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“Buck,” Mary Travis called out from where she stood in front of the
hotel. At her side was the owner, Thomas Cole, who was checking his
pocket watch. He crossed the street followed by JD.

“What can I do for you?” He pushed his hat back. The day was already
warm and he could feel sweat pooling down his back.

“The stage was due in an hour ago.” Mary could see their ready
objection. “And yes I know it could be running late from Eagle Bend...
but with the recent trouble...”. A half dozen stages had been hit in the
county in the last month.

“You ‘specting someone on the stage?”

“Yes, a woman from New York escorting a pair of orphans.”

“And my niece.” Cole looked at his watch again.

“Well I suppose JD and I could take a ride that way, see what we find.”

“We would both greatly appreciate that.”


Buck squinted looking up at the sun. They were a half hour out of town
and no sign of the coach. He’d bet JD fifty cents that it hadn’t even
left Eagle Bend. This would end up being a fool’s errand. JD gave a
whoop. “You owe me 50 cents.”

They’d rounded a corner and there ahead was the stage. It sat at a
lopsided angle. A man leaned against the side, a pile of luggage near
his feet. Buck recognized the driver and raised a hand in greeting. The
sound of female laughter carried to him from a small copse of trees. Two
women sat on a fallen tree while another chased two children around.

“Hey Mills, what happened?”

“Damn wheel axle snapped. Almost dumped us on our side. Sent Charlie to
get help. Guessing he went backwards instead of to Four Corners.” He
shook his head. “Surprised he ever keeps north and south straight.”

“JD, ride over to the Johnson’s farm. Borrow their wagon so we can get
these folks into town.” The Johnson farm was only a mile to the east.
JD nodded and turn his horse. Buck nodded toward the women and children.
“I suppose you at least got pretty scenery while you wait.”



Eva Weathers had watched the two men approach on horseback. From where
she sat their conversation with the stage driver didn’t travel. One of
the men left and the other made his way toward their little group with
the driver following. The man was tall, like her Robert. But where her
Robert had been fair, from what she could see this man had dark hair. He
smiled at the women.

“Morning, name’s Buck. Buck Wilmington.”

“Buck sent for a wagon so we can get you ladies on yer way.”

“That is very appreciated.” The woman next to Eva stood and put out her
hand. “Mrs. Caroline Pressman, my maid and I are escorting these
children.” She nodded toward the young woman who stood to the side with
the children, a baby on her hip.

“Ms. Travis mentioned that. And you,” he focused on Eva, “must be Mr.
Cole’s niece.”

“Yes.” She hesitated for a moment. “Eva Weathers.”

“A pleasure.” He touched the brim of his hat. Buck tried to make
conversation with the women. The maid kept to her duties with the
children. Caroline laughed at his jokes but Eva was harder to read.
She’d barely looked up from the book in her lap. He excused himself at
the sound of JD returning with the wagon.

“Now that is a dangerous man.” Caroline said under her breath. Eva
glanced over at him. She didn’t doubt that his good looks and charm had
bedded more than a few women. The men loaded up the luggage and the
driver called to the women.

“Alright, these fellas as going to take you in to town. I can vouch for
them. They’ll get ya there safe.” The women could do little but go
along with the change. Caroline, her maid, and the children climbed up
and got settled. Buck held out a hand to Eva to help her into the wagon.
His fingers brushed the bare skin at her wrist above her glove. Warmth
swept over Eva and a feeling of safety. A feeling that she hadn’t felt
in a long time.

There had been little chance for Buck to strike up a conversation with
the women on the ride into town. The two children were excited and
overwhelmed by the scenery and pointing out everything they saw. He
smiled to himself thinking of how once everyone was all settled he'd
have to make a special stop over at the hotel to check on Eva Weathers.
It hadn't escaped his notice that she wore a narrow band of gold on her
left hand, but he'd enjoyed the company of more than a few married women
in his day.

There arrival in town wasn't without notice. A town this small would
always stop to watch new arrivals. Eva allowed Buck Wilmington to help
her from the wagon. She held her breath wondering if she'd feel the same
sensation as before. These feelings were always guaranteed and she'd
never know when they'd come on. Same as the visions. This time she
didn't feel anything as he lifted her down.

"Thank you, Mr. Wilmington."

"Buck. Call me Buck."

"I'm not sure that would be proper." He winked in response. Eva wanted
to smile but knew that would be inappropriate.

