I do not own the Young Riders just borrowing them.
It was very early in the morning where the dark grey sky was just starting to get pushed away by the pink and oranges of the daylight sky. Everyone was still fast asleep at the Express Station, and snores could readily be heard. Only Rachel, who wanted to get an early start on breakfast, was up and rattling about, her plan was to be in Sweetwater later when Beulah and Jesse made their way to McDonald's office.
Rachel started to see the signs of life in the bunkhouse with a steady smoke coming from the fire in the bunkhouse. She knew that was her sign to start cooking on the eggs to bring over for breakfast.
No one really wanted to wake up from their first real night of rest, knowing the family was home. Cody was grumbling as usual about waking up to do chores. Kid was stoking the fire back to life for Rachel. Jimmy was tumbling out of bed in just long johns making his way to the outhouse. Ike and Noah were starting to get dress to go feed the horses, as Buck was happily lying in bed without his shirt on.
Lou was nervously fidgeting with the sheet on top of her. "Could you," stumbling over her next words," give me a few minutes alone, boys. You see I was able to change into long johns last night and it doesn't feel right getting out of bed with you all here."
All of the boys' eyes landed on Lou on the top bunk covering herself in a sheet. Cody was the only one bold enough to ask, "What ya got on under there Louise?"
"Cody if you don't get out of this room you're going find out how good I am with a long rifle," Lou fired back.
"We'll give ya a few minutes Lou," Jimmy spoke as he slapped Cody behind his head for his comment to Lou.
The boys were lounging on the porch trying to give Lou some privacy. Buck was leaning against the porch railing as the morning sun warmed his bronze chest, showing off his abs, when Teaspoon came up on to the porch.
"Boys" Teaspoon greeted them as he had his hand on the doorknob to enter the bunkhouse.
"Teaspoon I wouldn't go in there if I were you," Cody laughed at the thought of Lou holding a rifle on Teaspoon.
"Lou is getting dressed," Jimmy answered Teaspoons questioning look.
Buck was just listening to the surroundings with his eyes closed, when off in the distance he heard hoof beats. "Riders coming."
"That's strange we don't have a rider scheduled," Teaspoon looked off and watched as the unknown rider drew closer.
"I don't know but whoever it is, is coming in hard," Buck joined Teaspoon on the top step of the porch.
Louise, hearing Buck's call of 'riders coming' knew someone may need to take this ride and hurried to finish dressing in her extra pants and shirt from her storage box.
As the riders made it closer to the station, Jimmy, Buck, and Teaspoon stood in the yard watching as Lou stepped out of the bunkhouse and followed their line of vision.
The boys and Teaspoon were in shock to see a roughed up lady and a young man ride into the station.
"Can I help you ma'am," Teaspoon put on his Texan charm. No one recognized the guest to the station.
Lou jumped down from the porch and ran to the side of the horse with the young man on it. "Jeremiah!" She exclaimed as she pulled him off the horse and hugged him, as Charlotte dismounted her horse.
Louise was so excited to see Jeremiah that she didn't really realize that Theresa wasn't with him. Lou went over and gave Charlotte a hug.
All the men started to turn around and walk into the bunkhouse when Louise pulled back, from Charlotte. .
"Wait, where's Theresa?"
Jeremiah was so angry with himself that he left his sister behind that he just blurted out, "He's got her."
Tears that had been stinging the back of his eyes started to fall again from his face, when Lou put her hands on Jeremiah shoulders. "Who's got her?" Dread filling her gut knowing he meant Wick's.
"I tried Louise! I tried to protect her; he just took us from the orphanage. He slapped me and pushed me out of his office and told me to tell you not to make him wait too long."
All the riders and Teaspoon were watching the conversation going on between brother and sister.
Louise pulled Jeremiah into a hug.
"It's not your fault." Louise looked passed Jeremiah to Charlotte and her bruises and nodded her head to her, silently letting Charlotte know she didn't blame her.
"Jeremiah, will you do me a favor and go help Charlotte into the main house so she can freshen up and get some rest? And, then you can head to the bunkhouse and do the same, you both had a hard ride."
"What are you going to do," Jeremiah turned around and questioned.
"I'm going to get Theresa," Lou replied as she walked off to the barn. The boys turned around and followed in her wake.
Lou started to get Lighting ready for a hard ride, when she noticed the boys saddling up their horses as well. "What are you all doing?"
"Getting ready to go help you get Theresa," Jimmy stated like they would be doing anything else.
