Part Nine

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Two weeks later;

Duo looked around the room that he'd been using. He felt a bit sad, having leave the girl he loved, but it was a necessary evil. She said she understood, at least he hoped she did. He turned and left the room. He walked down the stairs rather slowly. His leg was still stiff, but moveable. His shoulder still bothered him some if he moved too quickly. Hilde stood at the bottom of the steps, waiting for him. She had a concerned look on her face. She took his arm when he got to bottom of the stairs.

"Are you sure you want to leave so soon. I don't think you're ready to go."

"Yeah. I do have to go, but I'll try to come see you soon."
"Well, It is a two way street, you know. I can come to town ,too. Unless you don't want to me to." She said looking up at him.

"Hey, that would be good. I would like that. I will be at Quatre's hotel. Just ask Catherine for my room number."

"OK. Oh, Duo. I don't want you to go." She sighed.

He dropped his saddle bags and bedroll. He pulled her into his arms and crushed her against his chest. He leaned down and looked into her eyes.

"I'm not leaving you, Hilde. I love you way too much. I've never felt like this. I have to do my job. Once it's done, then I can be with you always." He tilled her head and kissed her passionately. When he released her she looked up at him and smiled weakly. "I know. You just take care, Duo Maxwell. You're still not 100% yet."

He grinned at her. He hugged her tight. "I will , Hilde! I'll see you soon."

She watched him leave and walk toward the barn. She turned to go find Sally.

Duo walked to the barn and eased Deathscythe's saddle on. He worked slowly to cinch it up.

"Well, ol buddy. Back to work, hun?"

He got up on his back and rode to town.

Hilde found Sally in the kitchen, " Are you sure we should have let him go?"

"Could you have stopped him?"

"No, but I'm still worried. He could get a fever....I ..."
"Hilde , we'll go to town in a couple of days and check on him."

She grinned at Sally.

Duo went to the hotel and signed in. Catherine smiled at him, "Glad to have you back, Mr. Maxwell."

He went up to him room and flopped down on the bed. * Damn, I should have stayed at Hilde's a little longer. *

A couple of days, later

Heero was at the office , when Quatre came in.

"Hi, Heero. Duo's in town , but he doesn’t look so good."

"Where is he? What's his number?"

"At the hotel. 228."
Heero nodded and left the office. He walked up to the hotel , waved at Catherine and went up to Duo's room. He rapped on the door. He heard some rustling and a muffled "Yeah?"
"Duo. Let me in."

"Go away, Heero. I just want to sleep."

"We need to talk about this."

"Yeah, OK."
The door opened and Duo let him in. Heero looked at him. He was flushed and it looked like Duo hadn't left the room in a couple of days.

"What are you doing? You should be working on this case, but I see that you are in no condition to do anything. "

"Go away, Heero."

"Oh, I'll go away, but I'll be back. I'll be bringing Relena with me and Hilde ,too."

"Fuck you, Heero."

Heero waited for Duo out side him room while he dressed. They then went to the saloon. Heero wanted to meet with Trowa. Quatre would already be there. Heero eyed Duo carefully, knowing that Duo had a fever and was barely functioning. He felt a little guilty, but he needed Duo to be in on this. He would send Quatre to go get Hilde when they were done. The saloon was noisy and very busy. Heero motioned to Trowa and Quatre when they came in. Trowa came over and they found a quiet table in the back. Trowa brought Four beers with him.
"The place is a little rowdy, today."

"Yeah," Trowa grinned, I'll bet there's a brawl before we're done."

Duo looked up and said., "A fight? Where?"

"Not yet, Duo."

"Oh."
"Well, let's get down to business."

They sat and drank their beer and talked about what Duo had found. Trowa got up to get more beer, when all hell broke out! No one was sure how the fight started but someone ended up on the guys table, spilling the beers.

"HEY!" Duo shouted as he pushed the guy off the table. The guy jumped up and began to swing at Duo who punched him and stepped over him and joined in the fray. Heero stood up and started to punch out guys, too. It was invigorating. Heero was actually enjoying himself. Trowa had slipped behind the bar to retrieve his shotgun. Quatre stood by the front door , ejecting any one who got close to him. Heero stepped up beside Duo.

"Hey, Heero, just like old times, huh?"

"Yeah, and we better end it quickly."

"Aw, hell. I was just..." Duo went down under a couple of guys. Heero stepped over and pulled them off him. Just as the fight was going to totally out of control, Trowa fired his shotgun in the air. The was dead silence. Heero looked around at the mess.

"Who the hell started this?" He yelled ,as he helped Duo off the floor. "Quatre, please go get Miss Relena.

Well, is anyone going to answer me, or will I have to haul you all to jail for disorderly conduct."

The men all stood around rubbing their toes in the saw dust.

"WELL?"

Finally one man stepped forward and said, " I threw the first punch, Sir. He insulted my wife!" He blurted out, pointing his finger to another man standing across the room.

"Hey," the other man yelled. "That's not true!" He lunged across the room. Heero let go of Duo, who leaned against a chair. Heero grabbed the man and knocked him on the floor.

"You can tell it to the judge. Let’s go." He said as he hauled the man to his feet and shoving him out the door. He grabbed the other man and also pushed him out the door. Quatre came up to the doors and almost laughed out loud at all the men laying the street. He stuck his head in the door.

"Heero. Relena and Hilde are out here."
He grabbed Duo and pushed him out the door "Girls, take him to him room."
Hilde looked at Duo. "Duo! You're sick!"

"Hilde? Is that you? I'm OK. I'm OK. Heero is wrong. "

The girls took Duo to his room. Relena turned to Heero.

"I'll be right there, Relena"

After they girls got Duo up to his room, Heero came up and stood in the door way. It took both of them to get him in the bed.

"I'll get Sally," Hilde said, as she ran out the door.

Duo looked at the two people in his room. Hilde came back with Sally. Sally looked at Duo. She shook her head. "Knothead. I told you to rest, or you'd get a fever."

He grunted and almost swore at her.

"Come on everybody. Everyone out, but Hilde. She'll be baby-sitting you for now."

"I don't need a baby-sitter." Duo said , angrily, trying to get out of the bed.

Heero pushed him down, "Stay down."
"Fuck you, Heero."

Heero's face became hard, but before he could say anything, Relena pulled him from the room.

Across the street, Zechs watched them leave. He would implement his plan to kidnap Hilde soon.

~~~~~~

Part Ten

~~~~~~

Zechs watched the hotel everyday, waiting of a chance to grab Hilde. He was sure Cannes was getting inpatient. The government reps would here in a few days and they had to have all the land around the mine free and clear. If it ment taking all the land that the Schbeicker girl had so be it. The gold was more important than anything. Hell, she could go with the Marshal. They seemed pretty buddy- buddy anyway. Then there was Treise. He would be harder. They could threaten the girl. She would break easily. Treise would not take threats kindly. He could fight.
He was getting quite frustrated. She was never alone. She was either with Relena or with Maxwell. Patience. Patience.

Then he got his chance...............

Duo and Hilde came out of the hotel together. They stood at the door and looked up at each other. He grasped her hand, and smiled down at her. He pulled her to him and kissed her. Then he hugged her as a couple of old ladies walked by, whispering.

Duo turned to them, and grinned, then whispered, "I'm gonna marry this girl!"
They giggled and walked on down the street.

Duo let Hilde go and said to her, "I'll be at the sheriff's office. Come talk to me before you head back to the ranch."

She smiled at him and said, "Well, if you get done with your business, you can come get me at Relena's."

They let go of each others hands and went their separate ways.

Zechs followed Hilde. When he saw where she was going. He grinned. This was going to easier than he thought.

Hilde got to Relena's without incident. She knocked and Relena let her in. Relena didn't seem herself.

"Relena? What's wrong?"

Relena stepped back and Hilde saw who was sitting in the chair.

"YOU!! What are you doing here?"

"I've come for you."

"Me?"

"Yes, my boss has a need to talk to you. And you will come willing or not. I don't want to hurt her, but I will. So, will you come peaceably or will.............."
"How do I know you won't hurt her anyway?"

"I won't hurt my sister, unless you make me."

Hilde looked at Relena. She shook her head. Hilde sighed. What could she do.

"OK. I'll go with you. Relena, I can't let him hurt you. Tell Duo I'm sorry."
Zechs pushed Relena into a chair and tied her up and gagged her. He then turned to Hilde and said, "Don't worry, Hilde , you'll see your precious marshal soon. Perhaps sooner than you think. Relena, you be sure you tell Maxwell. " He laid a piece of paper on the table. "Give this to him. If he comes, He'll get his girl back, if not........" He let the words trail off, letting the meaning sink in.

Zechs took Hilde's arm and pulled her out into the cold winter day. He made her ride on his horse, in front of him.

Relena struggled with her bonds. she had to get loose and go get Heero. * Damn him! He made them too tight. I’ii have to wait for them to come home. *

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

Duo and Heero walked back toward his house. They talked about Relena and about Hilde as they walked.

Heero was the first to noticed something was wrong at the house.

