God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory,
like a thunderstorm,
and we all go through it together."
-
Garrison Keiller

"Could we sink any lower," Kid Curry said gloomily as his horse stopped at the entrance to what could only with great generosity be referred to as a 'town'.

Abandoned buildings littered the forlorn street stretched out in front of him, their shutters flapping noisily in the cold wind that had blown down from the north announcing the snow to come.

Everywhere there were signs of neglect and desertion and the two riders along with the man in the carriage accompanying them paused at the desolate scene before them.

"What did you say the name of this town was Mr. Wells?" Hannibal Heyes asked the small dark haired man impatiently waiting to move on.

"Christmas, now lets get moving we have three stops on my list," the man said pulling his expensive coat in around him, his face seemingly scrunched permanently in a scowl. It was clear he thought all of this beneath him and when they didn't obey immediately he slapped the horse forward and moved his carriage down the dusty street alone.

"Heyes how did we sink this low? Working for the railroad and helping a lawyer and all three days before Christmas," Kid said shaking his head.

Heyes didn't feel any better about it, but was a practical man, "Now Kid you heard Lom we gotta build bridges with the companies we offended. Us doing work for the Western Pacific will make them look kindly on the Governor's offer of amnesty when he reveals it," Heyes recited from memory as he urged his horse forward.

"Yea," Kid said following him. "That's about as likely to happen as them using the word offended instead of robbed. Besides something about this feels all wrong; you sure he said he was here to pay these people to move on so the railroad could get the land?"

Heyes swallowed, that had been bothering him too. "Reckon he needed honest, trustworthy assistants to help with the money being delivered."

"Heyes he hired us cause our guns are tied down and that other fellow hadn't showed up yet," Kid said. "Besides you ever heard of anyone being glad to have the railroad knock on their door?"

Clearly this argument had been going on all the way from town and exasperated Heyes turned on his partner. "Look Kid we're broke, it's right before the holidays so no-one is hiring and with snow expected we didn't have a lot of choice. Now I will happily take another job if you show it to me. But we need a stake to get out of here and somewhere warm and this man is paying good money for us to help him so lets just get it over with."

Prodding their horses they quickly pulled up to where the carriage had stopped and Wells was standing at the gate of a small house tapping his foot.

Surprisingly it looked well kept compared to the rest of the town and the smoke that was coming from a chimney was the first comforting sight they had seen since entering the town.

"Now we are here to evict these squatters. This is railroad land and I want them gone today!"

"Of course! Of course! Everything is legal! Just three families are holding out for more. You may have to get rough with them."

Suddenly the door of the cabin opened and a tiny white haired old woman smiled out at them as several small children peered around her clutched to her dress.

"Oh it's that interesting man Mr. Wells from the railroad!" the woman smiled. "Please all of you come inside and get warm you must be frozen!"

"Mrs. Lewis I have told you I do not have time for this…" the lawyer screeched as he was ushered into the house along with the two outlaws who removed their hats respectively. "Tell those charges of yours to keep their grubby little paws off of me!"

The woman forced a smile and turned her attention to Curry and Heyes, "Now would you boys like tea or coffee?"

Kid and Heyes exchanged glances. The cabin had clearly once been a home with the remains of a woman's touch found in doilies and small knick-knacks on the furniture and mantle. But repairs had been put off for too long and now even inside with the small fire the cold reached and gnawed at you.

A quick count revealed six children, none older than 8 and an inventory of the wood by the fire and food on the shelves clearly indicated meals had been lean of late.

"Well then at least warm yourself by the fire. I'm afraid the wood is getting a little low, I hate to leave the children to collect it."

She laughed and for a moment they had a flicker of how beautiful she had been in her youth, "Oh no, just some young friends who needed a place to stay when things started happening to the town." For a moment she flashed a defiant glance at Wells. Clearly the railroad's buy out of the town had not been as peaceful as they had been told.

"Mr. Wells has come to bring you the money the railroad owes you ma'am," Kid said and found a small wide-eyed boy at his side eyeing his weapon with the interest only little boys could manage.

"And what money would that be Mr. Wells?" she said sitting primly and ladylike, but rod straight.

"You are only giving her 20 dollars for her house and this land?" Heyes said sure he had heard wrong.

"Well that is what you signed for. Now as soon as she is out I want this building burned to the ground. Mr. Smith come with me we will do the next transaction while Mr. Jones finishes up."

Kid looked at Heyes who read the fight in his partner's eye and held up a hand to signal 'let me try' and followed the man out.

