Winter's Refuge

Chapter Seventy-Seven

JED 'KID' CURRY

I really didn't want to tell my story again. I was tired. I wanted to head back to the Hole and get Colin and meet up with Heyes. But I'm supposed to be workin' with the US Marshals Office, so I got to stay. Deputy Director Aaron Brothers ordered an immediate meeting…and I was required to be there.

Detmers had been right; Brothers was furious at the condition of the prisoners.

"Curry couldn't contain his anger at them," the senior marshal started, darin' me to challenge his words. I didn't have to.

Detmers spoke up, "Not the way it happened, sir. Curry never touched a one of them. He questioned one and got more information than all of the senior marshal's beatings."

I knew Detmers was sayin' his superior had lied. I was surprised and thankful.

Deputy Director Aaron Brothers turned his gaze on me. My first response is the one beaten into me, look down when someone in authority speaks to me. But I refuse to be submissive anymore. I returned his stare. "Yes, Mr. Brothers. I never hit any of them. All that came from your marshal in charge."

"It's sir or Deputy Director, not mister," he answered firmly.

If I knew this man better and respected him, I might call him 'sir' but right now I said, "Yes, Deputy Director." I kept all emotion from my voice, but inside I was fightin' against his authority over me. I realized except for the lookin' down, I was standin' like I had to in prison, feet together, hands folded in front of me, shoulders back. Slowly I slid into my gunfighter position and rested my hands on my holster. I think he was the only one that noticed.

Puttin' his hand on my shoulder, he led me away from the others. "Someday, Curry, I hope to earn that 'sir' from you. Governor Sanderson thinks a lot of you. Trusts you even. That's saying a lot. He doesn't trust many people, except his nephew."

"Colin."

"Yes, Colin Apperson, good man. Served in my detachment at the end of the war. Saved some lives with his quick thinking. But the two of them, they don't trust many men. Heard you saved the governor's life?"

Seemed like he was sayin' nice things to try and get me to do somethin'. But I wasn't, I couldn't take on anything else. I needed to get to Colin and then to Heyes. "Yes, Deputy Director, I was in the right place to save his life."

I felt the man studyin' me as he indicated a bench outside the sheriff's office. I sat down first, even though I know protocol would be to let him sit first.

Guffawin', he nodded as he sat down. "Hear you call him Charles in his home."

I nodded.

Since I haven't earned the title of 'sir' from you, how about you call me Aaron. I like you, Curry."

"Jed."

"Jed, not Kid?"

"Only Heyes and Lom, er Sheriff Trevors call me Kid…and what's left of the Devil's Hole Gang."

I could see he was amused at somethin'. "Jed, I'm going to ask you something and I want a straight answer. I think you are the kind of man who will give me one. Is Detmers telling the truth?"

"I already told you, Detmers' tellin' the truth." I wasn't sure he would take an ex-outlaw's word for anything, but he nodded at my answer. "That was my leaning, too." He leaned back on the bench, back still straight. "Where you from, Kid?"

I noticed he called me Kid not Jed but didn't correct him. I was too busy studyin' him and tryin' to figure out what game he was playin'. Me and Heyes don't talk much about where we're from, but I answered him truly. "Kansas, Dep…er Aaron."

He looked at me with curiosity and, I think, sympathy. I don't like no one feelin' sorry for us. We made our choices, wrong or right, and have lived with them.

"You affected by the raids there? Terrible thing. I was there in the aftermath. Saw farms and houses burnt to the ground with the people in them."

His words hit me in the gut. I could smell that day, again, vividly and felt the feelin's of loss, of devastation of that day again. "Two of those farms belonged to the Curry and Heyes' families…we were fishin'."

I don't know why I told him. Few people know. And I'm not much at sharin' our history. But I've decided I trust this man. Why? I ask myself. I don't know. Can't take it back now. He must have read the look on my face.

"Don't worry, Jed, your background is safe with me. Shouldn't have asked. I'll share mine with you and we'll be even."

Nothin' he said was goin' to make us even. I kept beatin' myself for sayin' anything. I'm tired. Gotta watch my words.

