Background on Story
I do not own The Young Riders nor it's characters. I only own the story line and Amanda, Tyson and Candace Jackson, Kiley and Lily McKenna
Rock Creek, Nebraska
Nebraska Territory
At the weigh station for the Pony Express Riders, U.S. Marshal Teaspoon Hunter is expecting his two granddaughters'. Amanda Jackson and Kiley Mckenna. Kiley has a daughter Lily who is 6 years old. They are moving to Rock Creek after the death of their parents who were killed during a bank robbery. Amanda is on the unusual side, she is one of the first and only women to be a U.S. Marshal. Everyone is intrigued, especially Jimmy who takes a fancy to Amanda.
Chapter 1
Noah: so when are they coming?
Teaspoon: on the stage this afternoon. I got word that they have just left Ft. Defiance, Texas a few days ago
Lou: rider coming, who's up next?
Cody: that would be me, shucks I wanted to meet them
Teaspoon: don't worry son you will meet them when you get back
Cody jumps on his horse and takes off running when Noah hands off the mail bag to him
Jimmy: so what are they like? Your granddaughters'.
Teaspoon: very unique, their parents were killed during a bank robbery. The one has a 6 year old daughter. Jimmy I think that you will get along very well with the other one. She is right up your alley.
Jimmy: oh really my kind of lady huh, we shall have to see about that
Teaspoon: we shall see, they will be here soon
Rachel: lunch is almost ready
Jimmy: I would like to go with you to meet the stage
Ike signs me too
Buck: Ike says he'll go too
Teaspoon: after lunch the rest of you have chores to do now go and eat
They all head inside to eat lunch
Inside the bunkhouse….
Rachel: Teaspoon, you must be excited to see them
Teaspoon: yes, I am the only family those girls have left. I know that they want to make a fresh start. I better get ready the time is almost here
He excuses himself and goes to get all gussyed up
Buck: Jimmy
He throws oatmeal at him
Jimmy: huh? What the heck
Rachel: enough both of you now. I suggest you both clean up this mess. If you want to go with Teaspoon
They quickly clean up their dishes, just as Teaspoon walks back into the bunkhouse
Rachel: wow Teaspoon, you look handsome as ever
Teaspoon: why thank you Rachel, are you boys ready to go?
Jimmy: yep, do we need extra horses or the buckboard?
Teaspoon: both just one extra horse though
Ike grabs an extra horse and saddles him while Teaspoon goes and gets into the buckboard. Jimmy mounts his horse and they head into town to meet the stage.
In front of the General Store…
Teaspoon: do I look ok?
Jimmy: you look just fine now stop fussing
The stage pulls up and stops
Driver: welcome to Rock Creek, Nebraska ladies and gentleman
He opens the door and Kiley is the first one to step out
Kiley: grandpa I would like you to meet Lily my daughter
Teaspoon: hello little darling
Lily: what do I call you?
Teaspoon: grandpa is just fine
She gets out of the stage followed by Amanda who is dressed like a man wearing a U.S. Marshal tin star
Amanda: hey grandpa
She gives him a big hug
Teaspoon: boys don't just stand there, help these ladies with their bags
Jimmy: huh? Oh yeah you got it Teaspoon
They put the bags into the buckboard and they head back to the weigh station
At the Weigh Station…
Rachel: I thought Teaspoon said he had two granddaughters and a little one?
Lou: that's what he did say, I don't get it
They are both standing there confused, when the others ride up. Lily gets out of the buckboard along with her mother and Teaspoon. Amanda, Ike and Jimmy dismount and walk over to the others who are standing there staring in shock.
Teaspoon: Rachel, Buck, Noah, Lou, Jimmy and Ike I would like you all to meet my granddaughters' Amanda Jackson the 1st female U.S. Marshal and Kiley McKenna and her daughter Lily.
Rachel: pleased to meet you all
Kiley: nice meeting all of you
Amanda: hello
Jimmy: wow you sure are beautiful even as a man
Teaspoon: son your drooling
Jimmy: did I just say that out loud?
