Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I don't own it. Larry McMurtry, Rysher entertainment, and probably a lot more people I've forgotten do. I'm just borrowing them for my own entertainment and will return them when through. Gray Fox and Jesse Calder, though, are MY creations and I'd like to be told if you plan to use them. I'll probably say yes anyway.

Author's note: This is an AU story, based on the Lonesome Dove Saga by Larry McMurtry. AU means that some of the faces, features, and facts might have been altered. If there are any questions, send them through my profile and I'll try to answer them quickly.

Author's note #2: I know I've been neglecting my other stuff, and I PROMISE to work on them when I can, but this took hold and wouldn't let go.

Author's note #3: Reviews are like food and water to me. If you read, won't you please review?

Part Five

Jesse knew that anger she'd seen in Call's eyes wasn't directed at her but she felt pity for the target. Call didn't like to be used; she knew that much about him already. She went and sat back down on her bunk, staring at the wall. There was nothing to do. She didn't even have a book to read.

Lieutenant Simmons came over to her cell after a few minutes and handed something through the bars. "It isn't much, Scout," he said quietly, "but it's something to pass the time." He gave a slight smile. "I'll expect it back when you get out of there, of course."

She took the wrapped parcel from him and unfolded the leather to find a set of books, well worn and well cared for. She looked up at him again, confused.

"You should have told us anyway," he explained patiently. "Not everyone is like Sergeant Miller. For what it's worth, I'm sorry it happened and sorrier still that it was one of us that did it." He turned away and went back to the front of the jailhouse, sitting down with his pistol in his lap and another book in his hand.

Jesse took the hint and returned to her bunk, the precious books clutched close, and then she stared at the titles. Historical books, the kind she liked to read anyway. She picked out one at random, a book on Irish folklore, and settled down. At least now she wasn't bored.

***

Famous Shoes halted quickly and knelt, and Call and Gus reined in, not walking closer because they didn't want to spoil the trail the tracker was following. "We should hurry," the Kickapoo said evenly. "Many horses came this way. The soldiers found this trail and are following it."

Call took out his spyglass and focused on the nearby dust cloud. "If we move fast, we can catch them," he spoke quietly. He didn't turn his head, but his next words were for Famous Shoes. "How much farther?"

The Indian looked to the sky, considering, and then checked the trail again. "The soldiers will stop for the night soon. If we do not stop, we will find Gray Fox tomorrow, I think."

Call nodded, and so did Gus. They'd slept in the saddle before; it was nothing new to them. And they both wanted to reach the Comanche before the Army did, otherwise there would be no saving Jesse's life. They needed Gray Fox's words to prove that she was telling the truth. Without him, it was her word against the Army, and both men knew how that would turn out. "Can you track at night?" Call asked him carefully.

"Gray Fox is tricky. He might change direction in the dark. If he knows he is being followed, he will try to reach the canyon east of here. They are full of caverns and holes to hide in." Famous Shoes thought hard for a moment more. "We should go there. It is not far."

Call and Gus exchanged a look. Famous Shoes had always been on their side in a scrap, but the Rangers both knew the canyon the Kickapoo was talking about. It was a closed in box, perfect for an ambush. If they went in, they might not get out, if Gray Fox felt cornered. It was a tough call to make.

Finally Gus spoke, his voice even but a small smile played about his lips. "Lead on."