royannahuggins
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Join date : 2013-10-13
 | | Hunter and Hunted – Part 1 | |
Starring
Pete Duel and Ben Murphy as
Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry
Guest Starring
Callum Keith Rennie as Jack Odium
Hélène Udy as Delilah Brock
Asher Morrissette as Billy Brock
Anson Mount as Lou Racine
Hunter and Hunted – Part 1
by Nightwalker & Hanna Heyes
The West has some amazing landscapes and Heyes and Curry were riding through one of them: soft tree-covered rises separated by lovely green valleys. Everything looked lush and fresh and – soaked, including our boys. Soaked, that is. Otherwise, they appeared worse for wear. Their horses and gear were dirty and covered with mud in different states of desiccation. In a slow walk, they plodded their way up yet another rise.
Kid Curry’s face showed clear signs of displeasure while Heyes was beaming with joy, chattering and enjoying the view. “Isn’t it a lovely day? The sun's shining and illuminating the leaves so pretty.”
“About time it shines,” Kid Curry growled. “Didn’t see it the past ten days! Never had so much rain this time of the year around here.”
“That’s why it's so pretty! Everything’s growing and glowing and bursting with life.” The dark-haired one underlined his words with a sweeping gesture, indicating their surroundings.
His partner wasn’t quite as impressed. “Yeah, great. Let’s hope the creek isn’t burstin’ out, too.”
“C’mon, Kid, stop worrying.”
“You said you like me worried, ‘cause I’d be more alert.”
“Alert and sulking are not quite the same,” Heyes lectured gently, “and right now I could do with a less cloudy face at my side. There’s a sure ford and the creek isn’t running high this time of the year anyway.”
Side by side they reached the peak where they reined in their mounts. Heyes’ smile faltered visibly.
“You mean the time of the year it never rains...?” Kid Curry deadpanned.
Below them the view opened to a wide riverbed filled with gurgling, muddy water. The surface looked treacherously calm, but the occasional tree branches and bushes floating downstream told about a strong undercurrent. Crossing the stream was a heavy wagon, fighting the steady pull of the flood.
Heyes and Curry exchanged a long look. Heyes’ face twitched self-consciously. He took off his hat, ran his slender fingers through his hair, replaced the hat, pushed it back on his head, then pulled it forward. In the end he looked at his partner again and shrugged. “At least we’ll be clean soon.”
His blond partner huffed and glared at him.
In unison they turned their heads and faced the river again.
The prairie schooner had made it almost to the far side when the team of draft horses balked and refused to take one more step. The usually even-tempered creatures were shaking their heads and rearing up, causing heavy jolts to the carriage. A blond boy, pale, about five years old, sat in the front holding the reins.
A young, and equally blonde, slender woman was trying to calm the beasts down and coax them forward with soothing gestures. Her long, braided hair and dress were soaked, for the flood reached well over her waist. At the back of the wagon, a slim man supported her efforts by pushing the resisting vehicle from behind, but to no avail. The tumbling and spinning debris carried by the water spooked the horses even more and made it difficult for the folks to keep their footing.
Just then a large tree trunk bumped into the wagon and all hell broke loose. The horses finally lost it, screamed and started pushing and pulling in different directions. The jolt and the scared cries of woman and child occurred almost at the same time, as the boy lost his grip and fell into the flood. The woman dropped the halter, reaching for the kid, but couldn’t fetch him before he disappeared under the opaque surface.
Ignoring the distance separating them, the man lunged for him and failed, too. Still, he followed the boy, barely able to navigate in the strong current which played with their bodies like dolls. It forced them to drift further apart until it threw the man against a boulder, leaving him stunned and trying to regain his bearings.
Heyes and Curry exchanged a quick glance, a curt nod, and spurred their horses into breakneck speed. Nearing the riverbank, they parted, forcing their animals to leap into the churning waters simultaneously.
