Road to Redemption

by Kathy Knudsen1

A posse chase, and injury, and an encounter with an old acquaintance has a most surprising outcome

Road to Redemption

0-0-0-0-0

"You think the governor will keep his word this time?" Kid asked as he and Heyes rode slowly through the dusty, barren, rocky terrain of southwestern Texas.

Nearly a month had passed since their most recent rendezvous with Lom Trevers at Nolan's Ranch where Lom had given them the details of his latest clandestine meeting with the current governor of Wyoming. In the past two years, Wyoming had been rotating governors through a never-ending turnstile with Governor Moonlight being the most recent recipient of the title.

With each new governor, Lom had renegotiated an amnesty deal for Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry. The original deal called for one year of honest, law-abiding living, while still being wanted outlaws and still facing twenty years in prison if caught and arrested. But each new governor had insisted on putting his own mark on the deal and now, nearly three years later, Kid Curry and Hannibal Heyes were still awaiting the coveted amnesty.

"Lom showed us the contract the governor signed. The day after the November election and no matter what the outcome, he's promised to grant us our amnesty," Heyes reminded his partner.

"They've all promised to grant us our amnesty, but here we are, still on the lam."

"None of em has ever promised it in writing before. I think he'll keep his word."

Kid looked skyward and uttered a heavy sigh. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Come on, Kid. We'll be down to the coast in just a few more days. Ocean air, cool breezes, a regular resort atmosphere…."

"Like Santa Marta?" Kid asked sarcastically.

"What's gotten into you?" Heyes asked. "When we left the Nolan Ranch you was as optimistic as I was. November is just five months away. We should be making plans for our future, not dwelling on the failings of some stuffy old codgers that nobody's even going to remember in five years. This Governor Moonlight sounds like a stand-up fella. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt."

Kid looked at his partner and tried to shake off his negative attitude. "Maybe it's just this relentless heat and the fact that I ain't had a bath and good meal in over a week," he explained, hoping to convince himself as much as his partner.

Kid's complaint was not unwarranted. Since leaving Wyoming over a week ago, they had spent just one night in a hotel. Texas was vast and towns were sparce, especially along the Texas/Mexico border. Moreover, the temperatures had been exceptionally hot, and all of Texas was in the midst of a drought. In fact, the ground was so dry that even keeping their horses at a gentle pace did not prevent the sunbaked dirt from spewing upwards with every step of the horse's shoed hooves. Each time they would stop to rest the horses, they would brush clouds of dust from their pants.

Reaching the top of a high plateau, they brought their horses to a stop and climbed down from their saddles. Uncorking his canteen, Kid poured water into his hat to water both horses, as the hole in his partner's hat rendered it useless for the task, which had often prompted Kid to think the hole may have been deliberately cut.

After giving both horses a drink, Kid took a swig from the canteen, then replaced the cork and swung the strap over the horn of his saddle. He arched his back to stretch the muscles in his back and only then observed his partner peering over a large rock and studying something in the valley they had just traveled.

"What do you suppose that is?" Heyes asked as he pointed to a large cloud of dust at least an hour's ride behind them.

"My first guess would be a posse, but they can't be after us. No one knows we're here. We didn't even tell Lom where we were going."

"Somebody spotted us in the last town?" Heyes suggested.

"That was over a week ago. We wouldda spotted them long before now. Maybe it ain't got nothin' to do with us."

"That's one possibility."

"You go another?" Kid asked.

"Maybe bounty hunters, maybe Texas Rangers."

Kid sighed. He seriously doubted that whoever they were, they had anything to do with him and Heyes but, he also knew there was no sense taking any unnecessary risks.

"Heyes, there's no telling what kind of shape their horses are in, but these two… they ain't up to a chase," Kid told his partner.

"Yeah, and I doubt we are, either."

"So, what do you wanna do?"

Heyes turned himself around and leaned his back against the rock. "Well, the Mexico border is about fifty miles west. I suggest we take the advice of John Babsone Lane Soule."

"Who?"

"He is the man who initiated the phrase 'go west, young man."

"I thought that was Horace Greeley," Kid replied.

"It's debatable," Heyes admitted. "Anyway, once we cross into Mexico, neither a posse nor the Texas Rangers will stay in pursuit."

"But if they are bounty hunters?"

Heyes sighed. "Let's head to Mexico but keep an eye out to see if they really are following us. If they are, and we get across the border and they don't turn back, I guess that will know the answer."

"That's what I like about you Heyes, you focus on the minor details and never worry about the bigger picture till it slaps you in the face."

"Come on, let's get moving."

0-0-0-0-0

Three hours later they stopped at the top of a rocky hill and both men dropped to the ground to look back and assess the situation.

"You seen em lately?" Kid asked.

"Nope."

"Me either. Maybe they gave up or really were after someone or something else."

"Or they know a short cut and will cut us off at the border," Heyes replied.

"I really would like to know who they are," Kid added.

"One sure way to find out but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Uh-uh. I'm not keen on a direct introduction. How much farther?"

"Ten, maybe fifteen miles," Heyes replied.

Kid shifted his position to study the unchartered terrain that lay ahead. "Pretty flat and open," he concluded. "We could be sitting ducks for a lot of miles and like I said before, these horses ain't up to a hard chase."

Heyes too repositioned himself to look westward toward their destination. Taking a slow, panoramic glance, he suddenly spied a vaguely familiar rock formation near the horizon. "That look familiar to you?" he asked with a finger pointed in the direction of the buttress. "If memory serves me correctly, the Rio Grande is just beyond that buttress."

"Oh no," Kid groaned. "Outta the frying pan and into the skillet."

"You're looking at this from the wrong perspective, Kid. Think of the other side of the Rio Grande as an impenetrable fortress of protection. No US lawmen and certainly no bounty hunters are gonna get past Senor Armendariz's guards."

"Uh-uh, but neither are we."

"That's the least of our worries at the moment."

Kid shifted again to lie on his back before pulling his gun from his holster and checking that the gun's chamber was fully loaded.

"We could wait till dark and hope there ain't a full moon and maybe slip past both adversaries," Kid suggested.

"Or we could choose the lesser of two evils. You said yourself these horses are as exhausted as we are. They're gonna have to cross those open plains and then ford the river. Once we're on the other side, I'm sure Armendariz would gladly horse trade with us and send us on our way."

"You know Heyes, at some point he's going to reach the end of his generosity toward us. I mean he's threatened to kill us more than once. This might be the time he decides to go through with his threat."

Heyes knew this to be true but could come up with no other option. "Well, there is one thing in our favor this time," he said, trying to sound convincing.

"What's that?" Kid asked.

"Our unannounced visit has nothing to do with Big Mac."

Kid holstered his gun and sat up. "That's the best you can come up with?"

Heyes sighed and pulled himself to his feet. "I'm afraid so, Kid."

Kid shook his head with disgust. "Genius," he muttered sarcastically. "I still think we'd be better off waiting till dark."

"And let that posse swoop in and surround us right here while we wait for the sun to set?"

"Alright," Kid relented as he pulled himself to his feet. "If we're gonna do this, might as well get started."

0-0-0-0-0

Twelve miles and two hours later Heyes and Kid reached the banks of the Rio Grande River. Climbing down from their horses, they surveyed the riverbank as far as they could see, looking for the best place to cross. To the north they could see a bend where the river narrowed, and the current appeared slow and steady with no whitewater ripples. The riverbank along the bend had a cluster of trees and other foliage that might offer them some obscurity as they entered the water. But, while this looked to be a good spot to ford, neither was familiar with the Rio Grande. They knew the river had a maximum depth of sixty feet, but this section with the narrowed bend, was likely less deep.

"Still waters run deep," Kid reminded his partner.

"Which is exactly why I like that bit of a current I can see along the edge of that bend."

"A deep plunge and a slow rise?" Kid asked.

"You see a better spot?" Heyes asked with a bit of irritation in his voice.

Kid shook his head and took yet another look behind him for any sign of their possible pursuers. Instantly he grasped Heyes' shoulder and pulled him down into a low crouch, then pointed to a hill perhaps two miles behind them.

"What do you see?" Heyes asked urgently.

"A flash of light, like maybe they're using a mirror to communicate with the group they might of split from."

Instinctively Heyes crouched a bit lower as he stared off toward the hill until again, a quick series of mirrored reflections appeared near the top of the hill. "Damn," he whispered.

"It don't look like they're sending those signals toward the bend," Kid told him.

"No, but probably to some location on the other side of the river."

While staying down low, Kid shifted and sat down on the ground to watch for a reflected reply. "There," he said after just a few moments. "This side of the river and on the other side of us, away from the bend. If we're gonna do this, we'd best get going before they gain any more ground. Another mile and they'll be within shootin' distance…. Still wish I knew who they are."

"It don't matter who they are Kid. The important thing is they seem to know exactly who we are."

