Artie felt West's grip on him tighten, and he looked into his best friend's face; it registered exhaustion and pain. Artie put his arm around Jim's waist, moving him toward the nearest chair.

All right, Jim, that's enough for now.

No pain, no gain, Artie.

Never mind. You've walked up and down this staircase five times. Just four days ago, you were still in bed. That's enough progress for today.

Jim let out a long sigh; he knew his best friend was right. Artie gently squeezed Jim's shoulder before he removed his hand.

You just sit there for a little while, and then I'll help you back to bed.

Where are you going?

Artie smiled slightly, I can't just babysit you all day, James, I've got chores to do around here. Jim looked at Gordon, so he continued, She's not speaking to me, but she's still paying me. I owe her at least a good day's work. He looked away, his eyes deepening in sadness, I owe her more than that, but the work's all I can do....

Gordon picked up the broom leaning against the bar and began sweeping the floor. Jim watched him for a few minutes. Artie looked worn out and dangerously thin. West decided it was time to draw him out.

Jim's tone was casual, When are you going to lose that beard, Artemus? It adds at least ten years to you....

Artie continued sweeping, feigning indifference, Maybe I like the beard, James.

Jim smiled, I doubt that, Artemus, I really do. I think it's more accurate to say that you're just not finished hiding behind it.

Gordon looked at him sharply, I'm not hiding.

I don't know what else you'd call it, Artie. Between the beard, that.....outfit, and the amount of weight you've dropped, nobody would recognize you.

I think you've rested long enough. Let's get you upstairs.



Gordon grabbed Jim none too gingerly, hoisting him to his feet. Gruffly he moved West toward the stairs.

Hey.....go easy, will ya?

Artie said nothing, but moved Jim up the stairs with a gentler touch. He helped his friend into his room, and onto the bed. West looked tired, but most of the color had returned to his face, and he looked stronger. Gordon felt relieved about Jim, but dreaded the thought of returning to his former life. It was an existence that would constantly remind him of what he had lost. Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he headed toward the door. The look on Gordon's face wasn't lost on his partner.

Artie, you are planning on coming back with me, aren't you?

The vulnerability in Jim's voice dug right into Gordon's heart. He swallowed hard but didn't turn around.

I'm not sure that I can, Jim.



--Please Jim, let's not talk about it now.

Gordon didn't wait for a comment, but instead walked out the door, closing it softly behind him.

***********
The sunset held all the hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Artie took a last look at the fireball as it dipped below the horizon. He turned away from the balcony rail to go back inside, and almost bumped into Noreen. She hadn't said a word to him in almost a week, and her sudden appearance made his heart slam into his throat.

His voice was soft and velvety, You startled me. She stared at him with sadly haunted eyes, but said nothing. He swallowed and looked away, I'm sorry, Noreen. My apology is all I can offer.

You used me.

The guilt he felt colored his baritone timbre, All due respect, Miss Macrae, but I seem to recall that you were not coerced.

Her voice was tight with anger, That may be true, but a gentleman would never have taken advantage of a lady.

And a lady would never have put herself in that position.

She struck him hard with her hand across his face. Artie recovered quickly and fixed her with his intense gaze, sorry that he had said it. Her eyes filled with tears, and she hit him again. He took the slap and simply looked at her. Her hand pulled back a third time, but this time he grabbed her wrist. She grimaced in pain as the large hand squeezed tightly around her flesh.

Her voice was filled with distress, Artemus....you're hurting me.

The alarm she suddenly felt flushed her cheeks with color, and Artie realized what he was doing. He dropped the wrist from his grip, and she rubbed the spot where his fingers had been. He could see a bruise already beginning to form, and remorse filled him.

Her voice was an angry whisper, As soon as Mr. West is able, please leave. And I don't want you working around the saloon any longer. Just pay what you owe to Bill before you go, and make yourself scarce in the meantime.

She turned to leave, but he grabbed her elbow, I didn't mean it. I swear to God I didn't mean it. Noreen turned to face him, and he let go of her, I don't know what's gotten into me, Noreen.... I barely know who I am anymore..... His voice trembled in fear, I feel out of control.

Noreen perceived his sincerity; if nothing else, he was speaking the truth. But such an admission did little to allay the misery she was holding in her heart. She wished Artemus Gordon had never come to Arizona.

I was in love with you.....and I meant nothing.

That isn't true.

But it's not love.

He looked down, his voice a whisper, No, not love.

She ran back inside, covering her mouth to stifle her cries. Artie ran a hand through his thick hair, heaving a deep sigh. No matter what he said, it seemed to make matters worse for her. And yet he did care for her. He wanted to make it up to her, but he couldn't love her. Artie wasn't sure he could ever love anyone again. He didn't know if he would even be able to stay with Jim once he saw him safely back to the train.

His dark thoughts were interrupted by the body slamming hard into his, accompanied by a primal scream of fury. It sent Gordon toppling to the ground, his head connecting hard with the wood of the balcony, dazing him. Bill pounded into his face and mid section as hard as he could with his fists. To his own surprise, Artie didn't fight back. He just lie there, taking the punishment he felt was his due.

You bastard! She loved you and you treated her like some kind of whore. Artie tried to block the punches to his face with his arms, but Bill kept wailing on him. I would do anything to have her look at me the way she looks at you....you bastard. Even now, after you've hurt her so, she still wants you...

Bill landed a solid punch into Artie's stomach, causing the agent to groan in pain. His nose and mouth were bloody, and his ribs felt bruised. Knowing he couldn't take much more abuse, Gordon kicked the man off of him, and rolled over, slowing coming to his knees. The cold metal of the gun barrel on his neck froze him.

Bill's voice shook, Stand up slowly.

Artie did as he was told, coming to his feet carefully.

Put your hands up, where I can see them.

Gordon obeyed. Bill was unsteady as he leveled the gun. Artie guessed he was maybe five feet away; it was doubtful that the man would miss at that distance no matter how badly he was shaking.

Now Bill, you don't want to do this--

--Shut-up. Just keep your mouth shut.

You're not a killer, Bill. I've known killers, and I'm telling you, you just don't have that kind of charm....

Bill cocked the hammer on the gun, and Artie felt his stomach drop to his knees. Maybe he was wrong about Bill the barkeep's charm......

***********