CHAPTER ONE
Teaspoon Hunter sat watching “his boys” as they ate their
“Rachel, once more it was an excellent meal,” Teaspoon said with a smile for the housekeeper. “I’m sorry to have to eat and run, but I’ve got to go back to the office so I’m there when this army Indian expert shows up.”
Rachel smiled her thanks at the praise. “But you didn’t get dessert,” she said.
“Send it over to the office with Buck when he’s finished,” said Teaspoon as he headed out the door.
At the mention of his name, Buck looked up. Rachel shook her head when she realized he hadn’t eaten anything. “Something wrong with the meal?” she asked the confused rider.
“No, Ma’am,” Buck replied. “I was just thinking about something else. Did Teaspoon just tell me to do something?”
Rachel shook her head. “I’m supposed to send his dessert with you when you’re done eating. He had to go back to the office to meet that army officer that’s coming to check into the latest Indian trouble.”
“I can just take it now,” Buck sighed. “I’m not really hungry, and I’d rather not be there when the army shows up. I’m not in the mood for the stares and negative comments.”
“Fine,” said Rachel. “I’ll get it ready while you clear away your plate.”
Buck nodded and stood. As he cleared his place at the table he wondered how he was going to explain his behavior to Teaspoon. He knew that the older man had guessed something was bothering him, and would want to talk. Maybe he could just show Teaspoon the problem. Then he wouldn’t have to risk saying anything.
“Here,” said Rachel handing Buck a small basket and bringing Buck out of his trance. “Don’t take too long; you’ve got chores to do here.”
Buck nodded. He took the basket and quickly crossed the small room to his bunk. Once there he opened his trunk and removed the two items that were causing him to worry. Hopefully Teaspoon could help solve the dilemma they offered. He took the items and Teaspoon’s basket and made his way to the barn.
Ike met him at the stable. *What’s wrong?* Ike asked.
Buck shrugged.
*Don’t tell me nothing,* Ike insisted. *You’ve been acting strange for the past week – ever since your last run. What happened?*
“I can’t talk right now,” Buck said. “I need to get this to Teaspoon, and I don’t want to be there when this army fellow shows up.”
*Alright,* agreed Ike, *but we’re going to talk when you get back.*
Buck nodded. “I promise,” he said as he mounted his horse and rode away.
Teaspoon looked up from his work when the door opened. He pushed the papers on his desk out of the way and smiled.
Buck placed the basket on the newly cleared space. “Can I talk to you?” he asked.
“I was hoping you would,” answered Teaspoon. “What’s troubling you?”
“Two things,” Buck answered with a sigh. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a letter. “I got this last week,” he said as he handed the still sealed envelop to Teaspoon. “It was inside a letter that Eagle Feather wrote. She asked me to deliver it.”
Teaspoon looked at the envelope in his hands. He turned it over to read the name he knew would be written there – William Tompkins. “So, why haven’t you given it to him?” asked Teaspoon a bit surprised that Buck had held onto the letter for so long.
“I’ve tried,” Buck said taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Just thinking about the way Tompkins treated him made him angry. “He won’t let me in the door,” Buck explained after regaining his composure. “He refuses to let me say anything. Yesterday he threatened to shoot me if I darkened his doorstep again.” He had to stop speaking to try once more to prevent his anger from overwhelming him.
Teaspoon sat letting Buck regain control of himself. Finally, Buck gave up trying to contain the emotion that had been building inside him the past few months. “It wasn’t my fault,” he shouted. “I didn’t kill Sally. I didn’t drive Eagle Feather away. I didn’t even want to go. . .” he stopped when he realized they were no longer alone.
Both men turned to see who had joined them. A young army officer stood in the doorway. His hand was resting easily on his sidearm, and he glared at Buck as he spoke. “I’m sorry to intrude,” he said calmly. “I’m Sergeant Edwards. I’m looking for a Marshal Hunter. I was sent to look at some arrows retrieved from a recent Indian attack.”
“I’m Marshal Hunter,” said Teaspoon matching the man’s calm tone. “This is Buck Cross, one of my Pony Express riders. Can you wait outside just a second so we can finish up?”
“Yes, Sir,” said the officer and he left the office to stand outside looking in the window. He never once took his eyes off Buck.
Teaspoon shook the letter in his hand. “I’ll be sure he gets this,” said Teaspoon as he placed it on his desk next to the dessert basket. “I’ll also make sure he knows why I’m having to deliver it a week after it arrived.”
“Thank you,” said Buck. “I didn’t want to let her down, but I wasn’t prepared to die trying to give it to him.” He smiled sadly.
Teaspoon nodded his understanding. “Now, what was the other problem?”
“It can wait,” said Buck with a glance at the waiting officer. “I need to get back and finish my chores.” He started toward the door. Before he left the office, he turned once more to face Teaspoon. “I’m sorry I yelled,” he said. “I just feel. . .”
“I know,” interrupted Teaspoon. “I do too. If I hadn’t talked you into going, it’s possible none of this would have ever happened.”
Buck nodded and left. He made sure to give the army officer plenty of space. He didn’t need to accidentally bump into the man, and drop the other item he’d brought to show Teaspoon; especially not in front of this man.