It was an eon and still no change. Tommie leaned against the side of the stiff armchair, her back cracking achingly as she did so. Her body screamed for her to move, to stretch, anything, but she couldn't...wouldn't. She refused to move until there was some word that Amanda would be alright.
Buck shifted restlessly next to her. He and Jimmy had come back earlier and neither mentioned what had happened. Tommie wanted to ask but Buck had gone immediately to Ike, comforting him in that way that only the two of them had. Watching this, Tommie had felt alone and left-out. Not that she begrudged Ike, Lord knew he needed some support, but what about her?
Hush, Tommie! She told herself. Stop being so selfish. But she couldn't help it; she wanted Buck next to her, with his reassuring arm tightly around her. Across from her, Eshe and Kid had sat closely together on the sofa. Once in a while, Kid would whisper something softly into Eshe's ear and the worried looking girl would smile briefly.
Now, Ike had moved into the bedroom, taking his place at Amanda's side. Looking more as if he had to than wanted to, Buck had joined her. But his posture was stiff and there was no comfort in his gaze. Tommie saw Jimmy watching them from his seat by the fireplace. His gaze was puzzled, as if trying to figure out what was bothering them. Tommie conjured a small smile for him, wanting to show her gratitude for bringing Buck back.
Ezra paced back and forth between the two rooms. Tommie looked at him sympathetically. His distress was obvious, from the way he ran a reckless hand through his thick hair to the barely veiled skim of tears that welled in his eyes.
He loves her so much, Tommie thought sleepily as she rested her head against the back of the chair. We all do...
Dawn came with creeping fingers. Tommie shifted uncomfortably as the change in light woke her. She sat up slowly, looking around at the others. Buck was sitting on the floor in front of her, his head nodding gently toward his chest. Eshe and Kid were curled together on the sofa. Near the door, Jimmy, Vin, and Chris were having a whispered conversation. Standing slowly, Tommie went to join them.
"Has something happened?" She asked quickly. "Is Amanda..."
"There's no change." Chris said solemnly, shaking his head a little.
An uncomfortable silence fell between them as Tommie looked at each of the men nervously. "What is it then? What's happened?"
Vin glanced at the others, then cleared his throat. "Uh, well, Tommie...it's Evan. We still can't find him."
"You think he did this, then?" Tommie asked glumly.
"We don't know anything yet." Chris said quietly. "I'm not accusing him, I'd just like to know where he disappeared to last night after Buck left him at the saloon."
Tommie's blue eyes welled with tears but she impatiently wiped them away with the back of her hand. "I know what you all think of my brother and I don't blame you...What he did to Amanda...and to me, it doesn't make him the saint of the west, that's for sure. It's just...I know this sounds crazy but I just can't believe Evan had anything to do with this. He honestly cared for Amanda I think, in some strange way..."
She drifted off, leaving the three men to look at her speculatively. Chris and Vin glanced at each other again, while Jimmy studied the floor. Tommie looked back and forth between each of them, sensing there was something else they weren't telling her. After a long pause, Jimmy finally spoke.
"Tommie...the man...the man that was seen leaving the saloon with Evan; his body was found floating in the creek about an hour ago. He had been shot in the head."
Tommie slumped against the wall, all of the strength had left her. As much as she wanted to believe his innocence, she knew things didn't look good for Evan. Tears began to course down her cheeks. Vin, Chris, and Jimmy shifted their gazes uncomfortably as Tommie tried to compose herself.
"I'm sorry." She apologized. "It's just been a very long night..."
Jimmy reached out a hand to gently squeeze her shoulder. "It's alright. This can't be easy for you. I know this isn't the best time to ask but, Tommie, can you think of anywhere that Evan might be?"
She started to speak, but suddenly Ike burst from the bedroom. The others stirred to life as he began to frantically sign. Buck jumped to his feet, trying to understand what his friend was saying. Slowly a huge grin spread across his face.
"It's Amanda," Buck related. "Ike says she's awake! She's gonna be alright!"
Nathan hurried in to check on his patient while cheers erupted in the room. Ezra seemed unable to believe Ike's news, so he hurried into the bedroom to see for himself. Ike accepted a few pats on the back and hugs, then he joined Ezra.
Tommie murmured a prayer of thanks. Amanda's good luck hadn't run out yet, it seemed. But there was only so many times one could be lucky and meanwhile, whoever had done this was still out there, running free.
Squaring her shoulders, Tommie quietly moved to the front door, glancing behind her. Everyone was occupied with the good news about Amanda. No one saw Tommie quickly slip out the door and disappear...
The shack set back from the road almost a mile. The worn, weathered boards were almost completely covered with the wild prairie grass and various bushes that had grown uncared for around it for so long that from a distance no one would even know that a house was there. The perfect place to hide.
Tommie climbed warily down from the buckboard, looping the reigns around a nearby bush. The place looked deserted, not a sound nor item out of place. Tommie tried to search the ground for prints, but she was no tracker and soon gave up.
She approached the shack on tiptoe, unconsciously holding her breath. The wind rustled the leaves, making her jump. She paused, trying to gather the courage to continue.
What are you doing, she asked herself. Did she really think she was going to find Evan here?
