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Chapter Five

The following morning, Mr. Collins and Jenny sat together in the Saloon hall at the breakfast table. Mr. Collins voiced his approval of the events the night before and was rather content. The saloon was booming with business and money was rolling in. Jenny sat there rather uninterested in the ramblings of the saloon owner as she slowly stirred her tea with a spoon.

"Good morning." greeted Jimmy with a friendly smile. Jenny looked up at the sound of his voice and she felt rather strange. An uncertain sense of pleasure fell on her as she saw the handsome Mr. Hickok.

"Good Morning Mr. Hickok." came the greeting from the old man. "Please join us."

Jimmy nodded and took the seat across from Jenny. "Don't mind if I do."

Jenny sat there not acknowledging the greeting as she sipped her hot tea.

"Help yourself Mr. Hickok," invited Mr. Collins, "there's plenty."

"Thank you." he said as he served himself some eggs and bacon.

"Where is Mr. Cody? I'm hoping he's liking his job so far." he said as he passed the plate of biscuits to Jimmy.

"Thank you. Oh, he's enjoying it very much I can tell you that." he grinned as he took the plate of biscuits.

"Good. Glad to hear it. I try to keep all my employees happy. Makes for a good working environment don't you think?"

"I agree." stated Jimmy.

"Well some of us tend to differ." mumbled Jenny under her breath. The comment did not go unnoticed by Mr. Collins.

"You must forgive Ms. Spring. She tends to forget that she lacks nothing of the finer things in life." he said, glancing at the girl next to him.

"No, I just lack having a life." she answered wryly.

"We won't discuss this again Spring. But I suggest you better get used to the life you have such fortune to enjoy now my dear or I could make what you've got left of a life a living hell. Excuse me." he said as he slammed the napkin on his plate. "I've business to tend to."

With that he rose and left Jimmy to enjoy the company of the troublesome girl.

An uncomfortable silence followed as Jenny sat there. Not a sound issued from her, not a word was said. Jimmy didn't know exactly what to say but the pain he knew she must be feeling moved him to try and offer the girl some words of comfort, afterall he'd now lost his appetite.

"Miss, I don't know how you got here or what kind of trouble you're in but things could be a lot worst for you." he said sympathetically.

She looked up from the table at him as he sat across from her. Her deep brown eyes told the story. "Worst for me?" she said in an almost sarcastic laugh, her eyes welling with tears and she softly added, "I might as well be dead."

With those telling words, she rose from her seat and headed outside unto the saloon porch. Jimmy wasn't sure if he should follow her or leave her alone. The latter didn't appeal to him and so after a few seconds had elapsed, he went after her.

He found her leaning against the railings of the porch looking into the distance. The morning rays of sunshine touched her dark curls making their awesome beauty glisten. Hearing footsteps from behind she quickly wiped away the tears that streaked her face.

"Thinking about running off?" he said.

"Running? That would be an impossible feat with someone as talented as yourself keeping watch over me." she noted sarcastically.

"It's not the answer."

"Don't you think I know that? I've tried it on several occassions. He just always catches up." her voice softened. "Even in my dreams, no matter how far, how fast I run, he's already there where I'm going, waiting for me." She suddenly turned to face him, her eyes red from the painful tears.

"Why did you take this job?" The softness in her question accompanied with the wrinkle in her brow made Jimmy feel as though there was a huge knot in his stomach. How could he possibly justify the fact that he'd decided to work for a man like Collins?

"Why?" she asked again softly, looking for an answer.

"Cause you need me." he replied honestly.

"What?" she asked dumbfounded.

couldn't come out and tell her outright that he was having feelings for her, he hardly knew her as it was, yet he knew he did care for her.

"I won't let anything happen to you." he sincerely spoke.

She could see the honesty in his eyes but couldn't allow herself to be swayed by that. "Is Mr. Collins paying you that well?" she said as she turned away.

"I'm not doing it for the money." he defended.

"Then why? What do you want from me?" Jenny knew the way men were. They always sought something in return. Some payment, some favor. What did this one seek? she wondered.

"Your trust. I want you to trust me."

"Why should I? You don't know me. Where I'm from, what I am." she said almost on the verge of tears. She was taken by surprise by such an extension of friendship. Charlie had been the only one to show her any such expression. The others could've cared less about her. They hated her and didn't hesitate to show their dislike at times.

Jimmy took one step closer and said, "All I need to know is that you need me. The rest," he shrugged, "will come about in its own time. As long as I'm with you, know you have a friend." Jimmy said what he felt and he meant it. He excused himself from her presence and prayed that he'd made even the slightest connection with her. From the moment he saw her, she began to creep into his heart. He didn't realize what a fast hold she'd soon take of it.

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"Did you find out anything?" Jimmy asked Cody.

"Well what little I got I practically had to drag out of Old Whiskey Pete...cost me two good bottles of whiskey too Hickok. You owe me big."

"So what'd you find out?" he asked anxiously.

"Well, seems that Mr. Collins brought Spring over from Kansas to work for him. Her family was in some sort of money trouble. That's all I got."

Jimmy sighed. "It' a start at least."

"What about you?" inquired William.

"Nothing yet. There's gotta be a good reason why she'd agree to work in a whorehouse. We gotta find out what it is before this bidding takes place."

"You know they're only two people that can tell you the whole story. Mr. Collins and that ain't happening. The other is Spring."

"I'm still working on her Cody."

"Then you best work faster 'cause time ain't on our side."

Another uneventful evening grazed the Wild Horse Saloon. Mr. Collins was feeling more at peace, much more relaxed as his trust in Hickok's ability to guard Spring increased. He knew Jimmy would bring down any man without hesitation if they as much laid a finger on her.

Jenny also felt somewhat safer. Keeping one eye on the guests but another attentive one on Jimmy, she almost felt secure. He wanted to be her friend. She would grant him that chance seeing friends nowadays had been in short supply.

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Every Tuesday, Mr. Collins took Jenny to buy a new dress. "Can't be seen in the same old rags now can we?" he often told her. This Tuesday was no different. After breakfast she dressed for the routine trip to the dressmaker's. Jenny left her room and headed downstairs to meet Mr. Collins, who was busy in conversation with his trusted lawyer Franklin Pierce. The men rose to their feet politely at her arrival both greeting her with compliments on her appearance.

"I'm sorry my dear but I will not be able to accompany you to the dressmaker's today. Unexpected business emergency." he told her.

"But we always go on Tuesdays." she refuted.

"I know but I cannot break away." Jenny was disappointed. She looked forward to Tuesdays. It was the one day she was allowed off saloon grounds and she liked the change of venue.

"Go wait in my office." he ordered. "I will be there soon." Jenny just rolled her eyes and proceeded on her way.

Mr. Collins summoned for Jimmy who had been told he could have the morning off but now was needed to fill Mr. Collins' request.

"Here is some money. Buy her whatever she wants, price is no object. Make sure she comes back happy Hickok." he charged the gunfighter, imitating a smile. Jimmy thought the man was crazy. He was no miracle worker but a challenge as always could never be turned down.

Jimmy knocked on the door of Mr. Collins' office as he slowly opened it. He entered and saw her standing at the window. She turned to face him and was surprised to see him. Her heart felt funny and a puzzling nervousness overcame her. She donned a yellow fitted dress, the neck of which revealed her plump cleavage and her curved figure was very well highlighted by the fit. Her dark hair contrasted beautifully as it softly fell on her neck. Her small hands dressed in feminine lacy, fingerless gloves. Jimmy was almost speechless at her beauty but gathered his senses forsaking embarrassment to inform her he had been asked by Mr. Collins to escort her to the dressmaker's instead. She didn't say a word, just raised her hand to him which at first he wasn't sure he should even take, but resorted to, as they exited the office.

Walking down the main street, Jenny received much attention from the men folk while the respectable ladies tended to turn their snobbish noses up at her, emphasizing the sort of trash they considered her. Although Jenny knew exactly what the town thought of the women that stepped foot out of the Wild Horse, she knew what she was. She wasn't trash. She was a lady; an untouched, pure lady and she held her head up high. Jimmy could see a confidence in her manner. The likes he hadn't seen before. It was as if she were a different person once she stepped out of that dreadful place. He liked what he saw. He took her hand and draped it on his arm. Jenny looked at him but he looked straight ahead. For a moment she felt taken in by him but tossed the foolish notion aside. She wouldn't allow herself to fall in love with him. She couldn't afford to.

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They reached the dress shop and were greeted by the town dressmaker who usually reserved an hour for a special showing just for her. She had an array of dresses and hats which fit her particular taste and most importantly that of Mr. Collins on display. Jimmy looked amazed at the numerous choices before them.

"You actually go through all these in an hour?" he asked with disbelief.

"Well no. I just choose what I like and try that on. About two or three dresses." she informed with a slight embarrassed smile.

"I know it'd probably take Lou twice that long to try on just one." he commented.

"Lou?"

