A/N * This story was part of the Celebrity Guest Challenge on another site. My guest celebrity is Trace Adkins in the role of Zedock Matthews. "Doc says that my shoulder should be healed enough for me to return to work in another week or two," Jimmy told Sam as they stood just outside the jailhouse. "It'll be nice to have you back," Sam mentioned, looking back to see that the deputy inside couldn't overhear them. "Walsh kind of reminds me of Barnett, if you know what I mean." Grimacing, Jimmy nodded. He had never gotten along very well with Teaspoon's deputy back in Sweetwater. "Sure hope not, Sam." A commotion down the street caught their attention. A tall man, with long blond hair and wearing a black duster threw a scrawny looking fellow out of the saloon. Wiping his hands as if they'd gotten dirty, the man yelled, "Now stay out!" Before turning to go back into the saloon, he looked along the street, his gaze pausing when he caught sight of Sam and Jimmy watching him. With a sly grin, he tipped his hat at the two men and disappeared inside. "Wonder if Kate's got herself a new peace keeper?" Sam mentioned as Jimmy frowned. Something about the man seemed familiar, but Jimmy couldn't put his finger on what. Shaking his head, he told Sam, "I don't like him Sam. There's something about him…" Before Sam could ask what, Lou with Olivia in her arms came bustling up to them. "Hi Sam. Jimmy. We just came from visiting Emma and little Lila Rose. She sure is adorable Sam. Almost makes me want another one." Taking Olivia from his wife's arms, Jimmy kissed his daughter and gave Lou a funny look. 'Another one, huh?' he thought raising his eyebrow. 'She hasn't mentioned that before.' "You ready to go home, Jimmy? I think it's getting colder and I don't want to keep Olivia out to long," she asked her husband, linking her arm with his. "Sam and I were just finished talking. You need to get anything from the store before we head back?" "No. We'll see you again soon Sam," Lou told the Sheriff and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Take care now," Sam told the couple as they started walking towards their home. From down the street, the mysterious blond man watched the small group of people outside the sheriff's office from a window at the saloon. When he noticed the man with the sheriff, he had been startled for a moment. It wasn't something he expected on encountering when he decided to stay in Omaha for a spell. 'How did he survive? He should have froze out there in the middle of nowhere after I shot him,' the man told himself, getting angry. This new development was not something he needed right now. 'No matter. I'll just have to change my plans a bit. I look forward to taking care of this little problem once and for all.' ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy forgot all about the stranger from the saloon until a week later when he was supposed to meet Lou and Olivia outside the mercantile after his doctor's visit. The doctor had given him the okay to return to work, telling him that his shoulder had healed nicely but that it may be a bit stiff for a while, especially with the cold weather. Thrilled that he was no longer considered an invalid, Jimmy hurried along the boardwalk, anxious to tell Lou the good news. He stopped short when he noticed the blond man from outside the saloon standing and talking to Lou. He reached up and chucked Olivia under the chin, making her laugh. A shudder of fear ran through him seeing his family in the man's presence. Walking faster, he came up to his wife, putting a protective arm around her waist and a hand upon his daughter's arm. "Hey, Lou," he said, looking over at the man who was openly staring at him. "Oh, Jimmy! You startled me. I'd like you to meet Mr. Zedock Matthews. He's new in town." Jimmy's eyes narrowed as they met the other man's. They both nodded at each other. "You ready?" Jimmy asked wanting to hurry her and Olivia away from the man as fast as he could. For some reason, Jimmy couldn't help disliking the man. He didn't know why, but the man was trouble and he was afraid for Lou and Olivia being in the man's company. Mr. Matthews smiled at Lou in a way that set Jimmy's nerves on edge and told her, "It was nice meeting you Mrs. Hickok. You too, Olivia." Tipping his hat at Jimmy, he added, "Mr. Hickok," before heading across the street towards the bank. "I don't like the man," Jimmy told Lou hugging her tightly to his side. Surprised at the dislike that sounded in her husband's voice, Lou looked over at him. She was concerned to see the worry mixed with what she thought may be fear, in his eyes as he continued to watch Matthews. "Why, Jimmy. That isn't like you. Has he done something wrong?" she questioned, not liking his reaction to the stranger. "I can't put my finger on it, Lou, but I know he's trouble. I want you and Olivia to stay away from him, you here?" Lou didn't like the tone of his voice, but didn't see how arguing with him would do any good so she nodded when he looked at her, waiting for an answer. Picking up her purchases from the bench near the mercantile door, Jimmy put his arm around her waist as they started for home. "Oh, Jimmy! What did the doctor say?" Lou asked, remembering the reason for their visit into town. Smiling, Jimmy couldn't help lift the shoulder up and down as he told her, "Gave me a clean bill of health. Said I can return to work as soon as I talk to Sam." "That's wonderful! Do you want to go see Sam now? I can take Olivia home." With a firmer grip on her waist, he shook his head. "No need. Sam and Emma are coming to dinner with the children this evening." He would have like to go see Sam right then, but the fear he'd felt at seeing Lou with Matthews still had him shaken. He wanted to make sure she and Olivia got home safely. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "I don't know what it is, Sam. I just don't trust Matthews." Jimmy was emphatic in his dislike of the man. "On what basis, Jimmy?" Sam questioned, not understanding the vehemence in his deputy's voice or the reason for it. Jimmy looked confused a moment than threw up his hands in dismay. "I just get the feeling that I've met him somewhere before. Where, I can't tell you. All I know is that he's bad news Sam." Trying to shake the feeling of unease that was settling over him like a blanket, he begged his boss, "Please, just make a few inquiries about him. Something just isn't right." Clasping a hand upon Jimmy's shoulder, Sam gave it a squeeze. "Alright. If it'll put your mind at ease, I'll go send a telegraph to nearby towns. See if Matthews's been there or in any trouble that we should know about." Sighing a breath of relief, Jimmy felt the dread lighten. "Thanks, Sam." "I just hope you're wrong," the sheriff told him heading for the telegraph office. "Me, too," Jimmy muttered to himself sitting down. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Several days went by and no word from any of the surrounding towns about Zedock Matthews. Those that did reply stated that no one by that name had been in town in the last month or so. It wasn't until the Sheriff from Sioux Falls along with two of his deputies brought a prisoner to Omaha for trial almost three weeks later did they find out that about two months before hand, one of their deputies had been killed while taking a prisoner to Sioux City. That was why three of them were escorting this one. The deputy's death happened around the same time as Jimmy's attack. "What do you think Sam? Could that deputy's death and my attack be connected?" Sam ran his hand through his hair. "Sure sounds like it by the way the man was killed. On his way back from dropping off a prisoner, shot out in the middle of nowhere." Looking over at Jimmy, Sam asked, "You sure you don't remember anything? No face, no voice, not even what his horse looked like?" Frustration at the lack of memory was eating away at Jimmy. "I've tried Sam. I just can't remember…" The headache that had been plaguing him all day, exploded in his head. "If you don't mind, I think I'm gonna head home now." Seeing how Jimmy was massaging his forehead Sam just waved him towards the door. "Go home and get some sleep. Maybe you'll remember something in the morning." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ When Jimmy arrived home, he was surprised to find Olivia already in bed for the night. One of the highlights of his day was playing with his daughter after work and the disappointment at missing out on it put him in a gloomier mood. "Lou?" he called out in hushed tones. "Hey, Lou where are you?" he asked leaving his hat on the table by the door and heading for the kitchen. The table was set with the good china and Lou had flowers in a vase with candles lit. Delicious smells wafted from the oven tempting his taste buds. The pain in his head had lessened to a dull throb on the walk home but disappeared altogether when Lou walked into the room. His breath caught at the site of her. He'd always thought his wife was beautiful but tonight she was ravishing. Smiling she gave him a hug and looped her arms around his waist, holding him tight. "Mmmm, glad you're home," she murmured kissing him deeply. Jimmy's arms wrapped around her waist and he looked down at her shining brown eyes. "So am I. Ah, you got something special planned for the two of us?" he teased nodding towards the table. Cocking her head to the side, she gave him a devilish smile. "You'll just have to wait and see…Sit down, dinner's ready." After turning down Jimmy's offer to help bring the meal to the table, Lou presented one of his favorite meals. "You sure know the way to a man's stomach Lou," he complimented her upon seeing the roast with potatoes and carrots. "And gravy too!" he said delighted when she put the pitcher on the table. "Save room for dessert," she told him when he went take a third helping. "I've made a chocolate cake." Jimmy let the potatoes drop back into the bowl. "Cody would be green with envy if he could see this," he mentioned waving a hand over the table and eyeing the cake. Lou laughed as she rose to bring the cake to the table. "Why don't we take it into the living room with our coffee?" "Alright." Picking up the two plates of cake she pushed towards him, he waited for her to lead the way carrying the coffee cups. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Licking the last of the frosting from his fork, Jimmy grinned satisfied. "Now that was a meal!" "Umm, glad you liked it," Lou replied snuggling up to him on the settee. Resting her head upon his shoulder, they sat in companionable silence. "So, what brought this on?" he asked teasingly. "Can't I just make a nice dinner for my husband?" He laughed. "Any time you like. Just seems like you're in a really good mood tonight." His smile disappeared as her hand that was resting upon his chest began to caress him through the shirt. Licking his lips, his breath caught when Lou looked up at him with darkened eyes. "God, what you do to me…" he murmured before crushing his mouth to hers. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Jimmy pulled the afghan off the back of the settee and covered both of them as they lay in front of the fire. "Now, that's what I call a welcome home." The relaxed, satisfied look upon his face told Lou the time was right to tell him her big surprise. Flipping onto her stomach and resting her arm across his chest, she traced the outline of his lips with a finger. "Um, Jimmy?" she ventured with a mysterious grin that had him wondering what she was up to now. "Something on your mind, Lou?" he asked, knowing she'd tell him in her own sweet time. His hand combing through her hair was distracting her, making it hard to think. Finally she had to still his fingers with hers. Jimmy raised his eyebrows in silent question. "You know how we talked about having more children?" Now his interest was peaked. "Yes," he drawled. "What of it?" She began to get giddy and could hardly contain her happiness as she announced, "A little Hickok is on its way!" Shock and joy washed over him as her words sunk in. He hugged her tightly to him laughing. He kissed her deeply and rested his hand across her still smooth and trim abdomen. "Oh, Lou! I couldn't be happier. When is the baby due?" "Doc says just before Christmas." With a laugh, he told her, "Wonder how Olivia will react to a little brother or sister." "Mmm, seeing her with Emma and Sam's little girl, I think she'll do just fine. She calls Lila 'dolly' and wants to hold her all the time. It's so cute!" Giving her a squeeze, Jimmy grinned, "So are you. What do you say to taking this upstairs where we'll be more comfortable?" Kissing him lightly, Lou sat up tucking the blanket around her. "Mighty fine idea Mr. Hickok," she said saucily with a wink. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "I hear you and Lou are expectin' again," Sam mentioned handing Jimmy a steaming cup of coffee early the next morning. Taking a sip of it, Jimmy swore when he burned his tongue. "Yep. Christmas time. Couldn't be happier!" Sam slapped him on the back with a hearty, "Just don't expect Emma and me to follow your lead, again!" With a grin, Jimmy teased, "What? Those three of yours keeping you busy?" He knew full well that Sam and Emma's two boys kept them on their toes and with the new baby keeping them up at all hours of the night, Sam came to work just to get some rest. The look of contempt that Sam threw his way made him laugh all the more. Sitting down in his chair, Jimmy was thinking about the new baby when he noticed Zedock Matthews walk by the window. The man looked directly at him and nodded slightly before moving on. Jimmy's eyes narrowed as the feeling that he knew the man plagued him. Sam noticed the frown upon Jimmy's face and asked, "What's wrong?" Shaking his head, Jimmy tried to put the matter from his mind. "Nothing. Nothing at all." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Later that night, Jimmy fell into a troubled sleep. He kept seeing a shadow figure following him, hunting him. His heart began to race and he broke out in a cold sweat. He woke with a start, sitting up in bed when the shadow spoke words that struck fear into his heart, "What a pretty little family you have there…" Looking over at Lou's sleeping form, he wiped his mouth with his hand, trying to calm himself. Not sure what exactly had scared him so much, he got up, quietly making his way down to the kitchen for a cold glass of water from the pump. The cool liquid had a settling effect upon his nerves. Before heading back up to bed, he did something he had never done before. He locked both the front and back doors. Once upstairs again, he paused next to Olivia's bed, laying a hand upon her back. Reveling in the feel of her gentle breaths he offered up a quiet prayer. "Lord, I only ask that you watch over my wife and daughter, keeping them safe from harm." With one last look at his sleeping daughter he headed back to his and Lou's bedroom down the hall. Lowering himself onto his bed, he turned and pulled Lou close, taking comfort in just holding her. Sleep was long in coming and he slept fitfully but there were no more shadow dreams. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ At breakfast, Jimmy didn't mention his dream, knowing that it would upset Lou. She hated when he dreamed that someone was coming for him. It had been over three years since he was last called out, but the fear of someone coming after him was always there for both of them. Giving Olivia a kiss on the forehead, Jimmy told Lou he would have lunch in town with Sam and he'd see her later. "I have to go to the mercantile, so I will stop by and see you two," she mentioned giving him a quick peck on the lips as she lifted Olivia from her chair, trying not to get oatmeal all over her clothes. On the way to the jail, Jimmy thought about his dream. Again, he had the niggling feeling that he knew the voice. It was the man who had shot him, of that he was sure, but it was also someone else's that he had heard recently. Now to figure out who's. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "You about ready to go get some grub?" Sam asked coming in the back door of the jail. Jimmy had been reading the newspaper and was surprised to see it was half past noon already. "Hmmm. Wonder where Lou is. She told me she'd stop by and I thought we could all go together." "I seen her a while ago heading into the mercantile," Sam offered grabbing his hat off the peg by the front door. "If you want we can go by Tompkins's first and see if she's still there." Setting his own hat upon his head, Jimmy joined Sam at the door. "Why not? If she's still there she'll need our help toting all her purchases home later," he replied with a grin. The two men had only gotten feet from the jailhouse door when Jimmy stopped dead in his tracks. His blood ran cold as he took in the scene in front of the mercantile. There was Lou conversing with Zedock Matthews, who had just put his arm around her waist, several packages in his other arm, turning her away from the store towards their home. "What?" Sam asked, noting the sick look upon his deputy's face. When Jimmy didn't speak, he turned back to where the younger man was staring. "Is there some kind of problem I don't know about?" he asked concern in his voice as he caught site of Lou with Matthews. Jimmy's breath became labored and he was having trouble getting air. Sam became alarmed as Jimmy doubled over, clutching the post to keep from falling over. "Jimmy?!" Sam grabbed him and half dragged him to the bench in front of the jail. "What the…? Are you gonna be ok? Should I go get doc?" Jimmy laid a hand upon his chest, gasping for air. With the other hand, he pointed to the direction they had been heading when the attack came on. "L..Lou…" he gasped, "Get her…" Sam assured Jimmy he'd be right back with his wife and took off at a run towards the direction he'd seen Lou and Matthews disappear in. It took him several minutes to catch up with the pair down one of the side streets. When he spotted them he yelled, "Lou! Hey Lou! I need you to come with me. Hurry its Jimmy…" Lou had turned upon hearing her name being called. She was shocked to see Sam running towards her and Mr. Matthews. When he said that something was wrong with Jimmy, shock turned to concern. Picking up her skirts in both hands, she started running, making for the jail. Though Sam wasn't sure what was going on, he got the impression that Matthews wasn't thrilled at being interrupted. "Are those Mrs. Hickok's?" he asked the man, pointing to the packages still in the peacekeeper's hands. "Yes, they are. I can drop them off if you need to get back to your deputy," Matthews told the sheriff, dismay written all over his face. Grabbing the packages out of the man's hands, Sam stated, "I think I'd best just take 'em with me." Matthews watched as the sheriff headed back the way he had come, cursing under his breath. He'd been so close. 'Damn that deputy,' Matthews grumbled making his way back to the saloon. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ As soon as Lou heard Jimmy needed her, she didn't even think to wait for Sam. Her first concern was for her husband. She knew something was terribly wrong if Sam came running through the streets of Omaha looking for her. Weaving in and out of surprised and outraged citizens, Lou increased her pace when she glimpsed Jimmy sitting on the bench, head back and eyes closed. He looked so pale it scared her. "Jimmy? Jimmy?!" she called out, tears threatening to fall when he didn't respond or look at her. She dropped to her knees in front of him, terrified, not knowing what had happened. Her cursory glance told her he hadn't been shot but his ashen color had her holding her breath. Reaching a hand up, she caressed his cheek, cradling it in her palm. "Jimmy? Oh, god Jimmy answer me!" she demanded. Taking a shallow breath, his eyes fluttered open slowly, having a hard time focusing on her face. His hand flew up to clamp her wrist, needing to feel that she was all right for himself. "Lou…" he rasped, "it was him…it was Matthews…" Sam had come to stand next to them and overheard Jimmy's words. Both he and Lou asked at the same time, "What was Matthews?" Trying to sit up straighter, he looked at both of them, dead serious as he said, "It was him. He's the one who shot me." Alarm crossed Lou's face, not sure what was going on. Sam looked at his deputy and he could see that the man was sure about the accusations he just made. "How do you know?" Lou asked, afraid for Jimmy's life. If what he said was true, the man had already tried to kill her husband once, what was to stop him from trying again. Sam noticed that several passerby's had stopped to watch with interest what was going on in front of the jail. Going to Jimmy's other side, he lifted Jimmy's arm around his neck and told Lou, "Open the door. We need to get Jimmy inside." Lou hurried to do as Sam told her, grabbing her husbands other arm and helping. Once they had Jimmy seated comfortably in the office, Sam made sure the door was closed and locked, pulling the shades down not only on the door, but big window overlooking the street also. Taking a seat in front of Jimmy, Sam leaned forward, elbows upon his knees. "When did you remember?" he asked quietly. Jimmy was still having a hard time focusing, so he closed his eyes again. "When I seen him with Lou, outside the store." Sam waited, sensing that there was more. He was right when Jimmy continued, "Ever since I seen him that first day, something 'bout him bothered me. Then lately I've been having dreams. Dreams where I could hear the shooters voice, but I couldn't see him…" he paused and Lou rubbed his arm trying to comfort him. "You never mentioned these dreams…" her voice trailed off as she wondered how she couldn't have seen that Jimmy was upset about something. "I didn't want you to worry. Last night the voice said, "What a pretty little family you have there…" I knew I had heard that voice recently. I spent all morning trying to figure out who's it was. Then when I seen him with Lou, I knew. I just knew." Taking a deep breath, Sam leaned back, rubbing his face with an open hand. "I don't mean to doubt you Jimmy, but I need to