During her stay with Aunt Marge, Tommie had overheard many conversations between her aunt and Mr. George Nathan. Nathan, a thin, weasely man who acted as Marge's attorney, kept careful records of the small estate left to Marge by her parents. It was this estate that had allowed Aunt Marge to purchase the accomodations for the bordello and it had also provided other items over the years. Including a small plot of land south of town with a two room cabin built upon it. Marge and Nathan often referred to this piece of land as the "safehouse", a place where Marge would send any of her girls who got into trouble. Occassionally it housed a traveler or two; a pistolero or outlaw who needed to lay low for a few days.
Tommie doubted that her Aunt Marge knew she had listened in on some of the discussions with George Nathan. She doubted even more that Marge would have cared had she known. It had been her aunt's general opinion that Tommie was too naive to use any of the information she overheard.
But Tommie had listened and she had remembered. She had wondered often if this "safehouse" was where Evan had stayed after his escape from the Sweetwater jail. It would have been the perfect place. Just as it would be now.
She was no tracker like Vin or Buck but Tommie thought she could find her aunt's land. Marge had mentioned the house was near the railroad tracks. Her own deduction told her that a water supply would have to be readily available. That meant a nearby stream or creek. Also a quick escape route would be advantageous, just in case the hiding spot was found. Working with this, Tommie had deduced their was only one place where the safehouse could be: Eagle's Landing.
The Landing was situated in close proximity to an old Sioux burial grounds. It was uninhabited by the white man largely because of this. No one wanted to be too close to the burial grounds in case the Sioux decided to visit and ask questions about any damages done to the graves. Aunt Marge would have known this, having lived in Rock Creek for many years. She hadn't planned on making her little homestead into a permanent residence, so she could take her chances with the Sioux. The rest of the time, she would have the perfect place: private, undisturbed, and best of all, safe.
A mile from Eagle's Landing, the railroad company had cut a deep gash into the countryside. The land was hilly, with caves dug long ago, creating ideal hiding spots. And most importantly, the creek ran along side Eagle's Landing for miles. A person could stay there for months without being known or seen.
Now, as she rode into the clearing where the little shack sat, cleverly hidden by the surrounding foliage, Tommie couldn't help but feel a certain pride in her abilities. Whoa! Slow down! She scolded herself. She wasn't even certain that Evan was here.
She sat still for a moment, debating with herself. She knew she should probably go back and get the others. She had found the place, let someone else find Evan. But she couldn't make herself turn back. If Evan was in that house, there was no time to lose. He could leave at anytime. Plus, Tommie knew that if her brother even suspected that someone was trailing him, he would bolt with guns blazing. Something told her he wouldn't do that with her. Or so she hoped.
She climbed down from her saddle, absently looping the reins around a bush. Quietly she began to creep forward, her ears keened for the slightest sound. A bird suddenly took off from a tree limb above her. Tommie had to bite her lip to keep from crying out.
Recovering, she forced herself to go on. Two worn wooden steps led up to a small porch and the front door. They creaked under Tommie's weight and to her ears, it sounded as loud as a gunshot. She paused again, waiting to see if anything would happen. When it didn't, she continued forward.
The latch turned easily under her hand and the door swung open. Inside was dark. A few spiderwebs hung loosely from the doorframe. The little cabin had every appearance of being empty and unused, except... The floor was covered with a fine layer of dust; all but the area nearest the door, which looked clean. As if the door had been swung open a few times, knocking away the dust, Tommie thought to herself. And there by the wall, was that a clot of fresh dirt?
She stepped inside to examine it closer. Bending over, she saw that it was in fact a small hunk of mud. Someone had been staying here! Excitedly she stood and a hand clamped around her mouth while an arm encircled her waist...
Tommie struggled as the hands that held her tightened. She was dragged further into the cabin and her attacker kicked the door shut. Then she was suddenly released. She wheeled across the floor, trying to keep her balance before finally coming to a stop against the opposite wall.
Evan stood near the door, pulling the latchstring inside to lock it. He turned to face her, his hands resting on his hips. His expression was puzzled.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"Did you try to kill Amanda?" Tommie shot back.
"What? No!" Evan shook his head viciously.
"Then why are you here, hiding?" She accused. "And you don't act very surprised to hear that Amanda was almost murdered last night!"
Evan looked at his sister for a long time, then he sighed. "I heard the news while I was in the saloon. I knew your little friends would think I had done this, so I decided to get out of town for a while. If someone died from the pox right now, those little lawmen buddies of yours would have the rope ready to hang me! But I promise you, Thomasina, I did not try to kill Amanda!"
Tommie paced the room angrily. "What about the man?"
"What man?"
"The man who you left the saloon with! His body was found floating in the creek not too far from here this morning!" Tommie turned accusatory eyes to him.
"The man was a patron of Aunt Marge's...She sent him to the saloon to get me and when I left him, he was fine, Tommie! I swear!" Evan protested.
Tommie looked at him helplessly. "I don't know what to believe, Evan."
"Of course not." He spat bitterly. "You take the word of your so-called friends over me, your own brother! Think about it, Tommie, why would I want to hurt Amanda?"
"I don't know!" She rubbed her eyes, frustrated. "I don't know! I don't know what, or who, to believe anymore!"
Evan snorted. "I guess you got your half-breed boyfriend waiting outside to take me in, huh?"
