Dear Uncle Virgil,

I know it's been awhile since I've written. Almost two months. How is Mr. Hitch? Last time I wrote, he was having a bout with scarlet fever. Well or unwell, let him know that he is in my prayers.

I have good news, Uncle Virgil, I am coming to Appaloosa to visit. Ma and Pa have traveled to Kansas and feel I would be safer with you. There is alot of Indians in Kansas territory. I do hope that I will not be interfereing with you and Aunt Ally's lives. What with little Katherine just being born. It will be only be for four weeks, though. Give my love to Mr. Hitch, Miss Katie, Aunt Ally, and little Katherine. I do look forward to seeing all of you. I also look forward to meeting , seeing as though you write about him often.

Your niece,

Lucy Cole

Twenty-two-year-old Lucy Cole dressed herself in her traveling gown and bonnet. She got on the first stage coach out of Missouri and was on her way to Appaloosa. She had heard of the small town in letters that her Uncle Virgil had written her on ocassion. Of course, it seemed that her uncle didn't write as often as he used to. Lucy only figured it was because that Emma, Lucy's mom, dissaproved of Virgil's relationship with Lucy's Aunt Ally. Lucy didn't feel the same. She loved her Aunt Ally and her newborn cousin Katherine. The trip to Appaloosa would take two days, which gave Lucy plenty of time to rest. As she slept, Lucy was sudden awaken by sudden bump in the road. The stage coach suddenly stopped. Lucy smiled and waited for the door to open. As the door to the stage coach opened, Lucy hopped out and observed the small town. Which would be her home for a whole four weeks.

"Lucy?"

Lucy looked up and saw her Uncle Virgil standing only a few feet away from her. Lucy ran up to Virgil and gave him a huge hug.

"Oh Uncle Virgil, I've missed you! Are you still the Sheriff?"

"Not much crime to talk about, Lucy. Not since Brag's death."

"You're not going to retire are you, Uncle Virgil?"

"Of course not. As long as I can hold a gun. Then I'm not going anywhere."

"Well, I'm glad. The world would be alot safer if you became President."

"President?"

"Well, at least you would be closer to me."

Virgil laughed and wrapped his arm around his niece and led her into the Sheriff office. Once inside, Lucy saw Everett Hitch, one of Virgil's marshalls and one of Lucy's dearest friends. She held a finger to her lips and then covered Everett's eyes.

"Welcome back, Lucy." Everett said.

Lucy uncovered Everett's eyes and then gave him a hug.

"How did you know it was me?"

"Might be the stage that I heard coming in. Or that strong perfume that you're wearing."

"You like it? Only cost two dollars. Pa bought it for me when he was on a trip."

"Why don't you two get reaquainted. I'll go get your bags, Lucy."

"All right, Uncle."

Virgil stepped outside to fetch Lucy's luggage while Lucy sat next to Everett. For awhile, they sat in silence.

"How is Miss Katie?" Lucy asked.

"She's fine. She misses you"

"I've missed her, and I've missed you."

"If you missed me then why didn't you come."

"Scarlet fever is contagious, Mr. Hitch. I did want to come but my Pa said I would get sick."

"I didn't want you to come for me. I wanted you to come for Katie. She needed a friend."

"I'm sorry."

"I know. It's not your fault."

Lucy reached over the table and took Everett's hand and then released it when Virgil reentered the office with Lucy's baggage.

"Lucy, I still say that the train would've been a better choice." Virgil said.

"Oh Uncle Virgil, I can't stand trains. All those people, and that dreadful whistle! I would've died while on board."

"Sheriff! Sheriff Cole!"

A young boy came running into the Sheriff office. He had dark hair and dark eyes. He seemed to be Lucy's age.

"Calm down, Joe. What's going on?"

"At the hotel. Some drunkard is raising a fit."

"All right. We'll check it out. In the meanwhile...Joe, this is my niece Lucy. Talk to her. Get to know her a little."

"Yes, Sheriff."

Virgil and Everett left the Sheriff office. Joe and Lucy stared at each other, they seemed to be smitten with one another, but didn't want to show it.

"Your Uncle told me about you."

"He told me about you."

"Sorry about my eye. That damn drunkard threw a punch at me and-"

"Oh goodness. Let me help you."

Lucy ran to the pitcher and filled the basin with water. She dipped a cloth in the water and then went back to Joe. Carefully, she pressed the cloth against Joe's blackend eye.

"Does it hurt?"

"A little."

"I wish I could do more. The sting will probably only last for a day."

"Are you a doctor?"

"No. My Pa is. He lets me visit his clinic."

"I suppose you live in a big house."

"No. Pa only accepts money when its needed. Health is more important than wealth. That's what my family always says."

"I lost my family when I was little. My Ma and Pa died in a fire."

"I'm sorry."

"It's all right. I got by. With some help by Mr. Brag."

"I can't believe that awful man took part in raising you."

"I'm not proud of it either. I thought I was like a son to him. I was more a hand than anything."

"I'm sure your parents would've been very proud of you. I mean, when you testified against Mr. Brag."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Anyway, your eye looks a bit better. Can you see me?"

"Clear as day."

"Good. Let me put this rag away and we can talk a bit more. I would love to hear about you."

"Miss Cole?"

"Yes, Mr. Whittfield?"

"Do you have a beau? Back in Missouri, I mean."

"No, Mr. Whittfield."