"I’ll tell you," Cody started as he and Buck walked out of a saloon in Omaha, "Teaspoon owes us a week off for this run!"

Buck just smirked as he walked beside his companion. This special favor 
Teaspoon had sent them on was more trouble than it was worth, even with the promise of three days off when they got back to Rock Creek. Buck only halfway listened as Cody rattled off the past few days. 

"First there was that storm!" Cody ranted. "Then those idiots that tried to hold us up! Then the package we’re supposed to get ain’t even here yet! And now we 
can’t even get a decent meal!" Cody finally finished, breathless from his overly dramatic tirade.

Buck had smiled through most of Cody’s diatribe. The storm had been a heavy, constant rain, nothing very threatening, just uncomfortable. And the two thieves they encountered had been hilarious. Cody and Buck had quickly overpowered them and left the pair tied to a post in front of the Marshall’s office in the next town. 

But when Cody got to the meal issue, Buck grimaced. The owner had refused to serve "one of Them", as he had put it while glaring distastefully at Buck.

"You can get supper." Buck said quietly. "I can wait here for you."

Cody began another dramatic tirade at this. Although Buck could tell the idea had crossed through his mind.

"Not if they’re not gonna serve you…" Cody was cut short as Buck slapped the back of his hand across Cody’s chest. Buck gave Cody a questioning glance. The blond simply shrugged, wondering what caused his friend to stop so suddenly.

Buck figured Cody hadn’t heard it as they had passed the alley. After glancing at his companion, the young man’s suspicions were confirmed. Buck put a finger to his lips, drew his gun and backtracked to the alleyway. Cody followed, looking 
more than a little confused. 

Buck peered down the alley where he had heard the noise. There had been a 
short cry, probably cut short by a hand going over someone’s mouth. He was positive.

As his eyes adjusted to the dark alley, he made out the cause of the noise. A woman was struggling with a man only a few yards into the darkness. The man 
was about Buck’s height, but was heavier. He had grabbed the woman from behind. One of his hands was over the woman’s mouth and the other held her wrists firmly. The woman was struggling stubbornly, although Buck could see that she should have known it was hopeless.

"She’s not much bigger than Lou." Cody whispered, finishing Buck’s assessment 
of the situation. The bravado pushed past his quiet friend and into the alleyway.

"I don’t think the lady likes you much!" Cody announced as he stepped into the entrance and approached the pair. 

Buck didn’t have time to react to his friend’s stupidity. The pair in the alley was taking enough action for all four of them. 

The man, seeing Cody, pushed the woman between himself and the new arrival. 
He had momentarily changed the position of his hands, or tried to at least. As he reached to hold the woman’s chest and waist, she took advantage of her hands being free. In what seemed like one movement, the woman threw herself forward, knocking the man off balance. She rolled to the ground and turned to face her captor. By the time the man regained his balance, his former captive was on her haunches facing him, with a gun in her hands. 

Buck stepped up next to Cody as the woman stood up fully and backed herself to where the riders stood.

"Are you alright, ma’am?" Cody asked, still looking at the woman in amazement.

"Thanks for the distraction." She stated calmly, not taking her eyes off the man in the alley. 

Buck and Cody exchanged glances, wondering if they had come to the aid of the wrong person in the alley.

"Go on home Wilson!" The woman called. "You got some explainin to do to your wife!"

The man hung his head and walked out the far side of the alley. When he was out 
of sight, the woman uncocked her gun and walked over to the boardwalk. 

Buck and Cody both looked on in astonishment as she lifted her right leg onto the boardwalk, raised her skirt, and holstered the gun just below her right knee.

The woman turned and let out a gleeful laugh when she saw their faces.

"Surely you two have seen more of a woman than that!" She exclaimed as she tossed her head back and laughed again. 

The riders both looked a little sheepish as this strange woman attracted stares from the few people wondering the streets.

"Oh…Thank you." The woman sighed, breathless from her laughter.

"We didn’t do anything." Buck stated plainly.

"William F. Cody at you service ma’am." Cody said as he bowed with a flourish, making sure he got any credit that was being handed out.

"Well thank you for the distraction Mr. Cody." The woman smiled, dramatically flourishing back at Cody. "And thank you for pointing out I needed one." She said softly and sweetly as she smiled at Buck.

Buck found it interesting that the woman reacted to both men according to how they acted toward her. He found her a bit puzzling, and obviously very inconsistent.

"And let me get your name." The woman said, still looking at Buck. "I like to know who I owe favors to."

"Buck Cross." Buck answered shyly.

"Well Mr. Cross and Mr. Cody, I am Miss Katharina Schmidt." The woman announced as she curtsied slightly.

"It is an honor Miss Schmidt." Cody said, taking her hand and kissing it, never taking his eyes of her face.

Buck just rolled his eyes over his friend’s behavior. Cody would never learn he 
tried just a little too hard.

"Please, it’s Kat." The woman smiled. She smiled a little more in Buck’s direction, but he didn’t seem to notice. "Have you boys eaten?" she asked.

Both riders glanced at each other, neither knowing what to say.

"In that case," Kat began "Let me treat you to dinner. There’s a saloon right down here." She added, gesturing in the direction from which the men had originally come. 

Buck looked almost ashamed as he glanced down at his boots. Cody shot a quick look at his friend, then knowing Buck wasn’t going to say anything, he started in.

"They won’t serve Buck." Cody blurted out, always being the one to get straight to the point.

"What?" Kat asked, obviously confused.

"They don’t want any half-breed in there." Buck spat, letting his anger over the situation take his usually calm demeanor.

"Who told you that?" Kat asked, astonished at what she had just been told.

"The owner." Cody announced as if there could have been any other answer.

