"Dammit, Heyes, I'm sure your plans are getting worse."
" It's not like you ever have better ones."
" Well you know, next time, I'm using my own damn coin."
"You do that, Kid. It's not like you'll win anyways."
"I might, if you didn't cheat all the time."
"Dammit Kid, I do not cheat. I just have better luck."
Kid humphed, glared at Heyes and then angrily stomped around making as much noise as he reasonably could. He muttered angrily at Heyes under his breath, interspersing the mumbling with louder complaints as he built a fire and threw their belongings heavily on the ground.
"Sometimes Heyes, I swear you try my last nerve."
"Yeah, well what about your endless gripin' about bein' hungry?"
"Well most of the time it's your stupid plans that leave me hungry and one or both of us bruised and battered."
Heyes was suddenly furious, he'd only really been half-angry until then. The Kid was always hungry. Curry shouldn't lay the blame for his appetite on him and besides his plan had worked.
"That ain't fair, you were hungry anyway and neither of us got hurt. We got out fine and with money in our pocket. "
"Yeah, this time..." Their argument ended abruptly when Curry jumped back on his horse and wheeled off in the direction of the nearest town, leaving a slightly bemused but still fuming Heyes behind him. As Heyes finished setting up the camp. He muttered about ungrateful, hotheaded, unreasonable partners, who didn't even finish the job they started.
Curry didn't always really appreciate what went into being the thinking part of their partnership. He should try it himself before he got all ornery over a plan that didn't quite work the way it was meant to. What was he all riled about anyway? They'd escaped in one piece without even a minor injury between them.
Heyes couldn't hang onto his anger in the beautiful surroundings and after a short time of banging round, he found a comfortable perch against a rock warmed by the sun. The stunning panorama, the quiet babbling of the creek and the peace around him soothed his tension away. It really was pretty. He just wished Curry had stuck around long enough to appreciate the place. It would have done his mood a power of good. A difficult two weeks when not much had gone their way, had left them weary and hungry. Kid was often unreasonable when he was tired and short on food, so maybe Heyes should have seen the fight coming. If he'd been given half a chance, he might even have admitted to Curry that his plan wasn't foolproof, after all he was brilliant, not perfect.
Heyes sighed to himself a little at how idiotic and pointless the argument had been. He briefly considered following Curry into town, before dismissing it as a bad idea. His partner needed some time to cool off and he'd do that better without him. He knew with the money Kid had in his pocket that he could get a room, a decent meal and even have some left over for quality time with a girl. He'd be back soon enough, maybe worse for wear and a bit sheepish, or possibly smug and content like a well-fed house cat. Either way his mood would be much improved and he'd be less difficult to handle. Heyes figured he deserved a break from thinking, so shut his eyes and drifted into a light doze.
It was only when Kid hadn't returned late the next afternoon that Heyes started to worry. Had he'd misjudged how angry Curry had been? After a short discussion with himself he shook off his concern. The Kid would have come back to tell him he was leaving. Knowing his partner, he'd probably been talked into helping a pretty girl ,poor widow or child, possibly even all three and got in over his head.
Heyes rode in the direction Curry had taken and reached the town of Three Forks, just as the sun was setting. The population was in a state of not very subdued excitement. In the small saloon he stood at the bar not drinking the beer in front of him. The buzz of conversation around him didn't take long to explain the excitement.
"Yeah, Kid Curry, Sheriff was sure he weren't no Thaddeus Jones. Thought he recognised him, but like everyone he knew he had a partner, so it threw him a bit when he was on his own. I guess he and Heyes had a falling out.
"Yeah, two of them would have been better, but even one will put us on the map. $10.000 will do the town a whole lot of good. "
"Sheriff weren't convinced at first that his partner weren't nearby but Curry kept insisting they'd had an argument weeks ago over a girl and gone their separate ways."
"Yeah, he gotta be tellin' the truth, ain't no honour among outlaws. He'd have given him up, the way the Sheriff went at him."
"Sheriff's already sent for the Marshals to extradite him to Wyoming. I think he's worried someone might try and grab him. "
After gulping his beer and checking into the town's only hotel, Heyes presented himself to the Sheriff. The law-man was suspicious, but grudgingly allowed him in when Heyes gave him enough money that he considered the risk worth it. Heyes was relieved after a very thorough search that he'd thought to hide his pick locks in the hotel room.
Curry didn't bother to look up from his bunk or move his hat from his face when he heard the door.
"We've bin through this. I told you, I don't know where he is."
Heyes leant against his head against the bars of the cell and said quietly, "Can't let you outta my sight."
Curry's head jerked up and he moved his hat from his face. Heyes was shocked at the state of his partner. Kid's left eye was swollen shut, his hands and the rest of face were badly bruised and covered with several cuts. There was a particularly nasty mark over his right eye, which was still bleeding slightly. He hobbled over to greet Heyes, wincing at the pain from the rest of the damage that Heyes couldn't see.
He managed a half-hearted smile, but his eyes were worried. "You're taking a hell of a risk, Heyes. The Sheriff is vicious but he ain't stupid. He might start to wondering."
Heyes grinned at Curry before raising his voice, loud enough for the sheriff to hear.
"Well I figured as this might be your last chance, you'd be more amenable to an interview than last time. You know I just want some stories to add colour to my dime novels. " Heyes dropped his voice, "I have a plan."
Kid snorted before saying equally as loudly, "Don't think those stories of yours need much more colour. " He gently held the bars, the pain from his bruised hands making him grimace. He lowered his voice to an almost whisper.
"It'd probably work too, if we had more time, but the Marshals arrive tomorrow. "
"C'mon Kid, you ain't giving up are you?"
"It ain't about giving up, Heyes, it's about being sensible. I ain't in any condition to make a run for it, won't be for a few days. After a slight pause and with the slightest hitch in his voice he added, "Glad I got to see you, so you know I didn't run out on you."
"Kid, I knew it, figured you just got in a little deep. I have to admit I weren't quite expectin' this kind of trouble."
Curry made to cross his arms, but Heyes saw a flash of discomfort cross his face and he aborted the motion, instead simply shaking his head in disgust. "You weren't wrong about my luck! I've never been here before, but a couple of locals used to live in another town and recognised me from a gunfight back from before we met up again. The Sheriff was a deputy in a little town where I had a problem with some yahoos about the same time. Put that with my wanted poster..." He trailed off and looked down.
Heyes couldn't help but roll his eyes at that, but said nothing, deciding now was really not the time to get into the issue of Curry's hotheadedness.
"Why, ain't important right now. We just have to get you out of here. "
"Think we already used up our supply of miracles and you can't hang round here for too long. I didn't put up with this," he indicated the bruises, "for us both to get caught."
Before Heyes could reply, the Sheriff entered the cell block. "Time's Up." His voice was harsh and he looked at them both with suspicion.
Kid shook his head at Heyes and said firmly, "Thank you, but I ain't interested."
