DEAD/ALIVE - Chapter Twenty One
It was early morning when the train finally pulled into San Francisco. Kid was ready before the train had come to a complete stop. He shook Kyle awake and headed to the first car to collect Heyes and Jane. Heyes was slumped in his seat with an arm thrown across his face. Jane's head was resting on her shoulder, with her mouth agape; snoring loudly. Kid felt guilty when he saw how exhausted his partner looked, when he shook him awake with a none too gentle hand. Tending to Jane had been a full-time job. Kid felt a pang of guilt and sympathy for his partner.
Heyes grimaced as he stretched his stiff muscles. He started to close his eyes again, when Kid warned, "Joshua." Heyes opened one eye and then the other. He turned his head and looked at Jane, who was grumbling and trying to swat Kid's hand off her.
"Careful K..I mean Thaddeus. Mornings ain't the best for Jane." Kyle whispered in Kid's ear.
"Hold your fucking horses, Thaddeus! I ain't the kind to jump up, all ready and fucking cheery."
"Cheery," Kid snorted, "Ain't looking for cheery. Just looking for you to get moving off this train and in the right direction."
"I think Thaddeus is kind of anxious for…" Heyes smiled a tired smile with a wink.
It was Jane's turn to snort, "We all know what he is fucking anxious for...What did you call it? Oh yeah…fucking companionship. You beat all Thaddeus…calling poking fucking companionship."
Kid's face reddened, as he held a hand out to help Jane up. She swatted it away again, "Monkey can fucking help me. I got him trained to all my quirks."
Kyle quickly stepped up, eager to help.
"Grab my fucking medicine. And be careful. Might want to pull me out a little fucking pick-me-up while you are at it."
Kyle obediently started to pull out a bottle. Kid stopped him with a hand on his hand.
"Can you at least wait until we get off the train," Kid's pleaded.
Kyle stopped and looked from Kid to Jane. Jane drew in a deep breath and made a face, "Suppose I could."
Heyes rubbed a quick hand through his unkempt hair and put his battered black hat on. He bent and collected his bag and nodded for Kid to lead the way. He took up the rear, but paused to speak to Meg.
"Bye Meg. It's been a pleasure," Heyes said politely with a tip of his hat. "I hope you find what you're looking for."
Meg started to open her mouth to respond, but quickly turned her head scanning the departing passengers. When she turned back towards him, there was a frightened look on her face.
"Joshua…," she started, but stopped. She forced a strained smile when she saw genuine concern on Heyes' face, "Thank you. Just jitters about a new place…I guess."
"I can let you know where we are staying if-."
"No," she said too sharply. He tone softened, "You've done enough. Please tell Thaddeus bye" She paused before adding," Please…Please take care of yourselves."
"Don't worry about us." Heyes said with a confident smile. "Better catch up with my friends." He tipped his hat again and was gone.
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Meg took her time getting off the train. Dan still owed her money, but every fiber of her being told her to leave. To forget the money. She had decided to follow her instincts and quickly slipped into her coat and reached for her bag when she felt a presence behind her. She whirled, almost bumping into Dan.
"I…I…" Meg stammered.
"I have the rest of your money. Go to the west side of the station and I'll meet you there. Be one of the last people to get off. I'll be waiting for you."
Meg almost missed him, hidden in the shadows near the train station. Dan motioned her into the darkness, holding the money in his hand.
Meg timidly took the money and quickly turned, breathing a sigh of relief. It was finally over and the faster she could get away, the faster she could put this behind her. She had taken one step when a strong forearm caught her around her neck and began applying pressure. She couldn't scream or breathe. She dropped her bag and tried to pry his arm off her throat. When that failed she frantically clawed at Dan's face. He dragged her backwards as she continued to fight and claw, digging her heels into the dirt. He dragged her down the embankment and into some trees. But the time he had reached the trees she was limp and unresponsive. He cautiously returned and collected her dropped bag. Satisfied no one had seen them, Dan returned to Meg, surprised that she was still alive. She lay softly moaning, her eyes fluttering for a moment before Dan knelt beside her and plunged the knife into chest. Her eyes snapped open and her mouth opened to scream, but the only sound was a shuttering final breath. Dan quickly searched for the money he had given her, broke the necklace from around her neck and pulled a cheap ring off her right hand before dumping the contents from her bag around her body. Wiping the blade in the wet morning grass, he tucked it back in its sheath and pulled his suit jacket closed before heading back up the embankment to retrieve his bag. He looked back, confident that her body couldn't be seen.
