GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL

DEADWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA

The proprietor, E.B. Farnum cast a suspicious look at the two dirty cowboys that stood in front of him. His face couldn't conceal the disdain that curled his mouth into a sneer.

"Money up front. If you 'gentlemen'…" His tone clearly implied that he considered them the opposite, "..are looking for charity and are unable to procure the funds needed to stay in my well respected establishment...livery stable is…" E.B. choked on the rest of his words as Kid quickly leaned across the counter. His blue eyes were dark with anger. He would have been nose to nose, had a hand from Heyes not stopped him. Heyes other hand fumbled in his jacket pocket and produced money which he dropped loudly onto the counter. With one finger he counted out the appropriate amount.

"Here's a week's board and a bit extra for my partner's lack of manners."

Heyes tightened his grip on Kid's arm as he felt him stiffen.

"No offense was intended. Not saying we'll be here that long...but not wanting to cause you any loss of sleep." Heyes said with a broad but tired smile.

E.B.'s eyes flicked nervously from Heyes to Kid's. Heyes slid his hand off Kid's arm as he took a step back, his eyes never leaving E.B. The hotel owner timidly slid the register towards Heyes. He looked nervously towards Kid, not daring to give him full eye contact.

"Your mark..." He stopped as Heyes with a flourish signed his name. He stepped aside for Kid. Kid only lowered his stare from E.B. to sign.

"Room 25. Top of the stairs to your right. " He pushed the key towards Heyes. He had intentionally placed them in a room far from the current boarders.

"Much obliged" Heyes gave E.B. a cordial nod as he touched the brim of his dusty black hat.

E.B. watched the pair wearily climb the stairs to their room. He waited for the sounds of heavy steps and spurs to fade before he quickly turned the register around so he could read their names. Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones. Smith and Jones.

Stepping around the corner of the counter he looked at the floor in disgust. Clumps of mud and God knows what littered the floor where they had stood.

"Richardson! Richardson!"

He heard stirring in the other room. An older man poked his head out from the doorway. Richardson timidly walked towards E.B. His expression of innocence was that of someone of limited mental ability. His cherished antlers were clutched in his hands, pressed to his chest.

"A broom you Halfwit! Look at what was deposited. Be quick. You think your beloved Mrs. Garrett would appreciate living in an establishment that reeks of farm animals and their waste. Put those worthless…" He made a grab towards the antlers but Richardson quickly turned and fled into the backroom to retrieve a broom.

E.B. looked up the stairs. He hadn't refused those two men a room because there was something about them that didn't sit right. Maybe it was the way the blonde man's well worn holster tied down low. He couldn't put his finger on it, but if he could find out more, maybe Al would give him more than a "crumb", give him the respect that he deserved...was owed. He would stop by the Gem first thing in the morning and alert Al.

"Kid…" Heyes started

A raised hand from Kid stopped him, as he threw his saddlebag over the back of the chair.

"I know. Low profile...but sometimes Heyes. There was something about that man that needed...No, begged for a serious ass whooping." There was no hiding the weariness and frustration in Kid's voice.

"Agreed" Heyes conceded, "But let it be someone else."

"You know Heyes… " Kid started. By his tone Heyes knew exactly where the conservation was headed. They had passed the darkened telegraph office as they rode through town. They knew their future rested in that one telegraph. Heyes was too exhausted to think about it. They had waited over two years, what was another few hours or days?

"Later." Heyes said as he struggled to pull off his remaining boot. His nose wrinkled as with a final tug he pulled the boot free. Right now all he could think of was sleep.

"Later." Kid agreed.

Kid had stripped down and threw himself facedown on the bed, too tired to even crawl under the covers. With a heavy content sigh he closed his eyes. He was asleep before Heyes had finished undressing. Heyes picked up the extra blanket and covered his partner.

GEM SALOON & BROTHEL

E.B. stood in front of Gem proprietor Al Swearengen, anxious to tell him about the two strangers that had checked into the Grand Central Hotel the night before. He dabbed at perspiration that dotted his forehead and face with a damp handkerchief. Refusing to give Al full eye contact, he shuffled his feet nervously; hands twisted and untwisted the handkerchief,

"And they raised your suspicion because…?" Al didn't pretend to hide his annoyance. He pushed a hand through his dark oily hair and gave E. B. an unwavering stare.

