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.
Kid who waited vigilantly at the bottom of the stairs had warned Teaspoon what to expect, so Lou's exclamation, while it had surprised him did not alarm him as it would have.
'Louise, what have you been doing to yourself Girl?' He smiled, embracing her warmly, almost feeling the strength leave her body.
'I don't know father, things are all jumbled inside my head, I don't know what way is up at the moment.' he mumured as her eyes closed again wearily
'Buck,' Teaspoon turned to his other rider and embraced him warmly walking with him towards the window at the sound of another approaching horse. Watching Jimmy's horse approach they turned to check that the horse had not woken Lou and then quckly and quietly left the room. Moving quickly down the stairs they met Jimmy as he came into the house.
'She's in a bucketload of trouble Teaspoon. I don't know how we can save her.' he spoke his eyes full of worry, breathing heavily.
'Come and catch your breath and explain it to us Jimmy,' Teaspoon stated.
They all went to the living room and waited as Jimmy drank almost a pitcher of water when Rachel brought him a drink.
'What is the problem Jimmy?' Kid finally asked unable to wait any longer 'She's wanted for Murder Kid.' Jimmy pulled a wanted poster from his vest pocket. Kid unfolded it carefully and looked at the likeness of the male Lou staring back at him.
'She can't be Teaspoon. She wouldn't hurt a soul' Kid stated forcefully] as they all heard a large group of horses approaching.
'The only thing that might save her is the fact they are looking for a young man.' Jimmy spoke as he walked to the window and looked out at the approaching riders. He flicked the curtain back into place in disgust, what he saw he did not like.
'That's the posse that's looking for her. The leader is the new deputy marshal Schmidt. He's mean Teaspoon and he is after her blood' Jimmy stated his eyes still reflecting his deep concern for Lou.
'Boys, just act natural and go along with anything I say. We will get through this.' His worried eyes met Rachel's across the room as he walked towards the door to greet their visitors.
The whole family moved onto the porch, following Teaspoon closely. Teaspoon walked to the railing and leaning against it spoke to the six men who still sat astride their horses at the fenceline.
'Can I do something for you fellas?' Teaspoon asked amiably.
'I'm looking for the station manager.' Schmidt stated bluntly.
'That would be me, Marshall Hunter at your service.' Teaspoon walked down the stairs until he was within arms reach and shook the man's gloved hand.
'I'm hoping you can tell me where I could find a Lou McCloud.' He spoke as he pulled the wanted poster from his pocket and handed it to Teaspoon 'He was in Blue Creek with the indian' he indicated Buck with a jerk of his head.
'I had to let him go yesterday.' Teaspoon spoke. 'When he and Buck got back, Lou was acting real strange. He made some pretty bad threats so I told him to pack his things and be gone within the hour. He was. Couldn't tell you where he went, we weren't on speaking terms when he left' Teaspoon lied.
'So you wouldn't mind if my men were to search the buildings then would you?' Schmidt asked a sly smile crossing his face not sure if he should trust his fellow lawman.
'Certainly, but I would ask that you search the upper floor of the house yourself and quietly please. My only child was thrown from her horse yesterday and she is recuperating in her bedroom. I would ask that she is not disturbed.' He spoke.
'I will have to check the room, but as a courtesy for you I will try not to disturb her.' Schmidt spoke as he swung down from the horse.
The other members of the posse went about their business searching the buildings for Lou, closely shadowed by the Jimmy and Cody. Schmidt, himself, searched the house, closely followed by Kid, Buck and Teaspoon. He systematically searched the entire house and soon the only room left was the one where Louise slept. He looked at the three men tailing him carefully prior to opening the door. Kid stood with his hand on the handle of his gun, Buck also looked ready to tear him apart.
'You'll have to forgive my two young friends Marshall, Buck here is my daughter's fiance and Kid is her step brother, both are very protective of her. She was badly hurt yesterday and they are both worried for her.' Teaspoon explained in a whispered voice.
'I will try not to disturb her.' He assured them as he turned the door handle as carefully as he could.
He walked almost silently into the room looking at the beautiful but brusied young woman laying in the bed, then he looked in both cupboards and out of the window, lifting the corner of the bedspread he leaned down to check that there was no one under the bed. The movement of the bedclothes must have disturbed her, however, she opened her eyes and looked directly into the startled face of Marshall Schmidt. Frightened by the stranger's face in front of her she screamed and crawled back up against the bedhead, screaming frntically for Buck. He was at her side in an instant, folding her gently into his embrace and soothing her frantic ranting with gentle words and his tender embrace.
"Can't you leave now?' Kid spat at Marshall Schmidt 'Haven't you upset her enough?' he turned his tormented gaze at the now sobbing Lou.
Schmidt looked at Lou and Buck and then at Kid and walked quickly from the room, followed closely by Teaspoon.
'I'm sorry, I must apologise for their behaviour. Louise was kicked in the head by a runaway horse several months ago, she hasn't been right since. The doctor seems to think that she may be a little touched, if you understand what I mean. She may never be the same again. They have been a little overprotective ever since. I think they are actually still a little shaken by her fall yesterday. It was her first time back on a horse' Teaspoon explained as they walked down the stairs together.
'I'm sorry I disturbed her Marshall Hunter.' he sounded truly contrite 'I hope she feels better soon.' he waited for Teaspoon to open the front door and walked out on to the porch.
'Thank you for your time.' He spoke as he placed his hat back on his head and moved dowen the stairs
'I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.' Teaspoon spoke and waited for the other boys to return to the house.
'Got a bad feeling about him Teaspoon' Cody spoke quietly as they watched the posse rode away.
'Whatever the trouble that Lou is in, he is at the heart of it.' Teaspoon stated.
'I can do better than that Teaspoon, I'm willing to bet that he is the one that did the killing.' Jimmy stated as he walked on to the porch.
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