The sun beamed down on the western plain as Lucky Luke helped the caravan of missionaries move across the Nevada dessert.
Luke had been in Utah when a man named Brigham Young recognized the lonesome cowboy and asked for Luke's assistance to help move his people to the town of Las Vegas.
Luke agreed not wanting the caravan to get lost in the vast Mojave dessert.
"Why couldn't have we been found by a caravan going to Florida? This heat is unbelievably unbearable"! Jolly Jumper whinnied.
Luke noticed his friends discomfort and patted Jolly on the head.
"Don't worry old pal once we get to Vegas you can take a nice long dip in the oasis". Luke said assuringly.
A fancy carriage passed by Luke catching him off guard. Luke approached Brigham who was looking at a map trying to figure out just how long it would be before the caravan reached the town.
"Hey Brigham"! Luke said trying to get the missionary's leader's attention. The man looked up a little exhausted but managed to smile.
"Mr. Luke thanks again for helping us. If it wasn't for you we'd be over cooked by now." Brigham said.
"No problem, I just want to know what's with the fancy wagon being in with a group of missionaries"? Luke asked.
Brigham looked to the carriage in question.
The carriage looked like a Wells Fargo wagon but was painted black with gold painted trimmings. On the door was an insignia of a shield split into four, each piece with its own mark: A diamond, heart, club, and spade. A giant "K" placed in the middle of the shield. The passengers inside couldn't be seen as they were hidden behind a dark green curtain.
Brigham looked back at Luke with a grin. "Those are the Kingery siblings. Their sister is a big supporter of ours and when she found out we were moving to Nevada her and her older brothers decided to join us". Brigham explained.
When the caravan finally reached Las Vegas everyone including the horses jumped into the nearby oasis. Luke stood underneath a shady tree watching the exhausted travelers enjoy the water.
Then Luke spotted a sweaty messenger heading his way.
"Message for Mr. Luke". The messenger said while panting heavily.
Luke took the letter from the messenger and gave the courier a tip. The messenger gave a quick thank you before darting off to the oasis.
Luke opened the letter.
From the Nevada State Penitentiary
Dear Mr. Luke,
We regret to inform you that the Daltons have escaped prison sometime last night. Witnesses claim to have last seen them in the Mojave desert and around the Las Vegas area. Your assistance in their capture would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Director Peabody
P.S. We have sent Rantanplan to help aid in your search.
Luke read the letter. He saw the part about Rantanplan but the hound was nowhere in sight. That was until Luke notice sand being kicked into the air. Upon closer inspection he found the dog attempting to swim through the sand.
"This water is nice and refreshing"! Rantanplan said as he continued to toss around in the sand dune.
"Let's go Rantanplan we need to catch the Daltons". Luke said
Rantanplan began following not knowing why but was sure that whatever the cowboy and horse were about to do would be interesting.
"And here I thought the dessert couldn't get any duller". Jolly mumbled to himself.
Luke approached Brigham.
"I have to go round up the Daltons. Hopefully it shouldn't take too long. I'll return to help out with the cattle and starting on the adobe." Luke said
"Oh thank you Mr. Luke. We're going to rest for a little while before we get started. We'll be starting on the crops and finding a water source first so don't feel like you have to rush." Brigham responded.
Luke nodded in approval then got on Jolly Jumper and headed off into the dessert.
After some time had passed Brigham and his people were ready to start.
"We should start on the adobe first we'll be needing shelter from the cold dessert night and the local wildlife". Came a voice.
Brigham turned around to see the second eldest Kingery sibling Robert stand before him.
Robert was a slim framed man with black slick backed hair with a few gray hairs and handlebar mustache. His clothing was that of a man of high standing even including a top hat and cane.
He approached Brigham. Robert's steps kept in rhythm with each tap of the cane. His eyes concentrated on the man in front of him.
Brigham immediately felt intimidated by the taller man. Robert's posture made Brigham feel small and inferior. Soon Robert stood before the man, his shadow overcasting Brigham.
After a few seconds Brigham finally managed to speak up.
"B...but we were going to wait until Luke got back". Brigham protested.
"I'm sure Mr. Luke will understand". Robert responded.
