The Last Patrol

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He buttoned the bib back up.  "It was a surprise to me as well, but I've worn these before."

He looked as his love slid her trousers up her thighs.  "Pity those must be covered up."

She turned and gave him that impish grin.  "Do you really want my company to see the sights you've enjoyed?"

"I suppose not," Fritz said, gathering his gunbelt.  "Let's sit a spell."

"You're wondering why I'm here," Scarlet said.  It was straight to the point, matter of fact.

"Yes.  I said I couldn't ask you to come with me."  He was concerned.

She took his hand.  "You said you couldn't ASK me to come.  But we've fought side-by-side for the last three years.  We are a team.  Where you go, I go."

"But this fight's gonna be different," Fritz said.  "I can feel it."

"What did Grey Eagle tell you?"

"He told me that my time had come.  That one day, I'd speak for all the people."

Scarlet nodded.  "He told me your time had come too.  But I couldn't take the chance...of losing you."   

[1stSgt Fritz King]

How had he come to mean so much to her?  Sometimes, He felt he didn't deserve a love like he shared with Scarlet.  He took her hand in his.

"God has truly blessed me darlin...for bringing you to me."

They kissed.

"Scarlet...do you think you sneak by the orderly tonight?"

[Scarlet Angel]

"The one outside here?" She asked. "I don't have to sneak by him. They are used to me coming and going at all hours of the day and night, sometimes I come back, sometimes I don't." Scarlet shrugged. 

She grinned "Why?"

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"I don't mean your orderly...I meant the one outside MY tent."

"Oh..."

Fritz grinned.  "I know it might be difficult, but an expert tracker like yourself..."

She leaned closer.  "...could do what?"

"Enter the XO's tent undetected, and leave the same way.  I can't promise the comforts of our home, but I can promise the comforts of my heart."
   

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet smirked "Oh a challenge with a prize." She said with a chuckle.

Her eyes danced with mischief.  "You wouldn't give me directions to the wrong tent or have others waiting when I arrive would you?"

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"I'd never do that," he said, taking her into his arms.  "I won't share you with anybody."

[Scarlet Angel]

They shared a long sensual kiss. Scarlet looked into his eyes. "Tell me where to find you're tent."  Fritz whispered all the details into her ear while he held her close.

As she listened Scarlet realized she'd ridden by his tent a few times since she'd been here. It shouldn't have surprised her really; she'd been all over the inside of the fort. The thing she didn't like about it was if she was not careful she had to go buy the camp of Cyrus's brother, around the back way would be better and it would bring her into camp closer to Fritz's tent.

She stepped back and grinned "You would have the tent right next to the Captain." She teased.

Fritz raised an eyebrow wondering how she knew where the Captain's tent was.

"Old habits die hard Darlin'. Just something I've noticed as I've ridden around." 

By her smile Fritz figured Scarlet could draw a map of where the high ranking officers' tents were.

He pulled her close again. "Mine is not the first soldier's tent you've snuck into."  He said looking into her eyes.

She slid her arms around his neck and looked back into his eyes. They held the same fire hers did. "No" she whispered softly "but you are the only soldier whose heart I wish to possess."

"That you already have Milady."

"As you have mine." She said kissing him again softly then spoke again. "We should find Ella and Bo."

"Yes." He agreed.

Fritz followed her to the parlor. The door stood slightly ajar and the lamp had been turned very low and the fire had been rekindled.

Scarlet slowly pushed the door open. Ella was asleep on the sofa, Bo on the floor.

"I hate to wake them." Scarlet whispered looking at Fritz. "Ella looks so peaceful."

Scarlet knew Ella hadn't been sleeping well either. She figured between the two of them they were getting good rest for one person and just enough for the two of them to get by on. Scarlet suspected Ella's mind was occupied of what her first meeting with Alan would be like. Was he going to kiss her hand and tell her how much he'd missed her or was he going to hand her divorce papers.

Scarlet was debating about getting a couple of blankets and leaving them there when Bo sat up.

"I'm sorry I woke you." Scarlet said quietly.

