After Lou had calmed herself a little, she put her glasses on and walked toward the main house. She and Eliza were going to have a little chat. Lou felt very protective of her brothers and needed to know if Eliza was just toying with Buck's emotions or if she was really serious about him. Out of all the boys, Lou felt Buck was the most deserving of a happy ending. She'd seen how people treated him in town. Most of them just gave him looks of disgust or distrust, but some like Tompkins were openly hostile. When Kathleen Devlin broke his heart, it took him weeks to recover and he didn't even know her that long. The speed at which Buck lost his heart once he became interested in a woman, was alarming to her.
Lou found Eliza in the kitchen. She was cleaning up her picnic dishes. "Want some help?" Lou asked in her low 'boy voice' grabbing a towel to dry.
"Sure Lou," Eliza said happily. She didn't really know Lou very well at all. She was sure he didn't like her. She wasn't sure why, but this would be a perfect time to clear the air between them.
"I wanted to talk to you about Buck," Lou said breaking the silence.
"What about Buck, Lou?" Eliza asked carefully.
"I just don't want to see him hurt is all," Lou said with a slight air of warning in her voice and demeanor.
"I don't want to hurt him, Lou," she said as her eyes started to well up. "I really don't. He has been the best friend I've ever had. He's really helped me see what I would be giving up in this life if I left it."
Lou softened a little but she still was determined to protect him.
"He's such a special person," she said admiringly. "I see how hard his life must be. Most people would carry a chip on their shoulder or be angry all the time. He isn't like that. He tries to help people whenever he can."
"That's Buck alright. That's why we all look out for him. I almost thought we lost that part of him for good after the last girl broke his heart," Lou said trying to drive her point home.
"The one that used him?" she asked interested.
"Yeah, her name was Kathleen Devlin. Did he tell you about her?" Lou asked surprised.
"A little bit," Eliza answered. "It seemed to be a raw wound so I didn't push."
Again Lou was a little taken aback on how much Eliza was also looking out for Buck's feelings.
"What about Joe?" Lou asked carefully. "Given the way you and Buck were looking at each other when you came back from your picnic, you must know that if you went back to Joe, Buck would be pretty hurt?"
"I know that, Lou. Joe's not the same boy I thought I loved. Or I guess I should say Joe is the same boy, I just overlooked his entire personality." She said with a smile. "Don't worry, I know you boys stick together. I wish I had a brother like you, Lou. Maybe if I'd had someone like you looking out for me I wouldn't be in this situation."
Sam was weary. The only times he seemed to be coming over to Emma's was to deliver bad news. This time seemed no different.
"Hi Sam," Emma called from her porch as Sam rode in. "What brings you out here today?" she asked hopefully. She really hoped Sam's visit didn't have anything to do with Buck or Eliza.
Sam sighed and looked away toward the bunkhouse. He didn't really want to see the look on her face when he told her that Buck's life may be in danger. "I came to see you Emma, and to ask you to keep Buck away from town for a few days," Sam warned.
"What's happened Sam?" she asked her voice trembling with worry.
"Someone came into Tompkins' store looking to buy a gun -looks like they were intent on settling a score with Buck. I thought it would be a good idea to let the dust settle a little," Sam explained.
Emma put her hand up to her mouth. She really hated how the townsfolk treated her riders, especially Buck. That boy was one of the sweetest, most caring people she'd ever met. He shouldn't have to lay low every time someone else had a problem with him. It just wasn't right. There was, however, a simple solution to this problem. "It's ok, Sam, Buck has the early run in the morning, he won't be back until day after tomorrow," she said with more than a hint of anger.
"I'm sorry Emma," he said dismounting from his horse and walking toward Emma. "I don't like this any more than you do," he confessed and drew her into a comforting embrace. "I just want to keep you and your boys safe."
"Sam, why don't you stay for dinner?" Emma said and she smiled.
"I thought you'd never ask."
