Drifter – Part 17

By D

Chapter XXXIII

Just as Koko had warned her, the town was noisy to the point of being painful. But even as that thought crossed Donoma's mind, the cacophony slowly fell into silence as their presence attracted attention and people stopped to stare. Koko reached over a reassuring hand, clasping Donoma's and squeezing. Donoma met Koko's eyes and smiled.

They rode without stopping until they reached the saloon. Koko dismounted and tied off both horses before turning to Donoma and helping her from Dapples. Then she took Donoma's hand again and they went inside without a backwards glance.

Benny whooped and called to the girls upstairs before coming around the bar. "Hey, Reb... long time, no see. Kitty, girls... git on down here and see who's come a-callin'."

At his first call girls started appearing over the banister railing, sticking their heads out the doors of their rooms to find out what the commotion was about. As soon as they recognized Reb, they gave their own cheer and swooped down the stairs en masse, swarming around the two women waiting there.

Kitty whistled above the melee, bringing the racket to an instant halt. All eyes turned in her direction and the girls split to create a pathway for Kitty to traverse. She did so slowly, looking for all the world like a panther stalking its prey. She held Reb's eyes for a long moment, then cupped the warrior's face in her hands before leaning forward to kiss her – only to find sparking green eye glaring at her from a very close distance.

"Mine," Donoma growled fiercely, stepping forward into Kitty's personal space and forcing the other woman to take a step back just to keep her balance. Koko hadn't even realized Donoma had moved until Kitty's brown eyes met hers in amusement. She smiled and wrapped her arms around Donoma's middle, pulling the smaller woman's body against her own.

"Always yours, ka'eskone. This is Kitty," motioning to the dark-haired woman who watched them in fascination. "My friend." She looked at Kitty. "Kitty, this is my mate, Donoma Chepi."

Kitty stepped back a bit and extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Donoma Chepi. You and your mate are welcome here."

Donoma studied Kitty's brown eyes intently for a moment, then accepted her hand in a gentle grip. "Thank you, Kitty... nice to meet you too," she replied slowly, wanting to get the words right. Kitty held her hand lightly and turned to face the girls waiting patiently behind her.

"Donoma, these are my girls," introducing them one by one and saving Ginger for the last. "Ginger is my go-to girl. And this strapping man is Benny, our barkeep. He's a decent sort, which is saying a lot in this town."

"Problem?" Koko asked, having stayed at Donoma's side the entire time Kitty had been introducing her to the girls in the saloon. Kitty shook her head.

"Nothing we have to talk about before lunch, Reb. And speaking of...." Kitty released Donoma's hand and went to the window, turning around the handmade sign that proclaimed them open for business. "I imagine the cowboys have been waiting for that, but I expect it'll get us a lot more business in here today," with a significant look in Koko's direction.

Koko and Donoma exchanged glances, then Reb acknowledged the remainder of the girls, though their greetings were far more restrained than was normal. No one wanted to upset Donoma further and it had been made painfully apparent that she and Reb Stone were bound to one another on a fairly deep level – certainly deeper than could be expected given Reb's reputation as a solitary figure. Surely the few weeks she'd been gone from them were not long enough to cultivate that sort of bond. Kitty decided to ask and motioned them towards the table Reb always took when she was there.

Reb took the corner against the wall where she could observe the entire room. Though it was empty save for them at the moment, she knew that would change and wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. Donoma sat next to her and the rest started filling in around the table – all except for Benny. He went back behind the bar knowing Kitty would give him the whole story later and needing to be ready for the customers he knew would be coming in.

A word from Kitty caused Ginger to grab a couple of the other girls and head into the kitchen. After only a moment, they returned with their arms full, followed by the roundest, darkest woman Donoma had ever seen. Donoma just stared. She didn't mean to, of course, but she couldn't seem to stop – the whites of the woman's eyes and teeth practically glowed against her dark skin. Koko rose and was engulfed in an embrace before she or Donoma could react and was released just as quickly.

