Kid Curry and Hannibal Heyes stood at the bar in the Brown Derby Hotel waiting for their guest to arrive. Both dressed in tailor fitted new suits, finely polished boots, and smart, dapper Derby hats, they finished their second shots of whiskey and motioned to the bartender for a third.
"You think we better hold on to this telegram?" Kid asked as he pulled it from his pocket to give it yet another inspection."
"Until our copies of the amnesty papers come through. Right now that's the only proof we've got that our amnesty has been granted."
Kid nodded and slipped the telegram back into his pocket. As the bartender handed them their third drink, Heyes spied Clem waiting for them in the lobby and he nudged Kid and nodded his head in Clem's direction.
Kid smiled and they each picked up their glasses and carried them out to the lobby.
"Remember what I said about being fashionably late, Clem?" Kid asked teasingly.
"Forty-five minutes is exactly the appropriate amount of time to be fashionably late," Clem replied.
"You look that up in a book of etiquette, did you?"
"I had to. I couldn't find a handsome librarian. They were all women."
"Am I missing something here?" Heyes asked.
"Oh, long story, Heyes. Remind me to tell you sometime," Kid replied.
"But Kid, be sure to order a bottle of wine at dinner. Heyes will be very impressed.
"I definitely am missing out on something," Heyes concluded.
"Come on," Kid said, holding a partially bent arm out to Clem who slid her hand comfortable in against Kid's arm. "Reservation is for seven."
Once seated Heyes and Kid kept to their whiskeys to drink with their meal, but Clem ordered a glass of wine.
The three enjoyed a leisurely evening of fine dining, fine liquor, and fine conversation.
"I wish you two would consider staying in Colorado," Clem said. "It's been nice having the two of you around so much."
"Oh, I'm sure you'd grow tired of us pretty fast, Clem," Heyes said but caught the look Clem and Kid exchanged.
"I guess I've missed out on more than just a lesson in etiquette," Heyes commented.
"No, it's nothing like that, Heyes," Clem explained. "Just a couple of people finding what they needed...when they needed it most."
"Ah," Heyes replied, understanding exactly what she was saying. "Sometimes that can move mountains, can't it?"
Kid nodded and blue eyes met brown. "It sure can, Heyes. Good to be partners again."
"Do you two know this is the most expensive hotel in all of Denver, and I'm referring to the construction costs, not the price of dinner."
Kid laughed. "You might be right on both accounts."
"Speaking of accounts, I think Soapy might be very grateful to hear he can take us off his expense account now."
"He has been more than generous. You know, Heyes, maybe we should take him something, as a thank you for all he's done."
"Like what?"
"Maybe a bottle of the finest Rum we can find," Kid suggested.
Heyes smiled. "You think he can afford that, Kid?"
"Well, we wouldn't want to go see him empty handed now would we?"
Clem listened to the back and forth banter and finally just closed her eyes and shook her head.
"You two will never change, will you?"
Heyes and Curry looked at each other with eyes that twinkled and smiled.
"I hope not, Clem. I truly hope not."