Trouble in Small Falls

by Storm Richards

The two weary travelers smiled as they made the last turn into town.  "It's good to be home," the man in the brown stated as the two men urged their horses to move a little faster.

"Sure is," his partner replied and then chuckled in disbelief.  Turning to face the other man, he asked, "Did you ever think we would call another place home?"

Kid thought for a moment.  "Thought...nah," he said solemnly.  "Dreamed," he smiled wistfully.   Heyes nodded knowingly.  "It's nice."

"Yeah Kid, it is."

"It's been two weeks; do you think she'll remember you?"  Heyes pulled his horse to an abrupt stop.  Kid continued a little ways before realizing Heyes had stopped; he pulled his horse to a stop, and turned to look at Heyes. 

Heyes glared at Kid, "That's not funny."

"See you lost your sense of humor on the trail."

Grinning bashfully, Heyes nudged his horse to catch up to Kid's.  "Maybe she just forgot you liked blueberry muffins."

Kid glowered at Heyes.  "Now that's NOT funny!"

"Now who lost his sense of humor?"  Heyes teased.  Both Kid and Heyes laughed as they continued towards home or at least the closest thing to come to it in a very long time.

**

With the sound of the porch door slamming, Heyes turned around just in time to catch Laurie in his arms as she leapt off the hotel's porch.  "You're early," she exclaimed as she kissed Heyes' cheek. 

"We can leave," Heyes teased.

Releasing her grip slightly she leaned back.  "That's NOT funny!"  Heyes gazed into Laurie's eyes as a smile crept across his face.  "I've missed you," she whispered.  Leaning in, she lightly kissed Heyes' lips.  Heyes returned the kiss with more passion. 

After a few moments Kid coughed.  Pulling back a little, Heyes loosened his grip on Laurie, but still held her against him and off the ground as they stared into each other's eyes.  "You're making a spectacle of yourselves."

"Not really," Walter stated, as he walked by without turning to look at Heyes or Laurie.  "Kind of use to it by now," he added, as he continued into the hotel.  "Nice to have you back in town, Thaddeus, Joshua."

A devilish smile spread across Heyes' face; while Laurie bit her bottom lip; "In that case," Heyes slanted his lips over hers.  Rolling his eyes, Kid grabbed the reins of both horses and headed for the livery.

Releasing Laurie's lips, Heyes relaxed his hold, letting her slide down him so her feet touched the ground.  Gazing into his eyes she softly said, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too."

Leaning her head on his chest, she wrinkled her nose, "You smell."  Heyes tilted his head at her as she reached up and ran her hand over his cheek. "And you need a shave."

"Anything else?" Heyes asked sounding amused.

"Nope," she said as her eyes twinkled at him.  "I think that's it for now."

Heyes arched his brow at her, "You could come scrub my back."

"Sounds appealing," she replied seductively, "but I have some errands I need to take care of for Doris."  Heyes pretended to be crushed.  Smiling she added, "You go start and I'll join you when I'm done."  Heyes let out a low guttural growl as Laurie leaned in.  Turning her nose up again, she complained, "Oh, you really do smell.  Go."  She pointed to the hotel doors.   Kid caught up to Heyes as he turned for the hotel.   "Glad you're back Thaddeus."  He leaned down to kiss her head.  Pushing him away she stated, "Oh, you smell worse than Joshua."  Heyes chuckled; Kid, looked offended.  "Go," she ordered, "baths; both of you!"  Kid shrugged at Heyes and they turned towards the hotel steps as Laurie continued across the street. 

**

"Do you really think we lost the posse?"  Steven McCaffery asked his older brother as they rode towards the town.

"Ain't seen them in a couple of hours," Stanley McCaffery replied as he took a quick glance behind his shoulder.  "I think we covered our tracks good enough when we came out of the river."

"Still think it's a good idea to head for town?"

"Yeah, they'll never think we'd double back and head t' town.  They's thinkin' we're headin' t' the hills."