Joe Turner could no longer think clearly. Hate coursed through him like water down a mighty river. He was really trying to get a handle on things. If he couldn't get his anger under control, he was going to lose everything. He was in over his head. There was no way he could slip in and take Eliza without at least one of those damn riders noticing. He needed help and he knew exactly where to get it.
Joe rode up to the Caldwell house late in the evening. The lamps in the house were just being lit. Joe slowly dismounted his horse and walked up to the front door. He took his hat in his hand and tried to confidently knock on the door. Mr. Caldwell could be an intimidating man, almost as intimidating as his own father. Joe needed Mr. Caldwell's help if was going to get Eliza away from that Indian.
"Joe, my boy, what brings you all the way out here?" Benedict Caldwell asked with a pipe in his hand. "I was just relaxing in the study before dinner, why don't you join me."
"I would be glad to, sir," Joe answered and followed Benedict into the house.
Benedict's study was mostly dark stained hard wood polished to a nice sheen. Book shelves with handsome leather bound books were built into each wall. A sideboard bar with an arrangement of crystal decanters was nestled between to bookshelves by the door and a large stone fireplace stood on the opposite wall. A large desk was at the center of the room with a dark tufted leather wingback chair stationed imposingly behind it. A large tufted leather sofa was also in the room flanked by a couple of ornate mahogany end tables.
"Have a seat Joe," Benedict said pointing to the sofa. He walked over to the side board and set out two crystal high ball glasses. He took the topper off of a crystal bottle of Bourbon and poured some in a glass for himself and a smaller amount in another glass for Joe. Benedict walked over to Joe and handed him a glass and sat on the edge of his desk. "Now, what can I do for you, Son?"
"Mr. Caldwell, sir, I'm afraid I have failed. Eliza refuses to come home with me. What's worse sir, she seems to have taken up company with that Indian. I saw that half-breed bastard kiss her yesterday." Joe relayed with an angry tone. "I know I should have defended her honor Sir, but I'm afraid I am not a match to best him in a fight. I need your help, Sir."
Benedict turned toward the window and took a long sip of his Bourbon. He didn't like this development at all. His little girl caught in a compromising position with an Indian no less. Joe was rather useless. Perhaps it was good that his daughter had discarded him. He was not at all pleased with the replacement though.
"Leave him to me," he said coldly staring at the contents of his glass. "I let him off far too easy on our last encounter. I will not make that mistake a second time."
Benedict's mind started to plot.
"Joe I need you to find out when that boy is taking another mail run," Benedict said, "Then be ready. I'll take care of the Indian while you grab Eliza and bring her here."
"Yes Sir. I believe he is taking a run tomorrow morning." Joe reported.
"Perfect. When I get through with him, that Indian will wish he was never born," Benedict seethed.
It was late in the morning when Buck got ready for his run. He led his saddled horse out of the barn and tethered him to the hitching post by the bunkhouse porch. Eliza walked up to him carrying a small bundle of food.
"I made some snacks for you," she said a little awkwardly and handed him the parcel.
Buck put it in his saddlebag and seeing Eliza blushing he swept her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly and deeply. He broke the kiss when he heard Lou cough and announce, "Rider comin', Buck."
Buck took the handoff from Cody and started his horse running before jumping on.
"Ride safe, Buck!" Cody yelled as Buck and his horse galloped away.
Eliza watched Buck ride away and touched her fingers to her lips remembering the goodbye kiss he had just bestowed on her and hoped for his safe return. She felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and placed her hand over it. "Thanks Lou," she said softly. "Does it ever get any easier watching them leave?"
"No, not really," Lou answered thinking of Kid.
This was Buck's first run since he had his run in with Eliza's father. He was a little nervous about a repeat and Sam's warning about Joe was also a little bit of a distraction. It did make him more cautious. Buck couldn't shake the sense that someone was watching him. He didn't know if it was real or imagined so he decided to treat it as real. It was the only logical course of action. He would be changing horses several times on his way to Cottonwood. The first change would be in Willow Springs. This was a little bit of a concern for him as Eliza's parents lived there. If anyone tried to hurt him it would likely be around there.
