Curry woke up with a jolt from a dream that he couldn't remember and considered simply going back to sleep. He wasn't sure he was ready to face the morning or even the day. But as he lay there studying the ceiling in the half light he realised he was tired of lying in bed. He stretched carefully and groaned as the bruises and aching muscles protested the movement. He looked by habit to the side of the bed and read the note Heyes had left him with a slight smile on his lips.

The pain and stiffness on trying to stand briefly made him reconsider getting up, but after a couple of aborted attempts he finally got to his feet by the side of the bed. He shuffled over to the curtains and pulled them open, blinking as bright sun streamed through the window. Carefully turning he walked to the dresser and looked at himself critically in the mirror. He could at least open both eyes now, but his face still ached and after a gentle check of his chin, he decided not to shave.

He made breakfast slowly, careful not to jolt anything and sat down to eat, not really tasting the food as he thought about what he wanted to do.

He was pleased that despite some painful moments he managed to make his bed. He chose a shirt out of the closet and laid it on the bed before he pulled on his pants and tied on his gun. He carefully reached under his bed and pulled out two carpet bags which he slowly packed with what he thought he'd need before taking them out to the couch. He wasn't sure whether the decisions he'd made while eating breakfast were the best, but it felt good to be actually making some.

Curry had probably been out for a couple of hours when he felt someone watching him. He knew who it was without even looking. He reloaded then emptied his gun into the tree before walking over to it and brushing his hands over the marks the bullets had left. He stood back to study the neat pattern of holes and nodded in satisfaction, happy at the spread and twirled his gun into his holster before turning to his partner. "Go on, Heyes, ask what you're thinking."

Heyes studied him with his hat pushed back and head on his side for a few seconds before saying exactly what the Kid had expected."Just wondering if you decorating that trunk is something I oughta worry about."

The Kid despite already having come to his own conclusion, still thought about it before answering. "I ain't planning on shooting anyone, like I've said more than once I know it ain't the way to go, but I'm sick and tired of Matlock throwin' sand in my face. Maybe wearing this will make him think twice. But I ain't plannin' on making trouble if that's what you mean."

Heyes' expression was unconvinced, but his voice was more conciliatory then Curry might have expected. "Kid, I understand, but I'm not exactly sure wearing your gun is the best way to convince anyone, including yourself, that you're not the man Matlock says you are."

Curry had decided that whatever the problems that might come with wearing his gun, it was important to him that he do it. He needed to take back some control of his life as in the last few weeks he'd felt frustratingly helpless and at the mercy of other people. But while it was clear in his own head, he didn't know how to explain it without embarrassing himself. So with some frustration he said. "I'm not planning on using it, Heyes. Ain't like Matlock's going to draw on me. You get that plan of yours rolling and then maybe we can talk about it again." The Kid hadn't meant to sound so angry, but discomfort always made his temper flare and this was no exception.

Heyes raised his hands in defence, but his expression was affectionate as he sat down on a gnarled log not far from the old tree. "I'm not the enemy, Kid!"

Curry sighed, the hard knot in his stomach was making it hard to be reasonable, but he knew he was picking the wrong fight and with an apologetic look at his friend, he sat down next to him. "I'm sorry Heyes, just feelin'..."

Heyes patted him firmly on the shoulder and said fondly, "I ain't real worried Kid, seems like you got things under control." He glanced over at the pattern of holes in the tree and added, "Besides, looks like you need the practice."

"You know Heyes, I still got some bullets left- your hat'd look real good with matchin' holes."

"Now Kid, ain't no need to get ornery."

Their familiar bickering, softened as it usually was by the warmth in his partner's eyes and the half smile on his lips, eased some of the knot in his stomach and rubbed a little of the sharpness off his anger, or at least reminded him to direct it where it belonged. As they walked back up to house, the Kid decided to raise something else that had come to him as he'd eaten. "Heyes, that offer to move in with you still good? If it is I'd like to come back with you today." He asked it as diffidently as possible and was relieved when Heyes nodded without looking at him as he wasn't quite certain what was showing in his face.

You sure, Kid?"

Curry wasn't exactly sure of anything but nodded. "Ain't much left in there for me 'cept memories and they ain't going anywhere." He let out a brief laugh then added. "Besides, don't want to give Matlock the satisfaction of demanding I leave. I already packed what I need." He stuck in his hand in his pocket and carefully stroked the item there before walking on ahead of Heyes as they reached fencing that marked his small patch of land.