"And your sure building the adobe first is a good idea"? Brigham asked.
"As the founder of a soon to be well known architect company I can assure you Mr. Brigham that focusing on the adobe first would be a great investment for you and your followers". Robert assured.
"B..Bu ..But what about the food, water, and livestock? The supplies we have left over will probably last us a month at the most!" Brigham protested.
Robert Kingery seemed to have taken Brigham's concern into consideration. Robert stood there in deep thought before speaking.
"How about this you put me and my siblings in charge and each of us will take care of an individual task that way all of the projects should be finished around the same time. Does that sound like a good deal"? Robert asked offering his hand in agreement.
Brigham looked at Robert Kingery's hand in hesitation, not knowing what to do.
Finally with as much bravery as he could muster Brigham reached out and shook Robert's hand.
"D..Deal". Brigham said shakily.
Moments later Robert notified his siblings about the arrangements he had made with Brigham and asked all of them to meet up in a makeshift tent to discuss what needed to be done and which sibling would handle one of main task Brigham was concerned with.
First to arrive was Tony the eldest sibling. He wore a fancy brown suit but lacked the top hat and cane. He had light brown hair with a scruffy beard bearing a strip of gray running through it. Next to arrive was Ace the youngest male of the group and the second youngest out of the siblings. His hair was jet black with hardly any gray and appeared shaggy and untamed. Ace had a few prickles of black hair on the upper part of his lip while a thin slice of beard adorned his chin. One wouldn't be able to tell that Ace was of high standing from the clothes he wore. They were average workman's clothes like that of a railroad worker minus the soot.
Robert looked around and notice they were one sibling short.
"Where is Robin"? Robert asked.
"She's in one of her moods but she will be with us shortly". Ace answered.
"Again? She needs to get over it! It's been a few decades since the incident she needs to move on"! Tony complained.
"That's enough Tony"! Robert roared.
Just then the sound of the tent flap opening caught the trio's attention and they fell silent.
A woman had entered the tent. She was wearing a pale pink dressed laced with black ruffles and laces with pink roses made of fabric adorning the center of the chest and the left and right side of the lower portion of the dress. She wore a bonnet of the same fashion. The only part of her that was exposed was her face. She had the face of a porcelain doll if they had the ability to age and in a graceful manner. Her eyes were red and puffy a sign that the woman had been crying before her entrance.
"Robin". Robert said quickly rushing to his sister's side.
He helped Robin to a chair.
"Now that everyone is here shall we get down to business"? Tony asked.
"Yes, now would be a good time. Are you feeling well enough for this Robin"? Ace asked.
Robin did not look up to her brother but she responded with a nod in agreement.
The siblings began their meeting by first discussing who would take care of the adobe. Robert quickly chose this task with plans of even expanding the adobe and adding other buildings and possibly creating a settlement. Tony agreed to tending to the cattle, he even suggested expanding a nearby railroad to reach the settlement. Ace looked like he was about to speak up but changed his mind. Ace was given the task to manage the water while Robin was left to care for the crops.
"Are you okay with handling the food Robin"? Robert asked.
Again Robin only gave a nod.
"Well I'm not okay with any of this." Ace interrupted.
Robert and Tony looked at their youngest brother in surprise before Tony got upset.
"Why not"?! Tony bellowed.
"Because of this"! Ace responded as he pulled out an arrowhead.
"I found this while we were resting at the oasis. This land belongs to the native Paiute tribe we have no business being here! Ace continued.
"Then why didn't they confront us when we arrived"? Tony asked.
"We probably scared them off in our mad dash to escape from the heat, but it won't be long before they return to evict us off their land". Ace responded.
"Then will chase them off simple as that". Tony retorted.
Ace gave Tony a look of shock and disgust.
"That'll just cause more conflict! Do you want to start a war? Haven't the Paiute tribe been through enough?" Ace yelled.
Things went downhill from there. Ace and Tony kept arguing about the Paiutes later followed by Robert joining the argument once he found out Tony's plan for the railroad would run right through the area Robert had planned to build the settlement. Soon all three of the brothers were arguing with each other over the territory and what to do with it. At one point one of the brothers had asked for Robin's input. Barley above a whisper Robin agreed with Ace about leaving the land to the Paiutes but her response had seemed to have fallen onto deaf ears.