"I was there in the aftermath. Grew up in northern Kansas. Left my wife and three kids there when I went to fight for the Union and Mr. Lincoln." He looked away from me as he talked, and I dreaded hearin' his next words. "I got home two days too late. Our farmhouse was burned to the ground. The bodies of my family and our horses and cows had been removed and buried by our neighbors." Turnin' to me, he looked me in the eyes. The tears in his eyes showed me the deep pain he carried. "Those monsters burned them alive: people, horses, cows and dogs, too. Two days…I keep going over what I was doing those two days that delayed me from saving them."

I knew his pain was reflected in my eyes. "Probably would have died with them. My pa and grandpa were both excellent shots and my ma could shoot, too. Couldn't fight off them all, sir."

He nodded at the last word. We both were quiet, rememberin' the same atrocities, the same precious losses. Sittin' there in silence, we both felt the memories and then packed them away in distant sections of our minds.

"Detmers said you got some information out of one of the men without hitting him?"

"Didn't touch him. Asked some questions. When he didn't answer, I asked that he be put back in his cell."

Brothers could guess what had happened. I didn't have to explain. "I could use a good man like you on my staff, Jed. You interested?"

Think he was bein' polite. An ex-outlaw with my reputation would not be welcome on the staff of a Deputy Director of the US Marshals. But it sounded good to hear the offer, even if it was not meant to be accepted.

"Thanks, Aaron, but I got a beautiful wife and three kids, a horse ranch that my cousin, Heyes and me are buildin', and a blacksmith practice. Can't handle anymore."

"A blacksmith?"

"Trade I learned while buildin' the railroad through Arizona while I was in prison."

"Too bad, the marshals could always use a good blacksmith…in the Arizona desert?"

"Yes, sir, and I have the scars to prove it.

ASJ*****ASJ

True to their promise, the Marshals' office picked up the tab for my room, dinner and breakfast. But I couldn't sleep. Too many memories had been dredged up. Guess I'll carry them for the rest of my life. Laid down but was awake half an hour later sweatin' and scared, rememberin' seein' the prisoners die while workin' the railroad. And nobody cared. Gill floated into my mind. That young man grew up in that desert. He made all of our life easier by teachin' us the simple pleasures of sweetness found in the native cactuses. What had hardened him after I left, that he became a hired killer? Still some good in him, though. Because of him I know there is one more paid bounty hunter still after me.

I got up and was nearly finished cleanin' my gun. Hearin' three taps on the door, I hurriedly put the last parts together. As I walked to the door, Colt in hand, I heard two more knocks. An old Devil's Hole Gang code. I knocked back once, stopped, then knocked again, and opened the door without waitin' for the final code. Only one person in Hopeful would remember that code.

"Lobo, quick, come in." I pulled him into the room. "Marshals are all stayin' in this place, too. Well, except for one that the Deputy Director had held for court martial. He's locked up in the back room of the livery."

With a bottle of whiskey in his hand, Lobo sat down in the other chair. "No sense me sleepin' on the straw in the livery when you have this warm room, Kid. Saw you check in from the bar near the clerk's desk."

"Would have invited you but didn't know where you were hidin' and didn't want to draw attention to you by lookin'." I told him. That marshal, Detmers, who chased the woman, she told him your name. He recognized it. Said he wouldn't arrest you, might even buy you a drink for catchin' Rachel Lyn, but I didn't want to take a chance."

"Rachel Lyn was a b…witch and needed catchin'. Promised Preacher I weren't swearin' no more when he saved my life from a rattler bite last summer. She was as bad as Johnny, as mean as MG. Didn't care for that little boy of hers, either. But we old gang took care of him. He even slept in the bunkhouse with us most nights. Cute little thing. MG didn't want Johnny's bastard near him. And Rachel Lyn thought that was just fine."

While he was talkin', I dug in a secret compartment in my saddle bags that Chrissy had designed. With my back turned, I counted out five hundred dollars and laid it on the table in front of him.

"Aww, Kid, I would have helped you for nothin'," he said, but grabbed the money up quickly and put it in his pocket. "But my ma didn't raise no stupid kids that would look a gift like this in the face. Thanks, Kid."

He talked all night about the old days and the new days. And the new life he felt me and Heyes had given the men still at the Hole. "Always thought you and Heyes had a backdoor to the place. You do, don't you?"