Amanda: why that you and yeah you did
Kiley: Jimmy is it? Don't worry about it. She gets that all the time. People are so shocked when they meet my sister they say the oddest things
Ike signs to Kiley that she's very beautiful too along with Lily
Buck: he says your very beautiful
Kiley: thank you Buck, but I understood what he said
She walks over to him and kisses him on the cheek and Ike starts blushing
Noah: someone's gotten all red all of a sudden
Kiley: I was a school teacher back in Ft. Defiance for those who were deaf so I understand him quite well
Rachel: you must be tired from all of your traveling won't you come inside and have some tea
Amanda: Kiley why don't you take Lily, I have to go into town and buy a horse
Lily: Auntie please come
Amanda: I'll be back later, I promise sweetheart
Lily: ok
Jimmy: actually you can have one of ours if you'd like
Amanda: no thanks I prefer to buy one, I have to connect with the animal but thank you all the same
Jimmy: why don't I come with you then?
Amanda: suit yourself, that's if you can keep up
She runs and jumps up on the horse and takes off with lighting speed. While Jimmy attempts to catch up to her
Noah: wow she's fast, Jimmy's got his hands full with her
Buck: so how did she become a U.S. marshal?
Teaspoon: you would have to ask her that. Her father was a famous Texas Ranger, I served with him. Long history with the law and this family.
Lou: she seems nice enough
Teaspoon: she's very sweet until you get on her bad side
Noah: rider up
Kid rides up and hands the mail off to Ike who takes off to Sweetwater for a couple of days
Kid: hey Lou
Lou: you made it back and oh boy you missed a lot
Kid: what's going on?
Buck: we have some visitors
In the House…
Rachel: can I ask if you don't mind. Where is Lily's father?
Kiley: I don't mind at all, her father was a territorial marshal and he was killed when some outlaws tried to rob the stage
Rachel: I am so very sorry, aren't you concerned about your sister being a marshal?
Kiley: a little but she can take care of herself and she has in the past.
Rachel: do you have a place to stay?
Kiley: not at the moment no
Rachel: I would like you to stay here
Kiley: that's very kind of you Ms. Dunne
Rachel: you are very welcome and please call me Rachel
Kiley: alright Rachel thank you
In town at the Blacksmith…
Jimmy: so whatcha looking for in a horse?
Amanda: must be strong and has personally
She walks over to a black and white paint and checks him over, Jimmy keeps
staring at Amanda in amazement
Blacksmith: he's a strong and fast horse
Amanda: how much?
Blacksmith: $25.00
Amanda: you got it
She reaches into her pocket and pays the man for the horse
Amanda: thank you
She leads her new horse out of the pen
Jimmy: so where's your gun?
Amanda: don't you mean guns and I haven't unpacked them yet
Jimmy: oh really you have dual guns?
Amanda: yes, wait a second aren't you… it's on the tip of my tongue
Jimmy: what is it?
Amanda: you're the 10 Cent Hero, Wild Bill Hickock
Jimmy: now wait a second that story was all lies
Amanda: I am sure that they were, I need to get supplies at the store please excuse me
Jimmy: I'll go with you
Amanda: that won't be necessary but thank you for offering
She takes her new horse and goes over to the general store and Jimmy heads back to the weigh station confused and angry to boot
General Store…
Clerk: that will be $5.00 mister
Amanda removes her hat and the boy starts trying to apologize
Amanda: here you go and it's Marshal Amanda Jackson
Clerk: ma'm
Amanda makes her way back to the weigh station with her supplies. When she decides to stop for supper at the hotel. Meanwhile back at the weigh station. Kiley is starting to worry when it's almost dinner time and Amanda is no where to be found.
At the Weigh Station…
Kiley: grandpa where is Amanda?
Teaspoon: not exactly sure, where did Jimmy go to now?
Buck: he's in the bunkhouse and he's in a mood again
Teaspoon: now what happened? Jimmy get out here now
Jimmy: what did I do?
Teaspoon: where's Amanda?
Jimmy: I left her in town
Kiley: what do you mean you left her?
Jimmy: she obliviously didn't want my company so I came back here
She walks over to Jimmy and slaps him across the face and goes up to the house
Teaspoon: you need to go and look for her before I hit you too
Jimmy: fine I'll go who wants to go with me?
Noah: I'll go, where do we look first?
Jimmy: where I left her in town
In Town…
Black Horse Hotel…
Waiter: what can I get you?
Amanda: the special
Waiter: are you eating alone tonight?
Amanda: is that a problem?
Waiter: not at all I'll be right back with that
Someone outside calls out her name just as Noah and Jimmy come riding into town
Stranger: Marshal Jackson I know your in there
Amanda: what the hell is this now?
Stranger: Jackson I am calling you out
Noah: what is going on here?
Jimmy: I don't know but I can tell you it's not good
Inside Amanda straps on one of her guns and goes outside to confront the man who has interrupted her meal
Outside the hotel…
Amanda: can I help you?
