Chapter Eight
Kid Curry led the way followed by Mick with Heyes painfully bringing up the rear. Using available cover they made their way to the back entrance of the cellar and descended into the darkness.
"There's a lantern right here," Curry informed the others and struck a match to light it. He turned the flame down low, just so there was enough light for them to see their way.
About halfway down the passage they came to a ladder affixed to the wall and leading to the upper floor of the house. "There's your way up," Curry said, stating the obvious. "You sure you can do this, Heyes?"
"Of course I can, Kid," Heyes snapped. "You worry about your part an' I'll take care of mine."
"All right, no need t'bite my head off!"
"Sorry, Kid, I'm just a little on edge."
"I know, so'm I. I"ll give you two ten minutes t'get in place before I make my move."
"Ten minutes? I ain't decrepit, Kid."
"I didn't say you was, but you are hurt an' you've gotta climb straight up two floors an' I don't wanna start shootin' 'til I'm sure you're ready. You get there sooner, take a nap!"
Heyes gestured for Mick to go ahead of him and as soon as he lifted his leg to take the first step he knew he was going to need every one of those ten minutes. He grit his teeth against the pain and used the muscles of his arms to take some of the weight off his wounded leg, even so he was panting and perspiring when he finally hauled himself onto the floor of the inner passageway. To his relief he saw Mick standing by waiting for him, arms across her chest. "Thanks for waiting, Mick," he gasped out.
"I'm patient, Heyes, as you should know. Besides, your plan is good."
"Oh - - well, thanks."
"We haven't much time left, though - - let me help you up."
Heyes looked at the hand she offered and swallowed his pride. Her grip was strong and she stood firm as she helped pull him to his feet.
"You're still bleeding," she commented.
"Yeah, so's Brigitte, only worse, so let's get this done!" Heyes growled and limped quietly down the passage.
The latch opened with a barely audible snick and Heyes peered cautiously around the edge of the blanket, then pulled back. "We need t'get to the cover of the hall's walls, but to do that we'll be exposed a few seconds. At Sam's next shot, while their attention is hopefully outside, head to the right and I'll head to the left - - keep low and don't make any sudden moves that might catch their attention. All right?"
"Got it."
"Be sure t'hold your fire 'til we hear Kid's shots."
The lady gunslinger nodded tersely.
They didn't have to wait long as Sam's next shot shattered the window where one of the outlaws stood, narrowly missing him. Between his yelp of consternation, the tinkling of broken glass on the wooden floor, and the flurry of return shots from Potter and his men, they had more than enough cover to duck out without being seen.
"Hold your fire, boys!" Potter ordered and the shots died away. "I know what Heyes is up to. He figures t'run us out of ammunition so he can just waltz on in here. So no more shootin' without a live target!"
"You got it, boss."
"Bill, go tell the boys in the kitchen."
Mick tossed a questioning look across at Heyes, who shrugged slightly and smiled.
As Kid Curry counted out the ten minutes, he eased the kitchen door open a crack to assess the lay of the land. Mary, he saw, was sprawled almost within arm's reach, her cheeks stained with tears. Curry had to fight back the anger that urged him to burst in right then and beat the outlaws to death with his bare hands.
Said outlaws had their backs to him as they kept their eyes on the barn, oblivious of the more serious and immediate danger that lurked behind them.
Curry scratched softly on the plank floor hoping to catch Mary's attention without startling her, but got no reaction. He ground his teeth in frustration, not wanting to start shooting with her unaware thus putting her in further danger. He breathed a sigh of relief when another of Potter's gang came in giving orders loudly.
"Pst! Mary!" he whispered. "Don't move, just listen. When I bust in there you high-tail it through this door an' stay in here 'til I come get you. Okay?"
Very slightly, Mary nodded.
Kid knew the ten minutes he had given Heyes were up and he also knew his partner would be getting impatient, but he held off until the outlaws appeared relaxed again.
Curry flung the door open and it hit the wall with a loud bang, startling the two outlaws, who spun quickly around as the gunslinger lunged into the room, his six-gun leaping into his hand, belching flame as he squeezed off two quick shots that found their targets with deadly accuracy.
The Kid caught sight of a feeble movement from one of the fallen men and with one long stride he was beside him, kicking the gun away from the hand that sought to raise it for a final shot. His icy eyes stared down at the outlaw gasping out his life on the kitchen floor and he said, "Heyes an' I warned you not t'start trouble with us, didn't we? Shoulda listened."
At the sound of the shots, Heyes and Mick went into action, each of their first shots taking down an unlucky outlaw. To their consternation, Potter dove for cover behind the sofa.