"Relena!!" He shouted as he headed to the house in a run. Duo wasn't far behind him.

Heero was stunned at the sight he saw. He dropped to his knees and untied her. He removed her gag.

"Relena, what happened?"

She gasped, and said. "Zechs took Hilde. There is a note on the table for you, Duo."

Duo went to the table and read the note. His eyes turned cold and his face hardened.

Heero looked at his friend .

"Duo.....Don't...."
But Duo was out he door before he could finsh his words.

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

Hilde struggled in Zechs arms.

"What does you bass want with me? I don't have anything."

"That, dear girl, is where you are wrong. You have land that we want. "

"My..land...?" She stuttered. "You ment the ranch, my father worked so hard to get? I'll never , ever give it to you.."
"No matter what, or who gets in the way? Not ever your Maxwell."
"He'll understand. Anything to stop you. Why do you want my land?"
"Gold."

Hilde rode the rest of the way in silence. She watched the scenery around her. She wanted to know where she was going. She was surprised when they ended up at an old prospectors cabin. She knew where she was. They were on Treise’s land. It hit her then, they wanted both hers and Treise's land. Then there really must be gold here!

Zechs pulled her from the horse and dragged her to the cabin. He opened the door and shoved her in and followed her in.

Everyone in the room looked up.

Cannes came over her and said , sugar-sweetly, "Ah.. Miss Schbeicker. I'm so glad you could come and visit us here."

She glared at him. "You bastard."

Dorothy began to laugh. She looked at Hilde and she glared at her.

Cannes shoved Hilde into a chair. "You will sign over your land ,Miss Schbeiker. We can make you do it."

He stood over her menacingly.

"I'm not afraid of you! You can't have my land! I won't give it up."

Cannes growled at Zechs, "Go get Kushranada. And tie her up!"

Zechs nodded, and left.

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

Duo almost ran to the livery when Deathscythe was. Heero hurried out to follow Duo. H wanted to stop Duo before he went off half cocked and get himself into more trouble.

"Duo!" Heero entered the livery. "Wait! Let's go back to the house and make a plan to rescue Hilde. We can't just go off half cocked. They'll be waiting for us.!"
"But.. they've got Hilde. I can't let them keep her, what if......." He slumped against Deathscythe.
Heero can up and put his arm around Duo. "Come on. Let's go talk to Relena. And we'll make a plan to get your girl back."

~~~~~~

Part Eleven

~~~~~~

As Zechs was leaving , he could hear Cannes ranting at Hilde. She was going to be a handful. He had underestimated the girl. He grinned.

Wu Fei grimaced as Cannes slapped Hilde's face. He did not like the mistreatment of women. They were weak, but they did not deserve to be abused. He was liking this less and less. Cannes was not an honorable man. He must get to Heero and tell him what he knew. He stood and walked to the door.

Cannes turned to him, "Where the hell do you think you're going?"

WeFui looked at him and said. "To check on my horse. Why?"

Cannes frowned, then turned back to Hilde. He stuffed a piece paper in her face. "SIGN IT"!

She spat at him and yelled back, "NO!"
Wu Fei slipped out the door and went to saddle up Natiku. This was going from bad to worse. He mounted Natiku and started out of the yard. One of the gang members saw Wu Fei leaving and shouted to Cannes.

He ran out into the yard, firing his hand gun. He laughed out loud as he saw Wu Fei jerk forward.

Wu Fei felt the bullet hit him in the back but he pushed Natiku harder. He had to get to town.

Sally decided that staying in town was a waste of time. She had things to do at the ranch, and Hilde would want her to get them done. Duo and Heero would be able rescue her. As she rode toward the ranch, she noticed a horse coming slowly toward her. She watched it carefully, until she recognized the horse.
"Wu Fei!" She called , as she rode toward him. When she got close she saw him slumped over Natiku's neck. "Wu Fei!"

He moaned and she grabbed the reins. "Damn, your hurt. What happened , have a falling out with you're partners?"
"Something like that , Miss Sally. I'm sorry. I let greed get the best of me."

"Well, I suppose it can be forgiven, but not by me. Come on , let's get you to the ranch and patch you up."

"Thank you, Sally."
Sally smiled , as she pulled him along.

Zecks rode into through the back ways of the town. He rode up to the back of Lady Une's brothel, "The Lady's Pleasure." He dismounted and slipped inside. He snuck around the brothel. It was pretty quiet, but it was the daytime. He quietly went up the stairs, looking for the room Treise was in. He opened each door and peered in. When he found Treise's room , he slipped in. Treise looked up from the book he was reading.
He opened his eyes in shock. "You!" He hissed. "What do you want?"

"You need to come with me. I don't care how I get you to come with me . You will come with me."

Then, Treise leaned back and picked up his coffee. He slipped it as he looked over the rim.

"I really don't think so, Zechs. Lady."

Zechs felt something prod him in the back. He raised his hands. He turned slightly, and saw Une with a gun in her hand. It was a small darringer ,small but deadly.

"So , what do you plan to do?"

"I should shoot you for why you have done to Mister Treise. But, I doesn't what me to do that, so I believe I shall turn you over to Sheriff Yuy."

Zechs looked at Une, his mind calculating he get away. He glanced at Treise, then at Une. They were looking at each other. He stepped up and pushed her hard. She stumbled back, and he took two large steps and was out the door. He ran down the stairs and was out in the street in seconds. He jumped up on the back of Tallgeese and was gone, before the two up stairs could recover.

"Time to get the hell out of here." He mumbled to himself. Where could he go? Anywhere but here.

Duo paced around the room. He was trying hard to stay calm, but he was failing." Come on, Heero! If it was Relena, we'd be there already, kicking butt!"
"Yes. but no one trying to kill me like Cannes wants to kill you. He will be waiting for you, what good will it for Hilde if you get killed. How will she feel?"

"Damnit! I know you're right! It doesn't make it any easier, knowing that scum bag has her." He flopped down on their couch, and sighed deeply. Relena brought in two cups of coffee. She handed one to Heero, then walked to Duo and handed him the other. She sat down beside him. She placed a hand on his knee.

"Be paitent, Duo. Quatre and Trowa will be here, shortly. Then you can get him back for everything."
"Gee, Relena, I never thought you would be so vengeful."

"She is my friend. Seems to me that you went after someone a long time ago for revenge."

"Yeah, that was a long time ago."
"Yes, and he got away with it."

"Don't remind me. He won't this time. I promised myself and her memory."

Their conversation ended abruptly as there was a rap on the door. Relena got up and went to the door. Duo slumped down on the couch.

* Why did she have to bring that up again? Damn him! It will end now. No more chasing the bastard around, I have so much more to live for. I had wanted to revenge your death, Sis. * He sighed , heavily. Then, returned to his thoughts. * But , Sara, I'm tired of this game. I hope you understand. *

Heero broke him out of his thoughts, when he called him, "Let's go , Duo!"
Duo stood and handed his cup to Relena.
Relena looked at the four men, and said to them, "Take care, guys." * Come back in one piece, Heero. *

Heero pulled her into his arms and kissed her, "I'll be back and in one piece."
Trowa pulled the reins of Heavyarms, and readied him to go. Quatre sat on Sandrock, waiting for Heero. Duo was already on Deathscythe , making this horse in his anticipation to get on the rode and rescue Hilde.

Heero left Relena and mounted Wing Zero. They took off down the road. It was starting to get dark. Hopefully , they would have the element of surprise on their side.

Hilde looked up at Cannes. She grinned at him. "I'll never sign. Duo will be coming to get me."
"Good . I'll kill him. I've wanted to kill him for a long time. He killed my brother."

"Why did he kill your brother? Duo doesn't seem like someone who would kill in cold blood."

"His sister was married to my brother. My brother killed her one night in a fit of anger."
Hilde's mouth dropped opened, and her eyes opened wide. * Oh, my god! No wonder Duo is so intent on finding him! * "Why did he kill her?" She asked , unsure she wanted to know.

"I don't know. He had been drinking and someting set him off. He beat her to death. She was a good woman. She didn't deserve that. Granted, my brother did it , but Maxwell didn't have to kill him. He was my only brother. But, I guess , now that I think about it, I might have reacted as Duo did, considering she was his only relative, too. But, two wrongs don't make it right, and I'll make him pay."

Hilde frowned. There was more to this story than what was being told. She'd hear Duo's side before she'd believe Cannes.

He walked away from her and sat the table. He pulled the bottle of whisky from the center of the table. He took a long swig. He looked over at Hilde. The look on his face suddenly made Hilde afraid.

* Hurry, Duo! *

It was good and dark when the four rode up to the cabin. They could see the lamp lights glowing warmly in the dark, beckoning them closer. Duo looked over at the other three men, "Are we ready? Heero and I will go to the house, you guys go to the bunk house and get the rest of them."

They nodded and took off on their missions.

