The Kid stepped out from the courtroom onto the side walk and then stopped so suddenly that Heyes just behind, nearly ran into him. A heady mix of sharply reignited grief, relief, anger, and restlessness, was making him feel keyed-up. But still thrown by how quickly the morning's events had unfolded, he couldn't get his head straight enough to work through the conflicting emotions. Exasperated at himself he puffed out a heavy breath.
He supposed even though it was still early, he and Heyes could go for a drink in the saloon,or even go eat breakfast, but as he looked round at the milling crowd, who were all carefully not looking at him, no doubt having heard the news and unwilling to admit how wrong they'd been; he realised all he really wanted to do was leave this town behind as soon as possible. Just as he had wanted to many times in the last two years, but when it'd come down to it, loving Emma had meant he'd been unable to. He glanced over at Heyes, when his friend cleared his throat and half-smiled at the expression on his face, knowing he was about to say something. He braced himself slightly for whatever it might be, as that look didn't often mean an easy question.
But Heyes returned his smile and said softly. "I wondered, when I'd only been back here a day, why you hadn't already left this nasty hole. It didn't seem real like you, putting up with assholes for so long, but I understand now that you stayed for Emma. Ain't sure I could've managed it."
The Kid looked up and down the familiar dusty street, not sure if he wanted to add anything. Too many days of talking and the strain of having his life here so publicly exposed, had left him exhausted and almost talked out, but after a moment, he realised in some surprise that he did want to answer his friend. "Emma was determined that we could make a life here. I wasn't real sure that anywhere else would be any better for us, so didn't always push that hard."
He closed his eyes briefly as he trailed off, but at the sympathetic grunt from his friend, which was accompanied by a shoulder squeeze, he continued. "Being fair to her Heyes, at first I was all fired up with wantin' to show the town I weren't what they thought I was. But when it didn't get no better... " He sighed and added. "After Grace was born, I was willin' to keep tryin', but after we lost her... I gotta say, Heyes, sometimes I was real tempted to throw Emma over my saddle horn and ride us both oughta here." He laughed soberly and added "But she would've fought me all the way, so I never tried."
Heyes snorted at the image he'd presented, then added more than half seriously. "Think that was probably a good decision, Kid. Never mind that you would have had to get real friendly with your right hand for a good few months. I ain't sure her Pa would have liked it and I bet he's mighty handy with a rifle."
The Kid laughed, recognising the truth of it, but his amusement quickly faded at the sharp sense of loss that swept over him as he added. "Leaving was mostly what we fought about, even when he was fighting about everythin', it mostly came down to that. I tried to explain that I couldn't provide for her here, but she thought I should just ask her Pa for help. I couldn't bring myself to leave her." A wave of melancholy swept over him as he thought about the last weeks before she'd died. His life both in the town and at home had at times been almost unbearable, and he added round a lump in in throat. "But maybe it might a come to that, or maybe I would a swallowed my pride and finally asked her Pa. I won't ever know." He lapsed into silence, feeling all talked out as he wondered what kind of man he'd have become, if either of those things had happened.
Not liking where those thoughts were leading him, he took a steadying breath. He tried instead to refocus on the fact that he wasn't facing a long prison sentence and that he had choices again. But grief had settled back on him sharply and he was feeling wrung out. Heyes watching him intently, simply squeezed his shoulder and didn't push for anything else, for which the Kid was grateful.
After a short pause, Heyes added as if it were an afterthought, though Kid somehow knew it was anything but. "While you and Giles was speaking to the judge, Sheriff Blanding came over for a chat. He says to just go see him and he'll return your gun. He's got a couple of things that you need to sign, then he don't see no reason to keep us any longer." He paused as if waiting for the Kid to say something, but the fact that his life in Fountain was truly over, not just the bad, but the good too, left him unable to respond beyond a nod.
Heyes' expression remained sympathetic as he started speaking again, before the silence could stretch too far. "I'm figuring you'll want to spend some time saying goodbye to Emma and Grace, before we go anywhere." He turned and looked up at the sky and then back at Kid adding. "It's a beautiful day, so I'll find me a convenient patch of grass to sit on and get some reading in. Then when you're ready, we'll just ride whichever way the wind takes us." He dug round in his jacket pocket and brought out what looked to the Kid like a scrap of material. He shook it out and handed it to him and the Kid realised it was a mourning band. "I thought you might want one of these. Seems to be a good way to honour her and Gracie too."
The Kid took the band of cloth, staring at it for a moment, as thoughts of Emma and their daughter flooded him. He stroked it softly before placing it on his arm, taking a few moments to straighten it gently so it was comfortable, which also gave him a chance to regain his composure. He looked up at Heyes, before glancing back at the band his throat tight, touched by his partner's gesture and whispered his thanks.
Determined not to let himself get overwhelmed, he took a deep breath, and managed to say lightly, "Guess we should go take what we need from our rooms, then you retrieve our horses. while I go get my gun and my hat from James."