Kat looked a bit troubled. "You didn’t talk to the owner." She argued.

"He said he was the owner." Cody protested.

"You couldn’t have talked to the owner." Kat insisted. "He won’t be back from St. Joe until tomorrow at the earliest."

Both men looked at the woman, sure she had to be mistaken.

"And how would you know?" Cody asked incredulously.

"Because he’s my father." Kat stated plainly. "Now come on. I at least owe you a meal."

Kat started toward the saloon. Cody looked at Buck, who shrugged and followed. Both men were curious how this little spitfire would pull off what they couldn’t accomplish.
 

Buck and Cody sat mesmerized by Kat. The young woman had indeed made sure they were served. They were waiting on a barmaid to bring them dinner. And they were both growing more amazed by this girl they had met in the alley.

"So where are you two from?" Kat asked, simply absorbing the pair’s gazes. These two young men hadn’t taken their eyes off her since sitting down, but it didn’t seem to affect her in the slightest.

"Rock Creek." Cody answered. "We’re Pony Express riders." He added, puffing his chest some.

"Good job from what I hear." Kat commented as she took a sip of water. "Plenty of excitement."

Cody was about to tell her exactly how exciting the job was when a man approached the table. Cody and Buck immediately recognized him as the man 
who had presented himself to them as the owner. 

"What are you doing in here with these two?" The man demanded angrily.

"Having dinner with some friends of mine." Kat answered calmly, matching the man’s glare. The glint in her eye was almost like she was daring him to do something.

"I don’t want him in here!" He roared, waving his hand toward Buck. The man’s anger seemed to rise with Kat’s calmness and Buck’s presence. 

"Well when you own the place, you can decide who comes in here." Kat said, again taking a sip of water and acting as though there was nothing more to say on the matter.

"Damn it Kat!" The man screamed. "Your father left me in charge."

"Damn it Jake!" Kat cursed back, still maintaining her composure. "He asked you 
to run the place for him. Not run it like you think it should be run."

"I want them out of here. Now!" Jake screamed again.

"No." Kat stated plainly. Matching his glare.

At that, Jake drew back his hand to strike Kat. Cody and Buck both went for their guns, but once again, Kat was quicker.

Kat grabbed Jake’s arm mid-swing. 

"I wouldn’t do that if I were you." She stared into his eyes, still calm but with a 
glint of malice.

Jake jerked his arm away as the girl bringing their meals arrived. The barmaid nervously placed plates in front of the three, looking at each person around the table. Her eyes stopped on Cody, and she smiled coyly, trying to get his attention.

"Thank you Sarah." Kat said calmly taking her napkin and placing it in her lap. "Now, if you don’t mind," Kat said, turning her attention back to Jake and glaring, "My friends and I would like to eat in peace." 

Jake shot a threatening look at the three, turned around, and stalked away.

"Now," Kat began, turning to Cody, "You were telling me about the Pony Express."

The sudden change of topic and Kat ignoring the confrontation that had just taken place took both riders by surprise. They both sat speechless for several moments.

"Who was that?" Remarkably Buck was the one to find his tongue first. His dark eyes pierced Kat, telling her that he truly was concerned about the man and his treatment of her.

"Just one of my father’s workers." She answered as if she wanted the discussion 
of Jake to go no further.

"He should learn how to treat a lady." Buck stated, scowling toward where Jake stood against the bar watching them.

"And you shouldn’t worry about what isn’t yours." Kat spat back.

Cody was taken aback by his friend’s statement and Kat’s reaction. He had never known Buck to form strong opinions so quickly. He had also never seen the quiet young man instigate a fight, which is what Buck seemed ready to do at any moment.

"Well you know, Buck and I had an interesting ride here." Cody started into his Express stories. Anything to change the tone of the table before Buck upset Kat anymore, or confronted Jake. In Cody’s opinion, they just needed to finish their meal and leave. Then neither rider would ever see these two again.

Buck tuned Cody out. He was used to the exaggerated and overly dramatized tales, so it was easy to just let Cody go. Buck knew that every story Cody told made it obvious the braggart was fond of dime novels.

Buck kept his eyes on Jake while he ate. His attention didn’t leave the bar until he saw the man head upstairs with one of the saloon girls.

Buck then turned his attention to the strange woman he and Cody had met. He 
was sure she didn’t believe half of what Cody told her about his travels. Her 
actions and expressions though said that she took every word as truth and that she was completely entranced by Cody. Although, every now and then, her eyes would dart in Buck’s direction, usually when she knew something Cody was going to tell her would make her smile. She could act well Buck noted, probably even better than Cody. He had to watch her closely to realize she was merely being polite as his friend rambled on. Buck also couldn’t help but think she had been holding something back about Jake. He wasn’t sure, but he could swear he had almost seen fear in her eyes when Jake had first approached the table.

The more Buck watched her, the more Kat intrigued him in more ways than her behavior. She was very attractive; it seemed without even trying. Her straight auburn hair hung down her back in a loose ponytail. Her eyes danced as she listened to Cody. Buck couldn’t pick a color for them, though. They seemed to be every color eyes could come in, starting with black from her pupils and slowly fading outward to a blue-gray, with definite ripples of brown and green 
somewhere between. Her skin was very light, but the massive amount of freckles across her face showed she got plenty of sun. Kat seemed to have an aura around her of exact opposites. She looked strong but fragile, innocent yet experienced. It made Buck wonder if anything about this woman could be real. She seemed to know how to act to make anyone give her attention.

Buck was startled from his thoughts when he realized Cody had stopped talking. Both Kat and Cody were staring at him, and he felt his face grow warm.

"What?" Buck asked, giving away that he hadn’t been paying attention. 