[Well known trailer]
Once in the water, Kid Curry went downstream, scanning the part of the river where the boy’s head appeared now and then in the seething flood. As fast as possible, he approached the child trying to catch him. When he bent down to pick him up, the remainders of a bush were carried their way, reeling and turning. The Kid’s horse reared up and sent its rider tumbling into the water. Fighting to keep his head above the surface, Curry refused to let go of either the boy or the reins. Struggling against the current and his jibbing horse, he pulled the child closer, shoved him up into the saddle and then pulled himself up behind him.
Meanwhile, Heyes steered his horse towards the man plastered to the rock and reached down.
The soaked man, who looked a few years younger than his rescuer, clasped his forearm with a smile of gratitude and hauled himself up with Heyes’ support. Barely up on the horse's back, he turned his head, watching out for the boy. Once he saw him safe in the stranger's arms, his stance relaxed.
Slowly trudging through the deep water, Heyes’ mount carried its two riders to the wagon. When they reached their destination, his fellow passenger slipped down and checked on the woman while Heyes fished for the reins of the draft animals. Trying to gain control, he pushed his own mount against the panic-stricken team, talking and soothing them with calming noises.
With joined efforts they got the wagon into movement again and directed it up a low slope out of the riverbed. Sheltered by a copse of trees, they halted, high enough above the water to be on the safe side of any unwelcome surprises by nature’s force.
Heyes dismounted and slumped against the wagon beside the young man, both of them trying to catch their breath. They exchanged a brief smile and a curt nod.
The woman hurried towards the river instead, where the Kid’s horse climbed up the bank in slow strides, the beast as tired as its riders. Neither the muddy wet dress, nor the tousled hair, diminished her grace. Reaching up, she took the child that Curry was handing over to her into her arms. With tears shimmering in her eyes, she pressed the boy tight against her chest as if she would never let him go again. “Are you alright, Billy?”
The boy nodded weakly.
“Your boy’s alright, ma’am. A mite shaken and soaked, but nothin’ some rest and a hot meal won’t cure.” The blond outlaw slipped off his horse, his shoulders slumped down, reins in his left hand and favoring his right arm. His partner’s eyes followed his every move under furrowed brows.
“Oh dear, you’re hurt! How are you?” the young woman exclaimed.
When Kid Curry answered, his eyes darted into Heyes’ direction. “It’s nothin’, really. Sprained my wrist when I wrangled with my horse.”
“Thank God, and thank you, Mister...?”
“Jones. Thaddeus Jones, ma’am,” the Kid offered, facing the woman in front of him again, and tipped his hat with his left hand.
“God bless you, Mister Jones. I’m Delilah Brock,” the woman introduced herself and then turned to the wagon, indicating her companion. “And this is...”
“...Jack Odium,” the young man beside Heyes threw in, his voice soft and gentle. Turning to his neighbor, he proffered his hand with a brief smile.
He was a man of lean but wiry build, his face angular and covered in three-day stubble of undefined color. His striking bright eyes were calm and observant, shaded by a mop of mud-blond hair of middle length.
Heyes sought brief eye contact with his partner before he accepted the hand of his new acquaintance, smiling brightly. “Joshua Smith, pleased to meet you. Looks like we’ve got here in just the nick of time.”
“Heaven-sent.” Delilah’s voice was filled with gratitude and relief.
Jack surveyed the ex-outlaws, his eyes lingering just a moment too long on the other men’s tied down guns, then mirrored Heyes’ smile. “Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot.”
“Don’t mention it,” Heyes replied. “Nothing anyone else wouldn’t have done, too.”
“It’s nothing to be taken for granted.” Delilah shifted the weight of the boy to her other hip as she started towards the wagon. “You’ve got to stay with us.”
Jack’s head snapped around. He furrowed his brows almost imperceptibly, but she held his stare and insisted, “We owe you, and we would be honored, if you’d have supper with us.”
“It’d be our pleasure, ma’am,” Heyes accepted. “You don’t mind us changing out of our wet clothes, first?”
