January 22, 1870

Wyoming. 

I walked over to the village and called across to see if anyone was there. A voice I didn’t recognize said I could come over and I went to talk to him. I told him about the bear attack in the saloon and the Natives healing me. We talked about how we both knew Hawk. Leotie joined us and we talked more as we sat by the fire. I asked how Adahy was but she hadn’t seen him yet. We talked about Adahy being the war chief and about the tensions between the natives and the palefaces. 

“Yes, but him being War Chief does not mean that has to stop. I believe he is an honorable man, and will still talk with you,” Leotie nodded. 

“He will I’m sure but there’s no way I’ll be able to change his mind if he decides to go to war against my people,” I nodded, knowing she was right.

“War will be last choice, I am sure. If I know Adahy as well as I think I do ..... then he is wise and will only fight if it is necessary. Chief .... would fight before Adahy.” I nodded with a sigh, knowing the truth of that statement. 

“Last night gives me hope that there could be more interaction between our people... I just hope that it continues to remain peaceful. And that the chief and war chief will understand who the fight is against. We both want the same goal, Leotie... And that is peace. Those who choose to break that peace are the targets. Not those who wish for it.” 

“Trin, I believe Chief and War Chief are worried for their people. White man and Native have different idea of protection. Of course we have same goal, for peace, but our way of attaining it is different than yours. That is where our opinions differ and where tension rears it’s ugly head. We have always done things this way, for many many many moons, since beginning of time. And now, we have you palefaces, new to us, coming on our land, and demanding we change our ways. It is no different if we demand you change your ways, to ours. Perhaps, in time, we will all reach an agreement .... but I think if we do, it is not right now, sadly.” 

“I think right now the key is to understand each other’s motivation behind our ways, not to change each other. I hope that I’ve made that clear whenever I interact with you... It’s not that I want you to stop doing things your way perhaps, but moreso that I don’t understand the way that you treat violence with violence. And I guess that’s where the challenge comes in, for me at least,” I said. 

“It’s not that I don’t respect your people or think of you lower than myself. I owe my life to the Natives.” 

“And we can not understand why palefaces would rather see evil run through their villages, through our lands. We don’t think of it as treating violence with violence, but more like ridding Mother Earth of as much evil as we can.” 

I nodded, understanding a bit more, but at the same time something still bothered me. “But wouldn’t you want to give them a chance to perhaps see the error of their ways, and use their lives for good instead of evil?” 

“Trin, they know the error of their ways. We all grow up, seeing the difference between right and wrong. There are evils in Native people, just as well as palefaces. We do not choose to only rid this land of evil palefaces, but we will do the same for an evil native, as well. Perhaps some people can change, but we believe once an evil spirit is rooted, it is there for good. I can see in your eyes, to your heart, that you have pain inside you. But, you do not run through Mother Earths land, hurting and killing and stealing for no reason.” 

“I have been through a lot in my life,” I hesitated. “But I try not to let the evil people control my behavior. I am a Pinkerton agent because it allows me to use my brain and knowledge for good, to solve crimes and lead the law to providing justice. I do not take part in the gunfights or violence though.” I stood shakily and said, “I should return home... Thank you for the conversation and giving me a bit more insight into your culture.” 

“You are welcome, Trin. I think we should talk more like this. Try for Chief to be hwere, too. I think you two need to make amends,” she nodded.

“I write a monthly newspaper, it goes out to all the people in Georgetown as well as in Bear River... Would you be interested in helping me with an article about what we’ve talked about so that other palfeaces could understand more? You can ask Adahy or Chief for permission first if you need to.” 

“I will certainly give it thought, and pray for Spirits council. I am interested,” Leotie nodded. 

I looked at her, knowing that they do but also knew the pain from our last interaction alone and didn’t know if I could face him again confidently enough yet… at least not with Adahy or Leotie there as well. “Last month we included an issue about native weddings.” 

Leotie walked me to the edge of the town and I thanked her before heading home. 

Georgetown. 

