Alter Ego

by C.C.

Chapter 9

Joe returned to the station and headed into the bunkhouse, maybe if I get in the bunk and sleep they’ll leave me alone and I won’t have to work, he thought selfishly.

As he was just about to drift to sleep he heard the door to the bunkhouse creak open, keeping his eyes closed he tried to fool the intruder. “Kid....what the hell are you doin’ sleepin’ in the middle of the day” Jimmy whacked his head. Startled by the jester Joe sat up quickly, banging his head on the upper bunk “shit” he cursed. Jimmy looked at him surprised with his uncharacteristic explicative.

“Sorry Kid, what the hell’s wrong with you?” he questioned “you’re acting real strange you know....thinkin’ ‘bout canceling the wedding?” His voice raised, almost hopefully.

Remembering what Kid had said about Jimmy’s feelings for Lou “yeah, bet you’d just love that” he replied sarcastically. Even though Jimmy knew Kid suspected
his hidden feelings for Lou they never really touched on the subject, other than joking about it...but Kid was not joking and Jimmy looked at him suspiciously.

“Lord Kid...what the hell does that mean...you know I’m happy for you two” he stated honestly, he did love Lou, but having dealt with those feelings he now truly
felt happiness for his two best friends.

Joe noticed Jimmy’s suspicious glare “sorry Jimmy, you’re right....guess I’m just startin’ to feel the pressure...you know....”

Jimmy nodded, neither needing words usually to make amends. “You got so much on your mind you can’t finish helping with the fence we started the other day? Rachel’ll have our heads......” he stated as he exited the bunkhouse.

Sighing Joe stood and grabbed the Kid’s hat....he’d have to end up working today after all.

The sun was bearing down on them, though the day was cool. Autumn was in the air and Joe wasn’t used to the rays of the hot sun and became easily flushed and
tired out. Jimmy teased him relentlessly, accusing him of going soft. If you only knew, Joe thought.

Finally it was time for dinner, Joe devoured the meal, not used to home-cooking, he savored it. Surprised by his consumption of large portions Cody couldn’t help
himself “Damn Kid, you gonna leave some for the rest of us? Never seen you take thirds before” he jested, not entirely kidding.

“Just hungry, that’s all” he stated sheepishly.

The group at the table quieted by the fact that Kid didn’t have a quick come back, usually quick witted, he didn’t usually let Cody get away with much.

Lou sat quietly, making mental notes of the changes she had seen in him over the last two days. He was eating like a horse, and though he was healthy and built well he didn’t even usually take seconds, he just wasn’t a big eater. In fact the boys had often teased them that their budget wouldn’t have to include money for food, between the two of them they’d get by on flour and water, and that it was good that Kid didn’t care too much about food, since Lou certainly couldn’t cook.

He had returned from his mystery trip and didn’t even seek her out before beginning his chores, he usually at least let her know when he came back if she wasn’t
already out when he came home. And where did he go? He didn’t come back with anything like she had thought, and if he did have a surprise he never could keep from at least teasing her about it, taunting her, having her beg. Where had he gone and why she wondered, her brow slightly furrowed.

Noticing her look Joe leaned close to her ear, her smell momentarily catching him off guard. She smelled so nice... not anything like the whores who used the perfumes to cover the smell of other men. She smelled fresh and pure. “Let’s you and me get outta here for a little while” he whispered.

His breath on her ear and his low, sexy voice he used only on her causing goose bumps to rise, she chided herself, steeling herself already to resist his temptations she knew would come. Giggling she accepted his invitation, but warned him against trying anything with just a look.

Yeah right Lou, he thought, don’t try to act innocent...I’ve seen the two of you...you’ve pretty much got it down pat....he allowed his mind to linger on the images of Lou and Kid from a few nights ago, the familiar ache in his groin beginning, he wanted her bad. The last time he wanted somebody this bad..... no!, he made himself stop thinking about it..... it would not have to be like that. He saw Lou give herself freely to Kid...she would not say no...he wouldn’t have had to hurt that other girl if she had only said yes... Lou would say yes, it would be wonderful..... he couldn’t wait.

After helping Rachel with the dinner she kissed her quickly on the cheek “gotta go...got someone waitin’ on me” she excitedly ran from the house. Rachel giggled at her “oh the joy of young love!” she smiled, then remembered how much she missed her husband, she had shared the kind of love Kid and Lou shared with him. She was happy for them. She prayed silently that Lou wouldn’t end up a young widow like she herself was.