"Your men are dead, Potter, you're all alone an' a posse's on the way!" Heyes called down the stairs. "Give it up!"
"Ain't gonna happen, Heyes!" came the reply.
"Then you're gonna die here just like your men!"
"Beats a rope. Maybe I'll take down the Silver Kid first!"
Before Heyes could formulate another reply, Mick called down to the trapped outlaw, "You think you can take the Silver Kid in a fair fight, Potter? That's what your brother thought, too!"
"No, Mick!" Heyes hissed.
"This is my fight, Heyes - - it's my fault they came here so you have to let me finish it!" she whispered back. "I can take him!"
"If he fights fair . . ."
"You'll be here to back me up if he cheats. Let me finish this, Heyes!"
"I'm faster than my brother so let's do it!" Potter shouted.
"I'm comin' out, Potter," Mick called. "It's time for you to join your brother in hell!"
"I'll take you with me!" retorted the outlaw.
Heyes cocked his pistol and nodded to Mick, his lips pressed grimly together.
Mick checked that her gun was fully loaded then stood, stepping warily into full view at the top of the staircase. Potter stood and stepped away from the sofa - - his hand poised close to the butt of his pistol.
"I'm coming down, Potter," Mick declared.
"I'm waitin'," was the gruff reply.
Mick took a careful step, followed by another, staying ever alert. Between one step and another she saw Potter's hand twitch and all hell broke loose. Potter's gun fired first and Mick felt a burn across her upper arm as she fired just a fraction of a second later, which was followed by two other shots in quick succession. Potter's body jerked spastically from the impact of three separate bullets before it crash lifelessly to the floor.
Released from tension, Mick felt suddenly tired and she sank down to sit on a stair. She felt warm liquid trickling down her arm and the burn became a throbbing pain. She holstered her gun and tugged her bandana off and pressed it to the wound.
"You're hurt, Mick?" Heyes asked anxiously as he stepped onto the landing, smoke still wisping out of the barrel of his gun.
"Just a graze," she grunted. "I don't understand how he beat me!"
"Cuz he cheated, Mick," Curry replied coming into the room and crossing to the body, his gun smoking also.
"How? I saw him draw."
"You only thought you saw him draw - - his holster's on a swivel so he don't even need t'clear leather!"
"What? I've never heard of such a thing!" the girl gunslinger gasped. Ignoring the throb in her arm, she hurried down the stairs to examine the dead man's holster. "This is an amazing idea! If I'd've had one of these I could have save myself a year of practicing!"
"It's cheating, Mick - - just plain murder, if you ask me!" Curry replied in disgust. "Not to mention impractical the way it's gonna swing this way an' that an' you never knowin' exactly where it is at any moment - - it's only good if you're standin' still."
Heyes painfully reached the bottom of the stairs and limped past the two conferring gunslingers and the dead body with barely a glance. His boots crunched over the broken glass and he pulled open the front door. He waved an 'all clear' to Sam in the barn before stepping off the porch. His sharp eyes caught sight of a large group of riders approaching, but he ignored them, his only purpose to get to Brigitte's side.
His anxious eyes locked with Sam's at the barn door and the wrangler hurried to reassure him, "She's still alive, Heyes!"
Some of the weight lifted from his shoulders as he limped as quickly as he could to the injured girl's side. She lay deathly still, her face paler than when he'd left, but he could see her chest rise and fall, albeit shallowly. "Brigitte?"
Her eyes flickered and opened at the sound of his voice. "Joshua? Did you get them?"
"We got them - - they're all dead! Mary's fine, too."
She sighed with a little smile. "That's good."
"I need to take you into the house now so we can look after your wound, but I'm afraid it's going to hurt you more."
"It's okay, Joshua."
"I'll be as gentle as I can." He leaned over and wrapped one of her arms around his neck. "Hold on to me as tight as you can." He felt her arm tighten a bit and he worked his arms carefully under her shoulders and knees. Ever so carefully, ignoring the stabbing complaints from his own leg, Heyes got to his feet, Brigitte's head lolling to his shoulder.
"Can I help?" Sam asked anxiously.
"I've got her. Posse's comin', though, so maybe you can get them to help you get that filth out of our house!"
"Sure thing, Joshua!"
Step by painful step, Heyes carried Brigitte out of the barn and into the yard just as the posse was reining in. "What the devil?" he heard Sheriff Taylor exclaim as he saw the bodies sprawled in the yard - - the bloodstained snow. He vaguely heard Sam begin to explain and then a very familiar face caught his eye. "Lom?" he exclaimed, confused. "Did Thaddeus telegraph you again?"
