“You are getting soft Cheyenne,” Gabe spoke up in his French/Indian dialect breaking Cheyenne from her thoughts.

Cheyenne tossed him a glare then turned away.

“I see something in her.” She said as she kept her eyes locked on the bars in front of her as if she were looking into something other than the cold cell bars.

“Something that haunts her. Her eyes hold the same fear that once ruled my heart."

Gabe walked up to the bars that separated his cell from Cheyenne’s.

“Your Grandfather said you had the same gift of the spirits as your mother had. And the same kind heart that she possessed. I see that with you when you are near the girl. This is not always a good thing my friend." Gabe cautioned.

Cheyenne only shot him another warning glare. Then lay back on her bunk and tried to fall asleep. But sleep was not to come. Something still nagged at her, something was wrong. It was only a feeling. Though usually when she got these uneasy feelings trouble soon followed. She hoped the young girl was not the reason for her anxiousness.

Buck leaned against the pole outside of the hotel where he was standing guard. He breathed in the fresh night air and a broad smile crossed his lips as his eyes caught site of two very pretty young women walking his way.

He recognized them as the Fenton twins, Sally and Hannah. He had had the pleasure of their company however briefly, before their father had interrupted at the last town social. He had always hoped to one day get to know one, if not both of them intimately. He sighed and felt a wave of excitement surge threw him at the thought. He straightened his stance as the two girls strolled up to him.

“Good evening Mr.. Wilmington.” Sally greeted him with a sweet and seductive smile. Her blue eyes twinkled and her blond hair shined in the moonlight.

Buck tipped his hat politely and smiled broadly at both girls.

“Evenin’ Miss Sally, Miss Hannah.”

“Evenin Buck.” Hannah, the more forward of the two girls, cooed as she slid up next to him and entwined her arm in his.

Not to be out done Sally positioned herself on Buck's other side and did the same. “Nice evening for a walk don’t you think?” Sally pointed out flirtatiously.

Buck felt as if Lady Luck had just handed him a pot of gold as he snuggled next to each girl and pulled them close. “Why, it sure is, and what are you two young ladies doing out all alone on such a beautiful night?” He asked.

Hannah brushed her long silky brown hair back over her shoulders seductively.

“It was much to warm inside that old house,” she said batting her big brown eyes and fanning herself with her hand.

“We were hoping you might care to take a stroll with us.”

“After all,” Sally chimed in, “it is starting to get very dark.”

Before Buck could either decline or accept their offer heavy footsteps came up the boardwalk and stopped next to them. He turned to see Josiah glaring at him sternly.

He tipped the brim of his hat politely toward the ladies. “Evenin ladies, Buck.” The sternness of his glare was mirrored in the way he said Buck's name. His unspoken criticism did not go unnoticed by Buck who quickly though reluctantly, declined the girls' offer and ushered them off.

“Thought you were suppose to be watching out for the widow and her boy?” Josiah asked. His tone still a bit on edge.

“Been doin' just that Josiah.” Buck answered “What are you doin' out this way? Wasn’t you gonna relive Vin at the jail about now?”

Josiah took in a deep breath and blew it out as he removed his hat and ran his fingers threw his hair then set the hat back on his head. His deep concern and turmoil masked not only his actions, but his features as well.

“Somethin' troublin' you Josiah?” Buck asked.

Josiah gave a nod toward the hotel door as he answered.

“That boy, the widow’s son. He knows what happened. If I could just get him alone, talk some sense to him, persuade him so ta speak." Josiah had an evil gleam in his eye as he spoke. “He might come clean and tell the truth”

Buck grinned sheepishly. “Well you’re in luck then.” Josiah looked at him questioningly. “I just saw him headin for the saloon all by his self.” Buck finished with a nod toward the only saloon in Four Corners.

Josiah smiled. “Well ain’t that a coincidence. I got me a powerful thirst right now and was just headin' there myself.” Giving Buck a short nod of thanks Josiah turned and started for the saloon.

“Josiah!” Buck called after him. “You really sure this is such a good idea? You know what Chris said. Best we keep things quiet and let the judge handle it,” he warned his friend.

Josiah looked at him, his eyes cold and the deadly seriousness in his tone mirrored them. “If that boy don’t tell the truth the judge is gonna hang Cheyenne. I ain’t gonna let that happen Buck, you understand? I ain’t gonna let that happen.”