"My trained eye. You know I consider myself a good judge of character. Sensitive and wise to the divisive and deceptive nature of men."

"And what precisely have these cocksuckers done to instill this continued fucking distrust and justify taking up my precious time?" Why was it always so hard for E.B. to get to the point? Time was a precious commodity to Al.

As Al's anger began to build, E.B.' s anxiety increased.

"The blonde, he threatened me. I thought…" E.B. was close to tears.

"Names?" Al quickly said cutting E.B. off.

"Thaddeus Jones and Joshua Smith."

"GO!" Al said standing up quickly and waving him out of the room, "And if either one of those cocksuckers orders fucking scrambled eggs instead of…" He stopped as E.B. had already fled the room.

Al returned to his seat and drew in a long breath.

"Smith...Jones...you say..." Al cocked his head. One eyebrow raised. A slight smile touched his lips. Names that could easily be aliases.

"You thinking they're lying? " asked right hand man Dan Dority, "Cuz if you think that Al I can beat the truth out of them and find out what their God damn Christian names are. You can count on me Al. I'll find the truth if I have to fucking kill them. Son of a bitch. Smith. Jones. Sounds like made-up names… although" Dan paused, " I do remember a Jones...Eli or was it Ezra… I think he was from Colorado… or maybe the Wyoming Territory...or was it…"

Al cut him off angrily, as he pushed away from the desk, "Will you just shut the fuck up!"

"Knew a Smith…"

"What part of shut the fuck up did you NOT understand?"

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL Room # 25

A timid knock woke Kid, who was pleasantly surprised that he was in a soft bed and not on the hard ground. He looked at his partner who lay next to him, hanging more off the bed than on. Kid felt a tinge of guilt for taking up most of the bed but Heyes remained fast asleep, never stirring from the knock. Kid grabbed his pants, quickly slipping them on before he pulled his gun from the holster that hung off the chair. Bare -chested and barefoot, he placed his gun behind his back as he slowly opened the door. An older man stood outside the door, clutching a pair of antlers.

" said I was to tell you….Or was it ask you?...Whether you and your friend...If you would be needing a bath...He said there would be no charge."

Kid peered down the hallway and saw the slightest movement as someone quickly ducked their head around the corner.

"I'd….We would appreciate that."

There was relief on the man's face as he looked nervously down the hall.

"We need to send a telegraph…"

Richardson started vehemently shaking his head. "We ain't got no telegraph. Injuns burnt the poles"

Richardson unconsciously took a step back, as he felt anger and frustration resonate from Kid. "How soon…"

"Don't know." Richardson continued to back away. Kid realized he was scaring the simple man.

"That's okay. Guess it will be later than sooner." Kid mustered up a smile, hiding his disappointment. "Thanks." Kid saw Richardson visibly relax.

"Was that all I was suppose to ask them?" Richardson asked as he wandered back down the hall. A hand shot out from around the corner and grabbed his arm, pulling him out of view of Kid.

"Was that all I was suppose to ask them?" EB mimicked "If you had asked them last night I wouldn't have the expense of cleaning their bedding. Draw the baths and take the bedding to the Chinks." He released Richardson's arm and angrily pushed him away. "And don't take all fucking day!"

Kid slowly closed the hotel door, lowered his head and pressed it against the wood. His body conveyed his disappointment.

"We will just have to wait, Kid," Heyes tried to muster up a confident reassuring tone. "It will be okay," He said softly.

Kid slowly turned to find his partner sitting on the edge of the bed. "We've waited this long...What's a little while longer? Come on...let's get those free baths. By the way did I tell you….you smell."

Both men slowly eased into the hot soapy water with contented sighs. They slid under the surface, reemerging with wet hair clinging tightly to their heads. Heyes leaned back and threw an arm over the side of the tub. He had hoped a hot bath would ease his aching back.

"What's that?"

"What?" Heyes head rested on the back of the tub, eyes closed.

"Those red spots on your arm?"

Heyes sat up and looked at the rash on his arm. He shrugged his shoulders.

.+++++

"Can't say I know. Been a couple days. On my other arm too. Don't itch. Maybe I picked up something at the last creek."

