February 24, 1870

Colorado. 

This afternoon I went out to find Chet and waved to Millard along the way. I found Chet in Devil’s Ditch talking with a man named Akuma. Chet told me that he was going to be running a saloon in Devil’s Ditch and I offered my services as a bartender. We started to set up the new saloon and talked about how Tom was going to help out as well. I told him I missed him and Chet said that Tom was probably out looking for work and possibly applying as marshal or sheriff. 

“So how is yer case coming along?” Chet asked after a while. 

“Ain’t really my case. They never asked me to take it. I’m more concerning myself with something else at the moment…” I said, not sure I should tell him. 

“Like what? Anyone need a bullet in em? I ain’t law no more ya know,” he laughed. 

“I want to know what’s behind these attacks from the Natives... And I think I need to look at why the Natives are being attacked first off.” 

“Injuns attack. It’s the way of world n white man attacks them. Not saying it’s right just saying it’s how it works.” 

“I know,” I nodded. “Don’t mean I have to like it.” 

“No, ya know wonder if yer old friend Iccabod behind this.” 

“I’m tryin’ to forget that name,” I shook my head. 

“Never forget that name. Warrant might still be active on him though. Might need talk to marshal bout him.” We continued to talk about the bar and then Chet said, “Perhaps I can help with the Injuns.” 

“Keep that under your hat though, Chet.” 

“I got my extra flask under my hat, darlin’,” he nodded and I smiled before heading off to take care of some things. 

*** 

This evening I walked into the saloon and talked with Baron and Twist. We talked about how things had been quiet and I headed back towards Devil’s Ditch. 

I saw London standing near the river and asked, “London, are you alright?” 

“Hey Trin, yeah I’m fine. Just looking at the water and thinking to myself.” 

“Need to talk?” 

“I think I’ll be fine but thanks,” she smiled. 

“Ya hear about the saloon Chet opened up here in Devil’s Ditch?” 

“No I didn’t.” 

“Think I’m gonna start working here when it’s quiet around town.” 

“I will have to check it out.” 

“Gonna be a good place to get some information I think,” I winked at her. 

“Show it to me.” 

We headed over to the saloon and she looked around with a nod. “It’s small but cozy,” I told her. 

“Yup more intimate so you will be able to get some good info here.” 

“Exactly,” I nodded. 

“I found a few things out. I don’t think Roy had much to do with that girl going nuts.”

“No?” 

“She told me he tries to pick fights with her. And she was trying to scare him.” 

“Was she…” 

“But she’s stranded here.” 

“Why?” 

“Her uncle was coming here to pick her up and died so she lives in the tent here in devil’s ditch.” 

“Oh really…" 

“But apparently Roy is always nasty to her. And she was fed up with it.” 

“Not surprised,” I shook my head.

“Really?” 

“Nope, not surprised. Always felt uneasy around Roy.” 

“I’ve never spent much time around him.” 

“I’d advise against it.” 

London went back out to the river to do more thinking and I decided to stay at the saloon, deciding I’d keep the place running when Chet wasn’t around.