A Native’s Song for the Silent Orphan (Preview)

Chapter One

“The rain is easing off,” Falcon said, sticking his head out of the cave and looking at the sky. “It won’t be long before it’s completely gone.”

Calian grunted, checking on his weapons. He was used to the storms that came about at this time of year, but they were incredibly frustrating. He wanted to go out and hunt, to bring back the food they needed to store away before the winter hit, but it was going to take longer to get their stores sorted out. They didn’t want to be traveling in hip-deep snow looking for animals that had likely gone into hibernation.

At least they wouldn’t have to deal with any bears. They were always hiding away in their caves to sleep off the cold weather.

It was by some miracle they hadn’t taken shelter in one of the caves that the large beasts used. If they had, that would’ve been like serving themselves up on a huge platter. Calian didn’t want to think about that.

“At least we got something,” he said, looking down the hill at the three bison they had killed. They were lying side by side on slightly higher ground to the river. It was remarkable they hadn’t been washed away. “White Sparrow will be happy to handle all of that.”

“I’ll be happy just to go to my teepee and sleep for a week,” Falcon muttered.

“You do know that’s not going to be a possibility, don’t you?”

“I know, but one can dream.”

His mouth twitching with a smile, Calian looked up at the sky. He could see blue patches getting closer as the black clouds rolled on overhead. It wouldn’t be long before they could head back out. They weren’t too far away from their camp, thankfully high enough that it wouldn’t be a problem if the river nearby flooded. And Calian had seen how bad the floods had been the day before. The water level had barely gone down, and the rain wasn’t helping, either.

They should’ve left their hunting for another day, but they needed the food. As the rain finally eased off, Calian stepped outside. Stretching his arms above his head—it was cramped in the cave—he looked around. They would return by late afternoon, and then they could strip the bison of their hides, which would be cleaned and sorted by the women while the men hacked at the bison to get the meat. Anything left they would find something to do with.

Whenever something happened with the Dakota tribe, everyone pitched in. That was how things went.

“Right, shall we get going now?” Falcon asked, putting his fingers in his mouth and whistling loudly.

At the command, their men appeared from other holes in the side of the hill. They stood, waiting for Calian’s command. It was strange that they were looking to him now, and Calian had wondered if he could actually be their chief. It was not something he anticipated, certainly not anytime soon. But his father was gone, and the rules were that the sons were next in line to become chief, so that was settled.

Calian had wished someone else had taken over. He knew it was his responsibility, but it felt like too much. He had moments where he didn’t want to do it at all, but White Sparrow said it was imperative that he carried on. He always listened to his grandmother.

“We’d better get moving, then.” He turned and stopped. “What’s that?”

“What?”

Calian squinted, wondering if he had seen it correctly. There was something white among the rocks further down the hill, a little too close to the still-high waters. It was moving a little. Was it an animal that had gotten stuck in the storm?

“I’m just going to check something.” He beckoned Falcon to follow him. “Come with me.”

Without question, his friend and second-in-command trailed after him, and they made their way down the slope, trying not to dislodge any of the loose mud beneath their feet. It could cause a landslide if they weren’t careful, and Calian didn’t particularly care to have a swim in the river when the current was still very strong.

As they got closer to the white shape, he began to see that it wasn’t an animal at all. It was a person. Then he realized it was a child.

What is a child doing out here?

He quickened his pace as best that he could, and finally reached the ledge she had managed to wedge herself into. It was a little girl, no older than four or five years old. She was in a soaked dress, her hair wet and sticking to her face and neck. And she was so pale that Calian was scared she was close to death. It was terrifying to see.

He’d always had a soft spot for children. They were innocent and defenseless, so to see this happening now…

“My God,” Falcon whispered. “Where did she come from?”

“I don’t know. She’s too far out from any civilization to have been living here.”

“Maybe she was on a wagon?” Falcon suggested. “It’s a possibility that they were traveling?”

Calian could see that being a reason, but with how bad the river was, he couldn’t see any wagon surviving that. Everything would likely have been swept away.

Except for the little girl.

He leaned over her, checking her pulse by pressing his fingers to her neck. It was slow and thready, and when he leaned over her, her breath was shallow on his cheek. Her eyes flickered open, but there was nothing in them to say she saw anything around her. Then they rolled back into her head and closed again.

