stormr
Posts : 20
Join date : 2014-01-20
 | | Smalls Falls 2014 Reboot Chapter 3 | |
chapter 3
The previous day and night had taken its toll on the partners, and they slept all afternoon. Kid was the first up; and had to wake his partner up to see if he was hungry. Heyes got up and went to check on Laurie. As he quietly opened the door, he saw Doris sitting in a chair next to Laurie's bed reading. She looked up, motioned to him to be quiet and then walked over to the door. "She's still resting. You're looking better than this morning. I'm glad you got some rest. Why don't you and Thaddeus go get some dinner? I think Laurie will be asleep for a while. The soaking salts really make you tired. Add in the trauma of broken ribs and I don't think she'll be up for some time. I'll stay with her and get her some food when she wakes up. You should go get something now; I know you haven't eaten anything since you got back."
***
The partners went downstairs and had dinner. Kid had almost two dinners; he was so hungry not having eaten since breakfast. After dinner, they went to the saloon for a drink and a little poker. Not much was happening at the poker tables and Heyes really wasn’t into it anyway. His head was pretty much in a fog from everything that happened. He stood up and motioned to Kid that he was heading back to the room. Kid nodded and figuring his partner wanted time alone, stayed and played poker.
***
Laurie was lying in bed staring at the ceiling. She heard the door to the room next to hers open and close. Then she heard the door between her room and Heyes' creak open and his eyes peeking in. Seeing her awake, he entered the room and said quietly, "Hey, sweetheart, you're awake. How ya feeling?"
"Better now that you're here," she answered with a smile and tried to sit up in bed but winced instead.
"Hey, careful. Let me help you.” He gently helped lift her up and placed a pillow behind her for support. “Good," he said as he carefully sat down on the bed and gave her a gentle kiss. "Have you eaten anything?"
"Yes, Doris brought me some soup and biscuits a little while ago," she said, and then pleading, added, "Heyes, I want to go home, please take me!"
"Shhh," he said comforting her, "You have to stay here and get better, doctors orders."
"I can deal with losing you, but I don't know if I can deal with losing you and all of this," she cried as tears filled her eyes and started to cascade down her cheeks. "It's just going to be too hard. I won't be able to handle it. Even Sam is getting use to being here. He's not going to want to come home with me."
"Sam will go wherever you go. He hasn't left your side all day. Not even for food. And, Doris and Walter want you to stay with them, even when you're better. You don't have to go back if you don't want to." Heyes paused and took a deep breath, then continued with pain in his voice, "You know, I would stay here with you if I could, or if I thought it was safe, I would take you with me. I can't do either. I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't mean to." Heyes’ voice trailed off and Laurie could see sadness in his eyes.
"No, no, you didn't hurt me, no," she said reassuringly and placed her hand on his face, "You did everything but hurt me. You loved me; you showed me what love was. YOU made me happy, happier than I have ever been. Please, please," she pleaded, "Don't feel bad. I knew what I was getting into. I knew who you were. I knew you had to leave and couldn't take me. I love you," she said as more tears began to run down her face. She stiffened up and wiped the tears off her face, "I'm sorry, I promised I wouldn't cry. I won't." Changing the subject, she added, "What time are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Leaving?" Heyes asked with surprise in his voice.
"I know you sent Colonel Marker a telegram. The job is over. I assumed you had to leave in the morning," she replied quietly.
"No, not yet. We sent the telegram, but haven't gotten a response. Would you mind if we had to stay for another day or two?”
"As long as you want," she said and Heyes leaned in to kiss her. "Will you stay with me tonight?" she whispered when they separated.
"I can't…" he started.
Laurie jumped in hurriedly and said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't."
Heyes put his fingers on her lips to stop her. "If you let me finish," he said intently looking into her eyes with his lips only inches from her, "I can't because I don't want to hurt you. I want to, I REALLY want to, but I can't risk hurting you. I feel horrible about last night."
"Oh," she said shamefully, looking down.
"What's the matter?" Heyes asked moving a little further from her face.
Laurie sat there for a few moments, looking at her hands, trying to figure out what to say. She knew what she wanted to ask, but was afraid of the answer.
He waited patiently then placed his hands on hers and asked very quietly, "What's the matter, Sweetheart?"
"Well," Laurie started as she continued looking down, then with trepidation she blurted out, "Do you think less of me because of last night? Now I just asked you to stay. What I mean is do you think I'm ..." Laurie couldn't finish her question and she closed her eyes.
Heyes could visibly see her get tense. "No," he said with such compassion, "Remember, I’ve fallen for you.” He placed his hand on Laurie's chin and lifted it so he could see her face, "What happened last night was incredible. I feel horrible about last night because of your ribs. If you didn't have broken ribs, you wouldn't have had to ask. I can’t be with you because of them, not because I don’t want to.” He moved in close and gave her a gentle kiss. Leaning his forehead against hers he said, "I guess there is no reason I can't hold you until you go to sleep. That is, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.”
Heyes stood up and took his gun belt off, hanging it on the bed post, then sat on the bed and removed his boots. “Can you move over a little?”
Laurie smiled and carefully scooted over so he could lie along her side.
He started to lie down on top of the covers causing Laurie to laugh, "Aren't you going to be uncomfortable?"
"Nope," he said, sounding as if he was trying to convince himself, "I'll be just fine."