"No, nothing like that, Joshua," the lawman replied. His keen eyes didn't miss the bloodstained shirt of the girl in his friend's arms. "But we can talk later. The doctor's coming behind us."
Relief shone in the worried brown eyes. "Thanks, Lom."
Mary met Heyes at the door, her face as deathly pale as Brigitte's except for the bruises from Potter's blows, and panic was plain in her eyes. "There's so much pain, Joshua, from everywhere, from everyone! I can't tell if Brigitte is . . ." she choked.
"Brigitte's alive, Mary," Heyes assured her. "The doctor's on his way."
Had she not been holding the door jam, Mary might have collapsed from relief, but instead she pulled herself together and said, "Let's get her settled in her room then."
Climbing the stairs nearly did Heyes in as his leg throbbed and threatened to give way, yet he persevered and managed to get the unconscious girl safely settled on her bed. He helped Mary, whose hands trembled like aspen leaves, remove Brigitte's coat, gunbelt and boots so that she could rest more comfortably.
"She's lost so much blood, Joshua!" Mary whispered as she stared at the once white now crimson shirt, her voice choked with unshed tears.
"But she's still alive, Mary, so that's gotta count for something!" Heyes tried to reassure her and himself at the same time.
"I just hope Father gets here soon!"
Left to himself with a posse of lawmen, Kid Curry fought down his instinctive anxiety knowing that for once they were here on his side. A familiar face in the crowd caused his eyebrows to raise. "Howdy, Lom! Sure didn't expect t'see you here today!" he greeted.
"Not exactly the welcoming party I'd expected, either," the lawman replied, extending his hand. "Although I don't know why I should be surprised - - you boys just seem to draw trouble!"
"Ain't that the truth!" the gunslinger admitted wryly, shaking the hand. "This wasn't none of our doin', though, we were just protectin' our home!"
"I'd like to hear all about it," Sheriff Taylor interjected, coming up behind the two old friends, Sam trailing behind him.
"Can't say I'm not a bit curious myself," Lom agreed.
"Can we get this trash taken out first?" Curry asked.
"I'll have my men take care of that while we sit down and you fill me in."
"Okay. Besides those three, there's two more in the kitchen an' you probably saw the other two outside."
"Seven? Not a bad day's work!"
"Brigitte took out two by herself before we got here. The two in the kitchen are mine; Joshua an' Mick got the two of these an' all three of us took out Potter. Not without our own wounded," he added sadly.
"I saw Joshua with Brigitte - - is it bad?" the sheriff asked.
"Bullet dead center in the chest, but she's holdin' on. Heyes took a bullet t'the leg an' Mick here got grazed in the arm. Me an' Sam got lucky."
"In your case, Thaddeus, I doubt luck had much to do with it," Lom contradicted. "I don't believe I've met your friends here."
"Nor I," Sheriff Taylor agreed.
"This here's Sam Adamson - - he's come t'be our foreman. Joshua an' me met him while we were sheriffin' in Coleville. An' this little lady is Mick Calahan, our partner in this ranch."
The two lawmen took in Mick's attire and silver studded hardware - - two sets of eyes narrowing. Mick caught the look and said, "You might know me better as the Silver Kid, and I'm the reason this scum came here in the first place!"
"You're the Silver Kid? Why you're just a . . ."
"Ain't no 'justs' about Mick, sheriff," Curry hastened to intervene as he saw the angry narrowing of Mick's eyes. "I've seen her in action more than once an' she's the real deal!"
"Okay, okay, we're going to need to start at the beginning - - I feel a long story coming on!" Coldwater's sheriff was clearly out of his depth.
"Mary was here alone when it all started," Sam put in. "Maybe you should start with her."
"Good idea," Curry agreed. "I'll go get her."
Mary was just closing Brigitte's door quietly behind her as Curry got there. She leaned against the door and took a deep breath.
"Are you okay, Mary?" Curry asked, immediately concerned. "Is it Brigitte?"
"I'm fine," she assured him. "Brigitte's still alive, although for the life of me I can't explain how considering how much blood she's lost! Joshua's staying with her."
"You up t'talkin' to the sheriff 'bout what happened?"
"Of course, Thaddeus, I'm fine."
Curry cupper her face in his hands, gently running his thumb across the vivid bruise on her cheek and frowned at her swollen, split lip. "I could've killed 'im with my bare hands for doin' this to you, Mary! A bullet was too good for him!"
She sighed. "I wish none of it had to happen at all!"
"Well, wishin' won't fix what's already done, so we just gotta move on from here. Let's go talk t'the sheriff." He put his arm around her and snugged her close as they headed downstairs.