"Yea, Lou. There are a couple of guys that I need to return a few hits to," Cody joked trying to lighten the mood. He knew what kind of a man had Lou's baby sister and Theresa's family and he wouldn't want his family left in the hands of a man like Wicks.
"No! No! No!," Louise shouted as she left the barn.
"Yes, Lou we're going," Jimmy followed Lou out of the barn. He tried to keep his voice from rising. "She's family and family protects family."
"You right, Jimmy. Family should protect family," Louise eyes start filling with water. "I was stupid enough to leave them in the orphanage... where he could get to them." Jimmy pulled Lou into his arms to keep her from pacing.
"That's what I'm going to do, protect my sister," Lou stated into the fabric cotton of Jimmy's shirt.
After a moment the rest of the boys following Jimmy and Lou out of the barn, none of them could make sense of Lou's muffled ramblings.
"What are you talking about Lou," Cody questioned.
Lou brought her face out from hiding in Jimmy muscular arms, and looked to everyone. "If you think Wick's didn't have Jeremiah and Charlotte followed... I probably only have a little time to get out of here, so I can protect her. Because trust me if the men that followed them get me, I won't be able to protect Theresa." Lou looking into to Jimmy's eyes and then, to the rest of her brothers, "I'm leaving my brother and Charlotte in your protection. I can't rescue Theresa and then have Wick's holding Jeremiah or Charlotte captive."
Lou looked into all of their faces and felt that she won her argument, but she wanted to make sure. "Besides you also have to make sure that Jesse and Beulah get that letter from McDonald."
Louise headed towards the bunkhouse, when she heard Kid ask, "What does Wick's want, Lou?"
She yelled back from the door, "What he can't have!"
The boys fell up into the bunkhouse in time to see Lou throwing her saloon dress into a saddle bag.
Meanwhile back at the Sweetwater hotel, Beulah and Jesse made their way down to the dining area for breakfast. They were talking to themselves, going over the plan to get the letter from Mc Donald.
Beulah started coughing loudly.
Jesse whispered "whats ya doing?"
"It's called setting the scene," Beulah winked at Jesse and coughed louder, pulling most of the eye's to her.
"I'm alright dear. You know what the doctor's said about the air," Beulah said as Jesse quickly moved to the older woman's side.
"Now, remember when we leave and stop at the desk area, don't forget to ask about a lawyer," Beulah quietly tells Jesse.
A waiter came and set a glass of water down on the table. "Are you alright ma'am? Is there anything, I can get you?"
"I fine, young man, you are so kind to ask. It's just age getting to me. My granddaughter and I are headed to California," Beulah replied, keeping up her show.
"Well, I wish you and your lovely granddaughter a safe journey. If you'll excuse me, I'll see to your order, and have some more coffee sent out." The waiter politely bowed his head at Beulah and Jesse, and walked back in the direction of the kitchen.
They finish their breakfast without any other incidents.
"So grandmother, would you like to get some fresh air and take a walk around this town?"
"You know honey, that sounds like a great idea," Beulah winked at Jesse when no one was watching.
Stopping at the front desk, Beulah asks, "Has Phil, from the stage, left a message about when a new stage will be able to continue our ride?"
"No he hasn't ma'am, but if I see him I will ask for you," the young lady replied.
Beulah gently tugged on Jesse's arm, prompting the girl to ask, "Is there a lawyer office in this town or any close by?" Jesse couldn't help the little shakiness her voice held.
"You are in luck, ma'am. Mr. McDonald's law practice is on the other side of town by the jail," the young lady at the desk replied.
"That's probably a smart place for a lawyer," Beulah chuckled to herself before turning the laugh into a slight cough.
"Grandmother let's get you outside for some fresh air."
"Lou what are you doing packing that dress," Kid questioned. "Don't you remember the trouble you got into when you wore it the last time?!"
"You can't be serious...," Lou threw her hands up in the air. "Kid, I don't have time for this!"
Teaspoon interjects, "you know Lou, I could send you with a letter to take to the marshal, to help out."
"Teaspoon, it is much appreciated." Her tone turns sour, "if Wick's didn't own the law."
"What are you planning Lou," Jimmy asked rather harshly.
"To get Theresa away from him," Lou spoke with hatred. "I won't let him..." she then saw the faces in the room and landed on Jeremiah's. "He's not going to hurt her, if I can help it. But the more time I spend here, arguing with you all; the worse it will be. Besides," turning and directly looking into the eyes of the man who she wished was her father, "shouldn't you be getting into town, in case the two ladies need your assistance."
