A flash of blinding light lit the room and a scent of burning powder permeated the surroundings. An older man exited out from beneath a dark cloth connected to a wooden box, or so it seemed. In truth, it was a standing camera. The photographer grinned brightly, readjusting his glasses to eye the blond man with rifle in hand. "Would that be all, sir?"

Billy, who had been posing in his Sunday finest, rifle in his right hand, was grinning. He had finally had his chance to get photographed and he took it. It had been nearly a week since killing Sheriff Brady. They had been laying low per Kristal's suggestion and oddly enough, Billy agreed, but mostly so the woman could heal properly. He had tried prying information from the woman about Wilkes and her old life, but the woman evaded him over and over again. Billy found her talking to Charlie a lot more and it seemed like they were getting close. She was also often found to be reading aloud to which Doc, Charlie and surprisingly Steve would be sitting nearby listening to her. Billy had to admit that her soft raspy voice was soothing. He liked listening to her as well, but he tried not to show it.

When the woman couldn't be found, along with Chavez, he knew they were off picking at each other's skills with their knives. Chavez was trying to help her get her strength back in her injured shoulder. Billy had found them one evening trying to outdo each other. The blond had placed his money on the woman and sure enough she had bested even Chavez. Damn was she skilled and that was only what she had shown them so far. Billy was sure she had many more skills that she hadn't shown them yet. It made him wonder for the hundredth time what all she could do.

The photographer cleared his throat, breaking into Billy's thoughts. "Sir?"

The picture-man's voice caught his attention and he appeared thoughtful before his gaze fell on an image near the entrance of the room. "Actually, no. I'll take another one." His eyes zeroed in on the dark clad figure, alone near the window, a grin lighting his face. "Get one more of me and this lovely lady right here!"

"Very good, sir. It'll take a moment to finish with this one. And I'll set the camera back up." The spectacled man took the plate and moved to a dark room in the back, not bothering to look back at the woman in question. She unnerved the sophisticated man, not just by how she dressed, but also by how she acted. Plus she kept playing with that knife. It made him nervous!

***

Leaning against a post near the large display window in the front of the shop, twirling a knife in hand, Kristal hadn't been paying much attention to the picture taking. She was merely there to give Billy backup in case anyone tried anything against him. Plus she had needed to go to the local post office to mail a letter. Billy had been surprised she offered and had quickly taken her up on it, even though she practically ignored him the entire time they were in town.

However, Kristal hadn't realized how boring this whole picture taking thing would be. It took the picture-man forever to just get his do-hickey set up. She didn't trust these damn contraptions. The Indians believed it stole a person's spirit or soul. Though she wasn't superstitious, she wasn't sure she liked the idea of her image being readily available for a law man to easily identify her. She happened to like that most law men assumed she was half native American.

Even still, she didn't need any photograph to tell her how hideously unattractive she was. A mirror did that well enough. Even though she did manage to take a real bath the day before, cleaning all the dirt and grime from her flesh, she still knew she wasn't the prettiest gal around. Though, hadn't Dick told her different? She just wasn't sure she believed him. From the scars littering her face and body, her often wild long blonde hair appeared unbrushed -which she had just brushed it that morning-, her pants had a couple holes in them already and they were the ones she had just recently gotten from Mrs. Ellis --- even her duster had seen better days, but she was grateful it hid the wound in her shoulder. As vain as she could be, she didn't dress to be attractive, she dressed for comfort, for ease, and because she liked it. She knew she was certainly no lady and that was fine with her... at least most of the time.

Hearing the blond's request, Kristal merely rolled her eyes, turning to look out the window. Of course he wanted a picture with some lady. Typical man. God damn, now it was gonna be another hour of waiting. Her gaze searched the few women in fancy dresses as they walked by on the boardwalk outside the shop, trying to see which lady he managed to rope into taking a picture with him. Her brows furrowed when she saw no one interested in his offer. People just kept walking by, not even bothering to look through the large window. What lady was he talking about then?

It was then that Billy approached her, and she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. What was he doing? As she turned to look at him, confusion in her hunter green colored eyes, the man in question extended his hand towards her, palm up. Kristal just stared at his palm at a loss for words. What did he want?

Wait...

He didn't think...?

Surely he didn't mean her? Was this some kind of joke? It had to be. Billy was messing with her.

"Very funny, Bonney. Go ahead, joke. Laugh it up." Kristal's arms crossed over her chest, leaving his hand hanging, her expression unamused.

Confusion crossed Billy's face, eyes searching her features trying to understand, "this isn't a joke, Kris. C'mon. Take a photograph with me."

The photographer exited the room and glanced at the two of them. Raising an eyebrow he tilted his head slightly. "Would the... uh... lady like to freshen up first? Or... change into something... else?" Not waiting for an answer, the man pressed his spectacles up his nose, grabbing a vial, he turned back to head into his dark room, "just a few more minutes and I'll be ready for your next photograph, sir."