The three men stood respectfully as Curry escorted the girl into the living room.
"Sorry to have to bother you at this time, Mary," Sheriff Taylor apologized. "But it's best if I get my report made while it's still fresh."
"It's quite all right, sheriff, I understand," Mary replied as she sat, organizing her skirts neatly around her.
"Why don't you tell us in your own words how this mess all started?"
"Well, I was in the kitchen baking a pie when I heard banging on the door. I was curious who might be visiting so I just opened the door and there they were - - one of them - - Potter - - pointing a gun at me! He wanted to know where the Silver Kid was. I told him I didn't know anybody by that name, or description, and that's when he hit me!"
"You lied for me?" Mick exclaimed.
"Not exactly lied, Mick, since he asked for a man named the Silver Kid!" Mary replied with a blush and a smile.
"And then?" the sheriff urged.
"They made me go into the kitchen to make them some food and that's when I saw Brigitte crossing the yard. I went to the door supposedly to give coffee to the guard outside, but really to warn Brigitte. I saw her shoot two of the outlaws and then Potter grabbed me and I guess she was afraid of hitting me so that's when Potter shot her! That's about all I can tell you."
"That's fine, Mary, thank you. So, Mick, can you explain why Potter's gang was here after you?" Taylor turned to the diminutive gunfighter.
"I killed Luke Potter - - Nate, his brother, was out for revenge."
"Right, I remember Joshua and Thaddeus mentioning that fact. Well, I can't see how it's anything other than clear-cut self-defense. What do you think, Sheriff Trevors?"
"Pretty plain, I'd say," Lom agreed.
"I guess we'll load the bodies on their horses then and haul 'em down to the undertaker. I'll also put in for the reward money for you all."
"We don't want blood money, Sheriff," Curry said adamantly.
"You're going to need to make repairs to your house here - - that floor, for example, is going to have to be replaced - - ain't no getting all that blood out - - and a new window or two. Might as well put the money to good use - - and not pauperize my townspeople at the poker tables!"
"Maybe you're right, just this once."
"The law down in Arizona and New Mexico's going to want to know the Potter gang's reign of terror is over also!"
"Good God!" exclaimed the cultured voice of Dr. Bartholomew Higgins as he stared horrified at the carnage, stepping gingerly around a large puddle of blood to get out of the way of two deputies carrying an outlaw's body. "Has war been declared in Colorado?"
"Declared, fought, and won all in one day," Curry replied.
Dr. O'Reilly, behind Dr. Higgins, crossed himself and said, "I'd thought to never see such sights again after leaving Ireland!"
"Father, Bartholomew! Thank goodness you're here!" Mary exclaimed. "Brigitte has been shot! Come quickly!"
"Shot? My Brigitte?" Dr. O'Reilly allowed his younger daughter to haul him quickly up the stairs, followed by Dr. Higgins and Kid Curry.
Heyes looked up from his vigil at Brigitte's bedside as the door opened to admit the two doctors and Mary - - Curry remained in the doorway, leaning against the jam with his arms crossed over his chest. Dark brown eyes showed desperate relief. "Thank God, you're both here! You've got to help her!"
"Easy, lad, easy!" Dr. O'Reilly said. "We're going to do what we can, but you're going to have to let us get in there and examine the lass."
"Good God!" Dr. O'Reilly repeated himself, his face paling at the sight of Brigitte drenched in blood lying on the bed.
Heyes glanced sharply at the physician, suddenly suspicious. "You gonna faint there, Dr. Barty? I'm not feelin' too confident in you right now."
"Forgive me, no, I don't faint at the sight of blood - - I just wasn't prepared to see her, someone I know, like this – it's just so barbaric!" the young doctor stammered, but seemed to pull his composure together. "Could you step aside so we can examine her?"
Reluctantly Heyes laid Brigitte's hand on the bed and stood aside to allow the two doctors access to the wounded girl, but he kept a wary eye on the younger.
"Mary, lass, we're going to need a basin of warm water and some clean cloths, if you don't mind," Dr. O'Reilly said.
"Of course, father, it shan't be more than a moment if the water in the kettle hasn't burned all away!"
Curry glanced at his partner, hesitating a moment before following Mary down to the kitchen.
"I'm sure I can get it myself, Thaddeus," the girl said.
"If you think I'm going to let you out of my sight any time soon, you have another think comin'!" Curry retorted.
"To be honest, I am rather afraid to go into the kitchen after what's happened today," she admitted, accepting his company gratefully.
