CHAPTER ONE
Buck stared at the letter in his hand. He was afraid that when he moved to open it, it would vanish. He'd spent the last 10 months delivering letters to others, but the way he stood looking at this one you'd have sworn he'd never seen one before.
"Want me to open it for you?" asked Lou as she moved to stand beside him.
"What?" asked Buck, Lou's voice breaking the spell the mysterious parcel held over him.
Lou smiled and nodded at his hands. "The letter," she said. "Do you want me to open it? You looked like you were afraid it would bite or something."
Buck grinned as the others laughed. "I've only gotten one before," he finally said. "I was just trying to figure out who would send me something. I can't think of anyone."
"You write to one of the nuns don't you?" asked Lou.
Buck nodded. "But it's not from her; this isn't her handwriting, and it's from someone in Denver," he replied.
Lou shrugged.
Cody came and stood beside them. "You ain't gonna find out unless you open it," he said, snatching the letter from Buck and tossing it to Jimmy.
"I'd be happy to help," said Jimmy with a devilish grin.
"That's alright," Buck said. "I can do it." He reached for the letter, but Jimmy tossed it to Kid.
Lou took the letter from Kid's hands and returned it to Buck. "Leave him alone," she said.
Buck carefully opened the letter and read it to himself. When he finished, he just looked up at the group. Without saying a word, he let the letter fall to the ground and walked out the door. He was soon riding away in the direction of Ike's meadow.
Lou picked up the letter.
"Who's it from?" asked Jimmy.
"Someone named Camille," said Cody, reading over Lou's shoulder.
"Says she's headed to St. Joe and will be passing through town in a few days and would like for Buck to meet her husband to be," Cody informed them as he quickly read the rest of the letter.
"Any idea who she is?" asked Kid moving to take the letter from Lou.
"Nope," said Cody.
Lou took the letter back from Kid. She folded it, put it back in the envelope, and placed it on Buck's pillow. "He'll tell us when he gets back," she predicted. "He needed to talk to Ike first."
The others all stared at Lou for a few seconds before Cody said, "I say we go ask him."
Jimmy shook his head. "Lou's right. He'll tell us when he's ready; bothering him now ain't gonna make him tell us sooner."
"Most likely it'll make him not tell us at all," agreed Kid.
"I suggest we get back to our chores," said Lou. "He'll tell us once he's talked it over with Ike." She put on her hat and headed toward the barn. As she walked she thought - 'This Camille must be someone important from Buck's past to have him running off like that. I hope that it isn't all painful memories he's having to face; he's had too much pain recently. He doesn't need someone from his past stirring up more.'
A few hours later, Buck returned to the way station. He put away his horse. Lou met him as he exited the barn. "You alright?" she asked as she fell in beside him. "You seemed upset when you rode out of here."
Buck nodded. "I'm fine. I just needed some time to think." He entered the bunkhouse and found the letter on his bed. He turned to Lou, "Do you know if Teaspoon is back?"
Lou nodded. "He just came back a few minutes ago. He went up to the main house."
"Thanks," Buck said as he looked around the room. "I'll explain everything later; right now, I need to talk to Teaspoon." He took the letter, left and went to knock on the door of the house where Rachel lived.
"I'm sorry to bother you," Buck said when Rachel opened the door, "but I need to talk to Teaspoon."
"Come on in," said Rachel. "I was just heading over to start dinner so you can talk in private in here."
Buck nodded his thanks and entered the house.
"What can I do for you, Son?" asked Teaspoon from the sofa.
Buck simply handed him the letter; he stood and waited while Teaspoon read it. When he'd finished, Teaspoon looked up at Buck. "Not sure you want to see her again?" he asked as he handed the letter back.
Buck nodded. "I'm not sure I can stand having her leave again," Buck said quietly. "It hurt so much the first time; I'm not sure I can go through it twice."
Teaspoon patted the sofa. "Have a seat and let's talk."
Buck sat down next to Teaspoon. He just stared at the letter in his hands. Finally Teaspoon said, "Why don't you tell me about her. I've never heard you mention anyone named Camille before."
Buck took a deep breath. "She came to our village when she was about 5 years old. I was just a little older than her. She was allowed to live with us because she ran away when they tried to put her anywhere else. I named her Little Bird; she reminded me of these little baby birds I had found the summer before – small, ugly, and frightened."
Buck stopped speaking. He once more just stared at the letter.
"She didn't stay ugly, did she?" said Teaspoon.
Buck grinned at Teaspoon and nodded. "She grew to be really pretty once she was cleaned up and fed. She taught me to speak English as best she could since she was so young. I taught her to speak Kiowa and sign. After a few years, it was agreed that we could get married when we were old enough." He stopped speaking and sat remembering how happy he had been when they'd been told the news.
"Something happened to prevent the marriage?" asked Teaspoon after a few seconds of silence.
Buck nodded. "She was taken during a raid by some white trappers while most of the men were on a hunting trip. I left to find her; I found Ike instead." He paused before adding. "I'm not sure I can stand losing her again; not so soon after losing Ike."
Teaspoon sat for a while. "It must be important to her for you to meet this man she's marrying. I mean, she somehow managed to track you down after how many years?"
"But why?" asked Buck. "What difference could it possibly make whether I meet him or not?"
"Maybe," said Teaspoon, "she wants you to give her your blessing. She was promised to you. Maybe she wants to be sure you don't plan on holding her to that promise."
Buck looked up at Teaspoon. "How could I do that? I haven't seen her for over five years; we were about twelve when she was taken. She couldn't possibly think…"
"Maybe she's just looking for a way out," said Rachel.
Both men turned to face her.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I came back to get something I forgot and couldn't help but overhear. Maybe she wants you to tell her not to marry him; that you still want her." She came and sat down next to Buck. "Besides, if you don't talk to her, you'll never know for sure."
Buck looked from Rachel back to Teaspoon who simply shrugged. Buck then turned his gaze back to Rachel. "Don't mention this to the others," he said. "I was just going to tell them she was an old friend."
"That's fine," said Rachel, "but think about what I said."
She stood and left the building. Teaspoon and Buck watched her leave. "That's one smart woman," said Teaspoon. "You know she's right about that last part for sure. You need to be here because you need to know for sure why she wanted you to meet him. You need to know for certain that it's over."
Buck nodded. "She should be here in a few days. Someone will need to cover my run this week so I can be here. I don't think they'll wait for me to get back if I'm not here."
Teaspoon stood. "That can be arranged with no difficulty," he said. "Now let's go get some food and explain to your friends what's going on. I'm sure they are driving Rachel crazy with questions."
Buck stood and nodded. "Thank you for listening," he said.
"You are most welcome," said Teaspoon. "I'm always glad to help one of you boys. Now, let's go eat."
A few days later, a nervous Buck stood in front of the mirror adjusting his hair and hat for the umpteenth time that day.
"Buck, you don't look any different than you did an hour ago," said Lou, trying to hide a smile.
