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 paced his office like a caged animal, his handsome face creased with concern for the safety of his love and his friend. He and Buck had already decided that if they were to split up, he would stay in the relative safety of the office and thereby lessening Buck's concerns. Looking at the old wall clock for the thousandth time he walked to the hat stand and lifted his hat, placing it on his head and walking back to the gun rack lifted a shotgun from the rack, checking it was loaded as he started to leave the office. He was halted in his tracks by a worried Buck walked briskly back into the office.
"What has happened Buck?' he asked almost frantically
'Nobody has seen Lou or Cody since just before lunch time' Buck spoke knowing that his words were like daggers in his friends heart.
'Dammit' Kid cursed 'Any ideas?' he looked into Buck's worried face, concerned as Buck shook his head slowly --oo0000oo--
Cody moaned in pain as his torso was pummelled by Lambert's henchmen.
'Leave him alone you pigs' Lou called, struggling against her bonds, where she was tied to a chair. Donovan stood beside her and smacked her across her already bruised face with the back of his hand. The force of his slap, snapped her head back violently and a trickle of blood flowed from the corner of her lip.
'What are you looking for?' Lambert asked, his determination evident in his voice, despite the fact that he was sitting nonchalantly in the corner.
'And again I'll tell you, I don't know what in God's name you are talking about" Cody was beaten again for his trouble.
'This is getting us no where fast Donovan, I want the two of them to know that we mean business and then take them out to the plains, leave them out there for the vultures.'
'Is that a good idea Cole?' Donovan asked
'Donovan you fool. Don't question me. I know these two were involved in Simpson's death along with the half breed and the loser at the Sheriff's office' noticing that Cody had lifted his head and was listening he stood and walked to Cody's side
'You didn't think I would find out about his death did you. I will find out exactly what happened. He was my step brother and I will avenge his death, Lambert spoke into Cody's face, he stared into his face measuring the level of truth he could see in his eyes, before he stalked out of the room. Donovan moved out of the room following his partner meekly. the three henchmen continued to leave their marks on both Cody and Lou, leaving them beaten and unconscious. As soon as they thought that it was safe they carried the inert forms of Cody and Lou to a horse and threw them across its bare back, then rode swiftly into the middle of the burning desert plains where they pushed them both off the horse to the gritty sand floor. Making sure they were still unconscious, the henchmen rode back into town laughing at their accomplishments.
--oo0000oo--
The heated rays of the morning sun beating down relentlessly on Lou's face woke her. Her dry parched lips crying out for moisture but her tongue and mouth felt like cotton wool and her bruised and swollen eyes would barely open because of the beating she had received. The memories of what had happened flooded back and ignoring the pain that pounded through her head she turned it wildly, wondering where Cody was. Seeing him near her, face down in the sand his hands tied behind his back. She scanned the ground around them and finding what she was looking for, so crawled on her knees to lift a sharp rock and crawling back to Cody's side she sawed frantically at the ropes binding his wrists. As soon as she had his wrists free, she painfully rolled him over and cradled his head in her lap.
'Cody, Cody' she murmured hoarsely over and over looping her bound hands over his head she pulled him closer against her chest, crying like a baby because she could not wake him.
'Lou.' he murmured 'Are you okay?' his voice was just as hoarse as hers had been
'I'm okay Billy, I'm so sorry' she murmured as she rested her head against his. Coming slowly to his senses he painfully pushed himself up until he was in a seated position. Turning Lou slightly he her hands in his and untied the rope around her wrists. Turning his attention to her barefoot he untied the rope that bound her ankles and rubbed the bare bleeding flesh that his actions revealed.
'Do you think they have missed us yet?' she asked hopefully
'I'm sure they have but just in case, we need to finds some shade' he looked at the already pink tinges skin on her shoulders, as he shrugged painfully out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Cody looked at the arid plains and sagauro cactuses around them and shook his head in disgust. Even if their friends had any idea where to find them their situation was grim. Physically and mentally they were both exhausted. he was sure that some of his ribs were broken and Lou wouldn't be able to walk far barefoot. So as far as Cody could see their fates were sealed. they were going to die here alone on the sandy salty plains
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