Chapter six:

Vin followed Lou and Ike back to their hotel and then went to get Earl. "Where the hell have you been Vin!"
"Out finding our satchel. And not loafing around. I think I know who has it too."
"Where is it?"
"I believe a lady named Laura Dunne is the current occupier of our belongings. I saw her in town today with our bag. She was betting at the card table like she had nothin' to lose."
"Time we pay her a visit." Earl was smiling, wanting his fair share of the satchel.
The two guys walked out of the livery stables and over to the hotel.

"Evening gentleman, you need a room for tonight?" the desk clerk asked politely.
"Maybe, but a friend of ours checked in here today, well was suppose to. She was to meet us and she hasn't showed up yet. I was getting a little worried about her. Her name is Laura Dunne." Earl hoped this would get him the information he needed.

"Let me check and she if she is in our registry." He placed a book on the table and searched for today's entries. "Sorry, no one by that name has checked in."

"She could be with her brother. Ike." He hope he caught the name correctly in a conversation he over heard. Vin added swiftly. "He travels with her a lot for safety."

"Well I do have an Ike McSwain, he checked in with another gentleman named Lou McCloud." As the desk clerk was searching for those named, Vin peeked over and checked out their room numbers.

"Thank you very much. We might as well get a room ourselves and we can talk to Ike tomorrow."
"Very well," and the clerk began registration for the two gentleman. Earl wasn't sure what Vin was up to but played along with him. Vin paid the two dollars and went up stairs with Earl. "Why did we just buy a room?"
"Do you ever think with that brain of yours. Ike is in room 6 and that Lou fella in room 5. We come up here staying in a room, it don't look suspicious if we spend all night up here checking out our two mystery guests. That Ike fellow may have Laura with him for company if you get my drift." They deposited their stuff into room 9.

"Now let's go visit our dear friend Ike." Earl states. With smiles they got their guns ready and walked down the hall to room 6.

It was late and Ike was fast alseep. Vin picked the lock ever so quietly and entered the room. He went up to Ike, gun ready.
"This is your wake up call!" and he shook Ike to a start. "Where is she?" Vin asked.
Ike looked confused for a minute then recognized the guy from the card table. He must be lookiong for Lou. Ike shook his head in confusion as if he didn't know what it was all about. A fist from the other side of the bed hit him square in the face.

"Get up!" Earl yelled and dragged Ike out of bed and tied him up. Ike wanted to get out of this situation but the barrel of Vin's gun was unfaltering, too close to chance trying to get away. Earl began searching the room quietly, even pried open the chest with the saddle in it. "It's not here, anywhere."
"Where is she? I know she has our package." Ike remained still.
"Fine, let's go visit your pal Lou and see if he knows where that pretty gal is."
"Up on your feet." Earl snapped. Vin dragged Ike up. Earl checked the hall, "all clear."
He picked Lou's lock and opened the door.

They rose her up and were shocked not to find Lou but Laura. Lou was not wearing long johns but a nice nightdress.
"Well, well what do we have here." Vin smiled.
Lou stared at Ike. She knew this guy was no good. Earl grabbed her and tied her up next to Ike.
Both sat down next to the bed.

"OK, so it's not Laura but Lou? Or is it Lou not your real name."
Lou was not in the best mood after being woken up in the dead of night from her perfect dream. She just gave Vin an icy gaze.
"What do you really want?" Lou demanded.
"What I want is that velvet satchel."
"Here it is Vin." Earl found it in the dresser drawer. He emptied out Lou's winnings from it.
"There's only money in here."
Vin turned around to face the two."What did you do with it?"
"With what?" Lou demanded. He hit her across the face.
"What did you do with my property?"
"The only thing I got with that satchel was the necklace. If you want that it's also in the dresser."
"Not the necklace." He hit her again. Ike was getting upset and tried freeing himself from the rope, but it was no use. He got a hard kick in the stomach. Vin was getting very frustrated.

"Where did you get that bag." This was a question he should have asked first. The answer Lou gave wouldn't have eased his fears any less though. He quieted his voice, remembering it was early in the morning.

"It came with the necklace I bought yesterday, today, what ever. " Lou mumbled.
Vin tied the two counterparts more secure to the edge of the bed and then gagged them.
Vin then began helping Earl search Lou's room, certain now they couldn't get loose. His life was in that bag and he wanted it back. Earl and Vin gathered in the corner so their fellow guests couldn't hear them. They had been searching the two rooms almost all night. The sun was about to rise through the window.