"Eva!" She turned at the sound of her name. Her uncle hurried toward
her with a woman with almost white blond hair. No doubt the infamous
Mary Travers her uncle had mentioned in his letters; as well as Mrs.
Pressman had talked about on the train.

"Uncle Thomas," Eva embraced her uncle. It had been years since they'd
seen one another. He was the spitting image of her father twenty pounds
heavier. Buck and the young man, JD, were pulling down the luggage from
the wagon. Eva took a hold of her black leather bag and another larger
carpet bag. She had a trunk too.

"I'll have someone bring your trunk." Thomas Cole assured his niece.
He didn't think he could manage it on his own.

"I'll bring it over after a bit." Buck volunteered. Thomas nodded and
lead his niece the other direction toward the hotel. Eva spared a
glance over her shoulder. Buck touched the brim of his hat.

Eva had to admit that she heard little of what her uncle said as they
walked to the hotel. She was overwhelmed by the sounds and smells of
the small town. The hotel wasn't large; two stories, a dozen rooms.
The lobby was comprised of a parlour and a dining room. Thomas lead her
past a flight of stairs to the rear of the building.

"It's not much." He showed her his suite of rooms. There was a sitting
room and two bedrooms. A third small bedroom, not much larger than a
closet was for a maid; something the hotel was currently without. "Not
that I expect you to do those duties."

"I've done a lot worse." Eva tried to smile. Changing beds or sweeping
floors was preferable to being elbow deep in blood and a soldier's guts.
Her room was a nice size with a bed and vanity. "If you don't mind, I
believe I'd like to clean up from the trip. Maybe lay down for a
spell."

"Of course, of course. We'll have tea when you're ready and you can
tell me all about your trip out."

Eva watched the young woman run from the room before turning back to the
babe in her arms. The girl looked ill, perhaps the long journey finally
catching up with her. “Look at your new home Bridget.” She pointed out
the window at a passing horse. The baby grabbed at her finger. Sorrow
buried deep into her heart. She and Robert had often talked of having
children. He had often joked that he wanted more children than rooms in
the house so that it would always feel full and full of laughter. But
then the war came.

“Oh dear, where’s Molly?” Caroline stood at the foot of the stairs. “I
cannot believe she left the child with you.”

“I insisted.” Eva assured her. “The babe has been no trouble.” She
smiled at the woman. “Though I believe Molly might have stepped out
back. She looked ill.”

“Yes, well, that still doesn’t-,” Eva cut her off.

“Caroline won’t you join me at my table. We can talk while the children
finish their breakfast. Remember you were going to tell me about your
winter ball.”



Eva wanted to get her bearings on this town she now would call home. The
day was cool but clear. She pulled her shawl around her shoulders
before venturing out. Her uncle had assured her that at least during the
day she could walk unescorted without fear. People were friendly as she
strolled. In a town this small, no doubt word had already spread about
their new residents. She came to the end of the main walk and the
cemetery.

The spectre started as a dark silvery shadow at the edge of her vision.
It hung near the far edge of the cemetery, no discernible shape. Eva
tried to ignore it, but she had found that only made them persistent. It
became a woman, long dark hair covering most of her face.

“Miz Weathers?” A hand tapped her shoulder. She turned and saw the man
from yesterday.

“Mr. Wilmington?”

“Yes ma’am. But call me Buck.”

“Yes, uh,” she turned back but the spectre was gone.

“You alright?” Something in her seemed to change in an instant. “Want
me to walk ya back to the hotel?”

“Yes, thank you.”



Eva sat behind the front desk of the hotel. Her uncle had stepped out
for a few minutes. She scribbled a few lines of a letter down to a
friend in Baltimore; another women left widowed by the war. The bell
jingled as the door opened. Eva smiled at the woman who entered. They
had met when she'd arrived but the name escaped her now.

"Mrs. Weathers."

"You'll have to forgive me, I know that my uncle introduced us, but I
have forgotten your name."

"Mary Travis." She held out her hand. "It was a whirlwind with what
happened with your coach. How do you like Four Corners so far?"

"I haven't explored much beyond the hotel, but everyone I've met has
been quite pleasant."

"I'm so glad to hear you." Mary smiled. "I was wondering if I might
impose on you for some assistance. One of our town's protectors,
Josiah, Mr. Sanchez, his goddaughter was injured this morning." Mary
explained what had happened. "He needs someone to assist her for a few
days until she can get around on her own. I thought maybe..."

