Chapter 10

Teaspoon was waiting outside his office when Kid and Cody rode in. They saw his face and slid down from their horses. Cody held his breath.

"Boys."

"What's wrong?" Asked Cody.

"Come inside a minute."

Kid glanced at Cody as they walked in. Teaspoon slumped down at his desk as Cody closed the door.

"Tell me what's wrong!" Kid yelled.

"This ain't easy."

"What ain't? What happened?" Asked Cody.

"Lou made it back."

"She ok? Where is she? Jimmy?" Kid asked all at once.

"Sit."

"I'm fine. Just tell me!"

"No. Sit first."

They both finally sat down across from Teaspoon.

"Lou was brought in a coupla hours ago by a man and woman passing through. She walked out in front of their wagon."

"Teaspoon?" Kid asked in fear.

"She's alive. She's over at the Doc's."

"What happened?" Asked Cody as Kid put his hands over his face.

"Someone beat her pretty good." Kid looked up with tears in his eyes as Teaspoon went on. "Her face is rather swollen and she has a lot of cuts and bruises all over. Her feet are pretty torn up. We figured it was from running through thorns. Doc picked a good many out."

"What did she say? Why are her feet so messed up?" Asked Cody.

"She ain't woke yet. Doc gave her something for the pain and to help calm her down. Boys, she was found with no pants or boots. She has cuts and bruises all over."

"God." Kid cried knowing the extent of Teaspoon's words.

"Jimmy?" Asked Cody.

"Nothing. Hopefully we'll find out more when Lou wakes. She was ranting when Rachel was with her earlier. All she did was cry and call out for me and Jimmy. Let's just pray that he is still alive out there."

"How could he let this happen? I told him to watch over her. How could he?" Said Kid.

"Kid, I am sure that he was the only reason that she got away." Teaspoon said quietly as Kid seemed to take in his words.

"I have to go to her."

"Kid, wait. We don't know if one of the men hurt her in that way or not. Rachel will come for us once we know how her mental state is upon waking. Now, go home and try to rest. I'll be along shortly."

"You can't do this. I need to go to her. I have to see if she's ok."

"Kid, I know you need to see her but for her sake, let her talk to Rachel first. She'll need another woman if the unthinkable happened."

"He's right, Kid. Let's go."

Kid couldn't hide his tears as Cody led him away. Teaspoon laid back in his chair when his door burst open.

"Lester?"

"Teaspoon, my boy ain't there. I found this feather in the yard."