By: Peachy

"Rider up!" Lou shouted as Cody excitedly ran out of the bunkhouse, grabbed his reins and headed out as Ike was coming in.

"Ride Safe Cody," Kid shouted and Cody responded with a wave of his hand and off he went.

Ike didn't wait around and went straight into town. He had to get some money out of the bank for a special gift for Buck's birthday coming up. He had seen a beautiful saddle a few towns away that he was determined to get his best friend.

Ike headed into the bank, not sure how much he had in his account, but knew he had enough for cover the saddle.

"Afternoon Ike," the bank receptionist greeted him with a smile. "What can I do for you today?" He handed Ike a piece of paper and a pencil. Ike wrote down that he wanted eighty dollars taken out. "That much, are you sure?"

Ike nodded in approval and smiled. He was excited about spending that much money on his friend.

"Can I ask what you plan on doing with it?" the receptionist asked while giving Ike his money.

Ike put his finger to his lips then wrote down it was for a new saddle for Buck's birthday.

"That's a mighty nice gift. Your secret is safe with me. Here you are, 80 dollars."

Ike signed a thank you and left back for the station.

******************************

In the other direction, Cody was not having an easy ride. He was on a steady pace when his horse suddenly reared up. A rattlesnake had slithered out on the trail, spooking the horse. The snake spat out and bit the horse. Cody tumbled backwards off his out of control horse and hit the dirt. The horse ran off with Cody shouting ineffectively, "Get back here you stupid horse!"

Cody, already muddy, hot and tired was left with only one alternative, he got up and started walking to his destination. He was mumbling under his breath when he finally reached his horse, lying lame on the ground thanks to the snakebite. He pulled out his gun. He stroked the horse and was downhearted to have to put it out of its misery.

"I'm sorry fella, I don't want to do this but I have to." A tear came to Cody's eye. This was his favorite horse. He closed his eyes and pulled the trigger.

What else could possible go wrong on this trip, Cody thought to himself. He trudged forward and the sky began to rumble and opened up with rain pouring down. "I had to ask," Cody said to himself.

"This should be the last one," Cody stated as he ran to pick up the mail that was caught partially under a rock. The rain had lightened up a bit to a mere drizzle as he lifted the rock. Underneath it was not only the mail, but a hole in the ground with a velvet satchel in it. He lifted it out of the hole. It was a small bag, but was a lot heavier than he thought it would be. He peered inside, his eyes widened. He looked around to see if anyone saw him. He picked up the small sack and tied it to his belt. A smile now shone upon Cody's face, he strutted off to finish his run, approximately four more miles to go. This was one surprise Cody was pleased to find.

******************************

Ike returned from town to have lunch. He would set off for Blue Creek tomorrow since he didn't have a run and Buck would be out working for a while. As Ike returned Lou noticed the smile on his face. He was hiding something and she knew it. Woman's instinct. She didn't push, too much on what it might be, but the suspense was eating at her. She thought it must have something to do with Buck's birthday at least.

Lou was leaning on the rail as Ike skipped up the steps. "So what did you get him?" Lou blurted out.

Ike smiled and signed with his hand, buttoning up his lip. He then went inside to eat. Lou hit it right on the nose with that one. She followed, hungry herself.

******************************

Evening fell as Cody finally made it to his destination.

"What the hell happened to you?!" Rich shouted as Cody came trudging into the station. "Where have you been and where the horse?"

"Don't ask."

"Well you're just in time for dinner."

"Sounds so, so very good, but I don't think I have enough energy left in me to chew it. Sleep, I need sleep." He went to the bunkhouse and was out like a light as soon as his head hit the pillow. His newfound present was safely wrapped around his hand.

Cody slept solidly throughout the night. The next morning came and he rode out on a fresh horse for home, finally going home. After yesterday he'd never been more tired and had worse luck on a run. But through it all, that satchel was a gift from heaven.

******************************

After breakfast Ike helped Rachael clean up to help him wait until Buck left for his run. Then Ike ran to the bunkhouse to gather his items.

"Hey Ike, where are you off too?" Lou asked curiously. She was reading "Emma" up on her bunk.

(Out) was all Ike signed to Lou.

"Can I go with you, please? I got nothin' else to do." She wanted to know

Ike's big surprise as well.

(I want to keep it all a surprise), he told her.

"Please, I am going to rot just sittin' around here. It will get me out of chores and I am bored. Please?" Lou now resorted to begging.

Ike sensed that she wasn't about to give up her fight so he gave in. Company on this trip might be nice to have. An ok and a nod of his head sent Lou flying down from her bunk. Ike saddled up the horses and Lou ran to tell Rachael that she was going with Ike.

"No way young lady, you have chores to do around here. You all can't just go flying off when ever you feel like it. You do have a job here, you get paid for it." Rachael was in a rare mood today, Lou thought. Reasoning is the only way to go.

"Rachael it is hard for me to get out and shop, I need to get something for

Buck's birthday while he's gone. Jimmy, Kid, and Noah are still here and

Cody is due back soon as well. Please?" Lou did her best woman to woman gaze and hoped that would help her situation.