The three Kingery's stood around the table each ready to pounce on the other until Robert thought of something.
"Since we seem to all be in a disagreement how about this." Robert said as he took a quill with ink and on the map he used the ink to split the area into four.
"Each one of us will control a piece of territory. Ace since you're so fond of the Paiutes you can have the land closest to their territory." Robert said.
"This is ridiculous". Ace said.
He was about to leave before he turned back to face Robin.
"If you need anything sister you are more than welcomed in my territory. I'll be helping the Paiutes so I'll let them know you're my guest". Ace said.
He gave his older brothers a stern look before finally leaving.
"Now that we got that settled. Robin dear you'll be given the territory closest to the creek" Robert said as he marked down Robin's area with a heart.
"The next area contains the town of Las Vegas. Tony I know you have an interest in this area as I so we will see who gets this section through a coin toss". Robert said.
"Sounds fair enough". Tony replied.
The brothers decided to place Robin as the judge. She took out a quarter and flipped it in the air. Tony had called out tails while Robert called heads. With grace Robin caught the coin in the palm of her hand.
"Heads, Robert wins". Robin said.
Tony looked upset at the news but managed to calm himself down. He shook Robert's hand in congratulations before leaving.
Once the rest of the group had found out about the Kingery's split up they began arguing with one another. Each had their own opinion on which Kingery was right. Some agreed with Ace feeling like they should return to Utah and leave the land to the Paiutes. Others agreed with Robert wanting to settle down and make a town of their own. A few agreed with Tony on expanding the railroad thus creating more jobs. The rest of the group consisted of family's and they felt like Robin not wanting to get caught up in the disagreement.
Brigham seeing his people bicker and argue tried to step in and stop the fighting.
"Please everyone listen to me we don't have to fight! We can all come together and fix all of this. Please think about what you are doing"! Brigham begged.
The crowd just ignored Brigham as they passed by him and headed in the direction of the Kingery of their choice.
"Can't you see this will end in war? We can prevent this if we all just stop and stick to the original plan" Brigham cried out.
The crowd continued to ignore their former leader until he was left alone.
The next few days became chaotic as the groups gathered with their respected leader and began to build their own settlements.
Ace had managed to make peace with the Paiutes and had started drawing up plans on how to get the other groups off the land. Tony had his people construct a steel refinery to start production on the materials needed for the railroad. Robert had entered the town of Las Vegas and started to buy off the town as well as win the rest of the town in a card game against the mayor. Under Robert's rule he expanded Vegas's casino business and expand the territory until it reached the end of his borders. Robin's settlement had become a neutral zone providing food and water to the other settlements as long as they behaved when they entered her borders. For the most part Robin had stuck with Brigham original idea with the adobe. The extras she added were individual housing and larger areas for food, water, and livestock.
Although the settlements were making great progress not everything was fine within the territories. Ace and the Paiutes would stage raids on Tony and Robert's territory trying to force the others to leave while Robert and Tony would open fire on Ace and the other brother. Robin seemed to be the only one spared from the attacks, but her people were on edge whenever someone from one of the other territories stopped by for supplies. It didn't take long for all of the territories to be on edge wondering when the other was going to do something.
Meanwhile on the outskirts of the territories the Dalton brothers had managed to escape the Mojave desert but had managed to attract the attention of Rantanplan who was currently pursuing them.
"Hey Joe when are we gonna stop running? I'm getting hungry and it's very warm out here". Averell said.
"Quite Averell! We're still being followed by that dumb dog and I'm sure Lucky Luke isn't that far behind. Once we get that mutt off our trail we'll rob a nearby general store for some supper". Joe said.
"Oh goodie! I hope they have canned potato stew as good as the one back at the penitentiary". Averell said happily.
The four brothers continued their escape running towards any nearby settlement they could find. As they ran Jack noticed a wooden sign that had nothing but a black spade painted on it.
"Hey Joe did you see that sign back there"? Jack asked.
