Looking for Lou

Petra has solidified the plans

Hugh sold her what stands

Unger said, they would be able to

Repurpose some of the wood

To save in the cost of materials

If they could.

New supplies arriving daily.

The build was coming along well.

She brought over some lemonade

To Buck so they could sit a spell.

He agreed to be foreman on the job

Missing his woodworking skills

Thought it may be a different way

For him to pay his bills.

For in woodworking lay his heart

And to build the forge for Lou

Seemed a good start

Petra thought it best to stay

Tried not to let her heart get in the way

She owed Lou so much

Buck took the glass, their hands touched

The movement innocent enough

But she nearly dropped the glass

Thankful for Buck's quick hands

She wished these feelings would pass

"You seem on edge today?

Is everything okay?"

Bruce looked at her with concern

Oh, when will she learn?

"I have been thinking of Lou."

Buck looked up, "Have you?"

"Yes, when she wrote me she said

she'd only be gone a few days.

I expected her back by now."

Buck didn't seem fazed.

"She may have just run into some delays."

"Did she say how long

She meant to be gone?"

"Three day, I think."

Buck took a drink.

"It's been more than that."

Petra seemed alarmed

"Do you know where she went?

You don't think she was harmed?"

"I'm sure she's fine.

May have just lost track of time.

But no... I don't know where

She was to go."

"Maybe I'll ask Shamus.

See what he may know."

"All right," Buck said.

"But together we will go."

Petra found Shamus up on boot hill

Seeing him always gave her a small thrill.

"Petra, my love what brings ya to these parts."

He threw down his spade and hugged her to his heart.

Then his smile went away.

"Moved on already Maggie McHaggis?

It's only been a few days."

"Settle down Shamus."

Petra put her hand on his chest.

"He's worried about Lou like I am

That's why where here if you haven't guessed."

Shamus scoffed. "He doesn't care about Lou!"

Buck frowned, "No, I haven't moved on and I do too!"

Shamus flicked Buck's thistle pin. "So says you.

Who ya tryin' to fool me or yerself?"

"Yours?" He asked Petra. She nodded yes.

She's fallen for him, he shoulda guessed.

"It's just a friendship gift."

He gave her chin a lift.

"Don't go lyin' to cover for him.

Ya wear yer heart on yer sleeve.

It's how ya've always been."

"Stop, Shamus. She's not lying."

Good Lord he found Shamus trying.

"Did Lou tell you where she was going?

That's all we want to be knowing."

"If she did I wouldn't be wastin' time talkin' to ya.

She was due back a day ago. I'd have left by now.

It's been drivin me mad, wonderin' if that

No account brother of yers has hurt her somehow."

"You don't know if Bruce has done a thing.

It's just a day. Maybe there was a long

Line at the bank or something."

"Ya really that naïve?

Lou was workin' when she chose to leave.

She likes to get in and get out

Not linger about

She has to deal with many unsavory sorts

Ya know that little about her and claim to love her,

Did ya even notice she was gone?" was his retort.

Shamus looked at Petra. "You need to see CG

She refuses to talk to me. 

But she gave that job to Lou

She may not say anything but if she seems

Worried then you know to be worried too."

Petra nodded and walked away.

Shamus grabbed Buck's arm so he had to stay.

"Petra is a Black Diamond and under MY protection

You hurt her, you'll get hurt."

The threat was noticeable in his inflection.

"You're protection!" Buck scoffed.

"Like that's worth anything.

Sure didn't help Dougie

Or the other men in your ring."

"Besides I have no intention of hurting Petra OR Lou!"

"I thought I was sending my men out to meet the Skirt

He'd know they wouldn't want him hurt

I would have told them to attack

Had I known I was send them out to meet

Some knife-wielding maniac."

"Maniac am I?

I don't give three figs about your threats."

Buck caught up to Petra

He knew he sounded ridiculous

But Petra knowing the truth about Oh Aces

Was his only true regret.