THE ROCK CREEK ADVENTUROUS TALES PART THREE CHAPTER ONE He hadn't deserved to die the torturous way that he did. How cruel the mind of an outlaw can be. Does an outlaw have no conscious mind at all? When an outlaw draws on and kills an innocent human being does this coward who hides behind the gun not comprehend that his victim has a family who loves him and will grief for him for the rest of their life? An outlaw simply takes what HE wants and he has no compassion for the family and friends left behind. An outlaw will do whatever it takes to benefit his own agenda, his own passions, and his own needs. An outlaw will acquire the assistance of innocent law-abiding citizens for a simple task that he may need accomplished, but once he has exploited that innocent individual that person is expendable! An outlaw feels no remorse over the action that he must take to secure his own well-being or the well-being of HIS family! She feels her body thrashing wildly on the bed, but she can't persuade her eyes to open. The screams in the night had they really come from her vocal cords? She feels the dryness of her throat pleading for her to wake up to suppress the gasps that are hindering her breathing. Her screams in the night had been piercing. Surely someone would hear her cries for help and come running to assist her. Had the screams in her sleep been in vain? She feels panic begin to sweep over her body as she becomes a spectator to the tragic way he had been killed. No one had heard her cries to help her save the man she loved. The smoke had been so thick she could barely see the elderly man that was slumped over at his desk. The fire and smoke were surrounding his still body. Upon the floor beneath the chair that he sits on lay a horrific puddle of blood, his blood! She hears a frightening laughter of manipulation and deceit flourishing around her. She can't see the man behind the hideous laughter. She reluctantly pulls back the curtain to her papa's jewelry and engraving workshop. The utter fear that she is feeling catches in her throat. Her voice is silent. Her eyes become wide open with horror as she views the demented being of Emery Pike! ***** His warm and gentle touch envelopes her body like no other man has ever been able to do. His gentle, but hard-worked hands cup her face tenderly as he pulls her softly to him for a passionate kiss. She loves this man more than life. The gunfire rang out amongst the trees that the outlaws used to conceal their whereabouts from the lawmen hunting them down. Her body loses control and cold shivers invade her restless sleep. Clad only in her white nightdress she follows a trail of blood through the moon lit town as she frantically searches every building for him. Her mind is making her mad with anguish with every door that she opens and he is not behind it. Yet, she knows that he is near. She wonders through every dark alley with his voice softly calling out for her to find him. She stumbles her way around Rock Creek for what seems like hours before the trail of his blood takes her to Doc Barnes clinic. She starts to raise her hand to turn the knob that will open the door, but it opens before she even touches the doorknob. The smoke from long ago appears again, but this time there is no fire! There are only the echoing sounds of gunfire surrounding her body! She begins to walk apprehensively through the doors with her arms wrapped tightly around her chest as if she is trying to protect herself from the gunfire that surrounds her and chills that run down her spine. She walks into a cold and dark room and immediately witnesses Teaspoon and Kid pacing in rabid fashion back and forth and then back and forth again. Neither man senses her presence. Their heads are lowered while they both stare blindly at the wooden floor beneath their boots. The first perception of his demise that she observes is that both Teaspoon and Kid's clothes are covered with blood! His blood! She walks past them, but they don't even acknowledge her presence in the room. She enters a dark corridor. She stumbles through it finding her way by clinging to the walls. She approaches yet another door that is tightly closed shut. She lightly pushes on this door to open it. It creaks open to allow her visual entrance to the room. She stands in the doorframe screaming at the sight of his unresponsive body sprawled out on a bed covered with blood, his blood! ***** An astounding scream comes from within her quivering body. Having been startled out of her nightmare Jane abruptly sits up in her bed! Her breathing is laborious as she clasps her hands to her chest hoping to bring her gasps for air under control! She wipes the sweat off her face with the back of her hand. She feels the light moisture that reminds her of the reason behind her feverish trembling. Rachel doesn't bother to knock on Jane's bedroom door. She heard Jane scream out in horror and feels the need to make sure the young woman is all right. She thrusts open the door to Jane's bedroom and quickly makes strides to get to the woman who has her knees drawn up to her chest with her hands clasped around them as she rocks her body back and forth on her bed. The color has completely drained from Jane's face. Rachel slowly walks to the edge of Jane's bed and sits down, not allowing her eyes to move off the frightened young woman. "Did you have the same dream again?" Rachel asked barely above a whisper not wanting to upset Jane any further. "Rachel, I know he's hurt somewhere. Why haven't they returned home yet?" Jane spoke her voice cracking with emotion. Rachel brings the young woman to her chest and holds her tenderly as Jane becomes overwhelmed with emotion. "It is only a dream Jane. I'm sure that all of them will be returning home unharmed," Rachel spoke almost trying to convince herself as much as Jane that the men are all coming home unscathed. CHAPTER TWO The dawn of the morning had yet to appear when the lawmen and Jack Morgan busted into Doc Barnes's clinic carrying a severely wounded Buck. The doc had quickly taken authority of the grave situation. He ordered Kid and Teaspoon to lay Buck gently down on the bed in the back room. Then as if neither of them matters Doc Barnes requested that both men leave him alone with Buck. With much apprehension both Kid and Teaspoon eventually made their way to the waiting room. Teaspoon and Kid both took up to pacing back and forth in the small waiting room of the clinic. With their heads lowered as if they are both in a state of shock they blindly stared at the creaky, wooden floor beneath their boots. Even as they pass each other in the middle of the room neither glances up to acknowledge the other. They silently pass each other, pace a few more steps, turn and start over again. They are completely in sync with each other. If one didn't know any better you would observe the two men and swear that Kid was actually Teaspoon's son. Jack Morgan is resting on a nearby chair. He is holding onto his wounded right arm with his left hand. Blood is trickling down in-between the fingers of his left hand. His face is covered with beads of sweat from a fever and the nervousness that Kid and Teaspoon are causing with their continuous pacing! He wonders if an infection could be setting in already. The sweat drips down into his eyes giving Jack a terrible burning sensation. He blinks his eyes a few times trying desperately to relieve the burning pain. He swipes his face with the dirty sleeve of his left forearm to prevent his eyes from suffering through the blinding pain again. Jack's eyes wildly follow both Teaspoon and Kid as the two are pacing in front of him. He is having quite a time keeping up with the both of them. His eyes begin to water from the constant back and forth motions of the two distraught men. He sighs heavily in contempt of the two lawmen pacing an unmarred rhythm directly in front of him. "It would be really appreciated if the two of you could change your pattern just a bit," Jack spoke glaring annoyingly at the two men who pay him no mind. Jack watches a few minutes longer. He tries desperately to shadow his eyes with his left hand, but he can still sense their pacing back and forth and his action of shadowing his eyes only causes his eyes to water all the more. He clears his throat in a repulsive manner hoping that will get Kid and Teaspoon's attention. It takes a few moments for Teaspoon to realize that Jack is watching them pace with a sickly look on his face. Teaspoon finally halts his progression. With his hands perched on his hips he completely ignores Jack and he gazes at Kid who hasn't let up on his pacing or the painful expression on his face. "It didn't bother him at all," Teaspoon spoke his voice cracking with emotion. Kid stops in front of Teaspoon with a quizzical expression. "I mean what Jesse did. It was like…like he had it all…. planned out. I've been a complete fool. All along Jesse…Jesse had planned to take Buck…to take Buck from us," Teaspoon spoke his words stammering from his mouth. Kid stays silent. If he voices his opinion on the subject of Jesse and all that he has done to their lives he knows inevitably he will break down emotionally. He fights back on his emotional state by reminiscing about the past. He and Buck had become surprisingly close after Ike had been killed. Kid hadn't planned it that way. Kid had actually thought that the Kiowa would become close to Jimmy. Even though all of them were as tight as any close-knit family could possibly be, Jimmy was probably closest to Ike after Buck. But Jimmy doesn't handle well the emotional pain that others may be feeling and at the time Buck needed someone to just be there if he needed to talk. Jimmy is a man of action and especially with his gun that doesn't require much listening. Buck needed someone in his life at that time that was more then willing to sit and listen for hours or someone who was just willing to sit close by without talking or listening. Buck started to lean on Kid for support because he was there to listen when Buck needed someone to listen and he was their just to sit close by just in case Buck was having a bad day. Because of Kid's ability to listen for hours on end if need be, he and Buck have become the best of friends, as well as partners in business and brothers. Kid knows he could never take Ike's place in Buck's heart and he wouldn't want to, but he also knows that he and Buck are just as close as Buck once was with Ike. It's enough for Kid to know that he and Buck have a lasting friendship that will never die, just like the friendship that Ike and Buck have even though Ike is gone from this world. "If Buck should die I'll hunt that bast… I'll hunt Jesse down until he feels the same pain that Buck is feeling, the pain that all of us are feeling," Kid spoke with anguish. Kid turns to look back at the closed door that Buck is behind. A single tear escapes from his eyes and runs unashamed down his cheek. "You have to fight Buck," Kid quietly spoke to his friend hoping Buck can hear his encouragement. ***** Since Buck was brought into Doc Barnes's clinic there has been no movement from his body. His shallow breathing has the doc stopping the procedure he is performing to make certain that the young man is still alive. The doc had removed his clothing and left Buck with only his long john bottoms on. He would do anything necessary and within his capabilities to make sure his patients are comfortable even his patients that are unconscious. It is his belief that an unconscious patient feels the care being given to them the same way a patient who is awake does. The doc sighs heavily. He is feeling a little overwhelmed from all the blood that Buck is losing, with sorrow that Buck's loved ones may not get the chance to say good-bye. The doc gently places a white towel over the profuse wound on Buck's upper right chest. He presses down on the wound hoping to halt the progressive bleeding before Buck loses too much blood and in the aftermath of losing too much blood he loses his life! Doc Barnes could easily think of a hundred different ways that he would rather be spending a Sunday morning. The ironic notion that he could lose a good man like Buck Cross on a peaceful Sunday morning doesn't sit well with him. He silently wonders how he would break the awful news to Buck's family. Could any of them survive yet another loss of a loved one? The doc tosses another towel soaked with Buck's blood onto the young man's legs. He glances down at the many towels covering Buck's legs that are causing his long johns to be soaked red in color. He'll have to make sure he changes Buck's long johns before he allows his family in to visit with him. He would surely get a harsh reprimanding from Teaspoon if Buck's family were made aware, by visual awareness, of the astounding amount of blood that he has lost. Doc Barnes grabs another towel from the nearby end table that is next to the bed that Buck is occupying. He places the clean towel over Buck's wound. "Come on Buck. You have to help me out here a bit," Doc Barnes spoke quietly to his unconscious patient. ***** As Jimmy rides onto the ranch his eyes make a quick assessment of any sign of human life. He doesn't see any. For a brief moment his entire body feels encircled with fear. What if Jesse and his gang had came back to the ranch, like Buck had thought Jesse was planning and murdered his family? The ranch seemed too quiet as he gallops his horse to a halt in front of the white picket fence encasing the front yard of the Hunter Homestead. Jimmy dismounts the horse before the horse actually comes to a complete stop. He tosses the reins aside. He doesn't bother to open the gate of the fence. Instead Jimmy jumps the fence and almost lands face down on the ground when his left trouser leg secures itself to a sharp edge of the fence! Jimmy must hop around on one foot while he releases the fabric with his hand from the fence. If anything can go wrong to impede his swift strides to the front door, it will happen. After a short time of trying to yank his pant leg free from the gate he manages to get his freedom and he proceeds swiftly to the front porch. Jimmy would have preferred not to be the bearer of bad news. He had understood that Kid needed to stay close by just in case Buck would need him. Teaspoon was too distraught with both sorrow and guilt. The old man didn't even seem in his right mind to Jimmy. He knew that he couldn't possibly allow Teaspoon to ride to the ranch to let the women know about the tragic events that ended their tracking down of Jesse James! Jimmy had, for a brief moment, thought about sending Jack Morgan out to retrieve the women. But Jack was experiencing intense pain with his arm and shoulder wounds and with the amount of blood he had already lost from his bullet wound he would have probably passed out on his way to the ranch. That left Jimmy chosen as the one to inform four women that Buck had been shot. Four women who will get hysterical and teary-eyed on him and how he wonders is he suppose to handle the emotions of four women when he can barely handle the emotions of one woman? The very moment that Jimmy places his booted foot onto the front porch Rachel, Jane, Louise and Charlene are making their way out of the house. They are dressed, but not in clothing to do chores in, but in dresses meant for shopping in. Perhaps they had wanted to surprise the men, when they arrived home, with a feast meant to feed the entire town of Rock Creek! The four women stand amazingly speechless as Jimmy glances at each one of them. His face must tell them of the dolefulness that he is about to burden them with, for each one of the women has suddenly developed a brave stance while collectively holding their breath. Jimmy's eyes meet with Rachel's. She has been their mother for a number of years now. She knows how each of them responds to any given emotion. The sorrowful look on Jimmy's face tells Rachel the story behind his visit without a word being uttered! He quickly looks away from Rachel to avoid the anger she must be feeling after warning them all that Jesse would only bring trouble to their lives. She has certainly developed the same personality as that of her husband, she is always right. He searches and then holds his sad eyes on Jane. Jimmy really isn't quite sure how to break the distressing news to her. He has never been real good at handling emotional situations. As a matter of fact Jimmy pretty much tries to avoid these exact situations and up until this very moment he had done a real fine job of doing a lot of avoiding. He beholds the trembling that begins to consume her body. It is astounding to Jimmy that his speechless body language tells Jane that it is Buck who is hurt. Jane passively ambles in front of the other women and stands within a few inches from Jimmy. Her eyes moisten over with the obvious heartache that she is already feeling. "Is he alive?" Jane asked as tears escape from her moistened eyes. Jimmy takes her trembling hands in his and holds onto them tightly. He dreads the news that he must tell her. "He is, but he's in real bad shape. I thought perhaps you'd…" Jane aggressively removes her hands from Jimmy's comforting hold! She rudely turns away from Jimmy and holds out her hand for Rachel and Louise. "I have to go to him." "Jane, I'll get the buckboard hitched up. We can all go," Jimmy spoke with authority. Without any warning Charlene shoves her way past Louise. "You people are entirely too slow! Buck could die before we get into town over the prolonged length of time it took you to tell us what trouble he's in. I'm riding into town by myself!" Charlene spoke gruffly. She starts her stride past Rachel, but Rachel grabs securely onto Charlene's forearm halting her progression into Rock Creek and to a wounded Buck. "You will stay here at the ranch with me. Buck sure doesn't need all of us hysterical women crowding into the doc's clinic while he is trying to rest," Rachel spoke in an authoritative tone. Charlene pulls her arm sharply away from Rachel's strong grasp. "I am not a prisoner on this ranch. I can come and go as I please and I want to go into town at this very moment!" Charlene spoke boldly. "If that is the case Charlene then you can easily return to your own home," Jimmy spoke adamantly. Jimmy had sensed that Jane doesn't want or need Charlene to be tagging along to the Doc's clinic. The last event that any of Buck's family needs at this moment would be more of Charlene's contriving to profess what she wants. Buck needs rest not an emotional outburst from a woman that he despises! Charlene begins to achieve a sulking expression on her obstinate face. Jane is well aware of the type of woman Charlene is. She has been dealing with Charlene's disposition for quite some time now. She is a woman that always has been doted upon since birth. Her every obsession, her every desire, her every impulse, and her every wish has been made to come true by a certain person in the woman's life who spoiled her rotten! There is no doubt in Jane's mind that that person has been Charlene's industrious father. Charlene is a woman that has never been held accountable for any wrong doing that she has participated in. That is why the woman is always on the loose searching out someone else's life to destroy. She has made it adamantly clear to Jane that she wants Buck for her very own and that she will basically stop at nothing to get him. Buck's injuries are just one more event that Charlene will try to use toward her advantage in winning Buck away from her. "Jimmy, can we just make our way over to town?" Jane asked as she walked past all of them and steps down the stairs of the porch. If she has to she'll proceed into town one way or another without anyone's assistance. It really doesn't matter to Jane how she arrives at Buck's bedside. She can get there by buckboard or by foot; it really doesn't matter to her. At this moment in time all Jane really wants is for Buck to be awake and already healing by the time she arrives at his bedside. Louise and Jimmy sadly gaze at one another for a brief moment. Jimmy's sorrowful eyes are pleading with Louise for her to join him at his side. No words need be spoken. Louise walks up to Jimmy and the two of them together walk away from Charlene and Rachel to follow Jane. ***** Jack glares madly at the two men before him still in their exacerbating pacing mode. He is dealing with a bit of intense pain from his arm and shoulder where there is still a small amount of blood trickling down his arm sleeve. Once again he must be put through the excruciating pain of watching the dizzy back and forth motions of the two nervous lawmen. Jack's eyelids begin to feel extremely heavy. He feels his surroundings beginning to have a far away blurry appearance. His eyes are becoming increasingly sleepy as he tries to stay awake. He tries unsuccessfully to escape the drowning of the echoing footsteps that are pacing back and forth in his mind. He had been trying to think of ways to outsmart Jesse James, to drown out those unrelenting footsteps, but his mind just can't concentrate at the moment. He is having a difficult time keeping his mind tuned out from the harrowing pain that he feels in his shoulder and arm! "If only that doctor would hurry up," Jack spoke gruffly into the air. Teaspoon stops pacing and looks over at Jack. "Did you say something Jack?" Jack gazes at the marshal and Kid behind squinting eyes and a bad disposition. "I said, do you two possibly think that for just five minutes you could sit down?" Jack spoke gruffly at Teaspoon and Kid. He stands up from his chair. "I'd even be willing to give up my chair if the two of you would let up on that nettlesome pacing you got to be doing!" Jack spoke as he becomes a bit wobbly on his legs. Jack grasps at his left leg with his good arm trying to steady his balance before he collapses to the floor! Kid finally halts his pacing and stands next to Teaspoon when he witnesses the problems Jack is having standing on his feet. Jack tumbles backward and sinks down into his chair with a loud thud! Kid swiftly steps forward thinking that Jack is going to plunge to the floor missing his chair completely! Kid keeps his eyes on Jack until he is settled back down in his chair, he then straightens his stance and loses his temper once he views that Jack is safely sitting in his chair. "It's high time you minded your own business!" Kid spoke angrily. Teaspoon is still in such a state of shock over the tragic turn of events that took place over the last couple of days that he ignores the reprimanding that he should be giving Kid for being so disrespectful to an elder. Teaspoon remains as silent as he is still. "If it weren't for your insisting that we keep moving forward this catastrophe wouldn't have happened!" Kid spoke angrily as he freely lashes out at Jack without Teaspoon coming to Jack's rescue. "I can't live my life swearing on the bad feelings an Indian happens to have concerning danger! If I had lived my life that way, I'd been dead twenty some years ago." Jack leaned back on his chair once again, begging for sleep to overcome his weary body. He closes his eyes hoping that his honesty shuts Kid up. He waits cautiously to hear if either man retaliates about the way he speaks his mind. "Jack, I can understand you're being angry with Jesse and his gang because of your…uh…your predicament," Teaspoon spoke calmly. He motions with his hand at Jack's wounded right shoulder and arm. Jack opens his eyes in hopes that Kid and Teaspoon are still both standing quietly. "But please don't bad mouth my deputy who at this very moment is in the other room fighting for his life," Teaspoon spoke his voice raising a bit to vent the frustration he is feeling that he can't do a damn thing to help Buck. "Damn it Teaspoon! The bounty hunter is trained to not get shot!" Jack spoke exasperatingly. "You got shot because you weren't paying attention to the possibility of there being danger ahead of us. None of us were paying attention to the job we were doing. Because of our bickering, you got shot and we could lose Buck, and Jesse is still roaming around free to do whatever harm he wants to do to my family!" Teaspoon spoke somberly. ***** Doc Barnes is applying the last of the bandages to Buck's wounded chest. Once the doc has the bandages securely in place he swipes his wet brow with the front of his sleeve. He gazes down painfully at his patient who is still unconscious. "I guess I best get you and I cleaned up before I allow those short-tempered yet clever and devoted family members of yours in to see you," Doc Barnes spoke quietly to his motionless patient. The doc swishes around a cloth in a basin of warm water sitting on a table next to Buck's bed. He wrings out the excessive water and begins to dampen and wipe at Buck's blood tangled hair. ***** Jane comes storming into Doc Barnes's clinic just about separating the door from its hinges! Her eyes immediately search out the back room with its doors closed. Without hesitating or stopping her forward motion she guesses that Buck is being kept in that room and she proceeds toward it! Jane must bypass Kid and Teaspoon in order to get across the waiting room and to the room where Buck is being taken care of by Doc Barnes. She doesn't get too far when she feels the gripping of someone's hands on her wrist! She whirls around swiftly almost pulling herself and her captor down onto the floor! Teaspoon reacts quickly and pulls the distraught woman close to him to keep her from taking a bad fall onto the hard wooden floor! He can't allow Jane to disrupt the doctor's work on Buck. Jane doesn't realize how grave Buck's wound is, but Teaspoon is well aware that Buck could easily die from the wound he suffered! Jane tries to extract her arm away from Teaspoon's powerful hold. "Let go of me!" Teaspoon yanks Jane to her senses. "Get yourself under control. Buck doesn't need all this hollering right now!" Jimmy and Louise stand silently at the front door looking in on the disturbing scene between Jane and Teaspoon. Louise feels sorry for Jane who is suddenly realizing how much she loves a man that she may never get the chance to let him know just how much she loves him. Jane settles down in Teaspoon's gentle hold on her. Her tears accepting defeat course uncontrollably down her cheeks. Teaspoon tenderly soothes the distraught woman. "What will I ever do if he doesn't make it?" Jane cries out softly. Teaspoon brings Jane in close to him for a gentle fatherly hug. "Buck is going to make it because the two of you are going to have a long and happy life together." CHAPTER THREE Jesse looks over the camp that he and the gang have set up as their new home for the time being. The new camp seems safe enough hidden in a cluster of trees and mountains. They are far enough from Rock Creek to keep themselves out of jail, but not too far to keep Jesse from continuing his revenge on his family from the past! Jesse crouches down at the camp fire spooning rabbit stew onto his plate for supper and pouring a smoldering cup of black coffee to help him to stay awake through the night. He stands back up, and with his supper in his hand he walks toward the back of the camp. He passes a few men on the way each nodding their head that they acknowledge Jesse's presence. Jesse demands respect from his gang and they all know it without being told. Jesse reaches the very back of the camp and sits down on a large boulder. He takes a sip of the scalding coffee and wonders if Teaspoon has been able to round up a posse to search for The James Gang! Jesse is so deep in thought that he doesn't realize for a brief moment that Simon has come up next to him and is standing right beside him. "If you're thinking about Teaspoon Hunter and what his next move will be don't bother thinking too hard about it. I can pretty much tell you what the old marshal's next move will be just by the contempt he held on his face for you," Simon spoke his attention aimed at the steaming hot rabbit stew on his own plate. "Do you think he's fighting for his life at this very moment while we are enjoying this delicious rabbit stew? Or do you think his fight for his life is over?" Jesse asked with a reckless tone coming from his almost unsound mind. Simon isn't sure how he should answer Jesse's question. He wonders silently if the young gang leader has lost his edge. Jesse has fought against his so-called family from his past, but perhaps he doesn't hate them as much as he lets on to his men. Simon wonders if maybe the people that make up Jesse's family are actually the only people in Jesse's life that he truly cares about. If that is the case then Jesse will be shouldering a heap of guilt for a very long time if Buck Cross should die. "I really don't know if Buck's fight is just beginning or if it is over. What really matters is the unforgiving gaze in the marshal's eyes when you shot his deputy. He may not have a posse out looking for us just yet, but if his deputy should die, I'm sure it won't take Marshal Teaspoon Hunter any great length of time to hunt you down." Jesse's mouth portrays a wide grin of accomplishment. "Let Teaspoon come searching for me. I'll make damn sure he ends up just like Buck!" Jesse stands up from the boulder and walks away from Simon, leaving Simon plenty to think about. He had really thought that Jesse cared about his misfit family. The shooting of Buck and Jesse's uncaring feelings as to whether or not Buck lives or dies has Simon realizing that Jesse is either terribly ill mentally or he indeed hates his family! ***** Doc Barnes had worked meticulously through the morning on the wound that had nearly taken Rock Creek's deputy from them. It had taken quite a while to accomplish, but he finally stopped the profuse bleeding and had bandaged the wound. Buck lays completely motionless as Doc Barnes brings a white sheet and a coverlet up to the young man's chest to ward off the chills that are invading his body. He has just finished cleaning up the offensiveness of Buck's wound that if left unattended to surely would have caused his family a great deal of emotional pain. The room that Buck is resting comfortably in resembles a bedroom taken from Rachel's home, orderly and unsoiled. The only ingredient missing is the love that the riders all became accustomed to when they became Teaspoon and Rachel's family. The doc gently takes a damp cloth from a basin of warm water and dampens Buck's feverish face with it. He hopes the young man isn't developing an infection from his wounds. He wipes gently at the many bruises on Buck's face that he must have received when he fell from his horse. Underneath Buck's left eye a deep black and blue mark has surfaced. The right side of Buck's face looks like an overly roasted marshmallow, black and swollen. The doc dampens the cloth again and places it over the right side of Buck's face. He holds the cloth down on Buck's face hoping the warmness from the cloth will bring the grotesque swelling down. "I won't be able to keep Teaspoon out of here much longer. I've already made them wait long enough to hear how you're doing," Doc Barnes spoke hoping his voice will wake the Kiowa up from unconsciousness. ***** Jane lets out a heart-wrenching sob while Teaspoon guides her body near a chair. When Jane doesn't make any attempt to sit down in the chair, Teaspoon turns her body around and gently tries to ease her inflexible body into the chair. Teaspoon has no success with Jane's stubbornness! She is just as stubborn as any man Teaspoon has ever known. He's thinking in one way that is a good sign. Jane will need all the powerful stubbornness she can muster up being in love with Buck who is quite stubborn himself when he needs to be. Jane feels the gentleness of Teaspoon's hands on her forearms pleading with her to rest in the chair. Jane doesn't want to be seated and she really hates the thought of pacing the stuffy room that Doc Barnes calls a waiting room. She feels as if her lungs could collapse from the medical odor that fills the air space in the doc's clinic. Jane takes notice that no one else seems to be having the inability to breathe problem that she is consumed with. Her mind begins to race backwards to a different time, a different place. He had been the man who raised her since her mother passed away when she was just a little girl. The memories of her mother's death are so muddled together that she can hardly remember how her death happened, when her death happened, or why her death had happened. All Jane does remember of that time is the solid rock of a man her papa had been during the untimely death of her mother for her to embrace and lean on. After her mother's funeral and burial, father and daughter set out on a life together yet alone. Their life alone, with the foundation of their tiny family gone from their outstretched arms, began in a new town named Church Falls. Papa had immediately established a successful jewelry and engraving business. Papa's work was impeccable and Jane's creative designs gave her papa an advantage in the business. Nowhere else could you find the magnificent and lustrous pieces of jewelry that Jane's father offered to his well-off costumers or beautiful pieces that looked richly for his costumers that weren't so well-off. The townspeople of Church Falls just adored the father and daughter collaboration. She kept her papa from missing her mother too much with all the feminine idiosyncrasies that are appreciable with every woman. Of course, at times Jane was more than her papa could handle! She smiles warmly at all his attempts to hide the fact that she was growing up into a beautiful young woman. He tried, sometimes in vain, to keep Jane in trousers and over-sized shirts that looked more like masculine apparel. He kept her hair tied back and a boy's cap on her head that shadowed the soft girlish features of her face. Her papa's well thought out masterminding of her projected life at his side had been triumphant for many years of her childhood. That is until Jane's body took on the changes of a girl becoming a young woman. Jane remembers how boys held no appeal to her. There was only one man that held her interest. All the rest were just schoolmates and friends. She certainly wasn't afraid to bully any boy around that thought he would be able to get the upper hand with her! Even though Jane had the delicate features like all the other girls, solely a man had brought her up! It wasn't until she became aware of the changes in her body guiding her toward womanhood that Jane wanted to be more than just the town tomboy! She remembered how her papa protested and threw itsy-bitsy fits when her clothing abruptly changed from trousers to dresses! She had let her hair grow a few inches longer than the shoulder length cut her papa preferred. Jane's first attempt at allowing her hair to hang loose had been for the Christmas Dance when she was fourteen. She had chosen a dark navy blue velvet dress trimmed with a lace collar. She didn't really have a date per se, but she was hoping some of the older more mature boys who resided in Church Falls would ask her to dance. A loving smile sweeps across her face as Jane reminisces about when she had made her way into her papa's jewelry store, he took one glance her way and was ready to escort Jane to the dance himself. This is exactly what her papa did! At first Jane vowed she would get even with him if he were determined to humiliate her in front of all of Church Falls. After she calmed down, she simply made up her mind that she would lose him in the crowd of people attending the social. Losing papa in a crowd of people simply wasn't meant to be. He had clung to her like flies cling to…well…uh…like flies cling to normal animal bodily functions. When the evening was over, Jane had to admit to having a wonderful time with the most important man in her life. But from that evening on her papa had a more difficult time keeping the reins haltered on his daughter! A couple years later an outlaw took away the most important man in her life. Unbeknownst to Jane at the time of her papa's tragic demise, she would be given another wonderful man. Their lives had been brought together by circumstances beyond their control. Their time together wasn't meant to be at that moment in their lives. They met. They had become friends fighting for the same cause and when their mission had been accomplished he took her home to Church Falls and then left for his own home the next day. Then years later without any warning fate brought her back into his life. She can't help but wonder if fate will be so cruel as to take this second wonderful man in her life away from her. Her eyes meet with the closed texture of the door where Buck is being worked on. "I don't want to sit down and patiently wait for the doctor to bring us bad news. What I really want is for someone to tell me what is going on behind that door. God, I don't even know if he's alive!" Jane spoke her voice cracking with near hysteria. Jane fittingly wiggled her body free from Teaspoon's grasp on her. She doesn't make an attempt to storm through the door where she knows Buck is at. Instead Jane willingly stands by Teaspoon's side. Jane's emotional outburst has Jimmy frightened for her well-being. Buck would surely be beside himself with worry and feelings of unforgivable guilt if Jane should linger near the state of a nervous breakdown because she is worried about him. Jimmy takes two strides toward Jane to make up the distance that separates them. He gazes into the emotional whirlpools of her glistening eyes. Her complexion has turned to the purest white that Jimmy has ever seen! Jimmy takes hold of Jane's forearms to bring her close to him before he finds himself picking her up off the floor. He looks mournfully at her with concern when he feels the trembling of her body! "Jane you need to sit down for awhile. You won't be able to do Buck any good if you make yourself sick over worriment for him," Jimmy spoke softly to a disorientated Jane. "Jimmy, I don't understand what is taking the doctor so long," Jane spoke regaining a bit of her strength back. Jimmy looks back at Teaspoon. The two men share a painstaking gaze at one another. They both are aware of the shape they brought Buck back to the doc's clinic in. Jane hadn't witnessed all the blood that Buck had already lost from his journey back to Rock Creek. Jimmy knows from past experiences that a lot of blood loss from a bullet wound can be grave. The events of that day happened entirely too fast to even comprehend the details some six years later. Jimmy remembered how one minute Ike was running from the bunkhouse and through town while the rest of them were close on his heels chasing him. The next minute Jimmy still can hear Buck hollering Ike's name over and over and over again as the young Ike lie just outside the saloon on the ground with a bullet wound to the left chest area. The one thing Jimmy does remember clearly about that day is how quickly Ike's white shirt became covered with his crimson blood! The events that happened next are still a blur to Jimmy. They were all told by the doc that Ike had lost a lot of blood. What really is a lot of blood? He still doesn't know the answer to that question. But whatever a lot is, Ike had apparently lost too much. The doc had allowed them to go in and visit with Ike for a few moments. It was only right that Teaspoon allowed Buck to take the first visit. Perhaps Teaspoon somehow knew that Ike wasn't going to make it that day. The old man certainly had a knack for knowing the obvious when everyone else tried desperately to avoid knowing it. Teaspoon knew that Ike and Buck needed time alone to say their good-byes. When Buck came outside from his visit with Ike he tore out of town on his horse. To this day Jimmy really isn't sure where Buck disappeared to for a few hours. Emily had gone inside to see Ike. Jimmy remembers how she had been in visiting with Ike for quite sometime. Teaspoon went in to check on the young woman and Ike. It hadn't taken Teaspoon too long before he was back outside insisting that they all go in to see Ike. Jimmy hadn't expected to view what he saw before him. Ike had left this world for a much safer place, but in doing so Ike had left his family behind. Later that day, Jimmy guesses that a totally out of character grief-stricken Buck killed the man responsible for Ike's death in cold blood. How badly the outcome of a day can be from the simple words that a doctor must tell the victim's family. He has lost a lot of blood. Whatever that dreadful phrase means Jimmy prays silently to himself that Doc Barnes avoids telling Buck's family those same words that ultimately lead to Ike's death! "Jimmy," Jane spoke urging Jimmy to come back to her from wherever his mind had gone. Jimmy looks at Jane trying to muster up the courage himself to break the awful news to her about the condition Buck was in when they first arrived at the doc's clinic. "You know Buck helped me through a very despondent time in my life," Jane spoke softly. "I don't remember you being despondent. What I remember most about you is the determination in you that wouldn't rest until justice had been served to Emery Pike for murdering your father." "I was determined to see that outlaw hang! But underneath my tough exterior I was drowning with sorrow over my father's death. He was the only person I had left in my life. I probably would have drowned if it weren't for Buck making me realize that death doesn't end your life with that person. You always have that person with you even after death, through memories and the guidance that they offer to you that you might not even realize is coming from them," Jane spoke as she leans into Jimmy's shoulder. "I can't lose him Jimmy." Jimmy hugs the woman tightly. He rests his chin on Jane's head. The faraway look in his eyes is one of disturbance. With everything else that has been aggravating Buck lately Jane has been a blessing in his life. Jimmy can even see that Buck has been much happier since Jane has come back into his life again. Except for maybe the fact that Buck is frustrated over the lack of privacy that he and Jane have not been able to prevail over. Jane doesn't seem to want to leave the comfort of Jimmy's arms. He doesn't attempt to push her away. If the worse possible scenario should happen today Jimmy desperately wants to make sure Jane doesn't drown. Teaspoon looks dolefully at his Pony Express family that is embracing one another in hopes that they don't lose another family member. In there own ways each and every one of them is praying for good news concerning Buck's health. ***** He thanks the lord each and every day for the family that he has been given. Teaspoon had been a drifter for so many years. He had been involved with so many different women, each one becoming a wife, but none of the marriages lasting very long for one reason or another. But this family of lost orphans has been his blessing in disguise. This family had kept him from drifting again. They had been all boys and one girl when they first signed up to ride for the Pony Express. Little did Teaspoon know then that he would end up loving each and every one of them as if they are his own flesh and blood, his own children. He gives thanks for all of them. It has been a long time since Teaspoon has had to endure the death of a family member. He doesn't want to have to grieve for Buck. He sighs heavily. He has accepted the fact that if Buck should die he won't have anyone to blame but himself. The others, Kid, Louise, Jimmy and Jane, they will blame Jesse. Teaspoon isn't so sure about the thoughts that will enter into the mind of his beloved wife. Rachel had spoken her peace concerning Teaspoon allowing Jesse back into their lives. 'Nothing good can come of Jesse James being in our lives.' Rachel had repeatedly uttered her words of wisdom. He hadn't given much thought to the fact that Jesse had changed. That Jesse made his living from robbing banks and killing innocent bystanders that got in his way. He hadn't thought that Jesse would turn on the only family he'd ever had. Rachel was absolutely right. Nothing good has yet to come from his allowing Jesse to intrude on their lives. Jesse certainly has caused Teaspoon more then his life can handle of trouble. Now, Teaspoon may be faced with the death of a man that has been by his side for eight years. He doesn't even want to fathom life on the ranch without Buck. Why hadn't he listened to the words that Rachel had spoken to him? For that matter, why hadn't he heard the words that Buck spoke when he had first discovered Jesse's wanted poster hanging in his marshal's office? Buck had been right all along about Jesse. Jesse had been using Teaspoon. But why? Jesse could have gone in any direction after holding up that last bank in Plum Creek, why had the outlaw chosen Rock Creek? Had it been a plan of Jesse's all along to destroy his family from the past? If that is the case then Jesse had planned to kill Buck. He had planned to kill Buck! How could a young boy with so much promise turn out to be the kind of man that wants to kill his own family? Teaspoon's mind wonders backwards to a time before the war that was fought between the north and the south. The funeral had been meant for the gathering of friends and family for a dearly departed man who left them all wondering why his death had happened. The army had participated in the funeral against Teaspoon's wishes. His family of misfit orphans had once again been drawn into a battle that has left Teaspoon with many unhealed wounds of the emotional kind. Cody had become involved with the army partly Teaspoon believes because The Pony Express was coming to an end. Soon the telegram would carry the mail, and Cody needed some sense of security, as did all his boys. The army had been advertising the great feeling of pride one gets for serving their nation in the army. Teaspoon had blasted the uniformed man for wrongful information concerning the outcome of one's life once he has killed just for the sake of killing. Cody didn't listen to his or Rachel's pleas to not sign on with the army. He had tried to make the young man see that it doesn't make sense to fight against your own people. Cody only saw what he wanted to see, the glory of being a hero for his nation. It was his obligation to sign up and fight in the war. As if Cody's joining the army wasn't pivotal enough he had gone and enlisted Noah in the whole damn mess! Noah had been turned away from joining the army because he was a black man. That turn of events should have been a blessing. Frank James secured Jesse's involvement in the plight when he rode back to Rock Creek to re-establish a family connection with his younger brother. Damn if one thing didn't lead to another until Teaspoon found himself at the tiny cemetery burying Noah. To this day Teaspoon wonders if his last words had made an impact on anyone standing at the gravesite of Noah Dixon that day. Teaspoon had tried to make the small gathering of people understand that they are allowing themselves to be torn apart by war. That young lives are being cut short long before their time due to all the killing that's going on in their nation. He had told them that if we don't start doing some healing instead of killing, we're gonna lose our homes, our friends, and our families. Teaspoon spoke these words as Jesse had looked on away from the gathering of people a top his horse. Why had Jesse come back that day? Teaspoon had thought that the young Jesse had to make sure that Teaspoon didn't blame him for Noah's death. The memories are imbedded on his brain as if they had just happened yesterday. Jesse had nodded at Jimmy as if to say good-bye. Jimmy repeated the action to Jesse as Teaspoon looked on. Jesse then rode off never once glancing back at the family he was leaving behind. Now all of Teaspoon's words keep haunting his mind. They repeatedly pound on his brain as if he is the one that never really paid attention to them. "If we don't start thinking about healin instead of killin… thinking about healin instead of killin…We're gonna lose everything…lose everything…our homes, our friends, our families…We're gonna lose our families…lose our families!" ***** Teaspoon is startled out of his reminiscing of the past with the quiet shutting of a door and footsteps approaching all of them with the news on Buck that they have been waiting for. As if on command to do so everyone but Jack Morgan advances toward Doc Barnes in unison. Jack Morgan who is still established uncomfortably on his chair watches and listens to Buck's family and the doctor converse about the Kiowa's medical condition. "How is Buck?" Teaspoon asked his voice catching in his throat. Doc Barnes glances over the family that has gathered into his inadequately small waiting room. He has often brought this same group good news as well as bad news concerning a loved ones condition. They are truly a family that cares deeply for each other. He looks into their eyes that hold so much hope yet equal the amount of fear that he will bring them utterly unbearable news. The worst part of being a doctor is looking into the eyes of the loved ones that have been nearly mortally wounded. "He's lost a lot of blood." Jimmy breathes a heavy sigh of disappointment. "Those aren't the words we were hoping to hear," Jimmy spoke as he remains cautiously stationed next to Jane's side with a strong hold around her waist. Doc Barnes gazes down at the floor. For him it is a gesture of apology that Buck's blood loss was the first words from his mouth. He looks back up at Buck's family knowing he will see nothing but concerned expressions from all of them. "I'm truly sorry. I know you've heard those same words before with very devastating end results. But the truth is I can't tell you what you all want to hear because what you want to hear wouldn't be the truth concerning Buck's condition," Doc Barnes stated sorrowfully. "We all appreciate the honesty Doc Barnes. Since it is obvious that there is no good news to report to us, then speaking for all of us, I feel that we need to know exactly what Buck is up against," Kid spoke somberly. Looking at Kid who the doctor knows is very close to Buck. "I didn't exactly say there is no good news," Doc Barnes spoke as he notices that their faces regain a vision of hope. "It appears that the bullet has indeed entered Buck's right chest area, but there is an exit wound on his back. No vital organs appear to be damaged from the moderate examination that I am able to perform here." "Are you telling us that Buck's condition isn't as grave as it appears to be?" Teaspoon asked his voice cracking with emotion. He can only hope that Buck will eventually be fine. He knows by the blood loss that the Kiowa would be in need of weeks of bed rest to gain his strength back. "I am telling you that Buck is not out of danger. He could still lose his life over this senseless shooting. However, if over the next few days Buck has no noticeable problems concerning the amount of blood he has lost, I am saying that he will survive. Basically the next few days will be crucial to Buck's pulling through this or not pulling through this," Doc Barnes spoke with appreciated faces looking back at him. "Can we see him?" Jimmy asked his voice filled with renewed hope. "You may go in for a few moments, but only a couple of you at a time. Remember, if Buck is to survive he will need plenty of undisturbed rest. Buck needs all of you to see that he gets just that." Doc Barnes ambles away from the joyous family. He makes his way over to Jack who has waited rather patiently to have his shoulder and arm patched up. "You've made them a happy family today," Jack spoke quietly. "He has a lot of healing to do. I hope their happiness can pull Buck through. Now let's get you patched up." Teaspoon latches onto Jane's arm. "Buck will need to hear your voice telling him that he needs to get well." "Thank-you Teaspoon," Jane spoke softly. Jane takes a step toward the room that a resting Buck is occupying. She pauses and turns back at the marshal whose emotions have been through a heap of turmoil today. She grabs Teaspoon's hand in hers. "You need to see Buck just as much as I do. I