"DAMMIT!"

Kid Curry cursed as he made a wild grab for the saddle horn before he could slide sideways out of his saddle. Bone tired weariness and the slow, rhythmic walk of his horse had lulled him near sleep. Adjusting his weight he straightened his saddle before he cast a quick glance at his partner. Kid saw Hannibal Heyes jerk himself upright only to slump back down; chin on his chest bobbing with each step of his mount.

"Heyes?"

There was no response. Kid spurred his horse next to his partner's.

"Heyes?"

He peered closely at Heyes. A thick dark beard and his black hat pulled low, made it impossible to see his face.

"You alive or dead?"

"Dead. Or wishing..." Heyes said without lifting his head.

"We have to stop. The horses are spent."

Dried white sweat covered both the red dun and the black horse's neck, chest and flanks. Kid stood in his stirrups trying to get a better view. He spotted a rocky outcrop off in the distance to their right.

"There on the right." Kid said as he pointed towards the rocks. "Head for….Heyes?"

Again no response. With a weary sigh, Kid reached a gloved hand out to shake Heyes awake but instead gently pulled the reins from Heyes' hand and guided the horses towards the rocks.

Kid woke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. He found his partner seated by the small campfire. Heyes held a stick that he used to poke at the burning embers and maneuver some of the unburnt wood closer to the fire. Kid pushed aside his blanket and rolled on his side with a groan. He struggled to his feet and took a seat beside his partner. Heyes handed him a cup of coffee and refilled his. Heyes didn't speak as he quietly sipped the hot black liquid.

Finally Kid spoke as he looked around. "Any idea where we are?"

Heyes slowly shook his head.

"State?" Kid questioned.

"Nebraska"

"Do we have a plan, Heyes?" Kid pulled his attention away from his half empty cup and looked at his partner. He couldn't hide the irritation that had crept into his voice.

"Working on it" Heyes said without much conviction.

"How much money do you have?"

Heyes paused to raise his head and looked directly into Kid's eyes, "Do you really want to know?"

With a sigh, Kid shook his head."How long?"

"A couple days."

Running seemed to be the new norm and it was taking its toll. They had tried to isolate themselves from people with various jobs that took them away from populated areas. How in the hell did so many people know them? It seemed like every town, settlement, encampment produced that one person that would give them that long I-think-I-know-them look as the person's face would screw up with concentration, trying to find the answer in their usually alcohol clouded brain, forcing Kid and Heyes to leave before the alcohol cleared and the $20,000 question was answered...and usually before collecting their pay.

Several days earlier on the trail, Kid's anger boiled over. Being low on money and supplies and the constant running had not sweetened his mood.

"For someone so smart, sometimes you are awfully dumb Heyes," Kid said as he rifled through his saddlebags and withdrew a battered piece of paper. Drawn on the paper was a crude calendar. He angrily threw it at Heyes.

"Our one year has become two. Admit it, we have been played. I don't fault Lom, I know he tried but if there is one thing everyone knows about politicians is, they lie. If their lips are moving, they're lying. We are who we are. I'd rather be dependent on us - been doing it almost our entire lives."

Heyes tried to show Kid the reality of their future. "With things changing Kid, you know the end is not pretty. I'm not liking the odds of a bullet or prison because that would be our future and you know it."

Kid had heard the argument countless times. "So we wait some more? Until there is a new Governor? Because at this rate that's exactly what's going to happen. And I'm not seeing a newly elected Governor endearing himself to folks by giving us amnesty."

If Kid hadn't been so angry, he would have noticed that Heyes' argument was spoken without the strong conviction of previous arguments. He was beginning to think maybe Kid was right. Maybe it was time to cut their losses.

LEIGH, NEBRASKA

Leigh, Nebraska was a quaint little town, home to fifty four residents according to the newly painted sign planted on the outskirts of town. The town was obviously new and as yet, did not bear the wear of age and weather. There were ten dwellings that comprised the business section of town. To the relief of both Heyes and Kid, there were no buildings that indicated there was any local law. The inhabitants were Irish, Germans, English and Czechs immigrants, each segregated into their own specific neighborhoods and content to live peaceably side by side. At the far end of town was the blacksmith and livery. Thankfully the owner of the livery was English, avoiding a language barrier and Heyes managed to sell both his and Kid's strong backs for special treatment for their road weary mounts and enough extra money for two hot meals and one lumpy mattress.

Returning to the hotel room after checking on the horses, Heyes was dismayed to see Kid laying face down and spread-eagle on the bed.

"Move over Kid. Come on." Heyes pleaded. "We only have one bed."