At Brigitte's side her father had taken out his stethoscope and was listening to her heartbeat. "Steady, albeit weak," he reported.
Across the bed, Dr. Higgins said, "Let's get these blood soaked cloths off and see what we've got, shall we?"
Heyes watched anxiously as the two doctors gently worked the makeshift bandages off the wound, revealing an ugly red hole in the center of her chest. His stomach tightened at the sight and he whispered, "I don't understand how she can still be alive after bein' shot dead center like that!"
Dr. Higgins looked across at the outlaw leader and answered, "Fortunately the heart is not dead center as most people assume, rather it's slightly left of center, making Brigitte one lucky girl as the bullet has obviously missed the heart and the lungs as well since I see no signs of bleeding from the mouth!"
"No, there was none of that," Heyes replied. "So, she's gonna be all right?"
"No, I didn't say that, and it rather depends on your definition of 'all right'," the young doctor hedged. "You do know that it's complete possible for a person to live with a bullet in their body, don't you?"
"Yes, I know several men walkin' around with slugs still in 'em."
"Hmm." It was Dr. Higgins turn to eyes to eye the other man suspiciously. "Well, the problem with this bullet's location is that if it shifts it could possibly puncture the heart and kill her!"
"So why don't you take the bullet out?"
"If I go probing for the bullet, I'm just as likely to accidentally puncture her heart and kill her because I would be probing blind."
Heyes clenched his hands into fists to keep them from wrapping themselves around the young doctor's throat and throttling him. "Sooooo, what do you recommend?"
"The prudent option would be to leave the bullet where it is. Brigitte would then have to live a quieter life than she's been used to - - no galloping madly about the countryside, for instance. Even then it would be no guarantee as she could get a bad cold with a severe cough that could also cause the bullet to shift. The travails of childbirth would also be problematic."
"You ain't paintin' too good of a picture, doc!" Heyes growled in frustration. "She may die if you take the bullet out. She carries the bullet and could drop dead any time! What if she has a bad night of tossin' an' turnin'?"
Dr. Higgins shrugged. I am only explaining to you the possibilities."
"I will not live my life as an invalid!" a weak voice from the bed stated emphatically.
"Brigitte!" Heyes exclaimed, his eyes brightening. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever wake up!"
"You two arguing over the top of me makes it pretty near impossible to sleep!"
"We weren't arguing."
"No, you were just discussing all the possible ways I could die! Well, I won't sit around and just wait for the damn bullet to decide to kill me! Take it out!" She closed her eyes, panting, as the effort to speak had exhausted what little strength she had.
Heyes raked his fingers through his hair and spun around to pace across the room and back. "This can't be happening!" he exclaimed softly. "Why can't we ever catch a break?"
"There is one other possibility," Dr. Higgins said hesitantly.
"What is it? Out with it, doc!" Hope leaped to life in the dark eyes.
"There is a new procedure that would make it easier to remove the bullet, but it isn't widely known and is really still experimental," the young doctor began.
"Have you done it before?" Heyes demanded.
"Not personally, but I have assisted and I feel confident I can do it."
"What does it entail, lad?" Dr. O'Reilly queried.
"I have to open up the chest cavity so that I can have a clear view of the bullet's path, or even the bullet itself, so that way I won't be probing blindly. It's still no guarantee of survival particularly because of the threat of infection, but it's the best chance she has to ever live her normal life again."
"Do it!" Brigitte whispered hoarsely.
"I'm afraid you are too weak from blood loss and trauma to survive it right now. I need to go back to town to get my instruments and notes. If this is what you want, I'll come back in one week - - a week in which you will rest and rebuild your strength. You will stay in bed and limit your movements to only the briefest and most necessary. It goes without saying that this plan is useless if the bullet shifts and kills you before I can get back!"
"Understood," said the injured girl.
"I'll tie her down if I need to," Heyes promised.
"I'm certain that won't be necessary, Joshua," Dr. Higgins frowned.
"Obviously you don't know Brigitte like I do, Dr. Barty!" Heyes winked and flashed his dimpled grin at the bed-ridden girl, who smiled weakly back.
"Here's the water and cloths, Father," Mary announced from the doorway.
"Very good," Dr. O'Reilly boomed. "Could you come in and help us get Brigitte cleaned up and comfortable?"
"Of course, Father."
"Joshua, Bartholomew, if you could excuse us, we should preserve as much of Brigitte's modesty as possible."
Heyes stepped in front of the doctor and leaned forward to claim Brigitte's lips in a gentle kiss. "I'll be right back as soon as you're presentable. Lom has decided to pay us a visit so I'd better find out what he wants."
