Heyes woke to sunlight streaming through the window. He groaned as he opened his eyes, gingerly touching his face and wincing.
"Damn it Kid, I think ya nearly broke my jaw," he muttered.
He sure wouldn't be eatin' much for breakfast this morning. 'Maybe we could stay here for another day,' he thought as he dressed and made his way to the front desk.
"Could you tell me what room my friend is in? Thaddeus Jones?"
"He left outta here last night. Didn't get a room," the clerk responded with a frown.
"Hmm…thanks."
He would check the livery, but he needed coffee first. Besides, Kid would probably be at the diner having breakfast.
"I didn't pay attention to what time he left mister. It was late and it was dark." The owner of the livery was busy this morning and not happy to be bothered by yet another stranger. "What's with you young fellas anyway…one wakin' me up in the middle o' the night and now you botherin' me with all these dang questions," he grumbled.
"Did you see which way he went?"
"No I didn't, now ya want yer horse or not?"
"Yeah, but seein' as you're busy I can saddle him."
Minutes later he was astride his horse and decided to try once more.
"Ya sure ya don't know which way he went?"
"He went down the street thataway," he waved his hand in a general direction. "Ya ask me that horse weren't gonna go very far."
"Thanks."
Heyes reined his horse around and headed in the direction indicated. He had to find Kid…they couldn't split up, not like this, not after all these years.
Kid set out at dawn, travelling slowly in no particular direction. With no destination in mind, he was just looking for somewhere peaceful. He hadn't stocked up on any supplies before leaving town, but then, he wouldn't need much. He had some coffee and a few strips of jerky that would do, but he needed to find water. It was turning into a beautiful day, the kind of day that he and Heyes had always loved travelling in. He could almost hear him saying 'it's a great day to be alive ain't it Kid'. He shook his head miserably as he realized he'd never see Heyes again.
The morning passed with Kid paying little attention to his surroundings as he let the horse pick the speed and direction. He had no idea how long they had been on the move when they came upon the river. Kid dismounted and allowed his horse to drink its' fill while he looked around. Trees supplied protection from the sun, and there was a boulder that seemed like it had been set there in just the right spot for him to sit. Kid closed his eyes and listened, letting the peacefulness wash over him. He could hear the birds singing and the water lapping gently against the banks. He thought this just might be place he was searching for.
"Well Buck, is this the right place?" He stood stroking his horses' nose affectionately. After all, they had been partners too. "Sure is peaceful ain't it fella?"
He continued talking softly as he removed the saddle, letting the animal enjoy a bit of freedom. While Buck grazed close by, Kid sat on the boulder and pulled out his gun, holding it in both hands and staring at it thoughtfully. Little did he know he was being watched closely.
Heyes had ridden slowly but steadily, watching for any sign of his friend. He hadn't gone far at all when he came across the remains of a campfire. Dismounting, he felt the coals…still slightly warm. Heyes sighed and remounted.
"Dammit Kid," he mumbled softly. Figuring he couldn't be that far behind, he dug his heels lightly into the sides of his horse coaxing it into a faster pace. He was able to follow the tracks easily, since it seemed obvious that Kid hadn't figured on anyone following him.
Barely an hour later, he caught a glimpse of a riderless horse close to the river. Dismounting, he eased closer, but stayed hidden in the trees. He recognized Buck, and then he spied Kid sitting dejectedly on a boulder. Heyes frowned when he saw what was in his hands. "What the hell are you thinkin' about Kid?" he whispered. He had to get near enough to Kid to talk to him but didn't want to startle him. Taking a deep breath, he decided to try and get as close as possible before Kid noticed him. Hopefully he wouldn't end up being shot. He stepped from between the trees and cautiously approached.
"Kid?" he said quietly.
"I heard ya back there Heyes. Ya ain't exactly quiet ya know. Didn't figure on ya followin' me."
"You really think I'd let you just up and ride away without comin' after ya?"
"Never gave it much thought."
Heyes sat on the boulder beside him.
"What're ya plannin' on doin' Kid?"
"What's it matter?"
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Heyes asked sharply.
Kid remained silent. Heyes eyed him, knowing he had to get this just right.
"C'mon Kid, talk to me. What's goin' on in that head o' yours?"
Kid frowned and shook his head as he holstered his gun.
"Dammit Jed! Get it out so's we can talk about it."
Kid finally looked up at the use of his Christian name, momentarily locking eyes with his friend. Sighing, he turned to look at the river again.
"I'm just plumb wore out Heyes. And I know you bin mad about all the gunfights I bin in lately. I ain't pleased about it myself."
"Kid, it ain't that I bin mad, it's…well every time you're in a gunfight, it scares me a bit, wonderin' if this is the one. You're always sayin' that there's someone out there that's faster, and that's what I hear when you're facin' down somebody. I hear your voice in my head sayin' that."
"Sorry I caused ya to feel that way, but it's the truth Heyes."
"I know," he said, barely above a whisper.
"And I ain't stupid Heyes, no matter whatcha think."
"I don't think you're stupid," he looked at Kid, frowning in confusion.
"Don't ya? I ain't too sure o' that. In the past few days you've told me pretty regular that I'm either doin' or sayin' somethin' stupid. Told me I ain't thinkin' straight. Even called me troublesome. Makes me feel like I can't do nothin' right lately."
There was silence between them for a moment. Heyes took another deep breath.
"We both bin tired of late Kid. Bein' chased so much has bin wearin' on both of us. It's bin frustratin' and I guess I bin takin' it out on you, and for that I sure am sorry. I ain't bin the friend and partner I shoulda bin, but instead of runnin' away, ya gotta talk to talk me before it gets this far. Ya can't keep lockin' it up inside."
"Wasn't really runnin' Heyes. Was afraid that if I stayed I'd hurt ya. I ain't bin that mad in a long, long time Heyes, and it scared me. I hit you without thought, and I know I hit ya dang hard, 'cause my hand still hurts."
"Wasn't all that hard Kid," Heyes said with a teasing grin.
Kid looked at him, and raised an eyebrow. "That bruise on your face and that busted lip says different."
"Look, we've had disagreements before, and I'm pretty sure we're gonna have plenty more. We're both guilty of givin' bruises to each other at one time or another, and we probably will again. But ya gotta promise me that you'll talk to me when somethin's gotcha upset."
"As long as you promise to listen," Kid agreed after a moment.
"I promise Kid."
"Sure you're makin' a promise ya can keep?"
"I promise I'll listen without sayin' a word if ya tell me ya need to talk."
Kid studied his friend for a long minute before nodding. "All right."
" I brung somethin' along with me that you might like," Heyes grinned. "Be right back."
He disappeared into the trees, reappearing moments later, leading his horse with one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. He quickly pulled the saddle from the animal and rejoined Kid on the boulder. He started to hand the bottle to his friend, but stopped and looked at him seriously.
"Can I ask you a serious question?"
"You can ask, can't promise an answer."
"What were ya gonna do with your gun?"
Kid sighed deeply. "I'm not sure ya wanna know the answer to that," Kid paused. "Was tryin' to decide whether to throw it in the river…or use it," he finally admitted.
"Damn Kid," Heyes whispered.
They sat silently for several minutes as they passed the bottle back and forth.
"This is a nice peaceful spot Kid. I think we should camp here a few days, get rested up some. Bet there's some mighty tasty fish in that river."
"I like the sounds of that. And Heyes?"
"Yeah Kid?"
"I'm sorry I hit ya."
"S'okay Kid, but maybe next time use your words instead o' your fists," he chuckled, rubbing his jaw.
"Might be less painful for both of us," Kid grinned as he rubbed his hand.