Marvin stood in the open door, holding his suitcase. Jim faced him with an easy smile. Arte hovered a small distance away in the main car, not wishing to intrude upon Solomon's farewell, but curious to see what kind of partnership had developed between them in his absence.

Jim shook Solomon's hand, If you ever need anything, Marvin, just let me know.

Thanks, Jimmy, I appreciate that, but I don't think I'll be venturing out in the field again.

Why not, Marvin? You did just fine for your first time out.

The man's face lit up like a Christmas tree, Really? You really think so?

Absolutely. I told Richmond that if anything ever does happen to Artemus, I'd like you to replace him.

Wow. That's the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me! Good-bye, Jimmy!

Bye-bye, Marvin.

Arte stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest, glaring, as Jim closed the door and turned, a slightly impish smile curling his lips. Annoyance dripped from Arte's words.

Replace me? You think that boy can replace me, James?

A glint appeared in Jim's eyes, Well now, Arte, things went along quite smoothly while you were gone.

Oh, really?

Yeah. Solomon served me coffee and breakfast every morning. You never do that....

Jim had to stifle a laugh as Arte's feathers became more ruffled by the moment.

You're damned right I never do that, and I'm not about to start. Served you coffee every morning.....your days of luxury are over buddy boy....

West watched in amusement as Arte slammed and banged through the car, muttering to himself. After a few minutes, he knew it was time to end the joke. Gordon had plopped unhappily on the divan. Jim stopped right behind him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

No one could ever replace you, Arte, and you know it. This place doesn't feel like home without you.

Yes, well.....

Jim reached his other hand down and squeezed both of Arte's shoulders leaning into his ear, Relax, Arte, every morning Solomon sang off-key at the top of his lungs, and spilled coffee all over me!

Arte looked up into the mischievous face of the man he loved like a brother, and the two of them broke up laughing. Gordon stood up and playfully slapped Jim's arm.

I feel like cooking tonight. What'll ya have?

We have any steaks in there?

I'm sure we do. How about steak au poivre and the finest champagne?

Jim's face dissolved into a smile, I'd love it, Arte.

Gordon disappeared through the door, and Jim sat down on the divan. For the first time in awhile, he felt calm, whole. The singing from the galley car floated out to him, surrounding him like a warm breeze. Arte's voice was soft and mellifluous as he sang:

Oh bury me not on the lone prairie,
Where the coyotes howl, and the wind blows free;
In a cold, cold grave, do not bury me.
Oh bury me not, on the lone prairie.

Jim shook his head at his friend's choice of songs. Arte always did love a morbid and twisted joke in his humor. West didn't care, as long as he had his partner back, that was all that mattered.

Arte continued singing as he prepared the meal. In some ways, it was cathartic for him. Whether Jim realized it or not, it had cost Arte a great deal to perpetrate such a lie on his best friend. It was something he knew he could never do again. He couldn't think about it anymore; he had his partner back, and that was all that mattered.

It was good to be home.

The End