"You're going to make me leave my house aren't you? I've lived here 40 years young man. My husband and two sons are buried out back, I had hoped to join them one day." She got up and glanced out the window. "This used to be such a lovely town."

Kid exhaled and glanced at the small faces peering at him from around the room tucked under blankets trying to keep warm.

"Pack up any personal items you have ma'am," Kid said rising and making a decision.

"Please couldn't we at least stay until Christmas?" the woman whispered, tears in her eyes.

"No ma'am that won't be possible," Kid said firmly. "Now what did you want to take?"

"Wells you are not serious," Heyes said catching up with the man and taking his arm forcing him to turn and face him. "An old lady and orphans…3 days before Christmas?"

"Spare me your Dickenesque outrage you were glad to take the money when I offered it," he snarled back and rapped on the door of the building that had once been the town newspaper office.

It took a moment but finally they heard footsteps and a young man peered out and then finally opened the door slightly, but making it clear they were not welcome. Behind him the newspaper office was strewn with debris of broken furniture and machinery. Someone had made very certain the town's paper would never be printed again.

Shaw looked up at Heyes and swallowed. The outlaw looked quite capable of doing just that and the young man quickly gave up any hope of fighting his way out of things instead appealing to Heyes hopefully.

"Sir my wife is with child. The baby is due any day and the doctor said she can't be moved…"

"Sam?" came a feminine voice and the boy turned allowing them to see a small woman with red hair, heavy with child moving towards them wrapped in a thin shawl.

"No ma'am just wanted to check and see how you were doing. You have enough wood?" Heyes asked quietly.

"We'll send a doctor and some supplies out to keep you going until the baby is born, but I'm afraid then you will have to move into Sugar Pine. Once winter hits you'll be trapped out here until spring."

"MISTER Smith!" Wells said as Heyes turned to walk away and he was forced to follow him. "Just what do you think you are doing?

"What I am doing MISTER Wells," Heyes said grabbing the man by the collar. "Is not throwing a woman expecting a child into the cold, now if you wanna argue about that we can take it into the street."

Wells stared at him unable to believe anyone would talk to a man of his importance that way and then he met Heyes' eyes and let out a little squeak as he got his first real glance at Hannibal Heyes and not Joshua Smith. "Fine! Can't believe Sheriff Trevors recommended you both…" the man stomped away like a small boy denied a treat. "We have one more house sir! Merely a widow with her son and daughter, I presume you can handle them?"

The shot blew the hat right off Wells' head and whimpering he dropped to the ground as Heyes dived behind a broken piece of fence, gun out.

"I told you Mr. Wells we ain't leaving!" the woman's voice came from the door at the cabin at the end of the street.

Heyes squinted. All he could see was the end of a shotgun and he had no urges to make the lady try her aim on him.

"My husband was shot in the back and left in a ditch when he defied your ruffians! You will get his land over my dead body!"

"We are going to go back to Sugar Pine to get the doctor for Mrs. Shaw. We aren't going to move her until her baby is born."

"Understandable thinking ma'am. But you might wanna remember snow is coming and it will be a lot safer for you and your family in Sugar Pine."

"We are going to go now and I was wondering if it might be possible to have Mr. Wells back, preferably without ventilation ma'am?"

He heard the smile in her voice as she told him to take him and get out of her sight.

"What do you think you are doing?" Wells said as Heyes pulled him to his feet and dragged him away.

"Wells what is it with you? Pregnant women, orphans, old ladies, is this your regular Christmas schedule or do you just like to excel this time of year?"

"I am merely doing my duty. I am a loyal….what is the meaning of this!" Wells sputtered as they reached his carriage to find it filled with the old woman and all the children bundled up with blankets.

"They need a ride into town, too cold to stay here," Kid said simply and got on his horse. "Any luck with the others?"

"Got a woman with child, she can't be moved. Wells is going to send out a doctor and some food until it comes and then we can move her."

"And where am I supposed to sit?" Wells said looking like he was about to throw a fit.

"Behind me, but be careful my horse ain't partial to talking, spooks him, so if you don't want to fall off and get left I'd stay quiet," Kid said coldly.

"Afraid I can't Mr. Wells," Heyes said apologetically. "Just gets ornery like that sometimes and nothing will budge him. Ma'am can you handle those reins alone?"

"Oh yes thank you!" she smiled up at him and for the first time Heyes realized she was wearing Kid's coat. "Mr. Jones has been ever so kind."

Three days till Christmas Sugar Pine, a prosperous mining community, was alive with shoppers completing tasks for the holiday. Fuelled by the mines in the area grand houses had begun to spring up and clearly prosperity had come if the hustle and bustle was any indication.

