THE DAY THEY HANGED HANNIBAL HEYES - Epilogue

Bliss shook each man's hand. "Too bad ya boys chose the path that ya did…you would have made some real fine lawmen…."

Heyes looked at Kid with an amused look on his face.

"... instead of a thorn in every lawman's side west of the Mississippi."

"We are committed now, but it sure seems more dangerous being law-abiding than outlaws." Heyes said.

"Well I don't figure you boys will be headed back to these parts for a while."

"Never," Kid said quickly. "No offense," he added.

"None taken," Bliss said with a laugh.

"Almost forgot," Heyes said as he reached into his bag and pulled out the tin of salve.

Bliss shook his head, "You keep it. I noticed it looks like it's been doing a real fine job on your neck."

Although uncomfortable, Heyes had the blue bandana pulled high and snug on his neck. He began to feel the heavy pull of Kid's hand on his arm as he shifted, trying to take more weight off his injured leg that was beginning to throb.

"Let me help you get Mr. Curry up the steps so you can be on your way."

Heyes gave him a nod of thanks.

Once on the train, Heyes paused in the doorway and turned to Bliss, "You take care of yourself Marshal. It's a dangerous world out there and it ain't always the outlaws you need to be watching out for."

Bliss nodded, "Take care boys. I've got Miss Hale's information so I'll let you know what the Judge decides."

The whistle blew, as Bliss backed away from the train, touching the brim of his hat in a final farewell.

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Denver, Colorado

For once in her life, Clementine Hale was speechless. There was no need for words as her face and body conveyed the horror of seeing her friends broken and damaged. She didn't even know if she wanted to hear or be able handle the details. She was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe. She wanted to hug them both tightly but was afraid to touch either one, especially Kid. Clem shook, wringing her hands in despair.

As Kid reached out a hand to touch and comfort her, she quickly grabbed it and held onto it tightly. She raised it to her lips and kissed the back tenderly, then pressed it to her wet cheeks.

"Ssh darlin'…we'll be fine Clem. It will be okay." Kid said, trying to reassure her.

Clem squeezed her eyes shut and slowly reopened them, drawing in a deep breath.

With a sniff and a faint smile she said, "It will be now."

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