want you to come in with me to visit with him." Teaspoon can only smile appreciatively at Jane. With his hand resting comfortably in Jane's hand the two of them slowly walk to Buck's room at the doc's clinic. Both hesitate as they approach the door before opening it. Teaspoon glances at her and finally takes his free hand to turn the door knob and open the door. He allows Jane to have entrance to the room first. Teaspoon follows Jane inside shutting the door behind him. From the closed door Teaspoon can see that the color has completely drained from Buck's face. His coloring is extremely pale, but difficult to determine due to the exceptional amount of bruising. Teaspoon speculates that Buck's coloring and the amount of bruising on his face is why he heard a soft intake of breath from Jane. He is watchful of Jane as she meekly ambles to Buck's bedside. Her body seems to be moving in slow motion to Teaspoon. It takes Jane an overwhelming amount of time before she is at Buck's bedside lightly soothing his feverish face with a damp cloth. Teaspoon stands on the opposite side of Buck's bed facing Jane. When she looks up at Teaspoon her face is as pale as Buck's. Her eyes are misted over with tears and if Teaspoon hadn't grabbed her hand to steady her, she surely would have slumped to the floor. Teaspoon takes the dampened cloth from Jane's other hand and begins to cool down Buck's warm face. Jane takes a mildly deep breath and gently soothes away the sweat soaked strands of Buck's deep chocolate locks that are sticking stubbornly to his face. Jane's hand begins to tremble and silent tears finally stream down her face accompanied with quiet sobs. Teaspoon reaches out with his hand and touches her chin and tenderly turns Jane's face to fix her gaze at the strength in his eyes. "He looks so bad," Jane spoke quietly. "His body has been through a lot the past two days. Please Jane try to keep a positive outlook on his recovery. I'm sure Buck can feel how frightened you are when you touch him. He'll need you to be strong so he has a reason to fight for his life." "Do you believe he can overcome these injuries?" "Buck is young and strong. I believe he'll be all right as long as we're here to help pull him through this," Teaspoon spoke supportively. Jane takes the cloth back from Teaspoon and places it in the basin of warm water by Buck's bedside. She wrings it out with both her hands and goes back to work trying to reduce the heat coming from Buck's body. ***** In the waiting room Jimmy has taken up pacing with his hands securely attached to his hips. So much has happened to his family since he came back to Rock Creek. Buck is the last person that deserves to be lying on a bed with a bullet hole in his chest and back fighting for every breath that he takes. Kid has finally decided to take a break from his pacing. He is sitting next to Louise on a small sofa. Once he is seated next to Lou she gives Kid a warm smile and clasps her hand over his. Kid gently squeezes Lou's hand willing his self to be strong. The doc's front door opens. Jimmy stops his pacing to glance up at the person who has entered the clinic. His eyes rest on the blonde haired man that has been annoying Jimmy more than anything else in his life at the moment. Jimmy makes a quiet dash for the man. Cody backs up to the closed door when he sees the hostility aimed at him in Jimmy's evil eyes. "Get out!" Jimmy spoke with quiet animosity. Kid jumps up from the sofa with Louise trailing him when he witnesses what may turn out to be a fight between Jimmy and Cody. "Buck doesn't need this right now!" Kid spoke unexcitedly. Jimmy turns around to face Kid. "You're right Kid. Buck doesn't need Cody here wishing him well when he's really probably wishing Buck dead!" Jimmy spoke his voice filled with resentment as he gazes back at Cody. "What I meant Jimmy is that Buck doesn't need the two of you out here engaged in a brawl." "Gee thanks Kid for trying to keep Jimmy from killing me," Cody spoke with a forced smile. "Personally Cody I really don't care if the two of you beat the hell out of each other. I just don't want you doing it in here where Buck is trying to rest," Kid spoke adamantly. "If the two of you insist on killing each other take it outside so you don't disturb Buck," Louise spoke with anger for the two men who she normally has a great deal of compassion for. Cody gets a cocky grin on his face. "Well since we're all being so honest I actually didn't come over here to check on Buck. I came here to make sure that Jane is all right." Jimmy takes one long step forward to put no distance between him and Cody. He reaches out with his hand and takes a firm hold of Cody's over-cleaned army uniform and smashes his back against the closed front door of the clinic! ***** Teaspoon and Jane glance up from soothing Buck in unison to look at the closed door of Buck's room. They both hear the outlandish noise coming from the waiting room. Teaspoon immediately recognizes the raised voice as Jimmy and Cody's. Teaspoon makes his way to the door with Jane following right behind him. "You leave Jane alone. Buck and Jane are together and I am getting damn sick and tired of you always coming between them!" Jimmy spoke in a quiet shout. Teaspoon and Jane have entered the waiting room and are standing behind Kid and Louise. "The same way you are always coming between Kid and Louise?" Cody spoke with clinched teeth. Jimmy slams Cody's back into the door again. "That will be enough coming from the two of you," Teaspoon spoke with quiet disapproval of the two men causing commotion in the waiting room. Teaspoon places his body next to Jimmy and Cody. "Let go of him son," Teaspoon spoke with a demanding tone to Jimmy. Jimmy looks over at the face of the tiring marshal. He is hesitant at first to release Cody, but Teaspoon's look of quiet objection concerning their bad behavior renders Jimmy helpless. His fingers slowly release the hold he has on Cody's uniform. After Jimmy releases his hold on Cody, Jimmy attempts to smooth out the polished uniform. "Sorry that I ruffled your feathers sir." Cody feels the heat of embarrassment creep slowly over his face. He raises his left hand and pushes Jimmy's hands away from his uniform. "The two of you best stop thinking about yourself right now and start thinking about how very sick Buck is," Teaspoon spoke in a harsh tone. "Why?" Cody asked baffled as if truly not knowing the answer to his question. "Why?" Jimmy spoke softly. He shakes his head at Cody and walks away from him. Teaspoon takes his stance in the place that Jimmy abandoned. "Why? You really have to ask why?" Doc Barnes and Jack have walked back out into the waiting room. They stand back from the crowd of people gathered near the front door. Doc Barnes folds his arms over his chest and watches the family gathering in a harsh manner. "Buck is no concern of mine. I'm only here to escort Jane back to the ranch," Cody spoke unsympathetically. Cody brushes past Teaspoon to get to Jane. When he sees her he tries to reach for her, but Jane backs away and Jimmy side steps slightly in front of Jane to block Cody's approach to her. Cody won't give up his quest to make Jane his now that she is in an emotional state of anguish. He figures now is his chance to pounce on her and make Jane his once and for all! "Jane, I'll take you back to Buck's home if you'd like." "She wouldn't like Cody," Jimmy stated flatly. His temper starting to flare up again from Cody's presence as well as his foolishness! Jane finally raises her head to look Cody coldly in the eyes. "How dare you ask to escort me home after the awful way you seemingly don't care about whether Buck lives or dies." Cody realizes that sounding so callous about whether Buck lives or dies was the wrong way to be with Jane so close by listening to his declaration. "I didn't mean to sound so insensitive about the condition Buck is in. Please Jane just let me take you home so you can get some rest. I'm sure Buck's injuries are taking a toll on your emotions." "Cody, your presence in this clinic is putting a toll on all our emotions. Why don't you just go back to your murder investigations? We can all take care of Jane," Jimmy spoke adamantly. Doc Barnes has heard enough bickering from this loving family. He steps forward to make his presence known to all of them. "I really think that all of you should go back to the ranch. There is nothing more you can do here tonight for Buck. What Buck really needs right now is undisturbed rest and you are not giving that to him." Jane steps in front of the doctor. "I can't leave him. Can I please stay with Buck through the night? I want to be here if he should need me," Jane spoke with a strong plead to the doctor. "I'll fix you a bed next to his," Doc Barnes spoke softly to Jane. He looks around the waiting room at the rest of Buck's family. "I insist that the rest of you go home for the night." Doc Barnes leaves the room to go back into Buck's room to check on him and to make up a bed for Jane. "Jane, are you sure you want to stay here?" Cody asked defeated. Jimmy steps in front of Jane once again to face Cody. "If she weren't sure Cody then she wouldn't have asked the doc if she could stay with Buck." "Jane, I really think you need to go home and get a good night's sleep. You won't sleep here. You'll be worried about Buck and then you'll be up and down all night watching over him," Cody pleaded. Before Jane can answer Cody, Teaspoon interferes and comes between Jimmy and Cody. "Can't you hear son?" "I can hear just fine Teaspoon," Cody spoke disheartened. "Then listen to what Jane is saying. She wants to stay with Buck. It is her decision to stay here. Let it be," Teaspoon spoke strongly. "Teaspoon, you're just upset because it was you that allowed Jesse back into our lives after everyone warned you that Jesse would bring us nothing but trouble. Now look what the outlaw has done. Buck could very easily lose his life and it would be your fault!" Cody spoke adamantly. Kid grabs hold of Cody from behind and whirls him around to face him. The expression of anger and contempt for Cody has been raging for a long time. Kid had been happy when Cody first came back home to investigate the army murders, but shortly after Jane arrived in Rock Creek Kid has wished that the blond rider would disappear. He has done nothing but continuously interfere with the relationship that has been developing between Buck and Jane. "Get out before I have to escort you out of here myself!" Kid's anger over Buck's shooting is finally catching up with his emotions. His look of absolute bitterness toward Cody makes the army man shiver. Cody quietly leaves the waiting room with the rest of his family attentive to his dismissing of their feelings so easily. If he didn't know himself better he would have to believe he is starting to treat his family the same way that Jesse has chosen to treat them. CHAPTER FOUR Teaspoon slowly ambles out from the inside of the barn. He glances upward at the early evening sky wondering for just a brief moment if the good lord will take Buck away from this ranch, his family, Jane and even from him. Teaspoon quickly tries to erase the thought from his clouded mind not wishing to dwell on the worst possible outcome of this tragedy. The sky resembles a storm of destruction with Teaspoon hearing the haunting familiar sounds of a storm that passed through the ranch a few months ago. A few dark clouds are twirling around overhead. The sky speaks out to Teaspoon with a blustery howl as a breeze picks up and blows the orange, amber and scarlet dried leaves from the trees around the ground of the ranch. He listens to the hysterical clangs of the wind chimes on Lou's porch. He can make out the creaking of the porch swings on everyone's porches as they rock back and forth in a violent fashion. Teaspoon can only hope that the storm doesn't bring the ranch more damage or bad happenings. Over the past few months this ranch and the family who reside here have been put through many trials and tribulations. They have all held up pretty well in Teaspoon's eyes, but he wonders how many more catastrophes they could possibly endure. Teaspoon glances back down from the sky to set his sight on the homestead that is stationed just in front of him. This ranch has been his home for a few years now, first as the home for his Pony Express Riders and now a home with his wife and family. He really can't think of any other place he would rather be. Teaspoon leaves out a tried sigh. The day had been a very extensive and wearisome one. Every member of his family who had been at the clinic had suffered through an intensely emotional day. For once Jimmy and Kid weren't fighting against one another. Instead the two of them had joined forces and had ganged up on poor, defenseless Cody. Both Jimmy and Kid had tried to make this entire incident ending with Buck getting shot out to be Cody's fault. Cody has certainly been up to no good of late, but he had nothing to do with allowing Jesse to rule their lives. That has all been his doing. Teaspoon laboriously opens the fence gate and ambles heavily, as if in one day he has aged fifty years, inside the front yard of his home. The gate makes a boisterous creaking sound that brings Rachel and Charlene scampering out of the house and onto the front porch. Teaspoon stops dead in his tracks for a moment to gaze at his wife. He knows all to well who is to blame for all the catastrophic events that have been happening to his family. Teaspoon gazes exasperatingly at Rachel and Charlene who are waiting patiently for him to bring them some good news concerning Buck's condition. With her hands positioned sternly on her hips, Teaspoon is sure that Rachel has a few days planned for lecturing him pertaining to the matter of allowing Jesse James into their lives and all the dangers it has brought to their family. Teaspoon figures he deserves the lecture, he just isn't too sure that his emotions can handle it right now. Rachel watches Teaspoon as his body moves toward her sternly stationed body on the porch. What she observes restores her stance to a much softer portrayal of her. She beholds a pale in color, defeated man approaching her. Teaspoon is slightly slouched over as he shuffles toward the steps of the front porch. He resembles a man that has just been whipped for a crime that he has committed. It is possible that Teaspoon's exhausted appearance is due to the fact that he has bad news to report to her concerning the condition that Buck is in. But Rachel honestly figured that Teaspoon's sluggish movement toward her is due to the serious reprimanding he believes that he will be receiving from her. Teaspoon takes the last step and apprehensively walks up to his usual place next to his wife. Their eyes meet with sorrow. Teaspoon doesn't utter a word, but only continues to look at Rachel hoping that she can take away the pain he is feeling from not only Buck being shot, but from his past love for a boy that proved his good intentions were far from what he really had in mind for his family. Rachel isn't about to allow her thoughts about Jesse and all that he has done to her family occupy her mind at this time. She is a thoughtful wife first and she knows her husband needs compassion and understanding at this moment. Rachel takes Teaspoon into an embrace for a warm, tenderhearted hug. She can't bear to see Teaspoon this upset knowing that he is blaming himself for the situation that one of his boys is in. Charlene is looking on at the loving couple. She hopes that soon Buck will feel this way about her. But at this moment the couple before her is simply irritating her. Charlene can only put up with such intimacy with other couples for so long and this allotted time is up for Rachel and Teaspoon in her eyes. "It would be good of you Teaspoon if you could inform me and Rachel about Buck's condition," Charlene spoke impolitely. Rachel feels her husband's body become tense from Charlene's hateful tone. He pulls his body away from the protectiveness of Rachel's loving embrace. Rachel hesitates at first to release her hold on Teaspoon. When she finally allows Teaspoon to stand away from her, she immediately recognizes the utter pain that is easily detectable in Teaspoon's eyes. Rachel is all too aware of the pain she witnesses. The heartache that Rachel sees won't easily go away. It means that one of his boys is hurt emotionally or suffering from physical pain. Teaspoon has never been good at hiding how much pain he feels when someone he loves is in pain. Teaspoon tries to gather his wits to present himself as being under control emotionally to a loathsome Charlene. "Don't make yourself out to be the victim Charlene. I am well aware of all the manipulating that you've been up to since the very day you arrived on this ranch," Teaspoon spoke with rejuvenated energy. Charlene tries her best to portray the innocent woman. "I have been minding my own business. I will admit at first I may have been trying to get Buck to fall in love with me, but he has made it perfectly clear that he is only interested in that bore some school teacher." "Charlene, I think it would be best if you didn't bad mouth Jane. Buck will only think badly of you," Rachel spoke calmly. Charlene crosses her arms at her chest. She breathes out a tiresome sigh. "How can all of you be so blind to Jane's fictitious feelings toward Buck? She doesn't love him. Jane is simply using Buck to get what she wants from all of you." Teaspoon is showing extreme anger in his actions. His face, once pale from the long day spent at the doc's clinic, has now turned a deep shade of red. "And what might that be Charlene?" "To allow Jesse James to destroy this ranch and the people who live here," Charlene spoke adamantly so sure that Teaspoon and Rachel will believe what she is saying about Jane. "And….uh how is it that you are so well informed on what Jane has in mind for all of us? And how do you know that all Jane's wrong doings involve Jesse James?" Teaspoon asked perplexed by Charlene's admittance of guilt on her own part. "Could it possibly be that this is actually your plan and Jesse's?" Charlene is stunned that Teaspoon has easily figured out that her admission of Jane being involved with Jesse is actually her own admission of guilt. The guilty look of shock on Charlene's face tells Teaspoon all he needs to know about the woman before him. He never quite trusted Charlene and now he is sure she is up to more than she is actually admitting to. Instead, Charlene places the blame on Jane. In Teaspoon's eyes Charlene's outright blaming of Jane is her own admission of guilt. Could Charlene actually be plotting against his family with Jesse as her accomplice? Charlene feels the harsh gaze in Teaspoon's eyes as if he is wondering to himself if she is guilty for the very crimes that she is insinuating that Jane is involved in. She clears her throat nervously. She desperately needs to think of something to erase the awkwardness that has come between her and the Hunter's. "I could be wrong about Jane. I only think badly of her because she claims to care about Buck, but she is always with Cody," Charlene spoke honestly. She can play on Teaspoon's emotions concerning Jane's attractiveness toward Cody. After all, Teaspoon has witnessed with his own sight the closeness that has taken place between Cody and Jane. "Jane is simply friends with Cody Charlene," Rachel spoke softly. She turns to face her husband who is still cautiously wondering about Charlene and what the vixen is up to. "I think we should go in for the night." "I agree. I'm going to head on over to Kid and Lou's," Charlene spoke, as she makes her way down the steps of the porch in a hurried fashion. She needs desperately to put space between herself the Hunter's. Rachel and Teaspoon both turn and watch Charlene walk away from their home and toward Kid and Lou's home. "I don't know exactly why, but I don't completely trust that woman," Teaspoon spoke quietly to Rachel. Rachel puts her hand on Teaspoon's arm. "We should go inside and you can tell me how Buck is doing." Teaspoon suddenly remembers Buck and his almost fatal injuries. "Yeah, lets go on inside." Teaspoon opens the door to their home allowing Rachel to step inside. Teaspoon notices that the chilling wind from earlier in the evening as died down. The dark clouds in the sky seem to be shifting further west. "Looks like Mother Nature has decided to take pity on us this time. I only hope that Jesse can see what he's doing to this family before it is too late," Teaspoon spoke softly not really intending for anyone to hear him. ***** Jane had been up and down and out of the bed that Doc Barnes had set up next to Buck's bed at least a half a dozen times since lying down about an hour ago. Buck's soft moans of pain in his unconscious state are what keep Jane from resting peacefully. The absolute fear that she might lose him while she sleeps keeps her body from being consumed into a dormant state. Jane handles the cloth from the basin of warm water by Buck's bed and wrings out the excessive amount of water. She dampens Buck's face with the moist cloth. She is so extremely gentle with him almost afraid that he will break by her simple touch of his battered face. She wipes the cloth tenderly across his forehead and down over his brows. Jane softly caresses his rosy cheeks with her hand. She can feel the fever raging inside of him. Jane, with a feather like touch, traces Buck's lips with her warm fingers. A ravenous thought of her and Buck making love engulfs her mind. She shouldn't think such thoughts while he lay so near death. Jane shakes the thoughts from her head until it hurts. She can't stand to think of Buck being gone from her life when they both have so much more living to do together. She must try to think of happier thoughts before she falls apart. Buck needs her. She has to be strong so she can will him to live. As she touches his face softly, Jane utters endearing words to Buck. "You must come back to me. We have a lifetime ahead of us to share and grow old together. We have waiting for us a lifetime of joys. Like moonlit summer evening on the porch swing holding each other while we watch the stars dance across the sky. There are those autumn walks through the forest as we gaze up at the colorful changes of the leaves as we lay on the dewy grass of a nearby meadow." Jane sooths Buck's deep chocolate locks away from his face with her trembling hands. "What about the ranch? I want to help you with the ranch even though I don't know much about breeding horses. I'm sure you'd have a good laugh teaching me. And then there are our eight or more children that are waiting to be born. I know you want a houseful of little bare feet running around. We certainly can't let our unborn children down. You can't just leave me now without allowing us to have that life." Buck begins to cough. Jane takes the glass of water from the table and brings it to Buck's mouth. A tiny amount of the water manages to absorb itself between his lips. Jane can hear the slight grasping noise Buck makes as he fights to shallow the quenching liquid. It nearly breaks Jane's heart that most of the liquid escapes down Buck's chin and onto his long john shirt. She tries desperately to absorb the wetness from his shirt into the already dampen cloth she holds in her hand. She wants greatly to make Buck comfortable. In Jane's attempt to soak up the moisture on his shirt, she recklessly applies too much pressure to the wounded area of his chest. Buck screams out in pain! Within a few seconds tears stream down from her eyes and settle down her cheeks. She backs away from Buck as if she in someway is harmful to him. Jane turns her head to face the door when she hears it open. Doc Barnes walks in and greets her at a distance from Buck's bedside. "Let me help you with that," Doc Barnes spoke quietly. Jane hands the glass of water over to the doctor. "I heard him cry out in pain. I thought perhaps you could use some help." "I'm just so beside myself with worry that I might do something that will cause him unnecessary pain," Jane spoke her voice cracking with emotion. After Doc Barnes allows Buck to take one last swallow of water he places the glass on the nightstand and turns to face Jane. "Anything that you do for him will have a positive outlook on the healing that his body must do before he awakens. If he was in any pain it seems to have subsided now." "And when do you think he will wake up?" Jane asked hesitatingly. Doc Barnes looks down at a restless sleeping Buck. "It could take a few days or perhaps a week. I wouldn't think he would stay asleep much past one week. I think you should crawl back into that other bed and get some rest yourself. You won't be doing Buck any good if you come down ill yourself." As Jane kisses Buck goodnight, Doc Barnes walks over to the door all the while watching Jane as she lightly caresses Buck's face. He then leaves the room feeling secure that Jane can take care of Buck. ***** The early evening sky has turned into a pitch-black night. The days have been visibly getting much shorter since the end of September. The creaking of a wooden porch swing let's everyone else at the ranch know that at least a few people are watching over the quiet ranch. Kid and Louise are sitting on the porch swing with a blanket being shared between the two of them. Kid is leaning back against the side of the swing that allows him to look out over the ranch. Louise is sitting between Kid's legs. Kid has his chin positioned on Louise's head. His somber face tells the tale of the days events. He looks extremely grim and sad. He wonders what Jesse will do next. He wonders if they will be able to apprehend Jesse before he hurts anyone else. He hasn't voiced his intentions to Louise yet, but once Buck is well he plans on tracking Jesse on his own. Kid is already aware of how badly Louise will react to his decision. So for now he'll just keep it to him self. Louise has noticed that her husband hasn't said two words since they came out on the porch about an hour ago. She knows that is mind is back in town at the doc's clinic. "I know how worried you are about Buck. He's strong. He'll pull through this because Buck hasn't been this happy for as long as I've known him." Kid has to smile at the newfound happiness that Buck seems to have found with Jane. "Jane and Buck they are remarkable. In the very short time that she has come back into all of our lives there hasn't been too much to smile about around here, yet the two of them have managed to fall in love." "You really think it's that serious?" "I'm sure of it. I just hope Cody can accept the fact that Jane wants to be with Buck," Kid spoke loud enough for an approaching Cody and Jimmy to hear him declare the love that is between Buck and Jane. Cody and Jimmy stop just in front of the porch steps. "The two of you mind if we join you?" Jimmy asked quietly. Kid had hoped on having a quiet evening alone with Louise. The events with Buck earlier today have worn his nerves almost to the breaking point. Kid isn't too sure he can tolerate Cody's determination to win Jane away from Buck, or Jimmy's highly opinionated views on everyone's life but his own. Just this morning Jimmy, who had fought with Cody, is now obviously befriending him. Cody picks up on Kid's reluctance to allow him and Jimmy to sit and chat with him and Louise. "I've apologized to Jimmy for my ignorance today. I'd like to apologize to the both of you also if you'll allow me to." "Your harsh words were aimed at Buck Cody. It's like you don't care about Buck's feelings or the way he and Jane feel for one another, not to mention the fact that it seems like you don't care whether Buck lives or dies," Louise spoke harshly. "Lou, does anyone ask you to stop having feelings for Kid?" Cody asked harshly. Jimmy who had been concentrating on the conversation between his friends finds his eyes staring blindly down at the ground. In Kid's presence he actually feels somewhat ashamed that he has openly admitted that he is in love with Louise. "No," Louise spoke bluntly. "I have feelings for Jane. I can't just stop being in love with her just because Buck has feelings for her too. I'll I can do is apologize for the cruel things I said about Buck. I really don't want harm to come his way," Cody spoke sincerely. "Now may we sit down?" Jimmy asked impatiently. "Come on up and join us," Kid spoke harshly. He really can't accept Cody's apology because his best friend and business partner is fighting for his life. Kid isn't so sure that Cody's actions of late didn't have anything to do with what has brought them all to the consequences of today. He has suspected Cody of being manipulative with their lives ever since he falsely accused and arrested Buck for murders they all knew Buck didn't commit. Even Cody knew Buck didn't commit those murders, yet Cody was determined to keep Buck locked up. Cody was determined to risk Buck's life for his own obsessive feelings for Jane. Jimmy holds out his hand as if telling Cody to step onto the porch ahead of him. Both grown men look at each other with hesitance about stepping onto the porch. Cody feels Kid's eyes boring into his soul. He quickly steps onto the porch to get rid of the awkwardness Kid's stare is making him feel. Jimmy strolls onto the porch right behind him. Cody sits down on the top porch step. Jimmy sits down on the opposite side of the porch from Cody. "What we need to do is stick together and be there for one another the way a family is suppose to do in good times as well as bad times. Buck made it known to every one of us including Jesse that he didn't trust Jesse. This is Jesse's revenge because he couldn't get what he wanted from this family," Kid spoke assuredly. "What are you saying Kid? You don't think Jesse is through with his revenge?" Jimmy asked quietly. "I think Jesse begrudges all of us because we ruined the protection from the law agreement that he had with Teaspoon," Kid stated calmly. "We all need to stick together and fight against Jesse to keep our family safe. Buck needs us. He needs all of us to pull together and keep each other safe. Buck certainly doesn't need to be fighting over Jane with you Cody," Lou spoke angrily. Cody is about to voice his feelings again concerning Jane when Lou interrupts him. "We all are aware of how you feel about Jane Cody, and we even understand that love, but you'll have to learn to let her go. Jane loves Buck. You shouldn't be fighting with Buck over a woman that doesn't love you in the first place." Cody can't let any of them know the many secrets he is hiding. If he allows himself to become hotheaded over what Lou is saying he will surely give his secrets away. They are all too smart to not catch on sooner or later to the fact that he is plotting with Charlene. "I can't make promises concerning Jane that I can't keep, but I can promise that I will try to keep peace with Buck," Cody replied with sadness. "Right now our main concern has to be Buck and getting him well again," Jimmy stated flatly. "We can't forget about Jesse. The minute we let down our guard he'll be knocking on our front door. We need to rid him from our lives before he tries something like this again," Kid spoke boldly. Kid, Louise and Jimmy are in agreement with what they must do to keep their family safe. Cody simply leans heavily against the porch wondering how he will keep the promises he has made and still pursue Jane. ***** After talking to Teaspoon at great length concerning Buck's almost fatal injuries, Rachel had needed a breath of fresh air. With a shawl wrapped loosely around her shoulders she makes her way outside onto her front porch. "It has been a rather tiring day," Charlene spoke softly. Charlene's voice causes Rachel to almost take a tumble off the side of the porch. Rachel hadn't expected Charlene to still be sitting on her porch. She had thought that Charlene had retired to Kid and Lou's earlier in the evening. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," Charlene spoke sincerely. If Charlene hasn't learned anything else about this family the one thing that she has learned is that if she wants to bury her claws into Buck Cross she will need Rachel Hunter on her side. Rachel is the solid foundation of this family of orphans. She is the mother that none of them had. She cooked meals for them so they didn't go hungry. She washed their clothes for them so they would have clean clothes to wear. She watched over them when they were ill. She made holidays special with very little resources. Rachel did all of this not because she wanted praise for being a good person, she did all of this out of love for those orphans that were and still are her children. Rachel walks over to Charlene who is sitting in a rocking chair hidden on the other side of the porch. Rachel takes a seat in the rocking chair next to Charlene. "I thought you had gone back over to Kid and Lou's earlier." Charlene looks out in the direction of Kid and Lou's home. Both women can hear the laughter coming from the front porch of Kid and Lou's home. "They're all over there, Kid and Louise along with Jimmy and Cody. I didn't want to intrude in on their visit." Rachel touches the young woman's hand. "I know sometimes you don't feel welcome here." "It's because I love Buck and he loves Jane," Charlene spoke sadly. "Well, at least you've learned that nothing can overcome true love. Now if only Cody could understand how much Jane loves Buck." "I'm not totally sure I accept Buck's decision to be with Jane over me. I know how much you like Jane, but I still say she's playing both Buck and Cody for fools," Charlene spoke harshly. "I know in my heart that you are terribly wrong about Jane. She's a compassionate woman who wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone. I see the way Jane looks at Buck every time he is close to her. She doesn't look at Cody the same way," Rachel spoke as she stands up. "I'm going to retire for the evening. I would suggest you do the same." Rachel walks back into the home she shares with Teaspoon Hunter. She leaves Charlene to ponder over her last words. Honestly, Charlene is beginning to believe that the only way she will get what she wants is for Jane to have a terrible accident! "There probably isn't much chance of that happening." Charlene spoke silently to herself. She stands up from her chair and starts over toward Kid and Lou's home. "Tonight I need some much needed sleep, but tomorrow I will come up with a grand scheme to get the two of them apart once and for all. ***** The midnight moonlight shines in through the window of Buck's room at the doc's clinic. Jane is standing by Buck's bedside wiping down his face with a damp cloth. Once again she hadn't been able to sleep. Every time she closes her eyes the image of her father slumped over his desk with smoke all around him enters her mind. She can't shake the unbearable thought that she is going to also lose Buck to an outlaw's revenge. ***** He had an astounding soft dance step as he guided her across the social hall to every dance that evening. She had thought he would simply tire out and then she might get a chance to dance with one of her male friends from school. That wasn't meant to be. Her papa certainly was a vibrant elderly man. With every dance that they danced to it was she that was tiring and her papa just continued to dance on and on through the night. She had hoped that one of her male friends from school might do her a favor and cut in on her papa. That certainly didn't happen. They were all afraid of her papa. He was a strong man with a bit of a loud deep voice that frightened away just about anyone smaller than him! Perhaps the boys from school thought her papa might turn on them and whoop their butts! They were probably right in thinking just that. There was absolutely no way her papa was going to let any of those boys hold his daughter in a close embrace to share a dance. "You think you've really outdone yourself this time don't you?" Jane asked her papa with a warm smile. "I am your papa. It is my job to outdo myself with every challenge you throw my way." "I see. So now I am a challenge," Jane spoke with a gleam in her eyes. "Every woman is a challenge to a man." "How so?" "Women are mysterious creatures to men. We very rarely understand them and I suppose we really wouldn't want it any other way." "I don't think I understand." Jane spoke confusingly. All her papa could do was laugh at her naïve young heart. "Someday you will understand exactly what I mean. Someday there will be a young man that will sweep you off your feet. When that day arrives his life will never be the same." "That day will never come if you don't allow me to dance with the boys from my school. Do you know that they are all afraid of you?" "As they should be. I wouldn't want it any other way." All Jane can do is to smile warmly at her papa as he guides the two of them closer to their home. ***** Jane is shocked out of her memories from the past when a soft moan escapes from Buck's lips. His face is sweating profusely as the moans continue, at first softly and as his pain increases the more loudly his moans become. "Buck, please don't do this! You're scaring me." Doc Barnes rushes into the room and takes the cloth from Jane. He is frantically wiping down Buck's face and chest with the dampened cloth. "His fever has escalated. Why don't you wait out in the waiting room while I try to bring his fever back to normal?" Jane doesn't argue with the doctor. She backs her way out of Buck's room and quietly shuts the door. ***** Teaspoon is glancing out over the corral at the quietness of the few horses that are happily grazing on some hay. Teaspoon, like the rest of his family is having a difficult time getting any kind of restful sleep tonight. The rest of his family is simply worried about Buck and how he is fairing over at the doc's clinic. He is not only worried about Buck, but also feeling terribly guilty about Buck being in the line of fire in the first place. He put Buck in that line of fire by allowing Jesse to rule his thoughts and heart. "You shouldn't feel so guilty about what has happened to Buck," Jesse spoke quietly from behind Teaspoon. Teaspoon is startled and appalled to hear Jesse's voice. He turns around slowly to face Jesse. "Why would you come back here?" "I feel as if I owe you at least a warning of what is yet to come." "Don't you think you've done enough damage to this family? Why would you want us to suffer?" Teaspoon asked confused by Jesse's actions towards his Pony Express family. "I wanted your forgiveness, but because of Buck you couldn't completely forgive me for my past mistakes," Jesse spoke flatly. "You came here under false pretensions! You lied to my face when you told me you wanted to change your life around! You came here to hide out from the law and you knew I would cover for you knowing how I felt about the boy you once were," Teaspoon spoke harshly to the young outlaw before him. "It would have worked too if Buck would have minded his own business." "The law is Buck's business Jesse!" Teaspoon shouted defending Buck and the law that he has sworn to uphold. "You are the marshal of this town. You ordered Buck to stay away from me, but he didn't obey your orders. Instead of turning on Buck and reprimanding him for his behavior, you turned on me instead. If you and I are ever to have what we once had as a family, Buck has to be out of our lives," Jesse spoke stubbornly refusing to believe that Teaspoon's loyalty lay with Buck and not with him. "Maybe I'M not making myself clear to you Jesse! There is no longer a life here for you. If Buck should die I'll hunt you down myself even if it takes me the rest of my life. Now get off this ranch before I forget how much I once loved you!" Jesse is stunned by Teaspoon's vicious words. He had thought that Teaspoon cared and loved him more then he cared for Buck. Apparently from Teaspoons harsh words he was very wrong. Jesse abruptly draws his gun on Teaspoon to keep the marshal from following him as he quietly mounts his horse and rides off The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch. ***** CHAPTER FIVE The next morning when Kid and Louise enter Doc Barnes clinic the first person they see is the tear stained face of Jane. Kid takes notice to the sulking woman sitting in a chair looking as if she has just lost a dear loved one. Kid instantly becomes frantic thinking that he has also lost a loved one. Kid Hurriedly walks for Buck's room, but is abruptly halted with his forward progress when Doc Barnes calmly steps out of Buck's room. He gently shuts the door, but before Kid can utter a word Doc Barnes holds his hands up to warn Kid not to talk too loudly. "Please just tell me that Buck's alive," Kid spoke his voice cracking with emotion. "Buck has had a difficult night, but he seems to be as well as can be expected right now," Doc Barnes spoke softly. Upon hearing this news Jane stands up from her chair and walks over to stand by Kid. Louise stands back from Kid and Jane and observes the weak and frail condition that Jane has put herself in after only one day of caring for Buck. "I'm sorry that I can't make him well," Jane spoke with tears streaming down her cheeks to Kid. "Jane, I don't blame you for Buck not getting better. I know with a wound like Buck's it takes rest and a lot of time to heal," Kid spoke reassuringly to Jane. "What I really believe that needs to be done now is for Jane to get a breath of fresh air and a good meal and a good night's sleep. You aren't doing Buck any good by making yourself so ill that you can't even stand on your own two feet," Doc Barnes stated with authority. Louise walks up behind Jane. She places a gentle hold on Jane's forearm. "Jane, how about if you and I take a little walk and get some breakfast over at the hotel while Kid keeps Buck company." Louise spoke with a reassuring smile. Jane glances over at Kid. "You swear you won't leave Buck until I get back here?" "I swear. I need to have a talk with Buck. It could take awhile so take your time," Kid spoke as he walks past Doc Barnes and enters Buck's room. He quietly shuts the door once he has entered the room. His eyes become fixed on the feverish, unconscious man lying in the bed directly in front of him. He has never seen Buck looking so badly from a wound. He is extremely pale except for his cheeks that are warm and blushed from his fever. The many bruises on his face from the fall he had sustained are starting to turn a deep purplish hue. The crooked smile that is now replaced with a frown has Kid thinking that his friend isn't coming back to him. Kid walks slowly to the side of the bed much in the same fashion that Jane had done the day before, holding onto hope that by the time he is standing near Buck's bed that Buck would have awakened from his deep sleep. He brushes his fingers across Buck's forehead to check for himself the extreme warmth that is coming from Buck's body. Kid reaches down to Buck's side and places Buck's hand in his. "I can't fight Jesse alone. I need your help," Kid spoke quietly his voice cracking with emotion. "You can't die. I could never run the ranch by myself. I mean you could probably run the ranch without me. For one thing you wouldn't have to stand between Jimmy and me anymore. But I can't fight Jesse alone, I can't calm myself down after a fight with Jimmy, and I especially wouldn't be able to keep Teaspoon from going after Jesse by himself if you should leave us. I know how much that would upset you, you being so over-protective of Teaspoon and all. You need to wake up Buck. I need you to wake up." Kid leans his head down gently on Buck's shoulder. "Damn it Buck you need to wake up." ***** After the intrusive visit from Jesse, Teaspoon couldn't find a moments peace to guide his body into a deep sleep. Instead he found himself pacing the living room of his home with Rachel. When that didn't tire the old marshal out he decided to make the trip into Rock Creek to go over the wanted posters and other monotonous duties that comes with being a marshal. What he found when he arrived at his office was a sleeping Jimmy who immediately woke up simply to ask Teaspoon if he could have the day off. Teaspoon happily gave Jimmy the day off, figuring that if he went back home, he would only ruin the floor boards with his pacing, and then Rachel would be even more upset with him. Teaspoon had been sitting at his desk for hours staring blindly at one particular wanted poster. That poster belonged to Jesse James! Sometime early in the morning, Teaspoon isn't even sure at the specific time Jack Morgan gallantly strolled into the marshal's office not trying to be quiet at all. Even the heavy steps of Jack's boots walking toward Teaspoon doesn't nudge the marshal out of his deep thinking of what he will do next to prevent Jesse James from hurting anyone else that he cares about. "How's your deputy doing this morning?" Jack asked boldly. Teaspoon looks away from the poster of Jesse to glance up at Jack. "What?" "How is Buck this morning?" "Don't know. I haven't been over to see him yet," Teaspoon spoke softly. Jack takes the wanted poster out of Teaspoon's hands. He glances at the poster. "How long have you been staring at this thing?" "What difference does it make?" Jack places the wanted poster on the desk with Jesse's face turned away from the marshal's eyes. "Turning the face of Jesse James away from me isn't going to keep me from thinking about what an evil person he has become," Teaspoon spoke as he reaches for his cup of coffee. "You need to give yourself and the blame that you're carrying a break. It isn't good for a person to carry as much guilt as you're carrying right now." "It's my fault that Buck is fighting for his life. It's a fight that Buck may not be able to win." "Then if Buck doesn't win this fight that is when you go after Jesse and not one moment sooner. Your thoughts at this moment shouldn't be about how you're going to get revenge. Your thoughts should be on how you're going to help Buck recover." "What makes you such an authority on what I should and shouldn't do?" "I need for you to wait until this old shoulder and arm of mine is healed. We'll go after the James Gang together, just you and I." "Like the old days Jack?" "I came to Rock Creek because I had heard rumors that the James Gang was hiding out close to town. Coming here also gave me the opportunity to make amends with you. But it seems to me that you really don't want our friendship to mend. It seems to me that you're doing everything within your power to make sure our friendship withers and dies. You care to explain that to me?" While Teaspoon is debating over Jack's question, Jack takes a seat in the chair that sits in front of Teaspoon's desk. "I'm not leaving until you can provide me with a logical answer to my question." "Jack, I honestly get the feeling that you came to Rock Creek more to visit with me then you came here to hunt down Jesse and his gang. I believe you're hiding something that you are not too sure I'm going to approve of so you keep hanging around playing guessing games with me. Games are something I really don't have time for. Why don't you just make yourself clear on the real reason why you're in Rock Creek?" Teaspoon spoke with a begging tone. For a moment, Jack is quiet thinking about what the repercussions will be concerning his news about Teaspoon. For a long time now he has wanted Teaspoon to know the truth about his own past, perhaps now is just as good as anytime to tell Teaspoon the truth once and for all. If for no other reason it will at least ease his conscious. "You are absolutely right. I have been keeping something from you that I've been a little worried about sharing with you especially now that you have so much on your mind. You don't need anything else that will cloud your mind of what you must do to prevent Jesse from doing anymore harm to your family." "Out with it Jack. Like I said before I don't have time to play games. I've got a deputy who is still unconscious and I have an entire town that is in a panic because of the James Gang being so close by. So if you have something to say then just say it." "There's a child." Teaspoon's face goes from an angry scowl to the paleness of a shocked old man. For a slight instance Teaspoon is a little unsure of what Jack is actually trying to tell him. But like a load of roof shingles falling from the barn roof it hits Teaspoon that Jack means that he has a child somewhere out there in the world. At that very moment Kid walks into the marshal's office. Kid realizes, by the shocked look on Teaspoon's face that he has intruded in on a rather important conversation going on between Teaspoon and Jack Morgan. Jack gets up from his chair rather slowly and walks up to Kid. "I was just leaving," Jack spoke as he turns around to view a very speechless Teaspoon Hunter. "Will further this conversation later." With those words Jack is gone from Teaspoon's office. Kid walks up to Teaspoon. "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm just fine," Teaspoon spoke flatly as he once again picks up Jesse's wanted poster and stares blindly at it. "Have you seen Buck this morning?" "Yeah, his fever has come down. The doc seems sure that Buck will wake-up soon." "That's the best news of heard today. We need to concentrate on how we're going to keep Jesse from doing anything like this again." "I agree." CHAPTER SIX It is early afternoon and a howling early October wind has caused many different deep-colored leaves from the trees to fall down upon the ranch blanketing around Jimmy's feet as he dismounts his horse in front of the Anderson homestead. As he walks onto the porch to knock on the majestic door Hannah opens the door with a startled expression. "What are you doing here?" Hannah asked almost angry that Jimmy has showed up at her home. That privilege will only be given to the man that Hannah falls in love with. For Hannah, she's pretty sure that falling in love hasn't happened yet even though Mister Hickok wouldn't be the worst possible choice in a husband she could make. Jimmy is a little taken back by Hannah's reaction to his being at her home. "I thought perhaps we could go horseback riding so we could spend some time alone and talk about you and I." "I thought I had made it perfectly clear that I'm not interested in embracing a romantic relationship with you or any other man at this time in my life," Hannah stated rudely "Hannah, it's me Jimmy. You don't have to be so arrogant with me. I only came here hoping that you would consent in allowing me to court you," Jimmy stated his blood starting to boil from anger. "Isn't that something you should be asking my father?" Hannah asked calmly. Her instincts tell her that Jimmy is serious. She had actually thought that he was teasing her when he first arrived. Especially since right from the start of their bedroom rendezvous she had made it perfectly clear that she is only interested in what Jimmy can do for her in the bedroom and nothing else. "Would you rather I ask your father? From my understanding around town Oliver Anderson would like nothing better than to be able to wed his two strong willed daughters off." Hannah smiles wickedly at Jimmy. She places her hands boldly on her hips. She isn't about to lose any of the control she has over Jimmy. It has been that way since birth. Hannah Anderson always has the control in her relationships with men. "If I would commit to courting you would you suddenly act as if you own me?" "You mean I wouldn't own you?" Jimmy asked with sarcasm. Hannah reaches her mouth boldly up to Jimmy's and kisses him with all the passion she can muster up without actually tearing his clothes off of him in broad daylight. ***** Rachel quietly opens the door to Buck's room at the doc's clinic and finds the young man still unconscious with Jane sitting at his bedside looking as weary as ever. She walks over to stand at the bottom of Buck's bed. At first Rachel doesn't think that Jane had heard her walk into the room. "He still hasn't woken," Jane stated sadly. "Buck is strong Jane. You have to believe that he will be fine." "I'm sorry you made the trip into town for