Roman dashed over to Adam and Chris. With a worried expression on his face, he picked Adam up in his strong arms and carried him to the water closet. Chris followed.

"Pa, what's wrong with Teacher?" Edward asked with an anxious expression on his face.

Chris turned to his son. "His baby is on the way. You children be as still and quiet as possible. I love you my precious Daisies, always remember that. Pray, all of you. Now, I must help Adam." He smiled at his son and daughters, glad no one stopped his words. Chris then went into the small water closet with Adam. Roman had put Adam down and waited at the door.

Dean spun on his heels and barked at Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper. "Get a towel and clean that up." He nodded to the pool of water on the floor.

Bray nodded. "I'll do it," he spoke softly to his nephew, who was still in shock about Erick. Luke barely nodded in return. Bray got a towel from the box and did as he was told.

In the water closet, Adam sat on the toilet and looked at Chris with terror filled eyes. "It's too early! Oh Chris, my baby! It's too early!" It was all he could say.

Chris put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "It will be alright. I delivered your sister, remember? You are in good hands. I know you're scared, but honey, you have to be as brave as possible for the sake of the children. Also, don't let them win, don't show your fear. Come on, we'll get you settled and out of these wet clothes. I don't know who packed the box of blankets, but I'm guessing Shawn, because there is a night shirt in there you can put on. You ready?" He was calm as he spoke. Chris knew too, he was going to have to be just as brave and calm for Adam, but oh how he wished Hunter was here.

Adam looked up at Chris. "If I can't be with family, I'm glad I'm with you, Chris. I just wish it wasn't under these conditions. I'll try to be brave. Yes... lets... go..." his words were suddenly cut off by a sharp pain. Adam couldn't pretend any longer, he was in labor, Baby Barrett was on the way.

Chris opened the door. "Can you carry him again, please? Roman, can you do something for me? I am only asking for the sake of Adam's baby. Will you please let Doctor Orton have the baby when it's born, please? Give the baby a chance, it's too early for it to be born, that's... I'm sorry," Chris built up frustration faded as his eyes filled with sadness, he had to control his temper if Adam's baby had any hope of surviving.

Roman looked at Chris with cold eyes. "He could have left, we gave him a chance..." his hardness changed a bit when he heard Adam whimper. "I won't promise, but I'll try to see the baby gets to the doctor. Let's get him settled," Reigns spoke flatly. They had given Adam a chance, it wasn't their fault the teacher refused to leave.

Adam reluctantly allowed Roman to carry him. While Roman was strong, it felt nothing like being in Wade's arms. Wade's arms felt safe and loving. Roman just carried him, there was no loving comfort or security. Adam felt if something happened, Roman would drop him. Wade would have to collapse before he'd let Adam fall. Roman carried Adam to the pallet Chris had made in the far corner of the bank, next to the wall that joined Eva Marie's shop to the bank. Luckily it was not near the secret door.

Chris helped Adam strip out of his wet clothes and into the soft, clean nightshirt. Adam curled onto his side and drew his knees up, it finally gave relief to his burning back. When Adam was settled, Chris turned to their captors. Neither man had noticed the lust filled leer Dean shot Adam, as he watched a briefly naked Adam change into the nightshirt.

"I'm going to need hot water and some other things. Damien, is there hot water upstairs?" Chris asked. He knew Damien had living quarters over the bank.

Damien groaned. "Yes." Was all he managed to say. He felt so dizzy and nauseous. He rolled over onto his side and faced the wall.

Seth frowned, things were getting complicated. "Alright, but that's it! No more special treatment. Roman, help him, but keep your eyes open," he growled through gritted teeth. Seth needed to think, and all this chaos was interrupting him. He could not afford to make mistakes.

Roman could see the frustration on Seth's face. He knew an upset Seth, was a dangerous Seth. The last time they encountered problems during a job, Seth "solved" the problem; three people were left dead on the floor of the bank. Roman was a criminal of the first water and he had killed innocent people, but each one tore at his soul. If it was possible to say, Roman Reigns was a killer with a conscience. Roman always made an offering to the Island Gods after he killed someone. He hoped it helped their souls as well as his own. He drew his gun and waved Chris over to him.

"Let's just get this done. If you are thinking about trying anything, I'd advise against it. You're pushing the limits of our patience, now get up there." Roman's dark eyes flashed with danger and his whispered words were harsh.

Chris started up the stairs, he stopped and turned to the Islander. "I have my children to consider, I won't put them in danger. None of us asked for this, you know. It's your fault Adam is in early labor. If anything happens... AH!" Chris was abruptly cut off when Roman gave his face a sharp slap.

