August 31, 1869

Amiville.

It had been a week since that day that I’d met the two marshals in the hotel room. Things went back to normal after that day; I spent my time dancing in the saloon or hanging out with Bravo. It wasn’t long though before Bravo and I split up and went our separate ways. Being a reporter and a publisher, I realized that I didn’t have much time to give him and I needed to be free in case a story came at a moment’s notice. I felt guilty for not being able to be fully committed to a relationship so it seemed to be the more wise decision for both of us. 

Bill was still threatening me in the saloon when he would come in for drinks in the evening. He’d come right up to the stage and just stand there, as if his presence were enough to make me afraid. I tried not to let it get to me but every day it happened it got harder to ignore. 

On this particular day, I had decided to go to the hotel restaurant with James Blackwell and talk with him about our pasts and get to know each other better. I still wasn’t ready to move on into another serious relationship, but I wanted to learn more about this man who was quickly becoming a good companion. 

As we sat in the hotel, the door swung open and Bill stormed into the room. I made eye contact with James as if to warn him to be careful and he nodded in understanding. Bill was in his usual “my way or the highway” mood and insisted that we needed to talk. I told him that we could talk right there. 

Bill showed me a picture of Kitty tied to a pole in Georgetown, the next town over. He tried to get me to come with him to rescue her but I knew his game and guessed that he was just trying to lure me down there as well. I refused and he got physical but James stood between us and Bill got more upset. He insisted that if Kitty died, it would be my fault for not coming to save her. 

When Bill left, I looked at James with worried eyes but I knew I had done what was smart. Before long we heard the ticking of dynamite outside the hotel door and James and I ran out of the building before we would be blown up. It’s a day I would never forget, and one that I wished I could erase from my memory.