"How you be, Reb Stone? I been hearin' 'bout you taking a wife – she wouldn't be this pretty little thing here now, would she?" taking Donoma's hand and tugging her from her seat. "C'mon and give Big Mama a hug, darlin'. Your Reb's 'bout the best friend mosta us womenfolk gots in this here town."

"Good friend to Donoma Chepi as well," Donoma said with a smile. Big Mama chuckled.

"I jus' bet, little one." Then she turned and headed back to the kitchen, still laughing. Donoma looked bemusedly at Koko who just laughed and shook her head.

"Do not question it, ka'eskone. Big Mama is a law unto herself, much like Kitty." The women around the table exchanged glances when the foreign tongue slipped easily from Reb's mouth. It hinted at an even deeper mystery than Donoma herself was. Kitty decided to take things in hand.

"So, Donoma," waiting until green eyes tracked to her brown ones. "Tell us how you and Reb met."

"Koko and I know each other long time – met as children."

Kitty's eyes widened comically. "Wait just a damn minute," she interrupted. "You mean to tell me the two of you are childhood sweethearts?!" She turned and glared at Koko. "Why are we just now hearin' about this, Reb?" Kitty smiled sweetly at Donoma. "So tell me about this romance."

"Kitty...."

"Aw c'mon, Reb. You've lived here off and on for five years and not once do we hear a word about anyone in your life then suddenly you turn up with a wife and we're not even supposed to be a little curious?" Ginger cut in before Kitty could answer.

"All you need to know for now is that Donoma and I grew up together and just recently found one another again. Being married is new for us."

Kitty grinned broadly. "Well, I have to say it suits you both perfectly, but I want to hear more about it later. For now, it looks like word of your arrival in town had made the rounds. An audience is gathering in your honor." Her smile turned to a grimace. "We're not the only ones who are curious."

Stephen Murphy was the first in the door and he walked over to greet both Koko and Donoma as long lost friends. Donoma looked her confusion at Koko, but the warrior didn't say anything – blue eyes merely promised an explanation later.

Next came Colonel John Spencer. He shook Reb's hand and did the same to Donoma, albeit far more gently. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stone. We need to talk," he said addressing Koko. "Not about this... about the other matter. But it will wait until after lunch. May we join you?" he asked politely. Most of the girls had gotten up as soon as patrons started coming in the doors. Only Kitty and Ginger remained.

Koko looked at Donoma who held her gaze for a long moment before nodding. Koko took her hand and Donoma grasped it tightly, though no one watching them could have told that from the expression on either face. Koko turned back to Murphy and Spencer.

"Please," motioning them to a chair.

They took their seats and an awkward silence fell. Donoma stared at the Blue Coat – she had never been this close to one before. She only knew of them because the warriors of the tribe spoke of them with great disdain. More than wild animals, more than starvation or disease, more than any other affliction the People suffered from, the Blue Coat was the most feared... the most hated. And yet here sat one at the table with then, eating lunch as though he was just like everyone else Donoma knew and not the monster she had always been told that Blue Coats were.

"Mrs. Stone, I understand you're an Injun, but you don’t look anything like any Injun I've ever seen. Why is that?"

Donoma understood that his words were an insult, but it was Koko who reacted without a pause. Her blue eyes blazed fury and she slammed her hands on the table; only Donoma's free hand on her leg offered her a sense of calm. She met Donoma's eyes and then took a deep breath. "Colonel Spencer, I'm sure you meant no disrespect to Donoma Chepi, but I'm only gonna tell you once to watch your tone. She's done nothing to earn your derision. Try to remember that."

Spencer had the good grace to look abashed at her words and faced Donoma with a red face. "My apologies, Mrs. Stone. I didn't intend to be rude – I'm just curious."

"People found... took in when still baby. Made family. I ask you question?" At his nod, she continued. "Why Blue Coat?"

Spencer was taken aback, not having expected such forthrightness. He looked at her thoughtfully for a long moment. "Tradition," he answered finally. "It's all I know... all the men in my family have done for generations."