"Maybe."

After their baths, hunger drove them to quickly grab their clothes and hurry downstairs to eat. They selected a secluded corner, away from the handful of customers that resided in the hotel or had walked in from the already bustling streets for a meal. For Kid it was nice to just sit and enjoy a quiet moment, but Heyes couldn't seem to escape the nagging backache that caused him to shift uncomfortably in his chair. He ran his tongue along the inside of his mouth, carefully running it over several painful blisters. Kid didn't seem to notice Heyes' discomfort, as his attention was on a tall, handsome, mustached man walking through the crowd of people across the street. The man seemed to command authority as the crowd parted, allowing the man never to break stride. The man's expression conveyed seriousness and a simmering rage warning people he was a man that could be easily provoked.

"Heyes...see that man across the street...Tall man with the frock coat…"

Heyes carefully leaned forward.

"Don't think he is the law do you?

"No...no law here. Hell, Deadwood isn't even a part of the United States… Not officially."

"Really? No law… might be a good place to.. "

Heyes gave him a look that stopped him.

"Exactly the reason we can't stay long. Even if the answer from our special friend is yes, that's not going to be common knowledge. Hopefully they will get the telegraph up and running within the next couple days...week at the most. Give the horses a chance to rest. With all these people, odds of running into someone we know or recognizes us is pretty high. Plus with no law…" Heyes' and Kid's eyes met, "...dead bodies are easier to haul than live ones."

The somber moment was cut short as Richardson carried their plates of hot food to their table. The ends of the antlers poked out of the front pocket of his long apron. He returned with a pot of coffee. Both Heyes and Kid gave him a warm smile and thanked him as he carefully poured them more coffee. Heyes pulled several coins out of his pocket and handed them to Richardson. The man flinched when Heyes touched his hand.

"Did you...um… need something else?" Richardson asked as he instinctively backed away.

"No", Heyes said, shaking his head. "It's for you."

"Why?" The man looked confused.

" For serving the meal… the baths you drew up. Call it our appreciation."

Richardson looked at both men suspiciously. He nervously looked back towards the front desk.

"It's okay Richardson." Heyes said with a smile.

"You...you...know...my name?

"Why wouldn't we?"

"Because most folks don't."

"Well, I'm Joshua Smith."

"And I'm Thaddeus Jones. And like my partner said, we appreciate your help." Heyes and Kid watched his face as Richardson processed the information. His hand slowly closed around the coins.

"You put them in your pocket," said Heyes, " And remember it's your money."

Richardson pushed the coins deep into his apron pocket as a board smile lit up his face.

"If you need any more help."

"We will be sure to ask for you." Heyes said.

Kid pushed his clean plate away. There wasn't even a crumb left on his plate. He looked at Heyes' half eaten meal.

"You going to eat those eggs or just let them get cold?"

"Hint taken," Heyes said as he pushed his plate to his partner.

"What's wrong with you? You're the one that said you were so hungry."

"Food don't taste right."

"Tastes fine to me Heyes" Kid said as he shoveled another bite into his mouth.

"How would you know, don't think I saw you chew once," Heyes said with a smile.

"Think you lost all your sense of taste on that drive. Honestly didn't know there were that many ways to cook beans and do it so poorly."

"Still didn't see you miss any meals," Heyes said as he patiently watched as Kid finished eating his plate of food.

"You done?"

Kid nodded with a content look on his face.

As they got up from the table, Kid saw Heyes wince.

"You okay?"

"My back hurts a little, but then again could be the way I slept. " Heyes said, giving Kid a look that let him know who was at fault.

"Sorry", Kid said with a not too sincere smile.

"You know I think we should flip…" said Heyes as he dug into his pocket for a coin.

"NO! No flipping! Honestly can you remember the last time I won? Of course you can't because it was NEVER. The bed is all yours tonight. You can thank me later."

More like thanking the whore you're going to bed down tonight thought Heyes.

Back in the room, Kid slipped his leather vest over his blue shirt. Heyes smiled a small smile. Some whore had told Kid that his blue shirt made his eyes look bluer.

"Off to find someone with soft curves and smells a whole lot better than you. And you?

