HALF WAY TO SUNSET
"Starr, did you bring the horses around? Stagecoach will be here any minute," Abe Morgan called to his daughter from the loft where he was stacking bales of hay.
"Put the four sorrels in the corral, Pa. Holler when you see the stage and I'll bring em around for the hitch." Starr replied as she brushed her pigtail back off her shoulder and raked the old straw out of the empty stall.
"When you're done cleaning them stalls, best go see if your Ma needs any help setting up lunch for the passengers."
"Yes, sir," Starr replied, feeling more than a little disappointed.
At fourteen years of age, Starr Morgan was of the age when a girl should be developing an interest in the woman's role in the frontier life; that of cooking and cleaning, canning,and honing such skills as needlepoint, crocheting, and sewing. But Starr preferred the responsibilities of her father, sowing the fields, guiding a plow, training the horses, even cleaning the barn. She could ride as well as any cowboy, could rope with the best of them, and could shoot both a six gun and a rifle with precision accuracy. She preferred overalls to dresses, hunting rather than cooking, and helping with the birth of a colt rather than babysitting her younger brother.
Starr sighed as leaned the rake against the wall and brushed her hands clean on the legs of her overalls. Making her way toward the house, she stopped at the washstand beside the porch to wash her hands, then headed inside the cabin.
"Pa told me to see if you needed any help," Starr said to Tess, the woman her father had married three years ago, just months after Starr's mother had died in childbirth. Starr didn't dislike Tess, but she did resent having a new maternal figure in the house. This resentment created a barrier, that neither she, nor Tess knew quite how to break down. Starr was always polite and respectful, and Tess' instinctive nurturing nature kept any real tension at bay.
"Andrew's a bit fussy. Would you mind looking after him? Maybe take him out back and play with him for a spell?"
"Yes Ma'am," Star replied and scooped her three year old brother out of the small corralled area in the corner of the cabin where the child could play but was prevented from getting underfoot. Carrying the boy on her hip, Starr headed out the door once again.
At the edge of the porch Starr stopped and set Andy down beside her. Taking his hand in hers, Starr raised her other hand over her eyes to block the sun and gazed down the road to the east. There in the distance she saw the spewing of dust churned up by the horses pulling the stagecoach.
Starr scooped her brother back into her arms. "Stage is coming, Pa," she shouted toward the barn, then carried the boy back into the cabin and plopped him back down in his play area.
"Stage is coming," she told Tess. "I'm gonna go help Pa with the horses."
"Be quick about it, then come back in here and help me serve these folks their meal."
"Yes Ma'am."
Starr met her father near the well and they watched the stage approach.
Abe Morgan was a middle-aged man with a weather beaten face and a slightly stocky build. Like Starr, he preferred overalls to work pants, and always had a sweat stained red bandanna sticking out of his back pocket. He was a good fifteen years older than Tess, and his face carried heavy, deep wrinkles about the eyes and forehead.
"Go tether the sorrels to the rail, then come back here to help me get these horses corralled." Abe told her.
Starr knew the routine, she'd done it more times than she could recall, but she showed no impatience with her father and quickly rounded up the sorrels.
The stage rounded the last small bend before pulling into the dusty front yard of the station. The driver, Seth Johnson, an older, seasoned man near an age to be retiring soon, set the brake and wrapped the reins around the brake stick, then climbed down off the stage and opened the coach door for the passengers.
"We'll be here about half an hour folks," he told the passengers as they exited the coach. You can get a meal inside for a dollar, and Mrs. Morgan is an exceptional cook. Coffee's free. Privy is out back behind the house."
Starr stood patiently near the stagecoach, waiting for her father and the driver to unhitch the horses. She then led the animals into the corral and brought the fresh sorrels to be hitched to the stage.
"I'm gonna go help in the house now, Pa," she said and darted off toward the cabin.
"You got yourself a fine helper there, Abe," Johnson told him as he watched Starr head for the cabin.
"Got more tomboy in her than anything. She'd rather be out here doing this kind of work than inside doing the woman's chores."
Johnson laughed. "And you'll rue the day she outgrows that Abe. She ain't gonna stay your little tomboy for ever."
"I think that would please the missus no end."
"She still ain't taking to having a new Ma?"
"Oh, she's polite and respectful to Tess. She just thinks of her more as my wife than her Ma, that's all. I ain't had the heart to tell her Tess is in a family way. I don't know if that's gonna be a joy or a nightmare to poor Starr. She loved her own Ma so..."
Johnson tightened the last of the cinches, then gave the sorrel a few pats on the rump. "Starr's a good girl, Abe. She'll come around to the idea."
"I hope so," Abe said with a sigh. "Well don't just stand there. Come on in for some coffee and something to eat."
Johnson smiled. "Been looking forward to that all morning."
Starr brushed by the table of guests and headed to the sink to wash her hands. Then she picked up the pot of coffee and moved to the table where she offered refills to the passengers.
There were only four passengers seated at the table. A young couple, Sarah and Aaron Hadley, dressed in rather sedate traveling clothes, sat on one side, and two rather well dressed cowboys sat on the other, Heyes in his black pants, white shirt and embroidered vest, and Kid in his blue jeans, dark blue shirt and brown leather vest. Both had removed their hats and placed them at the end of the table.
"Well thank you, darlin," Kid Curry said with a smile when Starr filled his coffee cup.
Starr looked up to reply but felt herself blushing when her eyes fell upon the handsome blonde cowboy with a smile that could stop a charging bear in its tracks, and eyes the color of a morning sky glistening off the reflection of a sparkling mountain lake. Realizing she was staring, Starr looked down and quickly moved on to the next man.
"Thank you," Heyes said when his cup was also filled. "Did you help with the cooking? It's very tasty I must say."
Starr shook her head. "Tess does all the cooking. I help Pa with the horses and the chores mostly," she replied and hurried around to the other side of the table to offer the Hadleys more coffee.
Heyes and Kid exchanged amused looks. It was obvious the girl was already a tad smitten with Kid.
Just as Abe and Johnson walked into the cabin, Andrew started squealing loudly and tossing his toys out of the play area. The small wooden toys, when airborne, made fine projectiles. All the boy lacked was accuracy.
"Starr, take Andy outside, will you? He needs some fresh air before I put him down for a nap," Tess said as she carried the tureen of stew around the table offering second helpings.
Starr once again scooped Andy into her arms and carried him outside to play.
Ten minutes later Heyes and Curry walked around to the back of the cabin as Heyes wanted to use the privy. Kid saw Starr across the yard watching her brother play in a sandbox. He smiled, picked up a blade of grass, and walked over to them.
"So, how did you get a name like Starr?' Kid asked as he leaned against a tree and played with the piece of wild grass. He slipped the stem of the grass into his mouth to chew on.
Starr looked up with a start. She had been lost in daydreams and did not hear him approach. Again she felt herself blush and she brushed a pigtail off her shoulder. "It was my Ma's maiden name," she explained.
"Your Ma's quite a good cook. That meal was delicious."
Kid saw her bristle ever so slightly. "She ain't my Ma. My Ma died a few years back."
"Ah, I see. My Ma died when I was... probably about the same age as you were."
Starr looked up at him as though she had discovered a comrade. "Did your Pa remarry?"
