ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE

“Acting will happen even in the best regulated families.”

-

Oliver Herford

ST. LOUIS

1889

“This is your life or death emergency!” Hannibal Heyes bellowed from the empty stage his voice carrying easily to the last seat in the balcony causing nods of approval from the theater folk watching mesmerized in the wings.

“Now Heyes don’t get so excited,” Georgette Sinclair pleaded. “It was my big chance they only gave me the part because I said I knew you and Kid and could get you to come to the opening!”

Hannibal Heyes closed his eyes and mentally exhaled trying to calm down. He did not even want to think about what his partner was going to say or worse do when he arrived and found out they had been misled. Both of them had been working on separate cases when Georgette’s desperate plea to come save her had arrived and he had taken off immediately to help leaving his partner a vague explanation.

It had been several years since the two ex-outlaws had seen the dark eyed beauty and while they were fond of her neither one had complained about the separation. Trouble just naturally seemed to follow the woman, trouble they were usually called upon to untangle her from.

“George did it ever occur to you that we would be less than pleased to have a play written about us?” Heyes said wearily, his magnetic brown eyes tired from no sleep.

“But why? You're not wanted any more! And you’re famous!” Georgette added her eyes sparkling at the way the word tasted. “Why do you know the director thinks this will go all the way to Broadway!”

“When Kid finds out this director is going to wish he was all the way in Broadway.”

“But Heyes if you and Kid object and get it shut down we’ll all lose our jobs!” Georgette said suddenly worried.

Her confidence in her ability to sway the ex-outlaw was sinking with each passing moment. Heyes had never been a push over in the past, but now at the age of 37 with several post amnesty years under his belt and a successful if not thriving detective business he had grown even more formidable and confident. He had finally accepted who he was and felt at ease with it. And who he was, was a legend.

Heyes looked over at the worried troupe watching him. Acting was an uncertain life at best; George had proved that. And it couldn’t be any worse than those dime novels could it?

“Let me see the script,” he said face unreadable.

“Oh Heyes you're wonderful!” George said flinging her arms around him.

“We’ll see about that after I read the script.”

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

He hadn't changed one bit.

She felt sure time and a child's eye had colored her impression of him; shaping him into more myth than man, but oddly as she watched him take command she realized she had not even begun to capture him.

It was his eyes she remembered best. The way they would focus making a person feel as if he had forgotten the entire world to center on them.

Those eyes turned now, sensing her scrutiny, and startled she met them afraid and breathless for their reaction. Would it be more terrible for him to remember her or far worse to find he did not?

But he did not disappoint. She watched as he studied her searching his memory for why she was familiar until he came across that young girl on the brink of womanhood from his past and broke into a smile of recognition that made her laugh and go weak at the knees.

Hannibal Heyes had a way of doing that to a girl, no matter what her age.

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

"So where is he?" the tall British man asked running a worried hand through his shock of white hair nervously.

The cast around him blinked never having seen their fierce and terrible director so shaken and everyone hesitated to reply unsure of what the response would be.

"He's in Mr. Reed's dressing room sir," Georgette said wringing her hands nervously. "Mr. Reed hasn't arrived yet and Heyes wanted to read the script so I thought that..."

"And you gave it to him!" the man yelled his voice squeaking at the end. "Mr. Martin!"

The small fair-haired young man of twenty something hurried up.

"Yes sir?"

"Hannibal Heyes is in Mr. Reed's dressing room reading your play, is this going to get me shot Mr. Martin?"

"Ah no sir I don't believe so."

"Because I do not wish to be shot Mr. Martin or any of my cast or crew for that matter."

"I understand sir, but my wife spoke to him and he remembers her and…"

"Let us hope he remembers her fondly Mr. Martin."

"Sir, Mr. Giavelli is here," the stage manager, an older world-weary man whispered quietly in his ear. "He's here about this month's...payment?"

Lewis Cane, famed director and former actor went another shade paler and swallowed. Why had he even bothered to get up today?

"Thank you Mr. Paul, show him to my office."

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

“Come in,” Heyes growled after the door persistently knocked for the third time and looking up he saw two young boy’s heads peer in uncertain.

“Uh Mr. Heyes? We done brought you some coffee?” the fairer haired boy said. “Miss Sinclair said you might need some and she said to tell you she fixed it Irish. She also said even though you are the most famous outlaw leader in the west you won’t shoot us. If that ain’t true we can leave it outside here.”

Heyes found himself grinning and seeing his smile the boys glanced at each other relieved and hurried in followed by a little girl perhaps two years younger.