Duo and Heero dismounted and snuck around the house, looking into the windows. Duo's fists tighten at what he saw. His mouth became hard and set. He saw Hilde tied to a chair. She was rumpled and there blood on her face. "You bastard, " he muttered. He was Cannes sitting at a table with his back to the door. He saw Dorothy Catalonia sitting in chair in the corner. She had a look of pure terror on her face. He saw Cannes Stand up and walk to Dorothy. He held a gun in his hand. He raised to her head. Duo looked at Heero, and they burst into the room.

Cannes turned and fired at the two. They leaped in opposite directions. Cannes threw Dorothy to the floor and snarled at Duo. He fired at Duo and Heero till the gun was empty. With little or no cover they kept moving until Cannes ran out of bullets. He dropped the gun, kicked over Hilde's chair and whispered in her ear. Then he disappeared to the back of the house. Dorothy cowered in the corner, for only a moment before she was on her feet, heading out the door. Heero stood and ran after Cannes in the back of the house.

Dorothy swung open the door and ran right into Trowa Barton. She screamed in frustration. Everything was ruined! He held her tight and would let her go as she struggled to get out of his grasp.

Duo rushed to Hilde's Side and untied her. He pulled her into his arms. "Are you OK, Hilde?"

He held her tight to his chest as she answered. "Yes, but I can't breathe."

He released his grip slightly. He leaned into her hair and spoke, " I thought I'd lost you, Hilde. I couldn't take another loss. I love you too much."

"Oh, duo." She said as she looked up at him. I love you, too, and thanks for coming to my rescue."
He leaned down and caught his lips with hers and kissed her passionately.

Trowa shuffled his feet as Quatre came in behind him. He looked up to the ceiling. Heero came back from the back of the house. "He’s gone."
Hilde and Duo broke away from the kiss and he pulled her to her feet as he stood. "What do you mean...gone? Like as in escaped?"

"Yeah."

"Damn! Damn! Damn! Aw, the hell with it. Let's go home. I'll probably catch up with him some other time. I'm sure he still wants to kill me."

"Duo, He told me about your past. I need to hear your side of the story."

"Uh. Well, OK. Hilde , if I tell you will make a difference? I mean between us. I'm not at all proud of what happened."

"No, I don't think so, Duo. I love you."
He looked into her eyes, and gulped. How come he always got lost in those eyes ."OK. I'll tell you, but not here, and later when we're alone."
"Promise?"

"Promise."

Trowa drug Dorothy out the door and tied her to her horse. The rest of the gang was tiedup. The ones who had put up a fight, and where killed were tossed over their saddles. Duo put Hilde on Deathscythe and climbed up behind her. He grabbed the reins with one hand and wrapped the other around her waist. She leaned back against him and sighed. She was so content.

They made their was to town slowly, the whole time Dorothy was protesting loudly.

~~~~~~

Part Twelve

~~~~~~

As the group headed to town. Duo leaned down to Hilde's ear and softly asked her, "What did Cannes say when whispered in you ear?"

Hilde tilted her head to look at Duo. She could see his eyes sparkle in the moonlight. "He said he would be back to finish the job."

Duo pulled her closer to him. * Damn it. Why can't he let it go? *

The air was cold and the snow crunched under the horses hoofs. They rode in silence, each lost in there thoughts. Even Dorothy had stopped yelling.

Hilde grasped Duo's hand. She sighed as they rode along. She was letting her thoughts drift. She thought about all that had happened in the last few days. Gold. There was gold on her land. How could that be? Did her father know? He must have known. Why didn't he tell her? Maybe she needed to find all his papers.

Maybe Duo would stay a little longer. She didn't want him to leave anyway. But in her heart of hearts, she knew he would have to go. She let out a small sob. She felt Duo pull her closer.

"What's wrong, babe?" He asked her, quietly, so noone else would hear.

"Oh, just thinking about you leaving, now that this is pretty much done."
There was a silence, then Duo said, "Who says I'm leaving?"

"You aren't going to leave? I thought you were.................."

"No, I kinda planed to stick around for awhile. "

"What about your job?"

"I'll quit. I'm tired of all of it, anyway. I would rather spend all my time with you. I want to be with you."

She snuggled up closer to him.

Soon they saw the lantern lights of Sancville and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. When they got to town they put the prisoners in jail. They took their horses to the livery, then they went to the hotel. They found a table and all sat down.

"Well, Duo, what do you plan to do now?"

"Retire."

"What?!" They all said in surprise.

"What? I want to stay with Hilde. I actually want to marry her."

Hilde's eyes opened wide. "what? "

"I hadn't wanted to ask you this way but I just blurted it out. I 'm sorry, Hilde. I wanted to be more romantic."

Hilde stood up and hugged Duo. "YES! A thousand times yes!"

Heero rolled his eyes and said. "Well, I'm going home. I have a wife to see to."

Trowa stood up and said "Good night."

Quatre quietly slipped away, too, leaving Duo and Hilde alone at the table. They looked at each other.

"Are you sure you want to give up your exciting life to stay with me?"

"Give up $50. 00 a week and a chance to get shot every once an while. I don't know. Yeah, I think I would like to give that up just for you. Come on, we better get you a room."

"Um. Duo. About what Cannes said."

"Oh, that."

She said, quickly. "You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to."

"I want to, I just don't know how to begin.... Well. My sister and I were all that was left of my family when we came out here. Our mother had died on the trip out here and our father was a drunkard. He was killed in a gun battle in a saloon. So I vowed to take care of my sister at least till she married. I took the Marshal's job and took to traveling to support us. When I came back from one of my assignments I found she had married. I was not at all happy about and told her so. She said that I was no longer responsible for her and I could continue on my foolish path to get killed. She then introduced me to her husband, who promptly threw me out of their house and told me not to come back. I knew it was a bad deal, right then and there. I tryed to see her several times but he would always prevent me from seeing her. One night, I went the house and kicked in the door. He promptly kicked the shit out of me and beat my sister to death that night. I couldn't help her. I couldn't even get up to help. I felt so guilty. I knew he did it, but when I recovered from my beating, he had covered it up. I tracked him down, with his brother Cannes, and confronted him about her death. He drew down on me, so I shot the worthless bastard. Cannes swore revenge on me from that day on. He's been pushing me for years. Now, he's gotten away. Maybe he'll stay away at least for awhile.

Well, come on, let's go on and get you a room."
"No, Duo. I'll stay in your room tonight with you."

"What? You can't mean that."

"Don't worry, Duo. I won't ruin my reputation."

He took her hand and pulled her upstairs. He pulled her inside his room and pushed her against the door. He leaned down and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. they held the kiss until they were both breathless.

Duo lead her to the bed and sat her down on it. He then went and opened his bed roll and dropped it on the floor. "You’ll take the bed, Hilde. I'll take the floor."
"You can stay up here with me...."
"No, I wouldn't be able to control myself. I want to be a gentleman, because you are a lady. I want to keep it that way.

Hilde grinned at Duo and climbed down off the bed and sat next to him. " Now I know why I love you, Duo."

" Do you do, now? Well, I hope to change that soon." He kissed her again and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her into his lap and held her close. I love you , too, Hilde."

~~~~~~

Part Thirteen

~~~~~~

The next morning, Duo and Hilde walked to the sheriff's office. They were surprised by the total quietness of the office, as they walked in. They had at least 10 people in the jail. Someone should be howling about no food ,or blankets or something. It was too quiet. Duo became wary. His marshal's mode kicking in. Sheriff Yuy was nowhere in sight. He motioned for Hide to stay behind him as he pushed open the large wooden door to the room that held the cells. He stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw. Heero Yuy was standing perfectly still . while all the prisoners cowered in the back of their cells, including loud mouth Dorothy. He held a gun in his hand and was speaking so softly that Duo couldn't understand him.

Duo said, "Hey, Heero. We're here for the meeting."

Heero turned around and kicked Duo in the chest, causing him to crash into Hilde and sent them both to the floor.

"Aw, shit!" Heero grumbled, when he realized what he 'd done. "Hey, sorry about that."

Duo gasped and groaned, "Remind me never to sneak up on you again." He turned to Hilde and began to help her up. "Heh. Sorry 'bout that ,babe."

She giggled and said, "that's all right."

"What were you doing that had you concentrating so hard?"

Heero turned and looked at all the prisoners and glared at them. "Threatening them. I told them that I'd shoot them all if they didn't SHUT-UP." He emphasized the words shut-up.

Duo looked at Hilde who just shrugged her shoulders. Heero turned and lead them into the main office.

As Duo and Hilde sat down, Heero looked at them.

"So, where is this so called gold mine?"

Duo was about to speak when the door opened and in walked Treise, following right behind him, was Une.

He turned to Heero, " Zechs Marqueis has escaped. I know where the mine is."

Heero frowned ,"What's Zechs got to do with this?"
"He shot me."
Hilde looked up and gasped, " I hope he won't come after me again."

Treise looked at her, "if he was smart he'd move on. But, there's gold involved. He'll be back. We'll just have to keep an eye out for him."
Duo grabbed Hilde's hand and said to her, "I'll be here to protect you. Besides I don't think he's THAT stupid to come back so soon. He knows we'll be watching for him."

