Title: Silent Discoveries
Author: McKenna Lorenzano
Email: locationmaster@yahoo.com
Warning: None
Rating: PG-13
It seemed like he had been sitting in the chair for an eternity. In reality, it had only been a few hours. Still, the tired gunfighter rose from the chair and stiffly walked to the window trying to stretch out the kinks from his neck. When had he gotten so old? Or at least, when did he start feeling so old? Chris Larabee thought to himself. Chris stared out into the street of the now quiet town and closed his eyes. Letting out a long deep sigh, he turned back toward the bed and slowly walked back to the chair. Before he could sit back down, he placed his hand on the forehead of the young boy that lie so chillingly motionless in the old bed.
JD Dunne was a body in motion. If he wasn’t on the move, he certainly was thinking about it. He had an endless source of energy. An energy that often tried the patience of the six other men that were as close as family. But, it was also an energy that all the men had grown to admire and even envy. His was not only energy of youth, but also energy of hope for the future.
Together, the seven men protected the small little sleepy town of Four Corners. Together, the seven men watched out for each other and protected one another. Together, they could only sit and watch as their seventh and youngest member faded away from their lives. Helpless to do anything but silently place their hand on his forehead and pray that some kind of miracle would occur.
It had only been a week since the accident, one very long week. Chris slowly moved his hand from JD’s forehead to his chest and resumed his vigil in the chair he had become too familiar with. Chris roughly washed his free hand across his face and stared at his other hand as it rose and fell with JD’s breathing. Restless, Chris abruptly stood and walked over to a bookshelf in the corner of Nathan’s little clinic.
All these medical books and still they could do nothing, Chris thought to himself. Nathan had solemnly stood in this very room only a few days before and given the grim news. He had set the dislocated shoulder, tightly wrapped the broken ribs, and stitched the numerous deep cuts on JD’s tired and wounded body. But, there was nothing he could do for the head injury. The trauma to his brain was too severe. JD would likely never wake up. All they could do now was make him comfortable and let him feel their presence, as they said their goodbyes and watched him slip quietly away.
Buck Wilmington was beyond destroyed when Nathan had delivered the news. It couldn’t be, he thought to himself. Buck had been JD’s best friend, protector, teacher, mother, father, and older brother from the moment they had met. Buck had refused to leave JD’s side after the accident and was dangling by a thread when Nathan and Chris managed to get Buck to leave the oppressive room for some much needed sleep. As hard as it was to watch JD’s decline, it was even harder on the five remaining men to watch Buck go down with him.
Chris ran his hand across the medical books that were placed neatly on the shelf. Letting his mind wander back to the week’s events. Chris suddenly spied the object that had been the catalyst for the tragic incident that occurred only a week before. The gunfighter picked up the small wooden box and stared at it. It wasn’t much to look at. It obviously had been fairly old. The wood was aged from time and weather and the lock that had kept the contents private for so long, had seen better days. Chris placed the box on the top of the shelf and brushed his hand across the lid.
In a grief filled moment the tired gunfighter swung his arm back and knocked the box violently off the shelf. Dammit, he thought. He knew this wouldn’t solve anything. But somehow, for a moment, it had made him feel just a little bit better. Chris brushed his hand quickly through his hair and slowly bent down to the objectionable box. Seeing the scattered contents strewn across the floor, Chris gathered them up. The gunfighter picked up the box and placed it back on the shelf. As he opened the lid to the box, his eyes fell on a picture of a little boy. The familiar face sent a chill to Chris that rattled him right to the core. Chris studied the picture closely and suddenly found himself thinking of another young boy, a boy that had been lost to him only four short years before. The eyes of the young boy in the picture melded into the eyes of the son he had lost.
Chris sadly put the picture back into the box, along with the remaining items he had rescued from the floor. Before closing the lid, his eyes fell on a familiar piece of paper. As if drawn to this paper, Chris reached for it and clutched it tightly in his hands. Only days before JD’s accident, Chris saw his oldest friend, Buck, read this very document. Chris had noticed the myriad of emotions that played out over the ladies man’s face. Buck paled quickly and suddenly leapt from his chair, moving swiftly out of the saloon. Josiah, Nathan, and Ezra started after the tall gunslinger, but had been ordered by Chris to leave him alone. Feeling that it was not his business to pry, Chris never questioned the contents. Chris had always felt a man’s business was his own. Since Buck had been unwilling to share, Chris let it be.
Chris walked back to the chair by JD’s bedside and sat down slowly. He stared at the hand that clutched the mysterious paper. He wanted to get up and put the paper back in the box. Better yet, even tear the paper up and toss it away. It obviously had been responsible for so much of Buck’s torment. I shouldn’t read it, he thought. It’s none of my business. If Buck had wanted me to read it he would have shown it to me. Chris’ mind raced with the dilemma he held so firmly in his hands. Chris rested his elbows on his knees and placed his head in his hands. God, he knew he shouldn’t do this, Chris thought. But he needed to know.
Chris sat up in his chair and unfolded the paper. As if in a daze, Chris read the document. Not believing what he read, he read the words again and again until they were forever etched in his brain. His eyes transfixed on the familiar name listed on the document. Time stood still. Chris sat in a stupor. He too had gone as pale as Buck when he read these very words. “Oh my god.” Chris whispered. “Oh my god, this can’t be.” Chris sat in stunned silence and stared down at JD’s unconscious form. He closed his eyes and rubbed his neck. If what he was reading was true, why didn’t Buck say anything? Chris thought. The words on the paper swirled through his brain as he thought back to the days just before the terrible accident.
Chris stared into the glowing campfire light and lowered his head slowly as he raked his fingers through his short blonde hair. It had been an unusually quiet evening. The only sounds were the occasional popping and crackling from the fire and the soft breathing from the bedroll that lay beside the fire where Chris sat. Chris shook his head as he watched JD sleep beside him. The kid looked so peaceful when he slept. Looks were certainly deceiving. JD was anything but peaceful when he was awake. This fact made the long trip that Chris and JD had embarked on only six days before quickly become a nightmare.
There had been an outbreak of influenza in the small town of Cutter’s Creek. The small town was a two-day ride from their own hometown of Four Corners. The Sheriff was down with the sickness and needed a little help until he was back on his feet. Chris and JD were sent in to help out where they could and both were relieved when the sheriff was able to return after only a few days.
It didn’t take long for the strain of the long ride to wear on the nerves of both men as they made their way back home. Chris had said little on the ride back and JD had been full of so many questions. Questions that were slowly driving Chris insane. How did Buck do it, Chris thought to himself. It wasn’t that the questions were dumb or unnecessary. On the contrary, they were very pertinent and well thought out inquiries. It was just that every little thing JD had done or asked was rubbing Chris the wrong way. Finally, after what seemed to Chris like the hundredth question of the day, he lost it. Chris couldn’t even remember what the question was.
Chris stood from the fire and checked on the horses before finally retiring for the evening. As he lay his tired body on his bedroll he quickly looked over to JD’s sleeping form and winced as he remembered the confrontation that had taken place only yesterday. “JD, Dammit. You are driving me crazy! God, I don’t know how Buck can take this day in and day out. I just want you to shut up. Can you actually make it five minutes without asking some question? I bet you couldn’t even make it through the day without saying anything at all,” Chris angrily spat out.
JD stood awestruck at the biting words that had been yelled out by the leader. The young man felt his face flush in a mix of embarrassment, shock, sadness, and to some extent fear. The man he most admired, even idolized, had just venomously yelled at him. Chris had never spoken to him like that before. The words didn’t hurt nearly as much as the emotion that had fueled the heated words. Not wanting to show his emotions JD looked down only at his feet and walked to his horse. As he brushed by Chris he whispered out “Sorry Chris,” and quickly rode out.
Chris closed his eyes and felt himself nod off. Before he surrendered himself to the sleep that gripped his mind he smiled to himself. The kid had made it the whole day without saying a word. But, Chris would have given anything to take back the words he had spoken in a moment of thoughtlessness.