"Yeah. Let's get going."

"If we move just beyond the bend, they might not be able to see us as we cross," Heyes replied.

"Let's do it."

They stood cautiously and made their way back to their horses and mounted. Giving the two locations a final glance, they led their horse toward the river bend. Kid took the lead, bringing his horse to the river's edge and loosening his grip on the reins to allow the animal to drop his head and sniff at the ground and rippling water while Heyes held his horse slightly behind until Kid was ready to give his horse a gentle nudge into the water.

With the horse's front leg inches from the water several shots rang out, startling both the animals. Pulling on the reins to maintain control, Heyes saw Kid lurch forward in the saddle while his horse reared, then lunged into the water. Without proper balance or a good grip on the reins, Kid was in no position to gain control or calm the horse and the steed thrashed and kicked, spooking Heyes' horse more. With Heyes' horse taking backward steps up the riverbank, Kid's horse fought the current and flailed about while Kid struggled against the blinding pain just beneath his right clavicle bone and used his left hand to push against the saddle horn to center himself in the saddle, all the while trying to keep his chest and head low near the chestnut's neck.

Heyes pulled hard on his reins, then spurred his sorrel forward and into the water. He too leaned his head and torso low but kept a steady eye on his partner while giving his sorrel just enough free rein to find his footing in the murky mud of the riverbed. Then he tightened his grip once again and brought the horse around to the right of Kid where he was able to tug one leather strap of the reins from Kid's grip.

"Can you find the other strap?" Heyes shouted.

Kid shook his head as best he could. The bullet near his right shoulder rendered the arm useless in the water and he dared not drop his left hand from its grip on the horn for fear of sliding off the saddle and into the river.

"Hold on!" Heyes shouted. "And stay low!"

Heyes squeezed both thighs tight against the sides of his horse and gave the reins a shake and the sorrel inched his way to the lead position. When they were better than halfway across the river, Heyes breathed a short sigh of relief as both horses had found their footing and been able to walk rather that swim the river.

"Didn't expect them to break into three groups," Heyes shouted. "How bad are you hurt?"

The only response from Kid was a grunt as he struggled to stay on his horse.

The moment both horses were safely across the river and on solid ground, Heyes leaped from his horse and raced to his cousin's side. Grasping both of Kid's shoulders, Heyes provided some much-needed support as Kid let his right foot slip from the stirrup. As he began sliding from the horse, his left leg cleared the saddle and Heyes tightened his hold as both men stumbled but managed not to fall. Heyes then eased Kid to the ground with his back leaning against the trunk of a tree and quickly unbuttoned Kid's shirt to examine the wound.

It appeared to be a through and through, but Heyes couldn't tell for certain as the steady stream of blood from the front wound obscured his view and he had neither the time nor the materials to clean the wounds proper. A .45 does not leave a large, gaping hole but the point of entry was bleeding profusely and Heyes untied his bandanna and wadded it into a ball, then pressed it against the wound. With a slow but deliberate movement, Kid raised his left hand and took command of the bandanna, pressing hard against the wound to slow the bleeding.

Heyes next untied Kid's bandanna and wadded it into a ball to press against the wound in the back of Kid's shoulder. He then pulled a Henley from his saddle bags and wrapped it across Kid's back, using the sleeves to tie the shirt, hoping it would keep the bandanna in place.

"Well, at least we're in Mexico," Heyes sighed. "You think you can ride?"

"I can sit a saddle but that's about all," Kid confessed.

"We'll ride double. I'll braid the reins of your horse into the tail of mine. I think we've only got about four miles until we on the Armendariz ranch and we can get that bullet out and the wound cared for proper."

"I hope you know what you're doing, Heyes."

Heyes looked up and down the river and saw no one making any attempt to cross. "That bunch must have been a posse and not bounty hunters. It don't look like anyone's following us now," Heyes assured his partner as he gathered the reins of both horses and set about securing the reins of one to the tail of the other.

"Now, let's see about getting you back in the saddle."

Drawing on strength he did not know he had, Kid grabbed the saddle horn with his left hand and raised his foot into the stirrup and Heyes both steadied and shoved Kid up and into the saddle. He then climbed up and sat behind his wounded partner and wrapped his arms about the Kid while gathering the reins in his hands.

"You ready?" Heyes asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Kid groaned.

Heyes clicked his tongue and gave the sorrel a gentle kick and the two men headed west toward the only familiar territory in Mexico they knew.

0-0-0-0-0

Eight miles and well over an hour later Heyes knew that had successfully reached the outer edges of the Armendariz ranch. The rock formations were a familiar sight as they had traveled this path multiple times over the past three years playing messenger for Big Mac McCreedy. As they passed a bend heavily bordered by large boulders that blocked any possible escape route, a dozen of Armendariz's guards appeared, seemingly out of nowhere and surrounded the two horses.

Heyes pulled the horses to a stop and slowly raised his hands as a sign of surrender, but Kid had neither the strength nor the wherewithal to do the same.

"We're here to see Senor Armendariz," Heyes explained, hoping at least one of the guards understood English.

None of the guards replied to Heyes' statement. Instead, one of the guards brought his horse near and gathered their handguns and rifles while another guard pulled the reins from Heyes' hands. With Heyes and Kid surrounded, the guards then began the procession to the Armendariz hacienda.

Half an hour later the entourage of guards and the two uninvited guests passed through the open iron gates and into the courtyard of the Armendariz hacienda where Ernesto Armendariz was standing near a large decorative water fountain, his arms folded across his chest and a scowl on his face.

As soon as the horses came to a stop Heyes began to speak but immediately Armendariz raised an open hand to him to stop. Armendariz then addressed the guards in Spanish, and it was obvious by his tone of voice that he was most irritated. He ended his tirade with a question.

The group instinctively parted, forming a center path through which one guard maneuvered his horse. When he neared Armendariz, the guard stopped and, also in Spanish, explained the situation while the rest of the group remained completely silent.

Armendariz looked abruptly at two guests astride one horse. His eyes fell upon Heyes' arms wrapped around Kid's torso and the blood that stained Kid's shirt. "Did my men do this?" he demanded.

"No sir," Heyes quickly replied. "If anything, your men saved us."

When Armendariz did not reply, Heyes took the opportunity to continue speaking.

"I don't know if you remember us but…."

"You are not exactly forgettable," Armendariz interrupted. "Just why has Patrick McCreedy sent you here this time?"

"Oh, it's nothing like that, sir. Big Mac doesn't know we're here. We came of our own volition."

"You chose to come here knowing you are not welcome?" Armendariz asked.

"Thaddeus needs help. We didn't have a choice, sir," Heyes replied.

Armendariz turned his attention back to his men and uttered several orders in Spanish. Four guards near Heyes and the Kid quickly dismounted and two stood on either side of the sorrel to assist Kid from the horse and help him inside to a first-floor guest room. At the same time, another guard pulled his horse from the group and retreated through the iron gates to summon the doctor in Mataska.

Seeing the attention of the guards, Heyes carefully withdrew his arms from around Kid's torso and eased himself from the saddle while guards on either side of the horse kept Kid steady. Once Heyes was off the horse, the guards worked quickly to ease Kid from the horse and get him inside and into bed.

Heyes fell in line two steps behind Kid and the guards, but Armendariz grabbed his arm and pulled him away. "Not you," he told Heyes. "I have questions first."

"I just want to see that Thaddeus is comfortable, then we can talk," Heyes replied.

But Armendariz only tightened his grip, looked directly into Heyes' eyes, and shook his head. "First things first Mr. Smith."

Heyes opened his mouth to insist on going to his partner, but Armendariz gave a nod to two guards who then approached with guns drawn. Armendariz released his grip from Heyes' arm and gave him a cordial smile. "Shall we convene in my Study?" he asked with a grand sweep of his arm toward the steps that led to the upper level of the house.

0-0-0-0-0

What was now the Study had at one time been a room where Heyes and Kid had been locked in and Kid had described to Heyes as a jail. Now, instead of a table and lounge seat, the room décor consisted of a large mahogany desk and two large red leather chairs. The two guards moved to the wall behind the two chairs and holstered their guns. Armendariz closed the door, then gestured toward the chairs and Heyes sat down, knowing that they only way he would be allowed to see Kid was to appease Armendariz by answering his questions.

Armendariz sat on a corner of the desk, so he was facing Heyes and slowly folded his arms across his chest. "Now, the real reason for coming here?"

"That's rather obvious, isn't it?" Heyes asked. "Thaddeus was shot, and he needs a doctor and quite honestly, we have both always found you to be a fair and honest man, and… you're about the only person we know in all of Mexico. I knew if I brought him here, he would get the help he needs."

"Where was he shot?"

Heyes looked confused. "In the shoulder."

"No, I mean your location. Where were you when he was injured?"

"We were in western Texas, headed south to the Gulf."