Jumping down, Kid moved to help Mrs. Lewis down as she pulled the carriage in front of the upscale hotel Wells had commandeered for his work.

"Oh my this is very grand!" she said and looked down nervously at her charges, which Heyes had helped from the wagon.

Wells in the meantime had made a dramatic scene of climbing off Kid's horse and ignored them all to stagger into the lobby.

"Oh Mr. Wells are you all right?" Mrs. Lewis asked concerned as they followed him in. From the hotel desk the clerk in charge watched amused, though he swallowed his smile quickly when Wells shot him a look.

"I am not madam!" he snapped and glared at the desk clerk. "Gustley! I want a bath drawn immediately!"

"Certainly sir," the tall, dark haired man nodded, suddenly all business and turning, ordered a bellhop to complete the task.

The rail man's attempt to be rid of them all was delayed as he reached the stairs and a trail weary gunman with dark hair and intelligent eyes stopped him.

"You Wells? Name is Black, Will Black, sorry I'm late, had a little trouble getting here and…"

"You are late," Wells spat at him and then looked him over distastefully. "You need a shave."

"Ah yes sir, just got in. I was planning on that," Black said clearly afraid he was going to lose the job.

"See that you do. I won't need you till morning," Wells snapped and then with a groan mounted the stairs.

"Real nice fella, railroad all right," Black said shaking his head to no-one in particular.

"Looks like were working together," Kid said offering a hand. "Thaddeus Jones and this is my partner Joshua Smith."

"You have some trouble out there today?" Black asked looking at the children sitting fearfully in a huddle on the lobby sofa.

"No, just like you said, the railroad," Heyes sighed and then followed his partner's glance to Mrs. Lewis talking with Gustley at the desk.

Kid nodded, he knew that. He also knew the woman had no money and how desperate a feeling that could be.

Finally unable to take it any longer, he hurried over to the counter before his partner could stop him.

Heyes rolled his eyes at the inevitable. He had never thought anything different would happen.

The man sighed, he was not unsympathetic for the woman's problem, but there were rules.

"Lady needs a room and Mr. Wells has made it clear the Railroad will not pay for any accommodations for relocated persons."

"I was just hoping there was something I could do so we could just stay long enough for me to make some plans. I could wash floors or cook, anything…" her voice trailed off. She knew her tiny frail form did little to assure the men of her capability.

"Give her a key," Kid said pulling out a few bills from his pocket. "This should get you through Christmas." He added putting down the money.

"Why that will get you a nice family room ma'am, enough beds for all of you," Gustley lied handing her a key to a suite whose cost was twice the money he had been handed.

Herding the children towards the stairs, Curry managed to avoid his partner's eyes as the children excitedly got up.

"No sir, wish I did," Gustley sighed. "Came here as a lawyer and ended up here. Hotel and most of the town is owned by one of the big mine owners, a Mr. Russell. That's his fine house at the edge of town."

Heyes nodded, his opinion of the man going up a few notches, "You think this Mr. Russell might take pity on them?"

"I don't know sir. He was severely burned financially by Buffington's rail line, got cut out of the deal and now is going to have to pay ten times his normal rate to transport his ore. Wise man doesn't bring the subject up around him."

Heyes nodded and reached into his pocket and pulled out several bills. "Make sure they don't go hungry."

"You mention this to the lady or my partner and we'll step outside," Heyes glared "Just tell her meals come with the room."

"You better hope the poker tonight is better," Heyes grumbled as they took a seat in the hotel dining room which was filled with holiday shoppers and visitors all chatting happily, the chairs beside them filled with boxes and packages.

"Most folks rather be home this close to Christmas," Kid said glumly looking around at the families and couples.

"We get those last two out and Wells pays us the balance we can head somewhere warm and rest up," Heyes said refusing to feel melancholy or even acknowledge the season. "Provided you aren't going to bankroll them as well."

"Kid you gotta learn to be more like me," Heyes said ignoring her arrival and noting his partner was watching to see what happened and swallowed a smile as Kid sighed relieved when she was shown a table by Gustley. "Don't get involved, looking after yourself comes first."

"You are right Heyes," Kid nodded. "We have to take care of ourselves first." He added this genuinely repentant and clearly determined to adopt Heyes' stern self-preservation attitude.

"You fellas mind some company?" Black said strolling up to their table. "Don't mean to be so pushy, but this time of year really gnaws at me ya know?"

"Much obliged. That scene over there looks just like home," he smiled at the table full of children.

