The Kid had been torn abruptly from a deep sleep before dawn, by an unsettlingly vivid dream of Joe Briggs claiming the twenty-thousand-dollar reward on him and Heyes, from a grim-faced Lom, watched by Spenser, a bottle of whisky to his mouth. As Briggs had stuffed the money into his pocket, they'd been quickly shoved into separate cells, gagged and handcuffed, unable to communicate or even see each other. The images of the dream lingered, leaving him uneasy and sleepless, so at seven thirty, when the bells rang out for Prime, he was still awake, lying with his eyes wide open, staring at shadows, as the first tendrils of light from the winter sun crept slowly through the curtains.

The Kid's mind often strayed to his partner, and this morning was no exception His mind swirled with images of their shared lives, before settling on the thought that at least his partner was definitely still out there somewhere, because he'd not heard anything about his death or capture. That did bring him some small comfort, but as he had no idea where, less than it might've. He'd sent a letter to Clem, half hoping he'd receive a reply with some word of his partner, but as it was well over a month since she would have received it, and he'd heard nothing from her, that seemed unlikely.

Suddenly eager to shake both the unpleasantness of dream, and his own circular musings, the Kid decided it was time he started his day. So he sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his face, before grabbing his clothes to begin dressing. As the Kid finished fastening his belt, he heard the cheerful sound of youthful laughter, and peered out of his small window, a smile twitching at his lips, as his eyes settled on what had become a familiar and welcome sight: The children running for breakfast, jostling each other cheerfully, with the nuns following more sedately, their faces soft with amused affection. As he watched, he wished not for the first time, that Heyes was here to see this place. The love the nuns clearly had for the children, and the happiness they provided them, despite them being orphans, had helped ease the well buried but still occasionally painful feeling of being told repeatedly he had no right to be anything but silently grateful for anything he received because he was a burden and had somehow brought the death of his parents on himself. He was sure it would have done the same for Heyes, because he knew his partner carried the same memory, as once, when they'd been slightly drunk, and coming down from the high of a hugely successful robbery, the conversation had drifted into areas they rarely spoke of, and that had come up.

Even after the children ran out of sight, the Kid continued looking out of the window, contemplating the lack of snow so late into the winter. December in Yuma was like nothing he'd really experienced before, as though he and Heyes had often talked about spending the winter down in Mexico, especially when as leaders of the Devil's Hole Gang, they'd had the resources to do so, it'd never gone any further than talking. Ultimately, because neither of them had felt comfortable with leaving the boys to their own devices for any longer than a few days, they'd ended up spending their winters in or near the hideout. And of course, their last winter had been spent holed up in a cabin, dreaming of a better future that had been stolen along with their gold. Along with the lack of snow, the ability to work outside in a long-sleeved shirt and pants rather than having to bundle up, while not unpleasant was odd. Having no one who understood the strangeness of it, had only reinforced how alone he was now. Despite the kindness of the nuns, and the sanctuary he'd found here, he still missed Heyes. With Christmas looming and being back to full health, he was finding that his regret at how he and Heyes had parted, only growing stronger, instead of fading as the time since they'd last seen each other stretched into close on a year.

Before heading out to breakfast, irritated at himself, he tried to shrug off the discontent and loneliness, because after all it'd been his choice to leave Heyes, and he'd had months to get used to it. However, despite his best efforts he failed in his attempt to banish the clouds, and on entering the refectory, still felt enough out of sorts not to want to face the cheerful chatter of the children. So after claiming a bowl of delicious smelling cornmeal from the nuns on breakfast duty, he took a seat at one of the empty simple wooden tables, near the door and away from the youngsters.

Despite his gloom he still tucked into the simple but tasty fare with eagerness, as he wondered whether perhaps he had stayed too long, and if it was time to move on. But he realised he wasn't ready leave here yet. The need for company was what had driven him to seek ranch work in the first place, leading to his injury, and he had no eagerness to face long lonely days and nights on the trail again, with no one to talk to except his horse. He'd think about it again in January, when hopefully with Christmas over, he'd feel Heyes' absence less keenly, because it'd been more than ten years, since the last and only Christmas he and his partner had spent apart. So, once the year turned, he'd hopefully be more able to push the loneliness to the back of his mind,and find being on his own less trying. Though experience had taught him that was unlikely, he still tried to convince himself that this time it'd be better, as there was no realistic alternative to be had.

As he finished eating, the sound of light footsteps drew his attention from his dreary thoughts. He wasn't surprised to see Billy in front of him with his face pulled down into a slight frown as he said. "You didn't come say hello, Thaddeus! I've got something I gotta show you! C'mon."

