County at Last

Lou, Bruce, and Lizzie headed for County.

Bruce was getting more uneasy. 

Why risk his life for his brother?

Justice needed a scapegoat and Buck would do just as well as another.

But there was Lou, too.

"Bruce, what does Justice have against you?"

Lou glanced back at him.

"What doesn't he have against me, you mean.

I'm a wanted man. I guess the usual."

"You're sure it's not personal?"

"It's a possibility. 

But really I'm the bad guy and he's the good guy. 

It's that simple." He let out a sigh.

But Lou wouldn't let it go. 

"Sleeps with anyone he knows?"

"Probably.

In fact it's almost a guarantee.

But I don't remember."

"Of course not."

"Ask Buck. He might remember.

 He'd at least try - for you. 

What's up with you two?"

"What are you talking about?

I haven't a clue."

Lou stared straight ahead, avoiding his gaze.

Bruce laughed. "Oh, come on, Lou.

You've moved on from him...to me.

Haven't you?"

"So that's what you think."

No direct answer, of course.

"I don't think. I know."

"That night? It it was nice, but you never know

if the person you went to sleep next to will be there in the

morning."

"Yeah..." Bruce seemed embarrassed. "I shouldn't have left."

"Oh, Bruce. You of all people should know better than to fall for me."

"I do know better. That's why I can't believe it."

Lou glanced at him again. 

"What are you going to do about it, then?"

"Talk myself out of it...or wait and see.

What would you do if you were me?"

Lizzie broke in. "Wait and see."

Bruce glared. "I wasn't asking you.

Well, Lou?"

Lou was quiet for a moment. "I'm a wait and see girl.

I guess you'll have to wait and see what Justice says.

But don't worry, Marshmallow, I'll protect you!

You've got Louise McGinty in your corner."

Bruce met her eyes. "Do I? Do I really?"

"For the time being...yes.

Let's get back to County."

Lou spurred her horse.

***

They arrived at County late in the morning

And headed straight for the jail. 

Each step closer was harder.

Bruce took a deep breath and flung open the door,

Lou close behind with Lizzie in the rear.

"Billy?!"

"Bruce? And Lou!

What's been keeping you?"

Lou sighed. "Gathering evidence."

Her eyes narrowed as she saw Billy's star.

"What's going on here? Where's Justice?"

"Dead."

------

His words hit her like a shot.

"Is this your way of being funny

because it's not."

"No, I'm sorry Lou.

But it's true."

"When? How?"

"Not a long time from now.

He got thrown from his horse

Chasing down some bandits of course.

The injuries were too severe.

He didn't even make it 

through the night I fear."

Lou eyes drifted to the cell.

"Bloody hell!

Where's Buck? Tell me he's okay."

"Yeah, Lou. Buck's fine.

I sent him away."

Lou's face was a look of relief

Mixed with a feeling of grief.

"Hang on does this mean I'm immune right now?

If Lou confessed they can't hang ME right away?

Can they?"

Billy frowned,

"Always putting yourself above."

Lou rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I feel loved."

"Lou,

I can't worry about you

Not when I'm worried about myself

Being disposed of."

Lou laughs, "Of course not.

I wonder what Pearce is up to these days."

"Hey!" Bruce got in her way.

"It wasn't Pearce you were trying so hard to save."

"That may be true," 

Lou looked at Billy,

"is he still here?"

"He is his hotel room.

You're planning on seeing him,

I presume."

"He's not still under guard?

Because last time sneaking into his room

was kind of hard."

Billy grinned.

"Nope Lou you can walk right in."

Bruce said,

"I'll go with you, you never know

what might happen if you go alone."

"Oh no,

I'll be fine,

No need for a babysitter this time."

"Really, Lou I think it's best."

"NO need to worry yourself

you can hang here and rest."

"Lou, you know I didn't say I didn't care

I just didn't say that I did."

"And I'm not saying I'll get in trouble

But then again who knows."

Her grin she only slightly  hid.

"Go on then, if things go wrong

I'm sure Marshal Billy will come along."

"Funny how you never worry about

if things go right."

With those words 

Lou disappeared

Out of sight.

Billy looked at Bruce 

"You really going to let her go?

"She already thinks I don't care.

Maybe it's for the best, you know."

"Yeah, except for the fact that you do.

You're in deep 

whether you admit it or not

you're in love with Lou.

But you trifle with her

Consider it my warning to you

You'll lose more than you know

Something I learned

the hard way from Rue."