Catherine Brynda Callaghan, or Bryn to her friends, looked out of the window of the stage as it was just a few miles out of their night's stop in a town called Four Corners. She didn't quite know what to expect from this trip, never having been on her own before. She had grown up in Ireland, married there and then moved across to the United States to escape the terrible famine in her land.

Her husband and she had booked passage on an oceanliner as musicians and come across in far better shape than any of her fellow countrymen. Seamus and she had traveled a bit before finding themselves a home in New Orleans. She working in an uptown dining hall, where her classical training came in handy, and he working in the saloon adjacent to it. They had loved their new life togather.

But as all things must, it came crashing to an end four months ago. A terrible cold snap had shaken New Orleans and Seamus had gotten ill. Then, after he refused to take it easy, he had developed pneumonia and a week later, died. Leaving Bryn a young widow. And alone for the first time in her life.

Bryn had sold as much of their posessions as she could, which gave her the money for this trip. She was nominally headed towards Denver, where one of her only real friends had moved a couple of years ago. She wished she knew where her other special friend was. HE was Seamus' friend as well, and ever since he had saved her from being knifed one night of Mardi Gras five years ago, they had been inseperable friends. Until he had to leave to help his mother in St. Louis.

The other passengers of the dusty, bumpy, wretched stage were already sleeping. A couple and their three year old daughter. Bryn had enjoyed their company and her singing had eased their journey, especially for the little girl. Bryn smiled, she had never conceived, and yearned for a child to call her own, but knew God would choose the time for her.

It was late afternoon as they pulled into Four Corners for their stop. Bryn observed it was a growing, thriving town. Maybe she could earn a little coin in a saloon if she asked to play there.

"Four Corners stop." The driver announced. "We'll be staying the night, so take what small bag you got for the night."

As Bryn prepared to open the door, Mr. Edwards beat her to it. With a small smile, he gestured her to proceed him. She stepped into the dusty street, reveling in the sounds of civilization. Peoples voices were music and magic, each held it's own particular story. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath and just listened, picking distinctive voices out of the air.

"Ma'am?" A young sounding voice addressed her.

"Yes?" She asked politely, noticing a black haired, boyishly grinning young man looking at her.

"Are you alright?" He asked, concernedly. "You were just standing there."

"I like t' hear th' sounds of people, lad." She smiled at him, wary, but willing to try to be more outgoing than her usual want. "I was just listenin' t' th' town."

He smiled back at her. "Is there anything I can do for you? Show you to the hotel maybe?"

"Tha' would be lovely." She stifled a giggle at his earnestness, but he seemed to be a pleasant young man.

"I'm JD Dunne, Ma'am." He tipped his bowler hat to her. Then he took her day bag and offered his arm gallantly to her.

"Catherine Callaghan. I'm pleased t' meet....." Bryn answered, smiling at him. He had been coached well. Then a familier, impossible voice came to her. A voice she thought never to be heard again came floating out of the walkway next to her. It was him! She turned to the sound and stopped dead in her tracks.

The man she had heard stopped also, and he had a stunned look on his face.

"Bryn?" He finally whispered. "What in Gods name..."

"Ezra?" Bryn couldn't believe it! He was right in front of her!

Laughing delightedly Ezra practically flew down the steps of the boardwalk to meet her in the street. JD stared at the two in astonishment. Bryn threw herself into his welcoming hug, burying her face in his chest.

"My God, Bryn!" Ezra looked down at her. "What in Hell are you doing in a place like this? I thought you and Seamus were settled for good in New Orleans?"

Bryn looked up into his eyes, he must have seen her sadness, and noticed the black dress for his face fell immediately and turned white in shock. Seamus and he had been good friends.

"Dear Lord .. no.." He hugged her again. "I'm so sorry Bryn."

She pulled away from him and smiled sadly. "There wasn't anythin' t' be helped for it. He died of pneumonia after catching a cold."

Ezra smiled sadly. Then brightened. "Are you staying here for the night?"

"Yes, I'm bound fer Denver, Tamara's there waitin' fer m'." She noticed her earstwhile greeter just staring at them. "Oh! I'm so sorry Mr. Dunne! I didn't mean t' be so rude!"

"It's alright Ms. Callaghan." JD smiled at me. "Where do you know Ezra from?"

"We met in New Orleans. He saved m' life and he and m' Seamus became friends after tha'." Bryn smiled at the young man. "Tha' was two years ago though."

"There's no possible way I can entice you to stay and reminisce a few days is there?" Ezra looked off wistfully, she knew he was thinking of Seamus.

"Tamara said t' take m' time, so I don't see why not." Bryn shrugged, noticing the encouraging smile JD gave her. She wondered just how many women were there if her arrival was creating such a fuss!

"I have the perfect solution to your predicament." Ezra smiled, winking conspiratorially at JD. "The saloon has a new owner and I just know you can get her to hire you on for as long as you care to remain in this burgeoning metropolis. That way you won't lose money for your journey, and we can spend some time catching up."

It sounded like a good idea. Bryn found herself wanting to talk to someone who knew Seamus, that way she could get over this ache in her heart and soul. She nodded assent and just as Ezra and JD were about to escort her to the saloon a voice called them to the side.

"Just go on in, Bryn." Ezra encouraged. "The proprietess is behind the bar. You'll be alright, and I'll be right there."