"No." Tommie shook her head dully. "He's not here...He doesn't even know I'm here. I--I wanted to talk to you first, to get your side of the story."
He gazed at her intently. "And now that you've heard it, do you believe me?"
She shrugged. "Yes...no...I don't know. You're my brother, Evan...I'd like to think you had nothing to do with this--"
"I didn't have anything to do with this!" He interrupted.
"--But I just don't know." Tommie continued. She sat down on the dusty floor, drawing her knees up to her chest. "Why would anyone want to hurt Amanda?"
"Tommie," Evan crossed the room, squatting down in front of her. "I can promise you this, I would never hurt Amanda like that intentionally. You've got the wrong guy, sis."
Her face rose up to meet his. "Then come back to town with me and tell them that! Stop hiding out here like a coward! Chris is fair, he will listen!"
Evan snorted. "Tommie, why are you here? You didn't really think I shot Amanda, did you? You're here because they made you believe I did it. What do you think will happen if I go back now? I'll tell you; they'll lock me up so fast your head will spin. A few words here and there, and they'll have the whole town convinced I did it! They may be your friends, Thomasina, but they ain't exactly the most unbiased group. They've got the noose around my neck already."
"No." Tommie whispered. "That's not true. They'll listen, you've just got to tell them what you just told me! We need to find out who really did this! We'll go to Buck--"
Evan laughed harshly. "Buck is probably the main one who has this pinned on me! Am I wrong?"
Tommie hung her head and Evan snorted. "That's what I thought. I reckon you told him about Fort Kearney--"
"Yes! And you made sure to tell him the rest, didn't you? I wanted to die when Buck told me he knew about Austin!" A stain reddened Tommie's cheeks as she thought about it. "He was so mad and...and disappointed in me. I never wanted to see that look on his face. I never intended on telling him about my relationship with Austin; that was in the past and it should have stayed there! But now...now he knows everything and I may have lost him forever! All because of you!"
Evan winced a little at the fury in her eyes. Gently he reached forward to take her hand but she snatched it away. "Tommie...I never meant to hurt you. But he's not the right one for you, little sister. Can't you see that? Indians just don't think the same way we do; you'd never be happy..."
"Evan, stop it! You sound just like Papa! Buck is the right one for me and I don't care if anyone else likes it or not! I love him! And he loves me..."
"Does he?" Evan interrupted skeptically. "Does he really? I don't know about you, sis, but I always thought that if you loved somebody, that meant you trusted them."
"Buck trusts me." Tommie whispered hesitantly.
"Then why did he come to me asking questions about your past?" Her brother wanted to know. "Shouldn't he have asked you? And shouldn't he have trusted your answers...if he really loves you?"
Tommie squeezed her eyes shut and threw up her hands. "Stop! Stop it! You're trying to make me doubt Buck and it won't work! He does trust me, more than I deserve to be...He's just hurt right now. And I don't blame him."
Evan shook his head sadly. "Look at yourself. You're letting what he thinks influence your opinion of yourself! He ain't no saint, Tommie! I'm sure he's bound to have made some mistakes in his life, but you're gonna let him make you feel like dirt just because you ain't the perfect little angel he had made you out to be."
"No...that's not true!" She cried weakly.
"Are you sure?" Evan countered softly. "Don't be blind, Thomasina!"
She stood suddenly. Her brother's words were so confusing. She wanted to believe he was only trying to sway her to his side; to bring her against Buck, but part of what he said rang true. Why hadn't Buck trusted her enough to hear her side of the story without going to Evan? What had been his purpose? To see if she was lying?
Numbly she rubbed her forehead. "I've got to go."
"And the others?" Evan's gaze was steadfast. "Will you tell them I'm here?"
She regarded him for a long pause, then finally said: "No. I won't say anything. But, Evan, you can't hide forever. If you are innocent, stop acting as if you're guilty."
Evan smiled, his face indecipherable. "I'll be back in town tonight, after I've finished some business."
Figuring she probably didn't need to know what kind of business her brother had to attend to, Tommie turned to go. Her mind reeled with the events of the last two days. She felt alone, cast off, with no one to trust and no where to go. Just as she stepped out the door, Evan called her name. She turned to face him, still unable to read what he was feeling.
"Thanks, sis." He said simply.
She nodded then left.
Evan watched her go through the ragged dirty curtains hung on the cabin's one window. A small smile played upon his lips. He knew his sister well enough to know that she had a lot going through that pretty head of hers right then.
The half breed had presented a perfect opportunity to Evan. For the first time, Tommie doubted the Indian. Evan felt like laughing for he couldn't have planned it any better had he tried.
It wouldn't be long now, he could feel it. The first seeds of distrust had been planted. All he needed to do now was water them a little then sit back and watch them grow.
First he would fan the fire on Tommie and Buck's little spat. If he could separate her from him, then the others wouldn't be far behind. A carefully placed word here and there and before long the Seven and the riders would be wondering just exactly how sweet their precious Tommie was. After that it was only a matter of timing...Timing of getting the mute and his sister in the right place at the right moment.