Kid gave his head a slight shake. "My Pa died the same time as my Ma," he told her.
Starr found herself at a loss for words and the two remained quiet for a moment. Then Kid shifted slightly, tossed the blade of grass away, and stooped down with his arms resting on his knees.
"So how old is this little fellow?" Kid asked
"That's Andy. He's three."
"Thaddeus, you ready?' Heyes called when he came out of the privy.
Kid stood up and nodded to his partner before turning his attention back to Starr. "Guess we'll be leaving soon. Might be seeing you again one day when we head back this way. Nice to have met you, Starr. By the way, my name's Thaddeus."
Starr looked up and smiled. "Pleased to meet you, too."
Kid tipped his hat and headed over to his partner.
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"Starr! Come quick!" Abe Morgan shouted from inside the cabin "Hurry!"
Star scooped up Andy and raced around the side of the house, nearly bumping into Kid as she passed by him. Kid looked at Heyes and, judging from the alarm in Abe's voice, they too darted for the cabin.
Inside the cabin Seth Johnson lay supine on the floor while Abe and Tess knelt beside him, hovering over the man and quickly loosening his shirt.
"Starr, run to town quick and get the doctor. I think he's having a heart attack," Abe shouted. "And telegraph the Sheriff in Sunset so he knows why the stage ain't coming!"
Starr thrust Andy into Kid's arms and darted out to the barn where she quickly readied her horse. Within minutes she was racing across the open fields toward Benton, the nearest town with a doctor.
"What can we do to help?" Heyes asked.
"He's breathing and he's got a pulse," Tess told them. "Only thing we can do now is try to keep him comfortable and wait for the doctor."
"There a bed we can lay him in?"
Tess nodded and quickly got to her feet and took Andy from Kid's arms. "Follow me."
Heyes and Kid picked up Johnson as gently as they could and carried him to a back bedroom. Johnson moaned as he was carried to the room, but his eyes remained closed and his limbs rather flaccid.
Tess pulled back the quilts and Heyes and Kid laid Johnson on the bed, then pulled a quilt up over him.
"What happened?" Heyes asked.
"He was getting ready to head out. We was talking about the heat," Abe told them. "Then he grabbed at his chest and just fell to his knees, then dropped to floor. I've been telling him for months he's getting too old for this work, but he don't listen."
"How far is the town Star's going to?' Kid asked.
"Twelve miles. It'll be a two or three hours till she gets back."
"I'll stay in here with him, Tess said as the child in her arms fussed and squealed.
"I can keep an eye on the child for you," Sarah Hadley said from the doorway, then entered and took Andy from Tess' arms.
"Anything you need Ma'am? Water or blankets?" Kid asked.
"Maybe a bowl of water and some cloths, There are rags under the sink. Thank you."
"I'll get the kitchen cleaned up and the food stored away," Sarah reassured Tess.
Tess smiled gratefully, then turned her attention back to Johnson.
"Thaddeus and I will go unhitch the horses and get the others brushed down and tended," Heyes told Abe.
"I appreciate all the help you folks are offering. I expect everyone will be staying here the night. Hafta put all you men up in the loft in the barn. If you don't mind Mrs. Hadley, you'll be sharing Starr's room."
"Where will you sleep Mr. Morgan?' Kid asked.
"I suspect Tess and me will be takin' turns keeping an eye on Johnson. When he's well enough to travel, I'll get him moved into town."
"I'll help the two of you with the horses," Aaron said and followed Kid and Heyes out of the cabin.
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Nearly four hours had passed by the time Starr and Dr. Winchester arrived at the cabin. Starr jumped off her horse and quickly tethered the mare to the post, then waited for the doctor to climb out of his carriage and tether his own horse before she quickly ushered the doctor into the house.
"Pa?" Starr shouted.
"Back here in the bedroom," he called to her.
Starr led the doctor to the bedroom and moved to stand beside her father who absently put his arm about her shoulders. Tess got up from the chair beside the bed and joined her husband as the doctor slipped into the chair to examine his patient.
After tending the horses, the men all migrated back into the cabin and they, along with Mrs. Hadley all stood vigil in the front room.
Half an hour later Tess and Starr emerged from the bedroom.
"It is a heart attack. Dr. Winchester thinks he'll recover, but it will take some time. Starr notified the Sheriff in Sunset that the stage won't be arriving till tomorrow. Abe use to drive a stage, so he'll get you all into Sunset in the morning... You must all be hungry. I'll start dinner."
"I'll help you," Mrs. Hadley volunteered.
Tess smiled appreciatively. "Starr?
"I know, I'll take care of Andy," she replied.
"Sar? Poddy?' Andy said with his arms raised, waiting to be lifted from the play area.
Kid grinned. "You've had a pretty rough day yourself, Starr. How about I watch Andy and you can sit under that big oak tree out back and take a rest yourself?"
Starr grinned, but looked to Tess for permission. When Tess nodded, Starr turned back to Kid and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Jones."
"Ah, Mr. Jones is so formal. You can call me Thaddeus," Kid said with a smile. "Mr. Smith, you care to join us?"
"I'll bring some lemonade out to you in a minute," Tess told them.
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"We'll be right back," Starr promised, then hurried Andy into the outhouse. When they emerged, she walked Andy over to the sandbox her father had build and plopped him into the sand.
"How about we build a castle, Andy?" Heyes asked as he and Kid sat down on the wooden boards and dug their boot heels into the sand.
Andy waddled over to retrieve a small bucket, then returned to Heyes and Kid and began filling the bucket with sand.
"We'll need some water to hold the sand together," Heyes said.
"I'll get it," Kid replied and pulled himself to his feet. As he walked around the side of the house, Heyes noticed Starr watching Kid intently, a slight smile on her face.
"Would it be too much trouble to ask for some kind of pot I could fill with well water?' Kid asked from just inside the cabin door.
Tess looked up questioningly.
"Andy's building a sand castle," Kid explained.
Tess laughed and found an old pot for Kid. "Lemonade is almost ready," she said, handing the pot to Kid.
"Oh, thank you Ma'am. I can come back and get it, might save you a few steps."
"Thank you Mr. Jones. That would be helpful."
Kid filled the pot with well water and returned to the back yard. He stopped and laughed heartily when he saw Heyes, now sitting in the middle of the sandbox digging in the sand to mark off the spot for the castle. "Always knew you was just a kid at heart, Joshua."
Kid set the pot of water down outside the sandbox and started back toward the house.
"Where are you going?" Heyes called to him.
"Think the lemonade is ready," he called back to him.
Kid returned with the lemonade and doled drinks out first to Heyes and Andy. "You alright here with Andy?" Kid asked. "Cause Starr looks a might neglected over there," he said quietly.
"Kid, I think that girl has a bit of a crush on you. I saw her watching you when you went for the water," Heyes replied with an equally quiet voice. "And she almost dumped hot coffee on me during lunch."
"All girls have a crush on me," Kid replied without missing a beat. "Takes a special kind of man to be up for the challenge. Hafta know how to let em down easy."
"Special kind of man, or just a special kind of ego?" Heyes muttered.
Kid laughed. "Maybe both."
Kid walked over to the tree where Starr was sitting and saw her cheeks turn pink. He held his hand out offering the glass of lemonade. "Mind if I sit a spell?" he asked as she took the glass from his hand.
