Ike walked into the saloon behind Hickok, wiping his dirt streaked face on the back of his sleeve. The day had been so hot, so long. All he had wanted to do was lay on his bunk and sleep. But Amanda.....
Ike sighed as he slid through the batwing doors. He just didn't understand. Since his return, things had been great between them. She was so open, so caring, always a smile on her face. He had fallen in love with her all over again.
She had loved helping Tommie with the wedding, and had looked so beautiful walking down the aisle. Ike wanted more than anything to propose to her that minute, the ring he always carried in his pocket burning a hole. He thought of it every waking minute, of making Amanda his bride. And then Evan showed up.
Ike maneuvered between a large group of men, hooting and carrying on with a couple of the saloon girls. But he paid them no mind as he continued on to the bar.
"You wanted a cheese sandwich, Ike?" Jimmy asked, slapping a few coins on the bar as he motioned for the man behind the counter. "I'm starved."
"Well, lookie here Carl. If it ain't the fearless Pony Express riders."
Ike immediately knew who it was, a buried rage brewing in his gut as he turned slowly on his heels.
"Damn Ike, they'll let any lowlifes in this place," Hickok said as he turned, leaning his elbows on the bar as he pressed back against it. "Ain't you got the hint that you ain't wanted in this town?"
Evan sat at a nearby table, his chair tilted back and resting on its two back legs. He wore a shit-eating grin, but there was no laughter in his eyes. They were dark, dangerous and fixed firmly on Ike. James Butler Hickok knew this wasn't going to end good.
"So Ike, how's the little woman?" Evan said, throwing his arm over the back of his chair as he cocked his head to one side. "Oh, that's right. You wouldn't even know, would you? She won't let you near her." His eyes narrowed as his grin turned dangerously thin. "But I do. I tell ya Ike, you certainly are missing out. That Amanda," he said, glancing over at the man sitting next to him. "She certainly is a peach. Tastes like it too. So sweet and fres..."
One minute, Hickok was glaring at the outlaw, and the next, he was looking at Ike's back as the rider nearly flew over the table. Ike's arms were out in front of him as he dove for Evan. Ike's fist landed on Evan's jaw hard, knocking Windmere over backwards in his chair and spilling him onto the floor.
Ike's momentum had been too great, his rage and hate for Evan not allowing him to think the entire situations through. He had simply acted, and as Evan landed on his back, Ike landed on the floor next to him. A split second later, Evan was on Ike, and the fists were flying.
The upper hand switched many times during the brief brawl, but eventually Evan was able to overpower the rider. Straddling Ike's chest, Evan pinned Ike's arms down with his knees as he punched the rider repeatedly.
Drawing his knees up hard, Ike nailed Evan in the back, sending him forward. With the weight off of his chest, Ike was able to slide out from under Evan's hold. Rolling up on to his knees, he pummeled Evan in the back of the head.
Chris and Vin had been sitting at a table near the back of the saloon when the fight broke out, witnessing the events that had lead up to it. Standing quickly from their table, knocking their chairs over in the process, the two lawmen hurried to the scuffle.
JD, who had just entered the saloon in search of his friends, also crossed quickly to the brawl, opening his coat as he went to reveal not only the hand that rested on the butt of his pistol, but the old faded star that clung to the lapel of his vest. "Break it up," he yelled, grabbing the first body that he came across. Hauling the swinging man to his feet, it took several seconds before he realized who it was. "Ike?"
Vin grabbed Evan, wrapping his arms around the man's chest as Chris pulled Hickok to his feet. "Knock it off," Chris yelled as Hickok struggled against him.
"Who started this?" JD asked, letting Ike go. The rider pulled away in a huff, blood streaming from his lip and forehead. He stood with his head lowered, his eyes fixed on Evan as his breath came out in ragged puffs.
"He did it. He was talking trash about Amanda," Hickok chimed in as JD turned his attention from Ike to the other rider.
JD looked past Jimmy to Vin who stood shaking his head no. "Ike threw the first punch, went over the table after him."
JD's forehead scrunched up in an uncomfortable expression. Ezra was not going to like this, he thought to himself, knowing full well the situation that existed between Amanda and Evan. But he had a job to do. Grabbing Ike by the arm, JD pushed him forward as Chris grabbed Jimmy's arm. "Come on boys, I think you both need to cool off a bit in the jail."
"You're arresting us?" Jimmy asked in shocked surprise as Chris lead him toward the batwing doors. "After all that bastard did to Amanda? Man, this is messed up."
A loud, victorious laughter erupted from Evan, his deep voice filling the air. "Don't worry Ike. I'll take care of Amanda for ya. I'll take care of her real good," he said in a vulgar tone as Chris and JD lead the riders out of the saloon and to the Rock Creek jail.
"They arrested them!" Tommie said in a huff as she ran into the bunk house where Amanda and Eshe were setting the table for dinner.
"Arrested who?" Amanda asked curious, wiping her forehead on the back of her sleeve as she sat the hot basket of biscuits down on the table.
"Ike," Tommie said furiously. "Ike and Jimmy!! JD and Chris just arrested them."
"What?" Eshe asked, stunned by the news.
But Amanda didn't wait for an explanation. Instead, she pushed past Tommie as she headed for the door, taking off her apron and throwing it on a nearby bunk. Stepping out in the cool evening air, she headed straight for the barn.
"Where's Amanda going in such a hurry?" Ezra asked as he stepped into the bunkhouse.
The remaining girls turned quickly at the rich, southern voice. Immediately, Tommie stepped forward. "Ezra, you have to get them out. Ike's been arrested."
"What? What the hell for?" the gambler asked, unprepared for such an event.
"It has something to do with Evan. I was just coming out of the General Store, and heard Jimmy yelling about it when JD and Chris were taking them into the jail. It must have happened in the saloon," Tommie said, wringing her hands in worry as she paced the floor. "Amanda went after them."
"Ah hell," he grumbled, not liking the idea of Amanda in town alone with Evan walking free. "Get the others. Meet me in town," Ezra said as he turned quickly and ran for his horse.
Amanda reigned her horse to a halt in front of the jail, dismounting quickly before her horse had even stopped. She hurried onto the boardwalk, nearly missing the step, but quickly regaining her composure as she neared the building.
She could see through the front window. Ike sat on a bunk, his head in his hands and her heart broke for him. "Chris, you can't do this!" she said, bursting through the jail door in a whirlwind of dust and fury.
Chris took a deep breath. He had known she would come, known she would be furious. But the law was the law. "Amanda, calm down."