Evan chuckled out loud. Yes, it wouldn't be long now. All his plans were coming together. He thought of Amanda...How she would mourn! Her grief would be so great perhaps she could forget things in the past, things like how he had once helped kidnap her. Once the mute was gone forever...once her best friend had betrayed her...Evan could be redeemed. Amanda would think that Tommie had shot and killed Ike, and all would be...forgiven...
The station was quiet when Tommie arrived home. Ezra sat alone on the porch steps, looking so lost in his thoughts that he appeared not to notice Tommie's presence. Hurriedly she stabled her horse, worried that something had changed with Amanda.
He smiled as she approached, filling her with relief. She climbed the steps and sat down next to him.
"Your paramour is looking for you." Ezra informed her. "I'm of the opinion that he's not very happy."
Tommie sighed. "I was hoping he wouldn't notice that I was gone. Do you know where he is?"
Ezra nodded slightly. "Rode into town about half hour ago; should be back before long."
Tommie looked away from him, her fingers absently drumming a pattern on her knee. Ezra watched her. He sensed something was troubling her.
"How is Amanda?" She asked presently.
"Fine." Ezra smiled tiredly. "She's resting."
Again that strange restlessness fell over the girl, so tangible that Ezra felt as if a curtain separated Tommie from him. A frown line creased her forehead and clouds obscured her pretty blue eyes.
"You look troubled, my dear."
Tommie smiled a little at the way Ezra's endearment came out "mah deah". "It's just been a long night--for all of us."
"That I will concede." Ezra nodded. "However, it ended well. If we can only find the miscreant who did this...Why would anyone wish to harm my dear Amanda?"
"I don't know." Tommie admitted. She sighed and again Ezra noticed the shadow of something dark and sad pass over her face. She leaned forward so that a veil of red curls hid her eyes. When she spoke again, it was barely audible.
"Buck thinks...he thinks Evan had something to do with this."
Ezra's jaw tightened slightly but he forced his voice to remain calm. "And what do you think?"
"I don't know." She admitted. "Ezra, Evan has done some horrible things. I'll never forgive him for what he did to Amanda and I don't expect you to either...But he is my brother, Ez; I don't want to think he is capable of this. Not unless I have to."
"Tommie," The gambler hesitated as he ran a nervous hand through his hair. "At the risk of injuring your feelings...You do realize that this is exactly what Evan tried to do before? What do you think was going to be the end result of Austin and Evan's kidnapping attempt? Did you think they were going to return her to Sweetwater unmarred? They would have killed her!"
Quietly Tommie studied the pattern of her skirt. She drew in a deep breath and let it out before speaking again. "Ezra...there's something I want to tell you; something about that time when Amanda and I were...taken. After it happened, everything was in such chaos...Eshe was missing, then I got sent away; it seems like we never got around to talking about what happened...that time.
"Austin was alone when he kidnapped Amanda; I think you know this part. I just sort of stumbled into it and Evan arrived later. He was so cruel...so violent at first, that I wouldn't have had any doubts that he would have killed either of us. Evan was drinking and he has never been able to manage his temper when he does that. Amanda was so sick and it seemed to make him even more angry..."
Ezra's face contorted with the emotions he was feeling. He understood that what Tommie wanted to say was important but his heart sickened with the images of what his sister had been through and was still going through. He forced himself to listen as Tommie continued.
"I hated him, Ezra, I really did. And I thought that any kind of feelings he had maybe had for me at one time were gone, too. And then..." She hesitated, looking up to meet Ezra's blazing green eyes. "He let me go. He just waited until Austin was passed out one night and he...just let me go.
"I never understood why. Up until that point he had shown no evidence that I was even his sister. He didn't offer me any reasons and he wouldn't let Amanda leave with me. But he must have known that I would go straight to get help. He took that chance, but why? If he really wanted Amanda dead, why would he have let me go?"
"Perhaps he thought you wouldn't know where they were going, or wouldn't be able to reach assistance in time." Ezra suggested darkly.
"Maybe." Tommie agreed reluctantly. "But I would like to think he did it for me...that trapped somewhere under the monster is some remnant of my brother. I guess that sounds crazy to you."
Smiling softly, Ezra reached to brush a stray lock of hair from Tommie's very young face. Thinking of his mother, he replied: "No, it's not so deranged to seek probity in those we love. I just hope that you aren't too heartbroken if you don't find what you believe you see in your brother. Nor do you let it make you blind to his trespasses."
Tommie nodded, leaning forward to rest her chin on her knees. Ezra rose, offering a comforting pat on the girl's shoulder. In the distance a rider approached and Tommie knew instantly it would be Buck.
"Looks like you may have some other business to attend to." Ezra stated. "I had better see to Amanda."
The gambler went indoors, leaving Tommie to face Buck alone. She stood, suddenly resolute, and she waited...
"Where were you?" Buck demanded as soon as he had stabled his horse.
Tommie looked at him calmly. "I had some things to think over; I went for a ride."
"You saw Evan, didn't you?"
"What? No!" She protested.
"Don't lie to me, Tommie!" Buck said savagely. "You know where he is, don't you?"
"Buck, I don't know what you are talking about..."
Roughly he grabbed her arm. "You had better tell me!"
"Stop! Buck, you're hurting me!" Tommie's eyes were round with fear.
He froze, looking down as if seeing for the first time the tight grip he had on her. With jerky movements, he released her arm. At almost the same moment, he and Tommie took a step back from each other.
