Y'all, we are so very sorry there was not an update last week. Some personal stuff has been taking over (think boring but time consuming adult stuff and also emotional adult stuff) Anyway, sorry sorry but here is the update and it's a little longer than normal because we are gonna wrap this baby up! We will post an epilogue to finish everything up, but they will be broken up just so it's not too long. Thank you for reading this one and sticking with us! Know that if we don't update every week as usual, it's coming!

Warnings: mild violence. Not gory at all. Sexual situations (no use of condoms because our boos didn't have them, but safe sex is the way to go!) *throws condoms like confetti*

Kurt groaned and opened his eyes as sunlight streamed through a crack in his curtains. He blinked in confusion for a few seconds, wondering why his dad hadn't woken him up to get to work. Maybe Blaine would come to have breakfast with him and they could-

He stopped short as he was rubbing his eyes and the memory of the last few days came crashing back to him.

They had been taken by the Crawford Gang. They got away. He got hurt. Then Blaine was taken away again while he was rescued. Kurt's heart ached at the thought of Blaine being in their clutches once again. He sat up and tried to move his ankle. It was feeling a lot better after Dr. Pillsbury had looked at it. She said Blaine had done an excellent job with what he had available to him. It wasn't broken; it had just been twisted and would heal up quickly.

After Burt brought him back home from seeing the doctor, Burt had Kurt tell him everything that happened leaving out no detail. He made Kurt eat something, clean up, and then go straight to bed. Apparently Kurt had slept through the night and well into the next morning. Guilt stabbed at him as he thought of poor Blaine out there all alone while he was safe in his bed. That would change soon, however. He was determined to go back out there and help find him.

Their kitchen was bright and clean, just how Kurt had left it. His father must not have spent much time in here while he was gone. The only thing out of place was a massacred turnip and the knife used to chop it. It looked a few days old. Kurt cleaned up the mess his father had made for some reason and hobbled to the couch with an apple. As he chewed, Kurt racked his brain for a plan to rescue Blaine. He could only hope that he had gotten away, but he wasn't counting on that. The Crawford Gang would continue to come after them and they had to be stopped.

The door opened and Burt came in followed by an excited Carole. He didn't even finish getting a greeting from his mouth when she snatched him up in her arms.

"Oh Kurt! I'm so glad you are okay," she sniffed. Kurt hugged her back before she reluctantly pulled herself off of him. They all sat down on the couch as Carole was told the whole story of what happened.

"And Blaine is out there. I hope he got away, but I just have this feeling they got him," Kurt said to his cup of tea Carole had made for him. "As soon as I am able, I have to go get him back." He blinked back his angry tears. While he was upset about Blaine, mostly he was enraged at the situation.

"You are going to sit right here where you are safe while the rest of us go to look for Blaine," Burt stated in a way that said he would hear no argument.

"Why? Do you find me weaker than everyone else?" Kurt snapped, his eyes flashing blue-grey like a storm cloud. Burt met his glare with a stoic frown.

In the tense silence, Carole excused herself to the kitchen to give them some privacy. As soon as she had left the room, Burt crossed his arms and fixed Kurt with a hard stare.

"Do you remember when your mother passed away?"

Thrown off by this change in subject, Kurt's stubborn frown melted away. "Of course."

"Then you will remember how hard it was for you to get through day after day knowing she was gone and never coming back."

"Dad, I-"

"Let me finish." Burt sat forward, arms still crossed. "You've know such loss and hardship your entire life, more than I ever wished for you. Yet, you are still here. This horrible situation, you were so strong, for yourself and for Blaine. So don't you ever think that I see you as weak. You have strength, but a grace as well. It's something I will never have."

"Dad…" Kurt swallowed hard. Burt held up a hand.

"However, something I understand that you don't is how terrifying and painful it is when your only child, your whole meaning for your existence in this world, is taken from you and you have no idea if they will be hurt or worse. I have now felt that and before you ask because I can see it on your face, no, I don't blame you. Of course I don't. But all that matters now is that you're safe. I don't think we should stop looking for Blaine, but as far as you are concerned, your days being kidnapped are over.

"I can't do it, Kurt. I can't face a world where you aren't here."

Kurt was openly crying now, and his throat burned. He jumped into Burt's arms and let his father squeeze him as hard as he wanted.