Laurie giggled, "I don't bite!"
Heyes gave a guttural sound, "Oh, boy, this is not going to be easy!" He paused and added, "I'm fine on top of the covers, no need to," he stopped, looked at Laurie who was laying there with an incredible smile, "Don't even think of doing that lip thing!" He laid down in a huff and put his arm out for Laurie.
She moved close, placed her head on his arm, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you," Laurie whispered and they fell asleep with their arms around each other.
***
After playing poker for a while, Kid was getting tired and decided to call it a night. When he got back to the room, the lamp was on, and the door between their room and Laurie's room was open but there wasn't any noise. He quietly crept over and peeked through the door. Suppressing a laugh when he saw his partner fully clothed sleeping on top of the covers, he quietly walked into the room, grabbed a quilt and covered him. He then motioned to Sam to follow and closed the door behind them. Sam got up and slept in Heyes' bed. Once again, Kid was asleep seconds after his head hit the pillow.
When Laurie opened her eyes the next morning, she saw Heyes looking at her. "This is the second day in a row I've woken up in your arms with you watching me," she said dreamily, "How long have you been awake and why didn't you wake me?"
"Not that long," he responded, "And, I like watching you sleep, you're so peaceful."
She tried to roll on her side towards Heyes and moaned.
"Hey, take it easy; those ribs are going to be really sore and stiff especially after you just slept."
"I just wanted to give you a little kiss," Laurie said and winced as she tried to move again, "besides, your arm has to be asleep. You've been holding me all night."
"Don't worry about my arm; it enjoyed holding you all night. I think you need to soak again this morning. I'll get Doris." Heyes got up and opened the door between the rooms. Sam bounced happily into the room and sat down on the side of Laurie's bed. Heyes laughed and continued through the door.
Kid was sitting on the bed putting on his boots, "Mornin’," he smiled, "Sleep well?"
"Yes," Heyes retorted, "I assume you put the quilt on and closed the door."
"I was givin’ you your privacy," Kid smirked.
Heyes glared at the Kid; "She has broken ribs!"
Before Kid could harass Heyes anymore, there was a knock on their door. "Come in," they both replied.
"Good morning Joshua, Thaddeus," Doris said pleasantly, "I didn't want to wake the patient up if she was still sleeping. I brought some breakfast for Laurie. I assume the two of you are going downstairs to eat."
"Laurie's awake, Doris, just checked on her," Heyes answered, "I was coming to find you. She's really sore this morning. I think she should soak again. I was hoping you could help her."
"Of course, I'll give Laurie her breakfast and then get the water started. Why don't you go and get breakfast."
***
The two ex-outlaws checked the telegraph office after breakfast. There was nothing from the Colonel. Laurie soaked in warm water with salts and then went down and sat on the porch with the Heyes, Kid and Sam. This was very different for her; she never just sat on the porch, she was always too ashamed to be in town if she wasn't busy doing something. She sat next to Heyes with Sam lying between them and the whole world looked brighter to her. Everyone who passed on the street would smile, or wish her well; some even stopped to check on her and said they were glad she wasn't hurt more seriously. When the subject of getting some of Laurie's things from the shack came up, she didn't fight it. She agreed to let the partners ride out and get them while she rested.
***
Heyes and Kid rode out to the shack to pick up Laurie's things. They went into the shack and looked around. "What should we get?" Kid asked.
"Everything that looks personal. I'm hoping if she has everything, she'll stay in town and never come back out here," Heyes responded.
"Okay, but you get all of her under thingies," Kid said as he waved his hands trying to describe what he meant.
Heyes laughed and shook his head.
They gathered all her things, including the locket her father had given her and seventeen dollars Heyes found in an old children's book. He put the seventeen dollars in his pocket with the locket and the rest of the stuff in bags and brought it all back to town. When they arrived, the doctor was examining Laurie. They left her stuff, with the exception of the seventeen dollars and the locket in their room and told Doris they would be back. They went to the telegraph office to check if there was word from the Colonel.
"Just came in," Mr. Quimby, the telegraph manger, said and handed it to Heyes.
He picked it up, and read it as they walked out of the office, "Under the weather. Too risky to travel. Maybe a couple of days. Stay put until you hear from me. Colonel Marker."
"Well, I guess we’re staying in Small Falls a little longer," Heyes said.
"Laurie will be happy," Kid said and his partner smiled. "Do you think he's sick or is it too risky?"
"I think this is what we're getting paid for. I think whoever they didn't want to know, either knows or suspects something. Just hope waiting doesn't give them time to come up with some plan."
They reached the hotel as the doctor was leaving. "Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones," the doctor said.
"How's she doing?" Heyes asked.
"Ribs are still sore, will be for awhile. The salts are helping the swelling and the stiffness," the doctor replied then added, "She's a tough patient. Doesn't want pain medicine, doesn't want to rest. Maybe between you and Doris, she'll listen."
"Oh," Heyes gave a throaty laugh, "I think she's a little more headstrong than that. She wanted to go home last night. I think if she wasn't so exhausted, she probably would have gotten up and walked home. But, I'll certainly do my best to keep her here."
"You do that Mr. Smith. Have a good day," the doctor said and walked away.
Kid chuckled and said, "I bet you will."
