The Devilstone Registry: The 3:10 to Little Rock (9/12)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, and since it takes place in like 1875 it obviously didn't happen. If one of the idols tells me they don't want to be in fiction I will change their character name to Lars and call it a day.

SUMMARY: Shortly after the Civil war, a meteor crashed into Devil's Tower and the earth began to change. Strange creatures roamed lands once safe except for the occasional rattlesnake. A new ore, Devilstone, was discovered, with truly unbelievable properties. Some folks thought it was the end of the world. Some folks thought it was a new beginning. Some folks turned tail and fled. A few years have passed since the Great Trembling, and a small town has sprung up outside of Deadwood to house the miners and adventure seekers that have come for the Devilstone and the monster-infested Badlands. One of these men is Dr. Adam Lambert, PHD in the new field of Abstract Science. To watch over his valuable inventions and keep him safe on expeditions, he has hired the famous gunslinger, Kris Allen, better known as Arkansas to his face, or Krissy the Kid behind his back. The two men form a fast friendship as they round up evil-dooers, battle real-live nightmares, and make a few important discoveries about Devilstone, the human heart, and each other.

Awww, shucks, that made me cry.

TL;DR: OLD WEST BUT WITH STEAMPUNKY MAD SCIENTISTS AND HORROR SHOW CREATURES.


Author's Note: Beta by janesgravity If you've been enjoying the story, leave me a comment! I'll always reply! I love discussing and getting to know you so please say hello! Also, I have a bamberrific in town till Sunday AND WE ARE GOING TO THE CONCERT ON FRIDAY. FOLLOW ME @Elle_higgins, I'll be TWATTIN' So No new chapters till next week. BUT look at the chapter count. That's something, right?


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Dr. Adam Says Click Here or He Will Explode You

 

Prologue:

“Last one to town’s a hobbler!” Christopher Jones ran shrieking behind his brother, trying to catch up to Alan, who had always been faster.

“Stay with me boys, unless you want me to go get the cart.” Scott shouted, a little further back. “If you’re good we’ll stop at the general goods store and get rock candy.”

“Yay! Yay Uncle Scott!” The boys shouted, running in circles around the floppy-haired man.

“Do you have the money?” Scott asked, nodding as the boys each produced a crisp twenty dollar bill. The trackless was certainly expensive, and Scott had worried about the boys carrying so much money but Adam had insisted. If the boys had taken to their “Uncle Scott,” the love they showered upon “Uncle Adam” was at least sevenfold. He and Lil had welded together bunk beds in the hay loft for the boys, who thrilled at leaping off the ledge into a fluffy mound of hay at the bottom. Lil was in her element, fussing over Katy and the boys like it was her sole purpose in life. Scott also suspected she liked having another woman around. The two were fast friends, and if Katy thought that if was awkward that Adam had given her the master bedroom and bunked with Kris, she hadn’t said anything.

All in all, considering the usual pace of life with Dr. Lambert, the week had been fairly quiet. Scott mused. Kris and Adam had ridden into town every day to question the captive scientist. Scott didn’t know if their efforts had been fruitful. He had been surprised when Katy had announced at breakfast that it was time for her and her brood to be heading home. Not to her forlorn cabin, but to Arkansas. Adam had furrowed his eyebrows and Kris looked equally concerned, but she had been adamant.

So Adam had reached into his billfold and removed two twenty-dollar bills, handed one each to the boys, and asked Scott to take them into town to buy tickets. The boys were now sword fighting with sticks, and Scott absentmindedly thought about how much he’d miss them.

“Three tickets, sir!” Christopher set the money on the window sill as Alan spoke. Scott chuckled as the Trackless ticket man took the money but hesitated due to the lack of destination.

“Three trackless tickets to Deadwood and then tack on the Trackless-To-Track-Transfer service.” Scott clarified. “Leaving this afternoon.”

“Sure thing Scott. Hey your boss was just here buying tickets for the same train. What he make you run down here for?”

“Change of plans.” Scott said mulling this new development over. “Say, how many tickets did he get? I just want to make sure I got enough for the rest of us.

“Just the two. He and Krissy the Kid got some business in Deadwood? Oh, no they got the T4 service too. Must be heading the same direction as y’all.” The man said, checking his records.

“Yep, that’s the plan.” Scott said, although he had no idea what the plan was. He only knew that he and Lil would be holding down the fort for awhile. It would be strange to have such an empty house after a week of being packed in like baled straw.

“Uncle Scott! It’s time to go get rock candy like you said!” One of the twins yelled, waving from the door of the Trackless office.

“I better get going.” He said, tipping his hat. “That rock candy ain’t gonna buy itself.”

“Take care, Scott. Safe travels.”

