Hank could see the Kid standing only a few feet in front of him barely hearing "Any last words Curry?" He pushed Kyle back against the cabin and peering around the corner of the building he saw the gun aimed at the gunfighter hearing him calmly speak…"Just get it over with." Hank quickly made his decision and, taking one more deep breath, he sprang from the corner of the cabin as he heard the words… "I'm gonna enjoy this." He dove at the Kid knocking him to the ground, Kyle right behind him, firing his gun in an effort to protect his friends. Hank felt a bullet tear through his upper arm as he crashed into the gunfighter and as both of them fell to the ground he heard Heyes yell.
XXX
"NO!" Heyes yelled bursting from the cover of the trees. In the span of only two seconds he saw Wheat's bullet hit home knowing the man was dead before he hit the ground. At the same time he saw the puff of smoke in the stranger's gun as well as Kyle firing off a shot as Hank tackled his partner. He sprinted across the clearing to his men. Hank was already getting to his feet, his sleeve bloody, when Heyes reached them, falling to his knees beside his partner.
"Just grazed his side Heyes, think I knocked him out when I hit him."
"Get Kyle to see to that arm," Heyes said as he pulled a knife from his boot. He quickly cut the ropes binding the Kid's hands, wincing when he saw the torn and bleeding wrists. Gently rolling him onto his back he hissed seeing the blood, dirt and bruises on his friend's face.
"Kid," he said worriedly.
His eyes fluttered and he moaned softly just as Wheat joined them after checking on the man he'd shot…"He's dead." Heyes nodded not taking his eyes off his partner.
"C'mon wake up."
He moaned again, but before his eyes even opened he swallowed convulsively, his stomach heaving. Heyes, knowing what was going to happen, helped him turn to the side where he promptly emptied his stomach. Rolling onto his back once more he blinked up at his partner.
"Just can't stay outta trouble can you?" he smiled down at him in relief.
"Oh god," the Kid groaned miserably.
Heyes' look sharpened. "What is it?"
"There's two o' ya."
Wheat snorted "Damn Kid, don't ya think one Heyes is enough?"
The Kid gave a small smile before struggling to sit up with Heyes' help. His head was still spinning and he didn't think there was a part of him that didn't hurt.
"Here, think this is yours," Wheat said holding out the Kid's colt.
Squinting as he tried to focus on him he started to reach out, but, feeling his arm trembling put his hand to his head instead. "Give it to Heyes."
They all saw his hand shaking but said nothing as Heyes took the gun from Wheat placing it in the holster where it belonged.
"C'mon Kyle let's get the horses."
"I'm thinkin' we can stay here 'til mornin', get you and Hank doctored up."
"No."
"But…" Heyes started trying to reason but was cut off.
"I wanna get away from here," the Kid said firmly.
"I'm all right Heyes, Kyle got me fixed up."
Heyes glanced up at Hank seeing the blood stained bandana around his upper arm. Huffing out a breath he looked back at his cousin who was sitting with his eyes closed both hands pressed to his head.
"Well let's at least get you sitting on that tree stump over there, it'll make it easier to get you cleaned up. Looks like you're gonna need some stitches too."
Heyes got to his feet and reaching down took his friend's hand to help him up. The Kid took a deep breath before trying to get to his feet, but his legs wouldn't cooperate and he sank back down to sit on the ground. His head drooped not wanting to admit what he saw as a weakness. Heyes squatted beside him. Putting a hand on his arm he could feel his partner trembling.
"I just need a minute Heyes."
"Take your time Kid, ain't no rush. You still seein' double?
"Yeah."
"Who was that fella?"
"Not now Heyes."
Wheat and Kyle returned with the horses in tow and handing the reins he was holding to his partner, Wheat helped Heyes maneuver the wounded man over to the tree stump. Heyes had to have Wheat hold his still wobbly partner steady, who sat with eyes closed and fists clenched in his lap, while his injuries were tended to. The only sound he made was the occasional grunt when the worst wounds were stitched.
