Apoligies for the long delay between parts. Real life has been very hectic. Thanks for the feedback. :)

Title: Aftershocks
Author: Cindy Ryan
Catagory: Jimmy/Lou/Kid, angst
timeline: late third season
Summary: When Lou takes a bullet meant for Jimmy how will the other Riders react?
Notes: This hasn't been beta read so all mistakes are mine.


"Jesse, go set the table."Rachel ordered softly dragging everyone's attention away from the horizon.

"Rachel...."The youth protested even though he knew what she was trying to do.

"Now!"Rachel admonished gently as she ushered Jesse and Noah back toward the house. "We still have to eat."

"Are we inviting the good Marshal to dinner?"Noah asked with a grin as he fell into step with Rachel.

"I'd rather he choke on it but if it'll keep Wilcox away from Jimmy we'll break bread with him."

*********

"Think we lost 'em?"Cody wondered as the quartet regrouped in a small tree grove. They had spotted Wilcox's men when
they were about forty minutes out of Rock Creek.

A gun shot rang out and a bullet slammed into a tree just inches from Teaspoon's hat.

"No."Buck replied dryily as he leveled his gun and fired off a few shots.

"Time to move."Teaspoon ordered as he ducked another bullet that came too close. "Cody stay here and give us
some cover fire. Wait as long as you can then meet up with us at Hickory Creek."

"Right."Cody replied as he dismounted and moved his horse behind a cluster of three trees.

********

"Sorry to disturb you folks."Wilcox greeted as Rachel opened the door. "I can see you're just sittin' down to dinner."

"What can we do for you, Marshal....."Rachel asked playing along.

"Wilcox. Martin Wilcox."The red haired man replied as he took off his hat. "Ma'am, I'm afraid you have a dangerous
man in your midst and it's time he was brought to justice."

Rachel's eyes narrowed. "None of my Riders are dangerous people, Marshal."

Wilcox shook his head. "I'm afraid your faith is misplaced. James Butler Hickock is a murderer and I will bring him in.
Now where is he?"

********

"I love you, Lou."Kid whispered as he folded one arm against the matress and rested his head against it. While his other
hand was still intertwined with Lou. He was so tired but he didn't want to leave Lou alone....not even for a second.

"Kid."

Kid jerked upright his eyes frantically searching the room for the source of the voice. It was only then that it
registered that it had been Lou who had spoken.

Overcome with relief and joy Kid looked down at Lou with tears streaming down his face. He grasped her hand tightly in
his as he said. "Lou, thank God. I thought I had lost you."

Lou swallowed several times struggling to get moisture to her dry mouth. "W-what happened?"

"You were shot."Kid replied as he stood and moved to the nightstand where there was a pitcher of water and a glass. He
poured the water and brought it back to Lou. "Here, but drink it slowly."

Lou nodded and gratefully sipped the cool liquid. As she did memories slowly started to return

"Kid,"Lou began as she lowered the glass. "I remember.....was anybody else hurt? Jimmy?"

Kid took the glass from her and set it on the nightstand. "Ssssh.....everybody's fine. I'm going to go tell Rachel
to get the doc. I'll be right back."

Lou nodded and she could feel her eyelids grow heavy from sleep. But she fought to stay awake. Lou knew Kid better than
he knew himself and she could always tell when he was keeping something from her.
Something was wrong and Lou had to find out what it was.