“Howdy Mr. Heyes, I’m Will, I play your cousin in the play. Ain’t it the finest thing you ever read?” He had hopped up on the dressing table like an old friend, eyes guile-less and friendly. “This here is Lionel, he plays you, does a fair job too I reckon, though you’d know more about that. That’s his little sister Ettie, she’s kinda shy, cept when she gets to know you, she plays your cousin Rachel…”

Heyes raised a hand and the boy stopped not offended and let his mouth close.

“Your Kid?”

“Well in the first part where you lose your folks.”

“Were terribly sorry about that sir,” Lionel said formally. “Must have been a terrible thing.”

“Did you cry?” Ettie asked.

“No, but the writer of this might. You both really kill 6 of Quantrille's men in this huh?”

“Aw Mr. Curry could do that blind folded,” Will said proud as punch of his character. “He’s the fastest gun in the west.

“Mr. Curry was 10, Will and I think he was only perhaps the 8^th or 9^th fastest back then,” Heyes said amused in spite of himself.

“Still you’re the best part I ever had,” Lionel said. “Usually I gotta cry and wear short pants and once they even made me kiss a girl.”

“Aren’t you kind of young to be an actor?” Heyes said laughing at his expression.

“Runs in his family, they make him, he was acting at 5 weeks old!" Will announced happy to talk about his new friend. "But he really wants to be an artist. You should see how good he draws!”

“And what about you, you an actor?” Heyes asked amused at the boy's easy way.

“Nope I’m a cowboy, well normally, I got sent up here for the summer cause my mama got sick back on the reservation and they didn’t want me to catch it. I saw the sign up saying they wanted boys to play Kid Curry and Hannibal Heyes so I tried out. Weren’t a boy who came who could hold a candle to me with a rope or a gun!” Will said proudly. “And they're paying me $2 a week!”

“You are not gonna close us down are you?” Lionel said suddenly.

Heyes looked at him, “Lionel no one asked us if they could do this.”

“Oh writers never ask. Mr. Martin says if you get yourself famous it’s your own fault if someone writes about you,” Will said and then added worriedly. “You aren’t gonna are you? I’m saving up for a saddle, a real one!”

“I think that will depend on my partner,” Heyes said.

“Think he’ll shoot anyone?” Will asked hopeful.

“Will I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t,” Heyes said picking up the script and then frowning at the noise coming from outside the door. The shouting was getting louder and then a woman screamed. Recognizing Georgette's voice from experience Heyes was on his feet gun produced from out of nowhere and out the door before the sound faded.

"Did you see that!" Will said his voice hushed as if he had just witnessed the Second Coming.

"I ain't never gonna be able to be him," Lionel moaned. "Even as a boy!"

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

"I'm telling you Cane you either give us the protection money or things are gonna start happening to yer production including members of your cast like this pretty little lady…" Luther Giavelli said tightening his grip on Georgette's arm.

He and his two men never saw Heyes. Big men, they were not used to anyone even thinking of taking the first punch and went down one-two; their glass jaws shattered. Then pulling Georgette free Heyes turned his gun on the three of them his eyes cold and his voice dangerous.

"Lady is a friend of mine," he said simply. "And I think you should leave now."

"You got any idea who you is talking to?" Giavelli said in angry amazement.

Heyes raised the gun and met the man's eyes and waited for him to blink.

He did.

"No, do you?" Heyes asked pleasantly, but even Georgette found herself shivering.

"This ain't the end Cane, we will be back," Giavelli said pulling his two dazed men up and pushing them out the door with angry disgust.

"Oh that's just great he'll probably burn the theater down!" Cane said throwing up his arms. "I could have got him the protection money I was just trying to buy time! And now you…who are you anyway?"

Heyes holstered his gun under his shoulder and squarely looked the man in the eye.

"I believe the marquee called me the most notorious and dangerous outlaw leader that ever roamed and ravished the west," he said dryly.

Cane swallowed, "Your Hannibal Heyes?"

"Yes and I think we need to talk."

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

"Giavelli is a throwback to the pirates on the Mississippi. Except he works on land exploiting people's fears," Cane said pouring Heyes a glass of whiskey and then himself. "He demands protection from all the establishments on the river front and for the most part people pay."

"And the police do nothing?" Heyes asked.

"The police Mr. Heyes are paid well to look the other way. It is a tidy racket and it works very well. Ah Mr. Martin, come in. Mr. Heyes this is our play write Mr. Martin, I believe you are acquainted with his wife?"

Heyes smiled at the pretty sandy haired girl whose hand the play write was holding for grim death.

"Mr. Heyes," the man said offering his free hand, which was shaking.

Heyes pretended not to notice the man's nervousness and shook it.

"So you are responsible for this?" Heyes asked quietly holding up the script.