Heyes stopped dead in his tracks and glared at the Kid, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Kid shook his head and tried to suppress a smile and laugh, "It's just that things are lookin’ pretty cozy for you and Laurie. That's all." Then he added, "I'm not sayin’ there's anythin’ wrong with that. Just that I'm sure you would like to keep her here in town."
Heyes stared at Kid, paused, and then replied, "You're sick. She's up there in bed with broken ribs."
Kid shot back, "I never mentioned bed."
Heyes smiled and raised his eyebrows "Yeah." They turned and went up to see Laurie. They knocked on the door and Doris let them in. Laurie was sitting on the side of the bed looking through the clothes they had brought back.
"Passed the doc. He said you're doing good." Heyes paused and sternly said, "Except that you are doing too much."
"She is!" Doris agreed, "Right now, we're going through what you brought back, so that shouldn't be too strenuous. I've also brought in a pile of things that no longer fit me that should fit Laurie with a little alteration here and there. I'm sure they're large enough to fit over the bandages." She sat down next to Laurie and held her hands, "Laurie, I hope you are feeling more at home here. I, we, Walter and myself, would really like you to stay. We do need help around here, so it wouldn't be charity and," Doris paused. She got choked up, with tears in her eyes, "We would like you to be part of our family. Please think about it okay?" She stood up, gave Laurie a kiss on the forehead and said, "It's time to get to the kitchen. Thaddeus, are you hungry?" Doris left with Kid following closely behind.
Heyes walked over and sat down next to Laurie. He put his arm gently around her shoulder while she laid her head on his shoulder. "You okay?" he asked quietly.
She nodded. Tears were in her eyes and she was afraid of not being able to control her emotions if she spoke.
"I know it's a lot all at once," Heyes said in a very comforting voice, "Walter and Doris do care very much about you. They aren't going to hurt you. They aren't going to leave you. I think you should really think about what Doris said." He kissed her on the top of the head and decided to add, "I want to take care of you too. Make sure you’re okay, have some money…”
Laurie abruptly pulled away from Heyes and turned to face him. The quick movement sent a wave of pain through her body. Taking a breath and allowing the pain to subside, Laurie adamantly stated, "I never asked you!"
Heyes put his fingers on her lips to stop her. She tried to continue, but he shook his head no, "I know you never asked. This is something I want to do! You take care of people you love. If things were different, this wouldn't even be a discussion. I would be staying here with you or you would be coming with me. We wouldn't be apart so I could take care of you. Since that isn't possible, I have to do what I can, understand?" He finally removed his fingers.
"I love you, but I don't want to be a burden. You have enough to worry about, taking care of yourself and Kid. You don't need someone else to worry about."
"I don't NEED anyone, I WANT you!" he whispered as he leaned in to kiss her gently on the lips. "And I NEED to do whatever I can for you, okay?"
Laurie smiled bashfully and nodded her head yes. Looking around at all her old horrible clothes, she said, "Doris' hand me downs are so much nicer than these, I think these should be turned into rags." She looked at Heyes in amazement and added, "How did you fall for me when I was wearing this stuff!"
"Easy," he smiled. "I never looked at the clothes," he leaned in and kissed her more passionately this time.
As they were kissing, Kid walked in. Under his breath he mumbled, "Broken ribs" and shook his head, then added, "Doris wanted me to bring this tray up for the two of you. Guess you told Laurie."
"Told me, told me what?" Laurie asked surprised.
"No Kid, I didn't tell her yet," Heyes replied, sounding slightly annoyed. He looked at Laurie, "Kid's referring to the telegram from the Colonel. Looks like we'll be here a couple more days."
A huge smile appeared on Laurie's face. Looking seductively into Heyes' eyes, she said to Kid, "Thanks for bringing up the tray. Please put it on the dresser and make sure you tell Doris we said thank you when you go back to the kitchen."
Kid stood there stunned. Very politely, she had dismissed him and had done it without even looking at him. With a confused look on his face, Kid turned, put the tray down, and left the room, closing the door behind him. He stopped in the hall, gave a look at the door, then turned back and went down stairs.
Heyes gave a very low guttural laugh. "What's so funny?" Laurie said curiously.
"You, I mean, Kid, I mean the way you spoke – instructed him, his head was spinning, his face," Heyes laughed. "Oh, boy," he said, seeing the look in her eyes, "I've got my hands full with you. You're trouble alright."
The expression on Laurie's face changed. She wasn't sure how to take what he had just said. She knew she was acting forward but she loved him and was going to lose him soon. She didn't want to lose any time being with him. Now she may have gone too far. "I'm sorry," she stuttered.
"No, its okay," he reassured her, "I meant that as a good thing." Laurie looked puzzled and he continued, "Kid knows no one has ever affected me the way you have. He knows I've never had…shown these feeling before. He also knows that you've got me wrapped around your little finger. You're trouble because you have broken ribs and all I can think about is... there you go again, biting that lip. You know I can't think straight when you do that!"
Laurie giggled, smiled and blushed. She leaned over, put her hands in his hair and kissed him. "Good, I'm glad that I'm trouble then," she said with a very sultry voice.
Heyes grabbed her, but bumped her ribs this time and she sucked her breath in and winced. "I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, "Are you okay? Should..."
Laurie put her hand up to stop him, "It's okay, its just going to take a minute." She paused for a second to get her breath back. "Maybe you're right, I'm rushing things. I'm kind of tired. I think I'll take a rest, okay?"