The Kid walked into the sheriff's office and the man waved him to sit down while he unlocked the safe, rifling inside it. It wasn't long before he turned back with a hat and a holstered gun in his hand. As the Kid took them with some relief, he realised in some surprise that the gun, wasn't the same basic one that he'd turned in. The weight and balance were different, much closer to how he liked them. He looked closer, swallowing hard as he recognised just exactly what he was holding: The colt that Heyes had bought him for their first Christmas of real freedom.
He looked up to see Blanding smiling at him in kindly amusement. "Mr Heyes brought it in earlier, while your release was being processed. He just told me to keep it safe for you, as you'd be in to pick it up, before you boys left town. He never said how he got hold of it."
The Kid studied the weapon in his hand, a lump in his throat, as he traced the date on the pearl handle. 10.25.85. The day of their amnesty. Dragging his attention back to the sheriff, he asked hoarsely. "Heyes said there's some forms that I gotta sign?"
Blanding threw him a sympathetic look, but said nothing more, only handed him a couple of sheets of paper and showed him where he needed to put his name.
Once Kid had signed what was needed, he started to turn away, but Blanding clearing his throat, stopped him. "Gabriel Jenkins gave me these. He didn't know why Billy had kept them, but I thought you'd like to have them."
The Kid took the proffered items, a photograph of Grace, that Emma had given him as a surprise, a month after their daughter had been born, but that he'd been unable to look at since her death and a sheet of paper. Recognising Emma's neat writing as he unfolded it, and with his heart hammering, he began to read.
Dear Heyes,
I'm hoping this letter finds you well. I'm just writing to tell you, me and Jed are leaving Fountain soon as we can. No one will give Jed a chance, and he's dying bit by bit in front of me. I was going to do something unforgivable tonight, but I can't leave him alone any more than he can leave Fountain without taking me with him.
I thought I should tell you that we lost our little girl last winter. I've enclosed our only photo of her, as I'd like you to see what she looked like.
I know Jed wrote and told you already, but I'm certain you didn't receive the letter as you'd have come.
I'll write again once we're settled because I know you'll want to visit as soon as you are able. Jed might not make it easy for you at first, but we need you in our lives and I know you need us too.
Looking forward to seeing you soon and getting to know you much better.
Emma Curry.
As the Kid finished reading, the one clear thought in his mind was that it was a good thing that Billy Jenkins was dead because the boy had not only killed his wife, but he'd stolen their better future too. Tears began to pour down his face and he made no attempt to wipe them away as he placed both the letter and photograph carefully into his pocket and walked out of the office, his heart and mind aching.
XXX
Kid rejoined Heyes at the edge of town, his tears under control for now, though he wasn't sure for how long and waved to the gun now firmly strapped in it's usual place. "I don't..."
Heyes smiled at him. "I can't take much credit, Kid. Emma had already paid for most of it. When she came in looking to sell some books, bout two weeks after you took the gun in. She saw it and wanted to buy it back, but seeing as she didn't have the full amount, they agreed to some kinda plan. She paid every month, last time was the week before she died, and there weren't more than two payments left. Mr Klein, the pawnbroker, collared me during all that excitement with Billy Jenkins note and all. He said he coulda sold it at least three times over for double the price, but he'd known Emma since she was tiny, so didn't have the heart to tell her no. He figured you should have it."
The Kid unable to speak, simply handed Heyes the letter and photograph. He watched the colour drain from his partner's face as he read as his own eyes prickled. Forcing himself not to let the tears fall again. He coughed and said softly. "I was so mad at you, but having to get rid of it, still hurt more than I thought it should, like I was giving something important up." He paused and took a deep breath, before adding. "But Gracie needed a proper marker. I couldn't ask Emma's Pa, 'cos it was my job to make sure she got it. I couldn't see no other way." He glanced down at the gun then at the letter Heyes was holding and added. "I didn't realise she knew how much givin' it up hurt. I never knew a lot of things it seems."
Heyes smiled kindly at him. "She still loved you, Kid, same way you still loved her."
The Kid glanced down at the ring on finger and turned it, feeling both devastated and strangely relieved as he choked out. "We would've sorted things through too, Heyes, especially with Emma bein' so determined that we would." As Heyes tucked the photo in his pocket, the Kid took the letter back from his partner, with slightly trembling fingers and tucked it into his own shirt pocket. Unable to express the strange mix of emotions, he only said. "Cemetery is about five minutes ride outta town. It's a real pretty spot."
With that, he gently urged his horse into movement and led the way out of the town he'd called home for two years,without looking back. The only things about this place that he'd really miss were already lost to him anyway.
XXX
Heyes watched as the Kid knelt by the headstone, gently tracing the slightly older words carved into the heavy stone, before his hands drifted to the newly inscribed name of his wife. Ever since he'd read the letter, the desire to learn more about the woman his partner had married had become almost overpowering.