He was drunk, slurrin' his words. I knew he wouldn't' remember if I said yes, but I shook my head 'no' just before his head hit his chest, asleep. I picked him up and put him in the bed. I still couldn't sleep but I discovered I liked the escape of readin' while in prison and had brought my book. I did more lookin' out the window than readin' but it helped pass the time.

An hour before dawn, I quietly went downstairs, lockin' Lobo in the room. Goin' out the back hotel door, I found the livery. When I'd been there earlier, I saw a side door leadin' to the outhouse. I entered this way. It was unattended. I found the horse from the Hole and led him outside to their wagon. On the way out I left more than enough money for his oats and board and a few wagon pins and hooks I saw layin' around. Hookin' him up to the wagon, I gave him the apple I had picked up at dinner. We went down the alley in back of the livery, the diner and the hotel. I led him while strokin' his head and he sensed to move quietly. About a mile out of town, I found a sheltered grove of trees, let him drink his full in a nearby creek and secured him there, still connected to the wagon. I'd see that Lobo was here in an hour or two. Chompin' on a carrot, he looked undecided whether to sleep or enjoy the wild grass. With one last pat on the head, I whispered, "That's a good boy. Just stay here and go back to sleep."

Then I walked back to the hotel. I woke Lobo up just after dawn when I heard others stirrin'. We had discussed last night where he'd find the wagon. He was just movin' from drunk to hung over, but Lobo can function drunk better than most men sober. That kept him and us alive and free more than once. He left the bottle on the table and climbed out the window and down a drainpipe. I thought of my twins escapin', not once but twice this way. No matter what Miss Tina said, they were goin' to get a harsh talkin' to back at Phoenix. I yearned for my home. Hadn't had one except prison for more than a few nights since me and Heyes decided to leave Devil's Hole. I want to be there now with all my family around me.

When I lost sight of Lobo, I got myself shaved and packed and brought my bag downstairs to breakfast. All the marshals were already there. I wondered if they had seen Lobo walkin' by the side windows.

"Mr. Curry, please come join us."

"Thank you, Deputy Director, I think I will."

"Already ordered you the special; hope you enjoy it."

'If it's not prison food, I'll love it." I didn't sleep. I'm tired and the words just slipped out. It was somethin' me and Heyes and Chrissy say to tease Auntie. "Sorry," I added, as the others at the table looked uncomfortable. Diggin' into the plate of eggs, bacon, and biscuits, I kept my head down and ate quickly and tried to think why my tongue was so free around these men. Wasn't like me to talk much at all to men I'd just met, much less lawmen. Somethin' to discuss with Aiden later.

When I finished the last sip of my coffee, I stood up. "Thank you for the breakfast. I need to get back to Devil's Hole and pick up Mr. Apperson. I takin' you at your word that I won't be followed."

Brothers stood up too, and extended his hand. "You have my word, Mr. Curry. Thank you for all you've done. I hope to see you again under brighter circumstances."

HEYES

I took the second round of guard duty. I couldn't sleep anyway worryin' about the Kid and these people. I needed to be alone and guard duty would give me solace. I checked that every door in the house was locked. I'd checked the windows were locked before everyone went to bed. One window in the bedroom was blown out. Pappy and Arnie's job had been to find boards and nails and cover it up. They'd done a good, sound job. No one was getting in that window.

I sat outside the barn in Mike's wagon. From the height of the seat, I could see farther and leaning back was more comfortable. At dawn a wild rooster crowed off in the distance. Mike and Glen appeared soon after.

'Heyes, we were gonna hunt some of those prairie chickens to add to our breakfast. Come along," Mike said.

"Told you I haven't shot a gun or rifle in over six years. Don't think I could hit nothing."

Mike laughed. "Well come along anyway and we'll see."

We walked quietly where Mike had seen the birds the morning before. All was quiet; nothing was moving.

"Heyes, they're coming toward you!" Glen whispered loudly, with his arm in a sling, he wasn't carrying a gun just asking as lookout.

And I could see them heading straight at me. I drew my Schofield, aimed, and fired three shots. And didn't hit one of them. I saw Mike shoot at them and two fell quickly.

