Uncle Mac

"That blond fella, Jones?  My nephew, fine lad"
Patrick J. McCreedy, The McCreedy Bust

Written by Drena Hills
Episode 3.5

Four hours later Ybarra's men warily stepped into the quiet sanctuary of the old church. The candles lit at the front gave off distorted shadows along the mud and stone walls and cautiously they crossed themselves out of childhood habit.

"Padre?" one of the men called out to the lone figure in a black robe kneeling at the altar.

Hannibal Heyes rose and faced him calmly.

"Yes my son?"

Starring

Pete Duel
as Hannibal Heyes

Ben Murphy
as Kid Curry

Guest Stars

Burl Ives as
Patrick J. McCreedy

Cesar Romero as
Armendariz

Nicholas Gonzalez as
Juaquin

Alejandro Fernandez as
Ybarra

Jimmy Stewart as
Father Bernard

Edward Andrews as
Pete Peterson

Duane Gray as
the Sheriff

Opening Titles
 - audio

OPENING SCENE: RED ROCK, TEXAS

A prosperous town on the Texas border with Mexico. It is a warm spring day and farmers and townspeople are doing their errands in the many shops and businesses, which are clearly dominated by the name McCreedy. Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry exit the stable. They are dusty and trail worn and while in a hurry to get somewhere, Heyes can't help looking back, his expression perplexed.

"Kid something's wrong here," Hannibal Heyes said softly nudging his partner as they travelled along the wooden sidewalk from the stable.

Jedediah Curry looked at his partner with something close to incredulous amazement. They had just come 500 miles, most of the way spent with Curry 'explaining' to his partner how crazy they were to be doing it. And now, here, suddenly his partner decides to agree with him.

"Heyes didn't I say that when we got to Kansas and Oklahoma and…"

"That guy at the stable, did you see the way he looked at you? Acted like he knew you," Heyes said puzzled.

"Heyes when people act like they know me they are either shooting or running. That fella was bending over backwards to look after us," Kid said rolling his eyes at the things that would spook his partner.

"No it wasn't normal, he didn't even ask us to pay up front."

"Well we've been here twice before," Kid reasoned. "Both times I would like to forget."

They stopped at the Mercantile and paused to hold the door for a woman and her teenage daughter to exit. Both men tipped their hats expecting to be ignored at best considering how worn and trail dusty they were, but to their surprise both women paused and flashed bright welcoming smiles at Kid.

"Ma'am," Kid said a little taken back. He had never had a problem attracting women, but they were rarely the proper, respectable sort.

"What is it with you today?" Heyes said as he watched the two women glance back several times as they crossed the street and the two men entered the store.

"Heyes its nothing, now can we get on with this, the suspense of what Mac is up to is killing me."

"Gentlemen!" A loud voice boomed and they looked behind them and realized they were the only ones in the store.

"Ah we need a few supplies," Heyes said softly.

"Of course! Of course! Anything you need, just put it on the house eh?" the man winked at Kid.

Kid brightened. He had no idea what was going on, but considering they had two dollars between them he wasn't going to argue with the man.

"Yes, that would be great," Heyes smiled weakly. The man had not taken his eyes off of Kid. He might have been invisible.

"What is going on!" Kid said, worried now too as he tested the shopkeeper's goodwill and began piling items they needed on the counter.

"I don't know, but I hope we don't wake up," Heyes said with a wicked grin as he added a new shirt to their pile. The shop owner's smile only grew bigger as their purchases accumulated and finally unable to think of anything else they wanted or needed they let the shopkeeper wrap up their items and hurried out of the store.

"Hotel?" Kid asked. Having arrived a day early they had already decided to spend the night in town before riding out to McCreedy's ranch hoping to get an inkling as to why the rich land owner had summoned them.

"No I need a drink," Heyes said firmly as they entered the saloon, which though not busy did pause a beat longer than normal to study them.

"Whiskey," Kid said moving to dig out a coin.

"Oh no need of that sir!" the barkeeper smiled and to their amazement reached under the bar and brought up a bottle of the 'good' stuff.

"Much obliged," Kid said saluting him. "Why don't you pour yourself one!"

"Why thank you sir!" the man said beaming.

Cautiously Kid then picked up the bottle and when no one stopped him, took it over to the table Heyes had staked out in the back.

"Did you see that?" Kid asked astounded.

"I saw it, but I don't believe it," Heyes said downing the shot of whiskey his friend offered him.

"I bet I can get us a suite at the hotel," Kid grinned.

"Kid something is wrong."

