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.
The three of them ran from the restaurant, and rapidly assessing the situation, they realised that there was no immediate danger to the town, it was merely the town drunk firing at something that only he could see. They all walked across the street to stand in front of him, on guard on the off chance that he fired on them.
'Walker, what are you doing.?' Jimmy asked him impatiently
'Why hello deputy what wold be the problem?' Walker asked his voice still slurred from the whisky he had swallowed just hours ago.
'You , you stupid old drunk, what do you think you are doing?' Jimmy almost cursed at the man
'Jimmy leave him alone.' Kid spoke authoritatively
'No I don't think so, he's going down to the jailhouse' Jimmy bent to lift the old man from his seat on the steps of the store
'Jimmy Lay Off Now.' Kid almost barked, pushing Jimmy away from the frightened old man.
'Buck take his gun from him please.' Kid through over his shoulder as he pushed Jimmy further away. Buck watched bemusedly, not quite understanding what was going on but eager to see its resolution.
'Don't touch me again.' Jimmy spat as he turned on Kid
'Dammit Jimmy haven't we got enough trouble without locking up the town drunk.' Kid reasoned with him
'He's just another problem if we lock him up, we have one less thing to worry about.' Jimmy retorted 'Can't you see that is your problem, you're too damn easy on them.'
Kid's hackles rose at Jimmy's last words 'Last time I looked I was the Marshal, if you don't like my orders maybe you should find other work.' Kid almost forgot their real employment in his anger.
'Too damn late for that 'cos I quit.' Jimmy spat sliding his badge off of his vest and throwing it in the dirt at Kids feet. and turning he stalked off.
Buck who had wisely stayed out of the confrontation stepped up to Kid's side and picked the star out of the dirt, then handed it to Kid.
"He'll get over it Kid' Buck spoke softly
'I don't think so, I don't even know what's wrong.' Kid spoke shaking his head as he turned to see most of the town's inhabitants watching them with avid interest.
"There's nothing to see here, go back about your business' he called loudly to his audience, watching in silence as most of the crowd dissipated.
'He's still sore because Sam named you Marshall and not him.' Buck spoke wisely following Kid as he moved along the street at Kid's side
'Dammit that had nothing to do with me.' Kid answered
'We all know that and we all know that Sam chose you because you are the calmest and probably fairest of all of us , but you know how Jimmy is, he'll get over it.' Buck patted Kid on the back as the pair of them walked up the steps into the Marshalls office. ********
Jimmy walked for some time, cooling off the anger he had felt, turning when he felt calmer he walked back toward the town and his friends, to whom he knew he owed a huge apology, especially Kid. He was surprised, however, when Cody fell into step beside him as he walked through the streets of town.
'What do you want Cody?' he asked almost sheepishly
"that was some fight this morning.' Cody smiled knowing that once his intial temper had subsided Jimmy would be contrite. 'Donovan was very impressed, he's sent me to find you and take you to his office.' Cody spoke, for once in his life almost frightened by the power that his current employer held in this city
'What for?' Jimmy was immediately interested, knowing that this could be the break they were looking for
'My guess is so that he can use you against Kid, but you never know maybe he just thinks you're cute.' he added to annoy his friend
'Stop clowning around Cody.' Jimmy whacked the back of Cody's hat and it flew off his head into the dirt some distance in front of him.
'You had better take me to Donovan then Cody.' Jimmy answered him and then waited for Cody to collect his hat before they both strode towards the saloon. All eyes were upon them as they entered the saloon. Jimmy strode purposefully up the stairs and followed Cody into Donovan's office. Lou watched from her seat in the corner of the room, confused as Jimmy refused to meet her eyes
'Well it seems to me that you would be a deputy without a job son.' Donovan started
'I wouldn't work for that pig headed mule anymore anyway. ' Jimmy almost spat in answer
'Good thing that is, I have a job for you.' he paused 'You see Wild Bill your reputation has preceeded you' he watched the look of fury that crossed Jimmy's features as he was called by the hated name. 'I want you to undermine our good sherriff' Donovan spoke
'Nothing big, or life threatening, I just want him discredited in front of our good townspeople.' he snickered
'That shouldn't be too hard, since all he has on his mind at the moment is that whore of your's' Jimmy stated as he heard the gasp of hurt and indignation from Lou in the corner
Cody's eyes flew to Jimmy's face to see what he could make of his last remark.
Seeing nothing in his friend's balnk stare he turned back to Donovan.
'What do I get out of this, that is if I do it?' Jimmy asked
'Don't you worry about it, you will be amply rewarded when he is gone.' Donovan stated
'When do you want me to start?' Jimmy questioned
'No time like the present.' Donovan answered 'Cody show him where he can keep his things and then get back to the bar. Louise, I want you to go and see that Marshall friend of yours.' knowing full well that this news would find its way back to the marshall whom he knew that the girl had formed quite an affection with. When he was sure that the three of them had left the room, he crossed to the door and turned the key in the lock. Crossing to the other side of the room he unlocked and opened the door to his enclosed balcony and admitted his partner. Cole Lambert. He walked into the room full of his customary arrogance.
'Since you can't be trusted to perform even the simplest tasks anymore, I'm bringing in my men.' he spat as he took his seat behind Donovan's table. 'I want all of them killed. Today.'
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