"What ‘bout the rest of the gang?"

"What ‘bout ‘em?"

"Ya think they's still bein' chased?"

"Hope not, if they's still headin' for town."

**

Kid Curry bounded down the steps of the hotel feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a nice soaking bath.  "Thaddeus," Doris called out as she emerged from the kitchen.  "I heard you and Joshua were back."

"Doris," he tipped his hat to her. "Got back ‘bout an hour ago."

"I hope it was a good trip," Doris stated as she dried her hands on her apron.

He nodded his head.  "The Colonel seems to like our work.  He's a friend of the Governor, so I think it was a good trip." 

"Good to hear," she smiled at him. 

"Doris," Kid tipped his hat and then continued towards the hotel door.

"Thaddeus," she called after him.  "You will be back for supper won't you?"

"Yes ma'am.  I told Joshua I would take care of sending Lom a telegram.  Then, I'll be back."

"Good," she smiled.  "Laurie made blueberry pie for dessert."  She paused then added, "I saw Laurie go upstairs; I assume Joshua's in their room?"

"Last I knew," he tipped his hat again and continued out the door. 

**

Steven and Stanley McCaffery slowed their horses as they entered the far side of Small Falls.  Their eyes darted around looking to see if anyone noticed them or was following.  Comforted in the fact they were alone, they steered their horses towards the saloon.  

"Looks like we got here first," Steven stated as he dismounted, his eyes continued to dart every which way.

"Let's get a drink while we wait," Stanley stated.  Steven nodded and followed his older brother and leader of the gang into the saloon.  They leaned against the edge of the bar.  "Whiskey," Stanley growled.  They both downed the whiskey in one gulp and motioned to the bartender to refill their glasses.  Stanley picked the glass up and turned to see who else was in the saloon.  Being before dinner, the bar was practically empty.  Stanley noted the bartender, one lone saloon girl primping herself in the mirror behind the bar and what appeared to be the town drunk, more asleep then awake.  Basically empty, Stanley, satisfied with the surroundings, relaxed his back into the bar as he sipped his whiskey. 

**

The rest of the McCaffery gang didn't have the luck Stanley and Steven did.  They had been riding all over the hills, through the river and back trying to lose the posse.  Finally, after several hours, it looked as though luck was finally on their side. With the town of Small Falls in sight, Hooper turned to Schmitt and asked, "Ya think its safe enough?"

Schmitt did a quick once around the terrain with his eyes.  "I think the last pass through the trees did the trick.  Haven't seen no one for at least a half hour." 

"Ya think Stanley and Steven are there yet?"  Hooper inquired.

"Let's go find out."  Schmitt pulled the reigns to the left towards Small Falls.  "I need me a whiskey!"  Whoops and hollers came from the rest of the gang as they urged their horses on towards town. 

Entering the town of Small Falls they saw the McCaffery brother's horses tied up in front of the saloon and headed that way to join them.   Hopper pulled his horse up, "I'm going to do a once around the town.  James, you're with me."  With a nod, Hopper and James turned their horses to the outside of town, while Schmitt led the rest of the men to the saloon.

**

Rick Tupper and his men had been on the trail of the McCaffrey gang for the past two days.  He had split the posse in two when the gang split; his group followed the McCaffrey brothers.  After a couple of days of following the brothers, Tupper thought he had lost them in the hills.  Spotting a town a short ways a way, he headed for it to send a telegram back home. 

The posse came down the hill and entered Small Falls on the far side of town just in time to see Stanley and Steven McCaffery enter the saloon. 

**

Walking into their room, Laurie saw Heyes standing by the mirror; his hair wet and slicked back; he had a towel wrapped around his waist.  Smiling, she walked over to him, stopping a few feet behind him.  He smiled at her in the mirror as he continued to shave.  She reached up and lightly touched his back with her fingertips.  "No new scratches?" she asked as she watched her fingers trace the outline of his back.

"No," he replied with another stroke of the razor.