"Eight younger brothers and sisters," Black said looking heavenward. "Never thought I'd miss them, but sometimes alone on the trail, well makes a body think. Which was why I was so impressed with what you fellas did for them kids over there. Getting them a room, making sure they had meals, well lot of folks wouldn't do that for strangers."

"Getting them meals?" Kid said straightening and glancing at his partner who was suddenly studying the menu intently.

"Yea even told Gustley to tell her it came with the room, right fine Christmas spirit you two have, don't see that much with people working for the railroad."

Kid grinned and leaned back looking at his partner. "No you don't. Most people just look after themselves, don't get involved."

Heyes shot him a dark look and Kid started chuckling, but his amusement was short lived as Wells appeared in the doorway.

Spotting them Wells manoeuvred through the crowded room until he reached their table.

"I have just received word from Mr. Buffington that he needs to see me urgently. His train will be in Littleover in the morning. Mr. Smith you will accompany me and ensure that I arrive safely."

"What's the matter Wells, concerned one of the railroad's satisfied 'relocatees' might wanna take a shot at you?" Heyes asked amused.

Wells ignored him and turned to Black and Curry. "You two will remove the remaining squatters. The last thing I want is them to be snowed in for the winter. Mr. Buffington is adamant that town be gone by Christmas!"

And without waiting for confirmation he turned and walked away to a private table reserved for him.

"Oh you don't know the half of it," Gustley murmured going past their table. "He pocketed most of the small payment the railroad was paying. He's a dangerous little snake and I'd advice you gentlemen to keep that in mind."

"Bit stark for a man as rich as Buffington," Heyes remarked politely as he stepped into the glum and sparsely furnished private rail car. They had found it waiting on a siding and tying up their horses had waited to be admitted into the back car that housed the rail tycoon's sleeping area and dining room. Passing through to the second car they were escorted through the kitchen to the area Buffington had renovated into an office.

But even with the shades up, the dark grays and blacks brought to mind more a funeral car than a millionaire's home on wheels.

"Did you bring them?" a clipped eastern accent demanded even before they had gotten through the door.

"Yes sir," Well said instantly cowered and hurrying up handed an older, white haired gentlemen the satchel he had clutched to him all the way from Sugar Pine.

Heyes stepped back watching the interaction of the two men. Wells had been instantly reduced to a whipped pup in the presence of his boss and stood wringing his hands concerned something might be amiss as the taller man slipped back into a chair behind his paper strewn desk.

He looks like he has ice water in his veins, Heyes thought at the stiff frozen posture and realized this was where Wells had learned his scowl from.

"I would have thought a wise man would take into account the effect public opinion could have on his business," Heyes countered with a confident smile.

Wells began to sweat wishing he had left Heyes with the horses, but the urge to impress him had been too great. Clearly it had been a mistake, because even Mr. Buffington wasn't impressing the man!

"Mr. Smith unless you are a complete moron you must have realized I am rich enough to neither care nor worry about public opinion. Besides I hardly think the ramblings of a few dirt poor farmers will hold much water."

"My family were farmers Mr. Buffington," Heyes said his expression unreadable. "And you'd be surprised at what even two men can do to stop a railroad."

"Very interesting Mr. Smith, but I have no time for idle what ifs," and turning, the man walked over to a large safe tucked into the corner of the room. "You have been dismissed Mr. Smith. Wells you will lunch with me, I have a few things to discuss."

"They will feed you in the kitchen, wait for me there," Wells told him haughtily.

"Yes sir," Heyes said quietly, his eyes never leaving the man working the combination of the safe. "I'll do that."

"What the…she's shooting at us!" Black told Kid from behind the building they were watching from.

"Yea we noticed that last time. Keep her distracted while I slip around back and remember it's just a widow and her two children."

Slipping around, Kid quietly made his way behind the cabin and then stealthily inched around the side till he was parallel with the front of it. He could see the rifle sticking out the door. Black fired another couple of bullets into the air and she responded with another well-aimed shot back.

"Jesse reload this…" the woman whispered back to someone behind her and Kid saw his chance, pouncing on the outstretched barrel of the gun and yanking it free from her grasp.

The woman tried to push him out the door but she was no match for him and a moment later he and Black stood in the small cabin confronting the woman.

She was a small thing with thick dark hair that had been piled on her head quickly and in doing so had let several wisps of curls escape.

A little girl with blond braids, no more than 8, ran to her side and the woman put a protective arm around her, which might have looked defiant if the fear in her eyes wasn't so apparent.

A second child, a boy of 12 rushed from the back room having retrieved an old army revolver and moving in front of his sister and mother, aimed it at them.

"Jesse, no!" the woman sobbed terrified. "I've already lost your father to them, I won't lose you as well!"

