A/N Hey guys sorry it's been so long since I updated, and I know I promised another update and didn't give it to you guys. It been a rough couple of years right after the previous post I had another death in the family and it all hit me really hard. Well now I am proud to say I have an update for you guys hope you like it!

The thundering of the two horse's feet and the beating of his heart are the only things Dan can hear as he races off towards Charlie Princes' camp. Bens guess was right, Charlie himself was not an innovative man. He was camped out exactly where Ben had told him to at the beginning. Although this brought little comfort to the distraught father whose only glimmer of hope was the word of a criminal and the lack of any gunshots in the distance. The setting sun painted the sky a golden yellow with red edges which he would admire under any other circumstance, now it only angered him. A constant reminder that time was running out the closer the blazing circle got to the ground. Ben told him that Charlie was planning on leaving once the sun finished setting. 'Much easier to lose people in the dark when you wear black' or something like that. No doubt another of Ben Wades plans that Charlie was sticking too.

"We'll get him back Dan" Wade tried to assure him.

"We need to find him first!" He urged the horse to go faster, kicking his feet against its stomach.

The two converse a plan as the sun reaches the final line in the distance, now just a shimmer of light, fading into nothing. Dans heart and stomach drop as the last ounce of hope he has fades with the sun. He kicks the horse again urging it to go faster his breath becoming shallow and painful.

Just as the last ray is casting its final light of the day the outline of a camp comes into view. 'Finally!'

The two men abandon their horses, guns drawn as they enter the camp, the remains of a fire still burning. Tents flutter in the chilling breeze of the night air as goosebumps make their way up Dans arms. He glances at Ben who is now standing in front of what appears to be the main tent. He thought over the plan again. 'If Charlie is still following my plan and I bet he his, your boy will be in the big tent. My tent,' Dan whips his head toward Ben 'insurance in case any law men decided to ambush us in the day time, easier to grab a hostage when they're right next to you.' He slinks over to the other side of the opening and raises one finger. Then two, and THREE! They charge the tent, guns raised prepared for an onslaught of bullets, to be met with nothing except the whisper of the wind. Dans head whips from side to side desperately looking for William until he spots it. 'No'

With lead footsteps he makes his way to the corner of the tent and picks up a jacket covered in blood.

Realization hits Dan, they were too late.