"Why?" Armendariz asked.

Heyes mind was racing to come up with a plausible answer that did not reveal too much information. "We were between jobs and there weren't many prospects in Wyoming, so we decided to head south and see a part of the country we haven't seen and, maybe find a job along the way."

"So why and by whom was he shot?"

Heyes sighed heavily. "We noticed thisnafternoon that we were being followed," he explained and saw Armendariz's eyebrow raise ever so slightly.

"Who was following you?"

"You know, we really didn't think things would turn out real well if we were to stop and ask. We don't know who they were," he replied without hiding the growing irritation in his voice.

Armendariz noticed the irritation as well and he unfolded his arms, then stood and crossed the room to gaze out the window to the courtyard below. "Since my dear sister chose to enter into matrimony with Patrick McCreedy, I have… reluctantly visited them in Red Rock and they of course, have visited here. Before the marriage, I thought of McCreedy as little more than a boastful, arrogant man of some financial means. Having gotten to know him a bit better I have found my initial opinion was correct. He likes to, how do you Americans say this…? Ah yes, he likes to tell of his adventures and name drop to see the listener's reaction. I have heard him boast of knowing… many people."

"That… sounds like the McCreedy Thaddeus and I know," Heyes said cautiously.

Armendariz turned away from the window to look directly at Heyes and again folded his arms across his chest. "Senators, Congressmen, Governors, even outlaws," he said with a look just shy of a smirk.

Again, Heyes sighed heavily. "Do these guards speak English?" he asked.

Armendariz's smile broadened. "I chose them to accompany us for the very fact that neither speaks nor understands a word of English."

"So Big Mac has mentioned Thaddeus and me somewhere among that list?"

Armendariz laughed slightly. "Somewhere in that list, yes."

"Look, I honestly don't know who it was following us, but they stopped when we crossed the river so, I'm guessing they had some affiliation with the law and their jurisdiction stopped on the U.S side of the river. But Thaddeus and I are not outlaws… at least, not anymore. That's all I'm at liberty to say because right now, we have a closer connection to some influential politicians than Big Mac does. And in all honesty, the less you know, the better for all concerned."

Armendariz considered what Heyes had told him. "I have known you both to be honest both in your actions and your intentions…."

"So, we can let this matter drop for the time being?" Heyes asked.

"Fair enough. We'll leave things as they are, for now. But do not think of my home as a refuge. I will not be placed in the middle of an international dispute."

"Understood," Heyes replied.

Armendariz then turned his attention to the guards and gave them instructions in Spanish, then spoke again to Heyes.

"My men will take you to Mr. Jones now."

0-0-0-0-0

The guestroom door opened and Heyes stepped in and approached the bed where Kid lay awake but having some difficulty keeping his eyes open. The escorts did not enter the room but closed the door once Heyes was inside.

Kid gave him a weak half smile of recognition. "What kept you?"

"Armendariz invited me to afternoon tea," Heyes replied. "I couldn't turn him down."

"Oh," Kid replied without question.

While Heyes had been speaking to Armendariz, Doctor Raul Canales had arrived and had just finished cleansing Kid's back and chest. Though the chest wound was still bleeding, the rate of flow had decreased significantly and Heyes was now able to get a clear view of the wound itself.

"I've given him some medication for the pain. It's making him a little drowsy," Dr. Canales explained as he pulled clean bandages from his medical bag.

Heyes offered an approving nod but continued to look at the wound on Kid's chest. "I thought it was a through and through but, that doesn't look like an exit wound," he observed aloud.

Dr. Canales nodded. "I thought the same initially," he said in heavily accented English. Unfortunately, he was shot twice, once in the back and once in the chest. There doesn't appear to be any damage to the artery and neither penetrated the lung. He was lucky in that respect."

"Both of them must have hit him at the same time because I only saw him lunge forward on his horse," Heyes said.

"Based on the entry wounds, the back shot came from a .45 while the front was a smaller caliber. The back wound likely packed more of a punch that thrust him forward," the doctor explained.

"But you'll be able to remove both bullets?"

"I should be. I'll be heavily sedating him so, if you have anything to say to him, now's the time."

Heyes nodded and waited while the doctor cleared the area of soiled cloths and crossed the room to scrub his hands with soap before the surgery.

"Kid," Heyes said as he brushed a curl from the Kid's forehead. "It sounds like you're gonna be fine. The doctor's just gotta get the bullets out."

With his eyes still closed Kid nodded. "Stay," he whispered.

"Oh, I ain't going anywhere. I'll be right here next to the bed when you wake up."

"If you're planning on staying, you can assist," Dr. Canales said. "I have everything set up on that table. You can hand me things when I tell you. Barring any complications, I should have this completed within an hour."

"So, you've done this type of surgery before?" Heyes asked.

Dr. Canales smiled. "You haven't been in Mexico for very long, have you?"

Heyes shook his head.

"Yes son, I've done this type of surgery many times before."

"Armendariz?" Kid asked.

Heyes smiled. "Nothing to worry about, partner. He's being very hospitable, as always."

"So, he wants us outta here?"

Heyes chuckled. "Just as soon as you're able to ride, but first things first and the first thing is getting those bullets out of your shoulder."

0-0-0-0-0

Having sedated his patient with ether, Dr. Canales first focused on the smaller of the two wounds which was the wound just above the right clavicle. With a scalpel, he widened the point of entry, dabbing the site often to wipe away the fresh blood. He then asked Heyes for the probe.

Having himself removed bullets from various Devil's Hole gang members, Heyes knew to look for a long, blunted piece of metal and spied the bone-handled instrument among the few instruments the doctor had laid out on the tray. He was careful to touch only the handle and to hold the instrument out so that the handle was also what the doctor would grasp.

"If he shows any sign of restlessness or pain, place that ether cloth over his nose and mouth and count to six and then remove it," Dr. Canales told Heyes.

The small, round projectile rested no more than an inch beyond the bone but, because it was a smaller caliber the path to the object was also small and Dr. Canales had to slice into the tissue to widen the tunneled path enough to thread his tweezers into the site and grasp and retrieve the small round ball. It landed with a resonating thud when the doctor dropped the ball into a small tin pan on the table.

"One down and one to go," Heyes said with some relief.

"I have to stitch this one up before we move to the next one," Dr. Canaled reminded him.

Heyes looked at the instruments and saw two needles that had already been threaded. "Just let me know when you're ready for that."

"How's his breathing?" Dr. Canales asked.

Heyes watched Kid's chest rise and fall. "A little shallow, but steady."

"That's the ether working," the doctor replied.

"Hear that Kid? Everything's going according to plan," Heyes said softly, knowing his partner heard none of it.

When he had finished stitching the wound, the doctor tossed the needle into the same tin pan as the bullet, then wiped his bloody hands on his apron. He then stood and crossed the room to give his hands another soap and water cleaning.

"We need to turn him toward you and prop him on his side well, so I have a good view of the back wound. It's a bit larger so the ball should be easier to find and remove. With a little luck, we'll wrap this up a little quicker than the first. My greatest concern is how much damage was done to the bone."

"If you don't mind my asking, where did you get your medical training?" Heyes asked.

The doctor smiled. "Baltimore." The doctor replied.

"Baltimore? Not somewhere here in Mexico?"

"Well, all my additional training since med school has been here in Mexico. There's no better training than the hands-on kind of training."

"The Kid and me once knew a doctor that got his training in Baltimore. He didn't hold a candle to your skills."

Dr. Canales chuckled. "Well, for every top of the class student, there's also a bottom of the class one."

"I guess so."

"Now, let's get the patient turned and the bullet out," Dr. Canales replied.

The second bullet had been stopped by the scapula bone and was embedded but had not actually passed through the bone. The bone did require a bit of scraping along the edges of the bullet so the tweezers could grasp and hold the bullet for removal, and the doctor was careful not to leave any visible bits of loose bone in the tissue. For this reason, the removal of the bullet took longer than expected.

Kid groaned weakly as the tweezers were retracted.

"Hold the ether cloth to his nose and mouth for just a couple of seconds. I don't want to send him back into a deep sedation, but I don't want him hurting while I stitch the wound," Dr. Canales told Heyes.

Minutes later, Dr. Canales tossed the second needle into the tin pan and began cleaning the blood from around the wound.

"When I get the bandage on, I'll need you to help me wrap a dressing around his chest to help hold both bandages in place. The easiest way to do that is while he is still on his side. Once the wounds are bandaged, we'll slip his arm into a sling to limit movement a bit. Then we'll move him to his back and make sure he is as comfortable as possible. I'm assuming you're staying with him tonight?"

Heyes nodded.

"Watch for new blood on the bandages and watch for color changes in his arm and hand. If he wakes, you can give him a teaspoon of this pain powder mixed in a glass of water and ask him to try to wiggle his fingers. Make sure the arm and hand feel warm, not too warm, but warm., and watch for any swelling in the arm or hand. Don't want it turning blue neither. There're no broken bones so, you can adjust the pillows around his shoulders to keep it as comfortable as possible."