"Calm down?" she yelled as she crossed to the jail cell that held Ike. "How can I calm down? You arrested Ike and Jimmy, Chris. Now let them out." She stopped at the cell, her fingers laced tightly to the bars as she stared in at Ike. He looked up at her, his clear green eyes filled with pain and anguish as he returned her gaze. There was a knot on his forehead, dried blood lining a small gash that ran right down the center of it. There were bruises on his cheek and another larger gash from the side of his mouth that made his bottom lip look twice it's normal size. "Oh Ike," she said as tears filled her eyes. "What happened?"
"He was defending you. That bastard Evan was running his mouth, talking about how you and he was together. Ike just lost it," Jimmy said, standing at the bars.
Amanda immediately began to tense at the topic of conversation, her eyes never leaving Ike. She could see the question in his eyes, his desperate need to know if Evan's remarks were true, his heartbreaking desire to know what was wrong with her. She simply didn't know what to tell him.
"It ain't true, is it?" Jimmy asked, tilting his head to one side as he stared at her. "I'll kill him myself if it is."
Amanda didn't say a word. She only continued to look at Ike. "I don't want to discuss this right now, Jimmy. JD, please let them out."
"But Ike needs to know Amanda. We all need to know. It ain't right you keepin' this information from everybody. We're just trying to help you," Hickok said in a huff.
"What do you mean 'it ain't right'? It ain't right that I need to have this kind of information, but I do. Now, it's none of your business," she hissed under her breath as she leaned her forehead against the cold bars.
A fat tear fell from Ike's eye, leaving a dark streak down his cheek. Finally, he broke the gaze, looking at the floor in front of him and Amanda nearly burst with sadness, her heart breaking in two.
"Why you doin' this?" Jimmy asked, and there was so much sincerity in his voice, that Amanda finally turned toward him.
He looked confused, upset, his dark eyes searching her face. For the first time since Amanda had met James Butler Hickok she realized that he really did care about her. Turning to the lawmen that stood in the jail, she saw the same mirrored concern that Jimmy wore. They all cared about her. "I don't know," she said in defeat, turning from the cell as a flood of tears poured down her cheeks. Without another word, she disappeared out the door and into the cold, dark night.
"Good morning Miss De Luca" JD exclaimed when Nell stepped out of the brothel and reached the boardwalk.
"Good morning JD" Nell replied and looked at Vin, who tipped his hat and smiled, "Mr. Tanner"
"Miss De Luca" Vin said and Nell started to put her gloves on as she headed towards her horse, "Care to join me at the saloon ma'am? " Vin asked before Nell could mount her horse.
Nell narrowed her eyes and glanced at Vin and JD; she forgot the riding she had planned for that morning and crossing her arms over her chest asked, " Why?"
"Chris would like to have a word with you ma'am" Vin answered and offered his arm, "Please?"
"I don't work on Mondays Mr. Tanner" Nell stated before she held Vin's arm and let him led her to the saloon.
Vin smiled broadly while JD seemed to blush for her frankness, "I don't think that is the matter Miss De Luca" Vin explained and Nell just sighed and looked ahead.
The group entered the saloon and Chris was sat down on a table at the back of the saloon; at the usual table.
"Thanks JD, Vin" Chris affirmed once they reached the table. Vin tipped his hat again before he walked away, as JD did.
Nell nodded and turned her attention to the man in black, who stared at her in silence, "You should pay rent for his table Mr. Larabee" Nell commented sarcastically but Chris didn't say a word, simply finishing his drink.
"Please..sit down" he finally said pointing a chair.
Nell sat down and started to take her gloves off, while Chris called the waiter and asked for a drink for his lady friend. Nell couldn't help but smile when he asked for her favorite drink without even asking her.
"What?" he asked, looking at her curiously.
"Nothing" Nell answered dryly and with a serious face she continued, "Look, I'm not getting any younger so could you go on and tell me what do you want?"
Chris sighed deeply, hoping to have the patience needed to talk to that woman. She was impossible and as much as he hated to go to her for anything, he needed it.
"I need a favor from you Nell" Chris asked and Nell arched one eyebrow as she sat back on her seat, the waiter had just brought her drink and she raised the glass examining Chris as he continued.
"A friend needs a place to stay for a few days" Chris explained calmly, "A safe place where no one would think on searching them"
"No" Nell answered after she took a swallow of her drink then dropped the glass down, picked her gloves and stood up.
"Wait a minute" Chris stood quickly, dropping his chair. He grabbed Nell by her arm forcing her to stop and turn to him, "Let me finish"
Nell pulled her arm from his grip and stared at him seriously, "Look I don't run a charity business" she affirmed and moved towards the exit
"You will be paid Nell" Chris exclaimed and Nell stopped. Chris gave her a small smile when she turned and faced him again.
"Well.. then I think we can do some business Mr. Larabee" Nell stated and putted her gloves back on, "Bring your friend tonight and we will discuss the price"
"Tonight" Chris replied with a nod and Nell left the saloon, finally free to return to her own business.
Same day - Late at night
"I can't believe you agreed with this" Maggie commented as she left the bedroom Nell had ordered to be prepared for the guest.
"Maggie dear" Nell said with a mischievous smile, "I've done worse things for money"
"Indeed" Maggie replied and the two woman headed to the stairs and heard someone calling them.
"Maggie? Nell?" Chris was yelling from the main saloon, Josiah was with him.
Nell and Maggie stood at the top of the stairs speechless at the sight of Chris's friend, "Now Larabee.."
"You agreed" Chris interrupted Nell when she started to complain and step down the stairs.
"You didn't tell this was your friend" Nell affirmed as she examined the blonde woman from down to up, "And a child?" she added signaling the young boy standing near the woman. Maggie tried no to laugh while Nell and the stranger kept giving nasty looks to each other.
"Mary Travis this is Nell De Luca" Chris said introducing the two women, "And this is Billy" Chris said with a bright smile as he looked down at Billy Travis. Mary raised her hand and offered to Nell, who turned her face back to Chris ignoring Mary.
"Now we need to discuss this again" Nell affirmed and followed Chris to the bar while Josiah led Mary and Billy to a table and sat down.
Maggie served Chris and Nell whiskey and stood quiet to watch her favorite couple arguing, if they could be called couple.
"Come on Nell" Chris started after he drunk his whiskey, "She testified a murder and the man's trial is next week and his bunch is after her"
Nell looked from Chris to Mary and remained in silence, "They want to kill her"Chris murmured then placed his hand over hers catching Nell's attention again, "No one will search for her here" he continued, "She is not the kind of woman, who would stay in a .."
When Chris stopped Nell took her hand from his and smiled sadly," a brothel?" she asked, he just sighed and Nell stepped away from Chris. Giving Mary and her son another look, she glanced back at Chris, "Alright, they can stay but you pay the double" Nell finally spoke and Chris nodded.