It was then that she realized Billy was indeed referring to... her! He wasn't joking. He was serious!

"Wait... yer actually serious!?" She shook her head and stepped back, lifting her hands in protest. "No! I don't think so! I'm not... this ain't... why me?" She was stammering! Why the hell was she stammering?!

"Yeah, I am serious!" Billy began, still somewhat confused by her behavior. "C'mon Kris. It'll be fun. 'Sides you're the only one who bothered to come with me. The others chose not to." He gave a soft sigh, "I'd like ya ta be in it, that's why?"

Kristal blinked, at a loss for words for a brief moment and then shook her head, brows creasing even more. "I wouldn't be here either 'cept ya begged an' I didn't want no one killin' ya. Or ya startin' shit with folk like ya tend ta do." The woman waved her hand, taking another step back as Billy took one forward, his hand still held out towards her.

"See. Ya like me enough to come keep an eye on me. Now, would ya do me the honor of takin' a photograph with me?" Billy's grin was back, noticing how she kept backing up. "I'd be ever so grateful."

"Bonney... I ain't..." Kristal tried to think of something, anything to get herself out of this. "I ain't cleaned up... an m' clothes are all ragged."

"Please? Don't make me beg again..." He finally captured her hand just as she backed into the wall. "Ya just took a bath yesterday. Your clothes are fine, jus' take off yer coat if you're so worried. Ya got on yer nice vest and..." he stopped his eyes lowering to the lacey frill of her chemise peeking out from under her dark vest. "It'll be fine."

Dark green eyes just stared at him, her lips pressed together, deadpan. He was serious... Of course he was! He was also seriously insane. His attention to detail, namely what she was wearing unnerved her, though. "I look like shit, Bonney. M' hair..."

The blond didn't give her a chance to answer, he reached out and pulled her hat a little lower leaving her momentarily speechless. He then brandished a small comb from his pocket, holding it out to her. "Ya can brush it if ya like, but ya look fine without. Ya look wild, untamed. It's perfect. It's who ya are."

Again she blinked, her eyes searching his features confused by his words. Why was he talking so... so... sweetly to her? After a moment she shook herself out of her confusion, "this is ridiculous. If I do this, ya'll owe me."

A grin tugged at his lips and he gently pulled her forward, towards the spot he had stood at before when taking the last picture, his eyes never leaving her face. "I will do anything ya ask, Miss Starr, if ya take a picture with me."

Kristal's eyes narrowed, he was behaving oddly and it was making her a bit nervous. Should she believe him? "Anything?"

A brow rose at her question, and his grin switched to an amused smirk, "Within reason of course."

"Of course..." she murmured, mulling over his words as well as his expression. Would giving in be so bad? Especially if she made this deal with him? "Fine!" She practically shouted her exasperation. "I still think this is bull shit, though."

"Nah, it's fun." The boy was practically giddy at her agreement. The photographer returned and eyed the two with a raised bushy brow. Billy went over to the man and talked in hushed tones and the man nodded.

Happy, Billy stood where he had stood before with his last picture and held his hand out to her. Kristal balked, now standing near the photographer. This seemed absurdly ridiculous to her. What did she need a photograph for? It was pointless. It was only a way to give the law an exact image of what one looked like in order to capture them and hang them. She was seriously starting to rethink this deal.

"Are you sure the lady doesn't want to... uh...change?" The man motioned to a door, eyeing her up and down with a skeptical raise of his brows. "There's a changing room right over there."

The dark haired man shook her out of her reverie and a frown pulled at her features. "Why? Do I look like shit?" Her gaze tilted downwards, to take in her appearance. "I knew it. I look awful! I don't think this is such a good idea." She started to back away once again.

Billy shot the photographer a sharp and withering look before hurrying forward and grasping her hand before she bolted. "No, you're beautiful, Kris." He gently tugged her forward. "I promise."

Kristal just raised a brow, pausing in her fight. The confusion in her eyes returned. "I never know when ta take ya seriously, Bonney." With a roll of her eyes, she stepped forward without realizing it.

"I can be serious." He was smiling as she took another step closer. He was silently guiding her. "I'm being serious now. I mean it. Ya look..." he held her at arm's length, cornflower blue eyes looking her up and down, appraising her. "...perfect."

The woman was speechless. What the hell was this? What the hell was he doing? He was starting to make her nervous. It was a weird feeling and she wasn't sure she liked it. "Billy---"

Shaking his head, he cut her off. "I ain't gonna lie to ya, Kris. I mean what I say."

This was getting a little too close and personal for her liking. "Seriously, Billy, stop makin' fun. Why don't ya find another gal ta take this photograph with." She tried tugging her hand from his grip, though not very hard. "There's lots o' gals purtier..."

"There ain't no girl, prettier. I promise ya that." Billy quickly interjected. "And I ain't makin' fun. I'm seriously wantin' a photograph with ya." He then smirked already knowing how she'd respond to what he would say next but he needed to lighten things up. There was panic in her eyes and he did not want her to bolt. "Though I do have a dress ya can change into if ya like."