Starr shook her head and moved over to give him room to sit down.
"Ah, nice fine day it is," he said as he leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "Course it's been a busy one for you," he added.
"Every day is a busy day around here," Starr replied. "What with chores and all."
"I can see that. You must be a lot of help to your Ma and Pa and doing such a fine job taking care of Andy... You go to school around here?"
Starr shook her head. "My Ma used to help me with all my book learning... Pa does it now. I can read and write , and cipher good. Fact is I like to read. Reading takes you off to different far off lands, lots of adventures."
"You ever read Tom Sawyer?"
Starr smiled. "Mark Twain is one of my favorites."
"You should talk to Mr. Smith. Twain's one of his favorites, too. He even met the fella in Virginia City once. Says the man talks just like he writes, real colorful and weaves a tale with everything he says. Joshua says Twain can find humor in a snail trying to cross a road."
"I'd like to travel to all them places he writes about. You ever seen the Mississippi River?"
Kid shook his head. "My folks took me to Philadelphia when I was very little, but I don't remember much of it, so I'd hafta say no. But it's one of the things Mr. Smith wants to do one day. He wants to ride a riverboat all the way to New Orleans. I'd like to see New Orleans one day."
"Since we moved here, I ain't been no further than Bentley."
"How long you been here?"
"Since I was five. Pa took this job cause he wanted to give us stability. He says a family needs a homestead and shouldn't just be wandering around all the time. But me, I got a wanderlust. I want to see new places, meet new people... I want to go further west, see the Rocky Mountains, maybe go all the way to California to see the ocean."
"I get the impression that if you set your mind to it, you'll manage to do all those things one day. How old are you, Starr?"
"Fourteen."
"Well, you likely got a whole lifetime to do all that. Don't be in too much of a hurry to leave what you got right here, though. There's a lot to be said for family too, you know."
"You got any family, Thaddeus?" Starr asked.
Kid smiled, knowing what she was really asking, but skirted the subject. "Just my cousin Mr. Smith over there."
"Nobody else? No folks, no wife, no pesky little brothers?"
Kid chuckled. "I had pesky older brothers, but they're gone now. I'd give just about anything to have them back again."
"What happened to them?"
Kid shrugged slightly. "War," he replied.
"And your folks, too?"
"Yep," Kid said with a sigh.
"I'm sorry, Thaddeus."
"Well thank you, darlin.' I hope you hold on to those dreams. I hope they all come true for you one day, but try to appreciate what you got right here, too. Mr. Smith and I do a lot of traveling. Fact is neither one of us has got any roots. I tell you, I learned the hard way that roots is important. Roots give you some stability. It's nice to have a place to call home, a place where people care about you and love you."
"You're talking about Tess, ain't you?"
Kid smiled. "You are a smart one. She seems like a fine lady, Starr. She ain't replacing your Ma. No one could ever do that. But if you were to give her a chance, you might just find her to be good friend, someone willing to...guide you along the road to growing up."
"I like Tess alright. It's just that, well, she ain't my Ma. She won't ever be my Ma."
"I s'pect she understands that. But, maybe she'd settle for being your friend. If you try, maybe the two of you can find some common ground."
"Supper's ready!" Mrs. Hadley called from the side of the yard.
Kid waved an acknowledgment to her. "We'll be right there!" he shouted.
Starr got up and walked over to the sand pile and stretched out an arm. "Come on, Andy, time for supper."
Heyes and Kid fell in line behind the Starr and her brother and followed them around the yard and into the cabin.
"Really would like to know how you do that," Heyes quietly grumbled.
"Natural charm just ain't something you can acquire," Kid quietly replied, then wrapped his arm about Heyes' shoulder. "Some's got it, and some ain't."
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"So what did the doctor say about Mr. Johnson?" Heyes asked as he spooned out a helping of mashed potatoes from a bowl, then passed the bowl to Kid.
"Well, that's giving me a bit of a problem," Abe replied. "Doc said if Seth is feeling up to it tomorrow, I should drive him in to Benton so Doc can keep a close eye on him for a few days. Problem with that is I need to get you folks on your way to Sunset. The two towns are in opposite directions. I can't do both in a day."
Heyes and Kid exchanged glances, both giving the other a nod.
Mr. Morgan, Joshua and I ain't on a schedule. We wouldn't mind losing a day of travel. If it would help, we could use your buckboard and get Mr. Johnson to Benton," Kid offered.
"Or we could drive the stagecoach on to Sunset. I've a bit of experience driving a stage. I can handle a six horse hitch." Heyes added.
"Well, I don't think Wells Fargo would be too happy with anyone not employed by them driving the stage, but I'd be mighty grateful to you if you'd be willing to get Seth into Benton."
"Considered it done, Mr. Johnson," Heyes replied.
"Pa, you want me to ride shotgun with you?" Starr asked, her exuberance quite evident.
But Abe Morgan was a practical man. "Best you stay here and tend to your chores. Besides Starr, I wouldn't want to leave Tess and Andy here without no protection."
"You pretty good with a rifle?" Kid asked Starr.
Starr nodded, but looked down at her plate, feeling a little embarrassed. But her embarrassment didn't stop her from adding. "Good with a six gun, too."
Kid looked at Heyes and smiled, amused by Starr's claim.
"Well after Joshua and I get back tomorrow, maybe you and I can set up some tin cans. I'd like to see your fine shooting."
"That alright, Pa?"
"Got no objection," Abe replied. "Just make sure your chores get done."
"Mrs. Morgan, you certainly know how to cook a fine dinner," Kid said, purposely praising the woman when Starr was present to hear the remark.
"Why thank you, Mr. Jones. I'm glad you all enjoyed it. There's peach cobbler for dessert."
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That evening Kid, Heyes, and Aaron Hadley carried blankets out to the barn and, with a single lantern to light the way, climbed the ladder to the loft.
"Where are you and your wife ultimately headed Mr. Hadley?" Heyes asked in an attempt at idle conversation with the very quiet man.
"We're taking the train at Sunset, bound for California," he replied.
"Where abouts in California?" Kid asked as he spread his blanket out in the steaw.
"San Diego. Sarah has family there and I've been promised a job at the bank there."
"You're a banker, then?' Heyes asked.
"A bookkeeper actually."
"Never been that far south in California, but we've been to Santa Marta in Mexico. That area is beautiful along the coast," Kid said as he sat down and puled off his boots.
"You and Sarah been married long?' Heyes asked.
"Six months. We met when she was visiting relatives in Denver and I was going to college there."
"So all this ranch work and animals and such is a bit foreign to you?" Kid asked.
"Indeed. I know I haven't been as much help as the two of you, but I quite honestly feel like a fish out of water here."
"Oh, don't give it a second thought. Joshua and me would feel the same way if we was to work in a bank," Kid said and gave Heyes a quick grin.
"Well, if everyone is settled, I'm going to put the lamp out," Heyes said. "I suspect everyone's going to want to get an early start to Sunset in the morning."
"Don't you wonder what makes folks come up with some of the names they use for towns?" Kid asked. "I mean Sunset, Oshkosh, Ogallala..."
"I think that last one is an Indian word," Heyes said.
"That may well be. I just know it's fun to say... Ogallala. It just rolls off the tongue," Kid replied.
