Chapter 7
Jennifer slept fitfully. She was wheezing slightly and didn't seem to be able to get comfortable. She would mutter something occasionally, but Kid couldn't understand what she was saying. Around 4:00 in the morning, she finally seemed to settle down.
Kid had been keeping vigil all night. He wanted to make sure she kept breathing; he wasn't taking any more chances. As soon as she was strong enough, he was going to ask her to marry him. He hadn't worked out all the details yet, but he knew he loved her. He wanted to be with her, to love and protect her, for the rest of his life.
Jennifer's eyes slowly opened. She saw Kid sitting in a chair by the bed, looking intently at her.
"Good mornin' sleepy head," Kid smiled at her. He came to sit on the edge of the bed, and took her hand in his.
She smiled up at him, and tried to sit up, but a fit of coughing overtook her. She gasped as her body protested at the simple movement. She couldn't catch her breath and was panting and wheezing. Her eyes became big with fright.
Kid was instantly behind her, holding her and encouraging her to calm down. "Shhh, shhh. Just take it easy. Slow breath in, slow breath out. Come on Jen, breathe just like me." He took in an unhurried breath and then gradually released it. She tried to follow and eventually it became easier. Kid leaned her back against the pillows and got her a drink. He held it to her lips as her hands were shaking too badly to hold the glass. She laid her head back, totally exhausted, as Kid looked at her, concerned.
"Do you want me to fetch the doc?"
She shook her head no. "Please stay," she whispered.
He sat back next to her and she reached for his hand. He held it, caressing her fingers gently. Her eyes were closed and he thought she had fallen asleep.
After a minute, eyes still closed, she whispered, "I had the most wonderful dream. I was floating, and it was so warm. It felt so good just to be still for a moment. No schedule, nobody wanting anything from me, just…being. You were there, saying how sorry you were that you hadn't protected me. You said you loved me."
"I do," was the quiet answer.
Her eyes flew open.
"I love you," he repeated, more firmly, a serious expression on his face.
Jennifer was quiet for a moment and then Kid saw a total transformation take place in her face. Even in her weakened condition, her eyes began to sparkle, her cheeks took on color and a bright smile spread across her features. "I love you too," she said simply.
The smile on Kid's face matched that of Jennifer's. In that one room of the hotel, the sun was shining brightly.
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Heyes entered the room quietly an hour later. He had brought breakfast for the three of them. "How you feelin?" he asked Jennifer as he set the tray on the table.
"Never better!" she exclaimed brightly.
He looked over at her and noticed the big smile on her face. "Well that's not exactly the answer I was expectin'." He looked over at Kid to see his reaction to her statement. He had that now familiar look in his eyes and a big grin on his face also. "What's goin' on here?"
Jen and Kid just looked at each other. Heyes saw a silent communication take place. Jen just shrugged. "I told Jennifer that I loved her," he picked up her hand and stared into her eyes, "and she told me, 'I love you too'."
"Joshua," Jennifer said after a minute, "I want to thank you." She held out her other hand to him. He came and sat on the bed taking it. "It seems I owe you my life, again. I can't possibly repay you."
"No need, Jennifer. I'm just glad I found you in time." Heyes looked at Kid and then back at Jennifer. "Can you tell me what happened?"
Jennifer blushed and then said, with her head down, "The water was so warm and I was so tired. I just closed my eyes for a minute. I was…not asleep, at least I don't think I was, just… drifting, you know?" The partners nodded. "Then I …" Jennifer's brow creased, "then I saw you, Joshua."
"When I was lifting you out of the tub?" asked Heyes, surprised. "I thought you were unconscious?"
The pucker between Jennifer's eyes deepened and she shook her head in confusion. "I guess, I was dreaming…maybe I heard you … and saw you in the dream. I felt as if I were… sinking and floating at the same time. So, maybe that's when you lifted me? It must have been a dream; the past and present were all, mixed up together. I could see…" she gave a little smile, "I could see the audience through my eyelids, waiting for the song to end. But, itwas you, center-stage, taking the applause. Then, the next thing I knew, I woke up in bed." She looked up at him to gauge his reaction.
Heyes was frowning, but at the mention of him taking Jennifer's applause, a lopsided grin appeared on his face. He took both of Jennifer's hands in his. "Sounds like you've got me dead to rights, even in a dream. Sheesh, Jen, if you needed a nap all you had to do was say so." He was teasing her.
Kid looked over at his partner, "Any word from Scott?"
"Yeah, picked this up this morning," he said waving a telegram.