Martin looked back at his wife who gave him an encouraging smile, "Yes sir I am. My wife, well having known you, gave me the idea. I did some research, talked to some people. A friend of yours, Bannerman Harry Brisco? He was a great help."

"Well that explains a lot," Heyes said sitting down as Georgette scurried into the room.

"Did I miss anything?"

"I imagine Miss Sinclair was highly helpful as well," Heyes said giving her a look.

She managed a frozen smile; "I just suggested a few things."

"And just what part do you play in this George?"

"I'm your mother."

"You’re my what!" Heyes yelled and everyone subconsciously took a step back.

"Mr. Heyes if there are some errors in the play I would be more than happy to make some corrections?" Martin said hopefully.

"Corrections? This needs to be completely re-written!" Heyes sighed wondering when his headache had started.

A knock at the door interrupted his suffering and Cane jumped up to defuse the moment.

"Ah Mr. Reed come in I would like you to meet your inspiration. Mr. Heyes this is Richard Reed, premiere actor late of Broadway. Mr. Reed is playing you sir in our production."

Heyes turned and looked at the sleepy eyed dark haired man before him. He was handsome and there was a dark edge to his eyes where Heyes could see why he had been chosen for the part.

"Mr. Heyes," the man said his voice slurred. "I am honored sir."

"This him?" a voice said and a tall lanky fair-haired man awkwardly pushed his way in the door. "Well hot damn Hannibal Heyes himself! I'm Kid Curry!"

Heyes considered this as Cane shook his head and looked heavenward for God to have sympathy and strike him dead.

"Mr. Heyes this is Mr. Tommy O'Hara he plays your partner," Martin said his voice trailing off on Heyes's look.

"Fastest gun in the west!" O'Hara laughed slapping Heyes on the back. "That’s why they chose me, but don't tell you partner, no reason to make him jealous!"

Heyes considered this as Georgette and Mrs. Martin closed their eyes praying for mercy for the man.

"Oh I promise I'll let you break that to Mr. Curry," Heyes said sweetly.

"Heyes what are you thinking?" Georgette said worriedly. Heyes was his most dangerous when he was the most charming.

"Oh what does it matter with Giavelli after us we won't have a chance of opening,' Cane said surrendering.

"If you open I'll make sure Giavelli isn't a problem," Heyes said quietly.

Hope came up in everyone's eyes as they looked at him. Even Reed seemed to rouse from his stupor impressed by the power in the man's statement.

"If?" Georgette asked for everyone.

"On three conditions. One I get to make some adjustments to this script."

"I would welcome your input!" Martin said excited.

"Two as far as Giavelli goes, I am in charge and you all will do what I say, understood?"

"And three?" Cane asked not daring to hope his show had been saved.

"Three when my partner gets here you never heard of me."

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

A week later Hannibal Heyes was beginning to regret his decision for the 8^th or 9^th time. He had spent some time walking the boards once working a con with Silky, but it had ill prepared him for the madness that was theater and the species known as actor.

"They have you standing in again?" she asked coming up behind him and turning he smiled. She was the one sane thing in the entire theater he had decided and a link from his past he found oddly comforting in the absence of his partner.

"Tell me does Reed ever sober up for rehearsal?" Heyes said annoyed pacing the stage set up to represent Devil's Hole and the Leader's cabin.

"He really is an amazing actor, don't worry he will be incredible opening night," she promised with a smile.

"I don't see how I know his lines better than he does," Heyes said frustrated sinking into his chair at the desk as he might have done in the past and how natural he looked made her smile.

"Mr. Heyes!" a loud voice burst from the calm.

"Does he ever not yell?" Heyes asked as Tommy burst onto the stage excited with Will and Lionel.

"You'll never guess what I did!" the actor said excited.

"Shaved another second off your time?" Heyes said innocently.

The man's face fell. "How did you know that? Well anyway I think I'm probably the fastest man in the whole world now. So don't you go worrying none about the Giavelli fellow. I know with your partner gone you must be feeling a little off center, but I want you to know you can count on me just like I was him."

Heyes stared at the man pausing for a moment to imagine the actor in place of his partner and shivering at the concept. "You are what lets me sleep at night Tommy," Heyes assured him standing.

The sound of the knife cutting through the air caused Heyes to turn as someone let out a scream, but there was no time to move aside.

There was also no need.

The bullet caught the knife in mid air, connecting and breaking it in two leaving it to fall useless at Heyes's feet.

There was a united moment of silence as all eyes traced the trajectory of the bullet to the man standing in the center aisle.

Kid Curry had not put any effort into looking like the cover of a dime novel. But standing there in his trail clothes, replacing his gun with a nonchalant flourish, he looked ever inch the gunslinger and ex-outlaw he was.

