Ike's Book
Chapter 1
(Author's note: My sincere apologies that starting this has taken so long! Since I finished the last chapter of Reunion, I had to move with less than a month's notice. Work hit summer hours. And now I'm getting ready to start a new job in a few weeks-in another state! So I'm moving again! To say my life has been chaotic is an understatement!
But finally, I got my research far enough along that I can at least start this. I decided to go back to the literary device of using Ike's book to tell the story of our Pony Express Riders beyond Reunion. We know, historically, what happened to Jimmy, Cody, and Jessie, but what about the others, and did their friendships continue? I think you'll like what I have planned. But hang on, the first part is sad.)
December 1869
Near Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Buck and I were talking about how fast time was flying and that neither of us were writing down any of what has been happening. Just too busy. But that's not right. So we decided to start up again writing in Ike's book. We'll put in letters and such as we go along too.
The year has just flown by since our friends left. Cody went back to working for the Army. He's making quite a name for himself. He's not just a scout, but also a hunter, and sometimes guide. Jimmy did get himself elected Sheriff of Hays, Kansas.
Sam and Emma chose to stay in Colorado, for now. She doesn't like living there, so I expect he'll be getting a job somewhere closer at some point. Lou, the Kid, and their children did make it here before the winter really started. They probably won't get the inventory of the old trading post moved over to Jackson Hole until spring, so they're staying here until then. The children are thrilled.
Speaking of the children, they are growing by leaps and bounds! Young Sam is 6 years old now. our Ike is 5. Jamie and Katy are both 5, as is Cody's little girl, Arta.
Exciting news for our soon-to-be state of Wyoming-Women have been given the right to vote. We're the first part of the United States to do so. Part of me is proud. The other part of me is thinking, "It's about time!"
September 1870
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It was a long winter and we've been real busy since. It took a lot of trips, even with a lot of us helping, but Kid and Lou's General Store is open for business. Some of us weren't too sure how well Lou would do, helping run a store like that. Turns out she's a natural. The other day when Maggie and I were in getting some supplies there were some young men trying to cause problems. Kid was elsewhere, so they thought they'd harass the seemingly helpless wife. That didn't turn out so well for them. She had them hog tied and terrorized before I had a chance to do anything. Maggie just laughed and told the young men to pass along the word that Lou was the "mean one."
Teaspoon has been here and gone again. Rachel is staying with Kid and Lou. They had a nice long visit with Teaspoon's "daughter" before heading here. He's working as a Marshall again. Mostly transporting prisoners.
Sam and Emma are moving to Wyoming, but to Laramie. He said that Teaspoon put in a good word for him with the state Marshall's office and they want Sam to help them with training new officials. That would be a good spot for Teaspoon too, but I don't think he and Rachel are ready for that quite yet.
Telegram from Cody: "I have a son! Named Kit Carson Cody. Everyone fine."
We also got a letter from Jimmy. He failed to be re-elected Sheriff of Hays City, Kansas. Not sure what's going on. The newspapers make it sound like he's killing people he shouldn't. That doesn't sound like the Jimmy we know.