"No Heyes something is right for once and I am going to enjoy it!"

A hot bath, professional shave and two cigars later the two men emerged from the hotel in their new clothes feeling ready to take on anything.

"Think you can get us steak dinners?" Heyes grinned, remembering how the hotel clerk had been horrified at the notion of them paying for their room.

"Heyes the way this is going I can probably get us a whole cow!" Kid laughed as they crossed the street.

"Boys!"

"Aw I knew it was going too good," Kid sighed, stopping.

Turning, they waited as the expensive carriage pulled up and the robust figure of Patrick J. McCreedy stepped down.

"There you are! Heard you had got into town," he said pleased.

"Ah we thought we would clean up first," Kid tried.

"Fair enough, fair enough. Have you had dinner?"

"Uh no, we were about to get some," Heyes said giving Kid a side glance.

"Fine, I'm buying, this place serves an excellent steak supper!"

Too hungry to look a gift horse in the mouth they entered with the rancher and were quickly seated at the best table in the house.

"All right Mac why are we here?" Kid said finally as the meal wound down and they sat nursing the end of a bottle of wine.

"Not during dinner, ruins the digestion," Mac said.

"It's bad," Kid groaned leaning back.

"Mac we are not going after that bust. Armendariz bought it fair and square in San Francisco," Heyes said firmly setting down his glass and clearly about to walk if the conversation turned that way.

"No, no nothing like that, it's a bit more complicated, but simple for you two, or well you Thaddeus."

Kid looked up a feeling of dread coming over him. Whenever someone wanted him apart from Heyes it only meant one thing, his gun.

"He don't hire out as a gun," Heyes said coldly.

"How about as a nephew?"

The two men looked at each other.

"Nephew?" Kid said.

"You boys remember I told you I had let the sheriff think you were my nephew when he found those wanted posters," Mac said softly. "Well he asked on you the other day and it got me thinking, you could be the answer to a big problem of mine."

Heyes grinned, more at Kid's discomfort than anything the rancher had said.

"Doing what?" Kid said suspicious.

'Just let everyone think you're my nephew for a few days. Go to the horse auction with me, be seen around town, sign a few papers…"

Heyes sat up alert, "What kind of papers?"

"Just buying some land. I'll provide all the money. Once those are signed you deed them over to me and you are on your way with two hundred dollars in your pocket." Mac smiled happily.

"Why don't you just buy the land?" Heyes asked lighting a cigar.

"Well my name tends to drive the prices up. If Thaddeus here buys it then deeds it to me as my nephew no one will think twice."

"Mac you are so not telling us something," Heyes sighed. "Why us? You could get anyone in town to do it for you."

Mac lowered his voice, "Because I don't trust anyone in this town."

"And you trust us?" Kid said incredulously.

"I know who you boys are remember," Mac said smugly. "You let me down I'll tell the sheriff who you really are."

"How much is this land really worth Mac?"

Mac looked uncomfortable.

"Just scrub and plain boys."

"Railroad?" Heyes asked shrewdly.

Mac frowned, "Own the railroad."

They waited.

"Oil. Seems to be a future in it and I wanna be in at the ground floor. Now I'm telling folks you are looking to buy some land to start a place of your own. Told them I was leaving all my possessions to you and wanted you nearby to learn the ropes. That will explain why you want it."

"Look Uncle Mac," Heyes said sarcastically.

"I'll do it," Kid said poker faced.

Heyes looked up sharply.

"Good boy, knew you would. Got a few things to do, meet me in front of the hotel in an hour and we'll ride back to the ranch together," Mac said getting up.

"Will do Uncle Mac," Kid said with his best smile.

Mac gave him a look, "Don't enjoy this too much Curry."

Kid watched him leave and then innocently turned back to his partner.

"Seems I have an uncle," he grinned with a twinkle in his eye and leaning back took a sip of his wine like a man without a care in the world.

"What are you up to?" Heyes said. "We hadn't even negotiated the price! This could have hidden drawbacks we haven't spotted yet. You could…"

"Heyes I was thinking you could use a new pair of boots."

"What?"

"So could I, saddles too, we should stop by that leather maker before meeting up with my uncle."

Heyes stared at him and suddenly started to grin, "You sneaky son of…"

Kid smiled wickedly; "Uncle Mac is going to find out that having family can be very expensive!"

A week later Heyes and Curry are packing to leave in their room. Actually Heyes is doing all the packing and Kid is lying on the bed, hands under his head relaxing.

"I don't know Heyes I think we should have stretched this out a bit," Kid said looking over at his friend.