Heyes' gaze lingered on his partner, knowing he was talking, but he couldn't make out what he was saying. He watched a little breathlessly, as his partner twisted his wedding band, then carefully slipped it off and buried it deeply in the loose soil in front of the grave and then after a moments hesitation did the same with the letter.
Heyes swallowed hard, his eyes stinging and sank quite heavily onto a small rock. He watched his friend for a few more minutes, before he drew out one of the well read books he'd taken from Emma's bookshelf, more in an attempt to distract himself then for any other reason. But he was soon caught up in the tale, it seemed he and Emma had even shared a similar taste in books. He shook his head in some disgust at himself as he whispered."Oh, Heyes, you blew it."
As he finished Chapter One, his attention was drawn from the story by the swishing of feet on still dew-wet grass. Curious, he looked over his shoulder to see the dark clad figure of the preacher marching quickly towards them. Heyes put his book down, stood and swirled round to meet him, blocking his path to the cemetery. The man attempted to push past him, but Heyes put a heavy hand on his chest as he said firmly "I hope you ain't considering disturbing my partner while he's saying goodbye to his family."
The man started to fight against his restraining arm, his body twitching in self-righteous anger. "Take your ungodly hand off me. I will speak to that dreadful man! He will not leave my town without being told of the devil on his shoulder and how he has condemned a once Godly woman to the fires of hell."
An angry flush of anger spread through Heyes, but his voice was cold as he replied. "I don't think so. In fact I think you oughta turn right back round and leave us be."
"Or what? You would hit a man of cloth? Have you no shame?" The preacher's ferret like face twitched in angry disbelief as he started to once again push against Heyes' arm. Heyes merely pushed back harder, making the man stumble back.
"Now, I prefer to avoid violence when I can, preferring a less primitive way of showing a man the error of his ways." Heyes paused and unleashed the full force of his most annoying smile and added. "But in your case I am more than happy to make an exception."
The calm tone must have deceived the man into believing he wasn't serious, as he made a final attempt to push past. Heyes took a deep breath and stepping back swung his fist, which landed on the man's chin with a satisfying crack. He teetered for a minute, his arms wide as his cassock whirled round him, before he fell backwards to land on his back staring up in stunned anger. Heyes put his foot gently on the man's stomach as he leant over. "Now do we understand each other?"
The altercation had brought Kid's attention away from the grave and he turned around, beginning to scramble to his feet as he said. "Heyes?" His hand resting on his gun.
Heyes with his foot still on the preacher's chest, waved the Kid down. "Nothing to worry about, Kid. Man was just leaving." He turned back to look at the prone man, allowing his hand to drift to his gun, in a way he'd seen his partner do many times. "Ain't that right?"The preacher swallowed and nodded.
Heyes removed his foot and the fool stood, scurrying away with a final baleful look at them both. Heyes turned to his partner who had stood despite Heyes' words and gave him a smile. "Take all the time ya need, Kid, don't figure we'll be bothered none."
The Kid nodded a little uncertainly, but with a final glance at his partner, turned back to the grave and knelt back down his attention soon caught, just as Heyes had hoped it would be.
About ten minutes later, Heyes heard footsteps behind him again, and swirled back round, his heart sinking slightly as he recognised Emma's father coming towards him. He didn't want a confrontation with the man and he tensed wondering how he'd avoid one. But as the man came close, Heyes saw he was smiling slightly and he relaxed.
"Well Mr Heyes, I can't tell you how many times I been tempted to do that to the nasty old croat. But bein' a respectable businessman..." He paused and nodded over at his daughter and granddaughter's final resting place as his smile faded. "Think Jed would object to some company?"
"No, Sir, I don't believe he would."
Heyes watched as the man strode towards the graves and smiled sadly when after Jed looked up, he began to rise to his feet to cede his place to the older man. But when Bill rested his arm gently round his shoulder, obviously urging him to stay where he was, he sank back down as the other man joined him kneeling.
After another twenty minutes, the men stood and stretched. They'd been talking quietly for much of their time at the grave, though Heyes hadn't been able to catch much of the conversation, beyond a few stray words.
But now that they were turned slightly towards him, Bill's voice carried over to Heyes. "I come most days and Emma's sisters visit least twice a week. So they won't be short on company." He paused and began to offer his hand, but then after a moments hesitation, instead pulled the Kid into a loose embrace.
After a few minutes they pulled apart and Kid retrieved his hat from the grass and placed it on his head. With a small salute he turned away and walked back towards Heyes with a final glance backwards. Together they strolled to their horses, mounted and rode out of town.
Heyes broke the slightly melancholy silence a mile out. " We got a long trip, Kid, I'd love to hear about Emma and Gracie, if you're so inclined."
Kid looked over him startled, before his face softened into a grateful smile. "Well, Emma was as good at getting lost in a book as you are. Especially before Gracie was born." He paused, then added with a slight laugh in his voice. "Though it was a mite easier getting her attention."
The End