AN: Thanks Cal Gal for reading it and finding my typos and thanks for the help with the title!
THE NIGHT OF THE SHOCKING DECEPTION
He alternated between singing and humming until it drove the guards beyond their endurance. One of the guards pounded on the prison wagon wall and threatened to pull the wagon over and shoot him if that's what it took to shut him up. Good, they are getting good and mad at me. Keep pushing Miguelito…keep pushing…soon you'll have them so upset they won't want to be anywhere near you, the prisoner thought with a smile as he went back to his singing.
"Hey, pal, Jeremy told me I'd find you out here," James West, Secret Service Agent said to his partner, Artemus Gordon.
"Just because I can't ride Mesa doesn't mean I can't curry her," Artie replied forlornly as he brushed his horse.
"That's true. But don't worry by the time we get to Washington you should be able to sit a horse again,"
"Since when does it take this train three weeks to get from Denver to Washington?" Artie stopped brushing his steed to stare at his partner.
"Since we have to stop in Kansas City on a storm delay. We'll be held up there until the storm passes and the way is cleared."
"Kansas City…Uh…partner…this train isn't headed to Kansas City…is it? Just what are you up to James?" Artie wanted to know.
"Nothing, Alex rerouted us to get below the heavy winter storms up in the Dakotas but it seems we're getting stuck by Old Man Winter anyway. There's a massive storm blanketing most of the Mid West."
"And the fact that the prison wagon carrying Dr. Loveless was routed through Kansas City had nothing whatsoever to do with that decision did it?" Artie glared at him.
"Is that the route the Army's taking with Loveless…it had completely slipped my mind," Jim replied with a smile.
"James, my boy, you do invite trouble," Artie chuckled as he put the curry brush away and fed his steed some oats.
"Not on purpose, Artie. But come on, you have to agree it was the right thing to do," Artie glared at him not wanting to follow his partner's convoluted logic.
"Look at it this way, pal. If we know Loveless as well as I think we do; if he's going to make a break for it this storm delay is where he'll do it.
And you figure the United States Army can't guard him just because a few snow flakes are falling?" Artie smiled.
"Well, it's not that exactly…"
"James, what pot of boiling water are you planning on dipping us into?" Artie asked as they headed back to the parlor car.
"You won't like it, pal."
"I already don't like it but suppose you tell me as opposed to me finding out when it's too late to voice my objections that probably won't be listened to anyway."
"We know Loveless better than anyone don't we? So I figure that if he does escape while we're here we would be the most likely ones to after him."
"And you think the Colonel will follow your convoluted logic?" Artie asked doubtfully.
"He'll have to. You know Loveless won't be able to resist rubbing our noses in his escape," Jim beamed.
"And?"
"And when he does it will be us he contacts…"
And?" Artie questioned him further knowing he wouldn't like the answer.
"When Loveless makes contact you know he will no doubt request it be us who deals with him."
"Jim, you ought to have your head examined. We got Jeremy suspended, we got ourselves suspended not to mention very nearly fired and now you want to go off tailing the very man we have been ordered to steer clear of. I think we're in so deep even
Great Aunt Maude couldn't help us if we get in any more trouble."
"I just know our old friend Loveless and I know that the Colonel won't be able to say no."
"You know, Jim it must be real interesting seeing the world from that side of your brain," Artie grinned at his partner as the entered the parlor car.
"Hello, James, Artemus!" Jeremy called out a greeting as he rose from the desk, shoving the telegraph key back into place.
"Hello, Jeremy," Artie and Jim replied in unison, "So, what's up?" Artie asked, gesturing to the telegraph.
"Just received a weather report. It's not looking good anywhere in the Mid West. We could be held up in Kansas City as long as a week or more. This is one bad snow storm," Jeremy replied.
"Guess our route back to Washington wouldn't have matter then," Artie said glancing at his partner, "But if I had to be snowed in I'd much rather it be here than out in the middle of nowhere up in the Dakotas."
"You and me both, pal," Jim said, "At least here there's things to do."
"Not that many things for you, pal. You're still banned from the ladies," Artie winked at Jeremy, glad for a chance to tease his partner.
"They can't honestly count this as part of our suspension if we are stranded here…can they?" Jim looked shocked while Artie and Jeremy merely laughed.
"You know the President, Jim…he'd say yes just to hear you scream!" Artie laughed.
"Don't worry, James. If push comes to shove I'm sure you're silver-tongued partner there can talk the powers that be into just about anything," Jeremy said as they sat down to supper.
"I heard soldiers talking, boss. We will be delayed in Kansas City…could be for as long as a week."
"Good, Voltaire, very good. My men should be in position in a day or two. Until then we'll just sit tight."
"Yes, boss. And, boss, I also heard that the snow is bad all the way up north to Canada and some fancy train has been detoured here."
"A fancy train? Oh, Voltaire you know what that means?"
"Mr. West and Mr. Gordon?"
"Yes, there is only one fancy train that I am aware of that would interest the Army. Oh, this is a pleasant development indeed. If this plan goes well Voltaire, you'll get another shot at our dear Mr. West."
"And Mr. Gordon?"
"Mustn't be greedy, Voltaire. Why would you want them both?"
"Mr. Gordon held a gun to you."
"Ah, Voltaire, protective to the end. I made a wise decision when I chose you. As you wish then. Once we escape you can bet West and Gordon will find a way to get in on the chase and when the time comes you shall have them both," Voltaire smiled broadly.
TWO DAYS LATER –
"Just sitting here watching the snow pile up is enough make a man insane!" Artie grumped as he stared out the window, "It's not even fit weather for a man to make his way to a saloon."
"Cheer up, pal. At least we're catching up on our sleep like we are supposed to and you're ribs are getting a break too," Jim tried to cheer his partner's dreary mood.
