Chapter 53
Kid paced back and forth on the porch. He had come in with the other men for lunch and learned from Emma that Lou had taken off on a ride and hadn't returned. Normally, he would not think anything of Lou going off by herself, but lately she just hadn't been herself, and that worried him.
"I'm sure she's alright Kid," Emma told him, stepping out onto the porch," Lou can take care of herself. With all of us underfoot she probably just needed some breathing room."
"I'm not so sure," Kid turned to face her, "Lou ain't been herself lately. She's been restless and moody, and having nightmares again. She snaps at me or the children one moment, and then are clutching us so tightly the next, as if she's afraid she's going to lose us."
"I expect every woman goes through something like that now and again," Emma said softly, "I know I have. Lou just needs time to sort out what's troubling her and as soon as she does, she'll be herself again."
"I hope you're right," Kid sighed and turned back to face the yard again.
Emma patted him comfortingly on the shoulder before heading back inside. Kid continued to pace, his blue eyes scanning the yard and surrounding landscape from time to time, for any sign of his missing wife.
"We take out Hickok first," Caleb Wicks said slowly. "He's the most deadly of the lot and the most vengeful, from what I've heard."
The other four Wicks' men agreed with him. They went systematically through the list of 'men' who meant something to Louise McCloud. All agreed that her husband was going to be the last they killed, because Kid's death would be the most grievous.
"Now, how do you propose we kill Hickok?" Gaylen inquired.
"We watch and wait for just the right time." Braum told them. "Hit him when he's least expecting it."
At that moment, all five men were alerted to the fact of someone riding into the yard at a fast pace. All rose from their seated positions to take defensive ones by the windows, guns drawn and ready to fire if the need arose.
It was Braum who recognized the rider first, and was instantly at the door, opening it, and hurrying outside. He holstered his weapon as the rider jumped off its horse and ran into his arms. They stood that way for a few moments before Caleb Wicks' bellow drew them apart.
"What in tarnation are you doing here? Are you trying to spoil all our plans?"
The rider's mouth opened, in defense, but Braum spoke first. "Go back inside uncle, I'll handle this."
"You better or so help me!" Caleb went back inside and left Braum and his visitor alone.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause problems between you and your uncles. I'll go-," The rider turned toward its horse, but was stopped by Braum's hand.
"You aren't going anywhere, yet." Braum said and the rider nodded, "We have some things to discuss."
"Where have you been Lou?"
"I went for a ride."
"How come you didn't tell me or anyone else where you were going?" Kid knew the words were a mistake the moment they were out of his mouth.
"I didn't realize I had to ask for permission," Lou shot him a dirty look as she brushed past him with Lightning's tack in her arms, "My mistake. Next time I will."
Kid kept pace with her as she entered the barn, "Lou, wait. I didn't mean you had to ask my permission. You were gone for a long time and I just got worried is all."
Lou turned to face him once her arms were free of Lightning's gear. She signed as she gazed up into Kid's concerned face. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make you or anyone else worry. I just need some time to myself."
Kid Smiled, "It's okay. Let's head inside and join the others. They've been holding supper until you came home."
"Okay."
When they went inside Lou apologized to the other women for running off like she did. She also thanked them for caring for her and Kid's brood in her absence. Emma, Rachel, and the other women readily accepted their apology. The rest of the evening was an enjoyable one for them all.