The first horse exchange had gone without a hitch and Buck was quickly on his way. He was so concerned with the feeling that someone was following him, that he completely missed what was lying ahead. As Buck's horse galloped among some trees a trip line sprung up from the ground. The horse reared and fell rolling over Buck. As the horse fell Buck quickly removed his feet from the stirrups and rolled into a protective ball. He looked up to see the familiar faces of Mr. Black and Mr. Blue. He then heard a twig snap behind him and felt the butt of a pistol as it struck the back of his head. Everything went black.
When Buck woke up, he couldn't move and his head really hurt. The first thing he noticed was that he was blindfolded and gagged. There was no breeze and it was unnaturally quiet so he thought he must be indoors. He obviously couldn't tell what time of day it was. He thought he was probably alone. He was seated on a chair his hands bound behind his back and secured to the chair by ropes that were wound around his waist. His legs were also bound to the chair. Someone had taken great care to prevent his escape. All he could do was wait for his captors to come back.
He didn't have to wait long.
Buck heard a door open and someone walk toward him. The blindfold was yanked off his head. The pain in his head surged and it took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust. He looked up to see Mr. Caldwell and his henchmen standing in front of him. He looked up at them defiantly and shook the hair out his face. He felt the ropes around his waist loosen as Mr. Black and Mr. Blue untied him and stood him up.
"Buck, I thought we had come to an understanding the last time we met," Benedict Caldwell sneered insincerely. "You didn't hold up your end. Not only is my daughter not home, she's still living at your station. In fact I've been told that you've been hanging around her alone an awful lot." Benedict's tone was accusatory. He pulled out a pair of black leather gloves and started to put one of them on. "As a concerned father, I must ask you, Buck, what are your intentions toward my daughter?"
Buck didn't answer, he just stared at Benedict with contempt.
Benedict pulled on the other glove and turned his back on his captive. "I have to say I'm not happy, not happy at all," he mumbled threateningly. He adjusted the fingers of his gloves to get a better fit. When he was satisfied with the way the gloves conformed to his hands, he formed a fist with his right hand and dealt Buck an unmerciful blow to the midsection.
Buck let out an involuntary groan and tried to double over. His head fell forward and he looked at the floor trying to collect himself.
Benedict picked Buck's face up by the chin and looked him straight in the eye. "Buck, I want you to stay away from my daughter," he said menacingly. He gave a nod to Mr. Black and Mr. Blue and took his leave.
Buck's arms were tied over his head and secured to the rafters of the shack. His ankles were tied to metal rings protruding from the floor. He could tell by the blood spatter on the wall what this place was used for. He noted the dangerous smiles on the faces of Benedict's trusty henchmen. He was in for a long painful night.
Jimmy had been lying low for the last week. He could see that maybe a romantic relationship was developing between Buck and Eliza and he thought his chance might be blown. He didn't want to be jealous around Buck and Eliza so he just avoided them. With Buck out on a run, it seemed like the perfect time to spend some time with Eliza.
Eliza was on Emma's porch mending a shirt. She was distracted and looked worried.
"Hey, pretty girl, why the long face?" Jimmy asked trying to make her smile.
"Oh I just have a bad feeling about Buck is all," she replied distractedly. "He's going by Willow Springs and after what Sam told us last night, I can't help but worry."
"Willow Springs, that's where you're from ain't it?" Jimmy asked.
She nodded staring out past the bunkhouse to the open prairie. "Last time Buck went on a run near there he came back all bruised. I'm sure my father had him beaten up," she reported. "When do you think he'll be back?"
"I 'spect he'll come trotting in somewhere around supper time tomorrow," Jimmy reassured her.
"What if he doesn't?" she asked and took a sharp intake of breath. She had punctured her thumb with the needle.
