Chapter Three

Previously:

"He promised. He may be a lot of things, Jarrod, only he keeps his promises." He then took a deep breath and added, "At least he didn't ask me for my silence."

Jarrod let out a breath full of frustration and thankfulness. "Thank goodness for that only, yes, get to the train station and see if you can get on the same train. If you can't, just come home. I know for a fact that the train to Carson City only runs three times a week-and the next one won't leave for two days. No matter what, I'm telling the telegraph office that any wires from Nick are to be delivered as soon as possible-even if we have to pay extra for the faster delivery."

"Fine with me." Heath remounted his horse and rode away from Jarrod who wished there was a way to give Nick a slap upside the back of his head from where he- Jarrod -stood. As it was, he made a beeline to the telegraph office.

Nick kept his eyes on the scenery flying past his window as the train sped down the railroad tracks. He hadn't been overly thrilled when he'd seen Heath boarding the train at the very last minute-only he'd resigned himself to it upon learning Jarrod had been the one to ask the blonde-haired cowboy to do so. 'Brothers' Nick had muttered-even as he was secretly grateful Heath and Jarrod had crossed paths in Stockton. Now Nick's mind was on the past.

"DUCK!" The one word yelled from the top of the ridge had Nick diving behind a huge, light brownish boulder. One second he was diving from cover, the next second a bullet was planting itself into the majestic Bald Cypress tree he'd been standing in front of him when he'd heard the warning.

Nick shot back at his attacker. Less than a minute later, his enemy lay dead on the cold ground while a young girl was half running, half sliding down the side of the ridge that she'd been standing on.

Nick, who remembered the young brown-haired, Hazel eyed girl who had hidden him in her grandfather's barn the month before- in Tennessee- couldn't believe his eyes. Since when did the Hamilton family move to West Virginia? "Chelsie! What are you doing here!"

"Father moved us here, though he's talking about moving us out West someday-maybe Nevada or California." Chelsie replied and then grinned wide. "And, before you ask, Father knows I left the house to do some exploring." She folded her arms. "Now, what did you want me to do? Go back without warning you that he," she said as she pointed towards the dead Confederate soldier, "Was aiming to shoot you?"

Nick shook his head. "Closest house is a good three miles away. I dare say your father doesn't know just how far you've roamed." He looked at Chelsie as if to ask if she was going to deny it.

"So, I went a bit farther than I meant to only I can still make it home!" She grinned. "I marked my path like my parents have taught me." The twinkle in her eye said how pleased she was with herself for doing so.

"That's the second time you've saved my life." Nick shook his head again. "While I DO appreciate it, you best get back to your family. It's not safe here at the moment-as you just found out." The last thing he wanted to see was her to be killed. In fact, that choice wasn't even on his list of things to see.

"Yes, sir!" Chelsie grinned even wider, gave him a playful salute-and ran off-telling him she was sure she'd see him in the future.

Nick came out of his thoughts when his stomach growled. Seeing how it was almost five o'clock, he figured the growling was telling him he'd better go eat something. He stood up.

Heath sat up straight- making it so Nick could step into the aisle. "You going to eat or stay here?" He looked at his brother who was once again slouched down in his seat. "It is supper time."

Heath thought about waiting until the majority of passengers had already eaten, then decided against it. As full as the train was, the dining car was bound to be full from opening to closing. "Going to join you." Heath replied as he stood up.

"Fine." Nick headed down the aisle and through more than one train car before entering the dining car. Soon he and Heath had found empty seats and sat down.

"Tell me more about this Chelsie," Heath was curious.

The request did not surprise the dark-haired rancher. It's not like he had reminisced out loud about her. Naturally, Heath would want to know more about her. Still, Nick hesitated a little. Finally, after ordering some food, he started talking-though he forced himself to keep his volume down. He didn't think it was necessary for every person on the train to hear him.

"Her father was a jack of all trades. He could do carpentry work, worked in mines at times, did a lot of farming-among other things. He moved his family All her brothers served in the war. I have no clue if they all survived or not. She was feisty, unafraid to speak her mind." Nick couldn't help but chuckle as he added, "I heard her ask someone once why they'd asked her a question if they didn't want the truth, told them if they wanted something sugar coated to go find some candy. She really was something. From what others said, she was always on the move and into something."

Heath's crooked smile appeared as he also chuckled. "I am surprised you didn't grab her up when you had the chance."

Nick's grin disappeared. "I was too young. She was too young; her father never would have allowed it."

Heath nodded in understanding then asked if Nick minded telling him what she had done for him that made it so he'd told her to go by Mrs. Barkley – if she felt it was urgent enough and needed him.

Nick took a deep breath and shook his head. "Sorry, I mind." He fell silent as he continued eating.

Heath might have pressed him to talk only there were memories he, himself, had never-and would never-share with anyone. That being the case, he continued eating and said nothing more.