nothing. I'm sure you would have liked to talk to him." "Jane I actually came into town to see you. I want you to come back to the ranch with me for a good meal and a decent nights rest. You can't go on much longer just sitting here waiting for Buck to wake up." "Rachel, I can't leave him. Besides, I don't want to spend time at a dinner table that will include Charlene's rather annoying personality." "I moved Charlene over to Kid and Lou's home. I'm fixing that downstairs bedroom up for Buck for when he is allowed to come home. He won't be able to take care of himself for awhile so Teaspoon and I have decided that he will stay with us." "Well at least Charlene won't be able to dig her claws into Buck if he's staying with you and Teaspoon," Jane spoke somberly. " What about dinner?" Rachel asked a second time hoping that Jane will change her mind. "I'll pass. I'm really not very hungry." Rachel shows her disappointment, but Jane's eyes are glued to the man she so desperately loves. ***** Jimmy and Hannah are at the hotel restaurant having a celebration dinner over their newfound love. Charlene and Cody are also having dinner at the same restaurant celebrating more scheming and plotting. "I'm tiring of all the scheming and wrong doings that I've done to my family. When they find out what all I've done they will never forgive me. I'll consider myself damn lucky if Buck just doesn't kill me! And, if Buck doesn't kill me, I'm positive either Jimmy or Kid will," Cody spoke sadly. "I told you before that I am not ready to hand Buck over to Jane," Charlene whispers loudly to Cody. "Charlene, just who is sitting over at the doc's clinic at this very moment waiting for Buck to wake up? It certainly isn't you. It's Jane. You aren't going to hand Buck over to Jane because she already has him." "Do you always have to make everything sound so bleak?" "I'm just willing to except the truth when it's staring me right in the face. You don't see things for what they really are or perhaps you just don't want to see things for the way they are." "Maybe I just love Buck more than you love or want Jane," Charlene spoke boldly. "You want Jane to be your wife, but yet you're not willing to fight for her." "I would fight for Jane if I knew it was going to do me any good, but when I see the two of them together all I see is love between them and no place for me." ***** Hannah takes Jimmy's hand in her hand. "Don't you think it's about time we leave this restaurant and engage in dessert upstairs in our room?" Hannah spoke in a rather seductive tone. Jimmy gets a playful smile on his face. "I think we can manage that." ***** Teaspoon pulls up a chair to sit next to Buck's bed. When Jane decided against coming out to the ranch for dinner, he and Rachel decided to bring dinner to Jane. She had just finished and Rachel wanted Jane to get a little fresh air before her and Teaspoon went back to the ranch. Teaspoon was more then happy to stay behind and watch over Buck. "You know everyone is more than a little worried about you. We all need for you to wake up." Teaspoon watches Buck carefully to see if there is even just a slight sign from the Kiowa that he is going to wake up soon. After a few seconds when there is no visible sign that Buck is responding to Teaspoon's voice, Teaspoon gets an uneasy feeling that he is going to lose Buck. "I guess you didn't hear me. You know Jane…she's been here with you since we brought you home. She's getting awfully weary Buck. She's making herself ill watching over you. You need to get well so you can keep Jane from getting sick. Of course….I need for you to get well. I couldn't stand living on the ranch if you aren't going to be there. Rachel, I don't think she'd be too pleased with me if I made her move away from the ranch. Oh after awhile she'd understand that I just couldn't stay there anymore. But Buck it would be a whole lot easier if you could just open those eyes of yours." Still Teaspoon gets no respond. He breathes a heavy sigh hoping that he hasn't inadvertently helped Jesse bring the demise to one of his boys. ***** Charlene and Cody are just getting ready to leave the restaurant when their waitress brings Charlene a note. Charlene opens the note with Cody desperately trying to read through the paper, but with no luck. "Dear Charlene, meet me in the barn tonight at The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch, Jesse," Charlene silently reads the note to only her. "Who's the note from Charlene?" Cody asked curiously. Charlene glances up at Cody. She couldn't possibly tell Cody that her orders of destruction for his family are coming from Jesse. Cody wouldn't understand. He would call her a desperate woman. "It's just a note from Hannah. She had wanted me to wait for her after she finished with her little romp with Jimmy upstairs, but she's decided to stay in town and spend the night with him." ***** Jimmy crawled out of the bed that he is sharing with Hannah. He stares down at her and places a gentle kiss on her lips as she sleeps. He slips into his trousers and walks over to the window. He gazes over toward the clinic. He wonders how Buck is doing today. He hadn't had time to check on him because he had been in too much of a hurry to wine and dine Hannah. He'll make sure that tomorrow he spends some time with his brother and friend. Jimmy turns away from the window to walk back to the bed where Hannah is still sleeping peacefully. From out of the corner of his eye he sees her purse lying on the floor with a piece of fabric sticking out from it. Jimmy bends down and picks up the purse and from it a pair of black leather gloves fall onto the floor! He picks them up from the floor his hands starting to tremble with the knowledge of what these gloves could mean. Jimmy almost hates to inspect the gloves closely. He remembers back to the day at the jailhouse when they all realized that the blood stained black leather glove that Cody had found belonged to a woman. Now, he finds an exact pair of black leather gloves in Hannah's purse! "What are you doing out of bed?" Hannah spoke drowsily. Jimmy quickly places the gloves in her purse and sets the purse on a chair close to the window. "Your purse was on the floor. I was just picking it up and placing it on the chair." "I must have thrown it when you were attempting to unbind me from my clothing during our frenzied attack on one another." Jimmy slips out of his trousers and crawls back into bed next to Hannah gathering her into his arms. "Would you like some more dessert?" Jimmy asked as he slowly begins to kiss her. "That sounds delicious." ***** Charlene and Cody pull up in front of Kid and Lou's home. Cody walks to Charlene's side of the buckboard and helps her down. Just as Charlene plants her feet on the ground Kid is walking out of his house. "Charlene, I need to speak with Cody in private. Could you excuse us please?" Kid asked his tone demanding. Charlene walks onto the porch. "Of course," she stated as she turns and takes one last look at Cody trying to reassure him that she has everything under control. "I'll see you tomorrow," Charlene spoke as she walks into the house wondering what it is that Kid couldn't say to Cody in front of her. "I don't need a lecture at this late hour Kid," Cody spoke tiredly. "What makes you think you're going to get a lecture? Are you feeling guilty about something you're doing that your not suppose to be doing Cody?" "No! I just mean that lately I've been pretty much getting berated by everyone. I'm not in the mood for it tonight." "Charlene is a deceitful woman Cody. She can't be trusted and you're spending a lot of time with her lately. I can't help surmising that you are manipulating our lives right along with Miss Anderson." "You're accusing me of being no better than Jesse. I wouldn't hurt any member of my family intentionally." Kid gazes at Cody with suspicion. He is sure Cody isn't being truthful. Cody, I will never forgive you for all the pain you are causing Buck and Jane," Kid spoke boldly as he turns and walks into the house not giving Cody a chance to defend himself, or to lie further to him. ***** "He seems to be getting some color coming back to his cheeks," Jane spoke auspiciously to Teaspoon and Rachel. The three of them are gathered around Buck's bed trying to will the young man to wake up from his deep sleep. "Are you sure you won't come back to the ranch with us tonight? You could use a good night of rest without having to worry about Buck," Rachel spoke softly to Jane. "Rachel, even if I go out to the ranch I'll only pace all night wondering if Buck is all right," Jane spoke quietly. "We understand," Teaspoon spoke his arm around Jane for comfort for her as much as for him. "Teaspoon, we should get going so Jane can at least try to get some rest," Rachel spoke as she makes her way over to hug Jane. "Are you sure you'll be all right? I could stay with you if you'd like." "I'll be fine." Teaspoon gives Jane a hug, and gently touches Buck's hand. "Please son, wake up," Teaspoon spoke pleadingly as he gently squeezes Buck's hand. Rachel takes her husband's hand and the two of them turn to leave the room. Jane watches them as they leave. It would have been actually nice to have some company through the entire night, but she can't allow Teaspoon and Rachel to be engulfed with grief too. It is difficult enough for Teaspoon to see Buck lying unconscious for this long. Jane knows Teaspoon is fearful that Buck may slip away from them while he sleeps. "I'll see both of you tomorrow," Jane spoke as she hears a soft moan come from the sleeping man next to her! Rachel and Teaspoon rush back to Buck's bedside as he fights to open his eyes! CHAPTER SEVEN Buck tries to figure out where he is as he adjusts his eyes to the light. He tries without success to sit up in the bed, but the pain in his chest and Jane's gentle hand pushing him lightly back down keep Buck from moving around too much. Teaspoon races back to Buck's bedside. "Rachel, get Doc Barnes!" Rachel has already left Buck's room to retrieve the doctor. Teaspoon tries to help Jane hold Buck down as he continues to want to get out of bed. "You have to lay still Buck." "What happened?" Buck mumbled quietly. "You were shot. You remember Kid, Jimmy, Jack, you and I were all tracking Jesse and his gang. We got caught in a cross fire," Teaspoon stated hoping the Kiowa remembers. Buck shakes his head that he remembers. "Yes, I remember." The news that Buck can remember the events that put him in this bed brings a smile to Teaspoon's face. At least Buck's memory was not altered from the bad fall that he took when he was shot. "It was Jesse who shot me wasn't it?" Buck asked softly as he tries to stop a cough. Doc Barnes bursts into Buck's room with Rachel tagging along behind him. He makes his way over to Buck's bed. "I need to examine my patient. You can wait out in the waiting room," Doc Barnes stated with authority. "Can't I please stay with Buck," Jane asked pleadingly. Doc Barnes turns to face Jane, Teaspoon and Rachel. "The three of you will wait outside," he spoke demandingly. Doc Barnes is so insistent with his words that Jane, Teaspoon and Rachel all make their way, walking backwards not wanting to take their eyes off Buck, slowly to the door that leads out of Buck's room. Doc Barnes gently presses on Buck's ribcage to check for possible bruising or breaking of any ribs. A loud groan from excruciating pain escapes Buck's lips and has Rachel, Jane and Teaspoon stopping just as they reach the door. With their eyes wide open with fear and their feet unable to move their bodies they never make it out to the waiting room. "I'm sorry. I'm trying not to hurt you, but I really need to see if anything is broken," Doc Barnes spoke quietly. "I'm alright," Buck spoke in a whisper. The doctor continues his examination of his patient while Teaspoon, Jane and Rachel look on nervously. Every time Buck makes the slightest moan from the pain he is feeling all three of them are nearly jumping out of their shoes. Doc Barnes covers Buck back up with the coverlet. "Nothing seems to be broken," Doc Barnes stated as he quietly turns around to leave the room. He is stunned to see that Jane, Rachel and Teaspoon have not left the room as they were explicitly ordered to do. "I thought I made myself perfectly clear. You were to wait in the outer office," Doc Barnes spoke in a scolding manner at the three concerned family members of Buck Cross. Doc Barnes practically pushes the three of them out of Buck's room with him following close behind them. He shuts the door to Buck's room quietly and turns to face Buck's family. "Does Buck's waking up mean that he will survive his wounds?" Jane asked almost pleading for the doctor to tell her yes with absolutely no complications attached to his answer. "It is a good sign that Buck has woken from unconsciousness, but Buck still has quite a bit of healing to do." "Meaning that we can't take him home yet?" Teaspoon asked somberly. "I can't force him to stay here, but it would be best for him to stay for a few more days. Buck needs to regain the strength he has lost from the profuse amount of blood that he lost. The trip back to the ranch alone will put added stress onto his wounds." Rachel turns to look at both Jane and Teaspoon. She sees in both their expressions that they are terribly disappointed that Buck isn't quite out of the woods just yet and that it would be best if he didn't go home just yet. "Doc Barnes is right. The both of you know that if we took Buck home he wouldn't get the rest that he needs to make a full recovery." "Buck would be up out of bed in no time figuring that he was letting Kid down with the work that needs to be done on the ranch," Teaspoon spoke assuredly. He has known Buck for a good many years and he knows that Buck doesn't like being bedridden anymore than he does. "In a few days, if Buck makes progress on healing I will allow him to go home. Now, I think we've had enough excitement for one evening. I think it's time you all go home. Of course, Jane you may stay with Buck if you'd like," Doc Barnes spoke with gentle authority. Rachel and Teaspoon both bid Jane a goodnight and silently leave the doc's clinic both praying unspoken words that help Buck make it through another night. Teaspoon puts one arm around Rachel's waist and with the other hand he opens the door. "We have to have faith that Buck's waking up is a good sign. A sign that he's going to be just fine," Teaspoon spoke softly as they both vanish out the door. Jane glances back at the door to Buck's room. She smiles warmly. She knows that his waking is a good sign. There is no doubt in her mind about Buck's recovery now. They will have that long and happy life together and those eight or more children that she sort of promised him while he slept. ***** Charlene hadn't wasted anytime shedding herself from Cody's presence. It isn't that she dislikes him, but Cody has far too many guilt feeling about what they are doing. She needs a man that is strong and has the backbone to see this job through. Cody may be an army man and he's seen plenty of death, but he doesn't have the stomach to capture the heart of the woman he loves even if at first it would mean hurting her. In Charlene's mind eventually Jane would forgive him. Charlene stands impatiently in the midst of the barn at the ranch waiting for the man that has the backbone she needs in order to make Buck Cross hers once and for all. The night sounds keep her twirling about in every direction wondering just what waits for her just beyond the barn doors. As she made her way over to the barn she had to be careful not to awaken anyone from the three households that reside at the ranch and that included Cody who resides inside the smallish bunkhouse. She had actually tip toed out of Kid and Lou's home and walked the distance from their home to the barn without a lantern to guide her. She hadn't wanted the light to arouse anyone's suspicions as to where she was going and whom she is meeting. The howling wind of early October had almost swept her off her feet more than once. She had kept her nightgown on and simply thrown a robe over her revealing gown. In case there are any eyes watching her, she wants to make this whole scene look as if she couldn't sleep and just needed a little fresh air to make her drowsy. She quickly turned to face the barn doors when she hears them slowly creak open. A pleasing smile spreads across her face. "You should smile more often. It brightens up your entire face. You are a beautiful creature when you smile," Jesse spoke as he makes his way toward Charlene and lightly caresses her cheek with the back of his hand. "Thank-you, but at this moment I am quite angry with you. You hadn't informed me that your plans included shooting Buck!" Charlene spoke louder than she had intended. "It wasn't part of the plan to shoot Buck," Jesse spoke as sincere as he possibly could, not wanting to arouse the suspicious nature in the woman that he has shrewdly managed to convince to plotting against this family with him. And, poor dumb Cody, he doesn't even realize that he is actually taking his orders from Jesse. "I won't go along with anymore of your schemes if the man that I want ends up dead." "Is he recovering?" "Earlier this evening Rachel and Teaspoon came back to the ranch after being with Buck. He woke up while they were with him. The doctor says that he believes that Buck will be fine." Jesse must not let his disappointment over Charlene's news appear on his face. He'll just have to make sure that the next time he aims a little more to the right. "Then why are you berating me about shooting him?" "I just don't want it to happen again. I want to make myself perfectly clear. I am helping you out because you promised me a plan that would make Buck mine. But I only want him alive. Buck is no good to me dead!" "I have come up with another plan that will make Buck yours forever." Charlene's eyes become as wide as saucers. She is as excited as a child about to open a Christmas gift. She is actually hoping that Jesse's plan is something quite like a Christmas gift. ***** Kid couldn't sleep as the bright moonlight radiates brilliantly into his and Louise's bedroom window. The rustling of dried autumn leaves shivering on the branches of the many trees around the ranch should rock him gently into a peaceful sleep. Instead tonight there are at least a dozen thoughts running rampant in his mind. Most of these thoughts that are keeping him from closing his eyes and drifting off into a sound sleep are thoughts of Buck's recovery and Jesse's plans for his family. He can't stop thinking about Buck finally waking up and that he wasn't there. He should have gone right into town after he had heard the wonderful news. Louise had made him see reason. She knew that Buck would already be asleep for the night and that it would be a bad idea to awaken him just because he wanted to make sure that Buck is really out of danger. If there isn't anything else that Kid is sure of, there is one thing he is sure of, and that is that his best friend and business partner will be back on the ranch working along side him very soon. He actually can't wait until sunrise so he can ride into Rock Creek to check on Buck. "I should just ride into town right now. Jane would be there making sure that Buck sleeps," Kid whispered quietly. "Hmm?" Louise spoke still asleep. Kid reaches over and kisses her forehead. "Everything's all right. Go back to sleep." Kid waits until he is sure that Louise has drifted back into a deep sleep. He throws back his blanket and crawls quietly out of bed not wanting to wake his lovely wife up again. He knows from past experiences that if Louise is awoken too many times during one night she is rather irritable and moody the next day. Kid makes his way over to their bedroom window that overlooks the ranch. His face suddenly becomes tense with fear etched on it. "Who could have forgotten to blow out the lantern in the barn?" Kid mumbled a little louder than he had intended. He turns around to grab a pair of pants while hesitating to move when he notices that Louise is tossing and turning in their bed. He waits again quietly until she finds a comfortable sleep position. He leaves the bedroom in a hurried fashion as he stumbles down the hallway trying to put on his pants. ***** "That is a brilliant plan Jesse!" Charlene remarked with excitement etched on her smug face. Her smile quickly vanishes when she starts to realize the danger this new plan of Jesse's could bring to Buck. "How do I know that Buck will be kept safe?" "You don't. But once Buck has had time to get over losing Jane you should be able to get him right where you want him." "What is going on in here?" Kid spoke boldly as he draws his gun on Jesse and Charlene. Jesse thinks very quickly and grabs Charlene by the throat. He draws his own gun and rests it gently against Charlene's now pale face. "Drop it Kid, or you will force me to shoot her." "I should have shot you the second I walked through this door after all the pain you've caused Buck." "He's going to live," Jesse spoke with sarcasm. "How do you know?" Kid asked wondering if Charlene had told Jesse that Buck has woke up. "I have my ways of knowing everything there is to know about the goings on of Rock Creek," Jesse stated boldly. "Why are you here?" Kid asked his temper showing through in his voice. "I need a fresh horse." Jesse pushes the gun into Charlene's face to cause her cheek to indent. "I found this lovely creature walking around outside. I just needed a little insurance to get out of here just in case you or Jimmy decided to stop me." "Kid please just let him go. He's a mad man!" Charlene spoke her voice laced with fear. Kid hesitates for a long moment wondering if the two of them are in cahoots together. Jesse knows too much about their lives. He must have someone working for him on the inside of this ranch. As for Charlene, she has been the sole detrimental force that has been trying to keep Jane and Buck apart. Even though Charlene has been trying her absolute best to conceal her evil ways Kid has seen through them time and time again. He just had figured that Buck could handle Charlene and her deceitful ways. That will change once Buck is back home again, but for now it would be so easy to just rid their lives of both of them. Fortunately for both Jesse and Charlene Kid is unable to pull the trigger that would end both their lives. "Get out of here Jesse," Kid spoke trying to hold onto his temper. Jesse makes his way cautiously over to the barn door with Charlene grasped in his arms. "I'll just take this pretty little thing with me until I get on my horse." Kid doesn't disagree. He would like it very much if Jesse would ride off with the troublemaker and never bring her back. Kid figures they couldn't be so lucky to get rid of Charlene from their lives so easily. Jesse and Charlene vanish from Kid's sight and out of the barn. Kid stands perfectly still with his arms folded in front of his chest waiting patiently for Charlene to make her way back into the barn. It takes only a brief moment for Kid to hear Jesse gallop off into the darkness of the night on yet another one of their horses. Charlene strolls back into the barn. She keeps her mind guilt free so that Kid can't see guilt plastered all over her face. "Are you working with Jesse James?" Kid asked without a moment's hesitation. "I couldn't sleep Kid that is all." "That doesn't answer my question." "I love Buck. I wouldn't do anything to hurt him." "Why can't you just answer my question Charlene?" Kid asked his anger growing stronger with each second that he must be near Charlene and her dishonesty. "No! I am not working with Jesse James!" Charlene spoke loudly. She doesn't wait for Kid's response. She huffs out of the barn leaving Kid still wondering just how honest this woman is really being with him. ***** The evening had turned out all right after all. The man attached to her arms happened to be the sole most important person in her life. He accepts her totally for the way she is. Not the all frill young woman that most young ladies at her age are. Instead of chasing boys around town she'd much rather put on a pair of pants and work along side him in the jewelry store. He clasps her hands into his. "I hope you aren't too disappointed about none of the boys from school asking you to dance." She leans her head onto his strong shoulder. "There will be plenty more dances for me to attend. Besides Papa there really aren't very many boys at school that would have asked me to dance." "You are too hard on yourself daughter. You were the prettiest young lady at the dance tonight." Jane laughed her joyous laugh that makes her papa's heart warm. "You're just saying that because I am your daughter." "Jane, you must not go through life thinking that you are less than someone else. You are a beautiful young woman and very smart too. I won't always be here to guide you. Don't let this world knock you down just because you are a woman. Your understanding of this will allow me to go someday without any regrets that I may not have taught you the things you'll need to know to survive in this world. I would like to believe that you wouldn't let anything or anyone get in your way of getting what you truly want out of life." "I don't think we have to worry about you're not being around to guide and protect me. Papa, you are built like an ox. You'll probably out live me." "Daughter, you aren't listening to what I am trying to teach you," Papa spoke with authority. "Papa, I always listen to what you say, but I don't want to discuss your sudden demise." "That is one thing in life Jane that you never take for granted. Life is fragile. You must live life to the fullest each day because you never know when life will be taken from you." "All this talk about life and choices just because I wanted to attend this dance by myself, is making me a bit weary." "Oh, so now I'm a lecturing old fool." "I didn't say that Papa." He stops their progression to the jewelry store. He turns and faces his lovely tomboyish daughter. He places his hands on her shoulders. "It isn't that I don't want you to get involved with a young man. When I am gone I hope that there will be a young man in your life that would protect you with his own life if need be. But I am an old fashioned fool and I just want my daughter to have the best of everything. I have yet to see a young man in this town that I would approve of for you. Of course, the young boys in this town are all still very young themselves. The point I'm trying to make to you Jane is that you have plenty of time for a man. I would prefer you think about being self-sufficient. An education back east would be my choice for you after your elementary schooling is finished here in Church Falls." "Papa, I'm not sure that further schooling is really for me. But to keep peace with you and ease your mind I will give a further education some thought." He smiles warmly at his young daughter as the two stroll through the moon lit night streets of Church Falls. "Papa! Papa! Papa!" Jane screamed in her sleep startling her body to wake up when she hears Buck struggling to breathe next to her. Jane hurriedly throws the blankets from her trembling body as she makes her way to Buck's bed. He is coughing so badly that he can't catch his breath. She grabs the glass of water by Buck's bedside losing a great deal of the quenching liquid onto the floor. Jane brings the glass up to Buck's lips and allows him to drink from the glass very slowly. "Take a drink of this," Jane spoke softly. As Buck drinks the refreshing liquid his coughing settles down. Jane can't shake the dream she had. Why does her Papa have to invade her sleep every night? Is he trying to tell her something? She simply refuses to believe that she will lose Buck the same way she lost her Papa. If she has to kill Jesse James herself to keep Buck safe then she will! ***** CHAPTER EIGHT Teaspoon is sitting at his desk trying to work around Jimmy's propped up feet that are resting on the one corner of his desk. Teaspoon latches onto a piece of paper that is being held down onto the desk by Jimmy's big boots. Teaspoon tries yanking the paper out from under the boots and in the process tears the paper in half. He looks up disgusted with Jimmy who is paying no mind to what Teaspoon is doing. Jimmy is casually reading through paperwork concerning Cody's murder investigations. Jimmy senses Teaspoon's watchful eyes on him. He glances up at Teaspoon to see the impatience written on the marshal's face. Teaspoon silently holds up the half of the paper that he did manage to get from under Jimmy's boots. "Oh. Sorry." "Could you please remove your dirty boots from my desk?" Teaspoon asked behind a mask of calmness. "Sure," Jimmy spoke softly as he sits up straight while placing his feet flatly on the floor. "Jimmy, you've been studying those damn papers for the better half of the morning. I don't think you're going to find whatever it is you're searching for." "Teaspoon, I'm not even sure what it is I'm searching for." "Why all the sudden interest in Cody's investigation?" Jimmy can't tell Teaspoon his suspicions about Hannah just yet. He doesn't even know what the truth is himself concerning Hannah and the murders. He keeps telling himself that it doesn't make Hannah a cold-blooded killer just because she happens to own a pair of black leather gloves. "I just want to make damn sure that Cody can't try to reclaim the absurd idea that Buck is the killer he's looking for. Cody is still in love with Jane. I don't trust him not to use this investigation to his advantage again." "You really think that's what Cody did when he had Buck arrested?" Teaspoon asked somberly. Teaspoon doesn't want to believe that Cody would deliberately hurt Buck that way, but then again Cody has always been a little bit on the obsessive side. He was always that way when they were all riding for The Pony Express. If Cody saw an expensive new saddle that he wanted you can bet that somehow Cody would come up with the money to get it. Teaspoon doesn't even want to know how many times Cody may have ordered a beer when out on a run instead of sarsaparilla. The women in Cody's life were another matter. Again the marshal doesn't even want to know how many women Cody may have paid to spend an evening with him. Something he is sure none of his other riders had done. As far as Buck and Cody are concerned, well the two of them were like night and day back then. That hasn't changed. "I do. Where is Cody's witness that saw Buck commit murder? I'll tell you where Cody's witness is. There never was a witness, because Buck never committed murder! I'm sure Cody made the whole story up just so he could keep Buck locked up for a few days far away from Jane." "It sure sounds like something Cody would do, but I hope you're wrong. I would have a difficult time ever forgiving Cody if he deliberately jeopardized Buck's life like that." Both men glance over at the office door when Kid strolls in with a look of worriment etched on his face. "You look as if you've been thinking too hard Kid," Jimmy spoke flatly with an annoying grin attached to his face. Kid walks over to the two men. "I caught Jesse in our barn last evening and Charlene was in there with him." Teaspoon abruptly stands up from his chair. "What?" "Jesse claimed he was there to steal one of our horses…" "That's a surprise," Jimmy stated with sarcasm. "He claims that Charlene stumbled upon his attempt in doing so," Kid spoke frustrated with all the lies and betrayal going on around all of them. "Now that's a believable story if ever I heard one," Jimmy stated with much more sarcasm. "You're the one that brought Charlene out to the ranch! I don't trust her and I think it's time we sent her back home! Let her father deal with protecting her from Simon Davenport," Kid stated boldly not really meaning to totally blame Jimmy for the predicament that all of them are in, but letting Jimmy know that they shouldn't trust Charlene. "I would have never saddled Buck with Charlene if I would have known what a deceitful woman she can be. I'm just having a difficult time dealing with her getting nearly beat to death again. You didn't see her after that first time Kid. Charlene was a mess." "She's wrecking havoc in our lives. As much as I hate to say it I'm not too sure a trust Cody any further than I can see him. When the two of them are conversing with one another they are always whispering, they're constantly having dinner together and they even act guilty to me. I'm telling the both of you that those two are up to no good. Hell it wouldn't surprise me if Cody is working with Jesse," Kid spoke somberly. "Kid I don't want you worrying about Cody. I'm keeping my eye on everything he does. You don't think I accepted his apologize just to be buddies again? I don't want to fight with Cody, but I sure as hell don't trust him either," Jimmy stated flatly. "I'm going over to Doc Barnes and visit with Buck," Kid stated with worriment and frustration. Kid leaves the office and strolls slowly down the street towards Doc Barnes Clinic. Jimmy remains speechless until Kid is out of his sight. He turns to face Teaspoon who is now looking every bit as worried as Kid. "Kid really seems upset about finding Jesse and Charlene together," Jimmy stated flatly. "He's probably worried because Charlene is residing in his home with his wife and children." "I can go back to Buck's every night if you want to move Charlene out of Kid's. I don't have to spend my nights with Hannah when there's so much going on at the ranch." "No. I don't think I want that woman back in Buck's home. When he's ready to go back over to his home I don't think he'd have much patience for her." "Teaspoon, Buck has more patience with women than any man I know." "Yeah, I know. But I think even Buck is starting to get a bit annoyed with Charlene. Besides, Jane and Buck deserve to have some time alone once he's healed completely. I don't want Charlene intruding on them any longer." Jimmy laughs and shakes his head thinking about Buck and Jane and the way everyone is trying to give them time alone, but still nothing intimately has taken place between the two of them. ***** Kid walks into Buck's room with his hands shoved into his front trouser pockets. As soon as he sees Buck a smile immediately replaces the frown he came in with. Buck is sitting up in bed and Jane is sitting on the edge of the bed engaged in a passionate kiss with Buck. Kid clears his throat. The two lovers either don't hear him or they are simply ignoring him. Kid clears his throat again a little louder than the first time. Jane pulls herself away from Buck. The two of them gaze at Kid. "I'm sorry. I really don't mean to intrude," Kid spoke sincerely. "That's all right Kid, we're getting used to people intruding on us," Jane spoke with a warm smile. Buck tries to get more comfortable on his bed, but instead he ends up causing himself extreme pain when he tries to move backwards on the bed to sit up better. He grimaces with pain causing Jane to jump off his bed in a hurried fashion. She is at her wits end trying to help him. "Buck, are you alright?" Jane spoke hysterically. Kid hurries to Jane and Buck's aid. "Jane let me handle this for you." Jane moves over to make room for Kid next to Buck. Kid takes one of Buck's pillows and fluffs it up and then gently places it behind Buck. He manages to help Buck move back to lean on the pillow. Kid turns to Jane. "Why don't you get some fresh air? Go for a little walk. It can't be good for you to be cooped up in this room all the time. I'll stay here with Buck." Jane gazes for a reaction from Buck. "Buck?" Jane asked apprehensively. "Go. You need to get out of here once in awhile. I'll be fine with Kid," Buck spoke reassuring Jane that he doesn't mind that she leaves him for a while. Jane reaches over Kid and gives Buck a quick kiss. She puts her shawl around her shoulders and makes her way out of Buck's room. Buck waits until Jane leaves before saying one word to Kid. "What's on your mind, Kid?" Kid turns to his friend and sits down in a chair that usually is occupied by Jane right next to Buck's bed. "What makes you think I have something on my mind?" Buck arches his eyebrow at Kid. Kid has seen this look many times before. It is impossible to hide anything from Buck. "How do you do that?" "Do what?" Buck asked dumbfounded. "You always know when something is amiss." "It's written all over your face Kid. Now, you mind telling me what it is that's bothering you." Buck, you need your rest. I shouldn't be troubling you with problems right now." "Kid, if you don't tell me I'm going to just lay here and worry." Kid hesitates a moment. He wonders if telling Buck about Jesse revisiting the ranch and Charlene being out in the barn with Jesse is a good idea. He knows Buck will fret over the news. But Buck will also fret if he doesn't tell him. And, there's really no sense in trying to make up some unbelievable lie, because Buck can read right through a lie. "I don't want you worrying, I can handle it." "Kid, just tell me what it is that's troubling you." Kid hesitates a moment longer. "All right, but I don't want you worrying about problems. The problems can wait until you're well enough to worry about them. "Last night I was having trouble sleeping. I got up and noticed a lantern burning in the barn so I went outside to check it out." "Let me guess, you found Jesse out there stealing more of our horses." Kid is a little stunned that Buck knew exactly what he was going to say. "Good guess. He did bring one of our horses back though." "How thoughtful of him," Buck stated with a hint of sarcasm. "I let him go." "What? Why?" "I had to. He was holding Charlene hostage." "Why was Charlene out in the barn that late at night?" After Jesse left, I asked Charlene that very same question. She claims she couldn't sleep so she got up out of bed to go for a walk." "Do you believe her?" "I don't believe anything that woman says. I don't know how she got mixed up with Jesse, but I'm almost sure she's working with him. The two of them seemed just a little too cozy when I first entered the barn." "Keep an eye on her Kid. I don't trust her either." Doc Barnes walks into Buck's room. "I think Buck needs to get some rest Kid. You can come back later." Kid gets up from his chair "I'll see you later Buck. Take good care of him for me Doc." "Oh, I will. I know how much you all want him back on his feet and completely well again." The two of them both look back at Buck who is sound asleep. ***** The streets of Rock Creek by mid-morning are just starting to bustle with townsfolk. Some are just strolling from building to building going about their everyday business in town before heading back to their homes. Some are gathering up some supplies at Thompkins Store. Some people, like Jack Morgan, are just simply sticking their nose into the business of what goes on at the jailhouse. As Jack enters Teaspoon's office he startles the old marshal almost right out of his chair. Teaspoon had pulled Jesse's wanted poster off the bulletin board and had been staring at the man intensely. "I see a man that's blaming himself for an outlaw's wrong doings. The last time I walked into this jailhouse you were sitting right where you're sitting now and staring at that same wanted poster." Jack remarked somberly. Teaspoon glances up at Jack and then gets up from his chair and hangs Jesse's poster back up on the bulletin board. "Jesse wasn't a bad kid when he came into my life six years ago. I suppose that would be rather difficult for you to believe." "He's near. He hasn't finished his revenge on your family," Jack stated somberly. "I don't doubt that Jack." "You don't sound too worried." "At the moment I'm more concerned about getting Buck home and completely well again. Once I get that accomplished then I'll deal with Jesse." "Yes, your deputy," Jack stated boldly. "You got something you want to say Jack?" "I've heard a rumor in town that it's a possibility that your deputy just may have committed cold-blooded murder a few years back and that you had no witness to charge him with the murder. Or is it possible that you were just hiding the truth…" "Leave it be Jack!" Teaspoon spoke rather harshly at his friend from his past as he's almost in Jack's face. Teaspoon's rage for Jack's meddling in his life is reaching the breaking point when it comes to one of his boys. Jack smiles at Teaspoon knowing perfectly well that he's pushing Teaspoon just a bit too far. He has no intentions of stirring up Buck's past he just wanted to see just how close the marshal and his deputy really are. "I'll leave it be only cause you asked me to so nicely." Teaspoon wearily sinks down into his chair. Jack watches the old man with intensity. It certainly didn't go unnoticed by Jack at how quickly Teaspoon became fretful over his remarks concerning Buck's not so innocent past. "Don't worry Teaspoon I have no intentions of investigating what happened with Buck. He's a good man even with his Kiowa blood. I'm sure that if Buck did kill a man it had to have been because that person had caused Buck a great deal of pain." "Can we change the subject? You've brought Buck's name up in conversation before and it worries me. I'm hoping that the reason you showed up in Rock Creek isn't to hurt the people in my life that I care about. I have Jesse already doing that. Why don't you tell me more about my past and leave my present family out of our conversations?" "I've told you everything I know." "Yeah, you left me in shock the other day after you abruptly announced to me that there's a child involved. How is it that you happen to know this?" Teaspoon asked sounding as if he doesn't believe a word Jack says. "I told you before that those savages held me hostage and eventually I just accepted my position with them and then I freely lived with them for a spell." "Please refrain from calling Indians savages in my presence. I don't particularly like that word much. There has to be more to this story then you're telling me Jack." "As I told you they held me hostage then they left me go, but I stayed on. I was there for about six months. I was becoming weary about my imprisonment until the Indians finally gave me my choice of either staying or going so I could be wrong about the exact amount of time I spent with them." "Go on." "The Indian men of the village were away from the village on a hunting trip. White men who looked to be just ordinary trappers like you and I raided the village. During the attack I kept her from being killed. She was with child Teaspoon." "She probably didn't survive other raids on her village after you left them," Teaspoon spoke quietly. "She was pretty determined Teaspoon to keep her unborn child safe. I can't say for sure, but I'd be willing to bet my life that she and her unborn child survived." "You know Jack this is a fine time to bring me this sort of news." "I've been debating nearly half my life Teaspoon on whether or not I should tell you about the child. Even after I arrived here in Rock Creek and met all your family I still wasn't sure. I look at you and all of them and I see the happiest family that I've ever seen in my lifetime. I don't want this news to cause you any grief. But if I know you, you'll do whatever it takes to find this child." "The way I see it Jack, there isn't much I can do. I have no idea where this child could be if there even is a child. Not to mention the fact that this child would be an adult now. There are so many possibilities here. The woman could have survived one or two attacks, but perhaps she didn't survive the next time her village was attacked. Even if the child were born he or she could be gone from this earth by now. Unless I have something else to go on there's no way I will ever know the truth here much less be able to find this child," Teaspoon spoke starting to feel a little helpless about the idea that he may have fathered a child that could possibly still be alive that he may never know. "I'm sorry Teaspoon. I thought the news of a child would cheer up your day." "Jack, I'm happy that you got it all out in the open, but the news doesn't bring me much joy. How would you feel thinking you have a child somewhere that you deserted before that child was even born?" "You're asking the wrong man that question Teaspoon Hunter. I actually wouldn't be surprised to find out that I do indeed have a few children running around somewhere. But to be honest I feel those children are better off without me. I'm not the father type." ***** Jane walks back into Buck's room. For a long moment she stands in the doorway caressing his body with the warmth of her eyes. She loves him. Her face is stained with the many tears that have recently fallen from her eyes. The bright redness of her eyes from all the crying that she's been doing lately is sore, puffy and itchy. She continues to watch Buck sleep so peacefully. Just a few days ago his sleep had been filled with painful moans in the middle of the night as well as during the day. She can't stop her thoughts of his being gone from her life. She knows that she wouldn't be able to face losing another man from her life that she loves so deeply. Even though Doc Barnes has assured her many times since Buck has awoken from his deep unconscious state that he is going to be all right, Jane can't stop the thought that she may lose him from invading her mind. Buck has lost a lot of blood, just like Ike had lost a lot of blood. Buck nearly lost his own life from grief when Ike had died. Jimmy had told her that Buck wasn't himself for a very long time. That is how she felt when her Papa had left her alone in this world. Buck was actually the person that helped her cope with her Papa's death, but then Buck left her. They were young then, perhaps too young to realize that there was already a special bond between them. She can't bear the thought of ever losing him! Buck stirs in his bed as Jane wipes the last of her tears away from her damp face. Buck's eyes light up when he sees Jane standing in the doorway. He holds out his hand for her to come to him. "Come here," Buck spoke barely above a whisper. Jane hesitates a moment and then almost clumsily walks to stand at his bedside. Instantly Buck can sense that Jane has been crying and not only crying, but crying for a very long time. Her eyes are almost swollen shut from the tears that have spilled from them. "What's wrong?" Buck asked concerned for the woman he loves. Jane can't seem to get the words to form that she must say to him. She can only look at him wondering how she would ever live without him if he should ever die from the bullet of an outlaw's gun! Buck caresses her hand gently. "You can tell me what it is that's upsetting you. I'm sure that whatever it is we can fix it." "Can we fix you Buck?" Jane asked angrily. Buck is confused and it shows on his face. "I'm going to be fine Jane. I just need a week maybe two to get my strength back." "What about the next time and the time after that? Can you promise me that you will always come back home alive?" Jane asked tears flowing from her eyes. Buck looks defeated. There is no way anyone who chases after outlaws knows whether they will come back home with or without a bullet hole in him. "Jane, I know that my getting shot has you upset. Teaspoon and Kid both told me how you have stayed by my bedside every day and night since they brought me home." "I don't think Buck that I could ever do this again." "I can't promise you that this won't happen again. Even if I were to quit as Teaspoon's deputy there is a chance that this could happen again." Jane pulls her hand gently out of Buck's grasp. "We can no longer be together," Jane speaks so softly that Buck is unsure of her words. Jane turns from him. She can't bear to see the tremendous amount of pain that is in his dark ebony eyes. Jane runs from the room. "Jane!" Buck hollered as he tries to sit up in the bed only to be brought back down from the excessive pain in his chest. "Jane!" Doc Barnes hears Buck hollering from another room. He comes rushing into Buck's room to make sure the Kiowa isn't out of bed, which is what his mind is suspecting. Teaspoon enters Doc Barnes clinic and abruptly runs right into Jane as she's trying to make her escape out the front door from the emotional pain that she is causing the man she loves. "Jane?" Teaspoon spoke questioningly as she makes her way past him and out the door. Teaspoon watches after her for a moment, but then he hears the commotion back in Buck's room. He secures the front door and walks quickly back to where he still hears Buck calling Jane's name. Teaspoon enters Buck's room thinking that Jane's tears where due to the fact that something terrible had happened to Buck. The doctor looks up at Teaspoon when he enters. Buck is lying quietly on his bed. Doc Barnes figures it is safe for him to talk with Teaspoon for a moment. He walks over to Teaspoon. "I think perhaps they may have had a disagreement, but Buck seems pretty upset. Perhaps you can talk to him and get him to rest." "I'll handle whatever it is that is wrong." Doc Barnes leaves Teaspoon alone with Buck. Teaspoon stands back and watches Buck for a moment. He seems to be blindly staring off somewhere. There are a few tears that have cascaded down his face. Teaspoon knows before he even approaches Buck that what took place between him and Jane had to have been worse than a disagreement. A disagreement wouldn't cause Buck this much pain. Teaspoon sits on the edge of Buck's bed. He doesn't say anything to Buck. He brings the Kiowa up into his arms in an embrace. ***** Doc Barnes sits quietly at his desk going over some medical notations concerning his patients. He hears a light rapping on his open office door. He glances over to see Teaspoon standing in the doorway looking like a beaten, worn man. "Come on in Teaspoon." "When can I take Buck home?" "Let him stay here tonight. If he doesn't have a setback from the obvious emotional pain that he is in, then he can go home tomorrow morning." "I'll be here bright and early to pick him up." "Make sure you bring the buckboard and someone else to sit with him in the back. I don't want him riding for a few weeks." "I'll see you in the morning Doc," Teaspoon spoke disheartened. "Teaspoon, is Buck alright?" "He's a bit confused, but we'll get things settled between the two of them as soon as we can get him home. Good-night Doc." Goodnight Teaspoon. ***** Jane comes running into the Hunter household and practically flies up the stairs to her bedroom. Once there she throws herself on the bedroom. "Buck, I'm so sorry," Jane cried as tears flow fiercely down her face. CHAPTER NINE Rachel kept her mind busy by making sure that Buck's room Located downstairs and off to the living room is ready for his arrival home early that morning. Teaspoon and Kid had already left for town with the buckboard to bring Buck home where he belongs. Rachel had heard Jane arrive home last evening in near hysterics, but she didn't want to interfere into the woman's business concerning Buck. She waited patiently until Teaspoon arrived home about an hour after Jane to find out if something had transpired badly between Jane and Buck. Teaspoon had told her the disturbing news that Jane no longer has any desire to be with Buck. There was no particular reason for Jane's decision, or if there was one, Buck wasn't sharing that information with Teaspoon. Rachel had a difficult time sleeping. She felt as if she should go into town and stay with Buck. After all, Jane had stayed with him every night since he was brought into town with a bullet hole in his chest. Buck was used to having Jane's presence next to him and now suddenly she wasn't going to be there for Buck to lean on. Teaspoon couldn't sleep either. He could see the plan brewing in his wife's mind. So he put her plan to a complete halt by ordering Rachel not to ride into town by herself in the middle of the night. With Jesse and his gang nearby it is entirely too dangerous for any of them to be out riding around by themselves especially late at night. Teaspoon also kind of felt that Buck needed this night to be alone and think