"I'm sorry." Buck said finally. "I--I didn't mean to hurt you...I was just worried. You left, no one knew where you were and I--"
"You assumed the worst." Tommie broke in.
"Tommie, you have to admit that this looks bad for Evan. No one can find him; why else would he be hiding unless he's guilty?"
Indignation flashed across Tommie's face. "Maybe because he knew this is how you and the others would react! You've condemned him without any proof! Just because you can't find him doesn't mean he shot Amanda!"
"Stop being so stubborn!" Buck cried. "We all know about this crazy infatuation he has for Amanda...Who's to say he didn't see Amanda and Ike together in the barn and he just lost it?"
"I'm not the one who is being stubborn! Why can't you at least admit that there is a possibility that Evan did not do this?" She snapped with frustration. "Whoever really did it could be miles from here by now because you all are chasing your tails trying to pin this on my brother!"
Buck's posture was hard and frozen. Only his dark eyes betrayed his real emotions. With a calmness that was clearly forced, he spoke again. "Amanda is your best friend! Are you going to let anyone that even has a chance of having done this to her be able to try again? Because he will, Tommie. You know it and I know it. And next time, she may not be so lucky."
He walked away from her, his stride fast. Tommie watched him go, a pool of tears gathering in her eyes.
Why wouldn't he listen to her? It wasn't as if she was ruling out the idea of Evan as a suspect, but Buck acted as if he had caught her brother holding the gun. He was being so unreasonable, which was unlike him. She missed the openminded Buck she had always known.
With a barely restrained sob, Tommie ran for the barn, hoping it was empty. She paused inside the doors, hearing only the comforting nickering of the horses. She collapsed onto the hay outside one of the stalls, letting her tears fully overtake her.
Tommie cried until no more tears would come. When the tide of emotion had gradually passed and her cheeks were raw from dampness, she pulled her knees to her chest, resting her head on them and tried not to think. A pounding headache resounded against her temples and an empty hollow seemed to be forming where her heart had been.
Minutes passed by like hours until she had no idea how long she had been sitting on the barn floor. Tommie knew eventually she would have to get up, to go inside, to face everyone, but right now she just couldn't make herself do it. Sighing, she closed her eyes, wishing she could take back the last few days.
Tommie had almost drifted into a restless sleep when a gentle hand touched her shoulder. Jumping she drew back, uttering a startled gasp. She found Jimmy crouched beside her, a frown of worry creasing his brow.
"You alright?" He asked gruffly.
"Yes, I'm fine." She replied as she straightened and wiped at her face.
"Really." He said doubtfully. "You don't look fine. In fact, you look about as far from fine as I've ever seen."
Tommie offered the gunslinger a weak smile. "That was almost insulting."
Jimmy grinned. "Well, I ain't ever been much of one for dodgin' the truth, I guess."
Tommie laughed a little and leaned back against the wall. Sighing, she stared up at the barn loft as she absently pulled on a strand of her red hair. The corners of her pretty, full mouth pulled down.
"So, what's on your mind?" Jimmy asked as he settled in beside her.
Tommie shook her head. "I don't know...Have you ever just wished you could go back in time and change something?"
"Every day of my life." Jimmy admitted in a curiously flat tone.
She glanced at him, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Marcus?"
"Among other things." He agreed.
She nodded. "I guess everyone would. I just--I...I feel like I'm losing Buck, Jimmy. It's almost like I never even knew him."
"Buck's a good man." Absently Jimmy plucked at a hay straw, twirling it between his fingers. "But he's got his faults, same as anybody, I reckon. He can be as ornery as a damned bear sometimes...but he has a good heart. I'm betting if you just give him some time, he'll come around."
"He's just so convinced that Evan is the one who shot Amanda; he won't even consider any other possibilities." Tommie banged her head lightly against the wall in frustration.
"Do you think Evan did it?" Jimmy wanted to know.
She bit her lip. "I don't know, Jimmy. It's certainly possible, given his history. But this is America! Innocent until proven guilty, right? And...he is my brother. I want to believe the best about him."
"That's understandable." Jimmy admitted. "Lord knows I have wanted to believe the best about people before. And in my case sometimes I'm the one who is convicted before I commit the crime. I guess I can see both sides."
"What do you think, Jimmy?" She asked. "Do you think Evan could have done this?"
He was silent for a long moment. "Well, it's a possibility, that's for sure. Evan's already proved he has no problem hurting people, including yourself and Amanda. But you're right, too. He deserves a chance to have his side heard."
"That's all I want to hear Buck say." She whispered softly. "Just the admission that there's a chance it could be someone else. That's all."
"Buck just wants to see whoever did this pay, just like the rest of us." Jimmy pointed out.
"So do I! I just don't want to see Evan blamed for something while the real killer gets away! I just wish I could make Buck understand that!"
"He will." Jimmy consoled. "Just give him some time."
Tommie turned to face the young man beside her, noticing for the first time the intelligence in the hardened face. "You've been a good friend these past couple of days, Jimmy Hickok."
He ducked his head and smiled shyly. "Tweren't nothin' nobody else wouldn't do. I just happened to be here."
"Well, thank you for just being here then." She clasped his hand warmly, then stood. "I just hope you're right."
