Hank shook his head. "Joe look...no matter what...I still care about you..."

Loraine looked to Hank and sighed,"Its me Hank, Joes got his reasons to wanna run from us."

Loraine looked down it was time now to let him know the truth as bad as she hated to.

Hank looked at her. "What do you mean...he has his reasons?"

Joe shook his head.

"S'all...changed now...I nearly died...huh....well...if it...weren't for you...bein' so...love struck an'....blind...I wouldn't be like this...go on tell him....tell him Lorraine.."

Loraine shook her head as she knew she had to admit the truth,"Hank, i aint been to truthful to ya, Frank and Jesse, its the James brothers' and they roped me into helping them out t' rob the bank, as Joe has already found out, joe wasn't lying to Hank, he was telling you the truth, the only thing is, is I fell head-over-heels for you and I ran from the James boys, now they're out to kill me and ya'll, I backed out of their plans sos I wouldnt hurt ya'll, specially you Hank.

Loriane looked down as she felt her life flash beofre her eyes in a heartbeat.

Hank stared at her in disbelief. "You're tellin me...I put my brother's life on the line...for...for someone who just set out to...to use me...what was I gonna be your alibi?!" Hank shook his head, his turn to back up. "You stay away from me, " his voice choking. "You stay the heck away from me!"

Joe watched the exchange, not able to keep himself standing anymore as he collapsed back down to the ground, shaking a little and starting to feel like throwing up.

Loraine quickyl got on her horse and looked to Hank,"No, I never did set out to use you ya want to believe it though, go ahead! But Hank I really do love you and ill go to my grave loving you!!"

with that Loraine looked to him one last time and shook he rhead blinking the tears away from her eyes,with a loud "YA" she was off towards the hotel to settle something with Frank.

Hank fought tears as he watched her go turning his attention to Joe. "Joe...I know you hate me...but please..let me help you..."

Joe was laying on his side, not having the energy to move and knowing if he threw up he couldn't be laying on his back. His eye was near swollen shut from Hank's earlier punch.

"Why...so...I can...tell ya somethin'...then you can....blind me in the other eye...."

Hank's lips quivered. "I deserve that. I'm so sorry Joe. I knew you wouldn't lie to e...I guess ...I was just...so lonesome..." He shook his head hating himself for making excuses. There was no excuse.

Joe swallowed but to no avail as he sat up a little and retched, bringing up a lot more water.

Hank bit his lip before going over and rubbing his back keeping an arm's length away from him knowing he was not wanted.

Joe continued to retch, his chest hurting more and more as well as his stomach.

Loraine pulled up to the post and jumped off trigger walking in, she pulled her gun out and walked into Franks room,"Alright Frank!!!! you've crossed the line dang you!!!! i told you keep it up!!!!!!!"

Loraine looked to Jesse who stood up with his gun pointed to her as well.

Hank just sat near him rubbing his back, thankful Joe couldnt see the tears pouring from his eyes.

Frank's gun pointed right at her. "Well...look who's back... so where's your boyfriend...we'll finish ya together."

Joe eventually flopped back again, feeling completly weak and hurting.

Loraine's eyes turned solid black ,"Go ahead, Frankie!!! kill me!! have all these witnesses around ya, thought you were smarter than that?!!"

"Parently, yer big bright idea to drown Joe didnt work fellers, Hank saved him, and you didnt have the chance to see me break the news to poor ole hanl bout ya'll, tsk,tsk, no ya'll had to run off and leave poor ole joe t' die!!! twirnt expecting me and hank though was ya?"

Frank smirked. "You should have kept your mouth shut." He cocked his gun.

Hank edged near Joe. "Joe... Joe I got a horse...it'll be a hard ride....unless ya can lean against me...but you need a doc"

Joe couldn't do anything but nod a little

"Okay Joe...I'm gonna lift ya..." Carefully he lifted Joe off the ground and carried him to his horse sitting him on the saddle and climbing up behind him so that Joe could lean against him. Holding Joe close so that he was jarred as little as posible he shook the reins he held in one hand and urged the horse into a fast walk.

Joe leaned against him as they rode, feeling lethargic and weak as he leant against his older cousin.

Hank forced himself to not think about Loraine. There would be time to deal with the hurt later. All that was important right now was Joe.

Loraine smirked cocking her gun,"Wanna take this outside then Frank, Jesse yer stayin out of it, this is tween me and Frank."

Loraine kept her eye on them, she knew she was dead in an instant, but she didnt care.

"Ladies first," smirked Frank, his gun pointed right at her, debating whether to play along or just kill her now.

Hank held Joe a little tighter, seeing how cold and listless he was and gave a slight kick, urging the horse to go faster, afraid Joe might not last if they walked the whole way. "I gotcha Joe..." he whispered as the horse sped along the dusty road.