Chris rubbed his cheek and continued up the stairs. He'd pushed his limits and knew now, that for the sake of his precious Daises and Adam, he had to keep his mouth shut and his head down. He prayed his husband would somehow return and rescue him, like the prince in the book of fairy tales his daughters loved.

Adam lay on his side and prayed in a whisper so quiet only God could hear. "Please, God, let our baby be alright. It's too early, but I trust you, God. Please help my Wade, comfort him and my family. Please protect my dear children. Take Erick's soul to Heaven, he was a good man deep down. Please God, help us; please. Amen." As he finished his prayer, a hard pain rocked his body. He wished Chris would return.

Inside the Helmsley Arms, Wade paced the lobby. Bret and Shawn had gone to the house to check on Rebecca, Jason and Heath. John Orton was back in his place behind the water trough, to keep an eye on the bank.

Wade slumped onto the the green velvet sofa, his head in his hands. He was ripped at the seams of his very soul, torn between rage and worry. He'd never been so conflicted in his life. He wanted to walk into that bank, kill the three men, grab Adam and run. The other part of him knew they had to wait, just wait.

"AHHH! God in Heaven please watch over my Adam and the others, please! Please, our Baby Barrett, oh please, keep him or her safe. Help me not to be... rash. Please, give John the wisdom to.. oh please..." Wade's prayer went from words to body wracking sobs. All his pent up emotions finally bubbled out in the form of hot tears. He'd tried to keep himself in check, for Shawn's sake, but now that he was alone, he let it out.

Wade was so lost in his emotions, he never heard the door of the hotel open. Hunter Helmsley froze in place when he saw Wade, sobbing like a lost child. He'd never heard such a heart wrenching sound. The sheriff knew then what a serious situation this was. Drew's telegraph hadn't been exactly clear. It only said, "Bank is being robbed, hostages held. Return immediately."

John came into hotel with Glenn and Mark. They paused when they heard Wade's sobs. John did not look forward to giving Hunter the news about his family.

The deputy placed a hand on Hunter's shoulder. "Hunter, you need to know. Chris and the students are in the bank..." John stopped when he saw Hunter pale, and grab for the counter. Hunter began to breath hard and a bead of sweat broke out on his brow. The sheriff turned to his deputy. His amber eyes burned with rage, and fear.

"Chrissy and our babies... are in there? With those... I shoulda listened... people said they were bad. I knew that Ambrose fella looked... Oh God, Chris was right! He told me something was going to happen. Glenn, use your skills, get to the telegraph office and find out something, anything! I know you didn't find anything before but try again. John, tell me what you have done and planned, and where the hell is Hart?" Hunter went into full Sheriff mode. The color came back into his cheeks and he stood tall. His family was in trouble and they needed him.

Back in the Bank of Great Falls, Edward frowned when his saw the bruise on his pa's cheek. Chris cast him a glance and gave brief smile to show he was alright. Chris carried a bucket of hot water, and a basket with more towels, rags and blankets he found upstairs. Chris set the bucket and basket on the floor close to Adam.

"How are you doing?" Chris asked as he dipped the tip of a rag in the hot water and gently wiped Adam's sweat laced face. Adam looked pale, too pale, but Chris hoped it was mostly from fear.

Adam opened his eyes, they burned with pain. "It's... I keep getting the urge to push, but it's too soon, Chris." He winced and bit his lip as another pain shot through his body. The pains were becoming more regular.

Chris gave Adam a soft smile and gently caressed the equally bruised face of the teacher. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice, Adam. The baby is on the way. If you don't push, it could harm the baby. I'll help you. Baby Barrett will be alright, I promise." Chris prayed that he hadn't just uttered a lie.

Roman was in a whispered conversation with Seth. Dean looked out of the window in the door of the bank, then rounded on Chris. "I thought that husband of yours was gonna be gone for a week! Along with those Marshals!" he growled at Chris, anger sparkling in his eyes.

Chris looked up so fast he nearly strained his neck. "Hunter is here? There's no train until tonight!" He knew that meant his husband had to have ridden hard and fast to get back.

"HA! Now that my dad is here, you're gonna get it!" Edward shouted before he thought about it.

Dean glared and aimed his gun at the boy. The children screamed and Chris moved faster than humanly possible. He stood directly in front of Dean.

"NO! He didn't mean it! Edward be still!" Chris spoke viciously to both Dean and Edward. Chris had to prevent Dean from overreacting.