"He ain't been the same since he got that letter," teased Noah.
Buck turned to fact them. "I told you she's just a friend, an old friend."
Lou smiled. "She wouldn't happen to be an old, PRETTY, friend?"
Noah added, "I bet she's a whole lot prettier than she is old."
Lou giggled.
"She's getting married next month," Buck reminded them as he turned back to the mirror. "I guess it doesn't matter what I look like now."
He moved away from the glass and opened the door. He was met by a smiling Cody. "Looks like she's here Buck. Like how she looks, too."
Buck walked past him into the yard.
When he saw her, he put aside his desires and forced a smile to his face. "Camille," he said.
She turned to face him. "Hello, Buck," she said as she hugged him.
He hugged her back and fought down the urge to just grab her and run. He stepped back and held her at arm's length. "You look," he paused, "all grown-up."
She smiled. "You look good too," she said.
CHAPTER TWO
Camille turned to the man beside her. "This is my fiancé Bill Barlow, Bill this is my friend Buck Cross I was telling you about."
Buck extended his hand and Bill reluctantly shook it. "Pleased to meet you." Everyone could see the two men were sizing each other up.
Lou cleared her throat breaking the awkward silence. "Buck, aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
"I'm sorry, Camille, Mr. Barlow, These are my friends Lou, Cody and Noah, Kid is out on a ride you'll meet him later. Everyone, this is Camille and her fiancé" Buck almost choked on the word, "Bill Barlow." Pleasantries were exchanged and Lou once again saved Buck.
"Why don't you both come over and set a spell on the porch? I think Rachel made some fresh lemonade and you must be tried after your long journey." Lou waved her hand in the direction of the house and the group began to make their way across the yard.
"Well, well, well, Rachel I do believe we have some company….." Teaspoon called in to Rachel as the group entered the yard.
Rachel had already seen the exchange in the street and had the lemonade ready with glasses on a tray. "Please sit, I'm Rachel and this is our marshal Teaspoon Hunter. You must be Camille" Rachel put the tray down and hugged the young woman. "You must be her lucky fiancé….."
"Bill, Bill Barlow, Ma'am, please call me Bill…" Rachel hugged the surprised man.
"How long will you be in Rock Creek? I have plenty of room here if you'd like to stay a few days?" Rachel got the conversation going while she poured drinks for everyone. She couldn't help but notice the way Buck was looking at the young couple.
"Oh thank you but we already have a room over at the hotel. We wouldn't dream of putting you to all that trouble." Camille smiled as she accepted a glass from Rachel.
"Well you will be staying for supper and I won't take no for an answer." Rachel smiled as they nodded. Rachel could sense that Buck wanted to speak with Camille alone as she watched the group enjoying the lemonade.
The afternoon passed quickly and Buck still had not been able to get Camille alone. Rachel came to his rescue. "Lou, Camille, would you mind helping me get supper ready? Buck this is your turn to help in the kitchen so git and no arguments!" Buck just shrugged as he stood and helped gather the empty glasses.
Teaspoon took the hint and stood. "Boys, Bill, why don't we settle the horses in for the night while the Ladies, sorry Buck, are making our supper! Rider comin'"
Kid rode in and dismounted Katy. He tipped his hat to Camille and shook hands with Bill. "Did I miss supper?"
"Nope, you go get cleaned up we'll take care of Katy for you." Noah laughed as Cody moaned at the prospect of more work.
The men headed to the barn and the women, with Buck in tow, headed into the house. Buck looked at Rachel with a bemused look, she had a plan but he had no idea what. "Buck can you go down into the root cellar and get some beans for supper? Camille you'd best go with him…. That boy doesn't know a bean from a beet!" They all laughed knowing that was just not true. "Oh Buck? Take your time" Rachel winked at the Kiowa rider as he turned to look at her… Buck smiled.
At the bottom of the stairs Camille had lit a lantern and was placing it on a shelf when Buck came up behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I've missed you so much. How did you ever find me?"
Camille turned to face him. "Sister Agnes told me where you were. She said you write to her, she loves hearing from you. She told me all about you and Ike and how you'd taken the surname of Cross. I told her I was engaged to be married and she thought it was you. She was disappointed when she found out it wasn't you. I had to come see you Buck. I need to know I'm doing the right thing. Where is Ike? I'd love to meet him." Camille looked into Buck's face and saw the pain her words had unintentionally inflected. "Buck?"
"I'm sorry Little Bird, Ike's gone, he died a few weeks ago." Buck struggled to hold his emotions in check but Camille's gasp and sudden hug sent the tears he'd tried to stifle down his cheeks. He pulled her to him and they clung to each other for several minutes. Finally Buck pushed her gently away from him and kissed her forehead. "Thank you. Now what do you mean you need to know you're doing the right thing? Don't you love Bill? He hasn't hurt you has he?"
Camille smiled at the concern on Buck's handsome face. He had been a nice looking boy but the man he had grown into was breathtaking. Gone was the skinny little man child, in his place stood a man. His shoulders had broadened and his muscles were hardened. His face had lost the puffy cheeks he'd had as a child and his features were chiseled into a strong handsome high cheek boned adult face set with the deep brown eyes she'd fallen in love with all those years ago. His silky hair flowed down his back and she longed to run her fingers through it. Without thinking she leaned up and kissed him. He was so surprised he didn't respond right away; then he breathed a heavy sigh, drew her closer and deepened the kiss.
They broke apart when they heard Rachel walk by the top of the stairs. They were both out of breath. "Little Bird?" Buck gently prodded.
"You'll always be my Running Buck." She kissed him again on the cheek. "I don't know if I love Bill or not. He's a good man and no he's never hurt me. I needed to know how I felt about you. I needed to know how you felt about me." Camille had her arms around Buck's waist; her head rested against his chest. He held her close to him wrapped protectively in his arms. "I think I have my answers but I need to be sure. Can you give me a little time Buck?"
"You know I will, Little Bird…." He kissed the top of her head
Buck, I need to tell you what Bill did on his way here….. I think we may be in trouble."
"Did you two find the beans yet? Supper's almost ready; I can't stall the rest of them any longer, sorry." Rachel's voice called down from above.
Buck grabbed a jar of beets while Camille shook her head and grabbed the beans. She extinguished the lantern and followed Buck up the stairs.
CHAPTER THREE
The evening meal was a bit strained. The conversation was kept to basics. Bill and Camille were going to St. Joe where he was to take over the family business. They had been fortunate in their travels in that they hadn't run into any trouble with Indians despite the fact that they had traveled through Indian Territory.
Buck kept stealing glances at Camille to see how she was. She had mentioned trouble and there was a bruise on her cheek. When he'd asked earlier, she'd said it was nothing. Still…
Bill had just finished answering a remark Teaspoon had made about running into trouble when Camille fell back off the bench. Bill caught her before she hit the ground; Buck was around the table quickly.
