The sun had been up for quite some time and an exhausted Hannibal Heyes rubbed his burning eyes as he sat cross legged on the ground beside his partner and best friend…the friend who lay in front of him with two bullet holes in him. He'd been able to dig the bullets out of his leg and shoulder but nearly everything he'd needed had been left in his saddlebags several miles back on his dead horse. He blew out a breath as he thought of Wheat and the boys, pretty sure Wheat would be in his glory heading the gang and carrying the bank money that Heyes had tossed him as they split up. Sighing deeply he stared down at his unconscious partner, reaching out to sweep the damp hair from his forehead, thankful that the fever was coming down, before rubbing his hands worriedly over his own face. They had been here almost two days and he couldn't help but feel that this was his fault and for once he had no idea what to do. There was no way the Kid could walk, they had limited supplies and only one horse…one lame horse, which is why they now found themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere, still miles from Devil's Hole and safety. His eyes closed and he took a ragged breath, his head dropping miserably as he buried his face in his hands wondering how it had all gone so wrong.

XXX

Two days ago

Heyes and the Kid had ridden into Stoneridge Saturday morning knowing the rest of the Devil's Hole Gang would show up in ones and twos throughout the day to avoid suspicion, just as they were supposed to. They passed the time wandering around the town and playing a few hands of low stakes poker in the saloon. As the sun began to set they strolled along the boardwalk to lean casually against a post next to the hitching rail that their horses were loosely tied to, watching as the bank manager stepped out of the building and locked the door, checking it twice before heading home to have supper with his family. They exchanged a glance and a grin before heading back to the saloon for a few more hours. It was shortly after midnight when they exited the saloon making their way slowly to their horses. Glancing up and down the street, the only people they saw were the gang members that had taken their assigned places in front of several of the businesses since most of the townspeople at this late hour were either at home or in the saloon. The moon was beginning to peek over the horizon when they mounted their horses to seemingly ride out of town, but instead, once they reached the end of the street, made their way to the rear of the bank. Kyle and Salem were waiting to take the reins from them and stand guard there while the rest of the gang were scattered along the main street keeping an eye on things from the front. They crept down the alley, Heyes quickly using the bar spreader to gain access through the side window. Once inside, the Kid made his way to the window that faced the street, using the tip of his gun to part the curtain just far enough for him to watch for any problem approaching from the street, pleased to see their men still stationed where they were supposed to be. Heyes walked to the safe, smiling as he ran his hand along the top before squatting down in front of it, setting his hat on the floor before placing his ear against the iron door. His eyes were closed in concentration as he slowly turned the dial, listening for the tumblers to slowly drop into place. Three quarters of an hour later and after only three failed attempts, he felt the familiar rush, when he turned the handle hearing the click that meant he had been successful. Still grinning he quickly scooped the money into the bag he had brought, put his hat back on, got to his feet and looked toward his partner.

"Let's go Kid," he whispered.

Squeezing their way back through the bent bars of the window they hurried down the alley to where their horses were being held. Taking the reins they were about to mount up when their attention was drawn to the sound of raised voices and horses galloping down the main street in front of the bank. They quickly pulled themselves into the saddle glancing at Wheat as he pulled his horse to a sliding stop beside them.

"Better hurry boys," he hissed. "The sheriff's gatherin' a posse."

"What?"

"We was all where we was supposed to be so don't be blamin' none o' us," he growled.

"Argue later, let's go," the Kid snapped.

Within minutes the five of them were racing away, not knowing who had tipped off the sheriff or how far behind they were. Wheat had sent the rest of the gang on their way as he went to warn the four men behind the bank. The posse was on their tail in minutes and even though it was dark, the moon made it easy for not only the outlaws to see where they were going it also enabled the posse to follow them. They eventually had to slow their mounts to give them a bit of a breather while the riders, glancing back, could see the posse…and it was gaining on them.