"Billy, I ain't really in the mood, maybe later." The Kid had decided that he was just going to bury himself in whatever work was needed and wallow in his misery, because it was taking too much energy this morning to be positive, but Billy was having none of it, his face a picture of concentration, he tugged firmly on his arm urging him to his feet as he said. "I got lessons later, it's gotta be now."

The Kid sighed in protest, but feeing unable to resist the boy's pleading, got slowly to his feet and allowed Billy to lead him out into the grounds where the young boy yelled. "Last one to the tree is a skunk!" before shooting off down the hill towards the Palo Verde tree. The Kid never one to turn down a challenge, belted down after him, and was nearly on his heels, when obviously hearing him, Billy bent down, picked up a lump of sandy sod, and threw it at the Kid, meaning he had to slow and dodge, to avoid being hit by it as it flew towards him. Then as the Kid steadied himself, the boy took a diving leap, and rolled down the hill, easily beating Kid to the tree. He scrambled to his feet, just as Kid reached him, and as he brushed himself down, laughing hard at the slightly shocked expression on the Kid's face, said breathlessly. "Skunk!"

The Kid shook his head in amused exasperation at the boy's smug expression, though the familiarity of it made his heart ache a little as he said firmly."That's cheatin', Billy."

The boy looked a little guilty, and he gave the Kid a quick hug, before his face swept back up into a smile as he said. "Sorry?"

ASJ

"Mr Jones, I believe you are mostly to blame for our broken window. I had thought Sister Valeria would have spoken to you about inappropriate presents. Or did you simply choose to ignore her?"

The Kid shifted a little nervously, as he stood in front of the desk of the Mother Superior, who was glaring at him over her glasses in great disapproval. He was suddenly eleven again, and could almost feel the lick of the Dean's belt on his backside. "I'm sorry, Ma'am." At her even more disapproving expression, he took a deep breath. He was already expecting to be told to pack up and leave, a few weeks earlier than he would have liked, but he was still trying to save young Billy from too severe a punishment. So hoping that using the address he'd been informed months ago was appropriate, but still struggled with, might soften her irritation a little said. "Reverend Mother, as you say it is my fault Billy had the catapult. I'll pay for the damage, and I'll be on my way in the morning."

The Mother Superior's expression softened and her lips twitched into a small smile. "There is no need for payment, the town is more than happy to make minor repairs for free, in gratitude for the aid we render their sick." She quickly added with some humour in her tone. "I have been here for over twenty years, do you suppose this is the first time a boy has broken one of our windows?" She paused and laughed, then added a little ruefully. "And I very much doubt it will be the last. There is no need for you to leave. In fact I believe you too may benefit from helping young Billy with his extra chores, though of course I cannot demand it of you. Plus he will be sent to his bed early, straight after supper, for the next three days, though I don't suggest you share that punishment."

The Kid blinked, as he said with some surprise. "Chores? After supper?" He still remembered only too well, he and Heyes being sent to bed without food, and with bruised, swollen backsides, and how sometimes in addition to those punishments, they'd even being forced to sleep out in the stables whatever the weather, when they'd been caught doing something far less serious than breaking a window.

She gave him another piercing look that made him shuffle uncomfortably, but her tone was as sympathetic as her gaze when she said."I sense that you have experience of an institution which took a far more literal approach to the term rod of discipline, then is practiced here."

The Kid found himself nodding, and saying. "We lost our folks young, and got sent to Valparaiso Home for Waywards, as it was the only place that would take us." He paused, swallowed hard before adding. "It wasn't pleasant, Reverend Mother, so we ran away, when I was twelve and he was nearly fourteen."

She raised her eyebrows at the we, but made no comment,and simply nodded, her expression growing even more sympathetic, no doubt as she thought of two youngsters out on their own with only each other for support.

When the silence threatened to become uncomfortable, the Kid eager to escape her perceptiveness, swallowed hard and said. "Where is Billy now? I'll go tell him he'll have help with those chores of his."

The Mother Superior nodded at him in approval, before with a glance over at the clock against the wall said. "He will be helping Sister Carlotta to peel potatoes."

As the Kid reached the door, the Mother Superior's said. "This other boy you mention? Where he is now?"

The Kid threw her a sad smile as he said softly. "I wish I knew, Reverend Mother, I wish I knew."

ASJ

They were sitting enjoying a beer in the busiest and best place to drink and play cards in the town closest to where they'd bought land, when Heyes felt the Kid tense and stare over at something. He followed his partner's gaze and smothered a sigh as he realised someone was striding towards them. As he came closer, they both recognised him as Albert Wilson, owner of the saloon, proprietor of the cafe at the end of the main street, as well as also being the largest stakeholder in the biggest hotel in town.

