As the train safe clicked open, Heyes grinned and peered into it, his eyes gleamed with excitement at the neatly bundled rolls of cash, that were the Silver Queen Mine's payroll. Heyes turned to Monk, who was guarding the door, and was about to wave him over, to help stuff the money into the canvas bags they'd brought, when he heard a terrified female scream. The noise sent a cold chill through Heyes' body, and made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

Heyes froze for a moment, then tossed the bags at the other man with a terse "Fill 'em up," before he exited the train, drawing his gun as he did so.

Once outside, he saw the groups of passengers being guarded by various members of the gang, who were hushing them, as they looked nervously round, no doubt having also heard the scream.

Heyes realised as he looked that there was no sign of Wade Johnson, a member of the gang that he had tried to get Jim to expel with no success. Heyes heard a whimper that drew his eyes to a small copse of trees a little way from the rest of the passengers. That's when he saw him, lying on top of one of the female passengers. He had already hitched up her dress, and was yanking her undergarments down, as he spread her legs roughly apart. She was begging him to stop, with increasing desperation.

At the sight, Heyes swore loudly, and his face shifted into what could only be described as a snarl, as his eyes darkened to almost black. He set off running, and with a bellow of rage, he yanked the man off the hysterical woman,then kicked him hard in the groin, finishing putting him down by pistol whipping him, so he fell with a grunt. Heyes then kicked the unconscious form away with a small huff of relief. Panting heavily, he holstered his gun, letting the anger rush out of him, as he looked down in satisfaction at the fallen man.

Feeling calmer, he then turned his attention to the woman, who was still sobbing, her breath coming in harsh gasps. As Heyes came towards her, she tried to crawl away from him, her face still terrified as she puffed out breathlessly. "Please, Sir...I'm to be married...please...if..." When she realised she couldn't move further enough away, her face twisted into pained resolve, and she stared up him. As he leant over her to help her to her feet, she started to fumble at his pants, and his stomach twisted with nausea, realising what she was offering, in an attempt to keep her virtue intact. He took a deep breath swallowing down the bile, and gently but firmly pushed the young woman's hands away, as he said reassuringly. "No, Miss, no need for that." He eyed the unconscious man, then kicked out his foot to hit his leg hard, he added. "We're not all like him, I promise."

With tears still running down her face, but the horror in her face easing a little, she nodded, and allowed Heyes to gently help her put her clothes back in order. After she was more covered, he pulled her to her feet, and as she stood wavering, smoothed her dress, giving her a reassuring smile, as he asked carefully."You travelling with someone, Miss?"

She took a deep breath and shook her head. "I'm meeting my parents, so we can travel on together for me to be married." She paused then added. "My father was most unhappy with my decision, and it seems he was right to be concerned." She then took a deep breath and asked. "What will you do with that..that..man?"

Heyes gave her a tight smile, and thought of many things he'd like to do to Wade Johnson, but all he said was. "It's probably best that you don't know the details, Miss, but he will be dealt with." He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her, As she wiped at her face, he asked. "Is there anyone who you can travel with once this train gets going again?" He was hesitant to let her go alone, as she was still shaking, and thought it better she not be alone for the rest of the trip.

She nodded, with a small smile. "There is an older couple, who are on their way to visit with family, who were most considerate of me being alone. I'm sure they will be quite happy for me to sit with them."

She trailed off, gave him a nod, and before he could reply, she had started back towards the other passengers at a half run.

Heyes watched her go, and was relieved when she was pulled into a reassuring hug by an older woman, as a man, likely the lady's husband patted her back softly. The crisis had been headed off, but Heyes knew this would not be the last time, Johnson did something like this. If Santana wouldn't deal with Wade properly, he would be more than happy to do it for him.

ASJ

"Throw him out of the gang Han-ee-bel, I do not think so. I will just keep a closer eye on him is all, keep him away from the passengers."

"You think that will make a difference Santana? Don't let him near me, or I might just forget to warn him about any dynamite." Heyes took a step forward, his head thumping, his jaw clenched, furious, and was quickly chest to chest with the larger man, as he snarled. "During a robbery, you can't keep an eye on everyone, and that man will rape or murder someone...mark my words." Santana took a step back, despite his size advantage, obviously a little unnerved by Heyes' anger, and said mildly. "If I throw him out of the gang, he will only find another that may have how do we say it less scruples, if I keep him here, we can perhaps persuade him to control his...impulses."

Heyes blew out a heavy breath, and stepped back rubbing his eyes, relieved that Santana obviously did not approve of what Johnson had done, and as his mind cleared of some anger, an idea came to him "I say we turn him over to the law, explain to the gang that if The Devil's Hole Gang become known for the type man that Johnson is, rewards will go up, and anyone caught, might find their neck stretched before they make it back for trial."