"Mr Curry..." Heyes recognised the hint of panic in his voice, but saw that the Sheriff hadn't noticed. He desperately needed more time to convince Curry that he could get him out of this.
Kid's gaze rested on him, his face almost expressionless, but Heyes recognised the reality in his eyes. So much feeling blazed out from them : Fear, apology, affection, warmth, a silent plea for Heyes to just go before he gave in.
Heyes reluctantly acquiesced and left with the sheriff, his stomach twisting uncomfortably. This wasn't the end of it, whatever his friend believed.
He was, however, thwarted when the next day Kid refused to see him. Heyes watched from the saloon with most of the rest of the town's population as the US Marshals rode the notorious Kid Curry out to a depressingly certain future. A gentle touch drew his attention away from the now empty street. "Are you that dime novel fella?"
Heyes nodded absently, his mind still processing the shock of how their situation had so quickly spiralled into disaster. The pretty young woman handed him an envelope. "Thaddeus," she paused knowing that wasn't his real name, but shrugged and smiled, "Whoever he was, he was real kind. He asked me to give you this when I visited him this morning. They weren't so fussed as to search me on the way out."
Heyes wished he'd got to say goodbye too, but Kid had probably figured Heyes would have talked him into trying to escape and that his way was better. He had strange notions sometimes. Heyes turned to give the girl some money, grateful at least that Kid had left him something, but she shook her head and melted back into the crowd.
Heyes rode out of town, his heart heavy. He made camp a few miles west and opened the paper the girl had given him.
Don't do anything I'll regret you doing. Get the amnesty, if the current walk-off Governor actually keeps his word. If he doesn't, do something that won't get you jailed or killed. Go south, or go north, but just keep out of trouble and be happy.
Kid made it sound so damn easy: be happy, go south. How could he, when the only family he had left was languishing in jail? Heyes crumpled the letter angrily, cursing his idiot partner for not being there, then gently smoothed the paper out before folding it carefully into his saddle bag.
He telegraphed Lom and together they arranged a secret meeting with the Governor, who was uncooperative.
"You know the deal, Mr Heyes and it hasn't changed. The terms remain the same. I cannot help your partner. "
Heyes opened his mouth to argue and his muscles tensed in preparation to smack the annoying smugness off the man's face. He'd hoped none of this had shown in his expression, although Trevor's warning grip told him some of it must have, but the Governor didn't seem to notice and he just dismissed them before returning to whatever he'd been reading.
Outside in the quiet street, (the Governor had insisted on an early meeting and so few people were around) Heyes met Lom's gaze, his mind spinning as he still tried to think of a way out. He was desperate, because he'd never truly considered the possibility of one of them actually getting as far as Wyoming Prison. He'd figured he'd always find a way out before it'd get to that.
"What am I going to do? " He knew he hadn't managed to keep the distress out of his voice, because Lom's tone and expression were sympathetic and he obviously just stopped short of reaching out, as he replied.
"Just keep trying, Heyes. He might change his mind. "
"He might I guess, but I'm not sure I'd take those odds." He looked over at Lom and despite his resolve to appear in control, he couldn't prevent some of the sudden bleakness that swept over him showing on his face. Lom's sympathetic look only deepened, which somehow made him feel even worse.
"I know you done your best, Lom, but this ain't right. We stuck to the deal."
Lom headed to the station, for the train back to Porterville, promising to keep in touch. Heyes was left alone on the side-walk, feeling unusually hesitant as he looked around him. He realised with a shock that he for once hadn't a clue what to do next.
x-o-x-o
Kid stood naked in the processing room, shivering in the cold air and still reeling from his head being shaved. He felt acutely vulnerable and was doing his best not to fidget, under the guard's gaze. As Kid bent over to pick up the uniform that had been thrown at him, the guard aimed a kick that caught his hip hard. Curry started to lurch toward him, before realising the futility of it. He stepped back as the guard grinned at him, indicating he should get dressed. He did so quickly and a little frantically, as the guard's eyes stayed fixed on him. Kid's skin crawled at the scrutiny. He felt a little less exposed as he finally finished dressing. He started as the door behind him swung open.
"Dammit, Briggs stop leering, we've got another six to process. "
Kid's next ordeal was Warden Langston, who looked at him as if he belonged under a rock.
"Your reputation precedes you, prisoner B74, but don't think that means a thing to me. You are nobody and nothing in here. Is that clear?"
Kid kept his head down, far more angry than afraid. Langston looked at him for a moment, then nodded to the guard just out of Kid's eyeline. Two heavy thumps to his back and stomach quickly had him doubled over, gasping for breath. He'd not healed from his last set of bruises and the blows had landed in much the same places.
Langston came out from behind his desk and forced Curry to look at him by holding his chin. The Kid tensed ready to lash out, but sense prevailed and he merely stood there, his breathing heavy.
" You would do well to remember that my word is law here. I do not like your kind and you would be wise to avoid attracting my attention. Is that clear?"
The Kid managed a nod, as it seemed some reply was expected. Langston pushed Curry onto his heels. The contempt in his eyes clear, as he stepped back to his desk. Kid was shaken but still angry as he was marched out to his cell. Langston was a bully and despite what he'd said, Kid was sure he was hoping to see him again.
The days stretched into what he knew were weeks. The time wore on him, the endless tedium of boring routine, the barely controlled air of violence, the loneliness of not being allowed to talk, the absence of a friend to watch his back, all of this just weighed him down. The prison rations weren't enough to fill him, but after a while the hunger faded into gnawing pain. The nights were as bad as the days, long, empty and uncomfortable. He kept himself mostly out of trouble by just avoiding slipping into outright disobedience and not openly reacting to the attempts to rile him, but he doubted he would be able to keep up either state indefinitely.
Both guards and prisoners took delight in seeing how far they could go. He was shoved, poked and tripped more times than he could count, he fought against the increasing urge to hit out. He had always found it close to impossible to duck a challenge, which of course had caused both him and Heyes a heap of problems. "Just keep your head down, Kid, they ain't worth the trouble it'll cause you." Curry was unsurprised and a little amused that his inner caution sounded like his partner.
After a another long night of not sleeping and two hours of mindless labour, Kid joined the queue in the chow room to wait for the single precious meal of the day. He wearily tuned out the latest set of insults from around him. Silence never seemed to be enforced when the words were aimed at him.
"You ain't so tough without a gun. Gunslingers are cowards. You ain't even got the balls to fight back. Frightened your face'll get all messed up, pretty boy? "
The routine was more vicious than normal, the miserable, cold, dank and windy weather causing everyone to be even more fractious than usual.
As the pushing and shoving steadily increased in force, the inevitable happened and Curry fell heavily, the force of his landing knocked the breath out of him. The guards watching, made no move to prevent what was going down. It had become obvious that his humiliation was part of their daily entertainment. Curry knew he should just stay on the floor, he was sure they'd tire of their sport soon enough, but his inner Heyes had gone silent and he just couldn't, so he struggled to his feet. Someone threw something at him. Whatever it was, it was hard and the edge sharp, it bounced heavily off his head and back and threw him back to the floor.