about how he might attempt to talk to Jane about whatever it is that is coming between them. Rachel walked over to Buck's bed and turned down the blankets. He'll need plenty of rest today after the ride from town to the ranch in the back of the buckboard. Riding in the back of the buckboard can be mighty uncomfortable when everything else with your body is well. Rachel can only image how much pain Buck will be in after his short trip today. ***** Outside the Hunter home Teaspoon is just halting the buckboard in front of the white picket fence that surrounds his and Rachel's home. Buck is in the back of the buckboard grimacing in pain and looking very uncomfortable as he leans into Kid who is sitting next to him. When the buckboard finally comes to a complete stop Teaspoon jumps off the bench of the buckboard and walks to the back where Kid has Buck at the edge of the buckboard ready to help him off the back and into the house. Teaspoon stands on one side of Buck and Kid stands on the other side. Both men grasp Buck gently around the waist and help him settle his feet on the ground before attempting to make him stand. "You think you can make it to the house?" Teaspoon asked with worriment in his voice. "Yeah," Buck spoke quietly. Buck stands on his two legs with Teaspoon and Kid's help. After a moments rest Teaspoon and Kid help Buck start to walk toward the white picket fence. At the gate of the fence all three men halt their progression and bring their heads up to view the commotion coming from the bunkhouse when they hear the door slam shut and a certain young woman's voice talking and laughing with Cody! Kid urges Buck to keep proceeding into Rachel and Teaspoon's home, but when he hears Jane's voice Buck can't help but watch as Cody takes hold of Jane's hand and the two of them proceed to walk toward them! Buck's eyes moist over with fresh tears, but he isn't about to let Jane see how much she's hurting him by being with Cody. Jane stops dead in her tracks when she suddenly gazes away from Cody and sees Buck standing in-between Teaspoon and Kid who are both looking angrily at her for hurting Buck intentionally by being with Cody so soon after breaking her romance off with Buck. Jane sees the utter torment on Buck's face. For a moment she thinks it may be physical pain, but she knows Buck very well and what she sees on his face is emotional pain. He obviously witnessed her walking out of the bunkhouse with Cody. By the enormous amount of pain etched on his face and the unshed tears welling up in his dark ebony eyes she can only guess that Buck believes that she has already spent the night in Cody's arms. Jane begins to tremble from the awful amount of pain that she is causing Buck. He doesn't even realize that she is in the same amount of pain that she has caused him. She loves him. Why can't she just ran to him and make all the pain that she's causing him and her disappear? He loves her so much that he would take her in his arms and never let her go. It's what she wants, but her mind tells her not to go. Jane can't look at Buck any longer. She can't bear to see all the pain in him that she is causing. Cody takes hold of Jane's arm to steady her trembling. He knows that Jane loves Buck more than life itself, but he's also willing to wait until the day when Buck is just a fond memory. He isn't totally sure that that day will ever come, but he's willing to wait for a while and find out. "Jane, it will get easier with each time you see Buck," Cody spoke trying to make sure Jane doesn't take off running into Buck's arms. "I hate what I'm doing to him, what I'm doing to us." Buck can't bear to look at Jane with Cody any longer. He had hoped that once the two of them saw each other that she would regret ending their relationship and want to start over again. Her being with Cody had proved his thoughts totally wrong. He's afraid that if he doesn't look away from the two of them the tears will flow and he won't be able to hide from her the pain that he is in. Buck glances away from Jane and Cody and stares blindly down at the ground. Kid takes this as a sign that Buck just wants to get into the house. The three of them start to move slowly past the fence gate and onto the front porch. Jane can't take her eyes off of Buck. She is worried that the short trip from town has worn him out. She doesn't take her eyes off Buck until Teaspoon and Kid have him safely inside the house. "You can breathe now. Buck is safely in the house," Cody spoke taking offense that Jane can't seem to take her eyes off Buck. He won't allow himself to get angry with her. He has to understanding where her feelings for Buck are concerned. She had just ended their relationship last evening. That isn't enough time to get over someone that you were planning on spending the rest of your life with. Even though Buck and Jane had not made a formal commitment to do just that he knows that it was probably days from happening. "I really need to get into town Jane," Cody spoke gently to Jane. Cody's voice brings Jane back to the real world. She gazes at Cody. "I'm so sorry Cody. I know that your job is waiting for you." The two of them walk to the barn hand in hand. Cody goes inside while Jane waits outside staring blindly at the Hunter home. She can't even imagine her life with Cody, but even more she can't imagine her life without Buck. Cody appears next to Jane atop his horse. "Are you sure you'll be alright today with my leaving you alone?" Jane glances up at Cody. She forces a smile at him. "I'm sure." Jane starts walking toward Rachel and Teaspoon's home as she hears Cody gallop away from the ranch behind her. It will be awkward with the two of them staying with Rachel and Teaspoon, but at least they will be separated by one floor. She is sure that Rachel won't let Buck get out of bed for at least a week. So for at least a week Jane will be able to come and go as she pleases without running into her beloved. ***** Teaspoon and Kid help Buck to sit down in a chair located in his bedroom. Kid walks over to Rachel and helps her pull the blankets to the bottom of the bed. "No Teaspoon, I'm not sure I'm alright, but I'm going to have to make myself be alright because she's obviously with Cody now," Buck stated his voice cracking with emotion. Rachel walks over to where Teaspoon is standing. Buck doesn't need to get too emotional right now. Rachel figures it will definitely slow down his healing process. "The two of you may leave. I can get Buck into bed." Kid walks over to Buck. "I'll be over a little later to see you." Buck just shakes his head in agreement. ***** Jane is walking onto the porch when Teaspoon and Kid make their way out of the Hunter home. Teaspoon is so angry with Jane that he doesn't even acknowledge her being there. He walks right past her and heads out to the barn. Kid stands next to Jane. He isn't about to let her get off as easily as Teaspoon had just done by ignoring her presence. He wants to know exactly what is going on in her mind and heart. Kid and Jane don't say a word to each other. Both of them are busy watching Teaspoon limp to the barn. It is obvious to them that he hasn't been taking care of his own health since Buck got hurt. They watch as moments later Teaspoon rides out of the barn and off the ranch. "We need to talk," Kid spoke with anger aimed at Jane. Jane tries to walk past Kid, but he doesn't allow her to escape as he latches onto her forearm. "You're hurting Buck real bad." Jane tries to yank her arm free from Kid's strong hold on her. "Do you think I don't know that?" "I want to know why? Why after all the love that was obviously between the two of you? Was all those feelings just a lie?" Kid asked his voice filled with rage. "You're hurting me," Jane spoke as she still tries to free herself from Kid's grasp. Kid finally releases his hold on Jane's arm. He doesn't want to physically hurt Jane he just wants to know the truth. "You can't give me an answer because you still love him. But if you still love Buck then why are you doing this to the two of you?" "I don't have to answer your questions Kid. I simply can't be with Buck and that's all I'm saying concerning Buck and I," Jane spoke as she walks into the Hunter home. Kid stands on the front porch upset that Buck is going through so much pain and that he is the last person in the world that should have to endure so much pain. Buck deserves to be happy. He deserves more than anyone to have someone love him with as much love as Buck can give in return. Kid knows Buck won't complain about it. Buck will just go on living alone. ***** Charlene and Louise are in Lou's kitchen making homemade bread for this evening's dinner. Lou has noticed that Charlene has been too quiet all morning. She can't help but wonder if there is another scheme brewing in Charlene's mind now that she knows that Jane has ended her relationship with Buck. "You're awfully quiet this morning Charlene," Louise spoke trying to find out what the deceitful woman might be up to. "I've been contemplating on whether I should ask you something that is on my mind." "Go ahead. I will try to answer your question as honestly as I can." Charlene puts down the oven mitts that she has been holding while waiting for the bread to be done baking. "Do you think now that Jane and Buck are through that I might have a chance with Buck? I mean I was thinking that maybe I could take supper over to Buck tonight and we could sit and talk for awhile." Lou can't help but look distraught at Charlene. She doesn't want Charlene anywhere near Buck. She plans on having a woman-to-woman talk with Jane to find what is really behind Jane's ending her romance with Buck. If Charlene were the last single woman living in Rock Creek Lou still wouldn't want her with Buck. She doesn't want to hurt Charlene by voicing her low opinion of her, so Lou will try and show as much compassion toward Charlene that her heart will allow for a woman that is manipulating her family. "Charlene lets sit down a minute." Both women pull out a chair to sit on at the nearby table. Louise leaves out a heavy sigh and tries to piece together her words in her mind before she allows them to escape from her mouth. She doesn't want to make Charlene feel like she is a bad person even though that is exactly what Louise thinks of Charlene. "Charlene, right now Buck is very hurt by the ending of his and Jane's relationship. I think, no let me rephrase that, I know that Buck had serious thoughts of spending the rest of his life with Jane. That kind of love just doesn't go away in a few days or even a few weeks. In all honestly I think it would be best if you don't push yourself onto Buck too soon." "I wasn't intending on pushing myself onto Buck Louise," Charlene spoke bitterly. "Buck is extremely vulnerable right now. He may welcome your company but it might only be because Jane has hurt him so badly. You wouldn't want Buck on the rebound, because those kinds of feelings never last. He'll realize that he doesn't really love you and then you will be the one getting hurt." "You really don't think Buck will ever love me do you Louise?" "Honestly Charlene, no I don't." Louise looks down at the table as if she is trying to choose her next words very carefully. She glances back up at Charlene. "The truth is Charlene you and Buck are two totally different people. Buck will never fall in love with you." Charlene quickly removes herself from Louise's sight. She runs through the house until she reaches the front door. She walks outside and stands at the edge of the porch looking over at the Hunter home where Buck is resting. "I'll have Buck. It's time to put Jesse's next plan into action!" CHAPTER TEN Cody had unexpectedly stumbled into the marshal's office early so that he could be in and out without having to face the wrath of any of his family members. His plans did not work out to his benefit. He walked into the office and abruptly slammed the glass door just a bit too hard. "Careful with the door Cody, Teaspoon doesn't want to have to pay for the next one we break," Jimmy spoke sitting at the desk going over paperwork. "I'm not in the mood for you this morning Jimmy," Cody spoke boldly. Teaspoon gets up from his chair and walks over to stand in front of Cody. "Why are you here in this office so early?" "To be honest Teaspoon, I thought I could sneak in and sneak out without having to deal with you or Jimmy," Cody spoke in a matter of fact tone. Teaspoon gets right in Cody's face not allowing him access to the files he came in the office for that sit on the edge of Teaspoon's desk. The same files that Jimmy has helped himself to many times for interesting reading material. "The truth is you know how wrong you are concerning Buck and Jane and you don't want any of us telling you how wrong you are," Teaspoon spoke angrily. Cody gets a disgusted look on his face. "It bothers me that Buck's happiness is all that matters here and to hell with Cody's happiness!" "That isn't the way it is around here Cody. I happen to care about all of you. The truth is that Buck and Jane are in love. You've been trying your best to sabotage their love since the moment you realized that they were in love," Teaspoon spoke louder than he actually intended to. "I should be out investigating these murders. Instead, I'm at the jailhouse arguing over who is the best man for Jane!" Cody hollered angrily. "I'm not arguing with you about who the best man is for Jane! I'm telling you that Jane and Buck are in love. They are having a few problems. If you had just stayed out of it I'm sure that Buck and Jane would have been able to work their problems out," Teaspoon stated sure that he is once again right. Cody grins at Teaspoon with a wise smirk. There's no way Cody is going to give Jane time to rethink her feelings for Buck. He has to move in on her quickly because he knows just how deep Jane's love is for Buck. That love shows in Jane's eyes every time she gazes at Buck. Cody has noticed how Jane's eyes don't just stay fixed on Buck's face. Cody has seen the way Jane's eyes roam all over Buck. Even though she's broken her relationship with Buck off, Cody has witnessed Jane's quiet moods. Moods when she is obviously thinking about Buck Cross and what it would be like to make love to him. Cody knows about these quiet moods. They are the same moods he gets in every time he thinks about Jane. "Cody!" Teaspoon hollered to a man caught up in a daydream. Jimmy has been listening intently to the conversation that is going on between the older man and the army officer. He looks away from his paperwork to see why Teaspoon has had to yell at Cody. Teaspoon startles Cody out of his daydream. Cody gazes at the marshal with a smirk of achievement. "In time Jane will love me more than she could ever love Buck." "You're wrong Cody," Jimmy spoke flatly. Cody walks over to the front of the desk and stands positioned over Jimmy. "What makes you an expert on love Jimmy?" "I'm not an expert Cody. I just can see the way Jane looks at Buck and I've witnessed the way Jane has pinned Buck down on the sofa a few times attempting to well…you…know attempting to get Buck's clothes off of him. Admit it Cody. Jane doesn't act that way with you." "Shut-up Jimmy!" Cody hollered as he stomps out of the jailhouse. Jimmy looks up at Teaspoon. "We should be able to do something to get Jane and Buck back together." Teaspoon turns away from the door and sits back down in the chair that is in front of the desk Jimmy is seated at. "I'm not so sure we should interfere. I think Buck and Jane are going to have to realize on their own just how much they love each other." "And what if they don't?" "Then they will be lost to each other forever." "Forever sure is a long time to be without the one you love," Jimmy spoke disheartened. Teaspoon senses that Jimmy is talking about himself more then Buck and Jane at the moment. "You got some problems with Hannah Jimmy?" Jimmy thinks for a brief moment that he should tell Teaspoon about the black leather glove that he discovered in Hannah's purse. He isn't so sure that Teaspoon would work with him to find out the truth. More than anything Jimmy doesn't want Cody involved. Hannah would be guilty in Cody's eyes before a court could give her a fair trail. "It isn't anything Hannah and I can't work out. I don't have Cody standing between myself and Hannah the way he's standing between Buck and Jane." ***** Rachel sits in a chair in front of Buck in his bedroom. She is trying to get Buck to eat his supper. Buck refuses to eat so Rachel is trying to spoon feed him the vegetable stew that she has prepared. Buck won't accept Rachel feeding him and because of his stubbornness the stew has become cold. "You won't get your strength back if you don't eat," Rachel spoke gently to the Kiowa who is staring blindly toward Rachel's garden in the backyard that has the signs of autumn with the leaves of the tress colored in gold, brown, red, and orange. Rachel sighs heavily while getting up from her chair and leaving Buck alone. She takes the soup with her to reheat it with hopes that Buck will eat it later. She walks out through the living room and into the dining area to find that her husband is wiping off the faces of Addison and Daniel. Cody and Jane are seated at the table eating their meal. Rachel places Buck's stew on the table and immediately Jane notices that Buck hadn't touched his stew at all. "You two boys go on upstairs and get ready for bed," Rachel spoke softly to her children. Addison and Daniel make a run for the stairs. Rachel turns her attention back to her husband. "Could you please go in and talk to Buck. He won't eat and I'm really worried about that stubbornness of his." Teaspoon glances at Jane hoping that she will volunteer to talk with Buck and that perhaps they can clear their problems up, but Jane won't even look up at Teaspoon and she doesn't make a move to suggest she go in to see Buck. Cody had noticed what Teaspoon was trying to do. He clasps unto Jane's hand that she has resting on the table. Teaspoon witnesses this action and wonders just how much of Jane's breaking Buck's heart was her decision. It seems to Teaspoon that between Charlene and Cody that Buck and Jane would be together if those two weren't fighting so hard to keep them apart. "Go on ahead Teaspoon. Jane and I can keep ourselves occupied till you get back," Cody spoke with a grin. Teaspoon gets up from his chair at the table in a disgusted manner. He throws his cloth napkin at his place setting. He doesn't blame Buck for not having an appetite, because he has just lost his own. Rachel walks away from the couple at the table. If Rachel didn't know any better she would swear that at this moment Jane is the unhappiest woman that Rachel has ever known. Teaspoon knocks softly on Buck's bedroom door. He gets no response. He really didn't expect Buck to inform him that he may come in. There is complete silence. Teaspoon knocks again only this time a bit louder. "Buck," Teaspoon spoke flatly, but he still doesn't get an okay from Buck to enter his bedroom. Teaspoon waits only a brief moment before he decides that he could stand out here all night hammering on Buck's door and Buck wouldn't make any attempt to allow Teaspoon to enter. Teaspoon finally decides to take his chances with the Kiowa and he opens the door and steps inside. Once inside Buck's bedroom Teaspoon closes the door quietly. Before walking to Buck he glances at the Kiowa sitting in a chair with a blanket pulled up over his legs. To Teaspoon, Buck looks like a man that doesn't want to get any better. He looks worn out and tired from all the lies and deceit that have been a part of his life for so long. Teaspoon walks over to Buck quietly and sits down in the chair that Rachel had obviously placed in front of the Kiowa. "Rachel tells me you won't eat your dinner," Teaspoon spoke softly. "I'm not hungry," Buck spoke disheartened. It is what Teaspoon had suspected. Buck is too upset over everything that has gone wrong between him and Jane to want to eat and get well. "You're not going to get better if you don't eat." "Who cares?" "You know that all of us do." "Not Jane." "Jane wants you to get well. Buck, I don't know what happened between the two of you to cause Jane to turn away from you, but I just witnessed the terrified look on her face when Rachel told me that you aren't eating. I'm telling you that woman still loves you. If you want Jane back, you're going to have to get strong enough to fight for her." Buck gazes at Teaspoon with confusion. "I don't understand why I should have to fight for Jane. I don't even understand why she turned away from me. Jane never gave me a reason for ending our relationship." "If Jane never gave you a reason for ending your romance then you should ask her why. Don't let Cody get the upper hand here." "Cody isn't about to back away from Jane just because I want her back. Cody claims he loves Jane just as much as I do. I'm sure he's enjoying every moment he gets with Jane." "Talk to her Buck. Don't let too much distance get between the two of you that you can't find your way back to each other." ***** Jane walks Cody out to the front porch. She has grown very tired so she has asked him to go home for the evening. Once out on the porch Cody turns and bundles Jane up in his arms. "Are you sure you just don't want to go over to the bunkhouse with me? I would keep you real warm all night long," Cody asked as he kisses her with some passion. The kisses that Cody bestows onto Jane are not to her liking. There is simply no amount of passion that Cody has for her that will ever make her return that passion. She can't lie to herself. She simply doesn't feel anything when Cody kisses or attempts to touch her. Jane pulls away from the kiss and embrace that Cody is desperately trying to keep on her. "Is everything all right?" Cody asked upset that Jane continues to pull away from the intimacy that he so desperately wants with her. "I'm not ready for that kind of relationship Cody." "In another words you don't love me?" Jane hates what she is doing to Buck and now she will also hurt Cody with the answer that she must give him. "I don't love you the way that a woman loves a man that she wants to make love to. Buck is still that man. I told you Cody that it won't be easy for me to forget the feelings that I have for Buck. If you can't give me the time that I need to erase the love that I still have for Buck then we may as well call it quits right now." Cody doesn't even have to think about Jane's request. "I can wait an eternity for you Jane. Although I must admit I hope it doesn't take that long." Jane smiles weakly at Cody. He kisses her lightly on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow." "That would be nice," Jane spoke quietly Cody leaves her alone on the porch. ***** Jimmy had pretended to be asleep so that Hannah would fall into a blissful sleep after the two had made love several times. He reaches over and lightly places a kiss on her forehead. She doesn't make a sound. He praises himself that he must have worn her out. Jimmy quietly gets out of the bed that he shares with a woman that he is falling in love with. He very quietly walks over to her purse. He doesn't want to bring the gloves up to Teaspoon until he is sure beyond any doubt that Hannah is the killer that they have been searching for the last couple of months. Jimmy carefully opens her purse to discover a pair of black leather gloves! He pulls them out of her purse. He feels something rough on them, but he can't see in the darkness of the hotel room that they are in. Jimmy walks over to the moonlight at the window. He is totally shocked when he holds up the gloves and discovers that they have spots of dried blood on them! ***** Jane had sat out on the porch for the good part of the last hour thinking about her life since she moved to Rock Creek. She has people in her life from The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch that treat her like a member of their close-knit family. She has met a man that she has fallen totally in love with only to shatter his heart because she's afraid to love him. She had thought perhaps the night air would clear her head enough to give her the answers that she needs to fight the feelings she can't seem to get rid of concerning the lose of her father. Jane decides to go back inside the Hunter home when the night air becomes too cold for her to be outside. She walks through the living room to get to the stairs when she suddenly stops in her tracks! Buck is just standing up from the sofa in the living room looking directly at her! Jane can tell by the hurt in his eyes that he wasn't expecting to run into her tonight. She has given Buck enough pain to last him a lifetime. She certainly doesn't want to hurt him further. Jane tries to just walk past Buck to get to the stairs, but he isn't about to let her escape so easily. "I want to know why you are doing this to us." Buck asked disheartened. Jane tries to back up so Buck's close proximity to her doesn't drive her into his arms, but her legs won't allow her to move. She doesn't want to look at the heartbreak that invades his liquid warm ebony eyes, but Buck is forcing her to deal with the pain she is giving him. "I just realized that we don't belong together." Buck is confused by Jane's answer. "How can you say that after all we meant to one another?" "What did we mean to one another Buck? Are you referring to the nights on the sofa that we almost made love? Are you referring to the clearing where we almost made love before Jesse's bullets zinged by our heads?" Those feelings were lust that is all." "I thought those feeling were much deeper than lust. I know that my feelings for you run much deeper than just the two of us making love. I can't believe that I was so wrong. Why am I so wrong Jane? Is it because I'm part Indian that you can't allow us to be together? Did you suddenly realize that if you allowed us to make love that you'd be giving yourself to a half-breed?" Jane doesn't want to hurt Buck this way. She is well aware of how much pain and heartbreak her answer will bring to him. He has grown up with people hating him simply because he is a half-breed. That trait about Buck has never bothered Jane and therefore has never been an issue between them not even seven years ago when they first meet. For her to tell him that yes now it is a part of him that she can't deal with would significantly rip his heart in two. Buck would be forever lost from her. She wouldn't have to tell him her true fears. She wouldn't have to deal with any more confrontations with him that only end up causing them both an agonizing amount of emotional pain. "The fact that you are of mixed blood does have me wondering what kind of life I will have if we should marry and have children that would also be of mixed blood," Jane spoke quietly almost dreading the hurt that she will see in Buck's eyes once she has made her confession to him. Buck has a difficult time keeping his feelings inside. He needs to get away from Jane before he can't help but let her see how much her words have devastated him emotionally. Without saying a word to her Buck slowly turns away from Jane and walks into his bedroom. Jane doesn't try to stop Buck from leaving her alone in the living room. It is better this way. When she hears his bedroom door shut quietly she allows the tears that she kept locked in her eyes to fall. "I'm so sorry Buck. Why do I keep hurting you like this?" Buck gazes out at the garden that Rachel has been working on for the past few years in the backyard of the Hunter home. The moonlight shines in on the silent tears that he allows to escape in the privacy of his bedroom. CHAPTER ELEVEN The early morning sunrise had only brought more heartache and uncertainty to Rock Creek and its residents. Thanksgiving will soon be upon the family who lives at The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch. Teaspoon wonders silently as he sits in his chair at the jailhouse how they will maintain a happy family atmosphere when they are all bickering amongst themselves. Teaspoon watches Jimmy who is staring at the posters of Jesse and Frank James. With all the problems that Buck has been having lately Teaspoon has had no time to talk in depth to Jimmy who is definitely having a few problems of his own. Even though the young man hasn't burdened Teaspoon with what is going on in his life, Teaspoon can see the look on Jimmy's face. He has had a permanent frown glued to his face for the past week or two. There is something eating at the young man's heart, but Teaspoon isn't quite sure what it could be that's bothering him. Cody storms into the office bringing a strong gust of wind with him. He shuts the door quickly as to not let in too much cold air. Both Teaspoon and Jimmy glance over at Cody as he whirls around to face them with a stricken look on his face. "Is everything all right son?" Teaspoon asked with minimal concern. "I thought the two of you ought to know that there has been yet another killing," Cody spoke out of breath from his brisk walk from his army post to the marshal's office. Jimmy turns completely around to listen more intently to what Cody is telling them. "His name was Andrew Johnson. Either one of you recognize the name?" Cody asked flatly. Teaspoon tries to remember if the name has ever crossed his mind, but he can't really recall. "Andrew Johnson," Jimmy spoke out loud as he tries to place the name with a face. "I've heard of him. I think I even met him once." "When did you meet him?" Cody asked elated that someone knows the latest victim. "I think he's one of the young men that I caught Hannah with." "I'm confused here Jimmy. I thought Hannah and you were seeing each other pretty steady," Cody spoke dumbfounded. "That's what I thought too. I have been informed by Hannah that she doesn't see any one man steadily," Jimmy spoke disheartened. Teaspoon's eyes brighten, so that's what is wrong with Jimmy. Teaspoon is totally surprised that Jimmy is starting to fall in love, but Hannah isn't interested in the emotion of love at all. "You're still seeing Hannah, aren't you Jimmy?" Teaspoon asked trying not to be too interfering in Jimmy's life. "Yeah, whenever Hannah can make the time." "Well I just wanted to let the two of you know about the killing. I have to get back to my men. We're going to do an all out search for Jesse and his gang," Cody spoke as he makes his way out of the jailhouse. After Cody's departure Teaspoon takes notice to the quietness that has overcome Jimmy. He looks to be in deep thought. Teaspoon isn't quite sure that he should interrupt Jimmy's train of thought, but he is starting to worry that something is extremely wrong in Jimmy's life. "I can see that something pretty intense is bothering you," Teaspoon spoke hoping that Jimmy will confide in him. Jimmy snaps out of his deep thought. He moves away from the bulletin board to stand in front of Teaspoon. "I'm real worried about Hannah. I've been noticing some things about her lately and these things have me baffled." "You want to talk about these things that have you worried?" "I'm just not real sure where to begin. Everything is just such a jumbled mess in my head." "Why don't you start with Andrew Johnson? That name seems to be haunting you a bit." "She knows him. She's slept with him." "Hannah?" Teaspoon questioned bluntly. "Yeah, Hannah also had been sleeping with Joseph Foster before he was killed and Mister Carson seemed to know her intimately as well," Jimmy spoke the words just flowing out of his mouth as if he's putting a jigsaw puzzle together as he speaks. "What exactly are you trying to say Jimmy? Are you saying that you believe Hannah had something to do with the killings that have been going on around here?" Teaspoon asked with shock in his tone of voice. "I'm not sure. There's something else Teaspoon. I'm not sure I should tell you because I'm having a difficult time believing that Hannah is involved with these killings." "Jimmy whatever it is I can help," Teaspoon spoke trying to assure Jimmy that he will do whatever he can to make sure Hannah is not falsely accused of something she didn't do. "One night when Hannah and I were at the hotel, in our room, she had fallen asleep and I couldn't get to sleep because I was so afraid that Buck wasn't going to make it." "So this happened when Buck was still at the doc's clinic?" "Yeah, I hadn't been to see Buck all day and I was real scarred that he wouldn't make it through the night. I got out of bed to glance out the window to just make sure there was no commotion going on over at the doc's clinic. I remember turning to go back to bed when my eye caught something sticking out of Hannah's purse. Her purse was lying on the floor. I picked it up and inside was a pair of black leather gloves." "Oh Lord." "That's not all Teaspoon. I didn't ask Hannah about the gloves I just figured that she had a pair of black leather gloves. I mean it's a popular article of clothing for a woman who rides horse back. But a few nights later we were at the hotel again and that night I found a pair of black leather gloves in her purse stained with blood." "Why didn't you say something before now Jimmy?" "I'm not sure Teaspoon. I don't want to believe that Hannah is capable of cold-blooded murder, but the gloves sure make her seem guilty," Jimmy spoke his voice cracking with emotion. Teaspoon guides him to the chair in front of his desk and pushes Jimmy to sit down. Teaspoon sits on the edge of his desk. "Listen son, we have to find out whether Hannah is involved or not." "What about Cody? Should we tell Cody?" Jimmy asked quietly. "I'm not too sure that would be such a good idea. Cody can make such a damn mess out of anything he's involved with. I'd rather the two of us try to find out what is going on with Hannah before we pull Cody into the situation." "Just how are we going to find out if Hannah is involved or not, it's not like we can just walk up to her and ask if she's killed these men?" Jimmy asked perplexed. "You need to spend as much time as possible with her. If she tries to give you the brush off then perhaps you should try following her to see exactly what she is up to on those evening when she doesn't want to be with you," Teaspoon spoke bluntly. "I don't like trapping Hannah Teaspoon," Jimmy spoke disheartened. He gazes at Teaspoon hoping for a way out of this, but he knows deep down in his heart that they must find out the truth. "I suppose this is the only way to find out one way or the other whether Hannah is a killer or not." "I'm sorry son." ***** Kid is in the barn mucking out the stalls with Louise right by his side assisting him. Louise watches her husband with intensity. Kid has been just as quiet if not more quiet then Buck of late and Lou is sure she doesn't understand what it is that has given Kid such a bad disposition. Kid is bent over working hard at getting fresh straw spread out in the recently mucked out horse stalls. The mid November winds and dropping temperatures has Kid a bit apprehensive about leaving any of their stock gazing out in the pastures at night. As Kid tries to straighten up he clasps for his back and lets out a painful groan. Louise smirks at Kid's discomfort. "Getting too old to work in the barn Kid?" Kid turns around to take in a full view of his wife clad in a pair of jeans and one of his flannel shirts. She is irresistible and irritating at the same time. She has witnessed a lapse of weakness on his part and he hates Lou seeing that he might be having problems keeping up with the work with Buck not being able to do any work at the moment. Still though with all that Kid does around the ranch he has very few aches or complaints. "No, I'm not getting too old to get my work done," Kid spoke bluntly as he moves to the next stall that needs mucked out and fresh straw put on the floor. Kid shoves the shovel in front of Lou's face. "Would you care to show me how it's done properly?" Kid spoke with a teasing smile on his face. "Very funny Kid," Louise spoke boldly. "I'll do your mucking out of the stalls if you do all the housework including the cooking for a week," Lou spoke with a teasing smile of her own. "No thanks," Kid spoke flatly as he turns away from his wife and starts to muck out the next horse stall. Lou had gotten Kid to talk for a while, but as soon as he starts back in on his work he is quiet as a mouse once again. Lou can't help but to be worried that there is something deeply bothering Kid. "Kid is there something you want to talk about?" Lou asked in a concerned tone. Kid stops shoveling and stands up straight to face his wife. "No. There's just so much turmoil going on around us. We have Jesse god knows where just waiting to attack our family again. No one knows where he is at or what he'll do next." "Jesse can't hurt us if we stay together as a family and work together to try and discover where he is hiding out before he can do anymore damage to any of us." "I'm going to be honest with you Lou. Even though Jesse has become a notorious bank robber and killer, I never thought that he would make any one of us his next victim. But he did. He's hurt this family in a way that only a hateful, devious outlaw would do. Jesse has no shame over the trap that he set for us to ride right into," Kid spoke with emotion. "Kid everything worked out all right. Buck is going to be fine and no one else was hurt," Lou spoke softly not wanting to alarm her husband. "Lou you weren't there that day. It was a nightmare. Jesse's men had all of us cornered on every side. We couldn't move out of the circle that his men formed around us. I couldn't see three feet in front of me that is how bad the smoke from our guns was hanging in the air. All I could hear was gunfire all around me! Then I heard Teaspoon yelling for Jack and shortly after that I heard Buck yell out for Teaspoon. I didn't see Buck fall to the ground, but the gunfire got quiet after he fell. The smoke had started to clear and I could barely see Teaspoon hobbling over to be by Buck. If Jesse would have wanted to, and believe me I still can't figure out why he didn't he could have easily killed Teaspoon while he was tending to Buck. Jesse was once a part of this family. I just don't understand…" Louise holds Kid in a strong embrace. "I know it had to have been awful, but Jesse can't hurt us now. We're all here together and none of us are going to leave this ranch to pursue him. We'll just let Jack Morgan do that for us." Kid lowers his face into the warmth of Lou's soft brown hair. "Yeah, I only hope you're right Lou." ***** Teaspoon knew the boy could be extremely stubborn. He wasn't sure if it were his white blood or Indian blood that had made Buck that way. Perhaps the fact that he is of mixed blood is the reason for the absolute stubbornness that never seems to let up. Buck had been refusing to eat so Teaspoon took it upon himself to have his meals with Buck. He had hoped that his company along with conversation would take Buck's mind off all the hurt and betrayal he was feeling and give him back the strength that he needs to get well again. Teaspoon knew he couldn't fool Buck into eating, but at least he could talk more with Buck in hopes of taking some of the pain away that he has been feeling since Jane had declared that she no longer loves him. Teaspoon and Buck are sitting in Buck's bedroom eating their evening meal together. In reality, Teaspoon would rather be spending time with Buck over having to put up with Cody's inflated self-importance at the Hunter supper table. "I realize that you don't want to hear what I have to say about Jane, but I was there everyday with her while we waited for you to wake-up. Jane was a wreck. She was frightened that she was going to lose you," Teaspoon spoke trying to assure Buck that he needs to get well enough to fight to get Jane back. "I understand what you're trying to do here Teaspoon, but it won't work. I took your suggestion and I talked to Jane. It's my Indian heritage that is scaring her away," Buck spoke sadly. "That's utter nonsense. Jane loves you. I can see it in her eyes every time she glances your way. I'm telling you that your Indian heritage has nothing to do with her breaking your romance off. If Jane told you that then she's just using that as an excuse so she can avoid telling you the real reason. " "If what you're saying is true then why is Jane hanging all over Cody? Why has she been so cruel as to tell me that she can't stand being with me because I'm part Kiowa?" Buck spoke his voice cracking with emotion. It hadn't been Teaspoon's intentions to make Buck feel the pain that Jane has caused him all over again. He is sure that Jane loves Buck and not Cody. But why then is Jane claiming to be in love with Cody? "Could it possibly be because Jane is afraid of losing you? Jane lost her father to an outlaw's brutality did she not?" "Yes, but I would hope that Jane could talk to me about being afraid of losing me if that were the case. No Teaspoon, I think you're wrong. I thought Jane was different then every other woman in Rock Creek, but she proved me wrong. My Kiowa blood frightens her." Teaspoon looks right through Buck as if he hasn't heard a single word that Buck just said. He thinks back to something Jack had said to him when Jack had first laid eyes on Buck. "I'm surprised you hadn't told me that you found him," Jack had said without thinking about the implications and the meaning behind those words. Teaspoon gazes at Buck. Jack had been looking at Buck when he spoke those words. "I'm surprised you hadn't told me that you found him." Those words keep repeating themselves in Teaspoon's mind and he can't for the life of him get them to stop. What had Jack meant? Did Jack think for a moment that Buck was this long lost child that he claims Teaspoon fathered? "Teaspoon! Teaspoon!" Buck had hollered Teaspoon's name many times before the marshal acknowledged Buck's presence in the room. "I'm sorry Buck. What were you saying?" "Forget it Teaspoon. I think you're miles away from here." "Not miles Buck, just years," Teaspoon spoke softly. ***** Jane and Cody are arriving onto the ranch on a buckboard. He had waited for Jane in town until she had completed her day's work at the schoolhouse. Her teaching took up a lot of her time. Time that Cody thought should be spent with him instead of with a room full of children. His selfish mood led them to the restaurant for dinner even though Jane had wished only to get back to the ranch to prepare her notes for her next school day. Cody had insisted that Jane needed to eat, and Jane being somewhat afraid of Cody's temper, simply gave in without fighting him. Cody halts the buckboard in front of the bunkhouse. Jane had been laughing about something that had been said between the two of them. Her smile ceases when Cody reaches up to help her down from the buckboard. She can't help the way she feels whenever Cody is in close proximity to her body. She dislikes the way his touch makes her feel. She doesn't have romantic feeling for Cody so when he touches her skin her only thoughts are of to pull away from his grasp. Cody walks Jane into the bunkhouse. He had asked Jane to go over all the paperwork that he had collected on the investigation. Jane had said that she would offer her assistance, but she hadn't thought it would be in the bunkhouse. It was too late for her to change her mind now. She didn't like breaking a promise. Jane jumps slightly when Cody shuts the bunkhouse door leaving the two of them trapped together behind closed doors. Cody reaches from behind Jane and tries to pull her body close to his. Jane resists and Cody can feel her resistance. Cody turns her around to face him. "Perhaps I should warm you up a bit first," Cody spoke with an over self-confident grin. He leans into Jane and lowers his head to kiss her. Jane allows the kiss to happen, but immediately she thinks that she shouldn't be kissing Cody because her heart belongs to Buck. Her heart will always belong to only Buck! Before Jane reacts to stop Cody, she feels his hands start to roam down her backside! Jane stumbles backwards away from Cody's grasp. Cody is totally surprised when he becomes fully aware of Jane being halfway across the room staring at him as if he has raped her! "What's going on Jane?" Cody spoke in a demanding tone. Jane blinks away the tears that are close to falling down her cheek. "I'm not ready for our relationship to be more than friendship. I'm sorry Cody." "You still love Buck don't you?" Cody asked disheartened. "I have to be totally honest with you and with myself about my feelings. Perhaps I always will love Buck. All I really do know at this point is that I don't want to be kissed or held by any other man other then Buck. Right now the only man I want to make love to is Buck. To be perfectly honest with you I don't think these feelings that I have for Buck will ever go away." "Jane I want to make love to you. I want to make you mine. I can make you forget Buck," Cody spoke adamantly. "Cody you can't make a person forget the love they have for someone else. Love just doesn't work that way. You wouldn't want to make love to me Cody when I would only be thinking that I was really making love to Buck. That wouldn't be fair to either one of us." "I would have thought by now that you were getting over Buck. I can give you a reasonable amount of time to get over your feelings for Buck, but I can't wait forever Jane." "I won't ask you to wait forever Cody." Jane walks around Cody and opens the front door to the bunkhouse. She walks outside and shuts the door between herself and Cody. "Good-night Jane, we will be together soon," Cody spoke arrogantly. Jane stands at the front door of the bunkhouse and watches the Hunter home for a brief moment. Buck is inside that home. She could easily leave Cody's unwanted embrace and waltz right into Buck's bedroom and Buck would welcome her with open arms. Buck would forgive all the vicious words that she had spoke to him. He would lay her down on his bed and the two of them would be lost to the world and all it's surrounding until sleep overtook their exhausted bodies. Jane shakes her head to relieve her mind of thoughts of Buck Cross! She slowly strolls across the ranch to the Hunter Homestead! CHAPTER TWELVE The moonlight shone brilliantly in through the windows of Buck's bedroom at Teaspoon and Rachel's home. The alluring light of the moon pleads with a sleepless Buck to stroll outside and relax in the natural beauty of Rachel's autumn garden. He is slowly recovering from a bullet wound and bruised ribs, and now a broken heart. After Jane announced her intent with Cody, Buck hasn't had any reason to hurry his healing process except maybe to help Kid out around the ranch. Buck lie tossing and turning in his bed, but no matter how comfortable he gets himself thoughts of Jane keep entering his mind. Today he had tried leaving the security of his bedroom only to immediately be confronted by Jane as she walked down the stairs ready for a full day of teaching. She had torn at Buck's heart a week before and the guilty appearance on her face doesn't sit well with Buck. Jane had meant to hurt him and if she is having a difficult time dealing with all the pain she has caused then Buck figures she should move off the ranch. Jane had noticed the hurt in Buck's dark eyes over her astounding declaration that his Indian blood is a part of him that she can't tolerate. Buck could only sense that Jane was simply feeling bad that she had to hurt him in the way that she did. Jane knows perfectly well that Buck's heritage has always been a sensitive area for him. Buck wonders if there is some purpose that Jane had been brought back into his life after seven years only to have her taken away from him again by her own doing. Why had Jane been so explicit to him on what she wanted? On many occasions Jane had been all over him and he had held back. Why? Teaspoon had even told Buck that while he was unconscious that Jane had stayed with him all day and every night. No one could convince Jane to go back to the ranch and get a good nights rest. She had been determined to stay with him, willing him to live another day. What had changed between them? Does she really hate him as much as her words are telling Buck so? After their morning run in with one another, later in the day Buck had been sitting on Rachel's porch when Cody and Jane rode onto the ranch in a buckboard. Buck watched as Cody lifted Jane from the buckboard and then hand in hand the two of them walked into the bunkhouse. It seemed to Buck that Cody had brought Jane home for a quick lunch and whatever else he so desired. Buck didn't want to witness their happiness as they strolled out of the bunkhouse to head back into Rock Creek. He slowly got up from the chair and walked quietly into the house. Buck simply can't make his mind and body relax into a quiet slumber. He is haunted every night by Jane's presence. The feel of Jane's soft skin torments him when he had held her in his arms. He is tormented by the smell of her whenever their bodies had been close. He is tormented by the sight of her and all the passion she has for life. Buck is tormented whenever he lays eyes on Jane tangled in an embrace with Cody! He is so overwhelmed when he sees the two of them together that he has nearly broke down in front of her. He can never allow her to see just how much her being with Cody tears at his emotions. Buck stares out at the moonlight. The bright light looks so beautiful that he decides it will have a calming affect on his shattered nerves. Buck gets out of bed clad in long johns and makes his way over to the door in his bedroom that leads outside to Rachel's garden. ***** Jane quietly opens the door to her bedroom. She is arriving home late from Rock Creek where Cody had insisted on dinner before returning to the ranch. Then insisted on making love, but Jane couldn't allow love to happen between them. Jane simply has no desire to make love to Cody and she doesn't see those feelings ever changing. Once inside the security of her bedroom Jane quickly removes her clothing and slips into a white nightgown that leaves nothing for the imagination of any man. She exhaustingly relaxes her weary body onto her bed and promptly begins to think about Cody and Buck. With the moonlight shimmering so luminous in the pitch-black sky she would have thought Cody's attempt at romancing her would have been inviting to her. Instead, Jane felt impure as Cody's hands roamed over her body before she told him to stop! She had tried with Cody to muster up the same passion that Buck could bring out in her just simply by looking at her. Cody hadn't wanted to stop what he was feeling. Cody wanted to make love to her. She figures that Cody would easily remove his clothes a lot quicker than Buck had attempted to remove his. Jane smiles warmly at the thought of Buck's uneasiness with women. Why had Buck been apprehensive about their making love? Did he ever really want her? Of course Buck wanted her. During their many unsatisfied encounters she had felt the changes in his body letting her know that he desired her. Jane leaves out a heavy sigh. "There is simply no use in my staying in this bed. If only sleep would overtake my shameless promiscuous thoughts of Buck," Jane spoke quietly to only her. Jane throws back her blankets to reveal the thin nightgown that clings to every womanly curve of her body. She stumbles out of bed and leaves the security of her bedroom. ***** Buck gazes up at the tall trees that surround him as he sits on a wood bench out in the middle of Rachel's garden. The autumn mum flowers and the tree's bounteous leaves of brilliant red, shimmering gold, and bright orange have settled his frazzled nerves for the time being. The chill in the autumn air causes Buck to shiver slightly. He didn't even think about putting clothes on over his long johns before venturing out into the cool night air. The last thing he would want to happen would be for him to get sick putting an abrupt halt on his recovery. Buck slowly gets up from the bench and heads toward the house. Jane comes rushing out the back living room door into Rachel's garden! The cool air hits her bare arms