"Sure, sweetheart," he said as he stood up, "Lie down, rest, okay? Do you want me to stay or should I go?"
"Go," she replied. "Go find Kid, have dinner, play poker and then come back to check on me, okay?"
"Okay," he said, leaning over to give her a kiss, "Oh, I almost forgot." He reached into his shirt pocket, "Here's the locket from your father and seventeen dollars I found in a book. The book is in my room. I didn't want it to get messed up with the clothes."
"Thank you. I haven't gone through everything and was hoping you didn't just get the clothes. I feel better with daddy's locket and I'm glad the money didn't get lost. The book was my favorite book. ‘The Night Before Christmas'." Laurie giggled softly, "I would make daddy read it over and over to me, even in the summer," she said with a sad smile on her face. "I've been trying to save to get a stagecoach ticket and leave, start over. I wanted to make sure I had enough so that wherever I went, I wouldn't be a street girl again."
"You'll never be a street girl, not here, not anywhere, I promise," Heyes reassured. "Now, rest. I'll be back."
***
Heyes found Kid on the front porch. He told him that he had to take care of something and then they could go to dinner. When Heyes was done, they went to dinner, and after headed to the saloon, played poker and just like the night before, Heyes got up and left early. He went to his room and opened the door between the two rooms. Laurie was in bed, lying on her side, sleeping. He quietly called Sam out of the room, and then got undressed to his long underwear. Carefully, he crawled into bed and under the covers, snuggling up to Laurie, being extra careful when he put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.
"Hmm," came from Laurie.
"Shhh," Heyes whispered in Laurie's ear. "Stay asleep, I got you." He kissed the nape of her neck and slowly moved up to the ear. Laurie purred like a kitten. Heyes really liked the sound, but considering the amount of pain she was in this afternoon, he knew he had to stop. They fell asleep curled up together. Kid walked into the room with Sam on Heyes’ bed, walked over gave him a pat and went to bed.
***
Laurie woke up first but she didn't move. It felt amazing being held by Heyes. She thought she could stay like that forever. When he woke up a short time later, she teased, "Decided I wouldn’t bite?"
"Well, you were asleep when I came in," he replied, then kissed her neck "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Not as bad as yesterday."
"Good. Have breakfast with me and Kid."
They got up and got ready for breakfast. Heyes was ready first and went down to let Sam out. Laurie and Kid were about to leave the room when she stopped and looked at him, "Thank you," she said, "thank you for not judging me."
"I have no right to judge you," he responded, "and no reason to."
"I know you know that Heyes has been sleeping in my bed," she stated.
"Still no reason to judge," Kid paused, then added, "I know he's never felt the way he does about you. I know that if he had a choice…he wouldn't be leavin’. Sometimes people do things because they don't have a choice."
Laurie stood on her toes and gave Kid a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you."
***
They ate breakfast downstairs and then Laurie went to talk to Doris. Heyes and Kid went to check the telegraph office. "Just got in," Mr. Quimby told the two of them as they walked through the door. He handed the telegram to Kid who looked at it and handed to Heyes.
"Thanks, Mr. Quimby," Heyes said and they left. "Tuesday, where I saw you last, Colonel Marker." He paused, and then stated, "It's a three day ride to River Gap. We'll have to leave in the morning."
"You okay?" Kid asked his partner. He knew the answer was no, but he didn't know what else to say. Heyes looked like he'd been shot.
Heyes looked up and saw Laurie walk out of the hotel; "I have to go tell her." He took a couple of steps, turned around and said; "Kid, I think I'd like to spend the day with Laurie."
"I'll get everything together," Kid said solemnly. He felt for his partner as he watched him walk across the street. He knew what he was about to do was going to break both of their hearts.
As Heyes walked towards Laurie, she saw the telegram in his hands. With as much composure as she could muster, she asked, "When?"
"Tomorrow."
"Okay. Can we spend some time together today, or do you have things to do with Thaddeus?" Laurie said in her best brave voice.
Heyes placed his hand on her face, "Today's ours."
"I think I would like to try to walk out to my house, if that's okay with you."
"Are you sure? It's far, I don't want you to push too hard," he said with concern.
"Yes, it's my home. It's also where I fell in love with you and I think I'd like to spend some time there with you. I'll ask Doris for a lunch basket; maybe we can have it by the stream. I'd say we could fish, but I don't want to worry about that today. I'll be right back."
Kid walked over to his partner, "How'd she take it?"
"Fine," he numbly said. "She wants to walk out to the shack. She went to get lunch from Doris."
Kid didn't know what to say. He couldn't remember a time when his partner looked or acted like this, well, not since their parents were killed. He was worried about him.
Heyes turned to Kid and said, "I have to go pick something up. Wait here in case Laurie comes out. Tell her I'll be right back." He walked down the street and out of sight and was back in ten minutes.
Laurie came out of the hotel, "We're set," she said as she came down the stairs, "Thaddeus, thank you for lending Joshua to me." She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
Heyes, Laurie and Sam started down the road to the shack. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked with concern, "I can get a carriage."
"No carriage," Laurie said with authority, "No carriage! I'm done with carriages and anyway, I think I could use the exercise. I haven't done anything in three days!"
"Oh," Heyes chuckled. He took Laurie's hand in his and they walked all the way to the shack.