"No more dangerous jobs, promise?"
"I promise."
Heyes quietly closed the door and leaned against it with a deep sigh. Curry looked at him in silent concern. Then the dark outlaw leader rubbed a hand across his eyes and seemed to almost physically shake himself. "Let's go see what Lom wants, shall we?"
"Let's."
"Before you do that, Joshua, I should really see to that wound in your leg," Dr. Higgins said.
"It's nothin', Barty, just a flesh wound."
"Nevertheless, infection is a distinct possibility - - and I would appreciate a word with you."
Heyes took in the serious face of the young doctor. "Ah! Well, in that case, I'm all yours. We can use the next room down here."
Inside the room, Heyes eased onto the edge of the bed and extended his injured limb. "Really, doc, it's not a big deal - - I've had plenty worse!"
"I'll just check that it doesn't need stitches, apply some antiseptic and a clean bandage."
"Fine, fine," the outlaw leader sighed.
Dr. Higgins snipped the strip of cloth that bound the wound but found that the cloth pad had stuck. He wet it liberally with antisepti causing Heyes to suck in his breath. "While that soaks in, I'd like to talk to you about Brigitte. I want to make sure you are clear on just how grave her situation is."
"I think I'm pretty clear on that point, doc, why?"
"I don't know who you and Thaddeus are, but I have the distinct feeling that you are very dangerous men and I don't want you to be angry with me if, after my best efforts, Brigitte dies!"
"This sounds very familiar, Joshua, 'cept last time it was you layin' in bed nearly dead!" Curry said wryly.
"Wish it was again, Thaddeus!" Heyes replied emphatically. Then to the doctor he said, "I don't know why you'd feel like that, Barty, we're just two fellas startin' up a horse ranch!" He pasted his most innocent look on his face. "An' if you exert you're best efforts to heal Brigitte and she . . ." he choked. "Ain't no reason for us t'take it out on you!"
Relief swept over Dr. Higgins' face. "That's fine then."
"However," Curry put in, his blue eyes icy. "If we suspect you ain't exerted your best efforts then we may have to revisit this conversation!"
"Thaddeus has a point there, Dr. Barty!" Heyes agreed, winking surreptitiously at his partner.
"But . . . but . . ." Bartholomew Higgins stuttered, his face pasty.
Heyes' lips twisted slowly into a smile and Curry chuckled gleefully. "Relax, doc, we're just funnin' with you!"
Dr. Higgins' eyes darted between the two men unsure what to believe.
"Could you finish up this leg now? We've gotta go talk to our friend."
"Of course!" The bandage now came off fairly easily. "Well, it's no longer bleeding, but it's pretty deep and it's going to leave an ugly scar if I don't stitch it."
"That scar'll have plenty of company, doc, so just bandage it up."
"You'll need to keep it clean and change the bandage every day," the doctor explained as he re-bandaged the leg.
"We know the drill, doc."
Dr. Higgins looked up into the once again serious brown eyes and said, "Why don't I doubt that for a minute?"
"Cuz we're honest fellas, doc, that's why!" Curry grinned.
"Uh huh. Well, take care that Brigitte rest, eats, to rebuild her strength. Do what you can to keep her attitude positive and I'll see you in a week." He put his equipment back into his bag and hurried out the door.
"D'ya think we scared 'im, Joshua?"
"I think we just might have, Thaddeus," Heyes grinned. "C'mon, let's go find out why Lom's here."
The only people left in the house downstairs were Mick, Sam, Lom, and Dr, Higgins, who was tending to Mick's arm graze. The members of the posse were visible in the yard tying the outlaw's bodies onto their horses.
"Why did we think a two story house would be a good idea, Thaddeus?" Heyes complained as he sank gratefully into a chair, his leg throbbing.
"Didn't expect you t'get shot in the leg most likely, Joshua," was Curry's reply.
"We should always expect the worse an' plan accordingly!"
"Brigitte's additions to the house sure paid off today in a big way - - she thinks a lot like you."
"That they did." Heyes sighed. "What am I gonna do if . . ."
"None of that what if'n you're so good at, Joshua!" Curry snapped. "Brigitte's gonna get well an' we're gonna keep on with our plan!"
Lom cleared his throat reminding the two that others were present.
"Sorry, Lom!" Heyes snapped out of his mood and smiled at the ex-outlaw lawman. "So what brought you all the way here from Porterville again?"
Lom reached into the inner pocket of his vest and pulled out two white envelopes. He handed one to each man.
"What's this, Lom?" Curry asked.
"Read it for yourself."