"Promise me, Kurt. Promise me you will stay here and won't go out looking for Blaine." Burt said quietly into Kurt's soft hair.

"I promise," Kurt whispered.

"What the hell are you doing here? I thought we got rid of you."

Kurt turned around to see Santana standing in the doorway carrying a basket. Her words had been snarky, but the shake in her voice and shininess of her eyes undercut any rudeness. Kurt embraced her warmly and she sniffed into his shoulder. After a few minutes, she pushed him away roughly and tried to discreetly wipe at her eyes.

"Enough. I don't want to mess up my hair."

Kurt's grin widened as he gave her some space. "What's in the basket? Please tell me it's for me. It smells delicious."

She rolled her eyes but was unable to conceal the twitch of her lips. "I only did what Burt asked me. You aren't special."

Kurt tossed his head before snatching the basket from her. "Lies. I'm so glad you came to see me."

"I just wanted to confirm the rumors that you actually got hurt by the Crawford Gang and not from Eyebrows bedding you too enthusiastically."

Kurt's face and ears burned and Burt did his, I'm-uncomfortable grunt.

"Santana, you need to shut up."

"Kurt, I know it's different because…" Burt scratched at his head. "Well, I don't know what happens between two men, but I do think it's time we had a talk about… uh… that."

"Dad, I beg of you to stop talking." Kurt wanted to jump into the basket and never come out again.

"Burt, I beg of you to never stop talking," Santana said whilst a grin nearly split her face in two.

"You can leave now," Kurt hissed at Santana. Burt stood up and replaced his cap. He was happy to be able to run as far as he could from this conversation.

"No, you stay and keep Kurt company. I'm going to go and continue the search for Blaine."

Kurt's head snapped up as Burt laced his boots.

"I want to go too!"

"Kurt," Burt warned. "We just spoke of this."

"You can't leave me here! And with her?"

"Oh, don't fret my little porcelain doll," Santana simpered. She perched on the arm of the couch and stroked Kurt's hair like a pet until he swatted her away. "We are going to have so much fun." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and swayed side to side.

Kurt frowned at his dad preparing to leave. He understood why his dad wanted him to stay, but he was still irritated at being left behind with Santana babysitting him.

"Bye Kurt," Burt said to his son as he stood in the doorway. Carole would walk with him to her house and then he was going to meet up with the other men. "I love you. Remember your promise."

"Bye, dad. Be safe."

As the door closed, Santana plopped down beside Kurt on the couch and draped herself across it like a queen on her throne.

"Thought they would never leave." Santana smirked and twirled a piece of hair. "Now it's time to tell Auntie Tana all about your little scandalous romp in the woods. I know it wasn't just the Crawford Gang you got on your knees for."

"Santana!" Kurt coughed as he choked on a grape. "Would you stop? Blaine and I aren't doing anything of the sort and even if we were, it's none of your business!"

Santana waved away his affront and grabbed a few grapes herself. "Ugh, such a prissy bitch. Fine, keep the glorious details to yourself, but don't try to tell me there isn't anything going on. You forget I'm the one who was spying on you two in the woods and alerted your father when you were captured. I know what I saw and it was no tea party." She popped a grape in her mouth and slumped back into the couch.

"I don't care what you saw, I'm not telling you anything," Kurt sassed.

"I think I could help you. Yes making love to a woman is different, but some techniques are similar-"

"Stop," Kurt said with his palm up. "Please, if you hold any affection for me at all, you will never tell me about you and Brittany."

"Your loss," she shrugged. "You move your hips well. That's important."

Kurt laughed and Santana joined him. He couldn't help himself. He would die before he told Santana about the intimate things he did with Blaine, but he was touched he had someone to talk to about such things who would only show support. Even if she was too nosy for her own good most of the time.

"Santana," Kurt said quietly after they had calmed down somewhat. "I wanted to thank you."

She tilted her head to the side in curiosity.

"Dad told me about you coming to warn him," he explained. Her eyebrows went up in understanding. "I appreciate you trying to help us. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't. So, thank you."

"Of course," she said casually, but her eyes sparkled. "I wanted to go jump on that ape, but I didn't want to risk injuring my beautiful face."

Kurt shook his head, but he was smiling. She could try to act like it was nothing, but he wouldn't forget it.

