royannahuggins
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 | | Incident at Hanging Lake Part 2 by moonshadow | |
STARRING
Pete Duel as Hannibal Heyes
Ben Murphy as Jed “Kid” Curry
GUEST STARRING
GANG MEMBERS:
Richard Madden as John – Gang Leader
Hank Worden as Sam
Ethan Laidlaw as Jack
Matt Clark as Earl
Russel Johnson as Tucker
Richard Thomas as Riley
MYSTERY GUEST STAR
TBA IN EPISODE Incident at Hanging Lake - Part 2
by moonshadow
PART ONE RECAP: John has just disclosed the fact that, despite his warning, he has discovered Heyes' duplicity in trying to send a telegram to Harry Briscoe. Heyes is waiting to hear what John has decided to do about it. Will Curry be made to pay the price? We rejoin John and Heyes in the cafe.
“By all rights I should kill Curry,” John snapped. “After all, you did know the penalty before you wrote the note.” Silence hung heavy in the air. Then John's expression, as well as his tone, suddenly transformed from dead serious to mocking as he continued. “However, as I said, I knew you'd try, so part of the blame lays on me. Oh, for heaven's sake!” John rolled his eyes skyward. “Get that awful look off your face – you're going to scare the natives!
Your precious Thaddeus is safe – this time.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Understand this – you will not get a second chance – and neither will he! Don't even think about trying anything else, Joshua,” he warned. “You're lucky I was willing to let you play your silly little game – but only because it amused me.” He threw some bills on the table and got to his feet. “Let's get going; time's a-wasting.”
Heyes got to his feet slowly, picked up his hat, placed it on his head, then released a pent-up breath as he trailed behind John. “We both know it's really because you still need me,” he said under his breath. “Well, that works both ways.”
The two men mounted their horses, urged them into a gallop and made their way to the supply shack.
*~*~*~*~*~*
AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER
The sun had already dipped behind the mountaintops and faint stars were beginning to appear in the twilight sky.
“This must be the place.” John pointed to a sign hanging from the shack and read it aloud. “Governor's Pass Mining Supply Shack.” He glanced at the building and shrugged. “Not much to look at, but if it has everything we need, I'm not going to hold that against it.”
Heyes and John left their horses tied up to the hitching post behind the building. The two were on their guard as they made their way towards the supply shack.
“Place seems deserted to me,” John remarked as he snapped open the lock with a metal bar he had found and pushed the door open. “I'll light this lantern so we can see what we're looking for.” Once the flame was burning bright, he handed the light to the other man. “Go on inside and get started.”
Heyes held the lantern high as he maneuvered his way through the shack.
“Here's a gunny sack; it should hold everything.” John held the bag out as he came up behind the other man.
Heyes took the sack and shoved the blasting caps, funnel and coil of fuse wire that he had already found into it.
“What else do you need?”
Heyes pulled the list from his pocket. “I haven't found the Bryant Pump yet – it's the most important part of all this. Without it, there is no robbery.”
“How big is what we're looking for?”
“About this big." Heyes spread his hands to indicate the size. "It's made out of metal and has a double-grip handle to hold onto."
John stepped away to search another section of the shack.
Heyes walked around a corner, grabbed an alarm clock and added it to the bag. His eyes scanned the nearby shelves and lit upon some quick-dry putty. It joined the other items in the bag. Rounding another corner, he spied a couple other things on the list: a metal pipe and a rubber hose. “I'll only need one of you, but since I'm not sure which, you're both coming with me.”
“Hey!” John called out. “Think I found what we're looking for!”
Heyes followed the voice and found himself staring at a row of six Bryant Pumps. “That's it,” he nodded and picked up the nearest one. “Much more convenient when the mines keep 'em in stock,” he murmured as he checked the list. “Only thing left is the nitro.”
“Saw that up in the front when we first walked in, but I figured we'd leave it until last. I don't want to handle that stuff anymore than we need to.”