A heavy kick to his side and stomach left him gasping and the anger he'd been struggling against swamped him. He was standing before his mind caught up and aimed blindly with his fists. He felt a rush of satisfaction as his blows connected, but it was a short-lived fight back. After a few minutes one of the guards smacked him hard on the head and tumbled him to the ground. He lay there with his head spinning unable to move and closed his eyes. He knew as he was hauled halfway to his feet and dragged to the warden's office that he was in deep trouble.
"I told you that this was my domain Prisoner B74 though as I expected you've not heeded my warning. I think I will enjoy showing you why that was a mistake. Take him to the punishment yard and then put him in the dark cells. "
Curry gasped as the whip slapped down onto his bare back, heat and pain replacing the freezing chill of the wind. As the blows continued he bit back his screams, unwilling to give those watching the satisfaction, but one crept out, although it was lost to the howling wind. Sticky blood dripped down his back and the pain made it difficult to concentrate on anything but breathing, so he lost count at ten. His relief at the call of "Enough," sent him to his knees, his strained arms buckling under the pressure. He was doused in cold water and alcohol and this finally pushed him over into unconsciousness .
He'd believed nothing could be worse than his cramped uncomfortable cell, but now he would have willingly sold part of his soul to be back there. He missed the snoring and the banging, he even missed the sound of booted feet outside his cell. At least there he'd had the tiny comfort of not being totally alone with his thoughts. In this cell the silence was absolute and the darkness endless. It reminded him of the times he and Heyes had been locked in the cellar at the boys home but then at least he'd had company. Kid wasn't sure how long it was since he'd been left here. The sharp pain in his back had already receded to an uncomfortable tightness, but he had no other clue. The emptiness was only broken when guards came to force him against the wall to eat stale bread and drink musty tasting water. The cell door was then slammed shut, leaving him alone again in the oppressive silence. Kid was constantly nauseous, his lips cracked and sore. The silent dark weighed him down, slowly crushing his spirit. Only memories of freedom, sunshine and riding with Heyes kept him the right side of sane.
x-o-x-o
Heyes threw the book he'd been reading onto the bed behind him. He paced to the bed and then back to the desk, before staring at the wall. Months of obsessive reading of law books and statute had caused him nothing but frustration. Amnesties and pardons were purely within the Governor's remit and if he chose not to award them then there was no other recourse. A depressingly familiar helplessness swept over him as his eyes dropped to the carpet before resting angrily on the book lying almost accusingly on the bed. Heyes's new worry was that even if he did find a way, he'd be too late. No one had actually died in the Wyoming prison yet, but that was a cold comfort and there was always a chance of a first time.
Rubbing his eyes wearily he looked down at the newspaper he'd left laying on the desk. He usually bought a paper to give himself a break from the law books. It had been impossible for him to lose himself in any other kind of book since Kid's incarceration. Being able to read a book without interruption just underlined the Kid's painful absence.
The newspaper's front page carried another headline story on the violent gang currently tearing through the West, leaving death and destruction behind them. Heyes read the article, disgusted. Adding violence to robbery was just stupid, because it made the people being robbed even angrier. There was also a depressing lack of imagination involved in the planning. If that was what outlawing had come to, he was better off out of it. Or would be, if he could just find a way to bring Kid back home. He read the inside stories. The Kid was notorious enough, even now to rate a small mention if anything permanent had happened to him. Heyes refused to dwell on what permanent could mean, even in the privacy of his own mind. He was relieved to see nothing, so turned to the Help Wanted Ads, before throwing the paper disgustedly back onto the desk. This was getting him nowhere.
Heyes's thoughts were rarely far from his partner, but when awake he tried not to dwell on what he might be going through, as his nights were full of it. He preferred to think of their reunion, but sometimes he just couldn't help lingering on his possible state. The passage of time had merely added layers to his imaginings and awful visions of what his partner might be living through would play across his mind at random moments.
Heyes spent his usual restless night, reaching for a plan just out of range. If he could just get hold of it, he knew it was the answer, but he couldn't grab it and his dreams turned to the worst case scenarios of Kid's imprisonment.
Heyes woke up with a start when day broke. He'd finally grasped hold of the idea that had been tormenting him. It was reckless, a little suicidal and maybe even impossible. Heyes turned the idea over in his head and looked at it from all angles. He tossed it away as unworkable, but it sprung back towards him refusing to be let go and he finally accepted it was an idea he could go forward with. First, he needed to contact Lom and then together they'd see the Governor.
x-o-x-o
Kid was finally released from solitary and the Warden was impressed with the success of his punishment. His previously recalcitrant prisoner was quiet well-behaved and obedient. Langston was unaware and uncaring of the reality behind the change. Even just putting one foot in front of the other left Kid with little energy to do anything else, but there was no way he was going back into the dark, so he did what was necessary to avoid it.
He didn't know how long he'd been back in the general population when he was ordered to the Warden's Office.
As he was led toward the heavy door he clung tightly to the numbness that enveloped him as it was the only defence he had against his rising panic.
Kid stood respectfully with his head down, his heart thudding loud in his ears, but Warden Langston was almost genial.
"Ah, B74 I think it's right for me to stretch the regulations somewhat. Correspondence of any sort is usually forbidden, but I am not a harsh man and I believe your much improved behaviour should be recognised."
He handed Kid several papers tied together in a black ribbon. Kid's hands shook and a rush of genuine gratitude swept through him, as he took what he presumed to be letters. He viciously banked down the wave of hope and warmth that the sight of Heyes's familiar scruffy script gave him.
"Remember not to let these," the warden nodded at the precious bundle in his hands, "prove to be a distraction. I wouldn't wish either of us to regret my kindness."
Throughout the day he was unnaturally aware of the letters shoved in the sleeves of his uniform, his mind urged him to just take a peek, but with a will that he hadn't known he still possessed he ignored their insistent call.
Finally in his cell, he could read them , squinting at the words in the semi-dark. Heyes had actually made an effort to keep his writing readable. Curry could hear his partner's voice clearly in his head, which hurt at first but not for long as he soon took comfort from the fact he'd not been forgotten.
The last letter in the package, which Kid figured was the most recent, was shorter and more untidily written than the others, as if Heyes had been in a hurry. He had no way of knowing how long ago it had been written, but he could only hope it was fairly recent. He figured Langston must not have read the letters, as he doubted he would have been allowed this one, unless it was less recent than he thought and the warden was just inflicting a more subtle form of torment.
Kid,
I've got a plan. It ain't one of my best, but it's all we've got. Just hang on in there and if I can swing it, I'll see you soon. Just hang on. You hear me Jedidiah Curry? Just hang on.
