CHOICESCHOICES
No one spoke for quite awhile. Teaspoon picked at his teeth with the end of the fork, a thoughtful expression on his face. He turned his head at an angle so that he could clearly see both Kid and Jimmy’s faces. He gazed at them for several moments, his thoughtful expression changing into a more stern-looking one.
“Looks like you boys have quite a task a head of you. You not only have
to find Lou, but you’re going to have to convince her to return to Rock
Creek with you.
But I have faith in you boys. I know how persuasive you can be when you set
your mind to it.”
Kid and Jimmy felt the weight of the older man’s gaze and fought not to squirm under its scrutiny.
“I don’t care how long it takes you to find Lou or what you have to do to get her to come home. Just so long as you bring her home.” He told them firmly.
There was no need for anyone to decipher for Kid and Jimmy the hidden message
in Teaspoon’s voice. It was clear to both the riders what Teaspoon was
telling
them in no uncertain terms: either they returned to Rock Creek with Lou in tow
or not at all.
“We’ll find Lou and bring her home,” Kid vowed.
“No matter how long it takes.” Buck added.
“Even if I have to hog-tie her to the back of my horse.” Jimmy exclaimed. “ We’ll bring her back.”
Ike pounded on the table to get everyone’s attention. (We’re not going to find her at all if we don’t start looking.)
“Ike’s right. Lou’s got a good head start on us already.” Kid said, getting up from the table. He started to carry his dishes to the sink, but Rachel stopped him.
“You boys go on. I’ll take care of this.”
Kid grabbed his gear off his bunk and headed out of the bunkhouse with Jimmy, Buck and Ike following close behind. The others gathered on the porch to wish them good luck in finding Lou.
“You boys ride safe now, you hear!” Teaspoon told them.
“We will.” Kid said and kicked Katie into motion. Jimmy waved his
hat as he headed Sundancer after the direction that Kid had gone. Buck and Ike
quickly
followed suit as a chorus of ‘Ride Safe’ rang out after them.
