Heyes walked into The Silver Eagle, one of the busiest saloons in Colorado Springs just past seven pm. There were already several poker games in progress, which was well suited to his purpose for coming here.

He bought a beer and as he drank he studied the tables, watching the players carefully, looking for cheating and taking note of anyone who appeared to be losing more than they were willing to accept. Without Kid to watch his back, he wouldn't risk trouble by winning too much off men with little skill, who hadn't the sense to fold when their luck and funds were gone. So high stakes games with edgy players weren't an option and low stakes games wouldn't yield enough money. That meant a medium stakes game with prosperous opponents was the best option, which left him only two choices. The winnings at either table wouldn't be as big as at one of the other higher stakes tables he'd reluctantly dismissed, but would still provide him with much needed funds. He finished his drink and dug into his pocket for a coin.

Before making a final decision, he looked back at the two games and decided the coin was pointing him correctly. The free seat of the one he'd decided on, if his flip came up heads, was on the outer side of the table and placed in such a way that it meant there was no opportunity for anyone to come up behind him without being seen. It was as far as he could tell, a clean and good-natured game, its position providing a clear view of both the door and the rest of the saloon. The players all appeared well-heeled and prosperous, the conversation was easy, indicating the men could easily afford to lose what they were betting. Therefore it was unlikely that they'd get too riled when they were beaten. Yes, a good choice with all he had to take into consideration.

As he walked towards the game, a memory of something Kid had said a couple of years previously, made him smile a little wryly. "The only thing keeping you alive all these years is me." Even at the time he'd had to reluctantly acknowledge, even if only to himself, that there was a lot of truth in that claim, and the last months had hammered it home even more firmly. Maybe one of these days he'd actually admit it out loud to Kid. His smile broadened slightly at the thought of Kid's expression if he ever did. Damn, he missed his friend.

Heyes woke early, despite not getting back to the room till after midnight and jumped out of bed. After a few moments of thought, he rapidly searched through his saddlebags to dig out the multiple timetables he'd collected. He spread them quickly out on the bed and perched on the edge to study them carefully. He had soon calculated that the stage to Denver, then the train onward to Cheyenne was the fastest way. He was relieved that it was also the cheapest route. He'd done well last night, but any opportunity to save his funds was welcome as the money he had would soon have to be enough to support two.

Once he had decided on his best route he was eager to return to the telegraph office but realistically he knew there was little hope of a reply until at least noon. He could go early, but he'd scowl and pace as he waited which would only give the man working a reason to remember him. He hoped it wouldn't matter by the 26th but it paid to be cautious. So he decided reluctantly he needed to kill some time.

He stored the scattered timetables carefully back into his saddlebag before washing, shaving and getting dressed.

"The breakfast special please."

When the food was brought to him he stared at it for several moments thinking that his partner would have appreciated it more than him but he ploughed through a good half of it, before admitting defeat. The Kid would have eaten all his and probably most of what Heyes had left too. The thought brought up the unwelcome memory of his too thin partner and he suddenly looked forward to getting irritated at Kid again for doing just that very soon.

After breakfast he went into the general store and studied the shelves carefully before he settled on a hat. It had a good wide brim with a band of twisted leather that was interspersed with small pieces of turquoise that gave it some style. It wasn't as distinctive as Kid's old hat, but Heyes had always been a little wary of just how easily the combination of silver and turquoise attracted attention. Studying the hat again he decided it was one his partner would get to like. His next stop was the gun shop and he walked over to the counter to ring the brass bell. "Sir?"

Heyes looked up into clear grey eyes and an appraising expression and smiled. "You the owner?"

The man nodded, "Twenty years , I own it lock stock and barrel." He laughed as he took in what Heyes knew was his slightly pained expression "Well, it amuses some customers anyways. What you looking for?" He looked down at Heyes' tied down gun and raised his eyebrows. "You don't seem in need of a new weapon. I can look at yours and give you some advice on ways to improve it, if you ain't happy with it."

Heyes smiled then, pleased that the man wasn't just looking for a quick buck. "Ain't for me. Buying for a friend, so I'm looking for a gun that would satisfy even your choosiest customer. Style ain't important, but accuracy and speed are."

"That won't come cheap."

Heyes shrugged. "It's for a special occasion, so cost don't matter too much." The man raised his eyebrows as he took in Heyes' slightly dishevelled appearance and battered hat. Heyes' smile widened to cover his irritation. "I got the money- appearance ain't everything you know." He took out a sheaf of notes and waved them with some fervour in front of the gunsmith who held up his hands in apology and smiled.

"Didn't mean any offence Mr?"

"Gaines, Joshua Gaines." He stuck his hand out by way of greeting and found it clasped in a firm grip, with callouses in places he recognised well from his partner's hands.

"Well, I keep my special items safely locked away out of sight." He lifted up the latched section of his counter and waved Heyes through to a door at the back of the shop. Taking a bunch of keys from the shelf above he unlocked the door and led the way into a small room where several large locked cabinets with glass doors and lids stood against the wall. Heyes gave a low whistle at the impressive array of weapons. "now Mr Gaines, this friend of yours, he favour the Smith and Wesson or the Colt?"

"Definitely the Colt. I can't repeat what he says about my gun."

The man chuckled and opened one of the far cabinets, handing Heyes a gun from it. "A man after my own heart. I got one here he'll appreciate. He can build in his own balance and it's a real handy shooter. Not top of the range, but sure beats most weapons especially if the guy using it knows what he's doing."

Heyes took the gun and weighed it in his hands and looked up at the man. "Perfect! I'll take it. Bullets and a holster too."

XXXX

"Yes, Sir, there is a reply.

Meeting arranged 6am 27th.

A day later than he really wanted, but it was progress.