I was sitting in the front pew of the church when I heard someone coming in from behind me. Duke put his hand on my shoulder and I looked back. “Duke!” 

“Well howdy ma’am,” he smiled. 

“Have a seat,” I indicated to the spot beside me. “How’ve you been? I’ve been worried about you.” 

“Good to be off my leg,” he sat down. 

“Still hurtin’ huh?” 

“Well still cant feel it.” 

“Sorry to hear that…” 

“Still have hope though.” 

I smiled and reached for his hand. “Well we’re in the building of hope, hmm?” 

“That we are,” he took my hand. 

“I haven’t been in a church in a long time, Duke… Not since… Not since Bill’s gang surrounded me and Logan in that church at Amiville and Rosa tried to sell me to them for two thousand coins.” I looked down, remembering he knew a bit of my story. He held my hand tighter to comfort me. “It used to be such a part of my life, ya know? I went to church, played almost every Sunday.. Then that happened and I… It was no longer a place of safety.” 

I leaned against him, resting my head on his shoulder, trying to feel safe in his arms. I knew he was a good friend and I could trust him with anything. I cried on his shoulder as he wrapped me close, holding me tight. “All this talk with the natives about getting rid of evil and creating a world of peace… I think it led me here. To the place where I used to feel peace but then was met with the greatest of evil.” 

“Evil will only win when hope no longer Shines, when Men give up on faith, and when the faithful stop singing there grace.” 

“That’s so true,” I nodded. “Duke I don’t know... lately I’ve been feeling like I need to get back into this... playing piano in the church... being more involved.. It’s like God’s trying to tell me something with all that’s been happening. Everything with Icca... I can choose to let him win and back down in fear or I can stand up to him. Did I tell you about going to arrest Icca?” 

“Or ya can find a Find to stand up to them for ya. I fear NO man. Now woman on the other hand…” he laughed and I chuckled. 

“I DID tell you about going to arrest Icca with Chet, didn’t I? When he was doing the funeral… For Bill Anderson.” 

“No, I was still recovering.” 

I told him what had happened he said that it were true that Icca had been arrested but he hadn’t been to court, which made the warrant active again. 

“Let me tell ya what my Grandma always said. Everything Happens for a reason. It doesn’t always have a good outcome.” 

“And it did bring me and Chet closer together… I just... I have a hard time trusting that guys are gonna stick around, you know?” I looked up into his eyes. “I’m scared, Duke. I don’t want to get my heart broken again. I haven’t seen him all day.. and last night we were both attacked by a bear in the saloon…” 

“Ya, I heard about the bear,” he smiled. 

“Did you?” 

“Yup. My Brother sent me a Line.” 

“Your brother?” 

“Told me about a Bear attack, and about him becomin a Deputy Marshal. Funny thing is that man used to run with Gangs. Now he is a Lawman like his Old bro,” he laughed. 

“Lots of people who become law used to be on the other side.” 

“Ya I agree…” he sunk his head a bit. “Me and my Brother were….. Well the Cross Brothers. He changed him name after I left for a better life but he followed his path till I had to arrest him. Little shit is Quick though.” 

“Oh Duke…” 

“Caught me in the arm but in the end he gave up, he couldn’t kill his own brother and nor could I. He served 3 months in Jail. Funny that the Jail Burned to the ground 2 days latter. No witnesses but we all knew. Good to see he changed his way.” 

“Doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out,” I nodded.

“He did answer my Telegram and now is helpin Snow after all.” 

“Snow? From here? She’s over in Amiville?” I asked. 

“Yup. She sent me a line sayin she was in trouble so I said to myself who better to help with trouble. And I wrote my Little Brother.” 

“I need a drink. Wanna get out of here and go to the saloon?” I stood shakily. 

“You okay?” 

“Just still... in pain from last night. Could use some whiskey or somethin.” 

“Well let’s get down to the saloon.” 

I took one more look around the church and followed Duke to the saloon. I told him about my conversation with Leotie and he gave me his sheriff’s column for me to put in the paper. We went to the saloon and got some whiskey and continued to talk until I headed home for the night.