She left Jimmy and walked slowly outside. The day was beginning to grow chilly but she hardly noticed. As she walked she tried to clear her head. Maybe Jimmy was right, maybe Buck would come around. If he only needed time, she had plenty of that. For Buck, she could wait forever...
Jimmy straightened into a standing position and moved to follow Tommie out of the barn. He couldn't really find fault with Tommie for wanting to believe the best of her brother. They all had tendencies to want to believe in the people that they loved...Wanted to believe that your trust and love for those individuals aren't misguided or foolish; Sometimes everything worked out for the good of all concerned, but most ofttimes they didn't..Jimmy had a feeling that this was going to be one of those times and it made him ache for Tommie..She was a good person..who didn't deserve to have such a snake for a brother...nor did she deserve to have a husband as mule-stubborn as Buck...
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice saying, "Jimmy?"
Jimmy turned with a ready smile on his face to look down into the travel weary, dusty face of Louise McCloud...Shortly after Tommie and Buck's wedding, Lou had left for a two week visit with Jeremiah and Theresa at the orphanage in St. Joseph.. With all the fuss that had been going on then...with the re-appearance of Evan into all their lives, Lou had been ready to hold off going on her trip...but Jimmy had convinced her that it wouldn't be fair to Jeremiah or Theresa..nor to her either...So reluctantly Lou had gone, making Jimmy swear to her that at the first sign of serious trouble he would send a wire to her. Jimmy had smilingly agreed to ease her worries, never imagining that he would be sending one a few short days later...
Even with specks of dirt splotting her face, shadows her eyelids and concern mixed with love written in her doe eyes, Louise McCloud was still the prettiest woman he had ever seen...His heart thumped wildly in his chest as he gathered the dimunitive figure of the woman he loved into his arms and held her tight for several long moments...then bent his head downward to meet Lou's soft lips in a gentle, but thorough kiss...that left them both a bit flushed and self-conscious when it ended. Both were still a bit gun-shy about the way their close friendship had turned into something much more deeper and meaningful between them...
Lou pushed herself away from Jimmy's chest, not breaking the comforting hold his arms had around her waist, but enough so that she could look up into his eyes again.."How is she? How's Amanda?"
Jimmy sighed.."This is going to take awhile, so's we might as well make ourselves a bit more comfortable..."
He led Lou over to a hay bale and they both sat down, using the barn wall as a support for their backs.." Amanda's holding her own..but not out of the woods yet...We've pretty much combed most of the area around town and a few miles outward, but we haven't been able to find Evan..Buck and Tommie seem to have had some kind of falling out...Neither is saying much to any of us about the specifics, but I'm guessing it has something to do with Tommie not wanting to believe that Evan shot Amanda, even after all the horrible things she knows that he's done.."
"Poor Tommie.." Lou said softly..."It's not an easy thing to accept the fact that someone of your own blood could be so cruel..so callous towards other folks..."
Jimmy knew that Lou was thinking of her own pa..He had had the displeasure of meeting Ivan Boggs personally after he had kidnapped Jeremiah and Theresa from the orphanage..Lou had gone to rescue them...and been taken prisoner by Boggs himself...Jimmy and the other riders had gone into Boggs' encampment to rescue her. They had been about to escape when Boggs had drawn a gun on Lou and told her that she wasn't taking his kids away from him...It was also at that time that he and the others had learned that Lou was really a girl and not the boy she disguised herself to be..Boggs was about to shoot Lou, but Kid intervened and Boggs died...not before telling Lou that he had come for her too..Even after everything that her pa had done to her, her ma and Jeremiah and Theresa, Jimmy knew that she had still loved him...or still loved the man that he had once been... His own pa hadn't been much better, but unlike Lou or Tommie, he didn't mourn his pa's passing...
"No, it's not...But sometimes you don't have any other choice...Especially when it is going to poison the relationship you have with other folks.." Jimmy said...
"That's true...It doesn't make things any easier on Tommie though...Nor Buck either...I hope they work things out..." Lou replied...
"They will...but it's going to take some time and alot of listening on both their parts..But enough about them for now...how did your visit with Jeremiah and Theresa go?" Jimmy asked...
"It was great, although it was much shorter than any of us liked...Jeremiah's taller than me now and Theresa has gotten so pretty..." Lou said animatedly, her eyes dancing as she thought of her younger siblings...
"Not as pretty as you I imagine.." Jimmy responded, leaning over to kiss Lou again...
Lou blushed and reached up to stroke Jimmy's chin..." Your eyesight's beginning to fade you Hickok...My hair is mussed, my clothes wrinkled and I must be wearing about a pound of traildust..."
"No, my eyesight's just fine.." Jimmy protested..."Even with your hair mussed, wrinkled clothes and traildust...your still the prettiest girl around Sweetwater..."
Lou's eyes grew moist..."That's sweet, Jimmy.."
"I know it is.." Jimmy said with a wide grin...Lou swatted him on the arm.."But its true all the same.."
Before Lou could respond with a cocky comeback..Jimmy tightened his grip around her and pressed his lips to hers once again..Lou struggled momentarily, then gave up the struggle and gave herself over to the fact that she was once again in the arms of the man she loved...