She was cold to the touch as well.

“She’s been caught in the water. Now she’s going into shock.” Calian looked up at Falcon. “Let’s get her out of here. White Sparrow can take care of her.”

His friend looked surprised at his suggestion, brushing his damp hair out of his face.

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. We can’t just leave her here. She’s just a child.”

Calian half-expected him to question it, but he couldn’t bring himself to walk away. She was a White child, but she was still there. He would have to have ice in his veins to abandon her when she clearly needed help.

“Gather the rest of the men,” he said, sliding his arms underneath the child and slowly lifting her up. “Tell them to secure the bison and get them back to camp as usual. I’ll look after this little one.”

“Are you sure…”

“Don’t argue with me, Falcon,” Calian snapped. “Can’t you see that she needs help?”

Falcon pursed his lips, clearly not happy. “But she’s White,” he pointed out.

“And what’s your point?”

Calian glared at him, and Falcon backed down, holding his hands up with a sigh. “All right, fine. I’ll get the bison dissected so we can take it back.”

Glad that he didn’t have much of an argument, Calian started to climb back up the hill. Their horses had been left at the top, skittish and unable to get down the slope to the caves. They would find their own shelter, so Calian was confident his prized animal would come back.

Whistling sharply as he got to the summit, he was pleased to see his horse, Moonlight, trotting toward him. It was a little awkward to get into the saddle when his arms were holding onto the little girl, but she was light and soon he was in the saddle and riding back to the camp. She stirred a little, and her eyes opened, but Calian had a feeling she wasn’t fully there.

His heart clenched for her. The poor thing had been stuck in such a bad storm.

He arrived at the camp and immediately went to his grandmother’s tent. White Sparrow came out as he carefully dismounted, staring in surprise at the child.

“When you said you were going out hunting, Calian, you didn’t say…”

“We found her by the river. We think she was caught in it.” Calian adjusted his hold on the child. “Can you help her? She’s far too cold and she’s barely conscious.”

This wasn’t something they normally did. They didn’t let White people into their camp unless for a very specific reason. The only person who had managed to get past that was Calian’s mother. But Calian was sure they would make an exception for a defenseless little girl.

Sure enough, White Sparrow nodded, her wizened face showing her concern as she beckoned him to follow her. “Bring her inside. Let’s have a look at her.”

Calian carried her in and laid the child on his grandmother’s pallet. She moaned, and her eyes flickered open. He could see how bright blue her eyes were, almost startlingly so. He managed a smile.

“Hey, little one. Can you tell me your name?”

From the way something flickered behind her eyes, she had heard him. But she said nothing, and her eyes closed again. White Sparrow pressed a hand to his shoulder.

“Why don’t you step outside?” she suggested. “I’ll take a look over her and see what I can do.”

“Will she be all right?”

“She’s going to need to be as warm as possible. And some fresh clothes would be useful. Go and see if you can find some.”

“Who’s the chief here, White Sparrow?”

“And who did you come to for help with this problem? Just go, Calian.”

Calian knew better than to argue. He stood up and left the tent, hoping that the girl would be all right. She had been so cold in his arms that he thought she had passed away. Looking down at himself, he saw how wet the front of his tunic was.

“Calian!”

A young woman with long black hair flowing out behind her was running toward him. She looked worried. Calian held up her hands before she plowed into him.

“Calm yourself, Yakari. Everything’s fine.”

“Why did you come back alone?” Yakari brushed her hair off her face impatiently. “Where’s Falcon?”

“You don’t need to worry about him. He’s sorting out the bison we caught before the worst of the storm hit us.”

His half-sister didn’t look happy about that. She folded her arms and scowled.

“We warned you that it wouldn’t be a good idea to go out there when there was a storm coming. It was a bad one. We were very lucky that there was only minor damage compared to what could’ve happened.”

Calian looked around.

“What was damaged?”

“A few of the teepees on the edge of the camp, and we’re still rounding up the chickens.”

“Well, it could’ve been worse. You could’ve ended up almost drowning like a little girl did just now.”

Yakari frowned. “What do you mean? What little girl?”

“We found her barely conscious. White Sparrow’s looking at her now.”

“You brought her here? Why would you do that?”

“Because I’m not some monster who would leave a child to die, Yakari.” Calian drew himself up to his full height. “She needed help, and that’s what I did.”