“I'm with you on that point,” Heyes readily agreed. “We need to make sure the bottle's wrapped up with a couple layers of white flannel or cotton, packed tight in a box, then the box itself gets wrapped, too.” He turned to look at John. “A thought just occurred to me. How are these supplies going to get through all that water and still be good to use?”
John pushed past him and walked towards the entrance. “Let me worry about that, Heyes. I'll take real good care of them; trust me, they'll be in perfect condition when you need to use them.”
Heyes pursed his lips and frowned at John's words, but remained silent as he joined the other man at the entrance.
John spoke in a hushed tone. “How much of this stuff did you say we needed?”
“Not much; only about three or four ounces,” Heyes answered in a normal tone. “Why are you whispering?”
“I don't want to take any chances – you know, do anything that might make it go boom!” John picked up a box slowly and opened it using exaggerated care, then held it out for Heyes to see.
Heyes examined the bottle and nodded. “That should be plenty,” he nodded. “Let's get it wrapped up nice and tight. Just be real careful,” he cautioned.
“You don't need to remind me – I'll be so slow a snail could win a race with me.”
“We need to make sure it's packed for traveling. We've got a two-hour ride back to the cave.”
“I know, I know!” John hissed in a hushed tone, sweat already beading his brow as he bent down.
Heyes watched as the other man carefully, and meticulously, packed the bottle in several layers before he laid it down inside a wooden box filled with more flannel and put the lid back on. The last thing John did was to wrap the outside of the box with several layers of flannel. Once he was done with that, he carefully laid the box inside a gunny sack, then wrapped another gunny sack around it for good measure. He turned to Heyes. “Think that'll do it?” he questioned quietly.
“Guess we'll find out, won't we?”
“That's not funny! Let's get going!” John held the box out to Heyes. “Here, you carry it.”
“Why me?”
“You've got more experience with the stuff.”
“Uh, huh.”
“You're still alive, aren't you?”
“Yes, and I'd like to keep it that way!” Heyes retorted as he took the box between his hands.
The two men walked as if on eggshells all the way to their horses.
“Hand the box to me, then mount up,” John instructed quietly.
Once Heyes was seated, John handed him the bundle and was quick to step away. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he shook his head. “You're in the wrong business, Heyes – I think I just aged at least twenty years!”
Heyes summoned a smile as he cradled the box in the crook of his arm. “All safes aren't like the Pierce & Hamilton.”
“Although I hate to say it, Heyes, I have a greater appreciation for what your line of work requires,” John grudgingly admitted as he mounted his horse.
“Just wait'll you see what happens with the safe,” Heyes countered.
John threw him a withering look.
The two men began their journey back to the cave at a very slow walk.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Lantern in his left hand, Jack was escorting Curry back at gunpoint to the cavern after he had walked down to tend to his personal business.
The Kid stopped just short of the opening.
“Go on, you've stretched your legs a bit, now it's time to get you tied up again so I can get my work done.”
“I know,” Curry sighed. “It just feels good to be standing up and walking. Can't I just enjoy it for a minute?”
“You heard me, Curry!” Jack growled and motioned with the gun towards the cavern. “Git!”
His whole body sagging in resignation, the Kid did as he was told and sat down next to the lantern without resistance, obediently putting his hands behind his back.
After he was sure the ropes were secure around the Kid's hands, Jack went to work on his feet. Satisfied, he rose to his feet, picked up his lantern and walked away without another word.
“Thanks for stayin' 'round an' keepin' me company!” Curry's sarcastic words followed the retreating figure. “Be sure an' come back when you have something real interestin' to talk 'bout!” He huffed out a frustrated breath. “Well, since there's nobody 'round to complain or hush me up, guess I'll jus' sing to keep myself company." Shuddering, he added, “Maybe it'll help drown out all those other noises...” A moment later, the Kid's voice rang out, hitting the walls and echoing in the solitude that surrounded him... “I'm a poor lonesome cowboy...”
*~*~*~*~*~*
John and Heyes reached the edge of the lake somewhere close to midnight. A full moon hung high in the sky overhead which afforded enough light for the two men to see what they were doing.