Once he was finished Heyes stood looking at his partner who still sat with eyes close, his face ashen. He reached out putting a hand under his chin. "Hey."
The Kid's eyes opened blearily, revealing unfocused eyes. Heyes frowned in concern.
"I really think we should rest here until mornin'."
"I told ya I don't wanna stay here…I'll be all right."
Heyes shook his head, frustrated with his stubborn friend. "Fine, I'll ride with you."
"Ain't no need, I can ride," he said as he got to his feet, both Wheat and Heyes quickly reaching out to stop him from falling over. The Kid grinned crookedly…"Might need a hand to get up on my horse though."
"You really are a stubborn ass you know that?" Heyes said shaking his head as Wheat chuckled.
XXX
Once they managed to get him on his horse, Heyes handed him the hat he'd picked up at the livery, earning him a small smile as the Kid, his head hurting far too much to put it on, hung it on the saddle horn.
They rode slowly for not even half an hour, all of them keeping an eye on the gunfighter whose head had begun nodding only minutes into their journey, knowing he wasn't going to last long. When Hank pointed to a small clearing just off the trail, Heyes decided they'd gone far enough and called a halt.
"Wheat you and Hank get a fire goin' maybe make some coffee, Kyle you grab the Kid's bedroll and lay it out for him. I'll see if I can get my mule headed partner off his horse in one piece." His men moved to carry out his instructions as he dismounted and approached his cousin. Placing his hand on his knee he looked up at him. Getting no response he patted his leg, the Kid finally opening his eyes and blinking down at him.
"We home?" he slurred.
"Not quite Kid. C'mon, let's get you down." Heyes reached up grabbing his friend's elbow and tugging gently, but the Kid didn't move.
"Ya gotta get off the horse Kid."
"You're gonna make me to do this the hard way aren't ya," Heyes mumbled after watching him struggle unsuccessfully to lift his right leg to dismount. Taking the Kid's left foot out of the stirrup Heyes pulled him, grunting when he slid out of the saddle toward him. They both would have fallen if Kyle hadn't appeared. Between the two of them they half carried him to the bedroll that Kyle had set out ready for him, where he fell asleep almost immediately. Heyes pushed his hat back on his head and stood with his hands on his hips looking down at the injured man, his head jerking up when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Hank stepped up beside him.
"Coffee's nearly ready and Kyle's got some beans warmin' up."
"All right," he said with a smile, turning to walk beside him to the others.
"And Hank…thanks for what ya done. You saved his life."
Hank shrugged…"He's saved my hide more than once, so've you."
"Wheat, Kyle the same goes for you. When I think of what would have happened if you boys hadn't been there..."
Kyle grinned broadly at the compliment.
"It's like Hank said Heyes, 'sides wouldn't be much of a gang if we didn't watch each others' backs," Wheat reasoned.
"Just wanted you boys to know I appreciate it."
"Shut up 'n' eat Heyes," Wheat muttered shoving a plate of beans into his leader's hands.
Taking the plate he sat and began to eat. Looking at the three other men sitting around the fire, he couldn't help but smile. He really was proud of them.
XXX
Several times during the rest of the day and throughout the night Heyes roused his friend, concerned about the severity of his head wounds.
The sun was on the horizon when Heyes went to the fire to pour more coffee. Wheat was walking back from checking on their horses and saw the Kid beginning to stir.
"Heyes, looks like he's comin' around."
The Kid woke feeling a hand on his forehead. Groaning he opened his eyes, squinting against the sunlight filtering through the trees. A shadow fell across his face and he tried to focus on his partner who was bent over him, blocking the sun, a slight smile on his face. The Kid frowned as he raised a hand to his head…the last thing he remembered was standing and facing Charlie. Heyes could see his partner's confusion.
"How's your head this mornin'? Truth please."
"Hurts."
"Still seein' double?"
"Things are a bit fuzzy," he admitted glancing around after sitting up. "Where are we?"
"About an hour from town…you still dizzy?"
"Not too bad. Is that coffee I smell?"
"It is."
"You didn't make it did ya?" he asked seriously.