Lou ran to the barn to find Kid saddling Katy, again she had to question his actions. He usually always saddled Lightening for her, she sighed as she began the task herself, frustrated at the changes she had noticed in him. She just didn’t feel comfortable with him, she was afraid it was more than pre-wedding jitters.

They rode silently to the clearing, Lou determined to not let him get to her, they had promised each other. She was gonna make him keep his promise. They
dismounted and Joe led her to the log much like he had noticed Kid do. Lou didn’t protest, she’d let him kiss her, but that was all. She’d be strong, they could wait another week or so.

He didn’t say a word to her, he just leaned in...a little awkwardly and kissed her, roughly forcing his tongue between her lips. She pulled away immediately and looked at him like he had lost his mind. Her mind exploding with shock. Kid didn’t kiss her like that...Kid's kisses made her weak in the knees.. made her ache for more.. made her feel like a woman.. This was like a young boy trying it for the first time.

“What’s the matter with you Kid?” she questioned worriedly, searching his face, looking into his eyes for her Kid, not the stranger standing before her.

“Nothin’, what do you mean?” he replied as he began to undo the buttons of her blouse.

“Stop that” she swatted at his hands.

“Come on Lou...don’t do that” his voice becoming harsh.

“Kid, I’m warnin’ you...stop it” she tried to pull out of his grip, his hands how were holding her arms tightly, digging in and hurting her.

“Kid....you’re hurting me....now stop it!” she began to panic, never had she been afraid of him. He’d never been anything but gentle and tender with her, she was so confused and scared. “Kid, you’re scaring me, now please let’s just go back” her heart was thumping almost audibly as she again tried to wiggle free of his hold, unsuccessfully.

He again tried to kiss her roughly, as his lips pressed against hers she relaxed a little, hoping to fool him into thinking she’d let him and pray he’d release his grip. He must have been convinced because for a split second he slackened his grip and Lou immediately got loose and ran as fast as she could toward Lightening, she could here Kid hot on her heels. She mounted Lightening with expertise and kicked him into a full gallop, turning her head she saw that Kid as not following her, a mixture of relief and fear gripping her heart.

Joe was fuming, he was so mad, he could have killed her. His body shuddered at the anger coursing through his veins. Thinking quickly he realized that now he’d
have to change his plans; he’d have to get Kid to Danton now, he’d leave a note for Louise, try to explain away his behavior. He’d say he needed some time alone, after he was sure Kid would hang in his place, he’d come back to Sweetwater, he’d have Louise McCloud no matter what. When he was through he’d
leave and head west, even if he did end up having to rape her, who would believe it if she cried and whined about it he’d say she was lying and that he couldn’t
marry someone who had accused him of such a horrid crime, he’d break the engagement and be home free. Shaking his head he told himself to be patient, he’d
get his hands on that little girl, it wouldn’t be the way he wanted, the way he had hoped, but now he needed her and once he felt that he no longer was in control
of his own actions. He mounted Katy and headed toward the bunkhouse, praying Lou had gone straight to the house, he had a feeling the boys would not hesitate to defend Lou’s honor, but she was more likely to run to Rachel tonight, he’d leave the note and then sneak out.

Chapter 10

Lou had not stopped since she left the Kid, quickly dismounting when she reached the station she ran into Rachel’s house, crying hysterically by now. Rachel was mending some clothes, sitting by the fire place, she jumped as the young girl slammed the door and ran to her room, slamming that door behind her.

Immediately she responded to Lou’s outburst and knocked, she could hear Lou crying in the room “Lou...Louise honey, what’s wrong?” she pleaded with her. “Come on honey, let me in” she waited as she heard stirring in the room and the door opened a crack. Rachel entered as Lou was walking back toward the bed.

Rachel spun her around and noticed the red, puffy eyes, she was still crying and shaking. Rachel took her into her arms, her mind reeling, trying to figure out what could have happened to the bouncy love-struck girl that left the house only a few short hours ago.

As Lou calmed down she recounted the night’s events through sobs. Showing Rachel the bruises on her upper arms from Kid’s grip. Rachel could hardly believe
what she was hearing and seeing. This was not the Kid, he’d never treated anybody or anything like that. But she knew Lou was not making anything up, the girl
was terrified and grief-stricken. Rachel held her as she cried herself to sleep.

