Heyes rode slowly towards the hotel; he looked like he was ready to drop from the saddle. Curry was glad that they were in town and his cousin could lie down and rest. There was even a doctor in town, if that shingle was right that they just passed.
Pulling up in front of the hotel, Curry jumped off his horse and went around, as Heyes got off, as slow as a turtle. He looked at Curry and just shook his head. He moved towards the hotel steps and Curry followed him. Inside it was cooler and darker. Heyes moved to the desk, and Curry grabbed the pencil and signed their names in the register. The man behind the desk looked at Heyes as he took the money and handed over the key.
Curry had followed Heyes, ready to catch him if needed. When they stopped in front of the door, Heyes glanced at him. Curry opened the door, and Heyes went over and without a word lay down on the double bed. Curry checked out the room, and then his cousin. Heyes had not had much to say, which told Curry how bad the man was feeling.
"I am going to put the horses up, and then I will be back." His cousin only waved his hand briefly before rolling over on his side.
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Curry had put up the horses and returning to the hotel. He planned to stop at the café and pick up some food, as he knew Heyes was not up to going out. When he saw Jennifer coming down the street towards him, he stopped and waited for her, a hard look on his face.
"Kid it's good to see you, how is Heyes."
"Why are you here?"
"I am on my way to my aunts in New Orleans."
"You just happen to be leaving from the town that you overheard me speak of."
"Well, I…"
"You just thought you would show up, Heyes would marry you, and you would live happily ever after." His words were cutting, and his eyes were blue turquoise stone. "Well it ain't going to happen, missy, not while I am around."
"I admit I would be happy if he wanted me. But he doesn't. I was worried about him. He's a hard man not to love."
"You stay away from him, because of you, I almost lost my only family, and best friend."
"I don't want to bother him, just see he is alright, and tell him…"
"I already gave him your message. Where is your father, you probably led him right to Heyes." Curry looked around. He did not trust her at all; she obviously planned to still have Heyes for herself. Well she would have to go through him to get his cousin. He did not think she was that good with a gun. He had to keep his eyes opened, for her father to show up.
Jennifer looked up at Curry, and knew the man was worried. She was worried about Heyes, and she did care about him, okay she loved him. She did hope that he might see her again and love her too. However, his bodyguard was not going to let her.
"Kid, I didn't lead my father here, I didn't tell him anything, and I just ran."
"If I ever see your father again, I will kill him."
"Good, how is Hannibal?"
"He is still ill, and weak. He is not up to dealing with you. He's in no shape to run if your father shows up."
"I am sorry, I really am." He saw the tears beginning to slowly slide down her cheeks, but he was determined not to let it get to him.
"By the way, he doesn't like to be called Hannibal. Now good day Miss Jennifer." He tipped his head and went into the café for the food. Jennifer hurried across the street to the hotel.