Teaspoon was torn between helping Louise with Wick's, who he couldn't prove hurt Louise, or helping take care of Hopkins and his cronies, who already hurt Louise in the worst way. He brought his hand to her cheek, "if you're not back by the end of the week, I'm coming to get you." He pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I know, but I hope you won't have to." She looked up at the older man and gave him a warm smile then turned and looked over her makeshift family with a feeling of warmth before heading into Lightning's stall.
As she lead the black gelding by the porch, Lou effortlessly mounted, then turned to look once more at her family, "don't worry about me, I'll be alright! I'll bring Theresa back."
With those finally words Lou took off on Lighting.
"We can't let her go by herself," Jimmy argued as he watched Lou's silhouette fade off in the distance.
"Well it sounded like we should be expecting company. Jimmy, Kid, Cody, and Noah, keep an eye on things here. While Buck, Ike and I check on the town. Because after we take care of the company, she never said we couldn't follow," Teaspoon smirked.
As Teaspoon, Buck, and Ike pull up to the jail, they can see Beulah and Jesse strolling the boardwalk. Teaspoon didn't want to cause any suspicion so he just entered s his office, but couldn't help giving Beulah a very appreciated once over look.
"When will my client be let out of jail," McDonald rushed over to Teaspoon, effectively bringing the town's Marshal out of his pleasant contemplations of his "Sugar".
"McDonald", Teaspoon acknowledged as he briskly pushed the lawyer. As he made his way to his desk he gave the man the evil eye for disrupting his admiring appreciation of Beulah Hillbrand.
"Your client, Mr. McDonald, will be released when my letter get answered by the governor," pausing, Teaspoon looked up from the papers he was looking over on his desk and leveled his gaze on the man. "Not a minute before, is that understood?"
"I telling you now, Hunter you are not going to get away with this," McDonald threatened.
"McDonald get out of my office! Barnett has he seen his clients?"
"Yep, all morning," Barnett took a sip from his coffee cup.
"Fine! I'm leaving but you haven't heard the last from me, I'm going to make sure your badge is taken away," McDonald mumbled as he walks out the door.
Buck was casually leaning against the side of the office front, narrowed dark eyes on the man who passed through the sheriff's office entrance and stumbled on the porch, trying to make a peaceful exit. Turning, his eye landed upon piercing dark eyes belonging to a lanky young man, Buck Cross. McDonald paled and kept walking.
McDonald was so unnerved by his recent conversation that he ran right into Beulah Hillbrand and her granddaughter.
"Oh Excuse me," Mr. McDonald exclaimed with the utmost of politeness. "I wasn't watching where I was going, please beg my pardon." He helped the matronly older lady to her feet, "I'm sorry, how clumsy of me, Mrs..."
"Mrs. Beulah Hillbrand and this is my granddaughter Jesse McCoy." Mr. McDonald let go of Beulah's hand and tipped his hat to Jesse. "You're not the lawyer Michael McDonald. Are you," looking at the lettering on the door of his office?
"Yes ma'am it is. Here now, won't you ladies please step inside my office and sit for a few minutes, I want to make sure you're both okay."
Teaspoon, watching from across the street, couldn't stand the thought of that slimy lawyer escorting his 'Sugar' into his office.
"This is a lovely office," Beulah commented as she brushed her hands over the finely appointed sofa where Mr. McDonald escorted them to have a seat. Beulah had a eye for fine furnishings and could tell by just a glance that his cherry wood desk was of very fine quality and the books that lined the wall behind, along with his law degree, gave the layer an air of extreme intelligence and credibility.
"Thanks you, Mrs. Hillbrand. I've worked hard to get where I'm at, and consider it a high honor to help serve the fine people of Sweetwater." He smiled warming at the ladies before him, pride swelling within him.
Jesse, sitting and watching Beulah in action had to stifle a giggle. She was certain a button was going to pop straight off of Mr. McDonald's vest at the way his chest puffed out at the compliment Beulah threw his way.
"May I get you ladies anything to drink, some water perhaps," Mr. McDonald asked, indicating the water pitcher and glasses resting on a side table.
"That is so very kind of you, Mr. McDonald, thank-you, my granddaughter, Jesse and myself would love a glass."
Walking over to the finely polished table, McDonald still couldn't his good fortune at having such a handsome lady sitting in office, talking with him. Idly he wondered if she would consider taking a stroll later in the day.
Handing Beulah and Jesse each a crystal tumbler of cool liquid, McDonald ventured to ask, "Where may I ask are you ladies from? I know all of the residents in and around Sweetwater, and I'm certain I would have recalled meeting such a fine lady such as yourself and your lovely granddaughter, Mrs. Hillbrand."