The remainder of the trip had been uneventful. Chris had tried to bring JD back from the shell he burrowed himself in. JD had yet to say one word to Chris since the confrontation two days before. Four Corners was coming into view and Chris breathed out a sigh of relief. He looked over to JD who looked lost in thought at the moment.
“Home,” Chris announced.
JD nodded his head, without saying a word and in a flash had his horse flying. Chris sat and watched in admiration as JD gracefully made his way back into town. The kid could sure ride, he thought to himself and he spurred his horse to a trot and made his way back home.
Buck Wilmington sat outside the saloon and grinned widely as he watched his best friend, JD, ride back into town. He had really missed the kid while he was gone. Buck stood from his chair and watched as JD rode to the livery and disappeared into its confines. He started off the boardwalk to meet up with the kid when it dawned on him that Chris hadn’t come in with him. Concerned, Buck started to walk quickly towards the livery. Suddenly, Buck turned and saw Chris ride in behind him.
“Hey Chris, thought ya may have fallen off yer horse.” Buck smiled out to his oldest friend.
Chris jumped off his horse and stood in front of the tall gunslinger. “JD and I had a few words on the way home.” Chris started. “Actually, amazing as it seems, I guess you could say I had most of the words. I said some things, some pretty harsh things. Kid hasn’t said a word to me in two days.” Chris finished.
Buck smiled. “Two days? Damn, I wouldn’t have thought that possible pard. Well, let me talk to him, I’ll take yer horse. Why don’t ya go over to the saloon and set a spell. I’ll have the kid talkin’ a blue streak in no time.” Buck took Chris’ horse and walked into the livery.
“Hey kid, how was the trip?” Buck inquired.
“Was OK.” JD answered quickly as he brushed his horse.
Buck got to work bedding down Chris’ horse as he filled JD in on the activities that had occurred during his absence.
The two friends walked out of the livery and JD headed towards the boarding house he lived in.
“JD, thought maybe you would join us at the saloon.” Buck asked, anxious to get the boy back with the others.
“No, I’m pretty tired Buck. Didn’t get a lot of sleep while I was gone, I’m gonna turn in early.”
Buck stood in the middle of the street staring as JD retreated to his room. A cold shiver went down Buck’s spine as he watched the young man walk away. Just what exactly did Chris say to JD to get him so rattled, Buck thought.
Buck entered the saloon and sat with the five men sitting at the big table. Chris looked up from his beer and watched as Buck sat at the table without his best friend.
“Where’s JD?” Vin Tanner asked. He, along with the others had been filled in about the events on the trail. All the men had come to think of JD as a little brother. Vin had grown a little more than concerned when JD had not come into the saloon with Buck.
“Said he didn’t get a lotta sleep while he was gone. Decided to turn in early.” Buck stated. “What happened out there Chris?” Buck inquired.
Chris ordered another beer and replayed the story once again. Buck felt bad for the kid. He knew how much JD worshipped Chris Larabee. The words he had spit out were obviously said in a moment of frustration and exhaustion. Buck knew Chris loved JD like a son and would never intentionally hurt him. As much as Buck wanted to lash out at the leader for his cruelty, he also understood how easy it would have been to do the same thing himself. Buck decided to give JD the evening to lick his wounds. Tomorrow he would bring the old JD back.
Morning fell over the sleepy little town. JD eagerly got out of his bed and changed his clothes. He wanted to take his horse for a ride and enjoy the beautiful morning. He walked down the stairs leading out to the street and made his way to the livery. In a few short minutes JD was off like the wind enjoying the morning.
Buck had just reached the bottom step when he saw JD and his horse race out of town. Buck smiled to himself. The tall gunslinger knew how much JD enjoyed his early morning rides. Buck started across the street to the restaurant for breakfast when he heard a familiar voice yell out his name. Buck turned around quickly and saw Mary Travis running towards him.
“Buck, I’m glad I found you. This came in on yesterday’s stage for JD.” Mary handed Buck a small package and continued, “I know he’s out of town, but it looked important. Looks like it came from Boston.” She smiled handing the box to the gunslinger.
Buck studied the package and looked up to Mrs. Travis. “He just came back yesterday, I’m sure he‘ll be happy to get this. Thank you Mrs. Travis.” Buck tipped his hat and turned back towards the restaurant. This would do it, he thought. This was just the thing Buck needed to bring the kid back. With a smile on his face Buck happily sat down and ordered his breakfast.
Vin Tanner sat lazily outside the town jail. The day had warmed quite a bit and Vin had decided to take advantage of the nice weather. Fall was coming upon them and soon these opportunities would not be available. Vin opened his eyes and stretched for a moment, as he stood he saw JD walking over to the jail.
“Morning, Vin.” JD happily greeted.
“How was the ride kid?” Vin inquired.
JD sat down and animatedly described what he had seen and done during his morning run. Vin looked over at JD’s smiling face and was glad to see the old JD was back. He had been concerned when Chris and JD had returned. Vin really enjoyed being around the kid and felt almost as protective of him as Buck did.
“Ya hungry kid?” Vin asked as he stood from his chair and started for the restaurant. JD nodded his head and the two walked through the now bustling town. Vin and JD had just sat down and ordered breakfast when Buck snuck up from behind them and swiftly removed JD’s bowler hat from his head.
“Where’re yer manners kid, dontcha know ya take yer hat off when ya sit down for yer food? When did ya get back from yer ride?” Buck teased.
“Thanks for the lesson Buck, I just got back awhile ago.” JD answered a bit annoyed that the tall man had once again stolen his hat. JD glared at Buck and shook his head.
“Is that anyway to look at a man who has brought you a present?” Buck inquired. Buck sat down next to JD and teasingly played with the package Mary had given him.
JD looked to Vin and then back to Buck quizzically.
“What do you have Buck?” JD asked.
“Well, it’s not really from me. But I’m deliverin’ it special.” Buck stated as he handed the package to JD.
JD took the package and studied it. After a moment he opened the box and found a familiar wooden box inside. The waitress brought out Vin and JD’s food but JD moved his plate aside as his fingers traced the outlines of the wooden box. As if lost in a memory, JD looked back to the packaging and his eyes met a very familiar address. JD closed his eyes and ran his hand once again over the old wood.
Buck and Vin watched the emotions run rampant across JD’s face. Both looked at each other and started to say something when JD quickly stood. Placing the small box back into the packaging JD looked at his friends.
“I just remembered something I forgot to do.” JD started. He needed to get out of the restaurant fast. “I’ll see you guys later.” JD finished and he practically flew out the door, nearly knocking down Chris and Ezra who had just entered.
“I must say, where is our youngest member headed towards in such a heated rush?” Ezra asked as he watched JD disappear from view.
Chris sat down with his friend’s and stared at Buck. “He still mad about the trip?” Chris asked.
Buck shook his head and looked at Chris as he rose from his chair. “Not sure what that was all about pard, but I’m aiming to find out.” Buck declared as he made his way out the door to find his best friend.
JD ran upstairs to the safety of his room in the boarding house. He clutched the package tightly in his hands and stared down at the box as he closed the door behind him. He placed the package on top of the dresser and walked to his bed and sat down. His mama had been dead for less than a year. He had found a new life out west with friends; no they were more than that. They were brothers who watched out over him, guided and protected him.
When JD had first arrived to Four Corners, alone, his grief for his mama had been at times overwhelming. As time had worn on, with the help of his close friendships, the grief didn’t seem quite as unbearable. His mama would have been happy for her son; JD knew this with all his heart.
JD closed his eyes seeing her face in his memories. JD sadly smiled to himself as he remembered her beautiful face. A knock on his door brought JD out of his reverie.
“Come in Buck.” JD stated knowingly. He knew that Buck wouldn’t be far behind. Though sometimes that could be very annoying, most of the times he found it a great comfort. Today was one of those days.
“Hey kid.” Buck stated, as if asking a silent question.