“See you round, Ryan.”

***

“Did he say where they were heading, Seacrest?” The big man asked, clasping his hands down on Ryan’s shoulders. Ryan trembled. Trackless didn’t pay him enough to deal with this.

“N…nno. Trackless to Deadwood, 5 passengers, 5 T4 fees. That’s all I know.”

“Some good you are. I told you to find out where they was headed. We’ve been waiting for him to move for weeks now.” The man spit his tobacco onto the floor, making Ryan’s stomach turn. He hated the stuff. Ryan dug deep within himself and managed to drudge up something resembling courage.

“Look, I don’t know what you “Sons of the West” are up to, but you better just leave Dr. Lambert alone. He’s a good man.”

“Well would you look at that, boys?” The man said to his assembled thugs. “Ticket-man’s got some cajones.” The three men laughed and stepped menacingly close. Ryan swallowed hard.

“Unfortunately for Dr. Lambert, he’s also a very rich man. Just as bad, he’s wanted by an even richer man. I don’t care if he’s a good man – he’ll come with me or else he’ll be a dead man. But you got one thing wrong, Runt.”

“What’s that?” Ryan asked after a moment.

“We ain’t no sons of the west. We’re the Bass Mountain Boys.” The three men cheered, and Ryan could feel himself turn white as a sheet.

“Tie’em up. Don’t want him running off to warn Dr. Lambert.” Ryan screamed as one of the men bound and gagged him. He was overpowered on every front, but he still tried his best to kick, scratch, and claw his way to freedom. He was overcome in the end, and could only watch from beneath his desk as the four men left the office, locking the door behind them with the key they had stolen from around his neck.

“Business is closed!” The headman called, and Ryan heard him flip over the little “open” sign on the front door. Hopefully someone would come looking.

***

THE TALE

Kris folded his clothes neatly and placed them inside the wicker traveling case that Adam had lent him. He had never taken the train before, never packed any more than what he could carry on his horse. All the extra clothes seemed superfluous, but he was going to see his family for the first time in years. He’d gone home for Daniel’s wedding three years back, and written lots of letters, but truth be told Kris had never intended to come home to stay without Katy. Now he was coming home with Katy in tow, and still, he wasn’t staying.

Katy, of course, had no idea he and Adam were coming along. They couldn’t hide the fact for much longer, but Adam wanted everything to be as set as possible before she tried to talk them out of it. They both worried that she could be a target for further harassment by the Sons of the West, and as Adam had put it, this was exactly the kind of situation he was trying to stabilize the Change potion for. Kris had protested, saying that there was no way Katy would agree to be used as a test subject for that sort of thing, but Adam had hushed him.

“That’s not the reason I’m going, Kristopher.” He had said, slipping a vial of the Change potion in his vest pocket none-the-less. “I’m going because you want to see her home safe, but you’re afraid to leave me alone. This” he said, patting his pocket, “is just in case.”

“Just in case Katy wants to try to fill out a pair trousers?”

“I’d be pretty upset if she tried anything like that.” Adam had snickered and shot him a knowing glance.

“Not like that.” Kris said, flushing a deep pink.

“Just in case-” Adam had hesitated a moment “-we need to travel incognito.”

“No one even knows we’re going. I thought that was the point behind buying tickets separately and having Scott go instead of Katy.” Kris had argued, still wary of the idea of Katy taking the Change potion.

“A good scientist leaves nothing to chance.” Adam had retorted and closed his case with a resounding snap.

Kris carried his case out to the back, where Scott had already loaded up Katy’s few belongings. Adam had taken her shopping the day after the dance and purchased the entire family new clothes. When she had protested, Adam insisted it was his fault she was in this position in the first place, so it was his responsibility to take care of her. Kris knew that Adam’s guilt ran a bit deeper than that.

“If it weren’t for me, you’d be taking care of her.” Adam had admitted in bed that evening, to which Kris didn’t have a reply. He just wound his arms tightly around the other man, and double checked that the doors were locked.

Adam met him at the door, carrying his traveling trunk and hatbox.

“You didn’t need to bring your entire laboratory.” Kris said, eyeing the huge trunk. “I suppose I’m going to be carrying that.”

“What else are bodyguards for?” Adam said, grinning as he hopped into the front seat, leaving Kris to load the luggage into the back.

“He just likes to watch you work.” Scott chuckled knowingly, and Adam jabbed him in the ribs.

“A lab assistant, stable boy, and a comedian!” Kris shot back, arms cramping from lifting the trunk. “You should be a vaudevillian.”

“Don’t encourage him!” Adam said. “He’ll be asking for a raise next, and we need him to drive us to the Trackless!”