"Well I mean, I..."

"Your uncle had mentioned that you were a nurse." Eva wavered a moment
before nodding.

"Of course, I'd be happy to help."



Mary had directed Eva over to the church, that Josiah would be expecting
her. The main sanctuary area was dimly light was the sun filtered
through the slats on the windows. She was going to call out when a door
near the far end opened. A man emerged. He wore a dark colored shirt
and vest, a string of white and black beads around his neck. "My
apologies ma'am."

"I was looking for Mr. Sanchez."

"That'd be me. Call me Josiah. Would you be Mrs. Weathers?"

"Yes, Mrs. Travis told me about your goddaughter."

"Cheyenne, yes. Appreciate your help. She just woke up, would you like
to come meet her."

"Of course."

"I should tell ya, she hasn't spoken much English as of late, so it'll
be rusty."

"Yes, Mrs. Travis explained. She said that she thought the girl spoke
some French."

"That she does."

"I do too. Perhaps we shall be able to make ourselves understood."

Josiah led the way through to another room. The young woman sat up in
bed covered by a quilt. Eva could see her body tense at the sight of an
unknown person. Josiah sat down on the chair next to the bed. She
didn't understand the words he said except for her name.

"Hello Cheyenne." Eva said in French. The young woman merely nodded at
her. "I hope that we can be friends. Will it be acceptable to you if I
come and help while you're recovering?"

Cheyenne looked to Josiah and said something in that same language that
Eva didn't know. The two conversed for a minute. Cheyenne looked back
to Eva. "Thank you for your help."

"I will be back after supper to help her get ready for bed." Josiah
thanked her and walked her out of the church.

"Really appreciate this Mrs. Weathers." Josiah hooked his thumbs into
his belt. "Howdy Buck." Eva turned and saw Buck standing at the bottom
of the stairs.

"Afternoon Josiah, Cheyenne doing alright?"

"She is. Mrs. Weathers here is going to help her out."

"Awful kind of her." Buck touched the brim of his hat to her. "Mrs.
Weathers, would you like an escort back to the hotel?"

"I do believe that I can find my way back." Eva didn't want to admit
that she would actually enjoy his company. "But it would not be polite
for me to turn down your offer."



Eva knocked on the room Molly was staying in at the hotel. The young
woman answered, her hair still unpinned. “Oh Mrs. Weathers, good
尘辞谤苍颈苍驳.”

“Good morning. I spoke with my uncle last evening. He would like to
offer you a position as a maid for the hotel.” It didn’t pay as much as
she had earned in New York but it would include room and board.

“I greatly appreciate this.”

“Mrs. Pressman had paid for one more night for you. I suggest you enjoy
today and that bed one last night. The bed in the maid’s room is not
quite as comfortable.”

***

Eva spent a few minutes speaking with Josiah before spending the morning
with Cheyenne. He had asked if she could help Cheyenne practice her
English. “Let me look at your wound.” She removed the dressing and
inspected it. “It is looking much better. Mr. Jackson did an excellent
job of treating it.”

“Josiah said you were a nurse.”

“I was.”

“No more?”


***

Eva was still thinking of Cheyenne’s question when she left an hour
later. After the war, Eva wasn’t even sure I’d she wanted to be a nurse
any longer. A familiar figure appeared to be milling around in front of
the church.

“Mr. Wilmington, hello.”

“Afternoon Mrs. Weathers.” He touched the brim of his hat. “I was
passing by and thought this might be about when you’d be done sitting
with Cheyenne. Thought I could walk ya back to the hotel.”

“I was not aware that Four Corners was so dangerous that an escort was
needed midday.” Eva raised an eyebrow at him. Buck gave her a sly
smile. “I suppose there is no reason that we could not walk together.”

Buck finished his meal quickly and left the saloon. He’d heard JD say
something about Buck being smitten as he headed out. Shaking his head he
walked toward the hotel. Stopping in to say hello Eva was simply the
neighborly thing to do. Nothing more. Though he couldn’t deny she was a
very pretty woman. He spotted her near the Clarion with Mary and a
rancher he’d met before once.

“Let me go grab my bag.” Eva said with her mouth pulled in a tight
line. She nodded at Buck as she rushed to the hotel.