"What?" The quick change in subject threw her off kilter. "Why do you have a dress? Where the hell did ya get it?" Kristal asked, partially accusing and partially suspicious. It was kind of strange that Billy just happened to conveniently have a dress nearby.

"Yup! I've been savin' it for a while now. Mr. Tunstall got it for ya, all that time ago and I kept it just in case." Motioning to the door and his horse hitched up to the post outside. "I can get it if ya like?"

"What?!" The word seemed to be exiting her mouth a lot in the past few minutes. Confusion worked it's way over her face as she absorbed his words. "Tunstall?"

The emotions that welled up inside her surprised her. She never really had a chance to mourn the man, or grieve properly. She doubted any of them had that chance. Now wasn't the time to do that though, either. Hell, she had no idea when she would have the time to grieve properly. Maybe it would never be possible... But still, Tunstall had thought to buy her something? And Billy had kept it for her? It warmed her heart, despite the fact she hated dresses.

"Why would John get me a dress when he knew I don't like 'em." She sighed and shook her head in disbelief. It did sound like something the man would have done though. Bought it for her as a gift but saved it till the time was right. "Ya've had it all this time?"

"Yeah." Billy nodded and then shrugged, his gaze going to the ground. "Figured maybe one day you might want it. None of us really got much ta remember him by. So, figured you'd want it... eventually. Maybe even have the need for it or use it..."

"I..." The whole thing made her at a loss for words. Her previous confusion by Billy's strange behavior and words forgotten for the moment. Billy had saved it for her, as a memento of sorts. It was oddly touching that he thought of her like that. "I dunno Billy... I mean it is sentimental... but..." Her voice was soft as she shook her head. "But I ain't wearin' no dress for this picture."

"Young lady, I do not take such erotic pictures," the photographer announced misinterpreting her words.

"What?!" The word sprang forth again as she snapped at the older man, green eyes widening and cheeks growing red at the mere implication. "No! That's not what I meant!" Out of the corner of her eye she saw Billy chuckling at the man's suggestion. "I ain't that kinda gal!" Why did she feel she needed to defend her moral standing, what little there was of it at least. She vigorously shook her head, "what I mean is, I'll just wear this," she confirmed, motioning to the clothes she was currently wearing.

"That mean you'll still take the photograph with me?" Billy was grinning as if he won some sort of challenge.

"If'n ya hold ta yer word." Kristal spoke reluctantly, unsure if this was a good decision or not.

"I am very beholden to my word, my dear lady." The woman had no idea how sacred his word was. He kept promises and upheld his word, even if it would get him into trouble later. He also couldn't help the lightheaded giddy feeling he felt knowing she would actually take a picture with him.

"Knock yer shit off Bonney." Kristal chided, waving away his oddly polite words. "Let's get this over with. I got other shit ta do."

"Fine by me." Billy moved in front of the curtain the photographer had told him to stand by before. He motioned to the spot next to him. "Whenever you're ready ma'am."

Bristling at his verbatim, Kristal shrugged off her duster coat. Moving in front of the mirror, she tried her best to look presentable. In her opinion, she still looked like an untamed mess. But what else could she do? She ended up taking her hat off and running the comb roughly through her long blonde locks. "Ain't nothin' else gonna help," she murmured under her breath bitter with the image staring back at her. With a sigh, she moved towards Billy. "This is ridiculous."

Billy paid no nevermind to her, "ya gotta stand next to me. Pretty close, Kris. Right?" He questioned the photographer. The man was frowning but nodded. "Though if ya wanna sit, ya can sit in m' lap." The glare she cast him made him chuckle.

The photographer finished setting up the camera and looked at them. "Now you have to be very still. No moving or it won't turn out." He eyed the woman as if expecting her to not understand.

"Got it Mister. Can ya jus' get on with it?" Being so close to Billy was unnerving. She placed a hand on the hilt of her gun and the other on her knife hilt. And... wait, was it just her imagination or did Billy move closer to her?

Not daring to move, Kristal scowled at the camera.

Time seemed to skitter slowly by before the flash and the photographer said they were done. Letting out a breath she turned to see Billy practically rubbing shoulders with her. "What the hell? Don't think we needed to be THAT close!"

Billy just grinned and moved to get her coat. "Wanted to make sure we were both in the picture." Offering the duster jacket to her, she snatched it out of his hand. He just chuckled before simply saying, "thank you. Means a lot. Ya doin' this with me and all."

The grateful tone in his words took her by surprise. Damn! It felt like whiplash where Billy was concerned. One minute he was flirting, the next being an ass, and the next being all polite and sweet. She couldn't keep up. "Yeah... Don't 'spect it'll happen again any time soon, if ever." She shrugged her duster back on and flicked her hat back on her head a little. "I'll be back. Need ta mail a letter. Do not go anywhere."

