Colorado Springs.
This morning I walked around town and noticed Angelo walking up behind me. “Angelo.. Good morning! How are you this morning?”
“I’m good, you?”
“Just out for my morning stroll, trying to wake up. “Processing thoughts and such about what I heard last night...”
“Is your house ready yet? And uhm...what did you hear?”
“Hopefully later today. I need to get out of that office,” I shook my head. “Well... I was out at Hawk’s village in Kansas.. He’s an old friend, a dear mentor and wise man.. His village was attacked yesterday.”
“Oh yea. I heard about it.”
“Did you?”
“A red headed girl.”
I looked at him, confused. “They said blonde with a bandana. Though there was more than one person there I believe.”
“I was at my home in Kansas yesterday,” Angelo laughed.
“Oh you live in Kansas.”
“I live next to a river.”
“You know Hawk’s village then.”
“One of the Cheyenne troops stopped by with a canoe and asked me if I saw a red-haired girl. She attacked their village, the stranger said.”
“Hmm.. Maybe we should go out to Hawk’s village and get the real story sometime today... Find someone who was actually there...”
“No, I don’t know the village you talk about. I just moved in yesterday. I have a house in Twin Falls. So does my girlfriend,” he said and I looked at him, backing up. The name of Twin Falls made me nervous and I looked at him anxiously. “But she has a house in Kansas too so I moved in there too. What’s wrong with Twin Falls?”
“I... and he... and they...” I looked around nervously.
“Spit it out, miss,” he looked at me with confusion.
“I’m sure you’ve heard of a Buckshot Bill...”
“Sure. Five horsemen boss.”
I walked forward and rolled up my right sleeve, showing him the scar on my forearm.
“What happened?”
“He did that to me... back in August... in his cave in Twin Falls.”
“He doesn’t live in the cave anymore, as far as I know.”
I looked at him, confused and suddenly afraid. “How do you know that, Angelo?”
“Because interested people came to look at the cave to rent it. So if he lived there nobody else would come to see to rent it. Logic,” he laughed.
“Doesn’t explain how you know..”
“I told you. I have a house in Twin Falls. I live there.”
“Still... That cave was well hidden...”
“I know the people well from Twin Falls, if that explains better....”
I looked down, rubbing my scar idly. “Maybe we should go get a drink and talk...?”
“Sure.”
“Lead the way.”
“I’m not from around here. I’ll follow.”
We walked over to the saloon and sat down, drinking whiskey. “I’m sorry about earlier. It happened a long time ago. I need to learn how to let these things go.”
“Why did buck do that to you?
I shook my head and said, “Let’s leave it in the past.”
“Sure.”
“You said you had a girlfriend?”
“Yea I do,” he said and I nodded, trying not to look disappointed. “You don’t have a man in your life?”
“No one right now, no,” I shook my head. “I’ve been so busy with my job that I just don’t give time for it.”
“I understand,” he nodded.
“I just love fighting for justice, helping people, getting both sides of the story..”
“Justice... Justice only belongs to the side of the law,” he said and I looked at him. “I’ve been deputy sheriff before. I regret that time of my life.”
“Why, Sir?”
“Only the future counts,” he smiled.
“You wanted justice and that’s why you shot down Logan and Adder?”
“If I need to, I will... But that was a mistake. It had nothing to do with it.”
“Yes it was,” I looked over at him.
“Friends of mine were being attacked here. They asked me for help.”
“I understand that,” I nodded.
“So I came. I saw Adder and Logan running and shooting. So I thought it was them. I took them down but found out later it were the Black Brothers who attacked them.”
“Honest mistake, I guess.”
“So now they are on my list.”
“The Black Brothers you mean..”
“Yeah, the Black Brothers. I apologized to Adder and tried to contact Logan. I went to see him in his place, but he didn’t have time... But my apologize don’t change anything about how I think about the law. I’ll fight them ‘till the day I die if that’s what it takes to receive justice.”
“I understand. Trust me I do. The law has let me down several times before. I became a Detective only so I could get the actual story of what was going on. The marshals seemed reluctant to tell me anything so I had to become one of them, so to speak, but I never wore a badge..”
“Badge... I still have mine. I keep it to give it as a present someday,” he smiled mysteriously.
I drank my coffee and looked at the bar, thinking about the danger that Hawk’s village was in.
“I still didn’t find those guys... You told me they live in Louisiana, someone else said New Mexico, someone else says in Kingsley,” Angelo sighed.
“I just told you the last I heard they were in Louisiana. But they could’ve moved around since then. They were there when we hanged their brother...”
“Well everyone I ask says something different... but I will find them.”
“You bring us the Black brothers and I’m sure Logan and Adder will forgive you.”