"No new bumps?" she inquired.  As she stepped closer her fingers began tracing old wounds.

"Uh-uh."

"Bruises?" she stepped even closer without touching him. 

He could feel her warm breath on his back.  "No," he sighed, closing his eye momentarily at the sensation. 

"No new bullet holes?" Kissing his back, she wrapped her arms around his waist. 

Heyes chuckled, "No, no new bullet holes."  Moving his free hand down, he placed it on top of hers.  "But if you don't stop, I'm going to hurt myself with the razor."

"Oh," she exclaimed. 

Laurie tried to remove her hands from his waist and step back but Heyes clamped his hand down on hers.  "You don't have to go," he said quietly.  "Just stop moving until I'm done shaving."

"Okay," she replied as she leaned her head against his back A few moments passed as Heyes finished shaving.  "What about Kid?"

"What?"

"What about Kid, did he get hurt?"

No," he replied as he picked up a towel, wiping off the remaining specks of lather.  Turning in her arms, and gazing into her eyes he said, "Neither of us got hurt."

"Good."  Leaning in and kissing Heyes' chest, she purred.  "Mmm you smell good."

**

Kid walked out of the telegraph office after sending a telegram to Lom.  He was going to wait for a response but Mr. Quimby, the telegraph operator, was busy so he figured he would pass the time at the saloon.  If things went the way he thought they would, he would have just enough time to have a beer, pick up Lom's response at the telegraph office and return to the hotel in time for dinner.  He certainly didn't want to be late for dinner.  Doris always went out of her way to make an extra special dinner when he and Heyes returned to town and then there was the blueberry pie Kid was thinking about as he stepped into the saloon at the exact wrong time.

 As Kid cleared the batwing doors, he immediately saw the two scruffy strangers standing at the bar.  He noted the tied down gun belts as he saw them checking him out.  Deciding they were only trouble, he started to turn to head back out the same doors he just came through.  "Thaddeus," a friendly voice called his name.  Kid stopped and turned to the voice.  "Welcome home," the bartender continued. 

"Joe," Kid nodded as he once again started to turn towards the doors. 

"Not even gonna stay for a beer?"  Joe asked, his voice sounding slightly pleading, as he too was uncomfortable with the men at the end of the bar.  "It's on the house," he quickly added.  "You can tell me all about your trip." Kid shrugged, he just couldn't see turning down a free beer. 

**

Tupper quickly made his way to the Sheriff's office to apprise him of the situation and what was about to take place. Stepping into the office, Tupper instructed the two men with him to keep watch on the saloon.  As Tupper and Sheriff Tom Hardy stepped out onto the boardwalk the men watching the saloon informed them that the rest of the McCaffery gang had just joined the brothers. 

As quickly as possible, the men moved into position around the saloon.  Tupper was hunkered down behind a water trough in front of the Sheriff's office.  Sheriff Hardy was positioned next to him with his deputy standing behind some barrels on the boardwalk.  Tupper's men had moved closer to the saloon, positioning themselves on either side.  "McCaffery, I know you're in there, come out with your hands up," the voice boomed from across the street.

**

Schmitt was still standing near the batwing doors when Tupper called out. With one swift movement Stanley raised his arm and forcefully dropped it, hitting Kid in the side of the head with the butt of his gun with such force it knocked him out.  Then turning his gun on Schmitt, Stanley snarled, "You were followed!" and pulled the trigger.  Shock spread across Schmitt's face as he slowly looked down at his hand that instinctively had gone towards the wound.  Staring at the blood covered hand he whimpered; stumbling backwards; he fell out of the batwing door, stumbling before falling face first in the dirt as shots erupted from the side of the saloon.  Soon shots were being volleyed back and forth from the saloon to in front of the Sheriff's office.

"What'd ya do that for?"  Steven inquired.

"Schmitt brought the posse," Stanley barked. 

"Him," Steven gestured towards the crumbled heap that was Kid on the floor.