A few minutes later, they were all on the hotel porch waiting to see what the town's doctor had to say about her condition. Buck would pace a bit and then stop. Lou came up to him, "Don't worry, Buck. Doc will take good care of her."
A few seconds later, Bill Barlow came onto the porch with the doctor. "I've done all I can for now. Just keep her cool, and I'll check back in the morning," he said.
"Thank you, Doc," said Bill.
"Is she going to be alright?" asked Buck.
"I can't say," replied the doctor. "I've never seen a fever come on so fast."
Buck glanced at Bill before asking, "Could it have anything to do with that bump on her head?"
The doctor shrugged. "I'm not sure. I'd like to reserve my judgment until I see how she makes it through the night." He left.
As the others made their way back to the station, Buck turned to Bill. "I can sit with you if you like."
"I'll be fine," Bill said, as he turned and entered the hotel.
The next morning, Buck went directly to the hotel. He found Bill sitting on the porch. "How's she doing?" he asked.
Bill shook his head. "She had a rough night," he replied. "The doctor's in with her now."
About that time the doctor stepped out on the porch. "You'd better come up," he said to Bill. As Bill went inside, the doctor turned to Buck. "You might as well come up too. Maybe you can shed some light on this."
Buck followed the doctor up to Camille's room. She was still feverish and was mumbling in a language he'd never heard before. He was worried; this wasn't a normal sickness. He wished Camille had been able to tell him what had happened on the way here; he felt sure that it was somehow related.
Bill noticed Buck clutching his medicine pouch, and decided to keep him away from Camille as much as possible. He didn't need her becoming confused by those old Indian beliefs she had only recently overcome. He wished again that he hadn't let her talk him into coming here. Why had she insisted on going to visit this man? What was it about him that made it so important they meet?
Buck felt the hostility coming from Bill. He excused himself and went to see Teaspoon. Maybe the older man could offer some advice. Possibly Bill had mentioned some incident that would explain Camille's comment about the trip.
Teaspoon couldn't remember Bill mentioning anything out of the ordinary happening. He had insisted that the trip had been uneventful. "Didn't you say she was raised Kiowa?" Teaspoon asked.
Buck nodded. "But it wasn't Kiowa she was speaking. It was like nothing I've ever heard before. Camille only knew Kiowa and English."
"Maybe it's just the fever," said Teaspoon. "I know fevers can make people say and do strange things."
Buck nodded. "I just wish I could help."
Teaspoon nodded. "I know, Son. I guess just being there is all you can do for now." He turned and went back into his office. It was a bit cold outside and his old bones wanted the comfort of the warm stove. Buck watched him go and said, "I just wish I knew what 'Codahete' was."
Buck decided to go back to the way station. It was obvious Bill didn't want him around the hotel, and he didn't want to cause any trouble. He would gather a few things and go find a place to pray for Camille's recovery; hopefully it would go better this time.
Buck's thoughts were interrupted by an elderly Indian gentleman who said, "It's who."
Buck turned to face him. "What?" he asked.
"It's not what Codahete was, it's who," the old man explained. "I fear for your friend if he is involved. He may be trying to steal her soul."
He convinced Buck that they needed to take Camille to a powerful medicine man, White Feather. He was the only one who could help her. They snuck her out of her room and made their way to Thunder Mountain, a holy place filled with strong medicine. Once they reached their destination, Buck managed to free Camille from the clutches of the dark spirit that was trying to take over her body. As the spirit left her body, Camille collapsed to the ground and Buck fell next to her – exhausted by the battle he'd just won to save her soul.
CHAPTER FOUR
The morning sun woke them. Buck woke before Camille and discovered that sometime during the night he had pulled her into his arms. He looked at her as she slept peacefully in his arms. He brushed the hair back from her face and gently brushed his lips against her forehead.
"Billy?" Camille woke at Buck's kiss. That one word cut him like a knife. Camille struggled to open her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Camille, it's only me, Buck." Buck moved to help her sit up and look around. "I'll get you home to Bill today, tomorrow at the latest." Buck began to stand up when she caught his arm.
"Buck, where are we and why am I here with you?" Camille sounded confused and a tad upset so Buck sat back down beside her.
"How much do you remember?" Buck took both her hands in his.
"The last thing I remember is sitting at the table having dinner." She looked around at the unfamiliar territory. "My head hurts…. I had all these wild dreams…. Buck, did I hurt you?" Her voice was full of concern.
"No, you didn't hurt me. This is going to be a little hard to explain. I think we should leave this area right here and start heading home. I'll explain on the way." Buck stood and helped Camille to her feet she surprised him by wrapping her arms around him and hugging him. "Camille, Little Bird?" Camille's lips sought his, Buck responded and pulled her tightly to him.
Several minutes later, both breathless, Buck pushed himself away from her. "We'd better get going. There's a stream about a mile from here we can get cleaned up there." He took her hand and began leading her toward the stream. "After you passed out at dinner Bill brought you to the hotel and the doc came…." Buck told her everything that had gone on in the past couple of days, including his battle with the evil spirit.
"I remember some of that but it was like I dreamed it. Thank-you Buck." They had reached the stream and she squeezed his hand. He turned to her and she kissed his cheek.
"You're welcome, Little Bird." He hugged her quickly and stepped away from her.
"What's wrong Buck?" Camille moved to stand in front of him; her hand gently cupped his face.
"I need to get you home, Bill must be worried sick. He probably has a lynch mob out looking for me for kidnapping you. None of this would have happened if I'd listened to you. I'm sorry I didn't stay with you in the village that day. You…"
"Buck you would have been killed too. You couldn't have stopped any of that from happening. If you'd been dead who would have saved me now? I need you Buck. I still have feelings for you…" a tear slipped quietly down her dirt smudged face.
Buck watched the tear clean a stripe down her cheek and fall from her chin to the dirt at her feet. He drew her into his arms as more tears followed and mixed with his own. "I still love you, Little Bird, but this is wrong. You're promised to Bill. You're going to be his wife, raise a family, take over a business; you have a whole life waiting for you. I'm not part of your life anymore." He couldn't go on, she was sobbing and he was struggling to keep from doing the same.
"I don't love him, Buck, I love you…." Her words were muffled by his chest and shirt but they were clear enough to stop him cold.
"What are you saying? You're going to be married!" His heart felt like it was being ripped out of his chest. He couldn't be hurt like this again.
"Be honest with me Buck." Camille pulled back just enough to look into his face. "You said you loved me… did you mean it?"
"Yes, the moment I saw you all the old feelings came back. Hell the moment I read your letter, my heart broke." Buck looked deep into her eyes. "I love you, Little Bird"
He bent down to kiss her and sighed when her lips parted. His tongue played over her lips and teeth and finally met hers as the kiss deepened. Her tongue explored his mouth and her hands caressed his back. They found themselves lying on the ground wrapped around each other; their clothing in total disarray. Buck pulled back suddenly and held her tightly against him. His desire was physically evident and pressed against her thigh. He took several deep breaths trying to get himself under control.