"What do I do if the arms turns cold or blue or swells up?" Heyes asked.

"Have Ernesto send for me. Otherwise, I'll be back tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes, sir and thank you."

Both the doctor and Heyes heard the quiet, quick tap on the door, but the door opened without invitation and Armendariz stepped into the room. "Going well?" he asked.

"We're just finishing up," Dr. Canales replied.

Armendariz crossed the room and stood near the side of the bed and looked at the still sleeping patient.

"Mr. Smith, it has been a long day for you I am sure," Armendariz said while keeping his eyes on Kid. "My cook has some food prepared for you in the kitchen."

"Thank you but I'm not hungry," Heyes replied.

"You're in for a long night son. Let's get him comfortable and then I suggest you go get something to eat while I clean up here," Dr. Canales told him.

Only then did Armendariz move his eyes from the man in the bed. He looked at Heyes and offered a relatively compassionate smile. "Margaritta is waiting for you in the hallway. She will take you to the kitchen."

Heyes sighed, knowing the invitation was more of a command than a debatable offer. "Thank you. I won't be gone long." He slowly walked out into the hall and Armendariz watched as Margaritta's hand reached for the knob and closed the door behind him.

"He will survive?" Armendariz asked the doctor.

Dr. Canales nodded. "A couple of shoulder wounds. He'll be out of bed in a day, maybe two. No long-term damage though the muscles will take some time to heal but with exercises he'll eventually have full use of the arm again."

Armendariz offered a sympathetic smile and a nod of his head. "Tell me doctor," he said, speaking rather casually, "Did the other one say anything about just how this one was hurt?"

"No. He didn't say much of anything except a few words of encouragement. Of course, this fella couldn't hear him because of the sedation."

"Did he call him by name?" Armendariz asked.

Dr. Canales looked at Armendariz curiously, wondering why this would be of any importance. "He did. Thaddeus, I think was the name and he might have called him Kid a time or two. Why?"

Armendariz gave the doctor a reassuring expression. "No reason. Just… curious. I am not… unacquainted with these two men. In fact, they have been here in my home a number of times and always under some…, how do I say this diplomatically? Always under some… stressful situations."

"So, you don't trust them?" the doctor asked.

"Oh, on the contrary. I trust them. In fact, they are both very… predictable."

The doctor chuckled. "In a good way, I hope."

Not wanting to stir the doctor's suspicions, Armendariz moved away from the bed and placed his arm across the back of the doctor's shoulders. "Yes, in a good way. Now let me walk you out. You must be eager to get home," Armendariz said as he signaled the guard outside the room to go in and keep an eye on the patient while he escorted the doctor out to the courtyard where his carriage was waiting.

When they reached the carriage, Armendariz held the doctor's medical bag while he climbed into the carriage. "Oh, one more thing," he said with a smile as he handed the medical bag to the doctor. "Would you ask Father Migual to stop by tomorrow morning if he has the time? I would like to discuss the cost of new Hymnals for the church."

"I'll give him the message," Dr. Canales replied. "Good night."

0-0-0-0-0

Intending to return to the guest room, Armendariz stopped in the hallway and reconsidered his destination, then turned and headed to the kitchen where Heyes was seated at the table drinking coffee, his plate of food untouched. Armendariz motioned to the cook to bring him a cup of coffee and he sat down at the table with Heyes.

"You'll not do your friend much good if you don't maintain your own health, and Margaritta is the finest cook in all of Mexico."

"Did you leave him alone?" Heyes asked with alarm.

Armendariz shook his head and picked up his cup of coffee. "He is still unconscious and appears comfortable. One of my men is keeping watch."

"I should get back to him," Heyes replied but Armendariz reached over and rested a hand on Heyes' arm.

"In due time. Eat."

Heyes picked up his fork but simply played absently with the food on his plate. Armendariz took a sip of his coffee, then set the cup down on the table.

"My first encounter with Patrick McCreedy was over the ownership of some land when the river changed course."

"I recall you telling us about that," Heyes said with a wince.

Armendariz smiled. "Yes," he recalled aloud. "My first impression was obviously not… a positive one. I found him to be arrogant, money-grabbing, and deceitful."

"He knows how to squeeze a dollar," Heyes replied, wanting Armendariz to get to the point so he could return to his partner's bedside.

"When he married Carlotta, I had no choice but to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps my first impression was less than accurate."

"I've always found you to be a pretty good judge of character," Heyes said.

Armendariz smiled and gave Heyes an appreciative nod. "I quickly discovered that in this case, my first impression was quite accurate."

Armendariz paused and took a long, deliberate sip of his coffee. "I am not so certain of my first impression of you and Mr. Jones."

"Oh?" Heyes replied.

"You obviously were thieves but, thieves with some scruples. In fact, I could not help but admire your tenacity. I had had encounters with Banditos in the past in the form of cattle rustlers primarily, but never a thief with some principles."

Heyes laughed nervously. "Principles. Now there's one I've never heard before."

"McCreedy eventually told me that Mr. Jones was his nephew. I found that to be curious as blood is generally thicker than water and the two of you… well, when I explained how the bust came to be mine, neither of you came to McCreedy's defense. That was another reason I decided to loan you those horses."

"Why don't we get to the point here? I mean, you are taking this story somewhere, am I right?" Heyes asked.

"Alright," Armendariz replied. "McCreedy has never admitted this to me but, Carlotta claims he told her that the two of you are… wanted outlaws."

"Outlaws!" Heyes exclaimed with faux indignation.

"Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry," Armendariz replied.

"Would two outlaws have left your jewels and money in your safe?" Heyes challenged.

"That remains a puzzle to me," Armendariz replied. "And McCreedy knows nothing of that, Carlotta assured me."

Heyes knew Armendariz to be both a formidable foe as well as a formidable ally, and he preferred the latter.

"Not admitting in any way, shape, or form that we are those two outlaws, what would you do if we were?" he asked.

"For now, that is a mute subject and you and Mr. Jones are simply guests in my home. And to show my trust, I will send you on an errand to Mataska in the morning to pick up more bandages for your friend."

"So, you're giving me an opportunity to high tail it out of here. I'd never do that without Thaddeus."

Armendariz smiled and looked directly into Heyes' eyes. "Scruples," he declared. "And now, return to your friend. I'm sure when he awakens, you are the first person he wants to see."

0-0-0-0-0

As Heyes walked to Kid's room he could hear footsteps behind him and knew Armendariz was following at a safe distance. He turned the doorknob and walked into the room. Armendariz followed but stood in the doorway and motioned to the guard to leave. Heyes reached for the guard's arm and stopped him as he passed by. "Any change?"

The guard looked to Armendariz who repeated the question quietly in Spanish and the guard turned to Heyes and sympathetically shook his head before leaving the room.

"Should you need anything during the night, just mention my name to the guard outside the door. He will summon me."

"A guard's not necessary," Heyes replied. "We obviously ain't going anywhere."

Armendariz smiled. "He is not guarding you and Mr. Jones. He is simply a house guard. You are both guests here, not prisoners. When Mr. Jones is feeling better, you are both free to come… and go, as you please. I will have the cook bring you a pot of coffee and some fruit and bread in case you are hungry during the night. And now, I bid you both good night," Armendariz replied and quietly shut the door.

Heyes moved a chair close to the bed and sat down. Outside, the sun was setting but there was still enough natural light coming through the window that he could easily see the color in Kid's right hand was good. The fingers and hand were slightly swollen but not alarmingly so. Heyes touched Kid's hand with the back of his own and felt no rising fever. He reached up and gently brushed a few curls from Kid's forehead and Kid uttered a quiet moan and turned his head slightly toward Heyes.

"Sush, just rest," Heyes said softly.

"Heyes?" came a weak, whispered reply.

"It's me," Heyes assured him.

"The posse?"

Heyes grinned slightly. "There's no posse. We're both safe in Armendariz's house. Just go back to sleep."

"You crack the safe?" Kid asked, his speech mumbled and soft.

"We're not here to crack the safe or steal the bust. We're here to get you healed up. Are you hurting?"

"I'm working on it, healing and hurting" Kid replied.

"The doctor left you some pain medicine. I'll mix some up. You want it in cold coffee or warm water?"

"Water."

"You mind if I make the light brighter so I can see what I'm doing?"

Heyes took no response as a yes and turned up the lamp light, then checked the coloring in Kid's hand a second time before mixing some of the pain powder medication in a glass of water.

"Kid, you still awake?"

"Uh-uh."

Heyes set the glass on the table next to the bed, then sat on the edge of the bed and gently raised and supported Kid's neck and head before bringing the glass to Kid's mouth. "Here, drink this."