John dismounted, tethered his horse and approached Heyes with exaggerated caution. “Hand me the box,” he ordered quietly. “Then get down here and help me get these supplies laid out by that tree.”
Heyes lowered the package using extreme care and, once John had it in his hands, he slid down to the ground. Leading his mount, he crossed over to where John's animal was and secured the reins of his own horse. Next, he reached up and untied the bundle of things from behind John's saddle and carried them over to where John was waiting, impatient and with beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
“Hurry up -- put those things down and take this box from me!” John held it out away from his body.
Heyes bit back a grin. Taking the box, he carefully placed it on the ground and backed away, then turned to the other man. “After all the trouble we went through to get them, we're just leaving all these things right here?”
“There's a guard, remember? They'll be taken care of, don't worry. We only have a short time before we leave so we can be at the rendezvous point by the water tower to meet up with the train. We'll be heading out right after breakfast.”
Heyes looked at the supplies, then turned to eye the water, shaking his head. “I just don't get it.”
“There's nothing for you to get,” John retorted, then walked over to where their wet clothing had been hung to dry on nearby bushes. Retrieving his gun, he turned back to Heyes. “You know the routine; get busy.”
An expression of vexation on his face, Heyes did as ordered. Bracing himself against the chill of the cold water, he allowed John to drag him once more down into the depths.
It wasn't long before the two men were dressed in dry clothing and back deep inside the cavern.
“It's going to be an early night, Heyes. I suggest you get some sleep; tomorrow's going to be a very busy day and you'll need to be in top form.”
“Don't worry, I'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed tomorrow.” Before he turned away, he added, “Sure hope there won't be any surprises when we get to the train.”
“I don't like surprises!” John frowned at the ex-outlaw with narrowed eyes. “What makes you say that?”
“Nothing,” Heyes shrugged. “I'm always this way the night before a robbery.”
“Is that meant to reassure me? If so, it didn't work!”
Heyes smiled, but it wasn't reflected in his eyes. “No matter how many plans I've put into action, there's no such thing as a fool proof one. We're bound to run into some kinda snag, even if it's a small one. It's nothing to lose sleep over.”
“Well, for Curry's sake you'd be wise to hope it is nothing!” John snapped. “Fifteen minutes and you'd better be on your bedroll starting to count sheep.”
“Yes, sir!” Heyes mock saluted the other man and walked away. “I promise that I'll be on my bedroll with my eyes closed well within the time limit.” True to his word, he was on his pallet and his eyelashes shuttered his eyes by the deadline. “Hang in there just a bit longer, Kid,” he whispered before he turned on his side to face the wall.
*~*~*~*~*~*
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING
Awakened by the sound of muted voices, Heyes sat up, cocked his head to the side and strained his ears to listen.
“Hey Jack,” one voice hissed. “We've gotta get those things outta the cave before the boss gets here!”
“The only way that's gonna happen is if we take 'em out the back way, Earl,” a second voice answered. “They can't get wet and 'sides that, some of it's way too heavy to lug through the water.”
“We'll havta use the handcart and make it snappy or there'll be hell to pay for sure!”
“Where's the boss right now?”
“He's up top checking things out.”
“That should give us enough time to get it all done before he comes back.”
“Only if we get started right now. We'll have to stash the stuff somewhere until he's back inside.”
“If we take 'em right now, we can get it outside the back way without him bein' any the wiser. Once we're outside we can put 'em behind those rocks where he won't notice.”
“Sounds like a plan to me; let's get goin'!”
*~*~*~*~*~*
“I was right – I knew there had to be another way!” Heyes grinned. He rose from his bedroll with stealth and made his way to the opening. Peeking around the wall with caution, Heyes was rewarded with seeing the two men who had been talking pushing a cart away in a direction he had not previously walked. “Lead on fellas, I'll be right behind you.”
