Jed drifted in and out of consciousness, not aware of how much time was passing and in his more lucid moments, wondered if maybe he'd hallucinated Heyes.

The door opening drew his attention and he looked up as three people entered. It was with some relief that he recognised one of them was Heyes, though the feeling was fleeting as the other two were Fuller and the guy who'd thrown the pee over him.

Heyes caught his eyes briefly, nodding at him with a small smile of reassurance, then looked away before either of the other men noticed the look.

Fuller walked over to Jed and kicked him hard in the side before asking, "Now boy, you gonna tell us where you hid that money? It don't bother me none if you don't, because I ain't gonna lose either way, but seems like you might find it a mite less painful if you just give it up."

Jed's gaze flicked quickly over at Heyes, then taking a shaky breath said faintly. "I can't tell ya, but I can show you."

"Well ain't that convenient sonny, why should I believe ya?" Milt kicked him again and a groan escaped him before he could stop it and he closed his eyes. Well that was that then. He was dead one way or another, just seemed his only choice was fast or slow.

Heyes spoke up quickly. "Well ain't it worth a try? We can always kill him later if he ain't telling the truth."

Milt sighed and through blurry eyes, Jed saw him glance back. "Well you're just full of ideas today, boy."

"Milt, maybe he's got a point, just 'cos that boy deserves killin', don't mean we oughta give up on the chance of findin' the money."

Jed listened to the interplay in silence, frustrated at having his fate out of his hands, but knew staying quiet was likely his safest option. Every part of him ached and the smell of stale urine was making him feel sick. But he swore if he managed to get out of this, someone was gonna pay.

"All right, guess it's worth a try." Jed found himself hauled to his feet and Milt slapping his face said. "You stink boy! Clint throw him in the horse trough as I ain't putting up with that smell all the way to where we caught him."

Heyes broke in again. "Let me do that, Clint can go tell the boys what we're planning."

Milt shrugged and shoved Jed over in Heyes' direction. "Suit yourself." He grinned then added. "Strip him first."

Heyes swallowed hard and said calmly, though Jed could see the worry in his gaze. "Well I'd have to untie him, besides his clothes smell as bad as him."

Fuller sighed. "He ain't in no state to fight ya, put him in a sack cloth for all I care, but make sure he don't smell none when we're headin' out, or you'll regret it."

Heyes steered his unsteady friend out to the yard and whispered apologetically. "This is gonna be unpleasant, but there ain't no way of avoiding it." Jed his head spinning laughed a little bitterly, but didn't reply and simply concentrated on staying upright.

ASJ

Naked, Jed shivered, conscious of the amused and curious gazes of the men scattered round the rotunda. Heyes obviously also aware of the heavy gazes, shielded him surreptitiously, before with the slightest nod to warn him, quickly dunked him to his neck. Even knowing it was coming, the cold water was still a shock and Jed yelped before coughing and spluttering. His teeth quickly started to chatter, but gazing at his friend, and seeing the determination on his face, finally started to believe he might get out of this alive.

Though Heyes made a show of manhandling him, his touch was gentle and he even carefully made sure that some of the splashing water ended up in Kid's mouth, easing his parched throat.

Under cover of the water, he also took advantage of Jed's wrists being untied and gently bathed the cuts and lesions as he whispered. "I'm gonna have to tie 'em properly again once you're outta here, as if anyone suspects I'm helping you, neither of us are gonna get out of this alive."

As Heyes made another show of pushing him around, while making sure he barely touched him, Jed controlled his chattering teeth enough to say quietly. "When we get outta here, you're gonna have to explain to me how you got mixed up with this lot, as it don't seem real smart to me." It was one of the main reason's he'd questioned the reality of Heyes' presence. His friend was many things, but he seemed a poor fit with the viciousness of the Fuller outfit.

Heyes briefly looked down at the water, before meeting his gaze. His expression was hard to read, but Jed thought he saw embarrassment and maybe some shame in there, but the emotion was so quickly gone, replaced by a small smile, that he couldn't be sure.

Heyes gave a tiny shrug as he finally answered, his voice even."I figured it'd beat freezin' to death, but I concede it didn't turn out to be one of my brightest ideas." He stopped and gave a small laugh. "I hate to admit it, Jed, but even us geniuses ain't perfect and this was one of them few times that I got it wrong."

Before Jed could reply, a figure loomed over them, but luckily saw nothing amiss and simply nodded at Heyes. "Clint suggested he wear somethin' of yours, Milt agreed figurin' it'll save him dyin' of exposure, before he tells us where he hid that cash."

As Heyes stepped back from the trough, he tossed him a bundle of clothes, which Heyes caught awkwardly, as the man added sourly, "Now be quick about it as Milt wants us to get movin'."

ASJ

Heyes eyed Jed secured tightly face down on the saddle of a spare horse, luckily with his hands now tied in front of him, relieving some of the strain on his shoulders. Heyes had managed to convince the man tying him, that it'd be easier looping the rope under the horse if Jed's hands were tied forward.

Fuller intent on making the trip as uncomfortable as possible for their prisoner had taken charge of the mount's reins and was tugging them unnecessarily hard. Heyes only knew his cousin was conscious by the involuntary flinches and tiny whimpers that he was unable to hide.

He moved as close as he dared trying to offer some reassurance, but he wasn't sure how much Jed was taking in. His plan had taken shape on the ride and he just hoped his friend would be aware enough to react as quickly as he'd have to for them both to get away.