Buck nodded his understanding and watched as Josiah turned and walked purposely to the saloon.

A young man with raven black hair stood at the bar slowly sipping at his third glass of whisky. He was unaware of anyone walking up beside him until the burly man spoke ordering a bottle of red eye and a glass. The young man turned. Recognizing Josiah he quickly downed his drink and started to leave. Josiah kept his eyes staring straight ahead but reached out and grabbed the boy's arm.

“Huh-uh,” he grunted. “You and me's got some talkin' to do.” He looked warningly at the boy then taking his bottle and glass then scooping up the boy's discarded glass in one hand he led the dark haired youth to a secluded table in the corner. Pulling out a chair with his foot he roughly sat the boy in it then took a seat on the opposite side.

Josiah pushed the boy’s glass toward him and filled it. Then filled his own glass. The young man looked as if he would stand and bolt at any moment.

“Don’t even try to get up before I’m finished boy.” Josiah warned as he slipped one hand under the table and took his gun from its holster. The hammer clicked. The sound not going unnoticed by the nervous boy.

“What do you want?” He asked angrily.

“You know what I want,” Josiah replied harshly. “I want you to tell what you saw. You know Cheyenne didn’t kill that bastard in cold blood. You know what he did.”

The young man was obviously nervous as he looked around the room to see if anyone saw him talking to Josiah. “I can’t,” he hissed “My mother, if she knew it would kill her.”

“So you’d rather see an innocent girl hang?” Josiah barked “You KNOW what he tried to do! You’d let her hang?! Do you enjoy watching an innocent girl die because of that bastard!?” The older man's eyes were cold and full of rage.

The young man winced at Josiah’s words. He knew all to well that Chase Lancer was an evil monster that deserved to die. But he felt cornered. If he told, his mother would suffer more than she had while the man lived. Telling what he knew would mean also coming out with the horrible secret he had kept for years now. Something only he and Lancer knew. A secret that could rip out his mother heart. He felt trapped.

“You know the truth boy.” Josiah continued “It’s time you told it!”

“I, I can’t,” the boy stammered.

Josiah picked up his glass, gulped the burning liquid, and set the glass down on the table hard. He let out a deep sigh and leaned forward over the table glaring deeply into the boy's frightened dark eyes. His tone as he spoke was deep and rage laced his every word.

“You let her hang, And I’ll come for you boy. There won’t be a place on this earth you can hide. I’ll find you, and I’ll kill you. You remember that.” He warned. “You think on it hard.” He leaned back in his chair still glaring at the boy. “Now Git!”

The young man stared fearfully at the gruff older man that sat across from him. His fierce warning rang in his mind over and over. Slowly he stood then quickly turned and hurried from the saloon.

Judge Travis sat authorativly at the make shift judges bench in the front of the saloon. The table and chairs had been cleared to make the room look more like a courtroom. Chairs were placed for a jury and townspeople. At Josiah's request though only the seven men that kept the law in Four Corners, Gabe La’Rouch, the widow Lancer and her son were among those who were allowed to be present at this makeshift hearing. The judge complied as Josiah had told him about Cheyenne’s past and he understood why she and Josiah would not want the whole town present.

Of course this did not stop curious townspeople from standing outside the saloon and peering through the doors and window to see if they could hear or see anything that was going on.

Buck, Nathan, Ezra and JD stood outside the saloon with guns drawn as the sheriff from Coyote Springs and his men escorted the widow and her son to the saloon. They were stopped at the doorway.

Ezra shook his head as the sheriff tried to slip through with the woman. “Huh-uh,” he warned. “The young man may escort the lady. You my friend have the pleasure of our company. Outside.”

He and the rest of his companions cocked their guns making sure they were understood. Reluctantly and with a disgruntled and angry glare toward them, the sheriff and his men complied.

The widow Lancer and her son entered the saloon. The boy helped his mother to a seat in the first row of chairs and sat down beside her. The crowd that had gathered outside was getting louder as the residents became anxious for the hearing to begin. The town’s people whispered and chattered amongst themselves. Some made guesses about what the hearing was about, some just flamed the preacher for bringing the half-breed into town.