"Wears his gun tied down. Could be part of the posse," Stanley snapped.  "Anyone move," Stanley, barked as he eyed the few patrons in the saloon, "you'll be joinin' Schmitt, Bert, tie ‘em up. Boys," Stanley bellowed and the rest of his gang took positions at the front of the saloon. Hearing the shots, Hooper and James rounded the livery and dismounted.  Taking cover they joined the gunfight.

**

Lifting her head off Heyes' chest, they locked their eyes on each other's.  Heyes dipped his head...bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.  Instinctively dropping to the floor,  he pulled Laurie down behind him as a flurry of gunshots could be heard from the street below.  Eyeing his gun belt on the bedpost, Heyes quickly crawled towards it.  "Stay behind the bathtub," he instructed Laurie as he reached up and grabbed his gun belt.  Bang, Bang, Bang.  "Kid," Heyes called quietly in the direction of the door between their rooms. Bang, bang, bang.  "Kid."  Heyes looked at the gun belt and the towel he was wearing, rolling his eyes, he quickly grabbed his clothes.  Bang, bang, bang. "Thaddeus," he called out a little louder. Bang, bang, bang.   Thrusting his legs into his pants, he quickly crawled over to the door between rooms, opening it; he looked around the empty room.  Bang, bang, bang, bang.  Heyes quickly worked his way to the window, buttoning his shirt as he moved.  Standing to the side, he carefully peered out the window while he put his gun belt on.  Bang, bang, bang.  "It looks like its coming from the saloon," he stated as he scanned the street below.  Bang, bang, bang.  "I see at least three," he instinctively said out loud.   Bang, bang, bang.  "There's one face down in the street."  Laurie drew a sharp breath in.  Bang, bang, bang.  "I can't tell who it is."  Heyes paused as he continued to take in as much of the street as he could.  "I think the Sheriff's in front of the jail." He moved his head trying to get a better look.  "Looks like a couple more guys are with him but I can't tell from here."  Bang, bang, bang. "That came from the livery; can't see anyone over there."  Bang, bang, bang.  Heyes looked around the room and towards the open door between the rooms, "Where the hell is Kid?"  He stepped away from the window, staying low; he made his way to the door.  "Stay here, I'm gonna look for Kid."

"I'm coming with you."

"No, you're staying here where you'll be safe."

"There are windows in the room and a bullet can come in.  I'm going with you."

Heyes sighed, not wanting to waste any more time.  "Fine," he gritted out.  "Stay down and stay behind me."  Laurie nodded and crawled towards the door.  Heyes peered out into the hallway, seeing it clear, they both headed towards the lobby.  Heyes led the way; gun in hand with Laurie close behind.  "Stay behind me and do everything I say, no questions."

**

Walter and Doris were huddled behind the front desk in the lobby as Heyes and Laurie made their way down the steps. "What's going on?"  Walter called out.

"Not sure," Heyes stated as he and Laurie huddled with them.  "Have you seen Thaddeus?"

Walter shook his head.  "He left here about ten minutes ago to send a telegram," Doris replied. 

"You haven't seen him since?"  Heyes asked.

"Not since he left.  He said he would be back in time for supper," Doris responded as she clutched her husband's arm.  "You don't think..."

"I don't know what to think and won't ‘til I get outside and find out what's goin' on," Heyes stated.  Looking at Laurie, he instructed, "Stay here with Walter and Doris, you'll be safe.  I have to go find Thaddeus."  Laurie opened her mouth to object but the look in Heyes' eyes told her not to. Sensing her disagreement, Heyes continued, "I don't know what's out there and I can't be worried about you."  Laurie nodded.  "Walter, we'll barricade the front door.  I'm going out the back.  Once I leave I want you to barricade that too."

"But you won't be able to get back in," Laurie anxiously stated.

"There're plenty of places I can take cover," Heyes affirmed.

"What if they're after Thaddeus?  What if they're after you!"  Laurie contended.  "What if someone recognizes you?  You need someone to watch your back."

