March 25, 1870

Colorado. 

This morning I walked down the street and saw Sam in the blacksmith’s office. “How are things today, Sam?” I asked. 

“I’m okay… got shot up earlier.” 

“Oh Sam.. What happened?” 

“I got mixed with some Bandits earlier…. It was touch and go for a long time.” 

I guided him to the office and said, “Come on, Sam. Sit and tell me the details. Talk to me.” 

“Okay ma’am,” he said as we sat down on the stools. “Well I walked into into town from and rounded the corner and two fellas were were standing by sheriff Adder.” 

“Two fellas you’d never seen before? Indian? Paleface? Mexican?” 

“Just over fearing the conversation I decided to to stop. They were White Well the conversation moved on to one unholstering his Winchester.” 

“What was the conversation about if you don’t mind?” 

“I then pulled both Colts and was not going to Allow Adder going down alone. It was some personal vengeance they had with each other.” 

“Oh really?” 

“The fight went from the street to the saloon and back to the street...it was a bloody mess.” 

“Sounds like it… Wonder what the vengeance was about.. Not sure if Adder will be up for talking about it.” 

“It was none of my business but will never allow a friend to go down alone in those situations.” 

“Something I’ve always admired about you, Sam,” I nodded. “Where were you hit? What hurts?” 

“Yes was hit many times in the back and chest.” 

I reached over to lightly touch his shoulder. “I wish I was a doctor, I would heal you... But I have no idea what I’m doing. If Tom were around…” 

“Don’t worry ma’am… Sam has patched himself up many times before.” 

“Don’t mean I have to like it,” I said and he laughed. “So you didn’t catch the names of these two guys...? It was two guys, yeah?” 

“I got em…” 

“Did you? Care to share?” 

“I’m keeping them under my hat....I will heal and go gunning for them on my own...they start dropping like flies I don’t want know one suspecting me.” 

“Sam..” I sighed. 

“Sometimes the law is not enough enough Ma’am.” 

“Just don’t wanna see you getting caught up in something and getting more hurt than you already are.” 

“Sam has been caught up in worse than this,” he said, always talking in third person. 

“Well Sam I should head home and get some writing done.” 

“Bye Miss Paige.” 

I stood and hugged him saying, “You be careful, Sam.” I took one more look at him before heading out of my office.