Roman stepped over to Dean and Chris, put his hand gently on Dean's wrist, and lowered Dean's weapon. "Easy, Dean. He's just a kid. Don't get like this now. We'll be out of here soon. Killing the sheriff's son will ensure we'll run forever, never have any peace. Come on, we need to talk." Roman was calm and Chris swore the Islander winked at him. It was things like that unnerved Chris the most. Roman slapped him in one moment, then protected him and Edward in the next. What else was to come?

When Chris could, he turned to look at his son. He gave Edward a reassuring smile and a wink. That small gesture made Edward understand. His poppa was only protecting him. The boy gave his pa a return smile. Chris nodded and blew a kiss to his precious daises. Chris then turned back to Adam.

Seth, Dean and Roman spoke in quiet whispers around the table. Seth thoughtfully scratched his black beard. "So, the sheriff and Marshals have returned. I should have thought that might happen. No matter, it changes nothing. We go on as planned. If we have to, we'll take a hostage, like the sheriff's boy," he spoke with a sneer as he looked over at Edward.

As much as he disliked the idea, Roman knew Hunter's boy was the best choice for a hostage. Roman nodded. "Agreed. They won't shoot so fast if we have the boy. Look, I want the doctor to come take the baby, if it's born before we leave. It's only right, the baby didn't ask for this. Besides, it will make sure Adam does nothing stupid, he'll want to live to see his baby. As for the rest, if you aren't willing to kill your hostages..." Reigns was cut off when Adam let out his loudest cry of pain yet.

Chris gently stroked Adam's brow. "I need to take a look at you, see if you are starting to open," he spoke softly and in what he hoped was a confident tone.

Adam blushed furiously, the only people who'd ever seen his private parts were Wade and Doctor Orton. He knew it had to be done, so he pulled his legs up and opened them, so Chris could check his birth opening.

Damien and the others made a point to look anywhere but at Adam. Damien felt a bit better, his head still pounded but the queasiness was gone. He wished he could go to the children. He knew they had to be terrified. Damien also wondered about Eric, Shane and Stephanie.

Sandow smiled at the thought of his step-children and the day they called him daddy for the first time. It had made tears well up in his eyes. They had stopped asking about Vince, he was no more than a distant memory. Both he and Eric were fine with that. Damien knew his sweet Evan was smiling down from Heaven, knowing that he and the children had found love again. Damien silently asked Evan to ask God to help protect them all.

Chris discreetly pulled Adam's nightshirt up and took a quick look, he then pulled the cloth back down and smiled. "You're doing good. You're open almost all the way. You'll be holding a beautiful baby in a few hours." He hoped he gave Adam a reassuring smile. Chris was a bit worried, for as active as Adam's labor seemed to be, his perineum wasn't opening fast enough. Chris hoped that would change. He knew no matter what, the doctor would not be allowed in until after the baby was born.

The criminals went back to their whispered conversation. Seth gave an exasperated sound. "Alright, the doctor can take the damn baby if it's born. Now Roman, Dean, can we please concentrate on the job at hand?" He was tired of hearing about Adam and the baby.

"I want that baby!" Dean said with sneering pout. He had every intention of taking Adam's baby for his own.

Roman gave Dean and incredulous look. "Dean, don't be crazy. We can't run with a newborn baby. The boy will be enough." He too was tired of Dean's obsession.

Adam looked at Chris with worry filled eyes. "Somethings wrong isn't it? Tell me the truth, please," he spoke in earnest as he saw the fear in Chris' eyes.

Chris dipped a rag in the hot water and wrung out the cloth. He wiped Adam's face gently. "Nothing is wrong. I wish you were open a bit more, but it will be alright." He smiled and gave Adam's brow another gentle swipe with the cloth.

Before Adam could respond, Roman approached and bent over with his hands on his knees, he looked at Adam with cold eyes. "We decided. When the baby is born, it will be given to the doctor. We won't risk its life. Of course, that might change if anyone tries anything." He stood at his full height and walked away without another word.

A couple of long, anxious hours passed. Shawn and Bret were back at the hotel. Heath, Jason and Rebecca had joined them there. Shawn wanted the family together. Jason opened up one of the small rooms on the second floor, and Rebecca and Heath were safely ensconced in the room. Now that Rebecca was near, Shawn was a lot calmer and able to concentrate better.

Mark, Hunter and Bret looked over a map they had spread out on the table in front of one of the couches. Before he went back out to his place behind the water trough, John had marked where the explosions had occurred, just before the robbery. Jason, Shawn and Wade sat across the table from the others, and listened intently. They felt helpless and useless.