"Earl you stay here and watch them. The shop will open soon and then I can check out that gal's story."

Ike and Lou didn't know how they got into this mess or how they were going to get out.

Vin patiently waited outside the jewelry shop until a young lady came to open it up.

"Excuse me miss but can I ask you a question about a necklace." "Come on in," She opened the door for him.
"Thank you mam'."
"Are you shopping for a special girl or your wife?"
"No, but a young lady bought a necklace here yesterday. Do you wrap all your necklaces in a velvet bag?"
"Some we do. Usually if they spend a lot. Yesterday I remember a young lady buying one of our heart necklaces."
"Did you wrap it in the bag."
"Yes I did. Did you want something similar." She added
"No thank you. Thanks for your time." He stormed out, leaving the receptionist confused.

A knock at the door woke up Ike who was exhausted from the lack of sleep. Vin whispered to Earl. Vin took Lou's winnings. Lou got agitated.
"Thanks for the great game, but I'm a sore loser." He waved the money in front of her and placed inside the satchel. He also took the necklace. Lou was bound to get her things back. She didn't want Vin to have the satisfaction of winning this new game. Earl and Vin left, leaving Ike and Lou tied up.

The two sat there wondering if they were coming back at all. In a shared understanding glance they both began to untie or try to untie their ropes.

The men gathered their belongings from room 9 and then they were off to check out.
"Where to now Vin?"
"Sweetwater," and they walked out the door.

It took Lou and Ike another half-hour or more to get their hands free.
"You ok Ike?" He nodded reassuringly and asked Lou the same thing. "Fine, but I am getting my stuff back! No one swindles me and gets away with it!"
Lou and Ike gathered their stuff and saddled up the horses. Just as Lou was checking them out Ike remembered the chest with the saddle. How could he forget! He ran upstairs to get it. Lou packed up the horses and out comes Ike with a huge new saddle.
"That sure is a beauty, Ike. Buck's gona love it."
Ike attached it to his own saddle on the back. It looked kind of funny but it was time to go home. He wanted nothing more. This trip was more then he planned for.
"Thanks again," as Lou waved good bye to the hotel clerk. He heard those thieves were headed to Sweetwater and they had to get their before they did.
"Sorry about all the trouble Ike. I guess I ruined your trip," Lou appoligized. Ike smiled, that's ok Lou, I wouldn't have it any other way.

It was late that evening when Jimmy and Noah returned. They had passed on Teaspoons message and Jimmy didn't come home empty handed. He decided the message could wait till dinner time. Our friends Vin and Earl took their time, rechecking their hiding place to see if it was just moved around.

They were just out side Sweetwater and decided to camp there for the night. Ike and Lou took several short cuts from the main route and got back to Sweetwater before dinner time. Ike wanted to get back before Buck did. Lou wanted to get back before the thieves showed up in town.

After arriving home Ike and Lou put up the horses. Lou helped Ike hide the saddle in the hayloft. As they headed out of the barn both buttoned their lips with a smile.

Jimmy noticed their return and greeted them. He wanted to talk to Teaspoon but that would have to wait.

"How was your trip?" He asked.
Lou glanced at Ike.
"Definitely not what we expected. Is Teaspoon around?"
"No, but he'll be back by supper time."
Ike drifted off to catch a nap before dinner came.
Lou began telling Jimmy of their mystery guests and her wonderful hand at the poker table.
"I'd love to seen you all dressed up." He said looking into her eyes and with his hand caressing the side of her face. She was so beautiful to him. "I bet you would have." Lou said with a smile.
"You're also gona have to give me some poker pointers for my next match." "As long as I'm not playing against you."
They shared a sweet kiss and a silent moment between themselves. "I need your help with a gift I'm working on for Buck."
"What is it?" Jimmy was curious.
"You'll see. Come on." Lou grabbed the journal from the bunkhouse and took a nice walk, just the two of them.

Dinner came and everyone finally gathered at the bunkhouse. Noah was gone and Buck was back.
"Teaspoon, Ike and I think trouble is headed this way." Lou commented. "Also I got a letter back from the Sheriff in Rock Creek. He said he was coming tomorrow personally. What's this all about?" Jimmy questioned.
"Excuse me but did I not start talking first," Lou went on to explain all the trouble Ike and Lou ran into. "So they took the bag, my money and my necklace. I want it back! If I see him again, I cannot guarantee his safety!"
"I don't think I've even done anything that bad to make you this mad." Kid added.
"Take it easy Lou, we'll keep an eye for those two." Teaspoon tried to calm her down.
Jimmy interrupted again. "Teaspoon, what is going on with those letters you sent out."
Teaspoon knew it was futile to keep things a secret around the boys. So he turned to Cody and had him explain the situation. Lou and Ike got upset about this.