"I think it's time to see how well these tinhorns, miners and cowboys know when to bluff and when to fold. And remember Kid..low profile."

Kid waved a hand to his partner as he headed out the door. Heyes moved to the window, pushing aside the curtain to watch Kid make his way through the crowd of people. Heyes closed the curtain, rubbed his sore back and eyed the vacant bed.

Kid had passed the Gem getting an uneasy feeling from the dark haired man that leaned on the balcony railing high above as the man's dark watchful eyes took in the bustling activity on the streets below. He passed the Bella Union too with the same uneasy feeling. An older well dressed man stood by the entrance, his cold eyes processing the assortment of people that passed. Kid purposely crossed the street before catching the man's attention. He slipped into a side alley. A person lay passed out across the entrance. A whiskey bottle was wrapped in one hand. He stepped carefully across the prone figure.

The figure moaned and started wailing.

"My best friend died. My fucking best friend...the only one I had. Dead because of that cocksucker Jack McCall."

Kid had continued down the alley but a gut feeling stopped him. For some unexplainable reason he felt the need to help .With a heavy sigh, Kid turned to see the intoxicated person struggling to sit upright, staring at him with blurred eyes. He looked closer. He had assumed the person was male by the way they were dressed...shabby dark cloth coat, faded frayed shirt, cheap hat with an eagle's feather tucked in the band and oversized arctic overshoes. When he realized it was female...

"Ma'am? Do you need help?"

Tear filled eyes blazed, " Not unless you are fucking God and you can raise the dead. And who the fuck are you calling Ma'am.? I ain't my Momma." She pulled the bottle to her lips. Finding it empty she flung to the ground in anger. She tried again to get to her feet.

"You going to watch me flop around like a fucking fish or you going to give me a hand?"

She gave Kid the once over as he reached a hand out.

"Dressed like that I'm thinking you're looking for some fucking pussy."

Once she was steady on her feet, Kid turned to head back down the alley.

"And where the fuck do you think you are going?"

Kid looked confused.

"Did I or did I not ask you if you wanted some fucking pussy?"

Startled, he looked at the woman, wide eyed.

"Not me! My whoring days are long over."

Kid' s face reddened, " I...I… was looking for some... companionship." He stammered uncomfortable with her bluntness.

"Companionship? Is that what you men call it?. Well, whatever you want to call it, I'm taking you to the best fucking whorehouse in Deadwood. Just opened and the whores ain't all ate up yet. They are fresh and eager to please." She slipped her arm under Kid's for support.

"What's your name? Ain't seen you around here. Pretty sure I would have remembered a face like yours. Almost makes me wish I was back whoring."

"Thaddeus. Thaddeus Jones." An embarrassed Kid answered.

"Jane. But that's not my Christian name but it's better than the one my cocksucking parents gave me."

"Do you always talk like this?"

"Like fucking what?"

"Well… so...colorfully."

" I fucking do. My Momma talked the same way. So I guess you could say I'm from a fucking "colorful" family."

CHEZ AMI BROTHEL

Joanie Stubbs, the young owner of the brothel, hurried to the front door as she saw her friend enter.

"Jane!"

She opened her arms to hug her friend, but Jane stopped her with one look. She wasn't about to be embarrassed in front of the whores and her new friend. Secretly she liked Joanie's concern. At least there was one person in town that gave a damn about her and her well being.

"Joanie do you think you can fix my new friend up with...what did you call it again Thaddeus?" she said as she looked over her shoulder. "Companionship?" Jane struggled not to burst out laughing.

The man stepped from behind Jane, hat in hand, he slowly raised his head. Joanie's breath caught momentarily in her throat. She quickly composed herself and said, "I'm sure we could accommodate. Mr…?

"Jones...Ma'am. It's Jones.", Kid said, with a polite nod to the extremely attractive brothel owner.

Without prompting, the whores were already vying for Kid's attention.

"Ladies! Let the poor man get a breath!", scolded Joanie

"Jane. Stay." Joanie pleaded. "At least will give you time to get some rest and a hot meal." She had been worried about Jane since Wild Bill had been murdered. "Please" .

When Jane had entered the Chez, Joanie had been optimistic that maybe Jane was better…. laughing with her new found friend, but that was short-lived. Joanie could feel the darkness and sorrow start to consume her friend again.