"Louise. We call her Lou."

"Oh--Is she your girl?" She felt a touch of jealousy.

He shook his head. "No, no. She's just a good friend." Jenny was relieved to hear it.

"Well make yourself comfortable." she motioned to the small couch behind him. "Remember we've got an hour."

Jenny tried on the dresses she'd chosen and modeled them for him. Jimmy of course didn't mind being used as her fashion critic seeing he was encouraged to look at her shapely figure. Though the dresses were nice, none seemed to fit his approval.

"You're a tougher customer than Mr. Collins!" exclaimed the dressmaker.

Jenny plopped herself down on the sofa next to him. "Okay Mr. Hickok, you choose."

"Me?" he asked surprised.

"Yes you. Obviously you haven't liked a thing I've tried on so..." she nudged him up, "please go on."

"Alright." he conceded, getting up from his seat. Browsing through the dresses he came across a light blue, low-cut scooped neck dress. It was slightly flared and gathered neatly on the back. He handed it to her. "This one. I like this one." She looked at the dress uncertain. "Are you sure?" a slight wrinkle on her brow revealed.

"Please." he nodded at her, signifying he'd like her to try it on for him. Rising from the couch, she took the dress and went to the changing room and proceeded to put it on. Once she'd emerged, he was in awe of her and so was the dressmaker.

"Well?" she asked timidly not knowing exactly what the expression on his face meant.

"You're beautiful...I mean it's beautiful." She blushed at his admiring words. He saw the expression he had incurred. He had actually made her blush. She agreed on the dress telling the dressmaker "I'll take it." as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

After leaving the shop, they strolled down the street making a brief stop at the general store. Jimmy noticed her interest in the freshly cut flowers on display as he browsed the store. After making a small purchase, he met her outside with a surprise of his own.

"For you Ma'am." he said, flashing the small bouquet of flowers from behind his back. She was pleased by the gesture getting the feeling he'd been watching her. Jenny felt happy, truly happy in that instant. The beaming smile she gave him as she accepted his gift made him realize that she wasn't dead. She lived, though she felt like dying. He smiled in return and offered her his arm once again and without hesitation she took it.

"You know, you have a pretty smile. You should smile more often."

"Hmph. There really isn't anything for me to be smiling about."

"You know, we all have demons in life we have to battle Ma'am, but if we give up, we might as well die today, 'cause tomorrow'll just get worst." Jimmy spoke in such a manner that she deemed his comments honest and pure and she took them to heart. Yes she did have demons she needed to fight. Having the will to do it, well that was a different story.

"How come you always call me Ma'am or Miss. You've never used my name." she noticed.

"If I knew what it was..." his voice trailed off.

She smiled at him. "You know my name."

He shook his head slightly. "I'm sorry, but I can't call you girls by those silly names they give ya...Sparrow, Kitty, Spring...no offense." he said glancing at her.

"None taken."

They walked back to the saloon enjoying each other's company and before they knew it, they were there. He walked her to the stairs where she thanked him for a lovely day. He responded in like and told her he hoped they'd get to do it again. Jenny felt still stranger. There was something about Jimmy that kept pulling her to him.

"Well, I better go." she said, realizing they had been standing there looking at each other not saying anything.

"I'll see you later." he softly uttered. She nodded and turned to walk up the stairs when she stopped as she took the first step, turning to face him.

"It's Jennifer. My name, but my friend's call me Jenny." she smiled.

"Jenny." he repeated. "I like that." he smiled in return and watched as she resumed her steps. He had made a connection finally. It was a small step but at this point even small steps felt like giant leaps.

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Jenny kept checking her appearance in the standing mirror of her room. She didn't want to admit to herself that her sudden preoccupation with her looks were due to the fact that she wanted to look nice for Jimmy. He would be there any minute to pick her up and she couldn't stay still.

"Why am I acting like this?" she asked herself as she paced the floor in her room. The knock on the door halted her motion and her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Taking one deep breath, she went ahead and opened the door to see the handsome Mr. Hickok before her eyes. Her happiness at seeing him was displayed by the friendly smile she greeted him with and he was certainly glad to the reception he received.

That evening with Charlie's constant encouragement, she gathered enough nerve to go over on several ocassions and actually engaged him in conversation. Finding Jimmy to be a pleasant fellow, she began to feel much more relaxed around the gunfighter. Jimmy of course made every attempt possible to help her feel that way. A friendship had begun to develop and it felt good, to both of them.

After the last customer had gone on his way, Jenny sat at Jimmy's table along with his friend Cody. Spending a little time in conversation with them, and sharing a laugh or two, Cody bid them a good night and left their presence.

"Seems like everything went well tonight." he commented.

"Thanks to you." she flirted.

Jimmy gave her that smile she was beginning to find alluring. "It was nothing." he said shyly.

"Don't say that. It means a lot to me. I've never felt so safe. You make me feel safe." she said, looking into his brown eyes. Not knowing exactly what to say they looked away from their stare, a nervous laugh escaping them.

Later on, Jimmy escorted Jenny back to her room. Standing at her door, a feeling of anxiety began to overcome her seeing they had to part ways. Jimmy stood close behind her as he took in her sweet, sweet scent. She turned to face him and the closeness they shared made her heart begin to race.

"Thank you Jimmy." she said once more, not really wanting to say good night.

"You're welcome." he smiled at her and it enduced her to put a hand under his long hair as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, and without any hesitation she moved to kiss his soft lips gently.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what just came over me." she apologized after the reality of what she had done hit her. Jimmy just smiled letting her know there wasn't any need to apologize, he hadn't minded one bit. A flash of red appeared on her face and she reserved she better go before her irrational mind took control once again. Bidding him good night she entered her room, a tremendous feeling of joy accompanied a broad smile spread across her face. She leaned against the door, a hand on her stomach as thoughts of Jimmy ran through her head.

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Jenny couldn't believe the feelings she was developing for Jimmy. She'd never thought she'd ever have any sort of amorous feelings for any man but somehow he had conjured them out of her. Was it his kindness? His obvious care for her? His handsome looks? She couldn't pinpoint the one thing but she was indeed very attracted to him. Now she yearned to spend time alone with him although that might be an impossibility seeing Mr. Collins didn't like having her out of his sight for long.

That morning at the breakfast table, she sat along with Mr. Collins, Jimmy and Cody and deciding to take a shot, inquired of Mr. Collins if it were okay for her to go to the lake seeing she needed a little time away from the walls of the saloon. Cody almost choked on the biscuit he was chewing at hearing her request and Jimmy sat silently trying not to choke himself. Mr. Collins looked at her with a serious stare and it didn't seem like he was going to go for it.

"Please." she begged. "I have to get a change of scenery. I'm going crazy in here. Jimmy can take me." she suggested, glancing at Jimmy. Cody eyed his friend from the corner of his eye while Jimmy shot Jenny a quick glance at the sound of his name before speaking.

"I don't mind taking her if it's alright with you Mr. Collins. Like you said, we have to make sure she stays happy." he reminded the older man of his words.

Collins agreed with Jimmy. The boy was right. With the bidding not too far off it would do him no good if Spring couldn't be presented as tastefully as he knew she could be. She needed to look the part; a hot tasty dish for a starving man. Keeping her happy was imperative. So, he authorized the outting, charging Mr. Cody to ride along with them for "extra protection." Jenny was happy.

Jimmy waited outside, the buckboard ready to go. Cody waited alongside his friend, the reins of his horse in hand.

"I hope you know what you're doing." said Cody.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, don't be gettin' too familiar with her. Just stick to doing your job. The last thing we need is for Collins to be breathing down our necks." he stated firmly.

"You don't have to worry Cody." assured Jimmy. Cody knew that every time those words came out of Hickok's mouth, he needed to worry.

Cody looked at him and asked, "You're in love with her aren't you?" Jimmy gave no response. He didn't have to. The look vividly displayed on his face was telling enough.

Cody grimaced. "Damn it!" he cried, "I knew it. I take my eyes off you for a split second and bang! There go the fireworks."

"Relax will you? I know what I'm doing."

"And what exactly is that?" William asked unconvinced.

"I know she's in trouble Cody and I aim to find out why and what the hell she's doing working in a place like this. I feel she's starting to trust me. I need to start making headway somehow."

"Well you just make sure you keep your head in your pants. We wouldn't want Jimmy to make any unannounced appearances or we might as well start digging our own graves now."

"Cody, you don't sound like you trust me." said Jimmy, mocking a hurt look on his face.

"Around a pretty thing like that? How can I put it?...NO."

Just then, Jenny approached with a picnic basket in hand. Jimmy couldn't find the words to greet her. She looked so beautiful. The light blue dress he had chosen for her the other day, now draped her lovely body. What he would do to take her in his arms and kiss her but Cody's words snapped him out of it. His friend was right. He couldn't risk it, though his desire for her was growing daily.

