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.
All five of them managed to find themselves seated in the tiny room that served as the Marshall's office, just after midnight that night. While Jimmy and Buck both sat on their bunks, Cody leaned by the door keeping a sharp lookout, Kid sat on a chair beside the table in the centre of the room with a very subdued Lou on his lap, her head cradled on his shoulder.
'I found out today that Donovan has a silent partner.' Cody spoke softly 'and
You're not going to like it.' he added for good measure
'Who?' Lou asked not liking the tone of Cody's voice
'Cole Lambert' he stated flatly watching the other boys faces as he spoke
'Damn' Jimmy murmured
'Kid I think you should go back to Sweetwater.' Lou spoke softly tightening her grip on his neck
'No, I'm going to see this thing through.' he spoke quietly
'Do you think its him?' Buck asked
'Can't be when I shot him, I destroyed his gun abilities, he'd be a madman if it is him.' Kid spoke
'I don't want to lose you Kid, it's no shame to run.' she spoke softly
'So the next Marshall can be killed because I was to scared to stay here and catch them.' he looked at the other faces around the room
'You know none of us would think that.' Buck spoke for all of them
'I know that, but I would, I have to see this through' he spoke softly
'Do we have any idea at all who else is involved?' Lou spoke, 'Whoever it is has no contact that I can see with Donovan. He never has any visitors. He makes me stay in the room with him until you guys arrive most of the time. He hardly speaks to anyone'
'Whoever it is must be operating through Lambert' Jimmy spoke
'Cody can you make sure that you become his right hand man, he might talk to you if he thinks he can trust you.' Kid spoke as he ran through their options in his mind.
'Sure thing.' Cody spoke
'There's not really anything the rest of us can do, but wait.' Kid spoke as the others all rose. Jimmy and Buck went on their customary tour of the city streets, checking that all was well within their jurisdiction
Cody for once in his life being the soul of discretion walked outside to wait for Lou on the landing at the top of the stairs.
Lou twined her arms around Kid's neck, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, she rested her forehead against his face.
'Please promise me you'll be careful' she murmured
'Always' he spoke happy and content to sit with her in silence, embracing her tightly
'If I asked you would you go back to Sweetwater for me?' she asked gently
'I can't Lou, good people are dying because of this man, I can't just walk away without trying to stop it.'he huggeed her tighter against him 'for once in your life could you just stop being so damned honourable' she fumed and pulled out of his embrace. She stalked to the door angrily but at the door she paused and turned to look at him again
'I'm sorry' she paused 'please be careful.' she almost whispered then ran out the door and down the stairs closely followed by Cody.
They all slept badly that night, the tension of their continued presence in Willow Creek finally taking its toll on all of them. Even Cody who could usually sleep through anyhing tossed and turned all night.
Early in the morning the three Lawmen took their customary stroll through the streets before stopping at the town restaurant for breakfast. They ate a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs, taking their time over ttheir meal content to sit and enjoy eachothers company. That is, until their meal was disturbed by the sounds of gunfire from outside.
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