July 16, 1869

Amiville.

The sun rose as I made my way back into town the next day. It seemed as though everything was lining up between me and Dutch and I couldn’t believe that I was falling in love with the man I’d been writing about for the past few weeks. No matter what came next, I knew we could conquer anything together. 

A crowd had gathered in front of the saloon and I spotted Iccabod Zarco, the undertaker. I asked him if we could go somewhere and talk and he led me to his boat on the river. We got in and sailed towards New Mexico. I told him everything that Dutch had told me about how the body Icca had in his office was actually Dutch’s triplet brother, Justin. 

“Someone stole the remains,” he announced, stopping me. “Hasn’t been found yet, that I know of.” 

“When did it go missing?” 

“About a week.” 

I thought back and said, “Shortly after Dutch was discovered alive?” 

“Just before.” 

“So maybe someone either took it ‘cause they thought it was Dutch and wanted it for a prize... Or maybe they knew it was Justin and they were covering their skin.” 

We turned the boat around and I said, “I think I love him. But I’m scared... he’s still a marked man.” 

“Wow...” Icca looked at m. 

“So I’m trying to take it slow but.. I never expected to have these feelings with someone again, Icca. Especially not for someone I’d thought was dead.” 

“Well I kinda took his last girl,” Icca admitted. 

“Chels?” 

“No. Iza.” 

“Oh?” 

“They were to marry. I didn’t mean to but...” he shrugged. 

“Ya can’t control who ya love, can ya?” 

“I love all women,” he chuckled.

“Well Icca... Thank you for taking me out on a ride and talking. It was good to catch up.” 

“I will be around in a few,” he helped me out of the boat as we docked back at home. 

“Hopefully we’ll figure this all out ,” I said as he kissed my hand. 

“I hope so,” he waved and I walked home, wondering where this journey would lead now...