"No worries. Get her boots." He replied as he stood up.

Bo carefully picked Ella up as not to wake her. She seemed to automatically curl against him as he carried her down the hall. She looked comfortable there. Scarlet could understand how Ella felt; there was something about Bo that made her feel safe when he held her close too. It was the comfort of a good friend she thought as her eyes feel on Fritz, who was opening the door for Bo, or of someone you loved. However you put it, it was the comfort of someone you trusted your heart with.

Bo gently laid Ella on the bed. He turned and kissed Scarlet on the cheek. "Sweet dreams."

"Good night." She said to both of the men as they stepped into the hallway and pulled the door closed behind them.


 

[Elegant Ella]

Ella didn't wake up while she was carried to her bed, but some awareness crept into her mind, and colored her dreams with happiness. 

[Elegant Ella]

Boston

When a neighbor's rooster crowed, Alan gave up on sleep.  He lit the lamp and dressed, then sat at the desk.   He should start to work on the next lecture, but first he would make another try at a letter to Ella.

Her letter to Mrs. Erdbeer had shocked and surprised Alan.  Until the last one, Ella's letters to him never had held any hint of reproach for his decisions.  He had felt a flash of irritation that she didn't appreciate the hard work and sacrifice it had taken to raise the money to replace his steamship ticket home, but a moment later he remembered that he had not told her why he took a position at the hospital, much less told her what kind of work he did there in order to scrape together enough money to get home.  He hadn't told her that he had arrived in Boston with less than a dollar in his pocket.  That lack of funds was the primary reason he had written a letter instead of sending a wire.  He had to admit that needing to earn some money was only one reason for taking the lectureship.  The invitation to give a series of lectures was also very flattering.

He had thought he was being sensible to buy a round-trip ticket from a steamship company with an office in Vienna.  That way, he would not have to worry about having the money for it at the end of his stay.  But, when he went to the office in Vienna to book his berth for the return trip, he found that the company had gone out of business the month before and his return ticket was worthless. 

Writing this letter to Ella was being very hard.  He really didn't know how to apologize for giving her reason to think he intended to divorce her.  Yes, he had postponed returning to her side three times, but that didn't mean he no longer wanted to be with her. 

He crumpled up another sheet of paper and threw it at the wastebasket. 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

The sentry had been at his post for over two hours, and his relief was late.  Why he was guarding the officers' quarters was beyond him anyway.  He figured it had something to do with the two women residing there.  They weren't ladies, that was for sure...at least they weren't 'proper' ladies.  One looked like a gunfighter for God sakes!  And the other was a healer, not a true doctor!  Neither one had any business around the fort.  They should be both at home.

His mind began churning.  That oldd grizzled Lieutenant escorted the healer home, and he bet it wasn't for any 'home baked bread,' either.  And those Corbins were obviously involved.  They shared the same last name.  Were they married?  Or were they something else...

He heard the thumping and bumping in there.  The healer was probably making the officer's bread rise.  He snickered at the thought.

"Something funny, trooper?"

The voice caught him off guard.  He snapped to attention.  "Good evening Sir!"

Fritz waited.  The man finally realized he hadn't saluted.  He raised his rifle to 'Present Arms.'

Fritz returned the honor.  "Carry on Soldier."

The Lieutenant and that Corbin fellow walked away.

Oh yeah...he'd have plenty to talk about at chow tomorrow morning.

   

[Scarlet Angel]

"Mornin' Mr. Comstock." Scarlet said as she came out the door.

The sentry smiled. "Mornin' ma'am."

Usually Scarlet left the room towards the end of his shift. He'd been late this morning and the other man standing guard had been irritated at him but he'd heard him chuckle as he walked off. Scarlet was always pleasant to him, which was more than he could say about some of the other women he'd had to stand guard for over the years,  but you could never predict when she'd be coming or going. He supposed it was her nature to be unpredictable.

It was always a pleasure watching her go towards the stables. He imagined if she really knew how to use the guns that hung at her hips the pleasant side is where a person wanted to stay. He'd heard she'd knifed one of the men she rode with over some remarks, but wasn't sure how much truth there was to it.