HH
It was rare Heyes ever called him by his given name, let alone used his full. It always invoked memories of their Grandpa Curry and brought a strange mix of annoyance, grief and affection, but Curry always listened when it was used as it meant Heyes was in deadly earnest. Curry would heed the plea and hang on for as long as he was able.
x-o-x-o
Lom waited a little nervously for Curry to be brought to him. It was three weeks since he and Heyes had gone to the Governor. The plan was not a simple one and it'd taken quite a lot of persuasion on Heyes's part to convince the Governor that it wasn't simply a plot to trick him into releasing Curry. Lom knew he was taking a big risk with volunteering to be a part of it, but he felt he owed his friends a real chance at the freedom he now acknowledged had been cynically offered. Lom had been extremely sceptical that Heyes and Curry, especially Curry, would be capable of staying out of trouble. The intervening years had impressed on him just how wrong he'd been and how serious their intent to live honestly was. He was determined to do what he could to ensure they got the chance they'd earnt.
Lom had expected changes in Curry, but he was shocked to see just how much he'd declined. His hair was short and ragged and his nails bitten or broken down to nothing. Kid had lost an unhealthy amount of weight and his chest whistled slightly on each breath. There was a previously uncharacteristic nervousness to every movement and his eyes were dull when he eventually met Lom's gaze. Rehabilitation indeed, thought Lom cynically as Warden Langston's comments passed through his mind. Kid finally registered who was in front of him and a minute quirk of the lips, a brief flash in his eyes, accompanied by a sudden subtle tension in his too thin frame were small signs that showed Lom that he was still hanging on.
He spoke softly to Curry, "I'm here to get you out. Heyes has a plan." Once he was certain his message had been understood he raised his voice, " You know I'll find a way to persuade you that co-operation is in your best interests and I'm sure you won't appreciate it. "
Lom has intended to strike Curry to add authenticity, but he couldn't bring himself to, not even lightly and instead slammed his hand hard on the desk.
Lom banged on the door for attention and informed the guard that he intended to take his prisoner without delay. Langston stomped in flanked by his guards insisting Lom had no authority here, but when he saw the Governor's signature on the transfer papers, he gave in with ill-grace. The glare he shot Curry left him instinctively flinching back and Lom's stomach lurched in sympathy at the unfamiliar fear on Kid's face.
x-o-x-o
Kid wasn't entirely sure what was happening but if Heyes had a plan that involved him getting out of prison, then things were looking up. Lom's gaze rested on him and it took little acting to look cowed as shackled and cuffed he was loaded into the waiting wagon.
Kid drifted into a light doze and was startled awake when Lom pulled up the horses. He helped The Kid out of the back and unlocked his restraints. Curry was surprised at the other man's gentleness as he steadied him.
"Right. We're going to fake an accident and then you're going to go that way. Heyes is waiting for you down in the valley." Lom pointed to a path that sloped downwards off to the left of the road.
Kid found it difficult to process the information, things had moved a bit fast for his still fuzzy brain to fully grasp. Lom repeated himself with more patience than Kid might have expected, before adding some extra details.
"It's going to look like the horses were scared by something and overturned the wagon. I was knocked unconscious but you weren't, so you took the keys off me and escaped. Heyes will explain the rest. There's a stage along soon, so we don't have much time."
Together they released the horses, before flipping the wagon. Kid could feel Lom looking at him worriedly. The exertion had tired him and he was breathing heavily. He leant against the upturned wagon slightly bent over to try and ease the tightness in his chest.
" You want to take one of the horses?" Lom's concerned tone broke through his gasping.
Kid caught his breath and said drily, "Not sure adding horse theft to my crimes is a good idea at this point."
"Kid, if Heyes's plan works it won't matter and if it doesn't you likely won't be around to care."
Kid felt his face drop as the tiny breath of humour faded as quickly as it'd come ,but after a brief moment, he felt his lips quirk back up into a small smile. It was good to be free whatever came next.
Lom had been adamant that Kid take a horse and wouldn't let him go until he had agreed. Curry had seen the wisdom of it for two reasons, the first being that he had serious doubts about his current walking ability and the second was that it was simply taking too much energy to argue. Lom satisfied had shooed him and the horse down the pass towards Heyes.
Kid regretted he'd not thought to ask Lom the date. He didn't know how long he'd been stuck in prison. It had felt like several lifetimes but he knew it had been only months, maybe close to a year, but no longer than that. It became too hard to concentrate and stay on the horse so he stopped thinking and just hung on, praying to whomever was listening not to let him fall. He was relieved Lom had made sure his mount was a placid creature. He was concerned at how long it'd be before he and Heyes had a posse on their tails as Lom had been very certain that there would be a stage along soon. He urged his ride as fast as he could manage, despite the tight scars on his back and his tired body protesting the increase in movement. By the time he reached the place Lom had described he was nearly halfway off the horse. Kid half slid, half fell onto the ground, stumbling as he landed but just avoiding an embarrassing sprawl.
He startled as he heard a warm drawl close to his back.
"I thought you'd gotten lost."
He pivoted round and relief coursed through him... Heyes.
"You look awful."
"You ain't looking so fine yourself."
Heyes couldn't hold onto his feigned unconcern and his voice cracked slightly as he replied,"Oh hell, Kid, it's good to see you."
Heyes swept him into a tight hug, as unexpected as it was welcome. Curry hadn't even felt the urge to cry when he was living his worst nightmares, but as he leant gratefully into his friend, he felt hot tears trickle down his face. Embarrassed, he unsuccessfully tried to wipe them away as they soaked into Heyes's jacket. Eventually Heyes stood back to study him carefully. Kid was less mortified by his breakdown when he realised Heyes's eyes were as damp as his.
Heyes's face darkened and Kid's eyes dropped as he felt suddenly awkward under the steady gaze. After a few moments of slightly charged silence, Heyes clapped him gently on the shoulder and coughed, his voice more than a little choked as he said,
"We gotta get out of here, the posse won't be far behind. "
x-o-x-o
Heyes had never seen Curry so exhausted, vulnerable and frail, not in their adult years at least, and his heart hurt at the sight, but he refused to be distracted from what needed to be done. It had been obvious as soon as his friend had ridden into view, that they would have to share his mount. They'd take Kid's borrowed horse as it would be useful for him to use later, but at the moment Kid trying to ride alone would only slow them down. He urged Kid up on to his horse and then clambered up behind him, more concerned than relieved that his friend didn't argue. He simply nodded wearily and let Heyes steady him. Through the thin cloth of the prison uniform Heyes could feel ridges, that felt like scars, but he simply urged his horse onward. He'd take stock of what was needed once they'd reached their destination. Heyes's hands shook a little in reaction, despite his resolve not to feel anything until they were as safe as they could be.
In the cosily ramshackle cabin that Heyes had found, Kid had fallen asleep in one of the chairs by the fire.