Treise said, to Hilde, "Well, little lady , looks as though you and I are partners, huh?"

"Yes," She said thoughtfully, "I guess we are. When I was being held at the cabin, Cannes said that government reps were coming to see about the mine. He needed me to sign over my land so they could get the government contract to mine the gold. Evidently selling the gold to the government is very profitable. I suppose it would be expensive for people like us to try and mine it with out help. We just as well hear what they have to say."

They all nodded their heads in agreement.

"Let's go take a look at their mine." Heero said, looking around the room.

"Say, Heero , when will the district judge be here next?"
"Hm? Oh, next week, some time. It's about time again for his 6 month visit."

"When he gets here, would you tell him I 'd like to see him." He looked over at Une and grasped her hand.

She smiled at him, and nodded.

Treise lead them to the place he remembered the mine being. They rode up to it, and dismounted their horses. They walked around the area, observing the shape of the place. The opening to the mine was built precariously in to the side of the mountain. It looked like it would collapse at any moment.

Duo eyed the opening, uncomfortably. " You know, we'll have to shore this up before we do any thing." Then, muttering to himself he walked into the opening, looking up at the supports. "What the hell is this anyway? What were those guys thinking? Did they want to get killed? I wonder how deep this is?" His muttering were interrupted by Hilde.

"Duo," she said , softly, "What do you think?"
"Honestly? I think we have our work cut out for us." He said, glancing, around the inside of the shaft. He took her hand and pulled her from the shaft. "It makes me nervous."

Treise came up to Duo and Hilde. He looked at Duo and Hilde, "Well, What do you think, Hilde?"
"I think I'll let Duo be my rep on this one Treise, If you don't mind. I know nothing about mines and things like that."
He nodded and said, "I understand. You will be attending all the meeting, an I correct?"
"Yes, with Duo , by my side."
"Good enough."

They looked around a little bit more then headed back to town.

After they returned to town, Duo went to his hotel room and packed his things, while Hilde waited in the lobby. He looked around the room to make sure he didn't leave anything behind. He went down and met Hilde.

"Are you ready? I hope Sally isn't too worried. Someone should have went and told her."
"I'm sure she'll understand, Hilde. Say, how come she's there with you anyway? Was she something more to your dad?"
Hilde looked at him and giggled. They were traveling at a leisurely pace, she had time to tell him Sally's story. "Oh, nothing like that at all. Dad traded with Indians a lot until they moved on. One time, he was trading with them and he saw a little girl that looked out of place. He asked about her and they told him he could have her for 20 horses and 10 blankets. He agreed and thats when Sally came to live with us. She's a couple of years older than me. She became my companion, my playmate and my friend. She had be captured when she was very small. An Indian woman found her wandering around in the woods. No one knows what happened to her family."

Duo gulped, "Sorry, Hilde."

"It's OK, Duo. Not too many people know Sally's past. She likes it that way."

They got to the ranch a little bit before dark. They gave their horses to the boy in the barn and saw Abdul coming towards them. He picked Hilde in his arms and swung her around in the air.

"Miss Hilde! You're safe! Thank God! We were all so worried about you." He put her down and Shook Duo's hand. "Thank you so much. Are going to stay longer?"
"How 'bout permanently?"
"Good. Good. I'll go get Howard. Miss Sally's in the house........oh, there is something you should know. She brought Wu Fei Chang back with her."

Hilde frowned, "Wu Fei? How did Sally find him?"
Abdul shook his head and left them contemplating the news.

"Well, let's go inside and find out what's going on."

Sally was waiting for them inside. She had a towel in her hands and she was wringing them.

"Before you say anything, I want you to know, I found him on the trail, shot in the back. I had to bring him here. I know he shot the sheriff. I couldn't leave him out there. I.....care....too...much for him."

Hilde burst out laughing, and said, "It's all right, Sally. We will have to tell the sheriff, though. But he can stay here until he's recovered."

Sally visibly relaxed and said, "Thank you, Hilde. Are you guys hungry? I have some food in the kitchen. Come on."
She lead them to the kitchen and fed them. "Duo, are you going to use the master bedroom, like before?"
He looked over at Hilde, she nodded, "Uh....Yeah. Where have you got WuFei?"

"He's in my room."

"I hope you're not taken' advantage of him in his weakened state. Although, I, wouldn't of minded."

Hilde grinned and shook her head, "Oh, Duo. Sally, Duo and I are going to get married."

Sally hugged Hilde and asked, "When?"
"Spring time, OK, Duo."
"Yeah, that will be fine. You arrange it, Hilde. I'll be there."

A few days later........

Hilde stood in her room looking through her closet. She had to wear a dress for this meeting. Duo had seen to the repair of the mine shaft, and it was stable enough for him to be comfortable with it. She sighed. She had been too used to wearing pants the last few months and putting on a dress was not something she looked forward to. Too damn confining. She picked out a light pastel blue one. Her father had always liked this dress. She nodded. This would be the one.

"Hilde?" Duo inquired outside her door, "Are you ready?"

She opened the door to a stunned Duo...."Uh.....You look beautiful.....Wow!" He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, passionately. "God, I love you!"

She sighed contentedly, and said, "I love you, too, Duo."

They were to meet at the bank in one of the boardrooms. Duo took Hilde's arm and escorted her into the room. Treise and Une were all ready there. The government reps were there also. They stood as Hilde and Duo entered. They clasped hands with Duo and nodded to Hilde. As the conversation continued, Hilde could tell Duo was getting angry. She glanced over at him and saw is face become dark. Suddenly, he stood up and slammed his hands on the table. The reps turn and looked at him, shocked. He glared at them.

"Gentlemen," he said in a slow clipped tone, "If you do not speak to Miss Schbeiker like she is part of this deal we will leave and you will not have the gold what so ever. It's her land , too. "

The men looked at Duo and gulped, "Of course, Miss Schbeiker, we apologize for being inconsiderate, but we were told that Mister Maxwell would be your representative."

"Yes, that's true, " She smiled at Duo," He only wants the best for me."
After Duo's little out burst the meeting continued without incident. They then went out to the mine. They looked it over and made the deal. Triese and Hilde would get 30% and the government would get 70%. The government would provide everything that was needed , except manpower. They turned the operation of the mine over to Duo, partly because he was still a marshal, and because he seemed to know what he was doing. After the arrangements were all made, all partys involved left.

A couple of days later at Hilde's ranch...............

Duo sat in Hilde's father's small office. He leaned back in the chair with pencil near his mouth, contemplating what he should write to the governor. He want to resign, but he wasn't sure that the governor would let him.

He sat for ward and wrote:

Dea r Governor Noventa,

He folded the letter and placed it in an envelope, addressed it to the governor and took it down so it could go to town to be mailed. It would be weeks before he would hear anything. He then went looking for Hilde to tell her that he finally wrote the letter.

~~~~~~

Part Fourteen

~~~~~~

Heero Yuy was riding on air or at least it seemed so to him. He let Zero pick his way through the grass and trees. Relena, the love of his life had told him something this morning that had elated him and scared the hell out of him. He wanted to tell someone, so he went looking for Duo. He knew he would be at the mine. It seemed he spent more time there than anywhere else. Well, almost anywhere else. If he wasn't at the mine , he was in Hilde's arms. Love, ain't it grand. He grinned at those thoughts. When he topped the hill , he saw the braided man standing with his hand on his head. As Heero rode closer, he saw a perplexed look on his face. When Duo saw Heero he waved and turned back to the mine. He then turned in the other direction. Heero frowned at his friends actions. Maybe he finally lost it. He dismounted from Zero, and walked over to Duo.

Heero watched him a bit more. "May I ask what you are doing? Wait. Maybe I don't want to know."

Duo looked at Heero," Looked weird, huh? I was trying to figure how to defend this place."

Heero shook his head. "Once a lawman, always a lawman."

"Yeah, I guess. You know it's been two weeks and I still haven't heard from the governor."

"Well, that's part of the reason I'm here." He handed an envelope to Duo." And I heard a rumor that WuFei is out at your place."

"Yeah, he is." Duo said, ripping open the envelope. He paused a moment as he skimmed the contents." Damn! Damn it all to hell!" He stomped his foot and crumpled up the letter.

"What is it?"
"He won't let me resign. Says he needs me on the payroll. He's putting me on hiatus until further notice."

"Well, that's good, isn't it?"

"I suppose but he could pull me away at any time. The point of my resigning was to stay here with Hilde. I don't want to leave her."

Heero slapped him on the back," Buddy, you've got it bad. When are you two gonna get married?"

"Will it help?"

"With the wanting? A little. But, let me warn you. It gets deeper and better. Let me tell ya, Relena makes me extremely happy, and now I'm gonna be a father!"

Duo looked at Heero and saw a glow in his eyes that wasn't there before.

"Hot damn! Congratulations! Let's go tell Hilde."
Heero pointed to the mine.

"Oh, I’m done here. Come on. She's gonna be thrilled. And then you can talk to WuFei if Sally will let you."

As the two men rode away, two figures watched them from the top of the ridge.