"Wait a minute," Jennifer said not understanding. "Scott's not here?"
"No, he left with the train after he was sure you were all right. He's taking care of things in Kendra," said Heyes.
Jennifer tried to get up, she gasped as again her body protested the movement.
"Whoa," said Kid, gently pushing her back down. "Where do you think you're goin'?"
"I have to get up," she panted. "We have to go." She fell back against the pillows, unable to find the strength to move.
"I don't think you're goin' anywhere, at least not today," Kid stated.
"We have to leave, the performance…"
"Scott sent a telegram saying they're canceling your performance. The band is still going to play at the benefit, so everything's taken care of. He also said he'd notified your
Grandmother." Heyes saw what little color was left in Jennifer's face, drain away.
"What? No!" Tears slipped from her eyes.
"Jennifer, what is it? What's the matter?" Jennifer looked at Kid. He saw sadness creep into her eyes.
"She's sick. Oh Thaddeus, she doesn't need to worry about me. She… she…" Jennifer stopped, realizing it was too late. The telegram had already been sent. She wiped her eyes. "I'm tired; I think I'll sleep for awhile. Kid tucked her in and kissed her forehead. Heyes got up, squeezed Kid's shoulder and left the room.
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An hour later Kid caught up to Heyes in the saloon. Heyes looked over at his cousin, he looked tired.
"You okay?" Heyes asked.
Kid just nodded. He picked up Heyes' beer and gulped down half the contents.
"Jennifer?" Heyes enquired.
"The doc's with her now. He kicked me out."
Heyes waited a moment before speaking. "You know we can tell her now, what's going on, who we are."
"Not today Heyes. She's been through enough for one day."
Heyes nodded. He'd been debating with himself about whether to tell Kid about the kiss or not. He looked over at his best friend and decided to wait. He was almost sure it had been delayed shock from the fire. Although, an alternative explanation seemed to be nagging away at the back of his mind. Whatever the real explanation, she had called him 'Nathan', so perhaps she'd been sleep walking, or the stress of the fire had confused her. Heyes decided the best course of action at the moment, was silence. "Come on Kid, let's get you something to eat and then you can rest awhile." Kid looked up, ready to object. Heyes held up his hand, "I'll watch Jennifer." He smiled, "After all, I think I should get to know the woman you love, don't you?"
Kid smiled back at him, "Sounds good Heyes, real good."
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Kid had slept for the better part of four hours. When he awoke, Jennifer was the first thing on his mind. He splashed water on his face, put on his boots and gun, and went down the hall to her room. He heard what sounded like the howl of a coyote coming from behind the closed door. He quickly drew his gun and quietly, opened the door. Quite a sight met his eyes.
Jennifer was sitting up in bed, Heyes on one side and the Doctor on the other. The sound he'd thought was a wild animal was the sound of the Doctor howling with laughter.
Kid holstered his gun. Heyes turned around when he heard the door open. He had tears on his face. Kid looked at Jennifer. She was holding her sides, tears on her face as well.
Heyes got up and met his stunned cousin at the door. He slapped Kid on the back, still laughing.
"Hey Thaddeus, you feel better?" he said trying to catch his breath.
"Yeah, yeah. Joshua, what's goin' on here?"
"I'm drunk!" came a female voice.
"Drunk!?"
"Well, not drunk exactly," said the Doctor. "I gave her something to help open her lungs and to help with the pain. In some patients, it has an inebriating effect. Jennifer is one of those people. She's been quite delightful."
Kid came over and sat down next to the giggling singer. "Jen, are you alright?"
"Of course Thaddeus." She looked at Heyes and then the Doctor. She opened her mouth and started singing,
I am the very model of a modern Major General,
I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;
I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news,
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse.
There was total silence in the room. Then Heyes and the Doctor burst forth laughing. Heyes was holding his sides, the Doctor brushing at the tears on his face. Kid just stood there not getting the joke.
"Well, my dear," said the Doctor, "I have other patients to see. Thank you for a delightful afternoon." He kissed her cheek, picked up his hat and left the room singing, "I am the very model of a modern Major-General…"
Heyes also picked up his hat, "I'm going down to the café and get us some dinner. Is there anything you're in the mood for princess?"
"Princess?!" Kid asked.
"Of course."
"Joshua, just what happened here this afternoon?"
"Can't say, it's a secret," Heyes said, the smile reaching his eyes.
"Tea and crumpets!" Jennifer announced over Kid's back.
