Lou ran. She ran as she never had run before. It was dark around her but she didn't care. She didn't care about anything as long as she was running. She didn't even care where she was running. All she knew was that if there was something chasing her, calling her name. Something horrible. A nameless fear had her in her in its grip and all she could do was run. She tried to call for help, but there wasn't a sound coming from her. She stumbled over branches and leaves on the ground and she knew she was running in a forest. She desperately tried to stay on her feet, knowing only too well that if she fell, she was doomed. The awful thing that was after her would find her, hurt her and her family. She had to keep it from her family. She had too. A soft light in the darkness caught her attention and she started running towards it. She knew that if she could reach the light before the creature that was breathing down her neck, she would be safe - all of them would be safe. As she came closer she could see the light more clearly, a beacon of comfort and trust. A safe place. She could almost hear it beckoning to her to come to it, to run faster. And she did. She ignored the creature behind her, ignored the branches that hit her in her face and tried to stop her from reaching the light, ignored everything...

"No! Lou, don't go there! Lou!"

The voice rang out in the night and without stopping she saw Kid standing to her right, pleadingly holding out his hands to her, inviting her into his arms. For a second she felt tempted to go to him, but he was standing in the darkness. She shook her head. She wouldn't be safe unless she reached the light. She tried to tell Kid that, but no words left her mouth. She continued running, hearing Kid frantically calling out to her, telling her to stop. Couldn't he see that there was no way for her to stop? Why was he asking her to stop? The darkness that surrounded her seemed to grow thicker and she fought desperately to reach the light. Kid's voice slowly faded away as she struggled towards the soft light blinking welcoming just out of her reach.

"Come to me," it whispered, "come to me..."

Lou knew the voice, knew that she had heard it before and she reached out a hand to touch the light...

"Lou? Come on, honey, wake up."

The soft voice slowly made it's way through the fogginess of sleep and Lou opened her eyes, fighting the bright light shining in from the window. The sun was already up and basked the room with its bright light creating intricate patters as it unmercifully enlighten the dust that swirled in the room.

"Kid," she mumbled and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "I had the strangest dream..."

"Well, you better get up - it's late," her husband replied and kissed her brow. "Rachel wasn't too pleased with me when I let you sleep in. She had hoped you'd help her make the pies for that school benefit - something. Now she had to ask Mrs. Angelby."

"Thank you," Lou replied with a smile. She loved helping Rachel out but apart from Mrs. Angelby, the self-appointed head of the school council, Mrs. Stanton, had volunteered to help as well. Although Lou's cooking skills had improved since her marriage, she was in no mood having Mrs. Stanton looking over her shoulder, complaining that she wasn't following the right procedure for how to make a pie. Lou made excellent pies and she was sure that Mrs. Stanton was aware of it. She just had a problem with the fact that Lou had dressed as a boy and lived together with the other riders before her wedding and there wasn't a day spent with her that she did not comment on it. Lou didn't care, but if she could, she avoided spending time with Mrs. Stanton. And right now, she was pleased that Kid had managed to keep her out, even if she probably had to make it up to Rachel later.

"What did you tell Rachel?" she mumbled as she placed her arms around Kid's neck and looked up into his loving blue eyes. A big grin showed on his face.

"I told her it was my fault - that I had kept you up last night. She looked very understanding," he said smilingly and Lou looked at him in mocked anger.

"Kid, how dare you--" she started and then she couldn't help smiling. "I love you, you know," she whispered as she pulled his head down until her lips met his. "I wish I could stay in bed with you for the rest of the day," she whispered as her hands found the soft curls of his hair. The sun warmed up the room and she couldn't help feeling an endless joy over her life. It was with reluctance that she allowed Kid to break the kiss.

"How much I wish I could climb back into bed with you right now," he replied softly, "I can't. I promised Teaspoon that I help breakin' in those new horses that was brought in yesterday and if I'm late he'll have my hide for it."

Lou moaned. "Why does he bother about that - the Express is closin' down and everybody knows that those horses probably never will be used."

"It ain't over yet, Lou." Kid looked seriously at her. "There are still runs to be done and the horses are worth far more if they are ridden than not. Besides, we should be grateful Teaspoon's still keepin' the station going. When it's closed I'm out of a job."

Lou closed her eyes. She didn't wish to have that discussion again. She knew too well that Kid was worried about the future and she knew that he was right. When the Express finally ended, they would have to find something else to do - and none of them knew what.

"I know," she mumbled and rose up in bed. "I s'pose I better get up and see if I can do anything to keep Rachel in a good mood." She looked at her husband and let her hand caress his cheek. "We'll find something, I'm sure of it," she added. "I know we will."

Kid placed a kiss on her hand and smiled at her. "Of course we will," he agreed. Lou was his family now and he knew in his heart that there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep it that way. Everything would be alright if they just believed it. Besides as long as he and Lou were together, there wasn't anything that could go wrong.

"You can help out with the horses," he offered, knowing what Lou preferred to do. "I'm sure you can help Rachel later."

A smile broke out in Lou's face. "I'll be down in a few seconds," she murmured and quickly threw of the blanket before ushering Kid out of the room.

Five minutes later she stood, dressed in pants and a hat to protect her face and eyes from the sun, by the corral and overlooked the procedures as Kid and Teaspoon tried to sort out one horse for the first try.

"Take the gray one," she suggested with a grin. "It's looks like a nice one and I would like to have a husband that can sit at dinner!"

"Having fun, Lou?" Kid sneered back as he tried to keep himself on a safe distance from the roped horse's kicking hoofs.

"Yep," she replied as the chosen horse was lead into the adjoining corral and tied to a pole in the middle. Kid and Teaspoon joined her by the fence, allowing the horse some time to calm down.

"Thought you were going to help Rachel this morning, Lou," Teaspoon said with a wink.

"Couldn't do it," Lou replied quickly and changed the subject. "Any new runs come up for this week?"

"Nope. Buck's run was the last one."

"So when Jimmy gets back, there's nothing?"

"'Fraid so."

Lou looked disappointed. She knew that there were no scheduled runs, after all she was in charge of the schedules, but she still hoped that a special delivery would show up or something. It was boring having nothing to do and besides it was disturbing since it forced them to think about the future. Kid placed an arm around her shoulders and hugged her gently. For a second the disturbing dream she had came back to her and she contemplated telling Kid about it. It had seemed so real and there was something about it that scared her...

Teaspoon cast a glance at the young couple by his side. He knew they were worried about the future. It would have been a lie to say that it didn't worried him as well. He had grown to love his riders and besides the sometimes differences in opinions he wished only the best for them.

"You started thinking about what you wanna do?" he asked. Lou groaned at the question.

"Don't ask Teaspoon," she pleaded. "We'll find something."

"Well, the stage will still run, and there's a need for good station managers..."

Lou grimaced. "Taking care of whining passengers, serving 'em food and listenin' to 'em complainin' 'bout everything or askin' questions about the "wild" west? Nae, don't think so Teaspoon."

Teaspoon tried to hide a smile. "Just an idea, Lou."

"Might not be such a bad idea, Lou," Kid teased. "I can see you standing there, servin'em food and tellin'em about the good ol' days when you rode with the famous "Wild Bill" Hickok for the Express, fightin' outlaws an' Indians."

"You would like that, he?" Lou sneered, but couldn't hide the smile that lurked in the corners of her mouth. "Bet you can't stay on that horse for more than a few seconds."

"Taken," Kid replied and agile jumped over the fence to start working. Lou settled herself on the fence for a good look, completely forgetting everything about her dream. After all it was only a dream and she wouldn't let it disturb what looked to be a great day.

There hadn't been too many of those days since Kid and Lou's wedding. With the upcoming war creating distress in the town and more and more young men leaving their families to dress in a blue or gray uniform to serve the cause and country they believed in there was not much to feel joyful about. In addition, Noah's death was too recent and too painful for the remaining riders. The happy days when they first started to ride for the Express and the time in Sweetwater seemed very distant in their minds. Now they were faced with an uncertain future and the break-up of the group that had become family. Jesse had already left for a dangerous life with his brother and Cody had made his decision and signed up with the army, much to Teaspoon's disapproval. Those left tried to cope with their lives as well as they could. With Lou helping at the station, Rachel had begun spending more time with the school, raising money for new furniture and new books. She had been successful enough that the town had elected her into the school council and although Rachel sometimes complained about the duties, the others knew that the changed image meant a lot to her. It was never easy being a single woman and Rachel's new status of teacher certainly made it easier. Buck and Jimmy continued working for the Express as if nothing had changed, keeping to themselves with the only difference that Jimmy had moved out of the bunkhouse to live in the town.

To the others he had said that he would stay at the hotel, but they all knew he was staying with Rosemary Burke in her small cottage just outside town, from where she ran a small bulletin about the threat from the south. None of the others approved on the situation, but had kept silent. It was Jimmy's life and he was free to live it any way he seemed fit. And they would hate to see him leave, so they pretended that nothing was wrong. Lou had asked him once of what he felt for Rosemary, if he intended to marry her now that she was a widow. She had never received a reply.

Lou knew that Rosemary was trying to convince Jimmy to join her cause and fight with her. But she knew that Jimmy was reluctant to join in the fighting that already had claimed so much. The loss of three friends - three family members. Noah, Jesse and Cody. Lou always counted Cody among them. He had had a huge fight with Teaspoon the day before he left and had never returned. Not even a word had they heard. Mr. Thompkins had told her that Cody had been at the saloon half the night, drinking himself into a stupor before he left. Lou couldn't understand it and she really missed Cody. They all just hoped that he was alright.

Lou decided to refuse to destroy this beautiful day with thinking of what had been and what would come as she sat poised on the fence, cheering her husband on as he tried to stay on the bucking pony. They were just too much to be grateful for right now for her to let the war and other matters get her down. Sooner or later she and Kid would find something to do and a place on their own. A place to raise a family and where Jeremiah and Theresa would be more than welcomed. She laughed heartily at Kid's foul face as he rose from the dusty ground, angrily eyeing the beast that had placed him there.

"You wanna a helpin' hand, Kid?" she teased him from her elevated position as Teaspoon smiled at her.

"I'm sure that can be arranged Lou! Why don't you get down here..."

"She's not doin' anything," Kid replied with a glance over Lou's shoulder, "'cause here comes Rachel and she don't look happy..."

Lou looked at him with a frightened look in her eyes and in her haste to get of the fence, she got caught and it ended with her sprawled on the ground fighting to get on her feet. Kid walked over and offered her a helping hand. Lou rose and looked bewildered around for a furious Rachel.

"Got'cha," Kid murmured in her ear.

"Why you...you... low life...," she hissed between her teeth but before she could utter another word, he kissed her.

"I love you it when you're angry," he smiled as Teaspoon cleared his throat behind them.

"Hate to interrupt you," he stated, "but the horse and I are beginning to feel a bit lonely here. Maybe we should get some work done, he?" As if he had understood Teaspoon's words the horse rose it's head and neighed loudly. Laughingly they resumed their task of training the animal, ignoring the dark clouds that rose at the horizon.

Jimmy burst in through the door in a pool of water. Rosemary couldn't help looking disapprovingly at him as he shook the rain off his coat and hat.

"You had to bring in every drop of rain you could," she said with a grudge, only to have Jimmy looking up at her with a tired look in his face.

"I'm tired, Rosemary," he mumbled and hung up the coat and hat on the peg by the door.

"You're late," Rosemary chided, regretting the words as soon as they left her mouth.

Jimmy shook his head. "Well, there's the small matter of handing over the pouch or have you forgotten that that's what I do?"

"No," Rosemary admitted, "it's just that I could have used your help these last couple of days."

"Dammit, Rosemary, we've been through this. That's my job!"

Rosemary was about to tell him that he could always quit, but the exasperated look on Jimmy's face made she shut her mouth. She had no wish of getting into another argument with him. There had been too many of those lately. And Tad Brown's words echoed in her mind, Keep him by your side, Mrs. Burke, you'll need it. Biting her lower lip she approached the wet and tired rider.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy, I didn't mean that." She placed her arms around him and looked deeply into his eyes. "I've missed you."

Jimmy smiled faintly at her, placing his arms around her waist. "You've missed me?" he mumbled into her neck.

"Yes," Rosemary whispered back as she turned her head allowing his lips to meet hers. "I've missed you."

Jimmy wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him as he kissed her deeply, forgetting the arguments and the differences they had experienced. He loved her, no matter what the others told him. A soft laughter caused him to lift his head.

"Rose?" he mumbled, using his nickname for her.

"You're wet," she whispered back with a soft smile. "I think we better get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold."

"You're right," he sighed with relief and looked at the beautiful woman before her, letting himself getting lost in her dark eyes.

"And maybe I know a way to get you warm," Rosemary mumbled as she started to unbutton his shirt.

"Bet you do," Jimmy muttered huskily as he lifted her chin up to place another kiss on her lips as his hands softly explored the soft fabric of her dress until they found the buttons on the back. For this moment in time, there was nothing else in the world than the cottage and the warm woman before him. No conflicts with the others, no harsh rides through a country that became more hostile, no thoughts of war. Only love. Outside the sky blackened as the storm gathered itself, sounds of thunder echoing between the dark clouds as if heaven itself raged over the country.

II

Tad Brown lighted the cigar and drew in the familiar smoke in his lungs as a sudden flash of a bolt of lightning enlightened the small room. Another man was sitting by a small bench eagerly writing down every word he said. Tad Brown allowed a sardonic smile to flutter his lips as he witnessed the rages of nature outside.

"Mr. Brown, did this - this awful thing really happen?" The young man looked abhorred at him, re-reading the text he had written down for the bulletin. "Did they really stuck those people up on poles - alive?"

"Yes." Tad Brown replied as he continued to gaze out the window where the Mrs. Burke's cottage barely was visible through the rain as it whipped the building. He turned to the boy. "Yes, it happened, and I was there to see it."

He smiled at the scared face staring at him. He was telling the truth, he had witnessed those atrocities, although it was a long time ago and in another part of the world. Allowing the memories to flow he could remember it as clearly as it had been earlier the same day. He had worn another name, spoken another language but he had still had the same goal then as now. And it had been a good place, torn by a war that put friends and families against each other, killing each other in the most brutal ways ever invented by humans. It was more than 600 years ago but time didn't matter to him. The bridge over the small river, the green hills surrounding it, the fear in the people that met him, the sight of the men staked on poles by he bridge, some of them still alive, moaning and pleading for death to come, all of that was clear in his mind. It had been a good time for him. Maybe one day he could return to the place called Balkan. He had left when the peace had settled and moved to more violent parts of the world until a greedy sailor brought him to this new land. He had been weak here at his arrival - too weak to do anything but rest. Until he finally had found his strength again and run into her. The young woman with the strong soul, the one he must have. She had defeated him then, but he had grown stronger since their last meeting and he would not allow himself to be defeated again.

And the woman in the cottage on the other side of the road had been perfect for his purpose. She had been easy to use, her craving for power easily fed. Now she was his. And in her hand she held the heart of one of his opponents, Jimmy Hickok. Clasping the amulet around his neck he stared out into the darkness as he found strength in the pulsating feeling from it. "This time you're mine, Louise," he whispered softly as a frightened scream interrupted his thoughts. The young boy that had been working with him rose hastily, knocking over the chair in the process. Staring at the red glow emancipating from Mr. Brown's chest the boy slowly backed to the door before he lifted his eyes. Staring into a pair of dark eyes that seemed to nail him to the ground, the boy felt the hair on his back rise. Filled with an intense fear, he bolted towards the door and run screaming out into the street, haunted by the evil laugher of Mr. Brown behind him.

Mr. Brown, or Baruk as some would know him, stopped laughing and slowly put out the cigar before following the boy outside. It was time for another kill and he almost felt pity that it would be the boy. He had enjoyed telling the lad the stories, but it was of no importance. His death would mean nothing to Baruk. There was only one thing that mattered, that kept him here instead of taking part in the war as he intended. Louise. When he had her soul, he would take himself into the battle. Only then, only after Louise.

III

"I hate his!" Lou exclaimed and rose from the window where she had been sitting, staring out as the rain begun to pool in rivulets on the yard. The rain created a steady, constant drumming on the roof of the bunkhouse. She turned to the others who were sitting by the table, doing various small chores in waiting for supper. "Doesn't it bother you?"

"What?" Kid asked, looking up from mending Katy's bridle.

"The rain!"

"Doesn't bother me as long as I'm not out in it," Kid replied lightly, causing Teaspoon and Buck to try to hide their smiles from the other side of the table.

Lou sighed and joined them by the table. "I don't understand it - it was a perfect sunny day this morning. Where did this storm come from?"

Teaspoon frowned. "I must admit that it was a bit sudden," he said, shaking his head. "There was no warning of this storm."

Buck shrugged. "Sometimes there aren't. And we need the rain."

"True," Teaspoon admitted, then he looked around. "Jimmy's gonna be here for supper?"

"Don't know," Lou replied with a frown, "he left without tellin'."

Teaspoon muttered something under his breath before continuing cleaning his gun. He knew the boy was old enough to make his own decision but he also wished that he wasn't so stubborn and at least once could listen to his advice. But he would not argue with Jimmy over his decisions. Teaspoon had learned from his mistakes. His efforts in convincing Cody had only resulted in hard feelings and a break-up. He wished he could have undone it but it was too late now. Cody was on his own, fighting for what he believed, and Teaspoon could only hope that the boy would emerge safely from it.

"There's something wrong," Lou insisted as she placed her head in her hands., leaning her elbows on the table. “I had this strange dream last night…” She frowned. “I was running somewhere and” - she shook her head - “ well, I don’t remember much of it, but there was something menacing about it.”

Kid laughed softly at his wife. He loved the way she looked, sitting by the table with the worried frown in her beautiful face.

“You’re worried because a dream?” He smiled. “It was only a dream, Lou.”

Lou shrugged. “I know - I just didn’t like it. And now this rain - something ain’t right.” She suddenly shuddered as she could feel a cool breeze enter through the room. She stared around at the others. “Did you feel that?”

Teaspoon and Kid looked at her with confused looks in their faces, none of them understanding what she was talking about. Lou turned to Buck. “Buck?”

Buck was staring through the window with a rapt expression on his face.

“Buck, you felt it too, didn’t you?” Lou was beginning to feel uneasy. Something was wrong and she had this strange feeling that she had felt it before. “Buck?”

Buck returned to her with a worried expression on his face, an expression that quickly disappeared but not before Lou saw it. He shook his head. “I didn’t feel anything,” he said. Lou knew he lied, but before she could voice her concerns, she felt Kid’s arm around her.

“Don’t worry Lou, I’m here. And I promise that you won’t have any more nightmares as long as am right by your side.”

Lou frowned at him, but seeing his gentle smile, she sighed and leaned into his embrace. But the feeling of uneasiness lingered inside her as Rachel announced that supper was ready. Lou dismissed all feelings of that something was wrong as the smell of stew made her realize just how hungry she was. They helped Rachel set the table under amiable small talk as the rain kept pouring down outside. They assumed that Jimmy was not coming for supper, especially when the rain was so heavy. Far off in the distance the sound of thunder reached them only seconds before a lightning struck in the distance.

“That’s some storm rising,” Teaspoon muttered as he seated himself at the head of the table. “Buck and Kid, we better see to that the horses are alright for the night.”

The boys nodded as the food came on the table and interrupted further discussions. Rachel lit a few candles to enlighten the dark room, and somehow it fitted with their surroundings. The storm slowly came closer and when supper was over and they were ready to turn in the rain had become a downpour, with lightning flashing and thunder crashing all around them as the storm was over them with its fury. Somewhere in the distance the wind and thunder drowned out a cry of fear and pain.

“Never thought I’d have to see anything like this, marshal,” the blacksmith Wisnevits mumbled as he gazed up on the body. “Gruesome. Who would done such a thing to a boy?”

“I don’t know,” Teaspoon muttered as the boy was lowered to the ground. There was a huge wound in his chest as if he had been ripped open by a substantial force. The boy’s face was an image of extreme horror. Teaspoon felt his stomach turn and several men in the crowd turned away. Whatever had happened to the boy, it had been terrifying enough to leave its mark on the boy even after death. Teaspoon forced himself to lean over the boy, examining the wound. Whatever it was that had created a wound like that, it had been done with considerable force. Teaspoon had never seen anything like it before and it was with relief he heard somebody say that Doc was on his way.

“Good to see you, Doc,” he said and rose to meet the man.

Doc nodded and then paled slightly at the sight of the boy. “Is this what you called me out for?” he asked.

Teaspoon nodded. “Yes. The blacksmith found him this morning. I need to know what killed him.”

Doc leaned over the boy examining the wound. A few minutes later he rose and wiped his brow with an old handkerchief. Teaspoon looked questioningly at him.

“Well, Doc?”

“I don’t know Teaspoon. Never seen anything like that. Somebody must have been awfully mad at that boy. You know who it is?”

Before Teaspoon could answer, a woman broke through the gathered crowd.

“David!” she called out as she saw the boy. “Oh, David, what have they done to you?”

“Take it easy, Mrs. Burke,” Teaspoon said calmly and grabbed her before she could see the damage done to the boy. Doc quickly covered the body with an old blanket that was handed to him by someone. Teaspoon let go of Rosemary Burke as Jimmy emerged and wrapped his arms around the upset woman. Teaspoon wanted to know where he had come from, but seeing the way he tenderly held on to Rosemary Burke, Teaspoon thought better of it.

“You know the boy, Mrs. Burke?” he asked softly. Rosemary collected herself and gently assured Jimmy that she was alright. She nodded.

“Yes. It’s David Ziller. He’s been working for me as a writer for my paper.”

“Any kin?”

“Not that I know of. Marshal, you’ve gotta stop those bastards who did this!”

“You know who it is?”

“If I know who it is? Of course I know! There’s only one person that could do this to me and that’s Maxwell and his thugs! They have been threatening me for the paper for weeks and you knew it! Well, look what it resorted to now!”

“Take it easy, Rosemary,” Jimmy said trying to calm her down. “Teaspoon knows what he’s doin’. All you have to do is listen’ to him. Alright?”