Rachael caved in. She was to soft on the boys, especially Lou. She knew how hard it was to find time to go out shopping and stuff. She herself never had much time, caring after all these boys. "Just promise me you'll finish up your work tomorrow."

Lou grinned, "I promise. Thanks Rachael." She gave Rachael a hug and rode off with Ike.

******************************

After a while Ike and Lou rested for lunch, watering the horses. Lou never really asked Ike where they were going. By the direction they traveled, it was either River Ridge or Blue Creek.

"So where exactly are we going Ike?"

He signed Blue Creek.

"What is so important there?" Lou hoping for an answer but got none.

Ike again buttoned his mouth closed.

"Fine you don't have to tell me. I also need to finish up Buck's gift. I know what I have to buy and I'm sure I can find it in Blue Creek."

(What are you getting him?) Ike asked.

Lou just buttoned her lips closed, got up and got Lightning ready to ride again. Ike knew Lou was picking on him now. He didn't really want any of the riders knowing till later. Lou would eventually find out first though. Might as well keep her in suspense as long as possible. Lou would keep his secret though, she kept many for him. Ike was glad he brought Lou along, she was nice company to keep.

******************************

A little bit after lunchtime, Cody came thundering into the station. Jimmy caught one look at the tired, mud faced rider and laughed.

"What happened to you? You're suppose to stay on your horse, not be dragged by it."

"Very funny. I'm starved, Rachael got anything to eat?" Cody wondered.

"Not one thing until you clean up." Rachael belted out.

"I haven't eaten since yesterday!"

"I don't care." Rachael said sternly and pointed her finger towards the shower.

Jimmy was nice enough to take Cody's horse into the barn and strip him down.

Cody came into the bunkhouse for soap and his towel. He laid his newfound treasure under his mattress. He wanted no one else to see it until he talked to Teaspoon first.

Cody enjoyed the shower, changed and then ate. Rachael fixed a quick sandwich and some leftovers for him.

"Thanks again Rachael."

"No, no Cody. Thank you." She said with a hidden grin.

"What for?"

"For cleaning out the stables."

"I didn't clean…" he trailed off knowing where is conversation was headed.

Rachael beat him to the next words.

"Oh, but you will." She walked out with a smile.

Cody just sank his head into his arms and pounded his fist on the table. Will this nightmare ever end? No rest ever, for William F Cody.

******************************

Ike and Lou finally arrived in Blue Creek. They went to get two rooms at the hotel.

"I didn't realize we'd be riding in such high style. Bed and everything." Lou said sarcastically. They went up to their rooms to unload. Lou looked at her self in her room mirror. "Wave good bye to Lou… bye, bye Lou." She would be Louise for one afternoon and evening. She was going to enjoy this.

Ike threw his stuff into his room and asked the hotel man for a security chest to place items to lock up in. One was put in him room later for him with the key. Ike thanked the manager and went off to bargain for a saddle.

"Where did you put it?" An older man asked. He had a moustache and a dark five o'clock shadow.

"Ain't nobody gonna find it Earl. I hid it real good." Another younger man mentioned. He was youthful, handsome and had dark brown hair to match his eyes.

"You'd better," warned Earl.

After a while walking around the open plains, the younger man found his hiding spot.

"Here it is."

"Where?"

"See I told you. I hid it really good."

The younger man reached down and removed the rock, reaching in with his hand he grabbed air…air! "What the hell!" he shouted, flames flying form his ears.

"Where's the bag Vin!" the older man shouted.

"It's gone!"

"What do you mean gone." He grabbed his young counterpart and punched him hard. Vin didn't go down without a fight. He hit the Earl and then drew on him.

"Back off. This is just a minor set back, nothin' more."

Earl calmed down. "This is far form minor. It's all gone!"

"Well will just have to get it back." H said as he re-holstered his gun.

"And just where do you think we'll find it. We don't know who took it Vin!"

"Think Earl. What towns lie on this route? Sweetwater, River Ridge and

Blue Creek. Who ever took the satchel had to have stopped at one of these towns." I hope, he added silently to himself. "We'll check them all out, I am getting our property back."

"Where to first?" asked Earl.

"Let's try Blue Creek." And off the two rode in search of the velvet satchel.

******************************

Earl and Vin headed to Blue Creek and on the way passed by an express station.

"Should we acquire within?" Earl looked eagerly and smiled.

"Might as well," Vin added.

Earl rode up to the station and Vin went around it from the other side. As they were coming in a rider heard them and came out to see their visitors.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, you can." And then Vin snuck around from behind and hit him with the back of his gun. The rider slumped unconscious. The two were inside the bunkhouse with guns drawn before any one else could draw on them.

"Evening gentleman, guns to the floor now." Vin shouted. All of them dropped their guns.

"Just wondering if any of you fine boys have found my property. It's in a nice velvet sack." All of the riders shook their heads. They hadn't seen anything like that.

"Don't mind if we look around do ya? It's not like we don't trust ya, but…" Vin said, as Earl began tying up the three riders.

After the two ran-sacked the bunkhouse they left for town, the riders still tied up and gagged.

******************************

Cody hated doing his chores. As he headed out to the barn that afternoon and tried to see if he could get any help. "Hey Jimmy." Cody said with a grin.