"So all that we went through, my stuff being stolen, woken up by thieves from a nice nights sleep, and beaten because of you Cody." Lou was about to fly over the table but Jimmy restrained her.
"Sit down!" Rachael hollered. "Rachael's right, calm down. We'll see what the Sheriff has to say first. Lou, Ike you two go to town tomorrow and see if you can find these two. We can at least maybe hold them for stealing Lou's money. There is something else you guys need to know about that satchel." Teaspoon went on to explain.

As clean-up was being done from dinner, Lou grabbed Kid away for a moment and both headed off to the barn.
"What is so important Lou?" Kid asked.
"I need to talk to you for a while. Buck's birthday is coming up and I need your help with his gift. Please."
"Sure, anything for you." Kid gave the smile of a true friends that would do anything for her. They sat up in the loft for a while chatting about this and that. Lou's hand was writing feverishly.
Lou was also happy about spending time with Kid. Ever since they broke up they haven't talk this much and laughed together in a long time. It felt like the friendship had truly returned.

Morning came and Teaspoon had time to sleep on the plan and fixed it up a bit. Lou would go into town and try to find these guys, then Cody goes to talk up his newly found prize possession or discovery. Wait for them to find Cody and knab 'em. This would go into effect of course after the Sheriff from Rock Creek comes to town." He was to be there in the late morning.

Cody was disappointed about the satchel and about being bait to thieves who could kill him. But in the end William F. Cody would be the hero, if he lives through it.

Lou was able to drag Rachael away from the breakfast dishes to get her help with Buck's birthday surprise. After her, Teaspoon was the last person Lou had to talk to. At noon, Lou headed into town. She brought Teaspoon lunch, courtesy of Rachael. Cody was coming in about an hour.

" 'bout time, was wondering what happened to you.' Teaspoon commented. "Rachael wanted to make sure you had a nice lunch."
"well wasn't that thoughtful." Teaspoon looked over the food, mouth watering. "Oh, Lou, this is Sheriff Donavin from over in Rock Creek."
"Afternoon." Lou said formally keeping her head low.
"Hello there son."
The Sheriff went on to mention the robberies they've been having and they couldn't catch these two guys. The last thing they took was that satchel which was part of a set up. They got away again still.
"Cody will be here soon. I'll go see if I can find those two." With that, Lou left for the local restaurants and saloons.

Lou went over to the saloon a way from the sheriff's station at the other side of town. She went in and found the two spending her money on cards and drinks. She wanted to go up to them and let them have it. She controlled herself and left to tell Teaspoon that she found them.

When she returned to the sheriff's office she found Cody and the rest of the gang there as well.
"There at Jack Bennie's saloon, the other end of town." Lou mentioned.
"Time to work your magic, but be subtle…" Teaspoon smiled at the rest of the boys as they spread out to watch and guard Cody.

Upon entering the saloon, Lou pointed them out to Cody.

Kid went over to Cody at the bar. They sat near Earl. Kid and Cody started talking.
"Wow, I can't believe you found somthin' like that. Just in the middle of no where. Why don't you share it with the rest of us, play a game of cards Cody?" Kid asked.
"Why not, got plenty to spare." Cody flashed the satchel in the air making sure Earl saw it.
Moving themselves over to the card table where Vin sat. Vin noticed the stranger with the velvet satchel come over to the table. Earl, behind them, gave Vin a nod.
"Hey fellows can we join ya!" Cody exclaimed.
"My friend here has come into some money recently and I thought it be best if he shared his wealth." Kid stated as the rest of the table went up in chuckles of laughter.
Cody's hand went to the bag he was holding. "I got a pocket full, I can spare a bit but the rest I plan on spending."
"By all means then sit down." Vin shouted. He nodded his head and Earl left the saloon.

Earl was planning on checking out the rest of town real quick, especially the sheriff's office. Make sure he could be avoided.

Lou left the saloon to follow Earl with Jimmy. Buck stayed behind to watch Cody. Earl walked by Teaspoons office and checked inside gracefully. Jimmy and Lou followed.
"If he recognizes Sheriff Donavin, we're through." Jimmy mentioned nervously.
"He won't. The sheriff went to Rachael's, they won't even know he's here." Lou's words weren't that comforting to Jimmy about the whole situation.