JD looked to the tall gunfighter and smiled. “I’m OK Buck.”
Buck took a seat and waited for JD to compose himself.
The two sat for a moment in the quiet room and JD ran his hand over his eyes. “My mama had been sick for an awful long time.” JD stopped for a moment as a flood of memories rushed him. “After she died, I didn’t have any place to go. I’d always dreamed of going west so I packed up what I had and left to come out here.”
Buck watched the pain that played over JD’s face. He wanted to comfort the young man who had become so much like a son to him, but knew JD needed to get his story out. Not wanting to interrupt, Buck patiently waited as JD tried to finish his story.
“We didn’t have a lot. My mama didn’t make a lot of money, whatever money she could save she put away for my college.” JD stated as he walked to the dresser and picked up the package from Boston. He pulled the small wooden box out and placed it gently on the bed. “This was mama’s most prized possession. Her father gave it to her when she was a little girl. She kept everything that meant anything to her in here.” JD laughed a small sad chuckle as he remembered. “She even kept the key to the lock on a chain she wore around her neck.” JD ran his fingers over the box and a flood of tears escaped his young, tired hazel eyes.
Buck reached out and grabbed the young man into a gentle, fatherly embrace. He stroked the dark hair of the boy who had become so much apart of his life, and he tried to ease the boy’s pain.
JD looked up from Buck’s shoulder and looked into the gunslingers dark blue eyes. “I only told one person at the estate where I was headed when I left. She was a good friend to mama. She worked with mama. She probably thought I would want it.” JD stared down at the box and closed his eyes. Buck whispered words of comfort into JD’s ear as the young man succumbed to the tears and exhaustion of the morning, and fell into a bittersweet sleep.
Buck stood looking out the window of JD’s room. He had sat for a couple hours while JD slept but was growing stiff from being seated for so long. A pair of hazel eyes met him as he walked back towards the bed and sat back down in his chair. Poor kid, Buck thought. Sometimes it was easy to forget that JD had lost so much so young.
“Hey kid. How ya feeling?” Buck asked in a soothing voice.
JD sat up on his bed and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “I feel better, thanks Buck.” JD answered as he stood and looked out the window Buck had just abandoned. JD walked back over to the bed and picked up the small wooden box.
“Are ya gonna open the box?” Buck asked, curious to know what the box held.
JD shook his head and walked to the dresser. He bent down and opened the bottom drawer and carefully placed the box inside. “I just can’t right now, I’m not sure if I could ever.” JD stated. JD shut the drawer and announced “I never did get breakfast, do you think we could get some food?”
Buck smiled and placed his hand on JD’s neck and guided him out the door. “Sure kid, I think we can manage that.” And they made their way to the restaurant.
With the events of the long week seemingly over, the six men were happy to see the old JD slowly return. He had even gone on patrol with Chris a few times. JD had become a little more talkative, but Chris recognized JD was a lot more cautious and guarded around him than before. This fact was a little unsettling to the leader, but he hoped in time that this too would wear.
JD and Vin had just returned from their morning patrol, when JD heard his name being called. Turning quickly, he saw Mary Travis run towards him down the boardwalk.
“Good morning Mary.” JD politely greeted.
“Morning JD, morning Vin.” Mary smiled out. “JD, I have a big favor to ask of you, if you wouldn’t mind?”
Vin excused himself and walked over to the restaurant, leaving JD standing with Mary on the boardwalk.
“What can I help you with?” JD answered quickly.
“Well, I’m not sure if you’ve had the opportunity to meet Jessica Matthews. She’s the daughter of an old friend of mine, and she came from St. Louis to visit. Anyway, she’s going to be taking the stage to Springville tomorrow, and then taking a train back to school. I hate to think of her traveling by herself, and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind keeping her company on her way to Springville?”
This was not exactly the type of favor he thought she would ask. JD felt a little trapped. He really liked Mary, and would do anything to help her. But this, this would be like babysitting. It was hard enough proving himself with the men he rode with. They were all hardened and dangerous men. How was he ever going to become one of them if he was babysitting, JD thought to himself. Lost in thought, JD didn’t see Mary signal to a young girl who quickly ran to Mrs. Travis’ side.
JD looked up to see the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had hair like spun gold, and the lightest blue eyes JD had ever seen.
“Jessica this is JD Dunne, he’s the Sheriff of Four Corners.” Mary announced proudly to the young girl.
Jessica nodded to Mary, held out her hand, and smiled shyly and the young man before her. “It’s nice to meet you JD.”
JD felt his heart quicken as he looked into her beautiful blue eyes. He wiped his sweaty palm as discreetly as possible on his pants and took her hand gently. “Jessica meeting is good.” JD stumbled and closed his eyes in embarrassment. Great JD, he thought to himself. My palms are sweaty and I can’t even speak. This was going to be a long trip.
Jessica waited until she returned to Mary’s office at the Clarion when she finally gushed. “Thanks Mary for introducing me. I’m glad he agreed to come with me. He’s so handsome. I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.” Jessica stated.
Mary chuckled to herself as she thought of the two teens stumbling through the long ride to Springville. “I’m sure you’ll do OK Jessica.”
JD walked into the restaurant and joined Vin at his table.
“What did Mrs. Travis want?” Vin inquired, already knowing what had been asked of JD. Only the day before Mary had asked Chris if JD would be available for the trip. Not seeing any harm in it, but not wanting to answer for him, Chris had given his OK for the trip.
JD looked over to Vin and saw the tracker break into a big grin. JD shook his head and smiled back to Vin. “Guess you already know.” JD threw his napkin at Vin and ordered his breakfast.
“So, when are ya goin’ ta git back kid?” Buck asked the next morning as he sat with JD outside their boarding house.
“Should be back tomorrow.” JD stated.
“So soon? That pretty little thing? Have I taught ya nothin’ kid?” Buck asked in mock disgust.
JD’s face blushed in embarrassment. “Jessica’s not like that, Buck.” JD started but was thankfully saved from further humiliation with the arrival of Chris and Vin.
“JD, I want you to keep your eyes out for any trouble while your gone. You know there’ve been some stage robberies. Just make sure your watching your back.” Chris stated, ever the leader, and ever the concerned father figure.
The four men were involved in conversation when Jessica walked up to JD.
“Hi, JD. The stage should be here soon, are you ready?”
JD walked toward the young girl and smiled. “I’m ready to go.”
The young couple walked to where the stage had just rolled in. Vin, Chris, and Buck smiling behind them. Jessica said her goodbyes to Mary while the men; having now been joined by Nathan, Ezra, and Josiah gave JD last minute instructions. JD walked toward the stage and offered his hand to help Jessica get in. He looked at his six friends who watched in not so silent amusement as JD ushered his young lady into the stagecoach. Will they ever think of me as something other than a kid, JD thought as he climbed in and sat down next to Jessica.
JD hadn’t been on a stagecoach since he first came out west. The trip to Four Corners was his first venture out of his hometown of Boston. When he had traveled out west he felt like a scared kid, but now, he felt like a man.
JD Dunne had definitely met his match with Jessica. The young girl was a bundle of energy. The two teens sat animatedly in the confines of the small stagecoach bubbling over with stories of their pasts and dreams of their futures. Jefferson Stillwell, a visiting businessman from San Francisco, sat in silent awe across from the young couple as they competed to get their words in. Jefferson had boarded the stage in Four Corners for what he had hoped would be a quiet ride to Springville. This was not going to happen.
Mr. Stillwell smiled at the youthful exuberance displayed in front of him. He had two kids of his own back home, probably about the same age as the young couple. God, he thought to himself. I can’t remember ever being that age. In an amazing lull in the conversation Jefferson finally managed to get a word in.
“You kids on your honeymoon?”
JD blushed quickly, as did Jessica.
“Uh, no sir, I’m escorting Jessica here to Springville.” JD stated.
The three stage riders introduced themselves and were involved in conversation when JD, hearing the thunder of horses behind them, carefully looked out the stagecoach window. Moving his hands unconsciously to his colts, JD turned calmly to Jessica.