This sent Heyes into another fit of laughter. When he'd regained control, he looked Jennifer in the eye, clicked his heels together and bowed. "Tea and crumpets then!" He left Kid sitting on the bed slack jawed, staring after his partner.
He felt a warm hand on his face and turned to look at Jennifer. She looked at him with such intensity that Kid was taken aback. "No! Oh, no. You're not in your right mind. I can't …"
"Then you're not trying hard enough," she said in a throaty purr. "I know what I'm doing. Now the question is, are you going to kiss me back?" She leaned forward and placed warm lips on his, waiting for a response. When she didn't get any, she drew back and looked in his eyes. "I see you may need a little encouragement." She once again placed her lips on his and then placed little kisses up his neck to his ear. "I love you Thaddeus," she whispered.
Kid took her by the elbows and set her from himself. His heart was racing. "Jennifer, look me in the eye and say that." He was hoping he could tell if she was aware of her actions by her face.
She looked him dead in the eye, " Thaddeus Jones, I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm in complete control of my faculties and…I…love…you."
He saw what he had hoped to see. He hugged her to himself and then capturing her mouth with his, kissed her thoroughly.
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Jennifer insisted they start out the next day. The Doctor was consulted, and as long as she took it easy, he gave his permission.
Jennifer looked at the two men. "You say we have plenty of time to get to Kendra?"
Heyes nodded his head.
"Then…I don't want to take the train!"
Kid and Heyes looked at each other and then laughed softly. Kid came over to sit next to the woman. "Truth be told, we really don't either."
"I know it'll be an inconvenience but I've had enough of trains for the time being. That also means we'll have to travel on horseback. There's no stage here." She looked at the two men.
"Its fine Jen, we don't mind. In fact, it'll give us all a chance to get to know each other better." Kid kissed her on the forehead.
She gave them each a brilliant smile.
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They are not taking the train. They plan to ride. For a moment the pain…the pain is back. If I follow on the trail, and they see me? What shall I do?
PainPAIN
Then, "Never mind," says my darling, my precious one. Her tiny hand slips into mine, I feel it. She IS here. "Never mindWe'll see them in Kendra."
Her fingers squeeze mine. My heart swells…pounds with love. SHE is back!
I deserve to swing on the end of a rope if I kill either of these innocent men! I know that. I accept that.I was glad…glad when they emerged safe and sound from the fire on the train. I do not WANT to kill them. I am SO sorry. SO, so sorry. If THEY get hurt, I will hand myself in, afterwards. Truly. I could not live with the guilt if I did not. If only they would accept the warnings and…GO! But…if not… I feel the feather light touch on my palm.
I will gladly swing a thousand times. I will accept any punishment. I will accept agony, up to a thousand times the…the PAIN! I will walk into fire, singing with joy. Anything. Anything in my power, just to feel the soft brush of those fingertips one more time.
I stare down, until my eyes hurt. No. I cannot see my precious one. But the blood races through my veins in ecstasy… SHE IS BACK
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Heyes and Kid made preparations for hitting the trail once again. They bought gear and horses and then mounted up for what they hoped, would be an uneventful trip.
They took it slow and easy for Jennifer. Even so, she was tired and sore by the time they stopped for the evening.
Heyes looked over at Kid and without words, they made a decision. Heyes dismounted and took Jennifer's bedroll from behind her saddle.
Before she could question Heyes' actions Kid had swiftly swept her from the saddle. He didn't put her down but carried her to her now, spread out, bedroll.
He put her down, then kissed her saying, "Just stay put. Joshua and I'll take care of dinner." She started to protest. "Jen," Kid interrupted, "It's alright. Please, just rest. We'll handle it." He saw guilt spread across her face. "Hey, how about you make the coffee in the morning? I know I'd appreciate it." She looked at him, a question in her eyes. "If you're lucky you'll never have to drink that stuff Joshua makes. It'll curl your hair. See what it's done to me?"
That made her smile. "Alright," she conceded.
Kid kissed her, and then got up to set up camp. By the time the fire was going, Jennifer was sound asleep. Kid covered her with a blanket. He just looked at her, sleeping. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. Her face was still pale and there were circles under her eyes. She looked so frail. His heart hurt.
He felt a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be alright Kid."
He nodded his head. "I just keep thinkin' what would have happened if you hadn't found her in time. I don't want to lose her."
"You won't." Heyes looked him in the eyes, "She has a reason to live… she loves you."
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They ate dinner and then settled down for the night. Heyes was stretched out on his bedroll, while Kid stared at the fire.
"Heyes?" Kid began.
"Yeah?"
"Why did you call her princess?"