"I think you're enjoying this a little too much," Heyes said dryly, but then stopped gazing into space. "I just can't help thinking there is a downside to this. There always is with Mac."

"Well at least we were rich and connected for a while," Kid said resigned, as there came a knock at the door.

Heyes walked over to find McCreedy's small Mexican housekeeper, Maricela, waiting.

"Senor Mac sent a note from town. He said he needs his nephew to come, very important."

Kid sighed and got up, "We really should have charged him more for this."

"You want me to come?" Heyes asked clearly not relishing the idea.

"No, no point in both of us going," Kid said amiably, buckling on his gun. "As soon as I get back we leave before he thinks up something else for family to do!"

It was drifting into late afternoon before Heyes caught sight of McCreedy's carriage coming up the drive. They had been gone hours and annoyed, Heyes stood up on the porch wanting an explanation. But slowly his anger changed to concern when he realized Mac was alone.

"You still here?" Mac said getting down and handing the reins of the buggy to a waiting ranch hand. "I thought you were taking off after breakfast?"

"We were, but then Kid got your note," Heyes said frowning.

"Note? What note?"

"The one where you asked him to come into town," Heyes said, worried now.

"Never sent any such thing. Didn't pass him either. How long ago was this?"

"Just after breakfast," Heyes said, turning and heading for the stable.

"Where are you going?"

"To find your nephew."

Six hours later, worried and frustrated, Heyes returned to the ranch knowing something was wrong even before he tracked McCreedy to his study.

"Looks like he ran into trouble as soon as he left the ranch," Heyes said bursting into the room. "Ten men from what I can figure, I lost their trail at the border…" He stopped when he realized Mac was not alone. The sheriff and the local banker, Peterson, were seated around McCreedy's desk.

"We know," Mac said.

"You know? Know what?" Heyes said sharply.

"Mr. McCreedy's nephew has been kidnapped," the sheriff said his voice concerned.

"Ransom note arrived at the bank, I brought it right here," Peterson said with sympathy. "They want $100,000 for his return."

Heyes sunk into a chair stunned.

"Mr. McCreedy I'll be in touch, let you know what I learn," the sheriff said rising.

"Learn? What about a posse!" Heyes said sharply.

"You said it yourself young man, went over the border, not much I can do."

"Oh yes there is!" Heyes roared.

"Let me know if you change your mind Pat," Peterson said quickly making his exit with the sheriff.

"What did he mean change your mind?" Heyes said dangerously, getting up and leaning over the desk as the door shut.

"I'm not paying the ransom."

"You aren't what!?"

"He isn't my nephew!" Mac said slightly sheepish.

"So that's it, you just let them kill him? Where's the note?" Heyes growled and snatched it when McCreedy produced it.

It was written on surprisingly quality paper and the handwriting was intelligent and legible. Direct and to the point it demanded the money be delivered to a small church on the border and left on the altar. If all was in order Kid would be waiting there the following night, if anyone tried to follow the pick up of the money or in any way disrupted the drop, Kid would be killed instantly.

Heyes sunk back into his seat. It was clean and well thought out.

"I'm sorry son, but I can't find that kind of money that fast and even if I could…well, Thaddeus is a big boy he can take care of himself. Why I bet he's gotten away already!"

"Mac I swear if anything happens to him you're gonna need a lot more than $100,000 to put your world back together."

"Don't you threaten me…" Mac said standing indignant, but Heyes had already slammed out the door.

"What are you planning on doing son? You aren't going to help him any just riding in after him and getting yourself shot up," Mac said as Heyes finished saddling a fresh horse.

"Mac how is it gonna look you let your nephew get kidnapped and don't do anything?" Heyes said trying one more time for help.

"Folks around here can think what they like, most ain't got the courage to say to my face what they are thinking anyway."

"Mac they will kill him, at least give me the money to try something! I'll come up with a plan and…"

"How do I know you boys didn't cook this up yourselves to get than ransom," Mac said liking this idea immensely. It was a lot easier on his conscience and his pocketbook.

For a moment Heyes looked like he would flatten him and then slowly he controlled his rage and pulled himself up on his horse.

"Mac I thought you knew us better than that. We don't do that anymore and we never did it to friends."

And turning the horse he galloped out of the gate.

Kid Curry leaned his head back against the wall and cursed his luck. His Spanish wasn't good enough that he was completely sure what was going on, but he knew enough about bounty hunters in any language to presume the men who had taken him were preparing to turn him in for the reward. He was just grateful they had opted for the alive part of the warrant. What he didn't understand was why he alone had been tricked into an ambush. It was possible the men had just presumed Heyes would come with him to town, but still for an operation this well run it was a costly mistake.