"Yes ma'am." Again Billy chuckled at her pointed glare. "I won't go nowhere. I gotta wait for the pictures anyway." As an after thought he called out to her, "don't ya wanna see the picture? Bet it's great!"

"Nope, don't care to. It's all yours." Why would she want to see a picture of herself AND Billy? She had no desire to view it, ever.

Billy stared at her retreating figure with a frown. "Fine. I'll be sure ta keep it close to my heart." He was trying to be an ass, but actually probably would. Right before she reached the door, he quickly added, "I'll count the minutes you're away and miss ya tenfold." He laughed as she flicked her middle finger in his direction and headed out the door.

***

A day later the group stood in front of Alex's small little shack that he was hiding away in. Murphy's men were out to get McSween simply because he was associating with the Regulators. The lawyer was concerned for all their safeties, including his own as well as his wife and it showed on the man's mustached face. He eyed each of the boys as they stood around him. The woman remained back behind them all watching carefully. It honestly concerned him. She was a wild card and he honestly wondered whether she had a hand in the situation becoming so out of control and deadly.

Movement caught his eye and he watched as the younger blond boy approached. He frowned, Alex's mind warring inside him. Billy was probably mostly at fault too. He too, was crazy and out of control. And now Dick was dead. The group had informed him in a letter and it was upsetting news.

"Here, it's for you Alex." Billy held out one of the pictures he had taken the day before proudly.

The lawyer merely glanced at it before his hands went to his head in exasperation. Was the boy so crazy he didn't realize how dire the situation had become? Alex was frantic and clearly upset by the sudden change of events. "You weren't supposed to touch Brady! I thought that was clear?!"

A frown shifted over Billy's face and his hand dropped, still holding the picture. A bit dejected, Billy shook his head. "Sheriff Brady sent the men who killed John. It was a good move for us, Alex." The boy was defending his actions to the end.

Anger flashed over Alex's face, not so sure he agreed with the blond boy. "Was it, Billy? I'm not so sure."

Billy didn't appreciate where this was going. Why was Alex accusing him? Like it was his fault that all this bad was happening? It was Murphy and Dolan's men that started it. And justice needed to be served. "YES IT WAS!" His voice had risen, which was very much unlike him.

A blonde head shot up at the shout, surprised green eyes narrowed on Billy and then Alex McSween. Pressing her lips together, Kristal said nothing, just watched and listened intently to what they said.

Heaving a sigh, Alex pulled out a newspaper from his pocket. "Have you seen the Independent?" At Billy's slight shake of his head, Alex continued."The governor's revoked your deputization powers. You are now wanted by the legitimate law, as well as those outside the law. You're not only being hunted by John Kinney and Murphy's men, but troops. Fort Stanton, Billy! The U.S. Army! The governor's put a $200 bounty on your head."

Frustrated Alex paced back and forth as if that would help him calm down. It didn't. He felt lost and like the end seemed hopeless. He then stopped and stepped towards Billy again, "you were supposed to serve eleven warrants and expose the Ring and instead you went out on a warpath, a rampage. Now Richard's dead. And we're living up here like fugitives. What the hell do you think you're doing out there?"

During Alex's chastisement, Billy lowered his eyes to the ground. For a moment, he appeared guilty and almost ashamed. It was fleeting. He felt he was doing what needed to be done. Finally he shrugged, his voice a great deal softer than before. "I dunno. Maybe I'm tryin' to get some attention. Maybe I'm tryin' to get president Hayes ta look this way." He sighed and motioned in the direction of Lincoln. "They let Murphy and his bankers get away with anything and I can't allow that. The more bastards I dust, the more new stories they write. The more troops they send after us, the more president Hayes is gonna raise an eyebrow and come down and see for himself what's really goin' on here. Then they'll really find out who's doin' the killin'."

Alex stared at Billy with his mouth slightly agape. He was still frustrated, but also felt he understood where Billy was coming from. That still didn't mean it was the correct way to handle it all though. "They weren't on trial yet, Billy. And Brady was not part of it! You were not supposed to touch him! What part of that did you not understand?"

Kristal hadn't moved, but she was paying close attention to what was being said. Billy's frustration was palpable as she watched him walk away from the lawyer. She silently marveled at Billy's sudden sporadic display of emotion. And for some reason she felt the need to come to the boy's aid. She might regret it later, but for now, she was only thinking about making McSween see Billy's point. Unable to hold back, Kristal chimed in, "an' ta what end, McSween?"

"I beg your pardon?" The lawyer said both surprised and annoyed that she had decided to speak up.

"Ta what end? Yer a lawyer... ya know as well as I do that those men would'a walked. Had they been granted a trial, no judge or jury would'a gone against Murphy. Not with his money an' influence. Maybe they'd 'a gotten a slap on the hand... maybe, but they would'a been freed in days. There would'a been no justice fer Tunstall." Kristal rolled her shoulders back, aware that all eyes were on her.