"That's between her and me. Why? Are you jealous?"
Kid looked at him out of the corner of his eye, "Just protectin' my interest."
They exchanged an understanding smile.
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The next morning they were awakened by the smell of fresh coffee, bacon and flapjacks. Kid's stomach grumbled appreciatively.
"Mornin'," Kid said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, kissing the cook.
"Morning," was the cheery reply.
"You seem to be feelin' better this mornin'."
"It must be the fresh air."
"Or the twelve hours of sleep?" he kidded.
She smiled. "Well it didn't hurt. Come on, your breakfast is getting cold."
They ate and then broke camp. They spent a pleasant day swapping stories. Jennifer about her childhood, Heyes and Kid about some of their more amusing adventures that didn't involve the Devil's Hole Gang.
When they stopped for the night, Kid thought it was time to tell Jennifer the truth. They had camped next to a small lake. Kid shot a rabbit for their dinner and as it was cooking, Heyes made coffee. He handed Jennifer a cup and returned to the rabbit.
She took a tentative sip. Her eyes grew wide and she almost sprayed it from her mouth. "Uh, Joshua, if you don't mind, I think I'll just have tea tonight."
Kid smiled at her with an 'I told you so' look.
After dinner, they found Jen down by the water. She had washed up the dishes and was now placidly skipping stones.
"Jenny, can we talk to you for a minute?" Kid asked warily.
"Sure."
Kid looked at Heyes for support. He nodded his head yes, Kid gulped and then plowed ahead. "We have a confession to make."
She looked up and saw the serious expression on his handsome face. "What is it Thaddeus, what's wrong?"
"Well…we haven't been entirely honest with you."
She looked into Heyes' chocolate brown eyes and then into Kid's concerned blue ones.
"We lied about who we really are."
"Who you are?"
"Can we sit?" He directed her to some rocks. When she was seated, he looked her directly in the eyes. "I'm Kid Curry and Joshua is Hannibal Heyes. We used to rob banks and trains, but we don't anymore, we got an amnesty from the Governor and now we run a detective agency." It came out all as one rushed sentence.
He waited for the wariness to spring up in her eyes, but surprisingly, it never came.
"THE Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry?"
They nodded in unison.
She looked at them for a long moment. "Is that it?" She didn't judge them but wasn't impressed by their reputations either.
"Is that it? We were the most wanted men in the west at one time. We had a $10,000.00 bounty on each of our heads. Dead or Alive! We were the best!" Heyes said his eyes growing a bit darker.
"Joshua, calm down and answer me this. Are you and Thaddeus going to change into someone else just because you change your names?"
"Well…no."
"Then why should it matter what you did in the past. You were forgiven. You have turned your lives around. You are both good men."She looked at them both, "I've always believed in second chances."
Kid inwardly sighed in relief. He knew she was special, but hadn't quite expected her complete acceptance of their identities.
She looked at them and cocked her head. "What should I call you?"
"What?" asked Heyes.
"I know you as Joshua and Thaddeus, but you're not. Do I call you Jedediah or Jed or Kid… what?" she asked Kid.
"Uh…Jed is fine."
"And I suppose you're not Hannibal."
It was the second time they had heard her say the name. They gasped as realization struck them.
"She sounds like…"
"My mother!" said Kid.
"What?" was Jennifer's inquiry.
Heyes came over and placed his hands on Jennifer's shoulders. "Say my name again."
"What, Hannibal?"
Heyes dropped his hands. He found the sound somehow, comforting. A lopsided smile appeared on his face.
"I don't understand. What's going on?" Jennifer wanted to know.
"Jen," Kid said coming over to her. "You sound just like my mother when you say his name. She was the only one he would allow to call him Hannibal. Everyone else had to call him Heyes."
"I liked the way she said it. The slight English accent. She was a very special woman," Heyes said, staring at her.
"I'm sorry, I don't have to call you that. I can call you what ever you like."
"I think I'd like you to call me…Hannibal." He looked over at Kid for his understanding. Kid nodded. It felt right.
"Alright, Hannibal. If you're sure." She looked over at Kid. "I really sound like your mother?"
"Just when you say his name. It really is kinda nice."
"What I don't understand is why you're using aliases…unless..." The light dawned in her eyes. "You are investigating someone in the troupe." She started to pace. "But then you both wouldn't be here with me… You're investigating… me?" A hard look came into her eyes. "And I suppose all that stuff about love was just to get me to talk, huh? Well congratulations. I don't know what you wanted to find out, but your deception was flawless. You had me thinking you really loved me. I hope you're proud of yourself."