All eyes turned toward the door of the restaurant as Glenn returned. The nearly bald headed Marshal had a sour expression on his face, and held a lit cigar between his teeth. Glenn had several papers in his hand as he pulled up a chair. With a grunt he tossed the papers on the table. They settled with a flutter over the map.

Mark looked at his half-brother with a raised brow. Glenn took a puff of his cigar, the smoke curling from his lips as he spoke. "Bad news. We're dealing with killers, cold-blooded killers. As far as I can piece together, this isn't their first robbery. There have been a string of bank hold ups, but, until now, they hadn't been linked together. The robberies were never linked because they were so far apart. Most gangs work in the same area. These guys apparently never work the same region twice. They went from the Midwest to the east, then north. We think their last job was in Denver, several months ago. They have left a string of dead bodies," Glenn explained as he pointed to both the map and the papers he tossed on to it.

Mark picked up the papers Glenn had brought. They were all telegraphs. "What was the final connection that makes you think our guys are the same ones who did all this?" the Marshal asked as he handed the papers to Hunter.

Glenn gave a sarcastic chuckle. "The use of explosives, as a distraction. We are dealing with men that don't care who they kill. Some were bankers, the others innocents who got in the way, like Erick Rowan. They have also put down at least one sheriff." Another puff of smoke curled from Glenn's lips as he finished his report.

If it was possible, both Shawn and Wade paled even more. Wade scrubbed his face with his hands. "My Poppet, in there, and our students. What are we going to do? Dear God in Heaven..." he paused and looked up, anger replaced his sadness. His eyes were black with rage. "Do something damn it! You are Federal Marshals! Get off your fucking asses and get my Adam out of there!" Wade cursed using words he'd never even contemplated using before. He stared at the lawmen seated across from him.

Bret was not happy with his nephew. "Wade Alexander, just calm down and give us a chance to think. How do you think Hunter feels? His husband and children are in there too. We can't go blasting in, we have to be clever. They haven't stayed out of jail, or alive this long by being careless," he spoke calmly as he looked at his nephew and husband. Bret understood their anger, but he knew flying off the handle would only lead to trouble.

Wade looked at his uncle. "I just hate feeling so... helpless." He growled in frustration as he slammed his fist down on the table, then looked from Bret to the three lawmen with contrition.

Mark was thoughtful as he licked the paper of the cigarette he had rolled, when he finished, he spoke. "Your uncle is right. I think the best thing would be to let them escape, then track them down. If we get enough men we can ride them to ground, away from town, away from innocent people."

Bret nodded. "I figured that too. We know the area better than they do. I'm going to guess they will head to the south, towards Mexico," he said, rubbing his chin.

Dean Ambrose looked out of the window in the door of the bank. He could see nothing but the top of a hat, someone was hiding behind the water trough. He gave a bit of a sneer, then looked over at Adam as the pretty blond let out a groan.

Chris held Adam's hand as another contraction ripped through the pregnant man. "AHH! Oh dear God," Adam whimpered with a heavy pant as the pain eased, ever so slowly.

Chris looked at his young friend with concern. He wished Randal was there. "You're doing fine, son. Just breathe," he spoke more calmly than he felt.

In the back corner, the students huddled together. Simon Sandow looked over at his fallen father, then their teacher. "Pray, we can only pray," he spoke to his classmates. He realized, as the eldest, he had to be their leader. It was up to him to keep everyone calm and together. He squeezed his sister's hand firmly. Mary gave her brother a tiny smile.

Inside the Helmsley Arms, there was a new interruption as Eric and his two small children came in from the restaurant. "Is it true?" Erick asked with fear in his eyes. He carried Stephanie in his arms and held Shane's hand. Eric was breathless, and his shirt was stained with sweat. Shane's bangs were plastered to his head and his little cheeks were beet red. It was obvious they had run from their house to the hotel. Shawn stood and went to Eric. He held out his arms and Stephanie went into them eagerly. Shawn smiled at the little girl, then looked at Eric and told him what they knew.

At the bank, Adam panted his way through another contraction. Chris wiped Adam's brow, then after the pain passed, took another look at Adam's perineum. Adam was still not opening as he should.

Adam saw the expression of concern on Chris' face. "What's wrong?" he asked in an anxious voice.

Chris sighed and pulled Adam's nightshirt down and the blanket up. "Nothing..." he was interrupted by Adam.