be sure before I go accusing the man of such a serious crime." If the attack hadn't taken so much out of him, Jimmy would have taken a swing at Sam for even saying that. "I ain't makin' it up Sam. It was him. I'm sure of it." Jimmy's breath was becoming labored again causing Lou to call, "Sam!" in panic. "What's wrong with him?" she begged holding her husbands hand tightly in hers, as the sheriff headed towards the door. "Try to keep him calm," Sam ordered. "I'm going for Doc." The minutes crawled by for Lou, as she sat next to Jimmy murmuring soothing words and telling him everything was going to be okay. Every few seconds her gaze would dart to the door willing Sam and the doctor to walk through it. When it finally opened and the doctor rushed in with Sam behind him, only a matter of minutes had passed. Closing the door behind them, Sam asked, "How's he doing?" "'Bout the same," Lou answered as the doctor set his black bag down on the floor next to Jimmy. Lou reluctantly went to stand beside Sam while the doctor examined her husband. She swiped a tear as it ran down her cheek. Sam put an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. "He's gonna be all right Lou, you'll see, " he murmured in her hair as he kissed the top of her head. "Could you get me some water?" Doc Stillson asked as he put his stethoscope back in his bag. He had a finger on Jimmy's wrist, taking his pulse as he watched the clock. Sam hurried to get a cup of water and handed it to the doctor. "Thank you," the man told him holding the cup to Jimmy's lips when he seen how shaky the young man's hands were. Putting the cup on the desk, the doctor stood up looking over to where Lou and Sam stood, concerned gazes on Jimmy. "Look's like it was a panic attack, a severe one at that. I want him taken home and kept in bed, resting for a few days." "A panic attack?" Lou asked bewildered. "He's never had a panic attack before…" Jimmy was watching the trio talking about him, to worn out to say anything himself about the attack he had. "He's going to be okay, isn't he?" she asked the doctor going to stand next to him, her hand on his shoulder. Jimmy looked up at her and grimaced. Turning his head, he kissed her hand where it touched him. Closing up his bag, Doctor Stillson reassured them all, "He'll be just fine in a day or two. Whatever upset him caused the attack. If at all possible, don't let there be a repeat and he'll be as good as new." Lou and the Sam thanked the doctor and Sam seen him to the door as Lou knelt down next to Jimmy. "Everything will be all right, sweetie, I promise," she whispered as Sam joined them once more. "We need to get you home. I don't think you should ride and walking isn't a choice. I'll go get our buggy and be back in a few minutes," Sam told them heading for the back door. He paused and ordered, "Lock the door behind me and don't open it for anyone." 'No sense taking any chances,' Sam told himself as he climbed on his horse after making sure Lou locked the door behind him. He set off to get the buggy and apprise Emma of what was going on. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sam was back in fifteen minutes. Lou ushered her husband out the back door looking around as she did, afraid that Zedock Matthews would be hiding somewhere, ready to shoot Jimmy again. She let out a sigh of relief when Sam stopped the buggy in front of their house. Sam helped her get Jimmy inside and settled in bed before walking downstairs with her. "I'm going to send Waters and Simons over to watch the house tonight. Until I can lock Matthews up, I don't want either of you going out alone," Sam told her protectively. Both he and Emma thought of Jimmy and Lou as part of their family and they weren't about to let anything happened to either one of them. Thinking of family, Sam asked concerned, "Where's Olivia?" Lou's eyes went wide. "She's next door with Widow Nelson! Would you mind getting her for me seeing how you just told me not to go anywhere alone?" she said with a twinkle in her eye. Sam had a soft spot for her daughter and was more then willing to go fetch her for Lou. Within minutes he had returned with Olivia in his arms. She'd been giving him wet, sloppy kisses and was laughing at the funny faces he made at her. It made Lou laugh as he tickled Olivia tummy and kissed her neck loudly. Reaching out for her giggling daughter, she thanked Sam. "You're always welcome Sam. Olivia's not the only one who loves to have you and Emma stop for a visit." Sam winked at her as he waved to Olivia who was reaching for him again. "You can be sure I'll be by again soon. If you need anything, just come to the door and one of my men will be right here to help After locking the door, Lou hurried up the stairs as Jimmy was yelling for her. Hearing footsteps coming down the hall towards him, Jimmy settled himself higher upon the pillows Lou insisted he rest on. "About time woman," he joked as she came through the door with Olivia in her arms. "Ah, there's my little princess. Come here and sit with daddy." Lou handed Olivia to him happy to see the smile on his face as he kissed their daughter's cheek and set her on the bed next to him. "So how's my little princess today? Daddy sure has missed you. But since I'm home early, you and I can spend a little time together. I'll tell you a few stories and maybe we can even take a nap!" he told Olivia who was listening to him in interest even if she didn't understand everything he was telling her. From the foot of the bed, Lou asked, "Was there something you wanted?" Jimmy looked up from