"Yeah what of it"? Joe replied.
"Isn't it weird that all it had on it was a spade? What could it mean"? Jack asked.
"That is weird". William said in agreement.
"It's probably an indicator for a casino which means were getting close to civilization"! Joe said excitedly he had enough of the dessert for several lifetimes.
"If not at least we can get something to eat there". Averell said.
"Averell shut up". Joe said in annoyance.
From behind Joe could hear some sort of shouting.
"Averell I thought I told you to clam it"! Joe yelled.
"But Joe it wasn't me, it was those Indians". Averell replied.
Joe looked further behind the group to see a group of Paiutes perusing them.
"Indians"! Joe yelled.
The Daltons quickly bolted trying to get as far away from the Paiutes as physically possible. The brothers soon passed by another sign except this one contained a black club on it. Once the Paiutes saw the sign they quickly stopped in their tracks.
"Huh? They stopped chasing us"? Joe said in confusion.
The Daltons were only able to pause for a second before a loud train whistle caught their attention. The brothers had ended up on a train track with a locomotive heading their way. The Daltons quickly jumped off the tracks just in the nick of time as the train came barreling through just seconds later.
"Let's get out of here"! Joe yelled.
The Daltons ran through a nearby steel factory doing their best to avoid tripping over steel girts and avoiding running into the metal chains that hung from the ceiling. Once they managed to exit the factory the Daltons once again picked up their pace but not before seeing another sign this time though it had a red diamond.
"What is with these things"! Joe yelled now agitated at their predicament.
The area the Daltons found themselves in was a town. Seeing this, the brothers finally slowed down relieved at the chance to rest.
"What on earth is going on here"? Jack questioned.
"I don't know and I don't care, for now let's rest up and then we'll grab ourselves some guns and rob a few stores for supplies before heading out again". Joe said.
A man nearby notice the four and walked up to them.
"Hey aren't you four the notorious Dalton gang"? The man asked.
"Yeah what's it to you"? Joe said in annoyance.
The man gave a sly smirk before signaling a larger group of men to join him.
"Turns out Robert Kingery put a pretty penny on your boy's heads". The man said as he pulled out a wanted poster for the Daltons.
The four brothers starred in amazement at their wanted poster. Their bounties had nearly tripled its original amount.
"Why does Mr. Kingery want us? Usually no one wants anything to do with us until we've done something bad". Averell said.
(Gasp) "Did we do something bad already"? Averell asked.
"Averell"! His brothers hissed lowly.
The men around them chuckled.
"No, but I'm pretty sure Robert wants you four so he can prosecute the lot of you then hang you just so he can brag that he was the man who brought down the Dalton gang". The man said.
"Hanged"! The Daltons shouted shaking where they stood.
"Yup, now stay nice and still and we'll make this easy for..." The man paused noticing the Daltons had dashed off.
"After them"! The man yelled.
The Daltons ran as fast as their legs could carry them. Joe was having trouble keeping pace and had to put in extra strength in order to keep up with his brothers.
The brothers only stopped when they noticed another sign up ahead with a red heart painted on it.
"Another one? What is with these stupid signs"! Joe shouted as he grabbed the sign and tried to yank it out of the ground.
"Calm down Joe". Said Jack.
"Calm down Joe". Said William.
Joe took a deep breath in and slowly let it out.
"Okay I'm calm, Averell are those guys still after us"? Joe asked.
"No, but this nice lady made me a sweater out of rope". Averell replied.
Joe looked up to see that his younger brother had been tied up by a woman who was only a foot away.
The older woman was of African descent and had her curly pepper hair tied in a pony tale. She wore what appeared to be a military uniform with white pants and a dark blue jacket with golden yellow buttons.
"You three stay there". The mystery woman said in a cold stern voice.
The remaining three brothers did as the woman asked. There was something about her that made the Dalton's fear the woman.
The stranger quickly tied the others up then dragged them into the settlement that had only been identified by a red heart.
As they entered the settlement the Daltons noticed that its people consisted mostly of families all of whom were currently hiding in their makeshift homes trying to stay out of sight from the Daltons.
"So what are you gonna do with us"? Joe asked the mystery woman.