causing her to shudder and curse herself for not throwing her robe on over her nightgown. She crosses her arms over her chest and begins to rub each arm with her hands hoping to rid the goosebumps that have invaded her skin. For a second Jane thinks about returning to the warmth of her bed, but decides that the cool air will help reduce the passion that her body is feeling whenever she allows her mind to wonder back to all the heated moments she had shared with Buck in his arms! Jane walks further into the depths of the garden. Her mind actually ventures away from thoughts of making love to Buck and she takes in the beauty of the vibrant autumn colors that cry out for romance and passion! Jane scolds her mind for associating everything in her life with the passion that she feels for Buck. Why can't I get him out of mind? Why won't he leave my heart alone? Jane takes her eyes off the beauty of her surrounding and halts her progression further into the garden. Her eyes soften and her breath quickens and comes out in gasps as she stands face to face with the man that she loves! Buck is stunned to see Jane standing in Rachel's garden before him clad only in her nightgown that is having an effect on Buck's eyes wanting to roam all over her! The hurt that Jane has caused him keeps his mind focused enough that his desire for her doesn't totally invade his mind and body. For a moment that seems to last forever the two are silent with one another. Jane can't stand to look at the hurt in his dark ebony eyes that was put there by her when she had told him that he no longer meant anything to her. Jane allows her eyes to gaze down his body! The thought that he is only clad in long johns does nothing to help keep her mind from thinking about the two of them making love in the middle of this garden under the moonlight! Her eyes search out his eyes. She must keep focused on his face. Perhaps then her body will stop aching for Buck to take her in his arms and make love to her! "You're up kind of late. Is your wound bothering you?" Jane asked hoping to divert her brazen eyes from undressing him. Buck isn't too sure that he can talk to Jane. He feels so vulnerable and afraid that he might lose his emotions with her being so close to him. He has to answer Jane's question. He doesn't want her to think that he won't talk to her simply because they are no longer romantically involved with one another. After all, the two of them had been friends long before love entered either one of their minds and hearts. "It isn't my wound that keeps me awake at night. What keeps me awake are thoughts of you," Buck spoke choking back the emotion that he feels in his voice. His eyes begin to mist over with tears and he can't seem to halt the trembling of his lower lip. He just prays silently that the bright moonlight doesn't give away to Jane the state his emotions are in. Jane is so in tune with this man's emotions. She had witnessed the hurt overflowing in his eyes before he had uttered one word to her. She so desperately wants to reach out to him and take away all the pain that she is causing him to feel and endure. Jane takes a step toward Buck! Her step toward him gives Buck the message that she isn't as repulsed by his Indian bloodline as much as she had claimed. Buck starts to approach Jane very slowly. He isn't too sure he should lay his heart out in the open for her to stomp on again. He senses that there is more going on with Jane ending their relationship that what she is saying. If he doesn't take a chance he may never know what is really going on in Jane's heart. At first with every step that Buck takes toward her Jane takes a step away from him. She needs to keep a reasonable amount of distance between them. A reasonable amount of distance to Jane means a distance where she can't simply reach out and touch him! She wants to feel fear with his every approach toward her so that her mind will tell her throat to scream out at him to stay away from her! But soon Jane discovers that his body is only inches from hers and that she has made no further attempts to distance her body from his! With all her senses screaming out at her to close the barrier between them Jane inches her body closer to his. With their bodies almost touching the heated intensity between them causes their passion for each other to mount. Jane's close proximity to him sends all his senses reeling feverishly. Buck isn't too sure what he should do next. In his mind, his not knowing what to do next is what helped cause the demise of their relationship. He should just do whatever his heart and mind is telling him to do. His mind is telling him that he wants this woman. That he desperately wants to make love to her. His heart is telling him that he loves her and that he'll never love any other woman as much as he loves her. Could it all be his fault because he was apprehensive about the two of them making love? Buck takes his hand and places it on the nape of her neck. With his other trembling hand he reaches up to the soft creamy white skin of her face and gently caresses her cheek as he lowers his mouth to cover her lips that are eagerly awaiting an assault from him! Jane wraps her arms around Buck so tightly that she is almost certain nothing or anyone could pry the two of them apart! She allows Buck to kiss her until she is breathless. All thoughts of Cody and being honorable to him have completely left her mind. Her mind, soul, heart and body are crying out in a demanding way with her body pressed tautly against Buck's for him to love her! Buck slowly pulls his mouth from her swollen lips to look into Jane's eyes. He needs to feel secure in that he has her permission to continue with what he is doing to her. Jane's eyes only give away the desire she feels for Buck. "Dance with me," Jane spoke softly. Buck envelopes Jane in his arms and buries his face in her velvety hair. He leads her slowly through the garden as they dance to the gentle sounds of the whispering leaves, the near silent singing of a few birds that have yet to leave before winter hits and the spirited beating of their hearts. Jane is all too aware of the intense hold that Buck has on her. The thin fabric of her nightgown allows her to feel the heat from his hand as he touches her! Oh, how she yearns for Buck to caress her bare skin! Jane melts tautly into his body and he responds to her with a soft moan. Buck holds Jane tightly with the intent of never letting her go. Buck wants Jane back in his life. He needs her in his life and he is finding it extremely difficult to face life without Jane. Jane suddenly halts their dance. She searches out the look of desire in his eyes, but Jane also sees a tremendous amount of pain and fear in his eyes. She can silently admit that she loves him deeply and she wants to take away all the pain she has caused him and put his fears to rest that she will never hurt him again. She reaches up to his mouth with her lips and resumes the passionate kissing between them. Jane presses her body tautly against his as Buck deepens the heated kiss between them. The thinness of Jane's nightgown tempts Buck to touch Jane's body in places he hasn't allowed himself the pleasure of touching before this moment. He knows that Jane can feel what she is doing to his body! Jane feels the need deep inside her to touch his body in places that she hasn't explored yet! She brings her one hand down from around his neck and places it flatly against his chest. It pleases Jane that Buck's heart is beating out of control with desire for her! She wants to touch his bare skin and she silently curses the clothing between them! Jane brings her hands slowly down to his hips. She pushes his body tightly to hers causing Buck to moan loudly. She has assaulted his body so many times in the past couple of months without the presence of any lovemaking. Jane is sure that Buck's body is screaming out for the pleasure she can give him. Suddenly Buck stops the onslaught of passion Jane is aggressively bestowing onto him. He tenderly takes Jane's hand and leads her toward the door that opens up to his downstairs bedroom! Jane feels her body start to tremble! There is no one to stop what is happening between them! There is no one to interrupt their lovemaking! Jane begs her mind to stop the feelings that she is having for Buck. But even Jane can't stop what is going to happen between them! She really doesn't want to stop what is going to happen. She has waited too long for Buck to be aggressive and lead her to his bedroom! Buck quietly shuts his bedroom door that leads to the outside world. He pulls Jane gently to him and begins to kiss her already swollen red lips. Her immediate response to his kisses causes him to deepen the kiss as he backs her up to his bed! When Jane becomes breathless from his smoldering kisses, she briefly pulls away from him, but only to make damn sure that Buck doesn't pull back from loving her. She initiates the removal of what little clothing their bodies are shielded by. Jane reaches for the bottom of Buck's long john top. She pulls it off over his head and Buck is more than willing to let her do so. Jane tosses the garment to the floor. As Jane is about to lower her nightgown to the floor revealing her body to Buck, her gaze falls back onto Buck. In the darkness of his bedroom with the moonlight shimmering through the windows Jane has a full view of Buck's bandaged chest and exactly what that bandaged chest means to her in the way of Jane almost losing Buck to an outlaw's gun. She pulls away from Buck as if she has been burnt! All of her senses come rushing back to her telling her that she can't be alone in this bedroom with him. That by making love to him she will commit to him until the day some outlaw shoots him down and he is then lost to her forever! Buck takes a strong hold onto Jane's forearm and forces Jane to turn around and look at him. Buck decides to lay his feelings on the line in hope that Jane will respond to them with her own feelings of love for him. "I love you. Please tell me you feel the same for me," Buck spoke softly almost afraid to speak for fear of losing his emotions. "I shouldn't be here with you. I'm with Cody now," Jane spoke not looking up into the hurt that is overflowing in Buck's dark eyes. Buck shakes Jane gently. "Look at me Jane and tell me that I mean nothing to you. If you can do that I'll never bother you again." Jane raises her eyes to look into Buck's eyes. She sees the pain already overflowing in them. She does truly love him more than life itself, but she can't bear the thought of losing him. "I want you to leave me alone. I love Cody and I'm going to stay with Cody," Jane spoke adamantly as she pulls away from him and walks out of his bedroom and his life. He has allowed Jane to hurt him all over again. Jane left his embrace and tore out of his bedroom without glancing back. Buck turns and walks over to the windows facing the garden. Perhaps he should have never ventured out into the garden. Instead of relaxing his rattled nerves, the garden has left him feeling very much alone. He brings his hand up to his face to wipe away the few tears that have escaped from his eyes. CHAPTER THIRTEEN The soft glow of the moonlight tonight had been perfect for romance. He lay quietly on the hotel bed, which much to his dislike has become the center of their relationship, next to Hannah who is sleeping in a dream contented slumber. Jimmy briefly wonders if her dreams are centered with him being her knight in shining armor. How romantic would that be if Hannah actually had dreams of the two of them living happily ever after? Jimmy smiles at his foolishness. He had thought that Buck was acting somewhat naïve when he had mentioned to Jimmy that he wanted there to be romance between him and Jane before lust overtook their bodies. How absurd Jimmy had thought at the time of his and Buck's conversation. He had simply chalked it up to Buck's being inexperienced with women. But now the thought of romancing Hannah is the only emotion Jimmy has on his mind. He is falling head over heels in love with Hannah, but all he is to her is a romp in this repetitious old hotel room. Jimmy gazes at Hannah and gently tucks a strand of her molten black tresses that have fallen onto her face behind her ear. He ponders the thought of being a good husband if Hannah would allow herself to fall in love with just one man. Her negative attitude concerning love and marriage has Jimmy wondering if Hannah can even feel the emotion of love. Hannah certainly respects her father, but does she really love him? She is protective of Charlene and Phillip, but does she really love them? Would she tend to them if they were ill? Would she stand by them if they were in some kind of trouble? Jimmy doesn't see those feelings in Hannah for her father or her siblings. She can care deeply, but can Hannah really love another person? It is also possible that Hannah has built up a wall around her emotions to avoid getting hurt. Jimmy carefully pulls back the blankets from his body and exits the bed quietly not wishing to arouse Hannah from her blissful dreams. He glances back down at a sleeping Hannah. The black leather gloves are still harping at his mind to figure out the truth behind them. Jimmy doesn't want to believe that the woman he is falling in love with could be a cold-blooded killer, but the evidence has been right in front of his eyes on two separate occasions. He turns away from a princess-like sleeping Hannah, and with a hesitant feeling in the pit of his stomach he searches the room for her purse. Before Jimmy's feeling become too intense for this woman he needs to find out the truth behind her gloves and behind the murders going on around Rock Creek. Jimmy's eyes focus in on Hannah's purse stationed on the chair close to the window that faces the Doc's clinic. If he ignores the purse then Jimmy figures he'll never really know the truth. He doesn't want to lose Hannah. He tries to avoid looking at her purse that is just waiting for him to take a peek inside. Jimmy hesitates. He can't allow anyone else to lose their life simply because he doesn't want to lose her. "Damn," Jimmy spoke cursing his intolerance for law breaking. Jimmy walks with hesitance over to the chair. He slowly picks the purse up from the chair and prays silently that his suspicions about Hannah are wrong. He fumbles with the opening of the clasp that holds the purse shut to intruders. He doesn't make a visual inspection of the contents. With his one hand holding the purse he uses his other hand to rummage through the contents. Jimmy breathes a sigh of relief when the items that he finds are just normal female possessions. He pulls out of her purse and places a mirror, make-up, handkerchief, keys, and money on the chair beside him. Jimmy places his hand back inside the purse and a sudden feeling of despair comes over him! He pulls out the cloth that his fingers became entangled with. His hands reveal to his eyes a pair of black leather gloves! Jimmy carefully spies the gloves over cautiously for bloodstains! He holds his breath until he realizes that the gloves are clean. "Jimmy, why are you always going through my purse late at night while I sleep?" Hannah asked smiling warmly at the marshal of Rock Creek who is standing naked holding a purse in one hand and a pair of woman's gloves in the other hand. Hannah's somewhat loud voice startles Jimmy from his intrusion of her belongings. "Jimmy, do you have some sort of sexual fetish that involves a woman's purse and her black leather gloves?" Jimmy puts the purse down onto the chair, but he holds onto the gloves. He ambles over to the bed and stands at the edge facing Hannah. "Why is it that everything you think about ends up having something to do with lust?" "Isn't that why we are in this hotel room together Jimmy?" Hannah has pretty much confirmed Jimmy's earlier thoughts of their relationship from her stand point; she simply has no feelings of love for him. The feelings she has for him are lust or nothing at all. "Yeah, I suppose that's why we come to this stylish hotel room," Jimmy spoke disheartened as he briefly glances around the room. Hannah stares at her leather gloves that Jimmy keeps caressing with his hands. "Would you like for me to put them on and do naughty things to you?" "Hannah, please. This is serious," Jimmy spoke angrily. "Yes, I know. We only have a few hours till dawn. If you want me to satisfy your appetite one last time you best crawl back into this bed and warm me up!" "Hannah, we really need to talk." It had taken Hannah a while, but she now notices the serious tone of Jimmy's voice and the slight frown fixed on his face. There is something definitely wrong. Hannah only hopes that it isn't another conversation that includes love and marriage. For Hannah, those two topics take away the passion in her. "I'm listening," Hannah spoke tiresomely of all the talk between them. Jimmy holds up the black leather gloves so Hannah can receive a real good look at them. "Why do you carry leather gloves in your purse?" Hannah's reaction to Jimmy's question is pure confusion. She wonders silently if Jimmy has lost his mind. "They are my riding gloves. Mister Marshal Hickok, I don't believe it is against the law to have in your possession a pair of riding gloves," Hannah spoke a bit angrily at Jimmy. Jimmy senses Hannah's anger at his intrusion into her private world. He feels the need to explain why he had rummaged through her purse in the first place. "The person who is doing the killing near and around Rock Creek has been wearing a pair of black leather gloves just like yours." Hannah is shocked when the realization hits her that Jimmy believes she is the person behind the killings. "You think that I am a cold-blooded killer?" Jimmy keeps quiet for a brief moment trying to figure out in his mind exactly what he does believe. "No, I don't believe that you could harm another person that way." A smile slowly replaces the frown on Hannah's face. She holds her hands out for Jimmy to come back to bed. Jimmy places the gloves on the night table and takes hold of Hannah's hands. He allows Hannah to guide him into their bed. ***** Jane had succumbed to a hot lavender bath before the rest of the Hunter household awakened. She had hoped that the refreshing water would wash away the passion that she had felt with Buck the night before outside in Rachel's garden and then in his bedroom. As Jane strolls quickly over to the bunkhouse she comes to realize that last night's kissing and touching between her and Buck will stay embedded in her mind and heart for a very long time, not to mention what these feelings of heated rage with Buck are doing to her body! After the onslaught of passion that she and Buck had released onto one another, she had been completely ready to surrender her heart and body to him! She had wanted him more last night than ever before! But she left the warmth of his embrace when she removed his shirt revealing his bandaged chest that brought all the emotional turmoil back to the surface that she has concerning her inability to love him totally because of an outlaw's revenge. 'It is better to leave you than to love you and than have you taken away from me because of a vengeful outlaw.' Jane had tried, on her way to the bunkhouse and Cody, to convince her heart that for her Buck is her past. To help make her mind forget about Buck Cross and all the feelings that are raging within her, Jane has decided that today will be the start of a new life. She walks up onto the creaky wooden porch of the bunk-house that leads to her new life. Jane raises her fisted hand to knock on Cody's door just as Cody is opening the door to ride into town. Cody's smile stretches across his entire face when he opens the door and he sees a warm smile attached to the woman he intends on making his wife. Cody walks up to Jane and lowers his head to place a friendly kiss on her awaiting lips. "What are you doing here so early?" Even though Jane couldn't allow her heart and body to make love to Cody last night she is thankful that he appears to be elated to see her. "I've been up all night thinking about last night." She tries convincing her heart that she really isn't lying to Cody. She was up all night, but her thoughts were of Buck. Cody had not entered her mind or heart at all! At least the part about being up all night is the truth even if she needs to fabricate the rest of her story. "I want to start a new beginning for the two of us." Cody is speechless. The only feeling on his mind is how happy Jane has made him with her declaration of love for him. He lowers his head again to kiss her, only he allows a bit more passion on his part to pass between them. Louise and Kid are walking across the ranch to get to the Hunter homestead. They both witness the shared kiss between Jane and Cody. "Jane still doesn't kiss Cody the way she had been kissing Buck," Louise spoke flatly. Kid takes Lou's hand and tries to hurry her steps to Rachel and Teaspoon's home. "It isn't any of our business." Louise halts their forward movement to watch Jane's body language as Cody tries to kiss her senseless. "Cody sure does have to put a lot of effort into kissing Jane. Jane acts as if she's trying to break free of his hold and kiss. Jane always seemed like she wanted to devour Buck whole," Louise spoke with a naughty smile. Kid gently places his hand on Lou's back and he pushes her forward. "Come on." "I know, I know. It isn't any of our business," Lou spoke as she mocks her husband's earlier words. Jane stops the kissing between her and Cody. It's obvious to her that Cody would never stop. She is beside herself with worriment because Cody's kisses still don't bring out the passion in her that she'll need to convince him that she wants to make love with him. She'll have to work on feeling passion for Cody. How does one work on feeling passion for someone when passion is not there? She surmises that perhaps she'll have to fake it! "I'd like for us to try last night over again," Jane spoke disheartened almost not believing the words that came from her mouth. Cody is stunned right out of his boots over Jane's words that he has waited so long to hear. Jane waits patiently for an over exuberant Cody to say something about her request. She wonders why all men are so dumbfounded when a woman makes her intensions known to him. Buck had always been so fretful about their encounters that he couldn't get them past the state of kissing each other senseless. She never really minded though. At least with Buck she wanted the kissing to never end. Then last night happened. Buck had willingly allowed her to remove his shirt. All she could see were the bandages that covered his wound, a bullet hole that a notorious outlaw put there. Jane shuts her eyes tightly from the memories that she wants to forget. "Perhaps we could have dinner in Rock Creek and then a romantic night here in the bunkhouse," Cody spoke as calmly as his over excited body would allow him to. Cody's monotonous voice snaps Jane out of her reminiscing about last night with Buck. "That sounds wonderful." "Good. I'll see you this evening," Cody spoke as he kisses Jane good-bye and heads out toward the barn to retrieve his horse. Jane stands alone at the bunkhouse wondering how in the world she will get through this night without constantly thinking about how much she wants Buck Cross! ***** By early afternoon Jimmy strolls into the marshal's office in a foul mood unlike any mood that Teaspoon has witnessed before. He watches Jimmy as the young man walks in, doesn't speak one word and slumps down into the chair in front of Teaspoon's desk. Teaspoon wonders what it is that has the boy in such a grumpy mood. He gives Jimmy a reasonable amount of time to come clean with whatever it is that is troubling him. Jimmy doesn't speak a word within the reasonable amount of time that Teaspoon gives his boys before he has to start the talking. "Beautiful day out there today," Teaspoon spoke loudly trying to awaken Jimmy from whatever his mind is being tormented by. Jimmy glances up at Teaspoon. "What?" "I said what's troubling you son?" Teaspoon asked softly. Teaspoon has found since he took on the job eight years ago on raising all these boys that occasionally you've got to trick them into opening up and telling you what's on their minds. It hasn't failed him yet so he figures he'll use whatever method it takes until the day it fails him. "Hannah," Jimmy stated flatly. "Oh. I see." "No, you don't see Teaspoon," Jimmy spoke more harshly to Teaspoon than he had intended to. "I can see that Hannah is stirring up other feelings in you other than lust." "Yeah, well that's just Buck's foolishness and look where it got him." Teaspoon sighs heavily. "Jimmy, Buck isn't the only one of you boys that is capable of falling in love. Buck just happens to fall in love entirely too fast and it just takes you a bit longer to admit you're falling in love." "Where does Cody fit?" Jimmy asked trying to divert the conversation away from him. "Cody? Well Cody is always falling in love with himself. Take him and Jane for instance. I don't think Cody is really in love with Jane even though he claims he is. He hasn't been with her long enough to fall in love. With Cody just having a woman gives him a reason to gloat about his being a man." "Yeah, well Buck fell in love with Jane without really knowing her for very long and Buck doesn't act nothing like Cody." "Buck and Jane that was a little different. You could see it in their eyes almost right away how they felt about each other, and a bond was already present from seven years ago. But enough about the three of them, I want to know what's going on with you." "Teaspoon, you're either going to lecture me or you're going to tell me I told you so." "Let me be the judge of that. What is it about Hannah that has you all agitated today?" Teaspoon asked wanting to make sure Jimmy's bad mood isn't because he found information that would incriminate Hannah to the murders. "I was with Hannah last night. I couldn't sleep not knowing whether she's involved in these murders. I went snooping in her purse and I found another pair of gloves." "Go on," Teaspoon pleaded. "Hannah woke up and bluntly asked me why I am always going through her purse. I told her about the leather gloves being worn by the killer and that her gloves are an exact replica of the one's used by the killer." "I see. What did Hannah have to say about that?" "She said they are her riding gloves," Jimmy stated flatly. "Well that's a logical explanation." "Yeah, it would be except that Hannah doesn't use riding gloves when she's out riding." "Oh Lord. Are you thinking she could be the killer?" "Who is the killer?" Cody spoke as he stands in the doorway of the marshal's office. Teaspoon and Jimmy glance at one another cursing themselves that they allowed Cody in on their little secret before they could find out the truth themselves. "I asked you both a question?" Cody spoke harshly. ***** A few hours later after Cody had listened to Jimmy's suspicions and Teaspoon's doubts he rode onto the Anderson ranch with Jimmy and Teaspoon escorting him. Cody arrested Hannah Anderson for the murdering of six army soldiers, a member of Jesse's gang, Mister Carson, Henry Walker, Joseph Foster, and Andrew Johnson. During her arrest and all the other commotion Hannah didn't voice her innocence once to Cody. As Cody is placing Hannah onto the buckboard with two soldiers guarding her she is staring back at Jimmy with pleading eyes to help her out of this situation. Jimmy who is beside himself with sadness turns away from Hannah and rides in front of the buckboard. CHAPTER FOURTEEN Louise had decided all on her own without permission from her objecting husband that she is going to find out exactly what it is that is going on between Jane and Buck and Jane and Cody. Her actual intentions are to make Jane aware of the deep feelings she has for Buck and of the long life of happiness that she will give up by being with a man that she really doesn't love or want. Lou is certain that Jane doesn't love Cody. She is certain the young woman is not being honest with Buck, Cody or herself for that matter. Jane had told Buck that his Indian Heritage is why she has turned away from him. Lou doesn't believe one word of that. Buck's Indian background had never bothered Jane until after Jesse had shot Buck. Louise is positive that the answers to Jane's abrupt dismissal of Buck's love and her quick falling in love with Cody are hidden deep within Jane's heart. Lou intends on finding out exactly what happened in Jane's life that may have caused her to walk out on a life with Buck. Louise and Jane are sitting on the swing on the front porch of Lou's home. It is a beautifully warm day for early November and Louise has been informed that Buck is going to watch Kid break in some new horses this afternoon. Lou figures this to be a perfect opportunity to carefully gauge Jane's reaction to Buck's presence with no Cody in sight. "What did you want to speak with me about?" Jane asked hesitantly. Before Louise can give Jane a half honest answer, their attention is drawn to Kid and Buck walking away from the Hunter home and toward the corrals. Louise takes notice to Jane's tense appearance and the way her eyes follow Buck as he walks to the corrals. Once Buck is leaning against the corrals Jane still can't pull her eyes off the back of his form. "Don't look so worried," Lou spoke with a grin. Jane quickly removed her eyes from Buck. "Doc Barnes gave Buck permission to get out of bed and walk around a bit. Buck is only going to watch Kid attempt to break in the new horses," Lou spoke grinning at Jane's misfortune of being caught by Louise. "I'm not worried. Whatever danger Buck puts his life in is no longer my concern," Jane spoke trying to be convincing that she doesn't care about Buck. Louise smirks. She has hit a nerve with Jane. Jane's eyes tell Lou a totally different story as Lou catches her taking glimpses of Buck when she thinks Lou isn't watching her. Lou for the life of her can't understand how Jane is managing to keep sane. It's obvious that she loves Buck. Louise avoids making chit chat with Jane for a while longer. She wants to see how long it takes Jane to notice that she is being studied under Lou's watchful eye. Jane suddenly notices that Louise hasn't said anything to her for a few minutes. She almost dreads glancing the woman's way. She will surely see a smirk attached to Lou's face laughing over Jane's inability to keep her eyes off Buck. "That's it isn't it?" Louise spoke as Jane finally glances Lou's way. "I don't know why I didn't see what is going on with you before this," Louise spoke confident that she has Jane figured out. "Louise, I don't know what you're talking about." "You're afraid of losing him," Louise spoke softly not wanting Buck to hear any of this conversation just yet. Jane is becoming weary of all Buck's family members insisting on understanding her motive for ending her relationship with Buck. "He isn't mine to lose." "Your father was killed by Emery Pike was he not?" "What does my father's murderer have to do with Buck and me?" Jane asked angrily. "Your father left you alone and he was killed by an outlaw. Buck was shot and nearly died because of Jesse who is also an outlaw. Are you afraid that Buck will leave you alone like your father had done?" "I don't love Buck. That is the reason why I broke off our relationship," Jane spoke insistently. "What I don't understand is why all of you are trying to find some other reason for my ending my romance with Buck. Can't all of you just leave well enough alone?" "Do you mind convincing me of just how much you love Cody," Lou asked determined to uncover Jane's secrets. "I don't have to convince you or anyone else about my feelings for Cody." "You're lying to yourself Jane. There is no way that I will ever believe that you fell out of love with Buck just so you could fall in love with Cody." "Believe what you want Louise. I'll convince you of how deeply I love Cody. Tonight Cody and I are planning a romantic dinner together and then an evening in each other's arms!" Jane spoke boldly as she stands up to go inside Lou's home. She takes one last look at Buck wondering if she'll really be able to keep him off her mind and out of her heart when she's engaged in lovemaking with Cody. Jane takes her eyes off Buck and glances down at Louise. "May I still get ready for my evening out with Cody at your house?" "Yes." "I'm going inside to take a bath then." "I'll be in later to help you," Lou spoke disheartened that there isn't any way she can talk Jane out of the mistake she is about to make. ***** The long day is getting even longer for Jimmy. He didn't really think seeing Hannah behind bars would bother him a whole lot, being that she has made it clear on several occasions that she has no room in her heart for love. To Jimmy that clearly says she has no room in her heart for him. But seeing the paleness from the fear of being arrested for a multitude of murders has Jimmy a little worried for her safety. He guesses it is a sign that he really loves her. Jimmy is pacing back and forth listening to Cody and Teaspoon's arguments over Hannah's arrest. "How can you lock Hannah up just because she owns a pair of woman's leather riding gloves? You can't just go on assumptions Cody. You've got to have some proof that Hannah is guilty," Teaspoon spoke loud enough for all the citizens of Rock Creek to hear him. He figures they're all listening anyhow so he might as well make it easy for them to hear by hollering. Jimmy halts his pacing in front of Teaspoon and Cody. Cody is either trying to choose his words very carefully or he just plain hasn't thought up a good enough lie to compensate for his rash behavior. Jimmy wonders what kind of answer Cody will come up with this time. "You two are the ones that suspected something was amiss when you found those gloves in her purse. And you Jimmy, you said that earlier you found a pair of blood stained gloves in Hannah's purse." "There was never blood stains on my gloves Jimmy," Hannah spoke adamantly. Jimmy walks over to Hannah's jail cell. "Hannah, they were in your purse." "Then someone purposely put them into my purse to make me look guilty. You wouldn't have any idea who would do such a horrible thing do you Jimmy?" Hannah asked blatantly accusing Jimmy of the deed. Teaspoon walks over to stand by Jimmy. He understood the force behind Hannah's accusations. He knows that Hannah's words will bother Jimmy. "If you're innocent Miss Anderson I'll make sure you aren't locked up any longer than need be." "Why am I always wrong around here?" Cody asked in a whiney tone. "An easier question to answer would be when have you ever been right?" Jimmy spoke flatly. Teaspoon walks away from Hannah and Jimmy feeling that the couple may need a chance to talk this entire mess out. "I can't believe that you actually think a committed these murders. I mean just because I won't subject myself to a steady relationship with you or any other man for that matter, doesn't mean that I'm a cold-blooded killer!" "I'm not saying you're a killer Hannah." "You obviously gave your Mister Cody friend here the shrewd evidence that you have against me," Hannah stated angrily. "I didn't actually give Cody the evidence that he used to arrest you with. But how Cody got the gloves really doesn't matter. The point is Hannah, if you're telling me you didn't kill those men then I believe you. I'll do everything I can to get you free." "That's real sweet of you Jimmy after you got me locked up in the first place!" Hannah stated with sarcasm as she turns away from Jimmy and proceeds to the back of her cell. ***** Louise gathers the courage to walk out to Buck. She figures by now Jane must be soaking in her tub trying to calm her frazzled nerves over the evening she has planned with Cody. To Louise the evening sounds almost like a death sentence. Louise finds Buck still standing at the corral watching Kid get repeatedly thrown off another horse. "We need to talk," Louise spoke softly to Buck. Buck turns to glance at Louise. "What do we need to talk about Lou?" "Jane." Buck looks as if Lou has just punched him in the gut. "Jane has made it perfectly clear to me that what she does and whom she sees is none of my business," Buck spoke turning his attention back to Kid and the horses. "I wouldn't have thought that you would give up on Jane so easily." Buck is getting somewhat irritated that Louise is bothering him about Jane. Can't Louise see that talking about Jane still upsets him? "Jane doesn't want anything to do with me. I tried Louise, just last night." "What happened between the two of you last night?" "I couldn't sleep and apparently Jane couldn't either. We both went out into Rachel's garden and we inadvertently ran into each other. We started our usual kissing. I even managed to get Jane into my bedroom. Uh…do you want to hear more?" "Jane obviously didn't spend the night with you," Louise spoke disheartened. "No, she didn't. Jane ran out of my bedroom as soon as her senses came back to her that she'd be sleeping with an Indian. She doesn't want to be with me Louise and I'm not going to allow her to keep breaking my heart." "Maybe you should hear what I have to say before you decide to just ignore what Jane is about to do." Buck has to admit he is curious about Jane's plans. He almost wishes she would leave Rock Creek. He isn't sure how he will handle it if Jane and Cody end up getting married. "I know I'm going to live to regret this. What is Jane about to do that I need to know about?" "Cody is planning a romantic dinner and night for the two of them at the bunkhouse. Jane has accepted his invitation." Louise can see by the look in Buck's eyes that her announcement has upset him. She can see a collection of moisture beginning to surface in his eyes. She almost wishes that she hadn't brought up Cody's evening plans for Jane. Buck glances down at the ground. He sensed that Cody and Jane's relationship would become more serious sooner or later. Why did Louise feel the need to share this information with him? He gazes back into Lou's sympathetic eyes. "I would have rather you kept this information from me." "Buck, don't give up on Jane. I know she still loves you." "Louise, if Jane loves me, than why in the hell would she sleep with Cody?" Buck asked the anger showing in his tone of voice. "Buck, I've been talking to Jane. I see the way she still looks at you. I know she's not being honest about why she broke things off with you. Jane won't admit it, but she's afraid of losing you. I think in Jane's mind it would be easier for her to be with Cody and lose him than it would be to be with the man she loves and lose you." "If that were true Jane would talk to me about it," Buck spoke adamantly. "Buck, Jane's problem goes a lot deeper than just not being able to cope with losing you." "I'm tired of arguing about this Louise. You believe what you want to believe. Jane told me she doesn't want to be with me because of my Indian background. Until Jane tells me otherwise, I'm just going to believe that that is the problem between us." "I have a plan. Cody messed up an evening of romance you had planned with Jane when he falsely arrested you. Wouldn't you at least like to pay Cody back?" Buck is sure by Jane's reaction to his shirt being off that he is disgusting to her, but the thought of messing up Cody's plans does make Lou's plan sound tempting. "What's your plan?" Buck asked with an evil smile. Louise reaches up to Buck's ear and whispers the plan that she has for him and Jane. Buck laughs. Louise has out done herself again. CHAPTER FIFTEEN Jane is seated in front of Lou's vanity mirror trying to fix her hair in a special way for Cody. But her tresses are being rather stubborn tonight and they simply refuse to stay in an upswept bun. Through the mirror Jane glances up at Louise who is laying her dress out on the bed. "Could you help me with my hair? It doesn't want to behave tonight." Louise walks over to the vanity. "Why don't you just wear it down loose?" "Because that is the way Buck likes it and I'm trying to alter a few things about myself to please Cody. Cody likes my hair pulled up." "Jane, don't change you for any man. If you want to wear your hair down loose than by all means wear your hair loose and down. Don't think you have to change to please Cody. If he can't love you just because you were with Buck at first then I would simply give Cody a piece of my mind." "A few changes won't hurt. It might even help me to get closer to Cody." "Jane, you're spending the night with Cody. Now is not the time to hope the two of you can become closer. That should have already happened." "I didn't mean that we're not close. What I meant is that I think every time Cody looks at me he envisions the woman that Buck loved." "You are the woman that Buck still loves." "Cody wants a fresh me. You know, a woman that Buck didn't have before him." "Jane, if you ask me, Buck never really had you. All I'm telling you is that you shouldn't change yourself just to make Cody happy. You should do what makes Jane happy. Because someday when you're Mrs. William F. Cody you're going to look at yourself in a mirror just like this one and you're going to wonder where Jane went." Louise picks up the hairbrush and fixes Jane's hair in an upswept bun. She watches Jane closely through the mirror. She wonders if any of her words to Jane are making the woman think about all she must give up just to be with Cody. "It's all done. What do you think?" Louise asked with a warm smile. Jane stares at the woman looking back at her in the mirror. It really doesn't look like her, but it does look nice. "It looks nice Louise. Thank-you for fixing it for me," Jane spoke disheartened. "Cody will be here in about thirty minutes. You should get dressed. You wouldn't want to be late for such an important night for the two of you." "Yeah, I guess he will be here soon," Jane remarked somberly. "Well, I'm going to go check on Kid and the girls. I left Kid in charge of dinner so the girls are probably head to foot in spaghetti sauce," Louise spoke as she walks to the doorway. Jane walks to the bed and touches the dress that she had allowed Louise to choose for her to wear tonight. She had loved wearing a dress that would make Buck's breath catch in his throat, but with Cody she doesn't much care. Louise believes this night is special for her and Cody. So she picked out the most beautiful dress she could find. Louise turns one last time to watch Jane who appears very sad to her. She watches Jane as she touches the soft fabric of the dress. Louise is no fool and she can read Jane like a book from cover to cover. She loves Buck and the very thought of spending the night with Cody repulses her. "Don't worry Jane, nothing is as it seems," Lou spoke quietly in her mind with a smile of complete success. She turns and finishes her decent down to the kitchen. Jane nervously slips on the emerald green taffeta dress that Louise had chosen. Jane is actually surprised that Louise would pick such a low cut dress in the front for her date with Cody. Jane has tried to make it clear to Louise that she loves Cody. Perhaps Louise has finally decided to stop pursuing her insistence that she belongs with Buck instead of with Cody. Jane reaches around her back to button the dress at the neckline. As she turns to stare back in the mirror at the woman she hardly knows, she delicately smoothes out the front of the dress with her hands. She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. Cody is the first man she'll have ever spent the night with. Cody isn't exactly what she had pictured for herself during the many discussions she had with her Papa about men. "Men can be so exasperating! Why is it that they think they know every thing there is to know about life? Why do they have such nasty tempers?" Her Papa had laughed at her questions concerning men. "There are some men who think they are Gods gift to a woman." "What exactly does that mean?" "Well, they usually regard themselves as very handsome, rugged and tough. Some men simply believe they can, all alone, fight of the entire Lakota Nation!" "What do Indians have to do with the way men behave?" Jane remembers how her Papa had just about died laughing at her innocence. "That was just a figure of speech my daughter. But there are some men who are ruthless and quite difficult I would imagine to live with. They lack patience and their tempers are way above the boiling point. These types of men you are better off distancing yourself from." "I haven't met any other type of man than the type that you just described," Jane spoke disheartened. "They are out there. Be patient daughter. You certainly are not ready to be with a man." "How will I know when the right man comes into my life?" "You are full of difficult questions today. Let me see. I suppose the first thing that you might become aware of is that he won't be able to take his eyes off of you." "Papa, most men look at women all the time. I've taken notice to how the men can't pull their eyes off the women who work over at the saloon." "That my dear is a totally different kind of look in a man's eyes. I am referring to the love that you will see in his eyes whenever he glances your way." "This will happen?" "Of course, it will happen when you have grown into a young woman." "What else will I notice about the man that I will spend the rest of my life with?" "He will want to take care of you forever, he will protect you and he will certainly love only you." "I still don't understand how I will know when this man enters my life," Jane spoke sadly. "You will know." You will know. Those had been her Papa's finally words on the last talk they had concerning men. She smiles warmly. He had always managed to go around any questions she had on intimacy with a man. He had once told her that when your heart beats more rapidly by the mere sight of him then you would know that this is the man you will marry. Jane takes another deep breath. This man is not Cody. When had her life become so muddled? "It really doesn't matterrrr….." Jane's words are muffled together when a hand reaches around to her face and covers her mouth! Jane begins to struggle. But her captor is much stronger then she. Amongst her attempts to struggle free from her captor's hold on her she manages to get in a few kicks, but his hold is still too strong on her. He places a bandana over her mouth to avoid listening to her screams of terror. He places her hands behind her back and guides Jane backwards out of Lou's bedroom. ***** Jimmy has succumbed to having dinner with Charlene over at Buck's house. They are both trying their best to eat the over-cooked meal that Charlene did her best to cook. Charlene watches Jimmy closely as he tries to cut a piece of the tough beef with a knife. "You don't have to eat it. I know I am a terrible cook." "It's all right Charlene. A little burnt roast never killed anyone. At least I don't think so." "Cooking dinner for you wasn't the reason I asked you to come here tonight," Charlene spoke disheartened that Jimmy can't even consume one tiny morsel of her cooking. "Why did you insist we come over here to Buck's home? We could have talked over at Kid and Lou's." "I didn't want to get in the way over there." "What's going on?" "Louise is helping Jane get ready for a romantic evening with Cody. You know how much Jane and I like being around one another." Jimmy just about chokes on the piece of roast that he is trying his best to chew on. He quickly takes a large gulp of water from the water glass in front of him. "Are you all right?" Charlene asked concerned that her cooking is what had made Jimmy choke. "How can any woman get romantic with Cody?" "Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea what Jane sees in Cody after she's been in love with a man like Buck." "I'm sure this temporary insanity of Jane's isn't bothering you any," Jimmy spoke flatly. "Jane isn't the right woman for Buck." "I suppose you think that you are," Jimmy spoke amused by Charlene's lack of tactfulness. "Jimmy, I didn't ask you to dinner to discuss Buck, Jane or Cody. I want to discuss the situation with Hannah." "I was afraid of that. It would probably be better if we just kept discussing Jane, Buck and Cody." "Jimmy, you've been sleeping in the same bed with my sister for a couple of months now." "Your point is what Charlene?" "My point is that you've got to know that Hannah isn't a cold-blooded killer." "I'm not really sure what the truth is. I don't want to believe Hannah is capable of murder, but she did have blood stained gloves on her possession. Charlene, your sister is not the committing type which tends to make me believe that people don't hold much importance for her. It is possible that Hannah is capable of murder. Hell, we are all capable of sinful acts." "Hannah is telling me that those gloves don't belong to her," Charlene stated ignoring what Jimmy had just said to her about Hannah's insensitive personality. "Charlene, they are the same black leather gloves as the unstained ones that I also found in her purse." "I'd like to know what your intentions are. Are you going to try and prove that Hannah is innocent, or are you planning on abandoning her when she's in trouble?" "I'm going to help Hannah, but unfortunately there isn't much I can do. Cody is the one that arrested Hannah. You should talk to him." "Oh, I plan on having a talk with Cody about his obsessive behavior where his investigation is concerned. Cody tried to pin these murders first on Buck claiming he had a witness that saw Buck commit murder." "Yeah, well we all know why Cody falsely arrested Buck. With Hannah there's no hidden agenda. Unless of course you know something that I don't," Jimmy spoke flatly. "What about the fact that Cody hasn't been able to solve these murders? What if he's accusing Hannah just to have someone to blame?" "Well, don't take this wrong, but if Hannah isn't really the killer then there is bound to be another murder. That is ultimately what freed Buck. Cody was pretty determined to have Buck take the blame for something he didn't do. But when another murder took place Cody had no choice but to let Buck go. The same thing could happen with Hannah." "I won't interrupt Cody's intimate evening with Jane, but tomorrow you can bet that I will have a few choice words for Mister Cody." Jimmy stands up from his chair. "I'm calling it a night. Good luck with getting Hannah freed." ***** The evening is as pitch black as the interior of a coal mine as a horse gallops steadily along a dirt road. The only sound beside an owl hooting from far away are, the echoing sounds of the horse hooves thumping against the dirt road. The horse veers into a sparsely forested area. The horse travels at a walking pace through the woods for about fifty feet until a cave is within sight up ahead. The hands on the reins pull back for the horse to stop completely. Jane who is sitting a top the horse is trying her best to mumble her disapproval through the tightly tied bandana. The warmth of her captor's body leaves her as she feels him dismount his horse. His warmth had felt familiar to her, but she is sure that she doesn't know her captor on a personal level. Jane is sure that she has been kidnapped to bring more ruination to the family who lives on Kid and Buck's ranch. She suspects that her captor is none other than Jesse James! Jane feels the warmth of his hands reach around her waist as he helps her down off the horse. He hesitatingly unties her hands from behind her back. As soon as Jane's hands are free she works quickly to remove the bandana from around her mouth and the one that conceals her vision. "I demand you take me back to the ranch!" Jane spoke with authority as she finally slips off the bandana that has covered her eyesight for the past hour. Jane throws the bandanas to the ground and stares up into the smiling eyes of her captor! "Buck!" Jane hollered as she brings her hand up to slap him, but Buck is too quick for her. He is able to block Jane's slap that would have connected with his face by grabbing gently onto