It was well past dark when I stopped in front of the small bunkhouse. The light was still on inside and I could hear people talking and laughing. It was dangerous for a woman to be out alone in a strange town, especially after dark, but I didn't have any choice.

I just prayed that my information was accurate, that the man I needed would be behind that door. Having stopped at the Marshall's office I was told the man I was seeking would be here. A man I had not seen for many, many, moons. A man I hoped would not begrudge me a cruel decision made by another. A lie that had continued for years and I had only recently found out about. We had both been lied to. Now would be the moment of truth. Was it really him? Would he help me as I hoped he would? Actually I didn't just hope, I prayed to the spirits he would help me. I was desperate.

Before I had a chance to knock, the door opened to a room full of people. At least six or seven people were in the room in front of me including at least one woman. I felt a little better knowing that a woman was present and I wasn't walking into a room of just strange men. I was weary. Days of riding the plains alone had made that a necessity. It wasn't safe to rest any more than I absolutely had to.

The one that answered the door was more curious than surprised. I am sure my horse had alerted them to my arrival. Though I'm sure they didn't expect a strange female to be standing at their doorstep at this hour. Desperately looking for the man I sought, I scanned the room. Even if I did find him I wasn't sure he would recognize me. Last time he had seen me I was just shy of my seventh birthday. One he had promised to be there for but never made it to. Now I only hoped he'd help me so I lived long enough to reach seventeen.

"Can I help you?", came the smooth voice of a blue eyed blond that looked like the angels in a picture book I once saw. His hair was shoulder length, with a strong jawline brown suede pants and white shirt. The white of his shirt and the blond hair made his blue eyes stand out. With eyes as blue as the Mississippi River he cut a handsome figure.

"I'm looking for someone", came my soft reply. Suddenly self-conscious as a room full of strange men stared at me. Again I glanced around looking for my future. Instead I saw several handsome men, a tall beautiful shapely woman, and a set of eyes that took my breath away. Big brown eyes stared intently at me. They almost seemed to look through me.

"Well look no further, here I am ", came the suave response of the blue eyed blonde. At least suave is what I think he was going for. Had I not been so desperate, I might have found him charming.

"I'm looking for Teaspoon Hunter", I said choosing to ignore his comment.

Out of the corner of the room that was in my blind spot came a voice, "What can I help you with?"

The voice materialized into man who walked out of the shadows to stand in front of me. My head had been bowed, but when he came to a stop I raised my eyes to his.

"I'm the marshal here are….", his voice trailed off as he stared intently at me. A glimmer of recognition dawned in his eyes. I remember as a little girl how he told me I reminded him of his own mama. From my small upturned nose, to the soft curls of my long hair, to my distinctive blue eyes, I was almost her spitting image. The difference being that my hair was dark brown, the same as my mama and the grandmother I never met. My Lakota grandmother I had never met as she died giving birth to Teaspoon's daughter, my mother Larksong. A child raised by others. The child he didn't get to raise that bore him a granddaughter he didn't get to watch grow up. A granddaughter with white skin, curly hair, and ice blue eyes, who was the very image of his dead mother.

The wife he had buried, the daughter he had buried, and the grandchild he had hopefully mourned. The grandchild he believed dead who was now standing before him. After all these years my hair was still dark and wavy. Curls that I knew were escaping my hat and braid. My distinctive blue eyes that some had said looked like ice on fire, that I know stand out because of my dark brown hair. Eyes like those of his mother. Eyes that he had grown up looking into that now looked back into his own. Did he recognize them?

We had both been lost in thought with the others watching in silence. I decided to break the silence by using my childhood nickname for him, "Hello Spoony."

The older man let out a bit of a startled gasp and actually took a step back. Several of the boys quickly stood up, perhaps preparing for trouble. I wasn't trouble. I just seemed to attract it.

"Sweet mother of…", Teaspoon Hunter said under this breath. "What did you call me? It can't be, but that name and those eyes…."

His voice trailed off as he stared at me a minute our eyes locked. Straightening himself out, he cleared his throat before continuing, "If I didn't know better I would swear a ghost was standing in front of me."

Softly I answered, "I could say the same thing Spoony."