"There're too many shots for it to be just Thaddeus and he wouldn't get in a gunfight." Seeing the anguish on Laurie's face Heyes added, "I'll be fine. I'll make sure to see who's out there before they see me.  I need you to be safe. Stay inside, behind the desk and stay low."

"Please don't go out there Joshua," Doris pleaded.

"You know I have to," he replied. Heyes gave Laurie a soft kiss. "Walter..." Heyes indicated for him to follow. They barricaded the front door and as soon as Heyes left Walter took care of the back door.

Doris patted Laurie's arm, "I'm sure he'll be fine dear."

**

Stepping out of the back door, Heyes carefully scanned the area.  Shots were still being fired on the front street.  With his gun in his hand, Heyes went to his right, away from the saloon, and down the back alley.  He stayed in the cover of the buildings as he made his way around to the other side of the street behind the Sheriff's office.  Creeping up along the wall of the jail, Heyes peered around to see who was with Sheriff Hardy.  Not recognizing anyone but the deputy with Hardy, Heyes quickly darted to Hardy's position. 

"Sheriff," Heyes said, as he crouched next to him. Bang, bang, bang.

"Joshua," Hardy replied a bit startled.  Bang, bang, bang.

"Haven't seen Thaddeus have you?"  Bang, bang.

"Can't say as I have; kind'a busy right now." Bang, bang, bang, bang,

"Aha," Heyes said as he carefully peered around the trough.  "Who ya shootin' at?"

"The McCaffrey Gang.  Tupper here," he indicated to the man at the other end of the water trough, "has been on their trail for a few days."

Heyes contemplated what to do.  "I gotta get to the telegraph office, can you cover me?"  Bang, bang, bang.

Hardy stared cross-eyed at Heyes, "What?  You have to send a telegram now!" Bang, bang.

"No, I have to find Thaddeus.  Last anyone knows he was goin' to send a telegram." Bang, bang, bang.

"He ain't in the telegraph office," Jeremiah the sheriff's deputy chimed in. "Last I saw, he was walking across the street towards the salooo..." Jeremiah never finished the word as he gulped. 

Heyes closed his eyes as the word and realization hung in the air.  Kid was in the saloon.  The McCaffrey gang was in the saloon and shooting at the Sheriff.  There were a couple more people shooting at them from the livery.  If Kid was in the saloon, and the gang was still shooting at the Sheriff, what happened to Kid?  Heyes knew Kid wouldn't endanger others in the saloon but he also knew he couldn't just sit by and do nothing.  Horror spread across Heyes' face as he remembered a brown hat in the street.  Practically jumping up he looked at the body in the street with the brown hat.  Sliding back behind cover as a shot rang over his head, Heyes sighed in relief; it wasn't Kid's hat. 

"Joshua, Joshua," Hardy yelled, bringing Heyes back into reality.  Bang, bang, bang.

"Huh?"  Bang, bang.

"Could use a little help," Hardy stated.  Bang, bang, bang.

"Oh," Heyes shook his head.  Turning and raising his gun above the trough, he dropped back down without shooting.  "Thaddeus could get hit.  Anyone else trapped in there could get hit." Bang, bang, bang.

"True, but we could get hit out here if we don't shoot back," Tupper stated.  Bang, bang, bang.

"Joshua's right," Hardy said.  "Hold your fire." 

"What?" Tupper began to argue.

"We've been shootin' at them for how long now and haven't gotten 'em to stop.  No sense wastin' bullets when we can't get to ‘em."  Hardy turned to Heyes, "Got a plan?"

"Not right this second," Heyes said as the bullets continued in their direction. "Give me a minute to think."

**

"Hold up boys," Stanley called out as he put his hand up motioning to stop shooting.  He listened for a moment as his eyes darted around as he looked outside.  "They aint shootin' at us anymore?" 

"I hear shots," Steven stated sounding confused.

"They's comin' from the livery," Stanley looked around at the gang.  "Must be Hooper and James cause they's aimin' at Tupper an' not us."