"Maggie" Nell continued and the older woman came from behind the bar, "Why you don't show Mrs. Travis and her son their room"
"Of course" Maggie said and went towards Mary. The blonde widow stood up only after Chris gave her a nod and oddly that look she gave Chris made Nell dislike the woman even more.
"We are not your servants Mrs. Travis" Nell affirmed when Mary didn't pick up her bags, "If you want your bags in your room you are gonna have to carry them yourself"
"Nell!" Maggie exclaimed but Nell ignored and walked away towards the office that was reached by passing through a secret door behind the bar.
Chris raised his hand and waved slightly stopping Maggie from arguing with Nell, who stood by the office door, "I come back in the morning to check you" Chris said to Mary and Billy. Mary nodded and along with Billy followed Maggie and Josiah towards the stairs.
"You will have your money in the morning Nell" Chris said before he headed to the door.
"Good" it was Nell's reply.
Chris shook his head and putted his hat on, "Nell" he called before the woman stepped in the office. She looked at him and waited while Chris tried to understand why suddenly he desired to tell her that Mary was really just a friend.
"Good night" he said instead and left.
Mack Johnston, sheriff of San Diego, raised an eyebrow and tilted his hat back on his head so that he could better observe the figure riding toward him. It was easy to make out the person sitting astride the roan stallion, having met Jay Jackson before all he needed to see were the long, dirty blonde tresses hanging down her shoulders to recognise her. The body slung over the saddle horn, though, that was another matter, although he suspected he was about to find out who they were...
"Howdy Miss Jackson, lovely day," he drawled, tipping his hat in a gentlemanly fashion.
Jay didn't answer, merely pulling her mount to a halt in front of where the sheriff stood before helpfully shoving her captive onto the porch at his feet. "Where's my money?" she sat flatly, her eyes steely and about to brook no nonsense.
Nudging the unmoving individual over with his foot, Johnston started when he recognised the unmistakeable visage of 'Shooter' McGavin, a man that'd been on the wanted list for five years for the murder of several well-respected women and more whores. "Where'd you find him?" he rasped, giving the woman a sharp look.
"Kansas. Would've given him to them but you were paying better. So you gonna pay up or do I have to take him back." Lifting herself in the stirrups, Jay swung down onto the ground. "Of course, there'll be some very upset husbands if you don't take him."
"Is he alive?" Mack asked, hunkering down to get a better look at the killer. There wasn't much blood really, aside from some that'd obviously oozed from a head wound, but with Jackson you could never be too careful - she knew ways to kill a man that wouldn't show up until you undressed him.
"Cracked a couple of ribs and I had to shut him up when he started getting a bit too loud. Now you gonna pay or what?"
"Tom, escort Miss Jackson to the bank and have the manager pay the ransom in full with fifty extra. Its the least we can do." Straightening up, he nodded to the bounty hunter. "Will you be staying for the hanging?"
She snorted. "When you've seen one man die by the noose you've seen them all. Just give me my money and I'll be out of your hair."
"Go with the deputy and he'll see you right." He watched in silence as she turned to follow his much-younger deputy. "Thank you Miss Jackson," he called when she'd half-crossed the road.
Turning, she tipped her hat to him. "You're welcome Sheriff," she replied before continuing on her way.
Reigning Libelulle in, Jay paused just outside the township of Rock Creek, observing it by the light of the sun setting behind her. It was just like every other town she'd been through in her time - functional and dusty. Personally, she didn't care so long as the salloon had rooms to let that were somewhere near clean and a bath-house somewhere nearby that wouldn't mind a woman using the facilities. Well, she didn't really care if they minded or they didn't, because she was going to have a bath come hell or high water. Three weeks in the saddle with only a minimum of washing had not only left her dirty, but also a little on the nose.
Giving her horse a small nudge in the ribs, she guided it down the quiet main street, her sharp eyes seeking out and finding the salloon within moments. She steered for it automatically, sliding out of the saddle to tie Libelulle loosely to the hitching post, grabbing her saddlebags before striding purposefully up the stairs. Unfortunately her entrance was rather spoiled by the man in the process of leaving the establishment, the pair of them colliding with audible grunts before stumbling back the way they'd come.
"Watch where you're going!" Jay protested first, able to get her breath back more quickly than the other guy. "Hasn't anyone ever told you to give way for a lady?"
"It would help if I was able to recognise the lady as being a lady," he snapped back in reply, eyeing her up and down, obviously not liking what he was seeing if the way his eyes narrowed slightly was anything to go on.
He didn't even realise she'd belted him one until he went reeling backwards into a table.
She was just about to step around the mess she'd created when she felt the unmistakeable sensation of a gun muzzle being pressed against the back of her neck. A sawn-off unless she was mistaken, since the bore was too large to be the normal, which meant that if she... Spinning into a move that she knew well enough to be able to do in her sleep, she lashed out with one hand to shove the gun over her right shoulder while she drew her six-shooter with the other and bought it to bear.
Right into the face of Vin Tanner.
Held still by shock, her mind reeling, she continued to numbly aim her weapon although any compulsion to fire it had disappeared. He hadn't been her first, certainly hadn't been her last, but he'd been one of the important ones. He'd steered her towards her current life in a roundabout way, even if he'd done his best to tell her to go home to her family while they'd been together. Seeing him again...
"Good to see you Tanner," she rasped, finding her voice. "Small world, isn't it?"
After her talk with Amanda, Tommie knew there was only one thing she could do. She had to tell Buck about her past. How could she tell her best friend that talking to Ike was the right thing to do when she couldn't even make herself talk to the man she loved? For better or worse, Buck needed to know the truth.
Her heart begged her to marry him, to let go of the past and only think of her future with Buck. But she knew her head would never let her. How many sleepless nights would she spend by keeping the truth to herself? Buck deserved to know. And she would have to tell him tonight.
She waited for him on the bunkhouse steps, knowing eventually he would return here.. Everything was still quiet at the station; everyone else was still looking for Amanda.. Tommie wondered how best to tell Buck everything that she had to say. While she was still pondering this, a horse galloped up to the bunkhouse and Buck himself appeared.
He smiled at the sight of her, though he looked a little surprised. "Tommie, what are you doing here? I didn't really figure you'd listen to me and come back to the station."
She hugged him as he kissed her cheek. It was hard to make herself let go; knowing she might never be so close to him again. Finally she forced herself to move away from him.
Buck's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Tommie, what is it? What's wrong? Is it something with Amanda?"
"Amanda? No, no...she's here. Ike's with her in the barn." She paused. "I just...I wanted to talk to you."
He took her hand and led her to the steps where they both sat down. Earnestly he looked at her and Tommie could have cried at the concern in his dark eyes. How could someone so good ever forgive her for what she had done?
