Buck and JD headed first to the saloon in search of Chris. Buck's eyes quickly scanned the sparse crowd for his old friend. He spotted Ezra behind the bar. It still seemed odd to see Ezra behind the bar instead of in front of it.

Buck, JD, and Ezra had returned from Coyote Springs almost two days before any of the others. Chris, Vin, and Nathan had headed south out of town dipping down toward Purgatory. They had hoped that any posse would believe Cheyenne had escaped into Mexico and give up the chase.

Upon their return and hearing of Terrance's death, Ezra had immediately approached Lily about purchasing his share of the saloon. Buck heard later that Lily had been very receptive the idea and even admitted that the thought had crossed her mind in the days before their return. There was still a contract to be signed but already Ezra had taken it upon himself to act the part of owner.

"Ezra, seen Chris?"

"I believe that Mr. Larabee is upstairs." Ezra set a glass of whiskey in front of another patron. Buck glanced up the stairs. "I don't believe you'd be disturbing them."

"What?"

"If you were concerned about," Ezra paused for a moment, "shall we say, disturbing them. I believe you would be safe. Lily went to her room to lay down for a bit, she was feeling a bit under the weather. He went up to check on her." Buck decided to trust Ezra's observations on the situation and quickly ran up to Lily's room. He knocked twice and waited. There were low voices on the other side and the sound of someone crossing the floor. Chris opened the door, his face twisted in a scowl.

"We got trouble."

"What?"

"Sherif from Coyote Springs just rode in with some men."

"Damn!" Chris gave a look over his shoulder into the room. "Alright, get the others to the church. I'll be right behind you." Buck nodded in understanding.

"Oh, one more thing, Judge Travis just came in on the stage."

"Why do I think his arrival is not a good thing?" Lily waited till Chris closed the door before speaking. She had already moved from the bed to her dressing table. She pinned a few stray hairs back into place.

"I just don't think he'll be pleased with what we did."

"You had no choice, cher. Surely he will understand this. You couldn't let them hang her." Chris turned for the door. "Tell Ezra I'll be down in a moment."

Chris studied her in the mirror. "I think you should see Nathan later."

"That is not necessary. I am just a little tired. A little extra sleep is all that's needed." She forced out a weak smile as a reassurance.

Lily had been behind the bar a few minutes when a trio of strangers pushed through the swinging doors. She caught a glimpse of metal peeking out from under the lapel of the first man. His boots thumped loudly across the floor.

"Gimme a beer." His eyes were cold and hollow. It didn't escape her that he was trying for a better look down her dress.

"I don't believe I've ever seen you in here before." Lily guessed this was the sheriff Buck had mentioned. She decided that she'd try to get a little information for them. She leaned forward letting the material of the bodice gap slightly. A lecherous smile slid across the man's face.

"Uh, you're right, I'm not from around here." He shifted position trying for an even better view. "I'm Sheriff Blanchard from over in Coyote Springs."

"Coyote Springs? Well, now, what brings you to our fair town?" Lily stepped back from the bar.

"Lookin' for someone."

"Maybe I can help you. I know lots of people."

"I'll bet you do." He made the statement low but she still heard it. She could tell by his face the assumption he was making.

"Come on, cher," she leaned forward again, "who is it you're looking for?"

"Man's name is Josiah Sanchez. I know someone sent him a telegram here not long ago. Know him?"

"Yes I do, but I'm afraid I won't be of much help. Josiah left town a week or so ago. He hasn't been seen since."

"Any idea where he might have gone?"

"I'm sorry, no. Josiah kept to himself, didn't keep company with anyone. It's too bad you made a trip all this way for nothing."

"It doesn't have to be a total loss." He gave her a questioning glance. "Maybe later you and I could discuss this Sanchez . . . in private."

"I'm sure something can be arranged." Lily gave him a slow seductive smile before moving to the far end of the bar to help another customer.

