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.
Kid stood just inside the door of the Office his hands on his hips. The two men who had been playing cards sat just watching him. One of the men stood and extended his hand to Kid.
'Howdy Marshall' he spoke earnestly 'Glad to see you. John Breen at your service'
'I want you men to gather your belongings, your services are no longer required here.' he spoke his voice harsh as Jimmy and Buck walked through the door behind him
'On who's authority' the second man stood, a tall muscular man, well dressed and clean shaven was plainly furious
'Territorial Governor, do you have a problem with that?' Kid faced him defiantly holding the letter in his hand
'No sir.' he walked towards the door, collecting his coat from a peg on the wall on the way, shouldering Buck out of the way as he passed.
'You shouldn't have done that Marshall' Breen spoke quietly
'Why not?' Jimmy asked
'He was appointed by Donovan, the Saloon Owner. Donovan owns this town. You will have just made yourselves a bad enemy.' Breen walked by and placing his hat on his head walked out the door.
'Good Luck Marshall, you look like nice fellas, I hope you have better luck than the others.' he walked down the street, whistling a mournful tune.
'I think we need a drink, don't you boys.' Jimmy spoke filling the silence that had fallen
The three of them walked out of the office and along the shopfronts stopping at the front of the Red Garter saloon.
'Ready' Buck asked as they prepared to enter, at the nodding of the others heads he swung the door open.
There was several people in the Saloon. Cody stood behind the bar and called to his friends.
'Marshall what can we do for you?' he called. The three lawmen walked towards the bar '
sarsaparillas, thanks' Kid spoke, turning to gaze around the room. He saw Ike seated in the corner sipping quietly on a drink, four men played poker at a table adjacent to Ike, another man sat at a table some distance from the rest being entertained by a saloon girl.
Upstairs Ignatius Donovan, a large muscular man with a head of thick brown hair and intelligent green eyes had a clear view of the events in his saloon. Donavan clearly a very wealthy man, dressed in an expensive burgundy suit, crisp white shirt and golden brocade vest, clamped his teeth around the end of his cheroot thinking. Seated across the room was Simpson, the deputy whom Kid had fired and seated on his lap, the new saloon girl was running her fingers in his hair, batting his hand away from her body was Lou.
'Louise, come here' Donovan called her
'Yes Mr Donovan' she extricated herself from Simpson's groping arms and stood by Donovans side.
'See that Man down there' Donovan pointed and at Lou's nod continued
'It's time to prove yourself girl.' he peered at her 'I want you to go and ingratiate yourself with him. Do anything it takes to get to him. I don't care but I want him to be so besotted with you he tells you everything. Then report back to me. Do you think you can do that?'
A sly grin crossed Lou's face as she watched Kid leaning on the bar 'Sure.' she shrugged her shoulders.
'There'll be a bonus in it for you. Now go.' Lou left the room and walked slowly down the stairs, swirling her skirts around her legs. Every man in the saloon was captivated watching her every movement, when she reached the bottom of the stairs she walked directly to Kid.
'Hi Marshall', she said loudly "Buy a girl a drink'
'Sure thing Ma'am, what would you like'
'same as you would be fine.' she murmured. Watching the smirks on Jimmy and Bucks faces she smiled and worsened Kid's torment.
'What's a handsome fella like you doing wearing a badge?' Lou asked huskily running her hands up his chest
'Just doing my job Ma'am' he answered
'why don't you just call me Louise sugar' she slipped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled his face down for a short kiss, 'Kid he can see and hear everything we do in this room. He's sent me to seduce you and gather information then report back.'
Kid pulled back nodding slightly
'You sure are intoxicating Miss Louise, but I have to get back to my office. Later this evening, perhaps you could get away from here to come for a moonlight ride with me.'
'Sure thing sugar' she pulled him close for another kiss then walked with the three of them to the saloon's swinging doors
'See you later sugar' she smiled as they left then turned and returned to Donovan's side
'Was that what you meant Mr Donovan?' she asked sweetly as she entered the room
'That was very clever my dear. anything he wants you to do it. I want him to think you are falling in love with him. I want him to fall in love with you. When he is completely under your spell, he will tell you anything I want to know and I will be able to get control of him.' Donovan spoke his thoughts out loud
'They just rode in Sir, maybe she could take them a meal... to show our gratitude for the new law.' Simpson spoke from his seat in the corner
'Good idea.' he frowned at Lou 'Well what are you waiting for girl.' he pushed her towards the door. Lou ran down the stairs and collected three meals on a tray and carried them to the Marshall's office. She noticed, however, that Simpson followed her closely
'Lou' what are you doing here?' Buck spoke as she entered the room.
'My new boss thought that you guys might like some food.' she placed the tray on the table and started unloading the plates.
'I'm being followed' she whispered
All three men sat at the table. Buck and Jimmy tucked into their meals, while Lou tucked Kid's napkin into his shirt. Then seated herself on his lap, running her fingers through his hair, Kid gripped her by the waist and nuzzled her neck.
'Sugar, I don't think you want an audience, when we get back from our ride, maybe you would like to spend some time alone with me.' she spoke loud enough for Simpson to hear.
'Anything you want Miss Louise' Kid raised his husky voice as she climbed from his lap.
'See you later this evening sugar' Kid sat there stunned as Lou flounced out of the room with the tray. They waited for several minutes then Buck left the room through the back door and checked that their listening friend had gone.
'He must use his saloon girls to get under the Marshall's skin, then takes over the town.' Jimmy spoke a smile in voice at the expression on Kid's face.
'Yeah, little did he know that Miz Louise only had to speak to get under his skin' Buck laughed as he pointed at Kid
'You two want to go out and introduce yourselves to the storekeepers, ask about the town, see what you can find out.' Kid spoke looking at both of them
'You okay here alone.' Buck spoke seriously
'Yeah, they shouldn't try anything so soon.' Kid answered. Buck and Jimmy reluctantly left Kid alone to go and acquaint themselves with the town and townsfolk.
Lou walked back into the saloon kitchen, finding Cody there alone washing glasses. He chuckled when he saw her 'That was some show you put on before Miss Louise' he laughed
'Shut up Cody. I was ordered to get under Kid's skin.' she blushed ' I don't think it took much, do you.' She walked to the kitchen door and peered out to make sure no-one was listening.
'Something is going on and I don't think I like it.'
Cody walked over to her and embraced her 'He'll be alright Lou. He's got more lives than a cat'. He released her and walked out of the kitchen to his bar.' Neither of them noticed Simpson slipping down the alley to his Boss' door.
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