Title: Future Possibilities
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one
The next hour was a blur of horses, crowds, bars, hotels, boarding houses and police. Lucy actually lost count how many times they dodged law enforcement as they searched a six block radius between the Wigwam and Hines's office and back again. On the bright side Lucy was no longer wet but her clothes were stiff and uncomfortable and her feet hurt. She knew they were close to the end on this one. With things set up for the convention and knowing Hines could only be in so many places. Yet they were striking out at each stop.
"Hines, two 'clock."Danny said enthusiastically as he pointed down the street to the left of the Wigwam.
Lucy followed the youth's direction and saw Hines standing with a group of four men just outside of a bar. They could tell from here that despite the Chicago police's attempt at crowd control the bar was full.
"Go around the block."Wyatt ordered. "I don't want to spook him."
They quickly rode around to the other side of the bar. They'd just came out of the alley and onto a side street when their path was blocked by six men. Danny tried moving his horse around the group but was stopped.
"We're just passing through."Wyatt stated calmly.
"You're coming with us."A blond man in his thirties in the middle of the group said as he raised a pistol. "There's a nice little reward on the three of you."
"Wyatt."Lucy whispered as she felt her face pale.
Danny raised his own weapon.
"Not going to happen."Danny countered. "You're going to let us pass."
The men laughed.
"Is that right, son?"The leader replied with a grin.
Danny raised his weapon and pulled back the hammer. Wyatt started to urge his horse forward reaching to stop him but it was too late.
"Danny!"Wyatt shouted.
The shots hit a crumbling overhang of the next building. One that had already been damaged by the night's earlier riots. The wood some of it still smoldering fell with a loud creak right onto the men blocking their path. More accurately it took out four of the men and the other two scrambled for safety.
"You were saying?"Danny asked with a cocky grin.
"He definetely takes after you."Lucy muttered in relief.
"Hines is gone."Wyatt said as they reached the main street.
"We've attracted attention too."Danny added.
People had left the bar and more were standing on the sidewalk by the Wigwam watching.
"Cops at the end."Wyatt stated looking towards the left end of the street.
"If there's a reward for us..."Lucy prompted.
"Don't want to wait to find out if there's criminal charges attached."Wyatt finished.
"You two still do that, huh?"Danny asked with a brief grin.
"Apparently."Lucy replied then sobered."Looks like that group is gaining support."
Wyatt looked back to where they'd come and saw a small crowd gathering and helping pull the men from under the fallen overhang.
"Let's go around the Wigwam, tie the horses and go inside and backtrack."Wyatt suggested.
With a last look at the crowded street the trio quickly moved on.
/If only you could see this, Lizzy./Danny thought as the group reached the back of the convention center.
Knowing he was going back to the beginning of his parent's relationship was one thing. Experiencing it, seeing it and interacting with them was an entirely different thing. Plus seeing them so new to the time travel and watching them feel their way along and succeed. TT Industries and the time travel missions were well established by the time Danny reached adulthood. Shaking himself free of the thoughts Danny hurried to catch up with his would be parents as they maneuvered through the still crowded main floor of the Wigwam.
"Upstairs!"Wyatt shouted being the one this time to spot Hines.
Unfortunately it also drew attention to them. Danny saw two men corner Lucy drawing her from Wyatt.
"No!"Danny yelled running forward.
Wyatt drew his gun and Lucy moved to his side. As more men closed in Wyatt shoved Lucy towards Dahny. She stumbled and Danny reached forward and steadied her.
"Get her to safety, Danny."Wyatt ordered.
"We're safer together."Lucy replied stubbornly.
"Out the other exit."Wyatt commanded as the trio backed away.
Danny spun after a few steps but not in time. Six more armed men stood there weapons drawn. Danny's hand inched towards his own gun and he glanced at his father. After a beat Wyatt caught his gaze and shook his head. Danny understood and moved his hand away. Too many innocents could get hurt in the crossfire.
"Drop your weapon."One of the men near Wyatt ordered.
Reluctantly Wyatt placed his gun on the ground and kicked it over.
"Move."Another man ordered gruffly.
The group started forward and Danny balled his right hand into a first looking for a chance. Lucy saw it and placed a hand on his arm and shook her head.
"We'll find another way."Lucy whispered.
Danny relaxed his hand and sighed. He hoped she was right. Remembering all the stories Danny had heard over the years of their missions of their close calls he clung to that. Had to be another chance; there had to be...too much was at stake. For history and their family.