her wrist. Buck swings Jane up over his good shoulder and carries her kicking and screaming into the cave. He grimaces in pain as he puts Jane back down on her feet. "Are you all right?" Jane asked sincerely worried that she may have done damage to his healing wound. "Yeah, you're just too rough on me," Buck stated behind a smirking grin that he has her exactly where he wants her and there is absolutely nothing that Jane can do about it. Jane hadn't really heard Buck's reply. She can't believe her own eyes as she gazes around the inside of the cave. All around the cave there are cream and white candles of different sizes burning incandescently and giving the cave a passionate romantic glow. Jane also sees that there is a fire burning in the fire pit helping to keep the luminous cave filled with warmth. Jane simply can't believe what she is seeing. She tries to think to earlier this evening, but her mind has gone completely blank. The only memory of tonight is that Buck had kidnapped her and brought her to this cave with one thing on his mind for her. There are just so many mysterious things about him that she is unaware of. Jane gazes back into Buck's eyes that are overflowing with love for her. She remembers her Papa's words. The man you will marry won't be able to ever take his eyes off of you. "Louise, she's in on this with you, isn't she?" "It was Lou's idea for me to kidnap you. The cave is my idea," Buck spoke softly. Jane can't possibly make herself be angry with him. She can only smile at the extreme ways Buck will go through to show her just how much he loves her. "I figure Cody once ruined an evening that we had planned for romance. I'm simply returning the favor." Jane becomes disappointed by Buck's admittance that he didn't do this for their love, but rather because Buck wanted revenge on Cody. "Is that all this is about, revenge?" Jane asked referring to all the candles that are making her feel intimate and seductive toward the man standing before her. Buck doesn't answer Jane's question. He isn't sure how he should answer her question. Buck had noticed the sad look in Jane's eyes when he had told her that he was just paying Cody back for all the hardships he had made him endure. Perhaps Jane cares more than she's saying. "Why did you do all this? Jane asked not wanting to believe that Buck only did this because he's looking to mess up Cody's night with her. "You don't know?" Buck asked disheartened that perhaps all his efforts have not made Jane realize just how much he loves her. "No." Jane spoke softly. Buck is a bit scarred to lay out his feelings for Jane to stomp on again if she so chooses. But he rationalizes that he didn't kidnap Jane and make this cave romantic for the both of them to at least not try to make her see that they belong together. Buck takes a few steps toward Jane to close the distance between them! "I did this for us," Buck spoke gasping a deep breath before he can continue to tell Jane how much he loves her. "Before you commit your life to Cody, I want the chance to make you realize just how much I love you," Buck spoke his words of love for her trembling from his lips. Buck forgets about his sore ribs as he leans into Jane and only ends up making Jane nervous when he grimaces loudly from pain. Jane lets her guard down and shows Buck how much she really does care about him. She takes his hand in her hand to calm him. "Are you all right?" "Yeah, I guess they're still a bit sore." "I know for a fact that you shouldn't be riding yet." "Well, I couldn't hardly kidnap you and then make you walk to this cave. That wouldn't have been very romantic." Jane smiles warmly at his romantic, loving nature. "So it is romance that is on your mind." Jane gazes up into the depths of Buck's deep brown eyes. A woman solely raised him. Buck instinctively knows how a woman's emotions work. That is one characteristic about Buck that Jane loves. He is always in tune to her needs, her wants, and her desires even before his own. "And in my heart," Buck spoke as he lowers his mouth to kiss Jane's parted soft lips that are waiting eagerly for him. Jane welcomes Buck's kiss! She makes no attempt to separate herself from him. Instead of acting like a woman who is disgusted by his Indian blood Jane encircles her arms around Buck's neck. With Jane's admittance to wanting him Buck encloses the distance between their bodies by grasping onto Jane tightly and pulling her body to his! Jane releases her arms from around his neck and runs her hands down his back feeling the strength of his muscles until she has her hands resting on his hips. She pulls Buck's hips to her own hips! When Jane hears soft moans of desire uttering from Buck's lips she brings her hands up to unbutton his shirt! Buck leaves the comfort of Jane's arms. He takes her hand in his and guides her gently over to the bedrolls by the fire pit! Jane doesn't wait for Buck to make the next move. She proceeds to take his vest off and tosses it casually to the ground. Jane then pulls his shirt out from his trousers and continues to unbutton it where she had left off. Jane notices that Buck is watching her every move with inquisitive eyes. It's no wonder with the many ways she has hurt him lately that he wouldn't wonder why all of a sudden she can't wait to get his clothes off of him! Once Jane has his shirt completely unbuttoned she pulls the shirt from his body and quickly disperses of it onto the ground with his vest! Jane gazes into his dark eyes and she witnesses the familiar look of desire and love for her in them. Jane reaches up to his sensual mouth to continue her assault on his senses! She kisses Buck until they are both breathless! Jane allows their onslaught of kissing to subside. She leans into his chest and is pleased to hear the rapid beating of his heart. The bandages are gone now and Buck is only left with a wound that has healed over, but is still pinkish in color. Most of the evidence of his bruising has disappeared. Jane closes her eyes against his warm flesh. She doesn't want to think about her almost losing him tonight. Jane just wants to think about him and how she has yearned a long time for this night to happen. Jane assaults Buck's chest with tiny kisses and nips of his flesh! She runs her mouth over his chest causing Buck to moan softly with pleasure. Jane feels the quivering of his legs! She knows that she has this incredible power over him. She has assaulted Buck's body so many times that she is really surprised that he just didn't bed any woman to simply relieve the built up frustration of not being able to make love to her. But of course Jane is elated that Buck is not that kind of man. When Buck gives his heart to a woman she becomes the only woman he loves and wants! Buck gently raises Jane's head back up so he can look into her eyes. He is hoping to see the same love in her eyes for him that he has in his eyes for her. Buck can't help but feel afraid that Jane might abandon their lovemaking again. She has brought him to such tremendous heights of entrancement only to take the physical pleasure and the emotional sensations away just as quickly as she had given them to him. Buck is sure his body and his heart can't go through another battering of passion and then only to be left unsatisfied physically and emotionally because Jane decides that she doesn't want to be intimate with him! Jane understands the fear Buck must be feeling just about right now. Each time she has assaulted Buck they have made it a little further in the progression toward making love. But each time someone has put an abrupt halt to their lovemaking! The last time she had taken Buck's shirt off and immediately ran from his bedroom frightened by the bandages and bruising on his chest. Buck's need for reassurance that she won't stop their lovemaking captivates her. "I love you. If we don't stop this right now, I can't promise you that I will be able to if we should continue," Buck spoke his voice cracking with emotion. Jane cups his face in her trembling hands. "I love you. I want to show you just how much I do love you." Buck doesn't need any further encouragement. He undoes her hair so that her soft tresses flow freely against her supple skin. He begins another assault on Jane's already swollen lips! Jane feels the extreme heat coming from Buck's body! She melts into him causing a loud moan to escape from within him. Buck continues to kiss Jane passionately as he fumbles with the back buttons of her dress. When he has them all undone he halts the kiss between them. Buck gazing into Jane's passion filled eyes takes the shoulders of her dress and unhurriedly slips the dress from her arms! Jane feels her body about to explode when his hands seductively caress her shoulders and arms as the dress slides off her arms. Buck takes the dress that is now laying on Jane's waistline and gives it a slight tug. The dress willingly cascades to the ground! Buck takes Jane's hand in his and helps Jane to step out of the mound of emerald fabric. Buck's exquisitely dark eyes tell Jane all she needs to know about how much he needs and wants her! She is now clad only in one under slip. She had wanted to make it real easy for Cody to get to her flesh so that she wouldn't be submitted to Cody's prolonged, annoying touch of her skin. Buck's eyes roam sensuously over her body! Jane grasps his hands to pull his warm body back close to hers. His hands on her almost bare back have Jane reveling in the excitement that is yet to come. Buck's touch is unlike Cody's. Where Cody's touch makes her feel cold and wanting to put clothes on instead of taking them off, Buck's touch feels like a flame that is burning her flesh! Once back in Jane's arms Buck resumes the assault on her eager lips. Buck is so lost to anything going on outside the cave. All of his senses are drowning in a pool of Jane's love. His mind can't even comprehend anything at this moment except the deep hunger he has to make love to her! Jane is totally aware of what Buck needs right at this moment! He has one thing on his mind and the onslaught of many passionate moments between them has taken its toll on his body, his mind and mostly his heart. Jane intends on repairing all the damage that she has caused tonight in this cave! Buck continues to kiss her passionately. Her sensuous moans of pleasure are driving Buck over the edge toward madness. He lowers his mouth down to the smoothness of her neck, exploring every inch of her skin. Jane slips her hands down to Buck's trousers! She boldly unfastens his gun belt allowing it to drop with a thud onto the ground of the cave. Buck senses what it is Jane is about to do. He halts the attack he had been relishing on her neck. He looks deeply into her eyes and sees a mischievous glimmer in them. When Jane brings her hands back up from undoing his gun belt she glides her hands over his trousers! The feel of him has her body aching out of control for him! Upon her actions Buck inhales sharply. His moans of desire let Jane know that she has Buck right where she wants him. He won't be able to back down from all the sensations she is giving him tonight. This time Jane is secure in the knowledge that this man will make love to her tonight. Buck feels as if he can't wait one second longer to make them one! He takes the under slip and maneuvers it off Jane's shoulders, down past the mounds of her chest, and then the slip simply glides gently off the rest of her body! Jane allows Buck the time to visually take in her body. Buck gazes over her and then he pulls Jane's body close to his! "You are so beautiful," Buck whispered as he places tender kisses down her neck. Buck wraps his one arm around her back to hold Jane close to him as he sensuously arouses her body until Jane can no longer stand the build up of pleasure Buck is unleashing onto her! "Buck," Jane whimpered softly. She pleads with him to make her his. Jane can't wait another moment longer to devour him! She reaches her hands back down to his trousers to pull them down! She is having a little trouble getting them off of him with Buck still engaged in driving her over the edge of insanity. "Buck," Jane spoke pleading with him to stop long enough for her to get his pants off of him. Buck obeys Jane's plea. He understands that the two of them can't continue with his trousers still on him. Buck had just wanted to make Jane crazy with desire for him. He doesn't want any repeat performances of her exiting before they can accomplish making love. Buck kisses her soft lips, but Jane pulls away from his kiss! For a second passion is replaced by fear in Buck's eyes. Jane takes her hands and places them on the inside of his trousers. "These need to come off," Jane spoke softly as she tugs at his pants to come down! She lowers her body while pulling his trousers and long johns down to his ankles. Buck steps out of his pants. Instead of leaving his pants in a heap near him Jane tosses them far from the both of them. If Buck's modesty should get the best of him Jane wants to make sure that it wouldn't be easy for him to retrieve his pants. On the way back up to greet his lips; Jane brushes her mouth lightly against the inner area of Buck's thighs! She is pleased to hear his intake of breath! Jane then takes notice to Buck's struggle to stay standing. She grasps her arms around his legs to quiet the quivering of his thighs, but her strength doesn't help him much! Jane lightly brushes a trail of kisses up his abdomen and chest until she once again is assaulting his swollen lips! Buck stops the kiss and buries his face in the warmth of her tresses. "Jane, please," Buck spoke with labored breath. Jane can feel the heat of his breath on her bare skin. She searches for his lips to resume the pleasure that she wants to give him. She makes the mistake of pressing her aroused body full force into Buck! His moans come in loud gasps as she continues her passionate assault on his body! With her arms encircled around him, Jane takes it upon her self to begin a backward decent onto the bedroll behind her. While still kissing one another senseless Jane finds her body lying on a bedroll with Buck's very aroused body above her! Jane deepens their kiss. She has waited too long for this man to satisfy the yearning that she has for him and only him! Jane can feel the throbbing of Buck's body! She presses his buttocks down onto her! Buck can't endure anymore unsatisfied encounters with Jane and with the consent that she has given him to make love to her he finally makes them one! Jane tries clutching onto any loose skin of Buck's, but she can't find any. She has finally given her body to the man who invades her sleep every night! His lovemaking is causing her body to react in a frenzied rage! Buck is her first and she is overwhelmed with all the love that he is bestowing onto her. Buck deepens their lovemaking as he kisses any part of her flesh that is within his grasp! She embraces him tightly and claws her nails into the flesh on his backside! With every movement upward that Jane makes loud moans of fulfilled pleasure escape from his lips. Jane wants to make damn sure this first time together drives Buck back to her every night for the rest of their lives! ***** Louise and Kid are stationed on the porch of their home. The late night air has a strong hold on romance and Cody who is standing on the ground in front of them ranting and raving about Jane being missing had interrupted a passionate moment between the young married couple. Louise has a difficult time holding onto her laughter as she watches Cody become a maniac over the knowledge that Jane had departed the ranch to avoid their planned evening of romance. "I know that you know where she's at Louise!" Cody hollered loud enough to have Rachel and Teaspoon walking across the ranch to see what all the fuss is about. "Kid, have you seen Buck? He's not over at the house," Teaspoon asked with concern, but sounding like a question he is suppose to ask to get under Cody's skin even a little more about Buck and Jane. Cody's face becomes red hot with embarrassment. "Where are they Louise?" "I told you Cody, that I have no idea where Jane has run off to. But I can sure tell you one thing. If I were waiting for a hot tempered man like you to spend an evening of romance with, well I'd plum run away too," Louise spoke with a snicker. "Buck's horse," Cody spoke as if he's just discovered that if Buck's horse is missing than Buck is behind Jane's disappearance. Cody runs full force to the barn. The rest of his family stands back and watches the blond man trying to keep control of his hysterical behavior. Jimmy had heard Cody's obnoxious whining and so he walked on over to Kid's to see what has Cody in such a rage. Jimmy takes a stance next to Teaspoon. "What's the matter with Cody?" Jimmy asked flatly. "Jane and Buck have disappeared," Louise spoke with a smile that one gets when they are proud of an accomplishment achieved successfully. "Oh, you wouldn't happen to know where they are and what they are doing, would you Lou?" Jimmy asked while trying to control his own smile. "Whatever they're doing, I'm sure they're doing it together," Lou spoke while all her family laughs a bit until they hear Cody's hollers from inside the barn. Cody comes rushing out of the barn at full speed back to the group of people who are protecting Buck. "Mark my word when I find the two of them Buck will pay dearly if he's laid one hand on Jane," Cody spoke harshly. "You might as well give it up Cody. If Buck and Jane are together you can bet they are in one another's arms." Jimmy looks around at the rest of his family. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I for one think it's about time they've found one another," Jimmy spoke calmly with a smirk on his face. "Why you!" Cody spoke as he goes after Jimmy, but Teaspoon and Kid manage to hold the blond man back before he can attack. "What's a matter Cody? You sure dished out a lot of grief to Buck you can't take it when Buck gives it right back to you?" Jimmy asked as he continues to taunt Cody's temper. "I'm warning you Jimmy, shut-up!" Cody spoke his anger causing Teaspoon and Kid to take a tighter hold on the man. ***** The candles had all been blown out, but the fire in the pit shown enough of a glow on the two lovers sleeping exhaustingly in one another's arms. Jane smiles warmly as a sleeping Buck pulls her body closer to him. She gazes up into his sleep-hidden eyes. He truly showed her tonight just how much he loves her. The first time they made love was with such intensity that Jane couldn't imagine his loving could get anymore feverish than that! But Buck had made love to her a second and third time and with each time their lovemaking had been more powerful! Jane reaches to his peacefully sleeping face and tucks a loose strand of his dark hair back behind his ear. How she wants for him to awaken and make passionate love to her again. She had given her body to Buck completely not holding back any of the love that she feels for him. Jane blinks a few tears out of her eyes. She truly loves him. Jane kisses his nose and listens to him moan softly in his sleep. At least for tonight he is safe in her arms. There are no outlaws that will intrude on this night and shoot him down. Tonight Buck belongs to her. CHAPTER SIXTEEN Early the next morning over breakfast at the Hunter homestead Cody is actually avoiding the food on his plate and grumbling to his self about what a damn fool he has been. Teaspoon watches Cody with bewilderment. There has never been anything or anybody in Cody's life that has upset him badly enough to prevent him from enjoying his food! "Are you going to play with your food all day Cody?" Teaspoon asked with a hint of concern for the young man. Cody gazes up at Teaspoon with an inconsolable expression covering his usually over-confident expression. Cody is sure that Teaspoon is getting a big kick out of this. As a matter of fact, Cody is pretty sure that his entire family is enjoying his misery just a bit too much. They are all getting a tremendous amount of pleasure over Buck kidnapping Jane away from him. Teaspoon feels a slight tinge of pity for Cody, but he feels that the young man has brought this onto his self. Cody had made Buck's life quite miserable when he falsely arrested Buck for a crime he knew damn well that Buck didn't commit. Cody had done it to keep Jane from spending the night in Buck's bed. Jimmy walks into the Hunter home. He gazes and smiles at a miserable looking Cody. "How can you all be so calm about their disappearance?" Cody asked frustrated. p> "Because we all know that Buck can take care of Jane just fine. There really is no reason to worry about Jane. Cody, you're a gambling man, what do you think the odds are that Buck and Jane spent the night together in one another's arms?" Jimmy asked with a wide smirk across his face and laughter in his eyes. "I'm warning you Jimmy!" Cody spoke harshly. Jimmy takes a seat at the table trying to hold in his laughter, but not doing a very good job of it as he continues to snicker at Cody's miserable expense. Teaspoon can't help but be happy for Buck if indeed he and Jane worked out their problem and then had spent the night together. His only worry is that they didn't work out their problems. If they made love and ignored the problem between them Teaspoon fears that Buck will be feeling hurt all over again. "I don't think any of us should be assuming anything Jimmy. At least not until the two of them ride back onto the ranch together," Teaspoon spoke trying to keep peace between Cody and Jimmy. Jimmy casually wipes the smirk from his face and tries to take on a more serious approach. "Do we get to ask for details?" "Details?" Teaspoon questioned somewhat confused by Jimmy's question. "Yeah, you know details on how they spent the night together," Jimmy spoke maintaining his serious expression. Teaspoon can't help but smile a bit due to the horrified look on Cody's face. "Jane wouldn't allow her self to be with Buck. If they slept together it would be because Buck forced him self onto Jane," Cody spoke harshly. Jimmy can't control the laughter that escapes from deep within his torso. "Are you kidding Cody? Every time I caught Jane and Buck in a compromising position it was always Jane who was doing the compromising. If anyone forced anyone it would have to be Jane forcing Buck!" Cody slams a fork down onto his plate. He stands up from the table and tosses his napkin onto his plate. "I've had just about as much of you as I can take for one day." Cody walks abruptly out the front door in a huff. When he slams the door both Jimmy and Teaspoon let loose on the laughter that they had to hold in while Cody was still in their presence. Cody walks out onto the front porch only to be greeted by Kid and Louise walking toward the porch. "I suppose the two of you will also have your assumptions about how Buck and Jane spent last night together," Cody spoke agitated by his family all believing that Jane spent the night making love to Buck. Lou and Kid walk up onto the porch to stand in front of Cody. Louise can see the visible stress that Buck and Jane's disappearance is bestowing onto Cody. She has a hard time feeling badly for Cody. She had tried to warn him that Jane's heart belonged to Buck, but Cody wouldn't hear it. Cody only wanted to hear what Cody wanted to hear. "Cody, there's no assuming about Buck and Jane's evening together in my book," Louise spoke confidently that the two reveled in love for one another. "What makes all of you so sure that the two of them engaged in lustful behavior?" Cody asked angrily. "There were no interruptions this time to stop them Cody," Kid spoke amusingly. Cody's attention is drawn away from Kid and Lou. He squints his eyes to search the faces of the two people on one horse riding onto the ranch. Kid and Louise both turn around to see what has grabbed Cody's attention away from their conversation. "It's Buck and Jane!" Lou shouted gleefully. Cody makes a mad dash for the gate. Louise and Kid follow close behind in case Cody starts trouble with either Jane or Buck. Teaspoon and Jimmy who had heard Louise scream come barreling out of the house and down to the gate also. They all gather outside the fence to wait for Buck and Jane to get to them. Teaspoon latches onto Cody's arm a bit nervous that Cody will charge after Buck. Even from the distance that separates Buck and Jane from the rest of them. Lou can see that the kidnapping plan was a success. Buck appears content and relaxed to have Jane sitting on the horse in front of him. He has his arms around Jane guiding his horse to the ranch. Jane looks captivating with her hair freely entangled with the cool autumn breeze that is descending down upon the ranch. She looks like a woman that is totally in love with the man that she is leaning into. Louise takes notice that even with Cody staring at the two of them that Jane makes no attempt to make this situation seem like a bad thing. The kidnapping charges that Lou is sure that Cody would like to have Buck arrested for won't hold up in court because Jane is looking extremely radiant this early November morning. Cody doesn't want to admit it to his self, but Buck and Jane both look radiant from their lovemaking. It's obvious to him that the love in Jane's eyes isn't meant for him. Buck sees the crowd gathered at the fence. He had hoped that he would get Jane back to the ranch before his family woke for the day. It would have made the situation of their night together easier for Jane. Even though he had awoken early enough to do so when Jane awoke she encouraged him to come back to bed. He wanted to feel the warmth of her body against his one last time before coming back home. He had crawled back into the bedroll and all his thoughts were on making love to Jane. Buck halts his horse a little ways away from the tiny group that has gathered for his and Jane's homecoming of sorts. He dismounts his horse. As soon as Buck's feet hit the ground Cody makes a mad dash for the Kiowa. Unfortunately for Cody, Jimmy and Kid are just too damned fast anymore when it comes to holding him back from Buck. "Buck, I swear when I get hold of you!" Cody seethed through clinched teeth. Buck doesn't even acknowledge Cody. Instead he places his hands around Jane's waist and helps her down off the horse. Once down from the horse, Jane stays in Buck's arms and they gaze into each other's eyes. Jane loves him and Buck loves her and everyone in the tiny group gathering can see it too. They are all holding their collective breath wondering what went on between the two of them. Cody had to struggle his arms free from Kid and Jimmy as he watches Buck and Jane approach him with Jane contently leaning into Buck. Cody's face becomes flushed and red as his hot temper flares up! Buck senses Cody's hostility toward him and Jane. He stops and forces Jane to also stop a few feet away from Cody. "Thought I'd just pay you back for the night you ruined for Jane and me when you had me falsely accused of killing those army men, only difference is that when you ruined our evening you didn't get to spend the night with Jane," Buck spoke trying to get Cody to blow up. Cody makes a maddening charge at Buck! "Why you!" Before anyone can latch onto Cody he shoves Buck in the chest and then knocks him to the ground with Cody falling right behind Buck! Buck is trying to defend him self, but the excruciating pain in his chest has Buck clutching at his chest instead. "Cody stop, you're going to hurt him!" Jane screamed as she watches in horror at the way Buck is having trouble breathing. Jimmy, Kid and Teaspoon are gathered around Cody trying to get him away from Buck! Teaspoon pulls at Cody's legs and Kid and Jimmy finally manage to each grab a swinging arm. Louise and Jane rush to Buck's aid to help him up from the ground. "Are you all right?" Jane asked frantically. She is truly frightened that Cody has hurt Buck. Buck holds onto Jane for support but he can't really talk because he's having a difficult time even catching his breath. Kid rushes to Buck's side. "Let's get him in the house." Jane steps aside, but not before her saddened eyes meet with Buck's once more. Cody's temper is too much for her to handle. He would have seriously hurt Buck if Jimmy and Kid weren't nearby to stop the battering. Teaspoon and Kid help Buck walk into the house. Jane stands alone as a few tears escape from her eyes. She doesn't take her eyes away from Buck. She had spent the night loving him and even this morning she had coaxed him back to bed one last time before leaving for home. Jane will never be able to rid her heart of the memory of her and Buck making love in the cave! How can she ever go back to Cody with the feelings that she has for Buck that she knows she will never have with Cody. How can she ever live without the warmth of Buck's body against her body every night and morning for the rest of their lives? Louise who has been watching Jane's reaction to everything that has happened walks up behind the young woman. Jane turns around when she hears Charlene's voice in the background, but what she meets up with is Lou's eyes of understanding. Jane's eyes are drawn to Charlene and Cody who are scheming together in the distance. Jane glances back at Louise. "Should I be thanking you for last night with Buck?" "You may if you'd like," Lou spoke seriously. "I thought so." "Someone has to make you see the mistake you are making. You love Buck. If you truly think you're fooling anyone you are sadly mistaken. Oh….except for perhaps poor old reliable Cody who you know in your heart you don't love." "I am staying with Cody!" Jane spoke harshly. "Why? You don't love Cody. I bet you don't even like him much. They are total opposites Jane. How could you have been in love with Buck, but now all you want is Cody? What about last night? The way that you and Buck rode onto the ranch together, looking at one another the way that you do, it is obvious to every soul on this ranch that you and Buck didn't just sleep in that cave last night." For the first time Jane is silent. She doesn't know how to answer Lou's question because truthfully she doesn't want Cody and all she can think about is the intense, passionate, pleasurable ways that Buck had loved her last night and this morning. "You do understand that I don't mean to upset you, but the fact is that it is obvious to everyone, including Cody, that you and Buck spent last night loving one another." "I won't admit to that," Jane spoke softly. "How can you do this to Buck? How can you allow yourself to make love to him and then turn back to Cody the very next morning?" Lou asked baffled. If only Louise knew that she had made love to Buck just a short time before arriving at the ranch this morning. "Louise, this is really none of your business." "Do you love Cody?" Jane once again finds that there are no words forthcoming from her vocal cords. She tries to escape Lou's questioning by walking away from her, but when she heads toward Cody Jane sees that he is still busy scheming with Charlene. Without thinking about what she is doing Jane turns back toward Louise's direction. Lou is smiling at the uncomfortable feeling that she gives to Jane. "I thought not. I guess your not so true love is busy with his deceitful partner in crime." "Louise, I don't want to fight with you over my feelings for Cody or Buck. Both men are a part of your family so it really surprises me that it even matters to you which one of them I am with." "You are hurting Buck! That is what matters to me. Buck loves you. You spent last night showing Buck just how much you love him and now today you're pushing him away. He doesn't deserve what you are doing to him." "I can't help the way I feel." "Yeah, I know all about having feelings for two different men. The problem here is that you don't have feelings for Cody. You don't really even want to be with Cody. My guess is that it would be a whole lot easier on your emotions to lose Cody then it ever would be for you to love Buck and possibly lose him," Lou spoke eagerly waiting for Jane to try and lie her way out of the truth. Jane doesn't know what to say to get Louise to stop meddling into her feelings concerning Buck. Louise is so right about her feelings of losing Buck. Why had she weakened and allowed her self to ever love him even for one night? Louise is right. She will have to hurt Buck all over again. Why can't she just stop worrying about the past and just live in the present? "I'm right aren't I?" Louise asked jolting Jane out of her silence. "I don't know what you're talking about," Jane spoke as her eyes become moist and she walks away from Lou to walk toward the Hunter's home. Louise grabs onto Jane's forearm and turns her around. "You don't even have to answer me Jane I know that I am right. You're afraid of losing Buck." "Leave it be Louise," Jane spoke as she pulls away from Lou and walks the path to the front porch trying to wipe the tears from her face before going inside. Louise stands back and allows Jane to escape her pursuit of the truth, but Lou knows that the only man Jane will ever truly love is Buck. The question is how she is ever going to open Jane's eyes to see that the future with the one you love is always unpredictable. Her life with Buck could last one day, one week, one month, one year, but their future together could also last fifty years. The predictable part about love is to simply love that person for as long as God allows. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Jane lightly pulls away the sheer curtains to her upstairs bedroom at the Hunter household from the windows that overlook the barn and corrals. From the window she gazes down at the sight of the man that has been making her nights a torturous nightmare even before she falls into a restless sleep. Every move that Buck makes causes her heart to race! Her eyes travel the length of his body from his rich dark brown hair all the way down to his booted feet. There isn't a single inch of his body that is uneasy on her eyes. Jane closes her eyes and thinks back to the feel of his warm hands caressing every inch of her body until the uncontrollable aching he was bestowing onto her reached a violent climax that left Jane completely satisfied, but wanting more of him! Jane remembers how she had initiated their lovemaking the second and third time. She certainly didn't have to arouse any desire in Buck. Her single touch to his body caused Buck to shudder with desire for her. At first the intensity of their lovemaking had frightened her, but now Jane's only thoughts are how she is going to live the rest of her life never feeling that intensity, that passion, and that heat again! The wind hitting harshly against the pane of glass in front of her causes Jane to jump out of her naughty thoughts of Buck Cross. Jane watches Buck intensely as he and Kid are guiding their horses out of the barn and into the pasture. The horses are in need of much fresh air before the billowing winds, and the immeasurable amounts of snow due to winter keep them confined to the barn most of the day and night. Already the late autumn wind is whipping briskly around the two men as they unleash the horses from the confinement of the barn. Kid has kept his mouth shut concerning the morning that Buck had brought Jane back to the ranch after he had stole her away from the ranch. He knows that his adoring wife was in on the entire ordeal that has in the end caused Buck more heartbreak. Like everyone else Kid suspects that Buck and Jane were finally able to consummate the deep love that they feel for one another. The only problem with Buck and Jane giving in to their desires is that Jane upon being forced to deal with Cody's fierce temper went back to him claiming her undeniable love for Cody and not for Buck. Kid watches Buck knowing that his mind isn't really on his work. His friend hasn't really smiled much the past few weeks since his overnight stay with Jane out in the wilderness. "I wish you would talk about what it is that's bothering you," Kid spoke his voice almost demanding that Buck open up to him. "There's really nothing to talk about," Buck spoke stubbornly. "Like hell there isn't!" Kid's tone of voice has Buck halting the mission he is trying to finish and instead he reluctantly gazes at Kid. "Jane has made her choice. I'm not going to stand in the way of that choice any longer. I tired to make her see that we belong together, but I guess my trying wasn't convincing enough," Buck spoke disheartened. Kid makes a motion with his eyes toward the window that Jane is peering out of. "Is that why Jane can't stop watching every move you make? Open your eyes Buck. Her eyes follow you everywhere you go." "Jane isn't watching every move I make." Kid points up at Jane's bedroom window. Buck looks at Kid with a confused expression, but then he turns quickly, but he only witnesses curtains flowing back into place in front of the window. He sees the shadow of a figure walk slowly away from the window. Buck turns his head to view Kid. "I've noticed Jane peeping on you a lot lately over the past few weeks," Kid spoke knowingly. "It's all in your head Kid. Jane is infatuated with Cody. She has no interest in me at all." "Jane certainly took interest in you the night you kidnapped her," Kid spoke assumingly. "I never really told you what happened that night. You're only assuming what you hope happened," Buck spoke disheartened. "When you brought Jane back the next morning you both looked as if your love had been renewed. It was obvious to everyone, including Cody, that the two of you didn't spend the night arguing," Kid spoke amusingly. Buck's eyes glisten over with moisture as he recalls the night of loving and passion between him and Jane. "Yeah, well you're right. We didn't spend the night arguing, far from it actually." "That's what I thought," Kid spoke smiling as he slaps Buck on the back with his approval of Buck's actions with Jane. The two men walk into the barn ready to start the day's work. ***** Jane makes her way down the stairs, the smell of turkey and other substantial Thanksgiving Day flavors instantly make their way to her nostrils. She halts her proceedings into the dining area and braces her stomach with her hand and heaves slightly. She is somewhat confused by her brief feeling of nausea, but the feeling quickly leaves her. After the nausea eases Jane bustles quietly into the kitchen where she stumbles upon Rachel all alone preparing the feast for the Holiday. "Do you need a hand Rachel?" Rachel who is at the oven basting the turkey turns around abruptly to face Jane. "That is the best thing I've heard all morning." She smiles warmly at Jane, but then quickly returns to pay attention to the bird she is roasting. "I would have thought that Louise would be over helping out." Rachel slides the roaster back into the oven and shuts the oven door. She turns back around to face Jane. Rachel brushes her hand across her forehead to wipe off the moisture gathering there from the steam that came from the roaster. "She'll be over soon. You've been keeping pretty much to yourself lately. I haven't had much of a chance to chat with you." "I have to admit I've been avoiding just about everyone," Jane spoke softly. Rachel walks to the sink and continues cutting up vegetables for the salad that she had started to prepare before attending to the turkey. "Ever since your little argument with Louise?" "I wouldn't exactly call it an argument. We just don't agree on who I'm in love with and who I'm not in love with. I'm sure you don't agree with my choice either." "Jane, no one can tell you who to love. All of us hopeless romantics around here had just thought that we saw an undying love between you and Buck." Louise walks into the kitchen carrying a large basket full of goodies for the Thanksgiving Day dinner. "Good morning Jane, Rachel." "Good morning Louise," Jane spoke smiling brightly. "Good morning Louise. What do you have good in that basket?" Rachel asked with a starving expression. Louise begins to unpack the basket. She first takes out one each of an apple and pumpkin pie. Rachel makes her way over to the counter and peeps underneath the cloth coverings over the pie plates. "They look simply delicious Louise." Jane takes one look at the pumpkin pie and begins to feel the heaving feeling in her stomach again. She grasps her stomach tightly and stumbles out of the kitchen. She leaves both Louise and Rachel confused by her actions. They both stare at Jane until she disappears out the back door and into Rachel's garden. "I guess she needed a quick breath of fresh air," Louise spoke unknowingly. She takes the pies and places them on a counter by the sink well out of the reach of young children's hands. Rachel continues to gaze at the closed back door that leads to her garden. She wonders about the brief bout of nausea that Jane had just suffered through. Later her plans will be to question Jane on her brief need for fresh air. ***** Buck had finished with the morning chores rather quickly feeling the need to get back to the house to celebrate the day with his Pony Express family. The thought of having to deal with Cody all day had almost made him think about spending the day at the marshal's office, but Teaspoon had convinced Buck that he and Rachel would have a lousy holiday if he weren't present. Buck decides to wash up at the well that is located at the back of the Hunter house. The well that Rachel uses to water her many blossoming flowers in the spring and summer seasons of the year. Jane watches Buck silently from behind him as he washes off the morning chores from his hands and face. He uses an old towel from the barn that he had carried along with him to dry off. When Buck turns around to head into the house his eyes meet the eyes of the woman that haunts his days and torments his nights. He notices how Jane has her hands clasped in front of her trying to ward off the bitter cold air. "Kind of chilly for you to be out here without a coat on," Buck spoke as he sheds his coat from his body and drapes it around Jane. As soon as Buck's body presses gently against her own Jane feels so hot that the idea of a coat stifles her breathing. Buck promptly notices the gasps of air that are between him and Jane. It is a known fact that the two of them can't get within a few feet of each other without passion heating up between the two of them. Buck decides to use the moment to his advantage. After draping the coat around her shoulders he brings his hands around the front of her face and lightly caresses her cheeks and throat. Jane moves her head backwards to give Buck complete access to the flesh of her throat. She closes her eyes and dreams of the two of them without clothing coming between them, lying on a bed passionately entangled with one another! As Buck slips his hands around her waist and pulls her close to him Jane suddenly realizes that Cody could be on his way over to the Hunter home at any moment! She pushes Buck away from her heated body! Buck is once again confused, but this time he doesn't plan on letting Jane off the hook by simply walking away from her with hurt feeling like he normally has done in the past. "I'd really like to know what the hell you see in Cody?" Buck spoke angrily. Jane has to think about the question that Buck has thrown her way. She is well aware that it is an effort on Buck's part to try and make her realize what they have between the two of them that is obvious to everyone that she doesn't have with the blond past Pony Express Rider. "I see in Cody a man that knows what he wants and he goes after what he wants. Nothing holds Cody back from getting what he wants." A naughty smile plays across Buck's face. "Oh, so then you're saying that I should just take whatever it is that I want." Jane answers Buck without thinking about the ramifications that her answer will bring her. "Yes." Buck grabs Jane to him and kisses her passionately not allowing Jane to react by walking away from him. When he hears soft moans of desire coming from her and feels Jane pull him closer to her body, Buck pulls her close to his body and suddenly Jane feels like a prisoner to the intoxicating hunger for him that he embeds deep in her soul! Buck's coat slides from Jane's shoulders and onto the ground as the heat of the encounter once again becomes unbearable. She feels his body begin to strengthen with every movement she makes against his body! She hears the deep moans come in succession from deep within him! Jane brings her hands around the front of Buck where she fumbles to unbutton his shirt! Buck tenses up. He can't allow this to happen between them because making love to Jane is not a promise that they will share a life together. Since a lifetime promise is what he wants and needs from her he halts their kiss. Now it is Jane's turn to be confused by Buck's actions. She watches him as he picks his coat up from the ground. "You don't want me?" Jane asked confused. "I want you for a lifetime. The problem here is that you don't want me for the same length of time. I can't keep doing this. I can't make love to you and then the second it's over you're running into Cody's arms! I can't believe that you can even turn your feeling on and off that quickly, but I can't do that!" Buck spoke adamantly. Jane tries to reach out to Buck. He in turn backs up from her. Jane stops when she notices the overwhelming amount of pain echoing in Buck's eyes. "I don't turn my feelings for you on and off as quickly as you might think I do." "Then why are you always running back to Cody? What? Are you afraid that I won't love you for a lifetime?" Jane tries to walk past Buck to get into the house. Buck grabs hold of her arm forcing her to turn around and look at him. "Don't walk away from us," Buck spoke as he searches the depth of her eyes telling him that she truly does love him. "I love you and my love for you is forever. I'll never be able to love another woman as much as I love you." The haunting look in Jane's eyes causes Buck to loosen his grasp on her slightly. Jane doesn't want Buck to back away from her. All she really wants is to take him inside to his bedroom and make love to him. Her mind has been clouded with memories of the cave and their intense night of lovemaking ever since the second he had brought her back onto the ranch. Jane forces her body tautly close to his. She reaches her hands around to Buck's head and neck. She slowly reaches her lips to his and begins to ignite another fire deep in Buck's soul. Buck follows Jane's lead and swoops his arms around her waist. The two are so wrapped up in the sensations that they are making each other feel that they are oblivious to their surroundings. Buck and Jane suddenly tear they lips away from one another and gaze toward the back door when they hear it slam shut. Cody stands boldly in front of the two that are showing their deep love for one another. Buck looks back at Jane. She doesn't utter a single word of love to him. Buck slowly lets go of her arm and walks away from Jane and Cody. He makes his way into the house through the back door not feeling guilty at all by the problems that he may just have caused Jane. Cody walks over to stand in front of Jane who hasn't taken her eyes off the closed back door that Buck just went through. Cody reaches a hand down to her saddened face and forces Jane to look up into his eyes. "Am I ever going to be able to make you forget about him?" "Are you going to try?" Jane asked her voice shaken from her heated encounter with Buck and from the unsatisfied love that is between them. "I thought I was trying, but the way he just walked out of here and the look in your eyes tells me that I might as well give up on my quest to capture your heart." ***** Rachel had made the dining area into a feast of all feasts. She had brought two tables together to create a cozy family atmosphere that she had hoped would bring all them close together again as a family. Unfortunately the sitting arrangements were not to Cody's liking at all. Rachel had Teaspoon sitting at one end of the table while she had placed her self at the other end. On the front door side of the table Rachel had seated Addison and Daniel close to her. Next to the two young Hunter boys she had placed Jimmy, Louise, Kid, and Buck next to Teaspoon at the other end. On the opposite side of the table next to Teaspoon, Rachel had placed Jane, Cody, Charlene, Abigail and Emma, Kid and Lou's two girls, and finally Jack she placed next to her. Since that first introduction to Jack, Rachel has become quite pleased that Jack has stayed on in Rock Creek as long as he has. She finds his stories of the past humorous and exciting and they also have kept her family from fighting amongst themselves on one or two occasions. Jane had said grace and immediately afterwards the table had become a frenzy of hands passing dish after dish around the enormous table until everyone had a plate full of the holiday meal. Jack had been the first to dig in and taste the tender turkey that Rachel had baked to perfection. "Anytime Teaspoon that you want to give this lady away I would be more than pleased to take her off your hands," Jack had spoke with a teasing smile aimed at Rachel. "I think I'll be keeping her around for a lifetime," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. "Cody, when are you planning on sending for a judge so you can get this trial for Hannah over and done with?" Jack asked demandingly. "I'm just trying to tie up a few lose ends. A judge has already been summoned, but he is booked with other trials until a week from tomorrow," Cody spoke softly trying desperately not to arouse the anger in Charlene concerning her sister's plight. "The truth is that Cody here doesn't have enough evidence to bring Hannah to trial," Jimmy spoke assuredly. "I have more than enough evidence. Your problem Jimmy is that after turning Hannah in to the law you're feeling guilty as hell about the fact that she will hang after you've spent numerous weeks sleeping with her," Cody spoke angrily. "Cody! I would prefer the dinner conversation be a bit more suited for the young ears that are seated at this table," Rachel spoke adamantly. Cody gazes down at the busy faces toward Rachel's end of the table eating their dinner. "I think the young ones are busy digesting their dinner Rachel. I don't think they are paying much attention to the adult conversation that is going on," Cody spoke with a smile. "Cody, you heard Rachel, mind your manners or exit yourself from the table," Kid spoke with authority. Cody becomes quiet and takes the time to notice that through all the babbling he endured with Rachel that Buck and Jane are having a rather difficult time taking their eyes off one another. Their plates are both completely full. It seems to Cody that their only hunger is for one another. Cody clears his throat giving Jane the opportunity to peel her eyes away from Buck. "I'm sorry Cody. Did you say something?" Jane asked nervous that she has kept her eyes on Buck just one moment too long. Buck can only smile at the obvious way in that he had distracted Jane, causing Cody to become embarrassed by the way his woman can't keep her eyes off other men. "Are you ready?" Cody asked wanting to get Jane away from Buck. "Cody, give Jane a chance to enjoy her meal. We just sat down," Lou spoke smiling over abundantly at what she herself has witnessed at the Thanksgiving table today with Buck and Jane. "Momma, can we please be excused?" Abigail asked softly. The sound of Abigail's soft child voice causes all the adults to quiet their mouths from chewing and talking. Louise gets up from the table and walks around the other side to her two daughters. "Of course you can be excused. I'm so proud of both of you. You both ate a good meal." "Momma can we be excused too. We ate everything on our plates," Addison asked loudly. All the adults except for Cody laugh at Addison's plea to be excused from the table. "Wipe off your mouths and then you may be excused. Perhaps the four of you would like to go outside and play," Rachel spoke in a motherly tone. All four children slide out from their chairs and race for the front door. "Make sure you stay in the front yard," Kid spoke with authority. Jimmy gets up from his chair and closes the door behind the four spirited children. Louise sits back down in her chair next to Kid. The entire family goes back to eating their meal for a few minutes in absolute silence. Jack and Teaspoon both watch over the situation brewing at the table. The clatter of silverware to enamel plates, with no conversation, eventually gets on both Teaspoon and Jack's usually calm nerves. "Jack, when do you think you'll be ready to resume your unique line of work?" Jimmy asked trying to break up the silence at the Thanksgiving Day table. "Doc says maybe a few more days and I'll be able to ride for days at a time. I actually feel great, but the doc is just being a bit over-cautious. Why do you ask Jimmy?" "I was thinking that maybe I could give you a hand bringing in Jesse and his ruthless gang of outlaws," Jimmy spoke assuredly. "Jimmy that might not be such a good idea," Louise spoke softly. Jimmy looks at Louise in a confused manner and so does just about everyone else at the table. "I figured most of you wouldn't want me healthy and able to continue my search for Jesse," Jack spoke quizzically. "Jesse no longer has a home here," Teaspoon spoke adamantly as he takes an uneasy glance at Buck knowing that the outcome of Jesse's shooting Buck could have ended up being a lot more tragic then what it was. "Teaspoon, you don't have to act like you don't still care about Jesse in front of me," Buck spoke softly. "Jack, I would prefer that when you do find Jesse and his gang that you take them to Plum Creek for their trial. That is actually the last town where they robbed the bank and shot the marshal," Teaspoon spoke calmly. An uneasy silence clouds over the room. Jimmy glances around the room at his family. Jesse who had once been a scrawny kid that they were all a little over-protective of has turned into their worst enemy. Jimmy gazes back at Jack. " Actually Teaspoon, Jesse's last shootout was with us and he shot one of Rock Creek deputies. The offer still stands Jack. If I can be of help in any way with the James Gang, just let me know." "I'll keep that in mind Jimmy." The family of The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch finishes their Thanksgiving Day meal in silence except for the clatter of silverware against enamel plates. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Cody adamantly wipes down his rifle as Hannah watches him through the enclosed bars of her jail cell. The blond army man gives Hannah an uneasy feeling. He doesn't seem like he belongs in the family back at The Kid & Buck Ranch. He seems like a man that is more like Jesse James. Hannah has noticed in the short time that she has been kept a prisoner that not many of Cody's family members have anything nice to say when they come to the marshal's office to visit with him. Most of Cody's conversations with anyone end up in an all out verbal battle. Hannah turns her head toward the office doors when she notices Charlene waltzing through them looking as if Cody isn't going to have an easy day. Charlene slams the glass door and Cody shrieks with concern that the glass will suddenly shutter in hundreds of tiny pieces. He looks around slowly to make sure the pane of glass didn't crack from Charlene's abuse. Charlene walks over to Cody and gently takes the rifle out of his hands. She places it on the marshal's desk. "The rifle isn't loaded Charlene," Cody spoke flatly. "I'm not taking any chances. How long do you plan on keeping Hannah locked up?" "There is a judge arriving in Rock Creek in a few days for Hannah's trial. I can't just free Hannah on your assumption that she is innocent." "Cody, isn't a person innocent until proven guilty?" Cody shakes his head. "In my book Hannah is guilty. I'm not letting her walk the streets of Rock Creek. I can't allow anymore lives to be put in danger." Charlene glances over at Hannah who is sitting calmly on her cell bunk. "I'm getting my sister out of jail if it's the last thing in my life that I accomplish!" "I'm sorry Charlene, I was under the assumption that your main goal in life is to accomplish the impossible feat of getting Buck Cross to marry you," Cody spoke quietly so Hannah can't hear their conversation. "You're only hoping that I marry Buck so you can get your greedy hands all over Jane. Wasn't it you Cody who once told me that true love always prevails?" "So you're giving up?" "I didn't say I was giving up, but Hannah's predicament is just a little more important at the moment." Charlene spoke as she walks angrily away from Cody and heads over to the cell that Hannah is in. ***** The breeze is blowing lightly through Jimmy's hair as he sits on the ground of the embankment that leads down to the creek near Kid and Lou's home. He silently sits and watches the turbulence of the creek. The winter winds will soon be settling in and the water will soon freeze along the edges of the creek. By the time winter fully arrives Hannah will be taken from his life. Her own life will be just a memory to him and to everyone who knows and loves her. Louise stands at the edge of the embankment wondering if she should make the attempt to be a friend and console Jimmy. If she chooses to be a true friend, her consoling could get her into unwanted trouble with Kid. On the other hand, she really feels bad for not helping Jimmy through all the sorrow and guilt that he is feeling concerning Hannah's arrest. Without hesitating another moment longer Louise finds that her legs are carrying her down the slope of the embankment and nestling her body close to Jimmy. "I sort of thought it was you even before you sat down," Jimmy spoke quietly." "How long have you been sitting out here? It sure is cold." "I can't feel a thing," Jimmy spoke flatly. "I know that you are feeling terrible over Hannah, but Cody isn't giving up on Hannah being the killer. He's going to see that Hannah hangs for her crimes unless someone can prove that she's innocent. Cody isn't going to be that someone who searches for Hannah's innocence. He isn't looking for new evidence that will prove he is wrong. "Yeah, I know," Jimmy spoke quietly. "Yeah, I know isn't going to free Hannah," Lou replied softly. "I suppose I'm just feeling sorry for myself. I finally allow myself to fall in love with a woman and look what happens. She ends up being a killer. I'm really trying not to love her anymore, but these feelings won't go away." "Do you think Hannah is guilty?" "I saw the bloody gloves in her purse. I should have just took her away from here." "Hannah may have eventually killed you," Louise spoke sadly. "It really doesn't matter. Hannah is in jail and the judge will be here within a few days. Cody will finally be able to put these murders behind him and move on. I'll just have to get used to living without Hannah the same way I have lived my life without you." Louise is speechless for what seems like forever. The shock of Jimmy's admittance is quite difficult to digest. Lou is convinced that her face must be fifty shades of pink and red. "I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have actually blurted out my feelings for you. It's just that I've kept those feelings inside for so many years that I just can't hide them any longer. You have to admit though that you have suspected all these years that I've had feelings for you." Louise can't seem to utter any words to Jimmy. She finds herself being suddenly swept up by romance with Jimmy's admittance of love for her and by Kid's absence in her life. Without thinking about the consequences of her actions she teasingly sweeps her lips across Jimmy's. In turn Jimmy embraces Lou close to him. A kiss of pent up passion between the two of them heats up the stormy day. Within moments Lou finds that her body is pinned beneath Jimmy's on the cold, damp ground that doesn't feel cold at all! Louise can't believe that she is actually allowing her deepest secret feelings for Jimmy to surface. She struggles to pull her body away from Jimmy and she stumbles nervously as she runs up the embankment toward home. Jimmy watches Louise as she hurriedly tries to get away from him. At long last after all these years he knows that Louise has had romantic feelings for him as well. ***** Teaspoon is in the barn working on saddling his horse when Jack Morgan comes walking through the open barn doors. Teaspoon gazes away from his chores to let Jack know that he acknowledges his arrival. "Getting ready to finish the job that you came here to do?" Teaspoon asked disheartened. "Doc Barnes still insists that I rest for another week. You seem a bit disturbed about my resuming my work." "Like I said before just don't bring Jesse back to Rock Creek. My family doesn't need to go through Jesse's trial and then his eventual hanging." "Is that all there is to it?" Teaspoon can't figure out exactly when it happened, but somehow Jack Morgan can penetrate into his thoughts. "I don't want Buck to have to deal with Jesse and that is all there is to it!" "You're very fond of the Indian," Jack spoke voicing his opinion as a statement of what he has noticed between Teaspoon and Buck rather than a question for Teaspoon to answer. "Buck is like a son to me. I've caused him so much pain since Jesse has come back into my life. I've treated Buck like he is the stranger when in reality Jesse has become a stranger to me. I can't even remember the boy that Jesse once was." "You love Jesse just as much as you love Buck." "Not no more," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. "You may be able to say you don't care about Jesse anymore, but if anything were to happen to him you would grieve." Teaspoon gazes at Jack for a very long time before trying to continue their conversation. He doesn't want to actually say that he doesn't care about Jesse, but he simply doesn't want Jesse in his life to do anymore damage then what he has already done. "You really can't possibly understand what is going on inside my head and heart where Jesse and Buck are concerned. Jesse left Rock Creek in 1861 at the start of the Civil War. His brother Frank James killed one of my riders, Noah Dixon. When Jesse left I forgave him for Noah's untimely death. Am I suppose to forgive Jesse James everytime he comes to town and decides to kill a member of my family? Am I just suppose to open up my home for him after he shot and intended to kill Buck who not only is my deputy, but a son to me?" "You're fighting with the wrong person Teaspoon. I'm just calling it the way I see it. You have cared for and love all these boys that rode for the Pony Express for you and that includes Jesse. It's difficult for you to hate." "I don't hate Jesse, but I care more about Buck's life then I will ever care about what happens to Jesse James! If you aren't leaving to hunt down Jesse and his gang why did you ride out here today?" "I have other business in Rock Creek besides Jesse James." "We both already know that, so since you've opened up the book sort of for me to ask about your arrival some more I'm going to do just that." "I've managed to provoke your interest," Jack spoke with a smile. "When you arrived and first met Buck you made a rather thought provoking statement about him. You said to me that I'm surprised you hadn't told me that you found him. You were watching Buck walk away from the house. You were referring to Buck that night." Jack takes a deep breath. The time has finally come that Teaspoon's curiosity has overwhelmed him. "I was. I had merely thought that somehow the Indian woman had found you and left you with your child. Buck would be the right age." "I see," Teaspoon spoke flatly, but not really thinking about what Jack is implying. "I didn't mean for my knowledge of your child to bring you misery. That wasn't my intentions. I just felt that perhaps you would like to know that you have a child out there in this world somewhere." "Don't beat yourself up about it Jack. I'm glad you told me." "Well, I guess I'll get back into town. I better get that rest that the doc insists I get before heading out in about a week." "Yeah, I guess you better," Teaspoon spoke his mind absent of any thoughts of Jack at the moment. Jack exits the barn to leave a bewildered Teaspoon to figure out the truth of his child for himself. After Jack is clear of Teaspoon's voice he begins to figure out the dates of his past. "I was with the Indian woman in early February of 1843. A child between us would have been born in November of 1843, and that child would be twenty-four this month. Buck was born in November of 18……1843. Buck just turned twenty-four while he was recuperating from his bullet wound." Teaspoon takes a deep breath. "Oh Lord." CHAPTER NINETEEN It has been far too long since Buck had been able to relax in his own home without Rachel trying to do her best to make him feel comfortable. Even though he knows Rachel and Teaspoon both wanted him to stay longer at their home, it was way past the time for Buck to move back into his home. His only reason for dreading the move is because Charlene has made herself comfortable at home in his house once again. Looking around his home this morning had been like many mornings before Jimmy's arrival several months back. With Jimmy's arrival came the complicated mess of Charlene moving into his home for protection from Simon Davenport. Then came Jane. She came back into his life like the storm that broke Teaspoon's leg. She took his heart and has yet to return it. Charlene stands angrily at the edge of the kitchen table and flops burnt toast onto Buck's plate of cold eggs and burnt bacon. Buck gazes up into Charlene's eyes wondering if there is any compassion in her heart at all. She really can't expect him to eat the breakfast that she has prepared for him. He wouldn't give Charlene's cooking to his worst enemy. At this very moment that enemy would happen to be Cody. Charlene is holding a coffee pot in her hands. "Would you like some coffee? Perhaps my discolored coffee won't be as bad as my cooking," Charlene spoke while making a horrible face as she peers into the pot of watered down coffee. "Sure," Buck spoke as he pushes his coffee cup to the side where Charlene can reach the cup. Charlene pours the coffee in Buck's cup. He watches the weak almost water like liquid pour into his cup. Charlene backs away from the table to place the coffeepot back on the counter. She watches Buck intensely as he tries to muster the strength to give her coffee a try. "Doesn't my coffee appeal to you either?" Charlene asked somewhat disappointed that Buck seems frightened to try the weak black mixture that she has poured into his coffee cup. "It's a little too weak for me," Buck spoke quietly not wanting to hurt Charlene's feelings. Charlene walks close to Buck and bends to put her arms around his neck. "My cooking may have caused you to lose your appetite, but I can assure you that your appetite will increase once we are in bed together." Charlene leans closer to Buck and runs her lips softly against his. Buck is somewhat shocked by Charlene's actions. He tries without much success to unleash her hands from around his neck, but Charlene strengthens her hold and with Buck's still weaken physical state he is having a difficult time fending for himself. Charlene continues her seductive assault on his luscious lips. The back door that is in the kitchen opens up with Cody and Jane standing in the doorway. Jane can't take her troubled eyes off the way Charlene is unreserved at the way she is behaving with Buck in front of her and Cody. Buck sees the horrified look on Jane's face. He slightly pushes Charlene away from him. He has no intentions of making Jane think that he and Charlene are now together as a couple. The thought of making Jane jealous doesn't appeal to him. Charlene backs off with a disapproving gaze toward Buck. "I've brought Jane over because she would like to collect some of her things from the bedroom that she occupied while she stayed here," Cody spoke in a monotone voice. Charlene turns and faces Jane with a smug look on her face. "Jane knows where she slept. She may go upstairs and retrieve her things. It probably would be best if everything she owns were removed from Buck's home. After all, we all know that little Miss Jane won't ever be staying in this house again." "Charlene, do you have to be so damn rude to everyone that walks through the doors of this house?" Jane asked taken back by Charlene's obvious claim to Buck's home. Charlene walked out of the kitchen without answering Jane. Jane gazes down at Buck. She had thought she would find a smug look on his face too, but all Jane sees is pain in his eyes. "I won't be long Cody." Jane walked out of the kitchen leaving Cody and Buck alone. "I know that it probably doesn't really interest you, but I thought maybe because at one time I had accused you of these murders that you might care to know that Hannah will soon be found guilty of all these crimes," Cody spoke bluntly. "You're right Cody, I really don't care to hear about it. In my opinion you haven't done one damn thing to prove that Hannah is guilty," Buck spoke adamantly. "Haven't proved that she's guilty! Buck, open your eyes! You are just as blind as Jimmy. Why can't the two of you see that Hannah is our killer?" Buck can only gaze at the blond rider that he once knew and cared for like a brother. He isn't so sure he ever really knew Cody. Jane with suitcase in hand stops at the top of the stairs that leads to the downstairs of Buck's home. She gazes down at his bedroom. The bedroom that someday she had hoped that she would share with him. Her thoughts briefly go back to the night they shared together in the cave. How she longed for his hands to caress her bare skin again. The thought was making it unbearable for her to stay in this house another moment longer. As Jane starts to take one step down onto the stairs she witnesses Charlene walking out of Buck's bedroom with the linens from his bed gathered up in her arms. When Charlene spots Jane watching her with bewilderment in her eyes she decides that this is the perfect opportunity to drive the space between Buck and Jane even further apart. Charlene slowly walks toward Jane. "The linens needed to be changed after my passionate encounter with Buck last evening." The hurt that swells over in Jane's eyes is even difficult for Charlene to watch. Charlene walks away from Jane and rushes past her down the stairs. Jane can't help herself but to walk over to his bedroom. She stares looking in at the bed that has been restored with fresh linens. Jane walks into the bedroom and gazes down at the bed trying to block out the images of what happened in this bed last night. Thoughts of Buck making love to Charlene turn her stomach inside out. "What are you doing in here?" Buck asked softly. Jane turns around rapidly at the sound of Buck's voice. She makes her way over to stand in front of him and she roughly pushes Buck in the chest. "You bastard!" Jane spoke as she rushes away from him. "Jane!" Buck hollered in a confused tone. Jane stumbles into Charlene on her way out of Buck's bedroom. She pushes Charlene away and all Buck can hear is Jane making her way down the stairs. Buck tries to go after Jane, but Charlene eases him back and over to his bed. "Let her go. She doesn't want you anymore. Why don't you give in and let a woman who wants you show you what love is really all about." Buck is confused. He is so tired of not knowing what it is that Jane really wants. One minute she wants him and then the next minute all she can think about is hurting him. He allows Charlene to push him backwards onto his bed! Charlene manages to lean her body into Buck's and as he descends onto the bed Charlene goes down on top of him! She begins to feverishly kiss Buck hoping that he will lose his senses and allow her to make love to him. Buck brings his arms up around Charlene and holds her down tightly to his body. He returns her kisses, but with little passion in them. He can't help that his feelings for Charlene are not even close to lukewarm in the bedroom. He just can't make himself feel love that is not there. Charlene thinking that she has Buck under control takes a free hand and begins to run her hand up and down the length of his body! What she gets in return isn't exactly what she had been hoping for. Buck rises up from the bed tossing her aside. He stands up and quickly gathers his thoughts and strength. "Your plans to seduce me aren't going to work Charlene. I don't want to go to bed with you and I don't intend on allowing it to happen just because Jane isn't in my life anymore." "My feelings for you have nothing to do with Jane," Charlene spoke in a fretting tone. "What did you say to Jane that made her run out of this house like she had been hurt in the worst possible way?" Buck asked convinced that Charlene had told Jane some sort of lie that connected him to Charlene. Charlene stands up and with her hands she smoothes out the wrinkles in her dress. She walks close to Buck and stands directly in front of him. "It doesn't really matter. Her trust in you is all but gone," she spoke as she walked past Buck and out of his bedroom. Buck stands alone in his bedroom wandering if he'll ever find a woman that will truly love him for just him. ***** The evening had taken over the day so quickly. Jimmy had stayed with Hannah through the evening, but just before midnight Cody had ordered some of his men to relieve Jimmy of his duties. Jimmy had actually wanted to stay all night, but in the end it was best that he had left. It wasn't like Hannah will have anything at all to do with him. As a matter of fact, she won't even speak to him. As he strolled down the wooden walkway of the town Jimmy decides that he could use a drink. Instead of retrieving his horse he decides that a long walk to clear his head of all the guilt he is feeling about Hannah will be good for his soul. As he walks toward the saloon an unusual noise from behind him makes him slow down his pace. He doesn't want to stop walking completely for fear that whoever is behind him will realize that he is aware of his presence. Jimmy tries to gather his thoughts on how he will deal with this assailant. But before Jimmy can really put a plan together the man is pounding into the back of Jimmy and bringing his body down onto the ground with such a force that it knocks the air right out of Jimmy! His attacker backs up slightly. Jimmy tries to catch his breath that had been snatched from him. He slowly makes his way onto his feet only to be attacked with a man clinging onto a knife! He thrashes the knife at Jimmy! Jimmy is rather quick and manages to get out of the way of the knife aimed for his mid-section! For a brief moment Jimmy is able to look up toward the face of his attacker. He sees that his face is covered with a black mask! The person attacking Jimmy raises his knife into the air to bring it down onto Jimmy, but Jimmy is able to jump backwards away from the apparent penetration that the knife had intended to make! As Jimmy jumps backwards he takes his eyes off his attacker for just a brief moment, but it is long enough for the man with the knife to cut Jimmy open with the horizontal motion of the knife across Jimmy's mid-section. Blood quickly absorbs onto Jimmy's shirt! Jimmy can no longer play games with this man. He obviously has no intentions of allowing Jimmy to escape without being fatally wounded. Jimmy gathers his senses and rushes his assailant kicking the knife from his hand! The attacker barrels into Jimmy knocking him flatly to the ground! Then the attacker makes the mistake of searching for his knife in the darkness of the night. As he is combing the ground with his hands Jimmy pulls his gun from his holster and cocks the gun at his attacker's head. The attacker slowly stops searching for a knife that he will never find in the dust bowl that he has created. "Get up real nice and slow," Jimmy spoke behind clinched teeth. Jimmy spies in the distance Cody and a few of his soldiers coming to see what all the commotion is about. Cody stands in front of the person wearing the black mask. He looks over at Jimmy. Jimmy nods as if giving his approval for Cody to remove the black mask. Cody takes both hands and slowly takes the mask up over the man's face. Jimmy is stunned to see that the man behind the mask is none other than Phillip Anderson! ***** Back at the jailhouse Hannah stands up from her bunk when she sees Jimmy and Cody bringing Phillip in the jail with handcuffs on. "What is going on?" Hannah asked in a demanding tone. Phillip won't even acknowledge that he hears Hannah's voice. Cody escorts Phillip to a cell in the back of the jailhouse away from Hannah. He pushes Phillip into the cell and abruptly locks the jail door. Jimmy walks over to Hannah's cell. She looks away from her brother to get an explanation from Jimmy. "Apparently Phillip has been the one doing the killings all along," Jimmy spoke softly. For a long moment Hannah can't find any words to deal with what Jimmy has just told her. She looks from Phillip to Jimmy several times before keeping her eyes glued on Jimmy. "That can't be true. Phillip wouldn't hurt anyone." "It seems that Phillip believes that his two sisters need protection from the men that live here in Rock Creek. Hannah Phillip tried to kill me tonight. He has already confessed to the crimes." Hannah shakes her head as tears stream down her face. "No. That can't be true." CHAPTER TWENTY Jane strolls into the Hunter kitchen and immediately finds herself backing out of the kitchen clutching her arms around her stomach. The smell of Rachel cooking breakfast doesn't agree with her stomach this morning. Rachel witnessed Jane's strange behavior and followed her out of the kitchen after removing her frying pan of fried eggs off the stove. She places a hand on Jane's arm as Jane tries to straighten her body up from bending over with obvious nausea. "Are you alright?" Rachel asked with a worried tone. "I'm fine now. I need to get into town. The children are anxious to get this last day over with before their Christmas Holiday starts," Jane spoke a smile across her face hoping to make Rachel relax a little bit. "Alright, but you and I need to talk later today after you come home." "Sure." Jane spoke as she assures Rachel that they will have a talk. Jane makes her way out the front door. She leaves Rachel staring out the window at her as she leaves the ranch on the buckboard. After Jane is out of her sight Rachel turns around and wonders what secret Jane is hiding now, but Rachel's thoughts of Jane disappear when Teaspoon walks down the stairs apparently in a bad mood already this morning. "What is wrong with you this morning?" Rachel asked calmly. Teaspoon places a meek kiss on Rachel's cheek. "I just got a lot of thinking to do." "Well, you might think better on a full stomach." "I think I'll pass on breakfast this morning. I need to get into town and get a few matters cleared up." "Suit yourself." Rachel plants a kiss on Teaspoon's cheek and walks back into the kitchen. Just as Teaspoon opens the front door to leave Jack is ready to pound his fist on the outside of Teaspoon's front door. Teaspoon gives out a heavy displeasing sigh as he stares back into the anxious eyes of his friend from the past Jack Morgan. "What did I do to deserve this wonderful early morning visit from you today?" Teaspoon asked with a scowl. Jack suddenly gets a look of disappointment on his face. "I thought you'd be happy to see me leaving town for a few days." Teaspoon steps outside onto the front porch of his home. "You don't have to kiss me good-bye everytime you decide to leave town for a day or two. I can survive your leaving." "My someone is grouchy today," Jack spoke as he makes room for Teaspoon to walk past him and head toward the barn. Jack picks up his pace and before long he is able to keep up with Teaspoon's swift stride. "I'm real happy for you Jack that you can continue your life's work. I know that shooting outlaws in the back is what keeps the blood pumping in those cold-hearted veins of yours," Teaspoon spoke with a sarcastic tone. "I came hear to say good-bye for a few days. I really didn't expect to find a bear waiting for me." Teaspoon halts his progression to the barn and turns rapidly to face Jack. "Look Jack, I told you before that I don't really want to know about your hunting down Jesse and his gang. I told you to keep any news about it to yourself, but for some reason you're not hearing what I'm saying. You have to come over here to my home and announce your intentions everytime you're ready to saddle up and ride on out of here." "I came by to give you some more information to think about while I'm gone. I thought perhaps you might want to know the Indian woman's real name that you fathered a child to." Teaspoon once again gets a wave of disgust over his facial features. "How do you know that I don't already know her name? I mean I did sleep with the woman for gods sake Jack." "But she kept her real name from you to protect you and to protect herself from her tribe. She told you that her name was Gentle Spirit. Am I correct?" Teaspoon doesn't want to admit that Jack is correct. How would Jack know that Gentle Spirit is the name the woman gave Teaspoon if he hadn't talked to the Indian woman? Teaspoon isn't too sure he wants to know the Indian woman's real name. Jack Morgan could open up a can of worms that might best be left unopened. "Her real name was Six Moons," Jack blurted out before Teaspoon could object. By the shocked reaction written all over Teaspoon's face Jack knows that he has caused the earth to move under Teaspoon's boots. Teaspoon Hunter's life will never be the same. Jack stands silently next to Teaspoon wondering if he will ever speak again. He clasps his hand onto Teaspoon's back, but the lawman still doesn't open his mouth to vocally mount an excessive amount of questions. Jack mounts his horse with the intention of riding out. Jack gazes down at Teaspoon Hunter one last time before heading off the ranch and out into the wilderness to track down Jesse and his gang. "I hope you'll do the right thing Teaspoon." Teaspoon gazes up at Jack sitting firmly on his horse. "Right now I don't know exactly what the right thing to do would be Jack." "I know you Teaspoon Hunter better than you think. You're a man that always does the honorable thing," Jack spoke calmly as he leads his horse off the ranch and leaving Teaspoon feeling quite lost. ***** Jimmy and Cody are watching Doc Barnes examine Phillip Anderson from outside Phillip's jail cell. "So Doc, did you ever sleep with one of my sisters?" Phillip asked Doc Barnes in a very monotone voice. "I have a wife and children," Doc Barnes replied very proudly. "That makes no difference to my sisters, or the men they have slept with," Phillip replied. Jimmy and Cody turn around when they hear Teaspoon enter the marshal's office. Jimmy walks over and greets Teaspoon. "Phillip Anderson has admitted to all the killings. I really don't think it is necessary to keep Hannah locked up any longer." "Cody, I'm going to allow Jimmy to free Hannah," Teaspoon spoke his mind somewhere other than the marshal's office. Cody glances over at Hannah who has been watching her brother the entire morning. Her tear-stained eyes have become even redder than last evening. "Yeah, I guess we should have let her free last evening." Jimmy grabs the keys from the hook on the wall and proceeds to Hannah's cell. He unlocks the door and opens it to allow Hannah access to her freedom. The very moment that Hannah steps out of the cell that has been her home for a brief part of her life is to slap Jimmy swiftly, but strongly across the face! Jimmy's reaction is not shock. He rubs his tender cheek and gazes into Hannah's liquid eyes. "I guess I deserved that." CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Buck and Kid had been up all evening pacing silently in the barn while awaiting the birth of a new foul, but so far the happy event had not taken place. The horse that is ready to deliver had all but given up on having her foul last evening and is resting peacefully in her loft of hay. "We could be waiting all day again," Kid spoke wearily. "And all night," Buck spoke even more wearily. "I guess that pretty much means we're waiting," Kid spoke unsure of his exact words. ***** Jane and Cody briskly walk out of the bunkhouse. Jane had arrived early with the excitement of a new foul being born into the world. She really wanted to watch the birth. "Come on Cody. A foul being born doesn't happen everyday." "It happens quite often on any ranch including this one," Cody remarked stubbornly. "I haven't witnessed the birth of a foul since I arrived. Just walk over to the barn with me so we can at least find out if the young one has been born yet," Jane pleaded with Cody as she drags him by the arm toward the barn. When the two of them walk happily into the barn their presence hurts Buck. Buck hadn't expected Jane to come strolling into the barn wanting to watch the birth of the new foul. He had forgotten that she loves animals and nature in general. Jane's eyes become locked onto Buck once she enters the barn and sees that he is near. Cody is once again disappointed that Jane can't seem to forget that Buck Cross exists. Cody is about ready to say something about the two of them leaving when Jane's stomach begins to heave and she grasps her waist tightly to control the nausea that tries to make its way to her throat. She tears away from Cody's hold on her and runs out of the barn! Buck witnesses Jane's upset reaction to his presence, or at least that is what Buck believes has upset her. Buck starts to run after her, but on his way out of the barn Cody halts his progression. Cody holds Buck back with a hand plastered to Buck's chest. "You stay away from her. If there's any comforting to be done I'm the man that's going to do it!" Cody shoves Buck as he turns and walks out of the barn after Jane. Buck can only stand silently and wonder what had been wrong that had upset Jane so badly. ***** Hannah and Jimmy are sitting at a table in the saloon. He had talked her into breakfast and a brief moment away from the marshal's office where she had been a prisoner for quite a few days. Jimmy takes notice to the fact that even though Hannah has taken a few sips of the tea that she ordered, she hadn't taken one bite of the pancakes and sausage that Jimmy had ordered for her. "There isn't much that you are going to be able to do for Phillip. He has confessed to all the crimes and once a confession like that is made the case against him is pretty well closed. It won't do Phillip any good if you make yourself sick worrying about him." "Why couldn't you just let Phillip go?" "Hannah, Phillip would have killed again. His mind isn't stable. Would you honestly want someone else's life to be in danger?" Hannah doesn't answer Jimmy. She slowly allows herself to taste the sweetness of the pancakes and maple syrup placed in front of her. ***** Cody runs like the wind and finally catches up with Jane just outside the bunkhouse. She won't stop running from him so he lightly grabs onto Jane's arm and forces her to turn around and face him. "Why are you always running from me?" Cody asked as he tries to catch his breath. "It isn't you Cody that I'm running from." "Buck?" Cody questioned almost regretting what Jane's answer will be. Jane doesn't answer Cody. She looks down to the ground knowing in her heart that she will never love Cody the way that she loves Buck. Cody looks defeated. "You are never gonna stop being in love with Buck, are you Jane?" Jane gazes back up into Cody's hurt filled eyes. She takes a deep breath before beginning what will be the end of a relationship with a wonderful man, but with a man that she merely likes as only a friend and nothing more. "Cody, there are some things in life that you just have no control over. The emotions and feelings between two people who are deeply connected is something that we have no control over. I'm very sorry Cody." "We can make this work Jane. Now that my investigation is complete here in Rock Creek I'll be moving on. I had thought that you would join me." Jane isn't sure how she should reply to Cody's intention of leaving Rock Creek. She isn't too sure that leaving Buck behind is what she wants to do. Perhaps being away from Buck and not being forced to see him everyday would lessen the love and desire that she feel's for him. Tears begin to swell in Jane's eyes. She knows in her heart that distance will only make her want Buck more. There is no way that she will be able to walk away from Rock Creek and the man that she truly loves. "I'm pregnant Cody." Cody is speechless for what seems like an eternity. He looks Jane up and down and then purposely stopping at her abdomen for an extended length of time to see if he notices a swelling belly. "When?" Cody asked hurt overcoming in his voice. "The night that Buck had kidnapped me." "The night that we were to make love. You lied to me. Why?" "I didn't want my admission of passion with Buck to hurt you." "Buck raped you, didn't he?" Cody spoke anger building in his body. He turns and starts to head back toward the barn, but Jane rushes to stand between Cody and the barn. "No Cody! Buck didn't rape me. Buck doesn't have it in him to be cruel to another human being. He would never force himself on a woman. Buck is a gentle man. I made love to Buck that night because I wanted to make love to Buck." Cody begins to calm down and realizes that Jane is telling him the truth. She has never stopped loving Buck so why wouldn't she want to make love to him. "Why haven't you told him?" "I'm not sure how I'm going to tell him." "Buck will be thrilled Jane. You don't have to worry about Buck turning you away." "I'm just not sure how Buck feels about me anymore. I've hurt him so much. I won't live with a man that only wants me because I'm carrying his child." Cody starts to gather his senses and realizes that another prefect plan has entered his mind. The fact that Jane hasn't told Buck about the baby yet brings a whole new picture of his life with Jane into view. "Jane, we could get married. Buck would never have to know about the baby. We could simply tell everyone that the child is mine." Jane smiles warmly at Cody for once again putting her feelings before his, or so at least that's what Cody wants Jane to believe. "Don't you think everyone will know the truth when the baby is born? I don't think a child between Buck and I will have blond hair and blue eyes, not to mention the fact that the baby will have Indian blood in him or her. The baby will have Buck's completion. "Who said we would stay in Rock Creek? We'll stay here long enough to get married and then we'll leave Rock Creek." "You make this problem of mine sound so simple to solve." "It will be solved if you'll just allow me to take care of everything." "Cody, what about the baby and Buck. Is it really right to keep Buck from his child? Is it right that I keep a child away from his natural father?" I have the prefect solution for that to. Later, when the child is older we'll break the news to Buck, and his child. By then Buck's feelings for you and your feelings for Buck will be nothing but a mere memory." Jane gazes at Cody's excited face. He has come up with the prefect plan to keep her in his life, but Jane isn't so sure about Cody's prefect plan. The love that she feels for Buck is deep in her heart and soul. Buck is now more a part of her than ever before. His child is growing inside of her. No Cody, you are wrong. Her love for Buck will never die. If anything the distance between them will make her longing for him even stronger. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO The Christmas dance at the Rock Creek town social hall is the largest Holiday event of the year. Everyone from parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, sweethearts and children dress up in their fanciest outfits to attend the Christmas dance. For this years dance Rachel, Louise, and Jane had been chosen for the decorating committee. The doors of the social hall open and with her arm entangled in his, Rachel and Teaspoon walk through the doors. Rachel is in awe over the fabulous job that her and the girls did to make the hall look its absolute best. Rachel is praying that the warm atmosphere of the social hall assures everyone of having a great time while dancing, eating, and drinking the night away. Teaspoon leans in to whisper into Rachel's ear. "You and the girls did a fine job with the decorating this year." Rachel smiles back at Teaspoon showing her appreciation for his complement. "Thank-you Marshal Hunter." Rachel gazes at the interior making sure one last time that all the decorations are beautifully displayed. On the ceiling twists of red, green and gold paper come together in the center, and are attached all together with a silver star. At each table there is either a red, white, or green tablecloth adoring the table. A floral centerpiece of evergreen, holly, luscious cranberries and pinecones rest on each table. At the back of the social hall where the band will be playing, Rachel gave the stage a little decorating with paper bows made from the same paper that drapes from the ceiling. Rachel inhales a deep breath of the fresh evergreen smell that is explicitly noticeable throughout the social hall. "It smells wonderful too," Teaspoon spoke softly. "It certainly feels like the Christmas season in this hall tonight," Rachel commented excitedly. The social hall has many citizens of Rock Creek already mingled together in small groups chit chatting the evening away. The band starts to play its first slow tune. Teaspoon faces Rachel and takes her hand. "Would you care to dance Mrs. Hunter?" "I would love to dance with you Marshal Hunter," Rachel spoke with a teasing smile. Teaspoon escorts Rachel to the back of the hall where a dancing area has been cleared away in front of the band. The two begin to dance and Rachel notices that Cody and Jane are already present and sitting at the table reserved for the Hunter clan. Teaspoon notices Rachel watching the couple closely. "I know what you're thinking." "What am I thinking Mr. Hunter?" "You're thinking that the two of them don't really belong together." "I was also thinking about how strange Jane has been acting over the past couple of months and especially since the morning Buck brought her back to the ranch after he had kidnapped her." "I know that woman loves Buck, but for some reason that none of us will probably ever find out about, she won't allow herself to love him back." "Don't look now, but Buck, Charlene, Jimmy, and Hannah have just come through the front doors. Oh and Louise and Kid are right behind them," Rachel spoke calmly. "Good. All our family has arrived then," Teaspoon spoke wearily, but with a slight smile. As quickly as Buck enters the social hall his senses immediately realize that Jane is sitting down next to Cody. His eyes meet with her eyes for a brief moment. Jane quickly turns her eyes back to Cody when he leans in close to her and whispers something endearing into her ear. Buck feels hurt and disgusted at the same time. Charlene sees the disappointed look on Buck's face and practically drags his body to the table. Charlene makes sure that she and Buck are seated at the opposite end where Jane and Cody are sitting. Kid sits next to Buck and Jimmy with Hannah are seated across from Buck and Charlene. Louise sits down next to her husband, but her eyes keep bouncing from Kid to Jimmy. Ever since Jimmy's admittance of love for her she hasn't been able to think straight. She had thought that Jimmy was really in love with her, but now the fact that Hannah is free and he is back seeing her makes Lou wonder if Jimmy has been playing games with her emotions. Lou's problem is that why does she even care? She has the most wonderful man sitting right next to her. She shouldn't be thinking about romance with another man other than her husband. Jimmy and Hannah suddenly excuse themselves from the table and make their way to the back of the social hall to share a dance. In the meantime Teaspoon and Rachel have joined the rest of their close-knit family back at the table. "I'd like it very much if we could start this relationship of ours over. I mean I think we deserve a fresh start," Jimmy spoke softly. Hannah smiles affectionately at Jimmy. In her heart she truly loves him, but her heart also is telling her that she has another destiny to fill before she can truly be happy with her life. "You know that you are the first man that I have ever given my heart to." "I'd like to think that I would be the only man you'll ever give your heart to." "You are a sweet man James Hickok." "Sounds like there is a but in there somewhere," Jimmy spoke flatly. Hannah takes a deep longing gaze into Jimmy's eyes before beginning. She sees the love in his eyes that is so obviously meant for her. Once again in her life the timing is wrong. "I would like nothing more than to continue a relationship with a fresh start and maybe someday dare I even think it that we would get married, settle down in a home of our own here in Rock Creek and have lots of children, but....... Phillip needs me. He is very sick mentally Jimmy and I can't leave him alone to defend himself against the doctors, lawyers and judges that he will have to face in New York. I will be accompanying Phillip to New York." Jimmy is really not surprised by Hannah's act of responsibility toward Phillip. "I have to admit that I liked the first part of your speech a whole lot better than the second part. I would be a fool to say that I'm not upset by your decision, but I totally understand why you must be with Phillip right now. So, I guess my next question is will you come back to me and Rock Creek after you tend to Phillip?" Hannah reaches over and brushes her lips lightly across Jimmy's. "I can't make any promises that far ahead in the future. I don't know how long Phillip's recovery will take. The point is Jimmy that Phillip may never recover from his mental breakdown. All I can offer you is one more night. Jimmy brings Hannah close to him in a tight embrace. Hannah gladly accepts his embrace. Rachel nudges an unobservant Teaspoon while he looks down wearily at the table and then causally glances down the table at Buck and Kid. After a few nudges with no respond Rachel realizes that something very serious must be bothering her husband. "Teaspoon." Teaspoon pulls his eyes away from Buck, but he can't stop his mind from thinking that Buck is indeed his son. How will he ever tell Buck the truth? Or a better question to answer might be should he ever tell Buck the truth about his parentage? "Yes Rachel?" Teaspoon muttered quietly. "Something troubling on your mind?" Rachel asked with a concerned tone for anything that might be upsetting her husband. "I just have a few things that need clearing up, but right now isn't the best time to be clearing them up." "Are you referring to our notorious outlaw Jesse James?" Rachel asked sounding cynical toward Jesse. "Your heart has grown cold for Jesse, hasn't it? Teaspoon asked wearily. "Buck could have died from that bullet he received from Jesse. I can't tolerate that, he's been home with us all these years, built a successful ranch with Kid and cares more about people then anyone I know. I don't know how you can tolerate what Jesse has done," Rachel spoke mindfully. "I don't feel the same way about Jesse and I can't tolerate what he did to Buck and what he might still do to all of us. At one time a thought that Jesse could do no wrong in my eyes, but shooting Buck proved to me once and for all that Jesse never had good intentions about changing into a law abiding citizen." "Then I guess Jesse's lies and deceit are what is bothering you?" "Jesse and a few other things are heavily burdening my mind and my heart. Right now I just need time to think everything through so that I make the right decisions." Rachel stares at Teaspoon with a very puzzled look upon her face. The only problem is Rachel sees that same puzzled look on Teaspoon's face. Cody and Jane make their way back to the table after sharing a slow dance. Upon sitting in her chair Jane catches Buck looking her way. The look on his face tells Jane that he doesn't love her anymore. He doesn't look hurt the way he used to every time he glanced her way. Instead when Buck gazes her way his features are cold and filled with contempt for her. Jane quickly peels her eyes away from Buck. She doesn't want the father of her baby to loathe her as much as Buck apparently does. Cody sees the distress in Jane's eyes. He gazes down toward Buck, but finds that Buck isn't looking Jane's way. "Is it just the fact that you're keeping the news about the baby from him that is upsetting you so much?" Jane's eyes meet with Cody's eyes. "Just keep telling me that I'm doing the right thing by keeping father and his child away from one another and someday years from now I may be convinced." Cody squeezes Jane's hand. "Once we make our little announcement Buck won't be able to do anything but to accept the decisions that you have made. He'll never question the parentage of your child." "I hope you're right, because if Buck ever sees the baby he will know upon sight that the child belongs to him and not you," Jane spoke wearily. Cody once again gazes down at Buck. If he has his way Buck won't see Jane's baby until the child is a teen and perhaps not even then. His plans are to change Jane's mind about telling father and child the truth when the child is old enough to understand about his true parentage. ***** It was quite easy for Charlene to leave Buck sitting alone at the table. He is still in mourning over totally losing Jane to Cody and he has absolutely no intentions of inviting her to his bed tonight. Charlene rounds the corner of the social hall and runs right into Jesse James! "You sure have guts. If the law were out hunting me down I wouldn't show up in town begging to get handcuffed," Charlene spoke in a strong, but quiet tone. "So, I'm to believe that Buck has recovered very well from his gun wound," Jesse spoke with a smile playing a Charlene smacks him lightly in the chest. "You're very lucky that Buck recovered. Otherwise I would have been part of the hunting party." "I love a feisty woman and one that also knows what she wants and goes after it." "I can't stay out here too long. You said you have another plan that will put an end to The Kid & Buck Horse Ranch for good. I need to know what you have in mind," Charlene spoke with optimism. "You're going to like this plan Charlene. If everyone does their part correctly Buck will be yours, and Jane will be out of his life forever," Jesse remarked with an evil smile on his face. ***** Teaspoon had asked Hannah to dance. He wanted to break up the long silences that were developing between her and Jimmy. Teaspoon had already known of Hannah's decision to leave town with Phillip. He also knew that this decision would upset Jimmy. Lou slides into Hannah's chair while Teaspoon has her out on the dance floor. "You helped get Hannah out of jail, but yet you don't seem very happy tonight," Lou spoke softly. "Hannah has made a very important decision concerning our life together." "What is that?" "We won't be having a life together," Jimmy stated as he takes a deep breath before giving Lou an explanation. "Hannah has decided that she will travel with Phillip to New York and stay there with him as long as he needs her. That could end up being a very long time," Jimmy spoke disheartened. "I see. There is a rather simple solution to your problem." "Yeah, and what would that be?" "You could move to New York with Hannah." "I already kind of thought about that, but I don't think I would fit in very well. Lou, I'm just not meant to live in a big city. Rock Creek is about the largest town I care to live in." "There isn't really much I can say to make Hannah's leaving Rock Creek any easier for you. I understand her decision. Phillip is her brother and he needs her right now. Hannah probably realizes that neither one of her parents would give up their life to be with Phillip." "I understand Hannah's