"Josephine is that really you?", he seemed still unable to grasp it. I guess I couldn't blame him. I at least had a little time to digest the news. I had already gone through a range of emotions from disbelief, shock, then anger, sadness, happiness, and finally elation. Elated that I wasn't alone in the world and I had someone who might help me. Then to fear, fear that he'd reject me and not help me.

"Yes."

"I was told you died…", his voice trailing off.

"I was told the same about you", I explained.

Again we were both silent looking at each other. I was unable to judge his reaction, but I knew the range of emotions that must be below the surface. That is if he did miss the granddaughter he hadn't seen in 10 years.

Finally the lady I judged to be in her early thirties spoke up, "Teaspoon, why don't we invite our guest in?"

That seemed to shake him out of his stupor. Motioning to me, I saw him look around behind me. I'm sure he was looking for my escort, the escort I should have. Tentatively I stepped into the one roomed building aware again of our audience. I saw now there were eight people here, two women and six men including my grandfather.

Looking around I studied each of them as I am sure they did me. There was the young man that opened the door for me, a tall black man with gentle eyes and a kind smile sitting to the left of me. To my right was a young man in dark buck skin sitting next to a thin pretty female with shoulder length brown hair. Across from them were the two men that really got my attention.

First there was the white man with shoulder length dark hair. Dressed in black, his eyes had an intense guarded expression. The man was handsome with classic features but there was something about his expression and the look in his eyes. Curious, intense, and somewhat distrustful he was quickly taking my measure. It wasn't just as a woman though, but as a stranger someone to be leery of. It was a look I understood. Generally I didn't trust anyone until they earned it. People lied to you, they let you down. Right now I didn't have that luxury, I was desperate. I had to trust in Teaspoon. The man in black looked old beyond his years, his eyes looked weary, like he had seen too much. Still there was something about him that drew you to him. The strong jawline set off by the shoulder length brown hair. An intense brooding expression the vibe you got from him was different than from the blonde. Either way he'd peak your interest as the man was just down right attractive.

The other man was an Indian with brown hair past his shoulders. He cut a handsome figure reminding me somewhat of my mother's childhood sweetheart Hunter. Though he looked to be a few inches shorter than Hunters 6'2" frame. He still cut a handsome picture. Large soft brown eyes watched me intently seeming to study me. Not just how I looked, but my movements and actions. It was obvious he had grown up among one of the tribes. He was more aware than the others here. Reminding me of Hunter, he seemed to be one who looked for and saw more than others even when looking at the same thing. Because I didn't recognize him I knew he probably wasn't Lakota. He had to be around my age, likely a little older. I had lived on and off among my mother's people throughout my life so we would've crossed paths at some point. This one, well those eyes I would have remembered. His expression was contained but seemed more curious than anything. Eyes that seemed to see more than others, that saw past my dusty jacket and calm expression. I however was distracted by his handsome features. Purely superficial I know but I found him extremely handsome. Those eyes, the prominent Indian nose, and the long hair appealed to me.

The lady that spoke kindly walked up taking my arm leading me to a chair at the head of the table. Sitting down on the bench to my right she introduced herself, "I'm Rachel. You look like you just rode in. Can I get you something to drink or eat?"

As hungry as I was I shook my head no. I didn't like to eat in front of others, especially when I was the only one eating. I hated being the center of attention. I knew I had a piece or two of hardtack left in my saddlebag that would have to do for later.

"Let me introduce you to everyone", her voice soft gentle and welcoming. "Sitting to your left is Kid and Louise. Over at the other end is Cody who answered the door and next to him Noah. To my right is Jimmy and Buck. And your name is?"

"Josephine, Josephine Hunter, but most folks call me Josie", came my soft reply.

"Hunter. Are you any relation to Teaspoon?", the handsome man with the intense eyes name Jimmy asked looking only mildly curious. It almost seemed to me that he expected me to say no, but I was tired. Who knows how my exhaustion was causing me to misread things.

Looking up at Teaspoon who still stood silently in the doorway, I looked for some sign from him. Some sign of how I should answer that question or if I should. His eyes looked to Jimmy before settling on me. His voice wavered before he steadied it as he explained, "She's my granddaughter."

A collective gasp filled the room as everyone looked from Teaspoon to me and back again. As much as I hated the audience I had to find out what he was thinking. If he was going to reject me I wanted to get it over with.