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After a nice lunch, Cody excused himself at Jimmy's urging and left the two alone. Jenny was glad to see Cody go even though he had been great company.

"Want to go for a walk?" asked Jimmy.

"Sure." she smiled as he held her hand, lifting her up from the picnic blanket.

The lake was beautiful she thought. So peaceful and calm. The chirping birds up ahead gave her a small touch of freedom, the cool breeze on this mild day was relaxing in itself but it was the man next to her that made her feel alive.

"So where are you from James Hickok?" she inquired as they walked.

"Kansas. Monticello, Kansas."

"Kansas? So am I!" she cried.

"I know." he admitted.

"You do?" she asked baffled. "How did you know that?"

"I asked around."

"Oh--Do you always ask around about perfect strangers?"

"Nah--Just the pretty ones." She blushed. He thought she was pretty; that was good.

"So how'd you end up working for the Pony Express?" she was curious about him.

"Well, I was on my own, needed work, saw the advertisement and signed up. The rest as they say is history."

"And your family?"

"I have two sisters. My mother and father died years ago." She offered her condolences which he gratefully accepted.

"So what are you doing here?" he asked, hoping she'd give him some answers to his many questions.

She was reluctant. "I-I really shouldn't talk about that." she said, abruptly stopping their stroll.

"It's okay, you can trust me." he said, trying to ease her anxiety as he turned her to face him.

"I'm afraid that if I tell you, you won't think of me the same. I sure don't."

He lifted her chin up to him. "There's nothing that can make me change the way I feel about you." he confessed.

She shook her head. "Don't. You don't want someone like me. I'm trapped. My future is within those four walls at that saloon and there's nothing I can do to change that."

"Let me be the judge of that." he said comfortingly as he convinced her to trust in him. She did. She told him everything. How her parent's farm had come into heavy debt to the bank owned by Collins after a group of vandals raided and destroyed their crops, their way of living for an entire year. Collins made it very clear that he'd have to foreclose on the farm if her parents couldn't make the scheduled payments and seeing that was going to be an impossibility they were going to lose everything. Mr. Collings though, came up with a proposal she couldn't refuse. He would cancel the debt on their farm if Jenny would come to Sweetwater and work for him.

"So I couldn't stand by and let my family lose everything. Everything my father's worked so hard for. So I agreed much to the devestation of my folks but it was my decision to make. Some nights I lay in bed and I can't believe this is happening. I'm on the verge of becoming nothing more than a whore. It's not exactly the kind of life I imagined I would live." Her eyes became filled with tears and she grumbled at herself for the emotional display. "I promised myself I wasn't going to do this." she said, wiping the tears away.

"Come here." he said, pulling her by the hand, bringing her close. "It ain't right. There's gotta be something we can do. I can't let you go through with this."

"I appreciate your concern Jimmy but, there's nothing that can be done. If I don't do as Collins says, he's promised he'd make my family pay. I can't take that chance. They're my world. If I have to sacrifice my body to save them, then so be it."

"It ain't fair. He's just gonna use you up and then what? When you can't make him the money he wants he's just gonna toss you aside." Jimmy voiced, irritated.

"I've sold my soul to the Devil Jimmy and the time has come for me to pay."

Jimmy didn't have the right words to comfort her. She was indeed in a precarious situation. What could he do to save her from this life?

"You know, if there's one good thing that comes out of this is that I've found a great friend, a guardian in you James Hickok. I couldn't ask for anything more." she confessed as her brown eyes pierced his. He held both her hands, gently squeezing them. The warmth of his hands as they caressed hers, sent a flood of excitement through her she felt hot all of a sudden. She realized what the sensation was. Her body was calling for him. She wanted him in more ways than one.

They returned to the saloon, and were at once informed by Charlie on their arrival that Mr. Collins had stepped out and wouldn't be back for another hour and that being the case she invited Jimmy into her room. It was elegantly decorated with beautiful flowered wallpaper and lace curtains. Her bed was spread with a fine French made quilt with what seemed like a dozen pillows to Jimmy.

"I had a really nice time today. Thank you." she said as she stood close in front of him, her fingers tugging the lapel of his jacket. Jimmy put his gloved hand over hers, an intense look in his sexy eyes. He set another on her waist as he took a step closer to her. Jenny's heart raced wickedly. He leaned his mouth to hers, touching her lips in a sweet soft kiss. Noticing she didn't pull back, he instinctively brought his gloved hands to her face holding her in position as he brought his mouth to hers once more, this time encouraging an open-mouth kiss as his tongue made its way into her mouth. She followed his lead, feeling a sense of passion for the first time in her life. As he applied the soft gentle kiss, she felt the wetness building between her legs. She pressed her body against him as he cradled her in his arms now the kiss becoming more intense as she kissed him back fervently. They parted from the kiss, Jenny red from a sense of embarrassment. She stared at him as his eyes burned into hers.

"No one's ever kissed me like that before." she confessed.

"Like this?" he said devilishly as he engaged her in another wet kiss, his want becoming more apparent through its delivery.

A knock on the door startled them both. "Jimmy!" called Cody. "You better get outta there. Mr. Collins just got in." he alerted.

"I gotta go." he said pulling away from her.

"I know. Kiss me again." He obliged as he turned the knob on the door. Cody opened the door as Jimmy and Jenny's mouths were still locked.

"Come on Hickok!" he charged, pulling his friend by the arm.

"Bye." he said. She gave him another quick peck before bidding him goodbye. They had gotten away just in time for a minute later, Mr. Collins was at her door checking in on her.

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Another evening was upon them. Jimmy at the usual time came to escort Jenny downstairs. This time though, she had a differnet look to her. A naughty look. His beautiful smile greeted her. "Are we ready?" he asked her.

"Just about." she said as she glanced down the hallway making sure no one was around. "Come here handsome." she called, kissing his lips, her tongue pleading for his to join hers. He obliged briefly seeing this wasn't the wisest course of action.

"We can't do this right now." he whispered.

"We have to be careful. I know." she admitted though she continued playing with his lips.

"If Mr. Collins sees us, we'll be in a world of hurt." he tried to reason.

"A-ha." she agreed absentmindedly.

"You're not listening to a word I'm saying."

"Mmm Hmm." she mumbled as her fingers slipped through his hair, her tongue seducing him once again. She managed to conjure another kiss out of him.

"Okay. Seriously, we have to be careful." he said. She looked at him with a pout and puppy dog eyes. He had to smile. "Come on. We better get downstairs."

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Jennifer McAllister couldn't help herself. No matter where in the saloon she happened to be, her eyes looked for him and her heart dwelt on him. She welcomed the brief breaks in-between when she wasn't being called on to serve another drunken card player, that way she could go and talk with him. After the kiss they had shared earlier she found it extremely difficult trying not to show any intimate gesture towards him. They both understood that such feelings for now would have to be buried deep down, otherwise Collins would not hesitate to have the two separated permanently if he thought she'd be in any danger of losing her precious virginity. For now though, Collins had no clue and that was just the way it need to stay.

The night was moving along smoothly when Jonathan Cole caught Jimmy's attention. He was the only one bold enough to attempt hitting on Spring. All the others had come to appreciate through harsh words and cold stares that Hickok was not a man to be reckoned with. His speed with a gun was even more of a deterrent and so they thought it wise to let her be.

As Spring served drinks at his table, Jonathan's wandering eyes roamed her shapely body. She felt his stare heavy on her as she leaned over to set the drinks on the table, her exposed firm cleavage becoming the object for it. Jonathan couldn't help himself. He found her extremely attractive. He longed to hold her breasts, to feel their softness in his hands. He wanted to bed her more than anything. Being the arrogant, rich rogue he was, he had no doubts that she would belong to him. His arrogance led him to feel he could have his way with her, seeing he had enough of the paper money to pay for her.

As she put his drink before him, he leaned into her, staring down her dress, bringing his nose to her neck, inhaling her sweet smell. "Don't you know you're the most appetizing thing I ever laid my eyes on?" he whispered to her. Spring found his comment repulsive and gave no answer. Sensing her defiance he proceeded to hassle her. Jimmy watched intently, his blood beginning to boil, yet he couldn't rightly do anything unless he actually put his hands on her. Jimmy prayed that he would so he'd have an excuse to beat the crap out of him.

"Lay one hand on her and you're mine." he thought angrily.

Spring turned in the direction of the bar when he blocked her way. She stopped abruptly almost falling forward as she looked down on his stretched-out leg. "Let me pass." she demanded.

"Oh I will darling, once you do something for me." he replied leaning forward, scanning the back of her, focusing on her hips and buttocks. Spring stood there like a statue, gripping the tray tightly in her hand, hoping she'd have the chance to slam it against his smug face. A couple of the players at the table smiled at the developing situation encouraging young Jonathan to take the chance. Seeing their smiles of approval he grabbed her by the waist, settling her on his lap. As soon as he sat her, Spring felt his arousal through his pants and an utter feeling of disgust flooded her. She wiggled to get free from his hold, dropping the tray to the floor with a crash as his mouth found the spots on her neck to slobber on.