And as if to resolve any doubt he turned his attention to the man who had tossed the knife, reaching him before he could clear the door, and with one punch sent him back over the row of seating they had crossed to lay broken in the center aisle.

"Who is that?" one of the women whispered as Kid walked over and examined the man content he wouldn't be moving any time soon.

"It's him," Will said in awe.

Heyes more mad at nearly being killed was less respectful.

"It's about time!"

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

"You're scaring my actors," Heyes said amused as Kid sunk back into 'his' chair and looked around 'Devil's Hole' while all around him people scurried about quietly trying not to disturb the legends.

"Your actors?" Kid laughed shaking his head. "Heyes it's been a long ride, keep it simple, at least until I get some sleep and a bath okay?"

"You saw the marquee?"

Kid gave him a dark look, "Yea, what I want to know is why you haven't closed this down."

"I meant to, but it got a little complicated."

"Heyes the dime novels are bad enough, but this? And why was someone trying to kill you?"

"I think I might have found a way to crack that murder case we stumbled on in New Orleans."

"The Shelter case?"

"Yea remember that description Hadley gave us?"

"Yea but no one has seen him."

"That's because I think he's moved here under a new name. I telegraphed old man Hadley and he's making his way here. If he can finger this Giavelli he's ours."

"And you all ready got this Giavelli wanting to kill you, that's fast work Heyes even for you, but that doesn't explain why your letting this go on."

"Thaddeus?"

The voice startled him as did the name and he turned and stood at the pretty young woman smiling at him.

"I'm sorry I should say Mr. Curry, but I guess you both will always be Joshua and Thaddeus in my mind."

Kid frowned and then suddenly burst into a grin.

"Bridget? Bridget Jordan! My Lord girl did you grow up fine!" and with a laugh he swung the woman around in a hug.

"Ah Bridget perhaps you would like to introduce me to your friend," Martin coughed straightening so he felt taller.

Kid set the young woman down, but wickedly kept his arm firmly around her as he looked at the man.

"Oh my," Martin said at the steel blue eyes glaring at him.

"Kid this is Bridget's husband Michael Martin, he wrote the play about us," Heyes said sitting back to enjoy himself.

"A pleasure," Martin managed to cough out a greeting as he put his hand out hesitantly. "To meet you sir."

Kid paused just long enough to make a less courageous man turn and run and then finally releasing Bridget took it. "Mr. Martin. Got yourself a real special girl here, hope you understand that."

"Oh I do sir, I do," Martin said inching over to put his arm around her and Kid nodded approval at his daring.

"Bridget, Kid hasn't eaten do you think you could round up something…?" Heyes said.

"Oh of course! I'll see to it myself. It's so wonderful to see you again," she smiled and then reaching up on tiptoe kissed him on the cheek and hurried off her husband at her heels.

"That's the complication," Heyes said.

"Heyes I can understand you not wanting to let Bridget and George down, but a play?" Kid said disgusted falling back into his seat.

"Kid we gotta face facts if it doesn't happen now it will happen later, look what they did to the James Gang and they were rank amateurs. No we are victims of our own success and if were going to be immortalized for all the world to see I would like to have some say so in it."

"How bad is it?"

"Better, I had them re-write some things. Your gun only fires six bullets now for example."

Kid got up and stretched, "Well I'm gonna go get some sleep and a bath and leave you to playing outlaw…"

"Curry!"

Both Heyes and Kid whirled on the voice to see Tommy standing ready to draw across the stage. The next instant he went for his gun only to have the entire holster shot off its belt leaving Kid's gun smoking.

The actor let out a little whimper; "I was just funnin…it weren't loaded!" Almost crying the man scooted over and collected the holster and gun hurrying mortified off the stage.

"You gotta stop doing that to people, he's the fastest gun in the west you know," Heyes sighed.

"Wow!" came a voice from above them and looking up they saw Will and Lionel watching from the rafters stars in their eyes.

"What are you boys doing up there?" Heyes said disapprovingly.

"Ain't nobody that fast," was all Lionel could say.

"Howdy Mr. Curry, I'm you, could you teach me that?" Will asked hopeful.

"He's me?" Kid asked feeling like he had fallen into an asylum.

"As a boy."

Kid considered this, "Improvement on the other one."

Will beamed like he had been given the compliment of a lifetime.

"Yea well quit scaring the 'other one' we can't have him needing to change his pants every scene," Heyes said swallowing a smile.

"Complete madhouse," Kid said throwing up his hands and walking off mumbling.

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

It was the next morning before Kid Curry once more stepped inside the theater and was given a wide berth by the cast and crew who if they hadn't witnessed had heard of his exploits the previous day.