Heyes hugged the wall as he followed the pair close enough to share their torch light, but still far enough back he wouldn't be noticed. “They sure aren't making an effort to be quiet,” Heyes muttered. “That's a good thing; their noise covers any sounds I might make.” As he rounded the next corner, Heyes stepped back quickly as Jack turned around to look behind him.
“We won't need the lantern; I'll set it down here until we come back,” Earl propped the light up on a large flat boulder.
A moment later they resumed their trek and Heyes slowly edged his way after them. “I see some kinda light, so we must be getting to the end of the tunnel.” Heyes watched them disappear and looked for a place where he could wait for them to return. “They can't find me standing here...” The flickering flame from the lantern caught his attention. “I need to get my own light,” he whispered and began to search around to see what he could find. He made it to the cart, picked up the lantern, held it up and looked inside.
“There's an old rag – that'll do just fine.” He tucked it under his arm and peeked into the cart again. Fishing around with one hand, he held up a torch. “Perfect!” he grinned in triumph. “Now all I need is something to light it with...” A moment later he held up a small box. “Yes!” he exclaimed. Voices and footsteps echoing against the cave walls signaled the return of the two men. Putting the lantern back from where he had taken it, and quickly gathering his treasures, Heyes made his way back to the side tunnel where he ducked inside and flattened himself against the wall.
Once the men were past him, Heyes hurried to find the source of light he had seen when he was by the cart. Stepping outside the opening, he took a few more steps, then turned around to look back. “Well, I'll be...” Hands on hips, his eyes raked over the opening and then he glanced at his surroundings. “John, you sly old fox - no wonder you didn't want me to know about this! When I think of all the times I've come near to drowning, and this has been here the whole time?”
Heyes looked up at the sky, which was rapidly transforming dawn's early light into a sunshine-filled tableau. “Time for me to get back before someone notices I'm missing!” He retrieved his stolen items and hastened to wrap the shirt around the torch stick. When that was accomplished, he struck a match and held it to the material. The flame caught quickly and soon he was making his way down the damp, musty corridor as fast as he could travel.
When he got close to where the large main cavern was he extinguished the torch and tossed it off to the side. Flattening himself against the wall, he peeked around the bend and listened. “I don't see or hear anyone,” he whispered. “Could luck really be on my side for once?” After another minute of waiting, Heyes hurried back to his bedroll. Not wasting any more time, he flopped down on it and released a deep breath of relief.
“Heyes?” John called out.
“Not a minute too soon!” the ex-outlaw grinned. He raised his voice and called out in a sleepy voice, “Yeah, I'm awake!”
“Better get your personal matters tended to, then grab some breakfast. We're heading out in an hour.”
“Sure thing, Boss,” Heyes retorted.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Hearing footsteps approaching, and seeing the flickering light as it reflected on the walls, Curry changed from a reclining position to a sitting one, and waited to see who would walk in.
“You awake, Curry?”
“Yeah,” the Kid answered. “I'm glad you came back, Riley.”
“I almost didn't!” the young man retorted. “I was all fixed to have one of the other men bring you your breakfast.”
“What made you change your mind?”
Riley kept his eyes averted. “Something I heard this mornin'; something that I wasn't s'posed to hear.”
“Something?” Curry prompted.
“Yeah.”
“You got all riled up at me before when I asked you what was wrong, an' since I don't wanna make the same mistake twice an' make you mad again...” the Kid let his words hang.
Looking miserable, Riley set the plate of food down and turned away from Curry. “It was 'bout you an' Heyes.”
The Kid's expression hardened. “Riley, is my friend in danger?”
The young man nodded.
“Did they already leave to do that job my partner told me about?”
Riley nodded again, then turned to face Curry with a stricken expression. “I'm gonna untie your hands so you can eat.” Going behind the Kid, Riley began to undo the knots and sucked in his breath. “You've sure messed up your wrists, they're all cut up – rubbed raw, an, bleedin'. I don't have anything to put on 'em neither,” he added, genuine regret in his tone. There was a short pause as the young man got to his feet and brought the plate of food and a canteen of water to Curry. “Here,” he held them out.