Heyes had supplied and prepared the deserted semi-isolated building before Lom had sprung Kid. Heyes scrutinised his friend, finally letting himself feel. Curry was now back in his familiar clothing, but the shirt, pants and jacket swamped him. The blankets Heyes had tucked round him only heightened his fragility. Since they'd met back up and become 'official' partners he'd been a solid and reliable presence backing Heyes up in any circumstance even when he'd wondered what the hell Heyes was doing. He might have complained loudly after but he'd never let Heyes down. Now, he resembled the half starved, scared child he'd been in those god forsaken days after their families had been murdered. Kid's eyes opened and he jerked in sudden fear, before his eyes rested on Heyes. In a moment his whole body relaxed and he dropped back into sleep without fully waking. The level of trust Kid had in him, despite, well despite everything, was a rare gift that he'd sometimes taken advantage of. But this time with the stakes impossibly high, Heyes was painfully aware of a tight grip of fear. He remembered the argument that had led to this mess and wondered now as he hadn't really considered then whether his plans weren't always quite as brilliant as he thought. But there was no turning back now and he honestly knew this wasn't one of his best ideas, but high stakes often meant big winnings and their freedom was the biggest prize of all.
He sat quietly in the second chair, unwilling to wake Kid to chivvy him to bed and he didn't want to let him out of his sight. With everything going on in his head, he'd expected a sleepless night, but he soon drifted into a peaceful and deep sleep.
x-o-x-o
Kid woke stiff and sore but surprisingly chipper the next morning. The hope that had been so elusive in prison had flared fiercely into life. He couldn't see Heyes, but could hear him rattling around. The cabin, while not exactly first class accommodations, was a step up from prison and was surprisingly comfortable. Heyes had restarted the fire but Kid was reluctant to move from his haven of blankets. Eventually he stretched like a cat, keeping one blanket wrapped round him and went in search of Heyes.
Heyes didn't pause in his stirring, but only said, " Afternoon, sleepy head, you about slept the sun round."
His voice was warm and Kid smiled, it was good to be home. " Well since I've been ridden halfway round the territory with no food I think I'm entitled. "
Heyes swirled round, and Curry read guilt in his gaze, but when he started to apologise Kid waved him down, " Don't treat me like I'm 'bout ready to break Heyes. I need...," he trailed off not exactly sure what he needed, just that this wasn't it. He finally grasped the words, " I need to feel normal."
Heyes smiled, "Not sure I can help with that , you ain't never been normal."
Kid shook his head, narrowed his eyes, just as he would always have done and said,
"Now about this plan..."
The amusement faded from Heyes's expression and he shooed Kid to sit, before presenting him with a huge plate of stew. He sat opposite, eating his own much smaller portion. It didn't escape Kid's notice that his every mouthful was being studied. He ate as much as he could, before his stomach protested. He knew it was barely half of what he could have eaten before. Heyes didn't comment, though his eyes were worried.
"We're going to join a gang and then we're going to hand them all in." He pulled out a rolled newspaper from his pants pocket and handed it to Kid.
Kid read the front page, disbelief quickly shifted to a hint of fear and then turned into nervous resolve. He met Heyes's worried gaze and dragged a small smile from somewhere.
" As your plans go, I can remember worse."
Heyes chuckled and nodded wryly, not sure that he could, but he appreciated Curry's faith.
" When it works, the Governor made a promise." Heyes's face darkened and he added grimly, "and I have another plan to make sure he can't break it."
Kid's hands shook and he tried to catalogue just how bad he felt. A stiff wind would probably blow him off his feet and his mind was still cloudy. If he'd had a gun, he doubted he could hit anything other than a very large barn in front of his nose. His stomach dropped as he realised how useless he was at the moment.
Heyes was watching him carefully, studying the emotions that criss crossed his face, " Of course, not straight away, not like you're fit for even impolite company."
Kid couldn't manage to say what he was feeling, so focussed on something solid.
"I wish I had a gun Heyes." He felt a little foolish as he said it, aware that it should hardly be his priority and a little concerned with how Heyes might react, but his partner only smiled and stood abruptly. He hunted in a bag down by the door and after a few moments made a sound of triumph and brought Curry a wrapped object.
Kid carefully opened the proffered package and couldn't mask a gasp of delighted shock. It was his own weapon and Heyes had even cleaned it.
"How?"
Heyes tried for a few minutes with little success to convince Kid it was his silver tongue, before giving in and admitting ruefully. "I spun a tale, but the ass-hat sheriff didn't buy it, so I just gave him some money."
" You realise that you could probably outshoot me at the moment."
Heyes raised his eyebrows, but didn't rise to the bait. "I know that even after 10 months, your shooting will be better than most. I'd think it's like playing poker, you don't forget. Even if you're a little rusty, it won't take much till you're back to showing off."
Kid's smile at Heyes's poke faded quickly. He truly hoped Heyes was right. The gun felt heavy in his hands, but it was a comforting weight and something clicked back into place, the same way it had when he'd dressed back in his familiar clothes despite their bagginess. The same way it had when he'd seen Heyes for the first time in nearly a year.
x-o-x-o
Heyes woke to an empty cabin as he had for the last week. He knew Kid was out again practising his draw and accuracy. Usually Heyes waited until Kid returned, but he was worried that Curry was pushing too hard. He dressed quickly and went to see for himself. Heyes watched for a while, enjoying a spectacle that sometimes drove him mad. Kid was still a bit rusty but after each shot he made a small adjustment and every change increased the accuracy and speed of his shot. Heyes could see Kid was worn out, his breathing was laboured and sweat stood out on his forehead. He really needed a break, but Heyes knew he would have to tread carefully. Sometimes thought Heyes ruefully, it was like living with a half-tamed mountain lion.
"How long you been out here?"
Kid shrugged and although he didn't take his eyes of his targets he stopped shooting before answering more than a little defensively.
"A while,"
"Well if you're going to be out in the sun, we need to find you a new hat. Ain't no good to me burnt crispy like."
Heyes could see Kid considering this, "You saying I should give it a rest, Heyes?"
Heyes shrugged all too aware of the tension in his friend's tone and said evenly, "I'm just saying, maybe we should eat and then go find you a hat."
Kid twirled his gun back into his holster, managed a tight smile and shrugged his agreement. He looked more than a little embarrassed when Heyes had to steady him as they headed back into the cabin.
Kid asked a little plaintively over a plate of pancakes. "You couldn't save my hat?"
"Nope, one of the deputies sure took a liking to it."
"Well it was a nice hat."
Heyes watched carefully. The Kid's appetite, while still not back to it's previous level, had definitely improved. He had gained some weight back and his clothes looked less like they belonged to someone else, but he was still edgy and irritable. Heyes's own temper threatened at times to rear up to meet the challenge but he had so far successfully wrestled it down. They'd go into town tomorrow or maybe the next day. It was a sure sign of how tired the Kid was that he didn't really argue with Heyes's decision and just headed back into the seating area where he started to clean his gun. For the next few days, Curry was still abed when Heyes woke and left his practice till the sun was less fierce. Heyes counted that as progress.
"It's a fair ride to town, Kid, we should probably make tracks."
Heyes hollered this above the cracking of Kid's colt. He had mastered his gun and looked more like himself although he was still far too thin for Heyes's comfort.