the doll that Olivia was playing with to grin at her. "Nah. I was just bored. Now that Olivia's here, you can go do whatever…" Sighing exaggeratedly, Lou rolled her eyes. "Oh, yes master!" she teased back. "Now that I have your permission to leave your presence, I will go make your dinner." Jimmy laughed as she walked out of the bedroom then called after her, "And don't be late with it!" He chuckled to himself when he heard her "Ha, ha" drift up from the bottom of the steps. Feeling more relaxed as he watched Olivia playing next to him; Jimmy scooted her closer and began to tell her a story. "Once upon a time, there was a feisty young woman who got a job working for the Pony Express disguised as a man…" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ An hour later, Lou went to check on Jimmy and Olivia, thinking that he may be ready for her to put Olivia down for a nap and see if he was ready to eat something. She stopped just inside the doorway, a smile playing on her lips as she took in the sight of her sleeping daughter cuddled up in her sleeping father's arms. Lou quietly returned to the kitchen where she returned dinner to the oven to keep warm until her loved ones awoke. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Across town, sitting in the bar, anger barely held in check was Zedock Matthews. 'So close,' he thought as he thumped his whiskey bottle on the table. Hickok was becoming a thorn in his side. Not only did the man live after he left him for dead, which had never happened before. But the man had a wife that he had planned on having some fun with before killing her. And that fun had been stopped before it had even got started earlier that day. For over a year, Zedock had been on a killing spree throughout the western territories. He would watch and then track lone lawmen, picking them off like rabbits, one by one, leaving them for dead. There was no particular reason he had chosen lawmen as his prey other then finding one out on the plains one day when the idea to have a little fun entered his demented mind. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Sam was worried. He sent letters to the surrounding towns again, asking if any of the law there had information on Zedock Matthews. It seemed like the man had left no trail anywhere. No one had ever heard of him. The law over in Sioux Falls where the deputy was killed a few months back never heard of the man or anyone fitting his description. Knowing that Matthews recognized his deputies, Sam hired a man that helped out with posses at times to follow the man. He was to report anything suspicious or if the man went near the Hickok's place. For the last two days, Matthews had sat in the saloon in a drunken stupor, only leaving his table to use the outhouse. Jimmy didn't have any more episodes of anxiety while he remained resting at home. Unfortunately for Lou, he was starting to go stir crazy and was getting on her nerves, which had never happened before. Usually, having Jimmy home for any length of time was a joy that was to be savored. He worked so hard for Sam keeping the streets of Omaha safe for those who lived there and was not home as much as she liked. But his forced time off was really getting to her this time. Jimmy followed Lou around the house like a little puppy. He got in her way as she went about her daily chores, constantly asking, "What are you doing?" until she had finally enough and snapped at him. "What does it look like I'm doing?! I'm dusting. Why don't you go find something quiet to do upstairs," she suggested, unable to keep the annoyance out of her voice. Seeing the hurt puppy-dog look he gave her made Lou regret her words instantly. None of this was his fault. In fact, if anyone was to blame it was Zedock Matthews. He was the one who tried to kill Jimmy and left him for dead. It was Matthews who'd come to Omaha and was now causing Jimmy's current problem with anxiety and he had no idea how to deal with it. Lou was thankful that he hadn't automatically reached for his gun. In the past that is what would have happened. Having a family had changed him, mellowed him. No longer did her husband live with his hand always on the gun looking over his shoulder for the next man coming for him. Throwing himself in a chair, he complained, "What's Sam doing? Is he even going after Matthews? I can't stay here, locked up like an animal in a cage or I'll go crazy." Lou sympathized with him all the while thinking, 'Me too.' Setting her dust cloth down she went to kneel next to his chair. "Give Sam a chance. He's trying to help find some evidence that he can use to keep Matthews from being set free once he arrests him. I'm sure Sam will stop by later and let us know what's happening. He mentioned that he was going to check in and see how you were doing." Taking a deep breath, Jimmy rested his head back and closed his eyes. "I know Lou. It's just I'm not one for sitting when there's trouble. I should be out there going after him. It's me he tried killing and it's my family I'm afraid he's coming after." He looked into her eyes as he said the last. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to keep her and Olivia and the new baby safe. They were his whole world and he wasn't about to let some sick drifter with a taste for killing lawmen ruin their family. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Later that afternoon Sam arrived with Emma to see how Jimmy was doing. As Lou served tea, Sam stood by the fireplace an arm resting on the mantel as he told them about two letters he'd gotten earlier about two other lawmen who'd been killed mysteriously. "Each of them was missing a personal item that held some value to them. One was missing a gold pocket watch that had been the man's grandfathers. The letter said the man never went anywhere without it. The other was missing his wedding ring. The widow was adamant that her husband never took it off. That too, was gold." Sam looked at Jimmy, "You missing anything?" Jimmy frowned as he thought if there was anything he could no longer seem to find. Shaking his head, he had to admit, "No. Not that I'm aware of Sam. You think he takes these things kind of like something to remind him of the killing?" Lou had just set the teapot down when she let out a loud, "Oh!" and her hand flew to her lips. "Something wrong Lulabell?" Emma asked concerned. Lou's eyes went wide as she looked at the others. "You are missing something Jimmy! Remember that medal that Noah gave you. Said it would protect you from harm on your journeys or something like that. Well, I haven't seen it since around that time. You always carried it in your bag, remember?" she asked her husband, getting excited. Maybe they would have something that would help nail Matthews. "But Lou, I could have lost that anywhere. You can't be sure that Matthews took it." Tilting his head, Sam had to argue with his deputy. "And you can't say that he didn't! Good thinking Lou. It might just give us something to look for. If Matthews has it and with the description of the other two items that are missing and we find them in his possession, we'll have him on two murders and attempted murder. He'll swing for sure." Emma set her cup down on the table between her and Lou. "But how are you going to find out if he has them? It's not like any of us can just walk up to him and ask." "Now don't you worry about that Emma. I've already got a idea on how we might find out." He handed his cup to Lou and held out a hand to his wife. "Let's get going so I can finally get Matthews behind bars where he belongs." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "You sure you know what to look for?" Sam asked Toby Ward, the man who was assigned to watch Matthews. "I'll go into the saloon, have a drink or two, ask Matthews if he has the time. When he pulls out that pocket watch of his, I will get a good look at it for you Sam. Don't you worry none." Thumping Toby on the back Sam felt relieved. Maybe they would get Matthews now before he tried to kill Jimmy again or anyone else. If Toby failed, Sam had another plan in mind. It was known that Matthews had a liking for a particular raven haired beauty that worked for Kate and Sam planned on talking to her, getting her to gather some information for him if need be. He knew she'd be willing to help him, even if she did like Matthews, because about a year ago, Sam had rescued her from the clutches of a man who was later convicted of killing saloon girls. Sam sat anxiously in his office waiting for Toby to return and he wasn't disappointed when about an hour later, the door opened by a grinning Toby. "We got him boss," Toby declared, anxious to tell what he'd saw. "I didn't even need to see the watch either. Though I did get a good look at it," he winked. "Are you sure?" Sam needed to hear everything before getting several of his men together to go with him and arrest Matthews. "You and Mrs. Hickok described that medal real good. I just about choked when I seen it on Matthews neck. The man is wearing the darn thing! It's in plain sight right there around his neck….I had a few whiskeys before asking if he had the time. The watch he pulled out fits the description you gave me. You got him, Sam," Toby beamed. He liked Jimmy and didn't like the idea that the man over at the saloon had left him for dead. Sam could hardly contain his own excitement over Toby's news. Grabbing several badges out of the drawer, he threw one to Toby. "Put this on and go find Jasper and Levi. Tell them to meet back here in fifteen minutes. We're going to go get that no good son of a …." The last word was lost on Toby as Sam hurried out the back door of the jail to go get Waters and Simons, but the man knew exactly what Sam was saying. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "He's still sitting at the table in the far corner. There's a door off to his right that leads into the alley behind the saloon," Sam told his men as they stood in the shadows of the shop next to the saloon. "I don't like going in there after him with so many people inside. If Matthews draws, someone could get hurt," Sam said quietly, torn at wanting to storm into the building and taking the man right then and there or waiting until the place cleared a bit. "With how much he's drinking, you might be able to catch him heading to the outhouse," Waters suggested, anxious to get the killer. Sam liked the suggestion. Nodding, he told Toby, and Jasper to continue watching the front while he and the rest of the men went around the back and hid in the shadows. They didn't have long to wait. Matthews came stumbling out of the saloon, making his way towards the privy. Sam motioned for his men to wait. As Matthews reached to open the door, Sam leveled his gun at the man as he crept up behind him. The deputies moved forward slowly, backing Sam up incase he need them. The sound of guns cocking could be heard in the still of the night before Sam ordered, "Put your hands up Matthews." Matthews stood still, hand resting on the door to the privy. Slowly, he raised his head, turning slightly. "Something I can do for you marshal?" he slurred, hand