Busted Gulch vol 9

Good Tidings for Christmas(baileygaines)

Good Tidings for Christmas

Lou was at the jail, no hope for bail.

When Buck stepped in, he knew words would fail.

"Lou? Uh...hey."

That was all he could say.

Lou came up to the bars and stared.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"I'm going to get you out of there.

Justice knows everything

Me...I'm working

on a plan."

"Oh, Buck! Did you tell him about Bruce?"

"Yes, he knows the truth.

Where is he? Why isn't he here?"

"Why would you do that?" Lou threw her hands in the air.

"Now both of you are mixed up in this!

I hope you don't have plans for Christmas."

"Looks like we'll be spending it together."

Justice walked in, bringing a gust of chilly weather.

"Looks like things are going to be shiny and bright

this Christmas. In you go, Buchanan. Let's make things right."

Buck walked into the cell to take Lou's place.

"Merry Christmas, Lou." He kissed her face.

Lou wanted Buck to be set free,

and Buck wanted the same for Lou.

But Justice was unmoved.

"Someone has to pay for this crime,

Someone has to do the time."

Justice made Buck a one-time offer.

He'd let them both go if Buck brought back his brother.

Buck refused, his loyal streak coming through.

"I can't turn Judas on Bruce."

"And I thought you were in love with Lou...

or that you at least cared. I was wrong about you.

I'll just have to place a bounty on your brother's head.

Pity...I misjudged you," Justice said.

He left, leaving Buck and Lou standing awkwardly.

"How's Petra?" Lou asked finally.

"Uh...she's fine. Fine. Yeah. Look, Lou,

you know I don't want you to be here.

I just can't turn Bruce in."

"I know, Buck. I appreciate it, but you don't belong with me...not anymore."

Lou called Justice back.

"You want to make a deal? Yes or no?

You let us both go;

I'll bring Bruce in...

when I find him."

"Lou! That's a horrible deal! What if we can't find Bruce?"

Lou looked coolly over her shoulder.

"I never said you were coming with me.

So, what say you, Justice? What will it be?

I know that you want me free.

You know Buck here was only protecting me.

He's just a pawn to get what you really want...Bruce.

So...you get Buck here a pardon and turn me loose.

I'll be the one to bring back Bruce."

Buck disagreed, but his point was moot.

Justice and Lou were now in cahoots.

Justice opened the cell and let Lou walk out,

but shut the door after her. Lou started to pout.

"Justice, that wasn't part of the deal!

Buck was supposed to go free, not be kept in jail!"

Justice wasn't fazed as he answered.

"He's insurance to make sure you keep your word."

Lou started to protest, but Buck held up a hand.

"That's all I am - insurance? Well, that's grand.

Go on, Lou. Bring Bruce back if you can,

but you'll probably have trouble finding the man.

I'll take your place here; it's what I came to do."

Buck smiled sadly. "Merry Christmas, Lou."

"Merry Christmas to you, too."

Lou stopped at the door and looked back.

"I'll come back for you, Buck! Be certain of that."