Chapter 17

Rock Creek, Nebraska

December 1866

As Jimmy studied the missing person report and the accompanying documents brought by Parker Johnston, a sense of unease settled over him. Despite the seemingly legitimate paperwork, something about the situation didn't sit right with him.

"What did you say your name was again?" Jimmy's tone was cautious, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the steely blue eyes of the stranger.

"Parker Johnston," came the prompt reply, accompanied by a smile that seemed a touch too eager.

Jimmy's frown deepened. "Mr. Johnston, I have seen your wife. I'll bring her to town tonight."

The genuine happiness that spread across Parker's face at Jimmy's words sent a chill down his spine. There was something off about the man's reaction, something that set off alarm bells in Jimmy's mind. It wasn't just the fact he was going to break the heart of his good friend, but there was something truly unnerving about this man.

"Yeah, give me a couple hours," Jimmy added, his mind racing as he contemplated his next move.

As Hickok rode out to Buck's ranch, a heavy weight settled in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him, knowing the difficult news he was about to deliver.

Kaylie and Buck seemed like the perfect match to him. It had taken him some time to come around, but Kaylie's genuine warmth and sincerity had won him over in the end. He had grown fond of her, and seeing her happy with Buck had brought him a sense of satisfaction.

But now, as he approached Buck's ranch, he knew that their happiness was about to be shattered. The truth had to be told, regardless of the pain it would bring. Kaylie deserved to know the reality of her situation, and Buck deserved to hear it from someone he trusted.

With a heavy heart, Jimmy dismounted his horse and made his way towards the ranch house. He steeled himself for the difficult task ahead, knowing that delivering this news would be one of the hardest things he'd ever done.

"Afternoon Jimmy." Buck waved to him from the corral. "What brings you out here?"

"New stallion?" Jimmy returned Buck's wave with a forced smile, his mind preoccupied with the weight of the news he bore.

"Isn't he magnificent?" Kaylie smiled and watched the wild horse run around the coral. "His name is Nodin. It means Wind."

As he watched Kaylie admire the magnificent stallion, a pang of sadness gripped his heart. How could he disrupt their happiness with the truth he carried?

"Have you ridden him yet?" Hickok looked over at Buck."

"Not yet." He smiled. "I can mount him, but it all goes to hell after that." Buck joked then turned seriously to his friend. "This a social call? Hope I'm not in trouble with the law?"

"Wish it was that easy." Jimmy responded, his tone grave as he glanced between Kaylie and Buck. He knew there was no easy way to break the news, but it had to be done.

"Does the name Parker Johnston sound familiar to you at all?" Jimmy asked, his voice heavy with concern.

Kaylie furrowed her brow, trying to recall any connection to the name. "No," she said after a moment. "Not that I know."

"I'm afraid it's true," Jimmy confirmed somberly. "He's claiming you're his wife, Kaylie. And he's got paperwork to back it up."

Kaylie's eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively reaching for Buck's arm for support. "No," she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.

Buck's expression hardened with disbelief. "No," he insisted, shaking his head. "No, that's not possible."