Scarlet checked on the horses before made her way towards the soldier's camp. The sound of voices and laughter from men in Dick Kane's camp filled the night air and was glad she had avoided going that route. The solders were much quieter, which was not necessarily a comfort either. At least she could hear the scout's positions.  Most of the soldiers were sleeping but there were a few that were out.

Scarlet tucked her braid inside the long black duster she wore and stuck to the darkest shadows. It would be hard to tell who she was unless someone approached her close. Carefully she made her way to Fritz's tent.

She stood at the back careful not to cast any shadows and listened.  Scarlet could hear Fritz walking the length of the tent inside, although she didn't know why. There were no other sounds. She heard the footsteps stop near the front of the tent but no voices. While she listened she looked for a good place to go under the rear of the tent. She looked around to make sure nobody was around then lay on the ground and rolled under the tent wall. Once inside she stayed kneeled down in the dark to make sure he was not leaving or someone else was not coming in then slowly stood.

Fritz turned and came back down the tent. When he was close enough to hear her voice she smiled and softly said. "I have come for your heart Mr. Fritz."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He'd cleaned himself up as best as could.  Fritz was nervous...no, it was excitement.  He turned the lamp down low, and began to pace.  He could feel her; she was near.  As he reached the front of his tent, her aura filled the air.  He turned as he saw the shadow rise.  Her low whisper made his heart race.

"I have come for your heart, Mr. Fritz," she said.  Her voice was silky and seductive.

He undid the bib front of his shirt.  "It's right here," Fritz said, smiling.  "Come and get it."

Her duster slid to the ground.  Scarlet loosened her hair, her hand tracing down her throat.  Her fingers flicked the first button of her blouse open.

She smiled.  "You first."   

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet reluctantly slipped out of Fritz's arms and got dressed. She'd stayed as long as she dared before she lost the cover of darkness.

She heard him before she felt his touch. "I thought you were sleeping." She whispered.

"I'll not waste time sleeping when you are here milady." He whispered sliding his arms around her waste.

She turned in his arms and smiled up at him. "You make it difficult to go."

Fritz smiled. "I'm glad to know that. If it was easy for you to leave I would be concerned."

"I love you." She softly said before she kissed him.

He held her tightly for a moment before letting her go. "I love you too."

"Sweet dreams Sugar."

Scarlet walked back to the back of the tent where she had come in. Fritz watched her stand and listen to the sounds of the night before she melted into the darkness and disappeared.

Scarlet made her way back to the stables. She noticed there were fewer people about now than there had been earlier. The noises from the scout's tents had died down.

Lucky greeted her with a low nicker as she slipped into his stall. She curled up in the corner and closed her eyes. Her skin still tingled from his touch. Scarlet feel asleep smiling.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He stood a moment longer as she melted away into the darkness.  He thought about laying down, but he was too contented.  There was much to do, and now he had the energy to do it.  Scarlet had that way about her.  Sure he'd be tired later in the day, but that made his evenings that much sweeter.  If he could sleep in her arms tonight, he'd be content.

He donned his uniform and walked out of his tent.  The patrols were still at their posts, although they nodded a bit.  Fritz walked his post as he always did; in the wee still hours before the dawn.  He listened as his men slept.  Their dreams were their own.  He'd let them enjoy them a bit longer. 

Fritz stirred a fire back to life, and filled a coffee pot with water.  He waited for the pot to boil, and added a few handfulls of ground coffee.  The coffee boiled and settled to the bottom of the pot.  As usual, he had the first cup.  It was good.

There was a lot to still be done.  Today, they'd work on skirmish line formations.  But for the moment, he sipped his coffee and thought of his lovely bride.

The pink tendrils of dawn began to work their way out of the cover of night.   

[Elegant Ella]

Increasing daylight pulled Ella out of an interesting dream.  When she realized she was awake, she reviewed the dream before it had a chance to fade.  The action in the dream seemed familiar, as though she had read about it.  The dream had included being rescued from a tribe of Indians that she didn't wanted to leave.  They were her family and friends, and the white men who were taking her were dirty and rude. 