Before she knew it, she had been yanked from his hold and stood behind Jimmy, her one arm across his chest. The sudden dispersal of the men at the table alerted Jonathan that he had brought the wrath of Hickok upon himself and not wanting to be a part of it, they left the young man to fend for himself. Soon enough all eyes in the saloon fell on this latest confrontation between the two headstrong young men.

The glare in Jimmy's eyes told Jonathan he had made a big mistake. The rebellious spirit in Jonathan on the other hand, wasn't about to be intimidated by the famous gunfighter. He stood from his seat, walking up to Hickok as they stood face to face not breaking the stare they had locked into.

"Get upstairs." he told her, scraping her hand off his chest.

"But..." she began in protest just to be cut-off.

"Don't question me." he sternly charged. She hesitated. "Go." he nudged her to do as he said. This wasn't going to be pretty.

"Get out of my way Hickok!" he said, pushing Jimmy aside as he tried to grab Spring by the arm. Jimmy had had it. He grabbed Jonathan by the neck of his jacket, pushing the half-drunken man unto a nearby table, shattering it to pieces. Jonathan got up quickly, his pride more hurt than his body. He became filled with rage as he charged for Jimmy who greeted him with a full measured punch to his gut. The rich young man fell to his knees, gasping for air. Jimmy pulled him by his jacket up to his feet and warned him, "You touch her again, I swear, I will kill you. Now get outta here!" he ordered, pushing Jonathan out the doors as he stumbled forth. Jimmy picked up Jonathan's hat and flung it outside after him. The patrons found the matter rather comedic and laughed at the expense of Jonathan's humiliation. Mr. Collins stood above on the veranda, watching. A broad smile eminated from him, seeing that someone finally had the guts to put the young punk in his place. His trust in Hickok grew tremendously. He felt confident Spring was at last in good hands and he could finally get a decent night's rest.

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Jenny sat by the window in her room, looking through the lacy fixtures. Her night had been cut short due to the trouble with Jonathan Cole. She hated herself for allowing it to happen. She had hoped to spend more time with Jimmy but now she was confined to her room, missing his handsome face. His embrace is what she longed for. To feel safe in his arms is what she needed now.

A soft rap on her door drew her attention from the goings-on outdoors. She quickly ran to the door asking in a soft voice who it was. "It's me." he answered. Jenny opened the door at once, letting him in. Once secured inside she leapt into his arms.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry." she lamented.

Jimmy was puzzled by her reaction. "Sorry for what darling?" he said as he looked down into her brown eyes.

"I should've been more careful. It's my fault."

"Don't talk like that. You didn't do nothing." he comforted. "The only thing you're guilty of is being too damn beautiful. I don't blame Jonathan for wanting you 'cause...I want you too." he confessed touching her face. She rested her hands on his chest, leaning into him, her lips finding his, their mouths opening slowly, their tongues meeting again in a soft sensuous kiss. He wanted her and she knew by the excitement her body was feeling that she wanted him. She wanted him to make love to her.

Their intimate moment soon came to an end when the voice of Mr. Collins was heard down the hall approaching her door. Jimmy headed towards the window hurriedly with Jenny a step behind him. Straddling the window he pulled her to him, kissing her goodbye. Her heart beat with wild flutters as her soon to be lover fled to his safety, the knock on her door alerting the imminent entrance of her hated captor. Fixing her dress and monotoring her countenance which was glowy from her brief encounter with the handsome gunfighter, she opened the door. Mr. Collins entered the room inquiring on her state of being.

"I'm-I'm a little shaken." she admitted, not because of the incident with Jonathan but more so because Jimmy had been there with her. They would have to exercise caution she thought. These close calls were horrible on her nerves. She'd perish the thought of losing Jimmy.

"Well I'm glad you're all right thanks to Mr. Hickok. He has been worth every cent so far and he has at least given me something I hadn't had in a while."

"And what's that?" she asked with mild bitterness.

"Peace of mind my dear. As long as he's at your side, I don't have anything to worry about...do I?" The mere tone of the question sent a shiver down her spine. Maintaining her composure she retorted in response, "Of course not, like you said, that is what you pay him for." She hoped her wry remark would communicate her displeasure with her bodyguard.

"Do you not approve of Mr. Hickok?"

"He's doing his job, that's all that matters."

"And a fine job at that." he grinned. Sleep well Spring, I mean Jenny...I know I will." He soon exited her room and she immediately locked the door behind him, letting go a hefty sigh of relief. The entire time her stomach felt as if it were tied in a knot. She hoped she had put on a convincing performance for the old man and by his remarks she felt she'd been successful.

Her love for Jimmy she'd have to keep hidden, yet could she? Her desire for him grew with each second, with each thought. She undressed him in her mind as she lay awake in bed at night. Her thoughts becoming ever more erotic as she conjured images of his naked body, trying to piece together each and every part of him. She thought about his rugged manliness. How he could satisfy the yearning she felt. Although she had never laid with a man, she had seen well enough to understand the pleasure of sex. It was an instinct borne in her. Her thoughts made her wet and horny and she long to have his cock in her. Bringing him pleasure would be her ecstasy. Sexual feelings so strong she did possess and he would be the only one to satisfy her want. Yet a conflict rose within her. Could she cast aside the sacrifice she had made for her family to share his love? Her love for her family was great, she had given herself to save them. Going back on that promise would nullify everything, void her pact with Collins and where would that leave her? Her family?

"I have to control these thoughts. I'm thinking crazy. I want Jimmy more than anything but if I give myself to him I'll lose it all." she spoke, trying to reason with herself. "Why now? Why did he have to come into my life now? It's not fair, it's just not fair."

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Jenny was fast asleep. Her mind had become exhausted trying to separate her reality from her dreams. Sure a life with Jimmy consumed with love and passion is what she craved but the truth of the matter was that such a thing would never come to be. She loved him but her family's future, not her own, was the important thing. With such lingering thoughts she fell asleep, the muffled noises downstairs inaudible to her soul.

The man stood above her, looking down on the beautiful princess as she slumbered. The look of serenity on her face made her seem more beautiful, more appealing. Her white nightgown bore her smooth caramel arms, hightlighted her bare breasts underneath. His arousal increased as he thought of conquering her once and for all. He reached down and touched her soft, silky hair gently feeling the strands between two fingers.

Jenny sensed a presence. Even in her sleep she could feel she wasn't alone, but was she dreaming? The fingers that caressed her bare arms triggered the shocking reality. The feel was too real to be a dream. She told herself to wake up but she couldn't. The sinking feeling on the bed told her there was danger. Soon his breath was on her. She smelled the odor of alcohol on his breath, his lips grazing the side of her face. Suddenly her eyes flew open, jerking her out of the deep sleep to see him leaning over her. A look of terror set in her eyes.

Scream! She told herself but she couldn't; the massive hand covering her mouth. She began to fight but he held her still. Her tiny body no match for his tremendous strength.

"Now, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way darling. I don't want to hurt you." he warned. She wasn't giving in. She fought like a mad dog to get out of his grip but he held her wrists with one of his large hands above her head, his other still over mouth, shutting her from screaming out. Tears began to flow from the corners of her eyes as she beheld the face of Jonathan Cole. Jenny kicked and fought him the best she could but his strength overtook hers. She wanted to scream for Jimmy but she couldn't.

The thrill of taking her in such a manner delighted Jonathan. They would pay. All of them. Collins would pay in order to settle an old score and Hickok for the humiliation he'd suffered at his hands and he knew exactly how to do it. She would become his right now.

Trying to expose her body, he let go of her hands and began to rip her gown but just as quickly she scratched his face and with that he let go of her mouth and followed with a backhanded slap across her face.

"NO!" she screamed with all force and he attempted to cover her mouth once again but she bit into his hand as he brought it to her mouth. The pain from the ferocious bite shot through his hand and he let go in order to soothe the injury. In that split second Jenny leapt out of bed trying to reach the door, but he caught her from behind as he covered her mouth, lifting her from behind as he took her back to the bed. Jenny wriggled with all her might and kicked the porcelain vase off the table. It crashed to the floor sending pieces of it all over. Jonathan threw her back on the bed, holding her arms at her sides, attempting to kiss her.

"Jenny!" shouted Jimmy from the other side of the door. Just then, the door to her room flew open and Jimmy was on top of Jonathan faster than the blink of an eye. He let go of Jenny as Hickok's punches pierced his ribs one after the other. Jimmy was filled with anger and he remembered his promise, "If you ever touch her again, I'll kill you." and that is what he aimed to do with his bare hands. He mercilessly administered punishment, pummeling Jonathan until his face was a bloody mass, gashes and cuts seeping out the red.

"Stop Jimmy! Stop! You're gonna kill him." yelled Jenny, trying to calm the beast within him. She sobbed as she pleaded with him. "Please don't...I don't want to lose you." she whispered. Her words touched him.