“But to bring a White girl here…”

“She’s not done anything to us. And I have a feeling she’s lost her family. The best thing we can do is look after her and make sure she’s safe and well. Maybe we can find any family she has left.”

“Given how things are, and how far away we are from any town, I don’t think that’s going to be the case.” Yakari sighed. “She’s likely on her own now.”

Calian had a feeling that was the case, but he didn’t want to think about it like that. He ran his fingers through his hair with a heavy sigh.

“I just saw her and knew I had to help. She’s so little…”

“You don’t need to justify yourself to me, Calian.” Yakari’s expression softened a little. “I’m not impressed by how you’ve brought a White girl into our camp, and you know Mato isn’t going to be happy with it…”

“You let me worry about him.”

“But I know you’ve got a good heart, and you’re someone who wants to look after everyone.” Yakari managed a little smile. “Much like Father. You’re more like him than you think.”

Calian didn’t know what to say to that. He was close to Yakari, but they hadn’t spoken much about their father, Pathan, since his sudden death. It was almost like an unspoken agreement between them. Mostly because Yakari ended up sobbing, and Calian had to fight back his own tears as he comforted her.

It was not easy taking charge of a tribe who’d had his father in charge for many years. Calian hadn’t anticipated taking over so soon, and now he felt like he was floundering a little.

“Yakari, could you do me a favor?” White Sparrow’s voice made them jump as she came out of her tent. “Could you find me some clothes for the child? She’s about five years old, so Amari’s son should have some spare clothes that would fit her. Her own are soaking wet.”

“Of course.” Yakari glanced past her grandmother. “How is she? Has she woken up?”

“She’s awake, but she’s scared. The poor thing. I can’t get anything out of her.” White Sparrow looked at Calian. “I asked her what her name was, and she’s refusing to tell me. Either she doesn’t speak English or she’s too scared to actually say anything. I can only hope it’s fear that’s stopping her from speaking rather than she’s mute.”

Calian’s chest tightened. He hoped that was the case as well, otherwise they were going to be stuck on how to find the little girl’s family.

If she had any left.

Chapter Two

Six Weeks Later

Valerie could still remember the moment the world seemed to stop around her. Things seemed to go slower, and colors were somewhat muted. She had never experienced this before, and it was terrifying.

If only it wasn’t real. That it was a horrible nightmare, and she would be waking up soon.

But the letter in her hand, that had been clutched in her fist since she got on the train to take her to Wisconsin from Maryland, told her that it was. There was no rousing herself and putting it behind her.

Valerie flinched when she recalled when the letter came, addressed to her father.

It had been a normal day for them, getting ready for the bustling morning with their breakfast before Edward Gibbons went off to the bank where he worked, and Valerie started on the various assignments her employer had given her for the newspaper. Her mind had already been turning over what she needed to do, and what was the bigger priority. There always seemed to be lots to do, but Valerie enjoyed it. She loved thriving on the pressure and getting the next issue out as quickly as possible. That’s why her editor kept giving her so much; she could pull through.

But then she had to answer the door to the postman who gave her some letters. One had a postmark that gave her pause.

“There’s something from Virginia City,” she said as she went back into the dining room. “Isn’t that where Alice went?”

Father looked up. “I believe it was. She’s writing to us again?”

“I didn’t know she stopped.”

“It’s been more than a month since I last received a letter from her. She was excited about how they were looking forward to Christmas.” Father sighed as he took the letter. “She wanted us to go out to them and spend Christmas with her, Cody, and Lainey, but she understood that it would be a long journey for us, and we can’t leave our jobs.”

“My employer would fire me if I even suggested that I leave for a few months,” Valerie grunted, sitting down again and smoothing down her skirts. “It took me so long to get this position, and if I lose it now…”

“I know, darling. You keep telling me that.” Father shook his head. “Honestly, I’m surprised you don’t sleep at the newspaper. You live and breathe anything that’s newsworthy.”

“It brings money in, Father, and it’s not too bad.” Valerie picked up her toast. “You know I want to help out.”

“I understand, and I’m grateful. But maybe you need to take a breath and sit down.”

“I sit down all day.”

Father rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean. Anyway, why don’t we see what Alice is writing about? Although I don’t recognize the handwriting. It looks different.”