Kid drank as much of the water as he could, then shook his head to signal he'd had enough and Heyes lowered Kid's head back down on the pillows. "Now, before you go back to sleep, wiggle your fingers."

Heyes watched as all the digits on Kid's right hand slowly raised and lowered half an inch.

"Alright, now you can go back to sleep," Heyes whispered, but in the light he could see that Kid was already again sleeping.

Reassured that his partner was as well as could be expected, Heyes got up off the bed and lowered the lamp light as far as he dared before settling back down in the chair and closing his eyes, giving in to his own exhaustion.

0-0-0-0-0

A quiet tap on the door the next morning woke Heyes from a light sleep. He glanced at the bed and saw that the noise had not disturbed his partner. Quietly easing himself from the chair, Heyes crossed the room and opened the door.

He was greeted with a smile by Armendariz. "How is Mr. Jones?"

Heyes slipped out into the hallway and shut the door behind him. "Had a good night. Awake once and I gave him a dose of the pain medicine. No fever. Wiggled his fingers."

"Splendid. I trust you were also able to sleep?"

"Some."

"I came to tell you breakfast will be ready in the kitchen in twenty minutes. That will get you an early start to Mataska and have you back here before the doctor arrives. I will make sure someone is in the room with Mr. Jones during your absence. He will be safe and well cared for. You needn't worry."

Heyes nodded. "Twenty minutes," he replied before returning to the room and standing behind the closed door until he heard footsteps retreating down the hall.

Heyes sighed heavily as he leaned against the door. He was certain Armendariz was up to something that necessitated Heyes being away from the Kid for an extended period of time. Heyes had always found Armendariz to be a perplexing man, strong-willed, even fearless, and very use to getting his way. But he had always proven to be a man of his word as well. He had said the Kid would be safe and Heyes trusted that to be true.

Still, Heyes found it very puzzling to be sent on such a trivial errand. Surely the doctor carried enough bandages in his medical bag that a few could be spared, so what was Armendariz's motive for getting Heyes out of the house for a couple of hours. Was it simply a show of trust, something to assure Heyes that he was free to come and go?

Unable to draw any conclusions, Heyes uttered a second sigh, then pushed himself away from the door to check on his partner before heading to the kitchen for breakfast followed by a speedy trip to Mataska.

0-0-0-0-0

After breakfast, Armendariz led Heyes out the kitchen door and across the yard to the massive stables that literally housed over two hundred horses. Each of the six stable building contained fifty stalls. Beyond the stables were several large, fenced, grassy fields with elaborate irrigation canals fed by the Rio Grande River. Armendariz's wealth was never more obvious than here at the stables. Waiting at the entrance of the first stables was a worker holding the reins of Heyes' sorrel and it was obvious the animal had been bathed, brushed, and well fed.

"This lane will lead you to the road that will take you into town," Armendariz told Heyes. "And do not concern yourself with your friend. "We will keep a close watch on him and when he awakens, we will see to his needs, including breakfast."

Heyes nodded before gathering the reins and climbing into the saddle. Mataskas was not far, and his horse had obviously recovered well from the posse chase. Heyes had every intention of making the trip as quickly as possible.

Armendariz stood outside the stables and watch Heyes disappear down the lane. Then he quickly returned to the house to greet the guest he knew was waiting for him inside the hacienda.

0-0-0-0-0

"Father Miguel," Armendariz said in greeting to the priest. "Thank you for coming."

"Dr. Canales said you wanted to discuss the purchase of Hymnals?"

"Order what you need and send me the bill," Armendariz replied. "The truth is, there is another reason I asked that you come by. I have an injured guest and I think Last Rites may be in order."

"He's dying? But Dr. Canales said…."

"His future is questionable at this point and things could go either way. I thought your presence might prove beneficial to him," Armendariz quickly explained.

"Perhaps the Anointing of the Sick is more in order. I'll know better after I see the infirmed person," Father Miguel replied.

Armendariz nodded. Being pressed for time, he wanted to hurry the visit along. "Follow me, Father," he said and led the Priest to the guest room where Kid was sleeping.

Father Miguel entered the room and approached the bed where Kid was sleeping peacefully. He reached down and clasped Kid's left hand, noting there was no fever.

Growing antsy, Armendariz wanted the Priest gone before Heyes returned. He quickly moved to the bed and spoke a bit loudly.

"Mr. Jones, are you awake?" Armendariz asked with a gentle nudge to Kid's left shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Kid asked. Still groggy and sedated from the heavy dose of pain medication the doctor had administered just two hours prior.

"This is Father Miguel. He's here to absolve you of any sins or transgressions," Armendariz explained in a hushed tone.

Kid was obviously having difficulty understanding what Armendariz was telling him. "Where's…. Where's…."

"Mr. Smith?" Armendariz asked.

Kid managed to nod and raised his left hand to his forehead. "Where is he?"

"He went to town on an errand. He will be back soon."

Father Miguel began speaking Spanish in a whispered tone, adding to Kid's confusion.

"Wait. What's…. What's he saying?"

"He's asking if there is anything you wish to absolve in this life," Armendariz explained.

"This life?"

With concentrated effort, Kid slowly raised his left arm with palm toward the priest and his fingers splayed. "Stop…. Just stop."

"What do you think you're doing?" Heyes' voice demanded from the doorway.

Armendariz, who was standing behind the priest who was kneeling beside the bed, looked up with a start. He had not expected Heyes to return quite so soon. "Mr. Smith!"

"Josh… Joshua?" Kid asked, again moving his left hand to his forehead, hoping to clear his thoughts."

"I asked what it is you're doing," Heyes replied in a tone that warned of trouble.

Armendariz tapped the priest on the shoulder, then leaned down and whispered something into his ear before taking several steps toward the door. "Your friend Mr. Jones had developed a fever. I summoned Father Miguel in the event that…."

"That what, he dies?" Heyes asked with astonishment.

Armendariz lowered his head and nodded.

Heyes was taken aback by what he was witnessing. Kid had seemed to be improving during the previous night. He took a deep breath, then walked over to the bed. "Raise the light in this room," he demanded of Armendariz.

Once there was enough light for Heyes to clearly see his partner's face, he sat down on the edge of the bed and gently took Kid's left hand in his own. "How are you feeling, Thaddeus?" he asked.

"Tired and… and I don't know what they're doing."

Heyes looked up at the priest. "I appreciate your concern Father, but there's no need for this. He ain't feverish."

The priest looked to Armendariz for an explanation.

"Mr. Smith," Armendariz began but Heyes quickly interrupted.

"He ain't Catholic and he's got nothing to confess. I'm afraid you were misled." Heyes told the priest before turning again to Armendariz. "I always thought you were a man of honor, but you're no better than McCreedy, except maybe a hell of a lot more pious."

The muscles in Armendariz's cheeks twitched but he maintained his composure. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a few pesos that he handed discretely to the priest while explaining the situation to the priest in Spanish. The priest then quietly closed his prayerbook and pulled himself to his feet. Looking down at the man in the bed, the priest used his hand to signal the sign of the cross, then turned and left the room.

"You shouldn't take things like this upon yourself," Heyes told Armendariz while keeping his eyes on his partner.

His plan thwarted, Armendariz offered no reply but simply walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"You up to traveling?" Heyes asked Kid.

"I told you before, if you think we should leave, I'll manage. I've been hurt worse than this and still managed to stay on a horse."

Heyes nodded reflectively. "We'll leave in the morning. When we cross the border, we'll sell the horses and catch a train."

"Where to?" Kid asked.

Heyes sighed. "Wyoming, I guess," he said and moved toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

"To have this out with Armendariz."

"Heyes, don't do nothing we'll regret."

Heyes smiled. "That leaves a lot of leeway."

0-0-0-0-0

Heyes walked into the main room of the house and saw Armendariz standing in front of the window looking out at a large field.

"You mind explaining yourself?" Heyes demanded.

Armendariz continued to look out the window, keeping his back toward Heyes. "I must know the truth about the two of you," he replied.

"Why?" Heyes asked.

Armendariz slowly turned to face Heyes. His expression was surprisingly compassionate. "Knowledge is gain."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Heyes asked.

"It means… my knowing the truth just might benefit you both."

"More than likely the benefit would be yours in the form of the reward money. I've heard Heyes and Curry are worth a pretty penny."

"Look around you," Armendariz said with a sweeping gesture of his arm. "I neither want nor need the reward money."

Heyes studied Armendariz's face. "Then what do you want?"

Armendariz smiled. "Satisfaction. Nothing more."

"I don't understand," Heyes replied.

"Please sit, and I will explain."

Heyes was curious enough to hear what Armendariz had to say and he sat down in the nearest chair. "I'm listening."

Armendariz folded his arms across his chest. "Are you familiar with Mexico's history, Mr. Smith?"

"I know about the Mexican/American War. We won it, by the way."