"Good night, Thaddeus."
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The next morning Kid and Heyes both woke just after dawn when they heard Abe and Starr hitching the horses to the stagecoach. Aaron was still sleeping peacefully, so they slipped on their boots and quietly climbed down the ladder.
"Morning Abe, morning Starr, Kid said as he approached the two, while Heyes turned and headed toward the outhouse.
"Didn't mean to wake you," Abe said to them as they emerged from the barn. "Want to get as early a start as I can. Tess is inside making breakfast. You're welcome to go on in and help yourself to some coffee."
Kid walked up to the harnessed horses and took the cheekpiece of a front runner in his hand while he gently stroked the bridge of the horse's nose. "You in need of any help?"
We're just about done," Starr told him. "I can get the horses hitched to the buckboard if you want me to."
"Maybe you could help me with that after some coffee and breakfast," Kid said with a smile. "I never turn down good help."
"Tess and I have decided on a change of plans if you don't mind, Thaddeus," Abe told him.
"A change of plans?"
"Tess and Andy will be just fine out here alone. We ain't never had no trouble out here. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to send Starr along with you boys today. Wagon will be empty coming back, so she might as well pick up some supplies for us."
Kid smiled at Starr. "Joshua and I would enjoy the company. How is Mr. Johnson doing? Did he have a good night?"
"He's feeling chipper and spry, and protesting the stay in town, so I reckon he's on the mend. Wells Fargo has rules though, and he won't be able to drive a stage again till the doctor says he's ready. I'm sure he'll grumble a lot for you, but he'll do as the doctor said."
"And you'll be alright driving the stage alone? Me or Joshua could ride with you if you'd like."
"No, I'll be fine. I dove this line a time or two. It ain't a hard drive. Beside, I got Mr. and Mrs Hadley with me if I run into a problem."
"Thaddeus, you ready for some breakfast?" Heyes called from the corner of the house.
"I'll meet you inside," Kid called back to him, wanting to visit the privy himself before breakfast.
An hour later Aaron and Sarah Hadley climbed into the stage and Abe climbed up into the driver's seat. Heyes and Kid sat on the seat of the buckboard with Johnson settled comfortably in the back and Starr sitting beside him to keep a close watch.
"Might be after dark before I get back," Abe told Tess. "I'm sure Wells Fargo expects a full report on Seth. Don't you wait up for me."
"You just be careful," Tess replied. "I don't worry about the going, it's the coming home that worries me, keeping control of that team."
"We'll take it slow and be just fine... Starr, you got the list of supplies?"
"I got it, Pa."
"Just tell Mr. Thompson to put it on my tab and I'll be in later in the week to pay him."
Starr nodded and Abe gave the reins a flick and started off in one direction while Kid did the same in the buckboard and started off in the opposite direction.
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They expected the ride to Benton to take about two hours as they traveled the road slowly so as not to jostle Johnson too much. Heyes glanced back at Johnson and Starr several times, just to be sure all was well.
"You two doing alright?" Kid called back to to Johnson and Starr while keeping his eyes on the horses and the road..
Starr got up and scooted nearer to the driver's seat. "He's asleep now," she told them.
"There's room here if you want to sit between us," Heyes said and Kid shot him a slight frown that he made sure Starr did not see.
Starr climbed over the back of the seat and settled in between Heyes and Kid.
"Thaddeus tells me you like to read," Heyes said, initiating some idle conversation.
"Yeah, he says you like Mark Twain, too," Starr replied.
Heyes glanced at Kid and smiled. "Did he tell you I met him once?"
"Uh-uh."
"Oh," Heyes replied, having his colorful story deflated by her response. "So, what do you like to do for fun, Starr?'
"Fun?"
"Yeah, just for the sheer joy of doing it, besides reading of course."
"I like to fish. Pa and me go fishing sometimes. And I like to practice shooting and roping."
"You like to cook? Most young girls like to learn to do such things," Kid said.
Starr looked up at him feeling a bit disappointed. She thought fishing and shooting would have impressed him. "Sometimes," she said quietly."
"I sometimes get a notion to cook," Kid replied. Aware of Starr's infatuation with him, Kid was careful to do nothing to encourage it and he kept his eyes on the road ahead.
"He might get the notion, but he sure don't got the talent," Heyes added.
Starr giggled. "That sounds like me. Tess tries to show me, but I guess I don't got the patience."
"How about that fancy stitch work girls do. What's it called?" Kid asked.
"You mean needlepoint?" Starr asked. "That's another thing Tess tried to teach me, but I poked myself with the needle so much we had to throw the canvas away."
Heyes and Kid both laughed. "Sounds like you sew about as well as Joshua."
"I suspect that would be the outcome if we tried our hands at it, too," Heyes replied.
Kid offered the reins to Starr. "Why don't you take these for a while. I'll climb back and check of Mr. Johnson."
Starr took the reins, but sighed heavily as she felt a bit dejected. She had hoped to impress Thaddeus but he seemed not to have taken note.
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Once in Benton, Kid and Heyes helped Johnson into the doctor's office and Starr drove the wagon down the street to the General Store.
"Well, suppose we got time for a beer, Kid," Heyes said when they left the doctor's office.
"Just what I was thinking, Heyes."
"You know that girl's got quite the crush on you," Heyes said as they walked down the boardwalk to the saloon.
"Ah, it's just a phase. She'll get over it."
"Kid, you remember your first crush?"
Kid smiled. "Alice Remington," he replied.
"Alice Remington! You're first grade teacher?"
Kid grinned. "I started young, Heyes. Always been a bit advanced for my age."
"So at six years old, you had a crush on a woman who was twenty?"
Kid shrugged. "Twenty-one, but what do numbers mean to a six year old? She smelled like lilacs, and she had the most beautiful..."
"Kid," Heyes cautioned.
"Smile, Heyes. The most beautiful smile. Geese, I was six years old! What do you think I was thinking?"
"Did she know you had a crush on her?"
"Heyes, all the boys had a crush on her."
"I didn't," Heyes said indignantly.
Kid smiled and paused outside the saloon. "Like I said, I was a bit advanced for my age."
One beer led to two, but after the second one they decided Starr was likely done at the General Store, so they left the saloon and made their way there. Starr was sitting on the seat of the loaded buckboard waiting for them.
"Gonna run inside for a minute," Kid said and disappeared into the store. He returned shortly clutching a small paper bag. "Peppermints for the ride back," he explained.
0-0-0-0-0-0
"Pa's not back yet?" Starr asked when they arrived back at the cabin and found Tess sitting on the porch while Andy played in the yard.
"Well, it ain't even dark yet, and he said it might be after dark," Tess replied.
"We'll get the wagon unloaded and take care of the horses and the buckboard, " Heyes told Starr.
Kid handed Starr the remainder of the peppermints. "Why don't you offer your Ma and Andy some of these," he said, then walked around to the back of the wagon to carry in some supplies.
Starr walked up to the porch and plopped herself down in a chair beside Tess. She held the bag out to Tess.
"What's this?"
"Some peppermints that Thaddeus bought. He thought you might like some."
Tess took the bag and popped a peppermint in her mouth. "How was the trip?" she asked.
Tess kept the conversation light while the supplies were unloaded and the wagon and horses were moved to the barn.
