Part One

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Hilde Schbeicker wondered where her father was. He was late. He was hardly ever late. She stood up and looked out the window. The moonlight played across the yard. The lantern lights gleamed from the barn. Sally Po came into the room, wiping her hands on a towel. She looked over at Hilde ,she was still at the window.

"Not home yet?"

"No," Hilde sighed. "It's not like him to be so late, Miss Sally."

"Yes, It is usual for Joesph to be late. Maybe I should go get Howard to go look for him."

"That may be a good..." She started to say, when there was a commotion out side. She turned from the window and went to the door. She flung it open and ran down the steps. A stranger was leading her father's horse to the house. He stopped in front of her and handed her the reins. He turned and rode away. She watched him, then turned to the horse.

"Dad!" She yelled as she went to he father, who was slumped over the neck of the horse. Howard and two other men pulled Joesph Schbeiker's body from the horse. Hilde dropped to his side and shook him

"Dad! Dad!" She cried, knowing it was too late, but not ready to give up. Sally pulled her away and said to her.

"Oh, Miss Hilde. I'm so sorry."
Hilde collapsed into Sally's arms and began to sob uncontrollably. Sally pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.

*****************************

Hilde stood by Howard and Sally, as the minister read the eulogy over her father's grave. She had quit crying, but there was a deep sadness in her heart and her eyes reflected it. Sheriff Heero Yuy stood in the background, waiting to speak to Hilde.

Treise Kushranda stood behind Heero, also waiting for a chance t o speak to Hilde. He was paying his respects. He wanted to tell Hilde, although they had their differences, her father and he were friends. This was a devastating blow for eveyone around.

Dorothy Catalonia stood beside Treise, looking totally bored. She didn't want to be here. It was a stupid waste of her time and her time was money. She was also quite angry with her uncle for bringing that woman with him.

Lady Une stood quietly and respectfully next to Treise, dressed in alteration black, not her usually colored clothes of her profession. She was the owner of the town's only brothel. (Don't flame me ,OK.) Most people accepted her as Treise's mistress, but some didn't. She was there because Treise had asked her, also because she knew Joesph.

Relena Yuy stood behind her friend, as Hilde leaned into her. She knew her husband was somewhere behind her. Relena felt Hilde shudder and leaned in to whisper to her, "Are you OK?"

Hilde nodded and tried to smile. Relena felt so bad for her friend. She had no one now. Her whole family was gone. As soon as the minister finished , people began to walk away, some coming to offer condolences, others just leaving. Treise hurried to talk to Hilde. He stopped in front of her and tried to smile.

"Hilde, I'm sorry about your father. He and I didn't get along all the time, but I still felt he was my friend. Please let me know if you need anything. I'll be glad to provide you with anything you may need."

"Thank you, Mr. Treise. I know you and my father were friends and nothing will change now that he is gone. I will let you know if I need anything at all."

He took her hands into hers and smiled at her, "Good."

Treise took Lady Une's arm and turned away. Dorothy just glared and walked away.

Heero came up and stood by Relena, waiting to talk to Hilde. When his opportunity came he addressed her, " Hilde, I know this not the time, but I must ask you a couple of questions." Hilde nodded. " This is the fourth murder in less than a month, I can't seem to tie them together. Was your dad doing anything unusual, any thing different that normal?"

"No," Hilde said, " I think I would have noticed. He was pretty open to me most of the time."

"What about the man who brought him home?"
"It was pretty dark.....I.. don't understand all this...I didn't know him....he brought his......* choke * ..body back. * Sob *. I don't know........" She began to cry again thinking about the incident again.

Relena glared at Heero. "OK, OK. I'll let to go for now. I'm going to write the governor and get some help. This way too big for me to handle alone. I'll talk to you again, OK?"
Hilde nodded as Sally pulled her away. Relena told her that she would be out in a couple days.

Howard and Sally had insisted that she ride in the wagon, but Hilde would have rather rode her horse.

*****************************

Heero sat at his dead and wrote a letter to the governor asking for help. He needed help from the U.S.Marshalls. He couldn't do this alone, and it was his mission to find these killers, no matter what the cost. The Marshalls had resources he didn't have. He hoped the governor would answer quickly.

Few days later a letter came for Heero. He tore it open:

Heero outwardly groaned and thought, * Not Him! *

~~~~~~

Part Two

~~~~~~

Duo Maxwell patted Deathscythe's neck and said to him, "Not much longer, ol' buddy. Some oats for you and some hot chow for me." *And * He thought wistfully, * A bed and a bath. * It had been a long trip and Duo was tired. The ground was just getting too hard to sleep on. He stopped at the top of a ridge and looked down at the town of Sancville. It seemed like a nice and peaceful town. He took off his hat, flipped his long braid over his shoulder and swiped his arm over his forehead. He slapped his black hat on his pants. The dust rose from the hat and his clothes. He sighed, put his hat back on and rode down into the town.

The town was quiet as he rode in, just as he thought it would be. He thought about stopping at the Sheriff's office but , felt a beer would be better. He rode on down the street until he saw the Saloon.

In a room above the saloon, some one watched him ride down the street, and turned to the other person in the room.

"Is it him?"

"Yes."

"Kill him if he gets in the way."

The other person grinned and glanced out the window at the rider, "My pleasure." She muttered.

Duo stopped at the saloon doors and looked over the top of the batwings , then pushed them open. He stepped into the loud and smoky room. It was an average bar room, with a long 7 foot wooden bar at the end of the room. There was a rather distorted mirror behind the bar, and along the mirror were several kinds of whiskey and beer. There several tables all around the room. In the far left hand corner were some men playing cards. Along the back wall by the card players were two men watching Duo intently as he came in. One man slipped his hat down over his face.

"You know him?" Zechs Marquise asked his table partner.

"Yeah, he's been chasin' me for a while. Ya just can't kill the guy. I tried to months ago, and I don't want him to see me til I can get the drop on him." Cannes said, as he looked down at the table and his glass of whiskey.