"Don't lie, please, Chris. I can tell you are worried." Adam's hand gripped Chris's.

Chris sighed. "You're not opening like you should be. I wish Randal..." Chris' words faded. He knew Randal could perform a procedure that would help open Adam, but now in this situation, Chris didn't know what to do.

Adam's eyes filled with tears. "I want my Dragon!" he whimpered through his sobs.

Roman Reigns looked over when Adam sobbed. He and Seth had been looking at the map. Their plan was to escape to the south, lead any posse off their trail, then double back to their hidden thicket to the north. They would lay low for a few days, then make a break for Mexico. They hadn't yet decided what they would do with their hostage... yet.

Roman went over to Adam and Chris. He didn't like what he saw. Adam was in tears. "What's wrong?" the Island native asked as he bent over to get a better look at the teacher.

Chris looked up at their captor, hatred burning in his eyes. "He needs a doctor. If you must know, he's not opening like he should for the strength of his contractions." The fire burned brighter as Chris spoke.

Roman knelt down next to Adam. Dean also came over to see what was going on. Ambrose looked at the pain and panic on Adam's face and in his eyes. Dean always got a sexual charge when he saw fear on his victims' faces.

Roman saw the look on Dean's face and didn't like it, he never did. "Go keep an eye on the door. We can't afford another surprise," he spoke softly but firmly to Dean. He gave Ambrose a warning flash with his eyes. With a lick of his lips, Dean went back to his place of lookout.

Roman then flashed his eyes to Chris. "You'll have to manage." He stood, towering over the two men. Roman bristled at the look of hatred in Chris' eyes, then walked back over to Seth and the map.

Chris snarled at their captors, then turned his attention back to Adam. "You and the baby will be fine. Stay positive," he cooed and gently stroked Adam's brow.

Adam smiled weakly at Chris. The older man gave him comfort. He also knew Chris was right, he had to keep positive. He closed his eyes and tried to imagine holding his sweet, perfect baby. The image wavered as another contraction hit.

In the restaurant of the Helmsley Arms, Hunter had pushed several tables together. He, the half-brothers and Bret had laid out all the maps and other papers associated with The Shield. They stared at the maps and sipped the coffee Shawn had made. Eric had settled the children on quilts in the corner, and they enjoyed milk and cookies with Heath and Jason. Shawn sat with Rebecca in his arms at a near by table with Eric.

"She is beautiful, Shawn," Eric voiced with an awkward smile. Being around Shawn still made him uneasy, even though Shawn had been nothing but kind to him.

Shawn smiled as he rubbed his daughters cheek with his fingertips. "Yes, she is. So much like the boys when they were born. Bret and I are truly blessed." He glanced over to his husband, then back to Eric. He could see the uneasiness on the other man's face. Shawn was almost glad for the distraction, or else he would be insane with fright for Adam and the others.

Eric sighed, "They grow so fast." He wanted to respond in some way. He didn't want Shawn to think he was being rude on top of everything else.

Again Shawn smiled. "Yes, they do. Jason and Adam get annoyed with me. I still see them as babies," he paused to adjust Rebecca into a more comfortable position in his arms, she was nearly asleep. "Eric, there is no need for you to be anxious around me. The past is the past. Vince did what he did and neither of us asked for it. He's gone, no reason we can't be friends. Isn't that what forgiveness is all about? I couldn't call myself a Christian if I held Vince's actions against you. So, relax, alright?" He reached over with his free hand and gave Eric's arm a gentle squeeze.

Eric smiled and sat up a bit straighter. The weight of the past lifted from his shoulders. "Thank you, Shawn. I appreciate that. I'm glad that Jason and Adam care about Shane and Stephi, after all they are siblings. Oh, I am so worried about Damien and the children, all of them. How could those men have bamboozled us? I can't lose... another... I love him, Shawn, so very much. I finally found real..." his words faded as his eyes filled with a flood of emotion. The thought of losing Damien, Mary and Simon devastated him.

"Don't Eric, they are going to be fine... they just have to be..." Shawn replied softly. It was more like a prayer than anything else.

Everyone turned when Miss Mae and Charlie came out of the kitchen. She carried a fresh pot of coffee and Charlie carefully carried a large tray of sandwiches. Mae directed Charlie to put the tray down on an empty table. She put the pot down and spoke. "Y'all need to eat. Chris wouldn't like it if I let you go hungry."

"Yah, yah, eat 'em up!" Charlie said with a laugh. He had no idea of the gravity of the situation. He was just happy, he was nearly always happy. His mother took his hand and led Charlie back to the kitchen.