Sally walked into her room carrying a tray. WuFei glared at her.

"When are you going to let me up?"

"When you are all better."
"Bah! I'm fine!"

"Why can't you be a little nicer, WuFei? I'm only trying to help you."

"You women are weak!" He saw her face fall a little bit then she got her composer back.

"I care about you, WuFei. I guess that I'm wasting my time, cuz I can see you don't care about me. So I guess If you want to get up and go, you can. Where will you go? Sheriff Yuy will be out here one of these days to see you. Are you going to run away from the truth? " She picked up the tray and turned to go. She bit her lip to prevent the tears that threatened to fall. She straightened her back and walked to the door.

"Sally, Wait."

She turned and looked at him, "Yes?"

"You forgot this."

She walked over and grabbed the cup from his hand. He grasped her wrist and pulled her down to his face, then kissed her.

Hilde pitched more hay to the horses. She wondered where everyone was. The ranch was way to quiet for a week day. She looked up and saw Abdul walking toward her. He grinned at her.

"What is it, Abdul?"
"Your man's back and he brought Sheriff Yuy with him."

"Duo's here?" She said as she jumped down from the wagon. She stuck the fork into the hay and almost ran to the house. Abdul laughed and shook his head. "She's got it bad." He said out loud, to no one in particular.

She came from around the barn and saw the two men dismounting. She hurried over to them.

"Duo! Heero! Hi!" She panted as she ran up to the men. Duo immediately took in his arms and kissed her.

Heero looked away from them. He looked around the small ranch.

Duo released Hilde and said, "Heero's here to see Wu Fei and tell you some news."
He grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the house. Heero followed behind.

As they entered the house, Heero said, "You are both invited to Treise and Une's wedding Friday afternoon. That's when the district judge will be in town."

Hilde asked or was about to ask where it would be held, but Duo piped up, "It’ll be in the brothel, won't it?"
Heero looked at him, shocked. "How did you know that?"
"I know Une. Do you think your murders were the only reason I came here? Une is wanted, but as far as I'm concerned ,she's not here at all."
Hilde looked at him questionably, as did Heero.

"I knew her a while back. You meet all kinds of people being a marshal and traveling around. She possibly killed someone Can't say, I've never talked to her about it. Now that I 've found her, I 'm not gonna either. I' m not telling the governor, either. He wouldn’t grant me retirement. He 's not getting Une. Didn't see her, not here, not anywhere."
Heero looked at Duo. Leave it to Duo to stretch the rules, but not break them.

"Well, come on. You need to talk to Wu Fei. And I................." He said as he looked at Hilde. She blushed deep red.
Heero grinned and thought. * Young love. * He sighed ashe hesitated to go up the stairs, he turned and looked at Hilde, "Relena's pregnant, Hilde."

Hilde squealed and leap into Heero's arms." Oh, Heero, congratulations! I'm so happy for you. I'll have to go to town and see her." She released Heero from her death grip and giggled.

Heero continued up the stairs and went to the room Hilde had directed him to.

He tapped lightly on the door. He heard a crash and flustered Sally came out, "Oh, Sheriff, It's you. Please go on in."

Heero slipped past her as she opened the door. Heero stared at Wu Fei. Wu Fei stared back.

"Heero."
"WuFei."

"I sorry, Heero. I was over come with greed. The thought of all that gold ,overwhelmed me."
"Well, You didn't kill me and I knew you were capable of that so that redeems you somewhat in my eyes. You may have to grovel in front of Relena, though. I'd stay away from town for few weeks if I were you. Let me talk to everyone before I reinstate you."
"I do not deserve a friend such as you."
"No, you don't, but hell.....Oh god, I've been hanging around Maxwell too much."

Wu Fei smiled at the remark. He had heard enough of the braided marshal to know this was true.

"Thank you so much, Heero. I am truly sorry."
"Save it for later. Get better. We've got a gold mine to help protect."

Three days later:

Hilde was in her father’s office looking through some papers that she had found of his. As she leafed through them, she read them. She read one particular on and exclaimed, "OH MY GOD!!!!!"
At the same time downstairs, Duo came out of the barn when he heard what sounded like large wagons. He exclaimed, "OH MY GOD!!!!"

~~~~~~

Part Fifteen

~~~~~~

Duo's jaw dropped opened as the wagons rolled to a stop in front of him. He blinked and shook his head. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The guard stepped off the wagon in front of him.
"Marshal Duo Maxwell?"

Duo just shook his head still too stunned to speak.

"Well, we need you to take us to the mine. Your workers are here, and we need to get there and have them build a make shift shelter or do you want them to stay here?"

Duo came back to his senses, and grabbed the man's shirt. He hissed, " The government sent us convicts?!! I'm a US Marshal! I probably put some of these guys away. NO! They can't stay here." He thought of Hilde and Sally.
Just then a voice popped up, "Hey, Maxwell! Remember me? I sure remember you!"

Duo looked out into the wagons, he was sure there were plenty of guys he had tracked down in those wagons. He shook his head in disbelief. "This has got to be a sick joke of some kind." He muttered.

The guard looked at him and said, "No, I believe Governor Noventa, said you wouldn't mind."

Duo looked around for something to kick or punch. He growled, "Damn him to hell!"

Meanwhile, upstairs, Hilde sat down hard on the floor of the office. "Oh my god. This just can't be true. Damn you , Dad. You bastard! I gotta to show this to Duo. This could change every thing. Damn it! Damn it all to hell." Hilde stood up and ran out the front door, only to stop dead in her tracks at what she saw.
"What the hell!?"

There were several whoops and cat calls when the convicts saw her standing by the door. Duo turned and glared them.

He yelled , "SHUT UP!!!!!!!!" He stalked up the house steps and grabbed Hilde's arm and dragged her back into the house.

"The stupid bastard sent us convicts!!!"

"Duo, look at this..Dad knew about the mine. HE KNEW!!" She threw her hands up in the air and walked away, then walked back to him.

His eyes went wide at what he was reading. "What the hell! Hilde, what the hell are we getting into. First, convicts, and then this. Arrg!!!!!"

She shook her head and leaned against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. He sighed, "well, I suppose I better take these guys out to the mine, unless you want them to stay here."

She looked up at him. " Don’t think so, Duo!"

She grinned up at him. He leaned down and kissed her.

He hugged her tight and then let her go. "Just stay in the house till we are gone. I probably know some of these guys. I have a really bad feeling about this."

Zechs Marquis walked around the mine's entrance. Cannes had gone inside and hadn't come out yet. He couldn't believe that no one was here to guard the place, although he could see the point. How much gold could one or two guys haul away? He looked around, wondering if they were going get the rest of the gang out of jail. Knowing Cannes probably not. He sure was a selfish bastard. He shook his head as Cannes came out.
"Let's go. I found the perfect place to sabotage this place. We have to get the stuff we need."
"What happens when they get back. The new workers will be here soon."

"We'll just blend in. Shouldn't be too hard, considering I heard the government was sending convicts to work this particular mine."

"Convicts? Really. I wonder if some of my friends will be here."
"If they ran into Maxwell, more than likely. The governor has a twisted sense of humor."

"I see."
They road away from the mine and back to the cabin that they stayed in before.

Une paced nervously as she overseen the decorating of the brothel. This was to a very small wedding. The Maxwell-Schrbeicker wedding on the other hand would be huge. She would talk to Hilde today after she married Treise. Maxwell knew who she was and her dark past. Treise knew too, but didn't seem to care. Perhaps she should talk to Maxwell about all this and see what his intentions were. If he was going to haul her to jail, this was all for nothing. Her face saddened a bit at that thought. To live without Treise would be just like death. She wouldn't able to do it. She loved him so.

One of the girls came up to Une, "Ma'am? Who will take care of us when you leave?"
"I'll still oversee the brothel, my dear. This is still my business. I just won't be here all the time."

The girl nodded and walked away. Une smiled and thought about what the towns people would say. It didn't really matter she loved to mixed up in controversy. The important people would come. Those who treated her with respect like the Yuy's, Hilde, Noin, Trowa Barton, Quatre Winner and even his girlfriend, Catherine Bloom. The little bitch, Dorothy was still in jail, and she wasn't sure Treise would bond her out. He would be talking to the judge today.

She heard a door open and Treise walked in. He was holding a bundle of flowers.

"When did you find them?" She asked, surprised. It was still early March. The spring flowers hadn't come up yet.
He grinned at her and handed them to her. "Oh, I have my ways."

She took them and laid them down and embraced him. She hugged him tight and whispered in his ear," I love you."

He grinned and kissed her, "Me ,too."

Heero looked at Relena with loving eyes. She positively glowed to him. She looked up and sighed.

"Heero, you're staring. Please stop it, it unnerves me."

He stood up and pulled her to him. "I just love you so much and to think 4 years ago I could have lost you to that fool Maxwell."
"Are you still jealous over that? Duo never had a chance. You were the only one I had eyes for." She said, looking at him. She wrapped her arms around and nuzzled into his neck, and now you're going to be a daddy."
"Yes, you have made my life complete. Are you almost ready to go?"

