Ch 2

Buck and Lou rode into town first. They pulled to a stop at the express office and waited for any sign of Jimmy and Noah. It wasn't long, they caught sight of the pair coming up the street. They pulled to a stop beside their horses and dismounted.

"I was beginning to wonder." Said Lou.

"Ya both know how hard it is for Hickok to get going in the mornings." Laughed Noah.

"Yeah laugh it up. I like to sleep." Said Jimmy smiling.

"Let's get this done." Said Lou.

The four went and made the delivery. As they walked down the boardwalk in the busy street of Laramie, each wondering what they could get into. The first stop was the hotel. After each getting a room, they headed to a restaurant for some good hot lunch.

"What you boys going to do tonight?" Asked Lou.

"Well I think we are gonna find us a good card game at the saloon." Said Jimmy

"Can I come?" Asked Lou

"Of course Lou." Said Noah

"Why wouldn't you come?" Asked Buck

"Why would you even ask that?" Said Jimmy.

"I don't know. Just feel unlike myself lately."

"Well we are gonna have a good time. And you are going to be with us every step of the way." Jimmy winked at Lou. She couldn't stop smiling.

After lunch, they all decided to retire to their rooms for a quick rest and a change of clothes. Jimmy knocked on Lou's door about two hours later. He heard her feet on the other side so he waited patiently. She opened the door in her usual boy attire.

"Looking sharp Lou. You ready to hit the saloon."

"Yeah, I put my hair up under my hat. Do I look ok?"

"Lou, you look just fine. You will be right there with us. Ain't nobody gonna bother you. I promise."

"Just Kid keeps saying that everyone can see I'm a girl now. I just don't know what to expect."

"Trust me, you look fine. Now let's go, Buck and Noah are waiting downstairs."

"Ok."

"Smile Lou. It's the first night of fun." Said Jimmy

Lou did just that. She shouldn't let Kid get under her skin with his stupid outlook on her life. She was here with her friends. It was time to forget about him for now. They walked downstairs and met Buck and Noah in the small lobby.

"Shall we see how much damage we can do?" Asked Noah

"Let's knock them for a flip." Smiled Lou

They headed over to the saloon. They had two to pick from so they just went into the first one they came to. Maybe they would hit the other before the night was over. Jimmy guided Lou to a table with two seats and got the dealer to deal them both in. Lou looked at Jimmy. Why couldn't Kid be more like him? He let her do her own thing. He let her be her. Jimmy caught Lou looking and smiled. She smiled and looked down at her cards. It was time for some fun. Noah seated himself at another table while Buck went to the bar. Buck had been sitting there for a few when the man beside him spoke.

"You must be new in town. I ain't seen an indian around here."

"Sir, I don't want any trouble. I'm just passing through."

"Aw son, it ain't like that at all. I've seen my fair share of injuns. Just making small talk. Humor an old man. Name's Josiah."

"You are far from old. Buck." laughed Buck as he shook the man's hand.

"Boy, when I look at younguns like you, I really feel my age." Laughed the man.

"Busy in here tonight."

"It's always this way. This town has really grown from what it used to be."

"I come from a small town so this isn't what I'm used to at all."

"I see. You traveling alone?"

"No sir, my friends are over playing cards. I ain't much for it. I'd rather just watch."

"Sounds a lot like me. I don't take many chances."

"Yes, sir."

"How far did you travel to get here?"

"Bout a four day ride."

"Well hopefully, you and your friends can stay awhile. Enjoy our fine town."

"Yes, sir we should be here for a few days."

"Wonderful. Oh, I see a friend of mine that I've been expecting. Been nice talking to ya. Hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thanks, have a nice night."

Buck watched as the man walked over to a group in the corner. He shook hands with the tall man in front. He watched as they settled at a table in the back. The man leaned forward deep in conversation. They looked Buck's way. Buck felt a tinge of suspicion. He wasn't sure why. Then the man noticed him looking, he slapped the table and laughed. Maybe he was just having a good time after all. Buck got up and moved over to stand between the other's tables as they were beside each other. He started watching them play.

Josiah looked at Trevor, the man beside him and tipped his head toward Buck. Trevor turned his attention to the riders.

"You get the other two?" Asked Josiah.

"Yeah, right outside of town this morning. Just like you said."

"What you think?"

"Appear to be good strong boys. I think Mr. Evans will be pleased. He needs a few more. Some of the men he has now have fallen sick. They can't work in the mines. If they don't get over it soon, you know what that means."

"I know. You see that injun over there. He is from out of town. Those others he is talking to are riding with him. All of them are strong boys."

"The little one looks kinda puny. And the one with the dark hat, looks to be trouble."

"You know the rule, you take one, you take all. Can't have no one going home and getting help to look for missing boys. As for the one with the black hat, you know how to handle them kind."

"Yeah, yeah, but sometimes they don't live through it."

"Like always, that's a chance we will have to take."

"How long they in town for?"

"Said a few days. Saw him earlier come out the hotel. Keep your men around. Grab them while you can. "

"Yes sir."

Trevor got up and made a point to walk around the tables on his way out. He looked at Lou. He was puny. Might work out though. He looked to Noah and Buck. They would work out just fine. He looked at Jimmy. He saw his twin pistols. This is the only one that might be trouble. He knew how to handle trouble.