"Another drink, Kid?"
There was no answer and Heyes bottle in hand, glanced over to see the Kid staring into space with his glass hardly touched. Finally after a few moments he dragged his gaze to his partner. He hesitated for another minute before saying ."I should probably be getting off, to avoid ridin' in the dark." He didn't however make any real attempt to stand. A glance at his pocket watch told Heyes that it was just past four. They had a little time before it got dark.
Heyes was reluctant for Kid to leave, worrying that something bad could happen if he let him go alone. Heyes knew rationally that he was being overprotective. His friend was more than capable of looking after himself even without a gun. It was a bit of a shock, this fierce need to keep his partner safe. He hadn't felt it so strongly in years. Not since they'd lost their whole families and Jed had been initially so dazed by it all, that being slightly older, Heyes had decided to take charge. This had at least meant that by the time Jed's shock had changed into anger, he'd managed to keep them both out of the more serious kind of trouble when his friend had found it increasingly difficult to keep his temper.
As they got older, Heyes realising that Curry was no natural follower, had fought to control both his fussing and what Jed had termed, his bossiness. But it had taken them splitting up after the Kid had finally had enough, for him to properly bury it. Now with Lily's death and the mess with Matlock, Heyes' found his old patterns of behaviour were resurfacing. Although luckily at the moment, Curry seemed to be accepting and even a little grateful for that, despite the occasional flare up.
Placing what he hoped was a neutral expression on his face he said. "Ain't no need Kid. I got plenty room here. Besides might be easier stayin' here with seeing Lizzie in the morning."
As part of his promotion to pit-boss he'd been offered and accepted the living space above the saloon with only a slightly reduced wage then if he lived out. Heyes had been paying a fairly hefty sum for a lot less space at his current place so it had seemed foolish to refuse.
Kid looked like he was considering it, but then with a slight shake of his head drank his remaining whiskey in a single gulp and readied himself as if to stand. After a beat however he smiled slightly at Heyes and settled back down."Thanks for the offer Heyes, but I'll head home." He looked down at his now empty glass before proffering it for a refill. "After another drink."
Heyes with a broad grin, covering his disappointment at Curry's refusal, splashed whiskey into the glass. Curry studied the freshly poured amber liquid as he said. "Might as well use the house while I still own it."
Heyes understood what Curry meant, although understanding didn't do much to ease his worry. Curry glanced up at him as he sipped his drink, before saying. "I'll drop by on my way to visit Lizzie so you can come with me," He paused and took another small drink before adding. "That's if you ain't got nothin' else planned of course."
Heyes hated the unfamiliar uncertainty in his friend's voice. As if he didn't know that Heyes had already decided as soon as Mrs Hancock had made the offer, that if he was needed, he was going with his friend. He didn't want to embarrass Curry, by letting on how much he'd heard in his voice, so pretended to think about it before saying. "Sure I'll come, nothing to do that can't wait till later in the day."
The Kid had probably been able to see right through him, as they'd rarely been able to hide much from each other, not when it really mattered, but the pretence seemed important to keep the balance right between them.
The Kid's expression was unusually hard to read as he added. "Think we should go a bit earlier tomorrow. Don't want folk makin' trouble for any of us."
"Probly best Kid. 9am? Them who work will mostly be busy and those that don't likely won't be out till later."
Curry nodded and his face relaxed as if he'd been worried that Heyes might disagree. "Mrs Hancock said anytime after 8am would be fine."
With that decided they went onto talk about other things and to Heyes' relief Curry's worried distraction seemed to ease. It was actually two more drinks before Curry set off home, with a stupidly nervous Heyes watching through the window till he was out of sight.
Heyes woke and raised his head to squint at the clock by the side of the bed. It'd been one of his first post-amnesty purchases, much to Curry's open amusement. He realised it was still early so lay back down. He thought maybe he could get a little more sleep, but found after a few moments that he was really too awake to settle so instead decided to get his day started.
As he pottered around making coffee, he became aware of a strange unsettled feeling, it started as an itch at the back of his neck and spread through his body. He was suddenly unwilling to wait till Curry arrived in town and washed and dressed distractedly. As he walked towards the door, he hesitated over whether he should wear his gun and ultimately decided he'd better and strapped it on. He wasn't really one to pay attention to bad omens- that was Kid's department, but the sense of something wrong was so strong that it was impossible to ignore.
Heyes arrived at the Kid's small cabin and was surprised to see the curtains still closed. He'd expected Kid would have been awake and ready by now. His concern only increased when he got to the door. The lock had been broken and the door had swung part open. Cautiously Heyes drew his gun before entering the silent and dim cabin. Even in the gloom it was easy to see that the place was a mess. Chairs had been overturned and there was china and glass all over the floor. There was no sign of the Kid and Heyes' worry spiked another notch.
He stepped over the scattered glass carefully, sure to avoid making a noise. He reached the bedroom door and shoved it open with his foot before ducking back. When there was no noise from inside he risked peering in, with his gun still in his hand. His breath caught in his throat as he saw the crumpled form of his friend. He was lying unmoving, curled in a foetal position on the floor by the side of the bed.