Mrs. Potter stood with Mary Travis and two other ladies from the town.

“I told you,” Mrs. Potter was saying. “That Indian girl is trouble.”

“Please Mrs. Potter,” Mary chastised her. “Cheyenne has never done anything to harm anyone in this town."

“She’s a sneak,” one of the other ladies put in. “She’s a filthy uncivilized heathen. And I for one will be glad to see her gone.” She huffed. Mary shook her head disgustedly and moved to stand closer to the door.

Molly stood on the other side of the street. She wrapped her arms around her waist and watched the scenario unfold from a distance. Her emotions were a jumble and still she felt her questions had not been answered. A part of her wished she could be inside and hear what had happened with Cheyenne, why she had killed a man. Then on the other hand, she wasn’t sure at all that she really wanted to know.

Chris and Josiah flanked Cheyenne while Vin walked in front of her and Gabe walked behind. On guard for anything the men kept their weapons ready. Cheyenne held her head high ignoring the stares and dirty looks from ignorant townspeople. From her stance and emotionless features no one could see the fear and humiliation the half-Indian girl felt at this moment.

From the corner of her eye Cheyenne caught sight of Molly standing across the street with her father at her side. For only a moment Cheyenne turned and looked at the young girl. Their eyes locked. Then Cheyenne turned away as they stepped up onto the boardwalk Buck, Ezra, and the other men parted to let her and her “guardians” pass and enter the saloon.

Lily stood at the top of the stairs. Curiosity made her want to stay and find out what would happen to Josiah's ward and friend. She even more so wanted to know if the Judge was going to reprimand and how severely, the seven men for their part in the girl's escape from Coyote Springs. But being one to keep her word and since she really wasn’t feeling well, Lily turned away and went up to her room hoping to get some much needed rest until the hearing was over.

Chris and Josiah escorted Cheyenne to the other set of chairs on the opposite side of where the widow and her son sat. The boy looked up as she passed him. Though Cheyenne made no eye contact with him or his mother Josiah glanced over at him. Their eyes met and he could hear Josiah’s warning over again in his mind. He quickly looked away.

Judge Travis banged his gavel on the desk. Vin and Gabe closed the shutter doors and stood guard on either side of them.

“I will remind everyone,” the judge began, “this is an informal hearing to decide if a trial is in order." He looked over at the widow. “Mrs. Lancer, I’ll start with you. Please stand and state the nature of your claim.”

The woman clad in black dress and hat with a shear black veil took in a deep breath then stood with the aid of her son. She waved his help away. “I’m fine Ethan.” She said quietly then slowly lifted her veil and let it fall down her back revealing the face of a middle aged woman, pretty, yet her green eyes shown great sorrow. Strands of light brown hair framed her delicate features.

“My name is Martha Lancer. Two and a half years ago that.." She pointed to Cheyenne, “Indian woman came to my home intending on stealing from us. My husband caught her. The wild creature killed him in cold blood.” Her tone was angry and full of hate. “She stabbed him repeatedly.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “My son saw her.”

Ethan did not look up. He stared at the floor but he could feel Josiah’s eyes on him. Judge Travis looked over at Cheyenne. “Is this true Miss Beaujuex? Did you kill Mr. Lancer in cold blood?”

“No she did not!” Josiah blurted out defensively.

“The question was directed to Miss Beaujuex.” Judge Travis said sternly. “Answer the question Miss Beaujuex.”

Cheyenne looked up at the judge and shook her head slowly. “I killed this man, but not as she said. He was, wanted to kill me.” She answered quietly.

“Perhaps you should give us your story then Miss Beaujuex.” The judge insisted.

Cheyenne looked at Josiah. She was afraid. He could see it in her eyes. Never had she told anyone about what had happened that night. Nor what had happened almost 10 years ago. She had never been able to speak of it and nightmares had plagued her for years whenever it came to mind. She had fought to forget, now she must tell a stranger in front of these people the horrors that had happened to her to save her life. Her eyes pleaded with Josiah as she shook her head. “I can not,” she told Josiah in her French/Indian dialect.

“Yes, you can Ani,” Josiah sympathized. “You have to."

Cheyenne looked at the judge then back to Josiah. Fear shown through in her eyes she fought to keep her composure. From the back of the room she heard Gabs voice speaking in their native tongue.

