Redemption

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Cleaning House

Sean kept his horse on pace with Mark's. The cool morning air felt good on their skin as they crested dusty hills. Keeping his rifle across his lap, Sean anxiously told Mark. "We were supposed to wait in Coyote Walk for the others. Maybe they are running late...?" Mark pulled his horse to a stop, his eyes on the horizon as he answered seriously. "No. We were there too long, and they didn't show. Something has happened." Riding up next to him, Sean casually replied. "I understand that. But where are going to look for them?" Mark locked cool dark eyes with him, answering in a strong voice. "We'll start at the hideout. If they aren't there. We'll head to the mines." Inhaling slowly, Sean nudged his horse into the lead, replying over his shoulder. "Alright. Let's get the gang back together." Mark chuckled softly as he followed him down the hill. The ride was eerily quiet with just the sounds of the horses shuffling along. Sean kept himself alert to any movement or strange sounds. Behind him, Mark used his hat to fan himself as the sun began to beat down over them. At the sound of a twig snapping, Sean raised his rifle and took aim in the direction of it. His horse stopping to look in the same direction with perked up ears.

Mark trotted up, taking hold of the barrel and pointing it up. Sean gave him a concerned look until a rabbit sprang out of a bush. Shaking off the tangle of twigs and vines sticking to its fur, it glanced at them before dashing out of sight. Giving him a smile, Mark cooed out. "Easy. Save your ammo. Don't start shooting at shadows." Laying the gun against his shoulder, Sean rolled his eyes and grumbled out. "I wasn't going too. I thought it was-" A sudden loud BANG rang out over the valley, causing the horses to jump. Mark steadied his horse and reached out to grab Sean before he fell off his horse. Adjusting himself in the saddle, Sean asking softly. "What the fuck?" Mark dismounted, crouching low to walk up the small hill where the rabbit had fled. Laying down at the top by the bush, Mark squinted to see a man mounted on a horse in the distance. All around his horse were hunting dogs. One was retrieving the rabbit to the displease of the others. The man shifted to take the rabbit from the dog, slipping the dog a treat. In the light from behind Mark, the man's badge glinted blindingly.

Easing back, Mark rushed to mount his horse, whispering to Sean through clenched teeth. "Move. Now." They kicked the horses into a trot and once they were farther out, they nudged them into a bolt. Beside him, Sean asked him. "Who was it?" Mark panted a little, glancing behind them sporadically as he answered. "A Pinkerton. With dogs." Cursing, Sean glanced back himself asking nervously. "Did they pick us up?" Shrugging, Mark honestly answered. "I don't know. I don't think so." Coaxing more speed from their horses, Mark smirked as Sean's horse pulled ahead. He barely recognized the shy farm boy as he handled his horse like a hardened cowboy. Sean pulled his bandana up over his nose as they headed into a minor dust cloud, but he didn't slow down. Following suit, Mark pulled his bandana up and tilted his head down to let the brim of his hat keep the dust from his eyes. When they finally slowed their horses to give them a rest, Sean chuckled out. "Did you see that dust devil? That should help cover our tracks." Mark tugged down his bandana, chuckling out. "Ya. It's big. Might turn into a tornado if it gets any bigger."

Sean laughed, playfully blurting out. "Oh, what a shame. I'd hate to miss it tossing those Pinkertons clear across the state." Riding up next to Sean, Mark caught him off guard by reaching out to grab Sean's bandana. Pulling him close, Mark captured his lips in a brief breathless kiss. Then pulling away, Mark nudged his horse on. Leaving Sean in breathless bewilderment. Shaking himself back to the present, Sean quickly rode after him, stammering out. "W-w-whoa! What was that for? You can't just blindside me like that." Peeking over his shoulder, Mark huffed out teasingly. "Oh? Why not? I need a reason?" Trotting up next to him, Sean blushed as he lightly scolded him. "Well... Yes. I would like one. You get on me for getting you all hot and bothered. Then you go and do that... It's not fair." Reaching out to pull Sean's horse to a stop with his, Mark met Sean's eyes with his devilish ones. Sean quickly turned his head away, tilting his head enough that the brim hid his flushed cheeks. Leaning closer to him, Mark whispered into Sean's ear with a purring voice. "Are you saying that I got you all hot and bothered from just one kiss?" Sean huffed so weakly that it made Mark chuckle. Kissing a tender spot high on Sean's neck, Mark added in a soft charming growl. "My apologies. I couldn't help it. You just... look real nice handling your horse like that. Makes me want to chase you."