Chapter VI Reckoning

By: tk421beth

Chapter Summary: Jessie and the Regulators arrive back into Lincoln to take care of some…business!

This chapter is dedicated to a loyal fan...JosieAndThePussycats…! This chapter is for you, Jo! Thanks for the reviews! hugs!

To MindReadingCoconuts06: I haven't forgotten you…Chapter VII will be for you!

It was early afternoon when we arrived in the outskirts of Lincoln. The monsoon season was upon us, and I could see a storm was brewing on the horizon. The air was crisp with the slight sent of rain. Riding next to Billy the whole way, I was quiet, and just listened to the Regulators talk.

Doc rode up alongside Billy and I. "Jessica," he said to get my attention, but I could tell he was addressing us both. "I think it would be in your best interest for you to be on the roof of Murphy's store with me."

Before I could answer, Billy looked over at Doc and nodded in agreement. "I think that's a good idea, Doc. When the shooting starts, who knows which way the lead's gonna fly?"

Detecting a protective tone in Billy's voice, I glared at him and Doc. "I appreciate the concern that you both have for me, but before you make decisions regarding my best interest, I would recommend that you both consult me first." I kicked my heels, spurring my horse to run ahead the rest of the party.

As I rode away, I could hear Billy laugh. "Damn, Doc! I'll be damned if that girl don't have a fire in her gut."

As we covered the last mile or so into Lincoln, the sky was getting darker and the wind was starting to pick up. It seemed the weather mirrored the mood of all of us. The arrangement was to stable the horses behind Father's store. From there we would split up and set the trap for our prey, Sheriff Brady. I ran over the plan several times in my mind. Like a well orchestrated symphony, it went off without a hitch in my head. Father used to say, 'There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip'. I thought, maybe Doc is right. Maybe I would be better off with him, on the roof of Murphy's store. If the plan did go awry, and that slippery bastard tried to skin out, we could blow a hole in his back from our vantage point.

I was in position on the roof of Murphy's store with Doc. I began to make sure that my shotgun and six shooters were ready to go. I glanced down at Father's store, and remembered the good times Father and I had there. A million memories flooded my mind of Father and me laughing and telling jokes as we stocked the store for the first time. How I missed Father!

"Christ, Jessica!" Doc suddenly blurted out, interrupting my thoughts.

"What?" I turned to look at him, warm memories now gone.

"You know what. You and Billy…Goddamnit! What the hell were you thinking?"

"If you were so bloody worried about me, why didn't you take me with you? I know you went to see Yen! Don't deny it!" I stared angrily at him.

Doc was taken aback for a moment. "Jessica…for God's sake, you were supposed to marry Richard!"

I sighed and closed my eyes. "Doc…why didn't you tell me?" I spoke softly, remembering Dick's overly protective nature. Too many memories…too many emotions new and raw…

Doc sighed, and softly touched my cheek. "He didn't want you to know…yet. It was all worked out with your Father. John approved of the marriage."

"Shit, but I didn't approve of it." I pushed his hand away from my face. "No one asked me, Doc!" I sighed. "I will no longer tolerate being treated like a child no more, Doc."

Doc didn't say anything for a moment; he just stared at me, those sharp blue eyes studying me. "God, look at you! You're glowing for fuck's sake! You love Billy, don't you? Jesus Christ! Richard was right! Oh, God, he was right!"

I was silent. I could feel my face flush, so I turned away from him. I didn't know exactly how I felt about Billy, but what I did know is that we shared the same need about killing the men that murdered my Father. That's all I needed. I look down at the street and could see Sheriff Brady walking with a few of his men, Pippin, Hindman and Long. They were all armed, and Brady was holding his rifle. "There he is!" I whispered with excitement, even though I knew no one but Doc could hear me. I picked up my shotgun, which is armed and ready, as Doc also looks down at the street. "There's Billy!"

I see Billy skipping behind Brady. Skipping…Billy the Kid skipping? I smile, and almost giggle out loud.

Brady stopped walking for a moment, as if he sensed if someone was behind him. Billy quickly grabbed his own hat, and threw it over Brady's head. I watched with baited breath as Billy's hat landed in front of Sheriff Brady.

"What the hell is he doing?" Doc wonders out loud, crouching down beside me, his buffalo rifle ready.

I watch as Billy suddenly grabs Brady's six shooters right out of his holsters, surprising Brady and the men with him. "Top o' the morning to you, girls!" Billy greets them, laughing, aiming one of the guns right in Brady's face.

The color of the Sheriff's face rapidly turned ashen while Pippin, Hindman and Long look confused and stunned.