“And why should I listen to him - he’s a Southerner, damn you, a Texan! He ain’t gonna do anything!”

“Now hold it,” Teaspoon barked at her. “Wherever my sympathies lies in this conflict does not affect the way I do my job!”

Rosemary tried to take a deep breath. Damn them, David was just a kid - a kid. Tears trickled down her cheeks and angrily she wiped them away with the sleeve of her jacket. She could feel Jimmy standing behind her, a hand on her shoulder. She took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, marshal, it’s just that, well, he was just a boy…”

“I know,” Teaspoon said softly, holding out a hand to her. “Now, I know you’re upset, but I need to ask you a few questions, Mrs. Burke. If I could see you at my office---”

Rosemary nodded and turned away.

“What happened to him, Teaspoon?” Jimmy asked as Doc helped Rosemary away from the crowd.

“I don’t know, Jimmy. I don’t know.”

“She could be right,” Jimmy stated. “Maxwell have been threatened her to stop that paper of hers.”

“So I heard. But making threats is a whole lot different than murder, Jimmy.”

“But you’re gonna look into it?”

“Yeah.” Teaspoon admitted as Jimmy turned to follow Rosemary. “Hold on a second, Jimmy.” He walked up to the boy. “I don’t mean to pry or anything, but do you know where Mrs. Burke was last night?”

Jimmy looked at Teaspoon with dark eyes. “She was with me, Teaspoon. All night. And she wouldn’t have anything to do with that boy’s murder.” Jimmy walked away, turning his back to Teaspoon.

Teaspoon scratched his chin. “Thought so,” he mumbled to himself when the blacksmith returned to him.

“This fell out of the boy’s pocket, marshal. Thought you might wanna read it.”

“Thanks, Teaspoon said and opened the document. It was written as a bulletin or banner and he knew what it was. It was an edition Mrs. Burke’s weekly flaming manifesto on the wrongs of the South and slaveholders. He sighed and then started to read the thing.

Jimmy poured Rosemary a coffee as they waited for Teaspoon to return to his office. Rosemary stared absentmindedly out the window.

“I don’t get it,” she mumbled. “Why David? He couldn’t harm a fly even if he wanted to. Why him? Why not me?”

Jimmy held out the cup for her. “We might never know, Rose,” he said softly, placing himself on a chair before her. “You believe it’s Maxwell?”

“Who else would it be? He’s been on my case for weeks now! You know it!”

Jimmy nodded. He had been present the first time Maxwell had threatened to tear down the small building from which the bulletin was run. He had called Rosemary a liar and a few worse things, accusing her for disturbing the peace and twisting the law. Jimmy had been forced to draw on him to make the man leave, but still Jimmy only saw him as a loud mouth and not a killer.

“You might be wrong, Rose,” he suggested slowly.

“So now you don’t believe me,” Rosemary said bitterly. “I s’pose I should have known. After all, all of your friends are supporting the South. Kid, well, there’s no hiding what he feels, and his wife probably gonna follow him. And both Mrs. Dunne and Teaspoon are from the south. I s’pose that’s the reason for why you’re not helpin’ me.”

“It ain’t that, and you know it.” Jimmy looked her straight in her eyes. “I love you, Rose, and that’s all there is to it.”

Rosemary stared at him before she simply nodded and sipped her coffee. She knew she should have told him that she loved him too, but she couldn’t take the words in her mouth. “Don’t leave me, Jimmy,” she pleaded as a furious Teaspoon walked in.

Teaspoon nodded as he seated himself behind his desk, trying to keep his emotions in control. He threw several papers on the table and stared at Mrs. Burke. Jimmy looked confused at him, never having seen Teaspoon quite this angry before.

“You know anyone that could have killed that kid, Mrs. Burke?”

“I told you,” Rosemary replied coldly, “Ed Maxwell.”

“You have any proof of that?”

“No, none except for the threats he’s been makin’.”

“Well, seeing what kinda garbage you write in that paper of yours I would say you’d have a lot of enemies out there, Mrs. Burke. Tampering with the truth ain’t gonna give you a whole lot of friends.” Teaspoon pushed one of the papers over to her.

“What do you mean?” Rosemary asked indignant. “I always print the truth!”

“Is that what you had the boy working on?” Teaspoon asked. Rosemary reached out for the paper.

“He was working with an eyewitness’ story on what is going on in the slave States,” she said and started to read. She paled slightly and the paper trembled in her hands as she read the first few paragraphs. Jimmy walked up to her to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Is that what you call ‘truth’?” Teaspoon asked and started to read from another of the papers. “A large pole was forced into the man’s rear. As the pole was forced through his body, tearing his inside to shred before emerging from his back, the man continued to scream and writhe in pain, pleading for someone to kill him. His calls went unanswered as the pole was risen to an upright position, waiting for the man to die. The death could take hours. This is what I saw in Texas.” Teaspoon placed the paper on the desk. “Now, I never heard of any bigger lie than what I just read. What that is, it’s the twisted imagination of a sick mind.”

Rosemary shockingly returned the paper to the desk. “I hadn’t read that. David was s’pose to talk to this man and write down his story - then I would proof read it. I - I wouldn’t have printed this.”

“But it was printed - we found three copies of it.”

“I don’t understand, I never told him to print anything yesterday. We weren’t gonna print anything until this afternoon. You know that Jimmy, you were there when I told David.” She turned to look at Jimmy, who nodded affirmingly.

“She’s telling the truth, Teaspoon. I heard her tell David that nothing was going out until tomorrow.”

“Well, then who was this ‘eyewitness’ that David was talking to?” Teaspoon wanted to know.

“I don’t know,” Rosemary stated. “David wanted to do something on his own, and he said he had found this man that had a really interested story and he wondered if he could print it. I never asked for the man’s name.”

“That might have cost that young man’s life. Apart from being a suspect, this ‘eyewitness’ is probably the last one that saw David alive. You’re sure you don’t know who he is?”

“I’m sure. May I leave now, marshal? I need to - see to that David get a funeral.” Rosemary rose on unsteady legs, leaning on the supporting hand from Jimmy.

“I’ll see you back,” he offered and she nodded her acceptance.

Teaspoon watched them as they left his office with a frown in his face. “There’s something she ain’t tellin’ me,” he muttered to himself. “She knows who he is, I’ll bet my hat on it.”

Sitting in the wagon on her way back to the cottage, Rosemary desperately tried to think of a way to get rid of Jimmy. She loved his concern for her but right now she had to see Tad Brown. He would know what to do - he would help her.

Silence followed on her last sentence. There was no one that could answer her and they were all abhorred by the news. It had been a long day for Teaspoon - a long day searching for answers that hadn’t been there. Nobody had heard or seen anything. Nobody had been out during the storm and the thunder and rain had probably downed any sound. Nobody had seen the man Rosemary Burke said David had mentioned. Teaspoon had told the others of the murder before supper. Kid had immediately offered to help him in his search and Teaspoon had gratefully accepted.

“This remind me of something,” he muttered as supper was over. “A few months back, one or several, killed a whole family, what was their name again? Greenwalds, that’s it.”

“The time when you almost got killed?” Lou asked. “Please don’t remind us about that. I still get chills when I remember Noah returning with you.”

“He saved my life,” Teaspoon remembered and smiled softly at the remembrance of the black rider. “But what bothers me is that we never found out who the killer was.”

Kid shook his head. “It’s strange,” he said. “I only vaguely remember that story. I can remember a few incidents before that as clearly as if they happened yesterday, but that part is somewhat dizzy. Wasn’t there other murders?”

“They were not connected - or at least that what we thought then.”

Lou sat in silence as a feeling of uneasiness crept through her and she edged herself closer to Kid. There was something sinister in the air, something she couldn’t control. She looked up across the table and saw that Buck too was troubled. He knew something was wrong and it strengthened her feeling that there was something lurking in the shadows outside. Something awful. She turned her gaze to the window as if she expected to see a shadow or something appear outside. But the only thing she saw was the pale sunlight between the dark clouds that seemed to rush pass them on the sky. She shivered and suddenly she feared for Cody. He was out there somewhere and she had no clue to where. Out there with that - something - that managed to send chills down her spine. For a second she wished that he would burst through the door in his normal boisterous way, but the door remained closed. She snuggled closer to Kid relieved when he placed his arm around her. As long as he was there, everything would be fine, she thought, trying to dismiss the troubled look on Buck’s face and the worried feeling inside herself. Don’t be a child, she scolded herself, being scared of the dark. Everything is alright.

Buck tried to concentrate on supper but there was something wrong. Had he been able to put his worries into words he would have told the others, but as it was now, he wasn’t even sure himself what he was feeling. A few months earlier he would have dismissed the feeling as being too imaginative, but not now. The meeting with White Feather and his introduction to the magic of his people had taught him to trust his feelings. Before that he admitted that he had not put much faith into the stories told to him as a child of spirits and obsessions. The stories were good for keeping children away from danger but nothing more. Well, he had been forced to change his mind of thinking when Camille was possessed. He knew the others would have laughed at him had he told them what had happened, so he kept it to himself. They had been confused enough when he tried to explain how he knew White Feather when the man obviously had been killed even before Camille and Ben had reached Rock Creek.

Finally he had given up and allowed them to think whatever they wanted to think. All of it had created a greater understanding and renewed faiths in his own beliefs and he felt stronger in it. Praying to the spirits was no longer done out of obligation, but out of faith. And now all of his being told him that there was something wrong - terrible wrong. It bothered him that he couldn’t pinpoint it down. He could only think of one way to get guidance - he had to talk to the spirits. It still scared him to enter into the still unknown world of his believes - he had a feeling that he was treading on sacred grounds, grounds that were reserved for men of greater knowledge, shamans and medicine men, but the strong feeling of fear and trouble demanded it. And since there was no one around to guide or help him, he would have to do it on his own. As they rose from the table, he dragged Teaspoon aside.

“I need some time off,” he said silently.

“What? Now? Buck, it ain’t the best of times…”

“It’s important, Teaspoon. I can’t explain it, but there’s something wrong. I need to find out what. I need,” Buck hesitated, uncertain of how to explain it to Teaspoon, “to find some guidance.”

“A spirit quest, eh?”

Buck nodded. “Sort of.”

“Well, if you say it’s important for you, I guess there’s nothing I can say. How long will you be gone?”

“I ain’t sure. Maybe a week.”

Teaspoon looked troubled at his Indian rider before he nodded. “You got a week. When do you wanna leave?”

“Tonight.”

“Tonight? Buck, that storm ain’t over yet and from what I’ve learned about these quests it ain’t something you should do easily.”

“I know what I’m doing, Teaspoon. Trust me.”

“That’s what I’m gonna do. Can you tell me where you’re gonna be, just in case there’s trouble?”

Buck nodded. “Over by the Red Mesa. There’s some sacred grounds there.”

“Ain’t that where you took Camille?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, just take care, son,” Teaspoon advised him. Buck immediately packed up a few things under the wondering eyes of the others. He briefly explained that he had to leave, knowing that none of them was content with his reasons. Especially Lou was upset with him leaving, but he assured them that he would be alright. He had no more than left before the door was opened again, making the others assume that Buck had changed his mind. But it was Jimmy that tiredly walked in through the door.

He nodded his greeting to them and declined Rachel’s offer of warming up some supper for him. Hanging up his hat and coat by his bunk he sat down tiredly on the edge. Teaspoon brought over a chair and placed himself opposite Jimmy. He knew he wouldn’t have ask Jimmy, if there was something he needed to know, then Jimmy would tell him.

“She wanted to be alone,” Jimmy said silently. “The boy’s death have her pretty shook up, Teaspoon.”

“So I imagine. Did she say anything that might help us find out who did it?”

“No, nothing. She doesn’t have a clue. I’m worried for her Teaspoon - she refused to let me stay and she’s all alone out there with a murderer sneaking around.”

“I’m sure she can take care of herself Jimmy,” Teaspoon assured him. “Let’s get some sleep and we’ll see if we can’t find anything tomorrow.”

II

Rosemary was relieved when Jimmy finally left. As soon as he was out of earshot, she grabbed her coat and headed over to the stable. For a second she shuddered in the cold breeze that surrounded the yard, but determined to find Tad Brown, she quickly saddled one of the horses. A few seconds later she headed out towards Thunder Mesa where she knew Tad usually could be found. An hour later she spotted his fire and directed her horse over. Slightly out of breath from the hard ride, she slipped of the animal and stumbled towards the fire. She sank down on the ground as she reached her hands out towards the fire. Tad Brown looked at her with his dark eyes, not moving a muscle.

“Somebody killed David,” she stated, waiting for his reaction. There was none.

“Tad, David’s dead! You were the last one to see him. You promised to tell him what you had seen in the South!”

“I did. The lad was a very good listener.”

“Did you tell him that awful story about the poles? Tad, what happened? You promised me that nothing like this would happen!”

“What I told him isn't really relevant now, is it?” Tad said coldly. “And for what I promised you, you got it. Do you remember what you asked for Rosemary? Power, the power that your late husband sought and never found. Wasn’t that the reason you married him? It most certainly wasn’t love. You don’t know how to love.”

“What are you talking about - I love Jimmy.”

“Oh, the young man who shares your bed. But does he share your heart? I doubt it. You don’t love him, Rosemary. I’ll agree that he loves you and it flatters you. But do you love him?”

“Who - who are you?” Rosemary placed a hand protectively over her chest and throat.

“I’m the one you asked for in your dreams - the answer to your prayers. I’m here to give you what you want - the power you’re craving for.”

Rosemary stared at the man before him. There was something frightening about him and yet she couldn’t turn away from him. He had been so right, even if she hated to admit it. She didn’t love Jimmy. Nor had she loved Isiah. But he was wrong about one thing - she knew love and did love. She loved what she was fighting for and found it frustrating that she couldn’t convince people or make them understand. She wanted, no needed, the power to do that. The power to change things. And if Tad Brown or whoever he was could give that to her then she would listen. So she sat there, pushing her fears aside for something war more greater. Tad Brown smiled sardonically as he saw her determined face.

“I know you were a strong woman. I want you to have something.” Tad Brown reached around his neck and held up and old amulet, made of wood and ivory. Hesitantly Rosemary reached for it. It felt strange against her hand, soft, yet sharp, cold, and yet there was warmth emancipating from it. She could almost swear that she felt a soft heartbeat from it. She looked questioningly at the man opposite her.

“Do you have a gun?” he asked.

“Why, yes,” she replied and reached for the gun Jimmy had lent her before he left, suddenly feeling an urge to have it close to her.

Tad Brown nodded and closed his eyes. When he opened them again they were filled with hatred and Rosemary instinctively backed away.

“I killed David.” The voice was low but fearfully clear. “I chased him through that alley and ripped him open. He was still alive when I hung him to the hook outside the stable. He was unable to scream since I had removed his tongue. Didn’t the marshal tell you that? I enjoyed killing him. And now - now I’ll kill you.” Tad Brown smiled evilly at Rosemary, who frantically tried to get to her feet. She stumbled to her feet, her gun in one hand and the amulet in another. Without thinking she aimed the gun at the man and pulled the trigger. The man fell backwards to the ground. Rosemary stared at him, when a sharp pain in her hand made her turn her head. The amulet had started to glow in her hand and she felt a strange warmth emerge from her hand filling her body, entwining her, caressing her, filling her with an intense feeling of control - of power. She turned to the man and walked up to him.

A terrified face stared up at her, eyes wide with terror.

“Please, don’t kill me - I didn’t mean it. I never even aimed at the nigger, never meant to kill him, please, help me..”

Rosemary had no clue to what the man was talking about. In fact she wasn’t conscious of anything but the voice inside her head. “Do it now,” it urged her, “kill him. You have the power to do that. Do it!”

Slowly she raised the gun until it was aimed at the man’s head. He continue to plead to her, but his words meant nothing. Without thinking she pulled the trigger, ending the sobering as the bullet hit the man straight between the eyes. she felt no regret for killing him. all she felt was the intoxicating feeling of power rushing through her veins. The voice in her head laughed softly.

“We’ll work well together, Rosemary,” it whispered inside her mind. “I’m Baruk.”

And I’m one step closer to my Louise, Baruk thought to himself as he felt the strength of his new host fill his senses.

Baruk smiled as he let the woman experience his presence. He seldom used women as hosts, he preferred men as they were easier to possess. But this woman was different. She was perfect for his means. He had learned from his last encounters with his Louise’s protectors. This time there would be no mistakes. He would not do anything stupid, wasting his forces on the impossible. And he was stronger this time. And with a willing host, a host that was close to one of his enemies, this would be easy. This time he knew how to get Louise. And bringing the woman out here was the first part. He could feel the disturbance in the air. Somebody had felt his presence. It didn’t scare him - they wouldn’t be able to hurt him, not this time. This night was his and he could smell death in the air. Relishing in the feeling he allowed himself to take over from the young woman and his laughter sounded over the desolated plains. Death was definitely in the air.

II

Buck was deep in thoughts as he rode towards Red Mesa. Part of him was hesitant of what he was supposed to do and another part of him told him that it was necessary. He wished he had White Feather with him. There was something sinister threatening his friends and he had to find out what before it was too late. And all he could do was hope that he was doing the right thing. He was so deep in his thoughts that he hardly noticed her. She was standing there in the middle of the plain, watching calmly for him to approach her. Buck held in his horse and looked around him. There was nothing else in sight, not even a horse. Not knowing what to think about it, Buck urged his horse closer to the woman.

“What are you doing here, Rosemary?” he asked as he held in his horse and dismounted. “Where’s Jimmy?”

Rosemary stared calmly at him. “I was waiting for you.”

Buck looked startled at her. “Me? How did you know I was coming this way? Ain’t Jimmy with you?”

Instead of answering Rosemary raised her right hand, holding a gun. Buck had no chance of reacting before she had pulled the trigger. The sharp sound from the gun and the smell of acid filled the night. Buck stumbled as a dull ache settled in his chest before falling to the ground. As in a shadow he saw Rosemary standing above him, the gun aimed at his heart. As in a fog Buck couldn’t help noticing the gun - Jimmy’s gun. He desperately reached for his gun but as he managed to get a hold of it, Rosemary kicked it out of his hand. Buck fought the darkness that forced to overtake him as it felt as a huge weight was placed on his chest making it hard to breath.

“Don’t do it, Rosemary,” he pleaded, but found no sign of her changing her mind as her finger squeezed the trigger again. Desperately he tried another way. “Why?” he asked. “What have I done you?”

A sardonic smile appeared on Rosemary’s face and she lowered the gun. “Since you’re done for anyway I’ll let you know,” she said. “We’ve crossed paths before.”

There was a slight change in her voice and Buck struggled to remember where he had heard it before. He knew it, he was sure of that, but he couldn’t place it. Something about if filled him with fear and he suddenly realized that it wasn’t just Rosemary there. There was something else there, something fearful. He fought the feeling of fear that built up inside him, as he knew that he would need every ounce of wit to survive, if he wasn’t doomed for already. His strength was ebbing fast and he could almost feel his life leave him as blood poured from the wound in his chest.

“Remember me yet?” This time there was nothing left of Rosemary’s voice and Buck gasped as recognition hit him. He had fought this spirit once and almost lost. He had thought they had defeated him. Fear caught him in its grip and he stared up at Rosemary, knowing that it wasn’t she he saw.

“I see you remember. This time there’s nobody here to protect you, and I won’t make the same mistake I did last time. This time I’ll make sure that your soul is trapped with you as you die. Nothing will stop me now - not even you.”

Buck wanted to scream but not a sound left his mouth. The horrible memories of pain and fear came back to him and all he could see through the fog was the evil grin in Rosemary’s face, a grin that he was certain didn’t belong to her.

“Rosemary,” he pleaded through the pain that threatened to throw into unconsciousness. “Don’t let him do this to you - fight him. You’ve gotta fight him.”

The only answer he received was a raised gun and as in a distance he heard the second shot, moments before a heart wrenching pain ripped through his chest and effectively wiped out the last of his consciousness. The shot echoed in the night until it slowly disappeared. Nothing moved.

Rosemary looked down on the unconscious man beneath her. To her surprise he was still breathing and she raised the gun to finish it. She knew that the man was a friend of Jimmy, but it meant nothing to her. She had given away her soul a long time ago and Baruk’s presence was merely the confirmation. If this Indian was to die for her to achieve her goals then so be it. But before she could pull the trigger a high-pitched scream made her turn around. A raiding party was heading towards her and she forgot about the wounded man on the ground. There was no chance that he would live anyway. She quickly jumped on his horse and high-tailed out of there when Baruk managed to gain control over her and she pulled the horse to a halt. “They can’t hurt you,” Baruk whispered in her mind. “Let me show you the power I have given you.”

The raiders yelled in triumph when they saw the horse stop, thinking that the woman had decided to give up. None of them saw the evil smile that played on the woman’s lips, nor did they see the sinister look in her eyes. not until she raised her arm and sent the first warrior sprawling to the ground, dead from a bullet in his heart. Rosemary leaped from the horse and rushing up to the warrior she grabbed the spear he had dropped and raised it above her head in a challenge. Bullets strike the ground close to her but she felt no fear. A sharp pain in her shoulder almost made her loose her balance and when she looked she saw blood seeping through the fabric of her dress. But still there was no pain.

“Trust me,” the voice in her mind repeated and ignoring the wound she used the spear against the next warrior, cutting up a huge wound in his stomach. The man’s death wail sounded eerily through the night. She stared at her shoulder again and realized that the wound had stopped bleeding. It had healed and the thought made her feel invincible. Nothing could kill her. She managed to kill another warrior before the rest fled in horror. Rosemary suddenly felt sick and a huge headache pained her. She sank down to her knees as her stomach revolted. Baruk laughed softly in her head. “Nothing is for free, Rosemary. It’s a small prize to pay, don’t you think?”

III

Jimmy couldn’t sleep. He was worried about Rosemary. Finally he couldn’t stand it anymore and rose from the bunk. Since Lou and Kid nowadays occupied the large room in the house, he was alone in the bunkhouse. He appreciated it since it meant that he wouldn’t risk waking up anyone. He quickly got dressed and put on his gun. He had left the other one with Rosemary, but now he regretted it. He should have stayed with her. He quickly saddled up his horse and a few seconds later he was headed at full speed towards Rosemary’s cottage.

