Ch 15

Buck got up early the following morning to go feed the stock. He walked into the barn and began his task. He came to the stall where Jimmy's horse was kept. He stopped and looked in again. It was gone. He dropped the bucket and ran over to Emma's. He knocked hard on her door for a few before she opened it.

"Buck! What in heaven's name? What's wrong?"

"Jimmy's horse is gone."

"Did he get out? What's going on?"

"Is Jimmy in the room?"

"I ain't checked yet. Come on."

They both went and opened the door. The bed was unmade and Jimmy was gone. Emma looked to Buck and put her hands over her mouth.

"I'm going to get Teaspoon."

"I'll get the others."

Buck raced off toward town while Emma ran to the bunkhouse. Buck came running back with Teaspoon close behind as Emma and the others gathered in front of the barn.

"What are we gonna do, Teaspoon?" Asked Kid

"Buck, can you tell how long ago he might have left?" Asked Teaspoon.

"I checked. The tracks are pretty fresh so I'm thinking just a few hours ago."

"Well I didn't figure he would run. I should have paid more attention."

"Mr. Spoon, it ain't your fault. Jimmy is taking all this pretty hard. I hope he doesn't do anything foolish." Said Emma

"What's the plan?" Asked Cody

"Hear me out. I figure one of two things is gonna happen here. He is gonna turn himself in to the sheriff in Willow Springs to try to save us from watching him hang or."

"Or what?" Asked Lou

"He is gonna try to stay on the run. Cut off all contact with everyone. But if'n a bounty hunter gets to him, then they will haul him back to Willow Springs as well for that reward. He would have to be alive but they don't care how much alive. Either way, he is walkin into a hornets nest."

"Sounds like we need to send someone over to Willow Springs." Said Emma

"Smart woman. I was thinking the same thing. All this started there and it will more than likely end there. Kid and Lou. Y'all get ready to ride. Stay however long it takes. Get word to me if you see anything. Buck feel like you can ride?"

"I can. I'm fine."

"You and Ike see if maybe you can catch him on the trail."

"What about us?" Said Cody

"Well the mail has still got to run. Keep your eyes and ears open."

They all nodded and prepared to go their separate ways.

Jimmy rode for several hours before stopping in the small town of Cypress Springs. He bought few supplies with what little money he had. He then rode as far out away from everyone as he could get. He set up his small camp. He knew of an old abandoned miners cabin up in the hills. He would try to get there. He just needed to stop for today and rest. He was still a little weak and sore. Once he got there, he would think of his next move.

Kid and Lou sat in the small town of Willow Springs. It had been almost a week and still no sign of Jimmy. Buck and Ike had tracked him as far as the river. They should have known that he would know that they would try to follow. The two had rode back home empty handed. Kid and Lou sat in the saloon eating. Another day passing by.

Jimmy had been sitting at the old miners cabin for a few days now. He needed to go into the nearest town. He checked what little money he had left. Cohen's Bluff was the closest town. He shouldn't be known there. He stood and got his coat. He went to ready his horse for town. He needed to have himself checked at the local doctor's. He had been feeling bad lately.

Jimmy rode into town a few hours later. He tied his horse out front the saloon. He walked until he found the doctor's office. He knocked and walked inside. A young man stepped out from a side room.

"How can I help ya?"

"I was wondering if you had time to check on some old wounds of mine."

"Sure, not a thing going on at the moment."

"How much will it cost?"

The young man looked at Jimmy. He looked a little pale and weak.

"Don't rightly know. Is that an issue?"

"Yeah it is. Ain't got much on me."

"You staying close by?"

"Maybe."

"I could possibly use some help here in exchange for my service."

"What do you mean?"

"This town isn't as quiet as it used to be. I could use someone like you to hang around some like protection. In exchange, I'll help you out."

"How long would I have to stay?"

"Just a week or two. There is some wild characters here in town. They should be moving on shortly. No one stays here for long."

"I might can do that."

"Good then come on back. What am I looking at here."

"Got shot a few weeks back. Twice."

"Twice and you are up riding? You really shouldn't."

"Didn't have much of a choice."

"What's your name?"

Jimmy thought about it a minute as he started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Cyrus. Cyrus Thompkins."

"My name's Edison Cooper. It's nice to meet you. Let's see what we got here."

Edison looked Jimmy over. The wound to his back was red and swollen. It felt hot to the touch. He cleaned and redressed it. The wound to the front appeared to be fine.

"Well here are my words of wisdom, whether you want to hear them or not. The shot to your back looks like it is getting infected. That being said, I think you should stay here for a few days."

Jimmy went to protest but Edison cut him off.

"Now. I got spare rooms in the back. You pick which one. Go in, take a nap then I'll go rustle us up some lunch."

"I can't pay you."

"No one said anything about pay."

"Why would you help me, you don't even know me."

"To tell you the truth, I'm not much older than you but I can clearly see that you need help. I have the means to help you plus mother always said, if you are ever in a position to help someone then do it."

"I can't accept this. I will just bring you trouble."

"Most men that wear their guns like you usually do. You seem different. Something tells me to help you so I will. Now pick a room."

Jimmy smiled. Maybe he could take him up on his offer for one day. He went and laid on the soft bed and was soon fast asleep.