He had counted at least twenty men when they reached the small village just over the border and he didn't like the odds. They were, except for the odd youth, seasoned banditos, late of the war with nothing more to live for than the spoils of their crimes.

Kid looked up as the door to his room opened. The room he had been given possessed a chair, a cot, and a small rug over its dirt floor. Oddly a pitcher of water had been left and there had been a promise of food if he behaved. It was better care than he was used to receiving in the hands of captors and it had given him some hope they meant to keep him alive for the exchange.

"Senor Jones."

Kid glanced up at the Mexican youth standing with a tray of hot food. He couldn't have been more than 16, but was already a tall and handsome young man with intelligent, sharp eyes.

"That's what I keep telling them," Kid sighed not expecting a reply.

"Your uncle has been notified of our demands."

Kid blinked as much at the perfect English as the reference to his Uncle. "My Uncle?'

"Do not attempt to lie. We know you are the nephew of Senor McCreedy."

"Oh I would never try that," Kid said brightly. "How is my uncle?"

"Most concerned I am certain for your safe return. You will be kept here until the ransom is paid."

"He's paying my ransom?" Kid said surprised. "How much?"

"100,000 American dollars."

Kid let out a whistle and then looked worried. "He told you this?"

"He is your uncle, he knows we will kill you if he does not. You are his only living relative," the boy went on setting down the food. Clearly in his world family was above all else.

Kid watched him leave, his hunger vanishing as he considered Mac's reaction to such an offer.

Not liking the odds, he went over to the tray and considered the spoon he had been left. It wasn't much, but the clay bowl had possibilities. And added to that the men holding him presumed they had a rich eastern dandy, not a hard seasoned outlaw. No wonder he hadn't been tied or more efficiently guarded.

Eating his meal quickly he broke the bowl and saved the sharpest piece. Then taking the spoon he began to dig.

"Mr. Peterson I need your help," Heyes said urgently barging into the bank president's office.

Pete Peterson looked up from his desk not without sympathy.

"Pat change his mind?"

"No sir, but I need you to give me enough money to convince the kidnappers that he has."

"Son I would love to help you, but Pat would kill me if I just up and gave away bank money."

"Then give me his money," Heyes said impatient.

"Unfortunately they are one and the same," Peterson said ruefully.

"You trusted us once before with a large sum of money."

"And Pat never let me hear the end of it. Look why don't you go talk to Pat, explain to him…"

"I've tried that, well if you won't help me that only leaves me one choice."

"Senor Smith, my this is a surprise," Ernesto Armendariz looked up from his rifle cabinet clearly not pleased with the unexpected visitor. "I am very busy now, but my man said you threatened to sit on my steps until I saw you. Considering you came unarmed I found this brazen threat rather intriguing."

"Sir I need your help," Heyes said.

"I am even more intrigued. I can give you until I finish loading this gun."

"My partner has been kidnapped by a group of bandits led by a man named Ybarra. I hear he once worked for you."

"Yes, a foreman, but I caught him stealing. I would not have much hope for your friend if Ybarra's band has him. He is a ruthless and cunning man."

"I was hoping you could tell me where his hideout is," Heyes said simply.

Armendariz looked at him. "How many men do you have?"

"Just myself."

"You are a fool."

"Sir they are going to kill him," Heyes said simply.

Armendariz stared at him, but Heyes' gaze didn't waver. Frowning he remembered his previous encounters with the two men. They were closer than brothers.

"A man will do much for family no Senor?"

Heyes looked at him. Armendariz was too sharp to try and lie too, but telling him the truth could be even more dangerous.

"He's my friend sir, I owe him my life a dozen times over. He would do the same for me."

Armendariz considered this and finally nodded. Family was something he understood.

"Tell me everything."

Twenty minutes later Armendariz had heard the entire tale including Mac's using Curry as a relative.

"I have family problems of my own Senor Smith, but I can however give you some information. Rodriguez!"

A small Mexican man hurried into the room and several words of Spanish were exchanged.

"Rodriguez says Ybarra and his men often camp near the town of Migeldo, near the church where your ransom is to be delivered."

"Thank you sir," Heyes said getting up and turning to go. "I hope you find what you are looking for, must be valuable."

Armendariz looked up sharply, "How did you know I was searching for something?"

Heyes turned back with a pleasant smile, "You have every man who works for you in the courtyard saddling up, armed and packing supplies. There are at least six maps on your desk of the area all parceled out and when I passed the dining room I saw three women crying while consoling a fourth. I don't speak much Spanish, but I know the word hallazgo means find."