"What's the matter, Tommie? Talk to me." Buck said softly.
"Buck..." She tried to begin but her voice faltered. She took a deep breath, cleared her throat and began again. "Buck, it's about tomorrow...about the wedding."
Something like relief crossed Buck's face. "You want to wait."
"What?" Tommie asked with surprise.
"It's alright, Tommie. I don't feel right about getting married either without the others being there. I didn't want to say anything because you seemed so determined to do this without them but I was hoping you would change your mind..."
"Buck." She interrupted gently. "It's not that."
He paused, then said quietly. "Then what is it?"
"It's just..." She sighed heavily. "Buck, there are some things about me that you don't know. Things in my past. I've been afraid to tell you about them but I don't feel right about marrying you, Buck, without your knowing. You have a right to know."
Buck's eyes were intent as he listened to her. "Go on."
Tommie bit her lip. "It has to do with Evan and Austin...Buck, why did you never ask me how I knew Austin?"
"I just figured he was a friend of your brother's." He shifted uncomfortably. "Was I wrong?"
"Not really. Evan and Austin were friends. But I was friends with him, too."
"Tommie, I'm sure you didn't know how he was; it's not your fault."
She shook her head. "I wish I could say that I didn't, but that would be a lie. I tried to tell myself that the things they did weren't wrong. I made excuses for them... Evan was my brother! And Austin..."
"You were in love with him." Buck finished for her.
Tommie glanced at him, then lowered her head again. "Yes. Yes, I thought I was. I guess I wanted to think of them kind of like that story 'Robin Hood' or something...you know, steal from the rich and give to the poor. But the truth was, it didn't matter to Evan and Austin. And the only people they were giving to were themselves."
"Tommie," Buck interrupted. "I realize you haven't told me this before, but honestly, I don't see anything that you did wrong. You were young. They fooled you, it could have happened to anyone."
"I'm not finished, Buck." She replied in a whisper.
He leaned back a little and Tommie felt her heart crack down the middle. He's pulling away from me, she thought with desperation. She fought the instinct to grab him and bring him back to her, as close as possible.
"What else?" He asked.
"The two of them managed to stay out of jail and not get caught by going to different towns, close to where we lived. They'd usually catch some traveler and rob him, then come back to town and lay low for awhile.
"Well, gradually people began to talk. A description began to circulate and Evan and Austin knew it was only a matter of time before people would figure out it was them. So they decided to bring in a third party. Someone people wouldn't be suspicious of, someone who looked innocent and trustworthy."
Disbelief dawned on Buck's face as he whispered: "You?"
Tommie nodded. "I was in charge of distracting the people while Austin and Evan robbed them. I would pretend to be stranded or lost and of course, most men were more than willing to stop and help. While I had their attention, Austin or Evan would sneak in and rob the stages. I would then suddenly make a convenient exit. I would be gone before they even knew that they had been robbed. And the catch was, they couldn't prove it was me and they didn't have a description of anyone else.
"Austin and Evan would give me a small portion of whatever they got. I never felt right about selling it, so I just kept it while they spent all of theirs. One night, Austin and I were talking and I mentioned that I still had all of my share. He made me tell him where it was and then he took it all, except for one piece that I had hidden in a different place simply because it was more valuable than the rest."
"I don't understand, Tommie." Buck said in a low voice. "How could you?"
"I don't know, Buck." She shrugged. "I wish I had a good answer or a reason but the truth is, I was just blinded by what I thought I felt for Austin. I know it sounds crazy now and I guess it is but that's the best explanation I can offer."
"Why are you telling me this now?" Buck wanted to know.
"I couldn't marry you without telling you. It didn't seem right." She said simply.
Buck swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. He clenched the edge of the porch steps hard. "You didn't mention it before our last attempt at getting married."
Tommie hesitated. "I know, I was wrong. I shouldn't have kept it from you."
"So why now?" He asked again. "Why this time?"
Tommy looked confused. "I told you; I thought you should know."
"You know what I think, Tommie?" He looked at her so calmly that for a moment Tommie thought that everything was going to be all right. Then he brought her world crashing down upon her. "I think you're only telling me this because of Evan. What did he do? Threaten to tell? Blackmail you?"
She blinked and he could see the guilt on her face. "Truth is, Tommie, you only told me because you were afraid you were about to be caught. This has nothing to do with letting me know before we got married, if it did you would have told me last time.
"The crazy thing is, if you had told me from the start what you had done, I wouldn't have judged you. You were young then. But you didn't trust me enough to tell me. You wait until you're in trouble before you confide in me." Buck's expression was forlorn. "What does that say about us, Tommie?"
"I'm sorry! I know I should have told you from the start but it never seemed to be the right time. It was just easier to put it off again and again. It's not that I didn't trust you, Buck; I just couldn't bear to lose you." Tommy pleaded.
Buck shook his head helplessly. "So now that you've told me, now what? Do we just go get married and pretend this is all right? How do I know that's all of the story, Tommie? What else are you hiding from me?"
"Nothing!" She cried. "I swear!"
"What do you want from me, Tommie? What did you hope that I would say?" He asked.
"I just...I just want you to forgive me." She said.
"I do forgive you, Tommie." He replied. "I just don't know if I can trust you anymore."
"What are you saying, Buck?" Tommie whispered.
Buck was silent a minute before answering her. When he did, he looked to the west at the rapidly sinking sun, refusing to meet her eyes. "You were the person I trusted more than anyone in this world besides Ike. I thought you felt the same way but apparently I was wrong. I don't know what to tell you, Tommie. I forgive you but I can't pretend this never happened. And I can't marry someone that I don't feel has complete faith in me.
"What happens the next time you're in trouble? Will you hide it from me again? I just don't understand, Tommie. And until I do...if I do...I can't marry you."
Tears poured from Tommie's eyes. "Oh, please, Buck! I'm so sorry! I'll do anything to make this up to you...just, please, don't say you won't marry me!"
Buck stood, looking down at Tommie sympathetically. "I'm sorry too, Tommie. I can't marry you...not right now."
He strode off to the stables and in a few minutes emerged saddled on his pony. He galloped off, leaving Tommie alone with her crushed heart.
Evan was sitting at his usual table in the saloon when he saw the half-breed come in. His lips twisted up into a snarl. Like his father, Evan had no tolerance for Indians, even if they weren't full blooded. What his sister saw in the tall, skinny savage was beyond Evan.
He was surprised to see the Indian approaching him. Buck strode purposefully through the saloon until he was standing over Evan; a fact that Evan found more than a little annoying. He forced himself to remain calm, ignoring the half-breed.
"Evan." Buck spoke at last. His voice was sound and firm with no trace of fear. "I need to speak to you."
