Ch 4
Lou knocked on Jimmy's door the following morning. He opened it, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Morning sleepy head."
"Morning Lou."
"Thought you might want to have breakfast with me."
"Sure Lou, give me just a minute. Come in if you want."
Lou walked in his room and stood by the door. Jimmy went and pulled on his shirt. After tucking it in, and strapping on his gun belts, he ran his hand though his hair. He shoved his hat down and turned. Lou had never really thought of Jimmy in any way other than her friend until now. He was a very handsome man. She was attracted to him.
"Lou? You there?"
"Sorry, lost in thought."
"I said I'm ready. You must be thinking real hard about breakfast."
"I am starving."
They made their way down to find Buck seated at a table already. He motioned them over. The waitress took their order and left.
"Y'all seen Noah?"
"Not since he left with his new friend." Replied Jimmy.
"Something wrong?" Asked Lou.
"I knocked on his door but he never came."
"Might have had too much fun last night if you know what I mean." Said Jimmy
"Exactly what are you implying Mr. Hickok? Seriously?"
"You know what I mean." Laughed Jimmy
"Maybe he will be down shortly." Said Lou smiling dismissing Jimmy.
"Maybe." Said Buck as he began to eat his breakfast.
"How was your date?" Asked Lou.
"We had a nice time, that's about it."
"That's it?" Asked Jimmy
"Well I am so glad you had a good time. I know I did." Said Lou.
They all finished their breakfast, trying to decide what they wanted to do today. It would be their last day in town.
Noah opened his eyes. He went to move. He couldn't. His mouth was dry. He looked around. He was out in the woods tied to a tree. He saw two other boys tied not far away. He was gagged so he couldn't talk to them. They had the look of fear on their faces. Where the hell was he? And how did he get here?
Buck decided to go back to the hotel and check again on Noah. Jimmy and Lou, who was dressed back in work clothes, decided to head over to the saloon. They went up to the bar. Trevor sat in the corner and tipped his hat to the bartender. The bartender took their order and poured their mugs. Jimmy drank his in one swallow and Lou drank half of hers. They talked while watching people come and go.
"I think I want to go check on Lightning. I ain't been to visit him since we put him in the livery."
"Sure, I think I should check mine too."
They walked out and down the street. Trevor and another man followed a short distance away. They walked into the livery and over to their horses. Jimmy started to feel a little off balance on the walk over. Once he got inside, he held onto the stall door for support. Lou noticed his behavior.
"Jimmy? Are you ok?"
"I feel off. I feel drunk." He lifted his head to look at Lou.
"You don't look so good. Maybe you should sit." Lou said as she went to him.
Right before she got to his side, he passed out in the dirt. Lou bent down beside him.
"Jimmy? Jimmy?"
Her head started getting a little hazy. Her eyes started to blur. What the hell? She fell forward on top of Jimmy. The last thing she saw was boots standing by them.
Buck went and laid down for a nap after trying unsuccessfully to get Noah to answer his door. He woke and tried Noah again. There was still no answer. He went down to the front desk.
"Excuse me, sir? Did you work last night?"
"Yeah I was here."
"You happen to see my friend come in late last night? Tall black guy?"
"No sir, ain't seen him. I remember when y'all checked in. Ain't seen him since yesterday."
"Thanks. Anyway I can get in his room?"
"Sure I got another key."
He went upstairs with Buck and opened the door. The room was indeed empty.
"Thanks again." Buck said as he left. He needed to find Jimmy and Lou. He felt something wasn't right.
Lou opened her eyes. She was gagged. She started to panic. She was tied to a tree. She glanced around nervously. Noah was looking at her shaking his head. He was tied as well along with two other boys that she didn't know. Noah tipped his head to her left. She looked over. Jimmy was there tied down from her right. He had yet to wake up. She turned fearful eyes to Noah. What the hell were they gonna do?
Buck went over to the saloon. Jimmy and Lou weren't there. He looked around. Where would they go? He went to the stores in town and they weren't there either. The last place to check was the livery. He went inside. He walked over to their horses. They weren't in there either. He looked down at his feet. There were drag marks in the soft dirt. They led to the back of the barn. He followed them outside where they disappeared. His gut was in knots. This wasn't right. He was leaving today. He had to get back home. He felt it within. He ran back to the hotel and grabbed all their things. He took his and gave his friends belongings to the clerk. He paid him ten dollars to put it up til he came back in a few days. Buck saddled his horse and rode hell bent back to Sweetwater.