Chapter 34

Teaspoon waited outside for Louise at the small bank in town. He was watching the street when he heard the door close. Lou walked out. He got down to help her in the wagon. He didn't ask as they rode out of town. Lou held her satchel tight in her lap. They passed the last few buildings before hitting the open prairie.

"How did it go?" Teaspoon asked.

Lou looked at him and broke out into a huge smile. She opened the satchel and held up the doll. Teaspoon shook his head and started smiling as well.

"The teller that helped me had never met her. He didn't ask any questions."

"How did you guess her last name?"

"Figured that she that she would use her real name instead of the one that she gave Jimmy."

"And the last name?"

"Her brother's name was Ward. I just happened to guess right. I was so nervous." Laughed Louise.

"I swear, you got the best luck."

"I'd say that today is our lucky day."

"I would have to agree with you on that one. Now let's get back and take care of her so we can be on our way."

Kid held Cody's hand down while Buck pulled the nail out. Cody grunted and squinted his eyes. Buck went to washing the wound as Kid started ripping a shirt into strips.

"I told you to stay clear, Cody." Said Kid.

"I know. It was my fault. He was talking and I felt sorry for him. I knew better." Cody grunted as Buck kept at the wound.

"It could have happened to any of us. He is our brother." Said Buck as he tied rags around Cody's hand.

"What was that?" Asked Kid looking up.

"What?" Asked Cody.

"I heard it too." Said Buck.

They snapped their heads around again as they heard another thud.

"Teaspoon back?" Asked Kid frowning.

"I don't think that's him." Said Buck standing.

Cody jumped up as well. He cut his eyes over to Kid and Buck.

"Um, where did Jimmy get that nail?"

Buck and Kid looked at Cody wide eyed. They jumped around as the door slowly swung open. Jimmy was standing there. He was huffing like a raging bull. He flexed his fists. Buck noticed the blood from the scratches that were all over him.

"Jimmy, it's ok, just hold on a minute." Buck said easily not moving.

"Where the fuck is she?" He growled.

"She is in the other room. Safe."

"Kid." He sneered.

"Jimmy, she is there. She didn't leave." Kid said nervously.

Jimmy stood trembling in anger.

"She is mine." He said.

"Just hear us out…." Said Cody.

Jimmy let out a deep growl as he lunged forward. Kid, Cody, and Buck jumped apart. Cody jumped through an open doorway looking for anything that he could use to take down Jimmy without hurting him. Kid ran to the far side of the room. He yelled at Buck for help as Jimmy tackled him to the ground. Kid punched Jimmy in the face but that only made him angrier. He hit Kid several times before reaching for his throat. Buck threw himself on Jimmy's back. He wrapped his arm around Jimmy's neck trying to choke him so he would let go of Kid.

Cody found and grabbed a broom before rushing back into the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway. Jimmy was straddling Kid. Kid was gasping for air while kicking his legs. Buck was on Jimmy's back trying to choke him so he would let go of Kid. Cody couldn't hit Jimmy with the broom handle because of Buck so he ran over to start trying to pull Jimmy back by his arm. They managed to break his hold. Jimmy shook Cody off and started pushing Buck backwards as he still clung to his back. Cody jumped back to his feet as Buck was rammed into the edge of the table. Kid coughed and gasped still on the floor. Buck let go. He fell down on the floor grabbing his back. Cody took his chance. He swung the broom handle and hit Jimmy square on the side of his head. He watched as he stumbled forward falling to his knees. He stayed on all fours for a minute before shaking his head and pushing back to his feet. Cody looked on and dashed into the other room. Jimmy yelled out in pursuit. He caught Cody by the back of his shirt. Cody was spun around to face him. He saw he had a knife in his hand.

"Jimmy! Wait! She can't come see you!" Yelled Cody.

Jimmy stopped and held the knife to Cody's throat.

"Why? Where is she?"

"In the other room!"

"Liar!" Yelled Jimmy as he pushed the knife closer to Cody's throat.

"She is!"

"Then why can't she see me?!"

"Cause you killed her! She's dead!" Cody screamed.

Jimmy stopped. He looked at Cody. He slowly released his hold.

"You killed her. That day in the barn. I'm sorry."

Jimmy took a step back. The knife fell to the floor.

"I'm sorry but she is gone."

"I killed her." He mumbled looking at his bloody hands.

Cody saw someone behind Jimmy. He watched as Jimmy folded onto the floor. Buck stood propped against the door frame holding his gun in his hand.

"We have to tie him up."

"I'll go get some rope." Cody said rushing by.

Kid stumbled in coughing and rubbing his throat. He fell down to check Jimmy.

"He ok?" Asked Buck.

"Yeah, just out cold."

Cody ran back inside with some length of rope. They set about tying Jimmy's hands, arms, legs, and feet. They didn't want to take any chance of him getting free again. Buck stood and walked over to the table that was knocked over. As he picked it up off its side, a drawer fell open and a bible fell out. He bent down and picked it up.

"We are in luck. Her name is Katrina Claire Ward." He said reading the inside cover.

"One step closer." Said Kid.

"Hopefully, Teaspoon and Lou will ride in with more good news."

"I really hope so."