Lily waited a few minutes before leaving. She left the new bartender in charge. Mary had mentioned the day before that Judge Travis would want to talk with her about Terrence's shooting. Mary looked up from her desk as Lily entered the Clarion's office.

"Lily, how nice to see you. What can I do for you?"

"I came to talk to Judge Travis as you suggested."

"Oh, I'm sorry, he's not here. He's out with Billy."

"That's alright. I'm sure that he knows where to find me." Lily turned toward the door then paused and turned back toward Mary.

"Was there something else that you needed Lily?"

"Actually I was hoping that you might have a moment to talk."

"Of course." She motioned for Lily to have a seat by her. "Is there something wrong?" Lily sat silently trying to decide what to say.

"I have had several mornings recently where I have been ill in the morning."

"Maybe you should talk to Nathan. Maybe--," Mary's words came to a sudden halt. A look of understanding crossed her face. "Lily, are you . . . are you . . .?" She couldn't bring herself to finish the question.

"I think I might be."

"And you don't want to go to Nathan."

"I think that under the circumstances that it would better if I saw a real doctor. Not to dismiss Nathan's abilities, but. . ."

"I understand. There's a doctor in Stillwater, you could see him." Lily face perked up at the suggestion. There was something else that Mary wanted to ask but she didn't feel that she knew Lily well enough to broach the subject. Lily could see the question in Mary's eyes.

"You're wondering who the father is." Mary blushed at the words. Lily didn't think she'd actually have to spell it out for her. She had assumed that it was common knowledge.

"I think I know."

"I have to admit Mary that I was afraid to discuss this with you. I was afraid that you would not be open to helping me."

"Why would you say that Lily?" Mary didn't understand her reluctance.

"When I first arrived here, I heard a few rumors amongst the townspeople. Now I have never one to put stock in rumors but there were a few who believed that you and Mr. Larabee had the beginnings of a relationship. I was afraid that perhaps I had . . . come between you two."

"Oh." Mary pondered Lily's words for a minute. "I have to admit that there have been moments in our relationship when I did believe that . . . well . . . let's just say that our relationship has changed. Now I am just happy to know that's he's around to keep watch on this town. And of course Billy loves him."

"Thank you Mary." Lily reached out and gave the other woman's hand an appreciative squeeze. She stood and moved toward the door. "Mary I'd be grateful if we could keep this between the two of us."

As Lily passed the saloon she paused at the doors and saw that Ezra had not returned. She suspected that the men were still at the church. She noticed that one of the men that had been in the saloon with the sheriff was now standing outside the hotel watching the townspeople mill about. As she opened the church's door she did not see anyone in the dusty light. A hand grabbed her arm and pulled her inside quickly and roughly. Lily let out a short scream before she realized the hand on her arm belonged to Chris.

"Was that necessary?" Her voice verged on anger. Buck stiffled a laugh from the far side of the room. Lily brushed some dust from her dress before telling them about the sheriff and the telegram.

"So that's how he knew." Chris paced back and forth. The other men watched him.

"If that's all, I hope you gentlemen will excuse me, but I think I should return to the saloon." Lily turned toward the doors.

"Wait," Chris grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from the others. He dropped his voice. "I don't want you alone with that man."

"I can handle myself."

"Oh, I know that." He gave her a half smile. "It's just . . ." He wanted to tell her that he didn't want her in any danger, that he didn't want that man to even have a remote chance of touching her. But the words wouldn't come out. "Just don't be alone with him."

"I need to go talk with Bryan Gallagher." Josiah's voice carried from across the room. "He needs to know about Cheyenne."

"Wait, is that where you hid her? The Gallagher's new place?" JD stood up quickly. Josiah had stayed away longer than any of the others and only returned late the night before.

"Yes, why?"

"Bryan and Molly rode out there earlier. They were moving Bryan's things out there."

"Aw hell!" Josiah grabbed his hat and ran out the back door. Chris motioned toward Buck.

"Buck, go with him. Who knows what he's riding into."