"Those two have been very helpful, don't you think?" Tess asked.
Starr gave Tess a sideways glance but Tess was watching Andy in the yard.
"How old were you when you married Pa?' Starr asked.
"Twenty-five," Tess replied without battling an eyelash.
"Ma was sixteen. That's just two years older than me," Starr replied.
"I suppose it depends more if a person is ready for marriage than how old they are. Though I must say, sixteen is pretty young, at least now a days," Tess replied.
"Ma said she knew the first time she laid eyes on Pa that he was the man she would marry."
"Love at first sight.…. It happens, I'm sure, but sometimes it's hard to differentiate love and infatuation."
"What's in fatuation?" Starr asked.
"It's when a woman, I suppose it can happen to a man, too, but, it's when a woman falls head over heals for a man or a boy based on the way he looks, or the things he does... If a person has never been in love, they can easily mistake infatuation for love. But it's not the same. Once you fall in love with someone, it's easy to tell the difference. But you have to experience love before a person can see that difference."
"You ever been in fatuation?" Starr asked.
Tess smiled. "Infatuation is all one word," she explained. "And yes. I supposed every female experiences infatuation sometime, maybe every man, too."
"How do you know the difference?"
"Like I said, once you've really been n love, the difference is enormous."
They sat quietly for a while before Tess got up and walked down the steps to get Andy and take him in the cabin. "Suppose I'd better start supper."
Starr remembered Kid asking her if she liked to cook and she got up and followed Tess inside. "Can I help?" she asked.
Tess smiled. "I could use another pair of capable hands."
0-0-0-0-0-0
After supper and keeping to his word, Kid suggested he and Starr go out back and shoot some tin cans. Heyes decided to join them as an observer.
"Make yourself useful, Joshua, and line up them cans on that practice log over there,' Kid told his partner.
Heyes picked up the burlap bag containing a dozen old tin cans and headed to the log. He lined six tin cans on the log. Dropping the bag on the ground next to a tree, he then walked back to where Kid and Starr were standing.
"Ladies first," Kid told her
Starr smiled at the notion that Kid had called her a lady. She checked the chamber of her six-shooter, then stood behind the imaginary line they had declared. Starr didn't wear a gun belt, so she stood with her arm at her side, the gun held snugly in her hand.
"You say when, Thaddeus," she told him.
Kid and Heyes stood back somewhere behind her and Kid folded his arms across his chest.
"Now!"
Starr's arm's raised parallel to her shoulder and she checked the sight, then fired off six shots in rapid succession, knocking over five cans, and moving the sixth an inch to the side from where it had been place.
Kid whistled as he was honestly impressed with her shooting. "Your Pa teach you to do that?" Kid asked.
Starr nodded. "He's says living out here, it's important to know how to use a gun and to not be afraid to use it. He taught Tess to use a rifle, but not a six-shooter."
"Well it stands to reason you've mastered both of those things," Kid replied and Starr smiled, proud that she had made such a fine impression.
"Now it's your turn," she said and stepped back to stand by Heyes while Kid walked up to the imaginary line.
"You say when," Kid told her.
"Now!"
In one swift, smooth movement Kid's gun was out of the holster and knocking the tin cans off the log in record time. He then twirled the gun and returned it to his holster before turning and looking at Starr's amazed impression.
"How did you learn to shoot that fast?"
Kid smiled. "Practice. Plain and simple."
"Think I could learn to shoot that fast?" Starr asked.
"No one but Thaddeus can shoot that fast, Starr. Absolutely no one," Heyes said.
0-0-0-0-0-0
It was after midnight when Kid woke to sounds of someone in the barn. Assuming Abe had returned, Kid got up and climbed down the ladder. He saw a horse blanket being lifted off a rail in one of the stalls. Kid drew his gun and quietly approached the stall. He stopped and holstered his gun when he saw Starr saddling one of the horses.
"What are you doing at this hour of the night?" Kid asked in a low whisper so as not to wake Heyes.
Startled, Starr jumped back defensively, until she saw it was Kid standing at the end of the stall.
"Going to look for Pa. He should have been back by now," she said quietly.
"Maybe be just stayed in Sunset for the night. Maybe he couldn't get in touch with Wells Fargo and he had to stay over," Kid suggested.
Starr shook her head. "Pa knows Tess would be worried. He would have sent a rider out to let us know if he was doing that."
"Except he knows Joshua and me are here and could take care of any trouble that might occur."
Starr shook her head, dismissing Kid's rationale. "If he's hurt, I gotta find him. You ain't stopping me."
Kid sighed and walked into the next stall and reached for the bit hanging on a peg on the wall.
"What are you doing?" Starr asked.
"Going with you."
"I can do this on my own."
"Oh, I'm sure you can, Starr. I've seen how well you can shoot. But if he ran into a problem, maybe with himself, or maybe with the horses, I think two of us would be more help than one."
For a moment the two locked eyes before Starr conceded and nodded her head.
A few minutes later, Kid and Starr quietly walked their horses out into the yard and mounted.
"You got a plan?' Kid asked.
"Just gonna follow the road to town."
Kid nodded and waited for Starr to take the lead.
"Thaddeus?"
Kid looked over at her and could see the worry on her face.
"Thank you," she said.
Kid gave her a wink and a smile. "Let's go."
They traveled the road for nearly two hours when Starr pulled hard on her reins and waited for Kid to ride up to her. Then she pointed to a flicker of light off to the right, near the tree line.
"The river is just beyond that," Starr whispered.
Kid nodded, recognizing the flickering light as a campfire. "You stay here with the horses while I go see who's there. If it's safe for you to come in, I'll fire a single shot," He told her.
Starr nodded and reached for the reins of Kid's horse. "You be careful, Thaddeus."
"Kid smiled. "We'll be fine, darlin."
Kid moved across the field with stealth and caution. From the road, Starr watched as Kid's figure looked like nothing more than a shadow in the moonlight.
Kid stopped just before reaching the campsite. He saw there a lone figure sitting with his back pressed against the trunk of a tree, a single blanket pulled up over him for warmth. He recognized the man as Abe Morgan.
"Abe, it's Thaddeus," he called out and saw the man startle, then sit back again against the tree.
"I suppose Starr is with you?"
Kid nodded. "I'm gonna fire a shot to let her know it's safe to come in," Kid said, then pulled his gun and fired a single shot toward the sky.
Kid then walked into the camp. "You hurt?"
Abe nodded. "I think my leg might be broke."
"How did that happen?"
"I stopped to let the horses drink from the river. I tripped and slid down the ravine, twisted my leg in the process."
"Pa?" Starr shouted as she rode into the camp, pulling Kid's horse behind her. "You alright?"
"I'll be fine, you can stop your worrying. I sure am glad the two of you decided to come looking for me, though. Don't know how I wouldda gotten on a horse in the morning."
"Well, I'm afraid there ain't much we can do for you till it gets light," Kid said, reaching for his bedroll and adding a second blanket to Abe for warmth. "You get your boot off?"
"I'm surprised you didn't hear me cussing all the way back to the cabin, but yeah, I got it off."
"I'll add some wood to the fire," Kid said as Starr sat down and settled in next to her Pa.
0-0-0-0-0-0
"Thaddeus, Joshua," Tess called as she swung the barn door open to let the light of day in.