"If he doesn't, we'll go find him," Jimmy said and smiled sweetly. He took out a handkerchief and wrapped it around her injured thumb. "Hey that's one of my shirts ain't it?" he asked pointing to the heap of cloth on her lap.
"Yes," she said holding it up. She groaned as she realized she had sewn the shirt to her skirt.
Jimmy tried to keep from laughing but he couldn't. Eliza decided to laugh with him.
Jimmy was feeling bold. He felt a connection between him and Eliza. He looked around to make sure no one was watching them and leaned in and kissed Eliza tenderly.
Eliza pulled away in surprise her eyes wide and concerned. "I'm sorry," she said.
"No, I'm the one that is sorry. I shouldn't have done that. We were getting on so well and I just ruined it," Jimmy said regretfully.
"I'm very flattered Jimmy, you're a very handsome boy and most girls would be over the moon right about now," she started to let him down as easy as she could. "I would love to have you as a friend. I am in desperate need of those." She smiled at him gently knowing she was slowly tearing his heart into pieces.
"Yeah, maybe we're better as friends, besides Buck's like a brother to me and I don't want to hurt him," he said trying to convince himself. He was sick of always coming late to the party where damsels in distress were concerned -first Lou and now Eliza. He thought he found a great gal in Sarah Downs, but that turned into a disaster. Jimmy absent mindedly rubbed his neck as he got more and more lost in thought.
Joe looked out from his favorite spying point just in time to see Eliza and Jimmy kissing. His eyes narrowed. 'Great,' he thought, 'his Eliza was turning into quite the little whore.' He needed to get her away from those riders. Back home under her father's thumb would be better. He could turn her around. She was just confused, he told himself. She must be otherwise she wouldn't be doing so much damage to her reputation. She should be back with him.
He decided he would make his move during the night when all the riders were sleeping. That would be best. With the Indian out of the way, he shouldn't have any trouble getting around. He would use all his talents of trickery to get her to come along with him. It worked before when he wanted to get her in his bed. He smiled wickedly at the memory. She was too easy to manipulate. All he had to do was tell her that her Indian was in trouble and she would lead the way home. It wouldn't be a challenge at all.
Joe made his camp up and settled in for the hours it would take before he could put his plan in motion. He had his horse hitched to a small buggy. Even though he didn't care about hurting Eliza, the baby was another story. The baby would be his so he needed to keep its mother safe.
Mr. Black decided he and Mr. Blue should take a break outside the shack before they got down to business. He took a plug of tobacco out of his jacket pocket and offered some to Mr. Blue, who took some and deposited it in his mouth. Mr. Caldwell wanted them to work the Indian over slowly throughout the night, so he thought they had plenty of time. There was no need to rush things. He took a pinch of tobacco himself and placed it in his cheek. George Black had been with Mr. Caldwell for about ten years. He had seen it all and really enjoyed his work. He was Mr. Caldwell's chief enforcer. Clint McMahon or as he liked to call him, Mr. Blue, was his protégé. Blue had only been with him for about a year. George wasn't completely convinced that Blue was meant for this line of work. He questioned his orders a little more than George would like. Blue also had a soft spot for the Boss's daughter, Eliza. He was pretty sure Clint would sell them all out if Eliza was hurt.
"Hey George, are you sure we should be doing this? I mean, he's just a kid," Clint said feeling a little guilty about the task ahead. "I'm fine beating up adults that cross Mr. C or owe him money. But what did this kid really even do? Sounds like the only thing he did 'wrong' was to be nice to Mr. C's daughter."
George moved his hand to his faces and massaged the inner corners of his eyes with his thumb and index finger. The last thing he needed was for Clint to pity their victim. "Aw Clint, don't feel sorry for a stinking Injun even if he's just a kid. I guarantee you if he gets loose, we'll never enjoy a restful night's sleep again. He will visit a nasty revenge on us and he'll know how to make it hurt. We won't even see it coming."