"Thank you, Miss Mae, you too Charlie," Hunter said with a gruff voice. The last thing he wanted was food, but he knew Chris would want him to eat. "Come on, we'd better eat while we can. It's going to be a long night." Hunter walked over to the table and grabbed a roast beef sandwich. The others joined him, more for something to do rather than eat, just like when Shawn had made sandwiches earlier.

Later, Mark gave the signal to the men watching the alley to come into the hotel. The Hardys, Sheamus, Dolph, Kevin and Scott gathered around a table in the restaurant. They finished off the platter of sandwiches as Hunter laid out the plan.

"We aren't going to press them. Let them think they are escaping. We trail them till they are away from town. The we'll surround them and bring 'em in. If we go slow and steady, this will be the end of their reign of terror," the lawman explained as he pointed to the map laid out on the table.

Jeff Hard rubbed his stubbly chin, a few stray sandwich crumbs tumbled down his leather vest. "Sounds good. Matt and I will move out here. Sheamus, you get Jake and go here. We can see either end of the alley," he pointed to a couple of places on the map. Sheamus nodded in agreement.

Hunter nodded too. "Good. I will go here. Mark, you and Glenn cover this area. John, you, Kevin and Scott go here. Dolph, you fetch Zack and watch here."

Mark checked his pistols, he clicked home the chamber that held the five bullets. "We'll have them surrounded before they know what hit 'em. Bret, I'm counting on you, Wade and Jason to handle things in town. Alright then, it will be dark soon. let's move out."

Shawn, Bret, Wade, Jason, Heath and Eric watched as the posse left the hotel, through the back door in the kitchen. Shawn said a silent prayer, and hoped for the best.

Jason turned to his husband. "Heath, I want you and Eric to take the children back upstairs. Keep the windows closed and the drapes drawn. Don't come out until one of us says so. Gather up some food and milk," he instructed firmly.

Both Bret and Shawn kissed Rebecca, then Shawn handed her off to Eric. Heath had started to put supplies in a big basket. Wade handed Shawn a holster with a pair of pistols and a rifle. Shawn took the weapons with absolute confidence. He might have been a quiet, peace loving man, but he could be deadly accurate with a gun. Bret kissed Shawn and went to his place behind the trough. It would be up to him to raise the signal when things began to happen.

After Heath and Eric had taken the three children upstairs, Miss Mae came into the lobby. She held tightly to Charlie's hand. "Mister Shawn, may I take Charlie upstairs to Heath? I'm afraid he might wander off on one of his walks. I don't want him to be in the way, in case..." She let her words trail off, she knew Shawn understood what she meant.

Shawn smiled softly at the older woman. "Of course you may. You stay with him, we won't need anything from the kitchen, not for a while anyway." He walked over to the mother and son, and gave Charlie's cheek a soft caress.

Miss Mae chewed her lip, then nodded. "Alright, but you come get me if you need anything. I sent April and the others home, told them to stay inside. Come Charlie, lets go see Heath." She gently led Charlie to the stairs.

Charlie turned and looked at everyone in the room, opened his mouth, and spoke. "Bad day, sad day. New angels in heaven, many new angels." He turned back and went up the stairs, his mother on his heels.

Shawn, Jason and Wade watched as mother and son vanished out of sight. "I hope he's wrong," Shawn muttered under his breath, then went back to checking his weapons.

Back at the bank, Dean walked from his post at the door and went to where Roman and Seth were working. "I don't see anyone out there any more," he spoke in a low whisper.

Seth gave a slight chuckle. "Probably setting up a posse, to try to ambush us. Well, good luck to that. Especially when the sheriff sees his precious son with a gun to his head. Dean, get the key, it's time to open this up and pack it up." He nodded his head toward the box of money on the table.

Dean nodded and walked over to where Damien sat on the floor. Ambrose cocked his gun and pressed it to Damien's skull right between the eyes. "Alright Mister Banker, hand it over, now."

Damien swallowed hard, as he felt the cold steel against his skin. He knew what Dean wanted. "Easy, please. I'll give it to you, but I have to move. It's in my vest pocket." He spoke calmly and directly to Dean.

Mary Sandow buried her head on her brother's shoulder. She couldn't stand to see her beloved father in such danger. Simon held his sister tightly, his lips moving in a silent prayer.

Dean gave a dry laugh. "You do that Mister Banker. Any tricks, and after I kill you, I'll shoot them," he moved his hand and aimed the gun at Damien's children. Simon pulled Mary closer and growled at Dean.