"No son we're not. We're just here to help you and your family move along," Kid said quietly.

"No he ain't boy," Black said unable to keep his eyes off the woman. "Now why don't you put that down so we can talk?"

"What if I can prove I can get to my gun faster than you can shoot that?" Kid said quietly and everyone stared at him.

The boy gasped in surprise and frustration as Kid removed the pistol from his hand.

"Don't you hurt him!" the boy's mother said, pulling her son to her as Kid holstered his gun and motioned for Black to do the same.

The woman moved to nod yes but started to collapse even as she did. Black reached her first and gently caught her up and laid her on the small couch by the fire.

"Well Irene I've got some supplies for the Shaw's in a wagon out there, what say you and me see if we can rustle something up to make her feel a bit better?"

She studied him for a moment and made her decision. "Thank you sir," she nodded and took it.

"Hey where are you going with her!" Jesse said, not wanting to leave his mother, but fearing for his sister.

"It's alright Jes, he's not like the other men," Irene told him and then turned her attention back to Kid. "I'm making decorations for our Christmas tree would you like to see? I only have a few ribbons, but I found some…"

"He's a killer Irene, you see him draw that gun?" her brother said, angry at her lack of fear.

"Its alright ma'am, we're just gonna bring in something for you all to eat," Kid said.

The boy looked at the gun he was clutching and then realized he didn't stand a chance against Kid and resigned, placed it on the table.

"Your friend talks pretty for a hired gun," the woman said getting up and instantly becoming light headed again.

"You sit down and I will, but I ain't having your kids walking in and thinking I put you on the floor!"

"Ma'am sometimes a man gets caught at the start of winter and just needs a stake and has to take whatever work is offered."

"Ma'am you should be grateful me and Mr. Jones did cause I guarantee this all would be playing out a lot different right now."

She looked up at him trying not to trust him as the door burst open and Irene danced in.

Heyes rode up to the hotel and remained on his horse. Wells had kept him waiting for almost an hour, but his satisfied smile whenever the railroad man had looked at him had worried Wells all the way back to Sugar Pine.

"No I think I'll ride down to Christmas and see how my partner is getting on," Heyes said politely.

The man looked at him, "Well yes, fine, excellent, " and he almost felt back in control until he glanced back and caught Heyes's expression.

"They are all packed," Black said coming up to Kid who was standing on the porch of the Shaw's residence. "They ready?"

"I'm still waiting on the doctor," Kid sighed and glanced up at the sky uneasily. The bad weather was way overdue and the last thing he wanted to do was leave these people stuck out here alone, especially with the woman in her condition.

"No, get them into Sugar Pine," Kid said. "And find out what happened to that doctor!"

"Will do," Black said, clearly pleased he got to ride alone with the widow and her family.

The door opened and the young father to be burst out, frazzled, "Hurry I think she's dying!"

Hannibal Heyes rode into the deserted town and frowned. He had passed Black on the road and his concern had grown when his partner hadn't followed along after him.

Reaching the Shaw's he dismounted and hurried up to the door and knocked several times finally giving up and trying the knob, which opened on his touch.

Moving through the office he found the door to the residence in back and entered a small but tidy room where a fire was burning, but no one was present.

"Hello?" Heyes called out and was answered by the far door opening and his partner exhaling relieved.

Kid looked at him horrified, "No, he was on another call, but he said he would follow us here!" Kid groaned and sunk into a chair. "Wonderful!"

Heyes looked at him slightly exasperated. He had ridden long and hard since daybreak and was tired and cold. This was hardly the response he had expected.

"Nice to see you too!" Heyes said disgusted pulling off his gloves and looking around for coffee.

"I know that Heyes, I tried to tell her that, but she won't listen to me. Maybe if you explain it." Kid said patiently.

"He's having a worse time of it than she is. Every time she screams, he passes out."

Heyes stared at him, "I don't know how to deliver a baby! The only thing I ever delivered was a foal with my Pa."

Suddenly the door jerked open and the white faced father stumbled out. "It's coming! The baby is coming!"

Groaning the two outlaws were urged into the room and stopped dead looking at each other and anything other than the woman in the bed.

Mrs. Shaw let out a blood curdling scream and on cue her husband dropped to the floor in a dead faint.

Kid, eager to have any instructions, obeyed and Heyes reluctantly moved up to the woman.

Heyes for a moment considered being honest, but the fear in her eyes told him that was not what she needed.

"Yes ma'am, everything is gonna be fine," he smiled his best smile and pulled off his coat and started rolling up his sleeves.