Armendariz stared at him for a moment, his level of respect for the man going even higher than it was already.

"Senor Smith?" Armendariz said suddenly picking up a pen and writing quickly. "This letter is to Father Bernard. It is to his church you are headed. I have told him you are an honorable man and to offer all help possible."

Heyes took the letter touched, "Mucho gracias Senor."

"Vaya con el dios Senor Smith."

"Why did you break the bowl?' the same young man asked back an hour later.

Kid looked up from where he was laying on the bed. "I didn't like the food."

"You are just as your uncle!" the boy spat.

"Don't like him very much do you?" Kid said interested.

"He cheated my father! He is an unscrupulous gringo."

"What's your name?"

"Juaquin."

"Juaquin aren't you just a little young to be caught up in all of this?"

"Ybarra is a great leader! He treats me as a man! My father will see when I avenge him that I am no longer a boy."

Kid nodded, "Maybe, if you're alive."

"You are the one who should worry Senor, not I."

"I tell you Pat he had a letter from you!" Peterson said in shock. "He said you had changed your mind about paying the ransom and I should give him the money to deliver it. I had no reason to think he was lying…"

"So you just handed him $100,000!" McCreedy bellowed. "Saddle my horse and round up the men!"

SETTING: A small Mexican village dominated by large, but crumbling church. Chickens run around being chased by children and along side the church local Indians work along with Mexicans attempting to coax a crop of corn into growing.

Father Bernard, a middle aged American, smiles warmly at the children as he crosses the compound in his long black robes. It is clear from his concern for the crops and the way he greets people that he loves this place and its inhabitants. He walks over to the well and pulls up the bucket, it comes up empty and sadly he shakes his head knowing they have no money to dig a new one. Walking into the old church the cool dark sanctuary surrounds him as he kneels to pray as he has done countless times.

"If you have come to rob us sir I must presume all the things I have read about you are incorrect."

Heyes stepped out of the shadows where he had thought he was hidden and pushed his hat back, impressed as Father Bernard rose to greet him.

"I'm not here to rob you Father," Heyes assured him with a smile.

"Good I had expected better of Hannibal Heyes," the man said. "Can I offer you a drink of water my son?"

Heyes blinked, "Father I think you have me mistaken with…"

"No I don't. I saw you once in Denver and I never forget a face. Now what can I do for you?'

Heyes stared at the man unsure whether to trust him. Finally realizing he had no choice he gave up and took the seat offered along with the cup of water.

"Father my partner has been kidnapped."

"Ah Mr. McCreedy's nephew, yes news travels even to this little remote corner of the world. Though I confess I had help, his banker was here arranging things. And they picked you to bring the money?"

"Petersen was here?" Heyes said surprised and frowning.

"Yes that was his name. He seemed most concerned."

"Father I need your help."

"I told Mr. Petersen I would do everything I could as long as the people of this village are not endangered." The Priest suddenly looked up brightly. "Is this a Devil's Hole Gang plan?" When Heyes laughed, he smiled sheepishly. "I have been known to read the children the odd dime novel from time to time. They rather enjoy them!"

Heyes grinned, "Then Father I think you are just the man I need!"

Four hours later Ybarra's men warily stepped into the quiet sanctuary of the old church. The candles lit at the front gave off distorted shadows along the mud and stone walls and cautiously they crossed themselves out of childhood habit.

"Padre?" one of the men called out to the lone figure in a black robe kneeling at the altar.

Hannibal Heyes rose and faced him calmly.

"Yes my son?"

SCENE: YBARRA'S CAMP

It is a ramshackle collection of buildings bunched around a large dilapidated barn with a corral filled with horses. The main center of attention is the cantina, which while not very big, clean or well constructed is alive with music and light.

A campfire dominates the middle of town and most of Ybarra's men are around it coming off guard duty or about to go on.

Inside the cantina Ybarra sits at the room's only table. On his lap is the customary senorita, who has seen more mileage than years, but is gamely trying to entice him.

Several of Ybarra's men sit with him working their way through their second bottle of tequila. They are unshaven, dirty and very, very dangerous. Behind the bar the girl's father stands terrified, while two frighteningly awful mariochies murder a classic Mexican ballad.

"Juaquin, more tequila!" Ybarra called out more because he wanted to know where the boy was than an actual need of the liquid.