“Jessica, I need you to get down on the floor now.”
“But JD, I’ll ruin..” Jessica started before being interrupted by the young sheriff.
“Jessica, get down. Now!” JD ordered.
In a flash, the stagecoach was suddenly overtaken. A barrage of shots was fired at the stagecoach, and the bodies of the driver and guard fell dead to the moving ground. Dammit, JD thought to himself. If only he had listened to Chris and watched out. Closing his eyes he could see a flash of Chris’ disappointment at his failure, sending a quick shiver down his spine. As the stage continued its movement, the door whipped open and a masked man entered.
“Everyone do what I say and nobody’s gonna have to git killed.”
JD knew he would have to play it cool, if he was going to get himself and the others safely off the stagecoach.
“Alright son, I want ya to slowly put yer guns down on the ground.” Not wanting to risk anyone getting hurt, JD slowly took off his holsters and placed them on the floor.
“You, old man, do ya got any guns on ya?”
“Ahh, no sir.” Jefferson shook his head and patted himself down to convince the thief.
The masked man held out his hat and told the three riders to place all their valuables into his hat. His two partners had already gotten a hold of their jackpot that had been nestled safely on top of the coach. But he figured he might as well see what he could get from the passengers. The gang had been tipped that the stage had a special delivery of gold being delivered to Springville, they weren’t disappointed.
Jefferson slowly reached into his pocket and grabbed for his pocketwatch. As he calmly extracted it with his left hand he quickly pulled out his derringer with his right and in one blinding moment shot the masked man. Unfortunately, the shot only managed to wing the thief and he quickly lunged for Jefferson. JD grabbed the angry thief and sent him flying out the stagecoach door with one solid punch to his jaw. With time of the essence, JD instructed Jessica and Jefferson to get down on the floor and quickly grabbed his guns as he climbed to the top of the coach.
“JD be careful!” Jessica yelled out as Jefferson Stillwell huddled next to her.
JD took a deep breath and blew it out quickly. As he reached the top of the stagecoach he was met by a solid kick to the face. The young sheriff held on tight, even as he felt his head start swimming. Before the next brutal kick could be delivered, JD managed to get a shot off sending another masked man dead to the ground. He managed to make it on top of the stage when another masked man who had taken over for the driver turned his shotgun on JD. The gunman pulled the trigger of his old gun as JD dove on top of the suitcases. Thankfully, the stage hit a big hole and the shot fired way over JD’s head. Seeing his opportunity, JD grabbed the man from behind and managed to disarm the driver.
The stage continued on its journey as JD and the stage’s “driver” had it out. As JD struggled with the masked man, his thoughts went back to the previous six months. From JD trying so hard to prove himself at the Seminole Village where he met his “brothers”, to all of Buck’s lectures, and finally to Chris’ frustration and subsequent outburst at JD’s numerous questions. All these scenes melded together and as JD unleashed his final punch sending the driver falling off the stagecoach, he again remembered Chris’ instructions to watch out for trouble on this very trip. Exhausted but proud of his accomplishments, JD sat his now aching body in the driver seat of the runaway stagecoach. JD managed a slow breath when he realized his new danger.
In all of the activity, JD hadn’t seen how close they had gotten to the rocky cliffs. As fast as he could JD reach out for the reins. Unfortunately, they were just barely out of reach. JD made a lunge attempt only to have them slip once again. He knew he only had one more chance to reach the reins. The horses continued their perilous run through the rocky trail and JD could see the rocks fall down the side of the cliffs as the stagecoach wheels brushed the side of treacherous slope.
The stagecoach continued at top speed through the rocky terrain. JD stared down at the reins that were just only barely out of reach. Time was quickly running out. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, JD silently prayed his efforts would be rewarded. He bent over and swiped the reins up quickly pulling them into his hands. Oh, thank god, he thought to himself. Wiping the sweat from his bruised face, he managed to right himself on the driver’s seat. Letting out a quick breath JD pulled back on the reins. Suddenly, the stagecoach hit a jarring hole sending the back wheel falling off the side of the cliff. The stagecoach slid quickly sideways on the mountainous cliff.
JD had finally managed to stop the horses but suddenly the stagecoach jerked backward sending JD toppling over the top of the stagecoach. Thankfully, before falling off the back end he was able to grab hold of the railing on top of the coach. JD looked down the rugged and steep terrain. He knew he needed to get Jefferson and Jessica out before the coach slid any further. Taking a deep breath and hoping he could hang on a bit longer, JD yelled out to the two occupants.
The door opened a moment later and the two scared passengers emerged from the beat up coach and quickly crawled their way to safety. As the two managed to stand on the crumbling trail a horrendous sound alerted them that the coach was about to fall. Jefferson spotted JD as he held on for dear life to the rail at the back of the coach.
“Oh dear god.” He breathed out in a tight whisper.
The older man silently prayed as he talked to JD, advising him to try and move sideways up the rail. If he could manage that, Jefferson might have a shot at grabbing the sheriff’s legs. Jessica rushed to Jefferson’s side along the canyon rim, offering JD words of encouragement.
“Come on JD, I know you can do it. Just do what he says and move up the rail.” Jessica tried calmly to encourage.
The two watched as JD slowly managed to move up the railing. Jefferson reached out to grab the young man when suddenly the stagecoach gave a jerk causing JD to lose his grip. In a horror filled moment the two watched as JD fell to the earth with bruising force. Immediately losing consciousness and rolling down the steep, rocky embankment. Thankfully there was a small clearing and the young man lay bruised and battered on the base of the clearing. Before they realized what was happening though, the stagecoach followed the young sheriff’s path, coming to rest on top of the young man.
Seeing her distress, Jefferson quickly grabbed Jessica into a fatherly embrace to keep the young girl from seeing the violent images below.
Buck burst through the bat wing doors of the saloon. Seeing his five friends sitting lethargically at their table, he made his way over and took a seat. Ezra sat shuffling his cards mindlessly, while the other men talked amongst themselves. The ladies' man signaled the bartender and soon a beer magically appeared before him.
“It’s awful quiet in town today,” Buck stated, his boredom showing on his face.
“It beats the alternative Buck,” Chris plainly pointed out. Truth be told, Chris had even grown a little bored. It’s not that he wanted to be involved in any gunplay or bust up any drunken fights. It was just that he too had noticed how dull things were without their youngest around. Sometimes the kid could drive him positively mad with his endless barrage of questions and ability to ramble. But in their six months together, JD had grown to be a valued asset to their team. Somebody they looked to not only as an equal, but someone that most of the men thought of as a brother. In the past couple of months though, Chris had started thinking of him like a son. And, although he would deny it, he was anxious for JD to return.
“Kid’s probably talked Jessica’s ear off by now.” Buck mumbled as he drank his beer. Silence fell over the group and Buck shifted in his chair as he tried to get comfortable.
“I wonder if JD..” Buck started.
“Buck,” Josiah interrupted quickly “I’m sure JD is OK out there.” Josiah recognized that Buck was worried about the kid. He had to admit he wanted the boy back here with them. He looked around the table at his partners and had to chuckle to himself. These dangerous and hardened men were hopeless. It had been less than a day since JD had been gone and already they wanted him back. It wasn’t like this was the first time JD had been out of town. But, one of the other men would go with him when he left. This was a new experience for the men, and they were more than a little concerned.
Ezra continued to shuffle his deck of cards, lost in thought. He had known the young sheriff now for six months. In that brief time, Ezra found himself drawn to the youth. Wanting to protect him from the ravages of the harsh west. But also to guide JD, along with the other men, in becoming a man he and the other men had once wished they could have grown to be.
“Would anyone care to embark in a game of chance?” Ezra inquired as he expertly shuffled his cards.
The gambler was met with groans and mumbles, yet he resumed his tireless shuffling.
