Chapter 6

Rock Creek, Nebraska

April 1872

Kid's voice bellowed through the small jailhouse. "That's it?" Kid slammed his fist on the table, frustration evident in his voice.

"I'm telling you, Kid. Except for the note, she hasn't done anything unusual," Buck replied, his tone steady as he recounted his observations.

Kid's frustration boiled over, his temper flaring as he slammed his fist against the table. "Well, who got the note?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Buck shook his head, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "He was just a boy." He shrugged. "I didn't recognize him."

A spark of impatience flickered in Kid's eyes as he pressed for answers. "Well, what did it say?" he prodded, his voice edged with frustration.

"Just said to come back in a week. She doesn't want to risk him getting caught," Buck revealed.

"Buck," he began, his voice tinged with exasperation as he searched for answers. "Why didn't you arrest them?"

"Her?" Buck questioned, his brow furrowing in thought. "Or the kid?"

"Take your pick," Kid responded, his frustration palpable as he considered the options.

"I ain't a deputy anymore, Kid," Buck stated simply.

Kid's frustration threatened to boil over. "Oh, come on, that's never stopped you from doing what's right!" he retorted, his voice filled with moral indignation.

Buck offered a silent nod, acknowledging the truth in Kid's words.

"Damn that woman!" Kid's frustration mounted, his thoughts racing as he grappled with his options.

"He was just a boy, probably didn't even know what he was picking up, or who he was taking it to," his tone softened.

"She knows where he is, I know it!" Kid insisted.

"If she does know, she's not telling," he reasoned.

"Maybe," he conceded. His mind raced with possibilities.

Buck noticed kid's mind reeling; he always knew when his friend was reaching his limits. "What are you thinking?"

"I think if Miss Alba had a friend to talk to, she may just talk," Kid suggested.

"How's Teaspoon and Rachel?" Seeking to shift the conversation, Buck diverted Kid's attention to more mundane matters.

"Oh, he's as ornery as ever, and driving Rachel nuts." Kid's expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reflected on the antics of their dear friends.

"Sounds like Teaspoon," he remarked, his tone thick with fondness.

Kid's expression grew somber as he relayed troubling news from their friend. "He's had his hands full, though. The army has been having some problems with the Indians," he revealed, his voice thick with concern. "Teaspoon said about three weeks ago about fifteen warriors were found, killed near Pine Bluff."

Buck's brow furrowed, his thoughts drifting to the challenges that lay ahead. "I know," he acknowledged somberly. "White Eagle told me."

Kid's gaze hardened; his resolve unwavering in the face of adversity. "Teaspoon says this army captain is out for blood."

"Aren't they all?" Buck almost whispered under his breath.