"Since when do you know better than a judge and jury?" Alex snapped.

"Alex." Susan said softly, not liking his tone towards the young woman.

"No! Don't defend her! She's an outlaw! We all know it. I want to know why you think that there would have been no justice? You! Of all people, have no right to say that." Alex shook his head, his irritation rising.

"That's unfair, Alex." Doc broached.

"How? She's young, she's an outlaw, and all she knows is murdering, thieving, and deception. She's got you all wrapped around her finger thinking this is what should be done." He glared at her. "How do we even know that she's not partially to blame for John's murder?"

"Alex McSween! That is uncalled for." Susan protested, appalled by her husband's behavior.

"It's okay, Mrs. McSween. He ain't the first ta blame me." Kristal started softly, her gaze lifting from the ground to the older woman. She then shifted her eyes onto the lawyer. "Ta answer yer question, Mr. McSween, I've seen it happen first hand. I've seen corrupt lawmen get away with rape, murder, stealin'... When brought before a judge - well, the judge was just as corrupt. The jury? Afraid ta get killed. They let the lawmen go free. No hangin', no jail time, not even a damn fine."

"That didn't happen. It couldn't..." Alex shook his head in disbelief.

A scoff left Kristal's lips, "no? Who's ta stop 'em? The law men I mean?" She paused and shook her head. "Other lawmen? Nah. They jus' go with it. Or look the other way." It was a sad truth and one she had learned over and over again. "There ain't no one ta stop 'em. When the money is good enough even the best man will turn a blind eye ta the laws an' those who uphold them."

Billy, who had been proud that she chose to defend him, was now looking at her with worry in his eyes. "Ya act like ya know this first hand. This happen to ya?"

Kristal didn't answer at first, but finally she glanced at Billy. "Ta me? Not exactly. I did have a lawman catch me once... tol' me he'd overlook m' crimes if I gave him favors. He wanted me ta be his own personal whore." A cold smirk flicked over her lips, "I'm sure ya can imagine how that turned out."

They all could guess. She had more than likely killed the offending lawman. Chavez and Billy glanced at each other, just like the man she had killed on New Years Eve or the men from the night they met with Wilkes.

"See what I mean! She has no problem killing lawmen!" The lawyer continued, even though he knew he was losing this fight. He was frustrated and didn't want to lose faith in the system.

"Stop acting like a fool, Alex. The girl has been through a great deal, clearly. You're being stubborn and are letting your emotions cloud your judgement." Susan nodded to the young woman with a warm smile on her lips.

Touched by the older woman's understanding and defense of her, Kristal nodded back, grateful.

Alex frowned at his wife's lashing words and blinked. She was right, he realized. The loss of Richard and John was affecting him more than he liked to admit. He still had a moral code to uphold. "Killing them isn't right Susan. Whether they feel it's justice or not, it's not right without a trial. If that didn't happen with bringing the Ring in, I would have found another judge and jury." The older man sighed, "we're being no better than they are."

"An' ya would exhaust yerself in the process an' they would get away free in the end. Ya might not like it this way, McSween. But even you gotta know it was the only way Mister Tunstall was gonna get his justice." The blonde woman then frowned, "an' that couldn't be further from the truth. We ain't the ones cuttin' down innocent ranchers who ain't done nothin' wrong. They're goin' after every small farmer this side o' the border. Bleedin' 'em dry an' not payin' 'em what their cattles worth. An' if they don't comply, they get killed an' the so called law looks the other way. Don't let 'em fool ya Mister McSween. Yer smarter'n that."

They all stared at Kristal who seemed wiser than her years at that moment. Feeling like she said enough, she moved to her horse and grew busy with scratching the stallion's itchy spots.

An audible sigh came from Charlie, as he approached the lawyer. "Alex..." the curly haired boy began, feeling the need to change the subject somewhat. "What're you gonna do?"

Alex sighed in response, "I'm gonna try and reach the president myself. Legally. It won't be easy to get past the governor. He's got so many---..."

Billy quickly turned back to Alex, a wicked smile on his face. "Yeah, I got plans for the governor."

Ignoring Billy's little outburst, Doc sat on the front porch of the little shack, hat in his hands considering all that had been said. He was slowly kneading the brim with a dour look on his face. "Alex what if you can't get in touch with Hayes?"

Alex glanced at Billy, disappointed by the boy's subtle threat. He then turned to address Doc. "I'll go back to Lincoln and reopen John's store. And try and deal with that. That's what John would want. I was going to do it before, but had to deal with all this," he motioned to the paper and let out a tired sigh.

Doc nodded feeling that was best. John's store should have been reopened before then, but with everything that had been going on, he could imagine it had been hard to do.

Stopping, Billy walked back over to Alex, a wild smile on his face, "well, we'll escort ya."

Something akin to fear crossed Alex's face. The boy was crazy and he worried that Billy would end up being the death of them all and he voiced his worry. "You'd be a death sentence to anyone now, Billy. You and her both." He nodded his head in Kristal's direction. "I don't want your help."

