INT. ROOM - ROCK CREEK HOTEL - DAY
ANGLE - HOTEL ROOM
TIGHT ON THE POETRY BOOK landing flat on a table. The sound fills the room.
ANGLE - HOTEL ROOM
The book lies between Margaret and The Kid. She stares at it silently. Lou, Hickok, Buck, and Cody watch, waiting for her answer.
Margaret hesitates a moment, then slowly picks up the book. She opens it to the torn page.
This.
The Riders look confused.
MARGARET
The other half is held by a man I'm supposed to meet in Fort Kearny. We don't know each other. This is the only way I have of identifying myself. If this page fits with his, he'll give me certain documents.
KID
What documents?
Margaret hesitates again, reluctant to reveal more but realizing she has no choice.
LOU
So you are spying for them.
MARGARET
No, I'm loyal to the union. I posed as a sympathizer to get the schedule.
HICKOK
Why should we believe you?
MARGARET
Because I'm telling the truth, I swear it. Nobody can stop the war that's coming, but we can shorten it by making sure that the north gets that gold. Give me the book, I'm begging you.
Off the Riders, looking at each other, wondering what to do.
E-mail: PnyExp1860@aol.com