It settled wrongly on Heyes that he had to justify why rape was a bad thing, it felt like it should be obvious to anyone. Just because he stole, didn't mean he had to rid himself of all his morals, but it seemed to be the only way he could get through to his leader.

Jim slapped him on the back, his face split into a broad grin, as he said. "That is a fine plan, Han-ee-bel, self preservation is easy to sell, yes? After we have taught him our own lesson, you and Hank will take him to town, leave him outside the jail, for the Sheriff to find, as a small gift shall we say?"

Heyes grinned back at his leader, this whole situation was one of the few times since their separation, that Heyes was glad his cousin wasn't around, because he knew had he been, Johnson would have suffered far more than a headache, and this discussion about what to do with him, might well have been unnecessary. Heyes didn't much care about Wade's state, but he was glad he wasn't having to talk Santana into not throwing the Kid out, or at the very least persuade Jim out of doing him some harm, in the name of maintaining control.

Satisfied that he had made his point, Heyes gave Santana a nod, and started to walk towards the door, intending to head back into the bunkhouse. His hand was on the door, when Santana spoke, his voice not quite neutral as he said. "It is good that you addressed this with me away from the others, Han-ee-bel. Discipline must be maintained, so had you not, I would have had to punish you in some way."

Heyes swirled back towards him, his grip tightening on the door handle, as his voice rose in angry surprise at the comment. "Punish me?" Heyes knew he had dealt with the situation in the best, most disciplined and least messy way possible. He didn't need to stand for being treated as if he had done something wrong, and in fact he wasn't going to, so making a decision he replied fiercely. "If that's your feeling on this, then I won't come back with Hank once we've handed Johnson over to the law. Stealing is one thing, but..." He waved round him expansively, then added firmly. "Goodbye, Jim."

"Now Han-ee-bel, there is no need to be hasty...once Johnson has been dealt with, let us discuss this again..."

"I don't think so Jim..maintaining discipline is one thing, but...besides I have something to do...I'm just leaving a bit earlier than I intended."

As Heyes slammed out the door, he knew anger was likely making him irrational, but the look of terror on the girl's face, and what she'd felt she would have had to do, on first seeing him, lingered and had left him unsettled. He didn't like being thought of as that kind of man.

ASJ

Because it was too late to do anything tonight, Heyes simply packed what few belongings he had in preparation for leaving, then lay on his bunk, content with his decision to leave. He was planning his next move, eyes closed when he heard footsteps,and a muffled conversation, recognising Hank's voice when it rose slightly as he said. "Be a real pleasure, Jim, ain't never much liked Wade, he's too happy to hurt folk, when all we want is their money."

Heyes grinned a little to himself, Hank was a good man. Footsteps coming towards him made him open his eyes, and he looked up into the face of his soon to be ex leader. Not wanting an argument so publicly, but still not willing to budge on his view, he said neutrally, "Jim...guess we'll head to town in the morning. Hank will be back in a few days...I'll see him on his way safe, before I head out on my own business."

Santana perched on the edge of the bunk and said seriously. "Han-ee-bel, I do not wish us to part on bad terms, you are an asset...and I." He paused then added through gritted teeth "Your skills have made my plans...better." Heyes bit down on a smile, knowing just what admitting that, must be costing his leader.

But even with his anger until control, and having looked at the situation more calmly, Heyes was still certain that his decision to leave was the correct one, stealing would not make him lose every sense of what was right, so he replied firmly."I don't want to be part of a gang that allows the passengers to be harmed. It is not needed to be successful."

Jim nodded, "Indeed it is not, neither as you pointed out, is it good for our health...so after much thought I have a proposition for you...become my second, and together we make it clear to anyone that wishes to remain in this outfit, that we merely rob the safe, in the train or the bank, and leave the passengers or customers, how do you say, yes leave them unmolested." He paused as Heyes started to talk and said. "Do what you must, I do not wish to keep you here unwillingly. But I hope you will return, and when you do, we shall move on with this. Yes?"

Heyes smiled, just resisting rubbing his hands with glee at the idea. He wanted to lead a gang of his own one day, but not quite yet, and this was a big step in the right direction. But he had one condition. "I will be bringing someone back with me, who will make enforcing the new rules much easier...you heard of Kid Curry?"

He gave a wide full dimpled grin, at the look of surprise on Santana's face, which shifted into consideration at the implication. "He is a killer, how will his presence help our rules?"

Heyes glared, angry at the man's assumption, and snapped. "If you'd read the newspapers properly, you'd know that Kid Curry is generally good enough, that killing don't even come into it, certainly not recently."

Jim looked down at his lap, then muttered, and nodded to himself, before turning back to Heyes, as he asked "You know him well? Trust him?"

