A/N: New chapter, yay! I apologize again that updates on this one are so slow at times. The Last Regulator was completely written before I began posting while this one I'm writing as I go. As always, entertainment only.
Interlude, Santa Fe, two days prior
"That little bastard stole five hundred head of my cattle." Chisum lit a fresh cigar and glared at the governor. "What are you going to do about it now that your plan failed?"
"Pendleton." Wallace held up his own cigar for a light, ignoring the identical glares aimed his way, not only from the cattle baron, but Rynerson as well. Plus, there was that bounty hunter filth lurking around with John Poe, though why they'd insisted on those two being here was beyond his best guess. "Mr. Chisum, you asked me to clean up the territory, and I fully intend to do so. I cannot help it if such matters do not proceed as rapidly as you would prefer." Rynerson slammed his fancy cane against the table, rattling the empty dishes.
"That little devil and the Dolan girl might as well have free rein in the Territory. Far from stopping them, they're emboldened!" Having a signed pardon in one's saddlebag could have that effect, Wallace reflected as he blew out a smoke ring. He rather hoped they upheld their word and that little fact remained unknown until they actually stepped foot in a courtroom.
He could almost admire that brashness, in a way. Probably would if he didn't have the remnants of the Santa Fe Ring bawling like cattle in his ears. Oh, he would clean up the Territory all right, just not in the way they were hoping. Bonney's audacious demand had sparked the faint threads of an idea, one that was proving more likable by the day.
"If you can't handle it, Governor, then perhaps we need to look elsewhere," Rynerson hissed. "Bring him in, Poe."
"I told you, Mr. Rynerson, I can handle the Kid." Beside him, the bounty hunter snorted and shifted his weight.
"You'd go home in a pine box."
"Watch that mouth, boy," Poe drawled. "As far as I'm concerned, you don't even need to be here."
"He's here because we're covering all bases," Chisum explained. "I don't care who kills Billy the Kid, Firestone, I just want his head on a platter."
"You don't even know that he took those cattle," the bounty hunter replied. "Could have been anyone, even the fella you're bringing in here." Chisum made a noise in his throat and blew out a smoke ring.
"He's the only one who'd dare. Bring him in, now." Poe rolled his eyes and retreated to the door, returning with a man Wallace recognized as Pat Garrett, who looked decidedly uncomfortable with the situation.
"Mr. Garrett, do sit down." Wallace motioned to a chair at the end of the table, and the man's eyes flickered.
"I just want you all to know, I don't ride with the Kid anymore, I got out, gonna make my own name –"
"And that's why you're here," Chisum interrupted. He dug into his vest and withdrew a badge. "Sheriff Garrett. How does that sound, hmm? Just think, you could be the man forever remembered for bring the Kid and Dolan to justice." Garrett frowned and picked up the badge, then shot a quick glance at Wallace. Unease prickled along his spine and Wallace sttraightened. There was something in the man's eyes …
"It don't matter who brings 'em in, they'll be turned loose just as fast." Rynerson and Chisum traded glowers; the district attorney got the words out first.
"What the hell do you mean, Garrett?"
"No court in the Territory can touch 'em, didn't he tell you?" Oh, dear. It seemed the traitorous Garrett somehow had knowledge he was not supposed to possess. "Jessie didn't stay behind when Billy met with Wallace, she was there, and she rode out with signed pardons."
"What?!" Rynerson shot to his feet. "How the bloody hell could you do that, you idiot?!" He bashed his cane against the table so hard it cracked. Poe flinched, but the bounty hunter looked to be enjoying the show. "You had them both in your hands! Now we'll never get them!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen." Chisum held up his hands, asking for calm. "There is a very simple solution to this matter." He dug into his pocket again and pulled out a stack of bills. "There, Mr. Garrett, is one thousand dollars, with another thousand to be paid upon completion of the job." Garrett frowned, and Wallace cursed himself for a fool. He should have known it wouldn't be that easy to outsmart the Ring.
"What job?" Chisum pushed the bills and the badge across the table.
"The extermination of one William Bonney and one Jessica Dolan." Garrett looked down at the money, then back up at the men surrounding him. His throat worked. "What do you say, Pat? We'll make you famous, boy." Chisum puffed at his cigar and blew another perfect ring of smoke. "We could even … overlook … the fact you rode with them for a year." Garrett swallowed hard and looked down at his hands; Wallace knew they had him. He sighed and stubbed out his cigar.
Well, that had not gone according to plan.
Somewhere in the desert, New Mexico Territory
"Everyone all right?" Billy yanked his horse to a skidding halt, the animal's head hanging in exhaustion. He spun a circle, heart pounding in fear. The weak morning sun revealed everyone was there but Dave.
"I think so." Doc groaned and helped Yen dismount, little Susie cradled in her arms. "What the hell happened back there?"
"It was that bounty hunter," Jessie spit through her teeth. "He must have tracked us."
"The book!" Billy checked his pockets frantically. If they'd lost that, he'd have to get his hands on another one, fast. They had to tell their story before Garrett even considered the idea. A whistle pierced the air and he looked up. Jessie held up the small volume and he exhaled sharply in relief.
"Thank God." He scraped a hand over his face and dismounted. "We'll rest a while, then keep moving." His legs shook and he leaned against the horse, eyes closed. Garrett had to already be on their trail, and he wouldn't hold back for long.
"Chivato. We are close to White Oaks." Chavez walked over. "Jane would help us, and –" Billy heard no more, his blood running cold at the memory of what turning north would stir into being.
"No!" They all froze into silence, staring at him like he'd lost his mind.
"Billy?" Jessie put her hand on his shoulder. "Is something wrong? You can tell us." He drew in a shaky breath and scraped a hand through his shaggy hair.
"We can't turn north, we have to keep running if we're to have any chance of reaching Mexico alive. Rest the horses and get some water, we ride in an hour." He stumbled away from them and sat down alone on a pile of boulders facing the rising sun. Rocks crunched and Jessie sat beside him.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. Billy closed his eyes, soaking in the contact he'd missed for so long. His eyes burned with unshed tears.
"You wouldn't understand," he breathed.
"Tell me." Billy exhaled sharply and slipped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close and praying she wouldn't push him away this time. He needed her now, more than he ever had, and he couldn't explain why.
"I will, Jess," he whispered hoarsely. "When we get to Mexico."