At that moment Cody entered, followed by Mr. Collins and Kurt who had managed their way through the crowd that blocked the entrance to the room. Jimmy turned in their direction, the look of a mad man in his eyes, his shirt visibly bloodied but there was no blood coming from him. They looked to the floor and saw Jonathan unconscious, his face badly beaten, the blood signifying that he was the obvious loser.

"What the hell happened here?" shouted Mr. Collins. No one said a word. Jimmy looked at Jenny as she stood there looking so helpless. His instincts were to reach for her and take her in his arms. As he took that one step, Mr. Collins stepped between them, breaking the trance they had. "Are you all right?" he asked her. Jenny sobbed and without warning her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she felt her body falling to the floor. Mr. Collins grabbed hold of her as she collapsed.

"Kurt! Take her to my room and go get the doctor." he ordered. Kurt obediently responded taking the limp body of Jenny out of the room. Collins asked once more what had happened, still Jimmy gave no response. He was angry. He needed to be with her. He blamed himself for allowing this to happen to her. He promised her she would be safe with him and he failed her. Now he couldn't even be at her side. He needed to get away. He still said nothing and shoved his way through the two men that stood before him.

Collins decided to let the matter rest for now. The answers would come soon enough.

"Mr. Cody, get him out of here." he said, looking down on Jonathan. "Dump him somewhere, preferably with the trash." Cody obliged, lifting Jonathan's body with Mr. Collins' assistance throwing him over his shoulder and carried out Mr. Collins' orders and with the trash he did put him.

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The following morning after nerves and tempers had subsided, Jimmy was summoned by Mr. Collins. They met in his office. "I don't know how I could ever repay you for your deed last night Mr. Hickok. Jenny told me what happened." he acknowledged.

Jimmy displayed a crinkled brow and seriously stated, "I was just doing my job." He was still furious at himself for allowing any harm to come to her. The thought of what could've transpired last night scared him half to death. He longed to see her but hadn't been granted that opportunity as of yet.

"And that you were Mr. Hickok." commended the old man as he continued, "That is why I'm going to ask of you a tremendous favor."

"And what is that?" he asked, his brow still drawn.

The old man stated his concern. "I have no doubt that Jonathan Cole in some way or the other will try to get his hands on Jenny again. See Hickok, men like Cole don't appreciate the value of things...of precious things like Jenny. The value of hard labor is lost to his sort. The sweat, the hours invested into building a successful business from nothing!" he declared. "Everything has been handed to that boy on a silver platter. He's never known the word work, never had the satisfaction of seeing his labor finally pay-off! No!" he raged. "He's rich and arrogant and dangerous to me. I will not have him ruin what I've built. I have stocked the future of this saloon on that girl and I'll be damned if he steals it away from me." he promised.

"What are you saying Mr. Collins?" questioned Jimmy, wondering what exactly this favor was going to entail.

"Don't worry. I'm not asking you to kill him even though I'm sure you're more than capable." he said, putting Jimmy's mind at ease. "I'm sending you to Davenport. I want you to take Jenny there and you stay there until I send for you." That was the plan.

"What?" he asked puzzled.

"I know it's asking much, the girl isn't the most pleasant, friendly thing to be around but, I will compensate you well. I just can't take the chance of Jonathan Cole blemishing her." he uttered, revealing the nature of his concern.

He informed Hickok that they would leave that very afternoon. He assured Jimmy that he trusted in him but charged him not to fail him either. Jimmy agreed to the assignment but the total impact of it didn't come to the fore until he told Cody.

"He's sending you where?! To Davenport? By yourselves?!" he exclaimed in stark disbelief.

Jimmy nodded. "That's what he said. We leave this afternoon."

"Why this is just dandy." William quipped. "Why didn't you say no?"

"Why should I?" he shot back.

"Come on Jimmy. You know what I'm talking about. You're attracted to her and she likes you...a lot. You can't have her." he reminded his good friend. "She's like a piece of forbidden fruit. So tempting, it makes your mouth water just yearning to get a taste. Just one little taste. You keep looking at it, longing for it and soon enough all you can think of is how good it would feel. Getting a hold of it, plunging into those sweet juices it has to offer. Believe you me, I understand the way you feel but, don't even think about picking off of that tree. All you can do is look at it but you never get to taste it. Comprende?" Cody asked Jimmy if he got the point.

"What was I supposed to do Cody? I couldn't let her go with anyone else. After all that happened last night I have to be there for her."

Cody shook his head slightly as he closed his eyes. "Just promise me one thing Hickok." he pleaded, looking at Jimmy, "Please, please keep it to yourself." he nodded at his pants. Jimmy responded with rolling eyes but didn't confirm the promise because forbidden or not, deep down inside sleeping with her is what he desired most.

_________________________________________________________________________

The trip to Davenport was two days long and they cherished the private moments they had been granted. Jimmy found absolution in Jenny's assurances that the matter with Jonathan was not due to any negligence on his part. She was happy to see he had been there to save her honor and she never had a doubt that he would come to her rescue.

They felt free to express their feelings for each other. There were no roving eyes, no fear in the air. The deep soulful kisses they shared made Jenny's heart feel full everytime he kissed her. Jimmy conveyed his ardent love for her with every opportunity she gave him.

Arriving in Davenport, Jimmy secured the best room at the town hotel under an assumed married name. Jenny was relieved to have a bed to sleep on and the luxury of a hot bath. She enjoyed the time away from the Wild Horse even though it would only last briefly. She was determined to make the most of her freedom while it was hers.

That evening, there was a real sense of joy and liberty when they dressed up and enjoyed a candle lit dinner at the Davenport Restaurant. It really felt as if they were husband and wife. Jenny reveled in the role. The only thing that was missing was the consummation of the marriage.

The battle within her raged on. Her desire, her want for Jimmy, her craving for him had only intensified on this trip. The embraces, the intimate kisses didn't help to curb the longings of her body, her mind. The signals within her only encouraged her to take the next step.

"Thank you so much for a wonderful evening Jimmy." she gratefully said, once they returned to their room.

"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you." he sweetly said, his words melting her inside.

"You're the best thing that's ever come into my life. You've helped me so much, I can't imagine not having you with me." Her face saddened. Their time together would one day end. She despised the thoughts of her future, a miserable future impacted even more by the fact that he wouldn't be a part of it.

Lifting her chin, he looked warmly into her soft eyes. "Why the long face?" he noted.

She shook her head, trying to be strong. "I don't know. I guess I just had an awful thought...One day I'm going to wake up and you're not going to be there with me." The saddened tone of her voice led Jimmy to take her in his arms to console her.

"Don't think like that. As long as I'm breathing, I'll be there for you." She actually found a measure of comfort in his words. How accurate his prediction would be, she didn't know but just to hear him utter such a statement meant the world to her.

The scent of him induced her to kiss his neck with tender, soft, seductive kisses. Soon she advanced to his ear sending wild shivers through his body, arousing his sexual member. Nibbling on his ear, she conveyed her desire and he understood it clearly. He soon took possession of her mouth, their tongues engaging in a sensual, arousing kiss. She pulled her lips from his, her hands cuffed around his neck. The soulful stare she gave him told Jimmy they were entering the forbidden zone. Could he go through with it? She kissed his lips once more and in a voice that weakened his very being whispered to him, "You don't have to sleep on the chaise lounge tonight." Then administering a series of tender kisses on the side of his face to his ear she continued, "You can sleep in bed with me."

Jimmy's heart exploded with unleashed excitement at that moment. The signals of his body urged him to give in to her. Looking at him with seducing eyes, Jimmy felt his palms become clammy. His breathing more intense.

"I want you to make love to me Jimmy." she uttered softly as she carefully coupled his mouth, entering the realm inside with her seductive tongue. Jimmy was aroused beyond belief and beginning to give in to his want and her desire, pressed her body against his as his hand crawled up her back, finding the buttons of her dress.

He began to unbutton her, his mind anticipating the feel of her soft back against his fingers but Cody's words sent a shock of reality that struck him. He stopped at once pulling his lips from hers. "What's wrong?" she asked through heavy breaths.

"We can't do this Jenny."

"What?" she asked, a bewildered look flashing across her face. "Don't...Don't you want me?" She looked hurt at the thought that he possibly didn't want her that way.

Jimmy sighed irritated. "You know I do. God I want you so bad but, you're not thinking straight...we're not."

She pulled away away from him even more hurt. "What is that supposed to mean?" she retorted but she knew what he meant.

"I'm talking about your life. If Collins ever finds out you're not what he thinks you are he'll kill you and your family. I can't do that to you." he confessed.

"It's not just about you Jimmy!" she shot back. "Don't I have a say in the matter?" she said in frustration for she knew she didn't. "Shouldn't I be able to give myself to whomever I want?!"

"Yes you do." he answered sympathetically, "Under normal circumstances, but you're not under normal circumstances."