Kid was stunned at this outburst; he just stood there, wondering where this conversation had gone wrong.
Heyes' brows snapped together. He could understand her being, annoyed. But to doubt Kid loved her? Either, he had completely misunderstood her and she was stupid…no, he didn't think she was stupid…or, she was so lacking in self-confidence Kid was better off without her? Mmmm? He doubted that too. Or, she was a woman who liked (whether consciously or unconsciously) to generate emotional scenes for the storms and making up afterwards. Not his taste. In fact, distinctly distasteful. Possible though, he knew some men liked that kind of…game playing. But again, it did not ring true for Jennifer. That left only one other option. He decided he had dismissed the last mood swing as 'delayed shock' perhaps a little too easily.
Jennifer's fury had been building, she faced Kid and soundly slapped his face. "That's for making me fall in love with you!" Then she turned her anger on Heyes. She slapped him also. "That's for pretending to be my friend." She turned on her heel and stomped back to camp.
"Heyes, what just happened here?"
Heyes shook his head, he needed to think. "I don't know Kid. But whatever else is going on, sounds like you have a lot of explainin' to do."
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When they got back to camp, Jennifer was nowhere in sight. "I better go after her. There could be wolves or coyotes out there."
"Then I feel bad for the wolves and coyotes," Heyes said placing a hand to his cheek. "Kid, she didn't go far, her horse is still here. Better let her cool off a bit first, before you try to talk to her."
Kid acknowledged this.
They drank coffee and waited . They rolled out the bedrolls and waited. Finally, Kid couldn't take it anymore. "I have to go look for her. What if something has happened to her?"
Heyes nodded, "I'll go left and you go right, check out the lake."
Kid looked at his best friend, "Thanks Heyes."
"I care about her too Kid."
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Jennifer didn't understand what was making her react this way. She was not usually one to lose control, but somehow, now, her emotions seemed to be running away with her. In her mind, the pain of losing those close to her seemed suddenly fresh and raw. Mother… Father… Grandfather… she shut her eyes, Nathan… Rachel… even her Grandmother. However much she tried to reason with herself, she feared she was about to lose Jed too. It didn't compare to her loss three years ago. But it hurt. To lose him, after daring to hope she could be happy again. It hurt so much.
Kid picked his way down the trail to the lake. He saw Jennifer kneeling at the edge of the water, doubled over holding her stomach, rocking back and forth. She was crying as if her heart was breaking. He felt like he had been stabbed. He strode forward, picked her up in his arms, and then carrying her to a rock; he sat down and cradled her in his arms.
She tried to fight him, but was just too exhausted. He held her close to his heart. She continued to cry, not being able to stop.
Kid whispered in her hair, "I love you Jen. With all my heart, I love you. I love you." He kept repeating this, until she finally heard him.
She heard the anguish and sorrow in his voice. She turned and saw eyes full of sadness. There was no way he could be lying. She flung her arms around his neck and cried some more. "I love you too. I love you Jed, I love you."
Finally, she calmed down and dried her eyes.
"I'm so sorry Jenny, so sorry. I should've handled that better. I never meant for you to doubt my love for you."
"No Jed, it was my fault. I should have known better, I did know better. I just… I jumped to conclusions. I…" She didn't get any further as Kid silenced her with a kiss. A kiss that held his heart.
When they parted, she managed to ask, "So why are you here, I mean as detectives?"
"Tomorrow. I promise, we'll answer all your questions…tomorrow."
She nodded, she was tired, and it could wait.
"Ready to go back?" Kid asked.
"Yes, I think so."
Kid stood and placed her on her feet. He looked her straight in the eye. "Jennifer, I love you, that will never change. Once I make up my mind about something, it stays made. I'm kinda stubborn that way."
"I think I can handle that," she smiled.
They walked hand in hand back to camp.
When they arrived, Heyes was there. Jennifer slowly walked up to him.
He saw the calm look about her and grinned, "You aren't going to slap me again, are you?"
She had the grace to blush. "I'm so sorry Hannibal. I… I…" She lowered her head.
Heyes took a step closer and cupped her chin. He raised her face to meet his eyes. She looked…different. Something different about her eyes, from when she had stormed at him. "I'm sorry too," he smiled. "Friends?"
"Friends!" she answered back.
He gave her one of his smiles, one that reached his eyes.
"It's been a long day. How 'bout bed?" Kid asked.
Jennifer and Heyes both nodded. They all laid down on their respective bedrolls. Slowly, one by one, they fell asleep.
