Busted Gulch vol 6

Attempted Heartbreak (baileygaines)

Attempted Heartbreak

"If she kisses ya, Skirt, you're dead!"

Shamus's words ran through Bruce's head.

Well, he'd blown that, but he wasn't dead yet.

He wasn't scared of Shamus's threat.

Bruce needed protection and Shamus could give it.

He didn't want to end up on a gibbet.

This needed to be fast so he wasn't discovered.

His plan would be ruined if his identity was uncovered.

Suddenly Lou asked about a horse and a bag.

Bruce paused briefly, taken aback.

"Your bag? I took care of that thing.

My horse is down the street where it can't be seen."

"Who did you give it to?" Lou asked Bruce.

"You knew it was important, didn't you?

You've bungled everything until now.

Tell me you did THIS right, and tell me how!"

Bruce had to think quick and he had to think fast.

He had to answer the question that Lou had asked.

This deal with Shamus would lengthen his lifespan.

"I wouldn't let you down, Lou. I followed the plan."

Lou began to list times when Buck had let her down.

"You didn't stay put when I asked, you clown!

You threatened Shamus and killed his men!

What were you thinking? I'll ask you again!"

Bruce was a mess; he couldn't think straight.

"I was thinking about you, but that was a mistake!

I've had it with you!" He snapped at Lou.

In his confusion, his anger grew.

Lou was upset, too. Bruce would have to beware.

The frustrated woman threw her hands up in the air.

"Just tell me who got the bag?" She demanded of Bruce.

Bruce crossed his arms and replied, "What's wrong with you!"

"I did what you asked this time, Lou!

I'm tired from the ride, and I'm tired of you!"

Lou exploded and pushed Bruce back.

"What's wrong with ME!?" She was on the attack.

"YOU didn't listen! I thought you were DEAD!

Do you have any idea what you did to my head?"

"You and Shamus can take your feelings for me,

And shove them up your ARSE!!" Lou said loudly.

"Is arse right, SKIRT? I'm not Scottish, but I don't care!

I'm through with you both! So there!"

Bruce barked a laugh. "Yes, arse is right!

And yours is lovely, dear, but I've seen the light.

Shamus was crazy to sleep with you.

But I won't make his mistake, my lovely Lou."

"You've inspired me, Buck!" Lou stood straight and tall.

"I don't need a man, I don't need one at all!

This cute arse of mine is going to go

Tell Shamus the same you heard a minute ago!"

"I'll tell Shamus that you helped me see

I don't need ANYONE to sleep with me!"

Lou was stomping away to-wards the saloon

When Bruce realized he'd been singing the wrong tune.

"If Lou blows off Shamus, it'll kill our deal!

I was supposed to break her, not help her heal!"

Bruce ran after Lou and grabbed her arm.

Then Lou drew a gun and threatened harm.

Bruce tried to calm her, but Lou wouldn't calm down.

She took some money and threw it on the ground.

"Take that! You didn't completely waste your time!"

And Lou stomped off, calling, "Good-BYE!"

Now what to do? Bruce was really confused.

He couldn't go back to Shamus if Lou was in the saloon.

He crept around back and entered without a sound.

He listened for Shamus's voice and gulped a bottle of whiskey down.