Evan glanced at the other men seated at his table: a collection of lowlifes and thieves that he had taken up with since coming to Rock Creek. Evan smiled at the group malevolently. He took his time replying and when he did, he chose not to address Buck directly.
"Well, boys, looks like we got ourselves a fiesty Injun here. Don't know how to stay in his place, with the other savages. Least that's what I think; what about you boys?"
The other men laughed but there was no jolliness in their laughter, only meaness and cruelty. A few nodded to show they agreed with Evan's words. Evan finally turned his head to gaze up at the half-breed.
"I guess that means they think so, too." He smiled lazily. "Maybe you had better leave before they start to think that you're not supposed to be here."
"What I've got to say won't take long." Buck replied dryly. "I know you're blackmailing Tommie. I want it to stop."
Evan's eyebrows raised quizzically. "Why, Injun, I think you're mistaken. Thomasina is my sister, surely you don't think I would do something as low as to blackmail my own relations?"
"I want it to stop." Buck repeated flatly. "She told me everything; you've got nothing on her now, so just leave her alone."
Evan glanced quickly at the men seated around the table. They were all silent, only watching the exchange with wary glances. Evan rose from his seat until he was eye level with Buck.
"She told you everything, huh?" Evan laughed. "And I guess you're still her big protector, right? And I'm still the scum of the earth? Is that what you think?"
Buck met Evan's eyes evenly. "She was young; she made a mistake by trusting her older brother; someone who should have been setting an example for her."
"I reckon she's got you fooled, just like she did Ma and Pa for a long time. But they caught on to her and you will, too. I don't care what Tommie told you, she wasn't an innocent victim. She knew as much about what was happening as me or Austin. And I never saw her turn down her share of the loot we collected."
"She never spent any of the money." Buck argued. "Austin stole her share back."
"Oh, yeah?" Evan scratched his blonde head in mock puzzlement. "Then how did she afford to come up with the five hundred dollars that she offered to give me to leave town? I reckon the Pony Express must be paying a hell of a lot these days."
Buck's expression changed, just for an instant, and Evan knew he had told something the half-breed hadn't known. Sensing that the advantage was his, Evan pounced.
"Now I can't prove it, but if I had to bet I'd wager you that she sold a piece or two that she had held on to to come up with that money. And I'm also guessin' that she didn't tell you about that money, did she?" Evan grinned at Buck's silence. "That's what I thought."
"You're still here." Buck finally responded.
"And I didn't take that money." Evan said quietly. "So I guess my next question, if I were you, would be: what did she do with that five hundred dollars?"
"You're lying." Buck snapped but his eyes held uncertainty.
"Am I? Are you so sure?" Evan asked. "Or is she?"
Buck was quiet, but Evan could tell that he was thinking hard. It delighted Evan to know that Tommie had been so easy to catch. Really he hadn't intended to use her past against her but since the opportunity had presented itself, he was more than happy to use it.
"Makes you wonder what else she isn't telling you, doesn't it?" Evan said, after a long pause. "Makes you wonder if you even knew her at all. Least, that's what our folks thought after they found out about her and Austin...She did tell you about all of that, didn't she? How our parents had to move because Tommie was making quite a reputation for herself after she got caught in Farmer Hodge's barn with nothing on her but Austin. It was quite the scandal, or so I'm told..."
"Shut up." Buck said it through gritted teeth. "Shut your mouth! You're nothing but a lowdown liar! You'd smear your own sister's name to make yourself look better!"
Evan chuckled as he sat back down comfortably. "I don't have to make anything up, Redman. Why don't you go ask Tommie?"
Buck stood over Evan for a long minute, his hands opening and closing into fists. Evan pointedly ignored him and soon joined in the poker game that was in full progress at the table. Eventually Buck forced himself to move.
As he stormed his way out the batwing doors, he almost knocked down Buck Wilmington and Chris Larabee, who were just entering, in need of a drink after the good news that Amanda had been found. Both men looked after their younger friend and then exchanged worried glances.
"What do you reckon is eatin' him?" Buck Wilmington asked.
"I don't know." Chris replied. "But whatever it is, it don't look good."
Tommie leaned idly against the corral fence, her eyes watching the horses graze, her mind a thousand miles away. She was half waiting in hopes that Buck would return. She wanted nothing more than to talk to him so she could explain her side and make him see that she would never betray his trust again.
Already she had thought of a hundred things she could have said differently. Perhaps then things would have ended differently. Perhaps then Buck would still want to marry her.
Tommie rested her head on her folded arms, sighing without realizing it. Buck had been so angry! Angrier than she had ever seen him, that was for certain. But the anger wasn't what worried her. No, it was the hurt behind it that ate at her. She had hurt him and betrayed him. Buck might get past his anger, but the rest would be harder to put behind him.
There had to be some way to make it up to him. She wouldn't give up, not until that cloudy cover of mistrust was gone from his eyes. No matter what it took, Tommie would prove to Buck that she would never hurt him again.
A whisper of movement next to her drew her attention. Tommie was surprised to find Jimmy Hickok resting against the fence next to her. She had been so absorbed in her own thoughts she hadn't even noticed his approach.
"I didn't mean to bother you." He said quietly. "I just needed a place to think about things."
"And I'm in your thinking spot, right?" Tommie smiled a little.
A small grin touched the corner of Jimmy's mouth before fading. He climbed up onto a fencepost before speaking again. "I like watching the colts grow. Makes things seem more...in place somehow."
"I've seen you out here before." Tommie admitted. "I guess I should be the one apologizing for cutting into your territory."
He glanced at her solemnly from the corner of his eyes before replying. "I don't mind sharing."
They stood together quietly, a comfortable silence falling between them. In the almost two years that she had known the riders, Tommie probably had spent the least amount of time with Jimmy. She knew the young gunfighter struggled with his reputation and because of that was often cast apart from the others; a loner by force rather than choice.
Now Tommie saw him as someone not unlike herself. A couple of bad mistakes in their lives and the consequences were neverending. For the first time she wondered if he was as lonely as she was right now.
"Jimmy," She began, then paused, unsure of how to go on. She stood straight, unconsciously twisting the tiny ring on her third finger. "How do you..." She stopped, afraid she would offend him if she continued.
He turned his hazel eyes to hers, waiting silently for her to finish.
"I lied to Buck...about my past." She said finally with a trace of bitterness. "I didn't mean to; I just kept putting off telling him until...I had to tell him. Now he thinks I'm untrustworthy, that I may have hidden other things from him. I'm not sure how to convince him otherwise."
Jimmy gazed once more at the horses, waiting until she had finished. "And now he thinks you're something that you're not. And you want to know how I deal with people thinking I'm something I'm not."