“Us?” Katy had just stepped out onto the pack porch, wearing her new green sundress and a floppy hat. The boys were at her side, looking mournful and carrying baskets of baked goods from Lil. “Where are you two going?”

Adam and Kris exchanged glances, Adam slightly inclining his head as if to say “go on.”

“Well, I haven’t been home in awhile, and Adam’s never seen Arkansas, so we figured we’d just see you safely home and make a holiday of it.”

Katy turned to Adam incredulously.

“You want to take a holiday. In Arkansas. Even though you’re being hunted by a separatist group hell bent on tearing the country apart using your research for their nefarious purposes.?”

Adam shrugged.

“Wheels are in motion, Katy. One does not lay plans to infiltrate said separatist group overnight, lest one end up exploding another laboratory. Incidentally, it would probably be best for me to lay low for awhile. Keep moving. I have people doing some digging, and we’ll go in when I have the information I need. Not before.” Adam finished with a pointed look at Kristopher. When Adam had told Kris about the Englishman, Kris had been all for charging into battle, especially since Kara had disclosed his identity as a Mr. Simon Cowell. Simon was a well-known Devilstone prospector who made his home on the far side of Devil’s Tower, in southern Montana. He was mayor of a miner’s town and owned property all over the west, including a railway between Montana and Colorado. Adam had insisted on caution. The man was a noted philanthropist and a notorious gambler – Adam wanted to be sure she was correct before he moved against him. The light in the laboratory had been dim, and accents could be faked. Though the evidence had been enough for Kris, Adam wanted something more concrete.

“Still. You could take a vacation somewhere more sophisticated. Like New York, or –“

“Do you not want us to come?” Adam asked her honestly. “I rather thought you enjoyed our company.”

“No” she said, eyes welling up. “It’s not that…it’s just that you’ve done so much for us already. Kris was right. You’re the kindest, most generous man and I won’t ever be able to repay you-“

“Shh. None of that now. We’re going on a holiday!” Adam said, scooting over closer to Scott so that Katy could join him in the front seat.

Kris smiled warmly at his friend, but couldn’t help feel a little strange as Katy took his hand up into the cart and kissed Adam’s cheek, leaving Kris to sit in the back with the two boys.

***

The trackless driver nodded to them as they climbed aboard the passenger car and into a private enclosure.

“So the plan is to take the trackless to Deadwood and spend the night in town. Somewhere wholesome. Tomorrow, we’ll board the regular train and take it south to Little Rock via St. Louis. Adam explained to the boys, who were sitting on either side of him. Katy and Kris shared a bench seat, keeping a modest amount of space between them. “If anyone asks, Katy is my wife and Kris her brother. I think it would be best for the boys to be Kris’s sons, since they obviously don’t look anything like me.”

“They don’t look much like me either.” Kris said, feeling uncomfortable.

“It’ll be fun, Kris. Like a play.” Katy said, taking his hand.

“Can you boys remember that?” Adam asked. “We’ll have to change our names.”

“I’ll be Alan.” Said Christopher.

“I’ll be Christopher.” Said Alan. “Kris can be Adam!” Adam chuckled.

“I mean new names. We can’t just all swap.”

“I want to be Jon.” Christopher said, his face falling a bit. It was easy to forget that these boys had lost the only father they had ever known. Kris felt instantly guilty at being slightly jealous of the way they had taken to Adam. Truth be told, he had tried to distance himself from Katy and the boys the entire week. He didn’t want them becoming attached – or to become attached himself. It was against his nature, but surely it was better than way.

“That’s a nice name, Jon.” Kris said encouragingly. He couldn’t help but notice Katy stiffen.

“I’ll be Uncle Scott. Well, just Scott.” Alan said. “I wanna wear those glasses. Can I get some nifty goggles, Uncle Adam?”

“Please, call me Mitchell. That’s my middle name. I need a last name – something posh. Mitchell Labry. That oughta do. Kris, do you want to use your middle name?”

Kris thought. Neil had been his father’s name. His father had never come home from the war, and Kris still missed him something fierce. He shook his head sadly.

“I’ll go by Bradford. I had a cousin Bradford. Katy?”

“I remember Bradford. Bradford Bell. You do look kinda like him.” She paused, thinking. “I think I’ll go with Wilhelmina.”

“Ok, we are Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and Wilhelmina Labry, traveling with our dear brother Bradford Bell and his sons Jon and Scott. What happened to your wife, Mr. Bell?”

“My wife?” Kris asked, confused momentarily. “Oh, uh, she ran off with another fellow, leaving me to care for our two sons.”