Heyes snorted a laugh…"No Hank did." Reaching down he pulled his friend to his feet walking with him to the fire.
"How ya feelin' Kid," Kyle asked handing him a steaming cup.
"I'm all right Kyle."
"Ya still look like hell if ya ask me."
"Good thing I didn't ask ya then ain't it Wheat."
As they sat eating the biscuits that Kyle had made, and making small talk, Heyes could see his partner was puzzled about something.
"What's wrong Kid?"
Frowning, he looked around at the men sitting with him, his gaze rested on Hank briefly, seeing his bandaged arm, before settling on his partner.
"I bin tryin' to figure out what happened. I think I recall hearin' a shot," he touched his side where the bullet had grazed him. "Then fallin'. Next thing I remember is wakin' up here." He winced in pain, lifting both hands to his head.
"I'll tell you about it later, we need to get you to town so you can see the doc."
When he got no argument, he knew the man was in pain. Minutes later the camp had been cleaned up and they were on their horses and heading to town.
XXX
The Kid was sitting in the doctor's office being thoroughly examined while Heyes hovered.
"Who tended to these wounds?"
"I did…why did I do somethin' wrong?" Heyes asked.
"Oh no you done a fine job young man. Matter of fact I know a couple women who'd be downright jealous of your stitching," he chuckled.
The Kid, even though it hurt, laughed out loud, while Heyes looked at the doctor in stunned disbelief.
"Now, are you dizzy, have double vision, nauseous?" he asked checking his eyes.
"A little, things are just a bit blurry and my stomach's fine."
"He was sick when he first come to yesterday and he was seein' double too."
"Mmhmm."
The doctor straightened up. "I think you'll be fine. But I want you to take it easy for a couple days. The dizziness and blurred vision should pass fairly quickly. Now son I can see that you're in a fair amount of pain and I know you got one hell of a headache, so here's a couple pouches of laudanum."
He handed the packages to Heyes adding "I think it would be wise if someone stayed with him at least until tomorrow."
"I'll be stayin' with him doc."
After paying the doctor they got a room at the hotel and once inside the Kid immediately lay on the bed with an arm over his eyes. Heyes added some of the pain powder to a glass of water, waiting while his partner drank it and lay back down.
Setting the empty glass on the table Heyes turned back to his friend. "I'm gonna go tell the boys to head back to the Hole in the mornin' and that we'll be stayin' for an extra day. I won't be gone long"
"Go I'll be fine."
Locking the door behind him, he headed for the saloon, knowing that's where his men had headed. They spotted him when he entered and waited for him to approach.
"Bob can I get a coffee?" The bartender nodded and slid a cup in front of him. Heyes took a sip before setting the cup down. "Doc says if he stays quiet for a couple days the dizziness and blurred vision should disappear, so we're gonna stay in town. I gave him some laudanum a few minutes ago, so that should keep him still for a while, but I want you boys to head back to Devil's Hole with the supplies in the mornin'."
"Ya mean we get to stay in town tonite?"
"Yes Kyle…but try to stay outta trouble."
"I'll keep an eye on 'em Heyes."
Heyes somehow managed to keep a straight face hearing Wheat say that, considering he was just as likely to start trouble. "I'm gonna hold you to that Wheat," he said swallowing the last of his coffee and pushing away from the bar. "See you boys in a couple days."
He returned to the room and finding his partner sound asleep, passed the afternoon alternating between solitaire and five pat hands. Several hours later he went out again, this time to the diner where he sweet talked the owner into letting him take food and coffee over to the hotel, promising to return the dishes in the morning.
Setting the tray on the table, he went to his partner.
"Kid? Kid wake up."
"Mmm?"
"I brought you some somethin' to eat."
The Kid grunted as he sat up, Heyes adding his pillow as well so his friend could be a little more comfortable. He pulled the chair closer to the bed in case he was needed, his eyes twinkling as he watched the hearty soup steadily disappear.
"Thanks Heyes guess I was hungry."
"Thought you might be. How're you feelin'?"
"Better I think. Things aren't spinnin' around as much, you're still a little blurry though."