"They're all scared of you," Will said taking a seat next to Kid in the empty auditorium where he sat watching a scene being set up.

"And you're not?" Kid asked amused.

"No, you wouldn't shoot you!" Will said with childish logic that was first sensible thing Kid had heard in the theater.

"Good point, what about your friend?"

"His mom says he shouldn't talk to you. She's the actress playing Miss Porter, Lionel's dad is Sheriff Trevors."

"Whole family in it huh?" Kid said sympathetically unable to think of a worse job than speaking in front of an audience.

"Yea even his little sister is playing your sister."

Kid looked over and spied the little girl sitting on the edge of the stage swinging her legs back and forth bored.

"Rachel was older than me," Kid said softly.

"That's what Mr. Heyes said too, but he said Ettie is just as bossy as her so it's okay."

Kid smiled, "So what can I do for you Will?"

The boy looked up surprised, "How did you know I was gonna ask for something?"

"Just a guess."

Will took a deep breath trying to find the right words. "Its about Mr. O'Hara, Tommy? He's my friend, he plays you."

"We've met," Kid said and waited.

"Well he's gonna quit the show, he says he can't play you now and he feels like a failure and he's awful upset. I was hoping you might talk him into staying. I know he ain't you, but who could be? Please Mr. Curry he needs this job something fierce. He's got a wife and a little baby and…"

Kid held up his hand, "Where is he?"

"In his dressing room. He's packing."

"All right I'll talk to him."

"You’re swell Mr. Curry!" the boy said hugging him.

"Yea aren't I just," Kid sighed hoping Heyes wasn't watching.

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

"Got a minute?"

Tommy looked up terrified from his suitcase; "You come to finish me off?"

"Nope, just to talk," Kid said coming in and clearing a chair. "Pretty stupid thing you tried the other day. I could have killed you."

"I…I know," the man said deflating and dropping onto a crate to sit dejected. "I got caught up in being you."

"I asked around; seems you are really pretty good with that gun, worked some cattle drives, even did some deputy work."

"Yes sir, but I was crazy to think I could play you."

"I think the problem is maybe you don't know who I am."

"Oh everybody knows who you are! You and Mr. Heyes are legendary outlaws! Ain't a boy in the country ain't dreamed of strapping on a gun like you and riding the range wild and free."

Kid sighed his eyes pained, "And hungry and scared. Not knowing more days than not where your gonna rest your head or whose gonna try and kill you. Tommy if you wanna do me a favor play me so that no little boy in that audience ever wants to grow up to be me."

The young man stared at him, "I guess it must be hard not knowing who might be wanting to challenge you, kill you for the reward or your reputation," his eyes sobered. "I'm sorry I guess I wasn't seeing you as a real person."

"Good then go out there and play the part that way. Don't argue they got my partner reading your lines and he's enjoying himself way too much."

The two men smiled and shyly O'Hara offered his hand and Kid shook it.

"You mean that, about no one growing up to want to be you?" a voice said from the door as Tommy hurried out.

Kid met the eyes of Richard Reed; "I usually mean what I say."

"Most men would enjoy the infamy, the adoration," he said confused. "Isn't that why we do anything? For the glory? Or was it just for the money?" he added cynically.

"You are playing my partner aren't you?" Kid said holding the man's eyes. "Well let me tell you something about Hannibal Heyes. He never did it for the money. Oh he'll tell you different, but it was never the money that tempted him, it was the challenge, the contest. Heyes takes someone telling him a things impossible real personal. You learn to be half the man he is playing this role and mister you'll be able to do anything."

"You think a lot of him don't you?" Reed said considering this and impressed by it.

"Not a better man alive to have watching your back."

"Thank you, I'll remember what you said," and thoughtfully the man walked away.

"You forgot the part where I walk on water," Heyes said coming up behind him not sure if he was pleased or annoyed at what he had overheard.

"Let's hope it keeps him sober enough for opening night," Kid said brushing it aside.

"I see you got Tommy back on track."

Kid shrugged, "Favor to a friend. Any word from Hadley?"

"Should be here for opening night."

"Which means we have to be," Kid sighed.

"Did you see me playing you a minute ago? I think I got that look of yours down real well, wanna see my fast draw?" he added innocently.

With a dark scowl his partner walked away.

"That's the one!" Heyes called after him. "I think I do it better than you though."

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

"This is amazing, I don't know what you two did to them, but look at them…they are perfection!" Cane said in hushed awe in the wings with Curry and Heyes as the dress rehearsal ambled its way to completion. "Do you know Reed hasn't touch a drop since you spoke to him? It’s a miracle!"

And to the embarrassment of both men they were hugged soundly before he walked away.

"People way too friendly in this business," Kid said firmly.