“Maybe Cody wrote the address?” Valerie suggested. “She’s got her hands full with Lainey. Maybe she asked him to save time.”

“Interesting suggestion, but I suppose that could happen.”

Valerie’s gut clenched, the memory fresh in her mind as her father opened the letter and began to read.

She hadn’t been paying attention, her thoughts going back to her work and the column she was going to compose as soon as she sat down at her writing desk, but the whimper of shock had made her look up. Father had been staring at the letter with such a pale face, Valerie had thought she was going to have a fit.

“Father?” She lowered her toast, mid-chew. “What’s wrong?”

“It… it’s from a US Marshal Wyatt. He works in Montana.”

“Virginia City’s in Montana.” Valerie frowned. “Why is he writing to you?”

“Alice is… she…”

He faltered, and she saw him turn even more pale. Immediately, she was out of her chair and at his side.

“Father, talk to me!”

He couldn’t. Wordlessly, he simply handed her the letter. Trying not to snatch it, Valerie read through it, and that’s when the bottom dropped out of her stomach.

She unfolded the letter now, but she didn’t need to read it. The words were burned into her memory.

‘Dear Mr. Gibbons. I regret writing to you in these circumstances, but I must inform you that your daughter, Alice Jowls, has been killed. She and her husband, Cody Jowls, were caught in a storm as they traveled to Virginia City. There was a flood that broke the banks of the river nearby, and it flooded their camp. Efforts were made to save them, but I’m afraid it was too late.

‘I’m so sorry to have to tell you this. Right now, your daughter’s personal possessions have been taken to Virginia City and are waiting for you to collect them. We anticipate your arrival. However, if you’re unable to make the journey, let us know, and I’ll make sure they’re sent back to you.

‘Please accept my condolences.

‘US Marshal Colin Wyatt.’

It had struck each of them hard. Father had been almost catatonic, and Valerie had summoned Mrs. Henson, the housekeeper, to get him to his bed and send for the doctor. It had taken most of the day before he seemed to snap out of his daze. Valerie could understand why; her older sister was his favorite, and he loved her beyond reason. That didn’t bother her too much as she knew Father loved her dearly as well.

But everything about Alice made her the favorite among anyone who met her. She was incredibly sweet and funny, beautiful, and kind. Everyone who met her adored her. Valerie did, too. She was proud to have such a fine young lady as a big sister.

Whenever Alice got her mind set on something, there was no deterring her.

It was no surprise that when she and her husband, Cody, were offered a job a year ago to work on the railway on the other side of the country, they had accepted. Valerie had been very dubious about it, especially as they wouldn’t be able to see them every day, but Alice was adamant about it. She had no qualms about moving. Cody had been given a good job, and it would keep them going for years. She wanted their daughter to have a good life, and they could strike out on their own.

Alice did love her independence.

Valerie thought about her niece. Lainey was a sweet little girl who had recently turned five. She had been the apple of Father’s eye, running around the house and giggling. She had a vivacious air about her, and it was hard not to love her, just like her mother. Valerie did miss seeing her every day, but she knew Alice and Cody would know what they were doing. They were loving parents, and they were a solid family unit.

But that was what worried Valerie the most. Alice and Cody had been talked about by Marshal Wyatt, but there was no mention of Lainey. Nothing at all. That was worrying because Alice never left her daughter’s side. Especially if they were going to the next town to gather supplies. Alice had talked before about traveling to get some things and meeting up with Cody’s supervisor to make sure everything was going on as normal.

She had made it sound like a fairytale. Valerie had been glad, and a little envious, that her sister had fallen on her feet.

But now she was gone. So was Cody. And there was no indication that Lainey was dead or alive. Father had been scared about that. He wanted to go to Montana to find her, to bring her back, but Valerie didn’t want him making the trip. He might say he was well enough, but his breakdown over Alice’s death indicated that he was nowhere near ready. They couldn’t let him go.

“I’m perfectly fine,” he’d protested when Valerie had stepped out of the house with her trunk, waiting for the carriage to pull up to collect her. “I can handle traveling to Montana if it means finding my granddaughter.”

“You’re not well, and you know it, Father,” Valerie had reminded him. “And you’re needed here. Someone’s got to hold the fort, so to speak.”

“And what about you?” Father had shot back. “You’re losing your job at the newspaper. You worked so hard to get it.”