“I don’t need to be forgiven. They don’t need to become my friends. That will be impossible. I’m chasing them for what they did to my friend.”
“I understand.”
“I heard they attacked someone else recently too. A lady.”
“Did they?”
“That’s what I heard.”
“Where?”
“Roswell, if I remember well.”
“Never been there.”
“It’s in New Mexico.”
“I see... So I was thinking about taking a ride out to Kansas...”
“Oh were you?”
“At some point today... I’m not sure when the mayor is going to start construction on my new house yet so I feel like I should stay in the area a bit longer... But I really want to go out and make sure they’re okay and haven’t been attacked again.”
“I wonder who attacked them.”
“I wonder that too..”
“I know a redhead.”
“Do you?”
“It could be her... but you said it’s a blonde one.”
“Well there may have been more than one attacker..”
“Well she has a blonde friend, so it would make sense.”
I nodded and said, “Of course she does.”
“They are always together. The blonde girl is the crazy one. She attacks everybody.”
“You don’t know names perchance do you?”
“I do, but I won’t tell names till I’m sure.”
“You can’t give me a hint, can you?” I sighed.
“No, sorry. I already said too much.”
“Remember... I’m not law,” I shook my head.
“That doesn’t mean I have to tell everyone.”
“I know...”
“I’m not even sure if it’s them or not. So why should I tell? I will talk to her when I see her. If she did it, she will tell me for sure. Believe me.”
“You’re right... I’m sorry.”
“Well I think it’s time for me to go. I’ll see you soon,” he smiled.
“Okay, thanks Angelo for the information.”
He nodded and walked off.
Kansas.
I rode over to Hawk and saw him up in the trees and approached to him. “Hawk, hello.”
Hawk smiled, seeing me. “Haaahe, how are you this sun?”
“Looking for information this time actually.”
“Oh?”
“Heard something interesting this morning and wanted to get some verification on it...”
“What have you heard?”
“Well a man who lives in the area said he knows there are two women going around attacking people.. One’s blonde, the other a red head...”
“That sound like the ones they told me of. I did not see them though was out of village,” Hawk nodded.
“As long as it sounds like someone else’s account.. Then I know he wasn’t just telling me stories. He knows names, he just won’t tell me until he’s sure. I heard something else too... The Black Brothers have attacked someone else recently... a woman... in Roswell. Hawk... Something really bad is gonna happen. I feel it.” I looked at him with worry.
“Hmm maybe Trin. Cannot live of fear for things though. Things will be good,” Hawk smiled.
I looked at him, unsure. “Seeing them in Colorado Springs just brought it all too close to home.”
“Most of these outlaws as like big flash. Bright and everywhere it seems causing troubles, then as quickly are gone and forgotten by most.”
“Hawk... I’m more concerned for you... and your daughter...”
“We were speaking in village last moon of something similar... speaking of how believing something can be so powerful, good or bad, these outlaws try and use these. If they get you afraid to begin with you have already been defeated before they even come.”
I nodded, knowing I had heard that already from Chels several times before. “I know you’re right, Hawk. My head knows it but... Then why can’t I stop being so afraid? I just want to get them and show them the justice they deserve.”
“I do not fear them Trin. I do worry of little ones and women but they will be ok, let them come.”
“Hawk I’m just... I’m bored. I feel like everything was taken away from me and I have nothing to do.” I looked at him and he chuckled as if thinking something and I gave him a quizzical look. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing funny but would good way to get rid of being bored.”
“What were you thinking that made you chuckle?” I asked, feeling lost.
“J just thinking you need to find a good man.”
“Well I’ve finally got time for one now,” I nodded in agreement. “When I had one in Amiville I didn’t have time for him. But now... Any suggestions?”
“Hmm many men around, see them often. Have brave named Red. Not sure if he has woman though.”
“I think he came to the Springs once last week looking for the doctor to talk about being a healer,” I looked at him, remembering. “Our doctor wasn’t in but I directed him to the clinic at least...”
“Is probably him. He roams some,” Hawk nodded.
“I guess he’s not around now hmm?” I asked, looking around.
Hawk shook his head, “No have not seen him this sun, but will be around village soon I am sure.”
“Do you remember a while ago I met a man named Bear here...? Black Running bear I think he was...”
“Yes,” he nodded. “I have not seen him for many moons now though.”
“Me neither...”
I asked Hawk if he could teach me how to cook with the recipes I had for some more complicated meals. I had often just eaten at the saloons but I wanted to become more self-sufficient. We went to the store and bought some supplies and then went back to the village to cook on the fire. I met another woman and we talked with her about the different Native tribes in the area. Hawk invited her to the village and then Hawk brought me out some meat to help me cook. Hawk took the woman on a tour and Deedee came over to talk with me and showed her rabbit she captured. The woman was clearly afraid and didn’t know where she belonged but I insisted she was safe with the Cheyenne and that they were good people. Sasha came in and was very proud with how much I had learned in cooking.