"Ybarra do you think that is wise…" Juaquin said holding the bottle back as he reached the table. "The others will be back soon with the money and…"

"Insolent pup!" Ybarra roared snatching the bottle and then in a single motion back handing the boy so he fell to the floor stunned. "Never forget your place or question me!"

The boy lays their stunned and is quickly forgotten as two of the bandit leader's men appear at the door with Petersen.

"So Petersen you have good news for me?"

"I delivered the letter to Armendariz, I want you to know Ybarra, I still think this is a terrible idea. Taking on those two at the same time…"

"What letter!" Juaquin said pushing himself up to the two men.

"I agreed to give you half the money and in exchange McCreedy never finds out about our bank's shortage. But holding the boy for ransom as well…"

Juaquin stared at Ybarra, the truth sinking in, "But you said you needed me…"

"Si, boy, I needed you and when I collect the ransom for that gringo and for you…"

"What!" Juaquin said standing, shaking with anger. "I am not your prisoner! I am one of your men!"

"You are a rich man's little boy Juaquin!" Ybarra said grabbing his chin. "And if you are lucky I will not kill you much eh?" Shoving the boy away, he waved two of his men over. "Put him with the gringo."

"I do not like this Pedro," one of the bandit's men said warily glancing back at Heyes riding along serenely with the bandits. "God will not think well of men who kill a priest."

"We only kill him if he is lying," Pedro said bluffing away any doubts. "He says McCreedy will not pay until the Father assures him that his nephew is alive. The boy was right, it is good we did not kill him."

"That is another thing, following the plan of a child," the older man spat. "And the child of the devil at that!"

Pedro grinned, "He is wily like his father and I for one am not above using him until he outlives his uselessness. Ybarra has it all under control you see. Now quit worrying, what threat is a priest?"

Kid looked up as the door of his prison opened. He had been hoping for more time, but to his surprise his young jailer was tossed in and the door quickly slammed and locked.

Instantly the boy was on his feet cursing in Spanish and banging on the door in anger and frustration.

"I don't know a lot of Spanish, but I take it things aren't going too well?" Kid asked pleasantly from the bunk.

The boy turned and glared at him, "Shut up! This is all your fault!"

Kid nodded, not disagreeing. The boy was clearly not thinking straight and the only wise thing to do was let him vent and then maybe he could get a straight answer out of him.

"Ybarra betrayed me! This was my plan! Kidnapping you was my idea!"

"And it was a good one," Kid agreed.

The boy gave him another glare, "Do not patronize me Senor! I am not a child."

"No you're not," Kid said his voice suddenly hard, "So stop acting like one and tell me what happened."

"Ybarra, he is going to hold me for ransom as well as you. He never meant to let me give the money to my father and show him I could avenge him. That I was no longer a child."

"Your father, he got money to pay for you?" Kid asked worried.

"Si, he has money, but now he will think I am just a foolish child."

The boy moved to sink into the chair and Kid quickly stopped him. "More comfortable over here," he said giving up his seat on the cot.

"My father will never trust me again."

Kid considered this, "Not if you escape and warn him."

"How can I escape all alone?"

"Good point, but it seems to me you and I are on the same side now."

The boy looked at him with almost a scowl; "You are a gringo easterner how are you going to…"

Kid smiled and got up and pulled the rug away from the serious hole he had made in the floor off to the side of the door.

"The guard will not step there."

"He will if he thinks we want him to step somewhere else," Kid said simply.

"But two men always come in."

"True and there are two of us. When the first guard trips I want you to hit him over the head with this," Kid said holding up the chair's missing leg.

"And you?" the boy said impressed.

Kid smiled, "Oh I might just be able to manage the other one!"

Juaquin's scream ten minutes later brought both guards into the darkened room.

The chair set in front of them was kicked aside by the first one with a curse questioning how stupid they thought he was and kicking it aside he confidently moved forward and instantly fell into the waiting hole.

With a cry of pain he pitched forward where Kid was waiting and catching his arm, caught his gun and yanked it free just as Juaquin whacked him alongside the head.

The second guard let out a cry and turned to fire, but the gun was already in Curry's hand and with one quick shot he sent the man down and was pulling a startled Juaquin out the door.

"How…no one is that fast!" the boy said staring up at Kid.

"Lucky shot," Kid smiled grimly. "Come on we've probably woken the whole camp."

Hannibal Heyes knew better than to draw suspicion to him and therefore got off his horse slowly like a man unaccustomed to long rides.

He was acutely aware of the eyes of every man in the camp on him and with his best smile waited meekly while the leader of his group hurried into the cantina.

