Kid took the lane past Louise's on his way home from working at his father's stables... He saw Ms. Emma walking the road crying,

"Miss Emma, you alright?"

Emma cries out, her hands flying to her face, "He took her Kid! He took Louise!"

Kid reined Katy up short, the horse called out a protest, Kid had never used such a heavy hand. "Who took Louise?"

"Her father! Mary sent word that she was sick, but instead of coming to help them, he came and took Louise away. Oh Kid, you should have seen her fight him somethin' fierce. She wanted to be by her mother's side. I'm afraid Mary won't last much longer without her."

Kid thanked her and rode off toward Lou's house. He left Katy outside and a woman from the church let him in. He made his way to Mary's room.

Mary roused herself from a fitful sleep and answered the frantic knock at her door, "Louise? Oh Louise is that you?"

Kid opened the door and leaned in. He didn't miss the disappointed look on her face, "Ms. Mary?"

She sank back into the pillows piled on her bed, "Come in Kid."

He had his hat in his hands and slowly walked to the side of her bed, "Ms. Mary, I just talked to Emma, and-" Mary dissolved into tears and Kid sat on the edge of the bed, "please, I need to know what happened.

Mary furiously weeped into her hankerchief, one hand holding onto his arm, "Oh my baby! What have I done?"

"Ma'am?" Kid grew more and more alarmed with every shaking breath.

"How can I tell you... she's gone! He took her away!"

He held his tongue... he wanted to shout at her to tell him what happened.

"Her father, he just drove up in his carriage and took her away." Her tears began again..., "She wanted to stay with me, but he said-" she paused as she gasped for air, "he just took her. I know I'll never see her again." Her breathing was more labored, her face was ashen and her eyes were deeply set in dark circles. He realized just how sick she was.

"Don't you worry Miss Mary, I'll bring her home."

The last half of what he said was lost as Mary was lost in a fit of coughing. He was scared and called out for Mrs. Granger to get the doctor. He looked back as she drew back her hankerchief from her mouth. The white cloth was stained with blood.

He stood up as if something bit him. This time he bellowed at Mrs. Granger to hurry.

She peeked in to the room and moved to his side... she handed her another hankerchief and leaned close to him, "The doctor hasn't been here in days... there hasn't been enough money."

"But,-"

"There's nothing more to do...but wait."

Mary fell into a deep sleep and Kid paced the room, he needed to know who this man was and where he had taken Lou. It had been almost a day since she'd been taken and there'd be no way to track them. He needed more information.

He searched the desk. There were quite a few papers on the counter. Mostly letters from creditors and bankers, he didn't realize that Louise's family was in trouble.

Then, under the pile of papers, a thick white envelope addressed to Mary McCloud. He took out the letter and read it through quickly. He dropped the letter on the desk and turned the envelope over and looked at the return address. There was no street name or number, but it did say Arlington, Virginia. That was almost 100 miles away.

He resisted the urge to run out of the house and head out after Louise. He had to keep his wits about him, but most importantly he had to stay and be there for her mother. He knew with a certain saddness that this would be her last day on this earth and he would do everything he could to make her comfortable.

Louise cowered in the carriage. Her fears and grief getting the better of her. She had been dragged away from her mother and her life. She knew nothing but fear for the man who sat beside her in the darkened carriage.

She hadn't taken anything but the clothes she was wearing and she was worried... what was happening to her? The whole day seemed like a phantasm. There were so many unanswered questions... and Kid! Oh dear Lord, what would happen when he found out? Her tears began again as she pictured him standing outside under the willow tree.

Her shoulders shook and she gasped for air as she felt sorrow wash over her again. Soon she couldn't control the sobs as they took over.

She felt a hand grip her arm. He squeezed it hard enough to make her wince, "I've had just about enough cryin'!" He bit out his words, his voice put a stop to her tears. She froze as she felt true danger at his hands. "Enough!"

She stared into the darkness, feeling his eyes glaring at her. Louise nodded, "yes sir."

He shoved her back against the wall of the carriage. She fought to keep her breath as her shoulders hit the hard metal frame behind her. Louise wanted to cry out but desperately held her tongue in fear.

A little over an hour later, Louise had drifted into a restless sleep.

Donald Boggs cursed under his breath, "Damn fool girl! What did I do to deserve this little chit." He shook his head as he settled back against the padded backing, "I'll find some way to make this worth my trouble."

On to Chapter Six

Feedback is welcome!

Fan Fiction Main Page