“Trin live here?” DD asked me then.
“No little one, I just like to visit a lot,” I looked at her.
“Why you not live here? You can share DD’s tent. I gots daddy’s tent.”
“I... I don’t know why...” I looked at Hawk, not sure the answer.
“That is very kind of you DD,” Hawk smiled.
“Cause not Indian?” DD asked.
“Maybe that’s why,” I nodded.
“Well can marry one. We got one name Red available,” the girl said and I chuckled, thinking of Hawk’s earlier observation and looked at Hawk knowingly as she continued. “Red something. He run around. We had Shane but he got woman he call her.”
“Seems more than one person thinks I should get to know this man, Hawk,” I said as Hawk laughed.
“Cause he all available, unless my daddy decides to come back,” DD said.
“Well you know where to find Red, DD? Maybe I should meet him again... I’ve met him once, in my town.”
“Yes. He brave. His name Red Blackheart.”
“Red is a good warrior,” Sasha agreed.
“He come home later,” DD said. “I fix you and him up a tipi.”
“Now DD... Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Our village was attacked again very early this morning,” Sasha said. “Everyone was killed.”
“What?!” I looked at her.
“Not just everyone here, but a gypsy friend who came to help and the Chepewa tribe as well. They would come back and shoot people as soon as they were well again.”
I reached down and picked up DD and talked with her about her bunny and her dolls, trying to distract her from the hard topic of the village attack. Sasha went to get some supplies and I continued to spend time with DD until she and Hawk went to lay down for a nap.
Sasha returned and chuckled, “He’s still sleeping?”
“I guess so. DD went off to nap as well. Sasha... Tell me about this attack from this morning... I’ve heard some things in relation to the people who have been attacking here... I know there were two women... a blonde and a red-head.”
“Well this morning was Buu and Trevor.”
“Buu?” I looked at her and sighed.
“Harley Buu.”
“I know him well,” I said as Hawk returned and kissed Sasha as he joined us at the fire again. “Too well... I don’t know this Trevor person though.”
“Did you hear when I was talking of the attack this morning?” Sasha asked Hawk.
“Yes, heard you talk of this,” Hawk nodded with a frown.
“Another attack, Hawk... I told you this was going to escalate,” I said.
“Everyone was hunted down and shot. Ogin was hiding in her tipi and they still shot her,” Sasha explained.
I shook my head, not liking the sound of this. “Hawk... Who is the law in Kansas?”
“I tossed Two all my medicine and went to make more for us, I tried to take Romey and Coati with me but they stopped us at the pass,” Sasha went on.
Hawk gritted his teeth in anger. “You say Harley Buu and another man?”
“He made me heal his wounds and I did to have the children run to safety,” Sasha nodded. “But they let me go, I was not hurt.”
“That is good, but these men will pay for attacking our people,” Hawk nodded.
“Two healed everyone, but we ran out of supplies fast. I’m clean out of everything as it is.”
“Maybe we can get supplies from Colorado Springs?” I suggested.
“I’ll be collecting all day,” Sasha said as Hawk started to pace in anger and I stood to join him. “The Chipewa came to help an got shot as well. Even our new gypsy friend tried and got shot. Tea was here, but was trying to protect her children. Darling, it might be an idea to have everyone in the village stock up on medicine. We literally almost ran out, and we were three healers.”
Hawk’s knuckles were clinched and white from the pressure. He stood silently, angered, and nodded to her with agreement.
“Hawk... What are we gonna do?” I asked him.
“Baby, I really need to go collect things,” Sasha stood and hugged Hawk quickly. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
“We will gather and strengthen, prepare for them to return, hugs her back and nods, be careful and watchful,” Hawk replied.
“Safe paths,” I looked at Sasha.
“I will baby. Thank you Trin,” Sasha said.
“Come quickly if needed,” Hawk told her.
“I will,” Sasha nodded and headed off.
I looked back at Hawk and asked, “Who’s Trevor?”
“Do not know. I do not care who these men are besides letting them know to not come again.”
“I understand but if we had descriptions of the men we didn’t know... Maybe I should go talk to Buu...”
“These types travel together; find one the other is near,” Hawk said. “That will only make them want to come more Trin.”
I sighed, knowing he was right. “They don’t know that I hang out here though... But I guess if I go there asking it’l make them think about it more.”
“Yes,” Hawk nodded.