But I stood there and stared at my gun. I was never anywhere near as fast as the Kid, but I usually hit what I aimed at…until today. I knew Mike was talking to me but I didn't hear him. I had missed all three with the targets running towards me.

"Heyes!" I jumped when Mike put his hand on my shoulder.

I looked at him sheepishly. "Told you I couldn't hit nothing."

JED 'KID' CURRY

I grabbed my bag and headed to the livery. The man there went to get my wagon and horse.

"Took my other horse and wagon early this mornin' and four wheel pins. Left you some money. Was it enough?" I called after him.

"More than enough, sir. I owe you some change."

"Keep it. What do I owe you for this fellow?"

"Beautiful horse, just beautiful. He for sale?"

"No but I can tell you where I got him. Horse ranch called Phoenix over by Three Birds, Nebraska."

As I paid the man, Detmers came runnin' up to me with a brown paper bag. "Deputy Director Brothers sent this breakfast over for your friend from Devil's Hole. The one that shared your room last night," he said.

The look of surprise on my face got a laugh from him. "Brothers doesn't miss much, Curry. He appreciates what you and your friend did for us."

"Ahh, you're welcome," was all I could think to say. I'd hate to have Brothers on my tail if I was runnin' from the law.

"Safe travels, Curry." He handed me the food and extended his hand. "Tell that partner of yours that you two did real good on this job."

HEYES

Breakfast was delicious. Mike had brought enough supplies for an army, and we all dug into the food. I can't eat too much since prison. My stomach just won't let me. But I ate what I could, thinking the Kid would really enjoy this meal. And I could smell a pie cooking.

After we ate, Mike and Arnie helped me make a list of the hostages. It was incomplete but would have to do. Sophie was the first abducted and Arnie was the last. That meant that all of them had been taken when Mark McWinters led the gang.

Arnie Weber - Brown River

Marcel (no last name known) - near the train station in Evanston near Wyoming/Utah border

Mrs. Sophia (Sophie) Hansen - Colorado

Deidre O'Hoppe - Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Mrs. Janice Dent - ?

Mrs. Denise Roberts - ?

Alan P Allyn "Pappy" - Rock Springs, Wyoming /Camp Pilot Butte Sergeant Major retired

Girl age 12-14, maybe named Amelia - ?

Glen Chinelli from Alfred's Dream, Wyoming.

Boy age 8-9 - ?

Hauser Sletten near the Union Pacific line in New Mexico.

It was a start. Mike was good with Marcel and the other boy, once they weren't afraid of his size. They followed him to the barn and helped him with Bells and Bear. They were both comfortable around horses. Left alone they, and Amelia, would stare down the road for hours as if waiting for someone.

JED 'KID' CURRY

Lobo appreciated the breakfast and laughed when I told him where it came from. "Must be losin' my touch. Outlawin' ain't for middle-aged men."

"Thinkin' about amnesty? You just did the governor a favor."

"No, me and Blue Nose been thinkin' about goin' to Canada if we ever get any money together. This five hundred just might do it. Amnesty ain't for me. Don't want to try and still end up in prison like you two."

We made good time with our empty wagons and got to Devil's Hole before noon. Lobo drove on first and fired the two signal shots.

Blue Nose and Harris met us a little farther up the trail. "Go on up. They're expectin' ya all. We'll follow."

The Hole was quiet today; seemed empty but men appeared when they heard our wagons.

"Welcome back, Kid, Lobo!"

"Well, it didn't take you too long to get rid of that trash."

"Mr. Apperson, yeah, we know his real name. He talked in his fever. He's been askin' for you, Kid."

When I gave a questionin' look, the answer was, "Fever broke about three this mornin'," said Hank. "That man sure talks a lot in his sleep. Sure respects you, Kid."

I handed off the reins of the wagon to Shortie and went into the leader's cabin, leavin' Lobo to tell the tale of what happened.

Colin was sittin' up in my old bed readin' to Little Johnny. He handed the boy the book and told him to find Hank when I entered.

"Colin, how you feelin'?" I remembered what Brothers had told me about Colin bein' a war hero but didn't let him know I knew.

"Well enough to ask you some questions," he said seriously.

I had expected this. I was just glad that when he saw Heyes he didn't say anything.