"I-"

"Shh." Santana had jumped up and creeped towards the big window across the room. She was staring at something on the other side.

Not something, Kurt realized with alarm. Someone.

Someone was sneaking around outside his window. Kurt froze momentarily until he remembered they had Blaine. His anger made him stride boldly to the kitchen where he snatched up a knife and stalked to the door. Santana tried to pull him back, but he shook her off and threw the door open. His arm wielding the knife was raised high, ready to slice into whichever gang member had the misfortune of being charged with trying to capture him. He wouldn't go quietly. Kurt dropped the knife, shock causing his mouth to drop open as well.

"Blaine?"

"Kurt…"

He stood on the front porch of Kurt's house, covered in dirt and dried blood. Curls stuck out everywhere and were matted with mud and leaves. His clothes were still torn and he looked exhausted, but Kurt didn't hesitate to pull him into his arms. They stood there for an eternity, Blaine allowing Kurt to hold him up in his arms with his nose buried in Blaine's neck. Kurt's fingers dug into Blaine's shirt and Blaine sagged in his arms.

"While this is quite touching, we should probably get inside boys," Santana said, glancing up the pathway.

Kurt practically drug Blaine inside and pulled him on to the couch. He dug through Santana's basket, forcing Blaine to eat something.

"So you got away?" Kurt asked after Blaine had eaten his fill. They had all been silent, Santana and Kurt sharing worried looks over Blaine's head as he ate.

"Not exactly," Blaine sighed as he melted into Kurt's side. He had been in constant physical contact with Kurt since he had arrived and Kurt had crushed him to his chest. "I ran for a time after I left you, but they caught up with me. Don't fret, Kurt. I'm fine. I think they would have killed me had they not wanted something from me."

Kurt cupped Blaine's nape and kissed his forehead tenderly. Blaine's mouth quirked up in a quick smile before his eyes grew sad again.

"Apparently, when we escaped we stole something from them. That map we grabbed? It wasn't just a map. There were blueprints to something on the back."

"Blueprints?" Kurt asked.

"Yes. I have no idea to what or why they want them, but they sent me to come get them back."

Kurt retrieved the bag they had taken from the Crawford Gang's tent and dug through it until he found the map in question. He unfolded it and smoothed it down on the table in front of him. On one side there was indeed a map, but on the other was the blue prints for a large building.

"It's a bank," Santana whispered. She pointed at sketches of a safe. "This must be where they are headed next."

"What do we do?" Kurt asked as he chewed on his nail. "We can't give these back! They will use them to steal innocent people's money."

"We have to," Blaine muttered. Santana and Kurt looked at him. "They told me to bring them the plans or they would kill my mother." His voice was shaky and he wrapped his arms around his middle. Kurt put his arm around Blaine's shoulders.

"We can find Dad and Cooper and tell them-"

"They have her house guarded." Blaine shook his head. "If I'm not back soon with the plans, they will kill her. I don't have much time."

Santana looked the blueprints over one more time and muttered something to herself. Then she folded up the map and passed it back to Blaine. "If that's what you have to do, then do it."

Blaine glanced from Santana to Kurt and took the map with some hesitation. "I wish there was a different way…"

"Maybe there is. You go and do what you have to and so will I." Santana's eyes glittered and she began gathering up her things.

"What are you going to do?" Blaine asked as he tucked the map into his pocket.

"Don't worry your bushy little head about that," Santana smirked as she brushed by him.

"I'm coming with you," Kurt said as he rose to his feet with Blaine and Santana. Blaine took Kurt's hands in his own.

"No, you stay here where you are safe. I don't know what I would do if you were hurt."

"You promised your dad," Santana reminded him.

"I promised him I wouldn't go looking for Blaine," Kurt said as he put on his boots. "But we have to do something and I won't let him go alone. I've never broken a promise to my father, but we have to do this."

Santana looked between them and a slow smile spread over her face. "Well then. Let's go."

"Damnit!"

Cooper pulled at his hair and tried to keep himself from kicking a tree. He was tired from tracking relentlessly and worrying about his brother. He was relieved that Kurt was safe, but he wouldn't be able to rest easy until his brother was back home safe where he belonged. His mother had been distraught, but still hopeful and he wanted nothing more than to bring his little brother back home to her.

"Stay calm." Burt Hummel patted Cooper's shoulder. "We are going to find him."

