. She'd pick the lock, somehow. Wicks couldn't have posted a guard at her front door, that would have looked too suspicious. Taking a pin from her hair, which was falling all around her face, she went to work on the lock. It was rather simple to get out, and she was cautious as she moved into the hall. No one blocked her escape. With as much speed as she could muster without passing out cold, Lou gathered her skirts and made her way towards the stairs.

Roger Miller was behind the desk, and turned to her with a smile that instantly disappeared at seeing her bruised face.

Lou pressed her finger to her mouth to stop his cry of astonishment.

"Please Mr. Miller, I need your help!" She gasped, "Can we go somewhere?"

Instantly he was taking her arm and leading her into a small office.

"Miss Hunter, what in the world?"

"I don't have enough time to explain everything," Lou said quietly, "But I am in serious trouble with a dangerous man who will kill me if I don't get away. I need your help getting out of town. It's dangerous, but please sir, you are the only soul in this town I can even consider asking help."

"Of course I'll help you miss, but what about the law? The marshal could help you."

"The man I'm running from is above the law, Mr. Miller," Lou said softly, believing it.

"That's right, I am!" Growled a voice from the door, and both of them gasped and swung around. Lou was horrified to see Wicks standing there.

Wicks focused his attention on Roger Miller, who had bristled and was ready to defend Lou. Pointing his gun at the clerk, he closed the door behind him. Lou's eyes quickly scanned the desk for some sort of weapon. Her eyes fell on a sharp looking letter opener. When Miller suddenly rushed Wicks, Lou's hand darted for it, and she slipped it into the bodice of her gown, praying she wouldn't have to use it.

Everything happened fast after that, and yet for a moment time hung suspended. Wicks whipped out a knife and brought it up fast into Roger's heart. Lou shrieked in horror and started for the man that had just been killed because of her.

Wicks caught her by the wrists and slung her against the wall. Lou closed her eyes as she felt the sharp edge of the letter opened pressing against her skin. She prayed Wicks wouldn't discover it, at least not yet.

"Running away, again, Louise? I leave you alone for an hour and you're ready to skip town? Only this time, Charlotte's not here to help you and now neither is this kind man. How does it feel to be responsible for the death of an innocent man, Louise? He was just a simple desk clerk, just beginning to live his life. He probably would have had a family and children, but now they'll never be born because of you. You killed a man Louise."

With tears streaming from her blackened eyes Lou suddenly screamed and struck out at him, fighting him because what he'd said was a truth that she didn't want to hear.

"Shut up!" He roared at her, and slapped his hand hard over her mouth.

Lou still kicked wildly at his legs. In one movement he grabbed her hair and snapped her head back against the wall, effectively knocking her into blackness.

Effortlessly he scooped her up, cradling her head against his chest in what would appear to be a loving embrace. As he walked from the office, startled hotel guests stared.

"Someone go for the marshal, there is a dead man in there. He tried to attack my fiancée, and then tried to kill me when I came to her aid. As you can see, she's been beaten quite badly, and I'm going to take care of her." His eyes searched for, and found the sly face of Thomas Harley, "You there, sir, you go for the marshal!"

Thomas Harley gave him a black-tooth grin and started out the door to bribe the undertaker, not get the marshal. Wicks left Lou alone again, having no doubt that the girl wouldn't wake for some time, and left the same guard at the window, and another in the hotel lobby, effectively blocking both avenues of escape. He had a feeling she wouldn't be foolish enough to try it again.

*** Lou was lying motionless on the bed in blackness when she heard Wicks fumbling with the lock at her door. Night had fallen not long ago, and she had regained consciousness even more recently. Her head throbbed and her eyes wouldn't focus. She found it hard to move, and her mouth tasted like cotton.

At first, the sound of the door opening was just like the one in the nightmare she'd been having about the night Wicks had raped her, but the pain in her head suddenly reminded her that her present situation was quite ominous. Remembering the letter opener, she quickly withdrew it and slid it under her pillow, just as the door creaked open.

Lou squinted at the dim, but still painful, light that poured in the room around the looming figure of the man she so hated. She attempted to stir, but couldn't find the strength in her trembling limbs.

Wicks closed the door behind him, and Lou used all her control in not moving. Every bone in her body told her to run, but she knew she couldn't. Not only was she physically unable to do so, but there was no where for her to go.

So she trembled as he approached her, violence and contempt and cruelty radiating from him like something tangible.

He stopped at her bedside, and she could make out his silhouette in the dim light from the moon and the fires in the street. Her eyes glittered with tears in the darkness.

"Frank Wicks, I'm telling you now that if you touch me, you'll die," She said calmly, her voice very strong.

"And Louise, I'm telling you that it's been a long, long time, and I'll wait no longer."

Suddenly, he was on her, his hands cruel, his voice venomous, "This is what happens to little thieving orphans, Louise!"

Lou cried out in pain and struggled against him, her arms pinned down by his weight. She flailed at him as hard as her sore limbs would allow, but her blows were weak and he paid her no mind.

"NO!" Lou screamed when he tore at the front of her dress and she heard the material give under his strong hand. She brought her knee up hard, finding her mark. He gasped in pain, but did not lose his hold on her, and drove his fists hard into her stomach, leaving her wheezing for air.

He began to fumble with his clothing, and Lou fought the blackness that was swimming behind her eyes again. If she were to pass out now, Wicks would win. Suddenly with renewed strength she tore her arm from under Wicks, and reached under her pillow. Wicks was very close to raping her when her hand closed hard around the handle of the letter opener.

With a scream and every ounce of strength she had left in her, Lou plunged the sharp end of the letter opener deep into Wick's back.

The sound that tore from his mouth and the wild flash of his eyes was that of an animal or a monster, not a human. The look that he cast on her burned forever into her memory. His hand came raking across her bare chest with incredible force, and Lou screamed as his nails dug up flesh.

"I'll haunt you forever!" He rasped out, and suddenly his eyes rolled back into his head and the weight of him slumped against her.

Lou lay there for a moment, chest heaving as blood began to run from the deep cuts there. She realized that her hand was still clamped on the letter opener. She suddenly pulled back as if it had burned her, feeling the warm sticky blood that carried the life out of Wicks covering her hand.

A high whirring sound began in Lou's head, almost like that of rushing wind. She'd just murdered a man, she realized. Lou struggled vainly against the considerable weight of the man who'd just died by her hand, his sightless eyes boring into hers.

A panic began to seize her despite her best efforts to remain calm, as she lay pinned and trembling under the dead body of the man who had raped her, almost twice.

And in that moment, she didn't think she cared whether she lived or died...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Feedback!

Title Page

The Storybook

The Kidnation

***