Damien's eyes went wide with fear. "Don't, please. You don't have to threaten me. I won't be stupid. I have to reach into my pocket..." the anxious father paused, and like he did before, moved slowly and deliberately. He took the key from his vest pocket and gave it to the bank robber.

Dean took the key, then tossed it casually to Seth. He put the gun against Damien's head again. "Don't ever tell me what to do... ever." He cocked the gun with his thumb, and his trigger finger twitched.

Damien waited for the explosion of death. A vision of Eric and his children flashed in his mind. Evan also appeared, a vision of a holy angel. Evan smiled, reached out as if to caress his face. Damien closed his eyes, and waited for Evan to take him to Heaven.

"Dean!" Roman spoke sharply. He'd moved from the table and stood next to Dean. He placed his hand on Dean's arm, and a feeling of dé jà vu from earlier in the day crossed his mind. Roman never killed unless it was absolutely necessary, and he tried in vain to teach Dean to have the same patience. He usually failed in the lesson.

Dean's eyes darted to Roman. He slowly lowered his gun arm and uncocked the weapon. "I'll help Seth," he spoke softly. He knew Roman was right, he just hated being chided, especially in front of hostages. He moved to where Seth was taking the money out of the box.

Damien looked up at Roman. "Thank you," he whispered his words, but he meant them. Damien felt their only hope lie in the conscious of the Islander.

Roman leaned down to the banker. His eyes were as cold as the steel of the gun that had been against his skin, his expression was liked carved stone. "Next time, I won't stop him." He went to join his lovers.

Damien looked over at his children. He hated seeing their terror filled faces. He gave them a soft smile, to show them he was truly alright. Simon nodded and returned his father's smile. He looked so much like Evan, it stole Damien's breath. Mary looked at her father. "I love you, daddy" she mouthed in silence. She smiled when Damien did the same.

Seth took the bundles of money from the box. Each bundle held one thousand dollars, in various denominations. There were one hundred such bundles in the box. Roman neatly and snugly packed the money into the saddlebags he'd bought just for this job. If Dolph had only known when he sold Roman the saddlebags last week...

Bret Hart stared intently at the bank. He didn't even notice when someone crouched behind the trough with him. A soft, sudden voice in his ear made him start. "Damn it, Shawn. Ya scared the tarnation outta me! Why are you here! Get back inside!" He spoke harsher than he meant to, but his nerves had been rattled.

Shawn's eyes were pinned on the bank. He spoke without looking at Bret, because he knew if he did, he'd lose his resolve. "I said, I'm joining you. Two pairs of eyes are better than one. That is my child and future grandchild in there, along with some of the best friends I've ever had. Besides, I'm more level headed than Wade or Jason and you need me. Don't you dare deny it."

Bret looked at Shawn with admiration and respect. He did tend to forget that Shawn was a strong man, not just a soft and loving husband and parent. He gave a low chuckle. "There is nobody else I'd trust by my side. Just keep that pretty head down." It was all he needed to say. Both men turned their full attention to the bank across the street.

Hunter sat on his faithful blue roan stallion, Deputy, in the last light of the fading sun. He'd checked and rechecked his weapons, all he could do was wait for Bret's signal. Bret would fire three rapid shots but until then, there was nothing he could do.

John Orton had stopped to talk to Jack at his post on the southwest road that went in and out of Great Falls. Jack reported that he'd only turned back one family. Word of the robbery had spread and most folks had chosen to remain at their homes, ready to protect their families.

John told Jack that Sheamus would be along soon and together they should listen for Bret's signal, and to be ready. Jack nodded and stood ready and alert. His horse grazed peacefully, hobbled in a near by patch of grass. Zack Ziggler had much the same conversation with Calaway and Jacobs. Zack too stood ready for whatever came his way, but would be glad when Dolph joined him. Both Jack and Zack had one thing on their minds, tucking their children safely into their beds that night.

Mark, Glenn and the other members of the posse also waited in the near darkness. They were all alert and ready for Bret's signal... when would it come? No one knew, but they were ready.

Back at the Helmsley Arms, Wade sat on the couch in the hotel lobby. He watched as Jason paced the floor. He'd pause at the window, look towards the bank, then paced back to the door of the darkened restaurant. By the twentieth trip, Wade couldn't take any more.

"Jason, please. Sit down! You're not helping by walking a hole in the rug," Wade's words came out in a bitter barrage.

