Morning had soon arrived in the desert and slowly enveloped the land with its warm light. It slowly crept over the four separate territories waking up its inhabitants.
Luke slowly began to stir awake. His head felt groggy and his body felt weak from the effects of the tranquilizer. He struggled to sit up straight but finally managed to do so.
"Ugh. What was in that dart?" Luke asked himself as he rubbed the temples of his forehead.
He started to remember bits and pieces of what had happened last night. Luke recalled that he was on his way to talk to the eldest Kingery sibling before he ran into the Daltons. The Daltons, that word quickly brought back Luke's memories. He was just about to tie up Averell when the other managed to fire off a blow gun which had been mistaken for a flute. Luke had been hit by the tranquilizer dart that was inside before passing out.
Out of instinct Luke quickly jumped to his feet readying himself for a brawl with the Dalton brothers. He soon regretted it as dizziness took over causing Luke to drop to his knees.
Luke took a moment to let the dizziness subside before getting back to his feet this time slowly. Luke observed the room around him noticing it was too nice of a place for the Daltons to use as a hideout.
"They didn't tie me up either that's strange". Luke said to himself.
Luke saw a chair in the corner of the room that had his holster and revolver as well as his hat. Luke found that really odd. If the Daltons had taken him hostage why would they leave him his revolver?
Luke scratched his head in confusion before he heard the door behind him click open. Luke quickly rushed over to his revolver before a female voice spoke out.
"Don't you dare grab that gun cowboy"! The voice demanded.
Luke froze as the door opened reveling Renee who had a trey of food in her hands.
"Don't worry I mean you no harm, just thought I bring you some breakfast". Renee said.
Luke looked at the woman with suspicion.
"Who are you and how did I end up here"? Luke asked.
"My name is Renee I'm a friend of Mrs. Kingery's. You were brought here last night by the Daltons". Renee replied.
Luke gave a look of surprise.
"Wait the Daltons brought me here? What would make them do such a thing"? More importantly why haven't you guys locked them up yet"? Luke asked.
"We were going to lock them up but the short Dalton managed to strike a deal with Mrs. Robin". Renee said.
Luke remembered Jack and William mentioning that they made a deal with Robin in order to get out of trouble.
"Joe told me that they were trying to stop the feud by helping Robin find her kid but I don't see how that has anything to do with...me". Luke trailed off.
"Wait don't tell me that the Daltons think I'm Robin's kid"? Luke asked.
Renee nodded her head as Luke finally pieced it together.
"Wow I never realized how desperate the Daltons were to escape to try to hand me off as the son of the woman who is promising their freedom". Luke chuckled.
Renee however did not find this funny.
"Mr. Luke although the Daltons did make the deal out of desperation you are the closest man I have ever seen that resembles Robin's son". Renee said.
Luke looked at her with surprise.
"You're kidding right? You actually believe I'm Robin's son"? Luke asked.
"Appearance wise yes, but other than that I cannot say for certain". Renee said.
Luke took his hat from the chair and placed it on his head.
"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you and Mrs. Robin, but I'm pretty certain I'm not the guy you folks are looking for". Luke said as he put on his boots.
Luke was about to leave the room before Renee spoke up.
"How can you be so certain"? She asked.
Luke turned around at the door to face Renee.
"Do you have parents waiting for you at home"? Renee asked.
"Well no". Luke responded.
"Did you even know your parents"? Renee asked.
"Um, no I'm an orphan". Luke replied.
"Then how can you be certain that Robin isn't your mother"? Renee questioned the cowboy.
"I just ... it just seems impossible". Luke said.
"Nothing in this world is impossible Mr. Luke. Just look at yourself you can shoot faster than your own shadow, that would be considered impossible yet here you are". Renee said.
Luke fell silent at Renee's words.
Renee could see the confusion and uncertainty in Luke's eyes. Her face became one of understanding as Renee sympathized with Luke knowing very well that today his whole world could change. She placed the trey on the table.
"Why don't you sit down and have some breakfast? You missed dinner while you were out so I bet you're pretty hungry right about now. As for the son thing, don't worry about that we'll talk about it later". Renee said.
"Thank you". Luke said.
Renee left the room leaving Luke alone with his thoughts.
Luke was able to keep the thoughts of possibly being Robin's son at bay by thinking on how to handle the current situation with the Daltons and the feud between the four Kingery's. But those thoughts about Robin didn't stay away for long though as Luke knew in the end he would need her to help stop the feud and to try to convince Robin to deny the Daltons sanctuary.
Once Luke was done with his meal he finished getting ready for the day before heading downstairs mentally preparing himself for what lie ahead.
Luke soon found himself in front of Robin who had her back to him unaware of the cowboy's presence. He tried to get the words out to say hello but Luke was finding it quite difficult. Luke could feel the words get caught in his throat as a bead of sweat rolled off his brow. Just as Luke finally managed to open his mouth Robin had turned around with a look of surprise taking over her face as she spotted the cowboy.
