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.
Dismounting his horse outside the pony express bunkhouse, the tall ruggedly attractive man watched the way station inhabitants, his attention stolen by the slender woman with the wispy red hair as she walked toward him, a basket of washing on her hip.
'Marshall' she spoke a smile in her voice at the formal greeting 'What brings you here?'
'Emma' he tipped his hat and smiled in greeting, his loving smile fading as he remembered the purpose of his visit.
'Better round all the boys up Em, this concerns all of you.' he strode onto the porch and watched and waited.
Emma followed Sam onto the porch, and lifting a huge metal beater rang the dinner bell to attract the riders attention. They stood side by side and watched as the riders emerged from various places around the way station. Teaspoon, Buck and Ike emerged from the barn where they had been cleaning and mending saddles, Kid and Jimmy strolled in from behind Emma's house gun's in hand, obviously returning from a session of target practice, Lou emerged from Emma's house and Cody sheepishly poked his head from the bunkhouse door.
'What's all the noise about?' he asked sleepily rubbing his eyes 'Have I missed dinner?' the eternally hungry blonde rider questioned
'No Cody, you could never miss a meal' Emma laughed
'I need to talk with all of you.' he spoke looking closely into each persons face
'I need five volunteers to help me track down a killer' he watched the boys all start to pay closer attention.
'What has happened Sam?' Kid, the unofficial leader of the group asked quietly
'The last two marshals of Willow Creek have been murdered, both in the space of two weeks.' he stopped remembering that one of the men had been a close friend of his
'I have been asked by the Territorial Governor to find their killer, and use any reasonable means possible. That's where you come in' he stated
'You know you can count on all of us Sam' Jimmy spoke from his seat against the railing
'I want to deputise three of you, Emma I'm going to need your help as well. We think that the Willow Creek Saloon owner has something to do with it, so I'll need someone on the inside. The rest of you will be needed to run this station.' he looked at them all, knowing that he could be sentencing his young friends and the woman that he loved to a painful death.
He wasn't sure what he had expected but he was surprised, however, when Lou pulled Kid into the bunkhouse.
'Kid you can't expect Emma to do that, we have to tell Sam that I'm a girl and I can handle it without Teaspoon finding out.' she whispered furiously at him.
'It could be dangerous Lou. You heard Sam.' he whispered not wanting to put her in any more danger, he was in fact planning to make her stay at the station, but she was right. Lou could handle herself and at least if he was there he could take care of her.
'Promise me you won't do anything foolish' he asked, gripping her by the shoulders and searching her face for an answer.
'I swear, do you think I am stupid?' she smiled knowing that he was relenting. He embraced her tightly and they left the bunkhouse to listen to the remainder of Sam's instructions.
'Glad to see you two decided to return.' Sam spoke dryly 'Kid I'm going to appoint you as Marshall, Jimmy, Buck I want you two as deputies. Watch his back and your own. Emma, I hear tell that the Saloon is looking for a new girl. Why don't you apply?' he smiled at her, 'The rest of you should be able to keep this place alive.'
'Sam' Teaspoon spoke up 'I can get relief riders in from one of the other stations, wouldn't it be better if you had all the boys there, I can look after this place. It might be safer with a few extra guns.' He explained worried for his boys and his stationmistress
'Sure you can manage?' Sam was grateful for the older man's help with this difficult task.
Teaspoon nodded sagely and wandered back to his work in the barn to let the others work out the details. Suddenly feeling strangely out of sorts with the day.
The riders all entered the bunkhouse and seated themselves around the table, waiting for Sam to fill them in on the details of their mission.
'Sam, theres something I think you should know?' Lou started to speak
'Lou, don't do this.' Emma stated knowing exactly what Lou was about to do for her
'I've got to Emma.' she continued 'Sam Emma doesn't need to go, but before I tell you why, I need your promise that you won't tell Teaspoon.'
'Tell him what?' Sam asked confounded
'I'm a girl Sam, I'll take Emma's place' Lou stated, both Jimmy and Buck started to complain that Lou shouldn't put herself in that sort of danger, but Kid silenced them with a look.
Sam chuckled to himself 'I always thought there was something strange about you.' he shook his head, then pointed at each of the riders 'You all knew' they nodded
'Every one at the station knows but Teaspoon, if he finds out she gets fired' Kid spoke
'Secrets safe with me Lou' Sam answered grateful that he didn't need to send Emma into probable danger.
'What's the plan Sam?' Jimmy asked eager to understand
'The only person I have been able to get anything of use from is one of the deputies, he was shot up pretty bad. apparently, the saloon owner has something to do with a gang that is terrorising the area, when the Marshall confronts them, they fight back Marshals office always comes off second best.'
'What do you want us to do?' Cody asked
'Just blend in with the townsfolk, if you need help, send word for me, but otherwise I'll be there at the end of the week.'
They discussed their plans for the trip to Willow Creek, before Sam left the bunkhouse with Emma and walked her back to her house. He knew she was unhappy with him for asking her riders to take part in a dangerous job.
'I'm sorry Em, I know you worry, but there is noone else I can trust.'
'They can look after themselves, I know but I still worry' she turned into his embrace and rested her head on his chest' she spoke 'I worry about all of them I can't help that. Just like I worry about you.' she kissed him gently on the cheek before she pulled out of his embrace. 'Be safe Sam' she turned and walked into the house. Sam walked back to his horse, quickly mounting and riding back into town, unaware of the storm he had left brewing in the bunkhouse. 
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