Both men opened their envelope and pulled out a single sheet of paper. Two sets of eyes read the words. Heyes finished first, but said nothing, only narrowing his eyes in thought.
Curry got to the end of the letter and his boyish face lit up with an excited grin. "Amnesty, Heyes!" he exclaimed. "The governor finally kept his promise!"
"So he did, Kid," Heyes replied.
"You don't seem none too happy about it," Curry frowned.
Heyes turned his eyes to his sheriff friend. "The governor ain't runnin' for re-election, is he, Lom? That's why he dared to grant us amnesty, isn't it?"
"Heyes, you're a damn cynic!" Kid growled. "What does it matter why?"
"It matters to me, Kid. Am I right, Lom?" Dark brown eyes bored into the sheriff's
"You're right, Heyes, he's not running for re-election, but he is impressed with all that you've done! I went to the capitol myself after your sheriffin' in Coleville and told 'im what a great job you'd done! I'm sure he'd have granted your amnesty after that even if he was running for re-election!"
"I ain't sure of that at all, Lom, after all the broken promises and delays he's given us all this time!" Heyes' voice dripped bitterness. "This letter ain't enough, Lom."
"What more do you want, Heyes?"
"I want the news published in every newspaper - - front page with a big headline! I want every sheriff, Pinkerton agent, bounty hunter, an' just plain greedy person in this country t'know that there ain't a bounty on us anymore! I don't want to have to carry this letter around with me every day for the rest of my life to prove to every passerby that I ain't an outlaw anymore! An' that's if Kid an' I don't get shot in the back by a bounty hunter before we can show 'im the letter! That's what I want! If he ain't gonna be governor anymore that little thing shouldn't be any skin off his nose!" Heyes' eyes blazed with anger and frustration and determination.
Curry stared at his partner and Lom sat thoughtfully rubbing his chin. The silence reigned thickly until Dr. Higgins burst out, "I knew it! I - - " Anything else he would have said was choked off when Curry turned his cold eyes on the physician. "I'll be leaving now," he said instead and snapped his bag shut and scurried out the door to not be left behind by the posse,
"You got a valid point there, Heyes," Lom admitted. "I'll inform the governor when I get back to Porterville and If I have to I'll go see him again personally."
"That's good. Thanks, Lom," Heyes sighed.
"Can I be excited now, Heyes?" Curry asked plaintively.
"Sure, Kid," his partner replied indulgently.
Mary and Dr. O'Reilly chose that moment to come down the stairs. Curry spun around with a broad grin, which fell away as he took in Mary's paler that usual face.
"Are you all right, Mary?" he asked solicitously.
"Just a wee bit tired and worn, Thaddeus," she replied. "It's been an eventful day."
"That's one way of sayin' it!" the Kid said wryly. "What I meant was considerin' you bein' sensitive t'pain an' all . . ."
"I'm fine. Brigitte isn't really in all that much pain if she doesn't move around."
"That's real good. Lom here brought Heyes an' me some news," Curry began.
Mary caught her breath. "You got your amnesties?"
"We got our amnesties!" Curry whooped and swept her up in his arms and spun her around.
"Oh, Thaddeus, Joshua, that's wonderful news! Brigitte will be so pleased when she hears!" Once Curry planted her back on her feet she went to Heyes and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Heyes smiled wanly and sighed, "Well, if you two are done with her then perhaps I should go give her the news."
"You'll be doin' no such thing, laddie!" Dr. O'Reilly boomed. "Brigitte's asleep and you're near to passing out right there! The least you'll do is have a bite of supper to keep up your strength!"
"Oh, no! There's no supper!" Mary cried.
"Why don't you let me fix something, Mary?" Sam offered. "I'm sure there's eggs and bacon in the pantry, aren't there?"
"If you're sure you don't mind, Sam, that would be wonderful!" the girl replied gratefully.
"Could you use some help, Sam?" Mick asked.
"Sure, if you're up to it, Mick."
"So, Lom, how long can you stay?" Heyes asked after Sam and Mick had retreated to the kitchen.
"I'll need to head back in the morning," the lawman replied. "Deputy Harker's a good man, but strange things seem to happen occasionally when I'm gone."
"Really? I certainly can't understand that, Lom," the dark eyes widened in feigned surprise.
"Uh huh. Well, it's best I not leave him alone too long. Best to leave before more snow flies, too."
"Too true," Curry agreed. "You wouldn't want to take a chance on getting snowed in here with us!"
"Why not? It'd be just like old times, Lom!"
"Old times we've all left behind us," Lom snorted. "Gratefully on my part - - I don't relish sleeping on the ground anymore."
"We hope to get as spoiled as you from now on, Lom."