She glanced back at Joe before returning her focus forward.
"That ain't for me to decide. Robin Kingery runs this part of town so she'll more than likely be deciding your fates". The woman replied.
The mystery woman could feel the Daltons tension through the rope.
"Quit your quivering, Mrs. Kingery ain't an executor at the worse she'll have you four booked in prison". The woman replied.
At that news all four of the brothers gave a big sigh in relief.
Up ahead was a modest two story 1800's house with a covered porch big enough to be a sitting area.
"We're here; please wipe your feet before entering". The woman said.
The Daltons did as they were told and entered the house. They made it to an engraved wooden door on the second floor before the woman paused.
"Now I must advise you that Mrs. Kingery hasn't been in the best of moods as of late. Although she poses no threat to you if I hear you four causing her any distress I will toss you back into Robert's territory. Understand"? The woman said.
"Yes mam"! The Daltons replied as they remembered that Robert Kingery wanted them hanged.
The woman knocked on the door.
"Robin are you in? I found the Dalton gang trespassing in your territory". The woman said.
There was a pregnant pause before a soft voice from the other side of the door spoke up.
"I'm here Renee, please let them in". The voice said.
The mystery woman now identified as Renee opened the door and ushered the brothers inside. Once inside Renee closed the door behind them causing the brothers to jump.
In front of them was Robin, this time without her bonnet. Robin's bun was loose leaving strands of her black hair hanging out as well as a streak of gray. Robin sat behind a beautiful oak desk her eyes facing downward.
Once she noticed the Daltons Robin quickly sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes before addressing the brothers.
"Sorry for the mess everything around here has been quite chaotic since the split up, please have a seat". Robin said.
The Daltons sat on the fancy couch that lay in front of Robin's desk. The brothers gave a look of confusion and concern to one another.
"I don't know about this Joe, this gal looks like she is about to crack". Jack whispered to Joe.
"Shh! As long as she isn't going to put a rope around our necks I'm fine with the mess". Joe replied.
The two brothers turned their attention back to Robin as she spoke up.
"Now Renee said you four are the Dalton gang and that she found you trespassing"? Robin asked.
"Um yeah...But only because we were running from Robert's men who were wanting to hang us". Joe said.
Robin let out a deep sigh.
"Robbie"! Robin said softly.
"I'm sorry to hear that you boys had to go through that and although I can excuse you for trespassing I can't let you go do to your actions as the Daltons". Robin said.
Robin got up from her chair and made her way to the front of the desk facing the Daltons.
"As punishment for your crimes I...I". Robin trailed off.
The Daltons watched as the older woman slumped to the floor crying.
"I can't do this"! Robin cried.
"I didn't want to be put in charge of a settlement! I only came to Nevada in hopes of finding my..my". Robin continued.
Averell picking up on the distress from Robin got up and knelt by the crying woman placing his hand gently on her shoulder. The remaining brothers tensed up afraid that Robin would scream with Averell being so close to her thus attracting the attention of Renee.
"Averell get back here you idiot"! Joe said through clenched teeth.
Joe glanced over to Jack and William whose eyes were glued to the door expecting Renee to burst in at any moment. Joe's attention then went back to Averell who began to speak up.
"Finding your what Mrs. Robin"? Averell asked.
"My baby"! Robin bellowed tears streaming down her face.
"My beautiful baby boy, my nightmares had been getting better lately and I had hoped that was a sign that I was getting close to him". Robin sobbed.
"You lost your baby! That must've been horrifying! I know I would be horrified if I had gotten separated from my Ma". Averell said.
"My brothers keep saying I need to move on, but something inside of me keeps telling me he's alive". Robin said.
Joe watched as Averell continued to listen to Robin. Joe felt bad for the woman he really did but right now he had more pressing issues to focus on rather than finding a rich woman's kid.
Joe's thoughts soon paused on that sentence, Robin was the owner of this piece of land and that meant her word was law. If Joe could somehow win favor with the youngest Kingery sibling then maybe she would award the brothers amnesty. The gears in Joe's head began turning as he thought of ways to accomplish this though one solution was obvious.