Heyes woke at the sound of her voice and immediately noticed that Kid was not in the loft.
"Good morning Mrs. Morgan," he said as he quickly slipped into his boots and descended the ladder. "Something the matter?"
"I can't find Starr and... and now I see there's two horses missing!"
"You're husband back?" Heyes asked, surmising what had taken place.
"No... If she ran off with Thaddeus...!"
"Wait, wait, wait just a minute, Mrs. Morgan. "Thaddeus ain't that kind of man. Being as your husband hasn't returned, and two horses are missing from the barn, I think Starr and Thaddeus likely went off looking for him... and I'm guessing that was likely Starr's idea and Kid...Thaddeus, wasn't about to go letting your daughter ride off in the dark all alone."
"You've got to go after them! She's just a child!"
"Mrs. Morgan, Thaddeus is more than capable of looking after your daughter, and helping her find your husband. If you really want me to leave you and Andy out here all alone then, yes, I'll go looking for them, but I don't think it's necessary. Thaddeus will keep your daughter safe."
"She's a child, and she thinks she's in love with him!"
Heyes chuckled. "Yes, we gathered that, and Thaddeus has been very careful not to give her the wrong impression. I assure you, Starr is perfectly safe."
Heyes placed an arm around Tess' shoulders and gently led her out of the barn. As they crossed the yard, Heyes glanced down the road and saw the entourage of horses and riders slowly approaching. "Look, here they come, now."
Half a mile in the distance, one of the riders suddenly veered off to the the left at a fast gallop as Starr headed back to Benton for the doctor.
Kid rode into the yard leading the four horses that had been used for the stagecoach. Behind his own horse he dragged a travois containing Abe who was carefully wrapped in blankets.
Tess ran to the travois as Kid brought the horses to a halt and Heyes walked over to take all of the reins from Kid.
"I'm afraid he may have a broken leg, Mrs. Morgan," Kid explained. "Starr's gone after the doctor. She insisted on going looking for her Pa last night," Kid told Tess.
"See, Mrs. Morgan. What did I tell you?' Heyes said. "I'll put the horses in the corral and then Thaddeus and I can get Mr. Morgan into the house.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"You were lucky Abe, the leg isn't broken," Doctor Winchester told Abe after examining his leg. " You did wrench it badly. Don't expect to be up and walking about for at least a week. I'll leave some pain medicine with Tess, but the best thing you can do is give that leg some wrest."
"Thank you, Doctor," Tess told him gratefully.
"You folks sure have been keeping me busy the past few days"
"Tess smiled. "Well, hopefully this puts an end to that," she said, walking him to the door.
"Tess!," Abe called from the bedroom. "There's a four o'clock stage coming in this afternoon!"
Tess looked at Heyes and Kid and shook her head as she went to the bedroom door and poked her head inside. "I am well aware of the schedules, Abe. Now get some rest."
"Send them two fellas in here for a minute, then I'll get some rest."
Tess returned to the main room. "He wants to see you two," she told them.
Heyes knocked on the door frame. "You want to see us, Abe?"
Abe motioned them into the room. "I suppose you heard what the doctor said?"
"We heard," Kid replied.
"Don't suppose I can talk you two into staying another few days, take care of the work around here, change the teams when the stages arrive, that sort of thing. Starr can show you the ropes and help out all she can."
Heyes looked over his shoulder at Kid.
"I'll pay you ten dollars a week," Abe offered.
"Apiece?" Kid asked.
"Seven dollars apiece. I can only provide you with the loft for sleeping, but three square meals a day."
Heyes looked over his shoulder at Kid who shrugged and nodded.
"It a deal Mr. Morgan," Heyes replied.
The four o'clock stage arrived at four twenty, which Tess explained was essentially on time. Heyes and Curry unhitched the spent team and hitched fresh horses to the stagecoach, while Starr and Tess served the travelers a hot meal and coffee. By five fifteen, the stagecoach and passengers were once again on their way.
Heyes and Kid had tended to the unhitched horses, brushing them down and giving them water and feed, before returning to the cabin for their own supper after the stage had left. While they sat at the table eating stew and biscuits, Tess and Starr were busy washing and drying dishes.
"Did I hear you tell Abe you knew the stagecoach schedules?" Heyes asked Tess.
"Tess nodded her head toward a sheet of paper tacked to a cupboard door. Tomorrow there's a nine-fifteen and a two forty-five coming in. The schedule lists the times for every day of the week," she explained.
"I got em all memorized," Starr added. I can tell you every morning what time the stages are due."
Kid smiled. "Well, I think that might be quite helpful, Starr. Thank you," he said with a smile and a wink.
Tess noticed both the smile and the wink. "Starr, would you take Andy out to the privy so I can then get him ready for bed?"
"Yes Ma'am," Starr replied and scooped up her brother and carried him outside.
Tess wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to the table and sat down across from Kid.
"She admires you a great deal," Tess said with a bit more concern in her voice than she intended.
"Yes Ma'am. I'm aware of that," Kid replied. "You got nothing to worry about, Mrs. Morgan."
Tess half smiled and half sighed. "I'm not worried about you Mr. Jones. I can see you are a kind and reputable man... But I worry about Starr. She's led a very sheltered life. She tries with all her heart to be the son she thinks her Pa wants and needs, and he doesn't discourage that tomboy behavior in the least. But she's taken quite a liking to you, her first crush... I don't want to see her hurt."
"Ma'am, if you don't mind my saying, a crush is generally based on what a person wants the other person to be, not what they really are. Now like I said, I won't do anything intentional to hurt Starr, but at some point, she's gonna realize I'm not... what she imagines me to be. She can't avoid some sort of let down... It's part of growing up, Ma'am."
"You can't protect her from pain in life, Mrs. Morgan," Heyes added. "Just like you, me, every living soul in this world, she's gonna have her share of pain... This one is manageable..." Heyes reached out and took Tess' hand. "Save your worrying for the bigger ones in life. We've all had our share of crushes, and we all get over them."
Tess nodded. "I suppose you're right. I always thought I'd have more time before my children became teenagers. But when I married Abe, I walked right into those wonder years. I don't always know how to handle things, especially when it comes to Starr."
"Don't be worrying about her being a tomboy, Ma'am. Out here in the west, them skills she's learned will be a real asset to a husband one day, if that's the road she wants to follow," Kid added.
Heyes smiled. "She is who she is. All that matters is that she's happy being who she is... Maybe she needs to hear that sometimes."
Starr returned with Andy and Tess got up from the table.
"You want me to get him into his night clothes?" Starr asked.
With her back to Starr, Tess nodded and carefully concealed the wiping of a tear from her eye. "Thank you, Starr."
"I guess Joshua and I will be turning in for the night, Ma'am. Unless there's anything else you need us to do."
Tess turned and gave them both a grateful smile. "No, you've done enough. Thank you and good night."
0-0-0-0-0-0
The nine-fifteen stage arrived ten minutes early the following morning, but Kid and Heyes were ready for it's arrival. No meal was required for this stage, but Tess had coffee and warm blueberry muffins to serve the passengers.
"You're early," Heyes said to the driver as he climbed down from his seat.
"That's a good team of horses. Wish I could use them for the whole trip."
