Disclaimer: This story is the copyright of nesciri and are published for others to read. Any abuse or infringement of the author's rights will be governed by Swedish law. The characters have been borrowed from the TV-drama "The Young Riders" . This has not been done in order to violate the copyright of the authors of that show, however, if an infringement has been done, please notify nesciri and this page will be removed. Any drawings are the copyright of nesciri and may not be used without the written permission of nesciri.

Continous Stories

 Part 11

The Reverend looked at the family before him and tried his best to console them. He was worried about them. The girl seemed didn't appear to have fully understand the situation, but then her mother's behaviour was clearly more upsetting than anything else. Mrs. Craven was heartbroken and the Reverend suspected that she had depended deeply on her husband. And the boy - the Reverend was not sure on how to react to it. The boy had changed from a stoic silence to a thoughtful boy who spoke only when spoken to and never about his father or his death. The Reverend could not with the best of his abilities understand if the boy was scared of something or if he still was in shock. Sometimes there was something uncanny about the whole appearance. Finally he had put it down to the boy's effort of coping with his father's death and placing himself in his father's position. That was brave of the boy, but his reluctance to speak about the murder was indeed worrying.

James looked in disgust at his mother and sister. They were still crying. Didn't they see how much better everything would be now that father was dead? Never to be afraid of his temper and rages again? They didn't need him anyway. He would take care of them and when all this was over, his mother could sell the land and they could move back. Now all he had to do was to make sure his father's murderer was caught. He couldn't be silent for much longer without people wondering. Besides he already knew what he needed to do - he just needed some help.

The murder was the issue over dinner in the bunkhouse that night. Ike was visibly concerned about Emery's allegations towards Buck and wanted to know what Teaspoon intended to do. Ever since Teaspoon had explained that he couldn't do much, Ike's mood had been down.
"Come on, Ike - Emery's just making a lot of noise. He ain't able to start up any trouble," Cody said lightly.
"Ain't so sure," Jimmy said. "He sure had a lot of men with him out to the homestead."
"You were there?" Noah asked with only a hint of suspicion in his voice.
"I'd promised to visit," Jimmy said casually knowing that Ike and Noah stared at him. He could even feel Lou's disapproving eye as he reached for the mashed potatoes. What the hell, he thought, they would find out sooner or later anyway.
"Why?" Noah said.
"The boy needed someone else besides his father to talk to," Jimmy said.
"And you happened to be that one?"
"I know how he feel."
"Sure. And then you had to play his big brother? I thought we had an understanding that we'd have nothing to do with them."
"You had an understanding - I never agreed to anything."
Noah was about to continue, when Rachel interrupted.
"Not over dinner. I wont have any arguments at the table, is that clear?"
Silence settled over the table and it was some time before Cody opened his mouth.
"It's a good thing we'll be able to prove Buck wasn't around anyway."
<What do you mean?> Ike looked up from his plate.
"Well, he's the most likely suspect, ain't he? He's got a good reason for being angry with Craven and some people swear they heard him say he was gonna kill'im."
"I would have said it to if I was about to whipped," Noah murmured. "That doesn't mean anything."
"Not to us," Cody shrugged, "but some of the fellows at the saloon sure took it seriously. What do you think Kid?"
"What?" Kid looked up from where he'd been sitting deep in thoughts. Cody looked interestingly at him.
"Where you've been?" he asked curiously. "You've been a bit far off these last few days - trouble in Paradise?"
Jimmy, Noah and Ike looked at each other and tried to hide a smile. Only Cody could switch interest like that. And right now they're grateful for the change. The matter of Craven's death was not something they liked to discuss - there was too much at stake.
"What are you talking about?" Kid cast an angry glance at Cody.
"About you and Lou. You've been avoiding each other the last couple of days and I just wondered if something was wrong."
"There's nothing wrong."
"Yeah? Lou never said anything to you during all those rides you've been doing together lately, Jimmy?" Cody asked not thinking.

From the look on Kid's face it was clear that he had no idea about what Cody was talking about. Jimmy looked as if he wanted to disappear. The others looked at Jimmy and Kid and too late Cody realised his error. If Jimmy and Kid argued, Lou often was the spark that ignited the anger. And Cody had just managed to set it off.

"Lou and you've been out riding?" Kid's voice was filled with suspicion. He knew it was stupid, but there was something about Jimmy and Lou's friendship that gave him a strange feeling of uneasiness. He couldn't explain what it was, but it troubled him. Not that he'd ever admit to it, but he wasn't always able to hide it either.
"She's followed me out to Craven's a few times, that's all," Jimmy replied reluctantly.
"Why?" Kid asked, although he was somehow aware of that Lou had discussed the matter with him. He should have listened better to her, he thought, instead of questioning Jimmy. But he couldn't take back the question.
Jimmy squirmed. He didn't like this a bit. Whatever he said would turn out wrong.
"She wanted to hear the boy's story herself," he finally admitted. This triggered an immediate response from Ike.
<Didn't she believe Buck?>
"It has nothing to do with Buck!" Jimmy explained.
"So it's about Lou then?" Kid asked bitterly.
"Why don't you ask her?" Jimmy retorted as Teaspoon walked through the door.
"What's goin' on here?" he bellowed. "I could here you from miles away - thought I was in the wrong place. You boys make more noise than a fox in a hen house."
At this, the boys shamefully silenced as Teaspoon seated himself at the end of the table.
"That's better - got a plate for me, Rachel?"

