September 21, 1869

Amiville.

This morning I walked into the saloon and greeted Gramps. He was just making a fresh pot of coffee and a man came in buying milk from him, then went off out to the street. I asked Gramps how he was doing and he said that yesterday had brought a lot of memories from the war, and that they were not good memories. 

I changed the subject, telling him that I wanted to start investigating the Pinkerton investigators, as I was curious to what they did. He said he only knew of one man, Woody something, who was not very friendly to those who came his way. I told him I only knew of one agent, Sam Stillwater, but that I hoped to meet more. 

Hawk came in then, and we talked about how he had developed such a wonderful  village for his tribe over in Kansas East. I told him about the Pinkerton investigation I wanted to pursue but he had no idea who I was talking about. I went home then to write and figure out what I was going to do next.

Georgetown. 

After writing a while I decided to go to the saloon and see who I could find there. I saw James in the street and we decided to go to Georgetown to see if we could find any information about the Pinkertons. 

We didn't see very many people, but we did find the Pinkerton office which was very impressive-looking. We looked around for a bit but then decided to head home to the saloon to dance and discuss what we were going to do next. 

We talked about maybe going to Louisiana for the weekend to get away for a couple of days and explore what was going on between us. It felt like James was becoming more attentive to me lately and even starting to initiate a bit of kissing as well.

Amiville.

We walked around the streets and I asked, “The horse is still at the livery I assume, James?” 

“Yes, it’s still a rather young one but I’m sure it’ll handle us both.” James helped me up on the horse and I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. 

“Let’s go, James!” I declared and we rode off to Louisiana.

Louisiana.

We rode with more anticipation this time, as we had become more serious recently and a weekend away was a big deal. We dismounted the horse and I reached for his hand, looking out at the water and smiles. 

“Been quite a while since we’ve been here, and lots did change,” James commented as if he could read my thoughts. 

“Indeed... For the better, James?” 

“Some, but some for the worse. But honestly I don’t mind that.” 

“You don’t mind change, hmm?” 

“You see, it’s what brought us here in the first place, isn’t it?” 

I nodded, looking at James as we walked onto the old shipwrecked boat we’d seen the last time we’d made this trip. “You’re right.” 

“You remember how things were when we first came here?” 

“Yes, I do... Was a very scary time... Bill was after me, I think.” 

“Yes and he almost got both of us.” 

“Mmhmm, the hotel. Our first date.” 

“In this short time we sure gone a far way; went through a lot.” 

“I feel closer to you because of it all,” I looked into his eyes longingly then, sliding my hands around his waist and pulling him in for a hug. 

James hugged me tighter and kissed me, making me lean into the kiss. “How do you think things did change? For the better?” 

“Absolutely for the better. I feel like I’m...” I hesitated and looked in his eyes as the sun set behind us. “I feel like I’m falling in love with you, James...”