“No, not at all. We all need to get dry and warm again. Jack, would you get a fire started while I take care of Billy?”
“Of course, ma’am,” the addressee replied.
Delilah smiled at him briefly, then lifted the boy up on the wagon and followed him inside.
Clad in dry clothes, they gathered around the fire where Delilah had a stew and biscuits on its way. She had changed into a modest dress and apron which underlined her natural beauty.
Seated on logs or their bedrolls, everyone enjoyed the spreading warmth as well as Delilah’s cooking.
“It’s delicious, ma’am. I haven’t had such a fine meal in ages,” Kid Curry told her between two bites.
“Why, thank you, Mr. Jones. I just wish you could enjoy it more with your hand hurting.” She nodded toward the injured limb, which was wrapped up in a bandage by now.
“Thaddeus, ma’am. It’s nothin’ really.”
“So, you think you could manage another helping?”
“I wouldn’t say no, ma’am,” he answered with a happy, boyish smile.
“Delilah,” she offered while she refilled his plate, much to Kid Curry’s delight.
His partner flashed him a wolfish grin which earned him a scowl in return. Heyes’ lips twitched as he suppressed a comment. Instead, he turned his attention to Jack who attended to the meal in silence, but with vigilant eyes. “So, you’re heading south?”
Jack merely nodded.
“Just like us. You’re aiming for Silverton?”
“Somethin’ less crowded. Durango, maybe. It’s up to Missus Brock, my employer.”
“Ah.” Heyes nodded and darted a brief look towards her. “Of course. She couldn’t travel alone as woman. Not in times like this, with prospering mines attracting all kind of folks with all sorts of intentions.”
Jack nodded again. “Yeah, I’ll get them there safely to start their new life.”
“I hope you will. There’s a lot of trouble out there.”
“You mean men like Racine?” Delilah threw in.
Her employee’s face lost all expression, as did his voice. “Racine? Lou Racine?”
“Yes. There are rumors about a prison break in the Territorial Penitentiary in Cañon City, him gathering his old gang. I heard it at the general store where we picked up supplies. The man has killed two guards and is said to be very dangerous.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jack’s eyes narrowed, and his voice had an almost imperceptible edge to it.
“I didn’t think it important. He means nothing to us, does he?” The woman’s blue eyes were big with surprise.
When the young man didn’t answer, Heyes stepped into the breach. “Men like him should always be taken seriously.” Facing Jack, he added, “You know him?”
“Seen him long time ago. A lifetime ago.” Swiftly, his eyes flickered to Billy.
Heyes followed his look and threw a sideways glance to his partner before he flashed a reassuring smile. “Cañon City is not on our way. I doubt he’ll be heading our direction. If he’s smart, he’s half-way down to Mexico by now.”
“Yeah, sure. Smart. That’s what he’s known for,” Jack answered, the look in his eyes betraying his even voice. “We better keep watch tonight, if it’s alright with you. You mind me takin’ the first turn?”
“Sure. It’s fine with us. C’mon, Thaddeus, let’s check on the horses before we turn in for the night.”
“Thanks for the hospitality. The cookin’ was delicious, Delilah,” Kid Curry added and tipped his hat before he and his friend stepped into the falling darkness.
Delilah moved around the fire and sat down beside her employee. Gently, she laid her hand on his arm. “What is it... Jack?”
The young man kept silent, but his face closed up even more. His jaw tight, his eyes hard and cold he stared into the fire.
“Same old story?” she asked softly.
“Yeah, old story.” His eyes smoldered in the darkness. Just a moment later the hard expression disappeared, and an infectious smile split his face and lit up his eyes. “But how are you? And how’s Billy?”
Delilah couldn’t help but smile back at him, before she went serious again. “He’s not doing well. We need to get into town and soon.”