"I was curious how you wound up with the Express." Kat stated, smiling sweetly.

"It’s a long story." Buck answered, clearly a bit uncomfortable.

"Well, if you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t push then." Kat said, her tone saying that her statement was as much to make a point as it was to be polite. "Maybe I’ll get to hear it another time."

"Well, we’d like to know a little about you." Cody said, miraculously done being 
the center of attention.

"Oh?" Kat said looking at Cody. "Like what?" She added, as if she had nothing to hide.

"Like what exactly we interrupted in the alley." Cody answered. Jake had 
obviously drawn Buck’s attention away, but Cody still wanted to know the cause 
of the event that introduced them to Kat.

"Just a man who isn’t very good at cards." Kat smiled triumphantly.

"He lost a lot of money to you." Cody assumed between bites.

"Yeah, but he’ll get it back." Kat said. "Or, at least his wife will."

Cody and Buck both looked at Kat quizzically.

"His wife is a good friend of mine." Kat explained. "And even though I won the money fair, I don’t need to take money from my friends."

Cody and Buck were both surprised at Kat’s explanation. They both figured she could be as cold and ruthless as any card player could, especially with the way 
she had handled herself in the alley. She reminded both riders of Lou, able to take care of herself as well as any man could care for her. But, then again, her father 
did own the saloon, so she probably didn’t need the money.

Buck was about to ask about Jake again when the girl who had brought their meals joined them at the table.

"Hello Sarah." Kat greeted happily. "Off for tonight?"

Sarah just nodded without looking at Kat. The young barmaid’s eyes were fixed on Cody.

"Well, Sarah, this is Buck Cross and…" Kat began.

"William F. Cody, ma’am." Cody cut in as he took Sarah’s hand and kissed the 
back of it gently.

Sarah blushed bright red and gave Cody as demure a grin as a giddy girl can. She didn’t even glance in Buck’s direction.

"Pleased to meet you." The girl smiled, still locked on Cody’s eyes. She had 
noticed him the first time he walked in, and could hardly concentrate after he had come back to the saloon with Kat.

"And I’m sure you were just headed home." Kat said sternly, trying to snap the girl’s attention away from Cody.

"What?" Sarah asked, still not really paying attention.

"Sarah!" Kat said sharply. "I don’t want you in this saloon after ten." 

Sarah started and finally looked at Kat. The barmaid had an almost pleading look 
in her eyes, but Kat returned it with the same kind of ‘I mean business’ look the boys often got from Teaspoon or Rachel. 

Buck and Cody both wondered why Sarah had to be out of the saloon at a set 
time. She didn’t look that much younger than Kat, although Sarah didn’t look like she could handle herself as well.

"I’m on my way." Sarah moaned dejectedly. "It was nice to meet you." She 
added, replacing her eyes on Cody.

"May I walk you home?" Cody asked as he stood up. "I’d hate to see a woman alone in the dark."

Sarah quickly glanced at Kat, who smiled and nodded slightly.

"I would be honored." Sarah answered, taking Cody’s arm.

"Meet you at the campsite." Cody whispered as he leaned toward Buck on the way to the door.

Buck just nodded and sighed. Leave it to Cody to run off with a woman and expect his friend to wait. And, of course Cody would leave him alone with Kat, whom he still hadn’t figured out. Her actions throughout the evening left Buck puzzled. She seemed to know exactly what to do to get any man’s attention, and Buck didn’t trust her because of that.

Kat almost laughed when she saw the forlorn look on Buck’s face. He looked like a frightened animal trying to find an escape.

"I’m sorry I sent Sarah away." Kat said breaking Buck’s train of thought. "But 
she’s not the kind of girl who should be in a saloon at night."

"And you are?" Buck asked, cocking his eyebrow. He didn’t believe for a second 
Kat was innocent, but she definitely wasn’t the saloon girl type.

"I grew up here." Kat explained. "After my mother died I wouldn’t stray too far from my father, and he was always here."

Buck just nodded. He figured that after losing a parent a child would want to stay as close as possible to the other one. Even if it meant hanging around in a saloon.

"But I probably should be turning in soon." Kat sighed, looking down at the pocket watch she had hanging out of a skirt pocket.

Buck stood as she did and grabbed his hat. When they stepped out onto the boardwalk Kat turned to him.

"Would you walk me home Mr. Cross?" Kat requested innocently.

"Seems like you can take care of yourself." Buck smirked.

"Oh I can" Kat chuckled. "But I wouldn’t mind having some company. And I don’t think Cody will be back at your campsite any time soon."

Buck shrugged and fell into step beside Kat. He didn’t see any point in going back to the campsite yet since Cody would wake him up to brag anyway. This way he may still be awake when Cody finally decided to show up.

Kat and he walked in silence down the alley next to the saloon. Behind the building was a quaint house with a small, fenced-in yard. Kat opened the gate and walked toward the house. Buck followed her up the steps to the door. As they reached the door, Kat turned to Buck.

"Thank you very much." She smiled up at him. "For everything."

Buck blushed slightly, then turned completely red when Kat leaned up and kissed him on the lips. He’d never had a woman be so forward with him, and it startled him. He stepped backward, pushing Kat away as he did. 

"I should probably go." Buck stammered as he looked at Kat’s pained face. It was obvious she hadn’t expected Buck to shun her, he could see it in her eyes. Physically, he wanted to kiss her back, but his pride wouldn’t let him. He’d never had very good luck with women, so he had decided to quit trying. And he definitely wasn’t going any further with a woman he barely knew and didn’t think he could trust.

Buck glanced at Kat’s face one last time.

"Goodnight Miss Schmidt." He said formally. In the moonlight, he saw a solitary tear slide down her cheek. He fought the urge to brush it away and hold her. He instead turned away quickly and began his journey back to the campsite.
 

