Quicksilver Passion (159 page)

You’re not in any trouble,” Silver assured him.
You know me?”

Sure, I seen you around. You’re the governess for that cute kid that belongs to the Duchess.”

What’s your name, son? Where’s your mother?”

He shook his dark head.
She’s dead. They call me Keso, it’s Cheyenne for Fox.”

Did he look at all like Cherokee?
She fished around in her pocket, and handed him a dime.

You want your shoes shined, miss? I don’t often do ladies—”

No, Keso, I want some information about that man who was with you this morning.”

Immediately a guarded, suspicious expression crossed the handsome brown face. He held the dime out solemnly.
If I got to get Cherokee into trouble to earn this . . .”

So it was him. She hadn’t been mistaken.
He’s not in any trouble,” she assured him.
Keep the dime. I want to know about that man. He—he may be an old friend.”

The boy scuffed his ragged moccasins in the dust of the sidewalk.
His name is Cherokee, and he’s not from here. He’s been asking about the Duchess and the little girl.”

Why would he do that?”

The boy shook his head.
I don’t know, miss.”

Silver stared down at him, her mind busy. Why would Cherokee be curious about the woman and her child? A memory came back to her. The Duchess had said her daughter was fathered by a half-breed lover. Oh, God, could she have meant Cherokee? Had he come to see an old mistress and his daughter, then fled in confusion because he suddenly recognized Silver and didn’t want her to see him? She wanted some answers.
Keso, what hotel is the man in?”