DEAD/ALIVE - Chapter Twenty Two

Heyes watched as Kid stretched and yawned for the…he had lost count. Joanie had politely covered her mouth covering her yawn. As she did, she glanced at Kid.

Heyes' eyes met Soapy's, who gave him a wink and a smile.

"Shall we retire to the study? Soapy said, his question directed towards Heyes. "I have some new cubans, they are exquisite."

Heyes turned to Kid, "Will you be joining us Thaddeus?" He asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

Kid quickly gave Heyes an exasperated look.

"Not…tonight…Joshua." Kid said annoyed that Heyes would ask such a stupid question.

"Tired?"

Kid glared at Heyes, ignoring his question.

"Thanks for dinner Soapy." Kid said as he stood up, and held a hand out for Joanie, turning his back on his partner.

xxxxxxxxxx

Heyes loosened his collar and settled back in the thick leather chair, as he savored the cigar. He blew out the smoke watching it slowly float throughout the room. He nodded his head in approval.

"I don't think I need to say this, but you boys are welcome to stay as long as you like."

"We appreciate that. Not sure that we have any specific plans…Planning don't seem like part of our lives since we left our outlawing ways…"

"Speaking of…rumor has it…"

"A rumor."

"Really? Seems to be a very believable rumor. Most folks have accepted it as fact."

"Well at one time it would have been fact."

Soapy leaned forward with a perplexed look on his face.

Heyes was shaking in his head, "Last time we were here…We told you we didn't care. We were done. And we were. Even us outlaws have pride. You know being our one year became two and then three. We stopped in Wyoming to see Lom…he told us the governor had given us our amnesty, then in the same breath, told us the new governor took it away."

"I told you boys it was a con."

"Yep…and we got played…but if people believe the lie. We ain't been shot at in months, I'll take that as improvement. I just…for Kid and Joanie's sake…wish…I know one of these days he won't be coming back with me."

"And how will you feel when that happens?"

"I'll be happy for Kid…"

"And you?"

Heyes looked wistful, " I won't lie…Let's just say it will take some time getting used to."

"You and Kid have been together–."

"Only time we were apart was when I rode with Plummer. I can't and won't let it be about me…He deserves a good life with a future He loves her…never even took up with a whore since we left."

Soapy gave Heyes' a unbelieving look

Heyes nodded, "It's the truth. Shows you how much he loves her and how strong he is. I sure couldn't do it," Heyes said with a laugh.

"You're not in love Heyes," Soapy pointed out.

xxxxxxxxxx

Joanie led Kid upstairs to her bedroom. Once the door closed, Joanie left Kid standing with his back pressed to it and crossed to the nightstand where she lit the oil lamp turning it low. Kid watched as she slowly turned and with slow steps returned to him.

She reached up and removed his hat, setting it on the adjacent chair. Smiling, she helped him out of his jacket and placed it neatly on the back of the chair. She slowly began unbuttoning his vest, then his white shirt. She pulled it free from his pants, and unbuttoned the final buttons of his shirt before opening it, exposing his smooth bare chest.

Kid quietly watched her as his heart pounded in his chest. Joanie raised a hand and with one finger, lightly ran it along his jawline to his lips. She paused, allowing Kid to slowly kiss her finger. Her smile deepened as she watched his expression. Her finger continued from his lips, down his neck; to lightly trace across his strong chest muscles. She heard his breath quicken and become ragged as her hand moved lower, until Kid's hand on her wrist stopped her. They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment, before Kid grabbed her so quickly it took her breath away as he pulled her close. They began passionately kissing as they tore at each other's clothes, stumbling their way to the bed.

Two bodies…one heart.

xxxxxxxxxx

December 24

Kid lay sprawled on the bare bed. The covers had been kicked aside and lay strewn on the floor with the trail of clothes that led from the bedroom door to the bed. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Sweat glistened off both their skin. Joanie's hair hung in damp ringlets, as a broad smile crossed her face. There was a moments hesitation before he reopened his eyes as a slow smile came to his face. Kid reached for her, pulling her back on top of him again.

Kid woke up with his arms tightly around Joanie, his right leg thrown across her bare body. Kid could feel her stir in his arms.

"Morning," He said, kissing the top of her head. She snuggled into his body as he tightened his arms around her. He felt her shiver and released her to stoke the fire in the fireplace and retrieve a blanket off the floor. He threw the blanket over her, tucking it tight around her body before he slipped in next to her. She turned and slid up his chest to rest her head on his shoulder, but not before she placed a kiss on it. She licked her lips. It tasted salty. She sighed and closed her eyes.

xxxxxxxxxx

"You ever hear of Jedidiah Kid Curry?" Kid asked Joanie. He was pushed up on one elbow in the bed watching her brush her hair.

"Don't know anyone who hasn't...Why? He relation?"

"Kind of…" Kid let his answer trail off.