"Glad not your family then," Donoma stated bluntly. "Blue Coats cause much trouble for People."

Before Spencer could ask for a definition, Reuben Washburn's voice rang out from the street. "Stone!!"

As one body the entire table rose and went to the door, Reb in the lead. She looked out to find him staring at her as though she was the Devil Incarnate, and she hiked an eyebrow at him in question.

"Something I can do for you, Washburn?" She stepped out of the saloon, followed closely by Donoma who clutched her hand like a lifeline. He sneered derisively at her.

"Yes, you thieving, murdering son of a whore – think you're so tough you marry a woman to prove your manhood. I'm calling you out, Stone. You wanna be a man so bad – time to take it and die like one."

Spencer stepped forward then, only to find an arm held by Murphy and his chest stopped by Reb's upraised hand. "Stone, this is an Army matter...."

"No, Spencer... this is personal. He brought the fight to me; now I'm gonna finish it." She turned to Donoma and spoke in the language of the People. "I have to do this, ka'eskone. He will haunt us for the rest of our lives if I do not. He is just that type – cannot accept that he is wrong and cannot let go of an idea whether it is a mistake or not."

"You will take care of this and come back to me?"

"Oh yes, beloved. I could have beaten him even before we were joined. Now I have every reason to do so – we have a life to live together."

Donoma cupped Koko's face in her hands. "Do what needs to be done, warrior. I will be here waiting."

"Stone!!! You coming? Or do I need to shoot you where you stand and take your whore." He grinned sickly, and Koko wondered if he was drunk. "That's not a bad idea," he mused, reaching for his weapon. It took him ten full seconds to realize that the gunshot he heard hadn't come from his still holstered pistol. Instead it was blossoming across his chest in a wash of red blood. He looked down stupidly for a moment before looking back up to meet her deadly glare. "Son of a bitch – that hurts!" he mumbled before his mind understood he was dead and buckled his legs out from under him.

There was silence for a moment, then Reb re-holstered her gun and looked at Donoma. She saw no horror... no disgust... no triumph or satisfaction. She only saw love reflected back at her out of those bright green eyes and she accepted the gift that it was with a small smile and open arms, gratified when Donoma didn't even hesitate.

After a moment, Stephen Murphy cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, that was unorthodox, but certainly effective." Koko and Donoma separated just slightly and looked at him, but before he could elaborate, John Spencer spoke.

"You know there will need to be an inquiry," the colonel stated as they watched Washburn's body being removed from the street.

"Into what, Spence? He challenged Reb in front of a town full of witnesses and he drew first on her... or tried to at any rate. What part of that needs an inquiry?"

"It's a formality, Murphy. Like him or not, Reuben Washburn was an officer in the United States Army. His death has to be documented." He paused. "We did the same for Leroy."

"You can document his death without an inquiry. There are plenty of folks standing right here who will be more than willing to give testimony to the fact that Reuben Washburn's death was his own fault and by his own choice."

Spencer looked around, seeing shopkeepers in every door way up and down Main Street. Kitty's girls were standing along the sidewalk in front of the saloon and even the old biddies were poking their noses out from behind the curtains of their respectable residences. He nodded his head.

"All right... you've got a point. Though I doubt anything will satisfy Mordecai Washburn. He's one mean son of a bitch... begging your pardon, ma'am," with a bow in Donoma's direction. "I guess this settles the matter of the horse thieving as well. I never did buy into it, but he was adamant in his accusations against you, Stone."

"Why?"

"Huh? Why what?"

"Why was he so insistent that I was a horse thief? What was his brother doing that I was accused of committing such a crime? There has to be a reason behind it."

"I don't... I never really thought about it – never gave it any serious consideration."

"Again... why?" Koko looked at him, holding Donoma firmly next to her. "I understand you not taking the charges seriously, and I appreciate that... believe me. But that doesn't explain why you didn't look into it, Spence."

Spencer frowned. "Why would I, Reb? The charge was unfounded."

