DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. The characters from the television program The Magnificent Seven are the property of Trilogy and The Mirisch Co. I am making no money from their use.
This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
RATINGS: PG - violence, mild language
WARNING: This Story contains an alternative Universe theme, if this type of story is not to your liking or will somehow offend you please delete this mail immediately and do not read any further. In addition it is a The Young Riders/The Magnificent Seven Crossover, so if crossovers are not your cup of tea, please go no further. Furthermore this story contain semi graphic images of a terrorism nature, if you feel this may disturb you please find a different story that you will enjoy.
NOTES: The song that inspired the Title is by Garth Brooks on his fresh horses album. Eternal thanks to Mog for letting me play in her ATF AU sandpit. Thanks heaps to Enid (known affectionately here as my font of all knowledge) for all the brainpicking I have done. Thanks to my net sisters Lyn and Dayna for all the collaboration and characterisation help, couldn’t have done it without you.
Chapter 5
What I do is so
This world will know that it will not change me
Buck slipped out of the conference room, wondering where the young woman had gone. He quickly scanned the office and not seeing her he stepped into the corridor. Frowning, he walked along the corridor heading somewhere he really didn’t want to go.
Knocking gently on the outer door of the ladies room, and receiving no response he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Pausing at the door he could hear the heart breaking sounds of sobbing from inside. Clearing his throat in warning he pushed the inner door open. Relieved to find no signs of other women he moved towards the near silent sobbing.
What he saw nearly broke his tender heart. Louise sat on the closed lid of the toilet her feet crossed at the ankles, her head on her knees sobbing. Glancing back at the door, he wondered if he should just leave or even barricading the door, but he couldn’t do that to the tiny young woman in front of him. Squatting in front of her, he extended a gentle hand and stroked her hair, trying to give her some sort of support, whatever support she would accept. He wondered briefly if he should close the cubicle door to save any further embarrassment but decided against it, not wanting to crowd her.
It took Lou several seconds to register the strong yet gentle hand stroking her head, amazed at the strength and security she felt from his gentle touch, inhaling deeply she could smell the gentle scent of his aftershave. Polo if she was not mistaken, a scent she loved. The aftershave masking his own musky masculine scent which was pleasant in itself. Shaking her head she wondered exactly where those thoughts had come from. Lifting her face, she met the most incredible cobalt blue eyes she had even seen, watching her with such compassion and understanding that she almost cried again.
“Are you alright Sugar?” he spoke softly her eyes mesmerised by his
“I’ll be fine” she murmured wondering why when anyone else called her endearing names like sugar they sounded demeaning, from this man they only endeared him to her more.
“Might help if you talk about it.” He spoke softly almost groaning as he heard the main door open.
“Oh My” a startled female voice spoke behind him, he didn’t have to turn to know that it belonged to the middle aged woman in the typing pool who didn’t approve of his normal behaviour.
“Damn” he muttered “Can this get anymore embarrassing?” he turned his eyes skyward as a blush filled his manly cheeks.
Lou almost laughed at his reaction, loving the blush that stained his cheeks, almost forgetting the sorrow that had driven her to seek solace in the lady’s room.
“Sorry Ma’am” Buck spoke as he rose to his feet, turning back to Lou he spoke softly “I’ll see you outside darlin” he murmured before leaving the cubicle
“Sorry again Ma’am” he tipped an imaginary hat at her and quickly left the ladies room, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to escape.
At his rapid departure Lou couldn’t help but laugh, it was so funny to see this big strong man frightened of a little grey haired old lady, as he practically ran out of the room. She frowned at the look of displeasure her laugh earned her from the woman . Slipping her feet off the seat she stood and moved to the handbasins at the end of the room.
Turning on the tap, she washed her tear stained face with cold water, plucking several hand towels from the wall holder she wiped her face dry. She didn’t know how he did it but the big man she knew had the nickname Stud around the building had managed to make her feel better. She now knew why it was so easy for women to fall for him, he had barely even spoken to her but still had made her feel loved and protected. A talent rare in men these days. She had felt a similar connection with the man with the stunning green eyes in the conference room. Somehow she knew that this was going to be a good merging of teams. It had to be, because she would not rest until the man who killed her sister was caught.
She pushed her way through the two outer doors intent on making her way back to the conference room, not surprised in the least when she saw him leaning against the wall outside the ladies room. She watched as he looked up and saw her exit, a slow smile of welcome and greeting spreading across his face.
“I figure we should do this right this time” he spoke as he extended a hand to her
“I’m Buck Wilmington” he smiled at her firm grip as she shook his hand.
“I know” she spoke ”I’m Louise McCloud” she smiled with a little mischief in her tone “Should I call you Buck or Stud?” she smiled
“You wound me Louise” he smiled back “I’m innocent really”
“Not what I’ve heard” she answered him deadpan. Surprising her he threw back his head and laughed loudly
“We’re gonna get along just fine sugar” he spoke when he regained control, his eyes turning serious again as he looked at her
“You wanna tell me what had you so upset?’ he asked gently, hating the tears that sprang to her eyes as he reminded her of her sorrow.
She nodded her head and turned towards him “We think his third victim was my baby sister Theresa” she stated flatly.
Buck did something then that would endear him to Lou forever, he drew her into a tight bear hug and offered her in his actions if not words whatever he could to help her through her pain and his silent promise to help catch the person responsible for it.
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