Title: Vengeance

Author: Settiai

Disclaimer: "Peacemakers" and other related characters are all properties of Michael R. Joyce Productions and other related corporations. No infringement is intended. This story, such as it is, was written as a sign of respect and love for the characters, the show, and their creator. I claim no ownership of the aforementioned show and characters.

Rating: PG-13

Summary: When a wanted murderer makes his way to Silver City, it doesn't take long for him to catch Finch's eye. After he arrests the man, however, the detective soon learns that vengeance can be deadly.

Feedback: Comments and helpful criticisms are always appreciated.

E-mail: lynn_foster@settiai.com

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Teaser

With the solemnity that only a funeral could bring about, people slowly made their way out of the cemetery. For most of them, their lives would return to normal as soon as they walked away from its hallowed ground. As is with all funerals, however, there was one exception. One life would not return to normal, because normalcy had been ripped away with the suddenness of death.

"I'm sorry about your mother, Jimmy. She was a good woman."

A young man, who at age sixteen was barely more than a boy, tore his eyes away from the mound of fresh earth that lay at his feet. His sandy brown hair waved slightly in the wind as his gaze met that of Federal Marshal Jared Stone. A ghost of a smile flittered across his young face as he nodded in agreement.

"That she was, Marshal Stone. That she was."

Both men looked back at the grave, their faces almost expressionless.

"What are you planning on doing now?"

The young man, Jimmy Hutchins, slowly let his eyes move up so as to catch the marshal's gaze. His eyes flickered with uncertainty as he shrugged his shoulders.

"To tell you the truth, sir, I really don't know. Now that Ma's gone, it's more than likely that the bank will foreclose on our farm."

His eyes closed for a moment, just long enough so that he missed the sympathetic expression that briefly flashed in Stone's eyes. When he opened them again, there was a tiredness shining in them that seemed to make him appear much older than his sixteen years.

"I have a few older brothers, but I haven't heard from them in years. I hoped that... Well, I'm not exactly sure what I hoped."

Stone nodded in understanding, and he was just about to speak when a familiar voice suddenly rang out, shattering the silence. The marshal quietly sighed as Chipper Parsons ran into their view.

"Marshal Stone! You need to get back to the jail right away!"

Stone closed his eyes for just a moment, a pained expression appearing on his face. Then, in a voice that sounded almost as if he didn't want to know the answer, he asked Chipper the question that had immediately popped into his mind.

"And why is that?"

Chipper took a few breaths before looking up at the marshal with a bright-eyed expression that made him appear younger than eighteen.

"It's Detective Finch, Marshal! He arrested a man who was fighting over at Luci's, and it turns out that he's wanted for murder!"

Stone muttered a curse under his breath before turning towards Jimmy.

"Once again, I'm sorry for your loss. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

The marshal was already on his way out of the graveyard when the boy's voice rang out from behind him.

"Could I come?"

Stone and Chipper shared a quick glance before the older man shrugged.

"It's fine by me. Just stay out of our way."

Jimmy smiled slightly as Stone turned to glance in his direction, but it faded as soon as the marshal looked away. A hopeful expression lit up his face slightly, however, as he hurried to catch up with the other two men.

"Maybe, just maybe..."