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.
Jimmy reached the partially ajar doors first, both of his treasured Colt's drawn, desperate to protect the tiny girl he had become so fond of. For one of only a handful of times in his life that he could remember, he was truly scared. Not for his own safety, but for what he might see inside, however, glancing around the dim interior as he entered, he sighed in relief and reholstered his guns crossing quickly to Theresia's side and enfolding her into his arms. He glanced down at the two crying babies in the straw filled box beside her making sure Kid and Lou's children were unharmed before turning. The sobbing girl quickly melted into his embrace and Jimmy couldn't help but compare her to her sister. Often he had held Lou this way after she had done or experienced something traumatic. As she sobbed against his chest, he turned so the others could see she was fine. Jimmy nodded to the pale Lou to acknowledge that her sister was fine, then watched her cross to her babies sides. Cooing gently to her son, she watched as Jenny, who had followed her across the stable floor lifted her daughter and soothed her gentle cries.
'Sam, Mr Spoon' Emma spoke breathlessly from the doorway 'Thank God, Where's Kid?' her frantic eyes turned to Lou
'Cody has taken him into town to Doc Barnes' Lou answered softly
'He wasn't the only one left.' Emma spoke gently as she melted thankfully into her husband's embrace nodding her head towards the corpse on the floor.
'What do you mean?' Sam asked turning her face to his
'Marshall O'Day is in on it too.' she stated flatly 'He told us not to get any ideas about going to the law, because it was on his side.'
'Cody could be walking straight into trouble.' Lou spoke worried about not only her husband but her friend as well.
'Are you alright here Em?' Sam asked his wife and watched her nod in her usual self assured manner.
'Will Rachel be alright?' Teaspoon asked concern in his voice evident, torn between staying with his wife and helping the young men and women he called family.
Knowing that he would never forgive himself if anything happened to Rachel, but also knowing that she would never forgive him or herself if something happened to the others if he had been able to prevent it, he made his decision to go with his friends. Emma nodded seeing Teaspoon's torment 'We'll be fine Teaspoon, go and help them.' she spoke releasing her husband. '
Buck can you and Jenny stay here with them please.' Teaspoon asked knowing that Buck's reserves of strength were being rapidly depleted, his skin held a grey waxy look and Teaspoon hoped that he wouldn't put up a fight. Buck knew that in his present state he was no help to anyone so he nodded his head in approval, hoping that he would at least be able to protect his home. Lou handed her son to Emma, wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand and left the barn. As everyone followed Lou, the barn emptied Jimmy was still left holding a trembling Theresia.
'Honey I have to go now, but when I get back we will talk' he spoke softly, leading her out of the barn as he spoke, shrugging his shoulders at Lou's frown he released Theresia into Buck's loose embrace.
He quickly mounted up and the four of them rode quickly the short distance down the main street and into town proper. Buck, Jenny, Emma and Theresia watched them ride off and sent a prayer heavenward that they all return safely before turning their attention to the children and Rachel. Riding directly to Doc Barnes office, the others looped their reins around the hitching rail and walked into the office, finding Cody pacing nervously.
'How is he?' Lou asked her first concern her ailing husband
'Don't know Lou, the doctor chased me out here as soon as Kid started to come around.' Cody spoke watching as Lou paced in frustration
'Has there been any visitors here since you arrived?' Teaspoon asked
'Funny you should ask, the Marshall has been back twice, he seems mighty interested in Kid waking up.' Cody frowned thinking for the first time that something was up.
'Emma said that O'Day is in on it.'
'Nice of you boys to stay together for me.' a sinister voice spoke from behind them.
They turned as one to see the Town Marshall standing in the doorway, both pistols trained on them. 'Considerate of you saving me the work of running all over the territory to clean up this mess.' he sneered.
Jimmy shook his head as he realised that he had been so engrossed in Cody's news that he had not heard the swarthy man approach them. His eyes met the liquid concern of Lou's and resolved that they were all going to get out of this mess. Teaspoon and Sam glanced at each other realising that they had both met the Marshall's type before. Men who had started out good honourable men but over the years they turned lazy and greedy. O'Day's greed overcoming the desire to help fellow man that had turned him to law enforcement in the first place.
'Give it a break O'Day, you are far outnumbered, you might get one of us maybe two but if you don't give in you will die.' Sam spoke his eyes hard
'I know that Cain, but I'm fairly certain that you don't want to see Miss Louise's blood spilled.' he laughed at that statement. Watching the faces of the men falling as they realised that he was correct. One by one they holstered the guns they had drawn as they turned on the intruder.
'Drop them all, now and no funny business' he spoke walking two steps into the room he holstered one of his guns and grabbed Louise by her long braid. Dragging her back across the room until he was out of reach of the men. Laughing at the tears of pain that sprang to Lou's eyes as he dragged her by the thick lustrous hair she had become so proud of.
The others all quickly began unbuckling their gunbelts, not willing to risk Lou any further then they already had.
'I promise you O'Day if you hurt her, you will die.' Jimmy spoke between clenched teeth.
The Marshall laughed, then pulling Lou further from her friends he tormented them further.
'None of you are going to live long enough to see me really hurt her.' he laughed again pleased at the frustration and anger he saw on their faces.
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