DISCLAIMER: The Young Riders is the creation of Ed Spielman, and the property of Ogiens/Kane productions in association with MGM/UA television. This Story is created for entertainment purposes only, no infringement intended. Not to be copied without permission from the author.
“What in God’s name do you think you are doing Buck?” Rachel called, dumbfounded as she crossed from the bunkhouse to the barn to investigate why Lou had ridden out in such a rush and why Buck looked like he had lost his best friend.
“She’s gone to catch Kid’s killer” he spoke flatly, kicking the dirt he stood on with his bare feet “apparently, our future is not important enough to her to keep her here” he turned from Rachel, not wanting her to see the total desolation in his face.
“what did you say to her?” Rachel spoke softly not understading what had happened but hearing the devestation in his voice she knew that it must be serious.
“Nothing, we woke this morning and I told her that I couldn’t stay I have to go today and catch his killer. I vowed that I would find justice for him” Buck spoke moving to lean over the corral fence.
“Never would have picked you for a fool Buck Cross” she spoke as she pulled on his shoulder turning him around to face her, Buck steadfastly kept his eyes averted looking at the ground.
“what are you talking about Rachel” he yelled at her angry at the depth of his own pain “I’m a fool for being so in love with her, I’m a fool for giving my heart to anyone, worse yet I’m a fool for beleiving that she could love me”
“dammit Buck, she’s doing this because she loves you” Rachel spoke softly, hooking her fingers under his chin and turned his face up to look into his eyes
“How can that be” he glanced into Rachels face momentarily than turned his eyes back toward his feet.
“Buck, don’t you see, she’s trying to save you. She’s sacrificing herself for you”
Rachel spoke “she loves you Buck, she is showing you in the only way she knows how.” she finished
Buck stood there, his face forlorn, unsure if he should believe his heart or his head.
“Buck, don’t you remember how she used to run off and try to help Kid whenever she thought he was in trouble” Rachel prompted him “she must love you bad to run off like this while shes expecting, that baby has been the only thought in her mind since she found out”
“She’s gonna get her fool self killed” he murmured as he pulled Rachel into his tight embrace.
Releasing her he hooked his hands in his pockets, shuffling his feet feeling like a shy teenager again not the widower that he was. “god I am such a fool” he mumbled
Rachel tipped his face up to hers, wiping the tears from his cheeks as she spoke “No you’re not, you’re in love and desperately unsure of yourself and of her. You may be a little reluctant to believe your own heart but you are no fool Buck Cross.’
Buck pulled out of her motherly embrace, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead he turned and ran towards the house.
“Look after the kids for me please. I need to go and bring their mother home” he called as he ran through the door.
Dressing as quickly as he could he picked up his gun belt and hat and ran back down the stairs. Pausing briefly on the porch to strap on his gun belt, he ran to the barn and saddled his horse, his horse at a gallop before it left the barn.
“Ride Safe Buck” Rachel murmured as she watched him ride out “Bring her home safe”
--oo0000oo--
Buck rode like he never had before, he knew that Lou was no match for the man she was planning to kill, he also knew that she would not give up until she had finished what she set out to do. His heart swelled with love for her, knowing that she was risking everything to keep him safe, he realised that she did indeed love him and for that if nothing else he was truly grateful for.
--oo0000oo--
Lou paused briefly on the outskirts of town, wiping the tears from her face, she rubbed her hand gently over her stomach praying that she had not harmed her baby on her frantic dash into town. Remembering the wanted poster she carried in her pocket she reached for it, eager to discover the identity of the man she was looking for. Carefully unfolding the worn paper she was surprised when she knew the face that was looking back at her from the paper. Gabe Calder.
Years ago Jimmy had destroyed his gunfighting career, shooting him in both hands and damaging them both beyond repair. Apparently, this minor setback had not halted his criminal career. Lou shook her head as she realised just how much this man must hate the law. He had been on his own personal little crusade, killing anyone who wore a badge throughout the territory, Kid had been the first in a string of unfortunate lawman who had stood in his way. Her mind filled with fear that Buck now wore a badge and was probably a target on Calder’s list.
Lou dismounted as she reached the saloon. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the centre of the street.
“Calder” she yelled as loud as she could “Calder” she yelled as she paced backwards and forwards
“Calder, I’m calling you out” she yelled “You shot my husband in the back, come out here and face me like a man” she screamed.
“well this will be a first” a sneering voice spoke as the saloon doors slammed
“I’ve never drawn down on a woman before” he walked down the steps toward her. “I’m going to enjoy this.” he laughed as he watched her gulping in fear.
“You’re not going to live long enough to enjoy it” she spat hoping that she could back up her threats with her actions, praying that she had not just signed her own and in turn her baby’s death warrant.
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