"No way." Jimmy blurted out before Cody could say anything more and walked away.

"Kid."

"Sorry Cody, made plans to have dinner with Samantha tonight. Have to make sure everything is ready and perfect. " Kid went off.

Cody was on his own as he entered the stables. He felt that this would take all day. Suddenly the barn turned into a high rise that elevated way above him, like a New York sky rise. The job was just too large for the simple man, Cody thought to himself. Finally, he finished at last. He took a few short cuts but wound up with some time on his hands. He went into town, carrying the velvet satchel with him. He was going to share his new surprise with Teaspoon. He found him napping in the sheriff's office, feet up on the table and hat tipped over his face. Cody crept up to him and wanted to surprise him. Just as Cody was right next to Teaspoon about to jump him, Teaspoon surprised him.

"What do you want Cody?"

"How did you know?"

Teaspoon finally lifted his hat and sat up right. "Your very noisy. Your boots squeak."

"Well I have a problem. It's a good thing, I think. I hope. But I'm not so sure."

"Just spit it out Cody."

Cody went into a long explanation of his terrible ride yesterday and the surprise package he found. He took out the velvet bag and showed it to Teaspoon. Upon seeing the contents his eyebrows raised. "Is it?"

"Could be." Teaspoon replied, "I can check it out. There have been a lot of robberies in the area lately."

"You mean this is stolen."

"Let me ask around, Cody, and see if this is reported stolen by any regional sheriffs and such."

"What if nobody claims it Teaspoon. You know what I could do with that. I wouldn't be delivering mail that's for sure. It was a gift from heaven."

"Now don't jump to conclusions. Something this valuable out in the middle of no where will have an owner. Anybody else know about this?"

"Not that I know of. I never told anyone about it."

"Keep it that way for now. I'm going to keep this here under lock and key until we find out where it came from. This kind of thing could cause a panic to claim it." Teaspoon then sat down to write six letters to different marshals in the area. He handed them over to Cody who took them to the express station to send them out with the next available runners.

Jimmy took two of the letters and Noah two others, since they were towns close by. The rest went via other riders passing through. With a quick ride they'd be back by nightfall. Cody refused to tell them what was in the letter of great importance. Cody told them to get an answer and bring it back as soon as possible.

It was starting to grow dark in Blue Creek. Ike had bought his package and put it in his room, in the extra chest that was brought for him. He didn't know where Lou had run off to but was going to relax in style. Off he went to the town saloon.

Lou had spent the day shopping as well. She quickly changed into her dress and went out. She found a beautiful journal that would be perfect for her gift to Buck. Afterwards she saw a gorgeous necklace in a store window. After the guys found out Lou was Louise, she was never short on dresses to wear, but she never had anything to go with them. The necklace would be perfect. She went in and bought it. The lady was kind enough to place it, wrapped up, in a velvet satchel. She placed the necklace on and used the satchel as a purse since it matched her dress.

After strolling through town, she turned many heads in her direction. Jimmy would be envious, maybe a bit jealous. She heard music and a festive atmosphere coming from the saloon, so she headed in that direction.

She entered and looked at all the eyes fall on her and her daring green dress. A beautiful newcomer to town wasn't something they saw every day. Lou saw a poker game going on with a few empty chairs. Why not try her hand at a game or two. She was a good player, she could beat all the boys. She never really played for money though, by why not give it a go.

"Can I join you fine gentleman?" Lou asked in sweetest voice possible.

"Please Ma’am, you sure are a nice addition to this table." One of the strangers smiled at her.

Lou blushed at the compliment, "Thank you." She smiled and flirted just a bit his the handsome gentleman. All the gentlemen rose as the lady took her seat.

"My name is Vincent Jerrid and this is Frank, Jack and?"

"Samuel." The stranger said with a smile.

"And what is your lovely name, so we know what to call you?" he said, smiling at her beautiful eyes.

Lou blanked for a moment. Who was she? Certainly not Lou McCloud, Express Rider. "Laura, Laura Dunne."

Only one person caught her hesitation, Vincent. This woman was not named

Laura was his first thought, or was he overreacting? She was a new person to this town, he could tell and she did have the velvet satchel, exactly like his own. This woman was a mystery he wanted to solve.

Lou played for over an hour and was doing quite well for herself. She had well over doubled her money. Vincent, during the game, kept asking her questions about where she was from, what she did for a living, why was she in town. Lou never felt more on trial. She added lie on top of lie trying not to slip up on one. She was on her last hand when Ike came in to the saloon.

Ike saw her and was a bit shocked. She was beautiful in her dress, but never pictured her for a poker player. By her pile of money, he'd guess she was doing just fine. He gave her a far off smile and wave and went to the bar. Tonight the saloon had several guest singers up on stage. All of them sung rather well.

Lou won the hand again. "Thank you very much gentlemen for a lovely evening, but I must retire for a while."

"The pleasure was all ours Miss Dunne." Vincent took Lou's hand and placed a kiss upon it as she left.

She was speechless and blushed by this scene. "Thank you," was all that she could reply.

Vincent was going to watch this woman very closely. Ike saw the whole interesting scene from afar and smiled.

Lou walked over to him.

(Who's your new friend?) Ike signed.