Now she remembered why it seemed familiar.  It was Carrie's story, at least at the beginning.  The dream then diverged from the expected story.  The husband in the dream was harsh and cruel.  He killed her baby to silence its crying, then threw the toddler across the room before slapping her.  The knife she was using to chop onions was sharp, and slid into his chest easily.  When he fell, Carrie ran to her son, and found him dead.  She picked up his body and laid him out in his bed, and tenderly tucked him in, then did the same for her baby girl.  There was nothing to hold her here, and her husband's friends would kill her in revenge for her husband's death.  She gathered what she needed for the journey and headed home. 

Ella got up and quickly got ready for the day, then ate one of her loaves while reading out all the information she and Scarlet had collected about Carrie to see if anything was inconsistent with her dream's alternate explanation.  Everything they had fit with North killing the children and Carrie killing him in self-defense just as easily as Carrie killing North and the children.  Ella gathered up the papers and went looking for Tensleep. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet had only slept a couple of short hours but she felt invigorated. Getting up she shook the straw off her duster and rubbed Lucky's forehead.

"I'll be back later." She said to him as she gave him his breakfast. "Today you need to get out." She said to Dancer as she fed him.

Scarlet started towards the Scouts camp, she'd found out there was usually something better to eat there than in the mess tent anyway.

"Mornin'" She called to Ella who was headed towards her.

[Elegant Ella]

"Morning.  I was wondering where you decided to sleep, and see that you chose Lucky as your companion," replied Ella, pulling a piece of straw out of Scarlet's hair.  "I don't think I would have woken up if you jumped on the bed last night.  It's been years since I slept that soundly.  It's scandalous to say, but maybe I need Bo to tuck me in more often, assuming it was Bo who carried me to bed.  Anyway, I woke up with a new idea about Carrie that I should bounce off you and Tensleep."

[Scarlet Angel]

"I was tempted to leave the two of you in the parlor, you looked so content, but I could only imagine what kind of rumors would have started should someone else have found you." Scarlet said with a smile. "I've always felt very secure when Bo is near. I'm sure he'd stay around until we feel asleep if we asked, and yes it was him who carried you to bed. For a moment I wondered if you were just playing opossum and enjoying curling into him. You had this little smile." Scarlet said teasingly.

Ella started to say something to defend herself but realized Scarlet was teasing then replied. "Maybe I've learned more from you and Rose than you know." with a giggle of her own.

"Let's find Tensleep so I can hear your ideas."

[Elegant Ella]

They found Tensleep at the cook fire, with a fresh cup of coffee in one hand. 

"Marshal Ross," said Ella, using the formal mode of address to signal that she was going to talk about business, "I've been thinking  about Carrie Moore.  Is it possible that she killed her husband in self-defense?"

"Can't argue self-defense for the kids getting killed," replied Tensleep. 

"What if her husband killed the kids, then attacked Carrie?" responded Ella.  "After I dreamed up the idea that her husband might be beating her, I went through all the information we've got.  No one knew Carrie, and one of the neighbor women said, 'Moore kept her pretty close.'  Another one said, 'She sometimes had bruises on her arms from falling.'  My friend, Deborah Erdbeer in Boston, has a sister who married an abusive man.  He tried to keep her from seeing her sister and parents, including keeping her from going to the synagogue.  When he came alone on Yom Kippur, Deborah and their mother left the services and went to her house.  Sarah was reluctant to let them in the house, then tried to explain her bruises as coming from falls." 

[Tensleep]

"I've seen abuse cases... lots o' them in Denver. Local police usually worked them, but you know how it is, police short handed, take whoever along that will go. I don't know what really happened Ella, our job is to bring in Carrie Moore. The judge has to decide what is goin' on...."

Tensleep sipped his coffee and pulled on his pipe.

"Tell ya what, let's just keep our eyes open, see what we see. Who knows,we may not find her."