Clint spit some tobacco juice onto the ground. "I reckon Mr. C wouldn't be so hard on the kid if he didn't think Miss Eliza was sweet on him. That poor girl, why don't they ever let her be happy?" Clint asked sounding a bit sad.
George let out a frustrated sigh. "You have to look at it from the perspective of a parent, Clint. They just want what's best for their only child and so far she seems to want to ruin her life in every way possible. First the little princess gets herself in the family way then she runs off with an Indian. Who's gonna marry the little tramp now?"
Clint thought for a moment. "I see what you mean, but Mr. C has money he could find someone to marry her. It seems like that Turner kid is still interested in her. They been hanging around together for months and months, seems to me that he's probably the daddy to Miss Eliza's baby. So why aren't we beating up the Turner kid instead?" he asked curiously.
"The Boss needs his business dealings with Mr. Turner to remain stable. That means we keep our hands off the sniveling son," George explained and spat on the ground.
"In the meantime we're supposed to beat the snot out that poor bastard in there? Just doesn't seem right to me, George, even if he is an Indian," Clint reasoned.
"Well it's a good thing for us that I'm in charge. Now get in there and soften him up. Not too much now, we gotta make it last all night –and stay away from the face. The Boss is coming in the morning and wants to be able to see the defeat in his eyes. I think he wants to teach his girl a lesson."
"He's bringing Miss Eliza here?"
"Yeah, the Turner kid is supposed to fetch her."
Clint didn't like this at all. Mr. C was probably gonna kill the Indian in front of Miss Eliza and work on her obedience. If she did have feelings for this poor kid in the shed, she may never be the same. He wasn't good at making plans but he needed to make one now. Maybe he could make a deal with the Indian. He spit the rest of the tobacco out on the ground and made his way toward the shack.
Lou watched Eliza all through dinner. She still looked worried but it also seemed more than just about Buck. Jimmy was also very quiet. 'Maybe something happened between them,' she thought. She would try and find out later. She decided she would catch up with Eliza after dinner and she would listen to her new friend if she needed to talk.
Lou found Eliza sitting on the porch swing of Emma's house; she was lost in thought and stroking her swollen belly. She didn't hear Lou walk up and was startled when Lou spoke to her.
"I'm sorry. I didn't hear you come up. Can you repeat what you just said?" Eliza asked embarrassed.
Lou cleared her throat to keep her voice in its lower register. "I just asked if you'd like some company," Lou said and smiled warmly.
"Oh Lou, I would love some. You see, I have a problem," Eliza started to ramble. "I didn't realize Jimmy had feelings for me until this afternoon when he kissed me. I tried to let him down easy, but still I think I may have broken his heart a little. I truly didn't mean to. Oh I don't know what to do. I feel so bad…"
"Hold on," Lou said alarmed, "Jimmy kissed you?" Lou tried to calm herself. She knew when she couldn't keep her emotions in check her voice would sound more like a girl.
"Yes," she sniffed. "I hate feeling like this. I'm still so worried about Buck and now I hurt Jimmy's feelings.
"Jimmy will get over it," Lou smiled knowingly. "He's got us and it's only a matter of time before another pretty girl will drift into his sights. We're young men, we get distracted easily," she said and tried to project some swagger.
"Thanks Lou. You know you're different than any other boy I've ever met. Please don't take this the wrong way, but talking to you is almost like talking to my best girlfriend," Eliza said sincerely.
At that Lou tried to make her face unreadable. Emma and the boys were the only ones who knew her secret and she feared if she spent too much more time with Eliza, she would either give it away or Eliza would figure it out. "Well I've got the early ride tomorrow, so I should get some sleep."
Eliza watched Lou walk away. Every once and a while she thought she caught a little too much hip in Lou's walk. 'Nah,' she thought dismissively, 'couldn't be.' She shook her head and tried to put all thoughts from her head. It was getting late so she decided to go to bed and pray for Buck's safe return.
