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.
What do you mean kill them?' Buck was instantly on his feet, concerned for the two young orphans
He means that if they hadn't been lost I think that that there's a good chance that there would probably be three graves out there instead of one.' Jimmy spoke calmly, his curiosity piqued by the usually detached Buck's sudden protectiveness.
'We're going to go in and report it to Teaspoon, but I think that its safer for them to stay with us for a while, just until we can find out what's going on with them and if they are in danger.' Kid spoke as he prepared to mount up and ride into town.
Kid, Jimmy and Ike rode to Teaspoon's office in town. Finding Teaspoon inside the office bickering with his deputy Barnett, the three of them were chuckling under their breaths when they entered the office.
'What can I do for you boys?' Teaspoon asked obviously glad for the extra company and the diversion from his bickering sidekick
'We've got a problem Teaspoon.' Kid stated
'Waht is it?' Teaspoon was all ears and businesslike efficiency when he heard the concern in Kid's voice.
"Remember those two wagon horses' he paused and Teaspoon nodded. "Buck and Ike have found the owners.'
"Who were they? I'll bet they were glad to get their stock back.' Teaspoon asked
'That's just the point Teaspoon , it was a young girl, her baby brother and their mother, their mother was killed when the axle broke.' Kid stated
'That was over two weeks ago!' Teaspoon exclaimed 'Those poor kids, are they at the waystation?' Kid nodded
'Teaspoon that's not the point, the axle was sawn almost all the way through, It was meant to break.' Kid stated.
Teaspoon pondered the facts that Kid had laid before him and then spoke looking at each of his riders trying to gauge their reactions.
'I don't want them leaving the station without at least two of you, armed. We don't know who they are or who is after them, so any strangers will be suspect, but it will be no secret that they are staying with us'
"No....Well yes but they are safer with us then by themselves.' Teaspoon reasoned with the suddenly angry young man.
Buck resumed his post at Bernice's side, feeling drawn to her n a way that he hadn't felt to anyone in a long time. Spoon feeding her a bowl of broth and holding her hand, he wanted her to feel the contact of someone who cared for her as she slept.
However, in the bunkhouse Jasper had woken alone and scared, Lou had noticed him waking and had gone to appease the young boy as Cody sat at the table and watched her efforts, glad that he was not the one that had to sooth the boys tears.
'Jasper I don't want you to be scared. My name is Lou and that fella over there is Cody. We're pony express riders.' she tried to explain to him
'Where's Berne?' he wailed
'She's in the house resting' Lou answered truthfully
'Is she alright?' Jasper sat completely still watching Lou's face
'She's fine Jasper' Lou sat on the bed beside him and puled him unresistingly onto her lap 'She's just very tired and she needs a long rest, but I'm sure as soon as she wakes up she will want to see you.' Lou cradled him against her chest, stroking his baby fine hair, wishing that she was able to comfort her own brother and sister this way.
'My mama's in heaven' Jasper spoke against her chest
'I know honey, I know' she hugged him tighter, tears in her eyes, then set him a little away from her and looked into his face
'I'll bet you're hungry' she smiled at his shy nod and continued 'Would you like a sandwich?' she asked and when he nodded she smiled and lifted him to his feet. Standing she extended a hand to him, taking it he followed her and climbed onto the bench at the table.
Cody poured him a glass of fresh creamy milk and placed it in front of him beside the plate that already contained fresh beef sandwiches that had been waiting there for him to wake. Lou and Cody both sat at the table and watched as the young boy wolfed down the food they had laid before him. Cody sat watching the young woman he rode with every day with admiration. He could help but think that she and Kid deserved to have a whole passell of younguns to care for and love. they were both so natural with children, but it was a shame to be wasting Lou's maternal instincts.
For two days, as Jasper grew stronger and more relaxed Buck sat patiently by Bernice's side. Giving her small amounts of broth every hour, and bathing her face and hands he slept only briefly in the chair by her side, content to be there f she needed him, not wanting her to wake alone.
Rachel walked down the stairs on the third morning to find Buck dozing lightly in one of the highback kitchen chairs, still by Bernice's side. Shaking her head in dismay, she knelt by Buck's side and with a gentle hand she brushed the lock of satiny ebony hair that had fallen forward off his face . She watched with a slight smile as Buck's confused eyes opened.
'Buck I'll stay here with her, I want you to get some real sleep' she murmured
'NO...I'm fine' he answered
'You'll make yourself sick Buck' Rachel countered
'It's just until she wakes up Rachel, I know what its like to be scared and alone. She's already suffered so much, I don't want her to suffer anymore.' his blearly eyes looked pleadingly into Rachel's 'I promise after she wakes up I'll sleep properly.'
Rachel drew him into a comforting embrace 'You are such a good man Buck Cross' she paused as she stood 'I'll get you some breakfast' she spoke as she walked towards the door.
Buck watched Rachel leave and then leaned forward to smooth the hair back from Bernice's forehead. a gesture that had become almost unconscious during the past two days. A gesture that was so automatic he was startled when Bernice's eyelids fluttered open, her brilliant emerald eyes full of questions.
'Buck' she murmured dreamily her voice husky from non use 'I was hoping that it was all a dream, but Mama is dead isn't she.'the tone of voice indicating that she was now resigned but adjusted to her fate
'I'm sorry Bernice' he spoke as her nodded his head and took her hand in his. 'But you are safe here'
"Where is Jasper?' the concern in her voice spoke volumes of her love for her brother
'He's out learning to ride with Ike at the moment, we promised him that he could see you when you woke up' Buck spoke
'Can you get him for me please?' she asked with a smile
"Sure thing, you just stay here, I'll go get him.' Buck rose and walked out onto the porch to call Ike and Jasper inside, but as he walked through the door, Lou called him as she ran across from the bunkhouse
'Buck I think I know why someone is after them.' she handed Buck the newspaper she had picked up in St Jo on her last run
Buck unfolded that paper only to see a sketch drawing of a woman who was obviously Bernice's mother. It could be a picture of Bernice in twenty years time, their likenesses were so similar. Buck looked up at Lou confused then turned back to the paper to read the thick black headlines WEALTHY HEIRESS & CHILDREN MISSING: PRESUMED DEAD
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