He knocked hard on the door. “Rosemary!” he called and he continued to pound the door with his fist. He was about to give up when the door was opened.

“Jimmy?” Rosemary peered out from the door. Jimmy thought she looked pale and as he opened the door to let himself in, he found that she was still dressed. His gun laid on the table and Rosemary had dust on her skirt.

“What happened?” he asked her and reached for the gun. It was empty. “Rose, what happened?” he asked again with a worried frown.

“Nothing happened.” Rosemary looked at him and brushed some stray hair from her face.

“Why did you fire the gun?” he asked. “And where have you’ve been?”

Rosemary tried to laugh but it ended in a sob. Jimmy quickly crossed the room and took her in his arms.

“Rosemary, please tell me what happened?” he pleaded eagerly when he felt something wet under his hand. As he withdrew it from her shoulder he saw the blood on his hand. “You’re hurt!” he exclaimed.

“It’s nothing, Jimmy. I’m tired.”

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I feel sick and I have a headache.”

“Sit down. Everything’s gonna be alright.” Jimmy looked worriedly at her. Rosemary started to sob uncontrollably.

“I found him, Jimmy.”

“Found who?”

“The man that killed David. I found him.”

“You found him. You know who he was?” Jimmy didn’t believe what he was hearing. “Why didn’t you tell us - why didn’t you tell me?”

“I trusted him. I thought he was working for me. When he admitted to killing David, I - I shot him.”

“You shot him?”

“Yes,” she mumbled in a trembling voice. “I think I fired more than once - I don’t know. I was so angry, Jimmy.”

“Don’t worry, honey, it’s over. I’m right here.” Jimmy pulled her into an embrace. He would tell Teaspoon tomorrow. Right now Rosemary needed him. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Rosemary rose her head from his shoulder.

“I’m so happy you’re here, Jimmy,” she said, caressing his face with her hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you enough to tell you.”

“Don’t think about it, Rose. You’re safe that’s all that matters.”

“And that you’re here,” she whispered, leaning towards him. There was a sinister glint in her eyes, but Jimmy failed to see it. All he saw was what he wanted to see; love and trust. As their lips met into a passionate kiss he forgot everything else for the joy of holding the woman he loved in his arms.

“Stay with me, Jimmy,” Rosemary mumbled into his ear as she nibbled his earlobe. “Stay for the night.”

“I love you,” he mumbled, “and I still can’t believe you finally decided to marry me.”

“I had to,” Lou smiled, “or I would miss out of all this.”

Kid laughed softly. “You don’t think we woke Rachel up do you?”

“If we did, I’m sure it wasn’t the first time,” Lou replied as she cuddled up in his embrace and closed her eyes. Kid tightened his arms around her, softly caressing her back and arms as they winded down slowly, drained of energy but not love, softly kissing her until sleep finally took over.

Lou felt herself float away as sleep overtook her. She could still feel the comfort of Kid’s arms around her. There would be no nightmares tonight, she thought as drowsiness slowly enfolded her. She hadn’t slept for more than a few minutes when she was awoken by a scream. Startled Lou sat up in the bed, awakening Kid. Clinging to the bedclothes, she stared frightened out into the dark room.

“Lou?” Kid asked, as he looked dumbfounded at her. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, Kid,” she whispered, still staring out into the darkness. Kid rose and placed his arms around her.

“Another nightmare?” he asked as he kissed her shoulder.

“No. This was real. I heard somebody scream.” Lou looked at him. “Kid, there’s something out there - something awful.”

“I’ll check it out,” Kid offered and reached for his pants.

Suddenly Lou felt scared that he was leaving her. “Don’t leave, Kid,” she said. “Please stay here.”

“But what about the scream?”

“I don’t know.” Lou shivered as a cold breeze seemed to fill the room. Suddenly she saw an image in her mind. There were dead bodies on a field, several bodies. One seemed to look familiar and it took her a few seconds before she recognized the bloody figure.

“Buck,” she whispered and turned to a baffled Kid. “Something has happened to Buck.”

II

It was the sun that woke him up. He carefully untangled himself from the arms of the woman next to him and reached for his pants. He slowly pulled them on as he remembered the conversation from the evening before. He wondered what Teaspoon would say about everything that had happened as he slowly walked up to the window. Stretching he gazed out the window when he suddenly froze and stared outside. Then he quickly turned around and walked back to the bed.

“Rose, wake up,” he said. Rosemary blinked before looking up at him.

“What is it Jimmy?” she said sleepily. “I’m tired.”

“What that horse doin’ out there?”

“What horse? It’s either your horse or mine, Jimmy. There ain’t any other horses here.”

Jimmy grabbed her arm and practically lifted her out of bed, ignorant to the fact that she only was dressed in her nightgown.

“You’re hurting me, she complained as he dragged her over to the window.

“That horse!” he explained and pointed out the window. Rosemary wiped the sleep from her eyes and stared out the window at the brown gelding tied to the hitching post.

“It’s the horse I rode in on last night,” she mumbled. “What’s the matter, Jimmy?”

“Where did you find it - that ain’t your horse?” Rosemary looked nervously at him. There was something wrong but she couldn’t figure what it was. Last nights events seemed strangely blurred in her memory. What was so darned important about that horse? Anyway she had to lie.

“I don’t know - I think I took from the man I killed - the man that killed David.”

“You’re sure?”

“I don’t know, Jimmy - I was so confused. I thought I took my own horse, but I guess I must have taken his. What is it?”

Jimmy didn’t answer her but quickly walked outside and over to the horse. Grabbing a shawl, Rosemary followed him. When she reached him, he was examining the horse. He turned to her and showed her his hand. Remains of dried blood showed on his hand.

“I didn’t see any wound on you,” he stated.

“No. No, I was never hurt. Will you please tell me what’s wrong, Jimmy?”

“This is Buck’s horse,” he replied slowly, gently patting the horse. Then he turned to her. “Get dressed,” he ordered crisply. “We’re going to see Teaspoon.”

III

Cody sighed loudly as the army captain ordered a halt. Loudly enough for the captain to hear.

“Do you have any complains, Mr. Cody?” he asked irritated. It bothered him that his scout constantly questioned his decision and he promised himself to bring up the matter with the colonel as soon as he got back. It was stupid to bring in civilians without proper training into the army.

“Yes, as a matter of fact I do,” Cody replied, tired of the officer’s incompetence. So far army life had been nothing what he had expected, and frankly, he was getting tired of it. He looked over the plains. They were close to Rock Creek and he wondered what the others were doing. He longed to see them again but after his fight with Teaspoon before he left he was uncertain on how they would meet him. And that stupid stunt of celebrating his newborn freedom with getting drunk at the saloon. He should have known better. Maybe if he had listened to Teaspoon he wouldn’t be stuck with an idiot to a captain that wouldn’t find his way around a square. There had to be more to this army life than he had seen so far, he pondered, because he knew he was doing the right thing.

“And what, may I ask, is that?”

“This ‘ere is Indian land. And we’re too few to manage guards around the camp all night. It’s too risky.”

“Don’t tell me that our valued scout id afraid of some Injuns,” the captain sneered.

“I respect ‘em, Captain, and if you had any sense in you, you’d do the same. I hate to loose my scalp because you refused to listen to reason.”

The captain stared icily at him. “We’re making camp right here.”

“Fine, then you don’t mind if I take my leave then do you?”

“Do as you please, Mr. Cody. I’m sure we can do without a scout.”

Furiously, Cody walked briskly back to his horse. If they had any trouble during the night it wasn’t his fault. He had tried to warn the captain, hadn’t he? Now the only question was what would he do. He stared over the plains in the direction of Rock Creek. If he rode all night he could be at the station just in time for Rachel’s breakfast. If he could face the others again, that was. What the hell, he pondered, what could happen? So Teaspoon might yell at him or even refuse to speak to him but surely he could endure that? Making his mind up he turned his mount towards the station.

He hadn’t ridden more than a couple of miles when his horse suddenly shuddered. Unprepared he was almost thrown out of the saddle. He tried to calm the upset animal as he looked for something that might have caused the horse to react so violently. But he saw nothing and urged the horse forward. Again the horse refused to obey him.

“What the hell,” he muttered as he once more tried to force the animal forward. The horse shook his head violently and started to back away. Apparently there was something before them that scared the beast, but Cody couldn’t for his life figure out what it was. Finally he dismounted and tried to lead the horse across. It was when he stood on the ground he felt it. A feeling of uneasiness came over him as he felt as if the darkness was creeping in on him, surrounding him. Now, Cody wasn’t easily scared, but what he experienced right now was something unexplainable and he felt a chill down his spine. He slowly advanced a few steps, dragging the reluctant horse behind him. It was then he stepped on something. Curious, he bent down to pick it up. When he saw what it was he couldn’t help but laugh. The object was common enough on the plains and was certainly not the reason for the feeling of fear that seemed to emancipate from the area. It was a knife in its shed. It looked vaguely familiar and Cody reached for the matches in his pocket. Lighting one he held the knife to the light and held his breath. No wonder the knife had looked familiar - it was familiar. It was Buck’s knife. A sudden fear for his friend caught him and he stared into the darkness.

“Buck!” he hollered with his hands around his mouth. “Buck!”

There wasn’t any reply and Cody felt at a loss of what to do. He didn’t know how long he just stood there, but finally he mounted again and taking a detour he continued towards the Rock Creek Way station.

IV

“Lou, I understand that you’re worried, but I can’t go out chasing after Buck simply because you had a nightmare,” Teaspoon explained somewhat exasperated.

“It wasn’t a nightmare! I’m telling you Buck’s in trouble!”

Teaspoon turned to Kid, but he only shrugged. He had managed to convince Lou to wait until morning, and that was all he could do. He had told Teaspoon that he should be appreciative that Lou hadn’t woken him up in the middle of the night as she first had intended to do.

“What do you want me to do then, Lou?” Teaspoon asked, looking at the upset young woman by the table.

“Go out and look for him! If you don’t do it then I will!”

“Take it easy, Lou - Buck might be alright. He said he was going out to pray and he’s only been gone for one night,” Kid said.

Lou sighed. It was obvious that they didn’t believe her and couldn’t blame her. So she had seen Buck’s dead body in a dream, but that was no reason to start roaming the country looking for him. Rachel threw her an encouraging smile and Lou gave up.

“Alright,” she mumbled, but if he ain’t back on Thursday, then I’ll head out and look for him.”

“That’s fine. Now, may we eat breakfast?” Teaspoon said contentedly and reached for the pan with the bacon and sausages when the sound of horses was heard approaching.

“What now?” Teaspoon muttered as someone called out his name. He rose and walked outside, followed by the others. “Jimmy? What’s the hurry?” he said as Jimmy and Rosemary held in their horses.

“Something had happened,” Jimmy explained crisply as he quickly dismounted and then helped Rosemary down. “Rosemary met with David’s killer last night.”

“You did?” Teaspoon asked the woman and eyes her suspiciously. Rosemary turned to Jimmy.

“That ain’t all, Teaspoon. She was forced to kill him and in the confusion to get out of there she took his horse.” Jimmy grabbed the reins to the horse and dragged it to up to Teaspoon to see. “This horse.”

“That’s Buck’s horse,” Lou gasped as Teaspoon walked down to the animal. Without a word Jimmy showed him what he had discovered earlier and with a grim look on his face he turned to Rosemary.

“You’ve got some explainin’ to do, young lady, and I suggest you start right now.”

A few minutes later Rosemary once more told the story on how she had found and met Tad Brown and how he had admitted to killing David. How she had lost her temper and shot him, how she must have taken the wrong horse. And she had no clue to why Tad Brown had Buck’s horse, nor did she have any explanation to the blood. As she sat there being forced to answer Teaspoon’s questions she could feel the headache come back and she sank down, leaning her head in one hand. Jimmy saw her distress and told Teaspoon to lay off her.

“She ain’t done nothin’ wrong, Teaspoon,” he argued.

“She took justice in her own hands and killed a man,” Teaspoon replied. “If that ain’t wrong then I don’t know what is.”

“Dammit, Teaspoon. The man butchered that boy - what would you have done?”

Lou and Kid sat together, listening to the questions. Lou stared at the woman that had rode in on Buck’s horse. There was something about her that was wrong. She glanced at the others but none of them seemed to notice anything. She could have sworn that Rosemary Burke was lying. Lying about everything. And she scared her. There was nothing rational with Lou’s fear, it was just a feeling that caused Lou to lean on Kid and grabbing his hand as his nearness brought comfort to her. Why was she scared of Rosemary Burke?

“Alright,” Teaspoon sighed. “I want you to show me where you killed this Tad Brown, understood?”

Rosemary nodded.

“I’m coming with you,” Jimmy stated with determination. Teaspoon was about to object but changed his mind. “Kid, I want you to go after Buck and see if you can find anything.”

“I’m going with you,” Lou added, clasping Kid’s hand in her. There was no way she would let Kid take off on its own - not after what had happened to Buck.

Before anybody could object the door burst open and the frame was filled with a familiar figure.

“Any breakfast left?” Cody said with a big grin on his face. Lou leaped from her place and threw her arms around him.

“Cody, I’m so happy to see you!”

Kid rose and welcomed the strayed rider with a hearty hug. Jimmy clasp his friend's hand with a big smile on his face and Rachel gave him a big hug. Only Teaspoon remained where he was.

“You left the army?” was all he asked as Cody joined the other by the table. An uncomfortable silence settled in the room.

“Nope, I’m on a leave,” Cody replied shortly. Teaspoon only nodded and concentrated on his breakfast. Cody glared at him, but as the older man seemed intent on treating him as a stranger then there was nothing Cody could do about it. Seeing the others and noticing the person missing, however, made him remember his incident.

“Where’s Buck?” he asked.

“We don’t know,” Kid replied sadly. “Rosemary found his horse with a murderer. We’re going out to look for him after breakfast.”

Cody stopped the spoon half way to his mouth. He had hoped to find Buck on a run or even by the station so that he could have teased him about losing his knife. What Kid just told him didn’t sound good. He placed the spoon back on the plate.

“Buck’s missing?”

“We ain’t sure,” Teaspoon replied, “but it don’t look good. Listen, Cody, we could use your help. How long is your leave?”

“As long as I’m needed,” Cody replied, relieved that Teaspoon finally had decided to talk to him.

“This don’t mean I approve of your decision to sign up,” Teaspoon muttered.

“As long as I’m welcome, I don’t care,” Cody replied before becoming serious. “It’s just one thing…”

“What?” Jimmy wanted to know.

“I run into to something on my way here. It was sheer luck that I found it,” Cody said silently and placed the knife on the table. “I thought he must have dropped it or something,” he added uncertainly.

Teaspoon reached for the knife and carefully examined it. “Do you remember where you found it?” he asked in a strained voice. Cody nodded.

“You better show Kid and Lou it then,” Teaspoon stated. “If you excuse me, I’ll go and check on the horses.” And with that he rose and left the bunkhouse. The others looked at each other. None of them had any appetite left. Finally Rachel spoke up.

“You can leave it like this, I’ll take care of it. You better get going.”

At her words all of them rose and walked out to the horses, Lou quickly passing her room to change into pants instead of the skirt she normally worn. Please let us find him, she thought as she hurried down the stairs to meet the others.

“He doesn’t look like a killer,” he admitted to Teaspoon.

“Well, you never know what a killer look like,” Teaspoon muttered. At least he must have been in contact with David. I found some more of those papers.”

“That’s proof enough that Rosemary’s telling the truth,” Jimmy stated.

Teaspoon looked over to where the woman was sitting waiting for them to finish their examination of the site. Then he looked over at Jimmy.

“What’s the story between you two?” he asked silently.

Jimmy looked at him. “I love her,” he said simply.

“And she loves you?”

“I hope so.”

“But you don’t know?”

“It ain’t that easy, Teaspoon. She’s recently lost her husband. I don’t expect her to love me right away.”

“But she has invited you to her bed, hasn’t she?”

Jimmy’s face flushed with anger. “That’s none of your business, Teaspoon!”

“Just remember to keep a clear head, Jimmy. Whether a man is at war or in love, he’s got nothin’ to fear as long as he’s got his wits with’im,” Teaspoon advised, before turning to the matter at hand. “I guess that’s all we’ll find here. We better head back and send somebody out here to take care of the body.”

“You think Buck run into this Tad fellow?”

“I ain’t sure of what to think. Let’s just hope that Kid and the others have better luck than we had.”

Baruk watched the men work. He knew that the older man was suspicious of the events, but that was what he had expected. “I should have killed you a long time ago, old man,” he muttered to himself. “Bet you still got those scars I gave you with the knife. You better remember them, old man, because this time you ain’t gonna be so lucky. This time you’re gonna die.” Baruk was after revenge and killing Teaspoon was only part of hit. He was content with what had happened so far. His only disappointment so far was that Rosemary had panicked and left before he could watch the Indian die. But it didn’t matter. He had feared the Indian, as he still was uncertain of the powers of the natives to this world. He had no problems dealing with the white people as he knew them of old. He had traveled in Europe for many years and found the white inhabitants in this world similar to the Europeans he encountered before. But now the Indian was dead and he had actually seen his Louise. Baruk smiled at the memory, seeing her sitting by the table. She appeared even stronger than last time he had seen him, probably because the strong bond of love he had detected between her and the man sitting next to him. Baruk remembered him as well. There had been a bond of love between them last time as well, and it was with a hint of disappointment he had realized that the bond had grown stronger. It wouldn’t be so easy to break that bond, but he had a plan on how to do it. Baruk was growing restless as he watched the men continue with their search. It was high time for another killing. The death of the Indians from last night had not eased his craving for new souls. He had not dared taking their souls as he yet had to learn about their protective spirits. Someone else had to die and Baruk pondered who would be next. The old man or the new comer, the blond rider, he pondered. Or maybe the woman, Rachel. She was strong and it would disturb the harmony, making it easier for him to get to Louise. Yes, Rachel was the perfect choice. Baruk smiled to himself as a new plan formed in his head.

Rosemary rose from where she had been sitting and approached Jimmy and Teaspoon. Jimmy met her before she reached the place from where one could see the body.

”You’re alright?” he asked tenderly.

”I got this terrible headache,” Rosemary replied. ”I think it’s better I get back home.”

”Wait a minute and I’ll take you,” Jimmy replied and turned around to tell Teaspoon when Rosemary held him back.

”You got work to do here, Jimmy. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

”You’re sure?”

”Yes.” She gently caressed his arm. ”May I see you tonight? Please?”

”I’ll be there,” he promised and watched her walk away, before returning to Teaspoon.

Rosemary turned around to make sure she was clear of the two men by the murder site. She held her horse until she was certain that they had believed that she was heading home. First then did she turn her horse towards the Rock Creek Way station.

II

Kid crouched on the ground allowing his hand to sweep through the short grass in hope of finding something - anything. But there was nothing. Nothing at all. He slowly rose to face the others.

“You’re sure this is the place where you found the knife?” he asked Cody. The blonde rider nodded.

“Positive. Although I must admit that the surroundings looked quite differently last night.” Cody laughed, slightly embarrassed. “For a few moments then I was inclined to admit of being afraid of ghosts.”

“Ghosts?” Lou wondered as she aimlessly wandered around the area.

Cody shrugged. “My horse refused to go pass this area - ended up with me going around it.”

“Did you feel anything - unusual?” Lou peered at him with a slight worry in her eyes. Cody stared back at her, somewhat confused.

“What do you mean - unusual?”

“Stop that, Lou,” Kid pleaded. “There’s nothing unusual out here.” Lou frowned at him.

Cody looked from one to another. “What’s going on?”

“Lou’s been having these nightmares lately and now they’ve gotten to her mind,” Kid replied teasingly as he threw his wife a loving look.

”It’s not that at all,” Lou replied. ”Buck knew there was something wrong as well - that’s probably why he left to pray. If he was here he could tell you that it’s nothing to make jokes about!”

Kid silenced and looked at her. ”I’m sorry, Lou, but you must admit that this is all confusing. Even if something did happen to Buck last night, you couldn’t have heard him. You just heard something, an owl maybe.” He looked at her. ”What’s wrong, Lou? You don’t normally behave like this?”

”I don’t know,” Lou murmured. Maybe Kid was right. Maybe there was something wrong with her. ”I think I should head back.”

”Lou?”

”It’s alright. I’ll head back and get some rest. You’re right, it’s probably just me being tired and worried.”

”You don’t wont us to go back with you?” Kid asked concerned. Lou did look tired.

”No, you better stay and try to find Buck, just in case something has happened to him. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you tonight?”

Kid nodded and walked her over to her horse. ”We’ll be back in time for supper - and we’ll find Buck. He’ll probably tell us off for following him as well.” He kissed her on her cheek. ”Take care now.”

”I will. I’ll probably feel better after a rest.”

“You’re sure, Lou?” Kid asked as she mounted Lightning. “I mean, Cody and me could see you back and then return to look for Buck.”

“I’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me - I’m sure it’s only me being too worried over everything.”

“Alright, Lou. Ride safe!”

“What was all that about?” Cody wondered when Kid returned to him.

“I don’t know,” Kid admitted. “Lou’ve been acting real strange lately, scared of everything and getting upset.” The worry caused him to frown. “I just don’t know Cody.”

Cody gazed after the small rider. “You know,” he started thoughtfully,” I’ve heard that some women get real strange when they’re - you know, when they’re expecting. You and Lou ain’t getting little ones are you?”

Kid looked stunned at Cody. Children? Lou couldn’t be…could she? The thought of a baby had never entered his mind and for a minute he was at a loss of words. A baby. Could that really be the solution to Lou’s acting - that she was expecting? Kid turned to look after her but Lou had already disappeared behind the hill. Suddenly he felt a need to go after her, to be close to her, but he shrugged, dismissing the feeling. He had promised Lou that they would find Buck and that was what he was going to do.