"Heyes?" he started and let the word hang.

I left it there in the silence waitin' for him to pick it up.

He didn't wait too long before continuin'. "Heyes rescued the hostages? Was that the plan from the start? Is there another entrance to Devil's Hole or did he walk them out the way we came in?"

I didn't know how far I wanted to trust Colin. Definitely, he would ride out of here blindfolded like he came in...I decided not to answer too many of his questions.

"Yes, Heyes came up with a plan to rescue the hostages before we got here. And it was the plan from the start. He left the same way they did." I tried to change the subject before he could ask another question. "Heard you talked durin' the wound fever and everybody knows who you are. How much do they know?"

"Evidently, I gave my name and rank from when I was in the army. Told them Colonel Brothers sent me. He was my commandin' officer. The wound fever took me back to that time. That's what they think."

Noddin' I asked, "You well enough to ride in the wagon?"

"Blindfolded, of course?" he asked.

ASJ*****ASJ

Less than two hours later, I was preparin' the back of the wagon to cushion Colin's thigh and leg when he limped out onto the porch of the cabin. He gave me a pained smile as he sat in the rocker Heyes had claimed as his own.

"Didn't really get to see much of Devil's Hole when we came; my eyes were on MG's gun. It really is quite lovely in the fall, isn't it?" he asked.

Lookin' around, memories mixed with nature. I saw the majestic trees of the trail in and saw the young Chrissy racin' in on Spring's Moirai. Think I fell in love with her the moment she pushed her hat back and that brown hair framed her green eyes that matched the colors of mountains in spring.

I saw the path by the storeroom that had become the hostage's home and felt the weight of Wheat's casket on my injured shoulder. And I remembered the lone hostage's grave under the far tree. The card games and the laughter of the bunkhouse filled my mind with Heyes carefully dividin' our takes from our robberies on the long wooden table.

"It's something special," I answered Colin's question. With a question in his eyes, he looked at the hostage shelter. I know he was wonderin' how Heyes managed to get them out. But I wasn't goin' to answer that question.

Hank came up and handed me some medical supplies and laudanum as I hitched Winter's Glory to the wagon.

"Kid, I think you should take little Johnny. This ain't no place for him to be raised," he said. "Maybe there's a family who'd take him. He's a sweet kid. Don't talk much. Don't smile at all."

Colin spoke up, "Yes, that's a good idea. If we can't find a family, there are some excellent orphanages in Wyoming."

"He ain't goin' to an orphanage."

ASJ*****ASJ

Despite Colin's assurances, he was not really well enough to travel, and I felt bad fastenin' the blindfold around his eyes.

"It's alright, Jed, or do you prefer Kid? It's what I agreed to."

"Jed, will do."

With the few blankets from the arrested gang members in the back of the wagon, and a teaspoon of laudanum, Colin fell asleep quickly with little Johnny curled up next to him. I took advantage of him bein' asleep and made a straighter line to the cabin than I had planned. Hank was right, he talked. And it was the same battle from the war between the states over and over. Third time through the dream, I pulled the wagon over and woke him up. 'Cept he wasn't really awake. He gave me his name and rank. I shook him a little harder until the open eyes really looked at me. I could tell the laudanum wasn't stoppin' all his pain. Still blindfolded, he laid down again at my urgin' and was asleep. This time no nightmares only painful moanin'.

When he woke up again, I made a wide turn so I came to the cabin from the other direction.

"We turned. Are we near?" Colin asked.

I reached in the back and pulled the blindfold off. The bright sun blinded him for a moment and he rubbed his eyes. "That it?"

"That's it."

"Who's that on the porch watching us?"

HEYES

Our faithful lookouts, Marcel, Amelia and the other young boy, saw the wagon before we heard it.

"Chariot!" was the first word I'd ever heard Amelia say.

"She can talk!" I exclaimed.

Mousey Hauser Sletten answered me. "Nah, she and the little boy, Marcel, speak gibberish to each other sometimes. Johnny McWinters would hit them across the mouth and tell them to shut up."

But Loveland pushed by both of us. "Chariot?" he asked, pointing at the wagon coming toward us.

"Oui, chariot," Amelia answered.

"See, she's just parroting your word." Sletten turned away.

