Chapter 2
The morning began early with a glorious sunrise. Lou forgot how beautiful they could be out west with the never ending horizon. There were just too many trees in Virginia.
"Rachel, would you mind watching Jamie? There's something I need to do in town. It won't take long," she asked Rachel after breakfast.
"Yeah, you go right ahead, but I got to be at the school to teach my class at nine so hurry back." Rachel had a feeling she knew what Lou was up to but since Lou was so tight lipped about her arrival she didn't want to speculate.
"Thanks Rachel," Lou said as she made her way upstairs to change quickly into a simple blue calico skirt and white flowing blouse. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her appearance had changed little over the years. She was still the petite wiry girl but her curves were more apparent and her hair had grown a few inches. While she usually pulled it up into a loose bun most days, today she chose to leave it down. With one last adjustment of her belt, she slipped on her boots and took off.
When she stepped into the familiar doorway, she saw him immediately. He had his back towards her, nailing up a wanted poster on the wall. "Excuse me Marshal. I'm looking for a dear friend of mine. He's tall, handsome and has got quite a funny look on his face right…" Before Lou could even finish the sentence, Jimmy had scooped Lou up in his arms and swung her around.
He was so happy to see her. It had been way too long. While Jimmy and Lou hadn't written to each other, they knew a little of each other's lives due to Lou and Rachel's rare correspondence over the years.
"I don't believe it," he said. "I didn't know you all were coming for a visit. Where's that family of yours?"
"Your namesake is getting to know his Aunt Rachel, who is already spoiling him rotten."
"And Kid?" Jimmy asked. There was a long silence.
"He's still in Virginia."
"What happened Lou?"
"Come by Rachel's tonight and I'll tell you all then. I don't really have the time right now plus I'm sure you're busy."
"Well when the town has a marshal as good as me, there's rarely any trouble," he said with a big smile. About that time a young boy ran into the marshal's office yelling, "Marshal Hickok, Marshal Hickok!"
"Yes Danny, what's wrong?" Lou couldn't help but smile despite herself. "There's a fight in front of Miss Sally's store," Danny said. "Someone's tryin' to steal one of her pies."
"Well I see you have your work cut out for you Jimmy. I'll see you at Rachel's tonight?" Lou asked him.
"I wouldn't miss it."
Before leaving Lou turned and said "It's real good to see you Jimmy."