"I didn't hear you saying that when you took that little actress back to our room last night," Heyes said grinning.

Kid smiled at the memory; "I was helping her with her lines." He stopped noticing Heyes's distracted expression; "You're still worried about this Giavelli fellow aren't you? Those men we hired have been doing a find job keeping the theater off limits."

"Yea which must be frustrating him."

"You still think he's got an inside man?"

"Yea, I do."

"Mr. Heyes?"

Both men turned to see Lionel's mother Georgina standing nervously.

"Yes Mrs. Blythe?" Heyes said gently knowing the woman was terrified of them.

"It's Lionel, I think something has happened to him and Will. They were here just a moment ago and they know they have a cue coming up."

"Well ma'am sometimes boys get to playing," Kid said trying to put her mind at ease, but giving Heyes a glance.

"Yes, Lionel knows the importance of a dress rehearsal, he wouldn't miss his cue, something has happened to them I just know it."

"What's the matter?" Tommy asked coming off stage with Reed.

"Lionel and Will are missing," Heyes said.

"Maybe Paul knows something," Reed said suddenly.

"Stage manager?" Kid asked.

"Yea I saw him talking with the boys just before I went on. Delivery fella was with them. Maybe he asked them to help him bring in supplies?"

"Oh dear," the woman gasped.

"George!" Heyes yelled waving the actress over. "You look after Mrs. Blythe were gonna go round up her son and Will."

"You need some help?" Tommy asked quietly.

"Yea we could," Kid said pleased. "We'll need to leave our men here in case this is a ploy to draw us off. Three looking will make it easier."

"Make it four," Reed said and the others turned to stare at him. "Don't be so surprised gentlemen. I grew up in Hell's Kitchen in New York. It might not be the wild west, but it taught me to take care of myself…and my own."

United the group hurried over to the door where the stage manager looked up surprised and slightly apprehensive.

"You fellas done for the night?" he asked.

"Where did you send them Paul?" Heyes said.

"Will and Lionel," Kid said losing his patience.

"I don't know what you are talking about?" the man said, but the fear was clear in his eyes.

"Look you little weasel I saw you with them and that delivery man," Reed said smashing the man up against the wall. "Now where did they take them?"

"Maybe we need to make him bleed a little to get his attention," Tommy said backing him up by pulling out a knife. "Got real good with this on the trail."

"All right! All right! They are just keeping them to make you look for them. They told me where we could find them after."

"After what?" Reed said punching the man in the kidney.

The man gasped, "The fire, they plan on torching the place."

"Where are they?" Tommy asked pressing his knife at the man's throat.

"That ole warehouse on the river, the one where they used to unload the slaves from Norlins."

Decking the man with a jaw breaking punch the two actors marched out the door.

"They're coming along nicely," Heyes said glancing down at the unconscious man.

"Yea, I thought so too," Kid nodded in agreement and stepping over the body followed them out the door.

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

"You never saw nuthin like it," Will said two hours later as the entire cast and crew stood around the boys listening in awe to a re-telling of the rescue. "We were trapped, maybe 20 of them…"

Kid glanced over at Heyes from where they stood in the back; "I counted six."

"Hush, I'm enjoying this," his partner countered.

"Me and Lionel well we figured we was done for sure. The men were getting ready to come torch the theater and kill you all!"

"They were having dinner," Kid said softly.

"There was kerosene in jars, let the boy talk."

"Then suddenly from the skylight Mr. Curry leapt down right in the middle of them gun blazing. I ain't never seen a man more brave or terrible!"

"Okay he got that part right," Kid said pleased.

Heyes rolled his eyes.

"Then Mr. Heyes he burst in through the trap door from the river and grabbed us and pulled us safe! Well them fellas just didn't know what to do! They was runnin around like chicken with their heads cut off until Mr. O'Hara and Mr. Reed punched a couple out. They was nice enough to leave a few for Mr. Curry and Mr. Heyes to knock down as well. I tell ya it was the most excitin' wonderful thing I ever been party too!"

Everyone was suddenly talking and congratulating the two actors who were beaming modestly and looking prouder than any encore bow.

"All right people now that the brigands have been apprehended we still have an opening night looming on the morrow so I suggest you all go home and get some sleep," Cane yelled.

"That just leaves Giavelli," Kid said. "You really think he's gonna try and even the score?" Kid asked softly as the stage emptied.

"I'd bet on it, and I think he'll do it in person, which is why I'm bringing Hadley to the show tomorrow night. The minute he identifies him we take him."

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

"Is opening night always this crazy?" Kid said staring overwhelmed at the chaos going on around him back stage.

"Yes isn't it wonderful?" George said eyes sparkling and turning her back to him. "Button me up will you?"

