PT.7

Laced By Blood

After several days, Grace and Sarah began to notice others in the Indian camp beginning to fall ill feeling weak and fevered. Some of the elder braves were starting to get riled. They believed these white women were doing harm to their people. Not all were accepting of Sarah's return. She was now an outsider to some as she had lived the white man's life.

Grace knew there was something they just weren't seeing. This reminded her of what they were taught about dysentery and she began looking around the camp as much as they would allow her to. Then she began asking Sarah questions about more of their ways, things she didn't or wouldn't understand.

Sarah at first wasn't sure why or what Grace was thinking but then Grace went on to explain what her theory was. "Look, Sarah, is there anything around here that would be possibly contaminating their food or water supply?"

"Oh, Grace, it's been so long since I was here. But the water comes from the stream and the food is what our hunters hunt and we get from our gardens."

"We need to check everything," Grace told her.

There had been a slight chill in the night air, as the girls continued their vigil with Little Doe and some of the others. The young squaw suddenly placed a skin around Grace's shoulders and nodded to her motioning to her to keep warm. Grace smiled, saying, "Thank you."

Early, Mesa Butte

When Matt, Kitty and Newly arrived the town was quiet. Newly spotted the hotel right off. "Matt, Miss Kitty, there's the hotel. Miss Kitty, maybe you'd like to freshen up then get something to eat."

"Matt nodded. "Sounds good, Newly. Kit, maybe you should get some rest. You really didn't get much on the way here."

"I didn't expect to, Cowboy." She said just looking around at the small town.

They all checked in and as they were freshening up, Matt noticed Kitty was exceptional quiet. "Kit honey, you look really tired. Maybe you should rest while I…"

Shaking her head and not letting him finish. "I didn't come all this way to rest, Matt. I'm sure this place has hot coffee somewhere then lets find Grace."

Something told him not to argue.

Just as they were leaving the hotel,Newly met with them in the lobby. Newly, we're going to find some hot coffee and then be on our way."

"Sounds like a plan." Newly agreed as he followed them out the door. But as they walked out onto the boardwalk,a rather husky man approached Matt.

"I figure you to be Dillon. Matt Dillon?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah,and you are?"

"I'm Chalke Rawlings. I was the one that sent you the wire."

Marr extended his hand. "Rawlings."

"Dillon, I am Mike Yardner's foreman. I told her I would meet with you and try and fill you in on what is happening but I think it's important that the two of you sit and have a talk. It's very important she fill you in on a few things."

Matt froze. "Mike Yardner?" There was a name from the past. Then it hit him. KITTY! He could feel the burn of her eyes. He wasn't sure if he should even turn around. As he did he wasn't sure if the fire or the cold that was worse.

Her shoulders were squared Jaws were tight. "Well now, Mister Dillon. It seems to me you have very Important things to talk about with MIKE YARDNER. Please DON'T KEEP HER WAITING. IT'S IMPORTANT!" Then she turned away. "Newly, would you walk me to the stable?"

Matt tossed his head and rolled his eyes. "Kit, where you going?"

"TO FINd MY DAUGHTER!" She snapped as she stomped away.

Newly looked at Matt.

"Newly, stay with her please. Keep her out of trouble." Matt pleaded with the younger man.

Chalke Rawlings looked at Matt. "Did I miss something here, Dillon?"

"Actually, yeah. That rather calm explosion was my wife. UGH… It's a long story, Rawlings."

Newly followed Kitty to the stables. "Miss Kitty, don't you think we should wait for Matt?"

"Newly O'Brien. Don't you say that name around me again as long as you're with me."

"Now, Ma'am, I know you're upset about Grace but Matt just…"

"Newly… "

"Ok. Ok. But where you going to go?"

"Oh, I don't know but neither did you two. But I can't just sit here and do nothing."

When Sarah woke, she felt herself coughing and feeling clammy. Elizabeth came to get Grace. "Grace, Sarah's not feeling good."

Grace had been awake since dawn. She liked the early morning air. As she checked on Sarah she noticed Sarah covered in one of the skins. Then she saw the she was beginning to get fevered. Quickly she pulled it from her. "Elizabeth, where did this come from?"

"The squaw gave it to us."

"Yes she gave me one too but I didn't keep it on. Hummmmm. Sarah honey, listen to me. I think I know what is wrong." Quickly, Grace went outside and ran to Sarah's grandfather's tee pee. "Chief! Chief Black Horse. I need to talk to you. Please?"

At first the brave wouldn't let her in then the Chief motioned for him to allow her.

"Chief, I need to ask you. Your skins? Where did they come from?"

He looked puzzled then just said, "Trade."

Trade." She repeated.

"Yes. We Trade."

"Ok, You need to burn them all. They are what is making everyone sick. They are contaminating your water, your Food and your people. You have to get them all and burn them. Then we need to boil all the water before you use it. It's the only way to save the sick ones. Please, I want to help you,Chief."

The chief looked deep in her eyes.

She took him and showed him how Little Doe and Sarah looked. "Chief, please. Listen to me."

Then Sarah looked at him. "Grandfather? Please?"

TBC