Chapter 26

Vin helped Billy down from his horse. He settled the boy on his feet and the young'un wrapped his arms around Vin's legs. For a minute Vin was overwhelmed with the hopelessness of what evil men could do to the innocent. He looked up at Mary and saw the bruise under her eye and knew Lucy must have suffered just as many injuries for the same reason—Vin hadn't protected her. He was the law in town and those men had come straight in to the bank and taken Mary and Billy on their way out with the money and Vin hadn't been able to slow them down, let alone stop them. Same as he hadn't done one thing to keep Lucy safe from Eli Joe.

"Vin?" Billy asked.

Vin shoved aside the thoughts. They'd still be there to torment him later.

"Yeah, Pard?" Vin asked, looking down at the little boy. Billy had his own bruises and had been holding his arm gingerly.

"You're gonna stay with us tonight, right? Me and my ma? You won't leave us, will you?"

"Billy," Mary chided gently, but Vin spoke quietly.

"I ain't gonna leave you or your ma. I'll make sure you're safe." He looked at Mary in question.

In spite of the firm line of her jaw—an obvious attempt at holding herself together—her shoulders sagged slightly and a soft breath of relief escaped. "We'd appreciate that, Vin."

Vin gave Billy's hair a gentle tussle, then reached up to help Mary down from the horse. She was steady on her feet on the ground, but she didn't release her hold on his upper arms. Vin didn't rush her. His hands were light on her waist and the very real presence of her this close to him was a balm after a night spent tracking her and her son and not knowing if he would be too late.

"I knew you would come," Mary said under her breath.

Vin wanted to tell her he always would find her, no matter what, but the words wouldn't come, buried under the remembered fear of seeing her and Billy taken from town.

Billy shifted restlessly and Vin forced himself to step away from Mary, though he kept a hand on the small of her back, needing the contact to remind himself she was safe. "We should have Nathan take a look at Billy," Vin said.

Mary nodded and pulled Billy close to her side, mindful of the arm he was favoring.

"I'll see to the horses," Vin said.

"What? No!" Billy cried out, his eyes growing wide with terror. "NO! Don't leave us! What if those men—"

"Hey now," Vin said, getting down to one knee in front of Billy and catching his eyes. "Those men aren't gonna be able to hurt no one. And I won't let no one get near you ever again."

Billy had his hand gripping the front of Vin's shirt and Vin couldn't bring himself to pry the boy off. Not after what he had been through that night.

"I'll just tie the horses here," he said. "Buck'll see 'em when he gets back."

A relieved breath whooshed from Billy and he nodded. Vin glanced up at Mary and saw the worry lining her face when she looked down at her son.

"I'll stick close by," Vin said, reassuring both of them. "Let's get you both home."

#

Lucy sagged against the porch post, catching her breath. Her legs threatened to give way under her. She ran a hand over her face, trying to clear her vision. She looked out over the ranch yard, the morning sun casting a golden glow. Or evening. Lucy blinked, struggling to get her bearings. She had been awake through the night, desperately trying to bring Chris' fever down, to keep his struggling and labored breathing from worsening. She had dozed off in the chair alongside his bed sometime around sunrise and woken when his next violent coughing fit started.

Morning. It was morning. She needed to feed the animals and get back to Chris. She shook her head, but it did little to help her focus. Her limbs felt like lead as she performed the now familiar routine, apologizing to the horses who were going to be neglected again today. She could see how badly Chris' stallion was needing to be ridden, stretch his legs.

Lucy turned them out into the small pasture behind the barn, at least giving them some freedom from their stalls. She looked around at the other chores that needed attention, but she couldn't leave Chris long enough to tend them.

She gathered the last armload of firewood to carry into the house. She would need it to heat broth for Chris. And then she would have to replenish the supply, chopping wood later in the day.