"I don't know," Heyes whispered back taking them. "That's all my father let me do!"

Sam Shaw groggily got to his feet as a baby's cry startled him into consciousness.

"Heyes you did it!" Kid laughed slapping him on the back as Heyes stared at the tiny creature in his hands.

"I think she gets more credit than I do," Heyes laughed back. "Give me a blanket."

Kid quickly slipped the cloth under the child and together they managed to wrap the child.

"A boy!" Sam cried and then seeing the bloody towels on the floor keeled over again.

"Did someone call for a doc…" the small-wizened man stopped short in the doorway. "Well I see I'm a bit late."

"Take him out there and get him some air while I check these two out," the medical man said not surprised.

"Come on Sam lets see if we can find you a drink, cause I sure need one," Kid said swinging the man's arm around his shoulder and taking him out.

"So there was a quite a battle between Buffington and Russell?" Heyes asked interested a half-hour later as the two ex-outlaws sat with Shaw next to the fire sharing a bottle of whiskey.

"Buffington tricked Russell by making him think he would be his partner in the railroad then bought up all the land any way he could and cut him out of the deal."

"And Russell's mines will have to pay through the nose to get his ore out on it," Kid said sitting back. "Explains why Buffington is in such a hurry. "The last thing he wants is to give Russell time to regroup."

"More than that," Sam said knowingly. "Ever wonder why he's so obsessed with destroying this town before Christmas? Seems Russell stole his fiancée out from under him when he brought her out here 40 years ago. They eloped on Christmas day and set up living here until Russell hit a big strike. Feud had been simmering all that time and then when she passed away last year whole thing flared up between them."

"Buffington was ruthless. He got most people to sign under duress or before folks realized what was happening. With those deeds he owns this valley," Sam sighed. "I tried to stop him with the newspaper and well you saw how that went. John Dunson tried to stand up to him and they found him dead. No we're powerless without those deeds."

Sam laughed bitterly, "I imagine he has them locked up real tight on that fancy train of his."

"Tell me Sam, do you think Mr. Russell would be interested in buying you out at a fair price?"

"He's a tough character, but he's always been fair with his people, yes I think he would, but most people have moved on. Why it's just our three families left…"

"That would be enough to put a dent in Buffington's plans though," Kid said cautiously. "And as rich as Russell is, he wouldn't be easy to roll over."

"Yes but we don't have the deeds! We don't have our notes!" Sam said draining his glass and getting up. "And I'm afraid I'm too cynical to believe in Christmas miracles," he said firmly.

"Just the three families, I didn't want Buffington getting suspicious if he looked in the safe."

"What happened to not getting involved! Making friends with the railroad!" Kid hissed. "Do you know what he will do when he realizes those papers are gone?"

"Blame Russell. Don't worry Kid we're not getting involved, we'll just pass the deeds on to Shaw and they can handle it."

Kid looked doubtful, "Heyes that group can't stand up against Buffington, they'll fold like a house of cards if he threatens their children."

"We've done what we could. We'll collect the rest of our money and be gone before Buffington can put two and two together," Heyes said pleased with himself.

"I hope you're right Heyes, cause otherwise these people are gonna be in more trouble than when we found them!"

"We'd like to collect the rest of our pay now Mr. Wells," Heyes said smiling politely at the railway man as he stood in the doorway of his room. "All three families are gone from Christmas and we torched it just like you told us to."

"No sir that was just the fifty dollars good faith money. You still owe each of us 500 dollars," Kid said his face unreadable.

"I don't owe wanted men anything! Oh didn't think I would figure that out did you? Trevors recommended you to get on the good side of Mr. Buffington and I've been watching both of you. You both are on the run and you can't afford to stick around anywhere too long or make a fuss about how you are treated. So I'm keeping your money and if you aren't out of town I'm going down to the sheriff's office and go through his wanted posters until I find just what you two are wanted for!"

"He's got us," Kid said slamming the door of his room and looking like he wanted to shoot something. "Nothing we can do but crawl out of town whipped…and broke! We should have known that little no good would try something after what he did to those families…Heyes?" Kid stopped. His partner was standing in the middle of the room with a look Kid knew all too well.

Gustley sat across from them staring at the papers incredulously. "How did you get these?"

"Mr. Buffington took too long at lunch and it was only a Pierce and Hamilton 1872. Man really should spend the money to get the newest version," Heyes said innocently.

"We want you to come up with some legal writing to make sure those folks don't get cheated out of their land again this time," Kid said.

"What the…" Dan Russell said looking up from his desk at the large group filling the doorway of his house's study. "Marcus who let all these people in!"