They had all gone back home to rest and eat this morning and then they resumed searching the woods for signs of the Crawford Gang and Blaine. They had found a trail and followed it until its end and Cooper was frustrated.

"I'm trying." Cooper rubbed his face tiredly. "I just thought we were close."

"I know, but we can't give up."

Cooper let loose a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. "Of course not. Let's go check the south end of the woods near the quarry-"

"I think you're going to want to come with me."

Santana emerged from the woods coated in a thin sheen of sweat and slightly out of breath.

"Are you talking me me or him?" Burt asked suspiciously.

"Both."

Burt's mouth flattened into a grim line and he sighed. "I'm beginning to dread the sight of your face."

Santana's smile showed all her teeth as she motioned for them to follow her. "Come on. I'll explain along the way."

The sun was high in the sky by the time Blaine and Kurt made their way to the agreed upon location. It beat down relentlessly, causing sweat to drip down the necks of everyone present.

The Crawford Gang weren't hiding, but were all standing in a clearing with their scarves covering their faces. Kurt watched them nervously as they came into view and Blaine trudged beside him. He stopped, causing Blaine to stumble next to him.

"Kurt?"

Kurt didn't look at him, but kept his eyes trained forward on the sinister group in front of them.

"We do this together," Kurt said, licking his lips. He held his hand out. Blaine eyed it for a few seconds before he grasped it firmly.

"Together."

Adam watched the two fools step closer and closer. Were they that stupid that they didn't realize it was a trap? He kept his composure, even as the boys joined hands. Ah. So that's how it was. He had thought he sensed something more than friendship coming from them. His fingers twitched as they neared his pistol. He couldn't wait to make them pay for this nonsense they put them through.

He had ordered the short one to bring back the map or else he would kill his mother. Of course, he neglected to mention he would kill him as soon as he brought the map back to him. But he had brought the other trouble maker as well. Adam was almost giddy with anticipation. He was going to make them pay.

"We brought what you asked for," the pale one said in his high-pitched voice. It was unfortunate that he would have to kill one so pretty.

"Show it to me," Adam said calmly. It wouldn't look good to the men if he appeared too eager.

He withdrew the map from his pocket and laid it on the ground in front of him, then backed away slowly. He joined his hand with the other again.

"We are very sorry we took it," he said. "We didn't know how much it meant to you. We just want to go home and we won't be any more trouble."

Adam barked out a laugh and withdrew his pistol. Finally. "That's right you won't, because you are going to die right here."

The boys paled and clung to each other. They were probably sorry they were such fools.

"Wait!"

Adam was shocked that the voice had come from his own ranks. It was Karofsky. Of course it was. He was next on the list to have an "accident" during their upcoming job. He had been enough trouble himself.

"Let's just leave. We have the map and they still don't know our identities. We can get away right now."

"Not before we see the color of their blood." This time it was Sebastian. His fingers caressed the hilt of his knife like it was a kitten and he practically salivated at the opportunity to use it. "They know too much."

"We don't know anything!" The shorter one piped up. They were both trying to push each other behind the them. Adam wanted to roll his eyes at the action. "We just want this to be over. I'm sure you all do as well so you can get on with your robberies and general mayhem-"

"Hey! He does know something!" Azimio shouted as he pointed his pistol at them. "They know about the robbery! And they caused us so much trouble! I have so many blisters!"

"They aren't worth the trouble," Jesse sniffed. He hadn't even bothered to take his pistol out or any weapon for that matter. "We should just go."

"They deserve to die just for holding hands like maidens!" Another of the men shouted.

"We should just go! There's no telling if this is a trap or not!" said another.

Adam was losing his patience. He put his pistol to the sky and shot up once causing silence to ring out in the clearing. "I don't remember asking for any of your opinions," he seethed. The others seemed to remember their place and bit their tongues. Everyone, especially Jesse, remembered his recent misstep. Adam sucked in a deep breath and aimed his pistol at the boys. "Now, I'm the leader and I have decided your fate. Jesse, get the map."

As he scooped up the paper from the ground, Adam kept the weapon trained on Kurt and Blaine. No one breathed as he allowed a wicked smile to slide across his face. "I'm going to enjoy this."

A shot cracked through the air. Kurt and Blaine had whispered soft words to each other and now they embraced fiercely as they waited to feel the pain. But the pain never came for them.