"Yes, I can't believe Une is holding her wedding in the brothel!"

"Well, after what Duo told me about her, I'm not really surprised."

"Really?!"

"I'll tell you later, OK?"
She nodded and reached for her bag.

Hilde looked out the window and wondered if Duo would be back in time to go to the wedding. Sally came down and stood by Hilde.

"How's WuFei?"

"He's doing well. Hopefully , he'll be up and a round in a couple more days."
"Then what, Sally?"

"I don't know."
Hilde looked out the window again. She watched as Howard and Abdul brought out the buckboard. She smoothed down her dress. It was the same one she wore for the meeting with the government men. She made a mental note to go to the attic and find her mother's wedding dress. She smiled and sighed. Just 2 more months and Duo would be hers forever. God, she loved him. She turned from the window and walked to the door. It was a nice day and she grabbed her shawl and threw it over her shoulders.

Sally opened the door and the girls walked out. Duo rode up and dismounted from Deathscythe.

He brushed the dust of his clothes and walked to Hilde.
"Sorry I'm late. They're all settled in and starting to build their building." He said as he help her and Sally into the buckboard. He climbed up beside her, and picked up the reins. "I really need to talk to Heero about this."

She smiled, "I'm sure you'll have time after the wedding."
"Yeah, you're right, Hilde." He said as he slid his arm around her waist. She leaned into him as they rode into town. Sally grinned as did Howard and Abdul.

The brothel was full as all the people who were invited came in and sat down and made themselves comfortable. This was going to an interesting day.

~~~~~~

Part Sixteen

~~~~~~

The brothel was decorated lovely. Hilde looked around and smiled. She decided to ask Une to help her. She felt Duo grasp her hand. She slid closer to him, feeling the warm of his body next to him. She couldn't hardly wait for him to take her into his arms and make love to her. She wanted to wait but then she didn't really want to wait. Sometimes the longing was so bad she wanted to rip his clothes off him and........ she felt her face get red. She just couldn't get those thoughts out of her head. She wondered if she told him what she wanted, if he would think bad of her, like she was a loose woman or something of that nature. She just couldn't risk it yet.

Duo felt Hilde slide next to him. He swallowed. Sometimes, it was so hard to not to pick her up and take her to her room and ravish her. He wanted her that bad. This was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, he would control him self. It was hard but he'd done harder things. It would be worth the wait.

Heero looked up at the couple standing in front of the judge. He let his thoughts wonder to when he had met Relena. That had been the best day of his life. She had been his saving grace. He had been young man hell-bent on killing himself. Almost as reckless as Maxwell. He must have had a death wish. One look in her blue eyes changed his life forever. She said that she had loved him and that would never change. He didn't know what to say to her so he had just walked away. He had to think about her, and he did for weeks. He smiled and squeezed Relena's hand.

"I love you." He whispered in her ear. She smiled and kissed his cheek, then turned back to the front.

After the ceremony, everyone mingled around the brothel, drinking champagne and eating cake.

Duo pulled Hilde over to Heero and Relena.

"Heero. We gotta talk."

Heero looked at Duo, then Hilde. "What is it?"

"Well, first.... would you be my best man and how men can you get to be deputies?'

"Yes and why?"

"Uh.. yes and why to which question?"

"Yes to the first, why to the second."
Heero saw Duo slightly relax to the first answer, but then tense to the second. He leaned over to Heero and said in a quiet voice. "That bastard Noventa sent convicts to work in the mine. They're out there right now.!"

"WHAT?!" Heero shouted.
Duo looked around, "Easy, Heero. Let's not panic anyone yet. I am not at all happy about this. I put some of those guys away, Heero. Those guys don't forgive easy. "

"So you're saying some of these guys may want to kill you?"

Duo became agitated. "What do you think?" Duo hissed at him. "The man is sadistic!"

"Well, Duo, I understand. I probably put some of them away, myself. I thought you were his pet."

"I never said that, and it evident that I'm not."

"I'll see what I can do."

Duo breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wasn't totally alone in this mess.

Hilde took Relena's hand and lead her away from the men.

"So, I hear there's happy news. Would you be my maid of honor, Relena?"

Relena nodded and hugged Hilde, then said, "convicts? Really, Hilde?"

"Yes, and you should have seen Duo. If it hadn't been so serious it would have been funny!"

The girls looked over at the men. They smiled at their loves.

Triese came over to Heero and Duo. Duo looked at Treise and said. "That sadistic bastard sent convicts to work in the mine."
Treise looked and said, matter-of-factly, " You can handle it , Maxwell! I trust you."

Duo 's mouth dropped open and he threw up his hands and walked away from them.

Treise said to Heero. "I have bonded Dorothy out of jail. The judge she could get out only if she was under my custody. It's a federal offense to shoot a U S Marshal. He was reluctant at first, but I convinced him. So, you can let her out."
"On one condition, judge or no judge. She can't be any where near Duo. She shot him twice. She has some kind of animosity toward him."

Treise nodded. "I understand."

Heero let Dorothy out jail and into Treise's custody. Dorothy didn't say a word. She was plotting her escape.

Two weeks later.

Everything was going well at the mine, except Duo was there almost all the time. He hardly ever seen Hilde and it was starting to get to him. He'd leave in the morning before she was up and got back so late she was sleeping. He sat in his chair in the little miner's shack, that was used for the office. He had one hand up to his mouth, nibbling on his pinkie nail. His pencil was tapping on the desk. He wasn't thinking about work. He was thinking about the raven haired beauty he hadn't held in a week.

Hilde pushed open the attic door. It was dark and dusty. She held the lantern up above her head. She was going to find that damn dress then she was going to pack a lunch and find Duo and make him eat with her. She was gonna kiss him silly. She missed him too much. She searched through an old steamer truck. This was her mother's trunk. She rummaged through it. She found a old journal. She opened it up. This was defiantly her mother's. She would read it later, and set it aside. She found the wedding dress. It was a simple white dress, with hand-made lace around the neck and shoulders. The sleeves were long, but that could be modified. She would have to have it altered. Satisfied, she picked up the journal and the lantern. She draped the dress over her arm and went down to the main room. She dropped everything on the settee and went to the kitchen.

"Sally! I need a picnic lunch. I'm going to see Duo, come hell or high water."

Sally shook her head, "What kind of language is that coming from a young lady?"

"One that hangs around Duo Maxwell way too much. I'm afraid, Sally, that he has rubbed off on me."

"Nothing wrong with that girl!"
Hilde smiled. She then noticed Wu Fei sitting at the table. "Mr. Chang. How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thank you." He said, a little coldly.
Hilde shrugged, while she waited for Sally to stuff some food into a basket for her. She could have gotten it herself, but it's what Sally liked to do.

Sally handed it to her and said, "kidnap him if you have to, just bring him home for supper. He doesn’t eat any more."
"Got ya."

Hilde went out and saddled up Taurus and rode to the mine.

When she got there, she was met by a young convict named Bobby. Duo had given some of the convicts that earned them special jobs. Bobby was a trustee. He got to wander and do odd jobs for Duo. All the convicts were lured here with a promise of their sentences being reduced, as long as they did what they were told and didn't cause trouble. It was working pretty well.

Bobby took Hilde's reins and helped her off the horse, "Hi , Bobby, Do you know where Duo is?"

"He's in the miner's shack, doing paper work. I think he'll be happy to see you."
"I sure hope so."

She walked to the shack and opened the door. She peeked in, then pushed the door open all the way.

Duo looked up and saw her silhouette. He stood up so fast that he knocked over his chair.

"H..Hilde?"

She shut the door and put down the basket. They were in each others arms instantly. He looked down into her face and kissed her. She leaned into the kiss and kissed him harder. Her hands slid up his back then down to his belt. She slowly caressed his back. He slid his hands up her back also. He pushed her away from him a bit. He gently slid his hands up her sides. She gasped and started to unbutton his shirt. He leaned down again to kiss her again. He gently slid his hands up to her breasts and touched them through the material of her shirt. She moved closer. He rubbed her nipples through the material causing them to perk up and push against the material. Hilde closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation. She tilted her head up and he leaned down to nibble on her neck, when the door opened a crack.

A voice called, "Duo? Heero is here to see you."

Duo let go of Hilde and muttered ,"Perfect timin', Yuy."

Duo went to pick up the chair he knocked over and sat down. His face was flushed, as was Hilde's . She went to pick up the basket and set it on the desk. She crossed her arms over her breasts till she calmed down. She looked at Duo and cocked her eyebrow at him.

He wondered if that look was what he thought it was. Duo looked down and quickly rebuttoned his shirt. Wouldn't be good for Heero to see that.

Heero came in and looked at the couple and grinned, "Did I interrupt something?"
"Huh? Uh..no. Well, nothing that can't be taken care of later." Duo looked knowingly at Hilde.

She grinned at Duo then back to Heero.

"Well, I didn't want much, oh, Hilde. You brought lunch."