Armendariz offered an amused smile. "So, you did, but I'm speaking of the history before that war. Before making my acquaintance, were you at all familiar with the name Armendariz?"

Heyes shook his head. "Should I be?"

"Perhaps not. The name originates in Spain and is centuries old. It has never been associated with royalty or wealth. We were farmers, herders, laborers. Quite poor for centuries. I was born in Havana, Cuba which was a Spanish territory at the time of my birth. Both Carlotta and I were well educated there despite our poverty level. At the age of eighteen, I joined the Spanish military and quickly rose in rank. By the time I was twenty-eight, I left the military in 1844 as a Captain."

"That's all very interesting but, I don't see a connection to the here and now," Heyes told him.

"Instead of returning to Cuba, I came here to Mexico and purchased a small parcel of what is now this ranch. Two years later the United States declared war on Mexico, and I was summoned back into military duty, this time as a Major in the Mexican Army. It was during that service that I became acquainted with the U.S diplomat, Nicholas Trist.

"I've heard of him," Heyes said, recalling his own history education at the Valparaiso School for Waywards. "He's a man of questionable character, to say the least but, he was able to negotiate the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the war."

"Yes, in 1948 and that treaty ceded a vast amount of land from California to western Colorado to the United States."

"And that land bordered on your ranch," Heyes concluded.

"It would have included my ranch had I not… persuaded Trist to reconsider the boundaries."

Heyes was beginning to see where the conversation was going, and a sly smile crossed his face. "Through bribery or blackmail?" Heyes asked.

Armendariz did not answer the question directly. "My military ties included some very influential American friends in high places. I have maintained those ties over the years and even today I have some close political connections in the United States."

"I still don't understand what all this has to do with Thaddeus and me."

"If your names truly are Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones, then it has absolutely nothing to do with either of you," Armendariz replied, leaving Heyes to draw his own conclusions.

"I guess it boils down to whether or not you choose to believe Big Mac McCreedy," Heyes replied. "I've always found him to be… an exaggerator, though basically honest, like most of us."

A satisfactory smile formed on Armendariz' face. "Indeed."

0-0-0-0-0

When Heyes returned to the Kid's room he found his partner sitting up in the bed with several pillows propped behind his back.

"What happened?" Kid asked with a concerned look on his face.

Heyes closed the door behind him, then crossed the room and sat down at the foot of the bed. "I'm not sure," he replied slowly.

"What do you mean you're not sure? You talked to him, didn't you?" Kid asked.

Heyes nodded. "There was a lot of… inuendo but… I think Armendariz has a bit of a checkered past."

Lines formed on Kid's brow. "What kind of checkered past? Something illegal?"

"He wasn't specific, but I don't think he came by his money through physical labor, if you know what I mean."

"A Bandito?" Kid asked.

"No, I don't think it was that. I sort of narrowed it down to blackmail or bribery but, whatever it was, I think the man's got a lot more clout than we ever gave him credit for."

Kid gave this some thought. From the first time they had encountered Armendariz it was obvious to them both that he was a powerful and influential man but neither had ever considered just how he had come to be so powerful and influential.

"But you don't think he's interested in the reward money?" Kid asked.

Heyes shook his head. "No, I honestly don't think his interest in us has anything to do with the reward money…. I just can't figure him out, and that worries me."

"So, how soon are we leaving?" Kid asked, assuming they would naturally want to put as much distance as possible between them and Armendariz's powerful reach.

"If you're up to it, I told him we'd be leaving in the morning."

"I'm up to it. It's just a shoulder wound, Heyes. It ain't my first and it likely won't be my last. I may not be as fast with my gun for a while, but I ain't bedbound neither."

"We'll ride into Mataska in the morning, sell the horses, and catch the first stage heading to the U.S."

With the matter now settled, Kid leaned his head back into the pillows and closed his eyes. Heyes got up and straightened the blankets, then picked up the chair and moved it closer to the window where he could feel a gentle breeze coming into the room. He sat down in the chair and gazed out the window and thought about all he really knew about Ernesto Armendariz.

Later that afternoon a knock on the bedroom door interrupted Heyes from his thoughts and woke Kid with a start.

"Come in," Heyes called as he gave his partner a cautious glance.

Armendariz opened the door and stepped into the room. He looked first at Heyes, then turned his attention to Kid and smiled. "You're looking well," he said cheerfully.

"Feeling better," Kid replied. "I… appreciate all you've done."

"Dinner will be in an hour. I thought perhaps, if you're feeling up to it, we could dine on the veranda."

Kid nodded. "That sounds fine."

Armendariz nodded. "Then I shall see you both in an hour," he replied and exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Kid looked at Heyes and shrugged, then winced a bit when his shoulder protested the movement.

"I think I'm gonna need some help outta this bed," confessed.

0-0-0-0-0

An hour later, after some awkward attempts at dressing before giving in to some assistance from his partner, Kid and Heyes walked out to the veranda where Armendariz was standing next to a table with three place settings. The food had not yet been brought out, but a crystal decanter of Sherry and three glasses had been placed next to a basket of freshly cut flowers at the center of the table.

Armendariz gestured toward the chairs and Heyes and Kid sat down across from each other as Armendariz poured them each a drink. Handing them each a glass, he then sat down at the head of the table.

"I apologize for my thoughtless tactics this morning," Armendariz said with an honest tone to his voice. "I'm afraid Patrick McCreedy does not bring the best out of me."

Kid looked at Heyes questioningly as he did not understand what McCreedy had to do with anything, but Heyes gave him a quick and subtle shake of his head.

"I'm not sure McCreedy brings the best out of any man," Heyes replied.

"Well, none the less gentlemen, any… secrets any of us might harbor, are safe and secure," Armendariz replied and held out his glass in the fashion of a toast. "To safe travel and brighter days."

The three glasses clinked just as trays of food were brought to the table.

Kid ate heartily, in part due to real hunger, and in part to show Heyes he was feeling up to traveling. After the table had been cleared and the sun was beginning to set behind the distant mountains, Armendariz poured them each another drink and offered them both a cigar.

"They come from Cuba which produces some of the finest cigars in the world," Armendariz told them as he held a lit match to each of their cigars.

Taking a draw of the cigar, both were very impressed with the flavor and smoothness of the tobacco. Armendariz smiled at the sight of their enjoyment and again sat down at the table.

"I want you both to know that, despite our previous encounters, or perhaps because of those encounters, I find you both to be very courageous and… surprisingly honest men. If you are ever looking for… permanent employment and would be willing to relocate to Mexico, I'm quite sure I could offer you some interesting and lucrative employment."

Two dubious gazes met at the center of the table.

"What do you have in mind?" Heyes asked.

"And is the work law-abiding?" Kid asked.

Armendariz smiled broadly. "Both are subjects for a later discussion if and when you find yourselves in a position to consider a proposition," he replied. "Are you still planning to return to the States tomorrow?"

Heyes nodded. "We have some things to take care of."

"Which do not involve Patrick McCreedy I hope," Armendariz replied.

"No. We won't be seeing Big Mac. We have some other people we hafta see."

"Well, the offer stands," Armendariz assured them.

0-0-0-0-0

They had been riding most of the day, headed northeast and back to Texas. Neither had spoken much. Kid had been focused on not overdoing the use of his healing shoulder and Heyes had been lost in contemplative thought. But as the afternoon passed, Kid was becoming increasingly restless for conversation to take his mind off is aching shoulder.

"You've been awful quiet," he said as he brought his horse up next to Heyes.

"Just thinking," Heyes replied.

"About what?"

Heyes smiled somewhat sheepishly. "About Armendariz," he replied.

"What about him?"

"Well, I've been thinking about all the times he's threatened us and of the couple of times he's actually followed through with those threats and physically hurt us. But, despite all that, I honestly like and respect the man, and I've been thinking about just why that is."

"You come up with an answer?"

Heyes nodded and smiled proudly. "Yep."

"You gonna tell me?"

"You're not going to believe this Kid but, I've come to realize that you and Armendariz have a lot in common."

Kid looked at his partner curiously. "You mean like out natural penchant for money and jewels?" he joked.

"I'm being serious. The two of you have a lot in common."

"How so?" Kid asked with a growing interest in the conversation.

"Well, you both have a soft spot for the underdog, and you'd give him the shirt off your back."

"Maybe. What else you got?" Kid prodded.

"You both have a unique but very specific code of ethics and if somebody were to try to take advantage of you, you both can turn as cold as ice in the wink of an eye."

Kid chuckled. "An outlaw with a code of ethics? That's gotta be a first."

"I don't think so. Look at the fact that the entire Devil's Hole gang never shot anyone. That's because of our code of ethics."

"I thought that was just to keep us from ever facing a noose," Kid chided.