Stranger: you shot and killed my brother
Amanda: your point
He reaches for his gun and Amanda grabs hers, Jimmy goes to intervene when Noah stops him
Noah: wait
The stranger fires a shot off and it hits Amanda in the arm, she shots him and he drops dead
Noah: are you alright?
Amanda: yeah I am fine, the bullet just grazed my arm
Jimmy: you know your pretty darn fast
Amanda: what are you two doing here?
Jimmy: Kiley was worried about you
Amanda: give me a second
She goes into the hotel and pays for her meal she wasn't able to eat
Noah: uh… what are we going to tell Teaspoon about what just happened?
Jimmy: you mean the garbage on the street?
Amanda comes back out of the hotel
Amanda: what happened to your face?
Jimmy: I walked into a door, it's nothing really
Noah: yeah it was a big door too
Jimmy: how's your arm?
Amanda: it's just a scratch, I will be fine. We should be getting back before anyone really starts to miss us
She mounts up and rides back to the weigh station
Noah: Jimmy really a door?
Jimmy: I didn't want to tell her that her sister hit me. Over leaving her in town
Noah: yeah lets get back
They mount up and head back to the weigh station
It's around 9pm when they get back
Bunkhouse…
Jimmy, Noah and Amanda walk in and everyone stops talking and everyone looks up
Teaspoon: Kid I would like you to meet my other granddaughter U.S. Marshal Amanda Jackson
Amanda: hi it's a pleasure to meet you
Kid is staring with his mouth open and is drooling too
Lou: please excuse him, he's another drooling fool
Amanda: it's not a problem, I run into it all the time
She goes to remove her coat and flinches, Jimmy helps her out
Jimmy: we should really have the doc look at that
Amanda: I told you, I would be fine. I just need to bandage it up
Rachel: what exactly happened?
Noah: she was called out in town
Kiley: oh god are you ok?
Amanda: yeah but he's dead
Teaspoon: your first night in town and you've already started wracking up the body count
Amanda: it was unavoidable sorry
Jimmy: I am gonna take a walk
Amanda: I'll go with you if that's ok?
Jimmy: sure
They leave the bunkhouse and they go toward the pond
At the pond…
Jimmy: tell me about yourself, I am very intrigued
Amanda: let's see where do I start?
Jimmy: how about the beginning
Amanda: well I am the oldest of two girls. I was born in Ft. Defiance, Texas, my parents Candace and Tyson raised my sister and I until they were killed in a bank robbery 6 years ago. I am 17 years old and have never been in love nor have I kissed a boy. My sister and I moved here to start fresh. I became a U.S. Marshal because of my father. He taught me everything I know and I am very grateful to him for that. My sister Kiley got married at a very young age and she had Lily, Her husband was killed in a gun fight shortly after our parents died.
Jimmy takes her hand in his
Amanda: a new journey begins for the three of us and I don't know what the future holds
Jimmy: would you ever give up being a Marshal? To settle down and raise a family?
Amanda: I would have to see where this journey takes me, now tell me about you
Jimmy: I am the youngest of three. I have two older sisters. One who lives in the Nebraska Territory while the other lives in Arizona. My parents are both dead. I also have never been truly in love
Amanda: when do you ride again?
Jimmy: do you mind if I kiss you?
Amanda: no I don't mind at all
He leans in and passionately kisses her when Teaspoon walks up behind tem
Teaspoon: uh huh, Jimmy don't you have a ride tomorrow?
Jimmy: shoot yeah, we should head back gotta get some sleep long day ahead
Amanda: of course
They walk back to the bunkhouse where Jimmy goes inside while Amanda heads up to the house
In the bunkhouse…
Kid: what's she like?
Jimmy: very interesting and don't even think about it Kid, she's already spoken for
Kid: Jimmy already staking claim
Jimmy: just shut up and go back to sleep
They both drift off to sleep
Inside the house…
Kiley: how was your walk?
Amanda: you scared me what are you still doing up?
Kiley: couldn't sleep can I ask your opinion on something?
Amanda: sure
Kiley: what do you think of Ike McSwain?
Amanda: he seems really nice, I would have to get to know him better, what do you think of Jimmy?
Kiley: he's very handsome and I think he's sweet on you
Amanda: he asked my permission to kiss me tonight
Kiley: and did you give him that permission?
Amanda: I never kiss and tell
Kiley: Amanda shame on you, how was it?