Jason stopped in his tracks and stared at his brother's husband. Guilt clouded his entire face. With a sigh, he sat down next to Wade. "I'm sorry, Wade. I can't stand not do anything." Jason sounded like a man who'd been utterly defeated.

Wade looked at Jason. "No, I'm sorry. I'm taking it out on you, that's not fair. We'll get our chance. Uncle is right though, you and I would do something stupid. Let's go up and check on Heath. He must be going crazy up there," Wade spoke with a smile and stood. With a nod of agreement, Jason also stood. Together they went up the stairs to check on the others.

Roman packed away the last bundle of money, and fastened the buckle of the saddlebags tightly. The bank had grown dark as the sun set. Seth had refused Chris' request to light a lamp. Seth knew they could not be seen from the outside and he wanted it to stay that way.

All attention was directed towards Adam as he moaned in pain. "Oh, I can't stand this anymore... hurts... please... help me..." he panted out his words, and his hands clutched the blanket so tightly his fingers were numb.

Chris was at his breaking point. "Please, he needs a doctor!" his voice begged in the darkness. If help for Adam didn't come soon, both Adam and the baby could die.

Roman's fingers dug into the bag of herbs and roots he always carried. When he found what he was looking for, he went to Chris and Adam. "Here, chew on this, but don't eat it, just swallow the juice. It will help, I promise." He held out a small bundle of cheesecloth wrapped herbs.

Chris snatched the bundle. "You'd better not be lying or so help me God, I'll kill you myself." He growled out his words, not caring what happened to himself anymore.

Roman's gazed burned into Chris. "It will help. I swear it." He stood and went back to his companions. The intensity of Chris's words burned in his soul, he would never harm a baby.

Seth spoke low. "Perfect. They will be too worried about Adam to care about us. Get the boy and get ready, it's time." He holstered one gun, and kept the other in hand. Roman did the same as did Dean. Dean slung the saddlebags of money over his shoulders. He always carried the spoils because he was the most deadly with a gun, and he would kill anyone who got in their way.

As Roman walked over to the group of children, Seth spoke. "We're leaving now. However, you won't do anything stupid because if you do, he will die." In a move as fast as a striking cobra, Roman picked up Edward Helmsley, and slung him over his shoulder like a rag doll.

Chris had turned to watch as Adam put the bag of herbs in his mouth. He turned back when he heard his daughters cry out, and he saw Edward over Roman's shoulder. Fear washed over him like a icy downpour. He stood up, but in that moment, had no idea what to do.

"I'd stay right there if I were you. If everyone behaves, you'll get him back, alive. If not... the choice is yours. You'd better tell your husband and those Marshals to just let it go. Now, come on Dean open that door," Seth spoke like Satan himself, and nodded to the hidden doorway.

Dean kicked the open the secret door. He'd made sure it would open easily and Eva Marie had been none the wiser, until she saw Dean come through the door. Dean was followed by Seth and Roman, who had a child over his shoulder. Eva Marie screamed when Dean pointed the gun at her.

"Dean? What are you doing?" Eva Marie cried out in brokenhearted agony. She had been trapped in the store all day, and cried her heart out. Now that she knew it was real, she panicked. She lunged at Dean, her fingernails like claws as she struck his cheek. Four red lines formed on his face.

Eva Marie screamed in pain when the bullet left Seth's gun and struck its mark, right in the middle of her chest.

Dean never stopped as he went to the back door. He opened the door with caution and looked around. He saw no one, either in the alley or on the rooftops above. All he saw were the three black stallions who had patiently been waiting.

Seth gave a smirk as he watched Eva Marie fall to the floor. It gave him a sick satisfaction to shoot the woman who'd looked to take Dean away from him. "Nobody will ever take Dean from us. Sleep with the devils," Seth spat his words to an unconscious Eva Marie.

Roman held fast to a struggling Edward as he followed Dean. Dean was already mounted on his black beast. Roman stepped up into his saddle, then put Edward in front of him. Roman kept one strong arm around the boy, to keep him from falling. Seth vaulted into his saddle and with a sharp kick to his stallion's flank, the three bank robbers took off into the night.

Inside the bank, Chris was ripped in three pieces. To follow after his son, comfort his sobbing daughters, or help a desperate Adam. He barely heard Damien open the door and yell for help. Adam's labor had begun in earnest.

As Damien called out, Shawn took off for the bank like lightning. Bret prayed his husband wasn't running into a trap. Hunter, Mark, Glenn and the others spurred their horses into action when they heard three rapid shots echo through the night.

The hunt was on.