"Most certainly not my friend, kind of handsome, but not my friend."

Ike smiled. He was a gentleman and decided he would buy her a drink.

"Why thank you Ike, but with tonight's winnings-" She flashed the money in front of him, "-it’s on me." They toasted to a nice evening and then listened to the singers some more. Afterwards they went for a walk and then Ike escorted the lovely Lou back to her room.

Ike stood with Lou outside her door, right next to his.

"Thanks for a wonderful evening, Ike. Do I now get to see your surprise?"

Ike gave a reassuring no, not until tomorrow.

Lou threw her shoulders in the air. "Can't blame a girl for tryin'. Goodnight Ike." She gave him a soft kiss on the check.

Ike, just as tired, went next door. He had to get a good night's rest for the long ride back to Sweetwater.

Vin followed Lou and Ike back to their hotel and then went to get Earl.

"Where the hell have you been Vin!"

"Out finding our satchel. And not loafing around. I think I know who has it too."

"Where is it?"

"I believe a lady named Laura Dunne is the current occupier of our belongings. I saw her in town today with our bag. She was betting at the card table like she had nothin' to lose."

"Time we pay her a visit." Earl was smiling, wanting his fair share of the satchel’s contents. The two guys walked out of the livery stables and over to the hotel.

"Evening gentleman, you need a room for tonight?" the desk clerk asked politely.

"Maybe, but a friend of ours checked in here today, well was supposed to.

She was to meet us and she hasn't showed up yet. I was getting a little worried about her. Her name is Laura Dunne." Earl hoped this would get him the information he needed.

"Let me check and she if she is in our registry." He placed a book on the table and searched for today's entries. "Sorry, no one by that name has checked in."

"She could be with her brother. Ike." He hoped he’d caught the name correctly in a conversation he overheard. Vin added swiftly. "He travels with her a lot for safety."

"Well I do have an Ike McSwain, he checked in with another gentleman named Lou McCloud." As the desk clerk was searching for those named, Vin peeked over and checked out their room numbers.

"Thank you very much. We might as well get a room ourselves and we can talk to Ike tomorrow."

"Very well," The clerk said and began registration for the two gentleman.

Earl wasn't sure what Vin was up to, but played along with him anyway. Vin paid the two dollars and went up stairs with Earl.

"Why did we just buy a room?" Earl asked.

"Do you ever think with that brain of yours. Ike is in room 6 and that Lou

fella in room 5. We come up here staying in a room, it don't look suspicious if we spend all night up here checking out our two mystery guests. That Ike fellow may have Laura with him for company if you get my drift." Vin said.

They deposited their stuff into room 9. "Now let's go visit our dear friend Ike." Earl stated. With smiles they got their guns ready and walked down the hall to room 6.

It was late and Ike was fast asleep. Vin picked the lock ever so quietly and entered the room. He went up to Ike, gun ready.

"This is your wake up call!" and he shook Ike to a start.

"Where is she?" Vin asked.

Ike looked confused for a minute then recognized the guy from the card table. He must be looking for Lou. Ike shook his head in confusion as if he didn't know what it was all about. A fist from the other side of the bed hit him square in the face.

"Get up!" Earl yelled and dragged Ike out of bed and tied him up. Ike wanted to get out of this situation but the barrel of Vin's gun was unfaltering, too close to chance trying to get away. Earl began searching the room quietly, even pried open the chest with the saddle in it. "It's not here, anywhere."

"Where is she? I know she has our package."

Ike remained still.

"Fine, let's go visit your pal Lou and see if he knows where that pretty gal is."

"Up on your feet." Earl snapped. Vin dragged Ike up as Earl checked the hall. "All clear."

He picked Lou's lock and opened the door.

They rose her up and were shocked not to find Lou, but Laura instead. Lou was not wearing long johns but a nice nightdress.

"Well, well what do we have here." Vin smiled.

Lou stared at Ike. She knew this guy was no good. Earl grabbed her and tied her up next to Ike. Both sat down next to the bed.

"Okay, so it's not Laura but Lou? Or is it Lou not your real name?"

Lou was not in the best mood after being woken up in the dead of night from her perfect dream. She just gave Vin an icy gaze. "What do you really want?" Lou demanded.

"What I want is that velvet satchel."

"Here it is Vin." Earl found it in the dresser drawer. He emptied out Lou's winnings from it. "There's only money in here."

Vin turned around to face the two. "What did you do with it?"

"With what?" Lou demanded. He hit her across the face.

"What did you do with my property?"

"The only thing I got with that satchel was the necklace. If you want that, it's also in the dresser."

"Not the necklace." He hit her again. Ike was getting upset and tried freeing himself from the rope, but it was no use. He got a hard kick in the stomach.

Vin was getting very frustrated. "Where did you get that bag." This was a question he should have asked first. The answer Lou gave wouldn't have eased his fears any less though. He quieted his voice, remembering it was early in the morning.

"It came with the necklace I bought yesterday, today, whatever. " Lou mumbled.

Vin tied the two counterparts more secure to the edge of the bed and then gagged them.

