THE BEGUILEMENT OF KID CURRY - Chapter Seven

"What's you got there?" Heyes asked as he struggled to the edge of the bed, easing his wounded leg slowly off the bed with both hands

Kid unfolded the letter and handed it to Heyes. There was a questioning look on Heyes' face as he slowly took the letter.

"What am I looking at?"

Kid nodded his head towards it, "Answers to some questions."

Kid watched Heyes' face as he silently read the letter; his face conveying an array of emotions. He paused briefly from reading, his eyes wide, "Didn't know women thought them thoughts. And for sure never thought they'd put it to paper." When he got to the end, "Her sister? Miss Martha's own sister…," Heyes said, shaking his head sadly, "...and her husband. Where did you find this?"

"A book," Kid said, taking the letter back and shoving it into a pocket.

"A book?" Heyes said incredulously, "Since when did you start-"

"Couldn't sleep."

"Sorry," Heyes apologized.

"No need to apologize. If I ain't used to your snoring after all these years…" Kid said with a quick smile.

"What are you going to do with that letter? I'm thinking Miss Martha never saw it-."

Nodding his head in argument, Kid said. "I'll take care of it so she ain't never going to see it."

"Pass me those crutches Kid, so I can get steady on my feet. Time I got up and took in some fresh air. Look at me Kid," he said, showing his partner a pale arm. "I'm starting to look like a ghost."

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Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

Martha thought she heard the faint sound of crutches on the wooden floor. The rhythmic sound built as it approached the dining room where Martha and the girls sat ready for breakfast. She closed her eyes and held her breath. She would never forget that sound and the memories it evoked.

Heyes stopped in the doorway and nodded a greeting to the women. Kid stood slightly behind him ready to offer assistance if needed. For a split second all Martha could see was the Yankee soldier, John McBurney; his tall frame bent over the crutches with an insane look of rage on his face. The rage and fury the soldier had directed at her for amputating his leg.

How dare him think that it hadn't been a life saving decision. To think she had cut his leg off in revenge for not bedding her that night. Perhaps she should have left him to lay broken at the bottom of the stairs. Had she known what was to come she would have.

When she opened her eyes Amy was staring at her. Amy's face looked slightly pale too.

Martha quickly regained her composure and smiled a strained smile at Heyes.

"If you would care to join us. I'm sure the girls would enjoy your company as much as they enjoy Thaddeus'." She said as she nodded towards Kid.

"I don't want to be an imposition. I was looking forward to getting some fresh air...but I suppose…" Heyes said, reading Miss Martha's face and sensing disappointment if he refused her offer.

Amy had already made a place at the table and moved a chair next to her.

"Let me help you." Amy said as she hurried to his side.

Heyes threw a look over his shoulder at Kid, as he allowed Amy to help him to the chair.

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Kid was glad to have Heyes at the table. Conversation was easy for him as he interacted with the girls; even made shy Marie smile and laugh. Kid noticed Amy being very attentive to Heyes' needs; quickly refilling his glass when empty and making sure he had plenty to eat. He was perplexed by all the attention. It was as if they had spoken more than a few times and seemed rather familiar with each other. Heyes never mentioned it. He would have to ask him about it later.

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"Ya need anything?" Kid asked as he helped Heyes to a chair on the large wraparound front porch.

"No," Heyes said as he eased into the chair.

"I'm sure Amy….You seemed rather friendly with each other. Something I need to know?"

Heyes shrugged his shoulders, "Sometimes she would come into the room to see if I needed anything."

"Anything?" Kid cocked an eyebrow.

"Not that…" Heyes said, shaking his head and making a face.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Heyes looked at Kid with confusion on his face. "Didn't think I needed to."

There was a touch of irritation creeping into his voice. He sure wasn't going to tell Kid at times he had woken with Amy at his bedside staring at him. It had all been innocent. Heyes felt kind of sorry for her. The girls were so isolated here with no interaction with the outside world that he could see and especially the opposite sex. There were plenty of girls Amy's age married with children. Amy confessed she had only been kissed once. I guess twice now, thought Heyes after he had obliged her on one occasion.

Kid sighed, as he wiped a hand across his face, "Sorry Heyes. Didn't mean to be...well you know how I feel. Since you seem to be getting around okay, thought I would leave in a couple days and finish the job. I'll talk to Miss Martha before I leave."

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Miss Martha had not missed Amy's attraction towards Joshua. She had allowed Amy to take breaks from her chores and studies to check on him while Thaddeus was busy working or making a trip to town. In fact she had encouraged it. She couldn't lie to herself anymore. There was no way she could continue to run the school without physical and financial help. She had not missed the close relationship the two men shared. It was more than blood, it was a deep friendship. If she were to get one to stay she was sure the other would too.

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TWO DAYS LATER

"Ma'am," Kid started, "I need to finish what Joshua and I came out here to do."

Kid noticed she seemed uncomfortable talking to him and gave him limited eye contact. There were dark circles under her eyes as if she had not slept well the previous night.

The dreams had come again...how she wished and ached to be younger. Although admittedly, that had not been enough, at least not for her husband.

"I have a package to deliver for a mutual friend. It's a day's ride. I'll be back tomorrow night. Iffing that's okay with you. Here…" Kid said as he quickly dug in his pocket and pulled out some money. "For your trouble"

Kid held the money out for Miss Martha. She slowly reached her hand out and took the money, her hand briefly touching Kid's. Miss Martha sucked in a quick breath before she placed the money in her apron pocket.

"Oh...I almost forgot…," Kid said as he dug into his opposite pocket and withdrew some shotgun shells, "Forgot to give them to you the other day."

After Martha had placed them in her apron, Kid continued "I'm sure Joshua won't be no trouble. He is getting stronger every day and we should be leaving your company in no time at this rate. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for my cousin. I guess being a doctor's wife…"

Miss Martha's head jerked up, "Who told you that?" She hissed.

Startled by her reaction, Kid stammered, giving himself time to formulate a lie, "I...I think someone in town must have mentioned it."

"Well, next time I'm in town I'll be reminding people to mind their own business and not talk behind one's back."

"They just said your husband was a doctor and killed by northern soldiers."

Kid saw Miss Martha visibly relax, "It was such a traumatic time in my life. Forgive my reaction." She said with an apologetic smile. "Don't worry about Joshua. He is in good hands."

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Writer's note: Apologies for the delay between chapters...Curry, the cat has been found safe and sound hiding in plain sight.