Vin played with his beer glass as thoughts of the young sheriff brought a quick smile to his face. Vin and the kid couldn’t be more opposite. Vin was a quiet man, comfortable in his solitude. JD was an outgoing, talkative, kid who enjoyed and found comfort with the people around him. Even with their differences, Vin had become almost as close to JD as his "big brother" Buck. Vin continued swirling his beer mug round and round when a dark hand reached across the table and pulled the empty mug away.
“Vin, please.” Nathan asked. The black healer had grown weary of watching Vin play with his beer mug. Sometimes, these men could really test a man’s nerves, he thought to himself. Nathan marveled as he looked around the table. He couldn’t imagine what his life would be like without these men. Each and every one of them relied greatly on Nathan’s efforts as not only a protector but also, more importantly, a healer. Nathan rubbed his hand over his face as he thought of their youngest member and all the doctorin’ he had invested in that kid. JD could really try a man’s patience, but Nathan was eager to have the kid back in their protective fold.
Buck finished up his beer and lazily lounged back in his chair. As he stretched his long legs out, he closed his eyes, and a smile graced his face as he thought back to the past six months. Almost from the time they met, JD and Buck had latched on to each other. JD had become a little brother to Buck. And Buck took his role of big brother very seriously. There was something about JD’s trip though that unnerved the tall gunslinger. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he needed the kid to come walking through the bat wing doors of the saloon. Figuring his mind was just playing tricks on him he motioned to the bartender for another round of beers.
“How old do ya think the kid is anyway?” Buck asked trying to make some kind of conversation.
The five men sat in quiet contemplation over the question.
“I’m not sure I ever asked. At least I know he never told me.” Vin answered. It seemed like an obvious question to have asked the kid, he thought. For some reason though it had never come up.
Chris stared into his beer not saying anything for awhile. “I’d say he couldn’t be more than 18, if he’s even that.” Chris stated. He too had never asked.
“I would willingly wager that the youth in question has only reached his seventeenth year.” Ezra declared.
“Geez Ezra. You’d bet on anything given half a chance.” Buck pointed out as he shook his head at the southerner. Buck didn’t really know for sure how old the kid was. It just never had come up. He figured the kid must have been old enough or else he would never have made it out west after his mother died.
“Kid don’t look more then 16 years old, but I ‘spect he’s probably no more than 18.” Nathan offered.
“Don’t really matter how old he is anyway, he’s old enough.” Vin defended. “Sides he’s not even here to tell us, don’t seem right talkin’ about him when he ain’t even here.”
Buck sent Vin an evil glare. He was just curious; it seemed strange that as much as he knew about the kid, he didn’t even know how old JD was. It wasn’t like it mattered. The kid had certainly proven himself to these men time and time again. But the more he thought about it, the more it bothered the tall gunslinger. He wanted to know. He really needed to know. Buck sat for a moment longer in quiet thought when suddenly it hit him. He knew exactly how to find out how old JD was. The ladies man jumped out of his chair, knocking it to the floor. As he ran out the saloon doors, the five baffled men shook their heads and resumed their conversations.
About a half-hour later Buck strolled back into the saloon. The five men cast curious looks his way as he sat back down in his hastily vacated chair. The tall gunslinger set a small wooden box on the table and gave his friend’s the biggest grin he could.
“What’s in the box Buck?” Josiah asked, not sure if he really wanted to hear the answer.
Buck fingered the small little box and looked to his friends. “This here is the answer to our question?” Buck stated with infinite pride.
“And what question do you hope to acquire answers to?” Ezra asked as he watched Buck’s face light up.
Buck rolled his eyes in exasperation, and set the box on his lap as he worked the old dilapidated lock. In seconds the lock clicked open and Buck again smiled as he victoriously opened the little “treasure chest.”
“This here is the box that belonged to the kid’s mama. He said she kept ‘everything that meant anything to her.’ It would stand to reason that somewhere in here would be somethin' that would give us a clue to how old the kid is.” Buck stated as he rummaged through the contents.
“I don’t think ya should be going through the box Buck.” Nathan stated.
“It ain’t fittin’ ya goin’ through the kid’s things.” Vin announced as he stood from his chair and walked over to where Buck sat looking into the box. Vin could feel his face flush with anger at the tall gunslinger. The kid had told him and Chris about the box shortly after its arrival. He had also told his friend’s that he couldn’t bring himself to look in the box. What right did they have going through JD’s personal belongings, especially this belonging, while he was gone?
Buck ignored Vin’s request and shrugged off the tracker in annoyance. Not wanting to participate in this violation of the kid’s privacy Vin hastily left the saloon.
“Ya know Buck, Vin’s right. It’s not right you looking through something so personal. JD himself hasn’t even looked inside.” Chris started but was interrupted.
“I think I found something.” Buck declared as he anxiously read the document in his hand. Chris looked to his old friend trying to stop him from reading, when he noticed Buck’s face. The ladies man’s face was a palette of many emotions all at once. He had gone suddenly sullen and pale where an ear to ear mischievous grin had been before. Buck leapt from his chair clutching the wooden box tightly in his hands as he moved swiftly out of the saloon.
Josiah, Nathan, and Ezra stood to go after the tall gunslinger, when Chris barked out. “Leave him alone.”
The three men looked at each other and took their seats again. It was probably best to heed the leader’s words, Ezra thought to himself. Chris had known Buck a lot longer. Still, it was very curious to see the change in Buck’s mood. What did he read that upset him so?
A chilling stillness rose from the depths of the rocky hillside. Jefferson Stillwell stood at the canyon’s rim as he focused on any type of trail or pathway that could lead to the clearing below. Jefferson swallowed his biting fear. There was just simply no way the young sheriff could have survived the treacherous fall down the steep and rugged mountainside. As the older man studied any routes down the hill, his eyes fixated on the battered stagecoach that had come to rest on top of JD. Even if the fall didn’t kill him the stagecoach lowered any hope completely. But Jefferson needed to know for sure.
Jefferson scrubbed a rough hand across his face as he stared down at the clearing halfway down the canyon. He needed to get down there soon. They would be losing good light soon and he needed to check on the young sheriff and salvage as much as he could from the stagecoach. Jefferson figured when the stagecoach didn’t arrive in Springville as scheduled, a search party would be sent. Realizing it would be a day before they were discovered, the older gentleman had found a quiet secluded area off the main road to camp for the night. The spot would be perfect, he had thought to himself. Not only did trees and boulders hide it; there was also a nice patch of grass where Jessica and he could rest for the evening.
He had managed to calm Jessica down enough to convince her to take a much-needed nap. The accident had been hard on the young girl. He was happy to see she had fallen into a peaceful slumber before he left to hike down to the stage.
Four Corners was barely coming into view as Chris and Vin returned from their patrol. The two men rode in silence as they made their way back into town. As they rode to the livery, they spotted Josiah and Nathan sitting in front of the saloon.
“Have ya seen Buck? He was suppose to patrol with me, but he never showed?” Chris inquired.
Nathan shook his head. “Nah, haven’t seen him, but his horse is gone. Probably went off by himself fer awhile.”
Chris didn’t like this at all. He had known Buck forever and never known him to run from anything. Whatever he read in that paper had shaken the tall gunslinger more than Chris had originally been willing to admit. He silently kicked himself for not going after his old friend. The leader always figured a man’s business was his own, but remembering the anxiety in Buck’s face after he read that paper made Chris doubt himself.
“Ya think we should go after him?” Vin asked. He too was beginning to worry about the ladies’ man. He still felt Buck had no right intruding on the kid’s privacy, but having seen the tall gunslinger’s emotional state after he bolted from the saloon had been unsettling to the tracker.
Chris shook himself from his silent reverie and looked at Vin. “Not really sure. Don’t think it’s a good idea for him to be alone out there though.” Chris stated. He figured he stood a better chance of getting Buck to talk if he was not with the rest of the team. “I think I might just go out and take a look for him by myself.”
Vin nodded his quiet understanding, and Chris mounted his horse to look for his old friend.