Heyes nodded, in no doubt that whatever had happened while they were apart, he still knew his cousin well, and could trust him as much as he ever had. "Trust him with my life."

"Very well, I will take your word on this...and if it proves you are wrong, then you will deal with him, yes?"

"It won't come to that." Of that Heyes was sure.

ASJ

"Dusk? We don't get outta here till dusk?"

The Kid folded his arms furious, as the man named Vickers shrugged unconcerned. "Thirty days is thirty days son, and today is your thirtieth day."

The Kid took a deep breath, licking his lips lightly, and closed his eyes briefly, grasping for patience...and thought to himself just eight hours, Kid, just eight hours. It was somehow reassuring and irritating to him in about equal measure, that in many situations, gunfights aside, when he had to talk himself into keeping hold of his temper, and stay calm, the voice in his head sounded suspiciously like his cousin. He hated that not being released till dusk, meant another night in this nasty hole of a town, but then there was nothing he could say that would change that. So he let out a heavy puff of air, then allowed himself to be led to the mine, with only the quietest mumble of discontent.

ASJ

"Buy you a drink, Jed?"

After they'd collected their belongings from the sheriff, more than a little surprised that nothing was missing, Rich nodded over at the saloon, as Clint nodded, smacking his lips at the thought of his first drink in a month.

The Kid hesitated, then shrugged, almost tasting the drink and nodded. "If you're sure you don't mind spending some of your cash in this awful little dust bowl, then I ain't gonna turn down a free beer."

"That's the spirit, Jed." Rich clapped him hard on the shoulder and together the three of them walked to the saloon.

The Kid after a couple of drinks, covered a yawn, and stood with a smile. "I better make tracks, intend on headin' out early in the mornin'."

Clint grinned and said dryly. "Not before breakfast, I hope."

Kid grinned as Rich rolled his eyes at his partner. "You and food..."

The Kid quickly shook his head with a smile of his own, the familiarity of the discussion, making him ever more eager to meet back up with his cousin, but said evenly. "No, I don't never go anywhere without breakfast. See ya in the morning fellas."

Walking towards the hotel, as he passed an alley, the Kid heard scuffling and the sound of male laughter, and a slap. "Girl, you don't wanna cross me."

There was a small gasp, and the sound of another slap, quickly followed by a gasping sob and a breathless. "Please, David, let me go."

This was followed by another slap, and the sound of clothes ripping. " I don't do pregnant whores normally and my Pa has fixed me up with a real nice piece, but I think one last time for old time's sake, eh Clara?"

"Please, David." Her voice cracked, and she whimpered again, as there was a sound of more ripping clothes and the noise of a zip being pulled down.

The Kid having heard enough, let his hand slip to his gun, and stepped into the light of the gas lamp, as he said calmly. "Is there a problem here?"

He recognised the young man as the David McLeod, but the girl he didn't know, but he guessed by her dress that she was likely a saloon girl. Her cheek was bright red, and her face was streaked with tears. Kid's anger bit at the absolute terror in her face, saloon girl or not she didn't deserve to be treated like she was nothing.

David still keeping a hard, and obviously painful grip on the woman's arm, swirled round, his face split into an unpleasant grin. "Walk on by drifter, because unless you wanna spend another thirty days working down a mine. This is none of your concern."

The Kid shook his head. "Oh but it is, believe me it is. Now step away from the lady." Kid waved his gun at the man. "And I mean now."

David did as the Kid said, his expression furious. "You'll regret getting involved..."

Kid advanced on the man, and slammed the butt of his gun onto his head, then as he fell, turned to the terrified girl, who was watching in unrestrained horror, her hand over her mouth. Biting down on his anger at David, so as not to scare her anymore, the Kid said gently. "I think it best you're not easy found when he wakes up. You got somewhere you can be, where its safe? Clara, isn't it?"

She nodded, then looked down at the unconscious figure of McLeod, and her face paled, before her eyes drifted to the saloon, as she said. "Everything of mine is in there."

The Kid shook his head, and said softly. "Get what you can't live without, then come back here, so I know you're safe."

She nodded and ran off, but was quickly back with a small bag over her shoulder. Kid smiled at her, and dug into his pocket, pulling out a small bundle of notes, pushing them into her hands, even as she tried to refuse. But he stood firm, and still looking pale she finally accepted them as he said. "You oughta be gone at first light, and I figure this will help a bit, especially with a baby on the way."

She rubbed her stomach gently and said softly. "I...I hope the baby isn't his, though of course I ain't sure, but I wasn't asking him for nothing." She flushed, but he shook his head, not judging her at all, and she asked wonderingly."Why are you doing this for me? I don't even know you, but thank you." She kissed him gently on the cheek, and before he could reply, she slipped into shadow, as Kid smiled after her. It felt good after a month of being ordered around, not to be powerless, and to be able to help someone who needed it.