Hesitantly she nodded. "Are you mad at me?"
"No." He said quietly. "I don't reckon anybody's ever asked me that."
There was a silence again that lasted so long that Tommie thought Jimmy had decided to ignore her question. She shifted nervously and Jimmy jumped a little, as if she had roused him from a deep reverie.
"Everyone thinks they know me." He spoke at last, into the deepening darkness. "It don't matter who I meet or where I go, people think they've got me all figured out. I'm a gunfighter. A killer. 'Wild Bill' Hickok. I could argue with them until I'm blue in the face but it wouldn't do any good. I could help an old lady with her packages, become a deacon at a church, or even make a blind man see again but all I'll ever be is what people want me to be. There'll always be that little bit of distrust in their eyes, that possibility of what I could be."
He trailed off and Tommie thought he was finished but after a minute he began to speak again. "With Buck, you've got the reverse problem. He knows you but he thinks just because he didn't know about one little piece of information that everything else he knew to be true is wrong. You were perfect in his eyes and now you've come tumbling down off that pedestal and he's figured out you're human after all, just like the rest of us."
She nodded, the truth in his words bringing tears to her eyes. "How can I make things the way they were?"
Jimmy shrugged. "You can't. All you can do is talk to him. Tell him your side, your reasons. And hope he understands."
A horse galloped into the yard and Jimmy smiled at her. "Looks like here's your chance."
Buck sat astride his horse, looking down at her, his face expressionless. Jimmy squeezed her arm as he hopped down from the fencepost and disappeared into the bunkhouse. Tommie took a deep breath, tried to smile, and walked slowly over to Buck.
"Can we talk?" She asked shyly.
Buck nodded silently and climbed down from his saddle. He looped his reins around the hitching post and the two of them began to walk. Tommie was quiet, wanting to give Buck a chance to have his say before she began.
They were probably a couple hundred yards behind the bunkhouse before he spoke. "Do I even know you at all, Tommie?"
"Of course you do!" She whispered. "I'm the same person I've always been, Buck."
"Are you?" He asked, his brown eyes quizzical. His question didn't seem hateful or sarcastic, only curious. "Are you, really?"
"Yes! Yes, I am!" Tommie cried defensively. "Buck, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my past right from the start. I know it was unfair to mislead you. I just wanted to forget about the whole thing and put it behind me. It wasn't that I didn't trust you enough to tell you; I just couldn't stand the thought of you looking at me the way you're looking at me right now."
She reached for Buck, wanting him close to her but he stepped away. She stared at him, hurt and confused. Buck returned her gaze flatly.
"I went into town, Tommie. I talked to Evan."
"You--he didn't hurt you, did he?" She whispered.
"In a way." He said bitterly. "He told me some things about you and Austin...Are they true, Tommie?"
Now it was her turn to move back. Her blue eyes filled with tears as she refused to look at him. Nervously she began to twist her hands.
"Are the things Evan told me true, Tommie?" Buck asked again. "Did you leave Fort Kearney because of something that happened with Austin?"
"Buck, I..." She trailed off.
"Just tell me the truth, Tommie!" He shouted.
"Yes!" She sobbed. "Yes! Are you happy? I slept with Austin and my parents found us and they made me move and promise never to speak to Austin again!"
His eyebrows drew down as he frowned sadly. "And in almost two years, you've never thought this was important enough to tell me? Why, Tommie? How could you keep this from me?"
"What business is it of yours what I did before we were together? It was a mistake, Buck, and a painful one. I'm sorry if that's not something I wanted to relive again with you." Despite herself, Tommie found she was growing defensive.
Sighing, he turned away from her, resting his hands on his hips. "I'm so disappointed that you didn't feel you could tell me this."
She snorted softly. "Disappointed because I didn't tell you or disappointed because I was with another man?"
His head turned sharply and his dark eyes flashed with anger. "That's not fair, Tommie."
"No? Well, the way you're treating me isn't fair either. I know I should have told you about my past; I'm sorry about that. But I won't apologize for the fact that I had a past before you came along."
They stood silently, regarding each other. The quiet fell around them; the only sound being the chirping of the crickets. A pale sliver of moon cast a thin veil of light over them.
Tommie reached for Buck's hand. "Please, can't we just forget about all of this? I promise I don't have anymore secrets; please don't let one mistake ruin all that we have. Can't you just forgive me, Buck?"
He took a deep breath. He started to speak, but his words were cut short by the blast of a gun...
Ezra rode up to the jail, dismounting quickly as he stared after the dust trail heading out of town. "Who was that?" he asked furiously, his eyes narrow as he barreled into the jail. "And exactly what do you think you are doing? If anyone should be behind bars, it's Evan."
He stood in the middle of the room, the wooden gate swinging wildly behind him as Tommie and Buck followed in behind him. Buck crossed quickly to the cell, his eyes fixed on his best friend as Tommie was hot on his heels. "Answer me Mr. Dunne."
"Ezra, Ike started it. Ain't nothing else we could do," Chris said, his hands planted firmly on his gun belt. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other. He had known that Ezra would be furious. But there had been no other choice. "Besides, they needed to cool down."
Ezra would hear none of it. "I demand that you release them at once," he said firmly, walking across to the desk where the cell keys lay. "Or I will do it myself."
"Calm down Ez. We just wanted to keep anything from happening," Vin said, grabbing the keys before Ezra could and crossing to the cell. "We wasn't going to keep them long; just enough time for them to cool down."
"What about Amanda?" Jimmy asked, as the click of the key in the cell door echoed in the room.
Tommie turned sharply. "What about Amanda?" she asked, looking from Jimmy to Ike. Ike looked tired, defeated, and at the end of his rope. It broke her heart to see him that way. Turning to Buck, she could see how much it hurt him as well. "Ike, where is she? Did she come in here? She left the station so......"
"She stormed out," JD said, his youthful eyes fixed on Ezra. "She was pretty upset, Ez."
"Stormed out?" Ezra nearly yelled, his eyes growing wide with terror. "By herself? That bastard is over at the saloon as we speak. How could you let her go off by herself?"
Tommie started toward the door. "Where are you going?" Buck called after her.
"I'm going to find her. No sense arguing over who did what. We have to find her," Tommie said as she and Buck slipped from the jail. "Before Evan does."
Ezra, Josiah, Nathan and all of the riders scoured the areas in and around Rock Creek. Tommie had insisted on helping with the search, had been half way out of town when Buck had stopped her. "You have to go back to the way station," he said lovingly, the backs of his fingers slipping across her silky cheek.
"You must be out of your mind, Buck. I'm going to help. I will not....." she said in protest, her fury growing at the thought of sitting at the station simply waiting.