"Don't stop Buck, please, you were meant to be my first." Camille breathed heavily beside his ear. "I want you. I need you."
Buck looked into her face, her desire matched his own. "I won't be able to stop if we go any further, are you sure? Really sure?" Buck knew he was going to hate himself for his next words but he had to ask the question. "What about Bill?" Her answer was a kiss filled with all the pent up desires of their young lives.
Her tongue once more danced inside his mouth. He soon broke the kiss and began to trail kisses down her neck. When he ran into her blouse, his hands moved from her hair to the buttons running down the front of it. As he began to undo them, Camille pulled away. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I want to do this more than anything, but I feel so…" she let the sentence drop and touched her dirt covered face.
Buck simply nodded. He stood and pulled her to her feet. He started once more to unbutton her blouse. "Then let me help you get clean," he said. He pulled her shirt from the waist of her skirt and tenderly removed it from her body. He let it fall to the ground beside her and turned his attention to the camisole she still wore. As his hands moved to remove it, his lips brushed against her neck.
After he'd pulled the camisole over her head, he turned his attention to the skirt. While his hands worked on undoing the fasteners, he lips traced the outline of her neck and shoulders. As soon as the skirt was unfastened, Camille stepped out of it. She stood absolutely motionless while Buck trailed kisses down her body until he was kneeling in front of her. He quickly removed her shoes and remaining undergarments. Then he picked her up and carried her to the stream.
After he sat her on the bank, he quickly removed his own clothing. She blushed slightly at the sight of his unclothed body and evident desire. He tenderly picked her up, and carried her into the stream. Once they were waist deep in the water, he let her down. He began to run his hands over her body – gently washing away the dirt and sweat of the past two days.
When he reached her breasts, he gently caressed them. He soon took one into his mouth. He suckled it for a few seconds before moving to the other one and repeating the process. He teased her nipples until they were hardened little nubs. Then he once more began to run his hands over her body – working his way lower, and lower.
Camille's own hands were not idle. She had seen Buck naked as a child but the man before her was far more interesting. She had been taken from the village on that fateful day and left at the orphanage where her aunt and uncle had found her. She had been sheltered and Buck was the first man to see her naked as an adult. He was the first man she had ever seen or touched. Her hands trailed over his shoulders and down his chest. Her fingers explored his nipples which became instantly hard and he sighed deeply. His hands cupped her lower cheeks and gently pulled her against him.
"Use your tongue" Buck whispered huskily. Camille tentatively licked one of his nipples. "hmmm I like that." Encouraged by his reaction Camille increased the pressure and even nipped a bit with her teeth.
Her hands caressed his back; feeling the muscles flex as he moved. She washed his body as he had washed hers, working ever lower. He was rock hard despite the coolness of the water. She could feel him against her stomach as she pressed against him. Their hands were resting on each others' hips just beneath the surface of the water.
Camille moved her hand to touch his firm cheeks as he had done to her. He let her explore with her hands a few minutes when he put one of his hands over hers. He drew her hand toward his shaft his other hand rested at the small of her back. Camille leaned against his side secure in the comfort of his arm. She'd never touched a man, not like this. Buck understood and let her move at her own pace. Her touch was so light and gentle it felt like a kiss. Buck moaned and sighed deeply as her hand became more familiar with his body. His hand guided hers and showed her the movements that brought him the most pleasure. He kissed the top of her head. His hand released hers and moved to her breasts.
"I want you, Buck, I'm ready." Her voice was husky with her desire. Buck took her into his arms and carried her to the blanket he had spread on the bank.
Buck laid her down and knelt beside her. "You're beautiful, Little Bird, I love you." He touched her face with his fingers and then let them lightly work their way down her body. His lips gently kissed hers and followed his fingers leaving a trail of heat wherever his lips touched. He kissed and suckled her nipples once again until she was moaning at his lightest touch. His hand moved down her body to her flat stomach and further still to the soft mound of curly hair nestled between her stomach and her legs. She had her legs pressed tightly together so Buck gently massaged her thighs in an effort to calm her. He returned his lips to hers and gently parted her lips with his tongue. Soon her tongue was exploring his mouth and her body relaxed. Buck was holding her in one arm while his hand slowly pushed her legs slightly apart. He moved one of his legs on to her leg and prized her legs apart a bit more. He continued kissing her as his fingers finally found her moist neither lips and parted them. He found her tiny pleasure button and began to work his magic. Her breathing became more ragged and her hips began to move on their own. Her own silky wetness surrounded his fingers as he gently probed her virgin body.
Her hands moved all over his body and finally one found its way to his shaft. She began to stroke him the way he had showed her in the water. His response was to increase the motion of his fingers on and in her. Suddenly her world exploded. "Oh My God, Buck!" she screamed. Her body quivered and bucked against his hand. She couldn't control her movements as the first orgasm of her life took control.
Buck let her calm down and get her breathing under control while he gently stroked her face and hair. "Are you ready for more?" He prayed she was.
"I'm afraid, Buck. Please be gentle?" She looked down at his stiff shaft, he was huge. His finger had hurt a bit at first but then it was ok and she'd enjoyed it when he'd put the second finger into her. She had tears in her eyes and Buck began to have his doubts.
"We can stop now if you want." Buck tried to hide the disappointment from his voice. She was tight and definitely a virgin; he'd had a hard time getting two fingers in her. He didn't want to hurt her.
"I want you Running Buck, I need you." Camille kissed Buck and moved her legs apart. "I love you."
Buck positioned himself between her legs and kissed her deeply. "You're sure?" Her nod sent a shiver up his spine. He grasped his throbbing shaft and gently began to push into her. She was tight and he fought for control. He could feel the resistance of her maidenhead, took a deep breath and pushed through the thin membrane. Camille cried out in pain and Buck stopped moving to allow her body to adjust to having him inside her. She moved her hips to signal him to continue. Gently, slowly, tenderly Buck began moving again. His hips moved him deeper into her and pulled almost out several times before he began to pick up the pace. It wasn't long before her hips began to match his move for move and they danced to a rhythm only they could hear. Her body began to quiver again and she called out his name. He felt her muscles contract around him and he knew he had to withdraw. He pulled out just as her climax began to wane. "Oh, AHHHHH, uhmmmm" he moaned over and over. Camille watched in fascination as Buck's hand pumped his shaft and his creamy seed spilled onto her stomach. He kissed her fiercely as he collapsed beside her.
They lay in each other's arms while their breathing returned to normal and their hearts began to beat a less frenzied tattoo. The sun was getting high when they finally spoke to each other. "I think I made a mess." Buck looked at her stomach, still glistening with his spilled seed and their drying sweat. "Are you OK?"
"I'm very fine Buck, but I'm afraid you're bleeding. Your back is all scratched. I'm sorry. It really hurt at first." Camille kissed his wounded shoulder.
Buck touched his shoulder and back looking at the blood on his hand… "I didn't notice at the time. You'll probably bleed a little too so I guess that makes us even!" he chuckled and she playfully hit him.