Kid sneezed as he began unharnessing the team. "We'll have another good team hitched up for you in just a few minutes," he told the driver.
Once the stage was on it way again, Heyes and Kid headed for the house for a more substantial breakfast of bacon and eggs."
"You boys just help yourselves," Tess told them after fixing a plate for Abe. "Starr, would you keep an eye on Andy while I take this in to your Pa?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Starr replied.
Kid sneezed a second time and Heyes gave him a concerned look. "You getting sick?"
"No," Kid replied and snorted. "Probably just all the dust stirred up when the stage arrive," Kid replied as he sniffled and sneezed again.
As the day progressed, Heyes could tell Kid was beginning to feel a bit poorly. When the afternoon stage arrived, they took care of the horses, but again waited till the stage had left before heading to the cabin for supper.
"Kid, you look sick," Heyes said and reached over to feel Kid's forehead.
"I told you, I'm fine," Kid replied, abruptly shifting to move his head out of reach from Heyes.
"Why does he call you Kid sometimes?" Starr asked.
Kid gave Heyes a look that said 'there you've gone and done it,' but answered Starr as he put a piece of fried chicken on his plate. "He just does that to annoy me sometimes," Kid told her.
Starr giggled. "I do things just to annoy Andy sometimes," she replied.
Kid coughed. "Think you and Joshua must be cut from the same cloth."
Kid did excuse himself early, saying he had a headache and wanted to get to sleep early. Heyes remained behind and helped clear the table before heading to the barn himself.
He found Kid lying in the straw with two blankets over him despite the warm evening.
"You are sick, ain't you?' Heyes asked.
"Got chills is all," Kid said and sneezed.
Heyes reached down and felt Kid's forehead and this time Kid offered no protest.
"You feel warm. I'll go see of there's any spare blankets in the house.
Being as he was not expected at the house, Heyes knocked on the cabin door. Tess answered the door, and was surprised to see Heyes standing on the porch.
"Mr. Smith, there's no need to knock," she told him as she held the door open to let him come inside.
"I believe Thaddeus is a bit under the weather. Don't think it's anything serious, but he can't get himself warmed up. I wondered if you had a couple of extra blankets or quilts to spare."
"Of course, just a minute," she said and headed back into the bedroom.
Tess returned with two blankets and a quilt and handed them to Heyes. "Is there anything else you might need?"
Heyes smiled. "Can't think of anything, Ma'am."
"Well if you do, don't hesitate to ask."
"I could sleep in the barn," Starr volunteered eagerly. I could fetch anything they need in the night, Ma'am."
Tess looked hesitantly at Heyes, but Heyes gave her a reassuring look in response. "Alright Starr," she said. "But you sleep down in one of the empty stalls. Mr. Smith can call down to you if they're in need of anything."
Starr headed into her room to pull her quilt from the bed.
"She'll be fine, Ma'am," Heyes assured Tess.
Once in the barn, Heyes climbed into the loft with the blankets and quilt while Starr raked extra straw into the stall, then carefully laid her quilt over the soft pile she had raked.
Kid was asleep but shivering and Heyes draped both blankets over him. He felt Kid's forehead a second time and decided he felt warmer than he had earlier.
"Starr, would you fetch me a bucket of well water and some cloths so I can try to bring the fever down?"
Starr darted from the barn to retrieve the items. When she returned, she climbed several of the ladder rungs, carefully balancing the bucket of water in one hand. Heyes reached down for the bucket and cloths and Starr peered over to where Kid was sleeping.
"You need anything else?"
"Nope, think we're fine. You get some sleep."
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"Heyes... Heyes," Kid mumbled as he tossed restlessly in his sleep.
Heyes was awake right away and at Kid's side. He pulled the cloth from Kid's forehead and dipped it in the bucket of water.
"Heyes, they're coming," Kid mumbled.
Heyes wrung out the cloth and placed it back on Kid's forehead. "It's alright, Thaddeus. We're safe here," he whispered, trying calm his delirious partner.
"The posse, Heyes."
"Shhh, Kid. They'll hear us," Heyes replied, thinking if he went along with Kid's worries, Kid might settle down again.
The quite chatter woke Starr. She lifted the quilt and sat up, waiting to see if she was going to be summoned for any assistance.
"The posse, they're coming Heyes," Kid mumbled loudly.
The words startled Starr and she very quietly got up moved across the barn and sat down under the loft to better hear what Kid was saying. She wrapped her quilt around her and leaned back against the wall.
"They ain't coming, Kid. We lost em."
"You sure?' Kid asked.
"I'm sure. Go back to sleep."
Kid settled into a sound sleep once again and Heyes moved back to his own spot and lay down, pulling the blanket over him once again.
But below the loft, Starr remained awake, carefully contemplating what she had heard.
By morning the fever had broken and, except for a lingering headache, Kid was feeling better than he had when he went to bed. He pulled back the blankets and sat up, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand.
"Feeling better?" Heyes asked
Kid nodded. "Strange dreams though."
"I know. You were talking in your sleep."
"Sorry," Kid replied and let his hand drop to his lap. "Heyes, you suppose there might ever be a reason you and me would go back to outlawing?"
"Shh," Heyes replied, then mouthed the word "Starr," as he pointed with a bobbing finger, to the barn below.
Kid nodded his understanding. "Do you?" he said softly.
"Not so long as the amnesty is still in the picture. You hungry?"
Kid nodded.
"Starr, you awake?' Heyes called down to her.
"You need something?' she asked.
"No. Mr. Jones seems to be feeling quite a bit better. Think we'll be coming down for breakfast in a few minutes is all."
"I'll go let Tess know you're up.
"What time is the first stage today?' Heyes asked her.
"There's just the four o'clock today."
Starr gathered up her quilt and headed out of the barn.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Inside the cabin, Tess had just finished making breakfast and setting everything out on the table. She filled a plate for Abe, then poured him a cup of coffee.
"Joshua and Thaddeus will be here in a minute," she told Tess.
"I'm just fixing your Pa a plate now, but there's eggs and bacon on the stove."
"I'll take that in to Pa," Starr offered as she tossed her quilt over the back of a chair.
Tess smiled and handed her the plate and coffee.
When Starr entered the bedroom, she found her Pa sitting up and he smiled when he saw her.
"Oh that smells good," he exclaimed, holding his hands out for the plate.
Starr handed him the plate and fork and carried the coffee to the other side of the bed and placed it on the nightstand.
"You feeling better, Pa?"
"Even more so if you'll sit down and keep me company while I eat," he replied.
Starr smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Pa, what's amnesty?" she asked.
"Amnesty?"
"Yeah. One of the passengers yesterday was talking about something called amnesty."
"It's a pardon, for a crime committed. A person can receive an amnesty instead of a jail or prison sentence."
"Like someone who robs a stage?"
Abe chuckled. "Seems a bit far-fetched that someone would be given an amnesty after stealing from a stage or it's passengers. I think amnesty is saved for lesser crimes than stealing money or horses. Might be granted for someone stealing chickens or eggs, maybe even to someone trying to swindle someone, but didn't actually get noting."
They both heard Kid and Heyes come into the house and engage in some conversation with Tess.
"You best go help your Ma," Abe told Starr who nodded and got up from the bed.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Pa. I miss working with you."
