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.
Bernie pushed herself deeper into Buck's embrace, shaking her head wildy 'No he can't be' she murmured over and over, her obvious distress both confusing and alraming the normally calm Buck. He turned his worried eyes on Cody whom he could see was just itching to ask the questions that were on the tip of his tongue. Buck shook his head sharply, forestalling anything that Cody might say as he spoke softly.
"Thank's Cody" he spoke quickly "can you tell Teaspoon we'll be back soon" he spoke against the top of Bernie's head as he placed a gentle kiss of comfort there, drawing her more tightly against him, trying to offer any comfort he could, not quite understanding what the problem was but wanting to be there for her.
Cody, not always quick to take a hint knew when he was neither wanted nor needed and turned his horse back toward their home. He smiled wryly at the couple he was leaving behind wondering if either of them knew of the others feelings, or indeed if, they were aware of their own feelings for each other.
Buck waited until Cody's horse was a good distance ahead of them and pulling her deeper into his arms, somehow comforted by her closeness, gently urged the horse into moving back towards their home. He let the horse travel for some time in silence, his anger and confusion deepening as he felt her occasional fearful tremors.
"DoYou want to tell me about it?'he murmured at her continued silence
She shook her head violently against his chest, and he continued to hold her against him.
'˜What do you mean Bernie' Buck asked the question tightly, hoping against hope that she didn't feel his rage, distressed beyond expression that she could not possibly mean any of the thoughts that were running through his mind.
"He used to beat Mama and sometimes as I got older me, I was glad when he ran away, Mama wasn't scared all the time and she didn't have to try to protect me anymore."She looked up tearfully into Buck's face. "Does it make me a bad person because I hate my father?"
"No sweetheart," Buck thought of the hate he had carried around with him his entire life "You are a good person Bernie, your father is the bad person." He kissed her gently on the forehead and pulled her back against him
"Daddy is back, do I have to go with him." She asked her mind filled with questions
"If you don't want to see him we can stop him before Jasper even knows he's here." Buck replied
Jasper deserves a chance to know him' she subsided back against him 'No matter what I think of him'
Bucks heart swelled at the thought that no matter what her feelings were she didn't want her brother to lose his father and was willing to sacrifice her own safety and peace of mind to that end. He resolved then and there that no matter what the cost he would keep her safe.
Bernie and Jasper spent the rest of the aftrnoon under the watchful eye of everyone at the waystation. Never more than two feet from the everpresent Buck's side. They sat down to supper, Jasper chattering happily about his fathers return, Buck watched Bernie closely, he could see that each word of adulation Jasper spoke was like a knife to her heart, but by neither words nor actions did she show Jasper her true feelings. Every now and then when their eyes met, he realised just how hard it was for her to keep up this charade, in fact it was all he could do not to fold her into his tight embrace, just to let her know that he cared and she didn't have to go through this alone.
Not one of the others had missed the depth of Buck's feelings for Bernice, they all knew that something in their relationship had changed while they were out on their ride, but all were willing for the time being to remain silent and see what actually happened between their friend and the intoxicating young lady now in their care.
They all happily and greedily ate the tender beef stew tht Rachel served up and as Rachel sat down to eat her own meal she stood once again "Oh Shoot, I forgot desert" she spoke as she started to walk to the bunkhouse door.
'I'll go Rachel' Bernie spoke as she stood and climbed off the bench "Is it in the kitchen?" she asked
'Thanks Bernie,' she frowned at the boys 'I thoght one of these fine gentlemen would go' Rachel stated '
I could do with a breath of fresh air Rachel I Don't mind' Bernie spoke as she opened the door
'Thanks Bernie,' she replied 'There's an apple pie in the pie safe' she sank back into her chair
'Won't be long' Bernie spoke and she closed the door behind her. Buck watched the door close behind her and wondered if he should go with her, the hair on the back of his neck prickling in warning
'She's only going to the house Buck' Jimmy spoke watching the thoughts crossing Buck's face as clearly as if he had spoken them.
'I think I'll go and help her.' Buck spoke as he stood and started towards the door.
'You're silly Buck, she's only got to carry a pie' Jasper laughed from the other side of the table
'But it's a big pie Jas' Rachel smiled, her eyes concerned. All further conversation was halted at the sound of Bernie's scream.
Buck already at the door, grabbed his gun from the hatstand and ran out of the bunkhouse, closely followed by the others, all pausing briefly to grab their own guns. What they saw when they go outside, caused Rachel to cover Jasper's face, one of the men from the saloon held Bernie, his arm squeezed tightly around her neck, as she struggled madly against him. His gun pointed at Buck whose gun was in turn aimed at him, the pain of seeing Bernie 's suffering written clearly on his face.
"Put her down' Buck spoke queitly through tightly clenched teeth
'Or what Injun, I don't think so' he spoke, shaking Bernie roughly as she continued to struggle
'I was paid a lot of money to find her, I'm not gonna let one boy' he spat his derisionof Buck 'stand in my way'
'You are going to put her down now, or you will not live to spend that money.' Teaspoon spoke from the bunkhouse steps
'This is priceless, boys women and old men and you think you're going to stop me.' he laughed as he ,ooked over the rest of the bunkhouse inhabitants.
'Buck please' Bernie spoke as her eyes fluttered closed, the choking hold she was held by finally forcing her into unconsciousness
'Put her down now.' Buck stated calmly, the others all knew that tone in his voice and watched him carefully knowing that his temper was strung bow tight and it would not take much on the part of Bernie's attacker to push him over the edge.
'Her old man wants her and the boy dead or alive, no skin off my nose either way if I take an injunor an old man with them' he spoke as he cocked the gun he had leveled at Buck's chest.
There was only a moment's hesitation but Buck took aim and shot the parasitic being that held Bernie. Buck was at Bernie's side almost before she hit the ground, lifting her out of the now loosened hold of the villian, now staring with sightless eyes at the sky, a small red bulletwound in the center of his forehead. He lifted her into his embrace and carried her back towards the house, not stopping until he reached the sofa. Sitting down he cradled her against his chest as he rocked her in his arms, not until this moment aware of how much she had come to mean to him.
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