"Boy if Heyes and I ran a bank job like this…" Kid said obliging. "I think this is first time I've ever buttoned these," he added with a wicked grin.

"Kiss for luck," George said kissing him quickly and hurrying off.

"You ever seen anything like it?" Heyes laughed coming up amused at his partner's horrified expression. The two men had been transformed into gentlemen in refinement in their tuxedos, but nothing could shake their western aspect. "With all the publicity from the boy's kidnapping we have a full house."

"Your enjoying this aren't you?" Kid said in amazement.

Heyes grinned, "There is a certain thrill to see if its gonna come off, sort of like a job."

"No it isn't. Robbing trains is a peaceable way to make a living, this is pure bedlam."

"Mr. Heyes! Mr. Curry come quick!" Lionel said running up. "It's Mr. Reed."

Quickly they hurried to the leading man's dressing room to find the director and Bridget standing over the man passed out on his couch.

"Drunk!" Cane said and swore viciously. "The filthy bastard is out cold."

"But he hasn't had a drink in days," Bridget said confused. "He was really proud of that."

Heyes picked up the fallen glass and took a sniff, "He still hasn't, he's been doped."

"Well what are we going to do!" Cane said. "We can't do the Legend of Heyes and Curry without Hannibal Heyes."

Slowly every eye in the room turned and rested on Heyes.

"Oh wait a minute…" Heyes said taking a step back.

"Heyes you know all his lines, you rehearsed the part more than he did!" Bridget said excited.

"I am not an actor!" Heyes said his voice a degree louder than was necessary.

"You don't have to be! Just be yourself!" Cane said overjoyed at the idea.

"Kid tell them."

His cousin merely grinned, "Weren't you just saying how thrilling this all was, just like a bank job!"

Heyes glared at him.

"Show must go on," Kid added thoroughly enjoying himself.

"You keep talking and you are going to go…" he stopped and everyone waited. "This is crazy."

"But you'll do it?" Cane asked.

Heyes said something rude under his breath, "I'll do it."

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

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Martin said worriedly as a small group waited outside the dressing room having been cleared out by the two outlaws.

"Not everyone can act," Cane agreed. "But he has a natural presence."

"He can do anything," Bridget said simply. "You just wait."

And if to confirm her faith the door opened and Kid emerged his face unreadable.

"Is he ready?" Cane asked concerned.

In answer Kid pointed to the door where Heyes was stepping through. Gone was the tailored suits and proper clothes of a gentlemen. The high black boots, the gunbelt swung comfortably around his hips, the hat pushed back at a rakish defiant angle, the bandanna jauntily tied at his neck, the transformation was complete. But it was more than the clothes there was something in the way he stood, the gleam in his eyes that revealed the outlaw had never been banished merely regulated to the shadows until needed.

And acknowledging the grin from his partner guaranteeing to watch his back he pulled on his gloves and headed for the stage.

"If they boo shoot them all," Heyes said softly.

"Count on it," Kid replied.

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

"I never knew Mr. Heyes acted!" Hadley said in amazement from the wings where he was watching with Kid. He was an ancient little gnome like creature excited to be of such importance and had been scanning the audience whenever he could take his eyes off the production.

"Neither did Mr. Heyes," Kid said grinning, but it was a proud smile. It was obvious his partner had been born to the stage. The announcement at the beginning that he would be playing himself had caused the audience to gasp in wonder. But with the ease of a seasoned professional he had completely won the audience over to his side with the sly ad lib or wink making them feel they were in on the charade with him.

"Heyes you never cease to surprise me," Kid grinned.

"Mr. Curry its him!"

"What?"

"The killer! The man I saw! That's him in that box up there!"

Taking the binoculars from the man Kid trained them on where the little man was pointing and focused. Kid suddenly tensed; the man was alone in the private box obscured by the curtains until now as he suddenly leaned forward and Kid realized why…he had a rifle.

"Heyes…" was all Kid managed to get out and started to run.

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

Heyes found himself finally relaxing. It was the final scene in the Governor's office. Amnesty. The irony of being able to replay the scene was not lost on him and he found himself enjoying seeing the moment again without the tension and worry of the first run.

The play had gone relatively well. Cane had nearly passed out with some of his ad libs, but the cast was too well seasoned not to keep up and audience had quickly been caught up in the spirit of the thing and cheered them on.

"Heyes get down!"

He reacted on Kid's voice even as his partner dived in front of him firing himself as the sharp crack of a rifle went off somewhere in the light above them.

The audience screamed as a body fell into the orchestra seats, but Heyes didn't notice. He was too busy catching his partner.

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

"George will you tell everyone to quit hovering I am fine," Kid said through gritted teeth five minutes later. The curtain had been dropped and pandemonium was reigning as the police were called for and an attempt to restore order was made.