Biting the inside of his cheek, Billy glanced towards Kristal, a pained look shifting over his eyes before it was quickly gone. He then tilted his head downward looking at the picture in his hand before lifting his blue eyes to the lawyer, "Alex..." The boy began slowly, a distant pain in his eyes. "You didn't see what they did to John." He motioned to his fellow Regulators, including Kristal. He was squeezing the brim of his hat between the fingers of his other hand to try and hide the pain he felt at losing John. "We did." Again he held out the picture to Alex who still didn't take it.

Alex stared at Billy for a long moment, thinking about what the man said. It was true, but they were taking justice into their own hands. Billy was being the judge and the jury and it went against his moral and ethical background. He finally shook his head, "Christ Billy!" He exclaimed, walking away from the young man.

When Alex didn't take the picture, Billy sighed and stepped towards the man's wife. He offered the picture to Susan with a nod and a small smile.

"Thank you, Billy," Susan replied, accepting the photograph. She reached for him and placed a hand on his arm. "Billy, please, go to old Mexico. Please." The older woman's features held worry for him and for all of them.

Billy frowned and placed his hat on his head. It seemed like the odds were against him. Even those he considered a friend seemed to be against him. He started to walk off but stopped remembering something. He glanced down at the little tin star and took the deputy badge off. Well it was fun while it lasted. "Gentleman, m'lady..." He paused, tossing the tin star on the ground. "Let's ride."

Slowly, the other boys glanced between each other and then took their badges off as well. Each took a moment to look at the tin star before they threw them on the ground next to Billy's. Their time as lawmen had come to an end. With a frown on all their faces they gazed at Alex and then Susan before heading to their horses.

Doc didn't move at first, remaining in the chair lost in thought. Finally the poet stood up and unpinned his badge. He stared at it a moment as he began, "Alex..."

"What the hell happened, Doc?" The lawyer interrupted, trying to figure out where it all went wrong and if there was something he could have done to stop it.

"It's a whirlwind out there. When you're in it, you can't get out. I'm sorry." The blond man's voice was soft, full of emotion. It was the truth. They all got lost in wanting justice; they never stopped to think if it was the right thing to do. It was kind of hard to do when they were constantly being chased and shot at. There was only one thing that concerned him now though. It was a sweet little Asian girl that held his heart in her hand. "I was wondering if you remember that China doll. You know at the dance... the fandango... I was sort of thinkin' 'cause you're a lawyer an' all, maybe there was a legal way..."

Alex began to shake his head, cutting Doc off. He knew where this was going to lead and unfortunately there was nothing he could do. "I don't even have a ground to stand on, Doc. I mean it."

Staring down at the badge he was twirling in his hand, Doc slowly nodded his head feeling dejected. "Okay... yeah... okay." He reached out and handed the badge to Alex, "thanks anyway."

Licking his lips, he let out a defeated sigh. "Take care of yourself Alex." Nodding, Doc added, "okay?" Before heading to his horse like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. As he passed Kristal he placed a hand on her shoulder, "let's go..."

"Yeah, I'll be right there."

Doc gave her a questioning look and nodded. He mounted his horse and rode off.

The young woman stood there staring at Alex. But the man refused to look at her. Turning her eyes on the older woman, Susan nodded, encouraging her to speak up to her husband. Gaining confidence, she shook her head. "I didn't know John as long as ya pro'lly did. But I cared fer him... deeply." More than she let on. "He... was like... a father type o' figure ta me. I ain't ever had one ya know... an' I think all o' them," she motioned her hand in the way the Regulators had rode off towards, "felt the same way."

Kristal paused, licking her lips before continuing. "Don't be disappointed in them, Mister McSween. They need ya ta understand, even if ya don't approve. They need that from you. Yer the last bit o' John they got. An' ya makin' 'em feel like yer disappointed in 'em is not helpin'. They're already not proud o' their decisions ---"

Alex scoffed, interrupting. "Billy certainly doesn't seem remorseful. If anything he seems to be enjoying it all."

"When ya ain't got a chance ta grieve properly, McSween, sometimes bein' angry an' hurt comes off as bein' a bit crazy. They're all grievin'. Everyone grieves in their own way especially when they ain't given the time or the chance to grieve properly. Remember that." Feeling she said her peace, Kristal nodded to the older man and then tipped her hat in Susan's direction before swinging up onto Midnight's saddle. Turning her dark horse, she kneed the stallion and rode off.

Still standing on the porch, Susan watched her leave, proud of the young woman. "That girl is wise beyond her years. She's a good hearted young woman, despite her background. I'm grateful those boys have someone like her around to keep their head on straight." Her gaze turned to pierce her husband's before she turned and moved back into the little house, leaving Alex McSween a great deal to think about.

