July 21, 1889 (Thursday)

Surprisingly the morning was unscheduled. Kid had explained to the Governor that he was not available for any of the events planned that day as he would be meeting friends at the train station, helping them obtain a hotel room either at the Regency or at a less expensive hotel nearby. So Kid had the full day off and was exceedingly happy.

Heyes, Lom, and Kid explored the area near the hotel and settled on a small cafe for breakfast

Heyes and Lom attended a public question and answer program that was also being held at the library and drew a surprisingly large crowed, some of whom lost no time in expressing their disappointment that the fastest gun in the west was not also in attendance.

Kid met the one o'clock stage and was so happy to see a familiar face. He told Clem all about his dismay of the activities that had been scheduled for the entire week, as well as how much he wanted to see the entire week end. But, like Heyes, Clem reminded him of the much anticipated reward that he and Heyes would be receiving at the end of the week. Clem's perpetually happy disposition soon moved Kid in the same direction.

Clem was aware that the Regency was a posh and high end hotel, but she wanted to be as close to all the excitement as possible so she got a room, much smaller than the boy's suite, but on the same floor. When she discovered that her room was not equipped with a bathtub, Kid naturally offered her the use of one of theirs. Clem happily accepted. So Kid spent an hour in the hotel bar while Clem enjoyed a bubble bath.

When Kid returned to the room and knocked on the door, Clem was dressed and happy to have the company. She stood in front of the mirror fixing her hair while Kid stretched out on the bed.

"I believe your invitation included attending the Governor's Ball, didn't it?" Kid asked.

"Yes, it did and I'm really looking forward to that. I've never seen the inside of the Governor's mansion.

"Well, would you be my date for the evening, Kid asked."

"Sure, but what about Heyes...Oh, Kid, has Heyes found a nice woman?" Clem asked excitedly.

"No, nothing like that, Clem. It's just that we got another female friend coming as well and..."

"And you'd rather go with me, Kid? How sweet."

"Well, I figure we each gotta take one of you and."

Clem frowned "So better just ask rather than flipping a coin?"

"Yea," Kid replied, not seeing anything for Clem to be indignant about.

"Well, if you'd just asked me to some regular dance, I'd tell you no, but since this is the Governor's Ball, alright, I go with you. Where is Heyes by the way?"

"He's off at one of those stupid events I told you about. He should be back soon."

"Who's the other lady that's coming?"

"Her name is Georgette Sinclair."

"Is she from Denver?"

"Yep. You know her?"

"No, I don't think we've ever met, but I think I recall seeing her name on the Society Page...Maybe an engagement."

"Georgette's getting married?"

"I don't know for sure, Kid. You'll have to ask her. Who else did you two invite?"

"Let's see, Soapy and Silky, Diamond Jim, Wheat Carlson might have been on the list."

"Isn't he one of the outlaws you two rode with?"

"Yea, but the statute of limitations ran out on his crimes. He robbed the same trains me and Heyes robbed, but he got his freedom back long before we did," Kid complained.

"He probably wasn't as good at it as you and Heyes so he didn't have as high a bounty."

"Yea, his was only two thousand dollars. I don't know if he was on the list, though, and we didn't get a response from him if it was."

Clem turned around and looked at Kid. "You know, I am really proud of your two getting this amnesty," she said smiling at Kid.

"Ah, Clem, thank you darlin."

With that the door opened and in walked Heyes.

Clem rushed over and wrapped her arms around him. "I was just telling Kid how proud I am of the two of you!" she exclaimed.

Heyes smiled and planted a kiss on Clem's lips.

"How was the meeting?"

"Boring. A lot of people asked about you."

"So all that's left is that dance tonight?"

"There's a dance tonight?" Clem asked excitedly.

"A soiree," Heyes explained.

"What's a soiree?" Clem asked.

"A dance," they answered in unison.

"Well, can I go?"

Heyes looked at Kid and they both shrugged.

"I don't know why not. The Governor's not gonna turn us away at the door just because we brought a date."

"Oh, speaking of dates, Heyes. Clem's my date at the Governor's Ball Saturday. Georgette is yours," Kid explained.

"You two flip a coin without me?"

'No, Silly," Clem said.

"I just asked her first," Kid replied.

Heyes shrugged. "Alright."

They dressed for the evening and attended the soiree. Having Clem there, a familiar and friendly face,made the evening much more enjoyable for both Heyes and Curry. They left as early as Clem said was appropriate and returned to the hotel. Because women were not permitted in the bar, they retired to the boy's room and ordered beers and spent a quiet couple of hours, each in the company of friends.