The rest of the evening went without any trouble. Teaspoon had told them that everything was quiet in town. Just before they turned in he had taken Jimmy aside and asked him to talk to the boy again. The boy was their only witness and since Jimmy apparently was close to him, maybe he could get the boy to open up. Jimmy had asked about what the others would say and Teaspoon promised to talk to them.
"Who do you think did it Teaspoon?" Jimmy asked just before they parted.
"I wish I had an idea. Unfortunately there's nobody that springs to mind - of course, considering what Noah found out it might be somebody from his past. I've had Barnett check out any newcomers."
"You think the boy can tell us anything?"
"That's all we have right now. Don't scare him off though, just get him to talk."
"I'll try." Jimmy promised and turned away. Teaspoon looked after the boy and sighed. How tough Jimmy might seem on the outside he'd a big heart and Teaspoon hated to see him hurt.

The following morning saw Noah and Kid head out on runs, none of them willing to leave. Cody had on Teaspoon's request accompanied him back to town, while the others where left doing chores. When they arrived, Barnett was waiting for them.
"Anything?" Teaspoon asked. Barnett shook his head.
"If there was anyone from out of town here then, he didn't come on the stage or slept at the hotel. Nobody can remember anyone either."
"You asked at the saloon?"
"Yep. Nothing."
"Well, it was worth a try," Teaspoon sighed and took Cody aside. "I got a job for you," he started when the Reverend opened the door, followed by Emery.
"Marshal," he started, looking around to see who was there and apparently content with the few present, continued, "I think you better come with me."
"What about?"
"I talked to the boy this morning - I think he has something to say to you."
"Did he tell you who did it?" Teaspoon looked in amazement at the Reverend.
"Well, he described the person he saw," the Reverend said.
"Who?" Emery demanded and the Reverend turned as if he first now had noticed his presence.
"Get out of here, Emery," Teaspoon suggested.
"I've got a right to know who murdered my friend."
Teaspoon ignored him and Cody approached the man with a sinister smile on his face.
"You heard the marshal, Emery - get out." To make his meaning clear he placed his hand casually on his gun. Emery took the hint and quickly disappeared from the office. Cody carefully closed the door behind him.
"Continue, Reverend."
"I think you should talk to the boy yourself," the Reverend continued.
"Why couldn't he tell us earlier?"
"He says he was too scared. In fact I think he's still scared, but he's trying to be the man of the family. This whole thing has put a lot of pressure on him, so you better take it easy, marshal."
Teaspoon looked suspiciously at the Reverend.
"You know who it is, don't you?"
The Reverend sighed.
"I recognised him from the boy's description, yes."
Teaspoon suddenly had a feeling of uneasiness.
"Who?"
The Reverend looked him straight in the face.
"The young Indian rider at the station, Buck Cross."
A sudden noise from the back of the room was heard and Cody rushed over only to see Emery run from the building as if there was fire in his pants. After running a few steps Cody realised that he wouldn't be able to stop him so he returned to the office, where Teaspoon still tried to fathom what the Reverend said.
"But the boy didn't name him, did he?"
"No. He said that he hadn't seen him before."
Teaspoon tried to figure out if the boy had seen Buck when they had been searching for but he couldn't remember seeing the boy there. If the boy was able to point out Buck without seeing him before it would certainly not be in their favour. He turned to Cody as the rider returned.
"It was Emery. I had no chance of getting hold of him."
"Damn," Teaspoon begun and then with a glance at the Reverend, "sorry, father. Do you think he heard us?"
"Yes."
Teaspoon turned to the Reverend.
"You go back to the family, father and I'll come over to talk to the boy later."
The Reverend nodded and took his hat. As soon as he'd left Cody turned to Teaspoon.
"That boy's lying. There's no way Buck killed Craven!"
"I know - but Emery is probably telling the whole town the opposite now. I need you head out, Cody, and that now!"
"What am I to do?"
"Meet up with Buck and tell him what's happened. Get his side of the story and tell him to stay away."
"Where should he go?"
"That's up to him. Just make sure he understands that I want him to stay clear of the station and of the town. If necessary he'll have to go into hiding for a while. He'll know how to do that. Make sure that you know how to get hold of him if we have to."
Cody nodded and was about to leave, when Teaspoon stopped him.
"Take the back door. And Cody, when you've agreed on a meeting place, keep it to yourself. Don't tell anybody."
"Ike will---"
"Not to anybody, not even me. Is that clear? You being the only one that knows are best right now. Now get going."
When Cody left Teaspoon sank down in his chair. For a moment he contemplated the idea that maybe Buck had been there and maybe he'd killed Craven in self-defence. But it didn't hold. If that had happened, Buck would not have just left the place. The boy must be lying, although he couldn't see for what reason. The only thing he could do was to talk to the boy.