Jane was vehemently shaking her head. "No...I fucking got to go. Yep…it's time to get out of this town and all it's fucking memories." Joanie could see her fighting back tears, which made Jane angrier and her mood meaner.

Joanie could tell she was losing the agreement. Once Jane had her mind set on something there was no swaying her.

"You know you are always welcome here. A bed. Food. A friend."

"My FUCKING friend's dead!" Jane said as she grabbed a whiskey bottle off the table. "Put it on my tab," She yelled over her shoulder as she stormed out the door.

"A word please Mr. Jones" Joanie asked, as Kid tried to exit the bedroom. The whore clung to his arm trying to pull him back into the room.

"But Thaddeus…" she protested as she tried to hold his arm and the sheet that covered her naked body.

"Kate." Joanie admonished. Kate looked from her boss to Kid. With a defeated sigh, she released his arm.

"You will come back…Won't you?" She pleaded.

"Can't say." Kid leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek."But if I don't, it won't be because of you." He whispered in her ear.

Joanie held the door open for him to her office. Kid had never been in an office with a bed. She motioned Kid to an ornate table with large padded chairs.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping Jane. She's going through a rough spell… Losing someone close and all." Joanie said as she poured her and Kid a drink "I know she can be a bit…" She struggled as she searched for the right word "...abrasive."

"Abrasive?" Kid said with a laugh " That's kind of an understatement."

"She's an acquired taste. Rough on the outside, but honestly she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. And if she likes you, there isn't anything she won't do for you. Appears as if she has taken a shine to you Mr. Jones and I can't say I blame her. If you don't mind me saying, you are certainly easy on the eyes." Joanie said as her hand touched Kid's as he reached for his glass.

As proprietor, Joanie had sworn off whoring… but she could always make an exception.

Joanie had never been with a man like Thaddeus. No man that had ever bedded her, had cared one iota about her and what she wanted and how to satisfy her. She honestly never thought they existed until now. When he had asked, she looked startled and confused, as if he was speaking in a foreign tongue.

"I...I…" She looked into his almost hypnotic, deep blue eyes and knew he was being sincere.

"I've never thought about it." She confessed.

"Never? Well start thinking about it," Kid said as he gently pulled her on top of him.

Kid woke to the cool feel of silk sheets on his naked body. Joanie lay pressed against him, an arm thrown across his bare chest. Her head rested on his shoulder, hair draped across half her face. He could feel the slow rhythmic rise and fall of her naked breasts against his arm and chest as she slept. Kid resisted the temptation to push the errant hair away from her beautiful face. He was content to watch her sleep undisturbed. She looked so peaceful. Not one line of worry creased her brow. How could that be, wondered Kid. Women said he was a good listener, and would proceed to tell him their usually tragic, life stories. Joanie had been no exception. At first she was reluctant, almost embarrassed.

"I've never told anyone…" She said so softly the words were barely audible. Her fingers played in Kid's hair as she gently unrolled his curls.. He saw the pain in her green eyes as she struggled to get the words out. "When my Momma died…" She couldn't look Kid directly in the eye. "My father said…." She drew in a ragged breath. "My sisters and I were to see to his 'needs'." She felt Kid's body tense in anger. Joanie's eyes found Kid's. His blue eyes darkened as he instinctively pulled her closer. She gave him a small grateful smile.

"Cy Toliver bought me from my father when I was thirteen or maybe fourteen and brought me out here where we opened the Bella Union. My sisters...last I heard were being whored out. Don't even know if they are alive or dead. Would you understand if I hope they are dead?

"How did you get away from Cy?"

"Get away?" She gave Kid a small bitter laugh "There is no getting away. Cy is just sitting back waiting for me to fail. He likes to hear people beg. He likes to feel that power...control. Whether I make it or not, I'll never go back.I told him to kill me or let me go. He won't kill me because he thinks he loves me. Can you imagine...thinking that's love?"

Kid sadly shook his head, "Claiming ownership of someone, well that can't be love…mind you I'm not saying I'm any kind of expert. I can't honestly say I have ever truly known the love of a woman."

Joanie tilted her head with a puzzled look on her face. She was startled by the deep pain in his eyes.

