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.
The stage ride was a novelty for all of them, everyone of them had only ever travelled by horse or covered wagon before, so it was quite luxurious for them to all sit back and let someone else take care of their journey, however, luxurious by no means meant comfortable, the six occupants inside the stage were jostled and bounced all over the cabin, thoroughly disoriented by the fact that they had no idea where they were, the thick blinds drawn tightly over the windows, in a somewhat futile effort to prevent the cabin from filling with the thick clouds of trail dust that the stage lifted into billowing clouds as they travelled hastily along the dusty rutted trails that had been travelled by so many horses and wagons before them..
At least Jimmy and Cody weren't confused by their surroundings, seated high atop the stage, they had an excellent view of the their environment flying by as they passed. However, they were being flung from pillar to post as they sat on their hight perch, the constant roar of the stage wheels slicing across the rugged packed dirt and rutted trails slipping into the well worn ruts, and the team of six horses hooves each beating on the ground like a drum, preventing any real conversation. All of them were happy for the infrequent stops, where they could stretch their legs and try to shake out some of the bruises from the bone jarring trip.
'Excuse me Sir, Would you be Teaspoon Hunter of Rock Creek' A tall gentlemen in a fine black suit spoke to Teaspoon in a striking and unusual deep voice as he stepped forward. The whole group was struck by his exotic good looks, a tall striking man, his face bore the slight hint of an oriental heritage, his skin golden tanned, his blue black hair shiny and cropped close to his head, his fingers long and adroit as he extended his hand to Teaspoon for him to shake it, his expensive clothes abviously covering a well muscled body, whom Teaspoon could tell was not immune to hard work.
'Certainly, its a pleasure' Teaspoon extended his hand in greeting and waited for the newcomer to introduce himself
'Allow me to introduce myself sir, My name is Ezra Johnson, Miss Rosemary has sent me to make sure that you make your train connection, it's currently waiting for you at the station.' Ezra clapped his hands together and instantly three men appeared from the room behind him and began to unload their bags from the top of the stage, and carried them all down the boardwalk.
'Please follow me' Ezra spoke as he began to walk down the boardwalk at a brisk pace, The others all followed him, their heads turning every now and again as they saw something that was unusual for them. Their pace didn't slow until they reached the Railway depot and Ezra led them to last carriage of the train. He waited until everybody had filed aboard the train and followed them inside.
'I'm sorry to say that I won't be accompanying you to your destination, I have other business here in town, but I'm sure I will see you when I return.' he gallantly tipped his hat to the ladies and nodded to the men as he backed out the door
Teaspoon followed him to thank him for his assistance, frowning when he saw the serious look on his face.
'What is it Ezra?' Teaspoon spoke
"I was hoping to catch you alone, but I hadn't counted on the stage being so late. Amanda has asked me not to tell you what I am about to say, but I cannot let her put herself in any further danger.' he spoke seriously still not completely sure he could trust this man
'God man she could be my daughter, spit it out, how can I help' Teaspoon became frustrated with Ezra's reticance
'I feel sure that someone is trying to kill her.' he answered 'That's why I am here, to find a private detective to find the culprit'
'What makes you think that?' Teaspoon answered almost drowned out by the trains whistle
'There are several things that have happened Amanda thinks they are just coincidence, but I'm not so sure, strange things like a scorpion in her bedroom, little things like her girth strap breaking while she was out riding, a girl who looks a lot like Amanda was murdered behind the saloon just yesterday, I think it was meant to be her. I'm worried about her' he spoke as the train started to pull away from him.
'Look after her for me' he called 'I should be back the day after you, I will explain it all then.' he called as Teaspoon waved to him as the train puled further away nodding his head in reply. He watched as Ezra faded into the distance and moved into the railway carriage to tell the others of the new developments.
'What's wrong Teaspoon?' Rachel spoke knowing well the troubled look on his weathered face.
'Boys and Girls' He smiled at the two elegant women in their presence 'It seems that Amanda is in trouble, she may need our help when we get there. She didn't want us to know but Ezra thought we should' he finished watching their faces carefully
'Of course we can help her'Lou spoke as she rose to go to side of the man she now thought of as her father and give him a gentle hug 'What else are family for?'
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