Amanda: very sweet, he's kind of a hot head but I think I can handle him
Kiley: we should get some sleep
Amanda: yeah that's a good idea
The girls head up to bed
The next morning…
Amanda is getting ready and this time she is wearing a dress. Kiley is still sleeping and Lily is with Rachel in the parlor
Rachel: that's a pretty dolly, what's her name?
Lily: Carolina
Rachel: what a pretty name
There's a knock on the door, it's Jimmy standing there with a bouquet of wild flowers
Rachel: come in
Jimmy walks in
Jimmy: Rachel these are for Amanda when she wakes up, I ma getting ready to ride out soon
Amanda comes down the stairs and into the parlor
Rachel: you look beautiful
Jimmy: she's absolutely right you are very beautiful
Amanda: thank you are those for me?
Jimmy: yes they are
He hands Amanda the flowers
Amanda: thank you, they are pretty are you riding out soon?
Jimmy: yes
Amanda: please ride safely
She stands up on her toes and kisses him
Jimmy: I will and I also will see you when I get back hopefully
Amanda: you will goodbye
Jimmy kisses her again and goes to get ready for his ride
Rachel: someone has a new beau
Amanda: we're still feeling each other out making progress
Lily: Auntie you look pruty
Amanda: thank you sweetheart
Lou is the next to know at the door
Rachel: come in
Lou: hi Rachel I wanted to see if there is anything you in Denver? Kid and I are headed out for a couple of days
Rachel: I don't think so but thank you for asking. Both of you ride safely
Lou: we will
She leaves and goes to prepare for her ride with Kid, Teaspoon rushes in
Rachel: have you ever heard of knocking?
Teaspoon: there's been an accident on of the boys was killed
Amanda: who?
Teaspoon: I am afraid it's Ike. He was trampled by his horse on his way back
Rachel: dear god where?
Teaspoon: Sweetwater, Kansas
Amanda: grandpa I am so very sorry
Teaspoon: so am I
Rachel: where's Buck?
Teaspoon: after he heard he left
Rachel: when's the service?
Teaspoon: they already had it and they buried him there
Kiley comes down the stairs still asleep
Kiley: morning what's going on?
Amanda: Ike was killed in an accident earlier this morning
Kiley looses her legs and starts to fall and Teaspoon grabs a hold of her before she hit the floor
Teaspoon: sit down here honey you've had quite a shock we all have
Lily: mama please don't cry
Kiley: baby I am ok, I promise
Amanda: honey why don't you come with me for a while . We can go and feed the horses
Lily: mama can I?
Kiley: yes baby go ahead
Amanda takes Lily out to see the horses
At the Paddock…
Lily: which one is yours?
Amanda: the black and white paint. You know he doesn't have a name. Would you like to name him?
Lily: can I?
Amanda: absolutely you can
Lily: k, how about Bailey?
Amanda: are you sure?
Lily: nope why not Merlin?
Amanda: I love that Merlin it is, thank you for naming my horse
Lily: your welcome, is mama gonna be alright?
Amanda: I think so honey she's just a little sad right now
Cody comes riding up
Cody: miss?
Amanda: U.S. Marshal Amanda Jackson and this is Lily McKenna
Cody: nice to meet you both. I am William F. Cody, everyone calls me Cody though
Amanda: nice to meet you Cody
Cody: I heard about Ike what a shame
Amanda: yeah
Teaspoon comes out of the house
Teaspoon: how was your ride?
Cody: uneventful where is everyone?
Teaspoon: Jimmy I think went to Blue Creek, Lou and Kid went to Denver, Noah is in Sweetwater and Buck no idea where he went to
Teaspoon: why don't you rest up, your our only rider at the moment until everyone gets back
Amanda: I can fill in until some of the others return
Cody: sounds good to me I am wiped out
Teaspoon: are you sure?
Amanda: yep I just need to change and I'll be ready to go
Lily: grandpa look Merlin
Teaspoon: Merlin, huh that's an unusual name. Want to come with me honey?
Lily: yes um
Amanda: it's alright I'll let your mama know where you are
Lily: k
Amanda heads up to the house to change clothes and to let Kiley know where Lily is
In the house…
Rachel: where are you off to in such a hurry?
Amanda: got a run, Lily's with grandpa and Cody
She goes upstairs to change and she straps her guns on
Kiley: I am gonna go and lie down for a while
Rachel: alright
Amanda comes back down the stairs and goes out the door
Cody: rider up
Amanda jumps on Merlin and takes off to Ft. Leramie, Missouri
Cody: wow she's good
Teaspoon: uh sorry Cody she's spoken for already
Cody: Who?