Mike stood to his full height, at least six foot four I'd guess, and took a step toward Sletten. "She's speaking French. There's a…a…place in Bridgeport I go for for…for female company. One of the ladies there speaks French. Sounds just like that."

"Oui, Francaise."

"Don't understand what you're saying, little lady, but I know 'WE' means yes."

Amelia and Marcel both started speaking quickly, pulling on Mike to get his attention, hoping he'd understand them. He didn't, but Colin Apperson, riding in the back of the wagon without a blindfold, did. He looked drowsy and didn't say much to them in French until later.

I was so happy to see the Kid. I had to try hard not to cry with relief. I don't know what made me think I could do my part of this plan, all these strangers needing things from me, depending on me…and now two children that don't even speak English. I'm tempted to hide in my mind, but I can't find the way when I try. Dr. Arden would say that's a good thing…I'm not sure. This is overwhelming to have people count on me when I'm not sure I can rely on myself,

JED 'KID' CURRY

I was welcomed at the cabin, and everybody wanted to know what happened to MG and his men…and what happened to the old Devil's Hole gang. The hostages looked on them as prisoners, too, and were thankful for any food they had shared with them.

I helped Colin out of the wagon, but he insisted on tryin' walkin' into the cabin himself. Noddin' at Heyes, he stopped and leaned on the porch railin. He studied Mike. "You, sir, are not one of the prisoners. Who are you and why are you here?" Colin demanded. This was the Colin I didn't like. The cold efficient man who carried out the governor's orders.

"Mike Loveland from Bridgeport. And who are you?" I was happy Mike refused to back down.

Colin would have been insulted if he hadn't tripped and almost fell. Mike swept him up and deposited him on the couch. Colin's neat, organized world was thrown off balance, but he managed to mumble, "Thank you," before he leaned back and sunk into the old furniture. The laudanum was still in his system callin' him to sleep but the pain was fightin' hard to keep him awake.

I caught Heyes' eyes and I knew he'd been overwhelmed but had worked hard to do what needed to be done. With a nod and a small smile, I let him know that he did good, and I'd take over now.

"Colin, Mike is a friend of me and Heyes. We asked him to bring supplies here. Governor owes him for those."

The ride had been hard on Colin, but he never complained. He looked like he couldn't keep his eyes open. "Colin, you need rest." I told him.

He looked at me with pain-filled, blurry eyes and nodded. He spoke as a friend when he asked, "Do you think your friend there could ride into the nearest town and send a telegram." He looked around at the people staring at him. "Send their names and where they are from to the governor's office." His manner changed so abruptly when he was in pain and tired that I think this is more of his personality. And his tough, cold, almost mean attitude is forced because of his job.

ASJ*****ASJ

I gave Colin more of the laudanum Hank had passed me in Devil's Hole, and he fell into a deep sleep. Then I had a long talk with Heyes and Mike as we put the wagon away. Arnie and Glen came out and offered to groom Winter's Glory, Fall's Bells and Bear. The horses seemed glad to see each other.

So, on the pretense of huntin' for our dinner, me and Heyes and Mike walked into the forest.

"You didn't hit a one of them?" I laughed as Heyes told me about his shootin'. He joined me, laughin' at himself. He had seemed to relax ten minutes after I arrived. Me and Heyes had talked about it, but I let Mike know what was goin' to happen when the relatives of the hostages were found.

"Ain't no other way but the governor said most of the relatives will spend a night in jail, have a quiet trial, and probation. They really had no choice." I shot and killed a wild turkey with one swift rifle shot.

Mike thought for a moment. "Some might be dead...the others, they must be doing something to find these people, especially their kids?"

"If that were me, I'd never stop lookin' for my kin…and I'd kill the men that stoled them."

"Fine turkey you got there, Jed." Mike picked up the dead bird by its feet. "Any way you look at it, this is going to be a hard reality for these people. Any idea what's going to happen to Little Johnny?"

HEYES

It's good havin' Kid here. I need his silent strength more than I'm willin' to tell him. He thinks I've recovered more than I have. I'm just recovered enough to hide my fears from him most of the time. Still, I think he knows when I'm scared. He looks me in the eyes and he knows.