Heyes was a little curious and more than a bit nervous about how Kid would react to being around people again.
x-o-x-o
Kid looked around him with interested wariness as he entered the small town of Graley River. He rode in behind Heyes, his eyes roaming around for possible threats, but seeing none, forced himself to relax. Heyes was watching him carefully and trying unsuccessfully to hide it. The town according to Heyes had an elderly sheriff, two good saloons, a restaurant, a decent hotel, a well-stocked general store and a bank. Curry stuck close to Heyes not entirely comfortable but not exactly nervous either. They bought a hat, bullets and gun oil, plus some provisions they were running short on. The townspeople were friendly and there was no hint of trouble. After a leisurely meal in the restaurant they walked into one of the saloons. If Heyes found it odd that he didn't flirt with the pretty and willing saloon girls he said nothing. If you'd asked Kid before prison how he would have felt after months of being without, he'd have said desperate, but instead he was conscious of the scarring on his back and really didn't feel up to being entertaining. Heyes patted him gently and handed him a beer. He relaxed at the quiet hum of a peaceable town and decided to enjoy the freedom he'd not long ago thought he'd never have again.
x-o-x-o
For the next couple of weeks, when they felt the need for some other company than each other they spent time in the town. The poker players were decent losers and Heyes was careful to let them win sometimes. The sheriff was smarter than they'd expected and on their first trip had given Curry a disturbingly thorough look over. He was, however, willing to give them a chance not to cause trouble and once he'd decided that they had no desire to, was surprisingly friendly. The restaurant owner, being of the opinion they both needed feeding up, made sure their portions were large. This sometimes put Heyes in the unfamiliar position of eating what Curry had left.
It was an indication of how comfortable they'd become that one evening after spending the day in town, Curry entered into a friendly drinking competition with a couple of the ranch hands from nearby Goosewing Ranch. Heyes's shoulder was the only thing keeping Curry upright as he signed them both into the hotel. Heyes was mildly amused at how little Curry had actually drunk. It'd been an easily won $5 each for the ranch hands. Once in their room Kid quite happily allowed Heyes to pour him into the hotel bed. Heyes realised as he watched his friend sleep for a few moments, that he was surprisingly content given what was to come. He resolved to enjoy the feeling for as long as it stayed and settled down to read a book he'd bought that morning.
Their peace was abruptly shattered a couple of hours later by a flurry of shooting and loud hollering. Kid nearly fell out of bed, his hand reaching for his gun. Heyes persuaded him to sit it out, it wasn't like they could do much to help and whatever they did do would blow their chances of getting inside the gang.
"You think we can handle 'em Heyes?" Curry sounded suddenly sober, his eyes bright in the shadowy twilight as he looked for reassurance he'd rarely needed before.
"Yeah I think between us we can." Heyes was surprised to find he actually meant it.
Heyes was reluctant to overplay his winning streak with the townsfolk, because he knew losing too much money could make even the most pleasant men a little hostile, so as they were running a little low on funds they went for a job on one of the circle of ranches a few miles out of town. Heyes was certain they would have to make their move soon as their 'friend' was likely getting mighty impatient. Hank MacGregor was more than happy to take them on. He explained he only needed short term hands, a lot of his usual workers were away driving cattle south but would not be gone too long which suited Heyes and Curry just fine.
It was only a few days before they headed back into town but when they got there, Heyes knew something was wrong. The main street, generally a bustling place with people lingering to chat as they went about their business, was almost empty and the few people who were there rushed on, barely looking up. The contented hum of the town that had so appealed to them both was absent. Heyes looked back at Curry riding in on his heels and wasn't surprised to see his partner's hand on his gun and his eyes ranging uneasily around. The bank's window was boarded and a wreath was hanging on the door of the sheriff's office. Heyes felt a horrible sinking feeling and saw the same bleakness reflected on his partner's face.
Dora the restaurant owner came running out to them, her eyes red from crying and her face pale and drawn. She looked over at the sheriff's office and wrung her hands almost desperately,
"They didn't give him a chance and not poor Kenny neither. He was getting married to my Lily next month. Why did they have to shoot? They could've just taken the money. There wasn't no need for killing. "
Heyes jumped off his horse and gently took her dainty hands in his and tried to comfort her, but tears were falling down her face and she was shaking. There was little he could do but guide her back to the restaurant where her equally grief-stricken daughter was waiting.
Until now, the desire to catch the gang had been simply to make sure the Governor stuck to his promise and to ensure he and Curry would be free. He'd felt a twinge of guilt at the thought he and Kid would be little better than bounty hunters, but now looking at how damaged the friendly and peaceable town was it'd become personal. He'd hand the gang over to the law without a single doubt that he was doing the right thing. He glanced back at his partner who had dismounted and was staring around the deserted street, a dark expression on his face that even made Heyes a little nervous. As Curry dragged his gaze back to meet Heyes's eyes he flinched slightly which gave Heyes pause to wonder what look was on his face.
Curry shook himself as if just waking up and said grimly as he remounted.
"We gotta head off that posse, Heyes, or there's gonna be more death and I don't think this town can take it." His eyes flicked towards the now closed restaurant door then back to Heyes and with unspoken agreement they rode out quickly, kicking up a trail of dust behind them.
They left an obvious trail in the opposite direction to where they were pretty sure the gang were headed. Curry wiped his brow, a slight grin on his face, and he nodded at Heyes then back at the poorly swept ground.
"I think even the champeen tracker of Southern Utah could follow that."
Heyes appreciated the effort for what it was and played his part, mock glaring at his partner.
"Now there ain't no call for that and I was just beginnin' to like you."
Curry's grin abruptly faded. Heyes knew it probably felt as wrong to Curry as it did to him to be leading the townsfolk away, but he doubted the men in the posse would be capable of catching the gang, at least not without suffering injury or even death. It was (as they both knew from personal experience), unlikely all the gang would have gone in the same direction, leading to some members escaping which wasn't part of Heyes's plan at all.
They caught up with the gang, high in the hills, just as they'd reunited to head back to wherever their hideout was. Their leader, Jock Evans, looked about to draw on Heyes until he realised someone had already aimed at his chest and was holding the weapon steady. His eyes flicked between the two of them, shaking his head in warning at the restless men behind him.
"Now, is that anyway to greet the men who just saved your asses?" Heyes's smile was his special one, so irritatingly superior that it made most everyone, even (or especially)The Kid want to flatten him.
"Eh? What do you mean?" Jock's eyes narrowed suspiciously but aware of Curry's steady aim made no other move.
"Ain't you even a little puzzled that there's no posse sniffing at your heels?"
Heyes tried not to sigh too obviously when he realised by the look on the gang's faces, they'd not even wondered. They really were dumb.
"What's it to you?"
"What's the point of joinin' half a gang?"
"Why would we want you?"
"Well as my partner just pointed out, we saved your asses. Besides he's Hannibal Heyes and I'm Kid Curry." Jock's pale eyes flicked to Curry and then back to Heyes.