Meanwhile, Joe had managed to return to the station, the other’s must have been in town, he sighed in relief as he noticed the empty bunkhouse. He quickly wrote the note, trying to explain his actions in a way he thought a ‘nice’ guy like the Kid would. Placing the note on the table he left quickly, before anybody came into the bunkhouse.

Rachel rose when she was sure Louise was asleep. She’d get to the bottom of this, Kid would regret treating Lou like that. She noticed the empty bunkhouse, and remembered that the other boys were in town for a church dance. Glancing around she noticed the letter addressed to Lou. She wanted so badly to read it but couldn’t allow herself, knowing it was private between Kid and Lou. She slowly walked back to the house, trying to make sense out of it all.

Morning came all too soon for Lou, she had tossed and turned all night, she didn’t know how to handle the situation. She was afraid to see him, she didn’t know
the man he had become over the past few days, she could not marry that man, she’d have to find a way to tell him that.

She slowly made her way to the kitchen; her head throbbing from the night of crying. Rachel was making coffee, she turned when she noticed Lou enter. “Hey darlin’” she spoke sympathetically. “Sit down, I have somethin’ for ya.” Louise looked puzzled but didn’t question her. After she sat Rachel placed a cup of coffee and the letter in front of her. Lou peered up at Rachel, her large brown eyes brimming with tears, she ran her fingers over the paper - reading her name.

She slowly opened the letter and read it’s hastily written contents. It didn’t sound like anything her Kid would have written. Overwhelmed, she once again began to sob, ...who was this man, she silently wondered. She didn’t even recognize the handwriting. Kid had often left her notes to find when he was gone on runs and even written her a few love poems, this was not the handwriting or the words he would use.

Her head ached with worry, what in the world was happening, she began to panic, not being able to begin to imagine what could have caused such a drastic change in the man she was to have married.Rachel encouraged her to take it easy today, to try and rest. Though Lou knew she wouldn’t sleep she did spend the rest of the day and most of the afternoon in her room. Reading all the letters and poems Kid had written her over and over again. Her heart aching more each time she’d read his promised of love and devotion. They all meant absolutely nothing now, after his actions last night, no matter what he said or how much he’d try to apologizd she knew she’d never find a way to forgive him. The life she had finally allowed herself to dream about was now just a passing dream...never to be.

Chapter 11

Joe showed up at the cabin in the middle of the night. Kid had drifted off to sleep and didn’t hear him enter. He was awakened by Joe roughly loosening his ropes, screaming out in pain as Joe yanked him up out of the bed. Kid tried to protest but the past few days of not moving made him too stiff to have enough strength to resist. Joe pulled his arms behind his back, eliciting another growl from Kid, binding his hands tightly. “Change of plans Kid...guess you don’t have as much time as you thought” he ground out.

Kid was scared to death, he wanted to know what happened to make Joe change his plans suddenly and to ride in the middle of the night. But the images of a dead and bloody Louise kept him from asking, if was going to die, he didn’t want to know if Lou had met the same fate. If she had he would find her on the other side, he just knew it, even though they had not stated their eternal vows to each other yet, he still believed their souls would forever dwell together. No, he didn’t want to know, and he prayed Joe wouldn’t tell him. He’d keep his mouth shut and do as he was told.

Louise heard Cody return from his early run. He didn’t bother to take care of his horse, immediately he ran to the bunkhouse, he needed to see the Kid now.
Noticing the empty bunkhouse he searched the yard and the corral with his eyes, not seeing Kid he decided to confront Louise, she’d know where he was.

Lou was surprised by the knock and Cody’s insistent yelling “Lou, Lou...let me in, you gotta see this!” he anxiously yelled through the door.

Lou hastily made her way to the door, followed closely by Rachel, the boys heard the commotion and were approaching the house.

As they all entered Lou glimpsed the paper Cody was carrying. She could tell it was a Wanted Poster. Snatching it from his hands she gasped as she saw the likeness of Kid with a large bounty on his head. “Joe Jacobs...wanted for Rape, Murder, Robbery and Horse Theft”, she read silently, in utter disbelief.

Her heart sank as she saw the name, Kid had told her his last name was Jacobs. Rape and murder, she knew the Kid she fell in love with, the Kid she was to
marry wasn’t capable of those horrendous crimes, but.......