“Excellent.” Adam nodded, as if that settled everything. The new names didn’t help Kris’s sense of unease. If anything, he only felt more unsettled. A few fake names and a flimsy cover story wouldn’t deter the Sons of the West from finding them if the word got out that they were on the move.

Kris lay awake in the hotel bed for a long time, wondering exactly what the sleeping arrangements were in the next room. The boys were in a room that adjoined his, in a room Kris suspected used to sleep “staff” while they weren’t on duty. It was a little after two am when Kris heard a knock on the door.

“Bradford, might I have a word?” Adam’s voice came through the thin wooden door and it took Kris a moment before he recognized the name as “his.”

“Coming, Labry, coming.” He rose and unlocked the door, letting a very sleepy-looking Adam.

“Thought she’d never drift off.” Adam mumbled, pulling Kris to him.

“She always was a talker. You better be careful, Adam, I think she’s got a crush on you.”

Adam frowned.

“Don’t be absurd.”

“Why wouldn’t she? You’ve been showering her with attention, gifts, talking about taking care of her and the boys. You’re great with kids. You’re brilliant, wealthy-“

“Extremely good looking” Adam chimed in.

“Don’t leave out modest.” Kris finished.

“Exceptionally modest.” Adam corrected, leaning down for a quick peck.

“Just be careful, you know? I just broke her heart, don’t let her pin her hopes on you. Unless you intend to –“

“Kristopher Allen. Are you jealous?”

“Adam, I’ve told you a hundred times I’m not going to run off with Katy, I thought we were past that.”

“Not of me. Of Katy. Lord, you are, aren’t you?” Adam was clearly amused, barely able to keep the laughter from his voice. “I’m sorry, Kris, did you want to pretend to be my wife? You could take the Change.”

“No!” Kris said, feeling flustered. Adam was unbuttoning his smalls, sliding his hands inside the garment to rest his hands on Kris’s skin.

“I didn’t think we needed to discuss this, Kristopher, but not all of us are as versatile in their attractions as you. I promise you. She’s got nothing that I want, and you have everything I do.

Kris inhaled as Adam moved his hands lower to prove his point.

“This is a good discussion, I’m glad we’re having it.” Kris whispered. Adam kissed him hard, pushing him backwards with one hand whilst the other remained occupied.

***

“Three tickets to St. Louis, please.” Kris said, laying down twice the amount of money a train ticket would cost.

“Names?” The clerk asked, eyeing the stack of bills curiously.

“Bradford Bell and sons.” He said, pushing the cash forward.

“Very good, Mr. Bell. The train will be boarding shortly.” The clerk pocketed the bribe. Kris just hoped it was enough to keep the clerk from “recognizing” him. He was also counting on his reputation to strike a bit of fear into the man. He’d have to remember to thank Anoop later.

Kris and the boys joined Katy and Adam already aboard.

“Uncle Mitchell!” The boys shouted as though they had been separate for days instead of hours. A few of the other passengers shot them annoyed looks.

“Easy, there boys. I know you’re excited but you gotta keep the noise down. People are trying to read.” Kris looked around and to his dismay; several of the occupants had copies of the Weird West Weekly open. Kris could only hope that this week’s issue didn’t feature an illustration of the latest adventures of Dr. Lambert and Arkansas. From the stares he got, he didn’t think they were that lucky. Forget about thanking Anoop later, he told himself.

“I was worried you weren’t going to get here, Bradford!” Katy said loudly, rising and kissing him on the cheek. “How are your sons? My, my they are growing up so fast. Only a few years ago they were just babies. Hopefully someday Mitchell and I will settle down long enough to have a brood of our own.”

Adam’s eyes went wide and he coughed as if choking.

“Oh, Mitchell, don’t be shy.” Katy said, taking her place at his side.

Kris looked around. The entire car had gone from watching the “family” to looking anywhere else. He beamed at Katy. Kris always thought she would have made an excellent actress, if such a career would have been considered suitable for a young woman.

The train was fairly smooth, but Kris found that he missed the feel of Conway beneath him as the miles rolled past. There was something about traversing the country in the open air, exposed to the elements that he liked. It was less of a process, this, and there for people seemed to appreciate it less. They missed the flat, smooth planes of Nebraska stretching out towards forever while they buried their noses in newspapers or embroidery. Dinner aboard the train was a surprising affair. Kris was shocked to learn that the train didn’t stop while its passengers partook of their evening meal, so he had to deal with the uncomfortable rocking motion of the cars as he dined on roast beef. Looking around, he noticed that others were dining on less palatable fare and again marveled at Adam’s generosity. Adam didn’t seem to think that eating roast beef and vegetables with a rice pilaf on a moving train was out of the ordinary, so Kris didn’t remark upon it. The boys remarked plenty when the server produced a chocolate birthday cake and sat it in front of Kris.