Jefferson was beginning to doubt his decision to embark on the long hike down the mountainous trail. Not only was the trail a lot more perilous than it had originally appeared, but an overwhelming sense of dread had seeped into his consciousness. The older gentleman stopped for a moment to rest as flashes of memory replayed themselves in his tired brain. The young sheriff had saved them. He barely knew either one of them, yet he gave up his life for theirs. Scared hazel eyes were permanently etched in his memory. But, it was the final look he had given the older gentleman that unnerved him. It amazed him that one so young seemed to have so much wisdom flickering across those expressive eyes. He knew he couldn’t hold on any longer and he was also aware that the older man could not get a firm grasp on him to save him. In a flash, those eyes said so much. They went from a look of complete fright, to acceptance, and then the older man swore they went to a look of absolution. This scared young man, after facing all that he had, was able to look to Jefferson and send a sort of comfort to the older man. JD knew that Jefferson had tried to save him and when he couldn’t, the young man understood.
Closing his eyes again, Jefferson let out an unsteady breath. After a moment he stood and continued his treacherous descent down the dangerous hillside. I’m too old to be hiking down mountains, Jefferson thought to himself. In truth though, he knew he had to do this. If not for JD’s sake, at least his own. He needed to make sure he had done all he could to save this young man. Moment’s later Jefferson made it to the base of the clearing. A sudden chill shot through his spine as he spied the ravaged stagecoach that lay on its side. Scattered luggage and supplies were recklessly strewn throughout the small patch of land. Jefferson gave a silent prayer as he ran to the stagecoach.
The older man surveyed the coach and quickly got to work trying to locate the young sheriff’s body. He struggled for awhile as he tried to lift the heavy weight of the stagecoach. In a moment of undeniable strength, Jefferson managed to find JD’s battered body underneath the wreckage. He moved as quickly as he could to push the heavy coach off the young man. After some work, he was able to get to the young man’s side.
Chris was not really sure what he would say to his old friend once he found him. He just knew that he had to try to get through to the ladies’ man. Whatever had upset Buck couldn’t be that bad, could it? A million thoughts swirled around the leader’s brain. What kind of paper would JD’s mother have that would cause the tall gunslinger such distress. And, if Buck got so upset reading it, what would JD’s reaction be to it once he returned? Chris continued on his search as his mind replayed Buck’s emotional battle in the saloon. Chris stopped his horse and looked around an area, where he knew Buck often visited. Not seeing any signs of Buck, Chris turned his horse around and started back towards town. It was getting dark and he knew he should call it quits for the evening. Hopefully, Buck would do the same.
Buck sat slumped against a tall tree. He had heard a rider come his way and he had quickly retreated to the spot he had come to so many times before. JD had discovered this place during one of his infamous morning rides. Anxious to share his private oasis with his “older brother,” JD eagerly brought Buck after they had finished a patrol together. It was a spot where the two of them would visit if JD were feeling down or when he needed comfort from Buck. In this protected little spot JD could let down the wall of manhood he so carefully tried to build when he was in the presence of the other men. In this little secluded area, JD could be the true kid he needed to be. In this quiet area Buck listened to JD as he shared secrets from his past to the older man. Buck sat on the ground with his elbows resting on his knees and his head in his hands. Much of the past JD shared with Buck had been memories of his childhood. While the memories of his mama always brought a smile to the kid’s face, a lot of the other memories were not as good. Buck winced as he thought to some of the revelations JD had made about his upbringing. If only he had known JD when he was a kid, he thought to himself so many times. Maybe he could have saved him from the bad times he endured.
But as much as those stories had bothered Buck, nothing could have prepared him for what he found in his mama’s box. He always treated JD like a little brother, but he loved him truly like a son. Would things be different if JD knew what was on the paper, he thought to himself. Not wanting to face that thought any longer, Buck rose slowly from his spot and made his way back to his horse. He needed time to sort this out in his mind. Then maybe he could talk to Chris. Chris would need to know, but Buck wasn’t sure if he could ever get the words out. The tall gunslinger climbed back on to his horse and made his way back to town.
It seemed like he had sat there for hours as Jefferson stared helplessly at JD’s lifeless body. He couldn’t take his eyes off the young man. The older man closed his eyes and ran his hand over his forehead. He took a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly. Gathering his courage, he reached down to the young man’s throat to feel for a pulse. His fingers trembled as he searched for any sign of life. After a moment, he closed his eyes once again and let a single tear fall from his face. He looked up to the heavens and said another prayer.
The cool of the late afternoon was beginning to settle in on the small clearing that rest midway down the dangerous mountainside. Jefferson silently cursed the canyon he now occupied. It had taken away a life so young and hopeful and discarded it like a well used toy on the small patch of land where the older gentleman sat. Jefferson Stillwell had never really been a religious man. Of course he went to church on Sunday’s, but that was more an influence of his wife than his fervent devotion to God. But as he sat looking down at the form that lay so still next to him, he prayed for the young soul.
Jefferson slowly rose from the sheriff’s side. He would be losing light soon and he needed to gather any supplies he could to get himself and Jessica through the evening. It didn’t take long to collect what they needed and what he could manage to carry with him on the long hike back to the canyon rim. Jefferson spied a tattered small blanket that lay on the ground. He walked over and quickly picked it up and found himself again standing over JD’s still body. The older man knelt down to cover the young man. As he shook the small blanket out he knelt down and placed his hand on JD’s chest.
“I’m so sorry I couldn’t help you son.” Jefferson managed. He closed his eyes as the flashes of memory returned to him and let his chin rest on his chest. Not removing his hand from the young man's chest he slowly started to cover JD’s face. In a stunned moment of realization though, Jefferson stood quickly and removed the blanket. Was his mind playing tricks on him, he thought? It couldn’t be. Jefferson knelt back down to the young sheriff and felt around his throat once again. It was. There was a faint beat and he could feel the young man’s slow breathing. The older man looked back up to the heavens and gave thanks. He only hoped he could do more than pray.
Jefferson quickly went to work. The young sheriff had numerous deep cuts that continued to bleed. He needed to staunch the flow of blood and set up a makeshift camp on their little perch in the canyon. But there was also a matter of Jessica. She would need the supplies Jefferson had managed to collect. There was simply no way the young girl could make it down the treacherous trail. It had been hard enough for Jefferson. Judging by the dwindling light, the older man could make it to the canyon’s rim but would have to rely on mostly moonlight to see himself back to the young man’s aid.
This bothered Jefferson even more. JD’s breathing was shallow and very labored. His heartbeat had been slow and erratic. Could Jefferson afford to leave the young man’s side while he delivered the salvaged items to Jessica? Jefferson ripped some shirts to dress JD’s wounds.
It seems strange what one remembers about their life when they have a life and death struggle thrust upon them. Jefferson rubbed a tired hand across his face as he remembered the day he married his wife. She was so beautiful and they were so young. Together the two of them dreamed of building a life and starting a family. They endured many hardships in their lives, many painful struggles and losses. But they also shared many joyous moments. Jefferson rested his weary head against the massive boulder he sat next to. Taking a quick look at his pocketwatch, the older man rubbed his weary eyes and returned his gaze to his young charge. It was three in the morning.
The sheriff looked so young, he thought to himself. He looked too young. His mind raced back to his own two children. They were probably about JD’s age, if not even a little older. Jefferson thought back again to his wife and family as he looked at the young man. Aside from the slow rise and fall of his chest, the young man had not moved since Jefferson had discovered his body. Afraid to move the sheriff for fear of causing him even more injury, Jefferson managed to build a small campsite around the two of them.
Earlier, the older man had made the long journey to the rim of the canyon where he related the news to the relieved young girl of JD’s survival. Although he left out the fact that even though the young man was alive when he left him, the chances he was still alive when Jefferson returned would be slim. It was hard enough to keep the young girl from following him back down to his young charge. Finally, he managed to convince the young girl that the best thing she could do for her young friend was to stay safely hidden in the campsite he built for her. He started a fire to keep the young girl warm and set up a bed of sorts for her to rest for the evening. Before he left though, he made her promise that she wouldn’t try a fool hearty stunt of trying to make the journey down the dangerous mountainside. With an uneasy nod of her head she agreed and Jefferson embarked on his second trip down the rocky trail.