At the intent expression on his face, Heyes' stomach tightened and the Kid blew out a heavy breath, and shifted in preparation for what he was sure would be some kind of confrontation.

Heyes patted the Kid's hand in a hopefully calming gesture, and placed an ingratiating smile on his face as the man reached their table and said. "You're Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, I was on a train you held up several years ago."

The Kid after a glance over at Heyes, looked over at the man and his voice was tense as he said. "We don't do that anymore and I'm sure you know we ain't wanted no more. "

Heyes was as irritated as his partner at the thought of losing access to a steady flow of money, but managed to keep his tone level as he said. "If someone is complaining I can assure you the money we spend here is honestly made, and I do not cheat. I don't need to." He suspected one of the idiot poker regulars had complained, unhappy with losing more than he could explain away to his wife.

Wilson gave them both a slightly nervous smile and said quickly. "Ahh no boys, its nothing like that I simply have a business proposition for you."

The Kid kicked out the empty chair as Heyes waved him to sit down with a smile. "Do tell, Mr Wilson."

Clearing his throat quickly, the man said. "I want to sell up by the end of the year, and I'm offering you first refusal on the businesses."

Heyes felt his suspicions rise, wondering at the man's eagerness to sell seemingly successful businesses to two notorious ex outlaws, and saw the same distrust in the Kid's expression as they looked at each other.

Wilson correctly interpreting their mood coughed and said softly. "I am not surprised you're a little wary gentleman. But let me explain, I nearly lost my beloved Emily at the beginning of the year, and I swore to myself if she was spared, I would not neglect her again. Once she is fully recovered, we plan to go to Europe, and because she deserves a trip to remember I of course need cash. After looking into you boys I think you and my businesses would be the perfect fit."

Heyes could hear the sincerity in the man's tone, emphasised by the slight crack in his voice at the memory of his wife being sick. A glance over at his partner confirmed that he too believed him, and when the Kid gave a small nod, Heyes said casually. "We might be interested. But first we need to know what price you're expecting for them."

The man's smile broadened and he stood, "I think this discussion would be better completed in my office, where you can study the books, and I can answer any questions you have."

And a few weeks later, after a lot of research, and a bit of silver tongue persuasion, Heyes and the Kid with the help of a loan from Silky were the proud owners of three successful businesses at a price that was more than fair.

ASJ

In their comfortable cabin, in front of a blazing fire, feet up and well fed, the Kid was flicking through a gun magazine he'd bought, thinking favourably about taking a nap, before heading back into town for a night of cards, beer, and possibly something a little more intimate with either Rosie or Ellen. Owning a saloon had done nothing to cure either he or Heyes of enjoying visiting one, though usually they spent their downtime in the smaller Silver Dollar, because while not as good as their own, it had the advantage of allowing them the freedom to relax as whatever happened was generally someone else's problem.

Heyes was sat at the large table on the other side of the fire, studying their books, making approving humphs as he made marks on several pages.

Too comfortable to move, the Kid simply discarded the magazine, and closed his eyes. The crackling of the fire, and the quiet scratching of his partner's quill quickly lulled him into a light doze. He wasn't sure how long it'd been when he became aware that the sound of the quill had stilled, and that his partner's gaze was resting on him. Opening his eyes, he said in mild concern as he looked over at his partner. "Something up, Heyes? We being diddled on something? Or we getting short on cash?"

Both scenarios seemed unlikely, and the small spark of worry faded as quickly as it'd flared, when Heyes shook his head, his face breaking into a smug smile. "As if anyone would dare cheat Hannibal Heyes or Kid Curry, and we're definitely not short on anything." His grin widened as he tapped the ledger with great satisfaction and added. " In fact we're turning an even better profit than Wilson did, and with the loan paid off last month, its all ours now." After another pleased glance down at the book in front of him, he continued happily. "As we are doing so good, I was just thinking we oughta go somewhere warmer this year for Christmas. 'Cos there sure ain't no need for us to freeze our asses off, when we got enough cash, staff, and time to get away for a couple of weeks."

The Kid nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting to the window where as he looked out, he could clearly see a heavy sky that threatened snow in the next few hours, same as most every day in the last week. Still looking out at the gathering dusk he asked. "Where ya thinking Heyes, Mexico?"