"If I sleep any more I'm afraid I may never be able to sleep properly again. No way can I take another week or two of this."
"Maybe you won't have to, Artemus," Jeremy said.
"The latest weather report says there should be a break in the snowfall starting tomorrow. It will still take a few days to clear the tracks but at least with a break in the storm we can go out."
"That is the best news I've heard all day!" Artie grinned, "Not that I mind the company of you two gentlemen…but it would be nice to see other faces for a change."
"The feelings mutual, pal," Jim commented with a smile, "Any news on the Loveless transportation?"
As if on cue the telegraph erupted in a fury of clicks. Artie turned from the window and pulled the key out to send an acknowledgement when Jeremy took the key from him, gently reminding him he was still restricted from work of any kind. Artie just rolled his eyes and moved out of the way after handing Jeremy the paper and pencil.
"Voltaire, after dark I want my plan to go into action…can you get word to our Army friend?" Loveless whispered to his companion.
"Yes, boss," Voltaire answered quietly.
"Hush up back there!" The guard yelled as he pounded on the side of the wagon.
Loveless and Voltaire huddled together in the middle of the wagon under the pretext of being cold, which they were, this gave them a chance to discuss their escape.
Darkness fell and Loveless warned Voltaire to be ready. He waited until supper had been served then he instructed Voltaire to put the bread in his pockets as they didn't know how long it would be until they would meet up with his henchmen. Loveless slipped down from his bench and grabbed his stomach and began screaming.
"Guard, get a doctor, this man is sick!" Voltaire shouted.
The guard ran to the medical tent and brought back the doctor. They moved Voltaire to the ground outside the wagon, guarded by two well-armed soldiers. The doctor entered the wagon and bent over Loveless. The little man moaned and held onto his stomach. The doctor tried to pry his hands apart when a plume of gray smoke billowed up, striking the doctor full in the face.
The doctor coughed, scrunched his face and toppled over. Loveless pushed him off and grabbed his medical bag. Searching through it Loveless found what he was looking for. He reached in and carefully removed the scalpel. He cut his ropes and pocketed the scalpel and a few other items from the medical bag. Then he made his way to the door and slowly opened it.
When Voltaire saw his boss stick his head through he pulled his hands up and over the nearest guard's head and proceeded to strangle him until the guard slumped unconscious to the ground.
Voltaire searched his pockets and found the keys to his handcuffs, grabbing them and reaching up to put Loveless on his shoulder, he nodded to the remaining guard and moved toward him. The guard lowered his rifle and stood still as Voltaire hit him. The guard crumpled to the ground as Voltaire took off in the direction of the woods, Loveless clutching his shoulder like a vise grip. They disappeared into the forest amid shouts from the camp.
Jeremy quickly tapped the acknowledgement and began to take down the message. Artie stopped and leaned on the mantle to hear. The lines in Jeremy's face hardened as he decoded the message, Artie's face showed almost no emotion at all. When the message was completed Jeremy returned the telegraph key and looked at his fellow agents.
"Looks like you were right, James," Jeremy said stoically.
"Of course he was right. What else could Washington expect? It is Loveless we're talking about. And we DID warn the Colonel something like this would happen."
"Calm down, Artie…" Jim began.
"Calm down? Why can't they pay attention for a change? If they had just let us transport that little jerk he'd still be locked up not running around loose somewhere."
"I know how you feel, pal, believe me I am as upset as you are. But the message said they want ALL available agents on this," Jim said with a twinkle in his eye.
"James, you and Artemus hardly qualify as available agents. Point one…you are both on suspension…point two you are both on medical leave. I'm sure you aren't included in that message," Jeremy stated vehemently.
"Ah…he's right, Jim. We've caused enough trouble for Jeremy and as much as I want to join that search we've got to stay put," Jim did a double take at his partner's abrupt change in attitude.
"Artie?" Jim questioned.
"Just let Jeremy do his job and we'll sit here and man the telegraph…if that would be acceptable."
"Artemus, you don't have any ideas of joining in the search the second I'm gone do you?" Jeremy asked skeptically.
"No, Jeremy I do not. Last time we got you suspended this time it could get you fired. I'd not wish that on anyone not even Loveless."
"Well, that's a nice change of pace…thank you, Artemus. I'm sure the Colonel will be pleasantly surprised," Jeremy said, Jim was still staring at his partner in disbelief.
"I know we can't be out there but someone has to man the wires and that much Jim and I can do."
"Sure we can, Jeremy. Why don't you go ahead and go meet up with the Army…we'll let the Colonel know you left on your assignment," Jim said.
"All right, James, I'd appreciate that. I'll leave at once," Jim waited until Jeremy was out of the car before turning to his partner.
"So, pal would you like to explain your abrupt change of attitude just when I thought we could convince Jeremy to let us go?" Jim growled.
"Simple. It was just easier to agree with him. It got him out of the train didn't it?" Artie replied
"Artie, you sly devil. You have no intention of obeying our restrictions do you?"
"Oh I intend to abide by our restrictions…" Artie let his sentence trail off.
"I hear a but in there, Artemus."
"But…should we hear any information while we're manning the wire that causes us to have to leave…well now that would be out of our hands wouldn't it?" Artie returned his partners smile.
"I do like the way you think pal."
"Yeah, well, I have a score to settle with Loveless. This time it's personal," Artie spat his face a mask of anger bordering on hatred.
"I don't blame you there. He did very nearly kill you."
"It's not that, Jim," Artie replied solemnly.
"It's not? Then what's got you so upset?"
"He made me hate my partner, my best friend and my brother. THAT I will NOT tolerate," Jim could only watch in shock as his partner stormed from the room.