"Wheat, you Kyle and Salem go on ahead, me and the Kid'll try and lead them off that way," Heyes said waving a hand indicating a direction.

The three men hesitated, unsure if they should leave their leaders.

"Do as he says, we'll meet ya at the Hole," the Kid said reining his horse in the direction Heyes had indicated they go.

Wheat shook his head doubtfully but did as he was told and led Kyle and Salem in a direct line to Devil's Hole as Heyes and the Kid veered off on a more circuitous route.

It didn't take long for the two friends to realize the posse was after them. They pushed their horses onward and as the sky began to lighten, bullets started whizzing by their ears and kicking dust up around the horses' hooves. Both men were bent low in the saddle with Curry in the lead, but hearing his partner's horse scream, he straightened looking back over his shoulder. Pulling his gun he began firing toward the men chasing them as he wheeled his horse around racing back to protect his cousin. With his shots hitting three of the men, they pulled back out of range of the Kid's bullets. Reaching down with his left hand he grabbed his partner's arm to pull him up behind him as one of the posse members pulled his rifle. A bullet struck his leg and digging his heels into his animal he fired off one last shot, Heyes grabbing his partner's hips to steady himself, heard him grunt as the horse turned away from their pursuers. They galloped away somehow managing to avoid the gunshots that again began kicking dirt up around them. Heyes wasn't sure how it happened, maybe it was because some of the men had been wounded, but it wasn't long before they lost sight of the men chasing them.

The horse finally slowed to a walk. "Damn Kid, that was too close," Heyes murmured breathing a sigh of relief, thinking nothing of it when his partner didn't say anything.

Heyes had been keeping a close eye on the trail behind them even though it had been a couple miles since there'd been any sign of the posse. He turned taking another glance over his shoulder when the horse stumbled badly almost ending up on its knees limping a few steps before coming to a stop. He was thrown against the Kid who had lurched forward and since Heyes had already been slightly off balance he had to grab onto his partner to stop himself from falling…that's when he felt the warm stickiness.

"What the…" he said as he looked at his blood covered hand. "Kid?"

Getting no response he slid off the horse grabbing his partner as he tried to dismount, tightening his grip when he heard the groan when the Kid's legs gave out.

"Why didn't ya say somethin'?" Heyes muttered almost under his breath as he eased his partner down, knowing that even if his partner had told him they wouldn't have been able to stop. He leaned over him seeing the ashen face, the closed eyes and the deep lines of pain etched on his face. The Kid took a sharp breath as Heyes gently peeled the blood soaked shirt back so he could see the wound. He lifted his head to look at his friend's face, their eyes meeting for a moment.

"I know…bullet's still in my leg too," he said with a shiver.

He quickly removed both his and the Kid's bandanas folding them then pressing them against the shoulder wound, earning a muffled groan, as he attempted to slow the bleeding until he could remove the bullet. He then pulled the belt from his pants, the Kid hissing colourful curses through clenched teeth when it was tightened around his leg.

Knowing they couldn't stay here with no shelter he scanned the trees, seeing an uprooted tree some distance away that seemed to be their only option. Gazing back down at his cousin he saw him shiver again…he was still conscious but he'd lost a lot of blood. He placed a hand on his uninjured shoulder, seeing the pain reflected in his eyes when he blinked up at him, barely hanging onto consciousness.

"There's a bit of cover a couple hundred yards over there," he said jerking his head off to the left. "Think you can make it that far?"

The Kid didn't answer but after only a brief hesitation reached his right hand out to be helped up.

XXX

With the Kid limping and leaning more and more heavily against him with every step, they had almost reached the tree when the Kid stumbled, the two of them almost falling, but Heyes managed to keep them both upright.

"Hang on partner just a few more steps."

Heyes eased him down under the canopy formed by the roots of the tree he had spotted. Grabbing the canteen he took a small swallow, knowing he'd have to find a water source, before lifting his partner's head coaxing him to drink.