Vin then began helping Earl search Lou's room, certain now they couldn't get loose. His life was in that bag and he wanted it back. Earl and Vin gathered in the corner so their fellow guests couldn't hear them. They had been searching the two rooms almost all night. The sun was about to rise through the window.

"Earl you stay here and watch them. The shop will open soon and then I can check out that gal's story."

Ike and Lou didn't know how they got into this mess or how they were going to get out.

Vin patiently waited outside the jewelry shop until a young lady came to open it up.

"Excuse me miss but can I ask you a question about a necklace."

"Come on in," She opened the door for him.

"Thank you ma’am'."

"Are you shopping for a special girl or your wife?"

"No, but a young lady bought a necklace here yesterday. Do you wrap all of your necklaces in a velvet bag?"

"Some we do, usually if they spend a lot. Yesterday I remember a young lady buying one of our heart necklaces."

"Did you wrap it in the bag?"

"Yes I did. Do you want something similar?" She added.

"No thank you. Thanks for your time." He stormed out, leaving the receptionist confused.

******************************

A knock at the door woke up Ike, who was exhausted from the lack of sleep.

Vin whispered to Earl and took Lou's winnings, which agitated Lou.

"Thanks for the great game, but I'm a sore loser." He waved the money in front of her and placed inside the satchel. He also took the necklace. Lou was bound to get her things back. She didn't want Vin to have the satisfaction of winning this new game. Earl and Vin left, leaving Ike and

Lou tied up.

The two sat there wondering if they were coming back at all. In a shared understanding glance they both began to untie or try to untie their ropes.

The men gathered their belongings from room 9 and then they were off to check out. "Where to now Vin?" Earl asked.

"Sweetwater," he replied, and they walked out the door.

******************************

It took Lou and Ike another half-hour or more to get their hands free.

"You okay Ike?" Lou asked. He nodded reassuringly and asked Lou the same thing. "Fine, but I am getting my stuff back! No one swindles me and gets away with it!"

Lou and Ike gathered their stuff and saddled up the horses. Just as Lou was checking them out Ike remembered the chest with the saddle. How could he forget! He ran upstairs to get it. Lou packed up the horses and out walked Ike with a huge new saddle.

"That sure is a beauty, Ike. Buck's gonna love it."

Ike attached it to his own saddle on the back. It looked kind of funny, but it was time to go home. He wanted nothing more. This trip was more then he had planned for.

"Thanks again," Lou said as she waved good bye to the hotel clerk. He had heard those thieves were headed to Sweetwater and they had to get there before they did.

"Sorry about all the trouble Ike. I guess I ruined your trip," Lou apologized.

Ike smiled and signed. (That's okay Lou, I wouldn't have it any other way.)

It was late that evening when Jimmy and Noah returned. They had passed on Teaspoons message, and Jimmy didn't come home empty handed. He decided the message could wait till dinnertime.

Vin and Earl took their time, rechecking their hiding place to see if it was just moved around. They were just out side Sweetwater and decided to camp there for the night.

Ike and Lou took several shortcuts from the main route and got back to

Sweetwater before dinner time. Ike wanted to get back before Buck did, and Lou wanted to get back before the thieves showed up in town. After arriving home, Ike and Lou put up the horses. Lou helped Ike hide the saddle in the hayloft. As they headed out of the barn, both buttoned their lips with a smile.

Jimmy noticed their return and greeted them. He wanted to talk to Teaspoon but that would have to wait. "How was your trip?" He asked.

Lou glanced at Ike. "Definitely not what we expected. Is Teaspoon around?"

"No, but he'll be back by supper time."

Ike drifted off to catch a nap before dinner came.

Lou began telling Jimmy of their mystery guests and her wonderful hand at the poker table.

"I'd love to have seen you all dressed up." He said looking into her eyes and with his hand caressing the side of her face. She was so beautiful to him.

"I bet you would have." Lou said with a smile.

"You're also gonna have to give me some poker pointers for my next match."

"As long as I'm not playing against you."

They shared a sweet kiss and a silent moment between themselves.

"I need your help with a gift I'm working on for Buck."

"What is it?" Jimmy was curious.

"You'll see. Come on." Lou grabbed the journal from the bunkhouse and they took a nice walk, just the two of them.

*********************************

Dinner came and everyone finally gathered at the bunkhouse. Noah was gone and Buck was back.

"Teaspoon, Ike and I think trouble is headed this way." Lou commented.

"And I got a letter back from the Sheriff in Rock Creek. He said he was coming tomorrow personally. What's this all about?" Jimmy questioned.

"Excuse me but did I not start talking first?" Lou went on to explain all the trouble Ike and Lou ran into. "So they took the bag, my money and my necklace. I want it back! If I see him again, I cannot guarantee his safety!"

"I don't think I've even done anything that bad to make you this mad." Kid added.

"Take it easy Lou, we'll keep an eye for those two." Teaspoon tried to calm her down.

Jimmy interrupted again. "Teaspoon, what is going on with those letters you sent out?"

Teaspoon knew it was futile to keep things a secret around the boys. So he turned to Cody and had him explain the situation.

Lou and Ike got upset about this. "So all that we went through, my stuff being stolen, woken up by thieves from a nice night’s sleep, and beaten was because of you Cody?" Lou was about to fly over the table but Jimmy restrained her.

