Billy and Jasper arrived at Doc U. B. Well's.

"You... stay out here. Understood?"

He didn't want Jasper jumping in saying things that really ought not be said, which Jasper was sort of famous for. Perhaps from spending most of his time as a cat it altered his personality and gave him that no filter, I don't give a shit gene, that most felines carry.

Jasper took in Billy's hard look, shrugged, turned back into a cat and curled up on the rug.

Billy was not looking forward to this talk. To ask Jujube for help with Ruechari went against his better judgment. He'd prefer to keep them apart. That kiss he witnessed at the Jamboree was still pretty fresh in his mind. However, for the same reason he'd keep them apart, he knew there really was no one else he would trust more to keep her safe.

Billy walking through Doc's door shocked Jujube. The last person he would expect to see him off would be Billy. As soon as Autumn returns, they are going to leave Busted Gulch. He still could not believe she agreed. Although, he was pretty sure part of the reasoning behind her actions had to do with putting distance between him and Ruechari.

"What are you doing here? I've already said my good-byes to Rue?"

It nagged him slightly that he still failed to explain to Autumn what had happened when Ruechari saved his life. Jujube took that bullet from Tex Mex's gun to save Autumn. He died that day. It pierced his heart but Ruechari lobbied to the ancestors' to give him a second chance. They agreed but now his life is tied to Ruechari's. Well, technically to the Shaman of the West who Ruechari just happens to be.

Billy was starting to think perhaps he should work on his people skills. So, far no one has seemed particularly pleased to see him. "I need your help. Rue... she's in trouble."

Jujube erupted in laughter. "Already, that was fast. I had hoped it would last more then a day." Just this morning he asked her to settle down and keep safe since his life now depends on her staying alive. This was a new record for Rue.

Billy didn't quite know what to say to such a response.

Jujube wore a smirk as he took in Billy's confused expression. "I've known Ruechari since she was three. She's always been a wild child. This is far from surprising as that girl is trouble with a capital T. You'll see."

Billy frowned. It irked him even further that Jujube seemed to know her better than him, or at least that was his claim. "She's headed back to Destiny. I don't know why but I can't follow. So, I hoped you would go?"

Jujube hands stilled on his pack. "Me? But Autum and I..." He did not care for the sudden grim expression Billy wore. "Why?"

"I've been in Destiny with her before. I fear what she has to face. That whatever it may be, may remove her permanently from this place."

"Why do I get the feeling you are not talking about BG... that you mean for all eternity?"

Billy features became set in stone. He did not say a word, yet his message was clearly heard.

Jujube sighed. "Autumn isn't going to like this."

Billy could more than understand why. "I need you to leave tonight. Before she has gotten too far ahead."

Jujube couldn't believe Billy's nerve. "You're killing me."

"On the contrary, I'm trying to save your life. IF Rue dies..."

"Yeah, yeah. I know so do I. So, she's told you about me?"

Billy nodded, and just to make it perfectly clear added, "Rue and I have no secrets. But should something happen to her, you and I both have a lot to lose. However, I leave the choice up to you."

Jujube knew there was no other choice to make. "There isn't anything I wouldn't do for Rue and YOU know it."

For the first time since he came into the room Billy smiled but it was more of a cocky grin. "That IS true." He was counting on it.

Jujube ran his hand over the back of his neck. "What do I tell Autumn? Where do I begin?"

Then Chief ThingaMajig who was standing by the doorway decided to chime in. He'd been standing just outside the door listening. He had a vision of Ruechari. He already knew the trouble she would face. He too came to ask Jujube for help, but now it would seem his quest was in vain.

"That's where I may be of help to you."

"Chief?"

"I'll watch over Autumn, Jujube. If you take care of Ruechari?"

Jujube felt some relief. He really wished he could remove Autumn from this town. If she were in the Chief's care at least he'd have less to worry about there.

"Well, well well... Doesn't this just take the cake? A bunch of men standing around, deciding MY fate?"

The three men looked sheepishly, having been caught. "Autumn I ..."

She held up a hand to silence Jujube. "No one makes up MY mind but me." She came from the Red House Girls. A group of young woman who were kidnapped and trafficked by Gordita, Tex Mex's right hand woman. She'd never allow someone else to control her life again.

Billy quickly filled her in concluding with, "I need him to go after her, Autumn."

Autumn hated this idea, but the reality that she owed her life to Billy and Jujube's to Ruechari, weighed heavily. After expelling a long sigh, she said, "Go. Find Ruechari. Stick by her side. Keep her alive. I'll be here waiting for you, Jujube."

Billy wanted to hug the girl for understanding just how important this was to him but felt compelled to say, "I need you to know there can be no guarantees."

Autumn wasn't sure if Billy was alluding to Jujube coming back alive or that she now ran the risk of losing him to Ruechari but either way she didn't like the idea, and frowned.

Jujube crossed the room in two steps and gathered her up in his arms. "Now you listen to me. I swear it on my life I'm coming back for you. When I do, I want you for my wife."

Autumn eyes filled with tears and she threw her arms around him. He pulled her closer still, giving her a kiss. Billy left, not wanting to witness this.

He stood on the porch, and pulled a box from his vest pocket, flipping it open. He was going to ask her tonight. So, much for second chances. He should have known it was too good to be true. Now he could care less about anything other than bringing her home again.

"Ooo, Shiny!" Jasper said leaning over Billy's shoulder. Billy snapped the box shut. He had forgotten he left Jasper on the porch. Jasper moves pretty darn silent even as a human, or perhaps Billy could blame it on his thoughts. It wasn't like him to be caught so easily unaware.

"Was that for Rue?" Jasper asked. Loopy Lou mentioned to him that Billy might be popping the question. He wondered how she knew.

Billy shoved the box back in his vest. "I'm not discussing this with you."

Jasper shrugged, "Suit, yourself. Jujube ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready and you might be?" Jujube asked, as he joined them on the porch.

"Jasper. A friend of Ruechari's."

Jujube looked at Jasper but appeared obviously unimpressed. "You must be my back up?"

Jasper grinned, careful to hide his canines. He was use to people underestimating him. "Really? I thought you were mine?"

Billy couldn't believe he was forced to leave the fate of Ruechari in either of these two idiots hands. Severely depressed he said, "Let's get you both saddled up. You can discuss this another time."

In no time at all they were ready to leave. Billy looked up at Jujube. "I'm counting on you to bring her home."

Jujube understood. He wished he could in some way reassure him, all he could really say was... "We have no intention of letting you down."

Billy watched them leave town with a heavy heart.