Clint walked into the torture shed and appraised the Indian boy in front of him. He looked like he was somewhere around seventeen or eighteen years old. He obviously wasn't full Indian, as his skin and hair were too light.
Buck was silent and followed every move Clint made with his eyes. His gaze was cold and insolent.
In that moment, Clint knew George was right. If Buck escaped, he was sure he would never sleep well again. The revenge would be painful and Clint would never see it coming.
Clint lifted a leather bag onto a stack of powder kegs and took out the contents and laid them out haphazardly. There were all manner of things looking like someone had hastily packed for a night away from home. He put pieces of clothing back in and removed his jacket and shoved it inside as well.
He looked Buck straight in the eye and said, "If this is going to work, I'm going to need your cooperation. When I hit this bag, I'm going to need you to moan or groan like I hit you, ok?" He explained with a sincere pleading look in his eyes.
Buck looked back at him trying not to look hopeful and nodded skeptically.
Clint punched the leather bag and Buck dutifully let out a groan of appropriate timbre and volume.
"I have always liked Eliza and I don't think this is fair to you and especially not to her," Clint explained. "I think her father has gone too far this time. The boss means to kill you in front of her in the morning. I mean, the two of you are just kids," he said scoffing.
Clint punched the bag again, and again Buck groaned.
"I'm not really good with making up plans. George and Mr. C do most of that, I just carry them out, see," he said and walked to the door and listened for a moment to make sure George wasn't about to come in.
He walked back and punched the bag once more and once more Buck let out an appropriate groan.
"I need to make sure of one thing. Do you love her?" Clint asked seriously.
Buck's face softened at the question and warmth filled his eyes. He had the look of a man who would do anything to protect the woman he loved. He nodded.
"Does she feel the same way too?
Buck nodded once more.
"Ok, I'm going to help you. Not for you, for her," he said quietly in his ear. I gotta leave now for a bit, but I'll be back."
He gave the leather bag one more punch and Buck groaned as he left the shack.
Night was in its full splendor when Joe stood up and stretched. The riders had gone to bed hours ago and the night was impossibly still and quiet. Maybe this wasn't going to be as easy as he first thought. As he neared the main house he noticed an open window on the ground floor. He peaked in and saw a sleeping Eliza snuggled into the bed. Things were looking up. He had worried that his entry would be difficult and noisy, but with the window to her room open his concerns were assuaged.
Joe carefully crawled into the window and strode across the floor to the bed. He put his hand over Eliza's mouth to muffle any screams she might attempt and slowly shook her awake.
Eliza woke with a start and found herself staring up at Joe.
"Don't scream, don't even talk, just listen. I'm taking you home. You will come with me quietly if you want to save your Indian. Your father already has him and he will kill him in the morning if you don't show up with me." He removed his hand from her mouth and threw back the blankets on the bed.
Eliza got up and quickly threw some cloths on over her night gown. She sat on the edge of the bed and laced up her shoes. She was ready to leave in a matter of minutes.
While he was happy she was so quick about leaving, he really seethed inside as he realized just how deep her devotion was to Buck. He was going to take great pleasure in watching that Indian get what he deserved. Then he would have Eliza back and his baby too.
Joe jumped out of the window and helped Eliza to the ground. He nearly dragged her to where he had his horse and buggy waiting. He wanted to get this over with as soon as possible and that meant leaving here as quickly as they could. A buggy would be easy to track. He had to get them to Willow Springs before morning.
Buck's arms were getting a little tired from being held above his head, but at least he was in good health otherwise. So far only Mr. Blue had visited him. The last 2 visits, Mr. Blue brought him water and a little bit of food. They kept up the charade of the beatings while they tried to come up with a plan to save Eliza. They didn't really have much of a plan yet. Eliza wouldn't be here until morning. What he needed was help from the other riders, but there was no way to get that. Not unless they knew he or Eliza was missing, which may be possible, but hardly something to count on.