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?

The next day dawned gray and overcast with a hint of rain in the air. Kid stared out the window of Lou's room and looked down at the familiar bunkhouse.

The sun was barely up but there was already activity down by the corral. Cody was helping Jesse get some of the new horses ready. Kid looked out toward Rock Creek and saw people starting to go about their day.

Lou stirred. "Kid? What time is it?"she asked sleepily.

Kid turned away from the window. "Early, go back to sleep."

Lou yawned and shook her head as she gingerly eased herself into a sitting position. "Can't. Have to get ready."

Kid blinked, he had really hoped she wouldn't remember what today was."Lou, you're not going."

"Don't fight with me on this, Kid."Lou pleaded her voice weary. "I have to be there. I have to tell the Judge what happened."

Kid shook his head as he took a step forward. "Wilcox has your statement. He'll give it to the judge. Lou, you're too weak....you lost a lot of blood...."

Lou knew he was only trying to protect her so she said gently. "Kid, you're going to have to trust me. I know what I can handle. I have to be there."

Kid sighed. "Lou, he nearly got you killed. You don't owe him anything."

Lou pushed the covers aside and moved her legs to the edge of the bed. Very carefully she placed one foot on the floor and then the other. For once the world didn't spin.

"Kid, do you trust me?"Lou asked as she grasped the bed post for support.

Kid met her gaze. "Always."

Lou smiled. "This is something I have to do, Kid. I know you don't understand that but please support me and help me get ready."

Kid nodded reluctantly. "Alright, but you have to promise me that as soon as you get tired you'll let me know."

"I promise."Lou agreed as Kid helped her walk toward the closet.

*******

Jimmy glanced toward the door of his cell to find Rachel standing there holding a tray of food. He'd been so engrossed in his thoughts he hadn't heard her come in.

"Sorry, Rachel."Jimmy apologized as he stood and walked toward the front of the cell. "I didn't hear you come in."

Rachel nodded. "I noticed that your thoughts were elsewhere. Teaspoon said you didn't eat your dinner last night so I figured you'd be hungry."

"Thanks."Jimmy acknowledged not having the heart to tell her he wasn't hungry.

Rachel nodded to one of Wilcox's men who moved forward to unlock the door. After he did Rachel handed Jimmy the tray of food.

As the deputy closed the door again Rachel looked at Jimmy with concern. "Jimmy, are you alright?"

Jimmy placed the tray on the cot as he nodded. "I'm fine."

Rachel nodded though she didn't quite believe the younger man. "Everyone will be there today."

Jimmy wanted to protest but decided against it. They were all going to come whether he wanted them to or not.

"How's Lou?"Hickock asked after a moment of silence.

Rachel smiled. "She's doing much better. Doctor Miller says she'll make a full recovery if she takes it easy."

"That's good."Jimmy said with relief as he moved the tray of food so he could sit down.

Rachel caught something in Jimmy's voice and frowned. "Jimmy, she doesn't blame you."

Jimmy met her gaze. "I know....I just...."

"Time's up."Wilcox's deputy interupted gruffly as he came to stand at Rachel's right.

Rachel nodded but looked back at Jimmy. "Everything will be alright, Jimmy. Just try to eat something.....you need your strength."

Jimmy watched Rachel leave wondering if he'd be dead tomorrow or a man on the run.

Neither option appealed to Hickock as he picked at the food. Both meant he'd have to leave Lou and the others behind

And that was something he couldn't bear.

******

Cody was cleaning his gun as Buck stepped into the bunkhouse.

"Rachel has breakfast ready."Buck reported as he moved toward his bunk.

Cody nodded not looking up from his task. "I'll be there in a minute. I just wanted to make sure things were ready just in case."

Buck paused. "You really think we'll have to break Jimmy out?"

"This is Jimmy, Buck. There's always trouble some how. I ain't expectin' today to go smoothly."

"I hope you're wrong."Buck stated quietly as he found what he needed and turned back toward the door.

Cody sighed as he stood. "So do I."