After a few moments, Hooper and James stopped; there wasn't a sound to be heard in the entire town. 

"Why ya think they stopped?"  Steven asked nervously.  "Do ya think we got ‘em all?"

"Don't know?"  Stanley continued to scan the area.  "Anyone see anything?" 

"Nothin,"  "Nope," Uh-uh," was heard from the rest of the gang.

Stanley looked around the inside of the saloon.  "What the hell is goin' on?" 

**

"How many people ya think are in the saloon?"  Heyes asked Hardy.

"This time a day, a couple," he replied.   "Let's see, Joe, of course, probably Molly, and before dinner, Terrance is most likely sleepin' it off ‘for he goes home, and Jeremiah said Thaddeus just went in.  That makes four maybe a couple more."

Heyes sat there thinking.  "How many in the McCaffrey gang?"

"We was chasin' eight of them," Tupper stated.

"Eight," Heyes repeated the answer.  "Is that one of them face down in the street?"

"Yep," Tupper replied.

"Seven," Heyes counted.  "There are at least two shootin' from the livery.  That makes five in the saloon."  Heyes thought for a moment.  "Four in the saloon; take away Molly and Terrence, that leaves two."  He sighed.  "They must have Thaddeus tied up or he's afraid someone else will get hurt." He blew out air and momentarily closed his eyes hoping being tied up was the only thing keeping Kid from doing something.

"Why?"  Tupper asked.

"Cause they're still shootin' at us," Heyes stated.   Tupper creased his brow. 

Sheriff Hardy chuckled at the look on Tupper's face.  "You don't know Thaddeus."  Tupper shrugged.  "He don't back down easily.

Heyes chuckled.  "No he don't."  He chuckled again.  "Unless he thinks someone's gonna get hurt because of him."

"They have him out numbered," Tupper explained.

"Never known Thaddeus to be too good with numbers."  Heyes turned and peered out over the water trough.  "No somethin's keeping Thaddeus from helping.  I just have to figure out what."  Heyes contemplated his options for a few moments, he sighed, not liking any of them.  Finally he said, "Okay, I'm gonna go around the alley to the back of the saloon.  Hopefully, I can get in the back door without them knowing."

"Are you crazy?"  Tupper exclaimed.

"No, just don't see any other way," Heyes grimaced.  "If we keep shooting back and forth someone is gonna get hurt or worse killed."

"We can get more ammunition," Tupper stated.  "They can't."

"True, but I think they'll take out the people in the saloon before they run out and then try for some more out here," Heyes stated as he looked around trying to figure out his best route to the back of the saloon.

"Gotta agree with Joshua," Hardy said.  "There're innocent people in there; we gotta try to save ‘em."

Heyes took a breath in and blew it out.  "Okay, I'm gonna head out the back alley.  Give me," he paused and looked at his watch, "ten minutes and then start shooting again.  Try to create some kind of diversion."

"Sounds like a plan, ‘cept I'm comin' with you," Hardy affirmed.  Heyes turned to face Hardy; contemplating the thought.  "You're gonna need someone to watch your back and with Thaddeus in the saloon, you'll need another partner."  Heyes creased his brow before Hardy finished, "Temporary that is."

Heyes relaxed and then nodded.  Looking at Tupper he reminded him.  "Ten minutes." 

**

Heyes and Hardy made it to the back of the saloon without incident.  Crouched down, Heyes looked at his watch, "Three minutes," he stated.  Hardy nodded.  Looking at the back door, Heyes continued.  "This door will take us into the supply room.  I'll go first.  Hopefully the door into the saloon is at least partially shut so we can see what's goin' on without them seein' us."

"What if it's not?  What if it's open?"

"Then we're gonna have to be real quiet," Heyes deadpanned. Bang, Bang, Bang.  Heyes looked at his watch, "They're early!"

**

The four men that split off from Tupper heard lots of gunshots in the distance as they searched for their half of the McCaffrey gang.  Seeing the town, they headed towards it.  As they approached the town, it was silent.  Rogers looked at Nicholas, "Maybe it wasn't them?"