III

Lou wasn't in a hurry to get back. There was a lot on her mind and she needed time to think. Maybe there was something wrong with her after all? Maybe it was as the others told her - that nothing had happened to Buck and that everything was just her imagination. But the more she thought about it the more she knew she was right. Something was wrong. If she only could figure out what. She sighed and decided to increase the speed. She really wanted to talk to Rachel. Sometimes a woman understood these things better than a man, she pondered. She could talk to Rachel about it. And perhaps ask her if they had disturbed her during the night, she smiled to herself. They really should do something about that bed.

The sun stood high on the sky when she reached the station. She held in her horse as she looked out over the station. She didn’t see Rachel anywhere and assumed that she was either in the house or maybe just down the street, doing some shopping. She wasn’t too worried, if Rachel was out she probably would be back within an hour. In some ways it was better that the station was located in the outskirts of the town instead as in Sweetwater, out on the trail, far from the small town. It sure made getting supplies a lot easier, not to mention that they were safer closer to town. She urged Lightning forward. As she came closer, she began to feel hesitant. There was something eerie over the station. A window was open in the house and the curtain fluttered easily in the breeze. But nothing else moved. There were no horses in the corral. The bunkhouse was dark, as was the house. But it wasn’t that that scared her. It was the absence of life. There was nothing. No birds, no sounds from horses. An uncanny silence had settled over the station. Lou felt her mouth go dry. Then she threw all cautions overboard and urged Lightning into a canter. When she reached the house she quickly dismounted and rushed up the stairs to the front door.

“Rachel!” she yelled as she burst through the door. “Rachel!”

Half an hour later she was on her way to the Hansen homestead. The road to them went along a small canyon and she made sure she kept a safe distance to it while she pondered in her mind what exactly she would tell Mrs. Hansen. She never noticed the woman dressed in dark that observed her from a small hill not far away.

Baruk stared at the woman in the wagon. He had been deeply disappointed when nobody had been home at the station at his arrival. At least she had been easy to track. And now he had found her. For a minute he just stood there, watching her before he ordered Rosemary to get closer. To his surprise his mental order met with resistance for the first time.

“No,” Rosemary mumbled. “She’s the schoolteacher - and she has been nice to me. Not her.”

“Kill her,” Baruk instructed in her mind.

“No,” Rosemary whispered, but her voice lacked conviction.

“Don’t you dare disobey me,” the voice in her mind hissed. “Do you think I need your help to kill her? Then I’ll show you!”

Baruk took over the woman’s mind but let enough of her conscience stay with her so that she could witness what happened. He stared hard at the wagon and mumbled a few words. A cold breeze suddenly emerged from the hill and swept the road beneath them.

Rachel pulled her jacket tighter around her as a cold breeze swept over her. She felt it odd that there could be any cold breezes but assumed that it was a reminder of the storm that had hit them earlier. Even the horses seemed to have notice it, because suddenly Rachel found them tripping nervously and they became hard to handle. She tried to sooth them and urged them forward, when one of the horses clipped with it’s ears and shrugged, bumping in to the other. In the next second Rachel fell backwards over the seat. Her head came in hard contact with the boards on the wagon floor and for a second she saw stars before her eyes. She desperately struggled to get up as the wagon bounced over the uneven grounds. Rachel knew that the horses must have left the road as another bump forced her back on the floor. When she finally reached over the edge of the wagon, she saw with despair that the wagon was heading towards the canyon.

If she couldn’t stop them, they would rush over the edge! She managed to climb over the bench and holding on with one hand she reached out for the reins. She had just managed to grab them when the horses swayed and she fell down on the floor, hitting her elbow on the side of the wagon. Ignoring the pain in her elbow, she dragged herself up to the bench, holding the reins tightly in her hand. She had no more started to pull on the reins before she knew that she was to late. The last thing she saw was the image of a dark shadow riding one of the horses as a sinister laughed seemed to reach her, carried by a cold breeze. In the next second the horses disappeared over the edge, screaming in fear and dragging the wagon with them. The wagon immediately turned over, flinging Rachel off it. With a crashing sound the wagon continued to roll down the slope until it came to a stand at the bottom, or rather the remains of it. The slope was filled with parts of the wagon. One of the horses tried to rise but with one broken leg, he hadn’t much of a chance. The other was dead, its neck broken. Half way up the slope laid a lifeless Rachel, blood pouring from a deep cut in her forehead. The only sounds that were heard was that of the dying horse trying to get to his feet.

Baruk took a deep breath.

”See what happens when you defy me?” he whispered to Rosemary, who placed her hands before her eyes. She had not wished for Rachel to die. Baruk was still angry with her and she could feel her head pounding. Without looking back she silently turned and walked back to her horse, no longer fighting for herself. From now on she would follow the voice inside her mind. Urging her horse into a canter she headed back towards the plains.

II

”You’re sure this is the way Buck took?” Cody asked as they looked out over the landscape.

”Yes,” Kid replied, wondering if he should mention that they had lost Buck’s tracks by the canyon and that he wasn’t all together sure of the if Buck had gone round or if he had jumped the gap. Surely he hadn’t jumped it - not even Katy would manage a jump like that, he pondered. They just had got the tracks wrong back then. Anyway, now that he knew of it he had chosen the way around it from the start. His only concern was that so far they hadn’t found anything that suggested that Buck had taken that way.

”S’pose there’s nothin’ but to continue them,” Cody stated and urged his horse forward.

”Maybe we should take it a bit slow,” Kid suggested, remembering the Indians he had encountered the last time. ”We’re pretty close to some sacred grounds here.”

”You think that there might be trouble?” Cody asked and turned around in the saddle.

”You never know,” Kid replied as he scrutinized their surroundings.

”If you say so,” Coda agreed and lifted his rifle out of its saddle holster to have it ready before him on the saddle. He had no wish to be ambushed by Indians and he felt a lot safer with his rifle handy.

They continued for another couple of hours without finding any clue to Buck’s whereabouts. Finally Kid called it a day.

”It will be dark before we’re back,” he stated. ”Might as well turn around while we still got some light left.”

”I won’t argue with that,” Cody replied and turned his horse around. ”I hope Rachel have saved us some supper, I’m starving.”

”The army ain’t feedin’ you enough?” Kid joked as he tried to hide his uneasiness. There should have been some tracks after Buck. Buck had no reason to hide where he was going and the absence of tracks or leads was worrying. What if Lou had been right? What if something had happened to Buck? He wished that Rosemary hadn’t killed the man that had Buck’s horse. If he’d been alive he might have been able to answer their questions. As it was now, they had no clue to what had happened and Kid didn’t like it - didn’t like it one bit.

”Army grub ain’t what they said it would be,” Cody replied. ”Besides nothin’ beats a home cooked meal, especially Rachel’s.” Then he turned serious. ”I don’t like this Kid - Buck’s missin’ like this and the way Rosemary found his horse. I think Lou might be right.”

”I agree. Something has happened to Buck or we’d found him by now. Something ain’t right, Cody, I can feel it.”

”Funny you should say that - I’ve had the same feeling since I came back. At first I just thought it was my mind playing tricks with me - after all I didn’t leave in the best of moods - but it ain’t that at all. It’s like,” Cody hesitated for a second, ”like there’s some sort of ghost over the station.”

”Ghost? What kinda rubbish are you talking about? There are no ghosts,” Kid muttered. ”There nothing strange over it at all - Buck’s missing, that’s all there is to it. And if he ain’t back soon, then we’ll have ask for some help finding him.”

”You asked,” Cody muttered back, angry that Kid hadn’t taken him seriously. There was something scary over what had happened, even if Kid couldn’t admit it. Maybe I should have stayed with the army, he thought to himself, but changed his mind immediately after the thought entered his mind. He enjoyed being together with the others again. We’ll find Buck, he thought, we have to.

Wearily they turned back as the sun slowly started it way down towards the horizon. They hadn’t ridden for more than a few hours when they ran into the army patrol. It was the same unit that Cody had taken his leave from, but he hardly recognized them. Some of the younger ones looked paled and shaken and even the more experienced of the men seemed shaken to the core.

“What happened?” Cody asked the Sergeant while he scanned for the officer. “Where’s the captain?”

“He’s dead.” The sergeant said in a tired voice. “He’s dead,” he repeated as if he didn’t believed it himself.

Kid and Cody dismounted and helped the soldiers down of their horses. Soon they were sitting around a campfire in a primitive camp made for the night. So far none of them had pressed the soldiers to tell them what had happened, but with the briskly burning fire and coffee, the sergeant seemed ready to talk.

The sergeant looked pensively into the fire as he sipped his coffee. Kid and Cody looked expectantly at him, hoping that he would be ready to tell them what had happened. Especially Kid was waiting impatiently. It was already dark and he wanted to be back with Lou. At least she was safe at the station, he pondered, with Teaspoon, Rachel and Jimmy. They wouldn’t let anything happen to her. The thought comforted him some and he rose his head as the sergeant begun to speak.

“We made camp where you left us, Mr. Cody. I must say that some of us agreed with you, Mr. Cody - it was not a good place to make camp.”

“Never mind that, and it’s Cody, by the way. What happened? Indians?”

No, we never saw any of ‘em Injun’s. We’re just getting ready to eat. The Captain was pacing and givin’ out orders. He was mighty upset with you leavin’ and I guess he wanted to make sure we knew who was in command. He got rather irritatin’ as he continued. We were too tired and finally I suggested that he let the men be. That caused another outburst and he sent half of us scouting for hostile Indians. Five men left. They never returned, so we asked the captain if we could go look for ‘em. He agreed and we found them not long after, dead. All of ‘em. They had been shot and two of them had their throats cut. That scared the daylights out of the rest of us, I tell you. Well, the captain ordered us to giv’em a decent burial so that was what we started to do.”

“So it was Indians?” Kid asked.

The sergeant shook his head. “I doubt it - never seen Indians kill that way. Besides they had all their hair left and not a single gun was missin’. I known of Indians that don’t take scalps, but never heard of any missing out on good weapons. Had it been Indians there wouldn’t been a single rifle left.”

“That’s true,” Cody agreed. “So it wasn’t Indians. Then who killed them and what happened to the captain?”

“Comin’ to that. As I said we were busy burying the men, when the captain saw something. He told us to continue with the burial while he took a look. I warned him from going out there alone, but he wouldn’t listen. So he took off. I’d say about twenty minutes later we heard him scream - never heard anything like that in my life. It was as the devil himself had gotten hold of him. we left everything and headed after him. when we got there, all we found was his dead body, ripped into pieces. No human could have done that, nor any beast I know off. The devil’s work that’s what I think!” The sergeant crossed his chest as if the act would protect him from the evil things he’d encountered.

“And you didn’t see anything?” Kid asked incredulously.

“No, not a thing.”

“I saw something.” A young soldier looked up. The others turned to him and he looked nervously around him.

“What did you see?” Kid asked.

“I saw - a woman.”

“A woman?” Cody looked at the soldier. The sergeant laughed harshly.

“That’s what the captain saw - that’s why he left,” the young man insisted.

“A woman? You’re seeing things,” the sergeant barked.

“No, I swear. A woman, dressed in black.” The young soldier stared defiantly at them. The others looked in disbelief at each other.

“It’s no use arguing over it,” Kid said slowly. “It’s better we concentrate on what we should do. You remember where this happened?”

“Sure. But we ain’t going back there tonite.”

“There’s a town not far from here - Rock Creek. That’s where our Express station is as well. I suggest that we break camp and head over there. Then you can tell your story to the marshal.”

The sergeant nodded his consent and an hour later they were on their way back.

III

Not having found anything else around the murder site, Teaspoon sent Jimmy after the undertaker as he himself sat down to wait for their return. he placed himself far enough that he wouldn’t have to look at the body. He also took care that he didn’t sit downwind from the place to avoid the smell. He sat there watching the sun go down as he pondered Rosemary’s story. There was something that didn’t add up. Time for one thing. Jimmy had left Rosemary just before Buck had left the station. And he had a feeling that Rosemary hadn’t waited too long before heading out to confront the man with the boy’s killing. So when could the man have run into Buck and taken his horse? It couldn’t have been to close to the station or they would have noticed. And what about the place where Cody found Buck’s knife? It was far from where Rosemary had met this Brown fellow - too far.

Still deep in thoughts, Teaspoon was relieved when Jimmy arrived with the undertaker shortly after dark. As soon as they were ready they headed back to town. After leaving the undertaker, they tied the horses at the marshal’s office, intend on getting a cup of coffee before turning home - which for Jimmy’s part meant returning to Rosemary’s cottage. Teaspoon had no more put the key into the lock when a rider came into view, approaching them in a dangerous speed. It took them a few seconds to recognize Kid as the young man reined his horse before.

“Lou’s missing!”

Not being able to set her worries aside, Lou returned to Lightning and mounted up. She would follow Rachel’s tracks just to make sure that she was alright. Besides she had no wish to stay at the station. The empty house scared her, although she hated to admit it. There was something evil over the place and she hoped that the others would be back soon. But now she decided to find Rachel.

She carefully followed the tracks, content that Rachel had followed the road towards an area of small settlers’ farms. Maybe she was being worried for nothing, she thought. But she felt no need to turn back. If Rachel was alright, then there was no harm done - and if something had happened, then it could make a huge difference. Scanning her surroundings, she missed where the tracks left the road and unaware of what had happened Lou continued until she reached the first of the farms. The woman who was taking in her laundry greeted her with a warm smile. However Lou’s fear that something had happened increased when the woman assured her that nobody had passed their farm during the day. Certain that something had happened to Rachel, Lou turned Lightning around and begun searching for clues to where Rachel might be.

She was still searching as the sun begun to set and Lou became desperate. If she hadn’t found anything before dark she would have to wait until the next morning. Finally she dismounted and walked, leading Lightning by the reins, in hope of finding any tracks. The light was fading fast and Lou was just about to give up hope when she saw it. A wagon had been going through the short grass with enough speed to leave mark in the short grass close to the road. Lou lifter her gaze and felt a cold hand grip her heart. The tracks lead towards the canyon. Forgetting everything, she dropped the reins and run to the end of the gorge. Placing herself on her stomach she gazed down the steep slope. The first thing she saw was the remains of the wagon at the bottom together with one of the horses - dead. A few meters away she could see the other horse. She thought it was dead as well until she saw it move its head. She felt sick at the thought that the poor animal must have been fighting for its life for a long time. She had to put it out of its misery. She carefully searched the ground for Rachel but didn’t see anything and her heart fell. Maybe Rachel was caught under the remains of the wagon, she pondered, as she realized that she had to get down. She stood up and looked for the best way down. Finding a suitable place she started the descend.

It was dark when she reached the bottom. She run over to the wagon and not finding anything she continued to the wounded horse. She bit her lip as she saw that it had broken its leg. The horse slowly rose its head as she approached it and the pain in the animal’s eyes, brought forward tears in her own. She kneeled down by the poor animal’s head and caressed it as she drew her gun. A few seconds later a gunshot echoed between the walls of the canyon and Lou lowered the horse’s head to the ground. She shivered in the chill of the night and she knew that she should get back. The others had certainly returned by now and Kid must be worried about her. And she was anxious to know if they had found Buck. She stared up the canyon, wondering if she really should risk climbing back in the dark. Suddenly she looked around as if there was somebody watching her. She stared at the dark shadows and gaps of complete darkness that was created by the walls of the canyon and far got hold of her. She had no wish to stay where she was and decided to head back home. She needed to tell the other what had happened to Rachel. She needed to feel Kid’s arms around her.

Lou desperately searched for a hold for her hands. The climb had been more difficult that she had anticipated and despite an hour of climbing she felt as if she hadn’t moved anywhere closer to the edge. Panting she managed to hive herself up on a large rock, where she sat down to rest. Exhausted she placed one hand behind her and then screamed. Her hand had touched something, something alive. Lou quickly withdrew her hand and then waited for something to happen. When nothing did, she slowly turned around. There was somebody lying there, she could just make out the shadow of a human form.

Slowly she moved to have a closer look and when she saw who it was Lou felt as if somebody hat hit her. It was Rachel. All cautions forgotten she moved over and rolled the unconscious woman over to her back. She had to swallow hard when she saw the pale face and for a second she thought she was too late, that Rachel was dead. Fighting the tears she wiped away the hair from Rachel’s face and leaned over her. She closed her eyes and sent a thought of thanks as she noticed a shallow breath. Rachel was alive. The thought echoed through her mind as she sought for her water canteen. Finding it, she poured some water on her bandanna and started to wipe Rachel’s face with it. It was then that she saw the wound on Rachel’s forehead. She gasped as she saw the black and blue edge around it as she wiped away the blood. It looked like a concussion. She continued to wipe away the dirt and blood from Rachel’s face but as nothing happened, Lou continued to examine her. As she gently opened Rachel’s blouse she saw a huge bruise and Lou’s first suspicion was that of one or more broken ribs. When she was done she sat down - Rachel was badly hurt from what she could see - apart from the concussion and the broken ribs, her shoulder had been dislocated and she had broken one leg in at least one place.

Lou stared up the canyon. There was no way she would be able to get Rachel back up there, and besides she wasn’t sure she would be able to move her without hurting her. She removed her jacket and placed it under Rachel's head. It was beginning to get cold and Lou wished that she had something to wrap around Rachel. She would be cold with out anything. For a second she pondered going back up and send home Lightning, hoping that the others would understand that she was missing, but then she changed her mind. It wasn’t at all certain that she would find the place again in the darkness and she couldn’t leave Rachel. So she just sat there, now and then wiping the wet bandanna over Rachel’s face and trying to get her to drink some water.

The moon slowly sailed up in the sky as dark clouds built up at the horizon. Lou stared disgusted at them. ”Please don’t let it rain,” she whispered into the night. If they got wet in this cold, she was certain that they would get sick and in Rachel’s weak condition she might not even survive the night. As the night wore on she felt more and more desperate. She also begun seeing things - as the shadows grew so did her fear. The sounds from the animals of the night sounded different from what she could recall. Then she heard Lightning. Or she was sure it was Lightning that had screamed. A loud whine that confirmed her suspicions that something was waiting for her at the top of the canyon. Her suspicions were confirmed a second later as a cold breeze seemed to sweep through the canyon. Lou edged closer to the wall of rock behind her as she wished that she could do something for Rachel.

She looked even paler in the dull moonlight and Lou feared that she would die before help arrived. Somewhere in the distance an owl howled which sent Lou into another fit. She remembered how Cody had teased Buck one night because he had been startled by an owl and wanting to break camp. But at that moment, Buck’s beliefs didn’t appear as funny for Lou. Instead she couldn’t help wondering if it wasn’t something to it. Rachel never moved and Lou became more and more certain that she would die. Lou even tried to plead with her to wake up to no avail. Tired and scared, she screamed out loud as a bat flew pass her on his haunt for food.

”Go away!” she yelled and stood up to give her words more effect. ”Go back to hell where you belong!” as swiftly as the bat had appeared, it vanished between some of the gaps of the canyon and Lou sank down again only to once more hear sound from the top of the wall. Mumbling sounds, as if somebody was walking along the ledge, searching for something. At first Lou’s heart skipped a few beat as she believed that it must be Kid or one of the others that had come to her rescue. She was to about to scream out to tell them where she was, when something stopped her. It wasn’t something tangible or even reasonable, but it was a feeling that something wasn’t right. So she remained silent, as somebody or something continued to prowl the canyon. She was no longer believing that there was somebody up there that was going to help her. Instead she was certain that it was going to kill her and Rachel if it found her.

Shivering, not only from the cold, she tried to hide her and Rachel as well as she could, which in her own opinion wasn’t much. Sitting there, hoping that whatever it was that was searching would go away another thought struck her. What if the others came while that terrifying thing was still there. What if Kid rode into a trap and the ‘thing’ killed him? She swallowed hard as images of Kid being ripped to pieces by something large and dark haunted her mind. Unable to do anything she covered her head in her arms and prayed as hard that she thought her heart would break.

Rosemary couldn’t rest. Not that it mattered, she seemed to need less and less sleep these days. She had a terrible headache and in some strange way she seemed to remember soldiers screaming and pleading for their lives. In an effort to rid herself of the images she left her cottage and saddled her horse. She needed to get away, but she wasn’t sure from what. As if something controlled her, she headed off towards the canyon that separated a few farms from the town. As she came closer the headache seemed to grow stronger and it wasn’t long before the voice was back in her head, urging her to continue and demanding that she obeyed.

Baruk forced the woman to go back to the canyon. He regretted action in anger before and now he wanted to be sure the woman was dead. And if she wasn't then he would kill her and take her soul. Some part of him actually wished for the woman to be alive. To take the soul of someone that were close to his Louise could only be good for him. So it was with hope that he returned to the spot where he had forced the horses and the wagon over the edge. He quickly dismounted and with a satisfied grin in his face he approached the canyon. The woman was alive, although only barely, but alive. But not for long, he thought, not for long when he found her. Baruk quickly scanned the canyon and despite the darkness around him managed to see the wagon and the two dead horses. But the woman was nowhere to be seen and Baruk growled in frustration. He started to pace along the edge peering down in hope of seeing her. He knew she was there, and that she was alive. He could feel it in the air. Baruk continued to prowl the area like a wild beast, when he realized that there was something else. He stopped and listened until he could detect it. There was someone else there, someone protecting and hiding the woman. Baruk closed his eyes and let his senses explore the surroundings. Slowly it dawned on him. His Lou was there. An evil grin played over his lips. His quest could be over sooner than he had expected. He should have known that somebody would look for the woman, but he had not expected it to be Lou. Not that he mind, he could always get his revenge on the others later. With more intensity he continued his search, this time for both of them.

Lou sat shivering, unable to speak and feeling her mouth go dry. She longed for dawn and had long ago lost track of time. She had been sitting on the ledge for an eternity. Rachel was still unconscious and Lou wasn't sure if she still alive. Lou wasn't sure of anything except being scared. Scared that the terrifying creature that she knew was looking for them would find them, scared that it would kill Kid should he show up, scared that Rachel would die on her...simply scared.

Baruk cursed silently as his eyes explored the darkness in hope of finding his preys. He knew they were there and that it was only a matter of time until he would find them. Then he smiled to himself. Dawn was a several hours away - he had plenty of time.