Zechs watched Duo intensely, following his every move. "So who is this man who frightens the great Cannes?"

Cannes glared at Zechs, and said, "Duo Maxwell. Marshall Duo Maxwell."

"THE DUO MAXWELL? What the hell is he doing here?'

Cannes just shrugged his shoulders.

Duo leaned against the bar and waited for the bartender to wait on him. The bartender asked Duo what he wanted. Duo ordered a beer and the bar tender placed a brown bottle in front of him. Duo looked down at and , then took a long drink from it. It was slightly warm, but it still tasted good. He was aware of someone standing next to him, watching him.

"New in town?"

Duo turned to looked at the person who had addressed him.

"Yeah, just got in. This town got a hotel and a place to eat?"

"Yes. It does." The tall auburn haired man said, " Trowa Barton."

He stuck out his hand. Duo clasped his and they shook hands.

"Duo Maxwell."

"So what brings you to our little town?"
"Well, kinda passing through, but I'm lookin' for work. Any one hirin'?"
"Actually, Yeah. You're in luck. There is some one. Her name is Hilde Schbeicker. Ever since her father was murdered , she's been having problems."

"Hmm." Duo said thoughtfully, as he finished his beer.

"The hotel and the livery are down the street. The place to eat is in the hotel." Trowa eyed up the stranger. He noted the long chestnut braid, violet eyes and the all black clothes. This guy had the look of a hired killer.

Duo looked over at Trowa and looked at him. He was sporting a white shirt, a brown shirt and a black string tie. He looked like a lawyer, not a saloon owner.

"Would you like another beer, sir?" The bartender asked.

"Naw, I think I'll head up the street. Thanks. It was nice to meet you."

"Well, come back any time."

Duo turned and went out the door. Cannes and Zechs watched him go.

"We could kill him now."

"No, let's find out why he's here first."

Duo grabbed up Dethscythe's reins and pulled him along. He casually looked around the town, looking sightly distracted, but taking in everything. He arrived at the livery and went in . A short grey haired man with a large nose greeted him at the door.

"What can I do for ya, Youngster?" He looked at Deathscythe, "What a beautiful animal! Bed him down for the night?"

"Yeah, feed and rub him down?"

No problem. I'll take good care of him. The name's G. See you tomorrow. Night."

Duo patted Deathscythe's neck and turned to go to the hotel.

~~~~~~

Part Three

~~~~~~

Sheriff Heero Yuy sat at the table with Quatre Winner, drinking coffee and relaxing. Quatre waved Catherine Bloom over to fill their cups again, when the front door opened. Everyone in the place looked up and saw a tired and dirty Duo Maxwell walk in. He dropped his bedroll and saddlebags on the floor by the front door. He walked to the hotel desk and removed his hat. He spoke quietly to Catherine.

Heero groaned out loud. Quatre's eyes got wide, and he turned to Heero.

"Is that who I think that is?"

"Yes, unfortunately it is. I though the Governor was kidding, but I should have known better. Of all people, why him?"

"Wow!" Quatre said , in awe." Has he done everything they say he has?"

"Yes, " Heero said matter of factly. " And more."

Quatre watched as Duo and Catherine Talked. She pointed to various doors and smiled at him. He smiled back and went to sit at a table. Catherine grabbed a menu and a cup of coffee and took it to Duo.

She glanced at Quatre, wishing her hearts desire would give her a second look. She flashed Duo her best smile as she took his order. She saw Quatre's face and smiled as she took Duo's order to Rashed in the kitchen. He was jelious!

Heero glared over at Duo, who totally lost in his own world. Heero finished his coffee and stood up. Quatre stood up also.

"Well, I better head for home. I'll talk to Maxwell tomorrow. Relena will be angry with me if I'm late. "

"OK, Heero. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Quatre picked up the used coffee cups and walked to the kitchen as Heero went out the door. He stopped at the desk and started to talk to Catherine, thinking maybe he should stake him claim on the girl before he lost out. He really liked this red-haired, blue eyed girl. He chatted with her until Duo's food came up. Catherine started to get up, but Quatre stopped her. He went and got the food and took it to Duo. He placed the food in front of Duo and asked if he could sit down. Duo nodded as he dug into his food.

"So," Quatre said, cautionary, "You're Marshall Duo Maxwell."

Duo looked up from his food and stopped eating. He had a shocked look on his face.

"Oh, don't worry, you're not known."

"Damn. My reputation precedes me. well, my cover is blown. What can you tell me about the situation here?"

"All I know is there has been too many murders and this is a nice little town. Heero says he knows you personally."

"Heero's here? Well, that's interesting. He still married to Relena? Yeah, I know Heero. He doesn't like me much. Says I'm too reckless. But, the jobs get done and most time no one gets hurt. Except the bad guys."

Quatre grinned, and stuck out his hand, "I’m Quatre Raberba Winner. I am the own of his fine establishment."

"Well, I’m impressed. The food is damn good. So can you tell me anything?" Duo asked again.

"I can tell you about the first three murders, well, a little bit. Heero will tell you more. They were strangers. They came into town all excited and talking about gold and mines, and how the land around Schbeiker's and Kushranda's was perfect for finding it. Then they ended up dead. No one can make the connection, It's all too odd."

"Hm, what about Schbeiker? What's the connection with him?"

"No one knows. He was a good man. He came here from Germany to give his family a new start. He was doing fairly well. He was well liked and respected in the community. Miss Hilde is the only one left, now. Her mom died years ago when she was very young. Her older brother was killed in gun fight over a woman and now her father. She's doing her very best, but she's having trouble keeping hands. Are you here to help her out?"

"Yeah, something like that, Quatre. Did he have enemies? I mean any one who would want to kill him?"

"He always had words with Treise, but that was a war of words, mostly. Nothing that would cause murder."

"What did they have words about?"

"Well, sometimes it was about water rights, sometimes it was about cattle. Mostly, it was harmless."