Joanie stopped brushing her hair. There was something in his tone that made her turn.

She slowly laid her brush down and crossed to the bed. Kid had rolled over on his back as she threw back the covers and slid in next to him. She snuggled close and laid her head on Kid's bare chest. She waited for Kid to continue. There was a long silence. She raised her head and found Kid's eyes. He looked uncomfortable.

"Kind of? Thaddeus I don't understand. What has Kid Curry have to do with us?"

"Kid Curry has a lot to do with us."

The confusion on Joanie's face deepened. "You're not making sense…"

She stopped mid sentence. "Unless…Are you?" The confusion had been replaced by a new realization.

Kid slowly nodded his head as he watched her expression.

"Is that why you can't stay?" Joanie whispered.

"Yes"

"Will you ever be able to stay?"

"I hope so."

"Me too...Would you prefer I call you Jed? Or Kid? Or would you mind if I still call you Thaddeus?"

"Honey, you can call me whatever you like." Kid said with a relieved laugh.

"So if you are Kid Curry…I'm assuming Joshua is…."

Kid nodded and smiled. "Just don't call him Hannibal."

xxxxxxxxxx

There was a polite knock on the door.

"Miss Joanie?"

"Yes Rosita."

"Mister Soapy said I was to ask if you would like me to draw one bath or two?"

Kid and Joanie's eyes met, as a smile crossed their faces.

"One please."

xxxxxxxxxx

Joanie settled back against Kid's bare chest in the tub, as the bubbles tickled at her nose. She quickly wrinkled her nose, to avoid sneezing which made Kid laugh.

"Are you laughing at me Jed…Kid…Thaddeus?"

"With you honey…With you."

She tilted her head up, "I'm glad you told me who you really are," she said softly. "Everything makes sense now."

Kid tightened his arms around her, "Sorry I couldn't tell you earlier."

"And to show my gratitude..," Joanie turned to face Kid.

"Honey we'd better hurry…This water is gettin' awfully cold." Kid said, looking slightly embarrassed.

xxxxxxxxxx

Soapy and Heyes were sitting having a cup of coffee when Kid and Joanie came downstairs.

"Get any rest?" Heyes as he reached for his cup with an amused look on his face.

Kid pulled a chair out for Joanie, as she took a seat directly across from Heyes.

She paused before saying, "Why thank you for asking." She smiled sweetly at him. "And the answer to your question is no…Mister...Heyes."

Heyes choked on the coffee as his eyes widened in surprise. He sputtered for a moment before he finally found his voice.

"Told her…did ya?" Heyes said, looking at Kid. Kid nodded.

"Told her not to call you Hannibal too."

"I appreciate that."

Soapy was smiling broadly, listening to the exchange. It warmed his heart to see Joanie so happy. He reached a hand across the table and gave hers a gentle squeeze. In return, sh bye gave him a loving smile.

"You know I should be mad at you for not telling me the truth."

Soapy's brow furrowed, "About who they really are?"

"No…about them coming"

"I promised Kid. You know, a promise is a promise."

"Honey…don't be mad at Soapy."

"I'm teasing." Joanie said laughing, "I could never be mad at you." She looked into his eyes, "Ever."

"Honey? Honey? I don't think I've ever heard you call a woman that. Darlin'...yes…honey no."

"Heyes! Next you'll be asking how my eyesight is!"

"Well?"

"Let's just say it's better than yours."

xxxxxxxxxx

"Sorry," Joanie said as she grabbed Kid by one arm. "Joshua and Soapy can handle it. I need your help finishing the tree."

Kid was shaking his head. "Remember last year…"

"I'll show you where to put the ornaments. It's Christmas…I need to get this done, since you've been taking up all my time."

"Complaining?" Kid said, giving her a sly smile.

"Never." Joanie said, returning his smile.

xxxxxxxxxx

They were all gathered around the fireplace after Heyes and Soapy returned. The men enjoyed a brandy when Joanie returned after freshening up. She took a seat next to Kid and leaned close as she entwined her arm with his and held his hand tight. He looked down at her, smiled and pulled her closer.

Heyes pulled his watch out of his pocket and checked the time; raising his head to meet Kid's eyes.

Kid felt Joanie jump when there was a loud commotion coming from the front vestibule. Heyes' eyes met Kid's. They smiled in unison. Joanie looked around with a puzzled look on her face when she heard a familiar voice.

"Goddammit. If I needed help I would have fucking asked. Come on Monkey."

"J..J…Jane?!"

She found Kid's eyes. He smiled and nodded.

Joanie jumped off the settee and disappeared through the door.

Both Heyes and Kid met Soapy's eyes, "I guarantee Soapy you have never run into anyone like Jane."

"One of a kind," Kid said.

They both thought they saw the briefest glimpse of trepidation flash in Soapy's eyes.

xxxxxxxxxx