Far from the canyon an old man spread some dust over a fire as a chant softly floated from his lips. A young man laid next to him, barely alive, but increasing his strength with every chanted word, taking in its power and fighting against the darkness. As the chants continued, the young man's spirit begun to drift away from the cave, away from the comforting and healing chants, away from the physical pain. It carefully made its way over hills and dales until finding what it searched for. Settling close to a ledge it offered a hiding and protective cloak for the two women, offering security and comfort for the younger one in her hour of need.

Something had changed. Lou could sense it. Something was protecting them and fear slowly gave way to wonderment. The creature scavenging for them no longer scared her as much. She looked up but all she could see was the dark clouded skies.

"Buck?" she whispered into the night.

"Kid, we won't find them in the dark," Teaspoon objected. "They're probably alright - Rachel probably went to see Mrs. Stanton and Lou probably accompanied her." Teaspoon looked at the young man hoping to talk some sense into him. They had been searching for Lou for an hour and in the faint light of the night they had no hope of finding any tracks, especially with Buck gone.

"If they went for a social visit, they should have been back by now," Kid objected through gritted teeth. He doubted very much that Lou would have followed Rachel, especially to Mrs. Stanton. Teaspoon looked over to Cody and Jimmy who both shrugged. If Kid insisted that they should continue, then they better continued. They didn't know anyone nearly as stubborn as Kid, with the only exception of Lou of course. Teaspoon sighed and slowly told Kid that they would give it another hour, but then he at least would turn back home. Thankful for the extra time, Kid nodded and urged Katy forward on the road over to some of the farms by the canyon. An hour later Teaspoon ordered a halt.

"That's it Kid, that's all the lookin' we gonna do tonight," he stated. Kid stared at him, unable to let go and yet seeing the logic in Teaspoon's words. Kid remained silent and turned his gaze out over the landscape. Lou was out there somewhere, he just now it. It was then they heard the call.

"Help!"

All of them rose in their saddles to determine from where it had come, all thoughts of returning forgotten.

"Lou!" Kid called out as he dismounted Katy and rushed to the edge of the canyon.

"Down here, Kid!" Lou stood up, no longer able to hold back the tears that flow from her eyes, creating lines in her dirty face. Soon she found four faces peering down at her in the pale moonlight.

"My Lord! What are you doin' down there, Lou?" Teaspoon asked.

"Rachel's hurt," Lou replied. "Her wagon went over the edge. I can't move her and I think she's got a concussion."

"Alright, Lou, hang on there and we'll try to get you up," Teaspoon called down.

"I'm goin' down," Kid decided as they backed away from the edge to ponder their options.

"Hang on a minute," Teaspoon objected. "First we got to find a way to get Rachel out of there without hurting her."

"Couldn't we make a cot of some sort and simply drag her back on it?" Cody suggested. "Like a sleigh?"

"A sleigh? Did you see how steep that slope was?" Jimmy asked.

"Got any better ideas?" Cody retorted before Teaspoon held up his hands.

"Take it easy boys," he said calmly. "There's only one way to get her up. One of us has to carry her. That means that we'll have to move her but we don't have much choice. Cody, why don't you head over to one of the farms and ask if they can lend us a wagon? Kid, you think you can manage to get down there?"

Kid nodded, and Teaspoon continued.

"Jimmy, get that rope from my saddle. Let's see if we can't fix this."

Lou waited patiently on the ledge, all her fears gone. She could hear them talk above her, although their voices were too weak for her to distinguish the words. But it didn't matter. Their presence was enough for her. She kneeled by Rachel's side and in a soft voice told her that everything was going to be fine. They would get her to a doctor in no time. Lou waited impatiently for something to happen and she could have jumped of joy as the silhouette of Kid climbing down came closer. When he finally stood by her on the ledge she threw her arms around his neck.

"Am I happy to see you," she said. "How do we get Rachel up?"

"I'll have to carry her," Kid explained as he kneeled next to Rachel as Lou quickly explained what she suspected was wrong with Rachel. Together they managed to get a sling around Rachel to make it easier for Kid to get her up. As soon as they were ready he started to climb.

"I'll be right back for you," he said as he struggled.

"Go easy," Lou advised him, hoping that they would hurt Rachel more than necessary. She watched they slowly ascend towards the edge where the others were waiting. When she was sure they were going to make it, she turned and gazed out into the darkness.

"Buck?" she whispered softly into the night, but the presence she had felt earlier were gone. Maybe she had dreamt it, she thought. But it had seemed so real. Suddenly she remembered something Buck had told her after Ike's death when she had asked where he had taken off to on that fateful day. Buck had in his answer explained that he didn't need to be close to Ike to feel his spirit be released and that he still could feel Ike's presence. She wondered if it was Buck's spirit she had felt, and with that thought came another. If that was the case, then Buck must be dead. She felt a lump in her throat and continued to stare out into the night.

As Kid reached the edge, Jimmy and Teaspoon immediately grabbed Rachel before helping him over the edge, he threw a quick glance over his shoulder only to see Lou standing there, gazing out into the night as if she was looking for something. She seemed so small and vulnerable and he wondered why she was staring like that, as if she had lost something. Instantly he became very anxious to get her back up.

It took then only two minutes to get Lou back up as Cody returned with a wagon, and to Lou's relief, Lightning. She had thought she had lost the horse. As they made Rachel as comfortably as possible in the wagon, Cody explained that the family that had lent him the wagon had found the horse just outside their premises. Lou didn't really care how they had found him as long as she got him back.

It was very late when they got back and it was another anxious wait before the doctor arrived. Confirming the concussion and a broken leg, but luckily no broken ribs, he admitted that it wasn't much he could do - either Rachel woke up on her own, or she didn't wake up at all. Giving his best advises he left and the tired riders and returned to their beds where they fell into an exhausted sleep. Only Teaspoon remained awake, keeping vigilance by Rachel's side. And wit all the commotion, Jimmy forgot hid promise to meet Rosemary at her cottage. Seeing her was not even in his mind as he exhausted fell down on his old bunk only to fall into a dreamless sleep seconds later.

II

Rosemary stared out the window, wondering where Jimmy was. He should have been there by now. She needed him. She was feeling confused and angry and she had a terrible headache. She thought she was going crazy and the thought was so frightening that it made her shiver. There were parts missing from her memory and other parts were just a blur. She vaguely remembered watching Rachel go over a steep edge to her death and she remembered being back at the cottage with her clothes all bloody and no explanation to way. She was hearing voices as well, not only the voice that called itself Baruk, but other voices - haunting voices that kept her from sleeping, that forced her to go on. Her paper needed to be written, but the voice in her head kept her from it, demanding that she did other things. She didn't understand it - it had promised her power to help her cause, but all her plans were slowly being diminished into nothing and instead this Baruk demanded more of her. She sank down by the table resting her head in her hands. What had she done?

Baruk was angry and impatient. He too was waiting for Jimmy - he wanted him dead. Something had gone wrong, and it upset him. He had planned for Jimmy to show up, kill him and then let the others believe that it had been the same killer, which it in fact had been. With Jimmy dead, the sorrow would weaken the others and Baruk could use that. He needed them to be weak, since he would not take any chances this time. He had underestimated them once before and would not to it again. As the night wore on he realized that this wouldn't happen. Jimmy wasn't coming. Baruk fought his anger. Jimmy must have lost the infatuation he had for the woman Baruk had chosen to possess. There was no other solution, at least not to Baruk. That also meant that he had no use for the woman anymore. She would die and he would have to find a new host. He cursed the fact that he still had a long way to go until he had enough strength to travel outside a host. If he only could have Louise, then maybe...

Baruk forced the woman to be awake as he pondered the matter. It was still several hours before dawn when he had settled on a new plan. And in some ways it was much better.

III

Kid woke up from his deep sleep. He thought he had heard something and he sleepily walked over to the window. What he saw made him immediately awake. Somebody was breaking in into the barn where the horses were. He threw a quick glance over at Lou as he pulled on his pants. She was still sleeping, so he reached for his gun and sneaked out, not wanting to wake her up. As he passed Rachel's room he could hear Teaspoon snore loudly in his chair. He hesitated for a second before continuing out the door, his gun ready in his hand.

Carefully he approached the barn with his gun raised in case the burglar would emerge. Peeking through the door he saw nothing except the soft light from a lantern and he slowly stepped inside, ready for anything. A shadow told him that whoever it was, he was standing behind Katy. Kid cocked the gun.

"Get out of there," he ordered.

A soft rustle told him that the person was indeed leaving his hiding, but he was in no way prepared for what he saw. Staring with eyes wide from confusion he lowered his gun.

"Rosemary? What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

”I’ve been to see Jimmy,” she said evenly. ”I was just on my way home.”

”Jimmy? Why he ain’t he with you then? And where is your horse?” Kid couldn’t help the suspicion in his voice. If it was as she had said, then what had she been doing over by Katy?

”Why all the questions, Kid?" She laughed lightly. ”Just here to admire your horse.”

There was an undertone of threat in the voice and Kid tensed.

”What were you doing to Katy?” he asked.

”Nothing,” she said with a smile that did nothing to convince Kid.

”You ain’t here to see Jimmy, are you?” he asked as it dawned on him.

”You’re half right, I just wanted to leave Jimmy something, but since you’re here, I might give it to you”. She stepped up to him. Kid made no move.

”Here,” she said, still smiling and held out an old wooden amulet. Kid frowned and not knowing what else to do he took it from her hand. When his hand touched the carved wood he experienced a strange tingling in his hand and he could have sworn the amulet almost moved. Not thinking twice about it, he decided to hand it back, telling her that she could give it to Jimmy herself, but strangely enough he found it hard to do that. Instead he found himself putting it in his pocket, thinking that he could give it to Jimmy later.

”I think you better leave,” he said curtly. But Rosemary made no indication to leave. Instead she stared at him through hateful eyes.

”It’s you, ain’t it?” she asked, changing the subject. ”You made him stay here.”

”What are you talking about?” Kid looked confused at her.

”Jimmy never showed up, ‘cause you told him not to come.”

”I ain’t said nothin’ to Jimmy,” Kid said somewhat exasperated. ”Why don’t you go over to the bunkhouse and ask him yourself?”

”Because you will have to pay first.” Kid was completely unprepared for the gun that suddenly was aimed straight at his heart. He still had his own gun in his hand, but he wouldn’t have the time to get a shot of before Rosemary had fired. Instead he tried to talk to her.

”What is this about, Rosemary? I don’t tell Jimmy what he shouldn’t or should do.”

”You never liked me - nor what I do. Why should you, being a Southerner and all. Maybe you is the one that have been agitating people against my paper - my cause.”

”I ain’t done nothin’ of that kind.” Kid couldn’t help the anger that was showing in his voice. Suddenly he saw something in Rosemary’s eyes, an evil glare that sent him a chill down his spine and he feared that she indeed would shoot him right there, with no second thoughts, no matter what he said. Slowly he prepared his gun should it be necessary by moving his thumb to the cocker and placing his finger around the trigger. He still hoped that he could get out of the situation without any violence, when she seemed to change before his eyes. He swallowed as he stared at her, not sure that it was Rosemary he saw. It still looked like her, but there was something in her way and eyes that were different - very different.

Jimmy woke up from his sleep and stretched lazily in the bunk, thinking back on the day’s events. Then it struck him, he had promised to see Rosemary back at her cottage. Cursing to himself for forgetting about it, he quickly pulled on his pants and boots. Grabbing his shirt and jacket he headed to the door, ignoring the snoring Cody. He pulled on the shirt and started towards the barn, when he noticed the light in the barn. He wondered who would be in the barn at this hour and to be on the safe side he pulled his gun as he sneaked closer. A glance over to the house told him that its occupants were sleeping, as there was no lights from it. As he came closer he could hear two voices, one accusing and another calmer. It took him only a few seconds to identify them as Kid and Rosemary. Stunned, he edged closer, leaning against the wall to hear what was being said. As the words reached him he froze unable to move. Standing by the door with his heart racing was all he could do listen.

”Put the gun down, Rosemary,” he ordered, but all she did was laugh at him. A harsh, unfriendly laugh that convinced him that she was crazy.

”No.”

”Don’t be a fool. You think you can get away with killin’ me? You’ll hang.”

”I don’t like people who get in my way, and you’re definitely in my way, Kid. Don’t you think I can kill you? You ain’t gonna be the first one I kill. Poor David and Tad, so trusting and stupid.”

”You killed them?” Kid was bewildered, but nort more than he desperately tried to found a way out of this mess. He no longer had any doubts that Rosemary was going to kill him, especially since she admitted to killing two others. Behind the door a stunned Jimmy listen to her words, not making any sense out of it. Rosemary couldn’t have killed David - he should know, since he had been her all through that night. So why was she saying that she did it?

”Yes, and your Indian friend as well. Buck Cross. That was his name wasn’t it?”

”What do you mean you killed Buck?” Kid asked, hoping that she was lying to him, but scared that she was telling the truth. If she were that would explain a lot.

”I shot him. He didn’t die first, mind you. I had to take another bullet to do that.” Her laugh sounded eerily in the barn. ”You know he asked me not to kill him - he looked just as surprised as you did when you saw me here.”

Kid raged inside and it was with difficulty that he maintained his composure. On the other side of the barn, Jimmy suddenly felt sick and his knees almost buckled under him.

”Why don’t you drop that gun, Rosemary,” Kid said calmly. ”I don’t know what’s wrong but we can help you - Jimmy can---”

That was all he could say before the woman in front of him raised her gun and with something between a sob and a growl she quickly turned and aimed it at the painted mare’s head.

”No!” Kid’s scream came at the same time as Jimmy busted through the door, finally finding his movements. Kid’s gun flared and the bullet hit Rosemary straight in the chest. The bullet aimed at Katy smacked into the barn wall only inches from the horse, which skidded nervously at the tumult. Jimmy threw himself at Kid a second later, sending him across the floor, into one of the poles holding up the loft. Kid felt a sharp pain in his head as it made a violent meeting with the pole, stunning him for a few minutes. His gun sled across the floor to come to rest in a corner. Jimmy was immediately on his hands and knees and crawled over to where Rosemary was lying. A large pool of blood slowly spread under her body and with a feeling of despair Jimmy lifted her up. Sounds of commotion from the outside told them that the gunshots had woken up the others. As Jimmy sat there cradling the mortally wounded woman a cold breeze swept through the barn, swirling up particles of dust and rubbish into the air as it moved from one end to another. Using the temporary confusion Baruk left the dying body of Rosemary and moved to another.

Rosemary looked up at Jimmy with unseeing eyes. Slowly they cleared and she could hear him telling her to hold on. She tried to tell him that there was no use, that she could feel her life leaving her body.

”He -- promised,” she managed to say. ”He ---said--”

Jimmy stared at her.

”We’ll get a doctor over here in no time, Rose,” he mumbled. ”Just hang in there.”

”I’m sorry, Jimmy,” she whispered as a fog settled over her eyes, impairing her vision. ”I’m sorry I never loved you the way you loved me.”

”Don’t worry,” Jimmy started to assure her, almost choking on his own words, but stopped as the body he held on to went limp in his arms and Rosemary stopped to breath. At the same time Cody and Teaspoon came rushing through the door.

”What happened here?” Teaspoon gasped as he saw the commotion. Jimmy slowly lowered the body to the ground and covered it with his jacket. Kid rose with unsteady legs, leaning on the pole for support. As Jimmy’s mind slowly started to realize that Rosemary in fact was dead, the grief turned to rage, and he spun around, staring angrily at the man responsible.

”You killed her,” he hissed between gritted teeth and before anybody could intervene, Kid once more found him thrown to the ground as Jimmy’s fist connected with his face. Several punches followed until Cody and Teaspoon managed to drag Jimmy away.

”He killed her!” Jimmy shouted in anger and pointed his finger at Kid, who was wiping blood from his nose.

”She tried to kill me,” he calmly replied, as he angry eyed the furious Jimmy.

”Calm down,” Teaspoon bellowed, and satisfied that the two young men seemed somewhat calmer, he left Cody to keep an eye on them as he walked over to Rosemary’s body. Gently removing the jacket he quickly verified that she indeed was dead. His hand moved over to touch the gun by her side only to confirm that it had been fired recently. He placed the jacket over her again and rose to face the others.

”What happened here?” he asked again, this time in a low voice.

”He had no reason for killing her,” Jimmy mumbled, anger still vivid in his voice.

”She tried to kill me,” Kid persisted.

Taking a step towards Kid, Jimmy desperately tried to keep his emotions in control.

”She did not try to kill you, she aimed at that damn horse! A horse, goddamit!”

”I didn’t know that - she moved so fast I didn’t have time to think,” Kid defended himself. ”You would have done the same if you were in my position, and you know it!”

”Alright, that’s it,” Teaspoon interrupted them and grabbing them by the arms dragged them outside. ”Now, I won’t to know what happened and no yelling this time.”

”Where’s Lou?” Kid wanted to know.

”I told her to stay with Rachel. Who’s gonna start?”

Kid and Jimmy glared at each other as Kid cleared his throat.

”I woke up and heard some noise outside. Thinking it was someone that was trying to steal the horses I went to the barn.”

”And found?”

”Rosemary. She was standing next to Katy and I asked her what she was doing here.”

”Go on, son.”

"Then she accused me of keeping Jimmy from her and sabotaging her paper or something like that. Then she drew a gun on me, threatenin' to kill me. I tried to talk her out of that, but ---" Kid silenced.

"Why would she want to kill you?" Teaspoon asked.

"I don't know, Teaspoon, but she said," Kid hesitated and lowered his voice, "she said that she killed David and the man on the plains."

"That ain't possible," Jimmy interjected. "She couldn't have killed David. I know 'cause I was with her that night!"

Teaspoon held up his hand to quiet him and urged Kid to continue as he noticed that Kid had something else on his mind.

"She said she had killed Buck," Kid said slowly and looked down at his feet. When nobody said anything he looked up. "You heard it to, Jimmy."

"Jimmy?" Teaspoon turned to the visibly upset young man and felt his heart go out to him. Whether Rosemary's confessions were true or false, it was hard upon the boy to hear them.

Jimmy lowered his head. "I heard her say it too. I don't known why she said that, Teaspoon, but I know she couldn't have done that."

"But she said it?"

Reluctantly, Jimmy nodded. Teaspoon didn't know what to do - whatever he had expected this was not it and the news that Buck was dead had him stunned. He glanced over his shoulder where Cody was standing, looking at them in bewilderment. Teaspoon sighed.

"She didn't tell you where she killed him and what happened to the body?"

Kid shook his head no.

"Alright. Cody, get over to the undertaker. We can't let her lie in the barn---"

"I'll do it," Jimmy put forward.

"Jimmy," Teaspoon begun earnestly, when Jimmy interrupted him.

"I want to do it, Teaspoon."

"Alright, you do it. And Jimmy, I'm sorry."

Jimmy nodded harshly and without another look at Kid, he walked back into town. Cody walked up to the others. Kid excused himself and said he better go back and tell Lou what had happened, leaving Cody and Teaspoon staring after them.

"Think she did it?" Cody asked, disbelief showing in his voice. "Killed Buck?"

"I'll be darned if I knew anything after this," Teaspoon replied and shook his head.

"You think Buck's dead?"

"To be honest, Cody, yes. Although the how and why still bothers me, I sincerely doubt that he'll be comin' back."

"I can't believe it, Teaspoon. Why would anybody kill Buck? And how could Rosemary knew that he was missing?" Suddenly he remembered what one of the soldiers had said and he told Teaspoon about it.

"He saw woman there?"

"That's what the man said."

"We need to find out what's goin' on her, Cody. And I've got this feelin' that we better be quick about it, or it will get worse."

"Kid! What's going on? What was all that shooting about?" When she saw his pale face, she continued. "Are you hurt?"

"No. Lou, it was Rosemary. I killed her."

Lou placed an arm around his waist and helped him to sit down in the kitchen. She placed herself close to him, waiting for him to tell her.

"I can't believe it, Lou. She was just standing there, accusing me, threatenin' me. And then she pulled a gun on me. when she turned everything happened so fast and I didn't have time to think, so I fired. I didn't even have time to aim. Lou, if I just had done something different, then maybe she wouldn't be dead."

"No, you might be. It happened Kid and there ain't nothin' you can do to change it." She softly caressed his arm. "How's Jimmy takin' it?"

"He's blamin' me."

"He'll get over it when he realizes that you couldn't have done anything else."

"But maybe I could have, Lou - maybe I could have done something different. I don't know - she was talking crazy, claiming that she killed Buck---"

"What?"

Kid closed his eyes when he realized that he had forgotten to tell Lou about that. He opened his eyes and looked at her, holding on to her shoulders.

"Lou, she said she killed Buck, that she had shot him."

Lou stared at him in disbelief. "She said she killed Buck? That can't be true! Can it?"

Kid looked down.

"It can't be true, Kid - it can't!"

"I don't know, Lou."

"But why?"

"Lou, she might have lying. She was saying a lot of things that doesn't make sense." Kid tried to console her. But Lou remembered something else.

"I was scared of her," she whispered.

"What, Lou, who was you scare of?"

"Rosemary. The day she was here, after they had found that boy's killer. There was something about her that scared me."

"Lou, you alright?"

"Then it was Buck." Lou continued as if everything suddenly was crystal clear, while Kid stared at her as if he thought she was going crazy. Lou looked at him.

"That night, at the canyon, there was ---something--- looking for us. And I was really scared, Kid, but just before you came I felt something, as if someone was protecting us. I think it was --- Buck's spirit."

Kid didn't know what to say. "Lou," he begun hesitantly, "there's no---" then he changed his mind and held her in a tight embrace. "If you believe it, then that's probably what happened, Lou," he told her gently as he could feel tears running down her face. "Everything will be alright, Lou. Everything will be alright."

"He's dead, Kid, I know he's dead," Lou sobbed in his arms.

"We can't be sure, Lou, I mean there are no - body, nothing. We can't know until - we're sure." He slowly caressed her back. "Why don't you go back to bed, honey? You need the rest."

Lou rose from his embraced and wiped her tears. She nodded and rose to get back up.

"You're coming?"