Heyes holstered his gun. With his heart in his mouth, his head spinning slightly and a bitter taste in his mouth from his nauseous stomach, he strode quickly to the bed. He knelt carefully by his partner's side and gently rolled him onto the back. and his chest rise and fall. A relief so strong that he nearly passed out from it, washed over him as he noted the steady movement of the Kid's chest. He patted the side of Curry's face gently, until the Kid attempted to push his hand away as he opened his good eye with a groan. His voice was barely a croak as he said while dazedly trying to glare up at his partner. "Heyes...stop...hurts."
Heyes with more hindrance then help from his wobbly partner, managed to get the Kid to his feet. He looked ready to fall over, almost as soon as he was vertical so Heyes sat him gently on the edge of the bed. "Just going to let some more light in. All right?" Heyes was hesitant to let go of Curry, worried he might fall face first off the bed. So he waited till nodded slowly and shifted to a more stable position with a wince of pain. He was still obviously not fully aware, but he seemed in no immediate danger of slipping. So Heyes let go and went to open the curtains
The room was flooded with light and as Heyes turned back to the Kid he saw just how bad he looked. Bruising covered much of his face and his hands weren't in much better shape. There was an open cut encrusted with dried blood over the eye not swollen shut. Whoever had beaten him had done a nastily effective job.
"Stay there! I'll get something to clean you up." Heyes looked over his shoulder as he walked towards the door and nearly smiled at the slightly disdainful expression on the Kid's battered face.
"Like I'm gonna be movin' anywhere, Heyes." His voice was quiet as if speaking too loudly hurt, but Heyes would take it.
When Heyes returned to the bedroom after gathering what he needed, Kid didn't hear him come in. He was looking down at something in his hand, his face a mix of misery and anger.
Heyes moved a little closer, swallowed hard when he realised it was his and Lily's wedding photo. Heyes carefully placed the water and cloths on the small table by the bed.
Curry looked up as he became aware of him and he thrust the small picture at Heyes who took it carefully.
The frame was badly bent and there was a long crack in the glass. But the photo thankfully appeared undamaged. He said gently, unsure of what exactly to say, but feeling the need to say something. "Know it ain't much consolation, but we can find you a new frame."
Curry looked at him and then said angrily. " They broke into my home, Heyes. My home." His voice cracked on the final word and he looked down."It was Matlock's men, but I can't prove a thing. I didn't see their faces." He met Heyes' gaze then. At the expression there, Heyes felt a shiver down his spine. It was a look he'd only seen rarely and not for over seven years, implacable, cold, blank, hatred. "I swear, Heyes I'm going to shoot that man and damn the consequences. Won't make much difference. Lizzie is only goin' to be taught that's the kind of man I am anyways. Least this way I won't be around to know it."
Heyes recognised the mood too well to try and argue too vigorously with Curry at the moment. He hoped that his temper would lessen. But for the first time in a lot of years, Heyes wasn't sure he'd able to talk him out of what he wanted to do. While wanting to avoid an argument he knew he had to try reasoning, so said with no hint of acrimony in his tone. "We can find a better way, Kid. Matlock's knows he's got no legal claim on your daughter and he's just doing all this, so you don't think straight, don't let it work." There was no real response from the Kid so he added briskly." Now least let me get you cleaned up and then I'll make us some coffee."
Curry allowed him to bathe his face and hands. Heyes even got him to lie on the bed while he wrapped his ribs. He made little complaint through what must have been a painful process. Heyes recognised the signs- he was withdrawing as if to prepare himself and that never meant anything except trouble.
The Kid started to get up almost as soon as Heyes was done. " I gotta get ready so I can go visit Lizzie." Before Heyes could point out that he was in no fit state, he was pushing Heyes' arm away, so he could stand. Heyes knowing there was no point in resisting, reluctantly moved out of his way by sliding down the bed. Curry struggled to his feet but once upright he swayed, moaned and putting an arm protectively round his chest sat down heavily with a groan of pain. Heyes moved to help as he looked to try again, unable to sit and watch, but at Curry's one eyed glare subsided, but not without saying heavily " I swear you'd try the patience of a saint often times."
Curry ignored him and Heyes could only watch in irritated half-admiration,while he tried three more times with the same result. Finally thankfully to Heyes' mind at least, he conceded defeat and stayed seated, breathing heavily with sweat damp on his forehead. He glared at Heyes, daring him to say anything. Raising his hands in mock defence, Heyes stood. "Not saying a word. I'll go make that coffee."
He came back with two steaming cups, finding to his silent relief that Curry had lain down, his head and upper body supported by pillows. Heyes handed his partner one of the cups and sat carefully on the edge of the bed. Curry took a drink and winced as the hot liquid scalded his split lip. "You gotta go explain. Can't have her thinkin' I don't care. There's that money I saved for the loan in the cookie jar. If they didn't steal it of course. Give it to Mrs Hancock and tell her to buy somethin' pretty for Lizzie."
Whatever Heyes thought he might say was interrupted by a knock on the door. His hand went to his gun then shrugged. "Guessin' whoever it was last night, wouldn't knock." He stood quickly and waving an annoyed Curry to stay where he was, went to look.
As he got close to the door, he heard a delighted giggle and soft tones. With a huge sense of relief, he knew exactly who it must be. Suddenly feeling lighter he went to let them in.