Heyes rolled his eyes. "Think about what we've just been through. You get hurt and we went to Armendariz for help, not knowing that he had discovered who we really are and that we're worth twenty thousand dollars. Twenty thousand dollars is a fair amount of money even to a rich man like him. And, we both know that if he wanted to, he had the capability to put us under house arrest until he could turn us over to the authorities."

"But he didn't do any of that," Kid replied.

"Exactly, because he has a code of ethics. When we stole that bust the first time, he lent us horses because we didn't steal anything for our own personal gain."

"But, if it weren't for that stupid amnesty deal, we likely would have," Kid countered honestly.

"True, and I'm sure once he realized who we really are, he also realized why we didn't rob him."

"So?"

"So, he realized that, like himself, we have a code of ethics."

"So, it ain't that you like him because he reminds you of me. It's really because he reminds you of us," Kid stated. "We recognize right from wrong because deep down, we both have a conscience.

"I suppose that's a fair conclusion," Heyes admitted.

Kid laughed. "Admit it Heyes, you've crossed over to the right side of the law. You've got a conscience."

Heyes turned to his partner with a scowl on his face. "No need to get proddy," he said indignantly.

"Sorry Heyes. I didn't mean to insult you. Your conscience can remain our secret."

Heyes sighed and shook his head, thankful that they would soon be reaching Lorado and he could spend the evening concentrating on a few games of poker and a night with a good book.

0-0-0-0-0

"We ever been to Lorado?" Heyes asked as they rode slowly down the main street while making a mental note of the location of the Sheriff's Office and the saloons.

"Nope. I spent a night in jail in El Paso but never been to Lorado," Kid replied quietly.

"There's the Telegraph Office. Let's stop and send Lom a telegram before we check into the hotel."

Bringing their horses to a stop, Kid opted to wait in the saddle while Heyes dashed off a telegram. Ten minutes later, Heyes emerged, and they continued down the street to the hotel. Heyes tied his horse to the hitching post, then took Kid's reins and grasped the side of the noseband to keep the horse still while Kid gripped the saddle horn with his left hand and dismounted cautiously so as not to further injure his right shoulder. Once off the horse, he reached up with his left hand and gave the arm sling a tug to readjust the position of his arm in the sling.

After getting a room and dropping off their gear Kid settled himself on the bed while Heyes walked the horses to the Livery. Twenty minutes later, Heyes returned to the room with a telegram in his hand.

"Looks like we're heading for Porterville," Heyes announced.

Kid opened his eyes and raised his head from the pillow. "Why? Something wrong?" he asked.

Heyes drew in a breath and shrugged his shoulders before unfolding the telegram to read the contents to his partner. "This was waiting for us downstairs when I got back from the livery. It just says come directly to Porterville. Stop, Urgent. Stop. Lom."

"Didn't give a reason?" Kid asked.

Heyes shook his head and chewed his lower lip. "But it must be important."

"Well then, I guess we'd better find a train schedule," Kid replied. "But first we eat."

"Then we sell the horses and just maybe there'll be a little time and a little money to spare for some poker and a cold beer."

0-0-0-0-0

A train north left Lorado at 5:08 the following morning and two very tired partners climbed on board for an eleven-hour trip that took them first to Austin where they would change to another train to Dallas. From Dallas, they rode west on a third train to Boise City and then on to Denver. Another change of trains took them to Cheyenne where they made their final train change, arriving in Porterville at 11:05 at night. Just twenty-seven hours after leaving Lorado.

Stiff, exhausted, and hungry, Heyes and Kid walked into the Porterville jail at eleven-thirty and woke the deputy who was sleeping at the desk.

"Lom went home an hour ago," Deputy Harker Wilkins told them. "He'll be back in the morning."

"Any place to get something to eat at this hour?" Heyes asked.

"The saloons open till three. They keep something brewing in a pot till closing time."

"Thanks," Heyes sighed heavily.

"We'll get a room, and you can rest while I go get us whatever the saloon's offering," Heyes told Kid who had not complained throughout the trip but the deep lines in his brow told Heyes that his partner was as uncomfortable as he was tired.

Kid simply nodded and trailed two steps behind his partner as they left the jail and crossed the street to the hotel. Once in their hotel room, Heyes helped Kid with the removal of his boots and Kid eased himself down on the bed.

"If I'm asleep when you get back, don't bother wakin' me," Kid said as his head sunk into the pillow and he closed his eyes.

The comment told Heyes just how much Kid was hurting, and he decided to bring a bottle of whiskey back with him knowing if Kid's exhaustion didn't put him to sleep, the whiskey surely would.

0-0-0-0-0

Just a few hours after they had fallen asleep, Heyes was awakened by an urgent knocking on the door.

"Who is it?" Heyes demanded as Kid began to stir in the other bed.

"It's Lom. Let me in."

"Just a minute," Heyes replied.

Through the door Lom could hear an indiscernible mumbling followed by the appearance of a soft light through the small space at the bottom of the door. Then he heard some fumbling with the lock and finally the door was opened and Heyes stood in his white long johns and pulled Lom into the room.

"What time is it?" Heyes demanded.

"Six-thirty. Harker told me you two arrived last night," Lom replied as he watched Kid, with his arm in a sling, carefully shift to sit on the edge of his bed. "What happened to you?" Lom asked.

"Nothin' serious," Kid replied.

"I thought it would be best to talk here where we aren't going to be overheard," Lom told them.

"Talk about what?" Heyes asked as he returned to his bed and sat down. "What's so urgent that we had to come to Porterville?"

"The same day I got your telegram telling me you were in Lorado, I got a second telegram. The second one was from the governor, and it said we needed to set up a meeting as soon as possible," Lom explained.

Heyes and Kid looked at each other with concern.

"He ain't goin' back on his word?" Kid asked. "Lom, he gave us his word, in writing."

"He didn't say anything about going back on his word. In fact, he offered no explanation at all. Now that you're here, I'll wire him and tell him we can be in Cheyenne tomorrow."

Both men nodded hesitantly as both anticipated the worst.

"We shouldda just stayed in Mexico," Kid mumbled.

"What were you doing in Mexico?" Lom asked.

Heyes yawned. "We were near the border when Kid got shot by a posse," Heyes explained. "We weren't far from the Armendariz ranch, so we went there to get Kid seen by a doctor."

Both Kid and Heyes could see Lom's face pale in the lamp light.

"What's wrong?" Heyes asked.

"Ernesto Armendariz?" Lom asked hesitantly.

"Yeah. So what?" Kid asked.

"Wait a darn minute. Are you two telling me that you know Ernesto Armendariz personally? How?" Lom asked.

Kid and Heyes exchanged wary glances, uncertain just how to proceed with the conversation.

"Why is that important?' Heyes asked cautiously.

"How?" Lom again demanded.

"We…did some work for a man in Texas a few years ago and that work brought us to the acquaintance of Armendariz," Heyes replied.

"So, you were doing something illegal," Lom concluded.

"You said that; we didn't," Kid replied.

"Lom, what are you trying to say?" Heyes asked.

"You remember when the Kid ran into some trouble up in Red Rock, Montanna and I was in Mexico at the time?"

"Yeah," they replied in unison.

"I was there as a liaison for the President, delivering what was essentially amnesty papers to Ernesto Armendariz."

"Amnesty? For what?" Heyes asked incredulously.

Armendariz played a significant role in the setting of the land boundaries that ended the Mexican/American War. The treaty was not the treaty that President Polk had demanded but Nicholas Trist agreed to the boundaries that Mexico stipulated. When it was all said and done, Armendariz was accused of land grabbing, although more technical terms were used in the actual warrant for his arrest. After forty years and no arrest, President Arthur decided to pardon Armendariz. Moonlight is a friend of Arthur's and when the President told Moonlight about the amnesty, the Governor volunteered me to go to Mexico and deliver the papers quietly to avoid any adverse publicity."

The grin that spread across Heyes' face stretched nearly ear to ear. "Well, I'll be damned. Armendariz has a criminal history!"

"No wonder he likes us," Kid joked.

"He likes you?" Lom asked.

"Well, like might not be the right word but he did offer us jobs," Kid replied.

"Which we turned down," Heyes quickly added. "But now we know why he was so interested in finding out who we really are. He was just trying to decide if he could really trust us or not."

"And did he?" Lom asked.

"Did he what?"

"Did he find out who you really are?"

Again, Kid and Heyes exchanged wary glances.

"That's… a real possibility," Kid said slowly.

"So, that's why the governor is so hell-bent on meeting with the two of you."

"I don't follow," Heyes told Lom. "If Armendariz was pardoned, what's any of that got to do with us?"

Lom shook his head. "I'm not about to try to second guess the governor. We'll find out the true motive when we talk with him tomorrow. In the meantime, get some sleep and get yourselves cleaned up and presentable. You want to make a good impression."