"I think we should clean up again…" Her words were cut off as he kissed her.
CHAPTER FIVE
When they separated, Camille tried once more. "I think we should clean up again; as much as I enjoy being here with you…"
Buck quickly kissed her again. "I know," he said. "We need to go face the others and see if I can stay out of jail." He sighed as he stood and offered her his hand.
"Why would you go to jail?" Camille asked as she allowed him to pull her to her feet.
"I did kidnap you," he said, as he put his arm around her and they started to walk into the water.
"Only to help me," she said. "I can tell the marshal that you didn't mean any harm." She began to wash his back.
"I'm not sure that will matter," Buck said with a sigh. "If Bill wants to press charges, I'm not sure how much of what you say will be listened to." He turned to face her and once more began to gently wash her body.
When his hands came to rest on her breasts, Camille sighed deeply and said, "I think this time we should each worry about washing our self. We're never going to get back if we keep this up." She quickly kissed him before moving out of his reach.
Buck nodded. He had felt the desire to be with her growing as soon as she'd touched him. She was right. If they didn't stop now, they'd soon be dancing once more to the pleasurable rhythm of loving each other completely.
The two of them quickly washed up and returned to the river's shore where they got dressed in silence. They had just finished packing up the few items they had with them when they heard the horses. Camille moved behind Buck who turned to face the approaching threat. He put his right hand around her to protect her while his left hand rested easily on his gun.
He relaxed just a bit when Lou, Kid, Noah, and Bill came into view. He felt Camille's grip on his shoulder tighten when she saw Bill.
"Relax," said Buck. "We'll think of something. Right now, let's just worry about getting home."
Lou smiled when she saw the two of them. "I told you they'd be alright," she said to Bill. "I knew Buck would take care of her."
Bill just looked at her and then pulled his horse to a stop in front of Buck and Camille. "Camille, are you alright?" he asked as he dismounted and moved to take her in his arms.
"I'm fine, Billy," she answered as she allowed him to hug her. She cast a look of helplessness at Buck before hugging Bill back.
"He didn't hurt you, did he?" asked Bill glaring at Buck.
"No," said Camille. "He helped me get better. If it wasn't for him, I'd probably have died." She moved out of Bill's embrace and took his hand. "Let's get back to Rock Creek. I'd like to take a hot bath and have a good meal."
Buck slowly moved away from the couple to get the horses he and Camille would need to ride back to town. He hoped that she would be able to figure out a way to make Bill understand when they got back to Rock Creek. He knew that there was no way he could endure losing her again. He brought the animals to her. "Let me help you up," he said.
Bill moved between them. "I'll help her from here on," he said, as he took the reins from Buck. "I'm thankful for all you've done, but I think I can handle things now."
Buck nodded and moved to his own mount. "Fine," he said. "Let's get home. I'm …"
Noah interrupted, "I don't mean to cause any trouble, but I think it would be a good idea for us to get a move on. Those Indians we ran into on the way here didn't leave on the friendliest of terms. I think I'd rather be almost home before it gets dark."
"What Indians?" asked Camille, turning from Bill to face Noah.
"The ones that saw us when we hit that man with the wagon," said Bill quietly.
"When you what?" asked Buck. "You said nothing happened on the way here. What did you do?"
Camille turned to him. "We accidentally ran someone over with the wagon. I think it may have killed him; that's when I fell and bumped my head. You don't think that had anything to do with what happened, do you?"
"It might," said Buck. "It would explain how the spirit had access to you."
Bill looked at the two of them. He still didn't hold with these foolish Indian beliefs, but if Camille was going to put stock in them he'd need to at least pretend he did until he got her away from the Buck character once more. "Do you think you could help me set things right?" he asked.
Buck shrugged. "I could try," he answered. "I agree with Noah though. We want to do this before it gets dark. Let's go." They all quickly mounted their rides and followed Bill to the scene of the accident.
"This is sacred ground you can't go in there!" Buck was horrified when he saw the place they were heading toward.
Camille gasped when she saw the markers "Bill, you didn't tell me you saw those, I wish I'd seen them."
"Will you two just shut up and help me find the Indian I hit. If he's dead we should at least give him a decent burial." Bill looked at Buck with a look of total distain "and stay the hell away from my wife."
"Bill, please…." Camille was close to tears.
Kid, Lou and Noah watched the exchange closely. Buck's eyes had narrowed to mere slits as he fought to control his anger. Bill was very angry at both Buck and Camille and his emotions were barely under control.
"You asked for my help, are you even going to listen to my suggestions? You said the Indians saw you, by now they have taken care of the body and freed the spirit if you killed him. You should pray for his spirit to forgive you and offer a sacrifice…..
"ENOUGH! I've heard all I want to of this Indian spirit hogwash. Bill reached over to Camille and grabbed her wrist." Camille we're leaving as soon as we get back to town" He looked at Buck, "I'll see you hang for kidnapping her and trying to rape her."
"Bill you're hurting me." Camille cried as Bill twisted her wrist slightly and pulled her and her horse closer to him and away from Buck. "Buck saved my life and he did not rape me. Please Bill… You're hurting me." They all turned toward Buck at the sound of a gun cocking.
"Let her go, Mr. Barlow. I don't know how you were raised but the Kiowa do not control their women through pain." Buck was pointing his gun at Bill's chest.
Bill wisely removed his hand from Camille's wrist and she moved away from him and toward the others. Kid, Lou and Noah all let out sighs of relief when Buck reholstered his gun. It was at that moment Lou noticed movement in the surrounding trees. The Indians had returned. Buck swore under his breath, if he hadn't been so focused on Bill he might have sensed them approaching.
An Indian that appeared to be in charge stepped forward and spoke to Buck in sign. Buck and Camille both immediately dismounted. Lou, Kid and Noah saw Buck motion for them to dismount also and did so. Bill refused. There was a long fast exchange between Buck and the Indian that the others were not able to follow. Both men looked at Camille several times. The older Indian finally grasped Buck's arm just below the elbow and Buck did the same to his. They shook hands in this unconventional manner and the Indian shouted something to his companions. He stepped back as Buck remounted. The others followed Buck's lead and remounted also. Buck turned his horse away from the burial ground and toward the long road home. The Indians watched Buck, Kid, Camille, Lou and Noah also turn to leave. Bill sat for a minute and then looking at the unfriendly faces of the Indians, followed.
When they were far enough away from the Indians to feel safe, Noah spoke. "What happened back there, Buck? I thought we were goners."
"Camille was right, you did hit and kill their medicine man that night and it is why she was possessed by the evil spirit. Those warriors followed us up to Thunder Mountain and witnessed the fight between myself and Codahete. They also saw White Feather and knew we had paid for the death of the medicine man by freeing him. They asked us to ride around the burial ground rather than through it and I agreed." Buck spoke as he rode. Camille was as far away from Buck as Bill could keep her and still hear what Buck was saying. When Buck stopped speaking Bill dropped back and took Camille with him.