"So, tell me about Miss Schbeicker."
"Well, OK. Miss Hilde is tough. She's had to be. I don't think anyone hates her. She's pretty well liked. She's had plenty of suitors in the past months, but none of them suited her I guess. Now, that her Dads gone, she seems so lost. Aw, hell, ya got a feel for the kid. Life's been rough on her." Quatre said as he looked at Duo. Then he thought, * I bet the ladies like you. Maybe you could bring her back. Even for a little bit...*

"So you think this might be about gold, and the land involved with it? Hm. That is an interesting concept. I think I may have to check it out."

Duo finished eating and leaned back, putting his hands behind his head. "Well, how much do I owe ya?"

Quatre waved his hand and said, "Nothing. Your stay here is on the house. Well, it was nice to meet you, Marshall Maxwell. I hope we have another opportunity to talk."

"Thank you, Mr. Winner. I'm sure we will."

Duo stood and went to pick up his things and headed for the bath house. Quatre watched him walk away, then turned his attention to the table. He picked up the plates and finished cleaning the table. He then walked to Catherine, and then decided to tell her how he felt.

Duo headed for the bath house, two weeks without one was too long. This would be great. After his bath he went to find his room. The hallway to the room was brightly lit with lots of candle scones. When he found his room , he fumbled with the key and got the door open. He walked into the dark room and dropped his stuff on the bed. He went to the small dresser and fumbled for a match. He lit the lamp and turned it up. He looked around the room. It was a simple room, a bed, a dresser and a chair. He put his gunbelt on the dresser, and pulled out the colt .45. He spun the chamber and laid it on the bed. He then check the door, making sure it was locked. He then climbed into bed and stretched out, enjoying the feel of the soft bed. He sighed and drifted off to sleep. Duo was woken up several hours later, when threre was a commotion out side his door. He stood up and went to the door, with his gun. He opened it and looked out. He frowned. Then he heard a grunt and the sound of some one falling. Duo closed the door and shook his head. * Drunks. *

The person outside in the hall, grinned. * It is him. I’ll tell the boss. Maybe he'll let me kill Mr. Duo Maxwell! Marshall Duo Maxwell! Ha! * Then, the so called drunk went quietly down the stairs.

~~~~~~

Part Four

~~~~~~

The next morning , duo walked toward the sheriff's office. As he past the general store, he noticed a young woman with hair so black it looked blue in the sunlight. She was probably the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She immediately captured his heart. It didn't help him one bit when she looked at him with those cornflower blue eyes. He gulped and tipped his hat and kept walking.

Hilde Schbeiker looked and saw Duo Maxwell walk by. She was instantly smitten by his boyish good looks and long chestnut colored hair. But what got her heart started, was his gorgeous violet eyes. She stopped and almost dropped the bag she was holding. She watched him walk away.

"Oh, dear Jesus." She said under her breath.

Lu Noin leaned against the door of the general store she owned. "Becareful, Miss Hilde. He looks like a heartbreaker."

"Oh, but it would be worth it," she said under her breath.

"Miss Hilde," Howard said, snapping her out of her thoughts. "I heard he's looking for work. Should I hire him?"

"Yes!" She said, without hesitation. * Maybe I can get to know him. *

Howard grinned and watch Duo walked away. He looked back at Hilde. He saw something in her face and her eyes he hadn't seen in a while. Life. "I'll go get him after we get all loaded. Are you sure we have everything? If the snow comes early we could be snowed in for a few days, maybe weeks."

"I'll check our list again, Howard." She said as she smiled at Howard and Noin, not thinking of supplies at all.

Duo walked down to the sheriff's office, still thinking about that girl and almost missing the door. He went in and saw the deputy sitting at the sheriff's desk, sorting some wanted posters. The deputy looked up and questioned him, "What do you want?" He eyed Duo as he glanced through the posters.

"Sheriff Yuy around?"

"He'll be here shortly. Coffee?"

Mind if I sit?" Coffee would be good."

Wu Fei Chang looked at Duo and said, "Now I know who you are. You're Marshall Duo Maxwell." He almost spat the words at Duo.

"Yeah...that's me."

"The governor sent you?"

"Yeah, Is it a problem?"

"No! No! You're famous, well everywhere but here. We're a little backwards here."

"Well, that's good. I really don't want to be noticed all that much."

Wu Fei stood and got a cup of coffee and then handed one t o Duo. He turned and said, " I'm sure Heero will fill you in on all the details."

As Duo sat back down, coffee cup in hand, Heero walked into the office. "Good Morning, Wu Fei. Quiet night?"

"Morning. Yeah, it was quiet." He glared at Duo. He turned and left the office.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not welcome here?"
"You're not."

"You asked for me."

"Not personally."

"Are you still holding a grudge after all these years?"
"You tried to steal my wife!"

"She was your girlfriend. I didn't know and besides she chose you over me. So, I'd say you won. How does she put up with your two word answers?"
"Ask her."

"Can I?"

"NO!"
"I see, still can't let go of the past. Come on , Heero. We were friends once and we do have to work together on this so..."

"All right. BUT YOU WILL STAY AWAY FROM MY WIFE!"

Duo leaned back and grinned, same ol' Heero. " I have no intention of seeing your wife. I'm over that and you should be too. Now, tell me about this case."

Heero began muttering to himself, as he flipped through the papers on his desk.

Duo grinned and asked, "What?"

Heero looked at him and began to rant. "I asked for help and who does he sent me? Probably the most reckless and irresponsible of all the marshals he has!"

"Hey ,I get the job done."

"That's all I'll give you!" He picked up the papers he was looking for and handed them to Duo. "Here some of the information you will need."

As Duo looked them over, Heero began, "It started about a month ago, when these gold speculators showed up. They were bragging about how the land around here was rich with gold. They wanted to get people to invest and help them mine the gold. They never told anyone where all this rich land was. They were all killed before they could tell. They were all killed in different places. Then a few days later , Joseph Schbeiker was killed. We can't connect the killings, but I am sure they are connected in some way."