***
Laurie stopped when they rounded the bend; "This is where you were, the first time I saw you when you came out. I remember coming out from around the house to see why Sam was barking and there you were. I wanted to hide, but you had already seen me. Then wanted to die, but that didn't happen either." She giggled, turned to Heyes and said, "I'm glad you came out that day, I'm glad, grateful for everything that has happened since I met you. You will always be my one love." Heyes opened his mouth to say something but Laurie didn't let him, "Please let me finish, and then you can say anything you want or nothing. We will have a wonderful day. I just need to tell you some things, okay?"
Heyes nodded his head.
"Anyway, you are my one true love. I will be here and wait for you forever. I know you are leaving and I may never see you again. I just want you to know that if you ever want to come back, I will be here for you. I don't expect you to be faithful, but I’ll always be faithful. You can come back anytime. I will be here and I will always protect you. You gave me my life. I've been dead since I was eight. I know things won't be perfect when you leave, but the memories of these past weeks are enough to last a lifetime. I love you, Hannibal Heyes and I always will. Thank you." When she finished she reached up and gave him a kiss on his cheek and started to walk away.
"Hey!" Heyes yelled, "You said I could talk when you were done."
"Changed my mind. Time to move on and have a wonderful day," Laurie yelled over her shoulder as she continued to walk.
Heyes shook his head and laughed. Now, he knew how Kid felt, she really did that well. They laughed, played with Sam and then sat down by the stream for lunch.
When they were done, Heyes lay with his head on Laurie's lap; she ran her fingers through his hair. It felt so good and so right to be here, he looked up at Laurie and promised, "I'll come back as soon and as often as I can; I don't want to leave." Laurie leaned over to kiss him and winced, Heyes sat up quickly, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she reassured him, "I shouldn't be the one bending."
"Oh, how about if I sit and do this" Heyes leaned over, gently pulling Laurie to him and kissed her.
"That's good," she said breathless.
Heyes gave her another kiss. When he pulled back, he took something out of his shirt pocket, "I can't be with you, at least not now, so I give you my heart." He handed her a beautiful silver heart on a chain. The back of the heart was engraved with "Forever mine, J.S." Laurie's eyes fill with tears as Heyes put the necklace on her. "As long as you wear the necklace, I will always be yours; you have my heart," he told Laurie, then gently wiped the tears that had started to fall down her face and kissed her. "No tears," he quietly teased, "You promised."
"I promised when you left, not if you gave me a necklace," she corrected.
Heyes stopped her, "It's not a necklace; it is my heart. I never thought…” the words drifted off and then said, “You’ve stolen my heart and I'm glad."
“Stolen? An interesting word…” she smiled then looked at the necklace and put her hand on the heart, "Oh my, it’s so beautiful."
Heyes interrupted, "I'm sorry the initials are J.S. but it's safer."
"I know, and the name doesn't mean anything. I fell in love with you, but just so I know, what should I call you when we're alone? Joshua, Hannibal, Han, Heyes, what do you like?" Laurie asked.
Heyes gently pulled Laurie close and whispered, "When we're alone, you can call me anything you want." Looking into her eyes, he gave her a gentle kiss and then gently pulled her closer and gave her an incredibly deep passionate kiss. When they finally stopped, Heyes said, "It's getting late, we should start back to town." They got up and walked arm in arm all the way to town.
***
As they entered town, people on the street smiled at them and told Laurie how happy they were to see her up and about and hoped they would see the two of them at the big dance the next night. Laurie smiled and replied to a few. When Mrs. Quimby stopped to talk, Laurie said, "Thank you, but unfortunately Joshua is leaving for business in the morning so we won't be at the dance. It's probably better anyway. I don't think I'm up for that quite yet."
Mrs. Quimby smiled and said, "Perhaps you're right, dear. Hopefully, Mr. Smith will be in town for the next dance."
***
Kid was sitting on the porch when they arrived, Sam ran over to greet him. "Just about to get cleaned up for dinner, anyone hungry?"
"I think I may have overdone it a little," Laurie sighed. She turned to Heyes and smiled, "I'm fine but I think I would like to rest. Joshua, why don't you have dinner with Thaddeus?"
Heyes was going to say ‘I told you so', but decided not to. He agreed to have dinner with Kid and they all went up to their rooms. Laurie went into hers and Heyes came in through the adjoining door. "I can stay and rest with you," he said as he walked in and put his arms around her.
"I like the sound of that, but I really am going to rest, and I won't if you're here. Come back when you're done. I'll feel much better then." She gave him a kiss and he left with Kid for dinner. Laurie lay down and rested for a while. When she got up, she decided to soak in the tub.
***
At dinner, the talk of the entire dining room was about the dance. Doris came over, "Mrs. Quimby tells me you're leaving in the morning?"
"Yes ma'am," Kid responded.
"That's a shame; Laurie has never been to a dance. It would have been nice to see her there. By the way, where is she?"
"She's resting," Heyes said. "She admitted she wore herself out today and went to lie down. She said she wasn't hungry. I know she did eat lunch, but I'll make sure to bring something up to her later."
"Thank you for taking such good care of her Joshua, Walter and I do appreciate it. I just hope that she decides to stay with us," Doris said, and then turned to go to the kitchen.
As Doris left the table, Kid looked at Heyes, "I've been thinkin’." His partner gave him a look. "Yeah, I know, that's your job, but anyway, all day, all I heard about was the dance. It's a really big thing. I bet Laurie would really like to go. I thought if we rode real hard, we could cut the ride to River Gap to two, two and a half days. Maybe we could stay and leave tomorrow night after the dance or real early Sunday mornin’."
