DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
Bernie stood on the porch and watched as the men rode away from the waystation. Her eyes never leaving Buck’s back as he rode further and further from her. A chill shiver went down her spine as she realised she was truly the bait in the trap and praying that no one was hurt by her husbands actions. Her quivering fingers closed around Buck’s medicine pouch almost convulsively, as she watched the hazy forms of Buck and all his friends being swallowed up by the horizon.
Rachel and Lou watched the fear wash over Bernie’s face, realizing the brave face she had been wearing for Buck’s sake.
“You sure you want to do this Bernie?” Rachel asked quietly placing a hand on Bernie’s shoulder knowing that the final decision was up to the strong young woman in front of her.
“Yes” she answered lifting her chin and speaking with renewed determination “If I don’t do this I will never be free” she spoke
Lou nodded her head understanding her determination “Noone will think any less of you if you don’t do this” she stated
“I have to Lou” she stated simply
“Besides,” Isabelle spoke “I will be with her, she wont be alone” she smiled also a little nervously.
“Remember what Teaspoon said, after Lou and I go into town, make sure you are always together, don’t give him an opportunity to hurt you” Rachel spoke
“Go on” Bernie urged “the sooner we start this the sooner it will be over with”
Rachel and Lou hugged both girls and then started the short walk into town. Bernie knew that her husband was watching the waystation, just as she knew that he knew they were now alone. A shudder travelled down her spine, as she thought of his hatred for her and the precious life she bore. She gently caressed the swollen mound that was her belly.
“C’mon Bernie” Isabelle urged “We can’t stand here and wait for him, there are some new foals in the barn. Why don’t we go and have a look?” Isabelle spoke a little daunted by the fact that they were alone.
“Sure” Bernie spoke.
They walked across the short expanse of dirt to enter the stable and walked to very end of the barn watching the two tiny foals that was housed in the very last stall, both girls stood leaning over the side of the stall watching and laughing at the antics of the young foals.
“Touching scene girls” A snide voice spoke from behind them Both girls turned on the voice not surprised to see Eccles standing in front of them blocking their exit from the barn, two of his four henchmen standing behind him. Bernie swallowed hard and stood her ground, railing against the fear that filled her body every time she looked at the man that was her husband.
“Jonathon, please” she spoke “Why don’t you just leave me alone and go back to your business” she almost begged him her hand closed around Buck’s medicine pouch giving her the strength she needed to confront the evil man she had been forced to marry.
‘Can’t do that my lovely” he spoke his sneering voice almost laughing “I will not give up anything that is mine” he voice turned deadly serious “Even a two bit little used up tramp like you” he spat at her
His evil words brought tears to her eyes, but she knew that his words were not true “At least I was used by a man that loves me, not using me for his own gratification” she spat at him.
“Noone will ever be using you again Bernice” he laughed “It will be tragic really, I wont be able to get here in time to save you, a spark will ignite the hay and no one will be able to save you.”
“Please don’t do this Jonathon” she spoke begging for the life of her unborn child
“I of course will play the mourning husband to your grandfather.’ He spoke “I will have your share of your grandfathers business, eventually his company will be mine”
He threw back his head and laughed at the horrified looks on the faces of the two women in front of him. “thanks for that much Bernice”
Bernie and Isabelle both looked out the door both hoping to see the boys and teaspoon ride back into the waystation.
“Oh and that’s the best part” he chuckled “the halfbreed and his friends won’t be back for a while, two of my men have gone out after them, right about now they should be pinning them down for a while, just long enough for the barn to catch” he slipped a cigar from his vest pocket and lit a match against one of the beams. Lighting the cigar he flicked the match into a hay bale watching with satisfaction when it caught and began to burn.
“I promised you that that bastard child you carry would not be born, my only regret is that I haven’t been able to get rid of your lover at the same time.” He cackled almost insanely
“Buck will not rest until you have paid for killing us Jonathon” she spat
“And God help you when he gets hold of you” she finished the tears in her eyes overflowing as she realised that her child was not going to live long enough to meet its father.
“I’m sorry Buck” she murmured as she clasped his medicine pouch in her hands and resigned herself to the fate she didn’t think she would be able to escape.
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