"So what are you saying? That I should just lay down and have some man I don't even know, some stranger who's thrill it is to sleep with a virgin girl have his way with me and boast about it the next day?! To hell with them!" she yelled.

Tears began to fall from the corner of her eyes. "I can't believe this. I have a slew of men that are ready to pay an awful lot of money to have sex with me and here I've got the man that I love and he won't make love to me." she snickered.

'The man she loved?' he asked himself. She had never revealed it to him and now her confession sent a sharp pain of betrayal through him. All she needed was him but he couldn't allow such faulty reasoning to persuade him. He tried consoling her but she wanted no part of him right now.

"Just leave me alone Jimmy." she said as she sat on the bed. "I just want to be alone." He nodded, though it made the pain a thousand times worst since she was sending him away.

"Okay, I'll be back later."

Jenny wept bitterly that night. The overwhelming sense of anger and helplessness she felt made her curse her love for Jimmy. How could she have allowed herself to fall in love? She had warned herself over and over again that it couldn't happen and now here she lay, broken-hearted over the love of a man who'd refused her. 'How humiliating.' she thought. But then again, she knew deep down that Jimmy had her best interests at heart. He cared for her, how could she blame him for that? He wanted her, he did say so yet he resisted his temptation not wanting to injure her in any sense. She heard him return that evening to the darkened room. She didn't stir but pretended to sleep as he approached the bed leaning over her and gently touching her hair, followed by a kiss on the side of her face.

The next day, they sat down for breakfast in their room and had a heart to heart. Jimmy let her know that she was the most precious thing in this world to him. He would never do anything to bring her harm and he wouldn't be able to live with himself if that were to actually happen. She understood his reasons although they did little to change the way she felt. She had to accept the fact that he was a man of his word and his word was unchanging. He would not sleep with her and risk her safety, her life, for a moments pleasure. Jimmy saw the pain in her eyes and he felt it too. If she could only understand, if she could only feel what he was wrestling with inside. It hadn't been as easy a choice as she thought it was. How much he desired her; how much he longed to hold her close, his body with hers joined together as one. He longed to express his love for her, tenderly, sensually but with tidings like these, maybe it wasn't meant to be. Discerning that the line they walked along was a very fine one, sensing it could be in a heated moment of unbridled passion that he could claim her virginity as his own and her willingness to give in to him, they agreed not to express those powerful feelings in such intimate ways. It would be a test but they both knew it'd be for the best.

_________________________________________________________________________

There had been no word from Mr. Collins. Three days had passed by since they reached Davenport and the auction was to be held in just a few more days. The entire matter seemed strange to Jenny. There had not been a day since she had decided to go with him that the old man didn't seek her out. To have these many days pass without so much as an inquiry to their well-being left her with a gut feeling that all was not well. And true to that feeling it was so. Unbeknownst to them both, startling revelations and accusations had come to the fore that threatened to bring the Wild Horse to ruin and its owner to his knees.

Two days after the altercation with Hickok and having been so rudely thrown out with the trash, Jonathan once again resurfaced albeit bearing the signs of his unfortunate loss, confronted Mr. Collins with a delicious discovery his father had artfully left behind that would assure Jonathan not only ownership of the Wild Horse but of Mr. Collins' precious possession--Spring. He entered the old man's office rather confident though he walked with the aid of a cane and a face donning purple and black bruises that showed where Hickok's punches did the damage. The old man looked disdainfully at the cocky young rogue not knowing that in his possession lay the very things that were about to crumple his world.

"You have some nerve showing your face around here Cole after that stunt you pulled. You're lucky I knew your father or I would've done worse to you than what I did. So you should be counting your blessings."

"Oh no Mr. Collins. You're the one that better start praying right now, 'cause you see, there are many sins you've committed and you best start repenting 'fore you never get to see those pearly gates."

Collins smirked at the young man. "Cole...look at you. What has become of you? Your father had such big hopes for you."

"Don't you talk about my father." he retorted in anger.

"You're weak and pathetic. If you think you can waltz in here and play your little games, I suggest you turn around sonny and go home because once you enter this ring, you're in with the big boys and I will crush the living breath out of you." he threatened.

Jonathan gave a retaliatory smirk. There wasn't anything Collins could say that could shatter his confidence. The old man just didn't realize that it was he, who had the deck stacked up against him and Jonathan would revel seeing the proud Mr. Collins squirm and beg for leniancy.

"You can threaten me all you want Collins but I'm not as stupid as you think. See, I know things about you. Things you don't want people in this town finding out. Little dark secrets you tried to keep buried so deep you hoped that even time would forget." he accussed.

"What are you talking about?" Jonathan looked to see the furrowed brow now vivid on Collins' forehead. He only smiled which aggravated Mr. Collins. He wanted to know what it was that Jonathan thought he had on him. "If you have something to say, say it!" he yelled.

Jonathan loved to see Mr. Collins who was usually so reserved in style in now such a flustered state. He began with his proposal. "I tell you though Mr. Collins, I'm always open to a great business opportunity, and a man of your nature can appreciate that." he said, resting his bottom on the desk. "I'm willing to keep what I know to myself in exchange for this here fine saloon...and for Spring." he said, as he took a cigar from the opened box and gave it a long whiff. "Mmm. I always liked your taste in the finer things." he remarked.

"You're out of your mind. What makes you think I would do that?"

He returned the cigar to its place and shot Collins a glare. " 'Cause if you don't...the walls come a tumbling down."

"Get out of my sight." ordered the saloon owner.

"Well that's too bad Mr. Collins." he said rising from his position, "I would've made you a fine son-in-law."

Mr. Collins' eyes narrowed. "What?"

"Oh yes. I forgot to mention that if you don't meet my demands I guess your daughter'll have to find out that her father is willing to make her a high class saloon whore just to get back at her mother for running off with another man. How would Spring...I mean Jenny, feel about that?...Daddy?"

"You're mad. What is this craziness you're talking about?!"

"You're good Mr. Collins." he laughed. "I have to admit, but I told you, I ain't stupid. See, I got me some strong proof all in black and white. For example, copy of a birth certificate. Mother's name, father's name, daughter Jennifer Marie Collins born June 12, 1841. Did I get that right?"

"How did you get your hands on that?"

"That's just the beginning. See, I know what you did to cover up your tracks after you got rid of her mother. Yeah, it was so neat and simple-like. You took Jenny, a wee little baby then, and brought her to the McAllister's. They were a young newly married couple in town, no land, no way to make a living and you gave them a way out. Take the child to raise as their own, and they would be given land to build their own farm. It was a perfect plan. No one would be suspicious of you in the murder of her mother since you didn't have the child. But you told the McAllister's you'd be back and true to your word you were, only you weren't expecting them to put up a fight. After 19 years, they weren't giving her back, cause they knew the life you had planned for her. So you pressured them, burning their crops to the ground and of course offered them another way out; if Jenny came with you, your bank wouldn't foreclose on their farm. Jenny being the kind, loving daughter she was, agreed but that wasn't enough for you. Just to make sure your secret stayed where it belonged, you got rid of all of them. Now how do you think Jenny's going to feel knowing her whole life has been one big lie? That you, her own flesh and blood would destroy her world in a matter of time, piece by piece because you're filled with so much hatred your heart couldn't see past the darkness. How is she going to feel when she finds out that her family, the only family she ever knew is no more all the courtesy of Mr. Andrew Collins?" he ended with a sly grin.

Mr. Collins had his back against the wall. He knew he'd have to act quickly if he was to save all that he'd worked so hard for. "You're not going to tell her anything. One thing I've learned in my years boy and it'll be a hard lesson for you to learn is that you don't leave your enemies standing."

With those words Collins raised a gun and shot Jonathan Cole. Two shots rang in the air, hitting the young man square in the chest. Jonathan Cole fell dying on the floor. Collins walked over to him and kneeling down to his ear whispered, "Now my secret is dying with you."

Just then Kurt and Cody rushed into the office. "We heard shots." Cody said and soon his eyes caught sight of Jonathan on the floor. "What happened Mr. Collins?" inquired Kurt.

"He went for his gun, threatened to kill me so I shot him."

Cody knelt by Jonathan's head. "I think he's still alive." he uttered. Jonathan grabbed Cody's jacket pulling him forward. "It's all in the journal." with that Jonathan Cole expired.

"What did he say?" asked Mr. Collins, looking intently at William.

Cody shook his head. "I don't know. I couldn't make it out." he lied. Collins looked at Cody unsure if he was being truthful but wanting not to rouse Cody's suspicions let the matter go.

"Mr. Cody, you ride out to Davenport now. Get Mr. Hickok and Spring. Tell them it's time to come home."

"What about him?" he asked pointing at the body.

"We'll get the Marshal but I need you gone in an hour Mr. Cody. Time's a wasting." Cody rose to his feet and turned on his heels at once and was soon out the door.