Duo shook his head, as Hilde said, "help your self, Heero. There's plenty to eat in there."
"Did you pack it?"
"No, Sally did."
Heero nodded and opened the basket and started to take out the food.

~~~~~~

Part Seventeen

~~~~~~

Hilde looked at Heero chowing into the food she had bought.

"Gee, Heero. When was the last time you ate? You'd better get into it too, Duo, if you want any." She said, as she saw Duo reach over and grabbed a fried chicken leg. She leaned against the wall and watched the two men devoured the food. She smiled and shook her head.

Heero leaned back in the chair he had sat in. "Damn, tell Sally that she is a hell of a cook." He leaned back and rubbed his stomach.

"Hey, you left a piece of pie." She cocked an eyebrow, "You guys gonna fight over it?"

Duo eyed the pie then he eyed Heero. Heero shook his head and Duo reached for it.

"So, Heero. What did you really want?"
"Oh, nothing. I just knew you two were alone."

Hilde straightened up. "I don't need you to protect my honor, Heero. This is the man I love and I'll do what I want! So, if I want................."

Heero interrupted her, "Hilde, I don't want to know anymore. I'm sure your dad wound be turning over in his grave. ........"
Her eyes narrowed, and she hissed, "He's dead! It doesn't matter what he thinks, and he had a few secrets, too. The bastard!"

Heero just looked at Hilde, surprised.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I don't want to talk about my dad."

Heero looked over at Duo. "Well, I see you're gonna have your hands full, Maxwell." He grinned as he stood up. I'll be goin' now. You two behave yourselves." He winked and turned to the door, turning his head slightly, "Do you want me to guard the door?"
Duo frowned and said, "no, I think the mood is lost." He slumped in the chair. Heero smirked and left.

Hilde turned to Duo, "Sally said I had to bring you home for supper. She said you had to come home before dark. So," She said, as she grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. " We're going to go now. Have got everything done here?"
He looked around the room and at the desk, "Yeah, I guess so."

"Good! Let's go."
"Uh...where are we going, Hilde?"

"Home, silly."
Duo frowned, "Home.....?"

"You and I are going to spend some time together, alone. Sally will be gone, as will Wu Fei. Howard and the guys will be out getting the herd to the higher pastures, so......we will be alone for a few hours and no one will bother us."
"You arranged this?"
"Yes, Duo. I haven't hardly seen you in two weeks. I felt you needed a push, so I pushed."

She reached for the basket and his arm and headed for the door. Heero grinned as he saw Hilde drag Duo to his horse and watched they ride away.

Bobby came up to him and asked, "Mr. Yuy, will Duo be gone the rest of the day?"

Heero grinned and nodded at the boy, "And maybe tomorrow, too."
The boy looked confused , then thought a moment and grinned.

Duo kept giving Hilde side long glances all the way back to the ranch. She smiled at him everytime he looked at her. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. She wasn't sure how she was going to accomplish what she planned but she was going to go through with it. She needed and wanted this. She was pretty sure Duo did , too.

When they got to the ranch, Hilde deposited the basket and made sure they were really alone. Then, she took Duo's hand and pulled him upstairs. She pushed opened the door to her father's room, (Which by the way is Duo's room, too.) and went in. He followed her in. She stood in the middle of the room with her arms open wide.

He went to her and embraced her. He leaned down and kissed her. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Where were we, before we were rudely interrupted?"

she let go of his neck and started to unbutton his shirt. He swallowed and slid his hands over her shoulders touching the soft material of her shirt. Hilde finished unbuttoning Duo's shirt and pushed his hands away from her. She reached for the buttons on her shirt, unbuttoning them slowly. Duo's eyes watched her fingers as each button became undone. He watched as she slowly exposed the white camisole under her shirt. When she had her shirt open, she reached over and pushed his over his shoulders and down his arms till it fell on the floor. She then slipped her shirt off. She lifted her arms and slipped the camisole over her head exposing her breasts to him. She felt his hands on her before the camisole hit the floor. Duo gently slid his hands over her exposed skin. He touch her nipples rubbing them with his thumbs. They became erect and hard with his touch. She moaned softly, as he kneaded her breasts. She felt his tongue on one of her nipples as his other hand grasped her waist and pulled her closer to him. Hilde put her hands on his chest and slid them up and down catching his nipples with her finger tips. His mouth placed kisses up her body till he found her mouth. He guided her to the bed and gently pushed her down, his hand sliding up her back. He looked in her eyes, looking for something, maybe to stop or to continue. She sighed and nodded her head and closed her eyes. He kissed her and she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to him. Her nipples brushed his chest. He leaned in closer.She kissed his neck and then down to his collar bone. As she kissed him, her hands moved down to his pants. She fumbled with the buttons. He stood and unbuttoned his pants. He pushed them off. While he was taking off his pants ,Hilde unbuttoned her own and pushed hers off, letting them fall to the floor. They looked at each other, drinking in their nakedness. Duo crawled on top of Hilde. He touched her skin with soft movements. Hilde gasped and moaned at his touch. He moved his fingertips down her stomach and to her patch of dark hair. He slipped his fingers down between her legs and gently probed inside. She arched her back at his touch. He moved his fingers inside finding her clit and rubbed it as she writhed under him. She reached down and pulled his fingers from her. She sat up and pushed him down, with her on top. She reached for his erection and slid her fingers up and down it. He shuddered under her touch. She rubbed him up and down, watching his face. After a couple of strokes his stopped her. He sat up and pulled her to him. He kissed here with deep passion and pushed her down under him. He spread her legs and pushed him self to her opening. He pushed in with one quick motion. She cryed out in pain. He didn't move waiting for her to be ready. She moved her hips and he took that as his signal to continue. He moved in her slowly at first, rubbing so she too would have some sensation. As she moved her hips to meet each of his thrusts, he began to move faster until they both cried out in ecstasy. They lay in each others arms , exhausted from their exertions. Duo wrapped his arms around Hilde as she snuggled close to him.

"Duo.... do you think less of me now?" Hilde asked him, feeling little guilty about what happened.

He pulled her on top of him, so he could look into her eyes.

"No, should I?"

"Well........."

"Hilde, " he said, looking into her eyes, "I love you. This not a one night stand. Yeah, we could have waited but, we are getting married in one month. And I'm kinda glad we didn't wait. It just makes me love you even more." He pulled her to his chest and put his chin on the top of her head. "How are the plans going, Hilde?"

She slid her arms around him and snuggled closer. "I found my mothers dress and a journal that was hers. We should look at it sometime."

"You want me to look at it ,too?"

"Yes, you're going to be my husband, we should share these things. Other than that, I think everything will be ready when it's time."
"Hmm. Good." He pulled the blankets up over the both of them as they slipped quietly to sleep, still in each others arms.

~~~~~~

Part Eighteen

~~~~~~

It was midnight as Cannes pretended to make rounds. He had a guards uniform on and he looked like a guard. No one stopped him, or even challenged him. * This is too damn easy. Fools! *

He walked into the mine. He grabbed a lantern and walked to one of the older shafts, that they were still working in. This mine was extremely rich. Every new vein they found was richer and higher quality.

Cannes was pissed, this was his men and he wanted it. If he couldn't have it, he would cause so much trouble that they would give up and abandon it. He pulled a small hatchet from the back of his shirt, where he had concealed it. He was careful to make sure he didn't make too big of holes in the wooden support beams. He wanted it to fall in a few days , not tomorrow. When he thought he had done a good enough job, he looked at his handiwork and smiled. He turned from the mine and walked out. * Now, if I can get a wall or two to fall on Maxwell, my revenge would be complete! * He laughed out loud.

Zechs walked by him, when he was outside and nodded to him. Zechs knew the job was done.

Morning......

Sally knew the house was quiet, maybe too quiet. She moved quietly through the house checking rooms. WuFei was down stairs in the kitchen. Howard had told her that Duo's horse was still in the barn. So that ment that unless they were out walking , they were here. She opened doors as she walked. She opened Hilde's door and peered in. No one was there. She then went to Duo's door, She only hesitated a second before she opened the door. She was, but not really, surprised at what she saw. Duo and Hilde were wrapped in each others arms, with the blankets pulled up over them. Sally grinned and quietly closed the door. * About damn time! * She thought, grinning.

About two weeks later, the April rains had come, soaking everything . Water ran in rivulets from everything. Clothes were soaked, bedding got wet, and the mine was a muddy mess. The rain ran into the mine filling low places and making everyone miserable. Cannes grinned slyly. This was just the ticket to get those beams to break. That part of the mine had a water problem anyway, so it wouldn't take much.

Zechs didn't like Cannes plan. He didn't like the fact that Cannes didn't care who he killed as long as it suited his needs. Zechs liked some of these convicts, they weren't all bad. He even was starting to respect Duo. He was a fair and honest man. Zechs decided that he wanted no part of this plan. He went to get his horse and rode away from the mine. He had to go see someone in town before he completely disappeared and left the country.