"Doc said it'd take a couple days."
They sat quietly while they drank their coffee. Heyes took the empty cups putting them on the tray with the rest of the dishes and setting the tray on the table by the door.
"Heyes?"
"Yeah Kid?" he turned back to him.
"Tell me what happened."
Heyes sat back down in the chair and took a deep breath. "You sure you want to hear this tonight?"
"I need to know."
Heyes nodded and told him everything that had happened starting with them not seeing him waiting outside the mercantile and ending with them setting up camp in the clearing last night. The Kid listened without interrupting and by the time Heyes finished talking he could see his partner was done. Making sure he was settled, Heyes pulled the book out that he'd bought earlier, stretched out on his bed, leaned back against the wall and started reading. He read for quite a while until finally his eyes drifted closed, his book falling against his chest.
XXX
He woke with a start with sunlight streaming through the window and someone banging on the door. Quickly getting to his feet he glanced over seeing his partner's bed empty.
"Open the door, my hands are full."
He pulled the door open, letting in the Kid who was carrying two cups of coffee.
"You were sleepin' so sound I didn't wanna wake ya. Ran into the boys, they're just leavin' to head back to Devil's Hole."
Heyes took a swallow of coffee. "Good. You look like you feel a bit better today."
"Yeah, long as I don't move too sudden I'm not dizzy and things ain't blurry now."
"How's the headache?"
The Kid looked away. "We can go for breakfast when you're ready."
Heyes smiled to himself, he was well aware that his avoiding the question meant that it was still pretty bad. "Well we'll take it easy today and if you feel up to it we can head back in the morning."
XXX
They spent a lazy day, leaving their room for meals and to wander the town. They had just returned after having a late supper, Heyes lay propped up on his bed with his book, and the Kid sat at the table by the window. As he started breaking his gun down, he started talking. Heyes lowered his book resting it against a bent leg, watching his cousin closely as he spoke.
"His name was Charlie Walker. I met him the first time in Texas not long after you and I parted ways. Didn't have much to do with him, we were in the same poker game is all. I rode out the next day. 'Bout a year later I stopped in Virginia City in Montana territory to pick up some supplies and have a cold beer. I was headin' across the street when I heard someone call my name. It was Charlie…I heard later that he'd joined up with some two bit gang called the Green Mountain or Green Hills gang…well it was Green somethin'. He figured that beatin' Kid Curry in a gunfight would prove his worth to the gang." The Kid paused as he started to reassemble his Colt. "I told him I had no quarrel with him, but he drew on me. I beat him, shot him in the arm. Guess it never healed up right, said he got kicked outta the gang and lost his arm. Told me he'd bin lookin' for me ever since to get even." The Kid stopped talking.
"It wasn't your fault Kid."
"I know that Heyes, but you asked me who he was," he said as he got to his feet. Putting the Colt in the holster without his usual flourish, he turned to his partner. "I stood facin' him, helpless, with my hands tied behind my back. I knew you'd be lookin' for me when you found me gone, but didn't reckon you'd get there in time. He stood with my gun pointed at me and I knew I was gonna die…" he stopped, shaking his head.
Heyes got up putting a hand on his cousin's shoulder. "We couldn't let on we were there until Hank and Kyle were in place." He smiled as he draped his arm around the Kid's shoulders. "Ya gotta have faith in me Kid."
The Kid huffed out a short laugh. "I always got faith in ya Heyes."
Heyes chuckled as well, stepping away after giving his friend a gentle pat on the back. "Now let's get some sleep so we can head back tomorrow. Who knows what kinda trouble Wheat's stirrin' up with the boys."
"There's truth in that," he agreed. Turning he removed his gunbelt, hanging it on the bedpost.
"Hey Kid?"
He glanced over his shoulder to see Heyes grinning and holding two glasses of whiskey. "I'm real glad we settled that disagreement," he said.
The Kid took the glass held out to him, Heyes raising his in a toast… "Here's to partners."
"Partners," he smiled, their eyes meeting as he raised his glass as well. "Always."