Buck had just rounded the corner of the saloon when he heard angry voices 
behind him. He turned quickly and could make out two people on Kat’s porch. One was Kat and the other was definitely a man. The man was being very rough, shaking Kat by the shoulders. 

Buck ran back toward the house he had just left. He cleared the gate in one leap just as he heard Kat scream. He landed one his feet to see Kat tumble backward 
off the porch, her body’s momentum too much for the railing. 

The man followed her to the ground, landing on his feet. He was immediately on top of Kat, driving one fist into her stomach, the other into her face. 

Buck was on the man in less than two strides. He grabbed the man by the shoulders and threw him off of Kat. The man, taken by surprise, was sprawled across the ground, giving Buck enough time to draw his gun. Buck could tell in the pale moonlight that it was Jake. 

Buck kept his gun on Jake as he stooped to check Kat. Blood trickled from her 
nose and the corner of her mouth. She was unconscious.

Buck felt the anger rise inside him. After he learned what had happened to his mother, he could never stomach any man hurting a woman. Sure, he had seen 
Lou after she had been beaten a few times, and would have done something about it, but it was Kid’s place. Kat obviously didn’t have someone like Kid to protect 
her.

His rage was kept in check by several people rushing in through the gate. He saw 
a badge glimmer on one man’s vest. Buck hoped there was a doctor somewhere in the crowd that was gathering.

"What happened here?" The man with the badge demanded, pushing his way toward Buck.

Buck was about to demand a doctor for Kat before he answered the Marshall. But, he saw a short, stout man come rushing through the gate carrying a small bag. 

"I was in the alley and heard people yelling." Buck began.

"This Injun attacked us!" Jake yelled angrily interrupting.

"Liar!" Buck spat, pointing his gun back at Jake.

"Now son, put the gun away." The Marshall said calmly, placing his hand over Buck’s revolver. "I’m Marshall Collins, and I want to hear your side first."

"I saw Kat arguing with someone and came back to help." Buck continued, placing his gun back in its holster so the man wouldn’t take it from him. And also before 
he used it on Jake.

"You’re gonna believe a lyin’ Injun over me!?" Jake screamed, interrupting Buck again. Buck too was surprised the Marshall wanted to hear his side of the story, 
but at least he was being allowed to speak.

"Grady!" The Marshall bellowed. A tall, burly man made his way through the 
crowd toward the Marshall. He too had a star hanging from his vest. "Get Jake outta here so I can find out what happened."

Grady nodded slightly and grabbed Jake. Jake looked as though he was going to protest, but a quick shove from Grady silenced him.

"And all of you go home!" The Marshall yelled to the crowd. "You’ll hear all about this in the morning anyway."

With the Marshall’s order, the group that had gathered began trickling away. The doctor finally stood up from examining Kat.

"Nothing’s broken, far as I can tell." He told the marshal. "I’ll get the buckboard so I can get her to my office." 

The marshal nodded as the doctor hurried off with the last of the crowd. He took one look at Kat and sighed. Then he turned his attention back to Buck. 

"I told her not to go anywhere alone." The marshal said looking slightly guilty.

Buck cocked an eyebrow at him in confusion.

"Jake attacked her." Collins stated, convinced of the fact without Buck saying another word.

"I got back here and he was beating on her." Buck said as he looked at Kat, his eyes full of pity.

"Yep." The marshal said shaking his head. "It’s happened before."

By the time Buck got back to the campsite, Cody was fit to be tied.

"Where have you been?" The blond asked frantically. 

"With Kat." Buck answered plainly. He was exhausted after the evening’s events. He had gone with the doctor to make sure Kat got settled all right. When he left, she still hadn’t come to, which worried Buck more than he would admit.

Buck was also upset because the marshal said he had to release Jake when the man sobered up in the morning. Buck already had a distaste for the law since Teaspoon hadn’t been able to hold the man who had killed Ike. The situation with Kat just added to that.

"I knew she was more your type." Cody chuckled, shooting Buck a sly grin.

Buck smiled weakly. She had kissed him, so maybe there was something to what Cody said.

Then Buck’s face clouded over. What if Kat had kissed him just so she had some protection for the night? Kathleen had used him to get what she wanted. Kat could have easily been doing the same thing.

"Good night Cody." Buck said angrily unfurling his bedroll.

"Don’t you want to hear about my night?" Cody asked, sounding as if he would die if he didn’t tell someone.

"I’ll listen tomorrow on the way home." Buck snapped. "I just want to get the hell out of here." And away from her, he finished in his mind.

Cody was startled by Buck’s anger. The blond guessed that his friend’s night must not have gone as well as his own.
 

Kat opened her eyes slowly. Her head felt like a thousand horses had trampled through it. The rest of her body didn’t feel much better. She moaned softly as her eyes adjusted to the light flooding through the window. She heard a noise behind her and turned over as quickly as her protesting body would let her.

"Morning sleepy-head." A familiar voice greeted her. She focused on the man before her and was met with the mirror image of her own eyes. "Leave it to my little girl to sleep past noon."

"Daddy?" Kat croaked, almost in disbelief. "When did you get back?"

"This morning." Oliver Schmidt smiled down at his only child. He reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, hearing in Kat’s voice that she definitely needed it. "Here sweetie." He offered as he gently tilted her head up and brought the glass to her lips.

Kat took the water slowly. When she was finished, Oliver set the glass down and looked at his daughter. Kat looked around the room, a little confused by her surroundings.

"You’re at Doc’s place." Oliver answered before Kat could even ask the question.