Curry took the canteen first, upended it and gulped down several swallows before he set it aside. He took the plate from Riley's hand and began to eat hungrily. Talking around a bite of food, he resumed his questioning. “You were gonna tell me what you heard 'bout me an' my friend?”
“It's something bad.” The young man dropped down on a nearby rock with a deep sigh. “Real bad.”
Curry watched the emotions that played across the boy's face before he spoke again. “Tell me what you heard, Riley,” he coaxed. “I won't hold it against you none; you're jus' followin' orders.”
“That's it – I'm not!” Riley snapped and jumped to his feet. Agitated, he began to pace back and forth as he went on. “You gotta understand – John took me in an' gave me a place to live. For the first time since my folks died, he made me feel like I had someone that cared 'bout what happened to me. He gives me clothes, an' food, an' makes sure I have some spendin' money in my pocket. I've never asked him nothin' 'bout where he got the money.” Riley stopped pacing and looked at Curry. “Today I found out some things that made me hate John. Those same things made me hate myself!”
The Kid stopped eating. “What'd you hear?”
Riley clenched his hands into fists at his sides. “They're plannin' on killin' Heyes as soon as he finishes openin' up that safe today!” he blurted out. “An' you, too! They said that since you're wanted dead or alive it didn't matter! They're gonna take in your bodies an' collect the rewards on 'em!”
Curry set his plate down. “It doesn't have to be like that, Riley,” he began in earnest. “You don't have to take part in killin' anyone if you don't wanna.”
Riley's eyes were large in a face that had turned pale. “I ain't never hurt nobody!” he cried out. “An' I sure as shootin' ain't gonna kill anyone!”
“If you jus' stand by an' don't do anything to stop it, you're jus' as guilty as the person who does the killin',” the Kid stated bluntly.
“I don't want neither one of you to die!” Riley protested. “It's not right! But I don't want anything to happen to John neither!”
“I'm sorry, Riley, but you can't have it both ways. You're gonna havta decide which side of the fence you wanna be on.”
“But I don't know what to do!” he cried.
“I think you do, but you're scared. I also think that's why you told me in the first place; you know what's right an' you know what needs to be done. You jus' havta take the first step; the rest will be easier once you do.”
Riley slumped back down on the rock with his head in his hands.
The Kid remained silent while he waited for the young man to figure things out.
Several long minutes passed before Riley raised his head. “I know what I've gotta do.”
“Yes?”
“I'm gonna untie your feet, an' then I'll show you how to get outta here.”
The Kid released a relieved breath, unaware that he'd been holding it. “You made the right decision, Riley.”
“Then why do I feel so bad if it's the right decision?” the boy snapped as he knelt down by Curry's feet and began to untie the thongs of leather wrapped around them.
“You're feelin' guilty 'cos of your relationship with John,” Curry explained. “But after this is all over that guilt will go away; trust me.”
“I don't see how, but if you say so...” Riley got to his feet and held out a hand to Curry. “I think I owe you an' apology, too.”
The Kid took the hand and got to his feet, staggering as he did so. He put a hand on the young man's shoulder for support. “No apology needed. You're more'n makin' up for it by helpin' me save my friend.”
Riley looked the other man over in concern. “You okay to travel, Curry?”
“You know, I've never admitted that's my name,” the Kid prevaricated. “If you remember, I told you from the beginning it was Thaddeus.”
“Here, drink up before we head out.” Riley eyed him speculatively as he handed Curry the canteen. “I brought you your clothes; they're all dry now.” He busied himself while the Kid got dressed. “Guess it don't really matter none what your name is,” he shrugged.
“It matters to me!” Curry retorted as he tucked in his shirt and buckled his belt.
“Okay then, we'll go with what you say. Bring that canteen along, Thaddeus.” Riley picked up the lantern and lead the way.
“Do you have any idea where they were headin'?”
“Sure do,” Riley called back over his shoulder.