Irritated Heyes placed his hand on Kid's shoulder and shook him. The only response was a grunt and loud snoring. Heyes started to shake him harder, but gave up and resigned himself that he would be sleeping on the floor tonight. Heyes spread the blanket on the floor and yanked all the covers off Kid, without a tinge of regret.

The next morning, back on the trail, Kid rode silently beside his partner as Heyes talked...and talked. Kid grunted at what he thought were appropriate times to answer Heyes' questions and nodded periodically at other times. Kid had stopped listening miles back. His mind was focused on his increasing stomach pains that grew with each mile. Kid was hungry when he woke up that morning, but the meager breakfast they had consumed hours ago had done nothing to quell the pains. Kid suddenly realized that they seemed to be riding with purpose. Northeast.

"Are we riding until we hit the Mississippi? Or...?" Suspicious, Kid pulled his horse to an abrupt stop. "I know you Heyes. There's something you're not telling me. You've been talking non-stop since we left that town but you…" Kid's eyes narrowed. "What aren't you telling me? Where the hell are we going?"

Heyes had stopped his horse and waited for Kid to catch up. He turned in his saddle to see Kid, arms crossed, refusing to budge. Heyes' shoulders sagged slightly as he turned his horse and trotted back to his stubborn partner. Heyes started to give Kid an innocent look, but knew immediately from his partner's expression he wasn't going to buy it. Heyes blew out a hard breath as his fingers dug into his vest pocket and drew out a torn announcement from a newspaper. He held it out for Kid, who quickly snatched it out of his hand.

Kid was shaking his head no as he silently read the paper.

"NO! NO! NO!" He continued to shake his head, "HELL NO!" Kid's blue eyes darkened in anger. "When were you planning on telling me? Or hell even asking me?"

Heyes had known the drover job was going to be a hard sell. There was nothing appealing about long hours, hard work, eating dust and moving large stubborn animals that usually didn't want to cooperate.

Kid angrily waded the paper up and threw it to the ground. His eyes blazed as he looked at Heyes.

"I'd rather starve." He said defiantly.

"Well you know Kid...that can be arranged."

The two men's eyes locked. They stared at each other in a silent battle for a full minute before Heyes looked away. Kid gave him one more hard stare before he swung a leg off his horse and dismounted. With quick angry moments he pulled his stirrup up and locked it on his saddle horn, then reached for his cinch to tighten it. As Kid was angrily muttering to himself, Heyes swung off his horse and stared at Kid's back.

"I can't hear you," Heyes said with his hands on his hips.

"Maybe I'm not talking to you." Kid said without turning around, feeling Heyes' eyes bore into his back.

"You got a lot to say to your horse?"

"Maybe" Kid said as he slowly turned around to face his partner.

Maybe it was Kid's tone, but suddenly Heyes felt in instant rage that burned from his head to his feet. He snatched his black hat off and angrily slammed it to the ground before running a quick hand through his dark hair.

"DAMMIT KID!"

Kid looked slowly from the hat laying on the ground to Heyes' face.

"Kid you better pull your horns in" Heyes warned, as his eyes narrowed. "You've been on the prod for days and truth be told I'm kind of sick of it."

"You're not going to score off of this one Heyes", Kid said as his eyes darkened with anger. "How many miles did you have to bring up the cattle drive?"

"What's the point? I know how much you like cows."

"I thought we were partners."

"We are, but planning is my job."

They had been facing each other. Both men's hands were balled by their sides. Kid's fists clenched and unclenched.

My job?!

"Well…" Kid said through tightly clenched teeth, "...lately you've been doing a piss poor job."

Heyes took several steps towards Kid. His eyes were blazing.

"You take that…"

Before Heyes could finish his sentence, Kid with a primal growl, leapt towards his partner. The force lifted Heyes off his feet, with Kid's weight driving him flat onto the ground. The impact took Heyes' breath away. Before Kid could draw his fist back, Heyes wrapped both arms around Kid, pinning his arms to his sides. In frustration, Kid began to roll, tumbling both men through the dirt over and over until Heyes, on top of Kid yelled:

"STOP!"

Startled, the darkness in Kid's eyes quickly cleared. Heyes dropped his head onto Kid's chest, exhausted.

"I...I'm done...dirt dancing."

A range of emotions played across Kid's face, until all that remained was regret. He pushed himself into a sitting position and looked at his partner who still lay prone in the dirt. Heyes' eyes were closed as blood trickled out of each nostril. Several red scratches and dirt covered his face.