“It’s my dear brother’s birthday this evening, folks!” Adam said, raising his glass of champagne. “If we could all toast to Bradford Bell!”

The dining car erupted into “hear, hear!” and claps. Kris was sure his face was ten shades of red.

“Now everyone knows your name.” Adam mumbled. “Plus, we have cake.”

“I heard you were a genius, but this is a true stroke of brilliance.” Katy said, leaning over to whisper in Adam’s ear. Adam smirked at Kris, licking chocolate icing off his finger.

Kris shook his head, unable to keep the grin off his face. He didn’t know whether to feel bad for women everywhere, or relieved on their behalf that Adam had no interest in the fairer sex. He settled for relieved on his own behalf as he tasted the icing. Two could play at that game.

***

If eating aboard the train was difficult, sleeping was nearly impossible. Kris kept waking up with his face pressed into the metal guard rail, Adam taking up most of their two-person bunk. Katy and the boys seemed to be immune to the motion, peacefully snoring in the bunk above. The train gave a sudden lurch and Kris found himself regretting the second piece of chocolate cake he had for desert, in spite of the chocolate-tasting kiss Adam had pressed to his mouth after Katy and the boys had gone to bed.

He got up, climbing over Adam who groaned in his sleep, and dashed to the door, trying to remember where the water closet was aboard the train. He stumbled to it and lost his dinner, his stomach clenching as the nausea left him in waves. The tastes of chocolate and roast beef should never be combined, he thought as he rinsed out his mouth in the sink.

Moving back into the hallway, the train gave another lurch. Kris grabbed the wall to steady himself, thinking about heading back into the bathroom when he heard a strange “pop.” It wasn’t terribly loud, and if it weren’t for the fact that the water closet car was in the front of the train, Kris didn’t think he would have heard it at all. After a moment of quiet, Kris decided it was probably nothing and headed back to their sleeping room. That is, until the train started to slow. They were in the middle of nowhere, Nebraska, and Kris didn’t think there was any mention of stops along the line. He doubled his speed in an effort to get back to the sleeper car.

When the train had slowed to a running pace, Kris heard one of the doors pop open. They were being boarded. He crouched low behind a row of seats, thankful for once that he was so short.

“They’re on this train. Ticket clerk said he sold them tickets just before boarding time.”

“Yeah, but he said that just before you put a bullet in his brainpan. Coulda been desperate.”

“Boss said two men, two boys, one woman traveling together. How hard could it be?”

Kris waited till they were into the next car, thanking God that they had headed in the wrong direction. The train was slowing down quickly, and Kris knew they didn’t have much time.

He pushed into the sleeping car and fumbled around for Adam’s vest. Pulling out the vial of Change, he stood on his bunk and shook Katy awake.

“Katy, no time to explain but drink this. And be quiet.” Katy nodded, her eyes going wide.

“You’re gonna feel funny.” He said as she downed the liquid. “Adam, wake up.” Kris gently nudged Adam with his foot.

“Sleepin’ Baby.” Adam mumbled. “Love you up later.”

“Dr. Adam Lambert, in the name of …science, you wake up right now or I swear to god I will punch you in the face.” Kris said, nudging him with his foot again.

“Kriiiisss…” Katy said, her voice on the edge of panic. She was looking at her hands in terror, as they were growing larger by the minute.

“It’s ok Katy, it’s only temporary. Adam, Katy took the Change, wake up and supervise or whatever it is you’re always doing in the lab.”

Adam was up quick as a flash.

“What’s happening?” Adam said, popping his head up as if he’d been awake for hours.

“We’re boarded. There’s men on board looking for two men, two boys, and one woman traveling together. I snuck back in here, gave Katy the Change, and now we should split up. I’ll take Alan, you stay here with Katy and Christopher.”

“What’s the Change?” Katy said, her voice a good fourth lower than it should be.

“You’ll need to borrow my clothes, Katy. Just hurry up now and slip into my trousers like a good girl. Boy. Man.” Kris tossed a pair of his trousers at her along with a shirt and vest.

“Man?” Katy asked, but all of a sudden comprehension dawned on her, and when she inexpertly got down from the bunk to shimmy into some trousers, Adam’s face lit up.

“Complete success.” He said, grinning. “Though I should really take a closer look-“

“Adam!” Kris said, almost shouting. “Not. Now. Not. Ever.” Kris moved in front of Katy while she dressed, looking at Adam pointedly before pressing one of his six-shooters into Adam’s hand. Adam caught his hand and pulled him close briefly.

“Stay safe.” He mumbled, kissing Kris on the cheek.