"That is the last time I ever want to hear anything about Indians or spirits and if I ever see you even look at HIM again I'll teach you a lesson you will not soon forget." Bill spat the reference to Buck from his mouth like something very distasteful. Camille looked down and silently cried as they made their way toward Rock Creek.
CHAPTER SIX
They arrived back in Rock Creek just as night was descending on the countryside. Camille had cried the whole way home and both Buck and Bill were angered by it. Camille dismounted and fled into the hotel as soon as she could. She entered her room and locked it securely against Bill's intrusion. True to his word Bill rode straight to the Marshall's office and insisted that Buck be arrested. Teaspoon had no choice but to lock Buck up for the night.
"Son, I'm sorry, I'll get this all sorted out in the morning but for now my hands are tied." Teaspoon tried to smooth things out with Buck as he closed the cell door. "I'll have Rachel send you over some dinner."
"Don't bother, I'm not hungry. Teaspoon you've got to talk to Camille. I didn't rape her. I guess I kinda did kidnap her though." Buck scuffed his feet on the floor.
"Why is he saying you raped her? Is he just blowing smoke?" Teaspoon looked hard at Buck. The young man finally looked up at him.
"I love her, Teaspoon, we, um, we, well…." Buck looked sick.
"My God, Son. She's marrying another man and you took her?" Teaspoon was barely controlling his voice. "What the hell were you thinking son?"
"It just happened. Please talk to Camille, she'll tell you I didn't hurt her." Buck's voice was very soft and Teaspoon had to strain to hear him. He walked over to the cot and sank heavily onto it, head in hands.
Kid came running into the cell area. "I think you better get over to the hotel Teaspoon, Bill Barlow is making a real fuss and he says he's gonna break down the door to Camille's room cos she won't let him in."
"Damn, I can't have both of them in this jail." He hurried out after Kid.
The whole hotel was in an uproar. Bill was pounding on the door to Camille's room and shouting at her to open it. She was crying and begging him to go away. The hotel manager and several other residents of the hotel were trying unsuccessfully to quiet him down. Noah was trying to keep the situation from getting worse with only limited success.
"What's all the noise about…." Teaspoon's words were lost in the din. He tried several times to get anyone to listen to him and finally gave up. BANG the slamming door made everyone jump! "That's better, now what is all this noise about?" Everyone started talking at once. "ONE AT A TIME!" Teaspoon looked at Bill, "Care to explain?"
"My wife has locked herself in our room and won't let me in" Bill started his explanation.
"I was under the impression that you were not yet married, Mr. Barlow has something changed?" Bill shook his head slowly. "Than she has every right to keep you out if this room is rightfully hers." Teaspoon turned to the desk clerk. "What party rented this room?"
"I'm sorry but the room is registered to a Mr. Bill Barlow. He canceled the other room two nights ago." The clerk answered quietly.
"Then let me handle this, downstairs or to your rooms everyone. Kid, Noah, will you please see the hallway is cleared?" Kid and Noah did as Teaspoon asked and followed the desk clerk and Bill downstairs. "Miss Camille, its Teaspoon Hunter, I'm Buck's friend, the Marshall. I'm alone will you speak with me please?"
The door cracked open just a bit and a tear stained face peeked out. "Where's Buck?"
"I'm afraid he's in jail at the moment" Teaspoon sighed. "We'll see if he stays there or not. I'd like you to come back to the house and stay with Rachel tonight. We can talk there. Bill won't be able to get you there either. Pack your things and let's head over to the house. We need to sort this mess out before someone gets hurt."
"Buck doesn't belong in jail" Camille sobbed.
"I know but at the moment it's the safest place for him. Pack up and we'll see if we can get him out tonight." Teaspoon helped her carry her bag downstairs. He dreaded the confrontation he was sure was going to happen in the lobby of the hotel.
Noah and Kid were also dreading it and had wisely taken Bill for a walk to cool down. Teaspoon had Camille safely over at Rachel's house by the time they returned. Bill was a bit upset that she had left with the Marshall but not surprised. The more he thought about it the more he realized he was behaving badly. He went quietly up to his room, pulled out the bottle of whiskey he'd bought and locked the door. Why had he let her talk him into coming to Rock Creek in the first place? The Indian was at least in jail where he couldn't harm her again tonight. He realized he hated Buck. Camille obviously had feelings for him and he returned them. Camille was going to be Mrs. William Barlow not some filthy Indian's squaw! He fell asleep planning how he was going to go get Camille and leave first thing in the morning; his hatred for Buck growing by the minute.
Camille was sitting at Rachel's kitchen table with a hot steaming cup of coffee. The water was heating for a bath and Rachel was warming some stew for her. Camille allowed her self to relax as she told Teaspoon her version of events, minus a few personal details.
Teaspoon needed to know if there had been any force used and gently prodded her. "I spoke with Buck about what happened between the two of you and I need to know if Buck in any way forced you to do something you didn't or weren't ready to do."
She looked up at him with wide eyes. "Buck did not rape me if that's what you're asking. What happened between us was personal….."
"I think the Marshall has enough information, don't you Teaspoon?" Rachel stepped in before Camille got too upset. "Come on dear your dinner is ready." Rachel set the bowl and some fresh bread down on the table in front of Camille and ushered Teaspoon out of the kitchen. "Just what do you think you are doing? You practically asked her if she and Buck were intimate. That's none of our business. She said Buck didn't rape her and she also said that he took her to save her life, isn't that enough? Now go get that boy out of jail and home where I can properly care for him!"
"Calm down Rachel, I happen to agree with you. I didn't mean to upset her but I did need to hear her story. Buck admitted they had been together and I wanted to be sure she was a willing partner." Rachel looked slightly shocked at that statement but other than a nod of her head said nothing. "I'll go get Buck now if you want to fix him some supper, he said he wasn't hungry but maybe he'll eat once he's home."
Teaspoon left to retrieve Buck and Rachel went back to Camille. "Are you OK dear? These have been a long few days! You just finish up and the bath is ready when you are. Teaspoon has gone to get Buck out of jail so you can rest easy. He'll be in his own bed right over in the bunkhouse."
Buck was happy to be home and suddenly realized he was famished. After two bowls of Rachel's stew he contentedly settled into his own bed; Camille was safe, sound asleep just across the way. Both slept soundly for the first time in several nights.
The morning sun was just warming the land when people began to stir at the way station and Buck finished his morning prayers. The cool air felt good on his skin. He looked up to see Camille and Rachel heading over to the bunkhouse with the breakfast things. "Good morning ladies, can I help you with anything?"
Rachel handed him the platter of eggs and bacon and turned to Camille, "I'd never hand food to Cody like that, he'd think of it as a single serving!" They all laughed and entered the bunkhouse.
They were cleaning up after breakfast when there was a knock on the bunkhouse door. Lou opened it to find Bill Barlow standing there. "Be ready to leave in a half hour Camille, you are coming with me." The words were barely out of his mouth as he stepped back outside and closed the door behind him. He walked off the porch and began to head back toward town and the waiting wagon.