"I think we may be kindred souls. You know Thaddeus, I am a good listener too."

Kid's hand came to rest on Joanie's and his fingers entwined with hers. He felt an immediate and unexplainable connection with her. Though they had traveled different roads, their stories were in many ways similar. They both had experienced horrible unspeakable atrocities in their young lives. Atrocities that shaped their future in ways most would consider lawless and abhorrent.

Kid told Joanie of his childhood in Kansas, of the soldiers slaughtering his family, and his years in the orphanage. His voice had a detached flatness to it, as if he were recalling the life of someone other than his own. But his face could not hide the horrors he had experienced. His eyes held a deep profound sadness. When he spoke of his cousin, his tone changed and Joanie sensed the strong bond and fierce loyalty he reserved only for him. Joanie felt a tinge of jealousy. She knew there were things he was holding back, but she kept the questions to herself and cherished what he had shared.

Joanie slowly and reluctantly finished the final buttons on Kid's blue shirt. She picked up his leather vest and held it up so he could slip it on.

"Don't worry. I'll be back. Just need to check on my partner. He is having trouble with his back….actually more than he'll admit." He knew Heyes thought he hadn't noticed."Plus I promised him the bed tonight."

"Is he the quiet kind that don't let on…"

"Joshua? Quiet? Now that is one thing no one has ever accused him of being." Kid said with a laugh.

GEM SALOON & BROTHEL

After sleeping a couple hours and relieved that his aching back felt better, Heyes redressed and ventured into the streets of Deadwood. Heyes ended up at the Gem Saloon & Brothel. His original destination had been the Nuttal & Mann's Saloon, but its newfound notoriety because of murder of Wild Bill Hickok, had made it impossible to get in the doors. There was a long line of people waiting impatiently for their turn to see where the legend had been gunned down a month ago; perhaps a glimpse of the blood splattered poker table where he held his final hand of black aces and eights. He wandered back towards the hotel, crossing Main Street to the Gem. Stepping to the bar for a whiskey he positioned himself to watch the poker tables through the mirror above the bar. Heyes was grateful that the alcohol seemed to have removed the last of his back pain. Several whores approached him, each taking a side and rubbed seductively against him.

"Looking for some company?" One purred, brushing her lips across his long sideburns to his ear.

"Double the pleasure?" Added the other whore as she nibbled on his other ear.

Heyes smiled a broad smile that lit up his eyes.

"Ladies I would love for you to entertain me, but right now I'm looking for alcohol and a good game of cards. But I do hate to drink alone if you care to join me."

He quickly downed his whiskey, picked his hat up from the bar and placed it on his head, before slipping an arm over each whore's bare shoulders and leading them to an open table. The bartender followed carrying a bottle and three glasses. Heyes positioned himself so he could continue discreetly watching the poker table. After brief introductions Heyes learned they were "sisters", which Heyes believed as much as he and Kid were brothers.

"Are you sure you don't want to go upstairs?" The whore named Alice whined, giving Heyes her best pout. She found Joshua extremely handsome. Those dark expressive eyes and those dimples when he smiled made her want to do things to a man that she had never done before… and she had done plenty. Plus he smelled of a fresh bath, unlike most of her customers that reeked of animals, and weeks and weeks of sweat and dirt.

"Yeah… we'll make it worth your while. Bet you're never had sisters before."

Heyes thought for a moment, "Can't say that I have….", which made him wonder if Kid had… He would have to ask him.

Finally one of the card players pushed away from the table and retreated upstairs. Heyes thanked the girls for their company, laid money on the table and brushed a kiss on each of their cheeks.

"Come back" they waved a flirty little wave. Heyes touched the brim of his hat.

"You Gents mind" Heyes said nodding at the open chair.

Before he took his seat Heyes knew each one of their tells. For Heyes, poker was serious business; defined by raw skill, mathematics, discipline and observation.

He first noticed the Easterner played foolishly and acted like he had never played poker in his life. When his hand was strong, he talked non-stop. When he held a bad hand, Heyes could have sworn he was ready to cry. The two miners weren't bad but relied on their cards and never bluffed. The other two players were good poker players but not great. Once Heyes engaged them in conversation he knew immediately if their hands were worth raising or better to fold. That brief hesitation before they spoke told Heyes when they were lying. When either one called quickly, he knew they were bluffing. If one sat back in his chair, the hand was no good. Forward and the hand was good. If a player returned Heyes' smile, and if it were genuine….Aces and Kings.