"I'll just wait for Teaspoon to get back," Kid replied. "Go to bed, Lou."

As soon as she had left the room, Kid let his head sank down until it rested against his hands. The last hours events haunted his mind and he was geting a headache. Jimmy's words still rung in his ears; A horse, goddamit!" and he couldn't shake of the feeling that he had taken another person's life to save a horse. It didn't matter that it was a special horse, the question was if the horse's life was worth more than a human's. If somebody would have asked him that at the moment Rosemary aimed her gun at Katy after revealing her crimes, he would have said yes, but now he wasn't so sure anymore. If only the headache would go away, he pondered. With his head feeling as if somebody was pounding on it with a hammer he couldn't think. Must be from when I hit it on that pole, he pondered as he closed his eyes again the pain, hoping that it would go away.

II

Lou woke up as the sun tickled her eyes through the gap between the drawn curtains. Mumbling, she reached out for Kid only to find that he was not there. Alarmed, she sat up and when she didn't found him in the room, she quickly changed into pants and one of Kid's old shirts and walked downstairs. She couldn't hold back a smile when she saw Teaspoon and Kid asleep in chairs in the kitchen. She assumed that Cody had returned to the bunkhouse. She wondered where Jimmy was, and wondered if he had returned as well. She would like to tell him that she was sorry for his loss. No matter what she had thought about Rosemary, she knew that Jimmy had loved her and that he must be hurting right now. Someone should be with him, but knowing Jimmy, he had probably rejected any offer of company. Without waking up the two men in the kitchen, she put on some water to boil for morning coffee, before she slipped into Rachel's room.

Rachel was still unconscious and worried Lou sat down by her side. She gently wiped her brow and helped her to some water.

"Good mornin' Rachel," she said prepared to tell her some anecdote or an old memory as she had done every time she had sat with her earlier. But suddenly there were no words. She couldn't tell Rachel anything. Bringing up old memories would just be to painful in light of Buck's likely fate. So instead she just sat there, brushing the hair from Rachel's' face. Then slowly she began to talk as she reached for Rachel's hand, holding it in her own.

"Something has happened, Rachel, and I don't know how to tell you. There was a fight here yesterday and Rosemary was killed. You remember Rosemary don't you? Of course you do. Well, she tried---" Lou stopped. She could have sworn that Rachel had clenched her hand. "Rachel?" she whispered. "Please, Rachel, wake up."

Lou could her the water on the stove starting to boil, but she didn't care. She was more interested in the second squeeze of her hand. She swallowed hard.

"Can you hear me, Rachel?" Another squeeze. Lou felt her heart flutter. Rachel was coming through. "It's alright, Rachel, just take it slow. There's no need to overdo it."

Rachel's eyelids fluttered and a soft moan emerged from her lips. Lou immediately brought her some water. Slowly Rachel opened her eyes and looked with unseeing eyes at Lou.

"Lou?" she croaked.

"I'm here, Rachel. Don't move too much, you've got a concussion."

Rachel blinked a few times but then slowly her eyes cleared.

"What happened?" she mumbled.

"The wagon went over into the canyon. You must have been thrown free."

"Ain't you a sight for sore eyes!" Teaspoon walked up behind Lou and smiled at Rachel. "How are you doin'?"

"Got a headache. I don't understand - what happened--."

"It was an accident," Teaspoon explained.

"No. No accident. Somebody scared the horses. I saw--"

"What? What did you Rachel?" Lou asked as Teaspoon indicated that she should take it easy.

"I thought I saw Rosemary there. But why would she be there - I don't understand---"

"That's alright," Rachel, "don't you worry about that now. Just get yourself better, that's all we care about right now," Teaspoon said. "I'll get you some tea, you look as if you need it."

Rachel nodded and then grimaced at the increased pain in her head it caused.

"Doc said you shouldn't move for a while," Lou informed her.

"How bad?"

"Well, there's the concussion and you've got a broken leg. And a lot of bruises. You'll probably feel sore for some time."

"Already does," Rachel admitted. "Lou, you said that - Rosemary was dead."

Lou bit her lip and nodded.

"Yes, Rosemary is dead." Slowly she filled Rachel in on what had happened, leaving out what might have happened to Buck. She didn't want to burden Rachel more than necessary.

"How's Jimmy?" Rachel asked with tear-filled eyes as Lou finished.

"I don't know," Lou admitted. "He never came back after taking her to the undertaker."

"Lou, there's something you're not tellin' me," Rachel continued as she winced trying to ignore the terrible headache.

Lou smiled faintly. "I'll tell you later. Right now you need some rest. I'll bring you some soup later."

"Lou---"

"Now you rest up," Lou ordered with the same firmness in her voice that Rachel normally used when ordering the boys around. Smiling at the recognition, Rachel closed her eyes and sank back in the bed, more than willing to accept the order. She wasn't feeling too well.

As Rachel slowly dozed off to sleep again, Lou left the room and headed back to the kitchen where she was greeted not only by Teaspoon and Kid, but also Cody.

”I hear that sleeping beauty finally woken up,” Cody said with a big grin. ”Is it alright to see her?”

”She’s just gone back to sleep,” Lou explained, ”and I think she needs the rest.”

”You can see her later,” Teaspoon said shortly. ”Right now I want to try and resolve this situation.”

”I’ll get some breakfast ready,” Lou stated and rescued the kettle who was boiling dry from the stove. She started on breakfast as she listened with interest to the other’s conversation by the table.

”What do you want us to do, Teaspoon?” Cody asked as Kis wiped the last remains of sleep from his eyes.

”I want you to head out and look for Buck once more.”

Cody looked uncertain at Teaspoon and then at the others, before returning his gaze to the older man.

”I don’t mean to sound harsh or anything, Teaspoon, but we already looked for him, and, well, ---” Cody stopped, not able to continue the sentence.

”I know what you mean, Cody, but I’m not gonna believe that Buck’s dead until I got proof of it - not only the words of a confused woman.” Teaspoon lowered his voice. ”And to answer your question, no, I don’t have much hope of you finding him alive, so basically you’ll be looking for his body - or traces of it.”

For a moment there was nothing but the noise from the bacon sizzling in the pan heard in the kitchen as Kid and Cody contemplated the not so appealing task. As if looking for somebody wasn’t bad enough, they would be looking for a body.

”When do you want us to head out?” Kid asked silently.

”As soon as possible, if we wait too long we might never found out what happened.” Teaspoon replied as Lou told them breakfast ws almost ready. Despite the grim situation they were hungry and it didn’t take many minutes before the plates had been cleaned.

”I didn’t know you could cook like this, Lou,” Cody said with a satisfied grin on his face.

”You never asked,” Lou replied.

”Well, you always refused to cook, so how was we to know?”

”I alwys refused to cook, ‘cause you always asked me!” Lou replied. ”And the only reason you asked me was ‘cause I was a girl. Besides, I thought it was better that you learnt to cook.”

”So that one time when you burnt---”

”On purpose,” Lou smiled and Cody rolled his eyes.

”I should have known! Do you realize what it meant for me to have to eat Hickok’s cooking for that whole week?”

Lou couldn’t hold back the laugh, but it had no more left her mouth before it turned into a sob and she felt tears running down her face.

”Lou, I’m sorry,” Cody stuttered, ”I didn’t mean to ---”

”It’s not your fault, Cody,” Lou hiccuped, ”I don’t know what’s wrong with me, all I seem to do right now is cry.”

”It’s the tension, Lou,” Teaspoon said and pulled her into his embrace before Kid managed to. Lou leaned her head on Teaspoon’s shoulder and let the tears flow, allowing the comfortin’ feeling of having Teaspoon’s arms around her to calm her down.

”I’m fine now, thank you, Teaspoon,” she said a few seconds later and released herself from his embrace.

”You’re sure?” Teaspoon asked and cupped his hand under her chin lifting her face up so that he could see it. Lou nodded as she turned and saw Kid’s worried face next to her.

”I’m fine” she assured him. "I'm sorry for actin' like this. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Maybe you should see Doc?" Kid suggested carefully, knowing how his wife hated to be left behind due to weakness on her part.

"No, I'm just real tired. Besides, somebody should stay with Rachel."

"You'll be alright?"

"Yes. Just do your best in finding Buck, will ye?"

"We will." Kid leaned forward and placed a gently kiss on her lips. "See you later, Lou."

Lou nodded as she tried to fight the uneasy feeling that had filled her sa Kid had kissed her. I'm crazy, she thought to herself. Why should I feel nervous about Kid kissing you? There must be something wrong with me. Maybe I should see Doc after all? No, I'm just tired and anxious about Buck and Jimmy, that's all there is. But she couldn't shake the feeling that the kiss had been different - even wrong.

"I'm glad you're staying with Rachel, Lou," Teaspoon said and finished his breakfast. He joined Lou by the window and watched Cody and Kid take off.

"You think---" Lou begun.

"Don't think about it, Lou. There's no use letting your imagination run away with you."

"I know," Lou sighed. "What are you gonna do, Teaspoon?"

"I'll have to find Jimmy."

"Teaspoon, will you tell him - that I'm sorry?"

"I'll tell him that, Lou."

II

It was dark. And there was pain, more pain that he ever thought he could endure. He tried to get his feelings sorted out, but only found everything more confusing. He could scent smoke, he more or less felt the herbal aroma that now and then passed his nostrils. He could hear voices, but they seemed undefined. He wanted to move but found his limbs tied to the ground although he found no restraints. It slowly dawned on him that he was lying on the ground and as his hands slowly moved he felt some sort of pelts. He slowly opened his eyes, but his sight was impaired by a soft fog. What he could see was the light from a fire and the rocks around him. He seemed to be in cave of some sort. The scent of herbs became stronger and the chants were louder. Despite the unknown surroundings and the pain his body, he wasn't scared. There was comfort in the sounds and smells. He blinked a few times and chants stopped. He could hear a soft chuckle next to him and then a voice spoke in Kiowa.

"You so have decided to join me, my young friend?"

Buck stared up in the face, confused and disoriented. As the wheels of memory slowly started to spin, he gasped with recognition.

"Am I dead?" he asked hoarsely and confused in English, mixing his two languages, unable to find any other reason for the other's presence and forgetting.

White Feather chuckled again and continued in Kiowa. "No, you're not dead my stubborn friend - but you were very close to join the land behind the sun."

The smile faded from White Feather's features. "You did battle with the unknown, my friend. If you had not been closed to the sacred grounds, you would have died."

"Who - what was it?" Buck asked, changing to Kiowa, fighting the searing pain that seemed to rip throw his body for every breath he took. "An evil spirit?"

White Feather shook his head. "No - and yes. It is not a being I know of, but I can sense its presence. It has no connection to the land or the skies. It is alien to this land. I think it came from across the sea, maybe with 'the hairy mouths', bedalpago." White Feather closed his eyes. "It is very old and very evil. You were very lucky, my young friend."

White Feather opened his eyes and turned to Buck. "I can feel a lot of agony within it - many voices crying out in agony."

"We must it fight it," Buck mumbled.

White Feather shook his head. "It is strong, and if we loose we will risk our people. We can't battle what we don't know."

"Then you have to help me fight it."

White Feather smiled sadly. "I can't let you fight this being. If you loose, and it takes your spirit, then it will get know our people and turn on us."

"But it will kill my friends."

"Are you willing to risk your people for your friends?"

"It will grow stronger, White Feather. I know, I've sensed it before. And when it's strong enough it will no longer be content with killing bedalpago - it will come for our people."

White Feather looked with consternation at the young man. Beads of sweat trickled down Buck's face as he struggled not to succumb to the weariness that seemed to fill his body.

"You've sensed this - being?"

"Yes."

A faint smile showed in White Feather's face. "I knew you had a brave heart. Now I learn that you have a powerful soul, a Kiowa soul. But it's not enough to win this battle. You must heal first. You have walked the fine line between this and the spirit world. The spirits are still calling your name. My healing powers kept you in the land of the living, but when you leave, I can no longer protect you."

"But you will help me?" Darkness threatened to overpower him and the words were a mere whisper.

"I will help. Now you will rest." White Feather moved his hand over Buck's face and with a silent sigh Buck closed his eyes as he relaxed into a quiet sleep. White Feather looked troubled at the young man and shook his head. The boy was brave, but he knew little of what he would meet. And White Feather feared that when he realized it, it would be too late.

III

Teaspoon found Jimmy in a room at the hotel, where he had checked in after taking Rosemary's body to the undertaker. Walking up the stairs after receiving the information from the clerk, he wondered if Jimmy would talk to him. The boy had had his heart broken more than once and Teaspoon often wished that Jimmy wouldn't be so much of an "all-or-nothin'" person. But then he was also a survivor. Hesitantly he knocked on the door.

"Jimmy? It's me, Teaspoon."

"It's open, Teaspoon," came the reply. Teaspoon opened the door and stepped inside, finding Jimmy half sitting in the bed, twirling his gun in his hand, and looking disinterested at it. When he saw Teaspoon's worried frown, he shook his head.

"It ain't loaded, Teaspoon," he stated grimly. Teaspoon took a silent breath.

"Didn't think so, son." He placed himself on the edge of the bed. "What are you doin' here, Jimmy?"

"I needed to be away from the others and it was the hotel or the saloon," Jimmy shrugged. "Figured the saloon wasn't my best option."

"Lou wanted me to tell you she's sorry."

"Yeah, sure. None of them ever liked Rosemary. Bet their only feeling is relief."

"That true, Jimmy, and I shouldn't have to tell you that. They care about you and right now they're worried. And so am I."

Jimmy didn't reply.

"Look, Jimmy, I know how you feel - I've lost people I loved too..."

"No, you don't." Jimmy's voice was low but determined.

Teaspoon frowned at him, as Jimmy rose from the bed and walked over to the window.

"I heard Teaspoon - I heard what she said to Kid. She threatened to kill him." Jimmy turned around. "It just don't make sense, Teaspoon. She couldn't have killed David, so why did she say she did? That just don't make sense."

"Son, sometimes people do things that we don't understand. I don't why she said what she said or why she felt the need to lie to Kid..." Teaspoon stopped, looking at Jimmy. "Is there something else? Jimmy, what's on your mind?"

Jimmy sighed. "I just don't know, Teaspoon. When I stood outside, listenin', there was something different about the way she was talking - something in her voice. I didn't believe that she would kill the Kid. I still don't believe that she would have done it."

"Then why the threats?"

"When she told him how she had killed Buck, that she had wounded him first, before finishing it - it was cruel, Teaspoon. She could just have said that she killed him, it would have made no difference."

"And that's why you think she wouldn't have killed Kid?"

"Yes." Jimmy looked at Teaspoon, hie eyes weary from lack of sleep and Teaspoon realized that the young man had been pondering the matter during the night. "She wanted Kid to kill her - she wanted to die."

Teaspoon gasped when he realized what Jimmy was talking about. Could that really be the case? That Rosemary merely had used Kid to take her own life. For a second the thought abhorred him, but the more he thought about the more he saw the logic in Jimmy's reasoning. That's why she had aimed the gun at Katy instead of Kid knowing that Kid would react instinctively to save his precious horse. And that also meant that she could have been lying about Buck. The last thought sent a ray of hope to Teaspoon's chest. He looked back at Jimmy, knowing what it had cost him to come to that realization.

"Jimmy..."

"And I just stood there, like a dumb fool, listenin'. I could have stopped her Teaspoon. If I had rushed in there, nothin' of this would have happened. But instead I waited, 'cause I knew that she wasn't going to kill Kid. It's my fault."

"No, it ain't." Teaspoon rose and placed his hand on Jimmy's shoulder. "If you had rushed in there, then maybe she would have killed Kid, or maybe it wouldn't have changed anything. We can't change what has happened, so there's no use dwelling over it. It happened."

"Why? Why did she do it? Why didn't she tell me that she was miserable?"

"I don't know - she did it. And we'll never know why, so you have to learn to live with those questions unanswered."

Jimmy nodded. "I know. Still can't believe it. Not the way she did it - if she wanted to die, she shouldn't have dragged Kid into it. I'm angry at her for that, Teaspoon, and I can't tell her that!"

Teaspoon marveled over how much the young man before him had matured since he first lay his eyes on him. He'd grown up too fast, he thought with sorrow. No young should learn about the harsh realities of life so quickly. At the same time he felt an immense pride. Not only had Jimmy chosen not to dwell in the sorrow, he had managed to reason around it and found answers. He smiled at Jimmy and embraced him. After a second he backed away holding Jimmy at an arm's length by placing his hands on Jimmy's shoulders.

"I know a lot of good men that spend a lot of time, worryin' over things that you can't do nothin' about. And it's hard not to, but you have to try."

"I just wished..."

"I know you do, son. When's the funeral?

"This afternoon. Teaspoon?"

"I'll be there, and I'll tell the others. What would you like to do now?"

"I don't know. What are the others doin'?"

"I sent Kid and Cody to look for Buck. Lou's stayin' with Rachel. You, know, if you don't mind, I would appreciate if you could stay at the station. There's just been too many accidents around here, and I need to find out what happened to that army group that Cody was with, before they start runnin' around tellin' tales of murder."

"I don't mind. I can keep an eye on them, but I'm sure Lou can take care of them just fine on her own."

"I wouldn't disagree with you on any other day, but she's been actin' rather strangely recently, and I would just feel w whole lot safer if I knew you were at the station with them."

"I'll do that."

"I don't see why Teaspoon had us do this again," Cody complained as they continued down the same track they had followed the day before. Kid didn't say anything as he was well aware that the whining was just Cody's way of hiding his worries. Besides he had a terrible headache that just wouldn't go away. He assumed that it was the blow to the head he had had as Jimmy had knocked him across the barn. the strange thing about it was that it made him hear voices, soft, muffled voices that seemed to echo in his mind. And when they had discussed their plan in the morning, he knew that he had intended to kiss Lou, but for his life he couldn't remember if in really had done it.

"You're alright?" Cody asked, waking him out of his reveries.

"Yes," Kid replied, bringing himself back to the present. "Why do you ask?"

"You seemed to be "gone", and I had to ask you two times before you replied," Cody stated. "Besides, we're almost there, so we better keep our eyes open."

Kid concentrated on their task, trying to forget about the headache and the temporary memory loss. But the closer they came to the Indian sacred grounds, the more uneasy did he feel, when they finally reached a warning post filled with sacred items to warn travellers from entering.

"Well, this is the last place to look," Cody stated. "And if Rosemary lied, than we'll probably find him here, angry as hell that we disturbed anything sacred." Cody urged his horse forward when Kid called him.

"Wait, Cody."

"What?"

"We should go in there."

"If we're gonna look for Buck that's the only way. What if he did meet Rosemary and she only winged him? If he's hurt, then we gotta find him. Come on, Kid, you don't usually hesitate?

Kid knew he wasn't the one to hesitate when a life might be at stake, but there was something telling him that he couldn't go on, forcing him to stay were he was. He tried to fight the unfamiliar feeling, but it refused to budge.

"You go on a head. I'll stay here and keep an eye out for trouble."

"If you say so," Cody said and shrugged before he continued.

II

Baruk cursed silently. There was something threatening in that area that they had called 'sacred'. A force stronger than his was residing there - a force similar to the one he had felt in the young Indian rider - but much stronger and with strong bonds to the land. He couldn't enter without giving up some of his strength and that upset him. Besides he had been forced to struggle his host's will for the first time and found the young man's soul and heart stronger than he had anticipated. He raged, as he was trapped inside the young man's body, trying to find any emotion he could use, but found none. This young man held no hatred nor had any selfish ambitions. Baruk fumed with anger until he found self-doubt and resentment over the killing. At least Baruk could use that - and he decided to use it the best way possible. When the rider named Cody came back and they had left this dangerous area, he would kill him.

III

Cody scanned the area as he urged his horse forward carefully avoiding the graves of Indian braves. The area scared him, but he was more concerned with finding Buck than anything else. "Come on, Buck, be here," he mumbled as his eyes scanned the landscape. But his friend was no where to be seen. To make sure he cupped his hands around his mouth and hollered, "Buck!" a couple of times. The name echoed against the side of the walls but there was no reply. An eerie feeling crept over Cody and suddenly he wished to be out of there and back at the station. With only a second's hesitation he turned his horse back. He would catch up with Buck and then it was best they headed home. They wouldn't find Buck.

IV

The young man stirred in his sleep and White Feather moved closer to him, as Buck opened his eyes.

"I know," White Feather said slowly. "It's here. But it can't reach us - we are protected here."

Buck nodded when he thought he heard his name. I'm going crazy, he thought when he heard it again, and this time he recognized the caller.

"Cody," he gasped before turning to White Feather. "My friend is out there, he's in danger."

"There's nothing we can do," White Feather said slowly. "He's safe as long as he remains here, but when he leaves, he will be on his own."

"I have to warn him."

"You can't."

Buck stared at White Feather, only too aware that the old man was right. He closed his eyes.

"Be careful, Cody," he whispered.

V

It was with relief Kid saw Cody return.

"Any signs of him?" he asked.

Cody shook his head no. "Nothin'," he muttered. "We should head back."

Kid didn't reply but simply turned Katy around, towards Rock Creek. They rode in silence as they both contemplated the situation. Cody desperately wanted to voice his concerns but their was something about Kid that were different, that made him hesitant. He stared at Kid's back and got a nasty feeling that something was wrong and it made him uneasy.

"You're alright, Kid?" he asked and rode up next to his friend.

Kid turned to look at him. "I'm fine," he mumbled. "Why shouldn't I be?"

"Just thought with everything that had happened lately, and Lou acting strange..."

"What do you mean Lou acting strength?"

Cody almost fell backwards at the harsh tone in Kid's voice.

"It was you that were worried," Cody stated dumbfounded. Suddenly Kid grimaced and turned his head away.

"What's wrong?" Cody wanted to know.

"Nothin', just got a headache that's all," Kid said as he tried to fight the strange feeling inside him that seemed intent on being angry with Cody. He wasn't angry with Cody so why was there a voice inside his head, nagging him, telling him that Cody was in his way? He closed his eyes as he wiped his brow with his hand, as if it would help against the headache.