When no answer was immediately offered, the Kid looked back at his partner surprised at the silence, but when Heyes brandishing a timetable in his hand, said with a small dimpled grin. "Well I've heard that Yuma ain't bad at this time of year. Not Mexico warm, but warm enough not to snow!" his own face broke into a broad smile at the thought of visiting the children again. They'd got a letter from the Mother Superior just last week thanking them for their continued support, so he knew that the depression had sadly meant very few of their charges had found loving families in the last year. And the convent wouldn't let them go without that guarantee of happiness, which kept the children safe, but made their stay at the orphanage longer than any of the nuns would have liked, but they knew it was the best way to be. The Kid and Heyes agreed, having heard of several cases in Valpo, when all the adoptive family had wanted was another pair of hands to help them, and had little interest in offering a loving home to a vulnerable child.

ASJ

On arriving at the orphanage, the Kid was disappointed not to see Billy in the small group of children who greeted them excitedly, their faces lighting up at the sight of the brightly coloured packages peeking out of the sacks over their visitors shoulders.

The Nun with them was a young woman that the Kid didn't recognise, but she gave him a small smile and said shyly. "I'm Sister Elizabeth, I arrived here last month. I just took my vows two years ago. Billy doesn't ever stop talking about you, Mr Curry, and Jimmy is just as bad chattering about Mr Heyes."

"Sister, call me Jed, please."

"And its just Heyes, Miss."

The Kid looking round him, saw his own surprise at Billy's continued absence mirrored in both Heyes and the young nun's expressions, as the lady said. "I don't know where Billy's got to. Mother Superior wanted to see him, but he's not in any trouble, so she shouldn't have kept him long."

ASJ

Sister Gloria caught up with them as they were leaving the refectory, and said with a smile. "Our Reverend Mother, wishes to speak with you, Hannibal, she has a project that she thinks you could help her with."

The Kid smiled, when Heyes sighed quietly, the leader of the convent managed to make them both feel like particularly mischievous little boys, in dire need of adult supervision to keep them out of trouble, rather then two grown men, who'd once been the most successful outlaws in the west and he didn't envy his partner having to spend time in her presence. But his own expression quickly dropped into a resigned frown when she added. "And you Jedediah, the children are quite eager for you to read them the latest dime novel detailing your prior exploits." She paused then added. "We do try and discourage such reading, but it is hard to say no, when they find such joy in the books."

Heyes was unsuccessfully hiding a grin at the Kid's expression, when he said. "See you back at the room, Kid. Hope you're in good voice."

The Kid glared at him, then his face relaxed into a small wry smile, and he nodded before following Gloria out towards the children's indoor play area, as Heyes headed in the other direction towards the administration building.

Heyes stopped before entering Mother Superior's comfortable office when he saw she had company, thinking to wait until they were finished, but he was waved in, as the older nun nodding over to the younger woman said. "Sister Vicenza, this is Hannibal Heyes. I believe he will be of help in assisting us with your plan of improving the water supply here. He is, I am told, quite the expert with dynamite."

Vicenza smiled broadly at him as she said with a strong Mexican intonation to her voice. "I believe the Reverend Mother has much concern that I may blow us up, as I find dynamite most, what is the word ahh yes, most exhilarating."

A couple of hours later, after several spirited discussions, he, Sister Vicenza, and the Reverend Mother, had managed to come up with a plan that they all felt was workable, and Heyes exited with a smile on his face, having found the experience an enjoyable one. The fierce intelligence of the women, especially Vicenza's had intrigued him, and he was mildly disappointed that the younger woman was so committed to her calling as he would have liked to get to know her better, her spirit and beauty, attracting him in a way that few women did. But he was also honest enough to consider the possibility, that the fact she was so unattainable, was what made her so attractive to him.

A loud "psst" came out of the bushes, distracting him from his slightly rambling thoughts, and he peered into the gloom, where he spied a slightly irritated Jimmy glaring at him. "You've been ages, and I gotta talk to you 'bout Billy and me. Before I get chased off to bed, 'cos they still think I'm a baby!"

Heyes smothered a laugh at the disgusted tone in Jimmy's voice, and followed the boy to the bench lit by a gas lamp just down the hill and as they sat down asked. "What's up with you and Billy?"

Heyes was pretty sure whatever Jimmy was going to tell him, was the reason for Billy's puzzling absence since they'd arrived.

ASJ

Billy wasn't in the group of children waiting for the Kid, and he hadn't even appeared by the time the Kid finished the book, answered the excited questions thrown at him, and Sister Gloria had reappeared to chivvy the children gently into bed.