“Tell them Cheyenne. It is time to face the evil and kill it for ever.” Cheyenne turned and looked at him then she glanced once more to Josiah before she lowered her head and spoke.

“He, he r, He, killed my father. Many years ago. I, was only a girl. L, Lancer,” she spoke the name with anger and ultimate hatred. “He, and three other men, they came to our cabin. Stole furs killed my father and," she glanced up at Josiah. He nodded for her to go on his clear blue eyes told her he was there for her.

“They, r,” emotion began to show in her voice and Cheyenne tried hard to control it. Her breathing became heavy as she fought for the words until she blurted it out. “Raped me. The night, this woman tells is a lie.” Cheyenne paused swallowing hard as she kept her emotions under control. “They, left me to die. Josiah found me. I do not know what happened to them. Until.”

“Go on Miss Beaujuex,” the judge encouraged.

“Many years later. We were in town for food.” She again looked at Josiah “I was with Black Wind in the livery. Lancer came; I did not see him. He, hit me. When my eyes opened again. I was in another place, another house. He...” A tear crept down her cheek as the horrific memories flashed threw her mind.

“He wanted to,” Cheyenne gritted her teeth. “He tried to rape me again. I would not let this happen again." She spoke now with rage boiling from her every word and her breathing became heavier.

“I found my knife and when he, came closer, I killed him. I killed; I buried my knife in his belly again, and again. Until Josiah came.” Cheyenne’s hands trembled as she tightened them in to fists biting back tears and fighting to push the memories back and out of her mind.

“It’s alright Ani, It’s alright.” Josiah soothed. Gabe stood at the back of the room holding back emotions that threatened to come forth as he heard his long time friend finally face her demons.

Vin and Chris both stayed quiet. Hearing the story from Josiah was one thing, but hearing it from the girl they had come to know as a friend, one who had shown unlimited strength and courage as she had fought beside them. Now she seemed so helpless, so fragile. It enraged them to think that a man could belittle her, shame her or any woman as this man had done.

“You’re a LIAR!” Martha Lancer shouted taking a step toward her. “You filthy heathen scum! How dare you shame my husband's name like that!”

“Mother!” Ethan jumped to his feet and held her. “Please Mother don’t.”

Hearing Cheyenne’s story from her own lips. Ethan's own guilt ripped at him. It made him sick to think that his mother loved and idolized a man like Lancer, if she knew, maybe it was time she did.

“It’s true mother,” he blurted out. “I saw him.”

Martha Lancer turned to face her son. Anger raged in her and without a thought the woman raised her hand and slapped her son across the face. “How dare you turn on a man that treated you as if you were his own son!”

“He wasn’t my father!” Ethan shouted, "how dare you protect a man that beat you and killed your own daughter!”

Martha stared at her son in shock. “What does Emily have to do this? Don’t you DARE bring her memory into this!”

“She was only 14 mother,” Ethan eyes blurred with tears and his voice shook. “I can’t do this any more, I can’t watch you seek vengeance for an evil monster like that! For gods sake Mother, he raped Emily, over and over, that’s why she’s dead, that’s why she hung herself.”

“No.” Martha almost whispered. “You’re lying.”

“I wish I was mother, but it’s true and when he brought this Indian girl to the guest house. He told me to watch, he told me I could have my turn when he was threw. And when she stabbed him I was glad!” His shaky voice became angry. “Every time she plunged that knife into him I said to myself, that’s for raping Emily, that’s for her death, that’s for beating me, that’s beating my mother!”

“No, no.” Martha cried.

“It’s true!” Ethan shouted then his tone became more quiet. “And you know it mother, you know I’m not lying.

Martha Lancer buried her face in her hands and sobbed. Ethan took her in his arms and cried with her. Judge Travis leaned back in his chair amazed and sickened at the reevaluations that had come into view. ,p. “If ever there was justice served it was never more so as with this man's death. I believe that you Cheyenne Beaujuex killed Chase Lancer in self-defense. You’re free to go. And Mrs. Lancer, my prayers are with you and your son.”

Gabe looked at Vin with a nod of approval and a small smile crossed his lip. Vin returned with an approving nod of his own.

“Mr. Larabee, I’ll see you and the other men before I leave town tomorrow.” Chris nodded.