The dust swirled in a cloud behind them as the two horses galloped into town. Artie stopped in front of the saloon and called out.
Bill....Noreen....I need some help out here!
Bill and Noreen, followed by Dr. Livingston, ran out of the bar. Bill helped Artie gingerly take Jim out of the saddle and carry him into the saloon. They took him upstairs and placed him on a bed in one of the rooms. Although unconscious, West moaned in pain, and Noreen observed the worry flash across Artie's face. The doctor examined West and then turned to Noreen.
He's hurt pretty bad. We're gonna need to keep him quiet and still for a few days, can he stay here, Miss Noreen?
Of course.
Artie's brown eyes bore into the doctor, Is he going to be all right?
Livingston scratched his head, Well now, that all depends.....
Depends on what?
If he wakes up.
If....? What do you mean if?
None of the injuries I can see are life-threatening; it's the ones I can't see that have me concerned. He took a pretty bad hit on the head, and I don't know how much damage it might have caused.
Artie's face fell in sadness. He swallowed hard, trying hard not to lose control of his emotions. The doctor looked at Noreen.
I'll drop by a few times tomorrow to check in on him. Keep him warm, and if someone could stay with him during the night--
--I'll do it.
You know this fellow do you?
Artie could feel the penetrating gazes of Bill and Noreen.
He looked to the floor, his voice very soft,
A look passed between Livingston and Noreen, then finally the doctor spoke.
Very well then, Mr. Morgan. I shall leave you to it.
Livingston picked up his hat, then his bag, and proceeded to follow Bill out of the room. Artie stood, stunned, in the middle of the floor, just staring with uncertainty at the figure on the bed. He felt as if he had been punched hard in the stomach. After a few minutes, Noreen walked over to him, and gently took his hand. The brown eyes darted to hers. She smiled, and caressed his cheek.
Whatever it is, you can tell me.
Artie squeezed her hand, but said nothing.
Are you in trouble with the law? Is he chasin' after you?
Gordon looked away, and she knew she was on the right track. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she tried to recall West's words from the day before; then it hit her.
It's you. The man he's looking for is you. She could see that she was right from the look in his eyes, But the description was wrong.....and he saw you and didn't seem to know you.
Artie's voice was like the softest velvet, His name is Jim West, and he's my partner.
Your partner? Partner in what?
Artie took her other hand in his, Noreen, I'm a Secret Service agent for the United States, on special assignment to the President.
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The man was delusional. She stroked his face softly.
Artemus, it isn't necessary to try and create an explanation for why he's after you.
I'm not. As hard as it is to believe, Noreen, I really am what I say I am.
But you don't--
--look like an agent. Not right now, that's true. He broke away from her and moved closer to the bed, staring at Jim as he spoke, When Lily turned me down, I couldn't take it. I needed to get away for a little while - at least I thought it would only be for a little while - it turned out to be three months. Jim came looking for me.
But you didn't want to be found.
I'm just not sure I can go back to that life.
Noreen sighed heavily, as more than one realization hit her, The life without Lily.
She walked over to him and ran her hand up and down his back soothingly.
And now?
He looked at her, And now everything has changed.
You care very much for him, don't you?
Artie nodded, Jim's like a brother to me.
Then why didn't he recognize you yesterday?
Noreen, the man he described is the one he knows. I'm normally clean shaven, about thirty pounds heavier and immaculately dressed. I look much older than the man who left three months ago.
She shook her head, I'm sorry, but this story is just so......
Well, you have to admit, it's not average.
Wait here a moment.
She watched him quietly slip out the door, a moment later returning with what appeared to be a small leather wallet. Artie handed it to her, and without comment, she opened it, unprepared for what awaited her. Noreen gasped slightly as she gazed at a picture of the man West had described; and it was Artemus, only heavier, younger and without the beard. Secret Service Agent Artemus Gordon. Noreen stared at Artemus for a moment, comparing him to the picture; but she would know those brown eyes anywhere.
Artie took the identification from her and slipped into his pocket.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Noreen, but please understand, I came here to get away from the Secret Service and Artemus Gordon.
Her voice was almost a whisper, And the reality of Lily.
He looked away; she was right.
was all he said.
She moved toward the door, I'll bring you up some supper in awhile, Mr. Gordon.
--No, please don't say anything more.
He watched her leave the room, closing the door behind her. He closed his eyes: he didn't want to hurt her, and yet, he had. Wearily, Artie sat down in the chair beside the bed, taking Jim's hand in his own.
Please Jim.....you've got to be okay. I can't take losing you. His voice grew softer, I just can't.
Artie sat as still as a statue in the straight-backed chair, keeping vigil over his best friend. He didn't even notice that Noreen failed to reappear with the meal she had promised him.
***********
