Chapter 14

Jimmy stayed in the saloon just watching the people come and go. He finally stood to make his way out. He noticed a young man watch him go. This young man had kept his eye on him almost the entire time that he was there. Jimmy made his way over to the hotel. He stepped inside but didn't get a room. He watched the young man ride off on a black and white paint out of town. He made sure to get a good look as they rode by. He needed to see what the others had found. He looked around before making his way over to the livery. He found only Noah waiting in the back.

"Well, what's it looking like?"

"He's here alright. Riding with some unsavory characters."

"Please don't tell me that."

Noah handed Jimmy the wanted posters. He looked at each one.

"Murder. Cattle rustling." He said quietly.

"Yeah. There were some survivors from the last robbery. I went and spoke to them. They described Hunter perfectly. He was the one that helped them get away but he is riding with this outfit."

"Holy fuck. Why, why does he get into things like this?" Jimmy said rubbing his face.

"If I had to guess, he didn't know. Probably signed up for work then it was too late. Now he can't get out."

"He knows too much."

Jimmy fell back against the wall. He just stared at his boots. They both looked up as Silas came walking in checking behind him.

"What's wrong? Someone following you?" Noah asked.

"No, but I got something."

"Well, let's hear it." Said Noah as Jimmy listened.

"I was standing at the blacksmiths watching the street when a man came up to me. He asked if I was new in town."

"What did you say?" Asked Jimmy.

"Told him that I was just passing through. Then he asked where was my home so I told him I didn't really have one. He offered me a job."

"Don't tell me." Said Noah.

"Pa, he asked me to help work cattle out of town."

"Silas, just no." Said Jimmy shaking his head.

"I already took the job."

"No, no. We already have one mixed up in this mess and we don't need another in the line of fire." Said Jimmy.

"Jimmy, this could work. It could show us where they are holed up." Said Noah.

"You can't be serious. This is your son we are talking about. I can't let him do this." Said Jimmy.

"Uncle Jimmy, I can do this. I'll lead you to Hunter. I'll stay out the way." Silas argued.

"I don't like it anymore than you do, Jimmy, but so far this is our best option on finding him. Silas is sharp. He knows how to handle himself. I have faith in my son."

"I can't. I won't let him do this. This is your child." Argued Jimmy.

"And Hunter is yours. It's settled. Silas?"

"He meets me tomorrow at noon."

"Good. I'll go fill in Cody and Lucas. We'll be ready.

"Noah, please make him stay. I don't want anything to happen to my nephew."

"Have a little faith, Jimmy. It's gonna all work out."

They left Jimmy standing in the back of the barn. He couldn't believe the loyalty of his family.

Hunter was sitting alone off to the side of the camp when he saw Max riding back in. He slid down and strode right to Keaton. He saw him look over at him. He looked down at the ground. He wasn't surprised when he saw boots in his line of sight.

"Hickok."

"Yeah."

"Max saw a man in town today. Looks a hell of a lot like you."

Hunter tried not to let his surprise show. He kept a straight face.

"Know anything about that?"

"Nope."

"Seems like a few around remember him as a Hickok. A very dangerous one. Ring a bell now?"

"Ain't sure. I'd have to see him."

"Really, gunfighter or your father maybe?"

"I told you that I don't know."

"Max heard something else valuable in town also."

Hunter looked up in Keaton's face. He didn't even blink.

"Seems like word on the street is that someone that looks a lot like you was a hero. Hell, even saved some people from a gang of cattle rustlers just the other day. What you know about that?"

Hunter just stared into Keaton's face. He looked calm but his heart was pounding.

"So what you got to say?"

Hunter tried to come up with an answer. Something smart to get him out of this mess but he had nothing. God, he needed some wisdom from Lucas. He was staring at Keaton when his world went dark.

"Tie him up. We'll hold onto him for a few."

"What about the man in town?" Asked Max.

"We'll let Derek deal with him when the time comes. He needs closure on what happened to his father."

"This is Wild Bill, Keat. I doubt that Derek is gonna be able to handle him."

"Don't worry so much Max. That's why we are holding on to the boy there. He has to be looking for him and he will put it all together sooner or later. We just have to make sure to dispose of both of them."

"You make it sound so easy but you do know about him right?"

"Course I do. But do you know that we got over ten men. Don't worry so much." Laughed Keaton as he walked away leaving a worried Max.