Koko sighed and rolled her eyes, trying to make the man see what she was getting at. Then Donoma spoke. "Why man tell lies?"

The colonel opened his mouth and then stopped as he thought about what Donoma had just asked. "That's a good question," he finally admitted. "Why did he make up something like that? He had to know without proof that I would take your word over his."

"Not necessarily," Murphy spoke up. "After all, he was an officer in the Army and Reb, no matter her reputation is still a woman doing what is generally considered to be a man's job. Still, it bears some looking into." He turned to Koko. "I'll see what I can find out, though there has been precious little evidence to show much of anything so far. Them boys what went out with Leroy ain't saying much."

"You think they know something?"

"I know they do," Ginger spoke up suddenly. All eyes swung in her direction. "What?" she asked plaintively. "They do. Some of those soldier boys like to talk and some of them talk in their sleep." She took an automatic step backwards when they began to crowd closer to her.

"What do you know?" Murphy asked. Ginger raised her hands.

"Back up... you're crowding me and I don't like it." Fire sparked out of her gray eyes and the red of her hair seemed to flame with her intensity. Kitty placed a gentle hand on Stephen's arm and drew him back towards her, giving Ginger a bit of breathing space.

"C'mon, fellas – give a lady some room. I’m sure Ginger'll share whatever she knows with all of you if you'll just give her a chance. Now I have an idea... why don't the three of you," pointing to Spencer, Murphy and Stone, "go with Ginger and buy her a drink? I'm sure her story will be much easier to tell if she can relax a little bit."

"Where are you going, Miss Kitty?" Murphy asked boldly. She arched a brow at him.

"Not that it's actually your business at the moment, Stephen, but I thought Donoma and I could go have a little girl talk of our own. She can tell me her story... I can tell her some stories about Reb." She grinned. "It'll be fun."

Donoma looked at Koko for advice; Koko held her hands lightly. "You might enjoy it, ka'eskone, but you do not have to if it would make you uncomfortable. I think you would like Kitty if you would take the opportunity to get to know her. It is your choice."

Donoma looked between Kitty and Koko – finding mischief and mirth in the brown eyes and love and faith in the blue ones.

"Yes," she said simply to Kitty's request. Kitty smiled as though she'd been given a gold coin.

"Wonderful," she returned enthusiastically. "Let's go to the kitchen. Big Mama will serve us lemonade and we can have a little quiet and privacy to talk." She waved her hands in Ginger's direction. "These guys will be a while. We might as well enjoy ourselves." And without further adieu the two women disappeared into the kitchen.

Koko watched them go, then acceded to the tugging on her arm that Stephen Murphy was steadily applying. "Reb, will you c'mon already? I wanna hear what Ginger has to say."

"Yes," Spencer agreed coming up on her other side. "It might go a ways towards giving us the answers to those questions we have about why."

Koko shrugged her shoulders. "All right. I'm coming. I just hope she has something we can use. I want to know what Reuben Washburn thought he could prove."

Murphy snorted. "I wanna know what really happened out there on the Plains. Oh... not the part with Donoma," seeing the anger build in Koko's eyes. "I believe she told us exactly what happened for the part she was involved in. But I wanna know what caused that to begin with. I'm wondering if maybe the Army is housing a den of horse thieves."

"It sure would explain a lot... except why."

"Well, us standing around here isn't getting us any answers. Let's go see what Miss Ginger has to say. Your wife'll be fine with Miss Kitty and Big Mama... although your marriage may never be the same after they get done talking. You know how women get," he teased as they made their way to the table where Ginger and Spencer were waiting.

Koko smirked at him. "Murph, I *am* a woman, remember? But Donoma has known me far longer than Kitty has. I don't think Kitty could tell her anything she doesn't already know about me."

Ginger looked up as they took a seat. "Maybe not, but I bet Kitty had some new stories to tell the rest of us about you before the day is through," she said with eyes twinkling as she lifted her glass. Koko just dropped her head face down onto the table.

"I am so doomed."