It's starting to rain, a light rain. Thunder rolls above us, warning that a big storm is brewing. I am no longer afraid of thunder and lighting. My eyes are set on the Sheriff, wondering what was going to happen next.

I spot Hindman reaching for his gun, and I quickly took aim and shoot him square in the chest. He falls to the ground, dead. That caused all hell to break loose.

"Good shot!" Doc exclaims, as I reload my shotgun.

Everyone started shooting all at the same time. Shouts ring out from the innocent locals who happen to be out at this particular time. They all run away, screaming in terror. Quite a few of Murphy's men as well as the rest of the Sheriff's posse run out into the street, probably wondering what the hell was going on. Doc and I are ready, shooting various Murphy men and the Sheriff's posse as well. I make sure to shoot anyone that even got close to Billy. I see Chavez ride in, shouting an Indian war cry, throwing his knife into one of Murphy's men throat.

Lighting streaks across the sky, as the rain falls heavy. It's very dark, almost like night, even though it's only early afternoon. A shot fires in our direction, which barely misses Doc. I scowl, as Doc and I shoot towards where the shot was fired from the street. Charlie and Steve are shooting wildly from their position, managing to shoot many of Brady's and Murphy's men.

After a short time, all of Murphy's men and the Sheriff's Posse who are still alive all retreat. We have won this round. Doc and I carefully climb down the roof of Murphy's store, and gather all of our horses. It's pouring rain now, the thunder deafening.

Sheriff Brady is attempting to crawl away from the scene, hence being shot quite a few times. He tries to take hold of his rifle, which is lying next to him. Billy steps on his hand, and points Brady's pistol in his face. The Sheriff lay on the ground, helplessly looking up at Billy. I observe blood pour from a wound in Billy's thigh, and gasp in shock. Who in the hell shot Billy?

Billy's lips move, but I could not hear what he was saying, over the downpour and the crack of thunder. I hold my breath as he pulls the trigger and ends Brady's miserable existence. I was supposed to feel closure, but I feel nothing. This man had a huge part in my Father's murder. What is wrong with me? Why don't I feel joy…content? It all seems senseless to me, but there must be accountability. Those who had a hand in my Father's demise will pay. "They who sow the wind shall reap the whirlwind." I proclaim, grabbing the reins of my horse, and Billy's.

Doc turns to look at me, his hand on my shoulder. "Your Father used to say that."

"I know, Doc. I know."

I give Billy a smile, as he stands, waiting patiently for his photograph to be taken. The photographer, a tiny mousy man with a New York accent, seems nervous, telling Billy it will be only a few minutes more, as he still is setting his equipment up. My eyes follow the little man rushing around his store, as I lean against the wall, wishing he would hurry up.

We're in Fort Sumner, but on our way to go see Alex and Susan. I'm dreading that reunion, because there's no way I can make Alex and Susan understand what needs to be done; No amount of persuading will ever change their minds.

I mended Billy's leg, and amazed myself as well as the Regulators how well I did, with such few medical provisions we had. Doc was particularly amazed at my new ability. Doc had studied to be a physician before coming to Lincoln, and commented that I had the skill to be an exceptional doctor of medicine.

"Hey, Jessie, come be in the picture with me!"

I laugh at that, shaking my head no. "Maybe next time."

"You should do so, miss." The photographer tells me, with a smile. He's standing behind the huge camera, almost ready, it seems. "You have such a beautiful face!"

"She is pretty, ain't she?" Billy agrees. "Did you know that she's the Sweetheart Shooter?"

The photographer looks at me with unease, his mouth open in shock. I grunt in irritation, as Billy full well knows I hate the name The Independent bestowed on me. The photographer tells Billy that everything's ready.

Pop! A flash and some smoke, and he's done, the picture finally taken. The little man rushes about, taking all the steps to make Billy's image appear on tin type.

"C'mon, sweetheart, get your picture taken!" Billy insists. "I'll pay for it."

"Oh, what the bloody hell, all right." I give in. "How do I look?" I'm standing in front of him. My face is dirty; my clothes are mud-caked and wrinkled. I knew I must look appalling.

Billy chuckles, and gives me a kiss, his arms around my waist, bending me over backwards as we kiss. I try to squirm away from him, laughing, but he holds me tight, now kissing my neck.

"I can't wait until we're alone again." He whispers, his blue eyes twinkling with delight.

"Billy!" I gasp in surprise, as he laughs. "She's ready!" He announces.

A few moments later, and I'm sitting on a wooden chair, my beloved shotgun laid on my lap. I managed to wipe off most of the dirt that was on my face, and dusted off my clothes a little bit.

