Ch 15
The group set out for home after taking care of the dead. Ike looked at his brother's grave one last time shaking his head. Teaspoon patted him on the back as they mounted up to ride home.
Rachel met them on the porch as they came into the yard. Teaspoon pulled his horse to a stop and went to give her a hug. She looked to Buck and Cody. She looked at Ike last.
"It's ok. It wasn't our Ike. It's a long story." Said Teaspoon calmly.
Rachel looked at Ike in fear.
"It wasn't him. It was his brother." Said Cody. "I saw it."
Rachel looked to each of them. Ike looked at his feet. Rachel saw despair on his face. She walked over and wrapped her arms around him.
"It's going to be ok, Ike. I'm so sorry."
Ike hugged her back and nodded.
"How is the rest of the lot?" Asked Teaspoon.
"Doc says they are going to be fine just a lot of healing to do."
"They awake?"
"They are."
"I'm going in to explain things. Ike wait here."
Teaspoon walked in. He came out a little later.
"Ike come on in."
Ike looked at Buck who gave him a slight push. He walked ahead while the others followed behind. He followed Teaspoon into the room.
"I told them what happened and that they took you by the pond. Your brother must have been watching the station. That's how your brother knew where the key was hidden, that he had switched places with you. He deceived us all."
Ike looked to Lou. She smiled back at him.
"I can't say anything to make his passing easier, Ike. I'm sorry this happened."
Ike nodded and looked to Kid laying on the other side.
"Ike, I'm so sorry that I doubted you. I should have never done that. I let you down as a friend."
Ike smiled back at Kid.
'It's ok.'
Ike looked to Jimmy propped up in the bed. Jimmy stared back at Ike.
"I can't help but look. Two of you. Not one but two."
Ike laughed. 'I'm the only one now.'
"I'm sorry for your loss Ike. I really am."
Ike looked down at the floor. He raised his eyes to everyone watching him. He smiled.
'He wasn't my family. My family is right here.'
"We feel the same way, Ike. We hope to always be there for you." Said Teaspoon.
"Through thick and thin." Said Cody.
"Through the fun times and the bad times." Said Rachel.
"We are family." Said Buck.
Ike smiled and looked at all of them. He walked outside. He stood watching the sun set on another day. Teaspoon walked out and put his hand on his shoulder. He looked over and smiled. Ike didn't feel impaired by his weakness instead he felt empowered by the faithfulness of his family.
The End.