“Something wrong?” Buck asked as he reached them.

“Mrs. Simpson is having a baby.”

“It’s our third. But ain’t come as easy as the other two.”

“Eva volunteered to go with him and help with the birth.”


Eva pulled the leather doctor bag from under her bed. It had been her
husband’s. Her fingers traced the gold initials. A cough behind her
brought her back. Molly stood in the doorway.

“My uncle is at the saloon. When he returns tell him I’ve gone to the
Simpsons farm to help with the birth of a child.” Molly nodded. “If he
has any questions tell him to see Mrs. Travis. I’ll be back in the
尘辞谤苍颈苍驳.”

Buck stood outside the hotel doors waiting. He touched the brim of his
hat to Eva. He motioned to a wagon. “Your chariot awaits.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sent Simpson on home. Said I’d bring you.” He could see it he object
on they tip of her tongue. “We got a grizzly running around tearing up
folks. Be safer in the wagon.” He held out a hand to help her up. They
rode in silence for most of the ride.

“How long have you been in Four Corners?” Eva finally asked unable to
handle the quiet.

“A fair amount of time I guess. Not a bad place. I’ve been places way
飞辞谤蝉别.”

“My uncle told me about how you and your friends were hired to protect
the town.”

“Not my first time being a lawman. Though most time it’s just keeping
folks from getting outta control at the saloon.”

The Simpson place came into sight. Two children, neither older than six,
ran around with a dog in front of the house. Buck helped Eva down from
the wagon and set to settling the horse in the stable. When he came out,
he found Simpson sitting on the edge of the steps.

“The lady doc kicked me out. Can’t say I mind.”

“Got a grizzly seen over by Royal’s spread. Probably best you keep the
kids inside till it’s gone.” The two men talked, trying to ignore the
screams from inside. Soon the screams were replaced a baby’s cries.
Simpson hurried inside with his two sons and Buck trailing behind.

Beth Simpson lay in the bed holding her new baby. Eva washed her hands
in a basin. She gave the men a tired smile. “Your daughter did not want
to be born.”


Eva found Buck in the stable. She pulled her wrap tighter around her
shoulders. “Everyone is settled inside. We can head back to town.”

“Ain’t happening. With that bear around, not safe.”

“So what do we do?”

“Simpson said we could bunk down in here.” Buck motioned to an empty
stall. A layer of hay covered the floor. Eva raised an eyebrow at him.

“I can only imagine what my uncle will think of this.”

Darkness surrounded Eva. Fear and dread surrounded her like mist over
water. She opened her mouth to scream but there was only silence. Her
fingers clawed at her throat trying to make any sound.

“Eva... Eva,” a gentle voice roused her from the nightmare. She sat up,
a shudder running through her body. It took a few seconds for her brain
to remember where she was. The barn was still dark.

“叠耻肠办?”

“You okay darlin’?”

“What time is it?”

“Hard to say but I’m guessing we’re still a couple hours till sunrise.”
She lay back down next to him. Eva tightened the wool blanket around
herself. “What were you dreaming?”

“I - I,” she considered lying but Buck Wilmington struck her as someone
who would see through her lies. “It was dark and I felt in danger.”

“You certainly don’t got to fear anything when you’re with me.” Eva
couldn’t help but laugh.

“I suspect that may be true except for my virtue.”


When Eva woke again she was alone. Sunlight filtered in between the
boards. She could hear voices outside. Children laughed and Buck’s voice
joined them. She stretched and stood. Once back to town she’d need a
bath but for now she’s settle for trying to pull pieces of hay from her
hair. Outside the barn Buck watched as the two young boys ran around
like they were riding horses. He tipped his hat to Eva. “Mornin’.”

“Good 尘辞谤苍颈苍驳.” She smiled at him. The door to the house opened and
Simpson exited with two cups of coffee. Eva took one. “Your wife?”

“Feeding the babe.” Eva nodded and slipped inside. The mother and baby
were doing well. It only too a few minutes for Eva to check on them and
gather her things. When she returned outside Buck had the wagon ready to
go.

They rode in silence. Dread swept over Eva. She grabbed Buck’s arms and
asked him to stop. The hem of her dress caught on the wagon and she
stumbled off the seat. Buck jumped down. He helped her to stand. Blood
and blackness filled her field of vision.

“Eva? Eva, what’s wrong?”