As soon as he was gone, Mr. Collins ordered Kurt to get the Marshal and after, he was to ride out to Davenport and bring Spring back. Hickok and Cody had served their purpose, Collins feeling the two boys were now a liability. Kurt was to get rid of them both. He nodded and left to care for Mr. Collins' orders.

_________________________________________________________________________

Nightfall soon covered the town of Davenport. The streets were now quiet on this night. Jimmy and Jenny had already retired to their room for the evening. Jenny found it difficult to sleep. The past few days had been extremely trying on her. Spending so much time with Jimmy had only intensified the urges she felt towards him. She had caught him bare-chested just this morning as he changed his shirt and the flood of sexual tension she felt within her body was unbelievable. She felt tingly and extremely aroused. She had never in her life experienced such an awesome sensation before. It was a war raging in her mind, her mind against her body. Jenny longed to feel his naked body, to caress his manly parts. Her heart raced at the thoughts she kept harping on. How he would take her and make sweet, passionate love to her.

She wondered what an orgasm would feel like? The saloon girls, she came to quickly appreciate were not the type to be shy when it came to speaking of such things; sex, orgasms, blowjobs, threesomes and the like. Listening to their talk had taught her plenty she felt. Though she was a virgin in the physical sense of the word, she did not possess virgin ears, not living in a place like that. The things she heard the girls speak of, would make a preacher hotter than Hades itself.

Burrying her head in her pillow, she bit into it, fighting the yearnings of her body. The words of the saloon whores rang clearly in her head and the thoughts she allowed herself to dwell on about all the naughty, nasty things she'd love to do to Jimmy, rendered her powerless to her want. She looked over at him. He sat on the chaise lounge in the dimly lit room, so innocent, so helpless, fast asleep. Her appetite mounted and she didn't want to hold back any longer.

Rising from her bed as quiet as a mouse, she walked over to him, sensually looking at the man she loved. 'Go ahead.' she told herself. Without hesitating further, she raised her white nightgown up, over her thighs and proceeded to straddle him, resting her bottom on his lap. Jimmy felt her. Her sweet smell penetrating his senses. She softly kissed the side of his face. He had only dozed off for a few minutes and now here she was, her kisses rousing him from sleep. He enjoyed her delicate lips, her sensual offerings. Her body on his, made his penis begin to grow in size, getting hard, not only at the feel of her but at the visual display before his eyes. The outline of her rounded breasts, the hardness of her nipples poking through the delicate fabric; how he'd longed to get a taste of those. Her legs in an opened postition, making an enticing invitation. He wanted her, there wasn't any doubt in his mind.

She engaged his mouth slowly in a sensual, sexual kiss, her tongue taking command this time around. His penis became rigid, stiffening as she continued seducing him. His thoughts were sexual. He wanted to make love to her now. But hadn't they discussed this? That this very thing couldn't happen? Hadn't they agreed? Though he didn't want to, he had to put a stop to it. He remembered Teaspoon's words at that moment, what he'd always told his boys: "A hard penis don't have a conscience."

"Jenny," he whispered softly, "we can't." he said barely being able to get the words out.

"Shh." she said in his ear, "Don't stop me Jimmy." she whispered in return as she caressed his face with hers, her lips nibbling his ear. "I want to give you pleasure...I want to feel pleasure too Jimmy." She seduced him with her words. Jimmy looked at her. She was so sexual, so beautiful. Her dark hair draped down to her shoulders, the sleeveless gown beginning to slip-off of them. Her brown eyes, pools of chocolate he could just drown in. The forces were too powerful for him to resist. He couldn't anymore.

"Touch me Jimmy." she urged. The spell had been cast and he obeyed. He traveled the path of her legs up to her thighs, admiring their smooth caramel color. Soon he was at the peak of her thighs and brought his strong hands around to her bottom, cuffing her butt in his hands as he pulled her right on top of his hardened cock. Jenny closed her eyes feeling the ecstasy of his manhood against her vagina, the juices building between her legs. Jimmy traced the line of her throat down to her collarbone with his tongue as she exposed her beautiful neck to him. Her soft moans were music to his ears. She looked like a cat in heat and he liked the sight of that too.

He traced her soft lips with his fingers and stuck his middle finger in her mouth which she readily accepted, wrapping her lips around it. He was at this point very turned on as he looked at her. He held her face in both his hands and kissed her fully on the mouth, his tongue taking control of her, making her submit to his will. His hands were soon back on her thighs, making their way under her night dress and in a second he had disrobed her, revealing her firm young breasts before his eyes. "Do you like what you see?" she asked naughtily and he responded, "Very much so." She took his hands and brought them to her breasts. A smile appeared on her, feeling his hands cupping her full breasts, feeling her hard nipples between his fingers. His tongue soon found her round nipples as he twirled around them and soon thereafter began to suck and play with them to his pleasure and hers.

Jenny never felt so excited, so horny. She never invisioned it to be so deliciously wonderful. She enjoyed looking down on him as he reveled in the taste of her bosoms. Feeling the levels of excitement and want rising to unexplored regions of her mind and body, she began to move her hips back and forth, rubbing agains his hard cock, her clitoris now sensitive to its touch. Her breathing became heavier. Jimmy loved the movements, placing his hands back on her bottom he enjoyed them even more.

Regaining her senses, she unbuttoned his shirt exposing his smooth contours. Her palms rested on his chest, passing over his nipples down to his rippled stomach. She eased herself back on his lap, sucking his nipples then venturing lower to his stomach, rose from her seated position and knelt down in front of him, finding the perfect spot between his legs and undid his pants, anxiously waiting to see his male possession. Her anticipation grew. He eased up, allowing her to pull down his garments, ridding him off them completely. She stared at his bare manliness, the first she had ever seen up-close. His size frightened her a bit and she innocently asked herself, 'Can that really fit?' Knowing what she should do but realizing she had never given any man a head job, hesitated to commence. Jimmy, sensing her apprehension took her had and guided her to his penis, wrapping her hand around it. It felt good, so stiff and hard in her hand. Her heart raced, not believing she was actually holding his penis in her hand. She brought her other hand to his cock, tracing the length of it down to his balls. She wanted him in her mouth, to taste and feel his hardened shaft. Jenny began to slowly bring her head down, almost making contact with her lips but then again pulled back, unsure. "It's okay. Just go down easy." he told her. "Alright." she responded bringing her mouth to him once again and Jimmy held the sides of her head, gently guiding her along. He instructed her to open her mouth and she did as he lowered her head down unto his cock, entering her mouth. Once she had him there she didn't need much directing. She locked unto him like a nursing baby to its mother's nipples.

He was so big and hard she thought and he did feel awesome in her mouth. She recalled the details from the saloon girls on how to give a good suck and she fared rather well though she was no expert but found deep-throating quite the challenge, attempting it twice but not being able to accomplish it without gagging. His moans though were satisfying enough, letting her know that he was still deriving pleasure from it. After her first blowjob, Jimmy proceeded on to the next lesson.

They changed positions, he directing her to take his place on the chaise as he knelt before her, sliding the small cottony undergarment she still donned off her. He caressed her smooth thighs with his hands and brought his head down to kiss her inner thighs softly. Wild shivers and tingles ran through her. She didn't know what to expect and he would not disappoint. Placing his hands on her hips, he slid her bottom to the edge of the chaise lounge and kissed her lips gently before making his way down on her. She gasped in surprised animation as she felt his tongue on her vagina. She tensed at first and he instructed her to relax and just sit back and enjoy it. She did. He coupled her vagina with his mouth, slowly letting his tongue explore the realm of her womanhood. She moaned and moved her hips as he found her clitoris and proceeded to administer his special treatment. The feeling was all too overwhelming and she felt an instant flow through her. Her first orgasm. Wow! What a feeling! Jimmy delighted in the taste of her virginal juices, savoring them to his enjoyment. He hadn't ever had a virgin before and the thought that he was the first to show her ultimate sexual gratification was over the top. He could now fully understand why men would line up to sleep with a virgin girl. It was intoxicating.

Her fingers threaded his long hair as he continued to eat her, not wanting to stop; his tongue now becoming quite familiar with her. Her breathing intensified and it felt as if she were going to come again when several knocks were heard at their door. Jimmy stopped just before she was able to unleash her explosion. "Don't stop now." she urged. "They'll go away." she said as she leaned in to kiss his lips. He began to kiss her back when the knocks just kept coming, this time harder and louder, breaking his concentration and the moment.

"Damn it!" he said frustrated. They heard a voice from the other side calling Jimmy and it sounded like Cody.

"Jimmy, it's me Cody. I know you're in there. Open the door." he said impatiently.

"Hold your horses Cody." he shot back. "I'm going to kill him." he told her. Jenny just smiled and ran to the bed, draping the sheet around her as she took a seat on the bed. Jimmy grabbed his pants and quickly put them on, buttoning the front as he opened the door.