“It’d be best if we could avoid folks for a while, but I guess we’ve got no choice.” The happy expression on Jack’s face was wiped away in a blink. “Dang!” he busted out and punched the ground in a sudden outburst of violence.
Delilah didn’t as much as flinch, just watched him in silence. Immediately his hot temper ceased. “So, what do you think? Are we moving on together?”
“Guess we should ask them,” Jack murmured, his eyes filled with unspoken thoughts.
“Do you think they mean a threat?”
He pursed his lips, but then shook his head briefly.
“So...?” Delilah inquired.
“I don’t like the way they carry their guns. Looks like they draw the wrong kind of attention.”
“Jack, they were nothing but kind. And they helped us when they had no need to. If Billy really gets sick...”
“Yeah, I know. We’ll need any help we can get.” Jack ran his hands over his face. “Guess, we’ll just keep our eyes open.” His look wandered into the darkness where their new companions had disappeared.
As silence stretched, he turned and faced Delilah again, his eyes gently caressing her face.
-o-o-o-
Meanwhile the boys had tended to the horses, and Heyes checked on Kid Curry’s hand.
“Jack Odium?” the blond said in a mocking voice, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Heyes nodded and smiled, removing the bandage. “Yeah, a man with a past. Most likely a man like us.”
“You know him?”
“Nope, haven’t seen him before. But I know Racine – and he knows me.”
“He as bad a guy as they say?”
“Worse. He’s mad like a dog, and there’s more blood on his hands than running in his veins. Guess he had nothing left to lose when he decided to take the chance and go for a break-out. Wouldn’t mind a couple of dead men more on his slate.”
“You think he’s headin’ this way?”
Doubt showed up in Heyes’ dark-brown eyes. “I don’t know, but Jack seems to be sure.”
“Why?”
“Some old story? He said he knows him, and he looked rather concerned. Maybe a score to settle?”
“You think Jack’s that kinda guy?”
“Doesn’t strike me that way, but who knows? Looks can be deceptive. Just look at you. Who would take you as the fastest gun in the West by face value?” Heyes teased, as he moved and prodded the Kid’s injured wrist. “Knowing Racine, I doubt he’s gathering his old gang. If he’s not straight due south yet, he’s out for revenge. And he won’t chance meeting the hangman's daughter in leaving witnesses behind.”
“Ouch! Be careful!” his partner complained. “You wanna get outta here?”
“I don’t think we have that choice,” Heyes said seriously.
“Why not?”
“You can’t handle your gun...”
“Yeah, bad luck at its worst. But we wouldn’t need my gun, if we’d make a run for it.”
“...and we can’t run, because you can’t handle a horse with a swollen paw like this either.” Heyes put more force than necessary into the task of dressing the hand again.
Kid Curry sucked in a breath and snapped, “You care about your horse! I care about mine! I can handle my horse anytime with my left. Nothing I haven’t done in the past.”
“Yeah, with a good enough reason.”
“And Racine isn’t good enough a reason?”
“It’s not like it’s life or death. He knows me, so what’s he gonna do? Run to the sheriff and get arrested?” Heyes told him softly. “We don’t even know if he’s coming our way.”
“We could play it safe.”
“And leave Delilah and the kid behind?” Kid Curry’s eyes grew hard, and Heyes nodded before he continued, “Jack might be a good man, but whatever it is, he has a history with Racine. You think he can handle him alone?”
“I don’t know. Do you?”
“Nope, and I very much doubt you’d take a chance. See – no leaving.” Heyes smiled briefly, his voice was tight, but fondness warmed his dark eyes. “Let’s go to sleep. Maybe things will look better in the morning.”
-o-o-o-
The morning sun found all of them well, except for Billy. The boy was even more pale than the day before. His big blue eyes were too bright, and a harsh coughing shook his fragile figure now and again.
Delilah acted like the personification of concern, hovering over him like a mother hen. “He’s got a tender constitution. That’s why we’re moving south. He’s going to need a doctor checking on him.” She quickly glanced over to Jack. The look on his face was as apprehensive as hers.
