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 was picking himself up off the floor and wiping the trickle of blood caused by a peice of flying glass from the side of his face when Buck and Jimmy guns drawn threw themselves into the room.
'Kid!" Jimmy called as he flung himself through the door, both guns drawn not sure what to expect
'I'm fine' Kid spoke, answering the unspoken question
'Did you see who did this?' Buck asked, he had followed Jimmy into the room and had crossed straight to the shattered windows peering cautiously out
'No I had my back to the front of the office when they started shooting and by the time I could see they had ridden out of town'
'You better get that looked at' Buck spoke looking at the gash on Kids hairline
'I'll be fine' Kid drew a kerchief from his pocket and wiped at the blood, trying to collect his thoughts and his jangled nerves.
'Who do you think it was' Jimmy spoke
'No idea, but whoever it is doesn't like us much.' Kid replied dryly as he picked up the broom and started sweeping up the broken glass
'Well at least we know its not Simpson.' Buck stated laughing drolly
The three of them continued to clean up the office and closed the shutters on the broken windows, before retiring to their room upstairs to spend the remainder of the night in restless sleep.
The dawning of a new day did little to soothe the shaken nerves of the three new Willow Creek lawmen. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, they realised that it would have to be business as usual. If they showed their fear and uncertainty whoever was after them would win. They ate a hearty breakfast and then began a walking tour of their domain. Each of the men, disheartened and a little bewildered by the animosity shown to law officers by the people of the town. Many of the townsfolk would not give them the time of day let alone a happy greeting.
Arriving at the saloon, they found Lou in a blue satin dress similar to the dress Sam had provided, leaning against a banister in an almost empty room waiting for them.
'Why howdy Sugar.' she spoke throatily pressing her body against Kid's side and kissing him wetly on the cheek her fingers caressing the other side of his face 'My goodness what has happened to your face?' she was instantly concerned when her fingers touched damp sticky blood. Her worried brown eyes instantly scanned Kid's face for the answer, however, not being seeing any further injury she calmed herself enough to listen to Kid's explanation.
'I had a little trouble last night with some glass from my window, nothng I couldn't handle' he answered kissing her cheek. Jimmy and Buck walked over to the bar to order a drink from Cody.
'What happened to the Marshall?' he asked loudly
'A bit of flying glass when a drunk shot up his windows.' Buck answered pausing in his explanation as loud footsteps resounded down the stairs.
'Hello Marshall' Donovan spoke as he descended the stairs, swiping at the dust and grit that had settled on the sleeves of his new suit.
'Howdy' Kid greeted him walking forwrd to shake his hand 'We haven't met, I'm the new marshall and these are my two deputies. You would be?'
'My name is Donovan. I own the saloon, the bank and the general store in this town, so I am very pleased to have such a competent marshall to look after my interests.' Donovan's arrogant overbearing attitude immediately rankled Kid
'I'm here to protect the town Mr Donovan, not just your establishments'
'Indeed you are lad, but you see I am this town, so it is in your best interests to protect my properties' he looked Kid up and down disdainfully
'My Goodness, don't tell me we can train gunfighters and indians to be law abidding citizens' he almost jeered
'That's enough Donovan. My deputies will be treated with respect, by all members of this town, even you.
'Well I do hope you are smarter than the last two. They were not very bright at all and it wouldn't be very nice it you were to meet the same end as your predessessors.'
'Is that a threat Mr Donovan?' Kid asked pulling himself up to stand erect and lean toward Donovan threateningly
'There are laws against threatening a lawman Donovan, it would be a shame to see you break them.' Jimmy spoke from behind Kid 'That sure sounded like a threat to me' he stated
'and me' Buck added
'Why boys, you misunerstood me, I was just stating my opinion. Louise get these gentlemen some drinks and make them happy. Theres a good girl' he walked of to sit at his table at the back of the saloon. Lou rounded to Cody at the bar and brought a tray of drinks to the other boys. They all took a drink and continued to watch Donovan as he sat as his table, appearing to be Lord of all he surveyed. The three young lawmen finished their drinks in near silence and stood to leave the saloon. At the swinging doors, Kid turned and walked back to Louise, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, hoping that Donovan would think that she was well and truly under his skin.
'Meet me tonight at Midnight in my room above the Marshall'e office' he whispered against the side of her face as he released her.
She watched as the three of them left the saloon, the swinging doors knocking together loudly after their departure.
'Louise, come here girl' Donovan called to her angrily
'Yes Mr Donovan' she answered demurely walking briskly to his table.
'What did he say to you?' he asked
'He wants me to meet him at midnight at his room' she answered queitly.
'I want you to take Cody with you.' he looked across at the barman 'You never know when a young lady will need a strong man to help her.' Donovan leered
'Cody I want to see you in my office now' Donovan rose and walked up the stairs closely followed by Cody who gave Lou a supportive grin before he left.
Lou smiled as she nodded, Donovan was playing right into their hands, as well as giving Cody an excuse to be at every meeting she and Kid had.
Back to the last chapter
Back to Ridingtall
Back to Tall Tales
On to the next chapter