Cody, almost excitedly tried to convince the other’s that it was entirely possible, always one for sensationalism, he pointed out that they didn’t know Kid’s real name and that he was secretive about his past. Lou decided to keep his last name to herself for now, she wasn’t completely ready to believe all of this and telling them would only convince them more that her fiancé was a criminal.

Jimmy couldn’t take Cody’s jabbering any longer. “Shut up Cody!....think about it, you know the Kid.....he ain’t capable of that, there’s got to be a better explanation” he tried to reason with the others as well as himself.

Lou and Rachel glanced at each other; the boys didn’t know about last nights incident, she wasn’t going to tell them now either. She needed to find him; needed
an explanation. She could not let it end like this.

'“Buck...we need to track him...he left sometime in the middle of the night” she looked at each of them, warning them not to ask questions.

“He was riding Katy, right?” Buck asked, Lou nodded.

“Sure, easy a pie, the way he cares for that animal her shoes are most likely new and easily tracked” he assured her.

Rachel argued with her “Louise let the boys find him and bring him back please” she pleaded. Stubbornly Lou shook her head “No Rachel...I’m going, I have to
know, it would kill me just sitting here waiting....please try and understand.”

Realizing she’d not change Lou’s mind she retrieved some of Lou’s old riding clothes that had been packed in a trunk and handed them to her. Lou smiled gratefully, however Rachel could still see the tortured look in the girls eyes, breaking her heart.

They saddled their horses, Kid’s tracks easily found. Buck had no problems following the trail Kid and Katy had left. They rode silently, lost in thought about the man they each called a friend. Could he possibly be capable of the crimes he had been accused of, maybe it was all a mistake. None of them able to truly believe that the level-headed, usually calm Kid could have committed rape or murder, let alone robbery and stealing horses.

Lou was well aware of the fear she had developed since last night and the uncomfortable feelings she had been experiencing since he got back from the run he had
been attacked on. She just had to find him, she had to know.

They slowed as they neared the cabin which the tracks led them to. Cautiously, Jimmy approached alone, afraid five riders would draw attention to easily. He
dismounted and slowly swung the door, which was ajar, open. He quickly glanced around the one room cabin and saw that it was abandoned. He motioned for the others to enter.

As they surveyed the cabin Jimmy picked up the ropes which had served to keep someone tied to the bed. A few biscuits and the freshly collected water in the
pail alerted them to the fact that it wasn’t too long ago that someone had been here, and it looked as if at least one of the occupants wasn’t there by their own
will.

Realizing they would not find the Kid here they turned to leave, Lou taking one last look around caught sight of a piece of paper lying under the bed. She bent to
pick it up, noticing that it was a letter of some sort. It was too dark to make out the words in the cabin, so she walked out onto the porch and unfolded the letter.

Gasping, she dropped the note and fell to her knees. Jimmy was at her side instantly, holding her trembling form as the other rider’s gathered around her.

Chapter 12

Kid’s mind was searching desperately for a way out, Joe had mounted him on the sorel as Joe once again mounted Katy - though he was a good rider he was having a hard time staying in the saddle. His bound hands preventing him from keeping his balance easily, and they were trying to travel at a very fast pace.

It was already dark when they entered Danton, the streets deserted; the only noise coming from the saloon at the other end of the street from the Sheriff’s office. Joe pulled Kid from the horse and forced him up the stairs, he then bound his legs and regagged him, leaving him at the front door. Taking a note which stated the person who captured Joe Jacobs chose to remain anonymous from his pocket, he stuffed it into Kid’s shirt pocket. He’d find a good hiding place and just wait until early morning, once he was sure Kid was in jail, he’d head back to Sweetwater, then soon after that to his life of freedom, as John ‘The Kid’ Jacobs.

It was a long cold night and Kid’s despair only grew with each passing minute. He knew he was ‘up the creek’ as they say. No way the Sheriff or a judge would believe his story. It was almost too much for him to believe. His stomach felt like lead and all he could think about was never seeing Louise again. He didn’t have too many regrets, maybe pushing her early in their relationship, almost losing her. But other than that he had done with his life what he had set out to do.

As he watched the sun slowly rise he had to laugh derisively at the irony of it all; he spent his life trying to do the right thing and now he’d end up at the end of a rope for all the crimes he had fought against.

He sighed heavily as he watched the broad smile cross over the Sheriff’s face as he approached him. “Well , well” he reached down and took the note from his
pocket, scanning it he reached down and pulled the Kid roughly to a standing position. Pushing him through the office door he lead him to a jail cell. “I’ll be damned, some do-gooder, huh? Didn’t want the reward....my kind of bounty hunter” he laughed as he removed the gag from Kid’s mouth.

