Artie awoke feeling refreshed; better than he had in three months. Instinctively, he pulled the sleeping woman next to him, closer to his body, cuddling into her softness. She stirred and turned to face him, snuggling into him. He kissed her gently on the forehead.

Good morning.

She kissed the soft flesh of his throat and purred,

Artie sighed contentedly, breathing in the sweet scent of Noreen's hair. He knew he needed to get moving with work, but for the moment, he wanted to luxuriate in the feeling of the soft skin against his. She tightened her arms around his back, softly caressing his shoulders.

We can't stay here forever can we?

He sighed heavily, No, I don't suppose that we can.....so much needs to be done.

Artie tilted her face up to his and gently kissed her, lingering only for a sweet moment. Then begrudgingly, he rolled out of bed and pulled his clothes on. He could use a strong cup of coffee.

***********

The sun peeked over the canyon wall, hitting Jim in the face. He stirred with a moan, his eyes slowly opening. He wondered if his horse made it back to Paulden, and whether anyone thought it strange that a saddled horse with no rider was wandering the town. At least there was a chance that the sheriff or some other inquisitive individual might come looking for the horse's owner.

The feeling in his legs had come back, which he decided was a mixed blessing. He wasn't paralyzed, but the pain was unpleasant to say the least. He drew in a slow breath. It proved easier than it had been the night before, and he was confident that his ribs were bruised, but nothing more. He tried to move, and the flash of pain caused him to cry out.

Through clenched teeth he uttered,

Getting out of the canyon on his own was not possible; without help, he would surely die. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the rock, praying his horse had understood the three-whistle command, and that someone in Paulden would become curious.

***********

Artemus continued sweeping the floor of the saloon, chatting off and on with Bill the barkeep, who was sipping his morning coffee.

You do make the best coffee, Artie, I'll give ya that. You gonna share the secret?

It's just Arbuckle's and water.

Nah, you got something else in here, you must.

A smile tugged at Artie's lips, It's in the process, if you really wanna know.



Artie leaned in conspiratorially, Yeah, instead of boiling the water and coffee together, you boil the water separately until it bubbles with so much pressure that it can push through a small container holding the grounds. See, I have this idea for a machine that can make coffee by putting the grounds in some kind of filter in one part of the machine, and adding the water to another—

Bill just stared at the man as if he were some kind of nut. Artemus took in a deep breath. He was certainly familiar with the look, but it had been awhile since he had seen it. Jim was used to his meandering and theories, and while West occasionally looked at him with a long-suffering gaze, he no longer gave him the vacant stare.

Jim. Artie felt emotion well up within him at the thought of his friend. He had been right there and Artemus had not acknowledged him. He felt ashamed. Bill saw the sadness cross over Gordon's face as though it were a dark cloud.

You all right? You look like you just lost your best friend.

Artie's glistening eyes darted up to Bill's, Sure, I'm fine.just thinking about somebody.....

The sultry voice from the landing upstairs caused both men to turn and look.

Whoever she is, Mr. Morgan, she'd better have the first name of Noreen

Artie took her hand as she stepped on the last stair, A rose by any other name, wouldn't smell as sweet

She smiled at him; he was quite charming. She knew if she weren't careful, she would fall for him; and she would fall hard.

Why Mr. Morgan, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were some kind of performer at some point in your life.

Artie nodded his head solemnly to her, I was indeed a bit of a showboat. He indicated his current appearance, Although I looked a lot different then

She ran a hand along the side of his face, I think you look just fine now.

He blushed slightly, as Noreen brushed closely past him, heading into the kitchen. He watched her go, admiring her curves. None of it was lost on Bill.

Miss Noreen seems a bit sweet on you.

Artie shrugged, Yes, I suppose so

He began sweeping the floor again.

She's had a hard time since her husband was killed.

Artie could feel Bill's glare at his back, and the warning in his tone. Gordon stopped sweeping, and turned to face the barkeep.

Bill, I understand that you're trying to protect her, but I don't think the matter is up for public discussion. Artie looked into the man's eyes, But if it makes you feel better, I'm not out to hurt her.

Good intentions are fine, but I see the way she looks at you

Then it hit Artemus, You're in love with her aren't you?

Bill glared, picked up his cloth and began wiping down the bar, Don't be ridiculous. I just don't wanna see her hurt is all.

Before Gordon could comment further, a young man dressed in stableman's clothes came into the saloon, Hey Bill.do you know anything about a black horse at the stable?

What are you talkin' about, Clive?

When I got to the stable this mornin' there was a black gelding fully saddled standing in front of the doors. There was no one around, he wasn't tied up: he was just standin' there. I tried to get ahold of him, but he keeps scootin' out of the way every time I reach for the reins.

I don't know anything about it, Clive. We didn't get any new borders last night.

Well this is one dang crazy horse. He just stands there and neighs at me, but won't let me git him. Clive headed for the door, Must be somebody's horse, he's got a right expensive saddle and tack, and the rifle is custom with silver detail on the handle.

Artie shot a look at the young man, Hang on a secondsilver detail on the handle.....Is the saddle and tack silver-studded?

Clive stared at him, Sure nough is. How'd you know that?

Artie swallowed hard, It sounds like the horse that belonged to that young man who stayed at the saloon night before last.

How the hell would you know that?

Artie ignored the question and turned to Clive, Can I see the horse?

Come on then....

Artie and Bill followed Clive out of the saloon, and down to the stable. There, standing in front of the barn doors, was Jim West's horse. An alarm in Gordon's head went off; this was all wrong. The horse was standing there, his head bobbing up and down in agitation. He was shifting back and forth on his front legs, and his eyes were wide. Artie approached the gelding cautiously and slowly.

Easy boy.easy now.

The horse recognized him and after a moment stopped moving. Artie took a hold of the reins and the gelding nudged him with his nose.

Hey, he knows him....

Gordon pet the horse gently and spoke in soothing tones, Where's Jim, huh? Where is he, boy?

The horse whinnied and shook his mane wildly. He broke from Artie and ran a feet, but then stopped, and looked at Gordon. Artie frowned; it seemed as if the horse was expecting something. He whistled to the horse, but the animal didn't budge. Artie did it again, and slowly the horse obeyed.

Clive piped up, Is that some kinda circus horse?

Artie muttered under his breath, Only if you consider the White House your average big top.... Gordon stroked the horse's nose, You know where he is, don't you? Where's Jim, hmmm?

The tore away again, and once more turned to stare at Gordon. Artie was sure. He turned to Clive and said, I need my horse. Clive left quickly to get the chestnut, then Artie turned to Bill, Can you get the doctor in town and be sure he's at the saloon when I get back?

Bill pursed his lips; this man who had moved in on Noreen, this drifter, was suddenly barking orders like he was some kind of important lawman.

You mind tellin' me what's goin' on here?

Look, I don't have time to explain. The long and short of it is we may have a man who's badly hurt, and I'm asking you to get a doctor. Is that a problem?

Bill didn't like this sudden turn of attitude from Morgan, and decided that later he might do something about it.

For the moment, Bill shrugged and replied,

Clive brought Artie his horse. Gordon jumped up on her. A second later, the gelding took off at breakneck speed, with Artemus Gordon in hot pursuit.