0-0-0-0-0

After an evening bath, a good night's sleep, a morning shave and a change into their Sunday suits, Heyes and the Kid met Lom at the train station to board the 7:08 am train to Cheyenne. Four hours later the train pulled into the Cheyenne station and, after a quick lunch, Heyes, Kid, and Lom made their way to the State House for their meeting with the governor.

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming on such short notice. I understand it took some doing to get you here so promptly and I want you to know I appreciate the effort to do that," Governor Moonlight said as he offered a handshake to Heyes and Lom, then turned to Kid and offered his left hand.

"You've suffered some sort of injury Mr. Heyes?" the governor asked when he saw Kid's arm in a sling.

"Ah, I'm Curry," Kid corrected him nervously. "It's nothing serious, sir."

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry for that faux pas but I must say, you two simply do not look like outlaws. Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable.

Kid, Heyes, and Lom each took a seat in front of the governor's desk and slipped their hats from their heads and into their laps while the governor sat down in the chair behind his desk.

"The reason I've asked you here is to inform you both that I have reconsidered our most recent agreement," Governor Moonlight explained.

Two faces drooped as they exchanged a bewildered glance.

"Begging your pardon sir but, we had an agreement," Heyes replied.

"In writing," Kid added.

"You can't do that," Heyes objected.

"I'm the governor of the Wyoming territory Mr. Heyes. I assure you I can, and I have done just that," Moonlight replied.

The governor reached for the top drawer of his desk and Kid's right hand instinctively dropped toward his gun, only to be constrained by the arm sling. Heyes saw his partner's gesture and pressed his fingers against Kid's arm as a gentle reminder not to react in haste.

"Governor," Heyes began. "We've been waiting for this amnesty for a long time. We've done everything you've asked of us. We've done everything the last three governors before you have asked. We've earned that amnesty."

Governor Moonlight pulled two single page documents from his desk drawer and offered one to Heyes and one to the Kid.

"So, you have," he replied.

Heyes quickly read the document. "I don't understand," he said in disbelief. "What is this?"

"Your amnesty papers, gentlemen. "You have been absolved of your crimes. You are both free men as of today."

"Today?" Heyes asked, still in somewhat of a daze. "Why? How?"

"Is that important?" Moonlight asked. "Perhaps it's best not to look a gift horse in the mouth."

Heyes looked at Lom who was as surprised and shocked at he and the Kid.

"He's got a valid point, Heyes. Maybe it's best to just say thank you."

"But…." Heyes stopped speaking when his mind suddenly presented him with an epiphany. "Well, I'll be damned," he said more to himself than to anyone else in the room. "That gift horse wouldn't happen to reside in Mexico, would it?"

"I'm sure I have no idea what you are suggesting Mr. Heyes," Moonlight replied. "Now, there are some stipulations that go along with this amnesty," Moonlight added.

"A catch?" Kid asked.

"No, I assure you there is no catch. But there will be no public announcement. No reporters. No newspaper articles. My office will notify all the law enforcement officials throughout Wyoming. In fact, telegrams will be going out yet this afternoon. But you should always keep those papers on you until the November election has occurred. In the event that you find yourselves in a compromised situation, you have those legal documents to prove you are no longer wanted. I'll have each of your copies notarized before you leave this meeting.

"That's it?" Kid asked.

"That's it," the governor replied. "Your amnesty will be made public the day after the election in November. Until then, if either of you should be approached by a reporter, your response will simply be that you have no comment."

"Governor, could I ask you a question?" Heyes asked.

Governor Moonlight folded his arms on his desk and gave Heyes a nod.

"Was this change of plans influenced by anyone outside of this office? Perhaps someone outside of the country?"

"A standard political answer to a question such as that would be that I have no working knowledge of any such influence Mr. Heyes," the governor replied. "So, once again Mr. Heyes, I have no idea what you may be suggesting."

"Which is not an actual denial," Heyes replied with a grin.

"Well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to draw this meeting to a close and I have an appointment in ten minutes. If you'll come with me to my secretary's desk, she'll see that your papers receive the Notary seal…. I do want to tell you both how very impressed I've been at the way you've conducted yourselves over the past three years. I'm sure it has not been easy. I wish you both success with whatever paths you choose for your futures."

"Thank you, sir," they replied in unison.

Stepping out into the sunshine several minutes later, Heyes, Kid, and Lom descended the steps and stopped on the walk leading to the street.

"The train back to Porterville leaves at six. Are you coming with me?" Lom asked.

Heyes looked at Kid, then shook his head. "I think we'll stay here in Cheyenne for the night and maybe do a little quiet celebrating in a saloon."

"Have you made plans for your future?" Lom asked.

"Never seemed to have the time to do that," Heyes replied.

"Always too busy keeping one step ahead on the law," Kid explained.

"I remember those days myself," Lom recalled. "Well, I guess I'll be heading to the train station. Keep in touch and let me know when you're settled somewhere."

"We will Lom, and we thank you for all you've done over the years," Heyes replied with a firm handshake.

0-0-0-0-0

After a celebratory whiskey and a few hours of poker, they retired to their room for the night. Kid, still recovering from his injury, slipped the sling from his shoulder and slowly and carefully removed his boots, then stripped down to his long johns and was asleep almost as soon as he crawled into bed.

Several hours later, Kid shifted his position and felt a warning pain in his shoulder. Opening still sleepy eyes, he was surprised to see Heyes still awake though propped up in his bed. Beside him, an oil lamp on the nightstand provided a soft orange and yellow glow and Kid saw that Heyes was busy scrawling something on a pad of paper.

"What time is it and what are you doing?" Kid asked as he propped his right arm on a pillow.

"It's late. Go back to sleep, and I'm making a list."

"What kind of list?"

"A list of the people we should notify about the amnesty."

"Yeah? Who's on the list?"

Well, Clementine for one. I figure we're close enough to Denver that we could go and tell her in person."

"Alright. Who else?" Kid asked.

"Obviously Silky and Soapy and Diamond Jim. The governor said no publicity so I figure we'll have to write letters to most folks and avoid sending telegrams because a telegrapher somewhere might read it and go straight to the local newspaper."

"How about Judge Hanley?" Kid asked. "He done us a big favor and he might like to know it paid off."

"That's a good idea," Heyes said and added the judge's name to the list.

"What about the boys, Wheat and Kyle and the others?"

"That would have to be a visit to Devil's Hole," Heyes reminded Kid.

Kid shrugged as best his shoulder would allow. "Governor didn't say we can't associate with outlaws now that we're amnestied. Besides, it might be an incentive to them to get into the amnesty program."

"Alright. After we talk to Clem we'll head to Devil's Hole."

"Big Mac?" Kid asked.

Heyes bit down on the corner of his lower lip as he gave this some consideration. "I think we should just leave him guessing."

Kid grinned. "You're probably right. Armendariz?"

"I have a strong suspicion he already knows, and I think maybe he should be on the visitation list, though no rush in going back there."

"You really think he had a hand in us getting our amnesty?" Kid asked.

"There's not a doubt in my mind, Kid. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean a doubt doesn't exist. It just doesn't exist in my mind. That's why I think a visit is in order."

"If that's true, it's a shame we didn't tell him who we are when we stole the bust. We might have gotten our amnesty right after that."

Heyes shook his head. "No, I think if he knew then, we might still not have the amnesty."

"Yeah? How you figure?"

"When we stole the bust, he thought we were just a couple of down on our luck cowboys doing a job for McCreedy. If he had known that we were professional outlaws, I doubt he would have been as lenient with us."

"But either way, we didn't take the jewels or the money. That impressed him and it might have impressed him even more if he had known we were Curry and Heyes."

"Yeah, but he was impressed because he thought we were a couple of honest poor folks just doing the job we were paid to do."

"So why the change of heart now that he knows, or at least you think he knows, who we are?"

"Because over time, he got to know us for the fine, upstanding people that we are. Then, when he did figure out who we are, I think he saw himself in us and realized that maybe the three of us are all cut from the same cloth."

Kid gave this some thought. "You know, I always have admired and respected Armendariz. I can't say the same about Big Mac."

"Me too."

"Can you think of any more names for that list?"

Heyes reread the list and shook his head. "I think that just about covers it."

"That ain't a lot of people," Kid said a little sadly.

"True, but every one of them has been a loyal friend for a lot of years."

"Yeah," Kid said through a long yawn. "If you don't mind, I'm going back to sleep now."

Heyes put the pad of paper and the pencil on the nightstand and doused the light, then settled himself snugly in the bed.

"What do you suppose the job is that Armendariz has to offer," Heyes asked, uncertain is his partner was even still awake.

"Whatever it is, we ain't takin the job," came a very groggy reply.

"You don't even know what it is. Why wouldn't we even consider it?" Heyes asked.

"Butch and Sudance tried makin' a livin' south of the border and we've both heard the stories about how that turned out. Now go to sleep, Heyes."

"Good night, Kid."