Turning Point

Bruce had followed Wade's directions

to Domain's next lair,

hoping that his protection

would be enough for the girl there.

The guard was a pushover, soon filled with lead;

Bruce barged into the house and found a room with a bed.

A girl asleep, the drugged food right beside.

Bruce frowned and knelt at the bed by her side.

"What am I supposed to do?

I have to get her back to Lou."

He wasn't sure if he could live up to

the man seen inside by Lou.

He wasn't sure if goodness was in his grasp

but wanted to make an impression that would last.

One that wouldn't fill folks with fear

when they heard Bruce Buchanan was near.

Most of all, he wanted to be worthy of Lou,

of her smiles and of her smirks, too.

Bruce raised his eyes to the window;

the well outside seemed to beckon.

"A cool drink of water would do us both good, I reckon."

He hauled up a bucket and brought it inside,

washed out a glass and filled it up high.

He tilted the glass up to the girl's lips

and supported her while she took tiny sips.

A moment or two and her eyes opened wide.

She knew Bruce by name and by sight.

"What are you doing?" She pushed him away.

He sat back, for once unable to think of something to say.

"I...I'm here for Lou,

but I'm here for you too."

She eyed him skeptically for a moment or two,

Then said, "You don't remember me, do you?"

"...No..."

"I thought so."

She got up, still wary of his intent;

while he just sat, all his words spent.

"My name's Elizabeth, but I go by Lizzie."

Bruce stood. "Pleasure...now, let's go, if you're not busy?"

They were about to leave, but

the sound of hooves came from outside.

"Stay here." Bruce stepped out and saw Lou.

"Bruce?"

"Lou?"

She walked up to him, her gaze piercing.

He leaned against the house and conjured a smirk.

"Hey."

She stopped inches from him, examining him

like she couldn't quite figure him out.

"What is it, Lou? Stop staring."

Lou smiled a little. "I thought you'd gone."

"I had - I went looking for the girls."

"The girls?"

Lou's attention unfurled.

Lizzie stepped out of the house

and gave Lou a smile.

Lou returned the smile, but then it was gone.

"Bruce...I know this shot is long.

But you've got to come back to the county seat.

Do it for Buck and Wade...and me."

"Back? Why back?

And what does this have to do with Buck?"

Lou bit her lip. "Justice put me in jail for the murder of Domain."

"What! The man is insane!

Didn't you try to explain?"

Lou took Bruce by the shoulders and held him still.

"He says someone has to pay for the crime. You know the drill."

"Oh, come on. I'm not going back there, Lou.

You know I'll hang if I do."

Lou looked him right in the eye.

"I know. But if you don't, Buck will die.

Wade, too, and then you and I

Will have bounties on our heads

and we'll end up dead."

Bruce took a step away.

"So it all depends on me, eh?

What makes you think I'll come back now?"

Lou took his hand. "Because I just know, somehow.

Remember how you kept me from killing Domain?

What was it you said...

You made me believe

there is more I can achieve."

"How could I forget?

But I don't see why

Me coming back would

Do anyone any good."

"Justice needs someone to pay...

or...someone who can say

that Domain was insane

and can help explain

why

he deserved to die.

That's you, Bruce."

Lizzie cleared her throat.

"Sorry...but what about me?"

Bruce glanced at her. "You're free."

"Hang on, Lizzie," Lou said, "come back with us.

With your word and mine, Justice will have to be just."

Lizzie narrowed her eyes, then nodded her head.

"All right. Let's do it," she said.

Lou smiled at her, then took Bruce's hand.

"I'll do my best to keep you alive. Understand?"

Bruce stared at his scarred hand holding hers.

"I'll follow you, Lou. Just say the word."

She gave him a short kiss and touched his face,

then the three of them left that desolate place.