A spotty faced, vicious looking kid piped up from just behind Evans's left shoulder. Heyes looked at him unimpressed and his gaze shifted away as he spoke. ""We heard you was goin' straight."
"You also likely heard the Governor welched on the deal and that my partner here is not long escaped from prison." He jerked his head back towards The Kid.
"We decided we might as well get back into the business." Heyes glanced at his partner who spat heavily on the ground, his expression dark, but his aim remained fixed on Evans. Even Heyes was impressed and as he turned back to the unappetising bunch in front of him, he could tell they were too.
"I'd be mighty careful of my friend here, prison didn't do much for his temper."
The Kid's glare deepened and Heyes was pretty sure it wasn't just for effect. With a quick glance at the gang who were all deliberately not looking at either of them, he risked a small reassuring smile at his partner and was rewarded with a tiny half uplift of Curry's lips.
x-o-x-o
"How many times, do I have to keep saying this." Heyes's frustration was clear in his voice, even as he tried to keep it level. He had to be careful as he wasn't in charge here, but he was getting sick of repeating himself. "If you just steal the money without all the shootin, tormentin' and killin, the victims don't get so vexed."
"It don't seem to have done you any good. " Heyes glared at the speaker, sick of how dumb they really were.
Heyes glanced back at his partner, who was stood in his usual place, behind his right shoulder, he knew Curry could see his frustration. The Kid looked at Jock with his eyes narrowed, although his voice was level. "We're still alive. More than Jackson over there would have been if I'd not seen the gun at his back."
Jackson had been too busy enjoying himself by scaring the children and harassing the young female passengers to pay much attention to the male ones and hadn't heard a thing when one of the men had drawn his gun. Kid noticed before anyone else, except maybe Heyes and his fast draw had persuaded the man to holster his gun and the rest of the gang not to shoot him. Heyes knew Curry was as tired of the stupidity as he was. They were also both growing weary of the effort it took to keep the gang from wreaking havoc.
In the days before setting the plan in motion Heyes had wondered whether returning to the fray would lead him into the temptation that had been such a constant in their early days of seeking amnesty. But now he knew he'd been too long on the straight and narrow to find robbery as satisfying as he had in the old days. Too many times in recent years he and Curry had lost hard earned money to other people's thievery and he realised with some surprise that his perspective on stealing had changed. He'd admit he loved a challenge, but he'd decided he needed more honest ones.
A simple bank robbery in a small town with no sheriff should have been easy money and all was going smoothly until Stewie's eyes lingered suddenly on a pretty young girl in an expensive dress lined up against the wall. The manager was trying to shield her but Stewie began to advance with an ugly smile on his face. Kid's hand went to his gun and Heyes swung round from his position of guarding two of the staff. He knew just what was about to happen and he didn't rate their chances of survival if Curry shot the idiot. That single awful thought was the only reason Heyes was reluctant to let his partner fire. They hadn't come this far for it to end with their blood on the floor. Heyes rapidly thought through their options as he fingered the lucky coin in his pocket. Inspiration hit and he tossed the coin in a high arc, the gleam drawing Stewie's gaze and as it hit the floor Stewie's eyes lingered on it briefly. With Stewie distracted, Heyes grabbed a chair from behind him and threw it at Stewie's feet, he stumbled and The Kid lunged. Stewie fell down struggling as Curry smacked the gun out of his hand. He couldn't get up with Curry on top of him. It seemed to Heyes that everything froze for a moment before a heavy thumping that shook the blocked door pulled them all out of their stupor. The gang with Heyes in front and Curry dragging Stewie behind him, picked up the bags of money from the floor and fled through the unlocked rear window as bullets peppered the ground around them.
x-o-x-o
Back at their hideout Jock was furious, "You nearly got us killed dammit. I should shoot all three of you, especially him, "he nodded at Curry then turned to glare at the other two.
Stewie feeling hard done whinged at him "It ain't fun since they joined up. They don't let us do nothing good. Who's the leader here? "
Jock swirled on him, "She was the manager's daughter you idiot. What do you think would have happened if you'd had her? I don't reckon much to our chances of escaping that posse."
Stewie cast a furious glance at them before subsiding into angry muttering until Jock cuffed him hard on the back of his head and sent him to check the horses.
With Stewie gone, Jock turned his anger on the partners. "You know turnin' on one of our own ain't right, but you likely saved all our necks. Still, I can't let it look like you got away with nearly causing us a heap of trouble. " He looked at Heyes with an unpleasant expression. Heyes couldn't quite believe that Jock was more angry at them then he was with Stewie and merely gazed at him, unimpressed.
"You're always saying we gotta have discipline, Heyes. So Curry here can take the night watch for a week. Might be safer for him not to sleep around Stewie for a little while anyways."
Heyes looked across at Curry and was struck by the white pinched expression on his face. He looked as worn and tired as Heyes felt, although his eyes were furious as they settled on Jock. His hand rested on the butt of his gun but he shrugged his agreement, obviously not trusting himself to speak. Jock almost looked disappointed and Heyes wondered if he'd wanted to goad them into a confrontation. Heyes knew if they didn't finish this soon, neither of them would make it out alive. He shrugged at Jock, struggling to keep his voice level. He almost wished that he'd just let Curry shoot. "Yeah, discipline is all you're lacking, Jock."
Heyes waited restlessly in his bunk as the others settled down to sleep and then left quietly, careful not to wake anyone. The coffee pot was still hot and Heyes poured out a cup, adding a nip of whisky to it before he slipped out to check on his partner.
He saw him shivering in the bright moonlight, his jacket wrapped tightly round him. This high in the mountains it rarely warmed up. Curry swirled round, his gun drawn but he immediately relaxed when he recognised Heyes. He took the offered coffee gratefully and took a sip before waving the mug at him in thanks.
"You're taking a chance, Heyes. Think we annoyed 'em enough today."
"Well one of us did anyways. I was just backin up my partner."
Curry took another sip of the coffee and kept his eyes towards the horizon. "I don't know how much more of this I can take, Heyes. "
"You and me both, Kid. "
They sat for a few moments until Kid stirred, "You should go get some sleep. If we're gonna get out of this, one of us needs to be awake."
Heyes patted his partner's arm in silent reassurance and headed back to his bunk. It was almost time for the final part of his plan and then they would be home free.
x-o-x-o
Jock stormed into the sleeping/ eating area and glared down at Heyes who was sitting at one of the tables.
"I hear you ain't impressed with my latest plan, Heyes. You been bad mouthing it to anyone who'll listen. I hope we ain't gonna have issues here."
He started towards Heyes ready to yank to him to his feet and drag him outside. He heard a click and turned to be met with Kid Curry half upright on his bunk his weapon drawn. Jock took a step back his arms raised slightly in surrender. Jock didn't doubt Curry's skill or intent and he knew his already uneven temper wouldn't have been improved by a week of night watch. He stepped back raising his hands in surrender before letting them rest at his sides. Aware that Curry's gun was still trained on him, he turned back to Heyes and continued in a more conciliatory tone.
