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.
Some time later, Lightning trotted into the way station, the others were all prepared to mount and ride out looking for Lou and Buck, but were relieved to be spared the search. When she saw Kid, Lou slid from Buck's grasp and ran into his embrace. Jimmy smiled wryly 'So I guess this means that she remembers' he looked to Buck for confirmation
At Buck's nod Teaspoon started to speak to Lou but then seeing that she was happily ensconced in Kid's embrace and kissing him deeply, he turned to Buck for answers.
'What happened?' he asked, not quite understanding the pain he saw in Bucks eyes
'Schmidt jumped me just outside the station when I rode out. From what he said Lou had witnessed him killing the Marshall, he wasn'[t prepared to let her or me for that matter alive to spoil his plans.' Buck spoke and then remembered Schmidt's body. 'Teaspoon his body is out at Signal Rock.'
'I'll get it taken care of. How did you kill him?' Teaspoon asked quietly
'I didn't, Lou did. she confronted him and won' he stated the facts as he remembered them plainly.
'Damn I always knew she was a lot of woman.' Noah spoke in admiration from the porch
'Damn straight' the admiration obvious in Jimmy's face
'C'mon everyone inside and I make some lunch and you can discuss everything there.' Rachel spoke from bunkhouse door. 'Cody take care of Lightning please' Teaspoon asked.
'No its okay Teaspoon I can do it' Buck spoke desperate for a little time to gather his thoughts before he had to face everyone again
'Sure Buck, meet us in the bunkhouse' Teaspoon didn't question his dedication to the stock
Rachel watched the exchange with interest and as soon as everyone was settled in the bunkhouse and then slipped out to talk to Buck.
'Are you alright Buck?' she spoke softly as she walked up behind him, watching him brush the horses coat
'I'll be fine Rachel.' he answered softly the quaver in his voice denying his words
She walked up behind him and put her arms around his chest, relaxing her grasp as she felt more than heard his indrawn breath.
'Did you tell her how you feel?' she probed
'No and I never will...' he paused not pleased at his sharp words
'I'm sorry Rachel. Yes I told her that I love her, but as a brother nothing more. You saw her with Kid, that is meant to be. Whatever I feel for her is my problem and my pain' he turned in Rachel's embrace content to let her be his strength as he cried his heartache on her shoulder. Rachel held him, knowing his pain and knowing equally that he was the only one who could deal with it. Almost as soon as he relaxed against her, he regained his iron composure and stood upright again. With one hand he wiped the evidence of his torment from his face.
'Is it okay if I miss lunch Rachel, I think I have some broken ribs, I want to go see the Doc. I just need some time...' he paused seeing the uncertainty in her eyes 'I'll be fine Rachel, I just can't face them all at the moment.'
Rachel reached a hand up and brushed his hair out of his face. 'Okay, I'll keep you some lunch. Try not to be too long' she spoke as she turned and walked out of the barn. Buck followed her out and headed off in the direction of the doctors surgery.
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