“Hello Joe.... finally gonna pay for your crimes, huh?”

Kid had managed to put a few thoughts together and form sentences, thankfully. “You ain’t gonna let me have a fair trial” he questioned.

Laughing “Oh yeah.....I’ll wire the judge right now...let’s see trial at sunrise and hangin’ by noon!” The deputies had entered now, spotting the prisoner, they all laughed at his expense.

Kid sat heavily on the creaky cot and began to pick the loose leather from the strip around his hat.

The riders stood in stunned silence as Cody read the letter aloud, Lou continued to cry, almost uncontrollably, it was all beginning to make sense now. This Joe...the one who had been given away must have discovered Kid and with him having a bounty on his head he could easily pass Kid off as him, allowing him to live his life as Kid....or John Jacobs. She cringed remembering the way he touched her, the look in his eyes. How could she ever have thought that it was Kid acting that way. Didn’t she know he’d never hurt her. She was so ashamed of herself for the thoughts that had run through her mind. She had doubted the man she loved, the man she was supposed to marry. Even if they did manage to find him and save him from hanging how could she ask him to forgive her. Kid would never have thought such things about her, no he would have confronted the imposter, he would have known right away. She cried even harder and resisted Jimmy’s attempts to comfort her, she didn’t deserve it.

Jimmy finally had enough of her emotional state and firmly shook her to get her attention. His heart breaking as he saw the look of despair in her brown eyes, he wished he could make that look go away. But by now he realized only one man could do that and he’d be damned if he’d let that other son-of-a-bitch win, they’ find Kid, everything would be alright....it just had to be.

“Lou...you’ve got to get yourself together” she peered at him like a frightened deer. “Now do you want to go on with us and follow these tracks or go back home?” he used his most soothing voice, trying to comfort her.

She knew she couldn’t go back home. She shook her head violently....”I’ll be alright....just give me a minute.” She headed back into the cabin....running her hands over the bed where she knew Kid had been held prisoner....”I’m coming Kid, we’re coming’. I only pray you’ll forgive me for my doubts.” Resolutely she wiped the last tear away and stood up straight. She headed out of the cabin to find all of the boys mounted and waiting on her.

“You sure?” Noah asked with concern.

Nodding her head she mounted Lightening and the group headed out...Buck in front following the tracks made by two horses now.

Chapter 13

Jimmy trotted up next to Buck. “Don’t you think we need to give the horses a break” he asked. Knowing how precious time was to them right now but still concerned for the animals.

“We’re not pushin’ them too hard Jimmy, ‘sides nothin’s gonna matter if we’re too late” glancing back at Lou he nodded toward her “you wanna tell her we’re
gonna stop?”

Jimmy looked back at Lou and realized she’d never stop. He reasoned that the horses we’re in good shape, they’d go until it was too dark and Buck couldn’t track anymore.

They spoke very little after that, making good time. Each of the riders recognized they were on the trail to Danton, and prayed that this was their final destination. They’d camp right outside the town limits and at sunrise head into the town.

Lou offered to keep watch as they made camp. Knowing she couldn’t sleep...and even if she could didn’t want to for fear of the nightmares that had threatened to
creep into her mind all day. Knowing once she let her guard down they’d take control.

Though they first tried to argue with her, they quickly understood that she needed this, so they gave her the time and space she needed. She smiled a grateful smile at them ,realizing it was against their natures to let her keep watch, especially since she had dropped her male disguise. They were special and she loved them so much. As she sat by the fire she wondered what she was going to do if they were too late....if Kid didn’t make it. She knew she had family in the boys, Teaspoon and Rachel, but life without Kid...right now she couldn’t even find a reason to exist if he didn’t...... she shook her head. I refuse to believe the worst, not now...now I have to be positive that everything will turn out okay.

“Please God....” she knelt, something she hadn’t remembered doing in a very long time. “I know You and I haven’t really spoken in quite a long time.....but
somehow I still know You are there. I’m really not askin’ for myself right now.... I’m beggin You God...to spare his life, he’s a good man. You know that...You know how wrong it would be for him to die for someone else’s crimes. I pray God for justice.... I don’t even care if he can’t forgive me.... I just want him to live...please,.....please Lord hear my prayer.”