On his way out the Kid asked where he was, and the nun aware of the friendship between them, gave him a small smile and shrugged a little sympathetically as she said. "I've not seen him since just before his meeting with the Reverend Mother. If he's not back in an hour I'll go look for him." She paused then added. "I am a little surprised he hasn't been around, as he was really quite excited about you visiting, but you know how boys can be, something must have caught his attention. I'm sure you'll see him in the morning."

The Kid managed a smile at her, and began to head towards the guest quarters, but when they came into view, he decided he wasn't ready to return to them just yet, so instead he changed direction and walked to the Palo Verde tree. He settled himself under it, aware of both puzzlement and a hard knot of disappointment at Billy's continued absence. He'd not been there long, when his ears pricked up at a soft rustling coming from his right. He looked over to see Billy perched on one of the lower branches watching him. They stared at each other in silence for a moment, then the young boy swung himself down to take a seat next to him and said without any preamble, "Someone wants to adopt me. They're coming for me on Christmas Eve, cos they want me to have a proper family Christmas, before we go to New York in January. James, he wants to be my new Pa, has got an uncle out there, and he's bin offered a real good job at some fancy college. They ain't gonna push, but Reverend Mother says they're real keen to have me. Lily, she''s eager to be my new Ma, and wants me to help her decorate my room, so its just how I like it."

The Kid said softly, a bittersweet joy sweeping over him at the words. "Well, that's good news ain't it?"

Billy sniffled, wiped his nose and said quietly. "But I won't ever see any of the sisters again, or you even, because New York is so far, and I'm gonna have leave all my friends behind. 'Cept Jimmy, cos they're gonna take him as well, so we both have a brother. He'll have his own room too. Jimmy says we oughta say yes, but I ain't sure."

The Kid swallowed hard, understanding the conflict, but he knew it was important that Billy took the second chance that he and Heyes had never been offered. With a deep breath and a silent wish that he had Heyes' silver tongue, he said firmly. "They sound like real good people, Billy, it seems a shame to let 'em down by saying no."

"That's what Sister Valeria said, and the Mother Superior too, but I still ain't sure."

The Kid stared into the distance for a minute then turned back to meet the gaze of the young boy, who was looking at him with such trust, and reached for what he hoped were the right words to convince him to take the offer of a new family.

"Remember when I told ya I was leaving, and you said I had to go with my family? Well these people want to be your family, and you have let yourself give them that chance, or you'll all regret it forever!"

Billy looked at him as he said quietly. "I don't really remember my first family, they died when I was real little, but I kinda feel I'd be letting them down if I go with James and Lily."

The Kid though older when his family had died, couldn't always see his parent's faces clearly in his memory, but he remembered being loved, and that brought him comfort, even all these years later, and he knew with certainty that they would have wished him settled within a new family if he'd had that chance."Your Ma and Pa loved you, and they'd want you to take this second chance at being part of a loving family, just like mine would've been happy, if it'd happened for me."

With the Kid thinking about the past, and Billy no doubt thinking about his future, silence fell between them, which was only broken when with a "Ahh there you are." Heyes came over to them. Kid knew from the expression on his face, that he'd heard about the adoption, most likely from Jimmy, but all his partner said was. "Everything all right?"

Heyes had glanced over at the Kid as he asked the question, but it was Billy who answered him. "Someone wants to adopt me and Jimmy!"

Heyes looked over at his partner and caught the rapid play of emotions that crossed his face, and sat down next to him, patting his knee as he said to Billy. "Bet you're real excited 'bout that."

Billy jumped up, and said happily. "I am now." He paused before adding enthusiastically. "I gotta go find Sister Valeria and tell that I wanna go, and then go find Jimmy too." He gave the Kid a tight hug before bounding off as he said. "See ya tomorrow, and then I can show you how much better I am with a catapult now. I ain't broken a window in three months!"

The Kid looked over at Heyes, warmed by the sympathetic understanding that crossed his face as he said. "Jimmy told me their new family are taking them to New York after the New Year." With a squeeze on his shoulder, Heyes added. "We did promise Clem we'd visit her, and I got a hankering to go east, to see if those poker games are as easy pickings as Silky claims they are. I'm thinking next spring would be a good time to visit, because I want to see something East of the Mississippi, before we're too old to appreciate it."

"What do you mean too old? Remember I got two years less on me."

Heyes laughed. "I was sure I saw some grey in your hair on the train here, but I was too polite to mention it."

The Kid's hand went up towards his hair, before he caught the wicked gleam in his partner's eyes, so instead he let it settle on his knee as he said. "Heyes, if we're talking about grey hair...You looked in a mirror lately?"

Heyes glared, then laughed, and together they stood ,and began to walk down towards the guest quarters, discussing how best to get to New York in April.