The buggy was waiting. A man stood beside it with a red scarf wrapped around his neck with his hat pulled low. He raised his head when Dan approached.
"Dority?"
Dan nodded.
"Might be a problem…"
Dan's face hardened, as his eyes narrowed.
"How can there be a fucking problem?"
"Your telegram said three men and a woman.."
"That's what I said," Dan's anger was steadily building.
"Only saw four men…three matched your description but the fourth…Well there weren't no woman with them."
Dan started laughing, "The loud drunken one was a woman."
The man looked relieved, "Good I sent Wil and Gus to follow those boys. Booked you room at the Fairmont. You get settled and I'll let you know when I hear from my boys."
The man placed Dan's bag in the buggy.
Dan handed the man some money, before stepping up into the buggy. The man paused before shoving the money into a pocket. There was something wet and sticky on them. Even in the low early morning light he could see the blood.
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"Kid, it makes sense. What's a few more hours? We'll get Jane and Kyle settled in a room. Get ourselves a good breakfast and cleaned up." Heyes nodded, hoping Kid would agree with him. "You know I'm right. After days on the train…I'll be honest Kid...you smell."
"I suppose…" Kid reluctantly agreed.
"Good!" Heyes said, slapping him on the shoulder.
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Heyes pulled Kyle aside. Pushing his hat back he leaned close and placed a hand on Kyle's shoulders. He gave Kyle a serious look.
"I'm counting on you Kyle to watch out for Jane and make sure she makes it to Soapy's on time. Tomorrow night…6:00. You got the address?"
Kyle nodded and patted his pocket.
"You…" Heyes started but stopped and shook his head. "Just do the best you can Kyle."
"Don't worry H…Joshua. You can count on me."
Heyes smiled a tight smile and looked heavenward.
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December 23
Joanie held the delicate glass ornament in her hand. She turned it over and over again as she remembered a Christmas not so long ago, that at times felt like an eternity. Her head was bowed as the memories flooded back. She stared at the beautiful ornament as the light from the oil lamps danced off the smooth surface, bringing out all the multiple colors as it turned in her hand.
Joanie felt someone behind her, and started to turn to enlist Soapy's help for ornaments that needed to be placed on the taller portions of the tree.
"Soapy, could you-" The question was lost when she turned to find Kid standing in the doorway. He was leaning against the frame of the door with his arms crossed. A wide smile lit up his face and eyes. He was dressed in his blue gray suit with his bowler cocked at an angle.
Joanie stared, not believing what she was seeing until the glass ornament slipped from fingers and shattered on the wood floor. She slowly looked from the broken ornament back towards the door as if she were dreaming and he had merely been a mirage.
"Thad...Thaddeus?!" She managed to choke out, before the tears began flowing.
He straightened and held his arms open. Joanie rushed to him, jumping into his arms. She pressed her head deep into his chest and sobbed with joy.
Kid had watched quietly as Joanie slowly and carefully selected an ornament before placing it on the tree. She looked more beautiful than ever and it took every ounce of strength not to rush to her and gather her in his arms. She hadn't noticed him, as if lost in deep thought as she turned the ornament in her hand. When she had finally sensed she was not alone and turned...Meeting her eyes made it hard to breathe. Kid felt a tightness in his chest and suddenly the room became unbearably warm. He had uncrossed his arms and opened them; an invitation to her.
"Did you miss me?" Kid whispered in her ear which made her cry harder.
Joanie finally raised her head, drew in a deep breath but still could not find her voice and collapsed back into Kid's arms; her shoulders shook as she continued to cry with joy. Kid felt her arms tighten around him as if she were afraid he would leave again.
Kid raised a hand and slowly stroked her hair.
"Ssh...Honey, it's okay. It's okay." Kid said, trying to soothe her sobs. He felt her embrace soften and her breathing slowly return to normal. Joanie raised her head again and smiled, as the last tears rolled off her cheeks. She suddenly looked embarrassed, "Thaddeus I must look a sight!" She said in a horrified whisper. Kid gave her a reassuring smile and said, "A beautiful sight."
Joanie looked past Kid and saw Heyes and Soapy standing beside each other; both with wide smiles on their faces. Joanie held a hand out to Heyes, who stepped forward to take it. Kid reluctantly released her so she could give him a welcoming hug.
"Joshua" She kissed him firmly on his cheek.
"Hi Sweetheart."
Joanie smiled and mouthed the words 'thank you' to Soapy. She could have sworn she could see tears glistening in his eyes.
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Neither Heyes or Soapy were surprised when Kid and Joanie retired early.