"Tommie, listen to me. What if she goes back to the station? You need to be there for her when she gets there. You have no weapon, though I have no doubt you can protect yourself," he said with a smile. "Please angel, for me."
She was going to refuse, demand that she go with them. But a simple thought struck her. Instantly, she knew where Amanda was. "Okay, for you, Buck," she said with a sigh, praying that her hunch was right. "But you had pretty be careful, Buck Cross. I want you back safe and sound."
Buck smiled, leaning forward to place a tender kiss on her creamy white skin. "I promise. Now hurry back. We'll get word to you just as soon as we found her."
With that Tommie kicked her horse into a gallop, her mind turning toward the barn. "She has to be there. I just know it."
She stood with her hands on her hips, wild strands of red hair laying unforgotten on her forehead. "Amanda please, you have to tell him," Tommie said, brushing them from her eyes. "He's going mad not knowing. You need to put him at ease. Evan may have done a lot, but he didn't do that." She hesitated briefly, her own guilt at leaving Amanda resurfacing. "Did he?"
Amanda sighed, turning to Tommie. "No, he didn't. Not that. But he didn't have to. It had already been done," she said as tears spilled down her cheeks. She cringed at the long ago memories that were never far from her mind. "Over and over and over and...."
"Stop," Tommie said, shutting her eyes tightly against the pain her in friend's face. "Amanda, tell him."
"He's going to leave me. Evan's going to drive him away from me," Amanda said through her tears. Meeting Tommie's blue eyes, she held her gaze firmly. "It's already happening."
Tommie stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Amanda as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Amanda, the only person that is going to drive Ike away is you," she said softly, resting her cheek on top of Amanda's head as she gently rubbed her back. "You don't have to tell Ezra or me or Eshe or anyone. But you have to tell him. It's going to eat you away until there is nothing left. I can't have that. None of us can. We all love you too much."
Amanda sobbed even harder, wrapping her arms so tightly around Tommie that the red-haired beauty could barely breath. "I don't know what I'm doing. I've gotten so lost, Thomasina. So lost," she sobbed. "I feel like I'm drowning."
"It's okay. Let it out," Tommie whispered, holding Amanda's tight embrace. "Let it all out. You've been holding this in for far too long. And then tell Ike."
The day had finally come, the one that Amanda had feared since she had walked down that alley so many months ago. 'Years ago, it seemed,' she thought to herself as she loosened her grip on Tommie. "You're right. I have to tell him, and I have to do it tonight."
Tommie had caught him in the yard. When Vin had finally let him and Jimmy out, he had headed directly for the barn. He had been certain he would find Amanda there, and seeing the worried look on Tommie's face as he approached her, he knew his hunch had been right.
//She up there?// he signed, knowing his answer before Tommie even shook her head.
As he brushed past her, Tommie grabbed his arm. Quickly, he turned to face her. "Ike, whatever you do, just let her talk. She needs to talk, and you need for her to talk." She could see a questioning expression on the young rider's face as he looked from her to the barn and back. "No matter what she talks about."
Her final words were said with such finality, Ike knew exactly what Amanda meant to say. He stood motionless, his eyes fixing on the bright glow emanating from the loft. For so long, he had waited for her to speak, to open up. Now, he wondered if he hadn't dwelled on it for all the wrong reasons.
Tommie slipped her small hand in his, squeezing it gently. He turned to meet her gaze, smiling gently at her support. Slowly, he shook his head as turned and headed for the barn.
Ike climbed the stairs to the loft, slipping easily through the floor opening. He could see Amanda leaning against the wall, gazing out of the open hayloft door. Moonlight spilled in on her, casting her in an ethereal glow that made Ike think of an angel. Quietly, he moved across the floor, sitting in a large pile of hay.
"I was mad that day. Mad at Ezra for trying to control me. Mad at the stage coach for leaving me stranded in Sweetwater. Mad at Margaret for dying," Amanda began, folding her arms across her chest, leaning her head against the door frame as she continued to stare straight ahead. "I just wanted to get away, go for a walk. That's all. But the forest...."
Amanda stopped, sighing heavily, and Ike knew she was no longer in the hayloft with him. She was back in Sweetwater, back in the woods, back in that one truly horrible day. "The forest was so big, and the darker it got, the more scared I got. I should have known better than to go toward the voices." She stopped, closing her eyes as a lone tears rolled down her cheek. "I was sure Ezra had come after me. I was just sure of it......"
It took hours for her to retell the tale, often taking pauses, some of which were longer than others. There had been tears and rage, fear and hatred, and all out shock to even Amanda as the words fell out of her mouth. Some of the things she told him, she hadn't even allowed her own self to remember. For Ike, she had done just as Tommie had said, she held absolutely nothing back.
And when it was finished, Ike sat cross-legged in the hay, his head in his hands. Amanda sat on the floor, her feet dangling over the side of the hayloft door. She looked spent, exhausted, and Ike certainly knew why. He felt it too.
He had had no idea. She had told him bits and pieces, but always the things that really didn't mean that much. But now.....Ike felt sick. Sick that she had had to live with such devastation, such brutality and punishment. Sick that she had feared so much of what others would think when only she had known what she had been through. Sick that she had had to carry it all for so long alone.
A long silence fell over them. It was Amanda's heavy sigh that finally broke that silence. "I understand, Ike," she said wearily, her face slack in defeat as she glanced at him over her shoulder. "It's too much for one man to bare, so I understand. I won't blame you at all if you want to leave me. I won't blame you a bit."
Ike was stunned, more stunned by that simple statement than by any other piece of information she had shared with him all that night. Rolling up onto his knees, he scurried across the floor to her. He took her by the arm, pulling her to her feet as he lead her to the middle of the loft.
//I love you Amanda. I will never leave you. Why would you think that?// he signed slowly, wanting to make sure she understood his every word.
Amanda wiped at the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Because of what they did, because of what I am. I may never bare you children, Ike. Never, and I could never ask you to give up that chance. I love you too much for that," she cried. "Oh Ike." Finally, she broke down, throwing her arms around his neck as heavy, heartbreaking sobs racked her body. "You deserve better Ike."
Pulled away, his hands moving faster than Amanda had ever remembered seeing them. There was an odd expression on his face, a mix of surprise and stern determination. He had a lot to say. Unfortunately, Amanda didn't have a clue what it was. "Ike, slow down. I can't keep up with you. Ike, I'm sorry. I don't understand."
Suddenly, he stopped and simply stared at her, and to Amanda, it felt like a goodbye. He raised his callused hand to her face, touching her cheek as he caressed her silky skin. There was so much love in his face that Amanda's heart broke even more. 'He's saying good-bye,' she cried inside though she said nothing, and she felt as if she wanted to die.