Heyes sat quietly for a moment; he was very touched by his partner's idea, "Kid, I don't know," he started.
Kid looked at Heyes.
"You're right. I think she would like to go to the dance. If you're sure you don't mind, let's ride out first thing Sunday morning."
"Sounds like a plan," Kid said with a big smile.
***
Laurie had been soaking in the tub for a while; it was so relaxing and felt so good. She was thinking of the past few weeks and how wonderful they had been. She had decided she would figure out what she was going to do after Heyes had left and not before. It was too confusing and all she wanted was to enjoy the time she had left without any distractions. She was getting out of the tub and drying off when she heard the door going into Heyes and Kid's room open and footsteps approaching the connecting door. As she only had a towel wrapped around her, she stepped towards the dressing screen. Heyes opened the door that joined the two rooms, not seeing her, called out, "Laurie."
"Over here," she said, turning around clutching the towel in front of her. "You're early. No poker tonight?"
Heyes' face lit up with a smile and a very devilish look in his eyes, "Noooo, no poker," he grinned, shaking his head ever so slightly, "I wanted to see how you were doing." Walking closer to Laurie he added "If this is what I can expect when I'm early," he placed his arms around her waist and pulled her close. With his lips only inches from hers, he whispered, "I think I'll make it a habit." Then he kissed her. As the kiss got more passionate, Laurie could feel Heyes' warm hands on her bare back. All of a sudden, he pulled back and turned around, "I can't."
Laurie was stunned. She had no idea what had just happened or why. She stood there in shock for a moment and then turned around, with tears in her eyes and shame in her voice almost crying," I'm sorry."
Heyes whipped around when he heard the hurt in her voice, "It's me. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have, I mean," he paused, "Your ribs. I don't want to hurt you. I can't because I'm afraid I'll hurt you." As Heyes spoke quietly, he looked at Laurie. Her back was still towards him. The towel she had wrapped around her was hanging just like the blanket had, exposing her bare back. It was an incredible back, so soft, and he reached out to touch her. His hand sent shivers through her whole body. He kissed her shoulder and worked his way up her neck very slowly to her ear "I want to more than anything," he said so quietly it could barely be heard, "I don't want to hurt you, I..."
Laurie turned around to face him, "You won't. I know you won't. You are the most kind, giving man, and so gentle. You won't hurt me. Hannibal, I love you." She reached up and kissed him.
Looking into her eyes, he reached up and pulled out the hairpins that had been holding her hair piled on top of her head. Laurie's long brown hair cascaded down her neck and back. "That's the way I like it," he said and pulled Laurie close, kissing her deep and hard. The kiss was so passionate that Laurie released her grip on the towel and put her arms around his neck. The towel was only being held up by the closeness of their bodies. She was melting into him as Heyes reached down and gently scooped Laurie's legs up as he continued to kiss her. He walked over to the bed and laid her down with the towel gently draped over her. Brown eyes gazed into hers, never breaking contact: he quickly undressed.
They stayed in each other's arms all night. As they were lying there, with the sun beginning to come in the window, Laurie asked, "Was it okay that I called you Hannibal?"
Heyes lay on his side next to her, stroking her face, "Yes. Nobody calls me that but I like the way you say it." He leaned over and started to nibble her ear.
Laurie purred. "Hannibal," she purred again, "When do you have to leave?"
"Early tomorrow."
"No," Laurie corrected, "It's Saturday. You're leaving this morning."
"Ooohh," Heyes said and Laurie looked at him, "I forgot to tell you. It's not my fault you were in a towel! We're staying for the dance tonight and leaving at dawn tomorrow. Sorry. Mad?"
Laurie gave him a kiss and happily exclaimed, "No!" Laurie lay cuddled up in Heyes' arms. Thinking out loud, she said, "My new dress got ruined on the picnic. I wonder if there is anything in Doris' pile I can wear."
Looking deeply into her eyes, he said, "Let me take care of that.” Placing a finger on her lips before she had a chance to respond, he sternly added, "I'm going to buy you a dress and I expect you to wear it tonight for the dance!" With a smile, he softly added, "Okay?" Laurie nodded her head yes and was about to kiss him when she was interrupted by a knock on the door between the rooms. "Give us a minute," Heyes yelled.
They got up, got dressed and opened the door between the rooms. Kid was sitting in the chair with Sam on the floor next to him, "I'm starved. Are the two of you eatin’ breakfast or stayin’ in?"
"I'm starving!" Laurie blurted out, "Let’s go get breakfast," and she walked to the door. Kid smiled at Heyes; he had a smile on his face from ear to ear. As if she could see what was going on and being insinuated behind her back, Laurie yelled over her shoulder, "I didn't eat dinner last night. I haven't had anything since the picnic lunch!" She turned to Kid and said, "I think you would be starving too, Thaddeus."
If the smile could have gotten any bigger on Heyes' face it would have, as Laurie had once again needled Kid. Heyes saw a very mischievous look appear on Laurie's face as she turned back around and he chuckled. Kid missed the look and gave Heyes a ‘what's going on look’ which made Heyes chuckle even more.