Chapter XXXIV

"Donoma? May I call you Donoma or would you prefer Mrs. Stone?" Kitty asked after they had seated themselves and Big Mama had brought forth a plate of sugar cookies and two glasses of lemonade.

"Donoma good." Kitty smiled and patted her hand.

"Donoma it is then; you can call me Kitty. Only the fellas usually call me Miss Kitty." Donoma nodded her head and picked up a cookie at Big Mama's insistence.

"Is good fo' ya chile… eat up now. I cain't let ya get up from mah table hungry."

"Listen to her, Donoma. Big Mama looks out for all of us." She waited until Donoma had bitten into the cookie, smiling at the delight that covered her face as the sweetness hit Donoma's taste buds. "Now tell me how it is you speak and understand English so well. Did a missionary come to your tribe or...?" Kitty stopped talking when she noticed the furrowed look of concentration on Donoma's face, then she slapped herself in the forehead. "I'm sorry, Donoma – I should have asked you where you learned to speak the white man's language."

"Rae'l," she answered succinctly. "Koko's Nahko'e... mother. She teach People read books... understand words. Learn much."

"I'm glad she did, Donoma. I would've hated not to've had this chance to get to know you."

"Why?"

Kitty blinked. Donoma was nothing if not forthright evidently. "Well," she said slowly, considering her words, "you're a new friend to make for one thing. Those don't come along around here everyday. And you're Reb Stone's new mate. That makes you even more interesting. You see," she added, pausing for a sip of lemonade, "we don't know very much about Reb – only what little she's seen fit to share. It'd be nice to learn a little bit more about her too."

"Like what?"

Kitty pinched her lips thoughtfully before speaking. "You said you were children together," waiting for Donoma to nod. "What was she like... growing up?"

"Koko strong warrior and Donoma's friend."

Kitty waited but nothing more was forthcoming. Finally she tilted her head in question. "Is that all? Surely there is more you can tell us," noting that Big Mama was paying close attention to the conversation even as she stayed busy in the kitchen.

"Not understand what you want to know," Donoma offered, her confusion evident.

Kitty thought a moment. "All righty – how 'bout this? I'll tell you something about the Reb Stone I know, then you can tell me something about... what do you call her?"

"Koko Kanti."

Kitty nodded. "You can tell me something about Koko Kanti. I'll start." She paused a moment as she went back in her mind to her first meeting with Reb Stone. "When Reb came to town, she was dressed in buckskin and it drew all sorts of attention to her. She looked so lost... so heartbroken, but only if you looked into her eyes. On the surface, she was completely unemotional, and that caused the men in this town to underestimate her.

Oh, Donoma... I wish you could have been here. They thought they could mock her and poke fun...." Kitty chuckled. "I have never seen anything so fierce. She took on all comers. But it wasn't without price and when it was over, she came here... to my place. Big Mama and I nursed her back to health and soon she was lookin' out for all my girls. The first time some cowboy raised a hand to Ginger, Reb broke his arm. The fellas learned right quick to mind their manners – it was a nice change from the roughhousin' we'd had to put up with before she came here."

"Koko Kanti always protector," Donoma stated bluntly. "From time she join People."

"Folks 'round here learned that lesson pretty quick," Kitty said with a smile, pleased when it was returned.

"Warriors learned quick too," Donoma confided. "Koko beat all."

"I'll bet she did," Kitty agreed with a laugh. "I saw her take on grown men twice her size. She made herself quite a reputation. That's how she ended up with that horse of hers, ya know." Donoma's eyes widened and she shook her head. "She didn't tell you that story?" Donoma shook her head again and even Big Mama laughed this time. Kitty shook her head in disbelief. "Figures, 'cause it's something of a tale to be tellin' for sure.

I guess Reb had been here 'bout a week by then and she'd healed up right nice from her fightin'. The men of the town were a bit more respectful towards her and the 'respectable' women just stayed away. They still don't know what to make of her."

"Why make? Why not accept?"

