Disclaimer: I don't own anything American Outlaws....I do however own, Bella, Megan and Joey...they are my imagination. And I own the romantic ideals of this story. Enjoy!

AN: I hope you all are enjoying this. I am sorry for the long wait. I am writing 4 stories right now. and that is putting 5 others on Hiatus. Thank you so much for the feedback. Tasuki's Girl, thepathchosesthewalker, Rodeo Princess, and Jack Sparrow fanatic. Also, this is a Cole fic. I just love the Bob character. He is so cool. ENJOY!


Chapter Six

It had been three weeks since the occurrence with Nathan. Everyone was getting along and no one ever mentioned it. Joey thought they must have been waiting for her to mention it and she didn't intend to. She was embarrassed about the whole ordeal really. Cole must think her just another wimpy woman.

That was another thing, she found herself wondering what Cole thought of her and her physical attraction to him wasn't ceasing. In fact, it was getting much more intense and serious. She tried to avoid him at all costs but she was starting to enjoy his company and it was such a small house.

They had so much in common, too. The farming, horses, living in the mountains. She would sometimes find herself just sitting by the fire and he would sit with her in silence. It was very comforting. But then there were times when he annoyed the hell out of her. Like when he would go off for an hour or two at a time by himself. It bothered her because she didn't know where he was or what he was doing. Not that it was any of her business.

Bob was her escape. He would listen to her dreams when she just had to tell someone. And he was just so easy to talk to. Megan had asked her if she thought Bob and her might decide to court. Joey and Bob both made it clear they were not romantically involved and will probably never be. They were just friends.

Joey was getting her bed made when she heard riders. She grabbed her gun and went to open it but Cole stopped her. "I can handle it," Joey said.

"I never said you couldn't," he said and backed up.

She felt empty as he walked away and she wanted his closeness back. Her thoughts were interrupted by footsteps on the porch and she opened the door.

"Miss Montgomery," Jimmy Potter said taking his hat off. "I was hoping to see Megan."

Joey put the gun down, "Didn't she tell you she was having company?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said. "I was just coming to give her an answer on your invitation."

"Well, she is in town so you can tell me. Will I need to make an extra cherry pie for Christmas Eve dinner?" she asked smiling.

Jimmy smiled, "Yes, ma'am." He said his goodbyes and left.

Cole looked at her, "That was Megan suitor. He doesn't look like he could hurt a fly."

Joey playfully slapped his arm, "Don't insult Jimmy. He is a hard worker and a good kid."

"He looks like he is up to something in his head," Bob said.

"Not you too, Bob," she said. "You are supposed to be on my side." She could here a wagon approach now. "That must be Jesse, Zee and the girls." She opened the door to see a tall man with a scruffy beard and a nice suit get out of a wagon. She put her hand on her gun, "May I help you?"

"I am looking for Mr. And Mrs. James," came his thick Scottish accent.

"What do you want Pinkerton?" Cole asked coming around Joey.

"Ah Mr. Younger," he said.

"You said Tennessee was safe from the railroad," Cole said.

"And 'tis still. I came with a warning for Jesse James. Parker survived and he is looking for Jesse," Pinkerton said. "He knows they are here and he is after you guys too."

Joey looked bewildered. "Who is Parker?"

"So your girl doesn't know about your past. I suggest you fill her in and Mrs. James too. They are in danger also. Parker is a vengeful SOB, pardon miss, and he will take it out on them. Remember what he did to Jesse's ma." That was all he said as he left.

Joey still stood there dumbfounded. She had no idea what was going on and it didn't settle well with her. Certainly it was something from the robberies and the railroad. Then she thought about what the man had said, she was in danger also and that meant the girls. "Just great."

"What?"

"Nothing. I was just saying if it isn't some guy trying to get my money it's always something else."

"Money?" Bob and Cole said together.

"You never mind," Zee said walking in the door.

Jesse, who was followed by the girls, looked at Cole, "What was he doing here?"

"Let's talk," Cole said walking out.

"Come on girls," Joey said leading Megan and Bella into her room. Zee followed them giving Jesse a look that could kill.

"Parker survived and he wants revenge," Bob said.

"We aren't too sure how true that statement is," Cole said.

"What do you mean?" Jesse asked.

"He just seemed too eager to give the information. I don't know," Cole said. "He said the girls were in danger too. He wanted to remind you what he did to your ma."

"Shit," Jesse said staring at the bedroom door. "Just great."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joey sat on the bed brushing out Bella's hair. "Jimmy stopped by."

Megan lit up, "Really? Is he coming?"

"Yes," Joey said. "Your brothers don't like it much, especially Cole."

"Cole needs a good woman," Zee said and they all laughed. "Well he does."

"Do you think that Pinkerton guy will come back to hurt Cole and Bob?" Bella asked softly.

Joey stopped brushing her hair and turned Bella toward her. "He was here to offer us help," she partially told the truth. "Why? What's wrong?"

Bella's eyes stung with tears, "I just got them back."

Joey hugged her, "Aw, sweetie, it's going to be okay. I promise. Come on, curl up in bed." Joey pulled down the covers and smiled, "Get comfy but don't get used to it."

"Hey Joey," Megan said. "What was that song you were singing the other day?"

"Huh? What song?"

"Something Danny Boy," she said, "what was that?"

Joey looked to the door as it opened. Cole was standing there. "It was a song my pa used to sing to me when I was young. A song from the old land he used to call it. I loved when he sung me that. I miss that." She smiled weakly at Cole and he turned away.

"Would you sing it for me?" Bella asked.

"Sure," Joey said and sung.

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling

From glen to glen, and down the mountain side

The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying

'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow

Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow

'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow

Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.

And if you come, when all the flowers are dying

And I am dead, as dead I well may be

You'll come and find the place where I am lying

And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me

And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be

If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me

I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me."


AN: I don't own 'Oh Danny Boy'. I don't know who does. It is an Irish song I learned from a good friend. It is pretty popular. But anyway, Joey is supposed to be singing it with the voice like Alison Kraus sings 'My 'Ain True Love' in Cold Mountain.