Heyes played carefully. Not winning enough consecutive hands to draw attention but winning enough to double his money. But by the fourth hour, not even the drinks he nursed throughout the poker game gave him relief from the back pain that had returned with a vengeance. As he reached for his winnings, a sharp stab of pain almost made him cry out.

"You okay Mister?" One of the miners asked

Heyes gave him a quick nod. His mouth was pulled in a tight line. "Must be from driving cattle for the last few months. Fifteen hours a day in the saddle makes for a long day. Deal me out."

Heyes was glad the Gem was directly across the street from the Grand Hotel. He tried to hurry through the people that crowded the sidewalk. He felt his legs start to weaken. Heyes was having difficulty navigating the stairs to their room, as he used the banister to pull himself up the steps.

Heyes' mind was racing, What the hell was going on? He kept reassuring himself that once he made it to the room and got a good night's sleep, the back pain would be gone by morning. He just needed to make it to the room, then everything would be okay.

His hand slid along the wall for support. By the time he reached their room, fumbled with the key and made his way inside, he could barely stand.

"Kid" He cried out before he collapsed on the floor.

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL

"Heyes!" Kid cursed under his breath as he tried the door to room 25. The knob moved in his hand but It appeared to be locked and Heyes had the only key. He pounded on the door with no response.

Kid went to the front desk and tapped on the bell. E.B. came from the back muttering to himself, head down wiping his hands on a cloth. He stopped when he saw who was at the desk.

"Yes...Mr. Smith…" He asked timidly. His eyes were darting nervously around.

"Jones" Kid quickly corrected. "Need my room door opened. My partner hasn't returned and he has the key."

E.B. looked genuinely confused.

"I saw your friend come back hours ago. Appeared as if he had overindulged a bit… if you get my meaning," E.B. said with a sly smile.

Now it was Kid's turn to look confused. Heyes drunk? Not when playing cards...ever.

E.B. unlocked the door and stood aside as Kid went to open the door. The door didn't budge. "Joshua?" No response. He tried the door again then threw his shoulder hard against it.

E.B. started to protest, fearful that the door would break.

The door opened wide enough for Kid to push his head inside to see what was blocking the door. Heyes lay crumpled on the floor. Unresponsive.

"Hey… Joshua!" He quickly corrected himself.

He threw himself against the door again pushing into the room. He quickly knelt beside his partner trying to assess his injuries. There was no blood or any signs of injuries. There was the faint smell of alcohol but not enough to have left him incompacitated. His body was shaking uncontrollably.

"Doctor!" Kid yelled at E.B., who was slowly backing down the hall. "NOW!"

E.B. turned and ran.

Kid managed to get Heyes onto the bed. He pulled his boots off and covered him with every blanket he could find.

"Cold" Heyes said weakly as his teeth chattered "Cold"

Kid lit every lamp in the room. He sat on the edge of the bed and carefully loosened Heyes' grip on the blankets. He drew them back slowly. Redness peeked out above the collar of his shirt. Kid slowly unbuttoned it and laid it open. The red rash that he had noticed earlier in the day, had spread from Heyes arms across his chest and had started to creep up his neck. Kid could hear footsteps coming up the stairs and down the hall to the room. He heard someone standing in the doorway, breathless.

"Son, you need to move away from your friend."

Ready to protest, Kid stood up quickly and turned to face Dr. Cochran. The doctor was an older man with wavy, unruly hair that fell to his shoulders. A thick moustache framed his mouth making his face appear to have a perpetual frown. In one hand, he tightly clutched a well worn black doctor's bag.

"No one is to come into this room E.B." Doc said without turning. His attention was on Heyes' prone body, staring at him with such intensity, he hunched over at the shoulders. His dirty wire rimmed glasses, that were precariously perched on the end of his nose, looked like they were ready to slide off at any moment.

Fear and panic covered E.B.'s face as he quickly backed away from the room .

"You know what this is?" Kid looked shocked and confused. He hadn't even examined Heyes.

"Smallpox"