That had been hours ago, though it felt like it had been days. Jefferson was emotionally and physically exhausted. The older man stood slowly and tried to stretch some of the knots out of his body. He closed his eyes and hoped that the stagecoach would send out a search party soon. The young man would certainly be lucky if he made it through until the morning. It would take a miracle if he had to make it through another whole day. Jefferson added some more wood to his small campfire and turned back to the young man and gasped. The young man’s face was not only bruised and bloody but he had become completely pale. His skin was almost translucent. Jefferson had done the best he could to wrap the severe head wound, but he wasn’t certain if any of it was helping. JD looked worse than when the older man had found him.
Jefferson took a seat, once again, next to his young charge. “I wish I could do something more for you young man.” Jefferson whispered.
The silence of the evening was eerie. Only the occasional crackling of the fire could be heard. Jefferson placed a gentle hand on JD’s forehead. “You need to fight young man, you’re much too young to go now. There are too many things you need to experience.” Jefferson continued talking to the young man. He hoped that if JD could hear him, he might try harder to fight. He stared down at the young face and started to check some of the many bandages wrapped around the battered body.
“Dammit, JD no. You need to breathe for me son.” Jefferson demanded. He quickly placed his fingers on JD’s throat. When he couldn’t feel anything, he tried once again. “Come on JD, you’ve made it this long, come on. Breathe dammit.” Jefferson leaned over JD’s mouth. Nothing. Jefferson let out a quick breath as tears threatened. “Don’t give up JD.”
“Hey Buck, what’s going on?”
The familiar voice startled Buck out of his short little nap in front of the jail. “Kid, yer back.” Buck smiled as he greeted his best friend.
“Yeah, but I can only stay for awhile. Chris and I are going to ride to Eagle Bend.” JD stated, a big smile gracing his face.
“You jist got here though, I thought maybe we might take a trip to our little spot. Maybe even do some fishing.” Buck asked hopefully.
“Sorry Buck, Chris wants me to go with him and I think it’s best that we not spend time together. I mean I had fun hanging around you and all, but I’d rather spend time with Chris. We were all talking and decided it might be best if you didn’t ride with us anymore.”
Buck’s face paled as JD climbed on to his horse and started away.
“Kid, why don’t ya…” Buck started.
JD stopped his horse and turned back toward the tall gunslinger. “I’m sorry Buck, but if you only had told me what the paper said, just told me the truth maybe things would be different.”
“You ready son?” Chris asked as he rode up to JD.
“Yeah Chris, let’s go.” JD smiled to his hero.
“Do you want to do it or should I?” Chris asked.
“No. I can do it.” JD stated, his voice bursting with pride.
“But, JD. I’m sorry. I only found out while you were gone, I swear it’s true.” Buck yelled out as he ran after his two friends.
“You’ve known. You’ve always known Buck.” JD stated evenly. He pulled out his colt and gave a final glance to Chris. Chris nodded his head in approval and smiled.
“You can do it son.” Chris stated.
“Sorry Buck.” JD added and he fired his gun at Buck.
“JD…..No!” Buck yelled.
“Oh my god.” Buck whispered. It was only a dream. Buck wiped the moisture from his forehead and stood from his bed. Walking over to his dresser, he poured some water and quickly gulped it down. Closing his eyes, he wiped a weary hand across his face. God, that dream seemed so real. He fought the urge to check on the kid. It had been only a dream, he thought to himself. The kid ain’t even due back until the morning. The tall gunslinger lay back down in his bed. A short time later the ladies’ man finally fell back to sleep.
“Hey Buck, what’s going on?”
“The familiar voice startled Buck out of his short little nap in front of the jail. “Kid yer back?” Buck smiled as he greeted his best friend.
“Yeah, but I can only stay for awhile. Chris and I are going to ride to Eagle Bend.”
“You’ve known. You’ve always known Buck” JD stated evenly. He pulled out his colt and gave a final glance to Chris. Chris nodded his head in approval and smiled.
“You can do it son.” Chris stated.
“Sorry Buck.” JD added and he fired his gun at Buck.
“NOOOOOOOO!” Buck screamed.
“Hey now Buck, easy.” Chris stated as he tried to wake the sleeping gunslinger.
“Chris?”
“Yeah Buck. Musta been a helluva nightmare. Thought you were gonna fall off yer chair.” Chris stated.
Buck wiped the sleep from his eyes as he stretched in his chair. He hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before. The nightmare seemed to plague his every sleeping moment. After giving up anymore attempts to fall back asleep he got dressed and took his horse out for a very early morning ride. Upon his return, he found himself in the saloon, while he waited for the kid’s return.
Not wanting to discuss the nightmare Buck quickly changed the subject. “Kid should be arriving at noon on the stage I guess.” Buck managed.
Chris nodded his head as he sat next to his old friend.
“You thinkin’ on takin’ him for a ride when he gets back, Buck?” Chris asked, hoping that since Buck obviously didn’t want to talk to him about the document, maybe he would at least talk to the kid.
“Knowin’ the kid, probably. He’s gone a whole day without ridin’. Figurin’ he’ll be pretty antsy to git out.”
The two men sat in silence for a long moment. Finally, Buck looked to his old friend and let out a quick breath. “Y’know Chris. Wouldn’t mind if maybe you wanted to join us. If..” Buck started before being interrupted.
“Either one of ya seen Josiah around?” Nathan asked as he entered the saloon.
Buck shook his head quickly, annoyed at his friend’s timing.
“Spect he’s at the church Nathan.” Chris answered as he looked back to Buck. Maybe he was ready to tell him what had him so riled up.
“Guess, I’ll go check.” Nathan turned and walked back out of the saloon.
“What were ya saying Buck?” Chris asked.
“Just thinkin’ that maybe you, me and the kid could take a ride..” Buck started again.
“Morning Brothers.” Josiah announced as he walked into the saloon.
“Mornin’ Josiah.” Chris shot a glance to the preacher. “Nate’s lookin’ for ya. Think he went to the church to find ya.” Chris added.
Josiah nodded his head and started out of the saloon.
“Sorry, Buck.” Chris added.
Buck ran a nervous hand through his hair. God he didn’t know how he was going to get this out, he thought to himself. But, there was no way he could keep it hidden. Chris stared at his old friend. He didn’t know what to say.
“Y’know Buck, if ya need to talk..” Chris started.
“Mornin’ fellas.” Vin drawled as he took a seat next to his two friends.
Before Chris could say a word Buck stood from his chair and bolted out of the saloon.
Chris stood to follow his friend but stopped at the bat wing doors. Vin, who had followed close behind the leader, placed a hand on Chris’ shoulders. “He still hasn’t said anything about that paper?”
“Nah. It’s eatin’ him up too.” Chris answered, as he walked back to his chair.
“Think we should go after him?” Vin asked.
“Let’s give him some time. I’ll talk to him later.”
Mary looked out the window of her office. The town was bustling with activity. Smiling to herself Mary went back to her printing press. As she reached over the press the door to the Clarion opened and Walter Thompson the towns telegraph operator burst through the door.
“Mrs. Travis!! Mrs. Travis!!” Walter gasped out. He had run from the telegraph office and had become quickly winded.
“Mr. Thompson?” Mary started as she walked to the old man. “Take a deep breath.” She stated, concern etching her face.
Walter shook his head. “Can’t. It’s the stage.”
Mary turned a puzzled face to her old friend. “What stage?” Mary asked.
“The stage your friend Jessica and the young sheriff rode on.”
Mary felt her heart sink. “What happened Mr. Thompson?” she asked as she felt her face heat with fear.
“It done never made it to Springville. The stage is short handed too. Thought they could get some help in the search.”