"They told me you were dead", my voice was flat as I laid that simple sentence before him.

"They told me the same thing about you."

Lowering my gaze to the table I willed my tears away before responding, "I know. I mean I do now, I didn't at the time. It wasn't until just recently that I found out the truth. It took me the better part of the last week plus to track you down."

Raising my chin I saw all eyes were on me as I continued, "The Gambler told me you were shot and killed shortly after we left St. Joe's. He moved us briefly back east by his father, but we didn't stay more than six months. As the old man said he couldn't stand to look at the dirty blood. The Gambler took me away from that, so I guess I have to give him some credit. We've kept moving around since we came back West."

"Dirty Blood?", asked the one name Kid looking puzzled.

"While my skin is white, he felt I was tainted by my dirty blood. My blood is dirty, because mamma was half Lakota", I said simply looking at the Indian named Buck.

"My wife, Josie's grandmother was full blood Lakota ", Teaspoon explained softly. I imagined it still pained him, her dying so young in childbirth.

Realizing I had to explain the whole situation, I looked to Teaspoon. He didn't seem poised to move or to stop me from talking. The opposite was true he seemed completely at home and comfortable with the others who were watching intently, "My mother and I had lived among the Lakota on and off throughout my child hood. As you know Spoony, the Gambler traveled a lot." Briefly turning to the others I explained before continuing, "I'm sure you can guess from what I called him, that he's a professional card player. So when he was gone for extended periods traveling to different big money games my mother would go home to the Lakota. When I was six we had been living among the Lakota for awhile before moving back to St. Joe's. Unfortunately by the time we got back the fever hit momma hard. Being seven months pregnant, she was weakened and couldn't fight it as well. She was in and out of consciousness for two weeks before the fever finally claimed her. I was only six. After her death I stayed with neighbors briefly before the Gambler came to take me away. When he sent word to Teaspoon about my mother's death he apparently said I was dead too."

"I didn't find out about the lies until the night I left for here. To be honest I'm not convinced I know the full story of what happened. I never got the chance to ask the Gambler why he did that. He wasn't the one who told me and wasn't home when I found out", I thought to add.

A questioning look came across the face of the handsome Indian called Buck when he asked, "I'm curious about something. I didn't see anyone else outside and only heard one horse when you arrived. How did you get here and who came with you?"

Looking at Teaspoon and then down at the table I hesitantly answered, "That's because no one was with me. I rode here by myself."

"From where?", Buck pushed the issue.

Letting out a long breath I answered, "From Wayford Station."

Everyone seemed a bit stunned. I knew as Pony Express Riders they knew the general route I had taken. They knew the distance I traveled and the danger I put myself in.

The one name Jimmy spoke up, "That's over 200 miles from here."

Looking up at him I could hear the resignation in my voice as I said, "Yes, I know. To be honest I'm not entirely sure how long it took me to get here. I'm not even sure what day today is. I'm guessing I've been riding for two weeks, give or take. I really just don't know anymore. After awhile it became hard to keep track. Especially since I couldn't always keep to the main paths and sometimes had to travel at night."

"But why go by yourself? Couldn't you have taken the stage? Or couldn't someone have taken you?", Cody inquired.

Shaking my head in resignation I replied, "No. Truth is even if I had money for the stage, I wouldn't have taken it. It would have been too easy to track and I wouldn't leave my horse behind. Besides there wasn't time to purchase tickets or wait for the stage. Circumstances forced me to leave quickly in the dead of night. I had only time to grab what I already had in a bag under my bed, a couple of possessions, and a few coins. A house servant Abraham gave me a bag of food and helped me get out. I was gone in less than five minutes."

Still Cody persisted, "Wasn't there a friend or a relative? What about your father?"

"There was no one to take me. I'm quite alone", was the simple truth I gave him.

"No you're not", came Teaspoon's voice. "You've got us. I don't know what trouble you're running from, but my boys and I will help you."

"He's right", came an assurance from the gruff sounding Jimmy. The gruffness was lessened by the twinkle in his eyes.

Cody piped up, "I never could walk away from a pretty lady in distress."

Lou smiled and Kid placed his hand on my forearm, "Of course we'll help you."

