Quicksilver Passion (179 page)

I don’t know what I can do. I’m no good with a gun, but I do know a lot about this town. If I hear anything I think can help, I’ll let you know immediately.”

Hey, boss, I came back.”

Keso? Fine, you can take me back to the hotel now.” Cherokee stood up and held out his hand, staring past the child’s shoulder.

He let the boy take him back to the Essex and leave. Cherokee lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling and struggling with the decision about what to do next.

It was dusk when there was a rap at his door.
Silver?”

No, Iron Knife.”

Iron Knife! Good God!” Quickly he opened the door and let him in. They hugged each other and Cherokee led him over to the fireplace.
What are you doing in Denver? The way folks feel about your people right now, this isn’t a very safe place to be.”

One of the half-breed Bent boys came out to the Big Sandy camp, and told me that Jake Dallinger is in town.”

Cherokee rolled a cigarette, offered one to Iron Knife, and lit them both.
What is Jake Dallinger to you?”

I intend to kill him,” the other said softly.
He was in jail, but I hear he’s out. Dallinger’s an evil man. He tried to carry off my woman and kill Todd Shaw’s brother. That’s what put him in jail back in the spring of ’59.”

Cherokee sat down and considered.
Is that how you found me? Through Todd Shaw?”

Iron Knife nodded.
He’s a friend. Todd tells me he’s afraid there’s going to be more trouble. He says Colonel Chivington is out in eastern Colorado now, looking for Indians to attack.”