"Hey-Heyes…" Kid slowly shook his head in disbelief. They hadn't fought like that since they were young boys. He pulled his bandana free from his neck and dabbed at the blood on Heyes' face. Heyes slowly opened one eye at a time and looked at Kid. Kid met his eyes briefly before he quickly looked away. Heyes reached up and caught Kid's wrist.

"Keep it. You're bleeding too." Heyes said.

Surprised, Kid quickly wiped his hand across his face. He looked at his hand. There were streaks of blood on it. Heyes slowly sat up and removed his blue bandana, shaking off the dirt before pressing it to his nose. Kid held his bandana to his cut check.

"Are you okay, Heyes?" Kid asked softly. "I...never...I mean…" Not finding the right words to express his remorse, he gave up. His head dropped to his chest.

Heyes slowly lowered the bandana from his nose, confident the bleeding had stopped. He reached out and placed a hand on his partner's shoulder. Kid looked up and met Heyes' eyes. There was deep sorrow in them.

"You know Heyes I didn't mean to hurt you. I wouldn't…" Again, he became lost for words. Heyes affectionately squeezed his shoulder.

"Kid, I know you didn't mean it. To be honest I deserved that and more. I had no right to talk to you that way and I do apologize. This amnesty has put us on edge for too long. I think it's time. I think you are right."

"I am?" Kid sounded surprised.

"If you are agreeable to this drive. It's from Lincoln to Deadwood. It will take a good six weeks. We'll send Lom a telegraph from Deadwood when we arrive. This will be the final one."

Kid's eyes brightened. " Agreed. But…" Doubt started to cloud his eyes. " You...sure?" Kid slowly shook his head. "I don't know…"

"Kid...Really?" Heyes gave Kid an incredulous look. "I'm agreeing with you. Just savor the moment. You've been right. We've put our lives in the hands of not one but three Governors. Our year has become over two….damn near three. Honestly, I think they are hoping we'd die of old age."

Kid stood up and slapped the dirt off his clothes. He held his hand out to help Heyes to his feet.

"And sorry about the...fight." Kid apologized again. Heyes paused knocking the dirt off his clothes to say:

"What fight?" He said with a board smile.

"But I swear Heyes," Kid said with a small smile, pointing a finger at his partner, "This is the last time I'm looking at the ass end of a cow."

Heyes nodded in agreement.

Lincoln NEBRASKA

The trail boss was happy to see the two young men standing before him.

"Miles Ogle" said the large, middle aged mustached man extending his hand. Deep lines creased his tanned and weathered face.

"Joshua Smith." Heyes said with a board smile. He shook the man's hand enthusiastically.

"Thaddeus Jones." Kid said stepping forward to shake the trail bosses' hand but not with the same enthusiasm.

The trail boss took in the men's strong handshakes and only the faint hint of alcohol on their breaths. He had lost count of the number of men he had turned away reeking of alcohol.

"Have you boys done any cattle work?"

"Yes Sir!" Heyes answered.

"Who did you ride for?"

"There have been so many…"

A small smile touched Kid's lips. He marveled at his partner's silver tongue. Words spilled from Heyes' lips without hesitation. Smooth. Effortlessly.

"Well...let's see,"Heyes said as he pushed his hat back and stroked his chin in concentration. "Our last drive was with Jake Holloran and Terrance Tynan… pushed a herd up to Tenstrike, Colorado in record time."

At the mention of Jake's name, Kid stiffened. Without missing a beat Heyes continued, "Sadly poor Jake didn't make it. It was a rough and dangerous drive up the Chisholm Trail."

"We are looking for twenty five drovers. Moving twenty five hundred head up to Lead, South Dakota just outside Deadwood. Mr. Hearst is looking for only the best and he is willing to pay...generously I might add."

"Well Sir, we are looking for some generosity. I'll be honest, the more the better."

The trail boss laughed, "Ten dollars a day...which is ten times above the average wage and a three hundred dollar bonus if you complete the drive. You do your job, keep your mouths shut...don't stir things up and we'll get along fine."

"Believe me, trouble is the last thing we are looking for," said Heyes as Kid nodded in agreement.

The following day, Kid and Heyes surveyed the group of assembled men readying themselves before the arduous drive.

"See any familiar faces?" asked Kid in a hushed whisper as he discreetly looked at each individual in the group as he saddled his horse.

"No," Heyes answered with relief, as he secured his bedroll. "I thought I might have seen that guy holding that Indian pony, but he is too young. Looks like we are in the clear."