Then he looked down at the still unconscious David, his face darkening, before shaking his head as he muttered walk-off and continued to his hotel, satisfied with what he'd done.

ASJ

"Jed, watch out behind ya! I can see a shooter!"

Walking down the street, towards the cafe, the Kid swirled at the voice, pulling out his weapon as he did so, and the bullet aimed at the back of his head, instead hit his shoulder. He twisted to land on the ground, and though he had controlled his fall, he still landed with a slight thud, and he gritted his teeth against the sudden shooting pain through his body.

He rolled to lay on his stomach, and as another bullet flew over his head, he got a shot off, and it was with some satisfaction that he heard a grunt of pain, and a splash as the person who'd tried to bushwhack him, landed in the horse trough, he'd seen as he fired. He heard running feet and looked up slightly blearily, as the pain was spiking a bit. Clint, looked down at him, "All right?"

At the Kid's nod, he then helped to him his feet, and together they walked over to the still form lying in the trough. Rich ran to join them and together they pulled the man out of the water, to lay him less than gently on the ground.. To Kid's lack of surprise, he saw that it was David McLeod, and he was still breathing. The Kid nodded to himself in some satisfaction, because despite being hit, his aim had been true, and he'd only shot him in the arm, as he'd intended to. The decision had been easy, despite the lack of time to consider, because the Kid knew he didn't need another death on his conscience, however justified he might have felt in the moment.

Clint looked over at Kid, admiration in his face. "Well, boy, that was mighty fine shooting. Don't know how ya managed to hit him at all, never mind anything else."

Kid shrugged, then winced at the pain in his shoulder. "I usually hit what I aim at, and killing him wouldn't have done me much good in this town now would it?"

Rich and Clint laughed, but said nothing else, for which the Kid was grateful. They heard running feet, and swirled round to see a well-dressed young woman, her face pale and expression pained come up behind them, and she gasped. "I saw it all from the dress shop. I can't believe David would...I must tell my Pa..he won't let me marry a man like that!"

Then with another shake of her head, she ran off, leaving the three men staring after her. The Kid smiled slightly, but then grimaced as the pain hit him. His hands were beginning to shake from it, now the adrenalin had worn off.

Looking round him, he realised that the street was beginning to fill, and that David McLeod was beginning to regain consciousness. The Kid sighed, realising there'd be no breakfast for him today. He would just have time to retrieve his horse, before trouble found him again. Even just wounding the son of the big man in town would likely send him back to a work farm, or maybe even worse, and he wasn't prepared to accept that.

"Look Jed, I know you've been hit, maybe we oughta..." Rich looked at him worriedly as he spoke, as Clint nodded in agreement to what his partner was about to suggest.

But the Kid shook his head, careful not to jolt his shoulder, and said easily. "Thanks fellas, but I think it best we part ways, as I figure you might like to rest up some, and I don't got the time." He stuck out his left arm and as Clint shook is gently, said firmly." I think this 'bout makes us even...thank you..."

Rich grinned at him. "My pleasure, son, glad to help, we don't like unpaid debts, do we Clint?"

Clint nodded and said. "Be careful, son, being alone ain't always easy."

The Kid smiled his thanks, knowing he wouldn't be alone for much longer, because he'd realised when he'd woken, that today, it was finally time to start off, so he would be in time to meet up with Heyes.

Riding out a few minutes later, the Kid was watched by a small crowd, which included the hotel clerk, Richie and Clint. As he passed the group, he heard the clerk say in an awed town. "You do know that was Kid Curry right? Didn't think nothing of the name in the register, till I saw him shoot. Guess, he weren't in the mood for killing this morning, that McLeod boy, was real lucky, real lucky."

The Kid didn't acknowledge that he'd heard, simply looked ahead of him, till he exited the town, so very glad to be leaving it behind him.

Riding until just before dusk, when he came to a sheltered clearing, he dismounted a little painfully, because though the bullet had only grazed him, it had left a bruise that was uncomfortable, and he was glad to be finally stopping. He set up camp slowly, ate the jerky he had in his saddlebags, too tired to try shooting, and then with a coffee in hand, wrapped in a blanket, he stared into the fire, planning which direction he'd head in come morning. The long trip ahead, wasn't worrying him at all, because there was Heyes at the end of it. That fact made him smile broadly, because whatever had happened, between them parting ways, and meeting up again, he was sure they'd sort out any problems, and move on together, because there was no other outcome he'd accept.

With that thought, he tossed out the rest of his coffee, and settled down on his bedroll, careful to avoid the bruise on his back. It wasn't long before he was swept into a dream of two young boys on a bright summer's day, laughing and fishing in a river, peacefully nestled between two compact, sturdy cabins.