“I can get it back or get another one. There are plenty of jobs, and it won’t be the end of the world.” Valerie didn’t want to think about the possibility of not getting another job as a columnist. “Someone’s got to go and get Alice’s things and find Lainey. I’m in a better physical state to do it.”

“But a woman traveling alone?”

“I won’t be alone. We’re always escorted across the country, and then when I get to Virginia City I’ll see Marshal Wyatt. Besides,” Virginia held up her bag. “I can take care of myself.”

Father had made a face. He knew that Virginia had a knife in her bag, something she normally used as a paper knife but could also be used as a weapon. He didn’t like the idea of her going without anyone chaperoning her, but this was very last-minute.

“If only Jackson were here,” he’d muttered. “Then you wouldn’t be alone.”

“Please don’t talk about him, Father.”

“It would make me feel better.”

Valerie had not responded to that, simply giving her father a fierce hug and promising to write and let him know before she got into the stagecoach that would take her to the station. She would travel until the line ended at Wisconsin. Then it would be a stagecoach for the rest of the way. Valerie was not looking forward to the long journey, but she needed to do this.

Lainey was still out there. She had to find her.

Folding the letter and pushing away the final memory of her father standing on the doorstep watching her go, Valerie looked out of the window. They had left the boarding house they had stopped at the night before only an hour ago, and they were now traveling through the hillside that felt more like mountains. There was greenery and plenty of trees, and she could smell the pine waft past her nostrils. It looked strangely idyllic.

She could see why people were tempted to move across the country and live in the West. But Valerie knew she couldn’t do that herself. She had her life and everything set up in Bethesda. It was all organized, and she knew where everything was. Moving to the other side of the country, something that took weeks, was probably one of the worst things she could’ve done to herself.

Although, her fiancé Jackson was going to be heading out there to work on the rail himself, and he wanted Valerie to come with him. She had been stubborn and refused, saying her heart was in Bethesda. They had parted on somewhat bad terms, although they reconciled in their letters.

But then Jackson was killed. And that solidified Valerie’s decision to never go to the West. Then Alice died. Now her decision meant nothing. She had to deal with her family’s problems.

Valerie hoped this was all a sick joke someone was playing on her. That she would get to Montana and find Alice and Cody alive, pleased to see her and saying there was a misunderstanding. Maybe they had survived the storm and Marshal Wyatt had gotten it wrong.

She silently prayed that was the case. Because once she got to Virginia City, Valerie had no idea what she was supposed to do. Take the possessions and go straight back? Wait and spend a bit of time there so she wasn’t constantly traveling?

Then again, she would likely have to. If Lainey was missing, she had to find her.

She needed answers.

A jerk of the carriage made her gasp, and Valerie had to catch herself before her head bounced off the wall. The gentlemen sitting across from her also jolted, and one passenger ended up on the floor, his head almost on Valerie’s skirts. She tugged them away quickly, shuffling as close as she could to the corner.

The carriage jerked again, and then there was a rumbling sound. It slowed and came to a stop. Her heart in her mouth, Valerie looked out of the window and saw they hadn’t arrived yet. There was no sign of civilization. Just a wide trail with a sudden drop to one side.

The door opened and one of the drivers stuck his head in.

“Sorry about this, lady and gentlemen,” he said apologetically. “One of the wheels has come loose.”

“It’s not serious, is it?” one of the gentlemen asked nervously.

“No, not like that. It’s an easy fix. But you three will need to get out for now so it’s a bit lighter.”

“How long will it take?” Valerie questioned.

“Not long, miss.” The driver gave her a smile. “We’ll be getting on with your journey before you know it.”

Valerie hoped that was the case. She didn’t want to stay here longer than she had to. It was unnerving enough traveling alone without having problems come up along the way.

Why had she turned down Father’s suggestion to take someone with her? She was foolish for having done that.

The three travelers got out, and the two gentlemen moved away together, their heads leaning toward each other as they talked. Valerie wandered over to the edge of the trail, seeing with a shock how steep the drop was. If they had an accident and skittered over this way…

She didn’t want to think about it. She didn’t want to think about how remarkably beautiful it was either, and how surprisingly warm the air was despite it being mid-March. Her body felt cold, and Valerie wrapped her arms around herself as she shivered.

She felt like she was going to be sick. This was not where she wanted to be. But Alice needed someone there for her and her family. Especially for Lainey.