"Kid my knife… it's in my saddlebags…along with the whiskey."

"My right pocket," the Kid instructed.

Heyes frowned in confusion but obediently reached into his friend's pocket, looking sharply at his cousin when he saw what was in his hand.

"Your pocket knife?"

"Ain't got much choice," he said with another shiver.

"But…"

"And it's sharp so be careful huh," he said flashing Heyes a crooked teasing grin.

Heyes, seeing the trust in the Kid's eyes, bit his lip, not knowing if this was going to work, but knew he was right, they didn't have a choice, the bullets had to come out. He retrieved the horse and after rooting through the Kid's saddlebags found a small sliver of soap along with a needle. Knowing it was too dangerous to start a fire, since they weren't sure where the posse was, he used the soap with a small amount of water from the canteen to clean the three inch knife blade and needle as best he could. Taking a deep breath he went to work, starting with the leg, trying to ignore the muffled cries of pain as he cut into him having to probe for the bullet that was deeply embedded. He knew his partner was trying his best not to move, but it was a struggle to do the necessary doctoring while at the same time trying to hold him still. By using a hair from the horse's mane he was able to stitch the wound closed and bandage the leg with a shirt he'd torn up. Sitting back for a moment he steeled himself before starting on the shoulder, finding that at least this bullet wasn't in as deep and it didn't take long to remove it. He tossed it aside as his friend's head lolled to the side. Heyes shook his head. "Now ya pass out," he sighed as he picked up the needle again.

Minutes later he sat back having done all that he could for now and as he started to reach out to touch his cousin's forehead he froze. Lifting the other hand he held them in front of his face staring at the blood covering them, closing his eyes when they started trembling. Getting to his feet he walked several feet away, taking some deep breaths to calm himself. It was then that a movement drew his attention to the horse not thirty feet away, water dripping from its muzzle when it lifted its head. He approached the animal slowly, seeing it was drinking from a thin trickle of water in a creek bed as he got closer. He crooned softly so not to spook it, even though he knew with it being lame it wouldn't wander off too far.

"Good boy, at least you found us water," he said softly, patting him on the neck. "Good boy," he repeated squatting down to wash the blood from his hands before splashing some of the cold water on his face. His head jerked up when he heard the not too distant scream of a cougar. Getting quickly to his feet, he took the Kid's rifle from the saddle, returning to his still unmoving partner's side. Checking the Colt after pulling it from its holster, he was surprised to find it empty so reloaded it, glancing into the trees when he heard the cougar again, turning back to his friend when he heard him speak.

"Whatcha doin' with my gun?" he asked hoarsely.

Heyes couldn't help but smile…"I was reloading it for ya," he replied returning it to its proper place before laying a hand on his forehead, sighing when he felt heat.

"Heyes…"

"Now don't you be sayin' anything stupid Kid," he admonished, cutting him off while pulling his watch out to check the time. They had been here for three hours and it had been seven since separating from the others who should have reached the hideout by now. He picked up the canteen, helping the wounded man to drink.

"We've got a supply of fresh water at least and I think it'll be safe enough to start a fire before dark."

"Heyes," this time the sound of the cougar cut him off. Heyes put his hand on the rifle, pulling it closer as he looked into the trees.

"Sounds like its movin' away," he said looking down in time to see the Kid's eyes drift closed again. Heyes patted his arm before straightening the bedroll covering his cousin…he had to come up with a plan.

XXX

The Kid's fever steadily increased throughout the day, Heyes urging him to drink whenever his eyes opened. It was dusk when he felt it was safe enough to start a fire and with the flames building the wolves could be heard howling in the distance. He smiled when he saw his cousin's eyes open, blinking heavily at him when he replaced the damp cloth on his forehead, startled when the Kid grabbed his wrist.

"You gotta go Heyes. I got my gun I'll be all right," he said weakly.