" Can someone take me to the murder areas, or at least point me in the right direction?"

"Yeah, I can tell you how to get to the sites. All but Schbeiker’s. We don't know where he was killed. Some one took his body home."

"I saw someone in town last night who I recognized. Did you know he was in town?"

"Who?" Heero asked.

"Cannes." Duo stated matter of factly.

"The leader of the White Fang Gang? He's here? Why?"
"I can only think that there is something big going down. Could be your gold scam. I 've chased this bunch before."

"You chased them , but didn't catch them."

"Yeah , about three months, maybe not that long ago, I almost caught up with him. He ambushed me and I was laid up for about two months."

"So you've just recovered from your last meeting with them. Are they that dangerous?"

"Don't ever under estimate them. I did and I paid for it. I will not be that careless again."

Heero looked at Duo with new respect. * Maybe he isn't as reckless as I think. It takes a lot of guts to chase down some one who tried to kill you. He must have been injured pretty bad for it to take two months to recover. *

I guess I better head out. I'll start at the first murder site." He held out his hand and waited for Heero to shake it. After Heero shook his hand, He watched Duo rise, but it wasn't a smooth fluid movement. That told Heero all he needed to know

"Be sure you stop at the house and say hello to Relena. She'll be happy to see an old friend. And keep me updated!"

Duo grimaced as he stood. He didn't want Heero to see he was still in some pain. He sighed as he left the office and started to walk to the livery. He felt before he saw the man walking beside him.

"I hear you are looking for a job?"

" Yeah. I am."
"I have permission from my boss, Miss Schbeiker, to hire you, if you’re interested. Come out to the ranch this after noon and we’ll get ya settled in."

* Good. Now I have a job. Schbeiker. Great! I can start an investigation there too. *

When he got to the livery G was no where in site. He hollered a couple of times and went to the stall where Deathscythe was. "Hey, buddy. How'd ya sleep?"

G came up behind Duo and Duo turned with his gun in hand. "Whoa! Boy! It's just me!"

"Sorry old timer. Bad habit of mine when people sneak up on me."

"Well, kiddo, he's already and you owe me two bits." (see authors note at bottom)

Duo reach in his pocket and pulled a silver dollar and handed it to G. "Keep the change."

He lead Deathscythe out of the stall and out into the street. He turned toward the first site.

~~~~~~

Part Five

~~~~~~

Treise Kushranada paced back and forth in his office. Zechs Marquies sat on a chair near the desk. He watched his boss pace.

"I don't know what's going on here, but I intend to get to the bottom of it. Our books show a large discrepancy in how many cattle we had at last count. According to the books and the last tally, we are nearly 300 head short!" He eyed Zechs and said, "You are my foreman! You're suppose to be on top these things! You had better find out and NOW!"
"Yes sir. I'll get to the bottom of this." * Like hell I will. * I'll check on it, today, sir." * After I have my meeting with Cannes, and discuss what we are going to do about you." Zechs stood and left the office.

Treise knew the man was up to no good. He shook his head and went to the kitchen. He went to the stove. * Ahh. Thank you , Matilda. * He thought ,as he poured a cup of coffee. He sighed. He needed to ride over the Schbeiker place and check on the girl. Then, he should go see Une. She would be waiting. He drank his coffee and then headed out the door.

Duo dismounted and walked around the area that Heero had described. It was an open area. Damn good place to get shot. He looked around, paranoid. He saw a stand of trees. * Hmm. Good place for a shooter. * He walked to the stand. There were multi colored leaves all over the ground. He looked around , kicking the leaves with the toes of his boots. As he kicked one last time, he noticed a dull object. The light hit it just right and it glinted at him. He reached down and brushed away the leaves. * A shell casing. Damn! Hopefully, a clue! * He picked it up and tumbled it through his gloved fingers. He recognized the casing. It had come from a Henry rifle, just like his. * Find that rifle, find the killer! Simple as that! Henrys are rare. So......* Duo pocketed the casing and searched the leaves again. After finding nothing more, he decided to check out his new job.

Treise rode on to the Schbeicker place about the same time that Duo did. They politely greeted each other as they rode to the house. Howard saw them riding in. He came to the main yard and waited for them. As they dismounted, Howard grinned and shook both their hands. He then lead them to where Hilde was.

Howard lead them through the barn.

"Duo, you can keep your horse here in the barn, because he is your horse. Miss Hilde won't mind."
"Howard, Why does my horse get better treatment then the others? What is my position here? I'm just not another hired hand , am I."

"Well, " Howard grinned at Duo as he spoke, "You will be Miss Hilde's bodyguard, until all of this blows over."

Duo just nodded, wondering if Howard knew who he was.

Treise eyed Duo up and turned to Howard, " You hired a killer to protect Miss Hilde? Have you done daft, man?!"

Howard smiled, "I know perfectly well what I'm doing. And I know who this young man is. He will be a perfect bodyguard for Hilde." * And perfectly good for Hilde, too. *

Treise looked at Duo and then at Howard and shook his head.

Howard turned and addressed a young man. " Bring in Mr. Maxwell's horse and bed him down. He won't need him again today. Oh and we will be moving you into the house in a few days."

He continued to lead the men though the barn and out the back. Hilde was standing in the back of a wagon, with a pitchfork in her hands. She was pitching hay to a ramada of horses. Treise was shocked that Hilde was working. Hilde stood up and stretched, unaware of the men behind her. She was covered with dust where it stuck to her clothes from her sweat. Duo gulped and stared at the girl. Howard looked at Duo's face. It suddenly dawned on Howard that Duo was infatuated with her. * This may work out as if we planned it. *

Howard cleared his throat. "Miss Hilde."

She turned to see Treise Kushranda and Duo Maxwell standing there, gawking at her, "Howard!!"