Teaspoon: Hickock
Cody: dam all the best ones are taken
Teaspoon: you'll find someone right for you just not my graddaughters
Cody: night Teaspoon
Cody goes into the bunkhouse and hits his bed. Teaspoon takes Lily into the house and then head off to his office in town.
Blue Creek…
Wild Horse Saloon…
Jimmy: Sasparilla and a sandwich
Bar Tender: $1
He pays him and Jimmy eats his food, Amanda walks in
Amanda: Hickock
Jimmy: who's asking?
He turns around
Jimmy: what are you doing here?
Amanda: I got turned around I was trying to get to Ft. Laramie and I got lost
Jimmy: that's a days ride from here
Amanda: alright I'll see you later then
Jimmy: if you would wait, I'll go with you
Amanda: yeah, I need to eat anyway, whiskey and a sandwich
Bar Tender: $1.50
Amanda pays
Jimmy: so why are you making this trip?
Amanda: there's no one else to, everyone is out
Jimmy: I heard about Ike, he was such a good guy
Amanda: yeah you ready?
Jimmy: let's ride
They leave and head to Ft. Laramie
On the trial…
Someone starts shooting at them and they take cover
Amanda: where is that coming from?
Jimmy: on that hill
They both shoot and three men fall off the cliff
Amanda: you've been shot
Jimmy's arm is bleeding, she gets up and grabs a bandage and wraps his arm
Jimmy: thanks are you ok?
Amanda: I think so, have a question for you. Are you willing to hang up your guns and settle down?
Jimmy: if I met the right lady, yeah I would
Amanda: good I am glad we should rest the horses
He kisses her and they rest the horses before continuing on their run
In Denver…
Kid: 2 rooms please
Clerk: $2.00
He pays the hotel and Lou and Kid head up to their rooms
Lou: so what do you think of Amanda?
Kid: she's nice but she's spoken for by Jimmy. They make quite the pair
Lou: that they do
Kid: I wanted to ask you something. Will you marry me?
Lou: yeah
Kid: yahoo
He kisses her and they head down to the dinning room for dinner
On the way to Ft. Laramie, Jimmy and Amanda are ½ day away and they decide to rest for the night
Amanda: you get some rest I'll go and get some firewood
Jimmy: wait I want to help
Amanda: sit down and get dinner ready
Jimmy: oh k, your not my boss
Amanda goes to collect firewood while Jimmy gets dinner ready. 20 minutes later she has gathered the firewood and he has dinner ready. They eat in silence.
Jimmy: that was good, of course I can't say much for the conversation
Amanda clears her plate and then she gets her bed ready still not speaking to Jimmy
Jimmy: now what did I do?
Amanda: nothing just leave me alone and go to sleep
She rolls over and begins crying, Jimmy goes and sits behind her and he pulls her into his chest and tries to comfort her
Jimmy: please won't you tell me what's wrong?
Amanda: it's nothing. I am just scared, I've never felt what I am feeling when I m with you
Jimmy: oh, what are you feeling?
Amanda: butterflies in my stomach, I can't stop thinking about you when your not with me. It's all to confusing and I miss my ma, she's not here to guide me through this
Jimmy: maybe you can talk to Rachel when we get back to Rock Creek
Amanda: yeah
Jimmy: it's all going to be ok, one more thing I am feeling the same way about you. Try and get some sleep
Amanda: it's gonna be hard but I will try
They drift odd to sleep, Amanda is snuggled up against Jimmy's chest and he has his arms wrapped around her
Rock Creek Weigh Station…
Rachel: where did everyone go?
Cody: we're the only ones here. Teaspoon is in town and the others are off on runs
Kiley: you must be Cody?
Cody: that's me alright
Kiley: I am Kiley McKenna and I think you already met my daughter Lily
Cody: yes I have and she's really pretty just like her mama
Kiley: why thank you Cody
Noah and Buck return from their time away
Noah: it's good to be home that was a long ride and I am wipped out
Buck: Kiley I am so sorry about Ike, I know you really liked him
Kiley: thank you
Teaspoon comes back from town
Teaspoon: Buck where in the world did you go?
Buck: I needed sometime after loosing Ike. He was my best friend
Rachel: I know and I am so very sorry
Buck: thank you
Teaspoon: now all of you have chores to do so lets get a move on
They all go about their assigned chores