"Oh honey, if I knew the answer to that question, the world would be a different place. It'd sure as hell make a lot more sense. However, I'm not concerned 'bout people like that – I ain't got the time to waste worryin' bout what they think of me or anyone else.

So anyway, some of the local cowboys was riding some steers into town and somehow or other along the way, they managed to wrangle a stallion into the herd. I couldn't believe my eyes. Prettiest horse you ever saw, but feisty... almost mean.

Well, they managed to get it corralled separate from the cows and then the bets started running about who was gonna claim it. The Army boys... they was pretty sure one of them would take him – after all, they had men whose sole job was to break and train horses, right? So of course that made them the odds on favorites... 'cept for one thing. No one reckoned on Reb Stone and her ability to communicate with animals like she could."

Donoma's eyes shone. She had several fond memories of Koko Kanti talking to animals most of the People never got a chance to be near. Kitty caught her expression.

"I take it you've seen her in action before."

"Yes... with panther, fox and wolf."

Kitty's eyes got big and round. "Damnation!" she muttered. "Woman doesn't fool around much, does she? That makes a stallion seem tame no matter how mean he is. Still, it's a good story, so...." She paused thoughtfully. "Ya know, now that I think about it, this is when those Washburn boys started making trouble for Reb. She got something they wanted," she mused almost to herself.

After a moment she shook herself from her reverie and looked at Donoma. "Sorry... got to thinking for a minute there. Where was I? Oh right... Reb and that stallion. So anyway, the men gathered round the corral – they'd drawn lots to see who would go first and Malcolm Washburn was the first to go up." Seeing the questions in the green eyes, Kitty held up her hand. "It'll make sense in a minute.

See, Malcolm's the youngest of the Washburn boys, but he ain't part of the Army. No, he works his daddy's huge spread 'bout a hundred miles from here; he was here visitin' his brothers. Well, 'bout the time he climbed up on that black's back, Reb, come outta the saloon to see what all the ruckus was about. That horse took one good look at her and bucked Malcolm off so hard, I bet his ears are still ringin'. He tried to get back on, but that black back kicked him in the knee and he crumpled."

Donoma winced reflexively. No matter her feelings for those whose last name was Washburn, she wouldn't wish that sort of misfortune on anyone. Just the idea sounded painful. Kitty nodded her unspoken agreement. "I have never heard a man scream like that before. Far's I know, it never did set just right. Malcolm walks with a pronounced limp and he no longer rides a horse. Could be wrong about that – after all, it's been a while since I've seen him, but I don't think so.

Now Reb was just standing along the corral fence like all the rest. She didn't move... didn't do anything to draw awareness to herself, but I think it was her utter stillness that pulled that horse's attention to her. Now before you ask, me and the girls had wandered out with her. Might as well have – every able-bodied man in town was there... we weren't doing any business anyway.

So the black approaches her and the men step back a pace, just to watch what'll happen. Malcolm was screamin' and Leroy and Reuben had already rushed to move him outta the corral to keep him from being hurt further if the horse decided to turn on him. But once he was out and being looked at by the Army doc, Leroy jumped back in, furious."

"He like rock," Donoma said unexpectedly. Kitty did a double take at her words, then burst into laughter. Even Big Mama chortled and brought the pitcher of lemonade to the table before taking a seat and filling all three glasses. Kitty nodded her thanks and Donoma did the same before turning back to Kitty. "What funny? Spoke truth."

"Chile, you sure nuff did that, but mos' folks roun' des parts don' do mucha dat. Too busy worryin' 'bout things as don' concern 'em."

"Big Mama's right, Donoma," Kitty confirmed. "So many folks worried 'bout what others think they don't generally speak so plainly. It's refreshing. And you're right – Leroy was like a rock. Most folks round here figured his daddy bought his commission, cause he damned sure wasn't bright enough to earn it." She sighed and took a drink.

"Finish tellin' Kitty, 'fore I haveta get back to the stove," Big Mama chided.

