By Jessica
Copyright 1999
Lou looked up from where she was watching Lightning drink from the babbling brooke they had decided to stop at. They were only three miles from Willow Springs, but the sun had reached a dangerous high and concern for the horses had over-ridden their desire to reach the town.
An ominous feeling settled over the four-some as they saw three riders on the horizon. They all reached for their guns, preparing for the worst. Lou rolled her eyes as Ben and Charlie came to stand in front of her as if their mere presence could protect her.
She exchanged worried glances with Sean. This definitely hadn’t been in their plans and Lou wondered for a moment if they had been set up. However, as the three riders came closer, Lou’s face split into a grin, but only temporarily. Relief was soon replaced with anger, and it showed in her face and voice when she spoke.
“It’s all right, you can put your guns away.” Lou spoke dangerously quiet.
Ben kept his gaze trained on the horsemen, but Charlie looked back at Lou, an unspoken question in his eyes. “I know them.” Lou said simply as she reholstered her gun and moved in front of them, crossing her arms across her chest.
All three men recognized the stubborn setting of her jaw and quietly complied with her subtle order. Sean narrowed his eyes and recognized two of the men from a few days previous when he had first rode into the Express Station. Lou walked a few steps forward and Sean knew they were in for it. He hadn’t forgotten how angry Lou used to become when any of them tried to offer her help. She took it as an insult, and from her stance, he guessed that things hadn’t changed much. Sean looked to both Ben and Charlie who were trying to hide their amused smiles.
The riders were finally in front of them and began to dismount. Ben watched as one of the men walked slowly and cautiously to Lou as if he were dealing with an unpredictable animal.
“What are you doin’ here Kid?”
“Lou, I know what you’re goin’ to say, but just hear me out.” Kid began, licking his lips nervously.
“If you know what I’m goin’ to say, then I won’t waste my breath. I’ll just watch as you boys ride out back to Rock Creek.” Lou said calmly.
Jimmy and Buck could both recognize the tone in Lou’s voice and knew it wouldn’t be long before her control burst. Feeling guilty for making Kid their emissary, they came to stand beside their friend.
“Lou... we ain’t leavin’.” Jimmy said softly, but firmly.
“Well you ain’t stayin’ either.” Lou said stubbornly.
“We just thought that you might need help.” Kid explained.
Lou ignored him and turned her stormy eyes to Buck who tried not to flinch. He knew that beneathe her calm facade, rage was boiling inside. He had rarely seen Lou this angry. She was usually one of the most calm riders, but she didn’t like her abilities to be put into question and he knew that she took their arrival as such.
“You agreed with all this Buck? I thought you of all people would understand that this is something I have to do by myself.”
“But you ain’t by yourself Lou.” Sean spoke quietly from behind her before Buck had a chance to respond. Her three friends had been silent thus far and she almost forgot they were there.
“And what does that mean?” Lou asked.
“Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have a few extra guns along.” Sean explained.
“Absolutely not.” Ben declared, his eyes flashing dangerously.
“I agree with Sean.” Sean said tentatively.
“Now, how did I know you were going to say that Charlie?” Ben asked sarcastically.
“What does that mean?”
“It means you’re a yellow coward. I should have left you to be tarred and feathered. You’re useless.”
Ben was taken by surprise when Charlie suddenly lunged for him. Had it not been for Sean’s timely intervention, he would have found himself at the receiving end of one of Charlie’s pudgy fists. As it was, he cooly regarded the other man as he struggled futily in Sean’s capable grip.
“I’ve had to listen to your jibes this entire trip and I’m sick of it. I ain’t a coward.” Charlie bellowed.
“What are you talkin’ about?” Ben asked.
“He’s right.” Lou spoke quietly as she came to stand beside Sean and Charlie.
Ben looked like he was about to argue, but thought better of it. Kid, Buck and Jimmy had watched the commotion in silence, but each felt they were intruding on a very private moment. Charlie pulled himself out of Sean’s grasp and straightened out his jacket. With one last scathing glare at Ben, he turned to the three riders and smiled.
“I’m Charlie.” He said simply as he extended his hand to Kid and the others.
“So...does this mean we’re in?” Kid asked.
“No.” Lou spoke simultaneously as Charlie and Sean said “Yes.”
“Look, we know this a personal thing between the four of you, but we can even the odds a little.” Buck spoke for the first time.
Lou was about to respond when Ben interrupted. “You’re in, as long as you understand that this is our mission.”
Lou exhaled sharply in frustration and looked at ben angrily. He avoided her eyes though and instead approached the trio. He shook their hands and introduced himself.
“Once the introductions were over, Jimmy cleared his throat. “So, what’s the plan?” He watched as Lou, ben, Sean and Charlie exchanged uncomfortable glances. “Don’t tell me you don’t have a plan??!!”
“Well, we haven’t exactly discussed anything.” Sean began.
“Actually... I have a plan.” Lou said quietly as she approached the group.
On to Chapter Five