Joe approached Robin who had been calmed down by Averell.
"Listen, Mrs. Robin I'd like strike a deal with you". Joe said.
Robin looked down at Joe in confusion.
"A deal"? Robin asked.
"Yes, my brothers and I will go out and search for your son. If we find him then in return we'd like to be granted amnesty and sanctuary in your part of the territory. Does that sound fair"? Joe asked.
Robin thought on Joe's words deeply. These men were criminals but Averell seemed very kind for an outlaw. Robin would do anything to have her baby back but she needed to be smart and not risk the safety of her people.
"I'll only agree on these conditions. First, you four are not to commit any crime whatsoever while in my town. Second, Renee will oversee the four of you and whatever order she gives needs to be followed and finally, you are not to harm one hair on my son if you happen to find him". Robin said firmly.
Joe looked back at his brothers who all nodded in agreement.
"Deal"! Joe said as he shook hands with Robin.
Robin smiled a bit as the hope of being reunited with her boy returned.
While all of this was going down Averell had been exploring the room looking at all the shelves. He came across a book shelf that contained what to Averell looked like a flute. Suddenly finding an interest in it Averell took the strange flute and stashed it away in his shirt.
Before their departure Robin tried her best to give a description of her soon though it was hard to since she lost him a few decades ago and wouldn't know what he'd look like after so much time had past. The best she could do was describe her son's eye and hair color along with the estimate of how old he would be at this point in time.
And with that the Daltons headed off.
"Joe, why did we agree to this? Mrs. Robin's son could be anywhere in the world right now"! Jack said.
"Yeah we'd have an easier time finding a needle in a haystack". William agreed.
"Well what else was I supposed to do? Just allow Robin to hand us in to Lucky Luke or let Renee toss us back into Robert's territory"? Joe said.
"Besides even if we don't find Robin's kid this'll buy us some time to figure out a way to loose Lucky Luke". Joe added.
By this time Lucky Luke had returned from his search for the Daltons. He decided to take a break and return to check on Brigham and the others.
"That green poodle sure had a nasty temper". Rantanplan said.
"That's because that poodle was a cactus". Jolly replied.
The trio continued forward until Luke noticed a man slumped down in the sand crying.
"Brigham"? Luke asked the disheveled man.
He looked up to the cowboy before managing to get to his feet.
"Oh Mr. Luke it was horrible absolutely horrible! I didn't know where to begin on the adobe project so I enlisted the aid of the Kingery siblings, but they took things way out of line. Before I knew it the siblings had my own followers abandoning me and starting their own settlements. Now the entire Mojave is in a huge battle"! Brigham said.
"Wait the Kingery's are fighting each other"? Luke said surprised.
"Yes and it's all my fault! I wasn't the strong leader my people needed"! Brigham cried.
Luke focused his gaze on the area containing the four territories before turning his attention back to Brigham.
"I'll go see what's going on. Got any advice on which sibling I should talk to first"? Luke asked.
"Try Tony his territory is the one marked by a black club. Just follow the train tracks you can't miss it". Brigham said.
And with that Luke headed off into the direction Brigham had pointed out.
"Averell put that thing away"! Joe yelled.
Averell had been fixated on trying to get the flute to work but it appeared that there was something stuck inside.
"I just wanted us to have some music while we were travelling". Averell said.
"That ruckus is going to draw attention dummy, now put it away"! Joe ordered.
"Well I think some music would be nice right about now". Came a voice.
The Daltons froze on the spot, they knew that voice.
"Grr Lucky Luke"! Joe yelled.
The Daltons quickly drew out their firearms. All except Averell, who had returned to trying to get the flute to work.
With ease Luke was able to disable the three brothers with a single bullet.
"Come on let's get you four back to the prison. I still need to talk to the Kingery siblings about this feud and get them to stop it". Luke said.
Luke began tying up Joe.
"So what were you four doing out here anyway? This place seems a bit far off to rob a bank". Luke asked.
"For your information cowboy we were trying to help stop this feud by helping Mrs. Kingery reunite with her kid". Joe replied.
By now Luke had moved on to tying up William before looking back to Joe.