It was then that Ike did something that Amanda had not expected in a million years, had almost completely given up hope for. He took one of her hands in his as he kneeled before her, his eyes never leaving hers. With his free hand, he fished in his pocket and Amanda felt as if she were watching it from afar, knowing what he meant to do and yet, not believing it for a minute.
He pulled out a small black velvet pouch, it's silky black strings drawn tightly together to close the mouth of the bag. Digging a finger into the mouth of the bag, he pulled out a small object, throwing the bag aside after placing the object securely in his hand.
She could see him take a deep breath, a beautiful smile dancing on his lips as he looked up into her face. There were no words exchanged, no signing done, no feelings expressed. There was only Ike and Amanda and the small silver ring that he held in the palm of his open hand.
Amanda gasped, drawing her free hand to her lips as tears instantly spilled down her cheeks. Never once removing his gaze from hers, he slipped the ring on the third finger of her left hand. Finally he raised his eyebrows in question, tilting his head to one side as he watched and waited.
She was stunned, completely at a loss. "I....but.....you, um...what....." Finally, she stopped, a brilliant smile lighting her face. "Yes. Oh yes, Ike; I will marry you."
He had watched from the shadows, the stub of a cheroot protruding from his mouth like a misshaped tooth. A small group of trees had been accurate coverage, allowing him to see the lay of the land without getting too close.
It was going to be every bit as easy as Evan said it would. He had seen the bald retard go into the barn as a redhead left him. He looked troubled, distracted and of no consequence to anyone. 'Why someone would pay good money to get rid of somethin' so insignificant," he thought to himself as he dropped the smoke, crushing it under the heal of his boot. "Makes no logical sense to me."
He pulled out his pistol, clicking open the chamber and rolling it against his hand as he surveyed the equipment. All were filled with the circular shape of a bullet. Snapping it closed, he folded his arms across his chest, allowing the loaded gun to rest on his shoulder, the barrel pointed toward the sky as he laid his cheek against it.
'Nothin' like the feel of cold steel against your skin,' he thought to himself. He almost laughed out loud, but he caught himself at the last minute, returning to his stern determined look. Regardless of the person, he had a job to do and he intended to do it. 'Now, I just have to wait.'
"Ike, this is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. I love it and I love you so much," Amanda said, looking at the ring as she held it closely to her face. It was a simple setting, and it reminded her perfectly of Ike. The band was a polished silver, frosted with a black filigree design. In the center, a single green emerald lay in the middle of the filigree, sparkling and shining brightly.
Long, loose strands of blonde hair fell forward, brushing against her cheeks and getting in her face. He brushed it back, hooking a finger under her chin as he raised her face to his. //It reminded me of your eyes//
Without though, she threw herself in his arms. "Oh Ike, I can't believe it. You really do love me."
Ike pulled back, puzzled by her statement. Tilting his head to one side, he looked deep into her eyes. //Did you ever doubt it?//
Amanda felt her cheeks turn slightly pink as her lips turned up at the corners. "I don't know. I guess I really always know; I just......"
Ike laughed softly, loving to see her squirm. In the middle of her rambling, he slip an arm around her waist. Pulling her abruptly to him, he took her lips in his.
Her toes felt as if they were on fire; as if lightning itself had passed through her body. His grip was strong and tight, and she could feel the pounding of his heart against her chest as he buried his free hand into her mass of hair. She was his, forever and always. She would be Mrs. Ike McSwain.
He didn't know how long it had been, but the moon was full over the black Nebraska sky. But finally, he saw his target.
The barn door opened slightly as a small form slipped from the structure. He raised his pistol, extending his arm out all the way in front of him. Closing one eye, he smiled as he aimed and squeezed the trigger.
"Easy as pie."
Ike inhaled deeply, still smelling Amanda's lilac perfume. He smiled despite himself. 'God, I love her,' he thought to himself as he crossed to the open hayloft door.
She had said yes. Immediately, his smile grew ten fold. She would be his wife, for always. Ike felt his heart flutter in his chest. She was his world, and now he would never have to be without her.
Amanda had run to the house, concerned that the others were still searching for her. She had also wanted to grab a quilt, promising Ike that they would spend the night together in the hayloft. He thought of the mischievous glint that had been in her eyes as she looked up at him from under her thick black eyelashes, and Ike felt himself grow weak in the knees.
"I'll be right back," she said, kissing him quickly on the lips before starting toward the stairs. His hand snaked out quickly, grabbing her by the wrist before she could get too far away. With a gentle tug, he pulled her back into his arms, dipping her to one side with the momentum of her return and kissed her tenderly on the lips once again.
"You keep that up and I'll to say to heck with the others," she said teasingly as he returned her upright. With a wink, she resumed her trek to the stairs.
Ike watched her go, his eyes taking in every ounce of her being. As she began descending down the stairs, a faint terrible feeling began to take hold of Ike. He wanted to run to her, tell her to stay with him and never leave. 'You're being stupid, McSwain,' he told himself, knowing she was only going into the house.
Just before she disappeared totally, she stopped. Only her head was visible from the hole in the floor. "I love you Ike McSwain," she purred, her voice soft and soothing like an angel. And then she was gone.
For once, to Ike McSwain, life felt perfect.
He looked out at the dark valley, his mind beginning to drift off. He imagined them in a church, Amanda in a beautiful white gown. She would look radiant, and Ike would be the envy of every man in Rock Creek. They would.......
Just as Ike began to loose himself in his thoughts, a loud single gunshot ripped through the night. Instantly, Ike filled with dread like water in a drowning person's lungs. 'Please Lord, don't do this. Not now....' he thought to himself as he ran for the stairs.
He nearly jumped through the hole in the floor, hardly touching any of the steps in his decent. Busting through the barn door, he stopped just outside it. He could see a mass of people running full force from the stationhouse, guns being drawn as they went. Off to his side, he could hear the distant sound of hoove beats, the sound heavy as if the horse was being pushed very hard.
Then he spotted her.
At first, he just noticed the small form, laying just to the side of the barn motionless and it didn't register to him what or who it was. But as the moonlight cast its ghostly glow, he began to make out the long strands of blonde hair that surrounded the figure. Then he noticed the blood and everything fell into place.
'Oh God,' he thought to himself as he ran to her side, tears burning his eyes as he dropped to his knees next to her. She was pale, her eyes rolled in the back of her head. And the blood. Ike couldn't remember ever seeing so much blood. It completely covered her chest and stomach. 'NO,' he shouted in his mind. 'NO, NO, NO.'
Activity buzzed around him, people moving about in a state of shock and confusion. But Ike heard none of it. Instead, he scooped Amanda up in his arms, rocking her gently as he cried.