Eva was quiet on the rest of the ride back to town. Buck wasn’t sure
what had happened with her but she was obviously still distressed. As
soon as he stopped the wagon in front of the hotel she was climbing
down. She gave him a curt goodbye and disappeared inside. Buck didn’t
doubt he smelled a bit like livestock after a night in the barn. He
needed a bath and beer and didn’t really care about the order. Buck put
up his horse in the livery and ran into Cass who was checking on her
horse.

“Saw you leave yesterday with that lady from the hotel.” Cassie had
known Buck a long time. The sideways look she gave told him what she
suspected had gone on.

“Ain’t nothing like that. She was helping delivery a baby. I just
drove her out to the farm.” Buck didn’t add how he’d wouldn’t mind
spending a night with her again in another fashion. He followed Cassie
out of the livery.

“Speak of the devil.” Eva was approaching at a fast pace.

“What’s the hurry?” Buck asked as they reached her. He noted the black
doctor’s bag she carried.

“My uncle said a young man was brought in yesterday. Attacked by a
bear. I thought I’d go to see if I could assist Mr. Jackson.” She blew
out a heavy breath. “And I need to find our new housekeeper to see if
she has any skills at cooking since the hotel’s cook quit.” Buck spoke
up.

“Cassie here can cook.” Buck made quick introductions.

“I’ve been the cook for a couple trail drives.”

“And she makes the best chicken and dumplings I ever ate.” Buck winked.

“Then I think I can say you’re hired. Go over to the hotel and tell the
owner I sent you. He’s my uncle.





Eva knocked softly on the door to Nathan’s rooms. He opened the door.
“Mr. Jackson?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m Eva Weathers. My uncle owns the hotel.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“He told me about the young man brought in. I’m, I’m a nurse. I
thought I’d come ask if you needed any help.”

“Come on in. Appreciate it.” Eva noticed Molly sitting beside the bed.

“惭辞濒濒测?”

“Sorry, ma’am.” Molly stood. “It’s my brother.”

“Brother?” Molly explained that the young man in the bed was her
brother; a brother she hadn’t seen in years. Eva gestured toward Ian.
“May I take a look?” Nathan motioned for her to go ahead. The boy’s
body was pale, that paleness that comes when you stray too close to
death. Mr. Jackson had done a good job at closing the wounds. There
would be scars; many of them. She reached into her bag and pulled out a
small bottle. “Iodine.”

“For the wounds. Saw a lot of doctors use it in the war.”

“Yes, Probably a good thing he’s unconscious.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Molly, stay as long as you need. I’ll talk to my uncle.” She turned
back to Nathan. “If you need any assistance, please come get me.”

Eva sat at her desk composing a letter to a friend back east. She
described the town and several people she’d met. Her pen hesitated at
the thought of mentioning Buck Wilmington. Words wouldn’t come that felt
appropriate. He was certainly handsome and she did not doubt that he had
charmed a fair share of women. There were feelings he elicited from her
that she was not willing to dwell on. Instead she talked in generalities
about the men that had been hired to protect this town. A knock on the
door drew her attention.

“Yes?” Her uncle entered. In his clutch was a small carpet bag.

“Eva, I am catching the stagecoach in a few minutes.” She raised an
eyebrow. “I’ll only be gone a night. Maybe two.”

“Alright.” She stood and followed him out to the lobby.

“I won’t be far. Eagle Bend’s not far.” He took a breath. “There’s a
woman there.” Eva held up her hand.

“I do not need to know more.” They stepped out into the midday sun. She
saw Buck and another man walking in their direction.

“Ms. Weathers.” Buck touched the brim of his hat. She nodded.

“Gentlemen, good timing. I have a favor.” Eva’s uncle addressed both
men. “I need to leave for a day. I would be most appreciative if you
keep an eye on the hotel. Help my niece if there’s any trouble.”

“Of course.” Thomas excused himself and headed for the waiting stage.

“I don’t think you’ve met Chris yet.” Buck mad the quick introduction.
“His sister is Cassie.”

“Really? Well it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Larabee. My uncle is quite
pleased with how well your sister is working out.”

“Glad to hear.” He nodded and excused himself.

“I should get back into the hotel.”

“Maybe I could stop by around supper.” He cocked his head to the side.
“Would you be up to some company for dinner?”


“Something bad is coming. We need to get back to town.”