"You got a better idea?" Jock knew it was likely he had. Since Heyes and Curry had joined up they'd pulled more successful jobs with less injuries then they'd managed before. The question of leadership hadn't come up yet, but Jock wasn't sure if that would always be the case. He would probably have to arrange for them to be killed on a job, as he knew that in a straight fight he'd have no chance. Jock had a fair idea of who'd volunteer. Heyes and Curry had made themselves some enemies, but as they were still useful he'd hang fire from that a little longer.
"Now that you ask. I think I do." Heyes waved at the papers that lay scattered on the table in front of him and Jock looked down. A quick scan highlighted that it was indeed a better plan. Jock gathered up the papers and hurried out eager to get away from his two troublesome members.
x-o-x-o
Heyes turned to grin at Curry.
"That went well."
Kid met Heyes's gaze with a familiar sidelong glance.
"I tell you somethin', Heyes, I'm so sick of not shootin' him and the rest of them. Hell's teeth they make Wheat and Kyle look like a geniuses and they ain't got none of their charm. "
Heyes was mildly amused at the incredibly plaintive tone, but he couldn't disagree with his partner's feelings.
"I'm sick of you not shooting 'em too. In fact I'm sick of not shooting them. But we're on the the final hand and we're goin' to win big. "
Kid looked a little dubious, although he was obviously ready to be convinced. "That safe is impossible to open the way you're suggestin'. We learnt that the hard way."
"I know that and you know that, but they don't." He jerked his head out towards the door.
Kid's eyes lit up and he grinned, the doubt easily assuaged by Heyes's confidence. "That mean I can go back to sleep?"
"Why? You afraid you might shoot your foot off if you don't?"
Kid grunted, put his hat over his face and was asleep in seconds.
Heyes listened to his partner's steady breathing and smiled. He knew that together they could pull anything off, even something as damn near impossible as this.
x-o-x-o
Once Jock had admitted that it was Heyes's idea, the majority of the gang agreed to it. Jock likely eager to escape Curry's looming presence had decided he would be the one to go into the town to double check the layout and to supposedly study the Sheriff's night patrol. Curry had wanted to protest, reluctant to leave Heyes alone, but his partner had insisted he just agree, no doubt fearing that he would lose patience with someone and blow the plan. Curry despite protesting otherwise knew Heyes's fears weren't exactly misplaced. He'd returned to the hideout after making sure their real plan was in place, his mind eased by the fact the whole thing would soon be over.
Curry was supposed to be keeping watch, but as he didn't really need to, he gazed down at Heyes as he picked the lock of the back door to the bank. The rest of the gang hovered impatiently. As his eyes rested on Heyes, his mind drifted onto what they'd do after, he'd never really thought much about it, beyond the fact they might not have to spend so many days looking back over their shoulders and moving on from town to town.
Heyes finally got the lock open and the gang crept in to go get the safe. As per the plan Kid and Heyes stayed outside the bank. It was a fairly straightforward plan, pick the lock, take the safe and it'd be blown or opened when they'd outrun the posse. Heyes had (when describing the plan to Curry), said something about poetic irony, it'd ended like it'd begun, but Kid was just relieved that the gang were dumber than a box of rocks and had bought what to him had seemed like obvious bullshit.
Heyes and Curry stood slightly nervously waiting for the fireworks and both jumped as Stewie ran out swearing and cursing. "You set us up, you god damned ass-holes."
He swirled round to face the partners with his gun already drawn. Curry pushed Heyes out of the way and before Stewie could fire, hit him in the shoulder. He dropped to the ground writhing in agony.
Curry holstered his gun and looked down at him, his face a mask of contempt. "I think I'm still a bit rusty, I was aiming for his head."
Heyes was afraid for a moment that Curry was serious but when he risked a glance at his partner he was met with the familiar steady gaze that soon twitched into a small smile. "C'mon Heyes, you know I won't risk our necks. I ain't ever goin' to be that far gone again."
The suddenly invoked ghost of Danny Bilson faded quickly and Heyes's tension went with it. " I weren't sure, you're plenty ornery if you don't get fed right." Curry met his smile with one of his own and without even a look back they walked away, content that everything was under control.
Curry hovered anxiously, hoping all the gang had been gathered up as Heyes slipped into the closed telegraph office to send two telegrams. Curry didn't ask how he planned to send them, at this point he wouldn't have been surprised if Heyes had conjured up the President himself. He figured that one was definitely to Lom, but the other he couldn't guess and Heyes wouldn't say, merely grinning at him. After Heyes had completed his task they slipped out of town as quietly as they'd arrived.
"Of course I left money, Kid. What do you think I am? Dishonest? "
The papers in the next few days were full of Governor Warren's daring plan and they all heaped heavy praise on both Heyes and Curry. There was no way that Warren could claim lack of political will to avoid giving Curry an official pardon and finally rewarding Heyes with amnesty.
x-o-x-o
Heyes was still pleased with himself as he and Curry sat on the porch of their new property nor far out of Graley River, sharing a bottle of good whisky and each enjoying a cigar. Curry was the epitome of relaxed, he sat in a half sprawl, his hat tipped back, his eyes half closed. For Heyes the stress of the past few years and the sheer misery of Curry's imprisonment seemed to exist in another lifetime. He basked in a glow of contentment as he took in the view through a haze of smoke.
Not only had the Governor given them their freedom, they'd even got the rewards on the gang. Heyes hadn't needed to use his silver tongue to convince him, as Warren had obviously realised this success would give him a level of political goodwill that was rarely possible.
Curry looked across at him with a lazy smile. The whirl of action that had followed the gang's arrest had left them little time to reflect and this was their first opportunity to really relax and talk privately.
"That other telegram was to a newspaper right?"
"Yup. I'd already clued their reporter in and I just had to let 'em know it was done."
Curry took a long sip of his drink, then whooped loudly startling Heyes into movement.
"We did it, hot damn, we did it. If I ever doubt you again, Heyes, just remind me of this."
Heyes nodded, smiling broadly, it'd been a very long time since he'd felt this happy. Their life was looking pretty good. Heyes was a bit surprised at the sense of satisfaction that swept over him at the admiring look on Kid's face. There was an awful lot of pleasure in knowing, that even after everything, he could still impress his partner.
"No need to scare the wildlife, Kid, but yeah we sure did."
There was silence for a while and then Heyes felt Curry's eyes rest on him seriously. He twisted slightly to meet Kid's gaze, a little uncomfortable with the sudden emotional charge between them.
"Heyes, I don't, I... Thank you." Kid trailed off and he looked away again, out to the setting sun.
"There ain't no need for thanks, Kid. Weren't like I could have done anythin' else. S'what partner's do."
Kid's quiet huff of contentment and the gentle squeeze on his shoulder made Heyes smile so wide that he felt his face stretch. He turned back to the stunning view and enjoyed watching the last of the sun's rays vanish, happy in the knowledge that now they had all the time in the world.