Inside, she stoked the stove and tested the tea kettle. It was still warm from last night. She poured a cup for Chris, adding the tea leaves to steep and carrying it to his room. She thought briefly of pouring a cup for herself, she wasn't entirely sure the last time she had eaten. Maybe some bread earlier in the day yesterday?

She could hear Chris wheezing and made a mental note to get something for her own meal after she tended to him.

Lucy blinked, trying to keep her eyes open. Her shoulders rounded forward with fatigue.

She held the cup of tea in her hand, the spoon in the other as she settled back on the wooden chair at Chris' side.

"Try to take a sip," she pleaded softly.

Chris didn't show any sign he had heard her.

She held the spoon to his lips and trickled the liquid into his mouth, holding her breath until he swallowed. His breathing sounded worse. His skin was still flushed, but his lips had taken on a dusky hue.

She tried again to trickle more liquid into his mouth, but he didn't swallow it, it spilled out. Lucy carefully dabbed at his face, cleaning the spoonful of tea away. She tried again with the same result.

Lucy held back a sob. She needed help. Chris needed help. But she couldn't leave him long enough to go get Nathan.

Chris' fingertips were the same dark color as his lips. She bit her lips together as tears stung her eyes. She set the mug aside and took his hand in hers.

"Chris," she pleaded. "You have to get better." She squeezed his hand, willed him to respond in some way. He struggled for another breath. "I need you," she whispered, the words surprising her, but no less true. She didn't just need him to guard her from the threat of Eli Joe. She had come to depend on his steady presence being nearby. Looking over to see his mouth twitch with humor and having her heart lift. Watching him patiently work with Gal and bring back the horse she had known before Eli Joe. "I need you, Chris," she whispered, fiercely this time. She gripped his hand between hers, willing him to hear her and hold on.

#

Buck knocked on the door to Mary's apartment. Belatedly he remembered his hat and took it off.

The door opened but it was Vin, not Mary, standing there. He looked tired, but Buck figured they all were. He, Ezra, and JD had a long ride the night before, bringing the bodies in to the undertaker. He imagined Vin's night hadn't been much more restful, judging by the look of his friend.

Vin opened the door farther without comment and Buck stepped inside.

"Mary?" Buck asked.

"Resting," Vin said. "Finally."

Buck winced. "Rough night?"

Vin moved into the small kitchen and dropped into a chair at the table, nodding his head toward the coffee brewing on the stovetop in unspoken invitation to Buck. "Billy had trouble sleepin'."

"Poor kid," Buck said. If those men hadn't been dead already, he would have gone to finish the job.

"Nathan said the boy's got a busted arm?" Buck poured the coffee and refilled Vin's mug without asking. The man looked like he needed it.

"He splinted it. Doesn't seem to be botherin' Billy too much. Mary's got some bruises. Nothin' that won't heal."

Buck studied Vin. "The rest will heal, too," he said.

Vin lifted weary eyes to him.

"The internal things. The memories. They'll heal from that, too."

Vin nodded, jaw clenching. "Bad enough for Mary and Billy to go through that. But if Lucy had been in town…after what she already went through…" His hand tightened on the mug until his knuckles were a stark white.

"She wasn't, though," Buck reminded him. "She was safe and sound out at Chris' like she's supposed to be."

"Right," Vin said, a heavy sigh escaping.

Buck pulled out the chair across from Vin. "Why don't you go out to the ranch? Clap eyes on her and see she's right as rain? I can hold down the fort here."

Vin's eyes moved toward the closed door that no doubt led to the room where Mary and Billy slept. A worried shadow crossed his face.

"Or," Buck said slowly, "I could head on out there and see that they're just fine. Put your mind at ease. You can stay here with Mary and Billy."

Vin looked torn. "You don't mind?"

"Of course not," Buck said. He stood and set his hat back on his head. "Mary needs you right now. You stay put. I'll take a little ride out to the ranch."

"Thanks," Vin said. "Don't tell Lucy about any of this yet. No need for her to be out there worryin' over nothin'."