"You sure there ain't something wrong?" Cody asked again.

"Will you stop naggin' me!" Kid growled.

Cody shook his head. "You're in a bad mood today," he muttered and urged his horse forward, taking the lead.

"All you have to do is take your gun and shoot him. He won't even know what hit him." The nasty voice echoed in Kid's head, and refused to go away. I'm not shooting Cody, he thought to himself, I don't want to kill Cody. The voice seemed to grow louder and increased the headache. Finally Kid had enough.

"No!" he yelled, and urged Katy in to a gallop in an attempt to run away from the strange feeling and the craving to kill Cody.

"Kid!" Cody looked baffled at his friends and as soon as the first shock had settled his followed him.

Baruk fought the boy for power, smiling evilly as he knew he would win. The young man wouldn't be able to run from him. It was a long struggle, but it didn't take long until Baruk found Kid succumbing to his being.

"Yes," Kid whispered and held in Katy in order for Cody to come up alongside of him. As he waited he slowly drew his gun and hid it under his jacket.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" Cody asked angrily as he reached Kid.

Kid was just about to raise his gun, when Katy suddenly bucked and threw him to the ground. The fall stunned him and the gun rolled out of his hand. Cody was quickly by his side, collecting the gun, smiling.

"That was a neat trick," he said jokingly. "How did you make her do that?"

"Just help me up," Kid muttered. Cody reached out a hand and dragged him to his feet.

"My gun," Kid stated and reached out his hand. Cody threw a glance at it before handing it back.

"Doubt it will be any good," he said. You've got sand or something stuck on the barrel. It won't turn."

Kid looked disappointed at the gun and realized that Cody was right. His gun was useless until he could clean it. Reluctantly he replaced it.

"Let's continue," he said shortly and walked over to Katy. To his surprise, the horse skidded and stepped away from him. "Come on, Katy," he said, but the horse continued to walk away from him, eyeing nervously. Finally Kid gave up.

"I'll take your horse," he said and handed the reins of Katy over to Cody, who had been watching the scene with amusement.

"What makes you think she'll accept me?" Cody asked with surprise, knowing that Katy was one man's horse. But to his surprise Katy made no sudden movements as he approached her and he was allowed to mount up without trouble. He smiled at Kid.

"What did you do to her?" he asked, but Kid just stared at him and without a word mounted Cody's horse.

"Let's get home," Kid said and brusquely slammed his heels into the horse's side. And you were lucky this time, Cody, the vile voice inside him said. Next time you won't be so lucky.

Jimmy walked down to meet them and saw to his surprise that Cody was riding Katy. He wanted to ask them about it when Kid quickly dismounted and handed the reins to Jimmy before he briskly walked over to the bunkhouse.

"What's eatin' him?" Jimmy wondered. He had hopes to talk to Kid about what had happened and to tell him that he didn't blame him for Rosemary's dead. Not any more. Her death still hurt, but it wasn't Kid's fault she was dead.

"Beats me," Cody replied as he dismounted Katy. "He's been actin' strange the whole day. Complainin' 'bout headaches too. Made he hit his head real bad when you threw him to the floor yesterday?"

"By the way, why are you ridin' Katy?"

"She threw Kid, and then she wouldn't let him near. It was as if he spooked her."

"Kid spooked Katy?"

"Weird, ain't it. I tell you Jimmy, if this continued, then I'm ready to believe in ghosts."

"You already believe in ghosts, Cody. Remember the night in Plum Creek when you rushed out of the hotel, 'cause you believed it was haunted?" Jimmy replied as he took the horse towards the barn.

"That was different!" Cody defended itself, as he joined Jimmy, leading Katy. Before Cody could explain why it was different, Jimmy interrupted him.

"Did you find anything?"

"Nope, not a single thing. It's as if he'd been swallowed up by the earth."

"Maybe he has," Jimmy replied sternly. Cody looked at him.

"You don't think - that Rosemary killed him, do you?" he asked carefully.

"I don't know, Cody."

"How are you holdin' up?"

"I'll live. Now let's see to this horses before we tell Lou and Rachel."

II

"Nothing?" Lou repeated.

Cody shook his head. "Sorry, Lou, we didn't find anything."

Lou stared at the floor, before rising her head. "Where's Kid?"

"He headed for the bunkhouse. I think he hit his head pretty bad last night..." Jimmy started, when Lou headed out the door. He looked at Cody who shrugged.

"What do you say we try and get somethin' to eat?" he suggested.

Lou rushed over to the bunkhouse as a cold breeze swept across the yard. For a second she hesitated as she felt a chill down her spine. It was already dark and the darkness scared her. But her worry for Kid forced her to continue despite the dark feeling that seemed to surround the bunkhouse. I'm goin' crazy, she pondered, as she opened the door.

"Kid?" she asked as she saw him sitting by the table, cleaning his gun. "Are you alright? Cody said you had headache."

"It's nothin', Lou," Kid replied and smiled at her. Weakly she smiled back, but that odd feeling that something was wrong returned to her, stronger than before.

"You're sure?" she said and placed herself by the table. For some reason she couldn't bring herself to sit next to him and she couldn't figure out why. I love him, she thought, I should be close to him. But she didn't move.

"Yes." Kid rose and walked up to her placing his arms around her, nozzling her hair. "I'm better now that you're here."

Lou went cold. This was not her Kid, she could feel it. But it looked like Kid, and it was Kid's voice. But it wasn't a loving embrace. His arms around her felt almost demanding and unable to stop herself she broke free from his arms and rose.

"I should start with supper," she said trembling, fighting the urge to run out of the bunkhouse.

"What's wrong, Lou?" Kid asked bewildered.

"Nothing." Lou forced herslef to smile. "I just don't want Cody to make a mess of Rachel's kitchen, that's all. Are you comin'?"

"Later," he said and without another word Lou fled the bunkhouse.

Lou felt tears running down her cheeks as she made her way back to the main house. It was something wrong with her. It must be. She loved Kid, and he loved her. This odd feeling was just something in her mind - something playing tricks with her. Maybe she should talk to Doc when he came out to check on Rachel. She wiped her tears away as she walked up the porch. She could hear Teaspoon's voice inside and realized that he would be back. Entering the warmth and comfort the kitchen and the presence of her friends, she calmed down.

"So where's Kid?" Jimmy asked, looking at her. She looked a bit shaken up, he thought, but decided not to say anything.

"He's coming." Lou forced herself to smile. "So I guess you're hungry?"

"I'm so glad you're here, Lou!" Cody exclaimed. "I'm starved."

"Just so you know, Cody, I ain't doin' this for you - I'm just trying to save Rachel's kitchen from gettin' ruined."

Kid arrived just as they finished setting the table and to her surprise she didn't find anything ominous about him. As she passed him, she gave him a reassuring hug and felt nothing but love. Probably my imagination running wild, she thought as they all sat down to enjoy dinner. If only Buck had been there, it would have been fine. Supper was a quick affair. No one had much to say, but Lou couldn't help feeling a little relieved that there seemed to be no angry feelings between Jimmy and Kid. the only scare she had was when Cody begun telling them how Katy had thrown Kid to the ground. For a second, she could see a cold glare in Kid's eyes but it disappeared as quick as it appeared. As supper was finished, Teaspoon turned to Jimmy.

"You stayin' here tonight, son?"

Jimmy shook his head. "No, I think I'll head back to the hotel if you don't mind - I think I want to be alone."

"There's no problem with me," Cody grinned. "At least I won't have to listen to you snore."

Teaspoon smiled at Jimmy, knowing that sleeping was the farthest from Jimmy's mind. He would probably spend another sleepless night in that hotel, but if it helped him come to terms with his grief, then that how it should be.

"Hope you'll join us for breakfast," he said lightly.

"Who's cooking?" Jimmy asked innocently.

"I am," Lou stated, "so don't you dare not show up."

"Then I'll be here," Jimmy promised and rose. "See you in the morning then."

Half an hour later, the table had been cleaned and Teaspoon and Cody left to get some sleep. Lou checked in on Rachel, only to find her sound asleep. However, her breathing worried Lou and after conferring with Teaspoon the decided to take her over to the Doc. They helped Teaspoon get her into the wagon and watched as they headed down the street. They didn't think Rachel was in any danger, but it was better to be on the safe side. Kid and Lou returned to the house, where Lou decided to some last minute cleaning of the kitchen as Kid returned to their room. When she had finished Lou sank down on the chair in the kitchen.

Lou knew that she could up and get some sleep, but suddenly she was scared of facing Kid alone.

"I'm goin' crazy," she whispered into the night. "The others would probably laugh at me, but I'm afraid of my own husband." Lou tried to laugh, but the only thing she managed was a harsh croak that sounded nothing like a laugh.

"There you are - I was gettin' worried. Is everything alright?"

Lou nodded and tried to shake the feeling of doom from her mind. She could feel her heart beating faster, but not from love, but from fear. Unyielding fear. Kid smiled at her.

"You look a bit pale, Lou. You're not comin' down with anything are you?"

That must be it, she thought. She was sick - that's why she imagined things. She would see Doc tomorrow and then everything would be all right.

"I might," she said. "I'm not feeling very well." She sat down on the bed and started to remove her boots. Kid crossed the room and sat down next to her, but instead of the warm comfort of a love one's presence, all she could feel was the cold breeze that seemed to fill the room. She gazed over to the window, assuming that it was open, but sound to her surprise that it was closed. Before Kid could open his mouth, she had left and walked over to the window to assure herself that it indeed was closed.

"What's wrong Lou?" Kid asked but Lou had no answer to give him. Instead she just stood there, looking bewildered at the closed window. Kid followed her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Come to me," he murmured in her ear.

Baruk could feel her soul's presence. It was a tangible as the woman he held in his arms. He couldn't believe that she finally would become his. There was no one near them that could stop him now. The only one close by was the blonde rider, but he was sound asleep in the bunkhouse. Baruk smiled. He wanted to savor her, to make her feel him, as he took her soul. He could feel her breath shortened and her bdoy shiver. She was his, for now and for ever.

Lou felt herself go rigid with dread. Those words, those were the exact same words that she had heard in her dream. But then Kid had been there to stop her. she felt Kid breathe on her neck and she inhaled deeply and turned around. Kid still had his arms around her. as she gazed up into his face, he smiled. But it wasn't Kid's smile. Lou stared into his eyes, to find something she knew, to find love and trust, but all she could see was hate and destruction. She backed away from him.

"Don't do that." The voice was slow and threatening and definitely not Kid's. Lou felt a hand grab her by her arm with such force that she gasped from the pain.

"Kid, you're hurting me," she breathed as he pulled her closer.

"You're mine." Lou stared at the man before her and she saw. It wasn't Kid before her - it was something else. Kid's features were still there, but they were so changed that they were almost unrecognizable. She tried to wriggle herself out of his grip, but he held on to her.

"Who are you? What have you done to Kid?" she asked with a voice that trembled with fear - not as much for her own sake as for Kid's.

"You are more beautiful than I remember," the creature said as his free hand caressed her shoulder and neck. It closed around her neck and tightened it's grip until Lou had tears in her eyes from the pain of not being able to breathe. But the creature slowly let go.

"Not yet, my dear. I want you to be mine completely before we end this life. I'll show you a better way - where this body no longer will hamper you, where you can be mine for eternity..." His lips closed over hers.

Terrified as she was, Lou had not forgotten how to fight and her searching hands soon found what she was looking for - the vase Thompkins had given them as a wedding present. It wasn't the most beautiful vase she had seen, but with a large bouquet of flowers you hardly saw the vase. But it was large, with served her purpose at this moment. As the creature kissed her, she gripped the neck of the vase with her right hand and then brought it with all her force against Kid's head. The vase shattered into a million pieces, as Kid sank to the floor. A howl of rage filled the room and it started pulsating with a red light. Lou brought her hands to her ears and fled the room. As she stumbled down the stairs, she felt as if the never would end. She ran to the door, only to find it locked and no matter how she tried she couldn't get it opened, when she remembered that Cody still was at the station.

"Cody!" she yelled for all she was worth. "Cody!" But there was no sound indicating that he had heard her. Sobbing Lou left the front door, and headed for the kitchen. She was almost there when an unseen force slammed it in her face. Trembling she saw a window open and she quickly managed to slide through it, landing several feet below into Rachel's precious garden. Brushing of the dirt she was on her feet immediately as she could feel the creature raging inside the house. It bare her against to leave Kid behind, but she had no choice. And it wasn't Kid inside the house. All she knew was that she had to get away - and that before Kid, or the being, woke up. She run towards the barn when she remembered Cody. She couldn't leave him here. The creature would surely kill him - so she changed direction and headed to the bunkhouse.

A cold wind swept over the yard and soon she found herself struggling against it as the dust it brought up hurt her eyes. She tried to call for Cody but the wind drowned her calls. Almost exhausted she reached the bunkhouse and threw herself inside, blocking the door behind her. she sank down to the floor as Cody woke up and stared at her disheveled appearance.

"Lou...," he begun, when something struck the door to the bunkhouse with great force, making the walls shake.

"What's going on?" Cody asked as he through threw off the bedclothes.

Lou scrambled to her legs. "We gotta get out of here, Cody," she panted.

Still a bit stunned, Cody rushed over to the window with his rifle ready, believing that there was somebody outside. But he didn’t see a soul, all he could see was the wind blowing up dust from the ground. He was just about to turn back to Lou, when something caught his eye. He stared over to the main house where a red light could be seen from the top bedroom window. His first thought was that the house were on fire, but as he looked closer he realized that it was not the case. There was something else emerging from that window, something sinister. As he watched, the red light changed from a soft red tone to a deeper crimson, creating an effect that made it look as if the room was pulsating. Scared, Cody backed away from the window until he stumbled over the bench by the table.

”What --,” he gasped, ”what is that?”

Lou handed him his pants. ”We need to get out of here,” she urged and Cody wasted no time in pulling on his pants. For once he didn’t ask any questions, as he had no other wish at that moment than to get as far away as possible from the frightening light in the house. Dressed in only his pants and undershirt and with the rifle in one hand he joined Lou by the door. Together they tried to open the door only to find that it was locked. Despite their efforts they could not budge it.

”The windows,” Cody panted, and started to head to the window when suddenly all the open windows were shut simultaneously. The sound alone was enough to send the two trembling and Lou felt herself grab Cody’s arm. Cody felt himself go pale as all his bragged about courage left him. A cold breeze entered through the chimney and effectively blew out the lights as it threatened to suck the air out of the bunkhouse, and Lou felt herself panic. Cody sensed it too and without thinking he threw himself with all his force at the door. To his surprise it flew open and he tumbled out on the porch and onto the dusty ground. He was immediately surrounded by a hard wind that prevented him to get to his feet, until he felt Lou next to him, helping him. Together they ran over to the barn, grabbing the nearest horses, which meant that Lou took Katy. Outside a full-blown storm seemed to have taken over and Cody had to shout to make himself heard over the noise.

”Lou! What about Kid?”

Lou turned to stare at the house where the pulsating light seemed to have invaded the upper floor and slowly spreading. She knew that they had to get out of there before the being grew stronger and with tears in her eyes she turned to Cody.

”Just leave, Cody! Leave!” She quickly mounted Katy, and as soon as she was in the saddle the terrified horse ran out from the yard, away from the station. Cody followed in seconds and soon they headed out over the plains at full speed, fleeing from something they couldn’t control or handle, running for their lives from something more terrifying than anything they’d ever encountered before.

Baruk raged and used all his forces to keep Louise at the station. He had not suspected her to use violence against a loved one, but once more had he misjudged her strength. And now he was forced to stay, as he couldn’t move without the aid of the young man he possessed. And he was unconscious. Wasting his energy he used his mental powers to block doors and to prevent the two riders from escaping. He growled with frustration. He would have to wait. Slowly he managed to simmer down and the red light vanished until it only glowed around the amulet in Kid's pocket. It would be futile to waste his energies now. He would catch them eventually. And this time his host would help him, since he had found his weak point. It would be easy,

II

Jimmy couldn't sleep. With Rosemary's all too recent death overshadowing everything else, sleep was not to hope for. He found himself pacing the room until he could pace no longer. Giving up he decided to go for a walk. Grabbing his hat he walked out on the street. There was music coming from the saloon and for a minute he contemplated heading over there but changed his mind. Rosemary deserved better than him hiding his grief in a bottle. He slowly strolled down the street, his hands deep in his pockets and his head turned down. After a few minutes he looked up and stopped in his strive. A bright light caught his eyes and he stared at it. It seemed to come from the station. 'Fire!' he thought and started running, keeping his eyes on the house. He was about to alert the rest of the town when the light suddenly disappeared and everything went back to normal. But Jimmy kept on running. Something had happened at the station and he wanted to know what.

When he arrived, he found the door to the barn open, as well as the doors to the main house and the bunkhouse. A quick look in the bunkhouse told him that it was empty. In the barn the horses were acting so nervously that he decided not to go inside. There was no way he could calm the terrified animals on his own anyway. He rushed over to the main house calling for Lou and Kid without getting any reply. He stormed into the bedroom that Rachel had vacated in favor of Kid and Lou. The sight in the room made him gasp. Kid was lying on the floor, unconscious and with the shattered pieces of the big vase Thompkins had given Lou and Kid for a wedding gift. There was no sight of Lou. Jimmy walked over to the basin and soaked his bandanna, before returning to Kid, turning him over, he used the bandanna to wipe his face and was soon rewarded with a soft moan.

"Kid? Come on, wake up! What happened here and where's Lou?"

Kid tried to concentrate despite the headache and tried ton remember what had happened. Lou had been there, and he had told her that he was going to bed. Then everything was a blur, until the nagging voice returned in his head. She hit you - she hurt you. And now she has left you for Cody. You know this. You have to get her back. You have to show Cody he can't take your woman. Take her back, Kid, take her back. Kid fought not to believe the words that were spoken when an image of a scared Lou raising the vase over him came to mind. My God, he thought, she hit me! She really hit me. But she wouldn't leave me - Lou wouldn't leave me. He could her the voice chuckling in his head. Then go and see for yourself, it said. Go and see if Cody's still here. Then you will know. Kid struggled to his feet, Jimmy giving him a helping hand. He winced as he felt the swelling on his head and although he tried to suppress the anger the voice tried to install in him, but it was hard. He wanted to yell at it to shut up, but it kept creeping back in his head, using his jealousy against him. He didn't want to be jealous, but when it came to Lou he couldn't help it. He was too afraid of loosing her and what the voice told him about Lou and Cody was too much for him to take. Give in to it, it whispered, give in to me and I'll bring her back. Just let go. Kid inhaled deeply and once more tried to fight the voice, but slowly it wore down his resistance and he begun to listen.

"Where's Cody, Jimmy?" he asked sternly.

"Cody? Why do you wanna know?"

"Where is he?"

"I don't know - he wasn't in the bunkhouse. Kid what's wrong?"

Kid swallowed hard. The voice had been right - Lou had left with Cody. A part of mind that still was sane tried to tell him that it was rubbish - that Lou loved him and nobody else. But it was in vain - Baruk's spell over him was too strong and despite Kid's efforts to fight it he could feel himself getting angry - an anger that he no longer could control.

"She left," he muttered.

"Lou left? What the hell are you talkin' about?" Jimmy said wearied. "Why would Lou leave?"

"She left with Cody," Kid replied fiercely, and looked around for his gun belt. Finding it he put it on and grabbed his jacket. Pushing the stunned Jimmy aside he quickly walked outside.

It took the shocked Jimmy a few minutes to catch up with him and by then Kid already had a horse saddled. There was an odd expression in Kid's face that Jimmy could have sworn never had been there before. Suddenly he was afraid for Cody and Lou.

"What are you doin'?" he asked as he almost backed away when Kid turned two hate-filled eyes towards him.

"I'm gettin' her back - and make sure Cody pays," came the cruel reply.

"This is insane, Kid! Lou would never leave you and if she ever did it wouldn't be with Cody!"

"You knew about this, didn't you?" Kid turned to Jimmy. "You asked Cody to take her away so you could have her - and now you're here to stop me. Well, I won't let you."

Jimmy stepped back, uncertain over the hate he saw in Kid's face. This was not the Kid he knew - this was someone else. Anger got hold of Jimmy, anger that Kid had killed Rosemary and now threatened to kill Cody. Soon anger took over from reason and Jimmy faced Kid.

"The way you're acting I'm not surprised she left you," he hissed. "You're a damn fool, Kid, if you don't see that Lou loves you!"

Kid stared at him and grabbed the reins of his horse.

"Get out of my way, Jimmy," he ordered.

"No, I ain't. Not until you see reason."

Kid's fist flew out and hit Jimmy in the face, causing him to stagger backwards, but he remained on his feet. Jimmy immediately charged at Kid, but before he could reached Kid, Kid had pulled out his gun and fired. Jimmy felt a sharp pain on the side of his heads and his head was forced backwards. Jimmy fell backward and lay still. Kid wasted no time in checking if he was dead or not as the voice inside urged him to go after Lou.

III

Lou pushed Katy forward as she fought the conflicting feeling inside her. she had hit Kid, knocked him out. How would he ever be able to forgive her? and what had happened to him? Who was it she had hit? The questions in her head sought for answers were there was none to be found. She almost fell of Katy as somebody grabbed the reins and slowed her down.

"Lou, where are we going?"

Lou turned her head and saw the pale face of Cody next to her. She threw a glance over her shoulder. There was nothing behind them and suddenly the frightening feeling from the station felt distant and not so intimidating. She turned back to Cody, uncertain if she had imagined everything.

"Did you see what happened at the station?" she asked trembling slightly. "I wasn't dreamin', was I?"

"If you were dreamin' then so was I," Cody replied grimly. "And I never want to be in such a nightmare again." He wiped his face with his sleeve.

"I don't know what happened back there, Lou," he said seriously, "but it scared the hell out of me. What was it?"

"A demon," Lou replied. She knew that now - an evil creature that thrived on others, killing and robbing them of their souls. She didn't know how she had come to know this, but she knew it. And she also knew where they were should be heading.

"Let's go," she said shortly and kicked her heels into Katy's flanks.

"Where?"

"To find Buck."