Cody noticing the act wryly asked, "Didn't interrupt anything important...Did I?"

"Cody, what are you doing here?" he asked, obviously annoyed at the interruption. Cody stepped into the room announcing that Mr. Collins wanted them on their way to Sweetwater right away, not noticing Jenny draped in a bedsheet sitting on the bed until he stood directly in the middle of the room. Once he caught sight of her, his face turned a bright red, embarrassed at the notion that he had indeed interrupted some possible hanky panky. He managed a stuttering hello as he tipped his hat to her.

"Hello Cody." she greeted in return with raised brows and a slight smile, making Cody more uncomfortable at her lack of embarrassment. "Well I guess I better go get dressed." She walked over to Jimmy who put a hand on her chin as she laid a soft kiss on his lips. Jimmy watched her as she disappeared into the dressing room. Cody turned his attention to Jimmy in utter disbelief.

"I can't believe you." he whispered excitedly.

"What?"

"You were doing her weren't you?" he accused.

"Cody..." Jimmy began to defend.

"Don't deny it Hickok...I mean...what-what is this?" he asked, noticing the discarded nightgown, holding it up to Jimmy. "Are you outta your mind?"

"Yes I am, for her." he admitted finally.

"We're dead." he voiced, tossing the gown aside. "I can't believe you took her."

Just then he remembered Cody's bad sense of timing and retorted in frustration, "I didn't. It didn't get that far thanks to you."

"You sound sorry!" he spat back.

"Well I am. I want her and she wants me so why can't I have her?!" he was very annoyed.

"Because you just can't Jimmy." Cody never really made it a habit to be the voice of reason but here he was again, trying to talk some sense into his friend. "She ain't yours to do as you please with." he uttered, frustrated himself. "Well good thing I got here before anything serious happened...I hope!" he emphasized, saying it loud enough for her to hear too.

Pushing this matter aside for now he began, "Anyway Jimmy, we've got bigger problems."

"What is it?" he asked, grabbing his shirt.

"Jonathan Cole is dead."

"Dead?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as the news fell on his ears.

"Yeah, shot." informed William.

"By who?" he asked as he buttoned his shirt.

"Mr. Collins. He said Jonathan drew on him and so he shot him."

Jimmy felt no regrets. "Well at least he got what was coming to him."

"I'm not sure Jimmy. Something don't seem right."

Jimmy sat on the chaise lounge to be joined a split second later by his friend. "What do you mean?" he turned to Cody.

"He whispered in my ear before he died that "it was all in the journal.""

He gave a slight shrug as his brow crinkled. "What? What journal?"

"That's what I mean. I don't know, but a man wouldn't use his last dying breath to tell a stranger about a journal. There's some deep stuff going on here Jimmy and I feel we're in the middle of it."

Jenny stepped back into the room and noted at once the serious looks on the boys' faces.

"What's the matter?"

They quickly filled her in on the latest news Cody brought along and she became deeply troubled by the entire situation. "What is he up to?" she asked of them.

"What is who up to?" asked Cody, wanting some kind of answer.

"Collins. He wouldn't shoot a person like Jonathan Cole, a person of his caliber for no good reason."

"His life was threatened. Jonathan drew his gun first." stated Cody.

"Please. Jonathan Cole could handle a gun as well as riding an unbroken horse." she said wryly. "Why do you think he usually had a hired gun at his side? I've never seen him aim a gun at anyone. He hated carrying one and when he did it was merely a showpiece." She shook her head. "No; I don't believe it."

"You know anything about a journal?" Jimmy asked her.

Jenny shook her head once more. "I wish I knew, but obviously it contains something that Mr. Collins doesn't want anyone to find out. Maybe that's why he killed Jonathan."

"Could be, but there's no way of us knowing that." started Jimmy. "First of all we don't know where this journal is or what it says. We're going on hunches and it ain't enough. We'll have to play along, like everything's normal until we get some answers."

The three of them looked at this whole scenario like a big confussing puzzle mass. Where did all the pieces fall? Things just didn't make sense. They didn't add up.

_________________________________________________________________________

They left Davenport at first light heading back to Sweetwater. Jimmy awoke with a restless feeling in his gut. To make the trip on a faster pace, they left the buckboard and rode on their mounts. Jimmy privately spoke to Cody so as not to alarm Jenny about the feeling he had, sensing that the developments of the past few days were just the beginning of something much larger. Cody agreed with his fellow rider. The look on Collins' face after shooting Jonathan didn't truly convey the look of a man that was being shot at, he noted.

No, it was one full of revenge. They knew they'd have to be careful. If Collins could kill a man like Jonathan Cole, he wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in anyone else that stood in his way.

Darkness soon caught up with the three traveling companions. It was decided to stop and set up camp for the night. They had made good time and would be in Sweetwater by tomorrow morning. After a simple meal of beans and hard biscuits, they retired for the night. Not wanting to take any chances one of the boys would keep watch for security's sake. Jimmy's instincts egged him not to take it easy.

True to his fear, the threesome had the unfortunate circumstance to meet up with Kurt and two others who had been dispatched by Mr. Collins to bring Spring back at no cost.

"Why are you doing this?!" she yelled at Kurt, as he pointed a gun at them, the glow of the firelight highliting their surroundings.

" 'Cause Mr. Collins needs you back home Spring."

"Well I'm not going. Not without Jimmy." she said matter-of-factly.

"I ain't got time for this Spring. If you care about Hickok you'll come along right now or I swear Roscoe here'll shoot him dead. It's your choice darling." he threatened wickedly.

Jenny looked at Jimmy with desperation written on her face. She walked backwards towards Jimmy, engaging his arm once she got to him. "Then you'll have to shoot us both 'cause I'm not leaving without him and if you kill me, Collins will kill you."

Kurt nodded at Roscoe who at once aimed his gun at Cody's head. "I can start with him if you'd like."

She looked over her shoulder to see the gun pressed against Cody's head. She looked back to Kurt with a stinging glare. "You wouldn't."

"Oh I would and you know that." he cockily uttered.

"Jenny you have to go." Jimmy said.

"NO!" she yelled. Jimmy grabbed her by her arms and looking sternly at her, told her she needed to go. Tears welled in her eyes. "I can't leave you. They'll kill you anyway." He looked at her and told her not to worry about him. He would see her soon. "I promise." With those last words Jenny walked to Kurt who at once took her by the arm roughly, leading her to the horses waiting nearby. She stopped, snatching her arm from him. "I'll go with you willingly if you promise not to harm them." He smiled at her, giving her his word though it didn't make her feel any better.

Not long after Kurt and Jenny rode off that two shots rang in the air. She abruptly stopped her horse at the sounds aiming to turn the animal around and rush back to Jimmy and Cody. Kurt though, knew her thought before she made a move and seized the reins of the horse.

"You bastard!" she cried. "You promised."

"I said I wouldn't harm them...Roscoe, that's a different story." he grinned wickedly.

Jenny's face showed her terror. How could she allow Kurt to trick her like that? "You're gonna pay for this Kurt. I swear." she threatened through relentless sobbing. Kurt just smiled and still restraining her horse, turned the beast headed to Sweetwater.

Jenny felt weak, defeated. Her body, her mind held no power in them. Her senses were numbed. She had no reason to fight anymore. It was as if her last breath of life had been sucked out of her and now she was left for dead.

They reached Sweetwater early the following morning. Jenny, mentally exhausted from the horrific events the night before and physically exhausted from being made to ride through the night, was escorted by the arm directly to Mr. Collins who was seated at the breakfast table looking like a man who had everything at stake.

"Here she is Mr. Collins." Kurt announced as Jenny snatched her arms from his grip.

Mr. Collins rose to his feet and approached her. "Jenny I'm..." he didn't finish the sentence.

"Tell me it's not true. That you didn't order Jimmy and Cody to be shot." she said softly, her voice cracking. This gripping revelation sadly fell on her as Kurt boasted of carrying out his boss' orders on their ride home. Collins shot Kurt a look, he didn't approve and just as soon turned his attention to Jenny, looking at her reddened eyes and tired face. He almost felt compassion for her feelings but quickly hardened once he realized she had deceived him. Her admiration for the two riders now vividly apparent. He had to hand it to her. She'd managed to keep her feelings well hidden.

"Business is business Jenny. Unfortunately Mr. Cody and Mr. Hickok served their purpose." he stated harshly.

"What? How could you?" she asked loudly, walking away and then in one motion turning back to him yelled, "How could you do this to me?!" Her eyes welled with tears as she stared at him, hatred pouring through them. He didn't respond. "I don't ever want to speak to you again...because I hate you...I hate you with all my heart." she declared venomously. She turned in the direction of the stairs, running up to her room, sobbing audibly.

Charlie held back the tears in his own eyes. He knew she had grown to care much for the two riders especially Hickok. How much more pain was this man going to put her through? He knew his hands were tied and prayed that somehow Jenny's life wouldn't become a river of hatred and deep sorrow.