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.
Cody's gaze flicked almost frantically around the sandy barren landscape in their immediate area, desperate to find some sort of protection or covering for them. Knowing that as they stood there they were a good target for almost any outlaw who happened by, realising they would have to fend for themselves his eyes returned to the approaching horses as he tried to push Lou behind his body.
'Everything will be okay Lou' Cody spoke as his eyes narrowed and a wide grin split his face.
'Cody, we're in trouble here what are you grinning at?' she looked into his face and his smiling ice blue eyes, before she turned back to squint into the setting sun at the approaching horses. They were almost close enough now for her to distinguish the riders but still she couldn't see what had amused her companion.
'You'll see' he spoke and before she could protest any further he swung her into his arms and strode purposefully towards the oncoming riders. Exhausted and afraid of what could be coming Lou pressed her forehead into Cody's neck, afraid to look forward to their certain dim fate.
--oo0000oo--
'Aint you two a sight for sore eyes?' Sam spoke his face splitting into a grin as at the sound of Sam's voice, Lou turned her confused face from Cody's shoulder.
'Sam' she murmured
'At your service Miss Louise' he smiled as Cody passed his burden up to Sam
'Emma's going to be pitching a fit when we get back' Sam spoke as he inspected Lou's sunburn and injuries
'I'm alright Sam really' she smiled shyly at the kind hearted lawman
'Long story Ike, lets just say our intentions aren't really a secret anymore' Cody answered as he swung up behind Ike
'The others?' Sam asked almost warily
"I'm not sure what's going on, but either Jimmy has completely changed sides or he's got another motive, but he is working for Lambert to discredit Kid. Last time we saw them Buck and Kid were fine, but unless we can get to Impasse Rock by sundown they will be killed by two of Lamberts gunmen.
'Are you two up to coming with us?' Sam asked torn between taking the injured duo back into town or continuing straight on to Impasse Rock.
'We've got to hurry Sam it's nearly sundown' Tears welled in Lou's eyes as she worried for her friends.
Sam looked into Lou's eyes and wondered again how he could ever have thought she was a boy, then spurred his horses into action, closely followed by Ike and Cody, all four of them desperate to beat the others to Impasse Rock.
--oo0000oo--
'Kid' Buck spoke over his saddle to Kid as they were about to mount up and ride out of Willow Creek to Impasse Rock. 'What if Jimmy draws on us?' genuinely concerned that he would be forced to defend himself against his friend
Kid paused in the act of tightening the girth and leant against his precious Katie.
'We have no choice Buck, it will pain me more than anyone will ever know to shoot him, but we must do the right thing, Lambert has killed a lot of good men we can't let him get away with it. It that means shooting Jimmy, then it has to be done.'
Buck stared into Kid's eyes trying to gauge if what he said was true, could Kid really shoot his best friend, or were they both destined to become the latest Willow Creek lawmen to die, because he was sure in himself that if push came to shove he was damn sure that wouldn't be able to shoot Jimmy. He knew that Kid's conviction to do the right thing always ruled Kid's heart, but would the moment of undoubted indecision that Kid would suffer mean that they were riding out to their untimely demise.
--oo0000oo--
'Looks like we've beaten them here' Sam spoke as they rode warily to the base of the canyon that was Impasse Rock.
' What's the plan Sam?' Cody asked
'Well, we don't know what's going to go down, so I guess we'll just have to handle all the angles.' he spoke almost as if to himself
Sam dismounted and pulled his rifle from its scabbard
'Cody' he handed the rifle to Cody 'take my horse and find the highest ground you can, then settle in and wait' he lifted Lou from the saddle and placed her gently on the ground beside him. 'Ike I want you to take the other side of the canyon.' he pointed to where he thought they should wait 'Lou I want you to stay with me' he handed her one of the guns from his saddle bag as Cody mounted his horse.
'Just pray that we don't have to save them' Sam spoke as he hit his horses rump. He and Lou watched them both ride away and around the edge of the rocky outcropping, their steady footed horses picking their way to the peak
'Do you think we can save them Sam?' Lou spoke as Sam picked her up and carried her to the relative seclusion behind a huge group of boulders.
'I don't know Lou, but we will do our damnedest' he looked deeply into her expressive brown eyes.
'What?' Lou asked as she watched the questions that filled Sam's eyes
'Why do you pretend to be a boy?' he asked with a grin 'And why in god's name did I not see such a beautiful young lady before now.'
'I will lose my job if Teaspoon finds out Sam, I need this work to get my brother and sister out of the orphanage.' she smiled at him 'besides you only have eyes for Emma so you don't see other women.' Lou explained for him as they both heard horses rapidly approaching.
'Lou, I don't care what you hear or see, you are not to do anything foolhardy' Sam spoke his eyes suddenly serious
'I'm the least of your worries Sam' she spoke 'Please save Kid' she almost pleaded
Sam turned his face from Lou's not wanting to make a promise to her that he wasn't sure he was able to keep.
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