inching towards his gun. "Put your hands where I can see them or I'll shoot." "Now why would you want to go and do that marshal?" Matthews asked, a devilish grin masking the hatred he felt for the man and his deputies, who had moved closer, guns all pointing his way. "Drop the gun," Sam ordered, his eyes never wavering from the man in front of him. Even three sheets to the wind, the man had a dangerous air about him and Sam didn't doubt for a moment that Matthews would be just as deadly drunk as sober. "Drop it!" Sam yelled as Matthews stood glaring at him. When Matthews refused to drop his gun, Sam nodded to Levi, "Get his gun." Levi hurried around the man, carefully reaching around and taking the gun before stepping back. "Well, marshal…what now?" Matthews asked with a sneer. Sam wanted to wipe the grin off of Matthews face he was arrogant beyond belief. "I'm taking you in Matthews, for the attempted murder of James Hickok." "Ha!" Matthews smirked. "How do you figure that marshal? Until I come to this town I ain't never met the man before." As two of his deputies grabbed Matthews by the arm, Sam walked up to him and yanked the medal that Noah had given Jimmy from around Matthews neck. "Then how'd you come by this, seein' how it belongs to Hickok." Grinning, Matthews tossed his head. "My dear mother gave me that on her death bed." Sam pulled the pocket watch by its chain from Matthews vest pocket. "Funny how this matches the description of the watch that was missing from a dead deputy from Sioux Falls…." He glared at Matthews, daring him to say something. The cocky grin that the killer gave him had Sam wishing he could shoot him himself instead of letting a jury hang him. "Take this trash to the jail," Sam ordered before he took matters into his own hands. Following close behind his deputies and their prisoner, Sam kept his gun ready in case Matthews tried anything stupid. As Matthews was led into the cell, Jasper made the mistake of turning his back on the prisoner giving him the chance to get an arm around his neck, choking him as Matthews pulled him into the cell. Everything had happened so fast, none of the men saw where the knife Matthews had at Jasper's neck had come from. Sam held out a hand to stop his deputies from moving any closer. "Don't do it Matthews." "Why shouldn't I?" Matthews sneered, the knife piercing the skin on Jasper's neck, sending a red ribbon of blood down his neck. Sam could see the fear in his deputy's eyes. He tried to convey that he'd get him out of the mess somehow but he wasn't sure if the man was able to read him at the moment. "I'm gonna hang anyways….what does it matter if I take another lawman or not?" The knife slipped a little further down Jasper's throat, the line crimson against his skin. Things were becoming desperate. Sam could tell that Matthews wasn't about to let Jasper make it out of the cell alive. The man had a demented look in his eyes; one that left no doubt to the men in the room that he was insane. One of the deputies behind Sam moved, causing Matthews gaze to waver from Sam giving him the opening he needed to pull his gun and shoot. Matthews was dead before he hit the floor, Jasper scrambling from the cell, clutching his neck. He'd been watching Sam the whole time and seen him reach for his gun and was able to grasp Matthews arm so that when he fell backwards, the knife didn't slice his throat. Levi helped Jasper to the chair and began pressing a cloth against the wound. Simons and Waters went into the cell to check on Matthews. "He's dead," Simons called out. Sam looked over to where Toby was standing next to Jasper and Levi. "Go get doc," he nodded to Toby. "You two get that piece of trash down to the undertakers. I want him out of here when I return." Sam mentioned walking to the back door. "I'm going to see Jimmy." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "It was like he turned into a whole other person before our eyes….he was crazy and you could see it in his eyes," Sam told the couple sitting before him. "I didn't want to kill him the way I did. I wanted him to pay for what he did at the end of a noose…" Jimmy nodded grimly. "It's over and that's what matters Sam. He can't kill ever again." Lou sat quietly, holding Jimmy's hand in hers. She couldn't believe what Sam had been telling them. It seemed like something out of a nightmare. "Jimmy's right Sam. He won't hurt anyone ever again. Though you have to wonder why he would wear that medal Noah gave you. Not exactly something I'd expect him to wear," Lou told them as she stood up and went over to Sam and hugged him tightly. "Thank you." Sam returned the embrace. Lou and Jimmy were family and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do to keep them safe. "I'm going to get back to the jail and make sure Jasper's doing okay. I just felt you needed to know right away that Matthews was dead." Jimmy came to stand next to his wife and held out a hand to Sam. "Thank you, Sam. You have no idea what a relief it is to know that this nightmare has ended and that Lou and Olivia are safe." "You two have a good evening," Sam said, opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow, Jimmy." With a nod, Sam was gone. Jimmy locked the door behind him, causing Lou to give him a questioning look. Locking doors was not something that was normally done. "Better safe then sorry," he told her, slipping an arm around her waist and leading her up the stairs. That night, he knew that he'd sleep peacefully, knowing his family was safe once more. Drop me a note and let me know what you thought!