Part Two – What a view
Chapter 32
Zion Encampment, Wyoming - July 1874
As Buck rode through the Mormon encampment, a palpable tension hung in the air. Every rustle of fabric, and every curious glance felt like a bead of sweat trickling down his spine. He wrestled with the decision to display his badge. The distrust Mormons harbored towards lawmen was a known fact, but announcing himself as "Indian" wouldn't exactly lend any credibility. Opting for a neutral stance, he kept the badge visible on his vest.
The settlement itself was spartan. A few storehouses and simple residences dotted the landscape, devoid of the usual trappings of a frontier town – no saloons, no bustling restaurants. Disorientation tugged at him – where on earth would he even begin his search? As if on cue, a group of men materialized from a side street, their expressions unreadable.
Buck raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "No harm intended, gentlemen," he announced, his voice steady despite the tremor in his gut. "I'm just looking for my sister. Heard she might be here."
One of the men stepped forward, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "Name's Jacob," he said, his gaze flickering to the badge. "Sheriff, are we?"
"Buck Cross." Buck dismounted and extended a hand. "I'm not here on official business."
A flicker of understanding crossed Jacob's face. "Well, Mr. Cross," he said, his tone softening, "you're welcome here. Brother Thomas, would you mind seeing to Mr. Cross's horse? Make sure it gets some food and water."
"Yes, Bishop," a younger man replied, quickly taking the reins and leading the animal away.
An older man stepped forward, scrutinizing Buck with a keen eye. "Sister, you say? Follow me, son."
"Step-sister, actually," Buck corrected, brushing off his dusty hat. "Her name's Gabrielle Laurent."
"Son, this is a small community." He turned to Buck and smiled. "The Petersons are taking care of her," the Bishop confirmed, clapping Buck on the back with surprising strength.
"Thank God," Buck breathed, a weight lifting from his chest. Never had a prayer felt so heartfelt.
"Thank the Lord indeed," the Bishop echoed, leading Buck through the maze of modest but well-maintained houses.
"I thought she was dead," Buck breathed, the words heavy with relief that threatened to spill over into tears. "Our sister will be overjoyed to have her back."
"She's injured," Bishop Jameson cautioned gently, "but the Lord willing, she'll make a full recovery."
Buck reached the porch of a larger house. "We're very grateful," he rasped.
"Gratitude is best directed towards the Lord, son," the Bishop said with a warm smile, his hand reaching out to rap on the door. "He guided her to us. We were merely instruments of His will."
"Of course," Buck murmured, nodding his head in agreement.
The door creaked open, revealing Jane Peterson, her brow furrowed in surprise at the sight of the two men on her doorstep. "Bishop?" She greeted, her gaze flickering to the stranger beside him.
"Sister Peterson," the Bishop returned with a kind smile. "How fares your family?"
"Very well, Bishop," Jane replied, unable to mask a hint of nervousness as she took in Buck's appearance. An Indian lawman was a sight she'd never encountered before.
"Is Brother Peterson at home?" The Bishop inquired.
"No, sir," Jane answered. "He's down at the mill."
"This is Mr. Cross," the Bishop introduced, gesturing towards Buck. "He is your guest's brother."
"You are welcome to sit on the porch and wait for Luke to return." Jane looked towards the chairs and smiled lightly. "Your sister is sleeping now, but I will get her ready for visitors."
"Thank you kindly, ma'am," Buck replied, rising to follow her gesture towards the porch chairs.
Settling onto the weathered wood, Buck noticed the Bishop studying him with a knowing look. "I can see the confusion in your eyes, regarding her request," the Bishop remarked.
"I assure you, I have no ill intentions," Buck replied earnestly.
The Bishop offered a reassuring nod. "I understand, brother. It's not your badge, nor your Indian blood that troubles her."
Buck's brow furrowed in confusion. "It's not?"
"It's a matter of respect," Bishop Jameson explained, his gaze sweeping across the quiet settlement. "The scriptures, the Bible, tell us to abstain from all evil, even the appearance of it. When a husband is absent, allowing another man into his home, particularly a stranger, could be misconstrued."
Buck nodded slowly, a flicker of understanding replacing his initial confusion. "I apologize for any offense I may have caused," he said sincerely. "It's not a custom I'm familiar with."
"There's no need to apologize, son," the Bishop replied kindly. "It's through open communication that we dispel rumors and learn from each other."
Buck shifted in his seat, a question nagging at him. "I heard you folks have your own... Bible?" he ventured cautiously.
The Bishop chuckled. "Many are indeed confused about that," he admitted. "We revere the Bible, just as any Christian should. We also hold another testament to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sacred."
"So, two Bibles?" Buck raised an eyebrow, surprised.
The Bishop shook his head. "Think of it this way, Mr. Cross. The Book of Mormon acts as a companion to the Bible. It strengthens the truth of the Bible, and vice versa. They work together, proving each other's validity."
Buck pondered this for a moment. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "So, you're Christians, but with an extra book?"
"In essence, yes," the Bishop confirmed. He studied Buck intently for a moment. "Are you a Christian yourself?"
Buck hesitated. "I was baptized, if that's what you mean."
The Bishop's gaze softened. "Do you believe in one God, or do you follow the ways of your ancestors?"
Buck sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My upbringing was a blend of both," he explained. "I left my tribe when I was young and ended up at a mission school. The nuns there raised me in the Christian faith."
"And now?" The Bishop pressed gently, placing a reassuring hand on Buck's knee.
Buck met the Bishop's gaze, a vulnerability flickering in his eyes. "Honestly, I don't know," he admitted. "There are similarities between the two faiths, but also stark differences. One thing's for certain – I believe in a higher power, a force guiding us all."