"Might not be, jus' the same, keep your eyes open," Nicholas stated as they entered the town by the livery. 

**

Hunkered down in the opening to the livery, Hooper nudged James as he saw the posse riding by them.  With a nod they opened fire on the men.  "Ahh!" Rogers yelled out as he fell off his horse. 

"Damn," Nicholas countered as he jumped down to help his friend.  "Take cover," he yelled as he grabbed Rogers under the shoulders, pulling him to cover behind some crates.  Once again all hell broke loose with Tupper and his men firing at the saloon and the livery.  Hooper and James continued firing at the new arrivals; and Stanley, Steven and the rest of the gang returning Tupper's fire.  

**

Crouched down, Heyes quickly made his way to the back door of the saloon and ever so carefully opened it.  Opening it a crack, he peered in; seeing no one in the storage room, he entered followed by Hardy.  Heyes made his way to the door between the storeroom and the saloon with Hardy in tow.  Once again, he slowly and carefully turned the knob to crack open the door, hoping any noise or action out front would keep the eyes of those in the saloon forward and not towards the storeroom. 

Looking in, Heyes could see Molly, Terrance, and Jeremiah tied up to chairs.  Scanning the room he saw Kid lying in a heap by the bar with his hands and feet tied up.  Leaning his head back on the wall he thought; Kid, what have you gotten yourself into this time?  Taking a breath in, he blew it out.  At least, he thought, if he's tied up, he must still be alive.  With the bar in the way, he could only see two gunmen.  The shooting from the saloon and outside was fierce.  Closing the door, Heyes motioned to Hardy to come closer.  "I can't see around the bar, I'm going to try to creep out by the bar and get a better look." 

"You sure you wanna do that?" 

"I'm sure I don't want to do it, but I don't see another way."  Listening for a few moments, Heyes added, "Does it sound like there are more in the fight?"  Hardy listened and then nodded.  "I swear they sound like they're right outside the saloon doors."

"It does sound awfully close," Hardy agreed.

"Well, cover me."  Hardy nodded as Heyes once again carefully opened the door.  Slipping out, Heyes slid over to the side of the bar, just as a large barrel came crashing through the large glass saloon window.  Stanley turned as the barrel came through the window and caught a glimpse of Heyes.  Heyes ducked behind the bar as Stanley fired six quick shots, missing Heyes but sending glass and the contents of several whiskey bottles down onto him.  As Stanley moved to fire at Heyes, he came into view of Hardy who took him down in two shots. 

"No," Steven yelled as he ran towards Hardy and then everything went wild.  Glass and bodies seemed to be flying everywhere as Tupper and his men came barreling into the bar.  Within seconds, it was finally over, as the remaining McCaffery Gang members gave up. 

Heyes shook his head; glass and whiskey scattered; then quickly moved towards Kid, who as far as Heyes could tell, hadn't moved.

"What in tar nation," Hardy bellowed, stalking into the saloon and over to Tupper. 

"We waited ten minutes," Tupper stated, sounding annoyed.

"You were early," Heyes stated as he began to check out Kid.  "Thaddeus," he lightly tapped Kid's face.  Heyes moved Kid's head and saw the blonde hair matted down by blood.   "Oh, Thaddeus," Heyes examined the wound and was pleased to feel only a large lump with a small gash.  Heyes checked to make sure that was the only injury as he untied him.

"The rest of the posse showed up.  The gang in the livery started shooting at ‘em, they shot back," Tupper explained, not know why he had to.  "They took out those two.  We figured you were in by now and we out numbered them."

Getting up into Tupper's face, Hardy hollered, "There are innocent people in here and you could have gotten ‘em killed!"   Realizing he hadn't even noticed the hostages, Hardy looked around, sighing in relief when he saw Molly, Joe and Terrance scared but unharmed.  "Get ‘em out of here," Hardy growled as he motioned with his hand at the McCaffrey gang to Tupper, and then headed over towards the hostages.  "How's Thaddeus doin'?" he called over his shoulder as he began to untie the group. 