As he rode out he looked around wondering where Emery had gone. Seeing nothing of the man he pushed him out of his mind and urged his horse into a gallop.

Cody rode as fast as he could, keeping a good look over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't followed. He hoped Buck would stick to the run or he might miss him. And if Buck was carrying a reply with him for Teaspoon he might head straight into town, which probably wasn't such a good idea. So Cody took advantage of every hill he could to stop and overlook the landscape, hoping in his heart that he wouldn't be too late.

Jimmy rode out to the homestead. It was later than he'd expected but with Lou and Cody occupied there had been more chores to do than usual. It was with some surprise he saw Teaspoon dismount outside the cottage.
"What are you doing here, Teaspoon?" Then he saw the grim look on Teaspoon's face.
"Our young friend here just described the killer to the Reverend."
"Who?"
"Buck."
Jimmy tired to get his mind to function. Finally he managed to ask.
"Why would he do that?"
"That's what I hope to find out."
"Want me with you?"
Teaspoon looked at him.
"Won't do any harm I suppose," he admitted as he knocked on the door. It was opened almost immediately by the Reverend.
"Good you're here. Come on in. Mrs. Craven is in bed, Doc gave her something to calm her down, but the boy is right here. He wants me to stay when you talk to him. I hope that is in order?"
"I got nothing against it," Teaspoon said. "Let's talk to him then."

Finally Cody saw what he was looking for. A rider was approaching him and after a few seconds of watching the tiny figure on the plain, Cody saw that it was Buck. He urged his horse forward to meet his friend. Buck held in his horse and dismounted as the rider approached him. He watched in surprise as Cody held in his horse and jumped down next to him.
"What are you doing here, Cody?" he asked.
"Looking for you," Cody replied wryly.
Buck frowned.
"Why?"
"There's trouble in town - Craven's been killed."
"What's that got to do with me?"
"The boy claims he saw you do it."
Buck's face darkened.
"I haven't been near their place ---"
"I know, but Emery overheard it and he's probably telling the whole town right now. Teaspoon wants you to stay away from the station and the town until we can prove you didn't do it."
"That will make me look guilty."
"Teaspoon hopes that it will only be for a day or two - then he believes it should be calmer in town."
"I still don't see why I can't return to the station."
Cody squirmed uncomfortable.
"When Teaspoon was out by Craven's place he and Jimmy met with something that looked more like a posse than anything else. He's worried they'll do something stupid."
"That's why he wants me to stay away?"
"It's only for a few days," Cody said encouragingly. "He doesn't want to know where you are, just let me know how we can get hold of you."
Buck stared out over the plains. There weren't to many hiding places out there, but he knew of a few. Finally he nodded, although he was not pleased with the events.
"You know the arroyo north of Thunder Mesa?"
Cody nodded.
"If you wait at the south entrance, I'll find you."
Cody sighed with relief. He'd thought that it would be much harder to convince Buck to stay away. He had a bad feeling about this and if Buck was at a safe distant he would feel much better.
"OK. I better head back now. I'll be back as soon as I know something. Here," he said as he turned and picked up a small bag from his saddlebag, "I passed by Thomkins on my way. You better take my blanket as well." He handed the items over to Buck, who smiled faintly at him.
"I don't intend to stay away for a month, Cody," he said as he felt the weight of the bag.
"Just because a man is hiding doesn't mean he shouldn't be able to have a decent meal," Cody stated with a smile. "Now take care and don't let any of Craven's men see you. I'll probably be back in a day or two."
Buck nodded. He tried not to let Cody see his anger and frustration but it was hard. Besides he was tired. He still felt the stiffness from the healing wounds on his back and the long hours in the saddle had done nothing to improve that. He longed to be back in his bunk, but it looked as if was forced to wait a bit longer before he could get back - and all because of a stupid lie. He wondered what he had done that possessed the boy to pin the murder on him. He'd never even seen the boy, less talk to him. He watched Cody return and the he mounted and headed north. He might as well find a suitable place for the night as once.

Cody returned to the station, where Teaspoon was waiting. Cody quickly informed him that he'd managed to intercept Buck and that he now was on his way away from Sweetwater.
"That's good," Teaspoon nodded approvingly.
"What are you doin' here, Teaspoon? Shouldn't you be in town?"
"There's no trouble in town - yet. I haven't seen Emery around either. I'm waiting for Lou to return."
"I forgot that. She should be back any minute now, right?"
Teaspoon nodded and resumed his wait. But there was no Lou in sight as darkness settled over the station. Kid returned from his run and he had not seen anything of her. Worried Teaspoon decided to get back to town after dinner with strict orders to the rider to get him when Lou turned up.

To part 12