"You have a might nice place here, boys - - isolated enough."
"Not enough, obviously, judging by today!" Heyes shot back bitterly.
"Potter's gang's all dead, Heyes," Curry interjected. "Nobody knows we're here now."
"Let's keep it that way, Kid, an' that includes the governor, Lom! As far as he needs to know, we've disappeared! Leastways we're out of his jurisdiction, and the next governor's, too. You know where we are if anyone needs to get in touch with us. You can be our go between."
"Fine by me, Heyes. In fact, I agree that it's a good idea for you two to disappear for a while, even though you have your amnesties - - give people time to forget - - by people I mostly mean bankers and railroad men!"
"Supper's ready," Mick announced. "Such as it is."
Heyes pushed himself up stiffly from the easy chair and nearly collapsed when he tried to take a step. Immediately the Kid and Lom were at his side to prevent the fall. He opened his mouth to protest, but was silenced by the forbidding look in his partner's eyes, so he remained quiet and allowed the two men to help him hobble to the kitchen.
"Nothing fancy, but it'll keep body and soul together," Sam said modestly as they sat at the kitchen table laden with scrambled eggs, a platter of bacon, a tower of flapjacks, biscuits steaming from the oven, and a huge pot of coffee.
"This is amazing, Sam, Mick!" Mary exclaimed. "If this is what you can do on short notice, what can you do if you have unlimited time?"
"Told you Sam was a pretty amazing cook," Curry reminded her.
"Anybody can do breakfast," Sam put in. "But it's going to get cold if it sits any longer!"
The seven bellied up to the table and platters and bowls of food quickly made the rounds as appetites were aroused by the mouth-watering aromas. Even Heyes, whose appetite frequently resembled that of a bird, ate his share.
Stomachs full they all felt the weariness of the day fall over them like a blanket. Lom yawned and Heyes grinned. "I guess you need your beauty sleep, Lom."
"Not as young as I used to be, I guess."
"None of us are," the ex-outlaw agreed. "Tell y'what, Lom, you take my room tonight."
"I couldn't do that, Heyes."
"Sure you can since I'll be sitting with Brigitte tonight. No point in a comfortable bed goin' t'waste."
"Well, if that's the case then I'll accept with thanks, Heyes."
"That's fine, Lom, let me show you where it is," Heyes offered.
"I'll show him where it is," Curry retorted. "After I help you up to Brigitte's room - - an' I'll have no arguments from you about it!"
"Don't think I'm in any condition to argue, Kid," Heyes agreed ruefully.
With Curry's arm under his elbow, Heyes got stiffly to his feet, most of his weight on his good leg.
Gratefully reaching Brigittes' room, he settled once again into the chair by her bed. "Thanks, Kid," he sighed.
"Can I get you anythin' else, Heyes?"
"That footstool over there would be nice."
Curry moved the stool and Heyes propped his injured leg on it. "Ah, that's better!"
"I'll go get Lom settled then."
Left alone, Heyes sighed deeply as he gazed on the unconscious girl in the the bed. Her face was as white as the sheet covering her, causing the sprinkle of freckles to stand out strongly in constrast.
He picked up her limp hand, turning it palm up. The ghost of a smile played across his lips as he rubbed his thumb over the calluses made by long hours of practicing her fast draw and roping - - no sheltered lady's hands these. He bent his head and pressed his lips to that beloved hand, his heart aching in his chest.
"Joshua?"
His heart leapt at the sound of her voice, weak as it was, and he looked up from the hand he was holding to see green eyes flickering open. "I'm here, Brigitte," he assured her.
"Kind of an exciting day today," she said, her lips twitching slightly at the corners.
"A bit more exciting than I'd like!" Heyes replied.
"Surely you're used to them by now."
"Not when they involve you."
"I guess I've had that adventure I've always wanted."
"And did it live up to your expectations?"
"Aside from getting shot, yes. Next time, I'll be better!"
"No next times! Kid an' I came here t'live peaceful, quiet lives!"
"Lom didn't come to take you away from me again, did he?"
No, Brigitte, he brought us the best news . . ."
"You got your amnesties?" she guessed.
"We got our amnesties!" He smiled. "No more runnin' from posses, or bounty hunters!"
"That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and Thaddeus!"
"Be happy for us - - me an' you - - now you can be sure nothin' will drag me away from you!"
She smiled and her eyes drooped sleepily. "I'm sorry, Joshua, but I think I need to sleep some more."
"Go right ahead, Brigitte, I'll be right here when you wake up."
Lids closed over the emerald eyes and she slept, a tiny smile still on her lips.