A moment later a tall, swarthy looking man came out tucking his shirt in and looking like he had been awoken from a deep sleep or a drunken one.

"You bring me a Priest!" he roared seeing Heyes. "I will give you need for a priest" he snarled turning on the man and pulling out his gun.

"Senor, please," Heyes said calmly. "It was not your man's fault. Mr. McCreedy required proof that his nephew was alive."

Ybarra turned and tried to stare Heyes down, but he was simply met with two innocent brown eyes.

"I do not have time for these game!" Ybarra said finally, blinking first. "Give me the money or I will kill the Yankee now!"

Heyes' quick study of the man had surprised him. He was afraid of something and Heyes was certain it wasn't McCreedy.

"Let me see his nephew and I will go back and assure Mr. McCreedy that he is well and bring the money as you requested," Heyes said soothingly.

"And lead the army back to us!" Ybarra said shaking his head. "No Padre I cannot take that chance."

"Then at least allow me to give him last rites?" Heyes said solemnly.

"Whatever, whatever!" the bandit said waving Heyes away.

Heyes quickly allowed two of the men with him to escort him across the compound. The shot caught everyone by surprise but Heyes. Kid never had been the type to just stay put and wait to be rescued.

With a whimper of fake fear he dived behind the nearest cover, a wagon, leaving his guard to draw their guns and try and decide where the shot had come from.

Heyes quickly reached under the robe and pulled out his gun. Despite the itching they really were a useful place to store things; especially when no one had the courage to search a priest.

Four more shots followed. Two of which were Heyes' who quickly disarmed the two men with him and tossing off his clerical robe began to run.

Kid and Juaquin reached the corral and ordering the boy to grab two of the saddled animals, Kid crouched low behind the water trough covering him.

He had heard shooting from the center of camp and grateful for the distraction it had caused had gotten the boy over to the horses without mishap.

Curry was experienced enough to know the odds of making good their escape, but it beat being trapped waiting to die.

"Senor!" Juaquin called from behind him.

Turning, Kid ran over to the gate and swung it open determined to scatter as many horses as possible, but well aware how vulnerable he was.

A shot suddenly rang out behind him and turning sharply with his gun he saw a bandit fall from the barn and whirling back, grinned as a familiar figure ran across to join him.

"Heyes how did you…"

"Later, you've outstayed your welcome…" Heyes stopped and trained his gun on Juaquin.

"He's with me," Kid said as the boy stepped back startled by the dangerous man who had come from out of nowhere.

Nodding Heyes caught a horse and swinging up he led the charge out of the paddock firing as he did.

Pushing Juaquin into the middle Kid brought up the rear firing behind him as he chased the remaining horses free.

Ybarra reached the corral in time to fire off a shot and then turned on the men around him furious. "After them! Andale!"

The three riders barreled across the flat lifeless landscape taking a route Heyes had devised in his head on his trip there.

Finally their animals exhausted they pulled into the town of Migeldo.

"My church!" Heyes yelled as Kid and Juaquin dismounted.

"Your church?" Kid yelled back and then to his surprise three Indian youths came out of the shadows of it and taking the horses easily leapt aboard and were gone.

"Don't worry they won't catch them, he promised them they could keep the horses," Father Bernard said from the door of the church. "Hurry, inside!"

Seeing no reason to argue, Kid and Juaquin quickly followed Heyes inside.

"Juaquin! What are you doing here? Your father is worried out of his mind!" the priest said surprised, recognizing the boy.

"You know him?" Kid asked interested at Juaquin's bow of his head.

"Senor Armendariz's youngest son? Who does not!"

Both Heyes and Kid turned to look at Juaquin.

"Armendariz is your father?" Kid groaned. "Well that explains why you were so excited to get back at McCreedy."

"I thought if I avenged what McCreedy did to my father he would finally realize I was a man."

"Padre the men come!" a child's voice called from the bell tower above them.

"Quickly behind the altar, I will send them on," Father Bernard said going for the door.

"Father we really appreciate this," Kid said.

"Most fun I've had in years! Wait till the Arch Diocese learns I rode with the Devil's Hole Gang!"

Kid shot Heyes a look as they hurried to a spot behind the altar.

"I guess you could say I got religion and he got to be in a dime novel," Heyes shrugged.

"I just hope he doesn't get himself killed," Kid said checking his gun.

Waiting, they listened as the Father spun the story Heyes had told him.

A moment later the horses took off again and all three of the fugitives exhaled.

"Padre more riders!" the little voice called down again.

"Wonderful, I sure hope that's the cavalry," Kid said wearily.