Miss Hilde, this is your new employee, and you new bodyguard."
"Hello , Treise. Hello, Duo." She glared at Howard, who just grinned at her, "Howard , tell me again , why I need bodyguard?"

"You just do, I will say no more about and either will you."

"Well, OK." She sighed and looked at Duo again. Duo looked up at her. As their eyes met, something even they were unaware of passed between them. Howard and Treise looked at each other, knowingly.

Howard pulled Duo away from Hilde, "Come on. I'll show you were you'll bunk tonight. You come to the house later for supper."

"Won't I eat with rest of the men?"

"We all eat in the house. There's only about eight of us left."

Treise looked up at Hilde and asked her, " How are you doing, Miss Hilde?'

She looked at him disdainfully, "As well as can be expected, considering, all that's happened. I've lost half my crew and winters coming on. I guess I'll servive."

"I said I'd help."

"Yes, But I don't want to beholdin' to YOU."

"Why, Treise asked, a bit bewildered by her attitude.

"It's the principal of the thing."

"YOU are as stubborn as your father was!!" He turned on his heel and stomped away from him.

She grinned. * Who's stubborn? *

Howard took Duo to the bunk house and let him pick a bed. Then he lead him to the house. "I'll introduce you to the housekeeper and our cook."

Howard opened the door and called to Sally. She came out from the kitchen, and smiled, "Howard, who do we have here?"

"This is Miss Hilde's new employee, Duo Maxwell. He'll be moving into the house in a few days. He'll be Hilde's bodyguard."

Sally nodded.

A few weeks later, Duo was moved into the house and was watching Hilde all the time. They had become quite close. They were best friends. Hilde was hoping for more, but she was patient. She had watched Duo slip away and wondered where he went on those afternoons. He was always back before dark. Well, next time, she was going to follow him.

Duo rode to the next site, Heero had told him about. He hunted around the area and found another shell casing. It was the same kind as before. He looked around and wondered what this was really all about as he rode back to be Schbeiker’s. He was no closer than he was before, and Heero was starting to get impatient with him. There had to be more to this than just gold. Just had to be.

When he returned to the ranch, he saw her sitting in the window, watching for him. It warmed his heart knowing she cared for for him. Maybe he should tell her how he felt about her. Maybe, tonight after supper, when they sat together by the fireplace. He looked up, it had began to snow. Well, so much for this mystery. He gave Deathscythe to James and headed to the house. She opened the door for him and let him in. He stomped his feet and took off his coat.

"Supper's almost ready, You came back just in time."

"Great! I'm starving!"

After supper , they went into the living room and sat by the fireplace.

Duo turned to Hilde and took her hand, "AH, Hilde....I think.....um....I love you. You ...um.. make me.. feel ..um complete. " Duo stuttered , turning red.

"Oh, Duo! I love you, too. You are everything I've ever wanted." She said, as she looked up at him. She let out a soft sigh and leaned in to his chest, wrapping her arms around him. He leaned back and pulled he close to him. He leaned down to kiss her , when Howard and Sally came in.

"Are we interrupting anything?" Sally asked, slyly.

"Uh.. no."

"Good, because before you to go any farther, you should tell her who you really are."

Duo bulked, "Who I really am?'

"Yeah, she should know who's she's fallen for. If you don't ,I will. I'm sure she' d rather hear it from you."

"OK." He turned to look at her, " Hilde, I'm Marshall Duo Maxwell. I was sent here to find out who killed your father."

Hilde's face turned white and she whispered ,"You can't. You'll be killed." Tears began to face down her cheeks. * I can’t lose him like I lost Dad, then I would be lost! *

"Aw, don't cry, Hilde. I won't be killed. I know my job too well." * It kills me to see her cry. * " I promise to be careful. I love you, girl. Do you think I’d be stupid, and get killed knowin’ you’re waiting for me?"

He tilted her face to him and leaned down and kissed her in front of Sally and Howard. They quietly got up and left the room.

~~~~~~

Part Six

~~~~~~

Two days later, the unthinkable happens.

Heero Yuy looked up at his wife, Relena as she poured him another cup of coffee. The snow was falling lightly as he looked out the window. * It would be a good day to stay home, but......*

"Heero, are you listening?"

"Oh, sorry, Relena, I was just thinking."

"Have you heard from Duo, lately?"

"No, damnit. He seems to be distracted."

"Yes," Relena said, smiling. "I saw Hilde at the general store. She is totally in love. I think he feels the same way. I think he's been avoiding us. Did you threaten him, Heero?"
"Well, not the way you think."

"Oh, Heero." She laughed. "That happened a long time ago. I love you and I will love only you."

Heero sighed, " I hope this doesn't get him killed."

"Duo can take care of himself. You just don't have a single romantic bone in your body, do you?"

He reached for her hand and pulled her to him. He looked into her eyes and kissed her. "I may not be romantic, but I love you. I just know what my priorities are when someone's trying to kill me. Unlike Maxwell."

"Of course, Heero." She grinned at him as her released her.

He stood up and sighed, " I guess I should go to the office. I should be home early. The weather should keep everyone in."
Relena nodded and watched him leave the house. She went into the living room and started to stoke the fireplace. She got it blazing , then went back into her kitchen. She stoked up the kitchen stove. She didn’t know why, but for some reason she wanted the house very warm.

Heero walked down the street from his house to the main street of town. Someone fell in beside him and walked next to him. He heard the hammer of a handgun clicked . He turned to see who was beside him. His eyes grew wide a he turned to see a familiar face.

"Wu Fei!? What's this all about?" He asked, as he saw the gun aimed at him.

"It's about low pay, long hours, my job, your job, and gold. But, it's really about gold." Wu Fei said. "You are in the way. So's Maxwell and Treise. Maxwell and Treise will also have to be delt with."

Heero stepped back and moved just a bit as Wu Fei pulled the trigger. Heero felt the bullet hit his upper body. If he hand have moved a fraction of an inch, he would be dead. Heero fell back into the snow, it felt like slow motion. He felt the warm blood and the cold snow as it soaked into his clothes. Wu Fei looked down at Heero, plucked the tin star from his shirt and tossed it on Heero's chest. He walked away and didn't look back.