Camille sat down at the table and put her head in her hands. A quiet sob escaped her. Buck took her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly. "I can't do it Buck."
Buck felt his world come crashing down. He wouldn't survive this; she was going to go with Bill. He fought to keep from crying; he loved her. "Little Bird, I love you…" he spoke so quietly only she could hear him.
"I know Buck, but how do I tell Bill I'm not going with him. I don't love him, I can't do it. I can't marry him." Camille sobbed into Buck's chest.
"No one is going anywhere they don't want to go. You're welcome here for as long as you want" Rachel looked at Buck as she spoke. Buck's face brightened. Rachel was sure Camille would be here a long time. "Let's get these things over to the house."
Rachel, Lou and Camille gathered the items going back to the house and were almost there when the shouting started. Everyone in the bunkhouse tried to get out of the door at the same time. Buck made it outside first and ran to Camille's side.
"Get away from her Indian… She is going to be my wife not your squaw." Bill tried to grab Camille who successfully evaded him.
"Billy how dare you." Camille was upset with his choice of words. Buck was seething.
"Do you even know what you're saying?" Buck's eyes were narrowed to slits and his fist were clenched at his sides.
"I'm telling you she won't be your whore." Bill reached for Camille and this time was successful in grabbing her. He began to pull her away from the riders while she fought him.
"Let me go! I'm not marrying you; I don't love you. I love Buck!" she screamed as he twisted her arm. Camille dug her fingers into his arm trying get him to release her.
Bill was in a blind rage. He was clearly hurting the woman he claimed to love. He hit her and dragged her away it all happened so fast no one had time to react. Then they all reacted at once.
Everyone was yelling, Buck lunged for Bill and got a hard kick in the stomach for his efforts. He was just picking himself up when he saw Bill slap Camille hard enough to knock her on the ground. Rachel and Lou were beside her in an instant. Buck looked at Camille and saw blood near her mouth.
"You bastard," He lunged again the others right behind him when Bill drew his gun and shot at Buck. Buck grabbed his shoulder where the bullet had skimmed him and looked at Bill as he heard another shot. Bill fell to the ground; blood staining his shirt.
Teaspoon holstered his gun. "You OK, son?" Buck nodded and went to Camille. Teaspoon went to check on Bill Barlow.
People from town had begun to fill the streets. Teaspoon turned to face them. "Oh good, you're here," he said when he saw the doctor. "Could you please go check on Camille and Buck? I'm afraid this young man won't require your assistance." He stood and began to send the crowd away.
Buck sat on the ground holding Camille. She was sobbing. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to get anyone hurt; I just wanted to see you again. When I got the letter from Sister Agnes and she could tell me where you were…" she let the sentence fade.
Buck held her tight. "It's alright. It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong."
The doctor came and managed to separate the two of them. He quickly looked Buck over and bandaged his arm. "It will be sore for a day or two, but it's not a serious injury."
He then turned his attention to Camille. She was upset more than she was hurt and he recommended that she be allowed to take a hot bath and spend some time relaxing. Rachel and Buck assisted Camille back to the house while the other riders helped Teaspoon take Bill's body to the undertaker for burial.
"Didn't Camille mention him having family in St. Joe?" Noah asked as they left the undertaker's office.
Teaspoon nodded. "I'll get word to them and try to explain what happened. I just hope I can tell them the truth without making it look like Buck planned the whole thing." He left and went to his office.
"Teaspoon," called Lou. "Maybe you should wait and talk to Camille first. She might be able to tell you how to explain things to them. It won't hurt if you wait a bit, will it?"
Teaspoon turned and faced the riders. "I guess not. Let's go see how the two of them are doing. I have a feeling we'll need to be offering them a lot of support the next few days until the shock of a killing in town wears off."
CHAPTER SEVEN
Teaspoon made his way over the Rachel's house. He found Buck sitting in the living room. "Where is she?" Teaspoon asked.
Buck pointed to the bedroom. "Rachel is trying to get her to rest," he answered.
Teaspoon nodded. "I need to talk to her," he said.
"I know," said Buck. He took a deep breath before continuing, "I think you should put me back in jail."
"Why?" asked Teaspoon.
"The people in town heard Bill accuse me last night of kidnapping and raping Camille. If you don't lock me up, someone is going to come over here to challenge why I'm free since he's dead. They'll insist that I'm the one who shot him despite what everyone else says. I don't want anyone else getting hurt because of me."
Teaspoon nodded. "You're probably right. I tell you what, go to the bunkhouse and get whatever you want to take with you. Have Kid take you over and tell Barnett to lock you in the back cell so no one can take a shot at you from the street."
Buck nodded and stood. "Don't tell Camille until you have to," he said. "I don't want to upset her any more than she already is. She's blaming herself for his death and I don't want to add to her guilt."
Teaspoon agreed. "I won't mention anything about it until later. Now, you get going and I'm going to see about talking to her." He crossed the room to the bedroom door; he knocked on the door before carefully pushing it open. "I realize this is a difficult time for her, but I need to speak to Camille," he said to Rachel.
"She's resting, Teaspoon. Can't this wait?" Rachel said.
"I need to know how to get in touch with Bill's family," Teaspoon said. "I need to let them know what happened. I also need to know if she thinks they're likely to cause trouble."
"What type of trouble could they cause?" Rachel asked with concern.
"They could try and blame Buck for upsetting Bill. They could insist that he stand trial for kidnapping and raping her if they hear this news from someone else," Teaspoon said.
"They could do what?" asked Camille coming to stand beside Rachel.
Teaspoon gently pushed open the door far enough so he could enter the room. "Can we sit and talk?" he asked.
Camille nodded. She motioned to the bed she had just gotten out of. "Come on in," she said as she went back and sat on the edge.
Teaspoon smiled weakly at Rachel. "I'll be as gentle as I can, but I need to know some things that may be a bit personal and uncomfortable to discuss. Do you want Rachel to stay here, or shall we do this alone?"
Camille looked at Rachel. "I'd like her to stay," she said.
"That's good," said Rachel as she joined them, "because I wasn't planning on leaving."
Teaspoon looked at the two women. "I need to know how to get in touch with Bill's family," he said.
Camille nodded. "They live in St. Joe. They run a mercantile. I have the name and address in my belongings. Shall I get it for you?"
Teaspoon shook his head. "No, we can get it later. I just needed to know if you knew how to get in touch with them. I still need to figure out what I'm going to tell them."
Camille nodded. "What do you mean by figure out what to tell them? You have to tell them that he was killed because he was trying to force me to go with him after I had changed my mind."
Teaspoon nodded. "That's true, but do I tell them why you changed your mind. Do I tell them about Buck? Did they know you were stopping here and why?"
Camille sighed. "They knew we were making an extra stop to visit an old friend of mine. I don't think they knew any more about him than that. Bill didn't even know why I wanted to see him until the day before we got here."