"How did I get here?" Kat asked. She remembered Jake confronting her just after Buck had left. She had tried to get to her gun, but Jake was too strong for her and had taken her by surprise. After Jake had pushed her off the porch, she couldn’t remember anything.

"Doc says a young man came to your rescue." Oliver explained, trying to fill the blanks in his daughter’s mind with the information he had gathered.

"Buck?" Kat asked.

"I was hoping you could tell me." Oliver answered. "Doc said he didn’t catch the man’s name, but he was Indian. And he was very concerned about you. Doc said 
he practically had to shove him out the door last night."

"Buck Cross." Kat explained, her eyes brightening a little. "I met him last night near the saloon."

"He must be quite a man to make your eyes sparkle like that." Oliver smiled teasingly. Kat grinned sheepishly and nodded. 

"He seems pretty wonderful so far." Kat said happily.

"And he must think you’re pretty wonderful too." Oliver observed.

Kat’s face clouded over. The way Buck had acted after she kissed him told her he didn’t have the same attraction toward her.

"No. I don’t think he does." Kat said disappointedly.

"Doc says he probably saved your life last night." Oliver said. "That tells me he must like you a little."

"He seems like a very good man." Kat explained. "He probably would have done it for anyone." 

"Well," Oliver started. "He did it for you, which makes him a damn good man in my book. I’d like to meet him."

"He was just here to get a package." Kat explained sadly. "He’s probably already left town." 

"If he’s still here, I’ll find him." Oliver promised. "If you want to see him again."

"Yes!" Kat exclaimed, her eyes dancing at the thought of seeing Buck.

"I’ll see what I can do." Oliver said, then he took a deep breath. "But first, we need to talk about last night." He swallowed hard at knowing a little of the truth, and having to ask Kat about the rest of it.

"Marshal Collins says Jake attacked you." Oliver stated, hoping that would be enough to get Kat talking.

"We were arguing." Kat said plainly, looking away from her father.

"This looks like more than arguing." Oliver said, gently running his hand down the side of Kat’s bruised face. "What happened?"

Kat winced at her father’s touch. She’d hidden bruises from him before, but this time she couldn’t hide them. Especially since her father seemed to already know what had happened to her.

"The Marshal says Buck stopped Jake from beating you to death." Oliver stated. 
He hadn’t wanted to believe it at first. Jake had a temper and drank too much, but was his best employee and had practically become a son to the older man. He had given the young man a share in his saloon, and hoped one day Kat would marry Jake. Oliver knew Jake had asked Kat, but she had given his ring back. His 
daughter had simply told him she wasn’t ready to be a wife. Now Oliver knew 
there was much more to Kat’s refusal.

"That bruise on your forehead a few weeks ago wasn’t from falling off your horse, was it?" Oliver prodded his daughter.

Kat shook her head. She was staring at the ceiling trying to keep tears from 
running down her face. Oliver smiled slightly, thinking of how she had learned that from him after her mother died. 

"Why didn’t you tell me?" Oliver asked, hurt that his little girl didn’t come to him.

"You love Jake so much, I didn’t think you’d believe me." Kat answered, her voice cracking.

"Kat." Mr. Schmidt said softly, gently taking her chin in his hand and turning her head to face him. "You’re my little girl, I’ll always believe you first." He hugged his daughter to him, angry he had to let her know her attacker was free. "The Marshal had to let Jake go this morning, but that man is never going to hurt you again." Oliver vowed.

"I’m sorry daddy." Kat sobbed. Her father hugged her close to him and shushed 
her gently.

"Don’t ever apologize for what’s not your fault." He told her.
 

"Well, I guess we’re here another day." Cody said happily as he and Buck walked away from the stagecoach. Teaspoon’s package wasn’t on it, meaning the riders were stuck at least one more day.

Buck just scowled. He really just wanted to go home. There was no reason for him to want to stay another day. Especially since he was convinced that Kat was just another woman who had tried to use him.

"Looks like I can join Sarah for a picnic today." Cody continued, practically skipping. "And you can see Kat again." He added cautiously. He had noticed Buck hadn’t been in the best mood since last night. He watched, as the storm on his friend’s face grew more severe.

"Something wrong Buck?" Cody asked, losing some of his vigor.

Buck remained silent, not wanting to dampen his friend’s excitement. 

"Have a good time with Sarah." Buck finally smirked at Cody. Buck knew his friend was concerned about him, but would quit pushing the issue when reminded of the girl he had met the night before.

"See you later!" Cody said giving up on Buck and heading toward Sarah’s home.

"Try to be at the campsite by dark." Buck said quickly. "I want to get an early start tomorrow."

Buck just smiled, doubting Cody had even heard him as he took off down the street. Cody had abandoned Buck again, but this time Buck was grateful. Now he wouldn’t have to answer any questions about Kat.

The thought crossed Buck’s mind to look in on Kat as he approached the doctor’s office. Then he thought better of it. There was no point in putting himself through seeing her again. He had definitely been drawn to her, especially after the kiss. And especially after he saw the pain in her eyes when he pushed her away. 

But Buck reminded himself that pain wasn’t because he refused her. It was because she knew then that he wouldn’t stay with her. He was sure she must 
have known Jake would show up and that she would need protection. Buck was 
not going to give her the opportunity to use him again.

As Buck walked past the doctor’s office, a tall, thin middle-aged man walked out.

"Excuse me sir." Buck heard the man say. Buck continued on, sure the man was not speaking to him.

"Mr. Cross?" The man called out after Buck.

Buck stopped, startled that this stranger knew who he was. He spun around and studied the man. He looked about fifty, with thin dark hair and strong eyes the same indescribable color as Kat’s.

"I want to thank you for helping my daughter." The man said rushing toward Buck with his hand open and outstretched. Buck shook the man’s hand.