Adam coughed once and dropped to his knees as blood dripped from his mouth. Everyone was frozen in shock. He coughed again, causing blood to speckle the ground in front of him before falling to his face. Blaine turned to look behind them and saw a group of men from the town including his brother and Kurt's father charging towards them. This galvanized the rest of the Crawford Gang into action. The sped away as fast as they could, followed closely by the men from town.

Blaine was torn from Kurt's grasp and nearly had the breath squeezed from him as Cooper wept into his hair.

"Why hello, Cooper. Nice to see you," he wheezed as the elder shook him like a doll.

"Hello? Nice to see you? That's all you have to say? You have been kidnapped and nearly murdered and all you can manage is polite greetings!" He placed a sloppy wet kiss to Blaine's cheek, ignoring the sounds of disgust his brother made. "I'm very cross with you, baby brother."

"Sorry for being such trouble for you, Coop. Now will you please let me breathe?"

Kurt giggled until he caught the stone faced glare of his father. The laughter died a strangled death in his throat as he bowed his head sheepishly and put his hands behind his back.

"You promised."

"I did but-"

"Come here."

Kurt went to his father and was immediately embraced. Kurt hugged his father back, finally relaxing now that it was all over.

"This isn't over," Burt said as if he could read Kurt's thoughts. "You are still to be punished for breaking your promise."

Kurt laughed softly into his dad's shoulder. "I think I can handle that."

Two weeks later, Blaine waved goodbye to his mother as she rode off to join her quilting circle. It had taken much convincing to assure her that nothing bad would happen to him if she went off to sew and gossip with her friends for awhile.

He had been shocked when Cooper had brought him home after they returned the map and she had grabbed him up, holding him like she would never let him go. Whereas in the past she had hesitated even at the smallest touch, she now embraced him every chance she got. She claimed that the Lord had given her a second chance and she wouldn't squander it.

She still was stand-offish with practically everyone else, but giving her son the cuddles he craved seemed to be second nature to her now.

Hands slithered around him and a kiss was pressed to the nape of his neck. He leaned into the touch and rested his back against the warmth of Kurt's chest.

"She finally let you out of her sight without crying. That's progress."

Blaine chuckled softly and turned his head so he could kiss Kurt's jaw. "It is. I had to physically put her in her own bed. I draw a line at sleeping in my bed."

Kurt laughed and brushed the tip of his nose against Blaine's temple. "Yes, Dad was the same with me. I finally told him he might as well put a leash on me for all the freedom he gave me. He told me once I started keeping my word, he would consider it."

Blaine turned in his arms to wrap his around Kurt's waist. "How ever did you get away today?"

"I have to find him every hour and let him know nothing has happened," Kurt replied, looking heavenward. "I think he is relived that Crawford didn't make it, so that helps."

Having still been alive after being shot, the Crawford Gang's leader was taken to Dr. Pillsbury who did everything she could to save him, but too much blood had been lost. Cooper had since talked with other sheriffs and discovered his identity.

Adam Crawford had a life of crime starting when he was very young. After hearing more of his story, Kurt almost felt sorry for him. Then he remembered how he treated Blaine and he felt much less forgiving.

They had told everything they knew about the Crawford Gang to Cooper, but there wasn't much they could give in the way of descriptions. They had always worn their scarves and hats to mask their identities.

"Ugh, let's talk of other things. I don't want to think about them."

"What do you want to talk about?" Kurt asked as he trailed kisses up and down Blaine's neck and then his lips. Blaine moaned into the kiss and felt the familiar stirrings of lust tighten his belly. It was more than that though. He was in love with Kurt and had an unbreakable bond with him that had been forged in a desperate adventure.

Blaine kissed him back, different than their more heated kisses and he tried to pour every ounce of the love he felt for Kurt in the kiss. He pulled back leaving Kurt dazed and grinning dopily.

"Come on. I have an idea."

Blaine took him to their secret spot. They hadn't been back since being forcibly marched out in what felt like years ago now. Kurt's ankle had healed up nicely and it hardly troubled him anymore. This was why Blaine felt comfortable pushing Kurt into the water.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kurt sputtered as he resurfaced. Blaine fluttered his eyelashes innocently and stayed as far away from Kurt as he could.

"I don't know what you mean. You just fell."