"Sit down!" Rachael hollered.

"Rachael's right, calm down. We'll see what the Sheriff has to say first." Teaspoon said. "Lou, Ike, you two go to town tomorrow and see if you can find these two. We can at least maybe hold them for stealing Lou's money. There is something else you guys need to know about that satchel." Teaspoon went on to explain.

**********************************

As clean-up was being done from dinner, Lou grabbed Kid away for a moment and both headed off to the barn.

"What is so important Lou?" Kid asked.

"I need to talk to you for a while. Buck's birthday is coming up and I need your help with his gift. Please."

"Sure, anything for you." Kid gave the smile of a true friend that would do anything for her. They sat up in the loft for a while chatting about this and that.

Lou's hand was writing feverishly. She was also happy about spending time with Kid. Ever since they broke up they hadn't talked this much and laughed together in a long time. It felt like the friendship had truly returned.

Morning came and Teaspoon had time to sleep on the plan and fix it up a bit.

Lou would go into town to try to find these guys, then Cody would go and talk up his newly found prize possession or discovery. They would wait for them to find Cody and nab 'em. This would go into effect of course, after the Sheriff from Rock Creek came to town. He was to be there in the late morning.

Cody was disappointed about the satchel and about being bait to thieves who could kill him. But in the end William F. Cody would be the hero, if he lives through it.

Lou was able to drag Rachael away from the breakfast dishes to get her help with Buck's birthday surprise. After her, Teaspoon was the last person Lou had to talk to. At noon, Lou headed into town. She brought Teaspoon lunch, courtesy of Rachael. Cody was coming in about an hour.

" 'Bout time, was wondering what happened to you.' Teaspoon commented.

"Rachael wanted to make sure you had a nice lunch."

"Well wasn't that thoughtful." Teaspoon looked over the food, mouth watering. "Oh, Lou, this is Sheriff Donavin from over in Rock Creek."

"Afternoon." Lou said formally keeping her head low.

"Hello there son."

The Sheriff went on to mention the robberies they've been having and that they couldn't catch these two guys. The last thing they took was that satchel which was part of a set up. They got away again still.

"Cody will be here soon. I'll go see if I can find those two." With that, Lou left for the local restaurants and saloons.

***********************************

Lou went over to the saloon a way from the sheriff's station at the other side of town. She went in and found the two spending her money on cards and drinks. She wanted to go up to them and let them have it. She controlled herself and left to tell Teaspoon that she found them. When she returned to the sheriff's office she found Cody and the rest of the gang there as well.

"The’re at Jack Bennie's saloon, the other end of town." Lou mentioned.

"Time to work your magic, but be subtle…" Teaspoon smiled at the rest of the boys as they spread out to watch and guard Cody.

Upon entering the saloon, Lou pointed them out to Cody.

Kid went over to Cody at the bar. They sat near Earl. Kid and Cody started talking.

"Wow, I can't believe you found somthin' like that. Just in the middle of no where. Why don't you share it with the rest of us, play a game of cards Cody?" Kid asked.

"Why not, got plenty to spare." Cody flashed the satchel in the air making sure Earl saw it, moving themselves over to the card table where Vin sat.

Vin noticed the stranger with the velvet satchel come over to the table while Earl, behind them, gave Vin a nod.

"Hey fellows can we join ya!" Cody exclaimed.

"My friend here has come into some money recently and I thought it be best if he shared his wealth." Kid stated as the rest of the table went up in chuckles of laughter.

Cody's hand went to the bag he was holding. "I got a pocket full, I can spare a bit but the rest I plan on spending."

"By all means then sit down." Vin shouted. He nodded his head and Earl left the saloon. Earl was planning on checking out the rest of town real quick, especially the sheriff's office. Make sure he could be avoided.

**********************************

Lou left the saloon to follow Earl with Jimmy. Buck stayed behind to watch Cody. Earl walked by Teaspoons office and checked inside gracefully. Jimmy and Lou followed.

"If he recognizes Sheriff Donavin, we're through." Jimmy mentioned nervously.

"He won't. The sheriff went to Rachael's, they won't even know he's here."

Lou's words weren't that comforting to Jimmy about the whole situation.

They stopped and pretended to chitchat on the porch outside a small restaurant, Lou gazing every now and then at Earl. Earl went into the general store across the street, Thompkins’. Lou and Jimmy waited and waited for him to come out, but Earl never left the general store.

"What is he doing in there. Stocking up on ammo for a life time?" Lou said sarcastically.

Jimmy was getting tired and anxious of waiting. "Lou give me a dollar or two." Jimmy demanded.

"What?" Lou didn't have money to just lend out.

"I'm tired of waiting, time to go shopping." Jimmy smiled.

Lou, picking up the hint, dug deep into her pockets and her jacket, all totaling a dollar twenty. "That's all I got, you owe me."

"Don't worry. I, unlike Cody, will pay you back." Jimmy headed for Thompkins’ general store.

