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.
'Rider Comin,' Noah called as he watched Kid ride in on his beloved mare Katy.
'Take Care Buck,' Kid spoke as he handed over the mochila to a waiting Buck. A frown crossed his handsome face. Sliding straight from Katy's back he, walked briskly to the house and up the porch steps to where Rachel stood watching the exchange.
'Where's he going?' Kid asked, 'How's Lou?'
'She's fine, they had a picnic this afternoon, she hasn't remembered anything, but she's exhausted. So she's sleeping.' Rachel started.
'Why is Buck leaving her alone?' Kid continued to frown, content at least that condition of the love of his life had not deteriorated or worse.
'Kid this is as hard on him as it is on you, he needed to get away, she's safe here, she's with family, so it was safe for him to go on a ride. He's hurting too Kid.' She spoke. 'What do you think it does to him, knowing that he's hurting you, that you may not be able to forgive him and your friendship is harmed because of it. This hurts him probably more than it hurts the rest of you.' She watched her words sink in.
'Maybe I have been a little hard on him.' Kid spoke softly, 'But dammit, I love her Rachel,' he stated his commitment tangible in his voice.
'He knows that Kid, just try to remember he loves both of you.' she spoke drawing him into a warm embrace, 'Go up and see if she needs anything.' She released him and he opened the door and took the stairs two at a time to see Lou.
Entering the room quietly, he sat down in the straight back chair by her bed watching her sleep. It had been two days since he had found the strength to enter Lou's bedroom and trust himself to be near her without saying or doing something that could impair her recovery. Hungry eyes traced her frail outline against the crisp white sheets, the sleeveless nightgown did little to hide the fading bruising on her shoulder, but at least the faint marks that marred her delicate features had faded into near invisibility.
He watched her wordlessly content to see the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept unaware of his presence. Dragged from his thoughts and musings by the sound of a horse riding in. He rose to stand at the window and watch, his hand cautiously resting on the gun still strapped at his waist. However, he was relieved to see that the visitor was only Bill Thompkins, the town storekeeper.
Taking one last lingering look at Lou he left the room and ventured downstairs to find out what it was that had brought Thompkins from his store. He was surprised to find heated tempers and raised voices as he entered Rachel's sitting room.
'What's up?' he asked experimentally. Thompkins has just brought over a note for Lou. Ike signed his concern plainly on his face
'Well what does it say?' Kid asked becoming impatient
'Schmidt has Buck and unless Lou meets him at Signal Rock by dawn he will kill him,' Noah spoke
'No, not Buck,' Lou's cry from the stairs startled them all. She stood on the stairs in her nightgown, as pale as a ghost, clinging to the banister.
'Lou, you should be back in bed, this doesn't concern you.' Teaspoon spoke softly as he went to her side.
'They're going to kill my betrothed and you say it doesn't concern me,' she shrugged out of Teaspoon's embrace and walked the rest of the way down the stairs. She crossed the floor and moved to sit on the love seat in the centre of the room.
'What can I do to help?' she asked, her tone indicating that she would not be placated.
'We will go instead of you and see if we can get him away.' Jimmy spoke, 'That's all we can do.'
'Jimmy's right, we might be able to get there before them and get the upper hand.' Teaspoon mused.
'What if I go and try to reason with him?' Lou suggested softly.
'Lou, be sensible, if you go he kill both of you. You witnessed something that can get him hung, he's not going to let you live honey.' Kid knelt at her feet, Jimmy crossed to sit on the seat beside her.
'Lou, you may as well sign Buck's death certificate yourself if you show up there.' Jimmy spoke.
'I can't just sit here and let them kill the man that I love.' She murmured tears overflowing from her liquid eyes, not noticing the pain that fleeting crossed both men's faces.
'We'll save him honey.' They spoke in unison, each squeezing one of her hands in silent support. Lou nodded her head in acknowledgment, then rose and left the room unmindful of the six concerned faces looking after her.
"Thought you were clever didn't you?' Schmidt kicked the seated and bound Buck as he walked past him. 'Passing her off as a fella, you can't fool me,' he scoffed as he once again sank the boot in.'
'She's more of a man than you ever will be.' Buck scorned him harshly.
'For that you can watch her die before I kill you, you stupid injun,' he cursed at him. Buck sank into blessed unconsciousness, his chest a minefield of pain and tenderness, each blow from Schmidt's foot inflicting greater pain and suffering. His hands and feet both bound he was unable to defend himself against the cruel blows.
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