"You got in trouble and made a deal with her didn't you"? Luke said.
"Yup". Replied Jack.
"Yup". Replied William.
"Whose side are you guys on"! Joe said angrily.
Luke laughed at this.
"You could have fooled me Joe; I thought you four had gone off to win it big in Vegas". Luke said.
"C'mon Averell your next". Luke said as he approached Averell to tie him up.
"I think I almost fixed the flute"! Averell said happily.
He took in a deep breath before Luke noticed the flute in Averell's possession.
"Averell wait that's not a flute that's a blow-"!
Luke was cut off as Averell exhaled freeing the dart that was stuck inside. It shot out from the blow gun with tremendous force. The three ties up Dalton brothers ducked down as the dart whizzed past them. The dart soon bounced off a rock before passing the brothers again. Luke tried to take aim but the dart was ricocheting off various rocks and cactuses it was making it hard to concentrate. Luke could see his shadow it looked panicked like it was trying to warn him of something but before Luke could turn around he felt something pinch the back of his shoulder. The dart had hit him.
Luke's vision began to blur as he quickly realized that Averell had gotten a blow gun with a tranquilizer dart that had been loaded inside. Luke tried his best to fight to keep conscious but the effects of the dart won and Luke fell to the soft sand knocked out.
The Daltons looked at Luke in disbelief.
"Did...Did we just beat Lucky Luke"? Asked William.
Joe walked up to Luke and with his foot gave the cowboy a few probes to Luke's ribs. Luke didn't respond.
"He's out cold". Joe said.
It took Joe a few seconds to process what just happened before a huge grin spread on his face.
"Lucky Luke's out cold! HA HA! This is our chance! Averell untie me quick"! Joe said happily.
Once Averell undid his brothers binds Joe quickly ran over and grabbed his gun.
"I've been waiting for a chance like this for a long time"! Joe said as he pointed the gun at Luke.
"Adios cowboy"! Joe said smugly.
"Hey Joe". Averell interrupted.
"Averell can't this wait until later"! Joe said.
"I don't think it can if you're planning to take Luke out". Averell replied.
Joe let out a loud moan.
"Fine Averell what is it"? Joe asked.
"I was gonna say why don't we take Lucky Luke back to Mrs. Robin"? Averell asked.
Joe's eyes bulged in fury.
"Are you crazy? This is the perfect opportunity for use to rid ourselves of this cowboy and you want to just pass it up"? Joe yelled.
"Well yeah. Lucky Luke fits the description Mrs. Robin gave us. Why don't we take him back to her"? Averell asked.
"Why why"? Joe steamed.
"Because he's Lucky Luke"! Joe yelled as loud as he could.
Averell looked sadly disappointed.
"But we made a deal with Mrs. Robin to help her find her son. C'mon Joe how would you feel if Ma got lost? Wouldn't you want someone to find her and bring her back home"? Averell asked.
Joe began to tear up at the thought.
"F..Fine, but if Luke isn't Robin's kid I'm taking him deep into the desert and finishing him off"! Joe proclaimed as he wiped the tears from his face.
Averell and William picked Luke up and placed him on top of Jolly Jumper.
"Wake up cowboy, I don't know what the Daltons are planning but knowing them it isn't going to be good". Jolly said hoping that at any moment the lonesome cowboy would wake up.
"Shouldn't we tie Luke up"? Asked Jack.
"We can't we promised Robin not to bring harm to her son if we found him". Joe replied.
With that the Daltons headed back to Robin's territory.
Robin was back at her desk sorting out papers and writing up topics for the first settlement meeting she had planned for that week. Robin had found herself in a slightly better mood then she had been since the split up of her brothers. As she continued her work when a knock came from her door.
"Come in". Robin said.
"Good evening Mrs. Robin". The Daltons replied as they walked in.
"Hello again Dalton brothers. How is your mission going"? Robin asked.
"Well Mrs. Robin I think we might have found a contender, bring him in boys". Joe said as he signaled Averell and William.
The two brothers came in with Luke still out cold in their arms.
"Robin meet Lucky Luke the lonesome cowboy". Joe said.
Robin looked at the cowboy with a worried look.