"You got it," Buck said. "Tell Billy I'll be by for a game of checkers when I get back."

Vin nodded.

Buck left him in the still apartment and jogged down the stairs. He wasn't feeling all that rested after a night of hunting down would-be kidknappers, but a ride out to the ranch would be good. Get him out of town and clear his mind of the memory of Billy and Mary being snatched.

"Nathan," he called over to the man when he saw him heading down the street toward him. "I'm heading out to Chris'. You want to ride along?"

"I need to check in on Mary and Billy."

"They're both still sleeping. Vin's up there keeping an eye on them."

Nathan nodded then. "I need to head out to the Barclay's, check on Old Man Barclay's busted leg. It's on the way, we can stop by Chris' after."

Old Man Barclay was known for his moonshine. Buck wouldn't mind stopping in to see the man and picking up a quart jug.

He and Nathan got their horses from the livery and headed out of town, the sun fully above the edge of the horizon now.

When they got to the small shack that the moonshiner called home, Buck took the sample the old coot offered and pulled up a seat on an old barrel while Nathan pulled some pouches of dried herbs from his doctoring bag.

Buck savored the shine, no one made it like Barclay did. He'd buy a jug and get an extra for Chris. Hopefully that would take any edge off the situation his friend had found himself in with a wife he hadn't planned for in his house. Might make Chris a might less surly around the girl, too.

Buck had finished his glass when Nathan stood. He accepted a bottle of homemade wine as payment with thanks for the old man.

Buck carefully tucked one jug in each of his saddlebags before swinging back up in the saddle.

The day was warming, but it was pleasant. Buck thought maybe he'd see if Chris needed help with the fences. Might not be a bad idea to give the man a breather from the constant care he'd taken on for Lucy. And give Lucy some space from Chris' brooding silences.

They kept up a good pace and neared the ranch before the sun was too high in the sky. Buck let out a sharp whistle to let Chris know it was them approaching. There was no answering movement from the barns. The house was dark and still.

Buck felt his brow furrow and let out another whistle, this one even louder.

There was no sign of life at the cabin or the barn.

Buck could feel Nathan's worry as they both nudged their horses faster.

"Chris!" Buck called out.

He and Nathan put their hands on their guns as they pulled up close to the house. Buck swung down from his horse, listening for any movement. He exchanged a look with Nathan.

Buck's steps were loud in the silence as he crossed the small porch. The door swung open easily at his touch.

He noted the warmth from the stove. The dishes in the sink caused him pause. That wasn't like Chris or Lucy to leave them to pile up. There was a cutting board with a half chopped onion on it.

Buck moved more quietly through the cabin, listening for sounds of intruder, scanning the empty sitting room at the front of the house. The door to Chris' room was open and Buck pushed it the rest of the way open, peering inside before stopping with a sinking heart.

Chris was leaned back on pillows, his eyes closed, his breathing ragged. His face looked gaunt—sharper planes honed in his jaw and cheeks. Buck heard Nathan step into the room behind him. Chris' hands rested on the sheet that was drawn up to his waist. Buck immediately noticed the way Lucy's small hands were wrapped around Chris' bigger hand, clinging to it, but she wasn't awake, she didn't stir at their entrance. She was seated in a wooden chair drawn up alongside the bed, but her head and shoulders rested forward on the mattress next to Chris. Her tawny hair had fallen free from its braid and spilled out alongside Chris.

Buck sized up the situation quickly. He moved forward, then thought better of it, keeping some distance so he didn't startle Lucy too badly.

"Lucy," he said quietly.

She didn't stir.

Buck crouched down next to her chair. "Lucy," he tried again.

She startled awake, her eyes flying open. Her grip on Chris' hand instinctively tightened and she moved closer to Chris. Buck wasn't sure if it was for her protection or Chris'. Then she recognized him, the last cobwebs of sleep clearing from her eyes. Buck didn't miss the way her hands never let go of Chris'.

Buck sat back on his heels, giving her a little more space.