IV

Cody followed her wearily as they continued, not sure what to believe. If Kid seemed to have lost his mind, so it seemed now that Lou had too. He had been out here twice, looking for Buck without finding a single trace. There was no way Lou would find him - not alive. Cody wanted to tell her that it was a waste of time, that they should head over to the nearest town and from there let Teaspoon know what had happened. There was no way he was going back to the station or Rock Creek for that matter. But he hadn't the heart to tell Lou that she was wrong. She had that determined look in her face that he knew of old. She would not turn back and although she had the determination to go threw with her stupid idea of finding Buck there was something fragile over her - something that made him want to pick her up in his arms and hold her tight, comforting her. He knew that her distress was because of Kid. Something had happened to Kid and it had to do with that light he had seen earlier. He had tried to ask her about it and about Kid, but she had refused to talk to him. He was still deep in thought several hours later when he noticed that his horse was limping.

"Lou!" he called out, causing her to rein Katy to a halt.

"My horse's limping - I don't think we can go on without a rest."

"We can't stop now," Lou objected. "We need to get to the sacred grounds before dark!"

"Lou, we won't find Buck there. I've been there twice already - Buck's dead, Lou!"

The desperate look Lou gave him immediately made him regret his words.

"I'm sorry, Lou," he said softly, "but you've got to see the truth - there's no way Buck can be alive."

"We still need to go," Lou insisted.

"All right, but can we go after we've had a rest?"

Lou stared out over the plains. The sun was up and the landscape did not appear threatening and she nodded slowly. She was tired as well and Katy needed a rest to. Wearily she dismounted Katy and walked over to where Cody was examining his horse.

"He's gonna be fine after a rest," Cody confirmed and looked at her. "You look as if you could use a rest too, Lou."

"I'll be fine," she stared towards the horizon. Cody rose and stood next to her.

"What are you looking for?" he asked.

"It," she said.

Cody shivered. "You think it'll follow us?"

"Yes."

"What happened to Kid, Lou?" Cody asked silently, not really sure that he wanted to know.

"It killed him." Lou's voice was void of emotions. During their ride she had come to accept that it was no longer Kid that she had hit in their room. Kid was no longer there. She didn't know where he was, but his soul was no longer here. It had been hard for her, but she had come to the realization that for her and Cody to survive, they would have to kill - it. They had to kill Kid. She already knew that she would never see her beloved husband again - never again look into his loving arms or feel his warm arms around her. Kid was dead and so was she. She would take her revenge on this creature and then she would join Kid. But first she had to make sure that Kid was gone and the only one that could do that was Buck. Buck had told her that he could feel Ike's spirit as he passed on. If Kid was dead, then he would be with Ike - and then Ike could tell Buck. She wasn't really sure she believed in all that about spirits but she was willing to make a try - she had to be sure. She felt a hand on her arm and turned around to face Cody.

"Are you sure?" he asked and she was a bit surprised that he didn't question her. in fact, Cody had not argued over anything, not even when she had told him that it was not a human that were chasing them but a demon had he objected.

"You believe me, don't you," she said choking on the words as tears filled her eyes.

"Yeah." Cody looked down on the ground and kicked at some pebbles. "I believe you, Lou. I wish like hell that I didn't, that I just could go back to sleep and then wake up and realize that this was just a real bad nightmare. But it isn't, right?"

"No, it isn't."

Cody looked up at her and embraced her. "We'll get out of this mess, Lou, I know we will."

You will, Cody, Lou thought, but not me - but I promise that you will. No matter what.

Jimmy woke up as the rays of the sun stung his eyes. He moaned as he tried to rise and gingerly touched the side of his head. When he looked at his hand he could see blood on it and he remembered. Kid had shut him. Slowly he got to his feet and stumbled over to the bunkhouse. He dipped his head in water and then looked up into the mirror. He looked awful with a big gash at the side of his head. He winced as he touched it and realized that he should tie it up. Taking an old bandanna from Cody's bag, he wrapped it tightly around his head. It made him feel slightly better, as his thoughts returned to what had happened earlier. He couldn't believe that Kid had tried to kill him, but as he relived the incident in his mind he realized that there was something wrong. If Kid had wanted to kill him, he would have been dead now. Kid wouldn't have missed - he was too good a shooter for that. Then why had he wounded him? There was something missing and Jimmy had to find out what. Before Kid made good on his threats of hunting Lou and Cody down. They might not be as lucky as he had been.

II

Lou and Cody ate in silence. Cody had managed to kill a rabbit, which they had roasted over a small fire. None of them had any appetite, but it was better than not doing anything. They had nothing to say. The severity of the situation had got them under its spell and they longed for nothing than that the ordeal they were enduring would end.

The sounds of a horse approaching brought them to their feet.

"No," Lou whispered as Cody dragged her behind him and made his rifle ready.

"Stay there, Lou," he ordered as the rider came into sight. Lou stared at him. At a distance it looked like Kid and she felt a tug at her heart. She couldn't really kill him, could she? As he came closer she searched his face in hoping of seeing some familiarity in his features, but there was nothing familiar or loving in his face as he gazed down at the two refugees. Kid reached for his gun.

"Step away from her, Cody."

"Now, hold it there, Kid - I don't know what's going on here, but I'm not gonna let you hurt her," Cody said uncertainly. It looked like Kid and it sounded like Kid but after what he had seen the night before, he wasn't all that sure it was Kid.

"I said step away," Kid repeated.

Before Cody could react, Lou tore herself from his firm grip and placed herself between the two men.

"I'm not gonna let you kill him, whoever you are!" she called staring defiantly into the dark malicious eyes. "I'm not," she added trembling as he stared at her. To her surprise he laughed at her.

"So you have recognize me, have you Louise?"

"What have you done to Kid?" Lou asked as Cody watched them, rifle ready should Kid do anything hasty.

"Well, he's right here, honey, right before your eyes. And after he has killed your lover, he will bring you home. The town will have pity on him of course, since his wife ran off with one of his friends and nobody will think twice about him killing the friend." Kid raised his gun and urged his horse forward. Lou backed until as she was standing close to Cody, but as Kid came closer, Cody shoved her out of the way and she tumbled to the ground. Raising his gun, Cody found that he couldn't shoot. Maybe they were wrong, maybe they could save Kid, and maybe they didn't have to kill the apparition of Kid. So instead he flung his rifle aside and threw himself at Kid forcing him out of the saddle. They fell together to the ground and Cody desperately fought Kid, trying to hold on to his gun hand and make him drop the gun. But Kid held on to it as they rolled on the ground. Finally, Cody realized that he had to do something or the gun could off in their struggle and maybe hit Lou, who had hit her head as he threw her to the ground and now unsteadily tried to get to her feet. Knowing that he would never be able to wring the gun from Kid's hand, Cody used a trick he had once seen in a fight between two drunken miners. He used his teeth. Grabbing hold of Kid's hand he let his teeth sink into the hand. Kid called out in pain, but it helped as the pain forced him to open his hand, loosing the gun. Cody immediately made an effort to reach it, when Kid forced them both away by rolling, dragging Cody with him. The roll ended with Kid on top. Cody stared up into the eyes of some that looked like his friend, but whose hateful eyes belonged to someone else, something else. He felt Kid's hands close over his throat, threatening to choke him. Stunned it took him a second to realize that Kid indeed was going to strangle him, but as soon as it stood clear to him, he begun clawing and pull at the hands around his neck. The only sound he could hear was his own gasps for breath. The hold around his throat tightened and he could hear himself wheezing as he tried to drag in air. He started to see black spots before his eyes and somewhere in the distance he thought he could hear Lou call out. He didn't have much strength left and he desperately tried to pry the hands away.

III

Jimmy heard the commotion before he saw it as he rode into the valley where Lou and Cody had made camp. At first all he saw was Lou, trying to get to get feet as she stared at something a few meters away. Jimmy rushed over to Lou and helped her to her feet.

"Cody," she whispered and he followed her gaze and saw the two men struggling on the ground. He reached for his gun, but then h became uncertain. He couldn't kill Kid and besides if he fired he might as well kill both of them. So hesitating he just stood there with Lou by his side staring at the scene.

"Stop it." The voice sounded strongly as it broke the scene. Baruk loosened his grip on the blonde rider and rose to face the newcomer.

"So, you've come to help your friends?" he sneered.

"I'm here to stop you."

Lou and Jimmy stared with unbelieving eyes at Buck. He was awfully pale and there was a weary expression in his face, but he never looked away from the cold stare of Baruk as their eyes locked. Cody slowly crawled away, still gasping for breath. Jimmy found his movement and helped him over to where he and Lou stood uncertain of what to do.

"You're too weak - you can't help them," Baruk stated as a cruel smile played over his lips.

"Give it to me," Buck demanded and held out his hand.

Baruk laughed viciously. "So you figured that out did you. No, I'm not handing you the amulet."

The amulet. So White Feather had been right, Buck thought. There was something that connected this evil spirit to this world. Now all he had to do was force the being to hand it over. He felt a hint of fear as he realized that the spirit before him was stronger than he anticipated. And he was weak - White Feather had urged him not to go, as he wasn't fully recovered. White Feather's words echoed in his mind. Lure him onto our sacred lands, where he'll be weak, he had said, and where I can help you. If you do battle with him elsewhere, you'll be on your own. But Buck had had no chance of doing that and now he was faced with the task of defeating this fiend on his own. And he was by no means sure he would win. All he knew was that he was forced to try.

"Kid, give the amulet to me," he continued, "don't listen to him."

Baruk laughed again. "Your friend can't do anything," he said. "You're wasting your time, boy."

But Buck continued. "Fight him, Kid. I know you can do it. You know this is wrong."

Baruk felt the captured soul inside him wake up to the voice and decided that it was time to put an end to this game. He raised his hand as the amulet started to glow, pointing at Buck.

Buck felt the pain as Baruk's mental force hit him, threatening him. Determinedly he gritted his teeth, refusing to give in, doing his very best to block Baruk's mental sending. He continued to call out to Kid, as well as reaching out to his soul.

The others stood close together, petrified, watching the two opponents facing each other. Despite the lack of fists, they knew that there was a battle going on - a battle they couldn't see nor understand. And since they had little or no knowledge of what was going on, all they could do was stare. Cody carefully reached down and grabbed his rifle, cocking it. If Buck lost, he thought grimly, then he would put a bullet through the demon's heart, Kid or no Kid.

Baruk struggled to keep the now stirring soul witin his grasp as he battled the young Indian. He brought out the memories he once had collected, and forced images from the boy's life into his mind.

Buck fought as painful and threatening images, his own memories, appeared in his mind. He knew that it was Baruk that created them, forced him to remember them, twisting his memories around and playing with his mind. Don't listen, he told himself as he was forced to his knees. "Kid," he mumbled, "drop the amulet. Let it go."

Cody raised his gun as he saw Buck sank down to his knees. Trying to keep his heart from raising he silently took aim.

Somewhere, Buck's words found a way into an unguarded corner of the prison of Baruk's entity, and somewhere another soul another mind started to react.

As if slow motion, Kid's left arm went to his pocket and returned with the amulet, now glowing in a bright red light.

"Drop it," Buck pleaded as he was forced to place on hand on the ground for support. He was loosing this battle, but maybe he could save his friends. "The amulet," he called out. He wanted to say more, but his voice wouldn't carry the words.

It was Cody that reacted. Recognizing the light from the night he and Lou had fled from the bunkhouse and remembering all the horrors she brought his rifle up to his shoulder. As Kid opened his hand and let the amulet fall to the ground, Cody's bullet hit it in mid-air, shattering it to pieces.

A terrible howl almost deafened them as they watched in horror how something lifted Kid up several feet in the air, only to drop him like a rag doll back onto it a second later. A silent explosion sent a shock wave through the air, forcing them to the ground and throwing Buck clear, several feet away. A cold wind whirl around them, forcing Jimmy, Cody and Lou to cover their faces and press themselves to the ground as the wind howled around them. It felt as there was claws in the wind, tugging at their clothes, wanting to hurt them. Jimmy protectively moved so that his body covered Lou's.

Then everything stopped and silence settled. For several minutes the three friends just laid there, trying to fathom what had happened. Covered in dust that the wind had sent over them they got to their feet. They could see Kid, lying on the ground, unconscious or dead, they didn't know which. There was no sign of Buck. Wearily, Jimmy and Cody with their guns ready, they slowly approached the unmoving body. Lou hesitated and followed the others, uncertain of what she would find. Suddenly she knew that Baruk was gone - the demon was gone. She rushed past Jimmy and Cody and despite their warnings, she kneeled by Kid's side, turning him over.

His eyes looked up at her and it was her Kid's eyes. There was nothing alien about them, they were the same eyes she had fallen in love with that first day she saw him.

"Lou." His voice was so weak that it was almost inaudible. Then he closed his eyes and his head sank back.

"Kid!" Lou yelled frantically, trying to get him back. He looked so pale and for a moment she thought she had lost him again, until she noticed him breath. Barely, but he was breathing. She could feel Jimmy kneel next to her.

"Try and find Buck," Jimmy told Cody as he tried to get Lou away from Kid's body. He wasn't at all sure what just had happened, but until he was sure that this demon was gone he wouldn't risk anything.

"It's Kid," Lou sobbed as she felt Jimmy try to drag her away. "Jimmy, it's Kid." Tears streamed down her cheek.

"You're sure?" Jimmy looked doubtfully at her.

"Yes. He's gone. The demon is gone. Cody killed him."

Jimmy remembered how Cody's bullet had shattered the amulet and how every shattered piece had turned into dust. But it was Lou's heart-breaking plea that it indeed was Kid laying there that convinced him.

"We better get him home then," he mumbled as Lou through him a grateful look.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Buck closed his eyes as the pain spread in his chest. He moved his hand over the tender area before lifting it to his eyes. It was covered in blood and he slowly sank back. He hadn't lost but he hadn't won either. Baruk was gone, never to return, with the destruction of the amulet. But in the process he had taken something with him. Buck moaned as White Feather's words returned to him.

Buck swallowed hard as the reality of White Feather's word hit him. He was laying on the ground, suffering from the two gunshots, as he had been that night when White Feather came to his rescue. The only difference was that there would be no White Feather here for him. He could feel his life slowly ebb out of him and he closed his eyes, hoping that it would be over soon as the pain severed through his chest.

Cody run over to where he had last seen Buck, searching frantically for his friend when he heard a soft moaning. Running over to where he had heard it, he found Buck lying on his back in the short grass. Cody placed himself next to him and desperately searched for any wounds. He didn’t have to search long. Two bloodstains on Buck’s chest that slowly increased only too well told him the truth. Cody tore Buck's shirt open only to find two gunshot-wounds. His first thought were that it was his bullet that had hit Buck, until he remembered that he had only fired once. And he hadn't heard any more shots. Not that it mattered, his only concern was to stoop the blood that flow from the wounds making his friend weaker for every second. Using what material he had - his own undershirt and Buck's shirt he made a makeshift bandaged tightly over the wounds. While he was working he heard Buck moan again and open his eyes.

"It's no use," he mumbled, trying to get Cody to stop.

"It is until I think it isn't," Cody replied between his teeth. "I ain't gonna let you die on me."

"Cody--," Buck begun weakly, but realized that it was futile. Cody wouldn't listen to him. "The others?" he managed to ask.

"Lou and Jimmy are fine."

"Kid?"

"Don't know. Now stop talkin' and don't move. I think I've managed to stop the bleedin', but we need to get you to a doctor right away. I'll tell the others."

"What's wrong with him, Lou?"

"I don't know - there's no wound." Lou stared nonplussed at Kid's inert form. After he had spoken her name, he had been unconscious but neither Lou nor Jimmy could find any wound or other injury that could explain his blackout. Now they didn't know what to do when Cody came running up to them.

"I've found Buck," he panted. "He's taken two bullets in his chest and I think he's pretty bad. I've wrapped the wounds, but he needs to get to a doctor."

Jimmy rose. "Can you take him, alone, riding double?"

"Sure - why?"

"Kid's out cold - don't know why. Lou and I'll wait here if you tell Teaspoon to get us a wagon. Don't dare to put him on a horse if he's hit his head."

"Al right," Cody agreed.

A few minutes later Cody headed towards Rock Creek with Buck securely in the saddle in front of him.

"This place look almost abandoned," she frowned as Teaspoon gently placed her in the wheelchair. Doc Barnes followed and looked around.

"If Lou ain't here, I better get back to the office," he suggested. "You can tell her to come see me later, Rachel."

Rachel sighed. She had hoped to spring the idea of a medical examination on Lou by bringing Doc out to the station and she very much doubted that Lou would head into to town just for a physical. But Rachel was worried for the girl - she had acted very strangely lately. She sighed.

"I wonder were they are?" she said. "Maybe they'll be right back. Could you wait just a minute, Doc?"

Doc was just about to decline when a rider appeared at the horizon, riding at full speed towards the station.

"There's one of them," Rachel said relieved. As the rider came closer they noticed that something was wrong. There were two riders on the horse and one was sagging alarmingly.

"You better stay, Doc, something is wrong," Teaspoon stated as the exhausted animal was pulled into a halt just in front of them. Doc and Teaspoon run over to help the unconscious Buck down from the saddle. Cody fell of the horse, helping them getting him into the bunkhouse.

II

Lou stroked Kid's hand as she sat by his side in their room in the house. They had been back a week since the awful day when Baruk was 'killed'. Rachel was now moving around on crutches that Teaspoon had fashioned for her. Buck had a narrow escape and hadn't Doc been out at the station, he wouldn't have made it. He was ordered to rest, since he still was weak from the blood loss. But at least he had survived. Kid had not woken up or made any other sign that he was aware of his surroundings. Doc had not found anything wrong with him and his coma was a mystery. They had managed to get him to drink, but eating was a problem and Doc was worried he would starve.

Lou spent every available hour by his side, for once wishing that the old bed would squeak, telling her that he had moved. But nothing happened.

"I need you to come back to me," she said to him, hoping to see an eyelid flutter, or his hand squeeze her.

"Kid, please, come back. You remember how many times we talked about buying a new bed? I think I've changed my mind - I hate it when it's silent." She tried to laugh, but it didn't sound real, not even to hear.

"Cody's leaving again soon. The army gave him an extended leave, since his unit was disbanded, but it's coming to an end. He really would like to see you before he leaves, you know. At least he and Teaspoon are talking again. Rachel is busy ordering him and Jimmy around fixing things and he swears that she's worse than any army sergeant he'd encountered."

"Jimmy wanted me to tell you that it wasn't your fault that Rosemary died. Kid, it wasn't your fault, and if Jimmy can forgive you then you should as well."

Tears flow freely from Lou's eyes, as she told him of the daily events of the station, of what had happened in town as she listened for changes in his breath. She was afraid that he would be taken from her. She didn't now how to live without him.

A part of her was afraid that she wouldn't get the old Kid back - that the demon still hold onto a part of him, but Buck had promised her that the demon was gone. He could feel it and Lou believed him. She had to. If Kid died, then she would have to live with that, but if he was changed?

"Buck's getting better. He's still weak though, but he seems a lot happier. He's been talking about returning to the Kiowa. I'm not sure that's such a good idea, but apparently he learned something out there."

She hesitated. There was something she desperately needed to tell him, but she couldn't find the strength to tell him and not see his eyes, not see his reaction nor hear his words.

"I can't do this alone, Kid. The others try to help, but I need you. There's something I want to tell you, but I don't know how. I haven't told anyone else yet."

"I got a reply from the orphanage. Jeremiah is better now, so we can fetch them we want. I know that we spoke about getting a place on our own first, but I hate that they missed our wedding being sick, so I thought we could bring them here. With Cody, Buck and Jimmy leaving, there would be enough room for them here. Rachel said that they were more than welcomed."

She looked at him, waiting, hoping, for a response.

"Don't do this to me Kid!" Lou fought the tears and the pain that seemed to clutch her heart. "Please God, let him wake up."

III

IV

Lou didn't even try to wipe away her tears. She was exhausted and wished for the tears to end. She was too tired to cry, but couldn't stop. Covering her face in he hands she sat there, listening to the sounds of the house, hearing Rachel tell Cody something, heard Cody leaving, heard...

"Lou?"

Startled Lou almost fell of her chair. From the bed Kid looked wearily at her with his blue eyes and Lou almost choked. Her heart raced so fast she thought it was going to jump out of her body. New tears ran down her face, but this time of joy.

"Teaspoon! Rachel! Boys! He's awake!" Lou felt as if she could start jumping but instead she placed her self on the bed, rejoicing as the bed sounded its complain.

"I couldn't leave you, Lou, but I need to tell you that I've done something awful--" His voice grew stronger with every word.

"It wasn't you, honey, it wasn't you."

"But--"

"I don't want you to think about it," she said and took his head in her hands and kissed him on the mouth with all the love she had for him. She could hear footsteps in the stairs and realize that the others would be up in a second.

"Doc said there was nothing wrong with you, nor me."

"You've been sick?"

"No, there's nothing wrong with me. We're just so happy that you're back."

"We?"

"Your family," Lou sobbed. "That's why we need you, it won't just be you and me soon, Kid. We're gonna be three."

"Three?" he whispered as it slowly dawned on him what she was saying. He was going to be a father. Suddenly all his worries about returning to his live - his family - seemed pathetic. Noah had been right. He belonged here. Kid couldn't help the tear that rolled down his cheek as he kissed her, only to be interrupted by Cody's hoot of joy.

"Three! I know she was pregnant! I knew it!"

The others were standing in the doorway, big smiles on their faces. Rachel leaned heavily on Teaspoon, and Lou could have sworn that she saw tears in her eyes. Even Buck, looking pale, had managed to get up the stairs. It was Jimmy who finally ushered them out of the room, to give the young couple some time on their own.

Rachel decided that the situation called for a cake and handed Jimmy an apron, telling him that he would have to do it. Jimmy was too happy to object and soon he had flour all over him. Cody helped Buck back to the bunkhouse, desperately trying to convince Buck that he had known of Lou's pregnancy since he had returned,

Teaspoon stood on the porch, smiling at the sun. And for a second he could have sworn that the sun smiled back at him.