February 20, 1970

Colorado Springs. 

This morning I was walking through town when I ran into Sam Spaid. We talked for a bit and then I headed to the saloon for some coffee. 

A few hours later I went over to the courthouse and waved at Adder standing in the street. “Hey Sheriff.” 

“Howdy, Trin.” 

“Was just heading to the office to see if there’s anything new.” 

“Nothing that I know of.” 

“Quiet day then huh?” 

“Aye, so far. Been no trouble for a while. Which is worrying.” 

“Usually means they’re laying low until we’re bored and then they strike when we’re not paying attention. The Cherokee are good at that from my experience,” I winked at him. 

“Or planning something big.” 

“Another possibility. If this whole thing with Free..” I stopped myself. Adder headed into the courthouse to do some paperwork. 

Nebraska. 

I went over towards Nebraska and then suddenly stopped, realizing that Adder had said the Ute chief was a woman, and that Adder didn’t recognize the name ‘Sitting Horse’... I wondered if Frank was lying about the name of the native chief to over Free’s tracks.

Kansas. 

I went over to the Cheyenne village and looked around for anyone there. Two was there and I asked her, “I was hoping you could help me with something... I need information. I am... confused, but intrigued. Do you know anything about the Ute tribe? I believe they’re stationed in Texas?” 

“Very little. I have met their chief, but when ever I have gone to their village all are out gathering.” 

“What is the chief’s name, the one you met?” I smiled. 

“I think it was Cloud Raven.” 

“Is that the chief or their war chief?” I raised an eyebrow, never having heard that name before. 

“Think him Chief... but has been many moons now.” 

“Do you know of a Native named Sitting Horse?” 

“Not know this one. I stay busy with my people most of the time.” 

“Thank you for your information, Two. I hate to be so quick but I must carry on with this. I’ll come back and visit soon.” 

“It was good to see you. I hope your search is successful.” 

“You and me both,” I said and headed home. 

Colorado. 

I walked into the saloon and talked with Millard about the Ute tribe. 

“Do you know anything about the Ute tribe?” 

“Nope....other than one day they attacked the town.” 

“I know about that. You don’t know any of the names?” 

“Hmm…” he rubbed his beard and said, “None that I can remember.” 

“So the name Sitting Horse means nothing to you?” 

“Marshall Jake and Sheriff Adder seemed to have known them. Don’t remember that name at all.” 

“No problem. Wish I could stay and chat but I really need to find information tonight. We’ll talk soon?” 

“Ok Trin...good luck.” 

I smiled and squeezed his shoulder before heading out of the saloon. 

I walked through town and stopped when I saw a Native man near the mines. We greeted each other and I said, “I was wondering if you could help me.” 

“Me? How may I help?” 

“I was wondering... I’m looking for the name of someone. I’ve been getting some conflicting information... and am just curious. Do you know anyone from the Ute tribe?” 

“I know many Utes,” he nodded. 

“Can you tell me who the chief is there?” 

“Midnight Flower is Chief.” 

I sighed hearing another name I hadn’t heard yet. “And the war chief?” I asked, petting Kisa’s mane as the horse wandered over. 

“I was war Chief for a time.” 

“Does the name Sitting Horse mean anything to you?” 

“But I was away long time they need someone who didn’t travel so much. I don’t know that name.” 

Gracie Williams and Pat rode over then and Gracie looked around confused. “Pardon me but is there anything I can help with?” 

“Of course not,” I sighed and muttered at the Native man’s response. 

“If you have message for Ute I can take it,” he offered. 

I nodded and looked over at Gracie and Pat and the girl with them. “Do you know of the name Sitting Horse?” Gracie shook her head though and I sighed. 

“Another tribe, I think,” the Native suggested about Sitting Horse, but I didn’t think that was possible. 

“Pat?” I looked at Pat then. “You don’t know the name Sitting Horse, do you?” 

“Ainna seene’ m fer a spell why?” 

“You know him?” 

“Ya why? Ainna seen him in agies.” 

“He’s not the chief of the Ute is he?” I sighed. 

“Not last aye checked no.” 

“I’ll let ya’ll go on your way then. Thanks so much, Pat, for the info,” I said then and rode Kisa back to Colorado. 

We rode to the office and I sighed, knowing for sure that Frank was lying to me about Sitting Horse really was. I headed over to the Devil’s Ditch and smiled seeing Tom walk over. “Hey there!” 