*************************************

Earl went into the store and looked around. He was being followed. He had to get rid of his shadows. While Thompkins was helping another lady in the store that evening, he slid around the counter and back out the back door of the store. He hoped this would confuse his pursuers. Earl walked around a few buildings then popped around the corner of another store, closed for the evening. There he saw Lou and Jimmy. Lou was handing over some money and Jimmy walked off towards the store. He ran across the street and back down till he was behind Lou in the alleyway. As Jimmy entered the store, he grabbed Lou, covered her mouth and dragged her into the alley.

She was in total shock. She wriggled and tried to get her gun, the man behind her beat her to it. He grabbed her gun and shoved her against the wall.

"What have we here?" he smirked and with her gun still pointed at her, he ripped off her hat and glasses. "Miss Dunne, what are you up to?"

Lou had to think fast and make sure he never connected her with Cody or anyone else. "You took my money and my necklace, you think I'd just run away and not try and get it back?"

"Who's the other guy with ya sweetheart?"

"Just a friend willing to help me find you?"

"You're very persistent. I've never killed anyone before but there's always a first." He grinned, setting his sight on Lou and got ready to fire.

*************************************

Jimmy went inside the store and in a quick gaze, his fear was answered. He knew Earl had to have slipped out.

"Evenin' Thompkins," Jimmy said politely.

"What can I do for you Jimmy?"

Jimmy asked Thompkins if he saw where Earl went.

"He was here and then gone."

"He couldn't just have disappeared. He never came out the front? Where's your back door Thompkins?"

"He'd have to have gone through me to get out the back."

"Thanks." Jimmy was frustrated.

Jimmy knew he could easily get past a man like Thompkins. Why would he have gone out the back unless...unless he knew he was being followed. His first thoughts were of Lou and he ran out of the store. Lou was not where he left her. He calmed himself down so he wouldn't draw attention or do something rash. He was careful crossing the street back toward the alley.

He heard Earl and Lou talking and he quickly glanced around the corner. Earl was just about to shoot Lou. He took a step back to think and knocked his foot on a bin, sitting close by. It made a loud clank noise. Damn it, Jimmy thought, so much the element of surprise.

Earl had turned, scared of what might be behind him, and Lou saw her chance and jumped him. Jimmy heard the ruckus and came around the corner to help Lou. Lou landed a couple of solid punches along with toppling him to the ground. Lou grabbed the gun and was up on her feet.

Jimmy impressed with Lou said, "Well that was easy." He didn't have to lift one finger. Lou herself had to smirk a bit on that one.

"Where is it?" Lou shouted. "I want my necklace back."

"I don't have it." A scared Earl responded, his voice shaking.

Jimmy catching on to what Lou was doing played along. He kneeled next to Earl. "Well that's to bad" and he punched the guy.

"Do you know where it is?" Lou said threateningly.

"I can get it back."

"With my money, not one cent missin'."

"Yeah, I can get it." His eyes looking at the gun barrel pointed at him.

"You get it for me by ten o'clock tonight or I will continually hunt you down. You crossed the wrong woman." She smiled triumphantly, "see you at the livery stables." She socked one more hit. "If you're not there, you wish you were never born."

"Got that?" Jimmy pointed in his last words.

"Yeah," Earl was holding his stomach on his knees as Jimmy and Lou left back for the saloon. On the way they stopped by the sheriffs office. They shared what happened with Teaspoon and how their cover was almost blown.

"That story should have covered Cody. He wouldn't put to and two together.

But now they'll probably hit Cody early and then split town."

Lou felt bad about speeding up the timetable but that way they were more prepared.

After several card games, Vin left to meet Earl and plan how to get their satchel back. He went off to the hotel to their room. He saw Earl, very pale except for the bruises on his face and the black eye.

"What happened to you?"

"It's that Laura Dunne girl. She's here and brought a hired gun with her.

I think it's that Wild Bill Hickok fellow. He looked like he did in those books I read about him. He wore his gun the same too. He is bad news.

Miss Dunne says if we don't pay up her and that fellow will coming after us.

I met up with both of them."

He explained about being followed and how he ran into them, only he changed the fight scene just a bit. "Then the gun man came out of no where. He was huge. He jumped me for my gun that I was gonna shot her with. We got into a fight. He was fast." He didn't want to tell Vin he got beat up by a girl of all things.

"What else did he say?"

"Not much. Miss Dunne wants her money by ten o' clock by the stables or she'll hunt us down."

"I can't believe it. Your afraid of that little girl."

"Not her, that hired gun." He really didn't know too much about the guy, but he was afraid of the woman.

"Here's the plan, we go back to the saloon for that Cody fellow, grab our satchel and split town. I'm not giving anything back to that arrogant and mouthy girl."

So Vin won out. They would keep and eye on their package and then take it back when they saw the chance.

*********************************

Jimmy informed Buck of what happened and that they would try to go after

Cody rather soon. Jimmy positioned himself at the bar to put the fright in Earl. Lou also kept her distance but acted like the two guys weren't even there when they entered back into the saloon.

Cody was in the corner eating a later dinner. The two sat at another table and got a drink. Earl pointed out Jimmy to Vin, but he didn't see Lou anywhere. Vin wasn't worried, he just watched Cody.

Cody gave Kid a signal for him to come over to the table to join him. After a drink for themselves, he paid the bill and they left the saloon. A few moments later Vin and Earl left too. Vin was just within ear range of Kid and Cody as they parted.