“You too.” Kris said, slightly embarrassed by the show of emotion, but knowing why Adam had taken the risk “Uh, Katy. Nice moustache.” Kris said, unable to keep the grin off his face when he turned to see Katy, who was duded up like a proper cowboy.

“This is by far the most surreal moment of my life.” She said as Kris lifted little Alan out of the bunk and removed him from the sleeping car.

Kris edged down to the second class car, hoping there were some open seats amongst passengers who hadn’t been able to afford a sleeping car. Seeing two open seats, he slid in carefully. Not wanting to cause a panic, he pulled his hat brim low to cover his eyes and took the still-sleeping Alan’s hand.

There was nothing to do but wait. After fifteen excruciating minutes of wondering if Adam’s car had been checked yet, Kris sighed in relief when he heard footsteps entering second class. There hadn’t been any gunfire. The ruse had worked, at least for now. Kris wasn’t sure that in daylight Adam’s striking appearance and his own fame wouldn’t give them away. The train had stopped completely, and the lack of motion was causing a few people to wake up.

Kris decided to chance a glance up at the men in his car, doing his best to look sleepy. There were two men in his car, and Kris guessed there were more elsewhere on the train. His fingers itched to pull his gun and shoot them before they even knew what was happening. But it was a crowded car, and the last thing he wanted to do was cause a panic. Still, dawn was coming fast and furious and bringing with it proof of his identity. Half the people on the train had noticed his “resemblance” to “Krissy the Kid.” It would be foolish to assume that hired assassins wouldn’t know what he looked like.

The two men were shaking their heads and moving past. Kris slumped lower in his seat. The two men were almost out of the car.

“Mama?” Kris heard a small voice ask. “Kris, where’s Mama? I want Mama and Uncle Adam.”

Alan was awake. Kris squeezed his hand, but it was too late. The men had heard the names “Kris” and “Adam” and had turned around. Kris only had a second to react. He pushed Alan’s head down low and turned around in his seat, drawing his pistol at the same time.

He fired the first of his shots, missing the gunman by an inch. Not good, he chided himself, you don’t have bullets or time to waste reloading. He closed one eye and fired again, catching the first man in the chest just as a bullet slammed into his own right shoulder.

The car was a cacophony of screams as people woke up amidst the gunfight.

Kris screamed in agony as he lifted his arm to fire again, the pain from his shoulder shooting right to his fingertips. Alan was wailing as the blood began to drip onto the floor.

Kris squeezed the trigger twice before ducking quickly to avoid the remaining gunman’s second shot. He popped up again, relieved that the man had fallen.

Kris turned to help Alan off the floor.

“We gotta get back to Mama, bud. Come on.”

But Alan was shrieking hysterically, unable to move. The woman next to him tugged on his sleeve.

“Arkansas, leave the kid with me. He’ll be safer, and I’ll watch him. I won’t move. “

Kris nodded.

“What’s your name, ma’am?”

“Call me ‘Lex. Everyone does.” She said. “Not that this is the time for introductions.”

“Alan, Alan. Stay here with Lex. I’m gonna go get your Mama.”

Alan wailed again, but Kris tore away and started moving back towards the sleeping car, hoping he could make it before all hell broke loose.

***

“Where’s Alan!” A deep voice boomed the moment Kris popped into the car. In the growing dawn, Kris had to blink before he recognized Katy. Her voice was male, but the movements were pure Katy. She floated to Kris and grabbed him. “You’re bleeding! God, where’s Alan.”

“He’s fine. With a woman in 2^nd class. He was too scared to move and moving makes you a target. He’ll be fine.”

“What about you?” Katy said, as close to shrieking as a male voice could possibly come.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m..I can…” Kris fought to keep the world from spinning.

“I gotta patch him up before he bleeds out.” Adam said, shoving Katy aside and taking control of the situation. He pressed the gun into Katy’s shaking hands. “You know how to use this?” She nodded hesitantly.

“Let me, Mama, I know how.” Christopher said, starting to slide out from his hiding place in the corner.

“No!” All three adults shouted.

“I can do it.” She stood by the doorway.

“Stay with me, baby.” Adam said, keeping his voice pitched low.

“Just a shoulder wound. Should be fine.” Kris mumbled, at least that’s what he thought he mumbled. Adam left his field of vision momentarily and returned with his medical bag and the single shot stunning weapon.

“Gotta stop the bleeding. This is gonna hurt, Kristopher. Just keep looking at me. That’s it.”

Adam was leaning over him with a scalpel and a long tweezers.

“Don’t look at the knife, look at me baby. Shhh.” Adam said, keeping his voice as even as he could, but Kris could tell he was terrified.

Just when Kris thought it was impossible for the pain to be any worse, the scalpel sliced into his skin.