***
At breakfast, everyone was thrilled to hear that Joshua and Thaddeus would be staying for the dance. Sarah, who worked in the café, was especially happy that Thaddeus was staying. Laurie, being in such a good mood, continued to tease Kid all through breakfast, which made Heyes love her even more. After breakfast, Laurie said she had some things to do but would meet them later. She gave both of them a kiss on the cheek and ran down the road.
Heyes told Kid he had to go buy Laurie a dress and they headed to the store. Charlotte and Gwendolyn were also looking at dresses. Mrs. Quimby, who owned the store, walked over to them, "I heard you are staying for the dance." The partners looked at each other. "It's a small town, good news travels fast," she said adding, "I am so happy. Laurie must be happy, too."
"Yes, she is. That's why we're here." Heyes responded with enthusiasm, "I came to buy her a dress." He heard Charlotte and Gwendolyn snicker behind him. “I want to show her how special she is," he said as he turned and glared at the two women.
"I know the perfect dress," Mrs. Quimby said, "I've seen Laurie look at it, so I think she likes it. It's not too fancy or a dress that those trying to look pretty buy; it's a dress for someone who already is beautiful. It will bring out the color in her eyes. I think she will look stunning." She showed Heyes the dress. It wasn't fancy, but it was very nice. The royal blue color would make her eyes shine and the white trim would show off her face. Heyes told Mrs. Quimby to put in all new under garments and stockings for Laurie. As Heyes was paying, she said, "You are a good man, Mr. Smith, taking care of Laurie like this. She deserves to be happy and it's obvious that you make her very happy. See you tonight at the dance." Heyes and Kid tipped their hats at Mrs. Quimby and headed back to the hotel.
***
When Laurie left Heyes and Kid after breakfast, she ran down to the jewelry store. She asked the jeweler, Mr. Collins, if he had a small heart charm, one that could be put on a watch chain. She found one and asked for an "L" to be engraved on the back. She waited for it and then headed back to the hotel. When she got back to her room, the dress was on her bed. She squealed, ran into the adjoining room, and jumped into Heyes' lap as he sat in the chair by the window.
"Does this mean you like it?" he laughed.
"Yes, yes, I love it," she yelled and she went to give him a big kiss. She twisted and had to pull back as she winced.
"Hey, you alright?" Heyes said with concern.
"Yeah," she said, getting her breath back, "I just moved too fast and the wrong way. I'll be fine. Thank you for the dress. I love it. Now I have to go get ready."
"You're welcome and it's not..." Heyes said as Laurie got up and left the room before he had even finished talking, "for four more hours."
***
It was six o'clock and time for dinner. Heyes knocked on the door between the rooms. Laurie called back, "I'm almost ready. I'll meet you downstairs in five minutes."
Kid looked at Heyes, "We haven't seen her for four hours and she needs five more minutes?" Heyes put his hands up, shook his head and laughed as they headed downstairs. As it happened, most of the town had gathered at the hotel waiting to go to the dance. It was the biggest event of the spring. First there was the dinner, then a small carnival with street entertainment, later there was dancing. Laurie had never been, but had always wanted to go. The ex-outlaws were talking to Walter and Doris with their backs to the stairs when the room got quiet. Turning around, they saw Laurie walking down the stairs. She blushed as all eyes were on her and she froze. Heyes stepped forward and reached his hand out; their eyes locked and she continued down the stairs placing her hand in his. She was wearing the blue dress and the locket. Her hair was down, the way Heyes liked it.
As she reached the bottom stair, he lifted her hand and kissed it. "You are more beautiful than I could ever have imagined," he said softly as brown eyes continued to gaze in her eyes as if they were the only two people in the room.
Kid walked up behind his partner, gave him a pat on the back, took Laurie's hand and gave it a kiss. "You look beautiful Laurie; can you please save a dance for me?"
Heyes broke his gaze from Laurie, looked incredulously at Kid and snapped, "No, she's dancing all the dances with me."
Laurie giggled and with a small pout on her face, "Joshua, he is your cousin, maybe one short dance."
Heyes smiled and with a slight nod of his head okay put his arm out for Laurie to take. The two of them walked out the door with everybody watching. Laurie felt like a princess as she walked arm and arm with her prince. A short way down the street, Kid caught up and offered his arm as well. The night couldn't be any better, she thought as the three went to dinner.
Dinner was wonderful and Laurie was the talk of the town. Nobody could believe how beautiful or happy she looked. Most of the town stopped by their table, wished the three of them well and commented on the beautiful heart locket Laurie was wearing. Even Sarah came over to see if Thaddeus was going to be at the dance. Everything was perfect. After dinner, the three strolled down the street stopping and watching the entertainment along the way. They found three chairs and sat down to watch and relax a little before the dancing started.
As they were sitting and watching the street entertainment, Laurie remembered she had forgotten to give Heyes the small heart she had bought, "I forgot something back at my room. I'll be right back," she announced as she got up.
"I'll come with you," Heyes said as he stood up.
"No, stay with Thaddeus. Finish your cigar. I want to dance when I get back."
"If you're sure," he said, "Hurry back."
Laurie nodded her head and ran down the street towards the hotel. The further away from the dance area she got, the more deserted the street was. As she approached the hotel, the street was empty. She was walking past the alley by the General Store, when out of the shadows; two arms reached out and grabbed her. She started to scream but a hand quickly was placed over her mouth and a gun into her broken ribs. "If you scream, move, or try to get away," a low voice said, "I will kill you, then I'll go kill your boyfriend and his partner."