"Is he alright"? She asked.
"Oh yes he just had an accident with a tranquilizer dart that's all". Joe said.
Averell and William placed Luke on the couch.
Robin walked up to the cowboy to get a better look. She gently held Luke's face observing every detail.
Joe stood on the side sweating with anticipation.
"So...Are we off to a good start"? Joe asked.
Robin didn't respond instead she just stood in front of Luke shaking.
"I..I need a second opinion". Robin said shakily.
With that Robin yelled out for her friend Renee. The woman's footsteps could be heard rushing towards the room. Out of fear the Daltons quickly braced for impact as Renee entered the room.
"Robin! Are you alright"? Renee asked.
Robin signaled for her friend to come closer and pointed to Luke.
"Renee doesn't he look like him"? Robin whispered.
Renee glanced over at Luke focusing on the cowboy before speaking.
"I can't say for sure. Let's bring him into the guest bedroom so I can take a closer look at him". Renee said.
Renee looked over to Averell and William signaling them to pick Luke up and follow her to the bedroom.
As the group made their way to the bedroom Jack looked over to Robin.
"Um Mrs. Robin why do you need Renee to help you confirm if Lucky Luke is your son"? Jack asked.
"Renee was my mid wife when I gave birth to my boy, besides my husband and me Renee would be the only other one who would be able to recognize my baby. Plus, I do tend to get a bit overexcited at the chance that I might have possibly found my child". Robin said blushing out of embarrassment at her last statement.
Once they entered the guest bedroom Luke was placed on the bed where Renee began her observation.
Outside Rantanplan had managed to find his way back into Robin's territory currently looking for Lucky Luke.
"Gee I wonder where that cowboy ran off to? I bet I can find him better from up here". Rantanplan said as he climbed onto Robin's roof.
Rantanplan noticed the window nearby and looked in. Inside he found Renee poking and prodding the cowboy. At this sight Rantanplan became hysterical.
"Oh no Lucky Luke has been taken by aliens and their experimenting on him! Quick someone help"! Rantanplan barked as he jumped off the roof into a haystack before running into the night.
Jolly Jumper was in the nearby stable pacing back and forth in worry, ignoring the dog's constant barking.
"Please be okay cowboy". Jolly said as he gazed up at the light coming from the second story window.
Inside Renee had been checking the shape of Luke's ears.
"Hmm... Ears match". Renee mumbled to herself.
She then ruffled through Luke's hair before finally moved to Luke's eye carefully opening Luke's eyelid.
"Interesting". Renee stated.
"Renee is it really him"? Robin asked hopefully.
The other woman stood up to her full height before turning to face her friend and the Daltons.
"We've seen many people who claimed to be Robin's son, but Lucky Luke appearance wise matches up 100%". Renee said.
"Wahoo"! The Daltons cheered.
Robin stood there hands covering her mouth as gentle tears rolled down her cheeks.
"So does this mean Luke is Robin's baby"? Averell asked.
"I want to say yes but we can't just go by looks alone". Renee said.
Renee walked up to her friend and placed her hands on Robin's shoulders.
"Robin I know you want to find your son badly and I really want you to find him too, but just because Mr. Luke looks like him doesn't mean he is your boy. I'm not saying this to be cruel I just don't want you to get badly hurt if Luke turns out not to be the one". Renee said in a sympathetic tone.
"I understand, but how will we be able to finally determine if he's my son or not"? Robin asked.
"I don't know what else we can do besides question Luke when he wakes up, but if we think of something else will try it". Renee said.
Robin nodded her head in agreement before hugging her friend before addressing the Daltons.
"This is the first time we have ever come to finding my baby and for that I am truly grateful to you four. As a token of my appreciation I'd like to host a banquet in the Daltons honor". Robin said.
"Thank you Mrs. Robin". Said the Daltons, with a big smile on their faces.
"Finally food"! Averell said happily before rushing out the room.
Renee and the others followed in a calm manner leaving Robin alone in the room.
She placed a blanket over Luke before blowing out the candle. Just as she was about to leave the room she turned back to face the cowboy.
"Good night Luke". Robin said before finally exciting the room and closing the door behind her.