Jimmy gazed tenderly down into Lou's dirt-streaked face where her head rested against his shoulder and couldn't help wondering if the little half-smile on her lips meant she was dreaming of him. He rather hoped that she was...because he had been doing nothing but dreaming of her each night since their 'friendship' had taken its new turn. Neer had he felt so sure of the fact that his feelings were reciprocated by a woman, than with Lou..In fact, they weren't entirely a new concept for either of them. They had always had an especially close friendship from the very beginning..It seemed like Lou was the one who really understood what it meant to be someone different underneath than what the world around you in general thought.
Many of the people who first came in contact with him..assumed that he was the dangerous gunfighter that that cretin Marcus had written about in his dimestore novels...Instead of taking the time to get to know him enough to realize that he was more than just quick with his duel Colts, and a crack shot to boot, but an ordinary man with flaws and feelings like everyone else..
That hadn't been the case when he signed on to ride for the Pony Express...the other riders, Teaspoon, Emma, Rachel, Sam...they had seen through his cocky attitude and accepted him for who he really was, as did Chris, Vin and the others. But it was to Lou he had admitted his insecurities, his dreams and innermost feelings. And not once had he ever regretted doing so, although he had surely made her feel like he had a time or two...
Lou stirred, as if feeling his gaze upon her, and slowly opened her eyes and blinked. Then closed her eyes once again, only to have them pop open a moment later and her head raise off of his shoulder. "Oh, Jimmy, I'm sorry! I must have dozed off!"
Smiling at the look of utter embarrassment creeping over Lou's face, Jimmy was quick to assure her." Don't be, I'm not! I've never enjoyed such a peaceful hour more.."
"An hour? I was alseep on your shoulder for an hour! Not exactly how I imagined spending my first hour back with you." Lou exclaimed, standing up and stretching out her aching limbs.
Jimmy's grin broadened.. "And how exactly did you imagine spending it Lou?" he asked teasingly..
Lou's cheeks reddened even further at Jimmy's teasing. "I just thought that it would be more enjoyable...um, pleasureable iffen we...Damn it Jimmy, you know what I'm meaning!"
"No, Lou, I don't know what you mean, but everything you've said is sounding pretty interesting to me.." Jimmy said grinning even wider, enjoying just how much more flustered Lou was becoming by the minute.
"Oh,you!" Lou swung playfully at him, catching on that Jimmy was thoroughly enjoying teasing her to make her even more flustered. Jimmy caught her arm easily and pulled her into his embrace and dipped his head to kiss her...Lou struggled against him for several moments, then finally relented and sank fully into the kiss..
When they broke away a few minutes later, Jimmy said, "Why don't you go on ahead to the house,let everyone know your back and freshen up. I'll care for Lightning and join you inside in a little while."
"Sounds good to me...Thanks Jimmy." Lou said and after giving Jimmy another peck on the cheek, moved out of the barn and started toward the house...
Her eyes rolled in their sockets as she fought back from the depths of blackness. She moaned softly, moving her head to one side. Weariness weighed in on her like lead, forcing her back into the abyss. But Amanda fought back.
She had been sleeping for what felt like days, her head pounding in perfect rhythm to her beating heart. She moaned again, flinching ever so slightly as the hand encased hers. "I thought I told you to get some sleep?" she croaked through a weak smile, knowing instantly that Ike was still by her side.
She felt his cool fingertips on her forehead as she struggled to open her eyes. "I mean it," she said, her voice growing more steady with each passing moment.
"Now that's the sister I know and love.....always ready to tell people what to do."
Amanda laughed softly, the broken sounds turning to wincing pain as she turned to face her brother. "Hey Ez; thought you were Ike," she said finally, her brilliant green eyes meeting her brother's. "You look like hell," she continued as the pain began to subside.
To this, Ezra laughed heartily. It was the single greatest thing he had heard in days. "You, my dear," he said lovingly, cupping her cheek in his hand. "You look beautiful as always."
Amanda laid her heavy head against her pillow. "What time is it?"
Ezra pulled a silver pocket watch from his vest. "It's early. 6:30 to be exact." He tilted his head to one side as he regarded her curiously. "Why? Do you have somewhere to be?"
She laughed again, clutching her side as she slapped at Ezra's leg. "Stop it! That hurts," she said before attempting to push herself up into a sitting position. Pain coursed through her body so intense that she feared she would pass out.
Ezra leaped forward, grabbing at her shoulder for support. "What on earth do you think you are doing?" he asked indignantly, settling her against her pillow.
"I need to sit up, Ezra. This bed is highly uncomfortable," she said matter-of-factly. Suddenly, she stopped, her face draining of what little color she had to begin with. "Where's Ike? And Tommie? Are they all right?"
Ezra shook his head as he hekd out his hands. "Ike's fine. He's been in here since it happened. You talked to him earlier."
"I know," Amanda said, butting in. "But where is he now?"
"He's sleeping on the sofa right outside the door," Ezra said with a smile. From the moment that Ezra had met the rider, he never thought he was good enough for his sister. Now, he knew that there would be no one on earth that would love her more. "It took at least 6 of us to finally get him away from your bedside to lay down."
Amanda blushed, batting her heavy eyes. "He's so sweet." Suddenly, her smile began to falter. "Tommie? Where's Tommie? Is she all right?"