Confused, bewildered blue eyes moved from him to Nathan before her face crumpled.

"You're here?" she said, sounding like she didn't trust her eyes. "You here." Her lip trembled and those big blue eyes blinked more quickly. Tears threatened.

"We're here," Buck assured her. He looked over at Chris, then back at Lucy. "What happened?" he asked.

Lucy voice trembled, same as her hands. "He…he was coughing, then—then his fever…and he—I've been trying to…" Tears dampened her lashes.

"You did just fine," Nathan said calmly even as Buck saw him taking in Chris' state. "Buck, can you grab my doctoring bag from my horse?"

Buck nodded and ran to get it. The way Chris looked, he wasn't sure what Nathan could do, but he hoped they hadn't arrived too late.

#

Lucy watched Nathan examine Chris.

"When did the fever start?" Nathan asked.

Lucy tried to remember how many nights had passed with her at Chris' bedside. "I—I'm not—I don't—"

"That's alright," Nathan said. His voice was like a balm. To not be here alone, trying what little she could to help Chris. To have someone who had medical knowledge take over. It was all she could do to keep from collapsing from the relief.

"Why don't you take a little lie down, get some rest?" Nathan asked. "Buck and me can keep an eye on him."

Lucy pressed her lips together tightly and shook her head, feeling Chris' solid hand in hers, reassuring herself he was still with her. Then she flicked her eyes nervously toward Nathan, realizing she had refused his direction.

Nathan gave her a small smile. "That's just fine. You stay here until his fever breaks."

Lucy whispered her thanks and kept her eyes on Chris. She watched every rise of his breath, every change in the blue hue to his skin.

"Lucy," Buck said quietly. She startled, he hadn't spoken while Nathan examined Chris and mixed powder for a medication.

Buck held a plate toward her. "You should eat."

Buck had found the leftover bread she had made before Chris took sick and spread it generously with butter and preserves Chris had brought back from their time in town.

Lucy took the plate. She managed a few bites, but her stomach was too knotted with worry over Chris. She saw Nathan and Buck exchange a look when she set aside the plate with most of the food still on it, but neither one commented.

When the room started to get dark, Nathan lit the lamp and pulled Buck out into the hallway. Lucy couldn't hear what they were saying, but the quiet drone of conversation and knowing she wasn't facing another night alone eased some of the constant tension from her shoulders and she felt her eyelids getting heavy again.

#

Nathan glanced back over his shoulder into the room. Buck saw Lucy tenderly brush the hair back from Chris' face before returning her hold to his hand.

"I need to get back to town," he told Buck. "Make sure Billy's arm isn't paining him too bad and the splint I put it in is holding it where it needs to be to heal."

Buck nodded.

"I wrote out directions for the willow bark tea and the camphor oil. He's in bad shape, Buck."

Buck knew that, but hearing Nathan say it so plainly still gutted him. "He's a tough old dog," he said, needing the reassurance for himself.

"If he makes it through tonight, he has a chance," Nathan said.

"He'll make it," Buck said because Chris not making it wasn't an option. He wouldn't let it be an option.

Nathan nodded. Buck looked again into the room. Lucy's eyes were closed, her head resting on the bed again.

"I'm not telling Vin about this," Nathan said. "Not yet."

Buck nodded in agreement. No need to put Vin in a position to be torn between Mary and Billy needing him nearby and worrying over Lucy here with Chris.

"Try to get her to eat," Nathan said.

Buck nodded again. He walked Nathan to the door and watched him head toward the barn where Buck had put there horses up earlier. Buck had also tended to the chores and cleaned the kitchen, needing to keep busy. Watching his old friend struggle for every breath was too much. He could only imagine how Lucy had managed for the past days.

Buck dragged a hand over his face. He made sure his expression didn't show the dark nature of his thoughts, he wouldn't share that with Lucy.

Buck moved back to Chris' room, wishing he was more of a praying man right about now.

#