decision, but it doesn't make her leaving any easier," Jimmy spoke softly putting his arm around Lou's shoulder for support. Kid's eyes glare quietly down to where Jimmy and Lou are sitting. He wants to interrupt their nice conversation, but he doesn't want to cause a scene with Buck being upset over Jane being with Cody and Cody looking very happy with the fact that she is with him and not Buck. As Teaspoon is escorting Hannah back to the table he spies Jack motioning for him to come outside. Teaspoon looks quizzically at Jack. "Rachel, I'll be right back. Jack is outside and apparently too shy to come inside." Rachel just laughs softly at Teaspoon's joke. ***** Once Teaspoon Hunter is outside of the social hall, Jack closes the door tightly behind Teaspoon's departure from the hall. Jack doesn't want anyone else to hear his news. "Why am I being dragged from the biggest social event of the year?" Teaspoon asked in an aggravated tone. "I've been tracking Jesse." "Yeah, I already know that. I also told you that I didn't want to be kept informed concerning his whereabouts, or his capture." "Even if his whereabouts are right back here in Rock Creek?" Jack asked with a concerned tone for Teaspoon and his family. Teaspoon stares Jack blindly in the eyes. "Why can't he just leave my family alone? All I ever did for that boy was give him a place to sleep at night and food on his plate. Why is he trying to hurt the people that I love?" "My guess is because Buck, Jimmy and Cody found out that you were helping him. Jesse probably got it in his head that Buck would be able to persuade you to turn him into the law. My guess is that is why Jesse than shot Buck." "I kept my agreement with Jesse a secret from Buck, Jimmy and everyone else in my life. That agreement is the cause of all my greif at the moment," Teaspoon stated disheartened. "Jesse and his gang needed a quiet town to hide out in until the law became tired of searching for them after what they did in Plum Creek. Jesse found the town and a marshal that loved him like a son. What could possibly go wrong?" "Jesse didn't count on Buck being my deputy and a very honest one at that," Teaspoon spoke flatly. "Teaspoon, if Jesse has come back to Rock Creek it only means more trouble for you and your family. He didn't come back to Rock Creek to say good-byes to everyone. He came back because he's about to wreck havoc on you and your family again. If I were you I would keep my family all together and especially keep an eye on Buck. I'm sure that Jesse knows that Buck has completely healed from the last time he shot him. If Jesse is looking for one person to kill, it's Buck. Putting it bluntly it wouldn't surprise me if Jesse already has put his next plan into action," Jack spoke calmly. Teaspoon gazes at Jack. Deep in his heart he knows that Jack is right. He can't give Jesse the benefit of the doubt ever again. Jesse has come back to Rock Creek to destroy lives. Teaspoon figures Jesse won't be happy until everyone's life is just as miserable as his own. At any cost, Teaspoon decides right now that he will do whatever he must do to prevent Jesse from hurting any member of his family. Even if that means he will have to hunt down Jesse James! ***** Back inside Cody has dragged Jane to the dance area in-between songs. Jane seems a little taken back by the fact that everyone's eyes in the social hall are glued on her. She sees Teaspoon step back into the hall from outside. "We have a little announcement to make to all of you," Cody spoke cheerfully. Many of the townspeople clap for the happy young couple standing before them. "Jane has accepted my proposal of marriage!" Cody spoke overjoyed by his own announcement. Jane's eyes meet up with Buck's and suddenly her happiness disappears when she sees the overwhelming amount of pain in his eyes. Jane also witnesses the bountiful smile that is playing across Charlene's face. Jane also witnesses the disappointment in Rachel's expression, the sadness in Teaspoon's expression, the doubtfulness in Lou's eyes, and the concern in Kid's eyes for Buck. Jane suddenly starts to feel lightheaded from the excitement and from the hurt she is causing Buck. She leans into Cody to keep from passing out onto the floor! CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE Riding in the buckboard home Jane lightly leans into Cody pretending to need rest more than conversation. She thinks back to this evening's heart wrenching events. Jane had noticed in her state of weakness that it took Buck all but three seconds to grab Charlene and whisk her out the front door of the social hall after Cody had announced her acceptance of his marriage proposal to the entire town of Rock Creek. She had never intended for their lives to be this twisted and filled with so much utter torment. Jane thinks back to the romantic evening she had spent with Buck in the cave. Everything had been so perfect between her and Buck that night. She allowed herself to love him and Buck certainly loved her back, but in the morning after all the candles had burnt out, after light replaced the moonlight something changed between them. That something was riding back onto the ranch and the scorn, animosity and mistrust that she could see in Cody's eyes. He really looked down on her that morning. In his heart Cody knew that she had spent the night before loving Buck. He never really said a word. Cody never asked what had happened between her and Buck, but Jane knew at that instance that she had already hurt Buck and that she couldn't hurt Cody too. Now, two months later she is willing to allow Cody to marry her and raise Buck's child. Jane clinches her abdomen tightly. Thinking to herself Jane vows that someday she'll make things right between father and child. She makes this silent promise to her unborn baby. ***** Rachel walks through the front door of her and Teaspoon's house jumping slightly after Teaspoon walks through and abruptly slams the door causing the entire house to shake and creak. Rachel lights a kerosene lantern and places it on the dining room table while Teaspoon paces back and forth before her. "You're wearing a hole in the floor isn't going to change the fact that Jane has promised to marry Cody," Rachel spoke softly trying to calm her husband down. Teaspoon stops and looks at Rachel. "I can't believe what is going on around here. How can Jane promise to marry Cody when it is obvious that she loves Buck?" "Teaspoon, you're barking up the wrong tree. When it comes to love and the foolish things that people will do for love no one really knows what a person is thinking or feeling for another person." "What kind of nonsense is that?" Teaspoon asked bluntly. "That kind of nonsense is called love. Teaspoon, you can't say for sure that Jane doesn't have feelings for Cody." "There has to be something else driving that woman to marry Cody and turn away the love that she feels for Buck." Rachel places a reassuring kiss on her husband's lips. She looks into his eyes. "If there is something going on with Jane other than blind love for Cody it isn't likely any of us will ever discover the truth. I think what we all need to do is to stop meddling in Jane's life." "I'm going up to bed. You coming up too?" Teaspoon asked disheartened over a situation he can't fix. "I'll be up shortly. I have something I need to do in the kitchen first," Rachel spoke softly. Teaspoon gives Rachel a kiss and then Rachel watches as Teaspoon concedes to a battle that he surely can't win and walks quietly up the stairs to their bedroom. ***** "I just can't believe what Jane is putting Buck through. When she looks at him, and let me tell you Lou, Jane looks at Buck a lot more than she looks at Cody, she must be able to see how much everything she is doing is damn near killing him!" Kid spoke shouting as he engages the stairs with Lou right in front of him. The two enter their bedroom. Kid lights a lamp and begins to get ready for bed. "I mean you're a woman Lou. How can a woman love two men at the same time? Does Jane really love Cody, or is this just some kind of game she's playing to see how much she can break Buck's heart?" "Shouting so that the entire town of Rock Creek can hear you isn't going to give you the answers that you're looking for." "I'm sorry, but I would really like some answers. I see the way Jane looks at Buck whenever his eyes are turned away from her. There are feelings of love for Buck when Jane looks at him." "I know there are. I see the love for Buck in her eyes also, but there are also secrets and fears hiding in Jane's eyes," Lou spoke just above a whisper. "Secrets? Fears? What kind of secrets and fears?" Kid spoke loudly. Lou slips on a silky nightdress and walks over to her side of the bed that she shares with her husband. "There are plenty of things going on in Jane's life that none of us are aware of. As a matter-of-fact I'm willing to bet that Cody may be the only person who could actually shed some light on to the reason why Jane is so eager to marry him." "Cody isn't going to tell any of us a thing about any secrets that Jane is keeping," Kid spoke as he climbs into bed. Lou settles into her side of the bed next to Kid. She gazes at her husband who is lying on his back at the moment. "What about being in love with two men at the same time? Women can't really have intense feelings of love for two men at the same time can they?" Kid asked calmly. As Lou is about to answer Kid's question he places a kiss on her cheek and then proceeds to get comfortable by turning onto his side and facing away from Lou. Lou is somewhat stunned by Kid's actions. "I think it is possible to be in love deeply with one man, but have some thoughts about another at the same time. In Jane's case I believe she has intense feelings of love for Buck and I think Cody is just an excuse to not feel those intense feelings for Buck." "But why?" "Maybe Jane is afraid of getting hurt. Her intense feelings for Buck make her feel alive and uninhabited. Her feeling's for Cody simply slows down her feelings for Buck. Cody gives Jane a sense of security." "Buck can give Jane security. He owns half this ranch. Buck has a home large enough to support a dozen children. What other kind of security could she need?" Kid asked confused. "Yes, I agree. Buck can give Jane security with a home to live in, food on the table, and the fact that he works hard. It is the powerful passion between the two of them that scares Jane away from Buck." "Why?" Kid asked with a yawn. "Because Jane would be devastated if she ever lost Buck," Lou spoke as she glances at her husband who is sound asleep beside her. "Just as I could never bare losing you," Lou spoke as she wiggles down next to Kid and puts her arm lovingly around him. ***** Jimmy and Hannah walk onto the front porch of the home that she shares with her parents, and at one time two siblings. Hannah turns and faces Jimmy for one last time. She takes Jimmy's hand into her hand and squeezes tightly as if never wanting to let him go. "Cody and Jane certainly shocked your entire family including you tonight with their unexpected wedding announcement," Hannah spoke softly. "I mostly was in shock because I just figured it would be Jane and Buck getting married someday," Jimmy spoke somberly. "We have come a long way since we first met." "Yes, we have." Hannah pauses for a moment trying desperately to gather her final thoughts on her brief, but fierce relationship with a man that will always have her heart. "I don't want you to be their tomorrow when the stage arrives to take Phillip and I to the train station. Tonight will be good-bye for us. It will be easier for both of us this way." "I hope good-bye isn't all that is left of us Hannah. I hope that you will always hold the thought that we can have a long and happy life together," Jimmy spoke adamantly. "You will stay in my heart forever. That is all I can give you. I don't want you to spend your life pining away for me with the hope that someday I will return to you. I want you to live the life that you are meant to live James Hickok. Do this for me. Do this for you," Hannah spoke tears flowing from her eyes. Jimmy softly wipes the tears from Hannah's cheeks. "I can promise you that I won't pine away waiting for your return, but I can't promise that I won't think about you everyday for the rest of our lives." Hannah reaches over and teases Jimmy with one last deep kiss. The two share a passionate embrace, but Hannah soon pulls away not wishing to make their departing any more difficult on either one of them than it already is. "You need to go now," Hannah whispered softly. Without saying another word, or looking back on the woman he truly loves Jimmy rides off the Anderson Ranch with no regrets of ever meeting or falling in love with Miss Hannah Anderson. Hannah stands quietly on the front porch watching Jimmy ride off her parent's ranch. "Have a good life sweetheart. Good-bye my love," Hannah spoke quietly as she throws a kiss into the evening breeze behind the glistening tears that stream freely upon her cheeks. ***** Buck reaches his hands around Charlene and pulls her full force onto his body! Charlene quickly tries to unleash the passion in Buck by running her hands up and down his body! She figures tonight is the best opportunity that she'll ever have to get Buck into bed! The sofa that they are wrestling on suddenly becomes too small and confined when Charlene tries desperately to untangle her body from the many layers of clothing that she has on! The sudden uneasy movements that Charlene makes cause Buck to realize that he is on the sofa with Charlene and not Jane. Cody's announcement that Jane had accepted his marriage proposal had dug deeply into Buck's heart. The announcement took the breath out of Buck's body and left him pretty much defensiveless to ward off any passionate thoughts of Jane. The moment he and Charlene entered his home thoughts of making love to Jane and believing that they were actually the couple getting married flooded his mind so rapidly that he couldn't help the sudden urgency to make love to Jane. His mind filled up so quickly with the scent of Jane, the touch of Jane, and the feel of Jane that Charlene became Jane! Buck upon comprehending what his mind and body are doing quickly stumbles off the sofa and into a standing position. He leaves Charlene breathless in a heap of clothing on the sofa. "I'm sorry Charlene, I can't believe I'm doing this," Buck spoke his voice cracking with emotion. Charlene pulls all her clothing to one side and slowly forces her legs to stand. "Why can't you let thoughts of Jane go? She's never coming back to you!" "I don't mean to constantly make you think that we have a chance at a future. It would be best for both of us if you were to move out of this house. It can't be good for either of us to be subjected to my persistent haunting feelings of Jane," Buck spoke honestly. "I can't accept the fact that you can't get over Jane. I could make you forget about her if you would just give me a chance," Charlene spoke with anger that Buck always has Jane on his mind and in his heart. "It would be best if you just made plans to move out Charlene," Buck spoke adamantly as he proceeds toward the stairs. ***** Jane stands at the open door of the Hunter house and watches as Cody walks over to the bunkhouse. "Good-night Cody." She closes the door tightly and turns around to come face to face with Rachel. Jane clutches her hands across her chest. "Good lord Rachel you frightened me." "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I only wanted to make sure that we got that chance to talk before you went on up to bed for the night," Rachel spoke quietly. "I guess we haven't had a chance to have that woman to woman chat that you've been wanting to have with me since Thanksgiving Day." "You seem a little tense to be talking with me Jane. I'm only looking out for your best interests. If something is wrong, or bothering you than I want you to know that you can talk to me about it." "Rachel, every woman has problems or concerns about things when she goes through them for the very first time." "Like making love to a man?" Rachel asked knowingly. Jane nods her head positively. "Making love to a man can be the most wonderful feeling in a woman's life, but it can also leave you feeling pretty miserable about the episode." "Are we talking about Buck or Cody?" Rachel asked calmly. "I guess I am referring to both Buck and Cody," Jane spoke unsure of how she is going to convince Rachel that the baby she is carrying actually belongs to Cody, and not Buck. "My guess is that Buck was your first and that making love with him bought you to heights that you never imagined before. I'm also guessing that making love with Cody is flat in comparison," Rachel spoke with the ease of a mother talking to her daughter. "When I made love to Buck I felt like a woman possessed with pent up passion. I was sure that that passion would disappear after the first time, but it didn't. Now that we have parted, I can't seem to acquire that same amount of passion with Cody. Does that mean that there is something wrong with me?" Rachel admires Jane's honesty concerning the two different men in her life. "It doesn't mean that there is something wrong with you. What it does mean is that your feelings are not the same for Cody as they are for Buck. I truly believe that you need to explore closely the feelings that you have for each man before you totally commit to a life with Cody." "I have already committed my life to be with Cody. I'm pregnant Rachel," Jane spoke flatly as she watches closely for a surprised reaction from Rachel, but no shocked reaction happens. "You don't seem too surprised by my sudden baby announcement." "I have suspected for quite some time now. Your sudden bouts with nausea gave your pregnancy away," Rachel spoke with a soft smile. The tension and nervousness in Jane's body suddenly leaves her and she lets out a deep breath. "I have been so afraid to tell any of you that I am pregnant. I assumed you would all think terribly bad of me." "The question is, is Cody really the father of the baby you're carrying, or is Cody taking the place of the natural father so that Buck never has to know the truth?" Jane is stunned by Rachel's question. She hadn't prepared herself to have to answer a question concerning the parentage of her baby. She simply assumed that her new family would believe that Cody is the father without asking any questions. Now Rachel is asking the question that she must lie to. She can never tell anyone the truth concerning the natural father of her baby. Even Rachel would not respect her wishes that Buck never be told the truth. "Because you are not answering my question, I will assume that Buck is really the father of your baby," Rachel spoke calmly. "No Rachel!" Rachel is taken back by Jane's demanding tone that she truly believes the baby is indeed Buck's. "Don't you think you owe it to Buck to tell him the truth?" Jane calms down before she ends up giving the secret away that she is trying so hard to protect. "Rachel, the baby is not Buck's. Cody is honestly the father of this baby that I'm carrying." "I have to admit I'm surprised that Cody is the father. I actually thought that perhaps you and Cody hadn't consummated your unique relationship yet." "I don't want to disappoint any of you, but to make this news easier for Buck, Cody and I will get married here in Rock Creek and then we will leave Rock Creek for good. We will make our home far away from Rock Creek. " "I see. I suppose it would be asking too much for the two of you to reconsider and stay in Rock Creek until after the baby is born. It would be better for your health and the baby's that you don't travel too much right now." "Rachel, that is why Cody and I will be getting married rather quickly. We need to be on our way to our new home before the hardest part of winter settles in to stay." "Then I guess I should start the preparations for your wedding," Rachel commented disheartened. Jane starts toward the stairs, but she does stop by Rachel and kisses her lightly on the cheek. "Thank-you for everything you've done for me Rachel. I'll never be able to repay how you took me into your home and watched over me like a daughter." "You don't have to repay me for anything Jane. I enjoyed having you here. I will hate to see you leave." "Good-night Rachel," Jane spoke softly as she makes her way up the stairs to her bedroom. Rachel quietly sits down in a chair wondering how Jane's news of a baby will affect Buck's already broken heart. ***** In the deep sleep of the night Charlene finds herself unable to breath. She gasps for breath after breath until her lungs are about to explode and she awakens from her sleep. She finds the presence of a man in her bedroom covering her mouth with his hand. Jesse motions for Charlene to be quiet as he slowly removes his hand from her mouth. "How did you get in this house without Buck awaking up?" "You're precious boyfriend has gone for a ride. I've been waiting to see you for a few hours. I knew eventually his anxiety over Cody's announcement of marriage to Jane would be more than Buck Cross could handle." "What do you want Jesse?" "Have you forgotten the next phase of our plan so quickly?" "No, I just don't need Buck finding out that I've been working with you all along. He would surely kick me out of this house and his life for good." "The next part of our plan will be carried out on their wedding day. You know what you're suppose to do," Jesse spoke as he exits Charlene's bedroom from her bedroom window." Charlene suddenly hears the gallop of a horse getting closer to the ranch. Buck must be returning home to her. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR The next morning Teaspoon watches Buck from the front door of his home wondering if the Kiowa should be left alone to bear the burden of the news that shocked all of them last evening at the Christmas Dance. In one week Christmas Eve will be upon them along with Cody and Jane's wedding day. Teaspoon decides that no man should have to endure the amount of pain that Buck has had to endure over the past few months. He grabs his coat from the coat hook and walks out of his home and toward the corrals where Buck is sitting watching a few grazing horses. As Teaspoon walks closer to Buck he realizes that Buck isn't aware of the fact that someone is approaching him from behind. When he reaches Buck at the corrals, Buck is slightly startled out of his thinking by Teaspoon's presence. "I should reprimand you for not being more alert. I could have been Jesse sneaking up on you." "It doesn't matter," Buck spoke disheartened. Teaspoon climbs up onto the corral and sits next to Buck. Lately since discovering Buck's true parentage he has felt the need to interfere more in Buck's life and especially when Buck is hurting so badly over Jane. "You know I don't like hearing that you're giving up on life. It kind of makes me nervous. It starts to sounding like you may be thinking seriously about leaving this ranch, and your family. That prospect doesn't sit well with me," Teaspoon spoke trying to discourage any thoughts that Buck might be having about leaving. "I don't like the idea of running away from life, but I can't stay here if Cody and Jane plan on living here in Rock Creek. I can't see Jane everyday wondering what kind of life her and I could have had," Buck spoke his voice cracking with emotion. "I do believe that Cody and Jane are planning on moving on. Besides you have a family here and responsibilities. Kid is away at this very moment selling a few more horses to that ranch up north that you did some business with last winter. He wouldn't be too happy when he comes home to find out that you are leaving." "Yeah, I know. Kid would run this ranch into the ground inside a month." "I was kind of thinking inside a week," Teaspoon spoke with a smile. Both men laugh quietly. Rachel watches the two men embrace from a downstairs window of her home, tears find their way down her cheeks. Jane watches the two men laugh and embrace from her upstairs bedroom window and she gently wipes the tears from her face. ***** Lou had wished that Kid had sent Buck to sell their horses up north. He promised he would be home in time for the wedding and Christmas. Lately she wasn't holding too much faith in any promises that her husband made to her and the children. A sudden knock at Lou's back door startles her into dropping a glass that she had been drying with a towel. The glass shatters across the floor and Jimmy bolts into the kitchen thinking that Lou is in danger! Lou looks up from the floor where she had begun picking up the broken pieces of glass to see Jimmy standing over her with a worried expression on his face. "I thought you were in trouble," Jimmy spoke somewhat out of breath. He takes Lou's hand as she reaches for his and he helps Lou up from the floor. Lou places the broken glass down on a kitchen counter. "I was just picking up the pieces of my shattered marriage," Lou spoke seriously. "Kid away again?" "This ranch, the horses, and Buck get more of Kid's attention and time than I do." "Well if it helps at all, I get less of Kid's time than you do," Jimmy spoke in a joking manner. Lou rolls her eyes at Jimmy. "Since when do you and Kid spend time together?" "That's just my point. Kid never has time for me," Jimmy spoke trying to console Lou. Jimmy takes Lou's hand and guides her out of the kitchen and into the living room. "You need to sit down and relax," Jimmy spoke as he forces Lou to sit down on a chair while he takes a seat on the sofa. "Why is it that Kid doesn't see that I need a husband and not just a man that supports his family well?" "The ranch grows larger each year and soon Kid and Buck will probably hire a few ranch hands to help out, but until that day comes Kid and Buck pretty much have to contend with all the work. At least Kid doesn't have to be a deputy too." Lou gets up from her chair and walks over to the sofa where she sits down next to Jimmy. "I need a man that stays home and tends to the things his wife needs and wants." Jimmy is taken back by Lou's confession of wanting and needing a man other than Kid. His own feelings over Hannah's departure have him torn with mixed emotions on his feelings toward Lou. He would like to act on what he has felt for her since the day they met, but she is also a married woman, and that means something more to him than what it ever did before since being in love with Hannah. The truth is Jimmy realized through Hannah that he wouldn't want another man compromising Hannah while he where away at work. Lou decides to take the matter of the pent up passion between herself and Jimmy into her own hands. She selfishly begins to kiss Jimmy feverishly not allowing Jimmy to make up his own mind about the passion between them. Jimmy can't seem to stop what is happening between the two of them, and before he can object he finds his clothes as well as Lou's clothes lying on a heap in front of the sofa, and the two of them engaged in the desires of lust that have been surfacing between the two of them for quite a long time. Fully engaged with making love to a man makes Lou feel totally whole again even if that man isn't her husband. She replaces her guilt feeling with the fact that she needs a man to love her occasionally and if Kid doesn't want to make love to her than she knows that Jimmy will. Feeling completely alive again Jimmy doesn't want to stop the lovemaking that is going on between him and Louise. He knows it is wrong, and in the morning he'll have regrets, but right now the lovemaking feels to good to stop. "God Lou, I want you," Jimmy spoke his voice husky with passion. The two entangle their bodies until they are one and moans of passion don't stop until morning light comes. Lou nudges Jimmy awake to get him out of the house before Rachel brings the children back home from staying overnight with Addison and Daniel. "Jimmy, you need to wake-up. Rachel will be bringing the children home soon." Jimmy groans, but opens his eyes to see a smiling Louise in his arms. "I'm glad that I woke up to see you smiling." "Why wouldn't I be smiling?" "Last night." "Don't you mean last night, early morning, mid-morning, and just an hour ago. I haven't had this much activity in bed since my wedding night to Kid." "You don't seem to feel at all upset about what we did." "I'm not sorry. I have feelings too Jimmy. I need a man once in awhile in my bed. Kid has made his choice. He is only in our bed to sleep not make love. He's too busy making love to this ranch." "Does that really make it alright for you to sleep with another man?" Kid spoke tears subsiding to anger from the open front door of his home. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE Jimmy practically throws the broom he had been sweeping the marshal's office with clear across the room as Teaspoon steps into the office from the bitter coldness of Christmas Eve Day. Jimmy looks at a startled Teaspoon, but doesn't say a word, and only looks more angry and bitter that Teaspoon has stopped in to see how he is doing. "Well nothing like taking your frustrations out on a beat up defenseless material object such as that their broom you just about put through my office window," Teaspoon remarked boldly. "Don't you have a wedding to get ready for?" Jimmy spoke flatly. "Yes, I do." Teaspoon walks apprehensively toward Jimmy who is now leaning his backside against Teaspoon's desk. "You need to swallow your pride and just make an appearance at their wedding. It is important to Cody that his family be there," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. "Teaspoon, I slept with Kid's wife. I can't believe that you're not giving me one of your hour long lectures," Jimmy spoke an upset tone in his voice. " Jimmy, I don't agree with what happened between you and Louise, but I could see it coming back when you first came back to town. It's almost like this thing between you and Louise was destined to happen, and now that it has we all have to find a way to move past it. It will take a lot of hard work for Kid and Lou to put their marriage back together, but I believe they can do it. Lou has just got to lay it all out for Kid. Her being lonely in their marriage and insecure about his love for her." "What about Lou's feelings for me?" "Well that is a whole another chapter. Lou also has to decide if she wants to save her marriage, or if she wants to be with you, but I don't put the blame on you totally for what happened. The blame is equally shared by both of you." "What about Buck? I know my actions with Louise are upsetting him too." "Buck and Kid have been building their ranch together for a few years now. They spend a lot of time together, and they have become closer than two brothers could ever be, but I had a chat with Buck about you and Louise. Buck knows how Kid spends so much time working the ranch that he hardly knows that Louise exists. I think after all Buck's ups and downs with Jane he is more able to understand the feelings between you and Lou. He doesn't seem to be that upset by what happened." "But I'm sure he still believes that what Lou and I did was wrong?" "Yeah, well like I said Buck and Kid are very close and nothing will ever change that. While you and Cody disappeared from this family, Kid and Buck have remained and they care about one another, care about the other's happiness. Kid and Buck are more than just the two boys that once rode for the Pony Express, more then just friends, they are more like brothers then Kid's own brother was to him and more then what Red Bear ever was to Buck, but if what you're asking is if Buck despises you right now. I would say no he doesn't." "I still don't know if it is such a good idea that I be at that wedding. Kid will be there and Lou. I hate the idea that this wedding is hurting Buck so much." "Jimmy, I don't want this wedding to happen, but I'm going to be there for Cody. Goodness knows something still don't feel right to me about Jane's reasons for marrying Cody, but there isn't nothing any of us can do to stop this wedding from taking place this evening." Before Jimmy can promise that he will make a quiet appearance at Jane and Cody's wedding, the door to the marshal's office flings open and Jack walks in from the windy morning. "Jimmy, how you been?" Jack asked flatly. " Teaspoon, I'll let you and Jack talk. I'm going to head back to the ranch," Jimmy stated flatly. Jimmy grabbed his coat off the coat hook as he exits the marshal's office. Both Jack and Teaspoon watch Jimmy get on his horse and ride out before Jack turns to face Teaspoon. "So, how did Buck take your news?" Jack asked seriously. "What makes you think I ever plan on telling Buck my news?" Teaspoon asked disheartened. Jack looks totally shocked that Teaspoon has not told Buck the truth about his parentage. "Why wouldn't you tell Buck is what I'm wondering?" "There is a lot about Buck that you don't know or understand," Teaspoon spoke somberly. "Now is your chance Teaspoon. Make me understand why you wouldn't tell Buck that you are his natural father!" Teaspoon is a little apprehensive about telling Jack anything about Buck, but what can Jack do now. He's already delivered to Teaspoon the best news of his life, but Teaspoon's good news would only bring more pain to Buck. "The truth Jack is that Buck had a very painful childhood and if I would have been in his life from the beginning a lot of that pain would not have reached him. I can't tell Buck the truth because the realization of my not being there for him when he needed me the most would be too much for him to handle." "What kind of childhood did Buck have?" Teaspoon paces for a moment. He then stops his pacing and stands directly in front of Jack. "Buck lived in a Kiowa village with his brother, and he was treated badly by the other children as well as the adults. He left the Kiowa villiage and ended up at an orphanage where he was also treated badly. My point here Jack is that Buck has never really had the support that a father can give his son. Buck needed that support more than anything else in his young life and I wasn't there to give it." "You didn't know he existed," Jack stated boldly. "I slept with his mother Jack. Buck believes that his natural father raped his mother." "That is a damn good reason why you should clear this matter up with Buck. Don't let Buck live his entire life thinking that his father was a bastard that destroyed his mother's life." "Jack I'm asking you as a friend to let this matter be," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. "Teaspoon, it isn't my place to tell Buck the truth. It's his father's place to tell him the truth," Jack spoke quietly as he exits the marshal's office and leaves Teaspoon to rethink the decision that he has made concerning Buck's right to know the truth about his father. ***** Jane tosses her wedding dress and undergarments onto Lou's bed. She stares blindly at the heap of clothing for a moment wondering if she'll really be able to go through with a wedding to a man that she has no desire to spend the rest of her life with. "The rest of my life. That surely could be a very long amount of time," Jane spoke quietly to only her. She turns and stares at the woman reflecting back at her through Lou's vanity mirror. So much has happened in her life since the day she arrived in Rock Creek. So much has been good, but so much has gone wrong. She recognized him right away, but she still felt the need to protect herself from him. "I'm a much better shot then what I once was Buck," Jane spoke with fire in her voice. The look on Buck's face had made her almost want to laugh, but she had kept her laughter from bursting out. "Does that mean you are going to shoot me?" Buck asked calmly. "I will if you take one more footstep towards me." But Buck didn't believe that she had it in her to shoot him. She fired a shot above his head and it about frightened him right out of his boots. "That was a warning. The next bullet won't be," Jane spoke seriously. "I'm not going to hurt you," Buck insisted. "How do I know that?" "Jane, you do know me. I haven't turned into a monster over the past seven years." "You're always sneaking up on me. What's your excuse for sneaking up on me this time? Let me think. The last time you snuck up on me, you said it was because I was shooting at you and your friends." Jane snaps out of her memory of the day she realized that Buck was once again back in her life. Had destiny brought them back together again? When Cody had asked her to the dance she could see the hurt in Buck's eyes, but the night of the dance before Cody had arrived to escort her to the dance it was Buck that stole her heart. He had taken her breath away! Every last inch of him had her appetite for passion sneaking up on her! Never before had she had those sorts of feelings or thoughts for a man. Buck had thought that she was simply too warm and needed a glass of water. What she needed was to have Buck take her in his arms and escape to his bedroom where he wouldn't stop loving her until the morning light! Jane remembers how Cody's arrival had interrupted a rather intimate moment between her and Buck. During the evening of the dance they had gone for a walk while Cody was attending to official army business. They discussed what each of them had been doing over the past seven years. Before either one of them could think about what they were doing, Jane found herself entangled in Buck's arms and kissing him passionately. Once again Cody's arrival had put a halt to anything more intimate happening right in the darkness of that alley! But later that evening after Buck took her back home to his place he gently backed her onto the sofa as he kissed her passionately and before she could stop what was happening Jane found her body underneath Buck's! Should she have stopped what was about to happen? She had made up her mind by placing her hands on Buck's hips and forcing his body completely onto hers! All she could hear were the moans of passion and desire coming from both of them! Jane laughs at the interruption first from Charlene and than from Jimmy. She had wanted Buck desperately that night. She could feel the waves of passion consuming her entire body! The day in the clearing where he had said good-bye to his best friend Ike had been a pleasant surprise for her. Buck was sad and she felt compelled to take him in her arms and make passionate love to him. She insisted that Buck make love to her in the clearing that day. She wasn't going to stop the assault on his body, or his senses until he surrendered his love to her! She had pulled his shirt from his trousers, but without any warning gun shots had been fired at the two of them, and all Buck could then think about was getting her back to the ranch, and out of harms way. Jane chuckles out loud thinking about the looks that everyone at Rachel's dinner table had given her and Buck when they burst into the Hunter home with their clothes in disarray. The night that Buck and she had planned an evening of romance, she had wanted him to make love to her before they went out to dinner. There would be no interruptions that night. But even though dinner had been a wonderful prelude to a night of making love to the man that she loved, it wasn't meant to be. Cody had ended their night of magic by arresting Buck for the murders that had been going on around Rock Creek. Of course everyone including Cody knew that Buck was innocent, but Cody still was determined to make it a memorable evening! It had taken a lot of hard work to get Buck free from the false accusations that Cody had made against him. On there way back to the ranch she couldn't help igniting the fire between them again! She had become quite daring with Buck on the road back to the ranch wanting him more than ever and not wanting to wait another moment longer. She had teased Buck until there would be no way that he could say no to her! Of course the sound of approaching horses lead Buck to halt the passion once again between them. It turned out that Jimmy and Teaspoon had once again managed to interrupt their lovemaking. Jane was seriously beginning to believe that a conspiracy between Buck's family members was going on to keep the two of them from consummating the love that was becoming quite intense between them. Jane chuckles once again out loud at the thought of Buck trying to hide the appearance of his passion from Jimmy and Teaspoon. Teaspoon had been blind to what had been going on, but Jimmy wouldn't allow Buck to live it down, sort of speak. Jane finds herself sitting at Lou's vanity staring at a woman that she no longer knows. No longer really cares to know. She touches her stomach that is already starting to show evidence of her pregnancy. How could she even think seriously about taking Buck's child away from him? What kind of person had she turned into? She had awoken from a nightmare where her father had been killed by the hands of a ruthless outlaw and now Buck was lying out in the wilderness in the same state. She couldn't reach him. The only thing she could see was a trail of his blood running through town! "No!" Jane shouted. "Having second thoughts?" Lou asked as she startles Jane out of her thoughts. Jane abruptly glances back at Lou through the mirror. "I was thinking about the past. How the years just seem to fly by." "Yes they do," Lou spoke sadly. "If you could do your life over Lou, would you change the way it has turned out?" "I would change the hurt and mistrust that I have put in my husband's eyes. What would you change Jane?" "I would change the many ways that I have hurt Buck so badly." "There is still time to do that." "No Lou. Things have changed between Buck and I, and Cody and I. I can never allow myself to look back on the past ever again. Today is a fresh start for me. I need to take this fresh start and thank Cody for giving it to me." ***** Kid and Buck are outside the barn rounding up the few horses that were trying desperately to nibble the last of the dried grass away from the cold ground. Kid has had a permanent scowl on his face since the day he had came home without going on his projected trip because Lou had wanted her husband at home. What he found was his wife lying naked with another man in her arms. He was no kind of fool and he could easily figure out that Jimmy and Lou had spent the entire evening making love. No matter what Lou's reasoning was for being with Jimmy in a way that a woman only gives to her husband, Kid had told her that their marriage was over. He stayed in the house with Lou and his two daughters, but at night Kid slept in the spare bedroom. He simply had no desire to even sleep in the same bed with Lou. "So, you planning on going to the wedding?" Kid asked Buck not really sure how his best friend feels about Jane anymore. "I can't," Buck spoke disheartened. "Yeah, I understand. I don't really want to go, but Teaspoon has been begging me to attend. He says Cody will be upset if his family doesn't attend his wedding." "Honestly Kid, with all the things that Cody has done he doesn't feel like family to me anymore." "Yeah, I know exactly what you mean," Kid spoke thinking about his relationship with Jimmy. ***** Lou continues to brush Jane's hair trying to keep Jane from making the biggest mistake of her young life. "I once asked you if you truly love Cody the way you once loved Buck." "I remember," Jane replied softly. "Now would be the time to think about the answer to that question. Jane, don't make a mistake that you may have to live with for the rest of your life," Lou pleaded softly. "I've thought about that answer for many weeks Lou. You are more than aware of the many different feelings that a woman can have for more than one man." "Yes, I guess I am quite familiar with that." "I'm pregnant Lou," Jane stated as she views through Lou's mirror the shocked look on Lou's face. "I suppose you would like to know who the father is to my baby?" "Yes, I would very much like to know who the father of your baby is," Lou stated as she gets over the shock of Jane's announcement. ***** Rachel and Teaspoon are dressed up in their best clothes and literally pacing back in forth in front of Rock Creek's humble white church. Cody comes from inside the church and smiles at the two who seem more nervous than what he is. "I hope the two of you don't dig a trench around the church so poor Jane can't make her way to the alter in her wedding dress," Cody remarked with a wide grin. Both Teaspoon and Rachel stop pacing and look at one another before they begin to laugh at their own foolishness. "We do seem to be a bit more nervous than you today Cody," Teaspoon spoke admiring Cody's calm control. "Jane is going to be nervous enough. I really need to be in control of my emotions to make sure she has me to lean on." "Why is that Cody?" Rachel asked bewildered by Cody's statement. "What I mean is that Jane has this way of allowing herself to get nervous over being the center of attention. She's just not used to everyone fusing over her." "I see," Teaspoon remarked knowing that Jane's love for Buck is what her real problem is. ***** Kid and Buck are getting the last of the horses into the barn and supplying each of them with fresh water and a stack of hay to nibble on. Neither man has much to say, but both men have a lot on their mind. ***** Jane is about to tell Lou the truth about her love for Buck as well as her feelings for Cody, and the truth concerning her pregnancy when suddenly a sweaty palm reaches around her and clasps her mouth shut. A blindfold is quickly put around her eyes and the hand that covered her mouth to keep her quiet is replaced with a gag. The three men are having a little trouble with both Louise and Jane as they struggle to get free from their captors. Three men drag a squirming Louise and Jane from Lou's bedroom, down the stairs, and through the kitchen. In the kitchen Charlene is present holding the door open while the men manage to get the two women out of the house! Once outside, Lou and Jane are each placed on a horse, and tied down to that horse. The five ride out through the woods behind Kid and Lou's home! ***** Buck and Kid are going their separate ways as they approach their own home. "Good-night Buck," Kid spoke somberly. "Enjoy the wedding Kid," Buck spoke disheartened by the thought of Jane marrying Cody. ***** Charlene sneaks into Buck's home through the back door. She had already started to prepare dinner so that Buck later wouldn't have any suspicions about her being involved with Jane's, and Lou's unforeseen disappearance. ***** Before Buck makes his way into the kitchen of his home, he hears Kid scream out his name. "Buck!" Kid screamed from his home. Buck rips through his home and back out the front door. He meets up with Kid as Kid is flying down the front steps of his porch! "What's wrong?" Buck asked as he halted Kid's fast approach toward him by placing his hand on Kid's chest. Kid is having a difficult time catching his breath. "It's Lou…..and Jane….the house……" "What about Jane and Lou?" Buck spoke nervously. "They're gone! The inside of the house is a wreck, like they…both put up a… struggle," Kid spoke hysterically. Buck leaves Kid's side and tears into Kid's home. He halts his progression when he sees the destruction inside the home. The banister leading up the stairs has been broken in several spots. Buck walks further into the house. He steps cautiously into the kitchen where dishes have been smashed onto the floor. The chairs at the kitchen table are lying on their sides and broken. The back door is slamming against the frame every time the wind howls. Buck rushes out the back door where he picks up the tracks left by the five horses that made their way away from the house and then across the creek! He rushes back inside the house! ***** Rachel, Teaspoon and Cody are headed onto the ranch in the buckboard that Rachel and Teaspoon had used to get into town for the wedding. Jane hadn't showed any signs of making it to the church for her own wedding. Cody had become quite the nervous bridegroom and decided that perhaps Buck Cross is the reason for his bride's delay! As the three enter the ranch and come to a stop in front of Kid and Lou's home they find that Buck and Kid are saddled up and ready to ride out. "Where is she Buck?" Cody spoke loudly as he jumps off the buckboard and heads over toward Buck. Teaspoon senses the oncoming fight. He gets down from the buckboard as well and chases after Cody. Buck and Kid both get down from their horse. "Cody, we really don't have time for this right now," Kid spoke his voice cracking with emotion. "Where is she Buck?" Cody spoke demandingly. "Both Lou and Jane are missing," Buck spoke softly trying to avoid a confrontation with Cody. "We need to start tracking their horses now before it gets dark." "You're lying!" Cody spoke boldly. "Cody, let Buck and Kid explain," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. "Buck and I were in the barn finishing up for the evening. I had entered the house to get ready for the wedding. The house is in shambles. I ran outside to get Buck. He found tracks at the back of the house running through the creek." "I don't believe one word of this!" Cody spoke loudly. "I don't really give a damn what you believe," Buck spoke angrily. Buck starts to walk away from Cody, but Cody grabs onto his arm to halt Buck's progression to his horse. "You kidnapped Jane once before!" Teaspoon senses trouble. He tries to get to Buck's side, but he is too late. Cody charges into Buck and lays him out flat on the ground! Kid and Teaspoon hurry to separate the two men that are literally punching one another in the face! "This isn't helping our search to find Lou and Jane," Teaspoon spoke adamantly. As he tries desperately to hold Cody back from hitting Buck again. Buck struggles to get free from the grasp that Kid has on him! "Kid, let go of me so I can kill him!" Rachel steps in-between the men. "It's about time that all of you start growing up and thinking about the danger that this family has been in for quite some time now. I'm willing to bet that Jesse James and his gang have everything to do with Jane and Lou's unanticipated ruthless disappearance." The men settle down. Kid is able to release his strong hold on Buck and Teaspoon slowly releases Cody. "I'll give you your chance to find Jane. But if I find out that you had anything at all to do with her disappearance you'll hang!" Cody remarked as he turns his back and walks away from Buck Cross and the rest of his Pony Express family! ***** The five horses ride into a well-hidden camp in the mountains long after dark. The outlaws halt the horses and attempt to untie the two captive women. Both Lou and Jane struggle making it almost impossible for their captors to release them. "Stop struggling, or you'll stay tied and gagged!" one outlaw shouted. Lou and Jane both comply and soon they are standing on their own two feet. Both women feel the hands of a man taking the blindfold away from their eyes and the gags from their mouth. Once released both women find their eyes staring into the evil, loathsome, unmerciful eyes of Jesse James! THE END COMING SOON! PART FOUR If We Are Lost…Love Will Find Us Will Louise and Jane ever find their way back home to the men they truly love, or is Jesse's plan to destroy his past family destine to succeed? While trying to survive the brutality of Jesse James, will Jane confess her fears and secrets to Louise? While Kid and Buck search the territory for Louise and Jane, what will Teaspoon do to keep both Cody and Jimmy from interfering? Teaspoon wants to help Buck find the woman he loves. He feels helpless to console the young man that is his son. Will he tell Buck the truth hoping it will help heal the pain that Buck is feeling over losing Jane? Louise discovers she may be pregnant. Is she sure who the father is? What is ahead for Charlene and Cody? Will someone who has suspected their underhanded plans all along finally unravel all their scheming? While searching for loved ones, and fighting going on amongst family members Rock Creek is exposed to the worse winter storm they've had in over a decade! Email Debra HOME