* I thought you were my friend, Wu Fei. Why? *

Relena heard the gunshot and stopped what she was doing. She looked up and turned to the door, * Heero! *

She ran out into the snow. She ran up the street. She saw Heero lying in the snow and she screamed. "HEEROOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOO!" She dropped to her knees in the snow beside her wounded husband. Then, she screamed, "HELP!" at the top of her lungs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Treise rode out of his ranch. The snow was coming down softly. He was going to town. He was going to see Une then he was going to talk to the sheriff. As he rode into the woods surrounding his ranch house, he enjoyed the serene quiet of them. He was lost in his thoughts, thinking about how he should really ask Une to marry him. She probably wouldn't, but at least his intentions were honorable. He loved her so. As he rode deeper into the woods, he heard a faint rumbling sound. Something out of place. He rode trying to follow the sound. He was so intent on finding the source of the noise that he didn't realize he was being followed. As he pushed his horse up the incline, he began to wonder that the sound really was. It had the unusual sound of dinamite. He reached the top of the incline and was shocked at what he saw. He saw a whole in the side of the hill, much like a mine shaft.

"What the hell.?!!" * Damn! Who's behind this? * He rode closer to the opening, then he saw a familiar face.

"Zechs....are you behind.....", he didn't finish his question. He saw Zechs raise his rifle and aim it at him. He what was going to happen next. "SHIT!" Treise yelled, as he turned his horse. He kicked her in the ribs, and started away. Zechs laughed as he fired. Treise felt the bullet hit him in his lower back. He fell forward to the horses neck and hung on. He had to get to town. He was too far from home. He was closer to town. He could still hear Zechs laughing as he barely hung on to consciousness. All he could think all the way to town was..........why?

He rode down the street and turned into Une's alley. He always used the back door, but today it was important no one saw him.
Nicoli heard an odd noise and opened the back door. He was shocked at what he saw. Treise leaning over the horse's neck, bleeding. "LADY UNE!!!!!" He shouted, then reached out to help Treise into the brothel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hilde watched Duo lead Deathscythe out of the barn. She was going to follow him today. The snow wasn't too heavy, but she knew it could and possibaly get worse. She still was going to follow. She went to her room and pulled her Winchester rifle from her closet. She opened the case and loaded it. That would give Duo enough time to get a little bit ahead of her. She didn't want him to know she was behind him. She ran down stairs, grabbed her coat, making sure her gloves were in the pockets. No point in being stupid. She hurried outside and saddled up her favorite horse ,a white one named Tarurus. White was good. She would be hard to see.

Duo rode out into the snow covered land. He was going to ride over to the big lake on Hilde's land. He was still bothered about all this. He was missing something, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Duo wasn’t paying attention and was surprised when he reached the shore of the big lake. Behind him, Hilde followed slowly, just keeping him in her sight. Someone else watched and followed him, too. As Duo rode along the lake shore he looked to the left of the lake. He saw something that seemed out of place. He rode closer to the object. * What the hell.....* He thought as he dismounted, and walked to the object. * Well, I'll be damned. It's a sluice! There is gold in these hills. * He walked up to the sluice and pushed the snow around. he fingered the sand and rocks, and pulled out a small piece of shiny stone. He looked it over and stuck it in his pocket. He turned and walked back to Deathscythe. He stopped and turned back to look at the sluice, and felt a sharp pain in his leg. As he dropped towards the ground, he felt a shattering pain in his shoulder as the force slammed him to the ground, taking his breath away. His vision blurred and he heard the gunshots almost blending into one. Deathscythe shinnied away as Duo tried to move. He groaned in pain. He barely heard the horse ride up and stop. He heard the voice of a young woman.

"HA! The great Duo Maxwell, taken down by a mere girl, with a rifle, in ambush. Well, I'm not impressed."

She said, gleefully, as she raised the rifle and aimed it at Duo's head. "Bye-bye!" As she got ready to pull the trigger, she was surprised to see it fly out of her hands. She looked up at the newcomer, riding hard at her.

"IT'S YOU! YOU BITCH! GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Hilde yelled at her, aiming her rifle at her head.

Dorothy Catalonia put one of her hand up and back her horse away. She grinned and turned the horse. She kicked it hard and galloped away. Hilde watched her for a moment, then dropped her rifle into its sheath. She jumped off her horse and ran to Duo's side. She dropped to her knees and touched his face. She was a little worried about all the blood in the snow. There was a lot of blood.

"Hilde?" He almost whispered. "Is that you?"
"Yes, It's me. Hang on. We'll get you home. You're hurt pretty bad. Sally should be able to help. Come on." She put her arm around his waist and let him flop him arm over her shoulder . It took some doing, some panting a little sweat and some cussing, but she got him up on Deathcythe. The horse didn't like the blood smell at all. She sighed, then looked around for the rifle. She needed that rifle! It was evidence. Sheriff Yuy would want it. She searched frantically for it. She had to hurry, Duo would bleed to death. She looked one last time, then she spotted it. She ran to it., pick it up and shouted gleefully. "Yes!"
She reached for Deathscythe's reins and pulled him next to her horse.

"Duo?"

"Hmmm?"
"You still with me, sweetheart?'

"Yeah, Hilde. Glad you followed me.."

"Stay awake, Duo. * Me , too. *

She pulled Deathscythe along with her keeping an eye on the semiconscience Duo as she rode home. It seemed like a life time before they were in the yard. She dismounted and started to yell.. "SALLY! HOWARD! ABDUL! HELP ME! NOW!!!"

Instantly, she was surrounded by people.

"Sally, get my father's room ready and grab all you medical supplies! He's hurt badly."

Howard and Abdul pulled Duo from the horse and carried him into the house.