“Hey!” 

“How are you doing, darling?” I smiled, wrapping my arms around him. 

“Better now that you’re here.” 

“You’re so sweet," I said and leaned my head on his shoulder. “I’ve had an interesting evening... Needed to come here and process some things.” 

“Oh?” 

“I’m pretty sure that Frank is lying to me. Feel like getting a drink, darling?” 

“Sure, I could use one.” 

“So could I,” I sighed and led the way into the saloon. Chet joined us soon then and I smiled. “Well hey there stranger!” 

“Hello. Just got back in town had to escort a prisoner to court last minute notice,” he announced. 

“Prisoner to court?” I raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah fool was arrested but arresting marshal got snake but,” Chet said. 

“Up in Nevada I left tom a note but forgot to place where he find.” 

“I was wondering where you were off too,” Tom said. 

“Well I just found out I’m bein’ lied to and the state could potentially have a case against the mayor in Colorado East where I just became a lawyer.” 

“Congrats though. A lady lawyer… what’s next? Women voiting?” Chet laughed. “Tom, if women ever get to vote shoot me.” 

“Will do,” Tom said and I chuckled. 

“Not that they’ve actually officially asked me to take the case but... I wanted to get my background information just incase they actually did. You gonna sit, Chet?” 

“I reckon I will. Been thinking bank full n our pockets not.” 

“I’m kinda liking having a place to escape and be able to talk about this stuff without anyone involved in the cases actually overhearin’.” 

“Means outlaws be here soon. I want you Tom to collect everyones guns you see. So tell me bout this case trin maybe can help,” Chet looked at me. 

“Well... the defending lawyer said that this native chief had stole these horses that he then sold to the mayor... but the sheriff/marshall are thinking the mayor stole the horses. Well anyway I just found out that the Ute chief is not actually who the lawyer claimed he was.. It’s a woman for starters. So that means that the mayor probably did it and the lawyer’s covering his tracks.”

“I reckon ya can’t be a politician without stealing something from someone. Had friend say Lincoln stole his slaves but freeing ‘em.” 

“Which means we’ll have a case, which also means I’ll be able to bring that up in court if it comes to that... The fact that the guy isn’t actually who Frank said he was.” 

“So it’s not chief from here?” 

“What chief from where? There’s no natives in the area.” 

“The chief who was here.” 

“See that’s the thing… I know the Ute and the Cherokee are tight. I’m not sure if the Cherokee play into this or not.” 

“Could be a big case ya have there,” Chet rubbed his chin. 

“Indeed. If it’s even mine. I’m just gettin’ the information before they actually ask me to do it so technically I can still talk about it, right? I mean I’m not under oath or whatever yet.” 

“Yeah, though ya be careful not getting shot at,” Chet drank his whiskey. “Tom, go guard yer lady.” 

“Is it that obvious we’re dating?” I chuckled and winked at him. 

“I m a lawman ya know. Deducing is my job,” Chet laughed and I blushed. “Town seems rather dead where all them folks go?” 

“Lot of ’em are over in Colorado but I ain’t sure why there’s not more here still. It’s a gorgeous little town... More peaceful that’s for sure. Ain’t no outlaws or natives to deal with anymore.” 

“Might be weather people scared it gonna snow.”

“Maybe. Good to be back with you two guys though.” 

“Nice to be back,” he said and we continued to talk. 

***

An hour later I walked into the saloon and smiled seeing the crowd. I was glad to see Chane again, since it had been forever since I’d seen him. I drank some whiskey and talked with people there as Mel danced on stage. It was good to relax with everyone and I asked if anyone knew anything about the Ute. Chane said everyone acted like chiefs. I told him that I was getting some background information about the tribes around us and Karan talked about the attack the other night, which I already knew about. 

I leaned over to Conner and whispered with him, “I don’t think I need the Cherokee’s help after all.” 

“Whatever you feel is best Miss Trin I will support you.” 

“I don’t need ’em cos I’m pretty sure they ain’t involved. Though... it’s still a possiility but it would be a mighty big stretch.”

I started to walk out of the saloon then and Chane warned me, “Trin, you leave them injuns be... ya cain’t trust ‘em.” 

“Don’t I know it, Chane. Don’t I know it,” I sighed. 

“They will kill you as soon as look at you Trin,” Karan said. 

“Yep... reckon ya do,” Chane nodded. 

I said goodnight to everyone and headed home.