"YES." Slim let out a small cry of triumph. All 4 horses were under a cliff calmly munching on grass. He quietly moved closer and they calmly looked at him as if wondering where he'd been. He spoke softly. "Boys, fun's over. It's time to get back to work." He managed to get hold of all four and started back to the cave.

With no way to know that the horses had been found, Kitty walked on looking for signs of them and also, somewhat nervously, signs of Sophia. She was glad it was almost time to start back to the cave and the company of others. She spotted a structure a few yards away abutting a rock-covered hill. It was the type of door-less, one room building that prospectors built for protection from the elements. She decided to look inside on the slight chance that a horse had wandered in. The pathway to the structure was covered with rocks and pebbles still slippery from last night's storm, so she slowed her pace and walked carefully. Suddenly a small rock hit the side of her head. She flinched and looked up. There was no one in sight. She felt a mild gust of wind and couple of small stones rolled down the hill and landed at her feet. She breathed a sigh of relief. The rocks on the hill were loose and slippery and the slight wind had blown some down, nothing more. One just happened to hit her.

She continued walking and entered the structure, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. The room was long and she carefully made her way to the back. It was empty except for a small table and a low three-legged stool. No horse, perhaps it was a foolish idea. She was about to turn to leave when a stone hit the back of her head. She gasped and her hand flew to the pain. Her head was wet with blood. Dazed she turned and saw Sophia charging at her with a knife. Instinctively she stepped aside. Sophia tripped but recovered quickly. The women stared, ready to do battle. Sophia flashed her knife. Adrenaline pumped through Kitty's veins. Neither woman moved for seconds. Then a loud rumble made them turn toward the entrance. Dust flew in.

True had stationed himself in the shadows on top of the rocky hill, to keep an eye on things. He was surprised to see Kitty wander into the abandoned prospector's shelter and even more surprised to see Sophia rush in after her. This could be his chance but how? He moved his foot and a rock tumbled down the hill. Inspiration struck, an accident waiting to happen. It was a shame Kitty was in there too but he couldn't pass up this chance to get Sophia. Wasting no time he stood and put all his weight against a large boulder. It tilted enough to start rolling down the hill. He quickly pushed another and another. Gravity took over and an avalanche of rocks and boulders clamored downwards. When the dust settled he raced down the hill and smiled with satisfaction. The entrance to the shelter was totally sealed with layers of heavy boulders and stones. In theory the women could get out, in theory. He whistled a little tune and walked away. Too bad about Kitty, she was just an innocent bystander and an attractive one at that.

The women put their hands across their eyes as dust gusted in and huge rocks thundered down and sealed off the entrance. Sophia dropped the knife.

All was quiet for a moment. Kitty broke the silence. "Does that mean you won't try to kill me?"

"No point, seeing as we're both going to die here."

"I don't think so."

"Why's that?"

"Those rocks didn't fall naturally. My guess is True is behind it. That's why I think we'll survive. I figure it's True's way to hold me hostage to get to Matt for whatever reason Winthrop wants. You happened to be in here too. I'm sorry."

"Wait, what does Winthrop have to do with it?"

"True's a gunslinger. I saw Winthrop hire him. I didn't hear the whole conversation but I saw money change hands."

Sophia gave a short, harsh laugh. "Kitty this has nothing to do with you." She laughed again, "I didn't think Carter recognized me."

Kitty frowned "What's your connection with Carter Winthrop?"

"Since we're doomed I might as well tell you. You can even call me Susie if you want. When I worked at the Long Branch 12 years ago I made a lot of money and saved like crazy."

"Never had a girl who earned better."

"I had plans. When I left Dodge, I rented an expensive place in Boston and did some research. I found out that Carter Winthrop ll had been unhappily married for 5 years to an ugly, ill-tempered woman who'd inherited a fortune. He married her to increase his wealth and have an heir to carry on his name. He got her money but no heir. They tried everything from garlic to beads. It didn't take much effort on my part to become his mistress. Then I became pregnant and he was ecstatic. He told me he'd divorce his wife and marry me. At one point I read in the society pages that Winthrop's wife had gone off to a spa for a rest cure. I figured that was part of his plan. I gave birth to a beautiful boy. Winthrop was delighted, attentive and wonderful. Then it all went crazy. One morning I read in the newspaper that Winthrop's wife had died in childbirth. That afternoon he and a nurse tore the baby from my arms. I was in shock. Then the police showed up and found evidence that I'd stolen jewelry from the dear departed Mrs. Winthrop. It was jewelry that Winthrop had given to me. I was sentenced to 10 years in jail."

Kitty looked up, "Are you saying Cart is your son?"

Susie nodded. " Yes, I don't know what happened to Mrs. Winthrop but she didn't die in childbirth."

Kitty pictured the boy's brown eyes and beautiful smile and knew it was true.

Suzie sat on the stool and stared straight ahead. "When I got to prison, I was stripped of my clothes, hosed down and put into a uniform. Then I was brought to the warden's office. He was a slimy man with slicked back hair and a thick black mustache. He practically drooled when he saw me and I smiled. You have to remember I was still pretty and used to using my looks to get things. He wasted no time in raping me and I didn't fight. I figured with the warden wanting my body, I'd have some provides. I learned different. He was still panting with pleasure when he zippered his pants and explained.

"That was mighty fine, too bad I can't keep you as my private plaything. This was a one-time thing. I got orders from high up that you get the hardest jobs and live in a cell with the crazies. I don't know what you did to deserve it but that's the way it is. You won't be worth looking at much longer and you won't survive your sentence."

"That's the way it was Kitty. From before dawn until after dark I worked like a dog. Two big toothless women shared my cell. One screamed most of the night the other said I had the evil eye and tried to strangle me every time there was a full moon. Others tried stealing my food but I got good at protecting what was mine." She lifted her chin. "I survived. When I was released from prison, they gave back the expensive clothes I wore when I got there. I sold them and bought cheap ones. I had money left and was strategic. I saw Tom in a coffee shop. I thought I'd forgotten how to be a woman but I decided to do my best to flirt. I made up a name and a past. It worked. We married. I had a chance at a new life." She sighed. "You see this has nothing to do with you and your marshal. Winthrop wants me dead."

Kitty looked confused, "How'd you end up on the same stage?"

"I didn't plan it. He must have had someone reporting my whereabouts. When you called me Susie I glanced at him and he didn't seem to notice so I figured he didn't recognize me. Now I realize he knew all along.

"Why would he want you dead?"

A single tear flowed down Susie's cheek, "As I was being dragged past him after the trial, I whispered that when I got out I'd kill him and get the boy back. It seems ridiculous considering how rich and powerful he is, but he looked terrified when I said it. I'm sure he believes that's what I'll try to do."

"You tried to kill me. Would you try to kill Winthrop and take the boy?"

She brushed the tear away. "No. I held Cart, nursed him and will always love him. I will not disrupt his life. Winthrop is his father and can give him so much. Kitty, it was an empty threat from a scared and powerless woman. Now we've been left to die because of it."

TBC