"She's fine my dear sister. She was with Buck when it all happened. The shooter ran after firing on you....." he said, his voice trailing off.
A comfortable silence fell between them. For several seconds, they said nothing. Amanda appeared to be mulling it all over and Ezra knew that she needed time to put it all in place. Finally, she spoke. "Were you able to catch him?"
His tongue darted out quickly, running along her bottom lip. Emerald green eyes never left her weak form. "No Angel, we didn't. He got away."
She was quiet again, her eyes dropping to her hands that lay in her lap. Absently, she began to pick at her already short nails. "Do you know why?" she asked meekly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What did I do?" As she choked out the last of her words, tear-filled eyes looked to her brother for understanding. "What did I do to deserve to die?"
Ezra stood, moving to sit on the bed. Carefully, he gathered Amanda up in his arms. "It wasn't anything you did sugar. I promise you that." He stopped as Amanda weak body clung desperately to him. "I don't know why, but I know it wasn't anything you did."
Amanda seemed to consider it as her tears began to taper off. "How can you say that Ezra? You don't even know who did it."
Drawing back from her, Ezra's brilliant smile gleamed in the dim morning light. "Because I know you, and I know that you would never do anything to hurt anyone." Suddenly, his smile began to falter. "We're looking for Evan, but...."
A shiver ran through Amanda's body. "But what? What about Evan? He wouldn't do this to me, would he? Where's Tommie?"
Ezra ran a comforting hand along the side of Amanda's head, caressing her long blonde locks. "Tommie's fine. She's asleep in the parlor. We couldn't get her to go to bed either. Evan, well....he's, um."
"Did I hear my name?"
Conversation came to a halt as Ezra and Amanda turned toward the hushed, familiar voice. Amanda's eyes grew wide as she broke into a grand smile. "Tommie, there you are. Are you okay?" she asked, holding her arms out to her best friend.
Tommie held a cup of steaming coffee in her hand. Carefully, she handed it to Ezra as she sunk down on the bed and into Amanda's embrace. "It's about time you woke up. I just can't manage all these handsome men on my own you know." Tommie turned toward Ezra. "This one especially," she added, hitching her thumb in his direction. "He just won't get any rest."
Amanda shook her head. "I know. It's such a full time job looking after him," she said lovingly, slapping her brother playfully on the leg. As she did it, the faint glint of silver on her finger brought back the events of the night before. "Oh my God!!" she said, grabbing her free hand over the ring.
"WHAT!?!" Ezra and Tommie said in unison as they exchanged uneasy glances.
"I, um....I have something to share with the two most important people in my life." Amanda bit her bottom lip, looking from Ezra to Tommie. Finally, she decided she didn't know how to say it. Instead, she simply held up her hand, revealing the delicate silver ring nestled securing on her third finger of her left hand.
It took several seconds for either of them to realize what she was doing. But finally Tommie did. "OH MY GOD!!! He asked you!! And you said yes?" The last part of her statement was more of a question, though Thomasina already knew the answer.
"Of course I said yes. I love Ike more than life itself." Amanda said, glancing from Tommie to Ezra who, to that point, had remained silent. "Ezra, are you all right with this?"
The gambler took his sister's hand in his. "I'll admit, I was taken back when I first saw it," he said, running his finger over the ring. "But I've never seen you more happy than you are when you are with Ike, and there's nothing that I want more in this world than for you to be happy."
"Oh Ezra!!" Amanda squealed, grabbing Tommie with one arm and Ezra with the other. "Oh he does. He makes me so happy." Almost as soon as her arms went around them, she howled in pain. "Note to self," she said as Tommie settled her back against her pillow. "Not so much movement when you've been shot."
Tommie laughed. "That's sound advice, dear." Amanda's eyes looked heavy, though there was a brilliant gleam in them that Tommie hadn't seen in weeks. It made her knowing where Evan was that much harder. 'What if he really did do it?' she thought to herself. 'What if.....'
Ezra leaned forward, kissing Amanda tenderly on the forehead. "Get some sleep, angel. We'll talk more later."
She began to protest, but sleep was beckoning too fast and too hard. Instead, she yawned deeply, batting her heavy lids as she looked from her brother to her best friend. "You'll be here, won't you?" she asked, meeting Tommie's bright blue eyes.
Tommie's smile was genuine, but if Amanda hadn't been so sleepy, she would have seen the sadness in her friend's eyes. "Of course I will be. Now, you just rest." Before Tommie could stand from her place on the bedside, Amanda's breathing had slowed to a soft, light snore. Tommie pulled the blanket up, tucking it carefully under Amanda's neck.
Ezra had slipped from the room, pulling the door quietly to behind him. Tommie glanced gently over her shoulder to make sure the door was shut. Satisfied that the gambler was gone, she let go of the breath she had been holding. Tommie had an overwhelming urge to burst into tears as she stared down at the fragile body of her dearest friend. Amanda was going to be fine, that she knew. 'This time,' she added, absently biting on her chewed up thumbnail. Her thoughts turned to Evan, and Tommie silently prayed that the worst of it was over.
But somewhere deep inside of her, in the place where people often hide their deepest, scariest fears, Tommie knew it was only just the beginning.