"All right, Big Mama... all right. So anyway, Leroy decided he was gonna teach that horse some manners, 'cept that the horse had already picked the one he wanted. Leroy grabbed the black by the mane and the horse bit him – hard enough to draw blood but not quite hard enough to break anything. His mates pulled him out of the circle, then the rest waited to see what was gonna happen 'tween Reb and that horse.

The horse butted her hard enough to knock her to the ground and she woulda fallen had she not clutched the railing quick enough. The horse whinnied, laughing at her and butted her again – only this time he got caught. She grabbed his nostrils and pinched. He shook his head trying to shake her loose, but she held on... not hurtin' him, but making damn sure he knew who was boss. After a moment, he shook his head again, but in surrender this time. When she let go, he butted her again, but this time he was gentle and he just pushed his head into her chest, waiting to be scratched.

Now, several of the other men tried to approach that stallion, but after they were all rather viciously turned away by the horse, most of them walked away and left Reb to it. Only Leroy seemed unable to take a hint and he thought he'd try again, only to have Reb jump on the horse's back before he could get close enough to do anything.

The stallion reared, nearly clocking Leroy in the head, and he scampered outta that ring quick-like. Reb held on through all the bucking and twisting that black could manage and after only a few minutes, he was walking under her direction. Oh, Donoma... I've never seen anything more magnificent in my life and she was so proud sitting up there. Then he bucked and twisted a little more and we realized that he was playin' with her... his idea of fun."

"I seems to 'member Reb walkin' funny after alla dat, but wearin' the biggest grin I ever seen on her face," Big Mama said. "'Twas good to see her so happy, even all black 'n' blue."

"Black 'n' blue?" Donoma repeated slowly.

"Oh yes, chile... that horse maya been playin', but Reb wore his roughhousin' on her pusson for a few days. Never did lose that smile when she looked at him though." She rose from her place and walked back to the stove, removing the lid and stirring the pot a few times before shifting it away from the heat. "That'll do fo' now," she said before reclaiming her seat.

"No, she didn't," Kitty agreed. "But there were sure some disgruntled men round here for a day or two."

"Only them Washburn boys, Kitty. Tell it fair."

"No, Mama... a few of the fellas were a little upset that they didn't get their shot at Black, but they were smart enough to know that if the horse made the choice, they wouldn't have had a chance anyway. Leroy was the one who couldn't let it go – said Reb hadn't put in her dollar to ride 'em so she couldn't get to keep him." She exchanged glances with Mama and they snickered. "When that horse kicked him in his privates, he learned to stay far away."

"He shot me," Donoma said suddenly, bringing two sets of eyes to her face.

"You're kiddin'," Kitty said disbelievingly. For answer, Donoma widened the neck of her shirt until the two woman sitting with her could see the scarred pink skin at her shoulder. Mama reached out, then looked at Donoma for permission. When the blonde head nodded, she touched the newly healed wound with tender, knowing fingers.

"You healed good, chile."

"Koko cared for me; made Donoma well again."

"Why?" Kitty asked, then held up her hands when incredulous green eyes turned her way full of questions. "Wait... that didn't come out right. I know why Reb cared for you – anyone with half an eye can see she's crazy in love with you, Donoma. Why did Leroy Washburn shoot you, and how do you know it was Leroy?"

"Marshall say Leroy. Shot to steal Black."

"You're kiddin'," Kitty repeated and Donoma glared.

"Not kidding," she stated firmly.

"Right then," Kitty said after a moment. "So tell us something about growing up with Reb... Koko Kanti," she corrected herself. "Something about the two of you."

Donoma focused inward for a few moments, then nodded to herself. She wouldn't embarrass Koko, but she wanted these women to know the woman she loved.

"When Donoma was eight cycles, Koko teach to swim. Was scared – never been in deep water before."

"Where did she teach you to swim out here?"

Donoma shrugged. "Big water... Koko find. First teach float on water. Lay in Koko's strong arms and find pictures in clouds. Donoma not know when Koko let go. Not know until Koko move to other side."