Valerie felt grief hit her in the chest again. It had been doing that at intermittent periods during the whole journey. She would go for hours feeling numb, and then she suddenly started crying. It made her feel even worse than she already did.

Now she had the overwhelming urge to burst into tears, and she couldn’t stop it. Burying her face in her hands, Valerie began to sob.

Chapter Three

It felt like it was taking forever to get the wheel fixed, but it was enough for the stagecoach to get to Virginia City without any further problems. Valerie was relieved about that, and she almost fell over as she jumped out of the carriage, catching herself before she made a fool of herself and sprawled in the street.

Alice had done a good job in describing the place, and she could see the various shops lining the street, the wooden boardwalk and the various side streets. There were going to be a few other houses dotted around, Valerie could see ground being broken on one plot. Alice and Cody’s house was on the outskirts, slighting higher up so they had a bit more space than everyone else, with a nice view of the town.

Valerie looked up at the hill just outside Virginia City and caught sight of a few houses. From where she stood, they looked like tiny dots. Was one of those belonging to her sister?

As her trunk was unloaded from the carriage, Valerie turned to Kendall, the coach driver.

“Where can I find US Marshal Wyatt?” she asked.

“I presume he’ll be at the town hall. He has an office there.” Kendall gestured toward her trunk. “Do you want me to take that to the boarding house? Mrs. Fletcher will have some space there for you.”

“Would you mind? I don’t know my way around.”

“You can’t miss it. She’s right over there.” Kendall pointed at a large building across the street. “One of the first buildings set up here when they created the town. “I’ll leave it there for you, and Mrs. Fletcher will be expecting you.”

Valerie was grateful about that. She had packed some belongings, but she’d had no idea what to do once she arrived. To have someone help her was more than useful.

Kendall also pointed her toward the town hall, and it didn’t take long to find the office where the marshal would be. A tall, thin man in his thirties with fading dark hair and a neat mustache was sitting at his desk, head bent as he wrote. He looked up as Valerie knocked and entered.

“Marshal Wyatt?”

“That’s me, miss.” He put his pen down and stood up. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m Valerie Gibbons. You wrote to my father, Edward, about my sister Alice Jowls’s death.”

Wyatt blinked. Then his eyes widened.

“Of course. Forgive me, I was expecting a letter or telegram saying you would be coming here.”

“I had a feeling I’d get here before any sort of message did.” Valerie clutched at her bag, feeling uncomfortable. “Father wanted to come, but he’s not very strong when it comes to his health, so I said I’d come instead.”

“I see.”

She could see his surprise that she chose to travel alone, but she ignored it, sitting down across from him and trying to keep her composure. She had more important things to worry about.

“Father said you had some of my sister’s belongings. Was this from their home?”

“Their house has some of their belongings; you can take a look if you want.” Wyatt moved over to a bag sitting on a nearby table and picked it up. “But this was what we found with your sister’s body… once she… she and her husband were found.”

Valerie didn’t want him to gloss over anything, but at the same time she didn’t want to hear the gory details. It was too much for her, and she was sure she would end up bursting into tears again. That was not something she wanted to do in front of Marshal Wyatt.

It was embarrassing, to say the least.

“So what happened to them?” she asked, adjusting the bag awkwardly on her lap. “Where were they when it happened?”

“They were coming back from Dawson County. They often went there to get supplies that we don’t have in Virginia City. Plus, Cody’s boss was in Dawson County, and they would have to update him on things. Alice went with him, and they would take a wagon in case the journey took too long. They were on their way home when they must’ve decided to stay put once the storm hit.” Wyatt grimaced as he sat down, his expression regretful. “Unfortunately, they were too close to the water and didn’t take the proper precautions. As a result…”

“I think I understand that part,” Valerie said quickly. “But what about Lainey?”

“Who?”

“Alice and Cody’s daughter. She would’ve traveled with them. What happened to her?”

Wyatt looked confused. “I don’t understand. They were alone.”

“What?”

“There was no child found with them.”

Valerie’s heart sank. Lainey wasn’t there? Did that mean she had been swept away in the strong current? She felt sick. That couldn’t have happened.

“So there’s a chance that their daughter might still be alive?” she asked, hoping for a definitive answer.

