Chapter 13

Kid whistled an upbeat melody as he finished his morning chores. Talking with Jimmy had been surprisingly easy, and it felt good to talk about it. He hadn't told him about trying to find another job for Louise – he had no good ideas so far, and he wanted to be the one to find the solution. He saw it as his gift to her, a way to have a better life, and it didn't feel right to share something private, something that he hoped would be special between them. He once again chuckled to himself at the thought that less than twenty four hours ago she didn't exist in his world and now he was thinking about a possible future together. So much for being levelheaded.

Just as he was finishing his work in the barn and wondering whether lunch would be ready soon, Buck approached with a serious look on his face. Realizing he hadn't said anything to Buck all morning, Kid hoped that he hadn't angered him with his detached behavior. While spilling his guts to Jimmy, he had talked more in an hour than he normally did in a week, which left him feeling thoughtful and desirous of some solitude. Laying down the brush he was holding, he turned to face Buck with what he hoped was a friendly expression.

"Kid?"

"Hey Buck. Is lunch almost ready?"

"Yea, Rachel sent me to come get you. Listen, sorry if we came down too hard on you earlier. We didn't mean it."

"It's okay. I guess things did look, uh, interesting last night."

"You could say that."

"It was an interesting night, just not the way you guys thought it was. I'll tell you the story sometime. Now how about that lunch?"

"You read my mind, my friend," Buck said, patting Kid on the back.

As they entered the bunkhouse, Noah pointed in their direction and said, "Okay, Teaspoon, we're all here now, so what's the big news?" Everyone looked at each other eagerly to see what Teaspoon would say. In usual form, he decided to milk the moment for what it was worth and make the boys squirm.

Seeing his goal accomplished, he said, "Boys, Rachel, we're movin' to Rock Creek!"

Kid heard the noise of the guys talking excitedly around him, but he was deaf to their words as he focused on a lone thought, I can't leave Louise!

He was drawn from his thoughts as he realized Rachel was talking to him.

"Kid, you're being awfully quiet. What do you think about this?"

Rather than addressing Rachel, he directed his response to Teaspoon. "When do we leave?"

"As soon as we get everything packed up. Probably day after tomorrow."

Kid's face fell. Not only do I have to find another job for her, it has to be in Rock Creek, and I only have two days to do it.

"Something wrong, son? You look like I just told you Christmas was cancelled."

Again Kid sidestepped the question. "Will there be a station here in Sweetwater?"

"Weren't you listening? I just told everyone they're disbandin' this station and movin' it to Rock Creek. You sure you're feelin' alright?"

"I'm fine," he mumbled, shrugging off the inquiry. "I just need to do some thinkin' and fast." And with that, he began to eat his lunch in record time, amazing even Cody with the speed at which he shoveled food into his mouth. The others eyed him, curious to know the cause of his behavior but knowing full well he wouldn't divulge the reason for it until he was ready. Before anyone thought of a way to broach the subject, Kid wiped his mouth, thanked Rachel and walked purposely out of the bunkhouse.

Noah was the first to respond. "Anybody know what's goin' on with him? That's the second time he practically ran from the table, and he sure seems like he's in his own world."

"I don't pretend to be an expert on Kid, but he was sure excited when he was telling me about that girl he met last night. Maybe he's just thinkin' about her," Jimmy responded. He had been surprised by the apparent depth of Kid's feelings for a girl he just met. He seemed so happy, and Jimmy figured it was about time Kid had some fun with a woman, even if it wasn't that kind of fun.

"You sure about that, Jimmy? It doesn't seem like Kid to get all worked up over someone he just met. That boy's the type to think things through," Teaspoon replied.

"Besides, why would he get so excited about a girl like her? Not Mr. Respectable himself. She's not exactly the Southern belle type," Cody added, gesturing with his fork in the air.

Buck shook his head. "I don't agree. He's been defendin' her a lot, and he sure looks lovesick lately. I think he's fallin' for her."

"Then no wonder he looked so crushed after Teaspoon said we're moving to Rock Creek," Rachel said knowingly. "Poor thing meets a girl he likes and then learns he has to move away. I sure hope she's a nice girl; I don't want him getting hurt. Maybe I should go talk with him." She looked flustered with the thought of the excitement of a little romance, even if it wasn't her own.

Teaspoon chuckled. "Whoa there, Rachel. Just let the 'poor thing' be."

Ike added, *Kid's probably having a long talk with Katy by now. She'll help him with his woman problems.*

Everyone laughed at the idea of Kid sharing his problems with a sympathetic horse, especially since it was probably true.

Although he wasn't talking to his horse about his problems, Kid did find solace in giving Katy a good brushing. He could do the work almost unconsciously, which gave him the opportunity to sort out his roaming thoughts. So far he had been unable to come up with anything, especially since he didn't know whether any jobs were available in Rock Creek. He had ridden through the town before and knew the basic layout of the town, but as far as what jobs might be available for a woman without domestic skills, he was at a loss.

The thought that disturbed him the most was that unless he came up with something soon, Louise would have to endure another night at the saloon. While they had only shared one kiss, the thought of another man touching her made his fists itch with rage. How can I possibly sleep tonight, knowing what she is suffering? What kind of man would I be if I stood by and let it happen? He didn't have any answers for these questions, leaving him feeling overwhelmed. I'm sorry, Louise. I'm trying, I really am. Please, Lord, don't let me break my promise to her. She doesn't deserve this life.

With his prayer, he felt a small measure of hope. He didn't have answers yet, but he refused to give up hope.