After they got him upstairs in her father's room, Hilde dropped into a chair and sighed. Her tears fell unbidden.

Howard came up to her and knelt down to look at her. "Hilde. What happened?"

"That bitch, Dorothy Catalonia, shot him with this." She held up the henry rifle. "Is Sally with him?"

"Yeah."

"I'm going in and find out what's going on. I'll have to make a trip to town. Sheriff Yuy needs to hear this story and get this rifle."

Sally was removing Duo's clothes as she examined his wounds. "What the hell happened, Hilde? What the hell was he shot with?"
"It was Dorothy Catalonia and she shot him with a henry."

"Dear god in heaven. Why?"

"I don't know. I'll asked Duo. He's been working on this."

Sally went back to Duo and cleaned and dressed his wounds. She shook her head and wondered out load, "What the hell is going on?" She stood and went to leave the room. "I'll bring up some broth." Sally left the room.

Hilde pulled the chair up to the bed and sat down. She reached out and gently touched him face, "Oh, Duo." She sobbed. Tears ran down her face , she put her hands over her face.

Duo stirred and said "Hilde? Don't cry. I'll be OK. I love you.."
She looked up and came closer to him. "Duo."

He grabbed her hand, "Thank you for saving me. I'm really glad you followed but it was dumb, girl. Real dumb. Can you get the stuff to Heero? There's some casings in my room he needs , too."

She nodded. She started to move her hand as she saw him drift off again. As soon as she tryed to move , he gripped her hand.

"Don't leave me. Stay.."

"I'll stay, Duo." She moved closer to him. She leaned in to kiss him, when the door opened and Sally came in with a tray.
"Duo. We're going to sit you up, so you can get this broth in you. You've lost a lot of blood. You need fluids, and lots of them. Rest , too, you won't be going for anywhere for a while. Hilde, help me."

She started to stuff pillows behind Duo's back. When they got him propped up enough, Sally handed Hilde the spoon. "You feed him, Hilde."

"Gee, treat me like I'm not here." Duo complained.

"Oh, Duo. You're like any man, you like the attention. You want us to pamper you."

He grinned and blushed, slightly.

Sally looked at him alarmed.

"I hope that' s a blush and not a flush. You don't need a fever yet. Feed him, Hilde. And you eat it all, Duo" Sally said, sternly.

Hilde sat on the bed and started feed Duo the broth. He slid his arm around her waist. She smiled and stopped feeding do she could kiss him.

"Hmmm. I like that much better than the broth. Give me some more of that." She held up the spoon. "Nu-uh, the other."

She leaned in and kissed him, longer and more passionately this time. He closed his eyes and savored the kiss.

She felt him relax and wondered if Sally put some of her special sleep drug in it. She gently pulled the pillows out from his back and covered him up. She e sat back down and stayed by his side all night.

~~~~~~

Part Seven

~~~~~~

Sancville was in an uproar! The sheriff had been shot by his own deputy. No one had a clue to what was going on. The city fathers had called a meeting to figure out what to do. They couldn't leave the town unprotected.

Quatre stepped in beside Trowa as he walked past the hotel. They glanced at each other as they walked to Heero's place.

"So, Heero summoned you , too?"

"Yes, he probably wants to talk to us and have the idiots in charge to appoint someone to take his place for a bit."

"Maybe he'll asked us to fill in. I wouldn't put it past him."

Trowa looked at Quatre. "Hmmmm."

They walked up to the front door and tapped softly. Relena opened the door, breathed a sigh of relief, and let them in. She lead them to a back bedroom. She let them in and said, " Don't be too long.

They nodded. They went over to Heero's bedside, and stood beside it Heero looked very pale and drawn out.

"Heero."

"Trowa" He spoke softly. "I'm going to swear you to in. You can be my ears and eyes for awhile. You and Quatre can share the duties. Someone needs to go out to Schbeicker's and bring in Duo. I need to talk to him. Something is very wrong here. Maybe he has found something."

"Why did We Fei shoot you?"

"I don't know. He mumbled something about being in the way and gold."

Both Quatre and Trowa looked at him oddly. Relena opened the door and peeked in.

"Sorry , guys, Heero needs his rest."

They turned to go.

"Wait," Heero said, "Relena the bible."

She went out and brought the bible to Heero. He held it out to Trowa and Quatre.

"Put your hands on top. Now, repeat after me 'I solemnly swear to honor and protect the people I serve.'

Good. Relena, in that drawer, yes."

She brought over two badges. He handed them to the two of them. "Now, you are officially deputies."

The two of them left, as Relena turned to leave.

"Relena."

She turned back to him, he patted the side of the bed. "Remember when you said I wasn't romantic. Well, I may not be, and I'm sorry. I didn't realize until today what could happen. Our town has always been so quiet and peaceful." He took her hand and pulled her close. She laid down beside him and her kissed her hard. "Thank you, for saving me in the snow. How did you know?"
"I don't know, Heero. It was just like I knew. I had to find you. Doctor says you will be fine in a few days after some bed rest. So, my dear, you'll be getting all your updates from this room."

"Hn. That will be fine, as long as you stay here with me."

"Oh, Heero." She giggled.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lady Une looked at the bloody mess of her boyfriend. She shook her head. * What the hell was going on? Hmm. Perhaps I should ask the girls if anyone has been bragging about anything. * She went to the door and let the doctor in and lead him to the room where Treise was.

She stood by the door as the doctor examined Treise's wound. He turned to Une.
"It's not as bad as it looks, Lady. Keep him still for a couple of days and he'll be good to go."

"What do you mean?"
"Well, It just went under the skin and hit a couple of ribs. The angle of the path of the bullet was odd. It must have hit his belt and ricocheted upward. His is the least serious wound I've seen today." He said as he opened the door.

Une frowned, "Who was the other?"

"Sheriff Yuy."

She was stunned. She turned back to Treise. He opened his eyes and looked at her.
"Lady..."

She went to his "Treise. Who did this?"