"Look I want all of you people out of my house…" he stopped as Mrs. Lewis and Irene hurried up to his desk followed by the other children.

"Mr. Russell I can't tell you how grateful we are to have you see us and it almost Christmas Eve!" Mrs. Lewis said. "Such a kind man."

"We brought you some cookies," Irene smiled putting them on his desk and immediately the other children gathered around hoping for him to pass them out.

"Mr. Russell we are here to present you with an extraordinary offer," Gustley said nervously stepping forward on Heyes's encouragement.

"I don't want what you are selling, giving or taking, now get out! Oh all right have one," the man sighed giving the children a cookie.

Smiling the smallest crawled up onto his lap to eat it and he stared down at the little boy in shock.

"Oh that's Toby!" Mrs. Lewis smiled adoringly. "He doesn't just like anyone, this is a great compliment Mr. Russell."

"Who are they," Russell said softening a little as the little boy offered him a bite. "You people barge in here with gunman!"

"They're not gunmen!" Irene said smiling at Kid. "That is Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith and Mr. Black. They helped us with the mean railroad men."

"Sir I really think if you listen to what Mr. Gustley has to say," Mrs. Dunson said.

Everyone looked at Heyes who rolled his eyes heavenward, so much for staying in the background.

"Joshua Smith," Heyes grinned liking the man and not missing he had passed the children another cookie.

"Yes sir I think I can. Buffington and his railroad ruthlessly took these people's land to ensure the cheapest most efficient route for his railroad from Denver to the mines."

"Up to an including murder," Sharon Dunson said under her breath and her daughter took her hand.

"What's this got to do with me? I can't do anything about it," Russell said, but he leaned forward interested.

"How would you like the deeds to their lands for a fair price and relocation?" Heyes asked quietly.

Russell leaned back and took a bite of one of the cookies considering this amazing offer.

"If I owned their land Buffington would move heaven and earth to get it from me. Why would I want their troubles?"

"Because we think you are the only man who can stand up to Buffington, hold your own you might say," Kid said.

"Smith and Jones, well everything else is unbelievable go on," Russell said throwing up his hands, but his eyes were twinkling.

"With legal possession of those deeds you could force Buffington to give you and your mine a fair contract to transport your ore," Heyes went on.

"That would certainly get his dander up," Russell smiled liking this. "But how would you all have gotten the deeds back? I know for a fact he had them all."

"Man was mistaken, these people didn't sign them over to him," Heyes said quietly.

"Oh I don't think Mr. Buffington wants all this getting out in court," Heyes said simply.

Gustley straightened and pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. "I have here a fair and adequate settlement for all three families in exchange for their land and all rights to it."

Black shifted nervous, but nodded as he glanced at Mrs. Dunson, "Reckon I am sir."

"Honest one too it appears, though that's the hardest thing I've had to believe so far." He stood up and looked at Heyes. "You and your partner seem to be leading all this, what's in it for you?"

"Five hundred dollars apiece finder's fee, what Buffington's man gypped us out of," Heyes said simply.

"No sir, but I think the pleasure you are going to get telegraphing Buffington will be," Heyes said almost swallowing a smile.

For the first time a full smile broke across Russell's face. "Might have a point there son! All right let me get my man to check this over and I'll get back to you. I take it you're all staying in my hotel?"

"Alright I'll get back to you. Little girl do not hug me, I am not a nice man!" he groaned as Irene wrapped her arms around him.

"Jess you help little Toby get those decorations up on the higher branches," Sharon Dunson ordered as the entire party sat in the hotel dining room finishing breakfast and Christmas chores.

"It's Christmas Eve, Heyes," Kid told him firmly. "And it didn't take me but a minute to cut it down for them."

"If Russell doesn't get back to us soon it won't be for us. The minute Buffington gets his telegram we have to be out of here."

"I can see I'm gonna have to make you my lawyer instead of my hotel manager, you're obviously better at that than this," the man said shaking his head. "Little girl would you please stop hugging me, I have an image as a cranky old man to uphold," Russell said exasperated to Irene, but everyone noticed he did nothing to remove her.

"You know darn well they did. Deeds are all in order and Buffington's reply to my news sent him through the roof. He should be here by dark, made my Christmas this has. And speaking of which my staff seems to have lost their minds and cooked enough food for a regiment for this holiday everyone is so fond of. I'll never eat it all so only thing to do is you all come up and tuck into it and we'll get these papers signed and processed before Buffington arrives." On that thought he rubbed his hands together. "Well get a move on!"

"Christmas Eve, not the best day to travel, especially with a storm arriving," Russell said eyeing them shrewdly.