I'm dreading this meeting this morning. Last night had been sociable with the ex hostages joyous to be freed. Colin had slept through dinner but joined us for breakfast. I saw the Kid try to give him a dose of laudanum but he refused. I could tell he was is pain.

Colin had us gather all the adults in the cabin's main room. Mike took little Johnny and the three youngest outside, Marcel, Amelia and Emery. I figured Emery, the eight-year-old quiet boy, had gone inside himself to escape. I should know; I had escaped into mine in the dark cell in prison. Last night, I took the boy to the stable and I lifted him up to sit on Bell. He winced and pushed away my hands. I set him down into the straw.

"What's that about, boy? I think I know. Let me see." I started to lift his dirty shirt over his head. He grabbed it and pulled it back down. "Don't worry, I won't tell no one. Look." I lifted my shirt and showed him my back. I heard him move and then felt his small, cold hand touch the still sensitive scars on my back. He touched them gently then grabbed my arm. Turning around, I saw that he had taken off his shirt. And I saw what I expected but hoped I wasn't going to see…whip marks. Whip marks on a child, worse than any beating me and the Kid had gotten at Valparaiso. And they hadn't been cleaned out or treated so they tried to heal with lumps, even small open sores. Did the others even know what had happened to this helpless boy?

I didn't know what to do but I grabbed him and wrapped him gently in my arms. And he cried at the first bit of sympathy he's known for I don't know how long. I'd taken a few things out of my saddlebags but not everything. I found a clean rag and a tin of salve. Cleaning his back, I talked to him quietly. He surprised me by jerking around to face me. Looking me in my eyes, I thought he was looking past me…maybe he could see Solteria inside me. "Emery," he said, then turned back around. I finished putting the salve on his back and dropped his shirt over his head. When he turned around, he was mute again and staring at the horses. But I knew I had made contact with him. That the Kid had cared to make contact with me saved my life, I'm sure. I'm going to try and do the same for Emery.

Now I heard Mike giving another English lesson. He carried little Johnny and I saw him point and say tree. I heard Amelia and Marcel repeat, 'tree,' after him. But Emery said nothing.

JED 'KID' CURRY

Colin waited until everyone was settled. He had refused pain medicine this mornin'. Said he needed to have a clear head to talk to the hostages. I stood in the front doorway and crossed my arms over my chest and listened. Heyes was pacin' across the back of the room. This was goin' be a difficult conversation.

Leanin' heavily on the fireplace mantle, Colin looked each former hostage in the eyes before startin'. I knew he could efficiently deliver hard news without emotion. Me and Heyes had been on the receivin' end of some. But now that I think I've seen the real side of him, I wondered how it tore him up inside to deliver it now.

"My name is Colin Apperson. I'm the aide to Governor Charles Sanderson of Wyoming. Presently, he is also the acting governor of Colorado."

He had everyone's attention. Some of the faces I studied expected good news but most of them read his neutral, unsmilin' expression and expected to hear somethin' they wouldn't like. I'm good enough at readin' people to tell that. Colin glanced at me, but I gave him my stern outlaw look. He knew I wasn't wantin' to understand why he had to do this.

He continued without lookin' at me again. "Each of you was abducted at Mark McWinters' orders because you have a close relative who is a telegraph operator near a bank or a railroad that the McWinters Gang targeted. They used your relative to pass them ongoing information on shipments of gold, payrolls, or large amounts of money that the gang could steal. This is one reason most of their robberies were very successful monetarily. As long as your relatives continued to work for the gang, you were safe."

A group gasp was followed by absolute silence.

Finally, Pappy asked one of the questions everyone was thinkin'. "And if they wouldn't cooperate, we were to be killed?"

Colin took a deep breath. "That was Mark's original plan. But from the very limited information we have gathered, we think that when the telegraph operators didn't cooperate, he had them killed, not you, and replaced them with someone who would give them everything they wanted. It is probably someone who also knew the hostage and your life was held over their head, too. Devious plan: he didn't have to abduct a new hostage that way."

Again, quiet swept through the room. I don't think Mrs. Dent or Mrs. Roberts knew what had been said. They huddled in a large chair away from the others.

The silence was broken by a wail from Hauser Sletten. "Mother."