“Adam!” Kris screamed. As his mouth opened, Adam stuck a glove in his mouth.

“Bite down. Think of me, Kristopher. I love you. Just keep holding on.” Adam stuck his tongue out, cutting a little deeper. Kris screamed into the glove. It was like walking on a broken glass bottle and not removing the glass from your foot.

“What are you doing to him?” Katy said, voice trembling.

“Taking the bullet out. Watch the door.” Adam said, not taking his eyes off his patient. He set the scalpel down and pushed the tweezers into the wound. Kris could feel the instrument probing and pinching and finally scraping against something hard. Bone or bullet, he couldn’t tell. Tears were falling from his face and he was certain that the only thing keeping him conscious was the pain.

“Got it. Oh, I got it. It’s over, love.” Adam tossed the bullet on the ground, and it rolled beneath the bunk, leaving a bloody trail in its path. “Christopher, bring me the needle and black thread.”

“Don’t wanna!” The boy said, shrieking.

“Christopher Jonathan Jones you do as you’re told this instant.” Apparently his mother’s voice, even in its altered state, carried with it a deeper threat than the scary sight before him. Kris saw him hand Adam the sewing kit.

“There’re coming.” Katy said. “ Oh my god, Kris. Three of them.”

“Let me up, Adam.” Kris said, trying to push him away.

“Kris you can’t…”

I can use my other hand. Let me up.”

“You’ll bleed to-“

“Adam.” Kris looked up, trying to communicate everything he needed to say in one glance. He didn’t have the strength for words. He didn’t need them. He helped Kris to his feet, steadying him as he walked towards the door.

“Give me the other gun, Katy.” Adam said, holding out his hand. The two men left the sleeper car, Adam trying his best to keep Kris steady.

“There they are!” Kris heard a voice, and lifted his gun towards the sound. Adam guided his wrist, which was good because his vision had started to go fuzzy.

“Now” Adam said, and he pulled the trigger. One of the fuzzy shapes collapsed, and Adam pulled them both behind a row of chairs. Adam popped up with the stunning weapon and fired his one shot. Kris listened and was relieved to hear a clatter as the man fell to the floor.

“Just one more Kris. Kris!”

Kris heard his name, but couldn’t answer. The world had slowed, and he was swimming underwater, getting further and further away from Adam with every stroke.

***

The first thing Kris remembered seeing was Adam’s face, pressed about two inches from his nose.

“Shh. I think he’s coming round.”

“Thank God.” Katy said, her voice back to normal.

Kris shoulder gave a distinct throb. His throat was dryer than the Badlands in August.

“Boys?” He managed to wheeze.

“They’re just fine, baby.” Adam assured him. “Lex is looking after them both.”

“Nice lady. How’d you meet her?” Katy asked, and Kris saw she was still in his clothes. He couldn’t have been out for too long.

“Funny story, I got shot in the shoulder.” Kris said, and Adam’s face lit up.

“Well you’re paler than me, which is saying something, but you’re joking so I officially pronounce you all better.” Adam said, squeezing his hand.

“Did you get ‘em?” Kris said, not knowing about being “all better” but he certainly felt more awake.

“I got ‘em good. Right between the eyes. Twice. Same hole.” Adam said, and Kris could see Katy laughing in the background.

“Good for you. Snoop will want an exclusive.” Kris said, reaching up with his good arm to wipe away blood that had dried on Adam’s face.

“Suppose he will. But he’s not going to get it for awhile. I have a patient to take care of.”

“I’ll just…I’ll just give you two a moment.” Katy said, rising. “We can talk later.”

“Katy.” Kris said. “Stay, just a minute. I want you to hear-”

She turned towards the two men, her eyes full of tears.

“I heard enough to piece it together, I think.” She said sadly.

“Katy, don’t cry. I just – we just.” Kris floundered for words and looked up at Adam.

“Sometimes you don’t pick who you love, Miss O’Connell.” Adam said, rising to his feet. “Sometimes life picks for you. And when it’s life that does the choosing, nothing can stand in the way of it. Kristopher and I…well, we’re meant to be. As strange as it sounds or looks. I’m not a believer – or I wasn’t, really. I never had enough proof to believe in the hereafter. Now, Kris is proof enough for me.”

Katy took a step towards Adam, and Kris worried for a moment that she was going to slap him. Instead, she leaned in and kissed him gently on the cheek.

“You’ve got a patient to take care of, Doctor. Don’t go troubling yourself on my account.” Katy smiled. “Though if you break his heart you’ll need more than a needle to sew up the hole I’ll put in you.”

“You’d a made a good man, Miss O’Connell.” Adam said, returning her gesture. “Because I am legitimately terrified of what you’d do. But have no fear. I’ll take good care of him.”