"Ooohh," Thaddeus groaned as Heyes touched the gash.

"They hit him with the butt of a gun when they knew the posse was out there," Joe explained as his hands were now free, he was untying his feet.

"Hey Thaddeus," Heyes said again, as he tapped Kid's shoulder.  "Thaddeus..."

"Can you stop talking so loud," Kid moaned.  

"Okay, partner," Heyes, said soothingly.  "Good thing ya got a thick head."

"Joshua, Thaddeus," Laurie anxiously called out as she ran into the saloon with Walter and then Doris in tow.  Seeing Heyes she made a beeline to him.  Heyes stood up, catching her in his arms. 

"Sorry Joshua," Walter puffed; out of breath, as he had to run to keep up with Laurie.  "As soon as the shooting stopped, she was out of the hotel."  He puffed a few more times and then added, "Doc's on his way."

Heyes held Laurie close to him.  Kissing her temple he said, "Sshh, its okay."

Listening to Heyes' heartbeat Laurie began to settle down. Feeling his shirt, Laurie panicked, "Oh my, you're hurt!" 

Heyes shook his head, "No..."

"You're wet?"

Heyes chuckled, "They hit the whiskey bottles above the bar when they were shooting.  I had a whiskey shower."

Sighing she rested her head back on Heyes' chest.  Lifting her she asked, "Thaddeus?"

"What?"  Kid whined.

Heyes chuckled as he loosened his hold on Laurie.  Kneeling down he stated, "Stay still partner, Doc Williams is on is way."

**

The doctor came and went; Kid was the only one of the hostages with any type of injury.   Doc diagnosed it as a big ugly bump on the head.  Heyes and Walter got Kid back to his room in the hotel and Laurie got some warm water to wash the wound and the hair around it. As Laurie gently washed his head, Kid stared at her with a lopsided grin. She giggled. 

"What?"  Kid said sounding a little dopey.

"Nothing," Laurie washed Kid's hair, softly sweeping it back.

"That feels nice."

"I'm glad," she smiled at him.  Heyes watched from the side as his wife took care of his partner.

"Heyes is lucky you have him, you he has," Kid creased his brow trying to figure out what he was saying.

"I know," Heyes agreed as he walked over to Laurie.  Kid gave Heyes a droopy smile.  "You get a drink before you got hit in the head?"  Heyes chuckled.

"Nope," Kid swore, sounding as though he had quite a few, "just walked into the saloon, and bop."  

"I think its time for you to rest," Heyes chortled.  Leaning over, Laurie gave Kid a kiss on the temple and then left to empty the basin.  Picking up an extra quilt, Heyes tucked Kid in.  "Yell if you need anything." He patted Kid's shoulder and then turned to the door between rooms.

"Heyes..."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

Smiling, Heyes walked back over to the bed, "Anytime."  Struggling to keep his eyes open, Kid opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't remember what.  "Get some rest.  I'll be right next door if you need anything, just holler."  Kid smiled as his eye closed.

**

Quietly closing the door between rooms, Heyes walked over to Laurie.  Wrapping his arms around her he smiled, "I am lucky to have you."  He kissed the tip of her nose. 

"Same here," Laurie kept her words to a minimum as the day began to sink in. 

"Hey, you're trembling."  Laurie played with Heyes' shirt button.  "Penny for your thoughts."

Blinking back the tears that were forming, Laurie whispered, "I was so worried about losing you and Kid." 

"Hey, didn't I tell you, we're like cats," Heyes gave her a dimpled smile, "nine lives."

"Yeah and you're both on about twenty!" Leaning in, Laurie scrunched her nose.  Looking up at Heyes she stated, "You smell."  Heyes creased his brow at her.  Slowly a seductive smile spread across Laurie's face.  "I'm done my errands."

A devilish smile spread across Heyes' face right before he captured her lips.