"Did you panic?" Kitty asked, remembering her first experience learning how to swim. Somehow she thought Reb would have been a much gentler instructor that Kitty's older brother had been. Donoma's brow furrowed as she pondered the unfamiliar word Kitty had used.

"Was frightened, then Koko calmed. Saw her, knew no more fear. After, she teach swim... and catch fish with hands."

Two sets of brown eyes widened at this pronouncement and they exchanged looks with one another before looking at Donoma and goggling.

"Excuse me?"

"What you said, chile?"

Donoma spoke more slowly, thinking it was her halting use of the white man's tongue that was causing their confusion. "Koko teach swim and catch fish with hands."

They blinked rapidly, still goggling. "Can you really *do* that?"

"Yes," Donoma stated without hesitation.

"Reb do dat too?" turning to Kitty before Donoma could reply. "Wonner why we'uns never knowed that?"

"Probably because we're not that close to any real source of water here," Kitty responded dryly.

"Mebbe... mebbe Big Mama'll ask for some fish nex' time Reb come to town."

"Maybe Kitty'll ask for a live demonstration." Kitty turned back to Donoma. "What do you think, Donoma? Would Reb show us how to catch fish with our hands?"

"Donoma not know. Koko not teach warriors except Honaw and he not do good."

"Well, maybe we'll ask her, but not today. I think she's had a hard enough day today already."

"We get hot bath today – Koko promise Donoma."

Kitty smiled. She liked Donoma – first for Reb's sake and then for her own. She was definitely Reb's equal but still a good match... complimenting Reb's personality to a T. She patted Donoma's hand and rose from her place. "Well, then... if Reb promised you a hot bath, I think we should go pry her away from Stephen and the Colonel and get ya'll set up. Big Mama... thank you for the cookies and lemonade. They were scrumptious."

"Yes," Donoma agreed. "Donoma like very much," standing as well.

Big Mama smiled her toothy grin. "Chile, you welcome in mah kitchen any time." Then she stood and enveloped Donoma in a brief hug before moving back to her stove. Kitty shook her head at Donoma's expression, then directed them back out into the main part of the saloon.

Koko was watching for them and stood as soon as they appeared. Ginger hadn't been able to tell them much more than they already knew and she'd been biding her time, wanting Kitty and Donoma to make friends in their own way. Her shoulders sagged with relief when they came out smiling and chatting quietly until they reached the table. Then Kitty glared at her.

"Reb Stone, I expect you to be bringin' this lovely young bride of yours to town a little more often than once every five years. I know you said you're newlyweds and all," Kitty conceded holding up a hand. "But I'm puttin' you on notice. Big Mama and I enjoyed our visit with Donoma Chepi and we'd like to do it a little more regularly. Now," she continued without pause, "Donoma informs me you promised to introduce her to the joys of a hot bath. So go put Black up and bring your stuff in. I'm gonna show her to your room and you can take things from there."

Koko nodded, wondering when exactly she'd lost control of the situation. Then she heard muffled chuckling coming from behind her and turned to glare at Murphy and Spencer. They bit their lips and stood.

"I'll get the telegrams sent out about Washburn," the Colonel said as he snatched up his hat. "Though I'm thinking his old man may come into town for this. He's not gonna like it."

"Too damn bad," Reb commented. "Not my fault."

"I'm still gonna do some looking around. Somethin' about this whole thing ain't sittin' just right with me. I'll let you know what I find out," Murphy said, addressing both of them.

Koko nodded and held out her hand to Donoma who was instantly at her side. "Sounds good," she agreed. "We'll be here til in the morning, but after that, we're heading home again. We may travel to the People for the summer celebration, but that is still a ways off. Now if you gentlemen will excuse us...." The two tipped their hats towards Donoma and Koko turned to Kitty.

"I'll be a couple minutes. I need to speak to Hassun. Spence offered to send him here."

Kitty nodded. "We'll be fine, Reb. Take care of your business."

"I won’t be long, ka'eskone," to Donoma. Then she turned and left the saloon, leaving Donoma to follow Kitty up the stairs.

Part 18

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