"Oh Kid this is all my fault if I hadn't called you both here," Georgette blubbered over him.

"George it’s a flesh wound, I'm fine," Kid said and defiantly got up glaring dangerously at anyone who tried to help him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Heyes said pushing through the group with a doctor in tow yanked from the audience.

"Mr. Heyes we need to calm everyone down or there is going to be a riot," Cane said hurrying up.

Heyes looked around and then finally at Kid, "Can you stay on your feet another minute?"

"I’m fine!" Kid lied back.

"Raise the curtain," Heyes said making a decision.

"What?"

"Raise the curtain," he said firmly.

"And then what?" Bridget asked in amazement.

"Take a bow of course," Heyes said putting a friendly, but supporting arm around his friend.

Cane nodded seeing the logic and yelled for it to be done.

Slowly the curtain rose and a hush came over the auditorium.

Troopers, the cast immediately fell into place and as one took a bow.

From the seats in the rafters someone began to clap and then a cheer went up and finally the whole room was awash in adoration cheering and stamping their feet.

They took five encores, before Kid sagged against his partner and Heyes ordered the curtain to close for the last time.

"I thought you didn't want to be in show business?" Heyes grinned, but his eyes were worried.

"I don't, its more dangerous than being wanted," Kid said managing a grin back just before he blacked out.

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

Heyes walked over to the door of their hotel suite. It was still early, but he wasn't surprised. Despite the doctor assuring everyone Kid would live, though not comfortably for a while, there had been worry and concern all the way back to the hotel.

"We snuck out," Lionel said simply as Heyes gazed down at the two worried faces.

"We was afraid he was dead and the grown ups didn't want to tell us," Will explained trying to peer around him.

"You boys oughta know it would take more than one bullet to kill Kid Curry," Heyes chided.

"Told ya!" Will nudged Lionel. "Can we see him?"

"I guess so, " Heyes smiled and widening the door let them into the lounge and opening the door of his partner's room he looked in, "You got company."

"They better have brought food Heyes I'm not eating any more soup," came the growl.

"See," Heyes said with a pleased smile. "The Doctor said nothing solid for a few days."

"The doctor is trying to do what the bullet didn't…kill me!"

"Are you really not dead Mr. Curry?" Lionel asked worried.

Kid turned to the two boys and seeing their worried expression smiled, "I'm fine fellas don't you give it another thought."

"That was the bravest thing I ever saw," Will said in awe as they hurried over to the bed.

"Yea getting on stage sure is," Kid smiled embarrassed by the boy's hero worship.

"No I meant saving his life!" Will said. "You didn't hesitate you just dived right in front of him."

"He'd have done the same for me," Kid said simply. "Cept he never has to cause I stay out of trouble," he suddenly winced as he tried to move and crease of pain marked his face.

"Tell you what boys how about you see if you can sneak some pie up from the kitchen for Mr. Curry," Heyes said.

"We can do that!" Lionel said.

"Make it blueberry, and a whole pie," Kid added.

The two men grinned watching the boys race from the room with a mission.

"Did I thank you for that by the way," Heyes said as the door slammed. "The saving my life part?"

"Probably," Kid said brushing it aside.

"Heard from Cane, seems they are gonna work that ending in every night," Heyes said smiling at the man who had become closer than a brother.

"They're gonna shoot someone every night? I told you this business is rougher than outlawing," Kid said his eyes starting to close.

"Kid?"

"Hmmm?" his friend answered nearly asleep.

"For the record? I think a boy growing up to be like you wouldn't be such a bad thing after all."

HISTORICAL NOTES:

Lionel Herbert Blythe was born April 28, 1878 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the son of actors Maurice Barrymore (nee: Herbert Blythe) and Georgina Drew. He made his acting debut, with his parents, at age 5 months as a crying child. He was the first-born of the three famed Barrymores; sister Ethel was born in 1879 and brother John was born in 1882. He traveled the world in stage productions and was a man of many talents including musician, composer and artist. He studied art in Paris and intended to become a serious painter. He became a respected Broadway actor at the age of 22 and was among the first stage actors to successfully make the transition to films. He died on November 15, 1954 of a heart attack in Van Nuys, California at age 76.

Will Rogers was born in 1879 on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation near what later would become Oologah, Oklahoma. He found success early in Wild West shows and on the vaudeville stage.

Will Rogers was the star of Broadway and 71 movies of the 1920s and 1930s; a popular broadcaster; besides writing more than 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns and befriending Presidents, Senators and Kings.

During his lifetime, he traveled around the globe three times-- meeting people, covering wars, talking about peace and learning everything possible.