"Oh, Luke I didn't see you there, did you sleep well last night"? Robin asked.
"Yes mam I slept like a bab, log I slept like a log". Luke said hastily.
"I bet you did, that tranquilizer sure had you out for quite some time". Robin said.
The two stood in an awkward silence before Luke managed to speak up.
"Where are the Daltons"? Luke asked.
"They're in the guest house still sleeping. Why do you ask"? Robin questioned.
"I wanted to talk to you about denying them sanctuary". Luke said.
Robin looked at Luke her eyes softening and showing regret.
"I can't let you take them unfortunately at least not yet". Robin said.
"I know Renee told me about the deal". Luke said.
"Luke I understand that this must be very confusing and frustrating for you but I'm just trying to find my son". Robin said.
"How can you be sure it's me though"? Luke asked.
"I don't know and that's what's frustrating. My heart keeps telling me you're the one but I have to be realistic with the chance that you could not be my son". Robin said.
"Well we need to figure out something. I can't just let the Daltons run around freely to do whatever they please". Luke said.
A nearby father clock chimed grabbing the attention of Robin and Luke.
"I think I might have an idea". Robin said.
Moments later Robin and Luke were back upstairs each with a few pieces of paper, quill, and bottle of ink in their position.
"Renee told me about you being an orphan. I don't know if you wanted that information out but I thought that we could write down parts of our lives. For me I'll write down the day I lost my baby". Robin said.
"And I write the day I was found"? Luke asked.
"Correct, with our stories we can determine if they match up or not thus proving whether or not your my son". Robin answered.
"And we'll be in separate rooms so nobody cheats". Luke said.
"Yes, Renee will read our stories after we're finished". Robin said.
And with that the two entered their respected rooms and began writing.
Downstairs the Daltons had joined Renee in waiting to see if they had truly found Robin's son. Even Rantanplan and Jolly Jumper came along though Jolly could only observe through an opened window.
An hour or so passed before Luke came downstairs. He handed his paper to Renee before sitting down on a wooden stool next to the window Jolly Jumper was viewing from.
"He's shakier than a bald cat in winter". Jolly said concerned for his human friend.
"Cat where"? Asked Rantanplan.
A few moments later Robin came downstairs handing her paper to Renee.
Soon the Daltons, Lucky Luke, and Robin found themselves sitting around Renee eager to hear the results.
"I hope she's gonna read us a fairy tale I always like those". Averell said.
"Shh, she's starting". William said hushing his brother.
Renee grabbed Robin's paper first and began reading.
Robin and Renee were traveling with a small caravan on its way to California.
Two months prior Robin had given birth to her son and her relatives living in San Francisco were eager to see the newest member of the Kingery family.
The path they were on was very bumpy from the many rocks that lay about.
This in turn woke up Robin's infant son who had previously been sleeping. Robin did her best to calm down her baby eventually managing to do so though the peace didn't last for long as the wagon she was in ran over another bump in the road.
"Are you sure there isn't another path we can take? This path seems a tad to bumpy". Robin said.
"Sorry Mrs. Kingery but this is the only path that can get us safely past the Indian territories". Said the wagon driver.
"Well are there at least any towns nearby? The baby really needs his nap plus he's probably getting hungry". Robin said.
Renee sat next to Robin as she brought out the map.
"Strange, there doesn't appear to be any settlements on or around the path we're on. Are you sure this map your brother gave you is legitimate"? Renee asked.
"It should be he's taken this path many times to map out the plans for his next project". Robin said.
They continued down the path. Along the way one of the two accompanying caravan guards noted the high number of coyotes in the area.
"Better pull out your pistols boys these coyotes might be a problem if they start getting to close". The driver said as he readied his weapon.
The small group kept their eyes peeled as they continued on ready to scare off any varmint that thought to go after their group.
However the wildlife wasn't their only problem as a band of men mounted on horseback started racing towards them from the back. The caravan driver pulled to the side thinking that the group behind them just wanted to get by.
Unfortunately that wasn't the case as the group began opening fire on the caravan.
"Bandits take cover quickly"! Shouted the second guard.
The driver quickly handed the reigns to Renee before jumping off.
"You need to get you, your friend, and the baby to safety. Just keep following the road and whatever you do don't stop for anything"! The driver commanded.
Renee gave a firm nod in agreement before ordering the horse to continue on.
The wagon jolted up and down as they made their raced down the path. Robin clung to her baby for dear life while also grabbing the side of the covered wagon in order to prevent them from being thrown about the wagon.
The bandits were soon catching up again though it appeared that there were fewer of them this time.
"Robin try tossing some of the stuff back there maybe we can try slowing those varmints down". Renee said.
