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.
Jimmy stood and looked out the window, watching Emma and Sam say their goodbyes. While he was happy that Emma was no longer required to help Sam, he was furious at Kid, the self appointed protector of Lou for allowing her to help out. After all, Sam had warned them of the danger involved, Jimmy turned on Kid his eyes full of fire
'What the hell did you do that for?' Jimmy finally gave voice to his fury
'Jimmy, calm down' Cody spoke quietly
'No Cody, he's right' Buck who seldom entered into the occasional wars between Kid and Jimmy spoke
'Jimmy, I love them both dearly, but at least my head knows, even if my heart doesn't that Lou will be able to take care of herself. She's done this type of thing before remember what happened with Boggs and Dewitt. If we all watch out for her, nothing will happen to her.'
'When are you lot going to understand that I am still the same person I was when I signed on with the express, just because you know I'm a girl now doesn't mean that I can't do exactly the same thing you do. That I have been doing by your sides for months. And besides nobody allows me to do anything. I am not anyone's possession. I decide for myself ' she glared furiously at all of them before stalking out of the bunkhouse.
Jimmy sighed audibly as he sat at the table again 'Kid that's supposed to be the woman you love.'
'She is Jimmy, She is' Kid rose and retreated to flop on his bunk, his arm flung across his face, not one person in the room missing the misery in his voice.
Not even Cody who could sleep through anything, slept much that night. At first light, they were all saddled and waiting to leave. Emma stood at the corral, her arms folded across her chest, her eyes red rimmed and bleary as Teaspoon walked towards his riders.
'You're all sure you want to do this, there's no shame in not going.' he questioned them again. carefully checking each face for signs of doubt.
'We'll all be fine Teaspoon' Kid spoke before walking closer to shake Teaspoon's hand, but the grizzled old station master pulled him into his embrace. Patting him heartily on the back, he then released him and went to each boy in turn, turning handshakes into fatherly embraces. Kid seeing Emma waiting at the corral walked to her and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
'I'll take care of her Emma.' he whispered softly as he straightened. The boys all followed Kid's lead and kissed Emma goodbye, but when Lou approached her, she drew her into a tight embrace 'Take care of yourself Lulabelle' she whispered 'and don't let them do anything stupid.'
As they mounted up and prepared to ride out Emma walked to Teaspoon's side. Feeling her trepidation, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to his side, offering her his support.
'Boys, remember what Mr Spoon said, and please don't forget that there is no shame in running, if you get in over your heads please come home.' Emma spoke
'we'll be fine Emma, don't worry' Jimmy spoke as they walked the horses away from their friends before pushing them into a gallop.
The boys rode the short distance into town, to be met by Marshall Cain outside his office. He walked out to them handing a badge to Kid, Jimmy and Buck.
'Here you go boys' he took a folded piece of paper from his vest pocket 'this is a letter from the District Governor authorising you to take over the Marshals office. Cody, I just got word, there is a bartenders job open at the saloon, the last one was found dead behind the saloon two nights ago.' He walked over to his verandah picking up a bedroll and then to Lou, who sat astride Lightning. waiting patiently 'Are you sure you want to do this?' he asked, his eyes full of concern
'I'm sure Sam' she answered her eyes never leaving his
'Well there are some clothes in here that you might find useful, I didn't think that you would have much call to have clothes like this out at the waystation.' he almost seemed embarrassed at this confession as he handed her the bedroll and stepped back onto the verandah. Kid took the bedroll from Lou's hands and took a few moments to tie it on to the back of her saddle.
'Remember boys, be careful, I won't think any less of you if you have to or want to come home.' Sam cautioned them.
The riders galloped briskly from town after promising Sam they would meet him on Friday. They rode without stopping until they were about three miles from Willow Creek. Stopping at the base of a rocky outcropping beside a quietly bubbling creek, they dismounted and shared the beef and bread that Emma had packed for them to eat.
'We should meet here again tonight, by then we should have found somewhere safe to meet in town.' Kid spoke as he fixed the badge to his chest.
'Can you boys wait until I change clothes please.' Lou asked for the first time unsure of herself and the role she would play.
'Sure Lou' Jimmy spoke. Lou took the bedroll Sam had given her and retreated to the cover of a small cave behind some trees to change. The boys all waited patiently, Lou emerged from the trees and cleared her throat before the boys turned to look at the transformation of their fellow rider.
Louise stood before them dressed in a low cut black dress, each seam on the bodice was boned and highlighted with scarlet satin ribbon, the top edge of the bodice was ruffled with red cotton lace, only serving to accentuate Lou's cleavage. Her pale, translucent shoulders marred only by the black shoestring straps of the dress. The full skirt fell to just below her knees, where red lacy petticoats poked out from beneath the hem. Black stockings and dainty lace up hobnail boots completed her clothing, but the biggest change was in her face. Her hair was tousled and pulled back from her face with two pearl and lace covered combs. Her wide brown eyes were shadowed with light colour, her cheeks flushed with colour and her lips red and glossy.
Kid and Jimmy were visibly taken aback by the vision in front of them. Buck cleared his throat and took off his hat, as he let out with a low wolf whistle
'Lou I didn't know you had it in you?' he spoke in awe of the vision in front of him
'Well say something' she paused full of self doubt 'It looks stupid doesn't it' tears welled in her luminous eyes.
Kid handed Buck Katy's reins, and walked slowly to Lou. Taking her into his arms, he kissed her deeply. The rest of the boys all stunned by this show of affection, faded into the background, as Kid held her in his loose embrace 'You are beautiful.' he murmured against the side of her face.
Ike signed, also in awe of the tiny girl who shared the bunkhouse with them.
'Lou, it's a good thing we don't see you like this often.' Cody spoke
She pulled herself from Kid's embrace and donned her jacket over the dress.
'Are we just going to stand here all day' she spoke, flushing as she mounted Lightning
The boys all gathered their thoughts and mounted up. Lou rode up beside Kid and leaning over she tried to lighten the mood 'Look after yourself big boy' she kissed him on the lips and then spurred her horse into action.
The shellshocked riders all sat stunned, waiting for a short time, giving Lou time to get into town ahead of the others. Ike and Cody set off soon after, and a short time later Kid, Buck and Jimmy set off into town.
Riding through the main street of Willow Creek, the three newly appointed lawmen passed the horses of their three friends, tied to the hitching rail in front of the saloon, but continued on along the street. Dismounting out the front of the Marshall's Office, they looked at each other warily. The few people who had been on the street had pointedly avoided the three men wearing badges and had retreated into their homes and stores.
Drawing a deep breath, Kid straightened, knowing that this would be a difficult part to play, and walked into the Marshall's Office, closely followed by his deputies.
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