***

That night the group was settled around a fire. Steve was snoring over on his bedroll. Every now and then he would snort and swat at a fly hovering near his face. Doc was writing a letter by fire light. He would look up from his writing to stare into the distance, trying to think of a word and then he'd hurry up and jot it down. Chavez was carving a piece of wood with his knife. He eyed his little figure, blew some dust off and then continued whittling. Billy was cleaning his gun, sitting close to the only female of the group. He was trying not to look at her and watch her, as much as he wanted to. And Charlie was leaning against half of Kristal's saddle peeling a piece of fruit as he listened to the woman read.

The blonde woman was leaning against the other half of her saddle reading a novel by Mark Twain. If Kristal was being honest, Mark Twain was possibly one of her favorite authors and she was happy to know the boys seemed to like the book as much as she did. She had been reading for about fifteen minutes now. Steve had been listening, but he ended up falling over on his bedroll. His snoring was a little distracting, but she did her best to ignore it. She knew both Chavez and Billy were listening to her even though they were acting like they weren't. It was amusing, but she continued to read on.

"Tom Sawyer reminds me of Billy for some reason." Charlie's voice sounded at her side as he chewed on his fruit slice.

A chuckle sounded from Kristal and she nodded. "Kinda does, hmm?" Her gaze shifted to the man they were talking about to see him looking her way. She raised her brows as if expecting him to say something. All he did was wink and she rolled her eyes before turning back to the book.

Kristal read for a little while longer and then felt something heavy fall onto her shoulder. Blinking, she turned to see Charlie had fallen asleep as well, right onto her shoulder. A soft smile curled the corner of her lip and she brushed some hair out of his face.

"You an' Charlie have been awfully close lately. There somethin' more going on we don't know about?" Billy asked, looking her way from the corner of his eyes.

Turning to face Billy, she smirked. "Why? Jealous?" It fell from her lips before she had a chance to stop it. Then again why not tease him a little, since he was always heckling her?

"Maybe I am. Maybe he is too." Billy said, nodding in Chavez's direction. The Mexican Indian man was staring at her too before his eyes turned on Charlie. He abruptly stood up without a word and walked off into the darkness.

Kristal's brow furrowed as she watched the man leave. Her mouth slightly parted about to call him back, but he was out of sight before she could say anything. What was that even about? Was Chavez jealous? Of what? And why? And why did it make her stomach feel strange? With a frustrated purse of her lips, she turned and glared at Billy. "What the hell's wrong with you?"

"Me?" Billy said surprised at her sudden vehemence. "What the hell did I do?"

Doc, who had been lost in his writing paused hearing raised voices. He glanced over seeing the two blondes arguing again. He rolled his eyes and tried to tune them out, but it was difficult.

"Ya jus' have ta go an' make things awkward." Kristal snapped, annoyed at the blond man, but also annoyed with herself for not being more careful with her words.

Billy sighed and shook his head, "if you can't see what's at the end of your nose, then don't blame me for making things awkward."

Confusion flickered in the green depths of her eyes, "what the hell does that even mean?" She felt like she was missing a key point here, and she had no idea what it was.

"It means, oh-oblivious-one, that you have admirers." Billy was grinning again, but there was something different in his grin. Uncertainty maybe? Questioning? She couldn't be sure.

"What?" That was absurd. She didn't have admirers. She couldn't. "I don't have nor want admirers. I ain't one to be admired." Kristal knew that out of all the women in the world, she was probably the least to be admired. And normally she didn't care much.

"Sure ya are." Billy said with a frustrated sigh. "I thought I made that clear when we were takin' that photograph." He then nodded towards the sleeping man on her shoulder, not about to elaborate any more of their time with the picture-man. "I mean, ya got Charlie hanging on ya."

Slender eyebrows arched upwards wondering what he was referring to. What had he made clear at the Photograph parlor? He seemed to not want to talk about it by changing the subject which made her even more curious. Instead of questioning him further though, her gaze lowered to the curly haired boy's head on her shoulder. "Charlie is jus' a friend an' he knows it. There ain't nothin' more goin' on."

Figuring his writing was done for now, Doc put it aside to observe the two blond's across from him. They didn't seem to notice he was paying attention from the other side of the fire. His brow rose now listening in on their conversation.

"Ya sure about that?" Billy continued, skeptical about her lack of observation.

"Yes, I am." Kristal's voice was firm, leaving no room to question her word. "We've had this conversation. An' he said he's jus' happy ta have me as a friend. An' I'm grateful ta have a friend at all an' that he's one of 'em." She added a shrug, "'sides, I view Charlie kinda like one might a brother... I guess."

Billy simply chuckled.

A frown pulled at her lips hearing the irritating blond laugh. "Why are ya laughing? I fail ta see how that's funny."

"Never thought I'd hear someone have a conversation about bein' happy to NOT have an admirer but a friend instead." Billy was shaking his head, expression full of amusement. "Ya really are a unique woman, Kris."

The woman's frown deepened. Was that a compliment? Or an insult? And why did it bother her so much? "Why do I feel like that's more an insult than a compliment."