“Miss Gibbons, I can’t honestly say, that river has a strong current at the best of times, and if there was a child traveling with them…”

“Of course, Lainey would be with them! But if she wasn’t found, she could still be alive, right?”

“I don’t know…”

Valerie huffed at that. Wyatt was quickly showing that he was useless. He might’ve done his duty by writing to them about Alice’s death, but he had no use for her after that. Especially if he had no idea about Lainey.

They had been living in Virginia City for some time now. Lainey had to be known to people around town.

“Well, I suppose I’d better try and find her,” she said coldly. “She’s out there on her own, and it’s been months. Someone had to have told you Alice and Cody were parents!”

“I was just doing the notifying, Miss Gibbons.” Wyatt held up his hands. “Nobody asked me about a child.”

“Or you were too lazy to listen,” Valerie snapped.

“There’s no need to be rude…”

“It’s been three months, Marshal! And there’s no sign of Lainey. If she’s alive, she’s out there and alone. And nobody’s been looking for her.” Valerie shook her head as she stood up. “This place is smaller than Bethesda by a long way, so surely it would be impossible for a child to disappear without notice. Everyone where I live would be out searching if that happened.”

“This isn’t Bethesda. Things are done differently here.”

“You’re right about that.”

Valerie didn’t want to stay any longer. Wyatt was already getting on her nerves with his incompetence. She was seething as she left the office and stepped outside, clutching onto Alice’s bag. How could a US Marshal not have any sense to look for a child? Alice and Cody wouldn’t have been strangers, so they must’ve noticed that Lainey was gone as well.

Not for the first time, she silently cursed Jackson for having tempted her sister and brother-in-law to move across the country, into harm’s way. She knew it would end badly for them.

Wandering back to the stagecoach, which was still where she had left it, she found Kendall looking at the wheel. He looked up as she approached.

“Did you find what you came for?” he asked.

“Partly.” Valerie swallowed. She was not going to cry in front of him. “Did you know Alice and Cody Jowls? They’ve been living around here for the last couple of years.”

“Sure, I know them.” Kendall stood up, his expression solemn. “They were nice people. Alice always had a smile for anyone, and was happy to stop and talk. It was shocking when I heard they died.”

“She was my sister.”

His eyes widened. “Oh, I… I’m sorry, I had no idea.”

Valerie shook her head. She had chosen not to say anything during the journey, not wanting to break down in front of strangers. That would’ve been too embarrassing.

“What about Lainey?” she croaked. “Did you know her?”

“Of course. Such a sweet girl. Spitting image of her mother.” Kendall frowned. “She’s still missing, isn’t she?”

“You know about that?”

“Wyatt is a desk person. He barely comes out behind it, so unless he’s out here getting to know people, he knows nothing outside the four walls he works in.” Kendall shook his head and scratched the back of his neck. “We all went out to look for Lainey, but the river levels were too high. We tried again once they lowered and we were able to look properly, and still nothing.”

Valerie felt her stomach knot, and she pushed it away, clutching tightly onto Alice’s bag.

“What do you think happened? Do you think she’s still alive?”

“We don’t know. Either she drowned, which we’re hoping didn’t happen…” He hesitated. “Or she was taken by the Indians.”

Valerie’s heart almost stopped. “What?”

“We have a tribe nearby, halfway between here and Dawson County. They call their place the Village of Spirit Lake. If they found her, there’s a chance that she might be with them.”

Indians. Valerie could feel her panic building. No, this couldn’t be happening. Not again. “Has nobody been to ask them?” she demanded. “If they have Lainey?”

“It’s a speculation, Miss Gibbons. We all think she got swept away in the water. It’s just a rumor that started by a few people who are willing to blame the Indians for everything that goes wrong.”

Valerie could see their point. She would be blaming them as well. Indians were not good people. They were the ones who murdered Jackson, after all.

“So nobody’s been to talk to them?” she repeated.

“Not that I know of.”

“Then I’m going to talk to them.”

Kendall stared at her in stunned amazement. “You’re going to go to the tribe and demand to know where your niece is?”

“Of course. Someone should’ve done that months ago. If it became a speculation, someone should’ve gone to them.” Valerie took a deep breath, trying to ease her racing heart. “If nobody else will do it, then I will.”

“But…” Kendall stuttered. “It’s too dangerous! You shouldn’t be going in there alone!”