Curry followed as best as he could down the dark tunnel, but after he stumbled and almost lost his balance, he stopped and called out, “Hey, Riley - mind slowin' down jus' a bit? My legs are cramped from sittin' in that damp cave so long!”
Riley turned around. “Sorry, I wasn't thinkin' 'bout your legs, I was thinkin' 'bout your friend. We have a long way to go an' a short time to get there if we wanna save him.”
The Kid caught up to him. “I'll try to keep up with you, jus' slow down a bit 'til I can get my legs workin' at full strength again.”
“Don't you worry none, Thaddeus; I'll get you to that train in time!”
*~*~*~*~*~*
John and Heyes had just reached the rendezvous point at the water tower and joined up with Sam, Tucker and Jack.
“I see you all made it safely and in one piece,” John commented dryly as he dismounted. “Where's the nitro?”
Sam glanced over his shoulder. “Way over yonder, there by that tree; we thought it'd be better off in the shade.”
“Not a bad idea,” John nodded his approval.
Heyes got down off his horse and joined the other men. “You three must've been up very early to get that nitro here before us.”
“They were,” John answered for them. “They were also responsible for bringing all the other supplies we need to make this job a success.”
John pulled out his watch. “Less than an hour before the train is due here for a water stop. I think we should all find a place to relax until it's showtime.”
“I'd like to double check the supplies before I relax,” Heyes countered.
“My men have already done that and so have I; everything is good.”
Hands akimbo on his hips, Heyes glared at the leader. “Look, you put me in charge of planning this job,” he snapped. “Checking that everything is in working order and that all the pieces are accounted for is part of that responsibility. Do you want me to do my job or not?”
“Fine,” John looked heavenward. “If it'll make you feel better, by all means, go ahead and do your job.”
Muttering under his breath about “ingrates,” Heyes stalked off in the direction of the supplies.
John followed his progress with amused eyes. “Well boys,” he addressed the three men flanking him, “I guess if we work with an expert we have to expect a bit of a prima donna now and then.”
“Preema whata?” Sam scratched his head in confusion.
Tucker only raised a brow.
“Boss, are ya callin' Heyes some kinda lady?” Jack looked askance at his leader.
John turned to look at him. “No, it just means that he thinks he's better than us and we should treat him like he's special.”
“Boy, does he ever have it backwards!” Sam chuckled.
“Let him act however he wants until he gets that safe opened and we have the money in our hands.” John lowered his voice. “After that he's all yours, boys. Now, I'd like to speak to Tucker alone for a minute. Sam, why don't you and Jack go over by the boulders and wait?”
“Sure thing, Boss,” the pair chorused and walked away.
John waited until they were alone before he spoke. “I've got a special job I want you to do. Ride along the train tracks and make sure there aren't any problems before that train gets here. Once you hear the whistle you can head back and help Sam and Jack take care of Heyes.”
“You can count on me, Boss.” Tucker crossed to his horse, mounted up and was off to do John's bidding.
John watched him leave then walked over to the trees and casually leaned against the trunk of one. “Everything in order, Heyes?”
“So far so good.”
“I told you it was,” John smirked.
“And I told you I had to be sure!” Heyes retorted.
John pulled his watch from a pocket and flicked it open. “Just under thirty minutes to go.” He looked over at the two men. “So who shall we make responsible for the nitro-glycerin?”
Heyes looked up. “Who got it here safely today?”
“That would be Sam.”
“Makes sense that if he got it this far, then he can get it to the train just fine.”
John inclined his upper half in Heyes' direction. “I shall bow to your expertise; Sam it'll be.” He put the watch away. “Now all we have to do is wait...”
Last edited by royannahuggins on Wed 18 Mar 2020, 5:22 am; edited 13 times in total | |
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What a perfect ending to a great story! Wasn't sure how you were going to get them out of that jam, but you did so flawlessly. Loved the Riley character and could see why he had the loyalty to John and but that it changed. John may have been sly, but he can't match our Heyes. Loved Kid Curry coming to the rescue, but not before our mystery guest. Thanks for contributing to this year's Virtual Season! 