"I’m Oliver Schmidt." The man introduced himself. "I got back this morning and found out Kat was here. She told me what happened, with a little help from the doctor, of course."

"Kat’s awake?" Buck asked

"Oh yes." Mr. Schmidt answered happily. "She’ll be just fine." 

"I’m glad to hear that." Buck said sincerely.

"Well she’d love to thank you in person." Mr. Schmidt said. "She was afraid you’d be done with your business here and already be gone."

"Maybe you should just tell her that." Buck said, turning to go.

"Don’t be so modest son." Mr. Schmidt said, placing a hand on Buck’s arm. "You probably saved my daughter’s life."

"I would have done it for anyone." Buck answered honestly, meeting Mr. 
Schmidt’s eyes.

"I know." Mr. Schmidt assured him. "Indians have saved me a few times. They’re some of the best people I know."

"Thank you." Buck blushed slightly and wondered how this man had any contact with Indians.

"So swallow some of that Indian pride and let my daughter thank you properly." 
Mr. Schmidt gently coaxed.

Buck sighed and nodded slightly. He didn’t want to see Kat, but her father obviously wasn’t going to leave him alone until he did.

"I guess I have a few minutes." Buck conceded.

Mr. Schmidt smiled widely and opened the door for Buck. The doctor was sitting at his desk and looked up as the men walked in. He was relieved Mr. Schmidt had found the young man.

"Somebody’s going to be a much better patient when she sees you." The doctor smiled at Buck. "She’s in there." The doctor nodded toward a door at the back of the room.

Buck glanced at the two men. It was obvious they were going to let him be alone with Kat. Buck swallowed hard as he made his way to the door. He didn’t want to do this, but it was too late now.
 

Buck entered the room quietly and left the door open. Kat appeared to be asleep, so Buck decided to turn and leave. As he did, Kat’s eyes flew open.

"I’m glad you’re here." She smiled softly. Buck froze, cursing himself for not being quieter, although he wasn’t sure he could have been.

He turned and looked at Kat. Her right eye and cheek were black and blue and there was a scab where her lip had been split open. Her eyes still held all the fire Buck had seen in them the night before, though. It was as if she had just awoken from a nap, no trace of the nightmare the evening before in her eyes. Even with 
her ravaged face, she still looked beautiful.

"I’m sorry I woke you." Buck muttered as he grabbed the chair from the corner of the room and placed it closer to the bed.

"You didn’t." She smiled reassuringly. "And you can close the door." She added.

Buck softly closed the door. As he glanced into the front room, his eyes met Kat’s father’s and Buck looked at him sheepishly. The older man just smiled and winked knowingly.

Buck turned back to the bed where Kat was straining to sit up. The expression on her face and the grunts passing across her lips made it clear it was a painful task.

"Are you sure you should be doing that?" Buck asked, rushing to her side. Kat looked at him as if to say ‘You’re not gonna stop me.’ Buck sighed, defeated, and placed his hands under her shoulders, gently helping her sit up.

"Bruised ribs." Kat explained, breathless from her straining, as Buck propped pillows up behind her.

"He gave you quite a beating." Buck said as he backed into the chair.

Kat just nodded as she stared at Buck.

"You should have told me you needed me to stay with you." Buck said remorsefully.

"I wanted you to stay with me." Kat corrected. "But not because of Jake."

Buck didn’t believe her final statement, and his face showed it. Kat sighed at the look on his face.

"I really do like you Buck." Kat confessed.

"You didn’t want to be alone." Buck said coldly. "You could have told me that."

"I thought I did when I kissed you." Kat teased.

Buck looked at her hardly, telling her immediately he was in no mood to be 
teased. Or to be persuaded her intentions had been sincere.

"The marshal said Jake had done that before." Buck glared, his anger rising at the thought of the vile man.

Kat cringed, aware now that Buck knew her reasons for hating Jake. She could 
only nod in response to Buck’s statement. Buck almost felt guilty when he saw 
how ashamed Kat was to admit it.

"Jake’s always been like a son to my father." Kat began sorrowfully. "A few 
months ago, dad gave him a share in the saloon, and Jake asked me to marry 
him."

"So, he’s your fiancé." Buck interrupted, astonished Kat would agree to marry 
such a man.

"Was my fiancé." Kat corrected. "Then I found out what being his wife would be like."

Buck resisted the urge to hug Kat as he watched a tear roll down her cheek. She sniffled and kept her eyes locked on the ceiling to keep any more tears from escaping.

"I told him I wouldn’t marry him." Kat explained. "But he wouldn’t leave me alone. And he said if I was ever with another man, he’d kill me." She said, drawing in a jagged breath. "He was sure I had been with you when he saw you leave."

"Didn’t your father do anything?" Buck asked, sure the man would do anything for his daughter.

"I didn’t tell him until today." Kat sobbed, looking at Buck and sending the tears she had been fighting cascading down her cheeks. "I didn’t know anyone else knew."

As Kat completely broke down, Buck no longer fought his concern. He sat on the edge of the bed and enveloped Kat in his strong arms.

Kat cried herself to sleep in Buck’s gentle embrace. He softly laid her back and slipped out of the room soundlessly.

As he walked into the front room, Kat’s father looked up and smiled warmly at the young man. Buck saw that Cody had joined Mr. Schmidt in waiting for him. Buck looked at Cody questioningly. 

"When Sarah told me what had happened, I thought I’d find you here." Cody explained. "How is she?"

"She’s asleep." Buck said softly. "I think she’ll be okay." Buck added, more to convince himself.

"Well good." Mr. Schmidt said. "She refused to sleep again until she saw you. Doc was about to give her laudanum. Stubborn girl." His smile was more proud than anything.