"We are on the stage to California," Jesse piped up and answered, as she nodded her head as a thank you for the glass of water.
"Oh, but that is such a long way for two ladies to travel alone unescorted by a gentleman, with such wild territory out there." Mr. McDonald exclaimed. He knew this was the wild west and all, but the notion of women traveling alone just didn't sit well with him.
"Actually," Beulah continued with a firm voice of authority, "You will find that I'm quite resourceful and my granddaughter and myself have made it this far without the need of ,as you say, 'a Gentleman'.
Feeling heat rise to his cheeks, Mr. McDonald stammered out, "I'm so very sorry Ma'am. I didn't mean to imply."
"Never you mind, Mr. McDonald. Apology accepted." Beulah waved her hand dismissively as if shooing away a pesky fly.
"Actually, what I'm in need of is a lawyer, and it seems you are just the man to fit the bill, Mr. McDonald."
"Well, how may I be of service?"
Beulah gave the slimy looking man her most charming smile. "You see," she paused, lowering her voice to just above a whisper, "this conversation is confidential, is it not?"
"But of course, Mrs. Hillbrand. All my clients' cases are kept in the utmost of confidence."
"Very good. That puts my mind at ease."
Jesse reached over and patted her grandmother's hand encouragingly. "Go on, Grandmother, it's alright, tell him."
Smiling weakly at Jesse, Beulah sighed, "Yes, you're right. We need help." Turning back to look at McDonald, Beulah continued on with her tale.
"You must forgive me, Mr. McDonald, this is...well...this is hard for me say..."
"It's alright, take all the time you need," McDonald soothed, his curiosity piqued.
Nodding, she continued, "You see, my doctor in Texas told me that I'm dying, but the temperatures out in California may help prolong my life, so I bought land in California. But if I pass on before making it out there, I want everything to go to my granddaughter, not to her father. Is there a way to make such a thing possible? I'm willing to pay for your services," Beulah pulled out a few bill to make her point clear.
"Sure I can draw up a will stating your wishes," as McDonald greedily eyed the money that Beulah pulled from her clutch.
"You don't know my son, Mr. McDonald," Beulah starts coughing, "he will burn a will."
"Here grandmother, take a sip," Jesse encouraged as she passed her the glass of water.
"Mr. McDonald, my father will do anything for the amount of money my grandmother is worth. How can we keep the will safe?"
"I'll hold on to the will, Miss. I assure you, it will be in safe hands."
Beulah's cough gets a little louder and more frequent.
"He would go as far as burning down your office, how can you prove the will will be safe." Jesse inquired one more with more persistence.
McDonald walked over to the furthest wall and moves a picture and behind it is a safe. He opens it. This is where all my important documents are kept and nothing, not even a fire, can destroy this steel safe."
Beulah coughs really loud and starts to stand up but falls to the floor.
"Grandmother!" Jesse yells and rushes to her side. "Run, get the doctor quick," Jesse cries out, panic lacing her shaky voice.
McDonald doesn't waste a second and runs out towards the doctor's office.
Hearing the office door slam closed, Beulah exclaims, "Good job dear! You did excellent," Picking herself up off the dusty floor she heads s over to the safe. Quickly Beulah pulls out the stack of papers and starts looking through them getting flustered with all the papers in the safe.
"Hurry up, Beulah! Where is this paper," Jesse exclaims.
"Found it," Beulah states as she folds it. Beulah manages to put the papers back in the safe and put the envelope from Hopkins in her clutch and lays back on the floor, right before McDonald and Doc Banes enter the office.
After examining Mrs. Hillbrand, Doc Banes explains that it was probably a panic attack brought up by the conversation or fear of something. The best thing for Mrs. Hillbrand is rest.
"I'll take her back to the hotel," Jesse states.
"Mr. McDonald can you please start on that will," Beulah asks her voice weak.
"You don't worry about that ma'am; I'll work on it right away."
"You're so very kind, Mr. McDonald," Jesse replied as she led Beulah out of the office, and gave a wink to a passing Teaspoon, who was following the commotion of the Doc and Mc Donald.
"And Mrs. Hillbrand, I will stop by and make sure you are well, it the least I could do for a lovely client as yourself," McDonald stated, making Teaspoon glare at McDonald.
I need to thank Beulah for all of her hard work or this chapter would not have been as good as it is. Also I am sorry RL has gotten in the way of writing time. Now saying that I know I left Wick's alone too long with Theresa, sorry this is a R rated story.