"I'm almost ready!" The photographer smiles at me.

"Christ, sweetheart, you look beautiful!" Billy encourages me, standing behind the photographer.

I give him a wide smile as I hear a Pop! A flash and some smoke and I'm done.

We walk out together, Billy holding my tin type photo. "Too bad we can't see your green eyes, Jess." He pockets my picture in his shirt.

"Hey, that's mine!"

"I paid for it, it's mine, and. I'll never let it go."

"Then I want yours."

"I was planning to give it to somebody else."

"To whom?" I wonder, trying to ignore the pang of jealously.

He just smiles at me.

"It's for you, Alex." Billy tries to hand Alex his photograph.

We arrived at the McSween's residence a few moments ago. We're all standing outside with Alex. He looks ill…pale and sweaty and he's wrapped up in a blanket, even though it's warm outside. I wonder about his asthma…is that why he's so ill? Alex looks at Billy angrily. "You weren't supposed to touch the Sheriff, Billy."

"It was a good move for us, Alex."

"Was it? Have you read the paper?" He questions, shoving the paper at Billy.

All of a sudden, Susan comes bursting out of the house and upon seeing me, rushes over and gives me a big hug. I return it, happy to see her. "Come inside, dear." She tells me, putting her arm around my shoulder, and steering me into the house.

I sit at the kitchen table, as Susan brings out lemonade and glasses. "Alex doesn't look well." I say, as she hands me a glass of lemonade.

"Jessica," Susan ignores my statement, and takes my hand in hers. "We're so worried about you. Why did you do it? Why didn't you come back here?"

I glance out the window. I can see Alex rant and rave, his arms in the air, as Billy just stares at him. I then look back at Susan. She is the only mother figure I have ever had, but I know that she will never understand the path that I have chosen. "Revenge, Susan, for my Father."

"There are other ways, Jessica."

"No, there is not!" I shout, standing up, looking down at her. "Not when Murphy is still alive, there is no other way. The Santa Fe ring needs to be broken up. I will kill as many Murphy men that I can in order to stop it!" My fist pounds on the kitchen table.

Susan's hand flies to her mouth, as she cries out in disbelief. "Can you hear yourself, Jessica? This doesn't sound like you at all! Your Father wouldn't want you to do this!"

"Bloody hell, Susan, my Father is dead! I need to do something! No one else is doing anything about Murphy." No one else but Billy.

Susan shakes her head in doubt. "You've changed." She whispers, staring at me with a stunned expression. "They were supposed to expose the Ring, but you all went on a rampage!"

I snort, and down the rest lemonade in one gulp. "Yes, I have changed, Susan. Death does that to people."

"You're not the only person who has lost a Father, Jessica."

"Yes, I know. But I have to do this, don't you realize? I've lost everything! I have no one!" I take a deep breath. Calm down…I have Billy, though. Billy told me he'd look after me. I also had Doc, Chavez, Charlie and Steve. "There are certain priorities that I know I need to deal with, but I must finish what I started."

"Jessica…you and the boys are now wanted by the law as well as outside the law. Richard's dead…what happened?"

I shake my head. I didn't want to think about Dick. "I'm sorry. I can't talk about that right now." I say, quickly turning away from the table and walking outside. I hear Susan follow close behind.

I stand next to Billy, and he puts his arm around my waist, as if reassuring me. I glance over at Alex, to see what he thinks of Billy's boldness. Alex stares at Billy and me, and I can see the disappointment on his face. At first, I feel my temper rising in me. How dare Alex cast judgment on me and the only man that would help me in my plight? I bite my lower lip and look Alex in the eye. "Alex, if you don't understand what Billy and I and the rest of the Regulators are doing, there is no way I can explain it to you."

I can see a tear well up in Alex's eye. He places his hand on my shoulder. "Jessica, you must be careful not to fall into the same trap as Murphy and his men. Remember what the scripture says…Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord."

With that, Billy pushes Alex's hand off my shoulder. "The Lord can have vengeance. We want Murphy's ass."

Susan walks up to Billy and I. "Please take Jessica to old Mexico, Billy." She pleads, as she looks at all of us, with tears in her eyes. "You all need to go to old Mexico. Please…we care about you all."

Billy hands her his photograph. She takes it and gives him a small smile. I reach out and hug Susan goodbye. My eyes water for a moment as she hugs me back. I then mount my mare and ride away with the Regulators.

Author's Note:

Hope you liked it! Please remember to review! Thanks! As Always, special thanks to Tom and Sue! Naomi is A.W.O.L. at this time!