They stopped and pretended to chit-chat on the porch outside a small restaurant. Lou gazing every now and then at Earl. Earl went into the general store across the street, Tompkin's. Lou and Jimmy waited and waited for him to come out, but Earl never left the general store.

"What is he doing in there. Stocking up on amo for a life time?" Lou said sarcastically. Jimmy was getting tired and anxious of waiting.
"Lou give me a dollar or two." Jimmy demanded.
"What?" Lou didn't have money to just lend out.
"I'm tired of waiting, time to go shopping." Jimmy smiled.
Lou picking up the hint dug deep into her pockets and her jacket, all totaling a dollar twenty. "That's all I got, you owe me."
"Don't worry. I, unlike Cody, will pay you back." Jimmy headed for Tompkin's general store.

Earl went into the store and looked around. He was being followed. He had to get rid of his shadows. When Tompkins was helping another lady in the store that evening, he slid around the counter and back out the back door of the store. He hoped this would confuse his pursuers. Earl walked around a few buildings then popped around the corner of another store, closed for the evening. There he saw Lou and Jimmy.

Lou was handing over some money and Jimmy walked off towards the store. He ran across the street and back down till he was behind Lou in the alleyway. As Jimmy entered the store, he grabbed Lou, covered her mouth and dragged her into the alley. She was in total shock. She wriggled and tried to get her gun, the man behind her beat her to it. He grabbed her gun and shoved her against the wall.

"What have we here?" he smirked and with her gun still pointed at her, he ripped off her hat and glasses.
"Miss Dunne, what are you up to?" Lou had to think fast and make sure he never connected her with Cody or anyone else. "You took my money and my necklace, you think I'd just run away and not try and get it back?"v "Who's the other guy with ya sweetheart?"
"Just a friend willing to help me find you?"
"You're very persistent. I've never killed anyone before but there's always a first." He grinned, setting his sight on Lou and got ready to fire.

Jimmy went inside the store and in a quick gaze, his fear was answered. He knew Earl had to have slipped out.
"Evenin' Thompkins," Jimmy said politely.
"What can I do for you Jimmy?"
Jimmy asked Thopmkins if he saw where Earl went.
"He was here and then gone."
"He couldn't just have disappeared. He never came out the front? Where's your back door Thompkins?"
"He'd have to have gone through me to get out the back."
"Thanks." Jimmy was frustrated.
Jimmy knew he could easily get past a man like Thopmkins. Why would he have gone out the back unless...unless he knew he was being followed. His first thoughts were of Lou and he ran out of the store. Lou was not where he left her. He calmed himself down so he wouldn't draw attention or do something rash. He was careful crossing the street back toward the alley. He heard Earl and Lou talking and he quickly glanced around the corner. Earl was just about to shoot Lou. He took a step back to think and knocked his foot on a bin, sitting close by. It made a loud clank noise. Damn it, Jimmy though, so much the element of surprise.

Earl had turned, scared of what might be behind him and Lou saw her chance and jumped him. Jimmy heard the ruckess and came around the corner to help Lou. Lou landed a couple of solid punches along with toppling him to the ground. Lou grabbed the gun and was up on her feet. Jimmy impressed with Lou said, "Well that was easy." He didn't have to lift one finger. Lou herself had to smirk a bit on that one.
"Where is it?" Lou shouted. "I want my necklace back."
Earl, scared, "I don't have it." His voice shaking. Jimmy catching on to what Lou was doing played along. He kneeled next to Earl.
"Well that's to bad" and he punched the guy. "Do you know where it is?" Lou said threateningly.
"I can get it back."
"With my money, not one cent missin'."
"Yeah, I can get it." His eyes looking at the gun barrel pointed at him.
"You get it for me by ten o'clock tonight or I will continually hunt you down. You crossed the wrong woman." She smiled triumphantly, "see you at the livery stables."
She socked one more hit. "If you're not there, you wish you were never born."
"Got that?" Jimmy pointed in his last words.
"Yeah," Earl was holding his stomach on his knees as Jimmy and Lou left back for the saloon.

On the way they stopped by the sheriffs office. They shared what happened with Teaspoon and how their cover was almost blown.
"That story should have covered Cody. He wouldn't put to and two together. But now they'll probably hit Cody early and then split town." Lou felt bad about speeding up the timetable but that way they were more prepared.