"Zechs."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Perhaps I'll ask him if I see him again, unless I shoot first. Lady.... Perhaps this is the wrong time to ask, but would let me make an honest woman of you? Would you marry me?"

She looked at him and smiled. "Yes, of course." * About time you asked.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Duo woke up to something warm laying next to him. He moved his hand and felt Hilde. He grimaced as he shifted his weight to embrace her. She snuggled closer. When did she climb into the bed with him?

He must have been really out of it. He held her close, sighing in content. He knew he was going to have to get to town. It was quite oblivious some one wanted him dead. He wasn't going to drag her down in this any farther than he had already. He loved her too much to see her get killed because of him. He knew that would happen. Someone would try to use her against him and she'd get hurt or killed.

He would be here for a few days anyway. He would have time to talk her into it. She moved and opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Hi."

"Hi, when did you climb in here with me, and what will Sally say?"

She shrugged and smiled, "I'm a big girl. I'll take the consequences. "

"Good, Hilde. We need to talk. "

"Uh oh. What's the matter, Duo? Having second thoughts about how you feel?"

"NO! That's not it at all. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, but it's dangerous for me to be around you. Someone is trying to kill me and they might use you to get to me. I have to get to the bottom of this so we can be together."
"So's what's your plan?" She asked, trying to keep her voice steady, and the tears out of her eyes. She was failing. The tears slipped down her face ,quietly.

"Aw, Hilde. Don't cry. What can I say to convince you that I love you? I won't leave you, but I gotta be in town. We could still see each other . I'll come here or you can come to me. I....."

"Oh, shut up, Maxwell and kiss me. We'll figure it all out later. You're not going anywhere for a least two weeks. I love you." She looked up at him, her eyes shining with her tears. He leaned down and kissed her deeply and passionately.

The door opened. Sally ahemed and came into the room. She grinned at the couple blushing in the bed.

"Well, well. Aren’t we cosy."

"Please don't tell Howard......."

"Tell Howard what, " he asked as he came into the room. His eyes opened wide and he shook his head. "Your father would roll over in his grave, girl."

"Aw, he was always a stick in the mud, anyway."

"It's all go in' to hell in a handbasket. You have a visitor, Duo. I suggest you climb out from under those covers, and sit on the bed. " He said as he turned away. "I won't say another word. You're not my daughter."

Duo and Hilde grinned as she kissed him quickly and sat on top of the covers.

"Happy now, Howard?" She asked him as he turned, seeing her completely dressed and on top of the blankets.

He grinned at her. " I'll get Duo's visitor."

~~~~~~

Part Eight

~~~~~~

Howard lead Quatre up to the room Duo was in. Quatre smiled as he walked in, but stopped when he saw the shape Duo was in.

"What happened?"
"Someone named Dorothy Catalonia."

"Oh, man. This is not good at all."

They all looked at Quatre. He shook his head. "A lot has happened. Heero has been shot, and so was Treise.

Everyone will be OK, though. Heero sent me out here to bring you to town, but I see you will be here a little longer."

"We have evidence for you to take to Heero." Duo said pointing to the corner where the Henry rifle was sitting. Hilde got off the bed and went to the dresser drawer and pulled the casings from there and handed them to Quatre. "These are the casings from that gun. I'm assuming that it is the murder weapon. Tell Heero to keep them under lock and key. They are our only evidence."

Quatre nodded, then turned to leave, " I better head back. And I will give this message to Heero. Trowa and I have been deputized, temporarily. So, we are sort of in charge."

"Thanks, Quatre. I'll be in town as soon as I can."

Quatre left. Howard and Sally followed behind them, leaving Duo and Hilde alone.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.

"You know now why I have to go, right?"
"Yeah, I know, but I don't like it at all. You're not leaving at least for a couple more days. You have to heal a little more. Then , I'll let you leave, even though, it's against my better judgment."

"Thanks, Hilde. I was hopin' you would understand. I love you, you now."

"Hmmm. Prove it."

He pulled her on the bed and kissed her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dorothy was pissed. She rode her horse hard to Cannes's hideout. * Damn that little bitch! Watch your back, Hilde Schbeiker, cuz I'll be watching for you and Duo Maxwell. I'll kill you both! *

She dismounted and ran inside. Cannes looked up at her. He scowled and shook his head.

"Well, is it done?"
"NO, dammit. I all most had him, but that bitch Schbeiker interrupted me."

He stepped over to her and grabbed her arm and hissed at her, "I told you to just shoot at him. He's mine to kill, you have no right!" She tryed to shake him off, but he wouldn't let go, "Where's the gun?"

"He's got it."

"Dammit!" He raised his hand to hit her but the door opened and Zechs walked in. Cannes let her go and she ran to stand behind Zechs.

"What's goin' on here?" He asked, frowning at both of them.

Cannes turned away and said, "Nothing. Did you take care of your end?"

"Yes, I shot him, but I don't think I killed him."

"Good. We'll need him later. Some one needs to go fetch the Schbecker girl. I'd really like to talk to her."

Dorothy looked around Zechs and said, "Let me go get her."
Cannes glared at her, "NO! Zechs, you can go get her. We'll wait a couple of days, before we do anything. Let all this blow over. It wouldn't look good to kidnap the girl after all of this. We' ll lay low for a while. Has any one seen Wu Fei?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wu Fei rode his horse, Natiku, slowly to Cannes's hideout. His thoughts kept going over what he had done. * Is this the right thing to do? Why did I shoot my friend? What was I thinking? I need to turn myself in and come clean. Or maybe I can hang out here and get more evidence and help put these guys away. Maybe Heero and Relena will for give me. I don't expect them to, but by god, I'm gonna try."

He rode up to the hideout and dismounted. He hung his head and went inside.

Cannes looked up and said, "Ahh, Wu Fei. How did it go for you?"

"Do you mean ,did I shoot the sheriff? Yes , I did."

"Good. Good. Then we will plan phase 2 of our plan." He said and motioned them all to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~