They had been on the trail for a month, pushing the herd northeast towards the untamed town of Deadwood. The work was brutal and exhausting. Hours blended into long backbreaking days. Most nights, after eating, both Heyes and Kid collapsed, trying to make the most out of every moment of sleep. They were cordial to the other drovers, but maintained a distance and kept to themselves.

Heyes pulled the dusty blue bandana away from his mouth. Tired dark eyes peered through thick dirt that caked his face. Clear paths streaked his face where the sweat had washed the dirt away. Taking off his black hat he slapped at the dust that coated his clothes. Kid mimicked Heyes movements, then pulled irritably at his shirt that was pasted with sweat to his skin. He couldn't remember the last time they had changed clothes. A week ago? Two? Thankfully this was the last day of riding drag.

The initial coldness of the creek made Kid and Heyes both gasp in unison. Quickly adapting to the temperature they scrubbed frantically at the weeks of dirt and grime that covered their bodies, then dove beneath the refreshing water. Kid surfaced, kicked back and lazily floated beside Heyes. His eyes were closed. A content smile on his face.

"Two more weeks and we will be in Deadwood", Heyes reminded Kid.

Kid's smile slowly disappeared. After over two years they would be getting their answer. This was the first time either had spoken about it since the drive had started and reality was starting to settle in.

"At least we will know one way or the other. I can't go on like this. The not knowing… and the fighting between us. Ain't right Heyes trying to do right..but here we are in the same place even when we were doing wrong...chased...shot at...At least when we were doing wrong we weren't penniless or going hungry"

Heyes smiled a small smile, that quickly disappeared. They quietly floated in the cool water, lost in thought.

In November of 1875, gold had been discovered in and near the Black Hills of South Dakota. By 1876, thousands of gold-seekers descended in and near Deadwood. That was good news for settlers and miners and the future of Deadwood but bad news for the Lakota Sioux who had been given the land in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Indian hostility grew as the settlers, and miners disregarded the Indian's rights to the land and it's wealth and deadly clashes increased with the unavoidable contact between the white man and Indians.

They had been so close. They were only five miles from the outskirts of Deadwood when Kid spotted the first Indian. He quickly located Heyes and frantically pointed to the ridge. Trail Boss Ogle had seen the ever growing number of Indians too

"Don't stop. Keep pushing." He implored his men. "I'll take care of this"

Heyes and Kid quickly spurred their horses to the Trail Boss'. Kid pulled his horse in front, blocking Miles' horse who stopped so quickly he sat back hard on his haunches.

"You can't…," Heyes pleaded.

"I appreciate your concern Boys." There was sincerity in the older man's voice. "That's Red Cloud. I'll be okay...It's a dance I have to go through every time I trespass with a herd. He'll ask for a Wahaw."

"Wahaw?" Heyes looked at Kid with a questioning look on his face. Kid shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"A cow. Just need to ride up and find out how many. I'll be fine. Go back and help your brother cowboys keep them cows moving. We are almost done. We are almost there. Tell the boys it's okay. They got nothing to worry about if they don't try any gunplay. You remind them, cuz if someone pulls a gun from their holster we are all dead. It's that simple"

What seemed like an eternity, the Trail Boss returned with about half dozen Indians. He held up ten fingers. The Indians carefully selected ten cows from the herd and drove them towards the ridge where the other Indians waited. The Trail Boss waved a hand towards the ridge and rode back to the herd.

It was almost dark when they drove the cattle to the outskirts of Deadwood and into the newly built fencing that appeared to run for miles and miles. The cattle seemed to be as relieved as the men to be done. After getting long drinks of water they slowly lowered their bodies down into the lush grass and settled in for the night.

They waited in the line of weary, dirty men to receive their wages and bonuses. Heyes and Kid both nodded their heads to the young cowboy who stepped away from the makeshift table. A smile beamed on his young face, as he carefully tucked his wages in his vest pocket. A slow smile appeared on Heyes' face as he looked from the young drover to Kid. Heyes was sure that was the most money the young man had ever earned. It brought back memories of more money than they thought they could spend in a lifetime...and how wrong they had been.

"Smith. Jones. Here are your wages and bonuses. You earned it. I could use you again…"

"NO!" Kid and Heyes said in unison.

"No offense", Heyes said with a tired smile.

"None taken," Miles said with a laugh and a smile. He stood up stiffly and held his hand out and shook both men's hands. "I'm beginning to think, I'm getting too old for this too." He balled up both fists and pressed them into his lower back with a groan.

"Hotel?" asked Heyes.

"The Grand Central on Main Street. Owned by a prissy little prick, but a nice hotel."

They thanked Trail Boss Ogle, mounted their horses and rode slowly into Deadwood.