Robin did just that as she managed to push out a large wooden chest that exploded into pieces as it made contact with the grown. Robin managed to toss out smaller items before the bandits began opening fire.
The baby wailed as Robin took cover.
One of the bandits pulled out a bow and arrow. They sit the tip of the arrow on fire before launching it.
The flaming arrow hit the back of the wagon setting the covered part a blaze. Robin quickly made her way to the front of the wagon as the flames made their way forward. Renee hopped onto the horse pulling the wagon.
"Robin over here quickly"! Renee called out.
Robin reached the outer front of the wagon. Renee reached her hand out to help her friend and the baby onto the horse. Maintaining her balanced Robin reached out her one free hand towards Renee. Then the wagon ran over a huge rock and Robin was sent flying.
Time seemed to slow down as Robin was airborne. She held her son close to her chest and tightened herself into a ball to protect her baby from the impact.
Time sped up again as Robin violently slammed into the ground. The force caused Robin to bounce off and be airborne once more but this time for not as long. The back of Robin's head impacted with the ground and she lost conscious right then and there.
"Hey I think she's waking up"! Came a voice.
Light began to enter robin's vision as she slowly gained conscious. Blurry figures soon became recognizable faces as the images began to clear. The first person Robin could make out was the wagon driver followed by Renee and the two guards who were badly beaten up.
Renee rushed to her friend's side.
"Robin, stay still your hurt bad". Renee said.
Robin looked up to the sky, the sun was no longer in its place instead the moon rose over head signaling nighttime.
As she became more focused Robin noticed that they were one bundle short.
"W... Where is the baby"? Robin asked weakly.
Renee and the others looked to each other in hesitation.
"Renee where is my baby"? Robin said in a demanding tone that was very unlike her.
The driver spoke up first.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Kingery but we only managed to find you the others looked around but they couldn't find anything". The drives said regretfully.
"No"! Robin shouted as she fought to stand up.
"Mrs. Kingery please lay back down"! The driver cried out.
Robin got to her feet limping towards the horse.
"Robin I know you're worried but please stop you are to injured to go off searching"! Renee pleaded as she placed her hand on Robin's shoulder.
Robin pushed the hand of her dear friend away as she mounted the horse.
"My son could still be out there I can't just leave him to who knows what. I have to find him even at the cost of my own life". Robin said before signaling the horse to take off.
Robin could here Renee call out her name but the voice faded as Robin galloped into the night.
Robin's side burned as she followed the path of where she last saw the wagon. She pushed the pain down as she focused more on finding her son.
When she finally found the wagon it was a wreck, the clothes and other items laid strewn about the path leading up to the half burnt out wagon. Several coyotes circled around the husk.
Robin pulled out her firearm and shot into the sky successfully scaring off the wild beast.
Robin immediately jumped off the horse and began searching through the wreckage. She turned over every rock and looked into every nook and cranny. Somehow Robin even managed to push the wagon in order to see if her son had somehow ended up underneath but nothing. She looked around the surrounding area for any signs of tracks thinking that maybe someone took her boy but any tracks that passed by were completely erased by the wind.
Pain quickly gripped Robin as she let out a gasp while holding her side. She fell to her hands and knees. Robin listened in to her surroundings hoping, praying to hear the cry of a baby but all she could hear was the chirping of crickets.
Robin soon fell onto her back looking up into a beautiful starry sky which seemed to mock her with its beauty and stars clustered into their own little families.
Hoof steps could be heard as Renee rode up to the wreckage. She spotted her friend sitting on a crate crying.
Renee quickly ran up to her friend embracing the other in a hug.
"I'm sorry, Robin I'm so sorry". Renee said now joining Robin in the tears.
Robin cried out more and louder than before, but not from her physical injuries. No there was a pain that hurt much more and ran deeper than any physical wound could ever do.
Robin had lost her baby.
Back in the current time Renee finished reading Robin's story. The Daltons sat by crying as Renee finished Robin's piece.
"Th..That's just so sad"! Averell cried.
"She just lost her kid just like that"! Joe bawled.
Robin wiped a tear from her eye as memories of that day played in her head.
Renee looked up to Luke. Luke sat there pale as a ghost.
"Mr. Luke are you alright"? Renee asked.
Renee approached Luke who did not respond. As Renee got closer she noticed Luke mouthing something.
"R-E-A-D I-T". Seemed to be what Luke was saying.
Renee returned to the desk grabbing Luke's paper.
In his head Luke read what he had written down in his thoughts while following Renee's lips as she began to read.
"I was found by a cowboy named Sam outside the town of Nothing Gulch sometime during the day. He found me not far from a burnt out wagon. Luckily Sam found me at the nick of time as the wagon was being eyed by hungry coyotes".
The room became nothing but an echo of gasp as the realization of Luke's story sunk into their heads.
The stories matched.