She stood and returned to her earlier perch feeling cleansed, knowing she had done the only thing for the Kid that she could for now. Tomorrow.... she sighed.... tomorrow held so much. Either pure happiness or complete hell. Deciding that worrying about the morning was pure torture she dwelt on the past, some of her happiest moments. Her happiest being the last time Kid finally got the nerve to ask her a third time. She almost had to laugh, how many men would propose to a girl three times? It must have been so hard on him, if she had said no.... how would he have felt? She was a complete idiot for not just saying yes the first time. Sighing she continued to allow her mind to drift.....images of them dancing, and picnicking..... and making love. Never having been with a man before Kid, except being raped, she was sure she’d never find that again. She couldn’t imagine anyone else could ever make her feel the way he did.

She slowly regained some awareness and noted the pink and orange sky, realizing it was almost daybreak. She stirred the dozing riders and as soon as the rushed
morning routines were complete they mounted and headed into town. Buck confirming that the tracks were heading in that direction. Relieved, they encouraged
their well rested horses into a full gallop.

Joe smiled wryly as he watched the Sheriff read the note and push Kid through the door, he realized his little trick was going to work so he quickly mounted Katy and headed back to Sweetwater. Choosing to stay off the trail, not wanting anyone to spot him just in case. He’d wait until after Sweetwater to ride freely out in the open......his heart soared. He hadn’t felt this happy in years. He didn’t even let his mind linger on his twin who would be paying for the crimes he had committed, he credited the gods or something for this turn in his luck. Life would be a whole new game now.

They paused for a moment just as they reached the town limits, only a glance was needed between them for assurance that everything would turn out okay. They
once again kicked their horses into high gear. Pulling up outside the Sheriff’s office Lou drew a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She could not fall apart, she would not fall apart. He needed her and she’d be there for him.

Kid heard the door open and glanced up to see the five riders enter. His heart did a flip at the sight of them. He began to feel the hope he had been searching for return. Standing he walked to the bars as Lou approached. Their eyes meeting spoke more than words ever could.

As she peered into his eyes, she immediately saw what she had been so desperately looking for over the past few days. These were the eyes of her lover, the eyes that adored her, the eyes she could and had gotten lost in so often. “Kid” she whispered.

He clasped his hands around hers. “Lou” was all he could muster. Thankful to see that there were no outward signs that she had been attacked...he was still afraid to know.

“Kid I......” she handed him the letter she had found at the cabin “I’m sorry....I didn’t know.....” she began to softly cry.

“Shhhhh, don’t cry Lou....you couldn’t have.....” he pleaded with her.

“But I should have.....” her gaze falling to the floor.

The boys noticed the Sheriff eyeing Kid and Lou, thinking it would not be a good idea for the Sheriff to know she was a girl right now they tried to avert his attention from the couple without success.

“Hey!...get away from him” the Sheriff barked.

“Did he hurt you?” he asked apprehensively, ignoring the Sheriff’s orders.

She shook her head “no Kid...he didn’t get a chance” she watched as relief washed over his drawn face.

“I said get away from the prisoner!” the Sheriff again ordered.

“Give me that letter Kid” she snatched it from his hands, her anger at the Sheriff becoming evident.

Lou walked over and placed the aged letter in front of the Sheriff. The riders waited impatiently as he read the note.

He then stood and laughed. “Hey boys” he addressed his deputies “lookie here....seems Joe has a twin brother....” he continued to laugh “guess next thing they’ll tell us is that this one here ain’t Joe.....no let me see here” he again looked at the letter “this one here...this one must be John.”

The lawmen were all laughing as the riders and Kid understood the enormity of the situation. Of course he wouldn’t believe it, it sounded ridiculous. The letter didn’t really prove anything, it could have been written by anyone, they’d need to find Joe. That would be the only way to free the Kid.

“Tell you what...why don’t you scum just get outta my office and I’ll pretend I ain’t never seen ya. Any friends of his,” he eye the Kid , “must be wanted for something and I’m sure I can find ad reason to lock ya up!” he grinned maliciously.

Jimmy noticed the panic on Lou’s face, not wanting her to break down in the Sheriff’s office he led her out into the street by clasping his hands on her shoulders. He glanced quickly back at Kid, grateful for the look of thanks that passed between them. Jimmy knew Kid realized he had to get her out of there. Although she struggled at first, she quickly gave in and allowed Jimmy to guide her out of the office.