"Because ya mistake me for being your enemy," the man paused, all laughter and humor gone, "when I very much would rather be your friend too." He shrugged, "but sometimes I feel like ya don't want me t' be your friend... or... hell, I dunno anymore. Ya confuse the hell outta me sometimes."

Deep forest green eyes narrowed on him. "Why do ya care if yer my friend or not?" Kristal then shook her head. Why was it that Billy liked to confuse her so? "If anyone's confusin' it'd be you, Bonney."

The boy sighed, his cornflower blue eyes lifting to look her in the eyes. "Because, I have this feeling ya don't have many friends and... maybe never really ever have had a good friend before... And because I think being privileged enough to be your friend, would be a real honor."

A jolt coursed through her at how precisely he had pegged her. Was she that transparent? Again she rolled her eyes. "I think you're delusional, thinkin' it's some great thing ta be m' friend, when its not. I ain't nothin' special, Bonney. I'm jus'... me."

"That is where you are wrong. You are unique. You are special. And I really would like to consider us friends... eventually if not now."

"Well, ya did shoot me."

On the other side of the fire, Doc nodded in agreement. Their whole conversation was enlightening and amusing. But Kristal had pegged Billy good. He wondered what the loud-mouthed Bonney would respond with.

Billy turned to her with a frown. Was she really going to never let it go. Instead of seeing a glare like he normally would, he saw a smirking mischievous face. This was new. And he liked it. "I did. And I am still sorry about that."

"I dunno if I'll ever forget it, Bonney." Kristal began with a shake of her head absentmindedly rubbing at the sore injury. "But..." She had to pause again wincing a little as she continued on, "an' I can't believe I'm sayin' this... but I forgive ya."

Surprise worked over Billy's face. Maybe Wilkes had been right?! A slow grin hinted at his lips as he absorbed her words more and more. "Ya mean you don't hate me anymore?"

"Maybe I still do... jus' a little." She was teasing again, her eyes were dancing in the fire light before she looked away from him. "Ya still tend to annoy the hell outta me Bonney. But... if ya wanna consider us friends then... I might consider it too."

Billy let out a soft whoop of glee. Turning back to her, he saw her raise her brow at him. "And maybe one day we can be more than that?" He couldn't resist.

Those fiery green eyes blazed, "don't press yer, luck Bonney. I don't do relationships. I don't do love like that."

"Why not?" Billy found himself saying before he could stop himself. He had already achieved a great feat when it came to her and now he really was pressing his luck, like she had so generously put it.

In that instance he could see her pull back inside herself. That wall she had started to lower quickly built back up. Was this why she didn't believe she had admirers? Was she blind or didn't really want to know. It almost hurt him to see her like that. His heart went out to her. What had made her that way? To be so against love?

"I don't wanna talk 'bout it Bonney? Now, would ya mind helpin' me get Charlie over ta his own bedroll?" Kristal did indeed have that wall back up and it was even reinforced. There was no way she was going to talk to Billy about love.

"I - uh sure." He quickly got up to help move Charlie.

Doc finally announced his presence and approached, "I'll help you, Billy. You just relax, Kristal." He said with a kind smile, and grabbed Charlie along with Billy and drug the sound asleep boy over to his bedroll.

"Much obliged, boys." She nodded her head in appreciation, chuckling a little as Charlie snorted and rolled over on his side still asleep.

"It's our pleasure, miss," came Doc's smiling tone. "Now I'm to bed. I'm exhausted. Night."

Kristal gave the man a little wave and watched him head over to his bedroll on the other side of the fire. She vaguely wondered if he had overheard anything, but at the same time she didn't think it really mattered. "Night, Doc." She added leaning back against her saddle.

A shadow stood over her and she glanced up to see the dark features of Billy. He was staring at her like he wanted to say something and then thought better of it moving back to his own bedroll.

"Ya got somethin' on yer mind, Bonney?" Her gaze had followed him, knowing he wanted to say something.

A sigh blew through his lips, "I do, but it'll keep for now. I'm heading to bed too." He tipped his hat over his eyes, "night, Kris."

A frown curled over her lips when he didn't explain what he was thinking or had been about to say. Now she was curious. At the same time though, she half wondered if it had anything to do with what they talked about before? "Yeah... night." Her gaze turned to the darkness, where Chavez had disappeared to. She was concerned for him. Not just his safety, but she also wondered if maybe she had hurt him in some way for him to storm off like he had.

Was there some kind of emotional attachment she was unaware of? Did he admire her like what Billy claimed? The blond man had made it seem like Chavez might have feelings for her. Yet, that was hard for her to believe or even understand.

Shaking her head, she laid her head back on her saddle and stared up at the sky. So much had happened. Her thoughts shifted to the confrontation with McSween and then even further to how strange Billy had been acting toward her since the photograph parlor. Why did everything seem so confusing? With a sigh, she pulled her Stetson over her eyes and drifted off to sleep.