“I just need someone to take me to Dawson County, and then I’ll ask someone to accompany me to talk to the tribe’s leader, or whatever they call him.”

“His name is Calian. He’s been the head of that tribe since his father passed away.”

“Do you know anything about him?”

Kendall frowned. “I know he and a few others come into town on occasions to get a few things. They still need supplies. Very respectful, from what I’ve noticed, but they are incredibly intimidating. It’s no surprise they live in isolation.”

It almost sounded like Kendall had some respect for the man. Valerie didn’t think there was any need for that. They were killers, after all.

“Can you take me to Dawson County and then find someone to look out for me while I’m talking to this Calian man?” she asked.

“Miss Gibbons…”

“I have to find my niece. She’s all I have left of my sister, and if she’s alive…” Valerie bit her lip. “Please, Mr. Kendall. I need to find her.”

Kendall looked as if he was going to protest, but finally he sighed and nodded. “All right. I’ve got a separate carriage I can use for you. I’ll get it sorted.”

“I’ll get myself ready and be back out here within the hour.” Valerie’s hand brushed over her sister’s bag. “I’ve got a few things I need to sort out.”

Kendall shrugged and walked away. Looking both ways, Valerie hurried across the street toward the boarding house. She had quite a long way to go, and she was scared. She didn’t want to be anywhere near the Indians, especially when they were dangerous.

But she had no choice. If they had Lainey…

She remembered getting word about how Jackson had been killed, and who had murdered him. Valerie had been inconsolable for weeks after that, knowing that the man she was going to marry was dead. She would never see him again.

But as time went on, she had gone from distraught and in despair to angry. Not at the Indians, though. At Jackson. He was the one who decided the job with the railway would be a good one, and he had been right that it paid well. But he had been adamant about going. He didn’t care about the dangers out there, and he even offered to let Valerie come with him so they could be together. But how was Valerie supposed to work if she was with him across the country? It had taken her a long time to get her job, especially when it was mostly a position for men, and she wasn’t throwing it away like that.

She had made it very clear she wasn’t going to move thousands of miles across the country for a job that would likely not be going to last very long. Working on the railway meant you had a steady supply of work for a time, and then it was done, and the workers were made redundant. And yet Jackson thought it would be a good idea to go out there.

Not only there, he got Alice and Cody’s heads filled with ideas that going out West would be good for all of them. That they could have a better life sorted for Lainey. Father hadn’t been so sure about it, but he wasn’t about to argue with Alice once she’d made up her mind, but Valerie knew how upset he had been about it afterward. He missed Alice and Lainey, and regular letters were something he treasured.

She wished that they hadn’t gone with Jackson. Then all of them would still be alive. She would still have her family.

Valerie was so lost in thought that she barely noticed that someone was right in front of her. It wasn’t until she bumped into them that she realized she wasn’t alone. Stumbling in an attempt to get away, her foot stood on her skirts, and she found herself falling.

Arms went around her and stopped her from ending up on the ground.

“Take it slowly there, miss,” a deep voice said. “You’ll end up hurting yourself.”

There was a strange accent to his voice, as if he was pronouncing every word slowly. And she could feel the muscles tensing around her as he set her back on her feet. She looked up, planning to say thank you, but then her voice faded away when she got a good look at him.

He was tall, very tall, practically towering over her. His dark eyes watched her stonily, his mouth in a thin line as he waited. He was wearing a simple beige tunic with matching pants, along with sturdy riding boots. A belt was around his waist, on which hung a holster.

He looked like anyone who had just been out hunting. Valerie had seen plenty of men dressed like this when she stopped on her journey to Virginia City. But she caught sight of the dark olive skin, the long hair tied back in a braid, and the white painted stripes on one cheek.

Oh, God. He is an Indian. Valerie felt the fear building and backed away from him. She couldn’t believe that she had actually encountered an Indian, that he was wandering around town like he lived there. How had nobody grabbed hold of him?

She wanted to ask him about Lainey. Even if he wasn’t a part of that particular tribe, he had to know something. But before she could say anything, he simply turned and walked away. Valerie stared after him, wondering what had just happened.

Jackson had told her that the Indians were harmless, that she shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Valerie thought otherwise, though.

She was absolutely certain that Indians had something to do with Alice’s death. After all, if they could kill the man she was engaged to, they could do the same to her sister.