Buck said nothing but smiled at me and nodded. There was a pain behind those big brown eyes of his. I wondered if they mirrored my own blue ones. I nodded in response. Then Noah the handsome black man said, "Cody's right we can't turn our back on a pretty woman, even if she is related to Teaspoon."

"All right now, that's enough teasing an old man", came an admonishment from my grandfather as the others laughed. There was no doubt in my mind he wasn't offended. Based on his smile and twinkle in his eyes there was some inside joke I wasn't privy to.

Linking her arm in mine Rachel said, "Let's get you settled, I'm sure you could use a good night's sleep."

Thinking of my horse just outside, the only companion I've had for the two weeks and my only true friend I found myself saying, "What I'd really like is somewhere to take care of my horse. If possible some water and feed for him. I have a little money and can pay."

"Hogwash", Teaspoon immediately responded. "I'm not gonna take money from kin. Besides this here's a Pony Express station, I think we can spare some oats and such."

"Come on. We'll show you where you can stable your horse. We'll help you brush him and get it done in no time", Noah said jumping up. I saw the others jump up to follow him out the door.

Teaspoon stepped to the side letting them out first. I'm guessing he wanted to wait for me. Rachel seeing this followed Lou out with the boys. I stopped at the door turning my back to it so I was face to face with the one man who could help me. A man who so far wasn't letting me down, I just hoped he would keep his word. The others seemed to think he would when they offered their help.

The teasing lilt was gone from his voice and his toned turned serious. "If I had known Josie, I'd have come for you."

"I know."

"The trouble you're running from, is it serious?"

"Yes. Carter will be coming for me. He's a dangerous man." Pausing I looked at the floor before continuing, "Had I known you had women living here I wouldn't have come."

My voice had been whisper soft, but I knew he had heard when I looked up into his eyes. Self-consciously I pulled down on the wrists of my loose jacket and shirt sleeve. Disgust flashed in the old man's eyes and then turned to concern before he could mask his reaction. Gently but firmly he reached for my arm pulling up the sleeve. The bruises from the night I fled were fading, but still clearly visible after almost two weeks, "He gave you these bruises didn't he? I bet there are more of them too."

"Did he...", Teaspoon started and stopped seeming unable or unwilling to ask that question.

When he couldn't finish I alleviated his concern somewhat, "No, he didn't. Not me at least, but, I've seen firsthand what he can do. He told me he was saving me for marriage. As for the bruises... ..yes, they're his handiwork."

"Marriage?", Teaspoon asked his eyes concerned.

"The Gambler promised me to him." Feeling the bile in my throat I admitted, "Actually Carter told me that the Gambler owed him money. Rather than give him cash, he sold me to pay the debt, called it my dowry. It was when I tried to defend my father that Carter told me the truth about you. He wanted to hurt me and show me how little the Gambler actually cared. Pointing out that a father who cared so little that he would lie to his daughter about something like that and then sell her would never protect her. Even from a bastard like Carter."

Pulling my arm away and pulling down the sleeve I said, "I wasn't going to let myself be a victim so I left."

Turning to walk out the door because I was tired and didn't want to get into the details I ran straight into Buck. Silently standing at the door he had to have overheard some if not all of my confession. His eyes gave away little, but at a minimum I was sure he had seen the bruises.

"Cody and Jimmy wanted me to tell you they're taking care of your horse. Rachel said to bring you over to the house so you can get cleaned up and settled", those eyes were looking straight in mine, but also straight through. There was something behind those eyes troubling him. I could see his pain as much as he tried to mask it. I recognized it because I saw the same thing every time I looked in the mirror.

Our eyes locked for a minute and he gave me a look that unnerved me. It was like he knew I wasn't telling the whole story. That I was holding back, that he didn't believe me as easily as Teaspoon. This one worried me as much as the one named Jimmy. They wouldn't be so accepting of what I had to say, but it was more there too. This one was holding back, like a part of him was shut down. It felt as if he recognized that in me.

Shaking my head I broke our stare. The lack of sleep had to be getting to me. I've been on edge since I left Wayford Station, never able to let my guard down. Never able to get a good nights' rest as you never knew what lurked around the other bend. You had to be weary of weather and of animals. Especially careful for humans who could find you, they could be the sickest animals of them all.

Raising my eyes back to him my voice soft, I gave in as I had to trust someone, "Take me to Rachel."