"Where are they Padre and don't try and lie for them!" Mac's voice echoed around the church a moment later.

"So you decided to help after all," Heyes grinned, standing and replacing his gun only to find all of Mac's men train their guns on him.

"Where is it?" Mac said furiously.

"Where is what?" Heyes asked just as indignant. "And put those down were in a church, MY church!"

"Boy has a point let's take this outside," Mac said firmly, but waited for the three to be escorted outside. "Now where is my money?"

"What money!" Heyes said completely exasperated.

"The money you got from Peterson to pay the ransom!"

"I didn't get any money from him! The man is scared to death of you!" Heyes yelled hands on his hips.

"Yea we need to talk about that Mac," Kid said dangerously. "Heyes here tells me you didn't want to pay my ransom."

"I don't believe either of you! I think you set this up to get my money!"

"Mac I almost got killed over your stupid little scheme," Kid said yelling now as well. So involved in arguing, the group almost missed the announcement of more riders approaching. Drawing their guns the two ex-outlaws pushed Juaquin behind them only to relax as they recognized the lead rider.

"Papa!" Juaquin said surprised, relieved and frightened all at the same time.

"Juaquin," Armendariz said leaping from his horse and reaching his son, grabbed his shoulders and worriedly checked him out and then hugged him.

"I am fine father," the boy said not meeting his eyes.

"What do you think you were doing?" Armendariz said now assured his son was safe allowing his anger to surface. "Running away from school! And when your mother received the ransom note…"

Angrily he glanced at McCreedy, then Kid and Heyes, "Did these men kidnap you?"

"Why don't we all get in out of the sun and discuss this calmly," Father Bernard said firmly stepping into the middle of the group.

:"Father this is not your…"

"I beg to differ Senor Armendariz, you are all God's children so it is my concern, now let's all sit down and sort this out."

Glaring at one another the unhappy group entered the Pastor's office.

"Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones saved me papa. Ybarra lied to me, he was going to hold me for ransom too," Juaquin said quietly.

"What were you doing with Ybarra?" Armendariz said sharply.

"I wanted to prove you wrong, that I was old enough to leave school, so I thought if I avenged you then…"

Armendariz stared at the boy realizing the truth. "You were a part of this? You would dishonor our name by…"

"Sir your son helped me escape," Kid tried and the boy looked up at him grateful.

"While running with banditos!" the nobleman said disgusted.

"Well I have learned that even outlaws can see the error of their ways," Father Bernard said innocently. "The boy meant well and when he realized he was wrong he did attempt to rectify it."

"You are too easy on him Padre," Armendariz growled and then turned to McCreedy. "My apologies for any distress my family has caused you. I assure he will be punished."

"That's all fine and good, but I'm out $100,000!" Mac growled back glaring at Heyes.

"Mr. Smith did not take your money, Mr. Peterson did," Juaquin said standing to face the rancher. "He said he needed to make you think the money was lost in the ransom because in truth he had lost it in an investment."

"He what!" Mac roared.

"We'll take that apology any time Mac," Heyes said quietly.

"Truly I owe you both my thanks gentlemen," Armendariz said offering his hand. "If I can ever do anything for you do not hesitate to ask."

Armendariz indicated his son should shake each man's hand and apologize and then let him hastily escape the room.

"Sir, he really was trying to impress you," Kid said softly.

Armendariz managed a small smile; "It is not me he should be worried about, it is his mother waiting at home!"

Following the nobleman out they watched his group ride off and then McCreedy angrily turned on Kid and Heyes.

"Wait till I get my hands on Peterson!" Mac said going for his horse.

"Ah Mac isn't there anything you want to say to us?" Heyes said arms folded.

"Yea mount up we have a crook to catch!"

Kid shook his head, "Uncle Mac you are all heart."

Three days later Patrick J. McCreedy returned to his study after seeing off his 'nephew' and his friend on the noon stage. All in all things had turned out rather well he chuckled. Peterson was in jail, his bank was being refinanced after an audit and when it was all said and done he did have the deed for the land he wanted.

Fine boys those two, just needed a firm hand was all.

Pulling open a picture on the wall he went through the combination on his safe and clicked it open. Reaching in he frowned. The packet of papers he had expected weren't there.

Instead he shakily removed a single sheet of paper.

Mac grabbed the arm of his chair and shaking with fury crumpled the paper.

"Armendariz!"

In the small town of Migeldo, Father Bernard opened the envelope to him and began to read. Slowly a smile broke across his face and pouring a liberal cup of water he held it up silently toasting his fellow outlaws!

.

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