Rachel put her arm around Camille. "So, you just need to tell them that she decided that she didn't want to marry him and he became upset. There's no need to mention Buck at all."
Teaspoon again nodded. "Except," he said, "that when they come here to claim the body, they will meet many people from town who will be more than happy to explain how Buck was the reason Bill was killed. Would it be better if I told them our version of the story with all the details, or should we wait and hope they'll listen after they hear the one Tompkins or someone like him is going to tell?"
Camille looked at Teaspoon with her eyes wide. "How much of what happened do you want to tell them?" she asked.
"I don't know everything that happened," Teaspoon said. "I only know that I shot a man because he shot one of my riders and I felt that he was going to shoot him again because the first shot didn't kill him. As far as what happened that set him off, I'm still not completely sure about the details."
"I told you that Buck didn't force me," said Camille, "What else do you need to know?"
Teaspoon took a deep breath. "I need to know whose idea it was to…" he let the sentence drop when he caught Rachel's eye. "They'll say he didn't have to use physical force," Teaspoon explained. He continued, "She was emotionally upset and all he had to do was talk sweet to her."
Camille began to weep. "It wasn't like that. He didn't…" she stopped speaking and started to cry.
"That's enough," said Rachel. "She's not strong enough to do this now. She needs to rest. Go write what ever you think is best and then come back and let her read it before you send it.
"Please, Miss Dunn, Marshall, I need you both to know that I asked Buck to…. You know… He gave me all the right arguments. He even tried to take Bill's side. Buck did nothing to me or with me that I didn't want. When I said stop he did." Camille was wringing her hands and twisting her skirt into knots. Rachel and Teaspoon exchanged looks, maybe they were assuming too much.
Camille took a deep breath and continued. "Buck was willing to let me choose who I wanted to be with, even if that meant letting me go. You saw the way Bill was, the smell of liquor was all over him. Look at my arms. Buck didn't do this to me." She pushed up her sleeves to reveal ugly bruises already turning purple and several small cuts; some red and swollen others still bleeding. "He did this to me in front of all of you. What would my life have been like alone with him? He terrified me. Buck was willing to die to protect me….. you all were" Camille finally broke down and Rachel took her into her protective embrace.
"Its over now, honey. He'll never hurt you again. Liquor does strange things to a body and mind. Believe me I know….." Rachel choked on her words. her own memories threatening to surface.
"Please have Buck come in…. I need to see him… I need to know OK." Camille tried to calm herself enough to speak.
"He's resting right now, dear. It's been a rough day for him too." Teaspoon didn't want to tell her Buck had gone to rest in a jail cell.
"I've got the water heating for a bath. Why don't you rest until then and I'll call you when it's ready." Rachel gently eased Camille back onto the bed and followed Teaspoon out of the room.
"What is it you're not telling us? Is Buck all right? The doc didn't say he was hurt bad….." Rachel began as soon as they were out of earshot of Camille's room.
"Buck's fine for the moment. He is resting up just not here…. He's back in jail; NOW don't go getting mad at me it was the boy's idea….. I just happened to agree with him." Teaspoon held up his hands as Rachel spun around hands on hip ready to defend Buck and tear into Teaspoon. "He figured he'd be safer there, you know these people, they're gonna believe that Buck is guilty and if he's walking around someone's gonna take a shot at him."
"You've got to find a way to convince them he's innocent. He's not that kind of MAN, Teaspoon, I don't know what those two did but I do know that whatever it was, nothing was forced and sweet talked or anything else. They love each other. She's right, if Bill did that to her in front of us imagine what he would have done behind closed doors. You've seen women beaten by their husbands, by the men who claim to love them. You stopped him twice in the last two days… He might have killed her." Rachel was filling the tub as she spoke her own tears threatening to spill over.
"I will Rachel, I promise. And I agree with you Buck is a man not a boy….. They all are, well 'sept of course Lou….." Teaspoon smiled weakly. "When supper is ready I'll bring Buck's to him and stay with him over night. Maybe he'll tell me a bit more about what happened. Right now I'll go talk to the others."
CHAPTER EIGHT
As Buck settled onto the cot and began eating, Teaspoon pulled the chair from his desk into the cell before closing the door behind him. He let Buck eat for a few minutes before asking, "So, can you tell me a little more about what happened after you took Camille from the hotel?"
Buck nodded. "Can I finish this first?" he asked.
Teaspoon nodded. "Just wanted to let you know we were going to have to talk. It's not as much an option as I made it sound."
Buck smiled at Teaspoon. "I know," he said and continued eating.
A few minutes later, Buck handed the plate back to Teaspoon. "Tell Rachel thanks. It was delicious as usual."
"I'll tell her," Teaspoon said as he took the plate and returned it to the basket he'd brought it in. "Now, tell we what happened."
Buck took a deep breath. "I took her from the hotel because this old Indian told me she was in danger from this Codaheta. He told me that he knew how to save her, but we needed to take her to Thunder Mountain." He stopped and looked at Teaspoon for a few seconds. He wasn't sure how to explain the next part.
Teaspoon waited quietly a few minutes before saying, "He taught you how to heal her, before he left you alone."
Buck nodded. "I managed to get the spirit of Codaheta to leave her and we both just sort of collapsed from exhaustion. When I woke up the next morning, I was holding her in my arms. It felt so right to have her there. I knew I was going to feel like I'd be better off dead when she left me again, but I did my best to not let her know."
He stopped once more and replayed his conversation with Camille in his head. He wanted to be sure that he hadn't somehow forced or tricked her into being with him the way they had been. When he was sure, he continued. "We talked; I told her how I felt about her, but I never asked her to leave Bill. I kept talking about how I needed to get her back to him, how she was promised to him, how I'd have a mob looking for me if I was him…" He stopped and stared past Teaspoon to the empty room behind him.
Teaspoon once more waited – allowing Buck to gather his thoughts. When Buck didn't continue, Teaspoon prompted. "You told her about how you felt…"
Buck slowly turned his eyes back to Teaspoon's face. "She told me that she didn't love Bill and that she still loved me. We kissed, and then one thing led to another. I know that at least twice I asked her if she was sure. I didn't mean to do anything wrong, but it just felt so right. I couldn't let her get away again without knowing how much I cared for her."
He stopped speaking and dropped his eyes to the floor. "Does that make me a rapist? Am I going to be the same type of man my father was? I always thought he was evil, but…"
Teaspoon reached over and placed a hand on Buck's shoulder. "You aren't a rapist. You would never hurt someone that way. We just need to figure out how to explain this so no one decides differently."
Buck looked up at Teaspoon. "Can we do that without everyone in town knowing about what happened? I don't want Camille to have to put up with all the good people of Rock Creek treating her like a…"
Teaspoon interrupted. "Let me think on it. I might be able to come up with something. Now, try to get some sleep. I told Camille you were resting; don't make me into a liar." He stood and left the cell, taking the chair with him back to the desk.