Heyes' look darkened as he glared at his friend who turned his head away. Heyes reached down, turning his head so he could look him in the face.

"Look at me," he ordered sternly. "Now you listen and listen good... I'm not leaving you here alone. You've heard the cougar and the wolves same as me."

"But…"

"NO!" Heyes paused taking a deep breath. "There's not a chance in hell I'm gonna leave you here alone in the shape you're in…besides…the only horse we have is lame," he finished with a grin.

"Forgot about that," he slurred with a small smile as he lost his battle to stay awake.

XXX

Heyes stayed at his partner's side all night, keeping cool damp cloths on his forehead and neck trying to keep the fever down, the rifle never out of reach as he listened to the animals around them. The Kid began mumbling unintelligibly and started getting more restless as the night edged toward dawn. Heyes kept the fire going, but didn't know how much longer he'd be able to stay awake. It was just as the sun was coming up that his eyes closed, his chin drooping slowly toward his chest when hoarse shouting jolted him awake.

"No…wasn't me…didn't do it."

Heyes blinked as he leaned closer to his friend, placing a hand on his chest.

"Hey, you're just dreamin' Kid."

"Heyes, where are you?"

"I'm here Kid, I'm right here."

"I hate it here…you said we'd…run away together."

That's when Heyes realized he was dreaming he was back at Valpo. He put a hand on his partner's face.

"Kid…Jed…"

"We will but you're sick. We can't go until you're better."

"Don't leave me here."

Heyes leaned even closer until his face was only a few inches from his cousin's.

"I won't."

"Ya p...promise?"

"Yeah Jed I promise."

That seemed to calm the delirious man and when his eyes closed Heyes stood, throwing a couple more sticks on the fire as he passed it on his way to the creek bed to refill the canteen and splash cold water on his face. He had to think but he was so tired…he needed medical supplies but he couldn't leave to get any. He walked back to sit beside his friend.

XXX

Present Day

The sound of twigs breaking had Heyes jerking his head up and grabbing for the rifle as he got stiffly to his feet. He aimed the rifle in the direction of the noise fully expecting to see an animal of some sort. What he didn't expect to see was Wheat, Preacher and Lobo stepping into the small clearing…their hands immediately going up and freezing in their tracks when they saw one of the men they'd been looking for pointing a rifle at them.

"Easy Heyes, it's just us," Wheat said calmly as he eyed him.

Heyes lowered the rifle, his shoulders drooping and he swayed as relief flooded over him. He was barely aware of someone grabbing his shoulders to steady him.

"Don't be takin' this the wrong way Heyes, but ya look like hell," Wheat said helping Heyes to sit down, pretty sure he'd have fallen if he let go.

Heyes laid the rifle on the ground beside him, his soft laugh sounding almost like a sob. "That doesn't begin to describe the way I feel, but I sure am glad to see you boys."

"Wounds don't look too bad Heyes," Preacher said.

"He's bin runnin' a fever…got pretty bad last night, but it startin' to ease up this mornin'."

"Sent Kyle for the wagon when we seen only the Kid's horse."

Heyes nodded. "He's lame. Mine was shot out from under me a few miles back. Kid…Kid got hurt coming back for me."

"You'd have done the same."

"I don't know what went wrong…what…"

"Hank got recognized by someone comin' out of the saloon."

The cougar screamed, Heyes putting his hand on the rifle as all the men raised their heads. Preacher put his hand on Heyes' arm.

"It's gonna be a while before Kyle gets back with the wagon, why don't you try and get some sleep."

Heyes swiveled his head to eye his partner before shaking his head.

"He's gonna be all right. Me and the boys'll keep watch for any trouble."

Heyes was so tired he couldn't think clearly, but as he looked around at the three men who had come searching for them, he knew they would get them all safely back to Devil's Hole. With one last look at his partner now sleeping peacefully, he nodded his head, leaned back against the tree and allowed his eyes to close wearily.