“Then we should get moving,” Heyes said. “It’ll take about two days with the wagon to Hancock.”
“Two days?” Delilah’s eyes grew wide. “Isn’t there any place closer?”
“No, ma’am, I’m sorry.”
“Can you give us directions?” Jack asked.
“We can show you the way,” Heyes offered. “It’s on our route anyway. If you’ll have our company that is.”
“We’d be happy to have you with us, wouldn’t we, Jack?”
“Of course, ma’am. We’d be happy. Very happy,” he confirmed politely, his tone even, his facial expression unreadable.
-o-o-o-
The sun was casting long shadows, when the small convoy trotted down the main street of the dusty town of Hancock. Heyes and Curry scanned the surroundings alertly. When they passed by the sheriff's office, their eyes lingered on the sign, before they exchanged a look of relief.
As they broke eye contact, the Kid noticed Jack watching them. The young man didn’t comment but kept a straight face and slowly shifted his focus to the horses again.
Only a short way down the street a sign indicated Doctor Henry Miller’s Office, situated between a barber’s shop and a carpentry store. In front of his place the woodworker was sanding a raw wooden box, about 6’ long and 20’’ wide.
“Convenient,” Heyes remarked drily, which earned him disapproving glances from his companion. “I’m just saying.” He shrugged and smiled apologetically. “You wanna go first, Thaddeus?”
Kid Curry squared his shoulders. “You want me 6’ under?”
“No, to the doctor’s I mean. Check on your hand.” Heyes’ smile was all innocent.
“I’m not sure that’s much of a difference,” the blond answered, throwing a sideways glance at the coffin-to-be. “And I don’t think it’s necessary.”
“You’re not scared, are you?” Heyes prodded
“Nah, it’s just not that bad. Almost healed up again.” He hesitated for a moment. “And it is kinda forebodin’, isn’t it?”
“C’mon, don’t tell me you believe in omens? And what will Billy think of you? Go on, be brave, and give a good example to the kid. I need you ready for action again as soon as possible. You know what depends on your swiftness.”
The blond looked down to his swollen hand, up to the little boy watching him, and eventually slipped off his horse with a deep sigh of surrender. “One day I’ll regret listenin’ to you.”
Doc Miller was a man in his early seventies with grey hair and a face resembling a dried plum. Kid Curry’s wrist was already dressed up professionally. Now the old man checked on Billy, took his temperature and listened to his chest. “That doesn’t sound good, young man, if you’re not meant to harbor a brass band in your chest. Why don’t you go to my assistant, Penny? She’s going to make a nice mustard plaster and chase the guys out, alright?”
Jack hunkered down beside the boy. “What do you think, Billy; we goin’ to see the nice lady?” Billy hesitated for a moment, glanced to his mother, and then laid his arms around Jack’s neck, who lifted him up on his arms.
Doc Miller watched the both of them leave but held the mother back. “I’m sorry, ma’am. His condition is serious. He’s running quite a fever and there’s indication for pneumonia.”
Delilah gasped and the color drained from her face. “Is there anything I can do for him?”
“The usual, keep him warm and dry. He needs rest and lots of fluids. Where are you staying here in town?”
“We’re only passing through and were planning on moving on.”
The old man shook his head seriously. “He must not be moved. Traveling would do him no good.” With long-practiced routine he wrapped a portion of white powder in a small paper sheet. “Give him a pinch of this here powder in tea or water every two hours. It will help to break the fever. I’ll check on him tomorrow. Can you stay in town?”
“I... I’m not sure we can do this. We’ll set up camp just out of town and bring him in again, if it’s alright with you?”
“Yes, if that's the best you can do. See you tomorrow then.”
“We’ll be here,” she promised him. “Thank you, Doctor Miller.”
-o-o-o-
Last edited by royannahuggins on Fri 04 Mar 2022, 5:53 pm; edited 4 times in total | |
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