They took a slow ride into town, a carpet bag tied on each of their horses. After they'd tied up their horses, Curry glanced over at Heyes and asked. "Will you tell Matlock 'bout me leaving the house? Ain't sure I'll keep my promise to keep out of trouble if I go. Besides I've got somethin' I need to do."

Heyes looked at him and nodded, not asking any questions for which Curry was grateful and they headed off in separate directions.

The Kid walked slowly out of the main town towards the small church nestling at the bottom of the hill. As he went through the small gate, he took note of the early signs of spring in the buds blossoming on the trees lining the path that led to the small building. This distance from town it was quiet, with only the odd bird song breaking the silence. As he came round the back of the Church he spotted what he was looking for easily enough. The Matlock family plot.

He knelt on the still slightly damp ground and carefully cleared the small amount of grass that had grown over the bottom of the gravestone to reveal Lily's name. He wondered who'd insisted on Curry being added there, because he'd been too ill and numb to insist on anything. Heyes or Emily most likely he thought gratefully. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the delicate gold locket he'd bought for Lily when they'd realised she was pregnant. Clicking it open he studied the small picture of them both on the left and blinked away tears at the empty space on the right. They'd never had the chance before Lily had died to get a picture of all three of them.

He clicked the locket closed, holding it tightly in his right hand as with his left, he dug a small hole. With a final look at the delicate engraving decorating the outside he placed it carefully into the small hole and gently covered it so there was no sign of disturbance on the surface. "Thank-you Lily, for the best year of my life. I won't ever forget what we had. I promise to tell our daughter all about you. " He paused in a effort not to cry as memory threatened to overwhelm before adding. "I hope you understand why I'm tryin' to move a bit forward. I sure wish I didn't have to, but lookin' back is killin' me. I can't do what I need to do, if all I want is to stay with you. I might not visit you for a while, but it doesn't mean I won't be thinkin' of you."

As a shadow fell over him, he half-turned to look at who it was, expecting it might be Heyes, tiring of waiting and impatient to know where he was, but found himself meeting Emily Hancock's gaze. He started to his feet slightly embarrassed in order to greet her, but instead she pulled him into a sideways hug with one hand stroking his hair while her other rested on his back. He found himself leaning into her as the tears he'd been fighting spilled out despite his best efforts to stop them.

They stayed like that for several minutes before the Kid finally moved away looking at her gratefully as she smiled down at him, tears shining in her own eyes. "Real pretty spot isn't it, Jed?"

"Yeah. Real peaceful. " He paused before adding. "Grateful someone insisted on her being remembered as a Curry. Doubt your brother liked that much."

She laughed then, "Heyes wouldn't take no for an answer. Your partner is very persistent."

"He is at that Ma'am, he is at that." He took her offered hand as he clambered to his feet and with a final longing up at the headstone picked up his hat from beside the grave. "I'll leave you alone with her and go find my partner before he starts fretting."

He turned to walk away but she laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him as she said. "Remember if there's anything I can do, all you need to do is tell me."

Curry shrugged thinking that she'd done so much already. He knew she wasn't reliant on Matlock for money, but given what he had proven himself capable of, Curry was reluctant to ask too much, he didn't trust the man not to make things difficult for her. "Heyes has a plan and I'm takin' your advice about hirin' a lawyer. " He paused before looking at her seriously. "I don't want you gettin' hurt."

She shrugged at him, her expression both unconcerned and determined "You only need to ask."

He smiled and kissed her cheek before moving back and winking at her. He hoped to make her laugh and ease some of the emotional atmosphere so added lightly. "You and Heyes ain't much different in some ways seems like. You don't give up neither." He paused and added more seriously. "I promise I'll consider whatever I have to, but I gotta admit I ain't keen on involvin' you more than you are already."

She shook her head a smile twitching her lips, she looked about to say something, but before she could he tipped his hat in farewell and started back up the hill into town to meet his partner.

As he arrived back on the main street he saw Heyes sitting on bench by the town well reading a newspaper. He looked up as the Kid approached and folded the paper away in his back pocket as he stood. "Wondered where you'd got to, but I've been busy. You owe me a drink so I can explain what we're going to do next."