Laurie was terrified; she didn't know what to do and couldn't see who had grabbed her. As she was being pulled down the alley, Laurie caught a glimpse of Mr. Carlson's face. Panic spread as she tried to think of what she could do to get away. Kick, scream, anything; but she didn't want him to hurt Heyes. Carlson finally stopped dragging her down the alley and pushed her up against the wall. He was pressing the gun into her ribs so hard; she thought she was going to pass out from the pain. He leaned into her, holding her in place with his body. The way he was leaning on her, she wasn't a threat to get away so he put the gun in his pocket. Laurie could see the look on his face, he was totally mad; he hardly even looked like Mr. Carlson.
"You are my property," he scowled at her; "Mine and I will have you."
Laurie's eyes started to fill with tears. Her legs were weak because of the pain; he was too heavy for her to push him off. She tried struggling with him, but he just leaned harder into her ribs until she could barely breathe. She managed a very muffled, "Please don't."
Mr. Carlson laughed a horrible, evil laugh and ripped the top of her dress. Laurie fought so hard to break free, but couldn’t. Mr. Carlson tried to kiss her. She turned her head and tried to scream but before she could, he smacked her across the face. The sting dazed her. Carlson, even madder than before, put his hand on Laurie's throat and began to grab, rip and pull up her dress. She attempted to stop him but everything was spinning as she gasped for air. Holding her legs tightly together she closed her eyes, sending tears rolling down her face as he undid his pants.
"You are a street whore!" he said in a maniacal voice as he began to rape her. There was a noise at the end of the alley. Carlson yelled out, "Who's there?" The noise was enough of a distraction for Laurie to push him off her. "You," Carlson seethed at her. "If I can't have you, no one will."
He started an all out assault, punching her as hard as he possibly could; his fists brutally slamming into her. Then he grabbed a knife from his pocket and slashed her. Laurie tried with all her might to defend herself. Another noise at the other end of the alley distracted Carlson once again. Gathering what little strength she had left, Laurie timed her last ditch effort perfectly pushing Carlson. Catching him off guard, she turned to run out of the alley. He reached for her, but his pants were still down and he stumbled.
With sheer panic and terror racing through her, Laurie lunged for the street. He grabbed her arm. She frantically fought to get free. Swinging her arms she hit the gun Carlson was removing from his pocket and sent it flying. Trying to run, she tripped with him right on her heels. Falling to the ground, she reached out, grabbing the gun, turned and fired. Laurie kept firing until all the bullets were gone. Even then, she kept pointing and pulling the trigger. Mr. Carlson was hit four times in the chest at point blank range and fell at Laurie's feet.
***
Heyes and Kid were done with their cigars and waiting for Laurie to come back. Heyes started to get impatient and a little worried. "How long do you think she's been gone?"
"Don't know," Kid responded, "A while."
"She said she would only be a minute," Heyes said, sounding worried, "I'm going to go check on her. I'll be right back."
"I'm comin’," Kid told his partner. "I'm not gonna sit here and wait for you to come back too."
As they started down the street towards the hotel, they heard a scream. Startled eyes looked at each other. Heyes yelled, "Laurie" as they ran down the street when gunshots rang out. By now, all the townspeople on the street heard and went running in the same direction.
As Heyes and Kid got close to the hotel, they saw Laurie on the ground holding a gun with a man face down at her feet. Heyes ran over to her, "Laurie," he called out and crouched down next to her. "I’m here,” he said soothingly, "Give me the gun." He took it out of her hand. She sat staring straight ahead, not saying anything or moving.
Kid stooped down next to the body on the street; rolled him over and saw it was Mr. Carlson. He looked at Heyes and shook his head indicating he was dead.
Heyes was still trying to get Laurie's attention, "Sweetheart, what happened?"
The blond partner stood up, noticing the top of Laurie's dress was ripped, took of his jacket, "Heyes,” he said and handed it to him.
The street was getting crowded as everyone from the dance was coming to see what happened. Laurie sat still, not moving, not talking, just sitting there. Heyes was trying to get her attention when Doris came running, "Oh my, what happened. Laurie dear, you're covered in blood."
"It's Carlson's blood," Heyes mumbled.
"Heyes," Kid said a little too loudly, "I think it's more than that!" Kid looked at the pool of blood that was forming on the bottom of the dress.
Brown eyes widened in horror. Scooping her up he yelled "get the doctor" and ran with her towards her room with Kid and Doris in tow.
The others on the street just looked at Mr. Carlson.
Sheriff Hardy came running around the corner with his gun drawn and stopped when he saw Mr. Carlson dead in the street. "What happened?"
Since no one actually saw what happened, there was murmuring in the crowd. Charlotte stepped to the front of the crowd. "Laurie shot Mr. Carlson," she said.
A gasp was heard throughout the crowd, "What?" the lawman asked.
"Laurie shot Mr. Carlson," she repeated. “I saw it.”
"Charlie," the Sheriff called for his deputy, "Take Charlotte to my office. I'll be there in a while. No one is to see her - understand?" Charlie nodded his head and guided Charlotte to the Sheriff's office. "Now, where's Laurie?" he yelled.
"Joshua took her to the hotel. She's hurt real bad," Walter said. "The doctor just went to see her."
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