"Come here." Kurt crooked a finger at Blaine but he had a dangerous glint in his eye.

"No."

"Blaine…"

"I don't trust you."

"I want a kiss."

"No."

Kurt heaved himself out of the water and chased a squealing Blaine down until they were both laughing uncontrollably. Blaine was shoved into the water in what Kurt assured him was the fair thing to do. There was wrestling, but then the wrestling gave way to something more primal.

Blaine pulled Kurt close until their chests were rubbing against each other and he had his fingers dug into Kurt's hair. Their kisses turned passionate and soon they were tugging at each other's clothes and Blaine pulled a vial of oil out of his pocket. Blaine's hands smoothed down the plane of Kurt's stomach and grasped his cock.

"Blaine…" Kurt panted into Blaine's mouth.

"Shh, I've got you." Blaine pressed kisses along Kurt's jaw and neck. His hands searched lower until he was cupping the soft flesh of Kurt's ass and pulling him up into his arms. Kurt's legs wrapped around Blaine's waist and they both moaned when their crotches rubbed together. Kurt draped his arms around Blaine's neck and they both took a second to breathe. Kurt was weightless in the water, so Blaine could keep holding him up with no problem.

"Are you certain you are ready for this?" Blaine said breathlessly. He longed to continue pressing kisses to Kurt's skin, but he wanted Kurt to be sure too. Kurt looked him in the eye, his own blue ones clear without a trace of doubt. Water dripped down their necks and arms as Kurt pulled Blaine impossibly closer.

"Yes. I'm ready. I want this and I want it to be you. Are you sure?"

Blaine answered by kissing him lovingly.

When Kurt's tongue licked it's way into Blaine's mouth, Blaine's oil coated fingers found their way to his entrance and worked him open. Soon, they were joined in the water. Blaine pumped into him slowly at first until Kurt became much more comfortable and was meeting Blaine's thrusts with his own. Their wet skin slid against each other, both writhing faster against each other as they chased their release. Blaine came first, shuddering into the place Kurt's neck met his shoulder. They both stilled and Blaine pulled Kurt from the water and onto the shore before wrapping his hand around Kurt's still hard dick. He continued to finger Kurt while he stroked, watching every writhe and moan with darkened eyes. Kurt was spread out before him, his pale skin glistening from the water and eyes closed in ecstasy.

"Yes, Blaine. Oh please don't stop!" Kurt whimpered and clawed at the ground. With one last twitch and a gasp, warm come dripped down Blaine's hand and wrist. After washing his hands off in the water, Blaine flopped down beside Kurt who looked half-dead, but happy. He had an arm across his eyes and was still breathing heavy. Kurt hummed into the slightly sloppy kiss Blaine gave him and allowed him to snuggle into his side.

"Wow."

"Yeah."

"That was just…"

"Amazing?"

"Yes."

Kurt peeked out from under his arm at Blaine who was staring right back. They giggled, both blushing at what they had just done together.

"I love you." Kurt whispered as his eyes committed every detail of this moment to memory.

"I love you too," Blaine replied, kissing Kurt's fingers delicately.

"Well, damn. I missed the show. Will there be an encore?"

Kurt groaned as Santana emerged from the surrounding woods, a sly grin on her face.

"Why are you here?" Kurt growled as he searched for his wet trousers. Blaine was scrambling with his own clothes beside him. "Don't you have a job or something?"

Santana tossed her head playfully and moved Blaines shirt out of his reach with the toe of her shoe. Blaine glowered at her and snatched it away. "Don't you worry about me. Brittany is there anyway."

"That's no comfort," Kurt snorted.

Santana made a face at him. "You can't lay together in the woods and then get angry when someone happens upon you. Don't you remember what happened a few weeks ago?"

They ignored her as they dressed in their still soaking clothes so she clicked her tongue and put her hands on her hips. "Aren't you going to ask me why I'm here? I have news!"

"Did you and Brittany finally poison someone after all?" Blaine teased as he wrapped an arm around Kurt's waist.

"Hush. Now do you want to hear my news or not?"

"Fine," Kurt sighed, rubbing his face. "What's your news?"

"They captured the Crawford Gang." Her toothy smile only widened at their shock. She motioned for them to follow her to town after tipping Kurt's mouth closed. "Oh," she said as she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "And there was a reward."