Abe smiled. "Couple of more days and I'll be up and working again."
0-0-0-0-0-0
"You had us a bit worried last night, Mr. Jones," Tess said as she poured coffee into their cups.
"Feeling much better this morning, Ma'am," Kid replied.
Starr stopped just as she came into the room. She glanced at Heyes and Kid, but had a worried expression on her face. Heyes glanced at Kid nervously.
"Starr, not sure I thanked you for helping us out last night," Heyes said in a jovial manner.
Starr didn't respond. Instead she turned to Tess. "Alright if I go do my chores?" she asked.
"Don't you want some breakfast?" Tess asked her.
Starr shook her head as she looked down at the floor. "Ain't hungry."
"Alright," Tess replied and Starr darted out the door.
"Tess? Can a fella get another cup of coffee?" Abe shouted from the bedroom.
Tess smiled. "I think he's beginning to feel better," she told Heyes and Kid, then poured another cup of coffee and carried it into the bedroom.
"Think she heard us last night?" Kid asked when they were alone in the room.
Heyes sighed. "By the looks of her, I think she just may have," he replied.
"Think she told her Pa?"
Heyes shook his head."I think he'd be hollering for something other than coffee if she did."
"Like a rifle? Maybe we ought to talk to her, she if she knows, and if she does, what she plans to do about it," Kid suggested.
"We? You're the one she has the crush on, Kid."
"Don't appear so this morning," Kid replied.
"Yeah, I noticed that too," Heyes said with some disappointment. "Still Kid, you are the one that can charm the ladies. I think you should try talking to her and maybe she'll come around."
"Ain't so sure about that. I think the crush is now a thing of the past and I ain't got your silver tongue. You think I'll get her to come around?"
Heyes sighed heavily. "Maybe."
"What if she don't? What then, do we up and leave?"
"Maybe we ought to be leaving soon anyway."
"Yeah, you might be right. I hate to just up and walk out on em though."
"Better than getting caught."
"So, when do you want to go?"
Heyes sighed. "There's only one stage today. One of has to stay close to Starr while the stage is here. Don't want her tipping off the driver to alert the nearest Sheriff. Nothing worse than a woman scorned. You find a time to talk to Starr. If it don't go well, we'll leave in the morning."
"Heyes, we ain't got any horses and it's a twelve mile walk to Benton. Sunset's even further."
"We'll...borrow a couple of the Morgan's horses, then buy our own in town and pay the livery owner to send someone back with the ones we borrowed.
"And we leave without getting paid?
"I suppose we'll have to."
"Well, she's out in the barn doing chores. I suppose now is as good a time as any," Kid said and pulled himself out of his chair.
Heyes watched him go, then took his coffee out to the porch to await Kid's return.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Kid walked into the barn and saw Starr raking one of the stalls. He walked over to the stall, put one foot on the lowest rail, and rested his arms on the top rail.
"Starr, I think maybe you and me have something to talk about," Kid said.
Starr hesitated with her rake for only and instant, then began raking with vigor. "Ain't got no idea what about," she replied.
"Well, likely ought to start with me apologizing."
Starr stopped raking and looked up at Kid. "Apologize for what?"
"For not living up to your expectations... You heard me and Joshua talking last night, didn't you?"
Starr blushed and quickly looked away, as she drew the rake across the straw. "I ain't got no expectations."
Kid half smiled, then walked over to the opening of the stall. "Come here a minute, Starr," he said, holding an arm out to her. "Let's go sit on a couple of them bales and talk this out like a couple of adults."
Starr again stopped raking and looked up into Kid's face. She rested the rake against the wall and walked over to him. Kid put his arm about Starr's shoulders and led her across the barn where the bales were stacked. He moved his arm away and sat down, then waited patiently until she sat down beside him.
"Now, it stand to reason that you heard us talking last night..."
"You really Curry and Heyes? The outlaws?"
"Well, I can't deny or confirm that one, Starr," Kid said softly.
"You rob stagecoaches?"
Kid smiled a rather sad smile. "Joshua and I stopped doing things like that almost three years ago. We're trying to earn something called an amnesty."
"Pa says that's like a pardon."
Kid nodded. "Did you tell your Pa about us?"
Starr shook her head. "I just asked him what amnesty was. I told him one of the passengers used the word last night."
Kid was quiet for a minute, deciding what to say next. "I ain't gonna ask you to lie to your Pa. The two of you have a trust that's plain to see and we don't want to come between that. I am gonna ask you to wait until we're gone to tell him, and remember, you don't know that for a fact. All you got is a suspicion based on what you heard."
"What do you mean until you're gone? Are you and Joshua leaving?"
"Joshua and me think it might be the best thing to do, for all concerned."
"I won't tell nobody, Thaddeus. I swear."
Kid again smiled with a bit of sadness. "There's a couple of things I want to tell you before we go. The first is, I won't never forget you, Starr Morgan. You kind of remind me of me at your age, craving your independence, but at the same time, maybe a little lost. Tess in there loves you like one of her own. She worries about you. She worries about herself and whether she's guiding you right on the path of growing up. Spend some time with her and get to know her. Why, I bet you can't tell me her favorite color, but I but she knows yours."
Starr stared down at her hands resting in her lap. "When are the two of you leaving?"
"In the morning, I think. We've got some business we've been putting off and we think we'd better tend to it. You gonna be able to handle the stages till your Pa is up and about?"
Starr nodded. "I ain't ever gonna forget you, either," she said quietly.
"We'll once we get our amnesty, maybe we'll stop back this way again. We are friends, after all."
Starr looked up at Kid and he saw tears in her eyes. On impulse she wrapped her arms about him. He lightly rested a hand on her back. After a moment he gently pushed her away.
"You've still got chores to finish and Joshua and I have to go have a talk with your folks... We got an understanding now?"
Starr nodded, then stood and wiped her eyes with the back of her sleeve. She sighed, then smiled at Kid before turning and heading back to finish the stall.
0-0-0-0-0-0
"Got everything squared away?" Heyes asked as Kid reached the porch.
Kid sat down beside Heyes and propped his feet on the rail. "I do got a way with the ladies, Heyes."
"Does she know?"
"She thinks she does."
"If she thinks it, she knows it."
"Guess we'd better go give the Morgans our notice then."
Kid nodded. "Yep."
The next morning, with the Morgan's permission, Heyes and Kid rode two horses into Benton where they would leave the Morgan's horses and buy their own. When the last stage departed that day, Starr would ride into Benton and pick up the two borrowed animals.
"Heyes, I told Starr we'd come back one day for a visit," Kid said as they rode leisurely out of town.
"They were nice folks."
"I think we ought to wait three or four years though."
"Why's that, Kid?"
"I'd like to wait till Starr is all growed up and see how she turns out."
"Think she'll still be a tomboy?"
Kid smiled. "I hope so, Heyes. It rather suits her."
"I'd still like to know what it is the ladies see in you," Heyes grumbled.
Kid smiled. "I told you, it's a natural charm."
Heyes shook his head. "It must be the eyes."
Kid shook his head. "It's the whole package, Heyes, good looks, charm...What? You look surprised."
"More like dumbfounded, astounded, flabbergasted. "
"I get the idea, Heyes," Kid replied while giving Heyes a scornful expression.