Duo went into the mine with Bobby and several of the other convicts. They went into the old mine shaft and Duo sent them to work. He looked around the shaft, worriedly. He held his lantern up to inspect the walls. They seemed to be glistening . The ground under foot was squishy. He heard a small noise, like a snap and then a groan.

"SHIT!!! BOBBY!!! Get everyone out, NOW!" But he had noticed too late, and the damaged beams gave out with a loud snap and rumble. The dirt and rock started to fall on every one. Several of the men where caught under the onslaught of tons of dirt, mud and rocks. Duo was far enough away that he wasn't caught in the full blow but some of the dirt caught his ankle as he turned to go, trapping him to the ground. A few rocks pelted him as he lay on the ground. He covered his head with his hands, as he was pelted with small rocks. One got through his protection and knocked him out.

Bobby almost panic when the ceiling came crashing down. He got a hold of him self and went to check on some of the other prisoners. He saw Duo lying on the ground and ran over to Duo.

"Duo!" He ran to his boss's side. He started to dig the dirt away from Duo's leg, looking around for help. Some of the other convicts came over to help him.

Heero stood by the mine entrance, talking to Trowa, when he heard a rumble. He frowned and looked up to the sky. It was raining but the sky was wrong for thunder. He turned to the mine. He jumped back as several of the miners ran out screaming about a collapse and men trapped. He looked into the darkened Shaft and ran in. He stopped when he saw several of the miners carrying someone out. Heero ran up to them.
Bobby shouted to Heero, "there are several more men trapped, but I'm afraid some of them may be dead."

"Duo?" Heero asked, looking at the unconscience form of his friend.

"I think he's OK. I think his ankle is broken, Heero, And he got hit in the head with a rock."
Heero looked closer at Duo. His ankle was twisted in an odd angle and there was blood trickling from his head. Heero turned to Bobby.

"Can I trust you, Bobby, to go get Miss Hilde and Miss Sally? You won't run away?"
"Yes, sir. I'll go get them."
"Tell Miss Hilde to bring all her hands." He turned to Trowa. "Will you go get Treise? Tell him to bring his hands, too. We'll need shovels."
Trowa and Bobby ran to their horses and took off at a gallop. Heero directed the men carrying Duo to the little miners shack. After they put him inside, Heero hustled them back to the mine and had them all pick up shovel and pick axes. He let them take him to the area. He stood in stunned silence as he looked at the devastation.

"OK, MEN! Let's get to work. We have lives to save."

Bobby thought about running away, but he made a promise to the sheriff and he would keep that promise. He never broke a promise. That's why he was in prison. He promised he would kill the man that took his girl from him and he did. So, this was no exception. Besides, Miss Hilde needed to know. He galloped into the yard, yelling at the top of his lungs, as he ran to the front door. He pounded on it till it opened.

Hilde looked at him oddly, "What is it, Bobby? Has Something happened?"
"Yes, " He gulped, "Duo has been hurt and there was a cave in. We need you, Sally, and your hands. Hurry!"

Hilde grabbed her coat, turned to yell at Sally but Sally was gone. She had heard the conversation and was getting everything she thought she would need. She was beside before she was ready to go out the door.

Sally headed to the barn and got the horses. Hilde went to find Howard. They were ready in a few minutes and took off for the mine.

Trowa rode up to Treise's ranch and went to the door. He banged on it till a maid opened. She looked at him.

"Treise. I need to see Treise."
She let him and led him to Treise's office. Treise looked up and then stood.

"Trowa Barton, what brings you here?"
The mine had a cave in. We need you to come and help."
"Of course. Let me tell Une and get some men."
He left the room. Trowa went back to the front door and waited for him.

Treise didn't take too long, and Une was with him. "She's coming along, too."
"The more the merrier."

Treise had his men outside waiting and they all headed for the mine.

Heero headed out of the mine. They had made little progress, and he wanted to check on Duo. He went to the shack and opened the door. He saw Duo trying to sit up. He dropped to his friend's side.

"Easy, Duo. You got conked on the head. Do you remember what happened?"
"Cave in, men trapped........." He groaned.

"Hilde will be here shortly. I sent for her and Sally. We're too far from town to get Doctor J. I also sent for Treise. What happened in there, Duo?"

"I don't know. It was wet. Maybe too wet. It was sound. The engineers said it was." Duo struggled to get up, but Heero pushed him back.

"Stay put. Your ankle is broken, Duo. You aren't going any where till it's splinted."
"Damn. What made this happen?"
"We'll find out." Heero stood up and went to the door and went back out into the rain. He heard the horses before he saw them. It was Bobby and Hilde.

He nodded to Bobby and pointed Hilde to the shack. She jumped off her horse and ran to the shack. Sally followed her.
Hilde pushed open the door. She was Duo sitting on the floor. He was covered with dirt and mud. Mostly mud. There was blood streaking his face. He looked up at her.
"Oh, Duo." Then she was by his side, wrapping her arms around him. He hugged her back and stuck his face in the crook of her neck.

"Damn, Hilde. I'm sorry. I should have been paying attention. This wouldn't have happened. No one would have been killed."

"Duo. This wasn't your fault." She pushed his face away so she could look into his eyes. She reached up and brushed his wet hair from his face. " You couldn't have known this was going to happen. How could you have?! The engineers said it was safe, right?"

He nodded, looking down at the floor. Sally came in and stood quietly by the door.

Hilde lifted his chin and looked into his eyes again, "Duo, you don't think some one went in and made those beams weak, do you? Could someone have done it?"

He looked at her and frowned. "Yeah, someone could have. We don't have that good of security here."

"See," she said, "if someone did that , then it really wasn't your fault. I'll go get Heero." Hilde turned to Sally, "I'll be right back."

Sally nodded and got down to look at Duo's head. She looked down at his ankle. "I’ll wait for Heero and Hilde, before I try to set that, OK? It's gonna hurt."

Hilde ran out into the rain to find Heero. When she found him, she drug him to the shack. Heero came into the shack and saw Sally ready to set Duo's ankle. He knelt down beside him and grabbed his arms.

"Wait, Sally," Duo said," Heero, check the beams and make sure they weren't damaged by someone."
"You think someone may have done this on purpose? Why?"

"I don't know."
Sally looked at both men and Hilde. "Ready?" She asked. Everyone nodded. Sally eased off Duo's boot, and pulled off his sock. The ankle was swollen and black and blue. "This will hurt, Duo. Hold him down, Heero. Ready, Hilde?"
Hilde put her hands on Duo's shoulders and looked into his face. He looked up at her.

Sally grabbed the ankle and made a quick jerking motion, snapping it back in place. Duo cryed out , then promptly passed out. Sally smiled and splinted it up and tightly wrapped it.

"We'll a have to keep him off it for a few weeks. I may be able to get a pair of crutches from Doctor J, but until then, you'll have to keep him down."
"You know that's gonna be impossible!"
Heero snickered, and said, "I know a way....."
Both women looked at Heero, shocked. "HEERO!"

Heero quickly stood up and left the shack. He went back to the mine. He shook his head. The mine was gonna be closed while this was cleaned up and all the bodies removed. He couldn't understand why, if someone did this, why they would.

Suddenly, there was a shout. Heero ran to the yell. He ran into the mine and saw a hole in the rubble. Several battered and bruised men were crawling out of the hole.

He walked up to Bobby, "How many have we lost?"

Bobby looked around, "I'm not sure yet, sir. I'm sure there are more buried under all of this. We at least broke through enough to get the trapped men out."
"Good. Duo will be glad to hear that."

Heero went back out, looking at all the men that were working on getting their fellow workers from the wreckage. Heero stepped out and saw Hilde holding Duo up. He was leaning heavily on her.

Heero walked over to them.

"They've broken through and are getting some the men out, Duo. We don't know how many are dead yet. This will take a few days to figure out. We will get this taken care of. You go home with Hilde. I'll keep you informed."
Duo shook his head, "I gotta stay here and ........."
Heero grabbed Duo's shirt, "What's the matter don't ya trust me? Go home with your girl and let her take care of you. You can't do a damn thing here. You can't walk, and I'm not gonna carry you around."
Duo gulped. He had never seen Heero lose his temper like this. He let go of Duo's shirt and looked at Hilde. "Take him home, Hilde. Sally would you stay a little longer? There are more hurt men inside the mine."

Hilde helped Duo to Deathscythe. She then mounted her horse and headed to the ranch.

Duo didn't say a word all the way home. Hilde looked over at him. His face was set.

"Are you mad at me, Duo?"
He didn’t say a word. He didn't even look at her. She bit back the tears, and set her face. He wasn't going to see her cry. She turned her face toward the trail. He looked over at her. He looked down at his saddle.

"Hilde."
"What, Duo?"
"I'm sorry."

"Oh."

She didn't say anymore to him, until they got back to the ranch. After she got him into the house, she asked him if he was hungry.

He looked at her and said that he was. When she went passed him to go into the kitchen , he grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his lap. He pulled her close to her and kissed her, and whispered in her ear, "I'm hungry for you."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
Duo pushed her back and said, "But before we go any farther, I need a bath."
Hilde giggled, and said, "I can fix that."

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