Mary closed her eyes and sat down. Walter handed her the telegram and she read the words again and again. “Thank you Mr. Thompson, I’ll take care of this.”
Mr. Thompson took off his hat and played with the brim. “Mighty sorry I had to deliver ya bad news.”
Mary couldn’t say anything. She merely nodded her head as she fought back her tears. She only hoped that Jessica and JD had made it to safety. Wiping her face with the back of her hand she took a deep breath and started out the door.
Vin and Chris stood outside the saloon. “Kid should be gettin’ back soon. Maybe he can bring Buck around.” Vin stated.
“Don’t know. He’s got somethin’ that’s tearin’ at him. Thought he came close to tellin’ me.” Chris added.
The two friends spied Buck walking down the boardwalk. As they turned to greet the tall gunslinger, Mary Travis ran towards them.
“Chris..It’s the stage! Jessica and JD’s stage never made it to Springville.” Mary cried out. Chris grabbed the distraught woman’s shoulders.
“Slow down, slow down Mary. What happened?” Chris asked calmly.
Chris and Vin listened as Mary related the news from the telegram. Chris closed his eyes and tried to calm down the hysterical woman when the sound of pounding horse’s hooves could be heard coming from the livery.
“Dammit Buck! No!” Chris growled. He knew that Buck, having heard Mary’s story, would be running hell-bent to get to his young friend. He had to get to Buck before he got too far.
“Vin, get the others and tell them what’s goin’ on. Have Nate bring his medical bag. There’s no tellin’ what condition any of them will be in.” Chris instructed. “Mary send a telegram to Springville and let em know we’re on our way.” Mary nodded her head as fresh tears ran down her face.
“Bring them back safe Chris” Mary stated as she ran to the telegraph office.
Chris saddled up his horse and grabbed some supplies. He only hoped they could reach the missing riders soon. But first he needed to get Buck.
The leader spurred his horse on and managed to track the tall gunslinger easily. Thankfully, Buck had slowed his pace after tearing out of town. He had suddenly realized that going into an unknown situation could get JD and Jessica, and even himself killed. Chris slowed his pace as he saw his old friend watering his horse by a little creek off the main road.
Chris walked his horse over to the little creek beside Buck. No words were said for awhile.
“Chris, the kid’s gotta be OK.” Buck finally managed.
Chris walked over to his old friend and rest an understanding hand on his shoulder. “We’ll bring him back Buck. The kid is resourceful, I’m sure he’s drivin’ Jessica nuts about now.”
Buck smiled to his old friend and ran a hand through his hair. “Probably right,” Buck tried to chuckle out, but he was having trouble convincing himself.
“Chris, I need to tell ya somethin’,” Buck stated.
Chris looked to his old friend and waited for him to say something. “What’s eatin’ ya Buck?”
Buck closed his eyes and tried to sort out the words. No matter how much his tired brain tried, he couldn’t figure how he could get out what he needed to say. The two sat in silence once again as Buck struggled.
Realizing he couldn’t manage the words. Buck walked away and mumbled “never mind, it wasn’t important.”
Chris stood for a moment wanting to catch up with his friend. He thought for a moment and decided to let it be. Chris figured Buck would get it out in time. Buck got back on to his horse and made it to Chris’ side. In the distance, they could hear the others coming.
Buck looked to Chris once again “I need to get my boy,” he whispered as he started back to the main road.
It wasn’t long before Nathan, Ezra, Josiah and Vin caught up to their two friends. Chris looked to Vin, who had already started tracking the stage’s route. Anticipating they may need to haul someone back to town. Chris was thankful that Nathan had the foresight to bring the wagon. He only hoped that this would only be a precautionary measure.
About two hours into their journey Vin started to pick up disturbing signs. “Looks like the stage had some company. I count three separate horse tracks.” Vin commented as the team took a quick break to water their horses.
Buck hadn’t said a word as the team rode. This silence unnerved his friends. Buck, like his young friend, was never at a loss for words.
The tall gunslinger felt lost. An overwhelming sense of dread had taken over his thoughts. Buck rested against a tree as memories bombarded him. The kid had become his family. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, the kid had wormed his way into Buck’s heart and soul. He wanted; no he needed the kid to come riding up on that damn horse he loved so much. Buck would give anything to see those smiling hazel eyes look up to him and ask him to go for a ride, or maybe take him fishing. The ladies man shook his head as if to erase the painful thoughts invading his mind. JD simply had to be OK.
The men soon got back underway. Buck walked back to his horse and slowly got on. Not long after starting on the trail again, the team saw something lying in the middle of the road. Closing his eyes, Vin got off his horse and said a silent prayer. Please don’t let this be JD, he thought to himself. Chris followed behind the tracker cautiously and they slowly turned the body over. Vin turned away and looked to Chris. “Thank God.” Vin managed and he walked back to the team.
“Dammit JD! You need to breathe.” Jefferson yelled at the young man that lay deathly still. Yelling wasn’t going to bring back the young man, but the older man was at a loss. He didn’t know what to do. Deciding to try once again, he felt around JD’s neck for a pulse. It seemed like hours, but suddenly a shaky smile returned to the older man’s face. Leaning over to JD’s mouth he listened closely for a breath. Closing his eyes he waited and finally he heard a ragged breath.
“Boy, you are going to age me. You got to stop doing this to me.” Jefferson stated. The older man repositioned himself next to the young sheriff. He placed his hand on JD’s chest and left it there. Almost feeling that if he let go of the boy, the boy himself may let go. Jefferson watched the slow rise and fall of the young man’s chest. Knowing they had a lot of time to kill before anybody came to help, the older man decided that if he continued talking maybe JD would hold on for a little longer. “Well, guess since we’re stuck with each other for awhile maybe we should get to know each other better.” Jefferson started. “Of course you know my name is Jefferson Stillwell, I married my lovely bride Elizabeth more than twenty-five years ago. Now, I know that was long before you were even thought of…”
“Looks like our friend here had help off the stagecoach.” Vin stated as he looked at the dead man.
“I recognize this guy, he was the stagecoach driver.” Nathan announced. He had remembered seeing the man loading the suitcases on top of the stagecoach, as they saw JD and Jessica off.
“Hey Vin, think I found that guy’s friend.” Chris yelled out. About fifty feet up the road lay another dead body. The other men headed toward the leader. “I’ve seen this guy before, he usually rode shotgun if the stagecoach was carrying anything valuable.” Chris stated. Dammit, he thought to himself. Someone must have been tipped off that the stage was carrying more than just passengers.
The men returned to their horses and started again through the grizzly trail. Not too far ahead up the road was another dead body. As they continued two more bodies were discovered.
“Judging by the looks of these two guys, they didn’t go without a fight.” Vin noticed.
Buck wiped a tired hand across his face and let out a deep breath. The evidence of the obvious struggle was overwhelming to the tall gunslinger. With every body they came upon, Buck felt more and more helpless.
The team continued on the trail relieved for a moment that no more bodies were being found. Suddenly, Vin jumped off his horse obviously disturbed where the trail was leading him. Seeing the panicked tracker, Chris and the other men quickly followed Vin to the rim of the canyon. Chris looked down to Vin’s line of sight and paled at the sight before him. Chris turned around quickly to a fast approaching Buck. Hoping to stop his old friend before he got to the canyon Chris grabbed his arm to drag him away.
“Chris dammit! What is it?” Buck stated, aggravated that Chris wouldn’t let him see what lay in the canyon. “Sweet Jesus, don’t tell me it’s JD!” Buck hoarsely cried out. The emotion had swept over the tall man and he suddenly felt his legs go weak. Not able to hold himself up, he fell to his knees “It can’t be Chris. Not my boy. JD’s OK. I know it. He wouldn’t leave. He wouldn’t leave you and me. He wouldn’t leave us.” Buck shook his head furiously. Chris knelt in front of his old friend and placed a steady hand on Buck’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Buck” Chris said softly. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know how to comfort his old friend. He carefully grabbed Buck by the neck and brought him into a sympathetic embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
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