Katy sniffled and scooted over to the bunk where Kris lay, baffled by the scene in front of him.

“And that goes double for you, Mister.” She said, kissing him on the forehead before turning and giving the men their privacy.

“That was quite possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Kris said, taking Adam’s hand as he knelt beside Kris again.

“That’s what you said the first time you saw me nude.” Adam said, pouting. “You’re heartless.”

“Shut up and kiss me, Doctor.” Kris said, wanting to wipe the arrogant smirk off Adam’s face the best way he knew how.

***

“Krissy!”

The blonde woman at the platform was waving her scarf over her head. Behind her, a tall man holding a little girl struggled to avoid her flailing arms.

Kris ran over to her.

“Mama!” He said, stooping low for a kiss and hug. “Oh! Don’t cry Mama!”

“I was so worried when I got the telegram! I prayed the entire rosary three times before I even put the paper down.”

“Was nothing, Mama.” Kris said, pulling back to embrace his brother as best he could with only one arm.

“Who is this little angel?”

“This is my little Mary. Mama says she looks just like you did when you were little. Good thing you’ve been away so long or I might have to challenge you to a duel.” Daniel Allen said, grinning.

“Mrs. Allen!”

Katy had gotten off the train, her two boys in tow.

“Why, my Lord. That’s can’t be…” Mama Allen was covering her mouth in shock.

“It’s me, Katy-“ Was all Katy could get out before she was cut off by a huge hug from Mama Allen.

Adam stepped off the platform, struggling to carry his trunk with all the carrying cases piled on top of it.

“Let me!” Daniel said, passing Mary off to his mother, who was still fawning over Katy and her sons. Daniel took the trunk from Adam and walked it easily over to their buggy.

“Mama, I’d like you to meet – “ Kris paused and Adam laughed lightly.

“Ma’am I’m Dr. Adam Lambert. Kris works for me, and we’ve come to be very good friends. “

“Well.” Mama Allen said, clearly flustered by Adam’s smile. “You’re the one who sent the telegram. You didn’t say you were the handsomest man anyone had ever seen.”

“I ran out of letters.” Adam said, laughing. “Or I would have included it.”

“He ain’t kidding, Mama. “ Kris said, playfully nudging Adam with his good shoulder.

“And who is this? Another friend of yours?”

The conductor had marched another man out onto the platform, his hands tied behind him.

“No, Mama. That would be one of the Bastards that shot me.”

“Language, Kristopher.” She said, frowning.

“That’d be my fault, Ma’am.” Adam said contritely. “I’m afraid I’ve taught you son a lot of naughty words.”

“Oh, stuff and nonsense.” She said, waving him into the buggy. “What are you going to do with him?” She asked Kris, pointing towards the captive.

“See what he knows and then turn him in.” Kris said. “Don’t much care what the law does with him after that.”

“Serves him right, shooting my boy. I’ll make sure to tell the sheriff to stop by for supper.”

“Thanks Mama. It’s good to be home.” Kris said, helping her into the buggy after making sure the captive was secure with the luggage.

“Nice to have you here. All of you.” She said, looking around at her new charges with a delighted smile on her face. “I made Dump Cake for the occasion.”

“Dump Cake?” Adam asked, and Kris could only laugh.

***

EPITAPH:

“Well, I won’t tell ya where they ended up but I will tell ya where they’ve been. Traveling between Deadwood and St. Louis is generally a pretty boring trip, but all that changes when you’ve got Krissy the Kid on board. Apparently he and Doctor Lambert have decided to take a scientific expedition via first class railway. Patrons tell me they shared a car with none other than Mrs. Katy Jones, whom I wrote about a few weeks back. Astute readers will remember her as the captured former flame of Arkansas himself. Have they rekindled their romance? Hopefully not on this trip, or that would have made for some awkward sleeping arrangements with her two children along, not to mention the Doctor.

Though traveling under flimsily constructed aliases (please speak with yours truly about undercover work, boys) the men were instantly recognized by passengers and railway workers alike. Not much use pretending when you’ve been featured in the best-read column in the West. The train was stopped halfway, and an inevitable firefight ensued. Arkansas was wounded in the fight, leaving Dr. Lambert to finish off the posse. Whatever happened to “And first, to do no harm?” I guess that sort of thing doesn’t apply when you’ve got a gaggle of gunmen in your sights.

After patching up both the Kid and the Train, our heroes continued on to parts unknown. Well, I know where they went but I’m not telling. It’s a matter of national security. The Snoop is in the thick of it, folks. Interesting weeks ahead.

Stay reading!

The Snoop



ONWARD, KRADAM SOLDIERS...