"Ah yes sir, but with Mr. Buffington arriving I think it best we be leaving," Heyes said.

"Yes, I can understand that. This Black fella, he any use looking after those folks? I don't want that old miser or his cronies harassing them."

"I thought so," Russell smiled softly. "Been on the run myself once, not easy this time of year. I'll have my man bring your money to you at the stable in an hour."

"You sure you don't want to say goodbye to those folks? They owe you quite a bit."

"Thank you but no sir. Goodbyes sort of wear on a man this time of year," Kid said honestly.

He nodded understanding, "I have a miner's shack about ten miles from here in the hills. Pretty well hidden and its stocked with both food and supplies. Good place to hold up till a storm passes or things quiet down. I'll send directions with the money."

"You should, leaving me with all those little kids and a house full of guests…" he mumbled going out the door grumbling happily.

They spent the hour gathering their belongings from the hotel and a few supplies for the trail and stepped out into the late afternoon to find snow had finally arrived.

"I sure hope that cabin of his works out because we're not gonna get far in this," Kid said as they trudged to the stable.

"You sure you wanna leave and not say goodbye?" Heyes asked as they reached their horses and paying the man, began to saddle them.

"Yea but you won't have. Kid I keep telling you ya gotta stand back, stay uninvolved," Heyes went on smugly.

"Oh like you breaking into Buffington's safe to get those deeds," Kid said calling him on it.

Heyes looked hurt, "Kid I did that for us, figured some leverage against Wells might help come in handy."

"Heyes you did it because you couldn't stand those people being treated that way, especially at Christmas," Kid said grinning enjoying seeing his partner squirm.

"Gentlemen?" came a voice and they turned to see Marcus, the butler, hurrying up to them with a large sack. "From Mr. Russell with his best wishes for the new year."

The two ex-outlaws frowned at the sack, but Kid took it and tied it to the back of his horse as Heyes accepted the envelope and opening it, nodded to Kid to say all was in order.

They offered him the same and then with a kick moved their animals out into the snow.

Darkness had long fallen and the snow turned into a blizzard by the time the two ex-outlaws found their way to the miner's shack.

The sight of the small building and its stable hidden among the trees renewed their energy and gratefully they pulled their horses in and quickly bedded them down.

The animals settled, they collected the meager supplies they had brought and plodded back to the cabin door not sure either had the energy to make a hot meat of the jerky and beans they had brought along with coffee.

"Just about midnight," Kid said trying to keep the melancholy out of his voice as Heyes found a lantern. "Almost Christmas," Kid said softly putting their bags down on the table and turning his attention to the fireplace. "Heyes you ever think our luck is gonna change?" When he didn't receive an answer Kid continued working with the wood until at last a fire burst to life.

"Still I reckon it could be a whole lot worse. Snow will keep Buffington's people away and you can always explain to Lom…maybe in a letter, yea letter might be better…"

"You wanna eat or just turn in…" Kid stopped having turned and stared at the table Heyes had dumped the contents of the sack they had been given out on to.

Several packages wrapped with ribbons lay there along with large cloth napkins containing turkey legs and biscuits and other Christmas treats.

Heyes started laughing as he reached into the sack again and pulled out a carefully boxed collection of cookies. "From Irene," he grinned.

"What else is in there?" Kid said both of them looking like children on Christmas morning.

"Letter of some kind," Heyes said opening it as Kid took a bite of one of the cookies. "It's from Russell!" And clearing his throat he read:

"Dear Gentlemen,

It was decided we couldn't let you go off without Christmas, Mrs. Lewis was most adamant and those socks are from her, amazing woman, knitted them herself to give you tomorrow morning. Mrs. Dunson and her family packed the food. Irene said to make sure I tell you she baked the cookies. Annoying little child, won't leave me alone.

The whiskey and cigars are from me and Black, least he understands what a man needs at Christmas.

Oh Mr. and Mrs. Shaw said to tell you they have named their son after you. And we are all hoping Hannibal Jedediah Shaw grows up to be as a good a man as his namesakes.

Merry Christmas
D. Russell

P.S. We all put the pieces together and decided anyone who could open a safe like that and out draw the wind could only be two men. Don't worry your secret is safe with us, Gustley is all ready spreading the rumor Wells broke into the hotel safe, should give Buffington something to think about!

"Ya know Heyes sometimes Christmas on the run isn't so bad," Kid said grinning at him.

Heyes let out a laugh and opening the whiskey, savored its smell and then poured them both a liberal glass. "Ya know Kid maybe our luck is changing after all!"