"I know a few people with a stubborn streak." Cody chided as he glanced at Buck.

"Well, don’t you two be stubborn now." Mr. Schmidt said before Buck could shoot 
a comment back at Cody. "Let’s go get some dinner." He added, slapping Buck on the back and pushing him toward the door.

The three men walked to the saloon. Cody and Mr. Schmidt were talking animatedly. Buck hung back from the pair lost in thought.

Buck knew how much it had taken for Kat to tell him about Jake. He understood 
the pride she had to choke down to admit she needed help. It was the same pride he wouldn’t give up when he was dealing with Ike’s death. 

He also realized she wasn’t trying to use him, she was just very fragile. Whether she looked it or not, she needed someone to take care of her. 

Buck pulled himself out of his reverie as the three reached the saloon. As he 
looked toward the door, his face flushed in anger. Jake was at the door, and he seemed to be waiting for someone.

"Oliver!" Jake shouted, obviously drunk. "I think we need to have a talk about 
your whore of a daughter!"

Buck immediately lunged forward. Mr. Schmidt placed the back of his hand across the young man’s chest. Buck noticed Mr. Schmidt’s other hand was across Cody’s chest.

"The only thing we need to talk about is you leaving." Mr. Schmidt said sternly.

"You shouldn’t be that way." Jake slurred. "You’re lucky I still want Kat after she laid with that half-breed."

"Liar!" Buck screamed. Oliver’s hand wasn’t going to hold him back anymore.

Buck lunged at Jake and both men went to the ground. They rolled off the edge of the boardwalk. Buck wound up on top, pummeling the drunk the same why Jake had beaten Kat the night before.

Buck didn’t let up until he felt Cody pulling him up. Cody could have grabbed his friend sooner, but didn’t make much effort until Jake was nearly unconscious. If Buck hadn’t done it, Cody would have charged the man. Kat didn’t deserve to 
have those accusations flung about her.

"Don’t ever come near my saloon or my daughter again." Mr. Schmidt spat. He then motioned to Cody and Buck. The two riders glared at Jake in disgust, then followed Mr. Schmidt inside.
 

Cody and Buck walked out of the saloon. Cody looked like a stuffed turkey, completely satisfied with Mr. Schmidt’s hospitality. Buck had to admit he felt 
better after their meal, but he was still a little on edge. He was glad Oliver was in 
a crowded saloon. Best place to be considering Jake was roaming around somewhere. He wanted to check on Kat, but wouldn’t admit it out loud. He could barely admit it to himself.

"We’ll probably be leaving tomorrow." Cody announced, picking some food out of his teeth.

Buck nodded stoically, barely leaving his thoughts.

"Maybe we should stop and say bye to Kat before we turn in." Cody suggested, knowing that’s what Buck wanted to do.

Buck’s eyes sparkled as he looked at his friend and nodded. He was relieved Cody had the nerve to say what he wouldn’t admit.

The pair walked to the doctor’s office. The front of the office was dark, but lights were still glowing upstairs. Buck knocked softly at the door. The two men heard someone moving inside, but no one was coming to the door. Buck knocked again after glancing at Cody.

"Who is it?" Came the doctor’s voice from inside.

"It’s Buck and Cody." Cody called back.

The pair glanced at each other again, both a little nervous. The latch on the door gave way and the doctor slowly opened the door.

"Sorry to bother you so late." Buck began apologetically.

"No bother!" The doctor exclaimed happily. "Kat would love to see you." He said 
as he opened the door fully and let the boys in.

"Is something wrong sir?" Cody asked, removing his hat as he stepped in.
 

"I just didn’t know who it would be at this hour." The doctor explained. "At night, I usually answer the door with my gun, but it’s not where I left it."

Buck and Cody exchanged glances. A missing gun was something to worry about.

"My son’s been practicing with it." The doctor assured the pair. "I’m sure he has it." 

If the doctor wasn’t worried, Buck and Cody decided not to be either.

"Why don’t you check on Kat." The doctor smiled at Buck.

Buck walked to the door of Kat’s room and opened the door quietly. He froze when he saw the empty bed and open window. Cody could only see the empty bed and froze too. Buck quickly turned and pushed past his friend.

"Buck!" Cody called as his friend ran out of the building. Images of Ike 
immediately flashed through Cody’s mind. The other riders would never forgive Cody if they lost Buck the same way. He would never forgive himself.

Cody drew his gun and chased after his friend. Buck was quickly pulling away from him, ignoring his cries.

Buck ran like a possessed man toward the saloon. He had no idea where to find Kat, but it was the last place he had seen Jake.

As Buck reached the saloon, he heard a gunshot from the alley he and Cody had first found Kat in. Buck ran toward the sound and stopped at the edge of the alley.

Kat was standing over Jake holding a gun on him. Jake was grasping his leg and writhing in pain. Kat cocked her gun again and was looking down at the man menacingly.

"Kat!" Buck called running to her.

"Stay out of it Buck." Kat said coldly, not taking her eyes off Jake.

"You don’t have to do this." Buck pleaded, reaching out to her. Kat stepped away from him slightly, still not looking away from Jake.

"He won’t leave me alone until I end this." Kat said determinedly.

"You can get past this." Buck said encouragingly, thinking of all the women he knew who had survived men like Jake and worse. He was feeling helpless, but he knew he had to stop Kat from doing something she would regret. "If you do it this way, the end of a rope’s the only thing that’s gonna save you." 

Cody had finally reached the edge of the alley. He was ecstatic to see Buck and 
Kat both okay. But he stayed at the end of the alley, knowing Buck was the only one who could talk Kat out of what she was thinking.