"Well I hope to run into you again Kid, see ya later." Cody bid a farewell and walked towards a hotel while Kid walked the other direction.

The streets of Sweetwater were not crowded but not barren either. Vin and

Earl split up. Earl followed and Vin tried to cut off Cody before he got to the hotel. Buck turned and followed them. Jimmy and Lou went out the back and followed behind the buildings, when they saw Vin they hide.

As Cody approached, Vin snuck up behind him and Earl helped shoved him down the alley, with a gun pointed sharply in his back.

"Hand it over." Vin shouted.

"What?" Cody tried to look confused and bewildered about the whole event.

"The gold you found, it's ours."

He detached the satchel and gave it to Vin. Earl knocked out Cody from behind with his gun.

"Time he wakes up, we'll be long gone." Earl mentioned. The two scattered around the corner. Lou and Jimmy came running up to them. Lou saw them first and the satchel that Cody had.

"There they go," Lou whispered to Jimmy. She then acted before thinking, yelled towards them to stop and opened fire.

As Lou gave chase Jimmy mumbled to himself, "There goes the element of surprise, yet again," and followed after her.

Buck hearing the shots ran towards the alley with Kid. Buck stayed behind with Cody making sure he was all right then went to get Teaspoon while Kid followed in hot pursuit.

Vin and Earl ran towards the barn. Ike was in there taking care of a few horses. When he heard the two burst in, he hid up in the loft.

"It's that wench and that hired gun of hers. I told you we shouldn't just run. Give her the stuff back and we can leave with the gold." Earl pleaded.

"Let's just take them out and be done with it." Vin stated and that was the final word on the matter.

Jimmy and Lou edged around the corner and shots rang out towards them. Lou ran inside to one side with Jimmy inside on the other, firing towards to stable area at the two men they couldn't see. Lou was firing occasionally but looked up as hay was flew down from above before her eyes. She looked up as a figure fell from the sky and toppled her.

Jimmy wasn't paying a bit of attention. He ran forward to another empty stable firing his gun. Lou shoved the intruder off of her swinging in a punch or two. Both got to their knees with gun barrels aiming at each other. It was Ike. They smiled and would laugh about it all later but with bullets flying at them, piercing the air, it was not the time. Lou did hit one of her targets, Earl in the shoulder.

Kid came up behind the thief. "Drop it right there," Kid stated. Earl spun around and thrust himself at Kid. Kid didn't have time to get one shot off. Earl, even with his hurt shoulder was a push over. With a few punches he was down and out.

"Give it up Vincent!" Jimmy shouted but not expecting much to come of it.

Vin in a state of panic, saw Earl lying on the ground, ran for the door.

"Goin' somewhere?" Teaspoon asked with a smile.

Vin dropped his gun and gave up in defeat, yet angry within.

The two villains wound up in jail and Sheriff Donavin was going to take them to the territorial jail then next day.

"So Sheriff Donavin tried to get these two by riggin' this here bag with fools gold." Teaspoon explained in the sheriff's office.

"I can't believe it's worthless." Cody said disappointed, "what a shame."

"Fake…fools gold." Vin's evil eyes turned toward Earl voice raising, "when we get out of here I'm gonna kill you!"

"Relax you'll have plenty of time behind bars together to do that." Marshall

Donavin stated, "I'll be by tomorrow to pick them up. Thank you all for the good work!" Out he walked, back to the hotel.

"What about my stuff?" Lou asked hopefully.

"We searched their hotel room and found this." Buck held before her the necklace she bought. It was very fancy. "I have to admit I'd love to see you in the dress this goes with." Buck smiled handing it over.

Lou turned flush in the face. "What about my card winnings?" she added, fearing now there was no such luck in getting her money back. "They didn't spend it all?"

"Apparently not," Cody said as he flipped through a stack of cash.

"160 of that is mine!" Lou said as Teaspoon gave her back her winnings.

"I am impressed you won all that playing poker." Kid mentioned.

"Well when you’re good, you’re good." Lou gave a triumphant reply.

*************************************

The next day the thieves were escorted out of Sweetwater. Noah came back from his run early for birthday celebrations. Lou was to head out next.

"Well Rachael I just couldn't miss your cake, the thought of Cody eating all was too much to bear." Noah said as he dismounted.

Buck was helping Lou get her horse ready as she went inside to get her gift.

"Happy birthday Buck," she said as she handed over her wrapped gift.

Buck smiled and unwrapped the journal. He thumbed through the pages and found it divided into sections. There were Buck's words of wisdom, my adventures with Buck, and what everyone loves about Buck. He had to laugh. It was cute and very meaningful to him to read through the entries by everyone.

"This is probably the best gift I could ever get." He then gave Lou a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Not till you see Ike's. He got me beat. Sorry I'll miss all the good food, save some for me ok." Lou said.

"Will do," Buck said and went back inside.

Jimmy, in the afternoon sunlight and breeze gave Lou a kiss as well "Ride safe."

Lou mounted and off she went.

Kid came back from picking up Samantha for the afternoon festivities. Kid smiled to his best friend and said, "so Jimmy what can we look forward to for next week."

The End