We heard a baby crying and went off to find it in the bushes on the ground. We went to search for the source of the crying and Hawk wandered off on his own, looking for the baby while I continued to look. “Ughhh...” Hawk groaned eventually.
“Hello there!” I greeted a man walking over, who I recognized as Red.
“What happen, chief?” Red asked.
“Red...?” I clarified, looking at him, and he nodded. “You alright?” I asked Hawk.
“Need to find little one crawling around in grass, hard to see,” Hawk said.
“She’s probably run off somewhere’s already...” I looked around, feeling awkward around Red now since my discussion with Hawk and DD about him.
“Maybe so...”
“So what’s goin’ on, Chief? Who’s the woman?” Red asked, looking at me.
“You don’t remember me?” I smiled at him.
“Oh yes your the one showed me around the town to get to the medic,” he looked at me.
“Trin Paige,” I nodded and reached out my hand to hold his. He shook my hand and I blushed at the first contact with him.
“What are ya doin way out here?”
“Going to look for that little one. Worried is very small,” Hawk looked around.
“Okay, Hawk,” I nodded to him and looked at Red. “Well... I have known Hawk a long time. He’s always been a mentor to me...”
“She probably playin’ in a tipi,” Red said as Hawk nodded and walked that way.
“So I come out here to visit quite often... It’s like my second home out here.”
“Well it is relaxing here well... besides the lil ones out about,” Red laughed and I wondered if he had any little ones of his own but didn’t ask yet.
“So how long have you been a member of Hawk’s tribe?”
“About two or three weeks.”
“Ah so not long then.”
“No,” He shook his head.
“You enjoying it here though...?”
“Yes I am,” he laughed. “I especially like the little ones’ antics.”
“DD’s quite the cutie, isn’t she?” I smiled and he nodded. I debated debates telling him about DD’s suggestion earlier but refrained and blushed at the thought.
“Is something wrong? You face is getting redder and redder.”
“I’m sorry, just something DD suggested earlier,” I chuckled. “Kids say the darndest things, you know?”
“That is true,” he tilted his head a bit.
“Well... She said that you and I should meet... Or, uh, remeet...”
“Oh why would she say that?” Red laughed.
“Well... She seems to think we’d be perfect for each other.,” I chuckled.
“Well what do you think about it?”
Sasha walked over then and said she was on her way to get water. I blushed as she walked past and then looked at Red when we were alone again. “What do I think about it? I think.... Hawk’s a very wise man... and He suggested the same thing just an hour before DD did...”
Hawk ran over to us then and Sasha came over again when Hawk said, “Baby, very small little one in our Tipi!”
“Oh?” Sasha asked and followed Hawk over to the tipi.
“I’m also thinking I may have to spend more time out here...” I looked at Red when we were alone again. I was relieved that Hawk had found the baby. “What do you think?”
“Well I don’t mind company with another person,” Red smiled.
“So... Now what?”
“I guess head into camp and let them know,” he laughed.
“Let them know what exactly?”
“That DD’s planned worked,” Red continued to laugh.
“We’ll have to thank her,” I winked and he nodded, leading me to the camp, but no one was there. I reclined back beside him comfortably and thought about how long it had been since I had sat with a man in his arms.
“Well at least here you wont have to deal with city sounds,” Red looked at me.
“That’s true... I was thinking about moving out of that office anyway...” I nodded, thinking about it.
Deedee walked over and I smiled, “There’s our little matchmaker now.”
Deedee came over and looked around for candy because it was Halloween and then she carried on. When Red and I were alone again I asked, “So... anything you want to know about me?”
“Well..You can tell me about ya self.”
“Anything specific I should tell you?”
“Nah just for started on how ya met Chief and go from there.”
“Hmm.. Well... It was a very long time ago.. I was working in the saloon in Amiville... as a dancer... And he came in to get a drink... And we started talking about something that I was going through... I don’t even remember what it was now...Was so long ago... Anyway... that became kind of the routine. He’d come to the saloon, I’d ask him for advice...”
“Them getting married!” Deedee came over then and pointed at us to her father.
“Who getting married, little one?” Hawk asked.
“Can be double wedding. You and Red, and them women. I do ceremony.”
“I became a newspaper publisher... then a detective... The problems became more intense, more dangerous...” I said then as Rd laughed at Deedee.
“Oh?” he looked at me and I nodded.
“We can talk more about that when we’re alone if you like...I don’t want DD worrying It was in the past... Hopefully... I came out here more frequently...”
“No I am not marrying Red. He good warrior but not chief’s type,” Hawk chuckled.
“Became closer with Hawk, met Sasha and DD... Closer as in mentor, mentee relationship...” I winked at him.
We continued to talk and I decided to move my things from Colorado Springs to Nebraska to be closer to the village.
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