Kat finally looked at Buck numbly. Part of her hadn’t wanted Buck to find her, but part of her was relieved he was there. She couldn’t stop the tears from welling up as she met his soothing eyes.

"Let me save you." Buck pleaded, extending a hand to Kat.

Kat stood frozen for a long moment, then dropped her gun and threw herself into Buck’s strong arms. Buck held her tightly and smoothed her hair as she sobbed 
into his chest.

Cody breathed a sigh of relief as he began walking toward the group in the alley. His breath caught in his throat though when he saw Jake going for the gun Kat 
had dropped.

"Buck!" Cody screamed as he took aim on Jake.

Everything seemed to move slowly as Cody fired at Jake. Jake fired simultaneously. Cody watched in horror as Buck spun Kat behind him, instinctively placing himself in the path of the bullet. Cody cursed his own bullet for not getting to Jake faster.

"Buck!" Cody screamed as he watched the bullet hit Buck in the back. His friend crumbled to the ground on top of Kat.

Cody tried to shut out Kat’s screams as he ran toward Buck. They had never been as close as some of the other riders, and Cody knew that was partly his fault. He had made his opinions on Indians no secret. But he never saw Buck as an Indian. He now saw him as a brother. And now he was sorry for not keeping his mouth 
shut in front of the young Kiowa.

As Cody reached Buck, he realized Kat was smiling slightly. Cody stooped next to his friend and saw Buck was conscious.

"You need to run faster." Buck smiled through the pain.

"You need to slow down." Cody shot back, grinning in relief.
 

Cody and Buck stood at the stage, more than a little disappointed. Finally, the package they had been waiting on for Teaspoon had arrived. That meant they would be heading home. Neither of them really wanted to leave the two wonderful women yet they had met during their stay.

Cody took the package, a forlorn expression on his face. Buck had the same expression on his as he shifted his arm in the sling the doctor had placed it in. His wound was nothing serious enough to keep him from riding.

"I guess we should say our good-byes." Cody said as he glanced at Buck.

Buck just nodded sadly.

"She’ll be okay now." Cody assured Buck as he slapped him on the back. "I’ll meet you at the saloon." Cody said, and began to drag himself toward Sarah’s.

"Hey Cody!" Buck called after his friend.

"Yeah?" Cody asked, turning back toward his friend.

"Get back before dark." Buck smiled. "I wanna get the hell outta here."

"Sure you do." Cody smiled back, then turned to find Sarah and say goodbye.

Buck sighed as he headed toward the doctor’s office. Kat hadn’t put up a fight 
when Buck, her father and the doctor made her stay the night there. Once she knew Buck was all right, she went to bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow. Mr. Schmidt had then given Cody and Buck rooms at the saloon to repay them for saving his daughter again. And hopefully forever this time, since Cody’s bullet had proven fatal for Jake.

Buck walked into the office and barely even acknowledged the doctor.

"I want to check those bandages." The doctor said as Buck walked by his desk. "After you see Kat." The doctor added after seeing Buck’s bothered and impatient expression.

Buck smiled widely and walked into Kat’s room.

Kat was sitting up reading when Buck walked in. She looked up from the book, and immediately set it down, a bright smile across her face and twinkling in her eyes.

"How are you?" Buck asked, grabbing the chair from the corner.

Kat shook her head and patted the bed beside her. Buck left the chair where it was and sat on the bed.

"I’m fine now." Kat said taking Buck’s hand. "How about you?" She asked, nodding toward his shoulder.

"I’ve had worse." Buck said honestly.

"Now that sounds like something Cody would say!" Kat exclaimed, laughing.

Buck chuckled a little too. Then he caught her eyes. They were happy to see him, but a little sad too. Buck finally realized that her eyes were the only things that ever gave Kat away.

"What’s wrong?" Buck asked, brushing away a soft strand of hair that was falling 
in Kat’s face. 

"You’re going home, aren’t you?" Kat said, the disappointment barely cracking her voice.

Buck nodded sadly. " I’m sorry." He said quietly.

"Why?" Kat asked, shocked. 

"Because I have to go." Buck answered.

"You don’t have to apologize." Kat assured him sweetly. "Like my father says, don’t ever apologize for what’s not your fault. I’m just disappointed we didn’t get more time together."

Buck still didn’t feel any better about leaving.

"I promised I’d save you." Buck finally admitted, hanging his head.

Kat reached for his chin and pulled his face up. He looked into her eyes as she smiled and drew their faces together.

"You’ve been doing that since we met." She said as she kissed him gently.

Buck wasn’t going to push her away this time. He returned her kiss, and it quickly became deeper and more passionate. They were lost in each other when there 
was a knock at the door.

They reluctantly pulled away from each other. Buck wouldn’t take his eyes from Kat’s. He wanted to know exactly what she was feeling. There was desire and vulnerability, but understanding and strength in them as well. And Buck almost swore he could see a trace of love under the admiration she was showing toward him.

"Buck." Cody called carefully from behind the door.

"Just a minute." Buck called back.

Buck continued to stare into Kat’s mosaic eyes.

" Let the doctor change your bandages." Kat said strongly. "Then get home."

Buck still looked into Kat’s eyes. He didn’t want to tear himself away from what it took him so long to discover in the woman. He wanted to be sure she would be okay, he still felt responsible for her.

"You already saved me." Kat said reassuringly, reading his thoughts. "I’ll be fine."

Buck and Kat shared on last bittersweet kiss before he got up to go.

"Maybe I’ll come visit you someday." Kat suggested as he walked toward the 
door.

"I’d like that a lot." Buck smiled back at her. "As long as I don’t have to save you again."

"I think it’ll be my turn to save you." Kat giggled as Buck walked out the door.