Colt sat erect at the end of the kitchen table, his eyes flicking between Daisy, dishing out food servings, and a disturbingly intense stare from Donny, sitting beside him.

"I appreciate this invite to eat, Daisy. I mean after all that went on today."

"We still have to eat." She said, bringing two plates to the table.

"I know, but after- well when you said you might--"

"Oh for heaven's sake, Colt." She brought another plate and sat across from him.

"So, that was just a joke?"

"This time." She burst out laughing at his expression.

"This is the toughest lesson you'll need to learn in life, Donny. How to understand women." Colt looked at the boy, then at Daisy. "How come he's here with you?"

"His folks had to go to the county seat, something to do with lawyers and land taxes. I said he could stay with me. He's no trouble."

Colt dug into his meal, moaning his appreciation. "Don't that interfere with your privacy?"

She looked up and smiled coquettishly. "You mean your privacy." Colt frowned and Donny giggled.

"Why's he keep starin' at me. What's botherin' you, Donny?"

"He heard you got shot and he thinks you're a hero."

Donny looked down, playing with his food.

"Nothin' heroic 'bout gettin' shot, son. Best if you grow up not even needin' a gun."

"But everyone needs a gun, sheriff."

"Yeah, well let's hope that changes one day. Big difference between need and want. Good example for not needin' one is right beside you. Daisy does her shootin' with words."

She stopped mid-chew. "I don't shoot with words, Colt Treblehorn. I report the facts as I observe them."

"Believe that's what's called opinion."

"Wrong. Opinion is interpretation. I don't interpret them, I just report what I see and hear with my own eyes."

"And a fine job you do, Daisy Post, don't you agree, Donny?"

"I like delivering papers." He said seriously.

Dinner continued with less talk and when it ended, Daisy asked Colt to see Donny to bed while she cleaned up the dishes. They would have a coffee when he came back. Colt supervised teeth brushing and prayers, then tucked the boy into the bed Daisy had provided for him.

"Can I see where you got shot?"

"Nothin' much to see, Donny."

"Please?"

He pulled up his sleeve and leaned down. "See, it ain't much."

"Did it hurt?"

"Some. But not long. Doc put some stuff on it and that was that."

"Where's the bullet?"

"Probably in Miss Freegate's back porch somewhere."

"I hope I don't get shot."

"Why on earth would you be gettin' shot?"

"Miss Daisy says you have a very dangerous job, and being around you can sometimes be dangerous."

Colt had no response. He studied the boy silently, then ruffled his hair and told him to get a good sleep, and not think about shootings.

Back in the kitchen, Daisy was pouring coffee and she set the pot back on the stove as Colt entered.

"Everything okay?" She asked, wiping down the table and hanging the towel over the edge of the sink.

"Fine . . . I guess. You told him bein' around me was dangerous?"

"He kept at me about you being shot, I just- I just said that you had a dangerous job and . . . yes, I said that."

"Isn't that what you might call opinion?"

Her blush ran over both cheeks, and before she could reply, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her hard.

******

"It's your money, Mr. Landsman. You want to get it without killing then that's what we'll try, but you paid for our guns."

"I can guarantee you, Casey won't sign anything." Arley stated from his position in front of the fireplace.

"I still want you to try, Rudman," Baron said. "It makes it much easier when we do have control and want to register it ourselves. That's my real concern. That sheriff in Sunrise. He already knows what's going on and he might just be stepping in the way. I don't want the law getting involved if Casey's death needs explaining."

There was an ugly chuckle from one of the men, and he slapped his leg, leaning forward.

"That's where your money'll work for you, Mr. Landsman. I collect badges. Lookin' forward to meetin' this sheriff."

"Don't underestimate him," Arley said. "He's good, and he ain't afraid of odds. He went up against three of us."

"No offence, Rudman," the words came out in a sneer, "but your boys were girls compared to us."

"Guess we'll find that out." Arley picked up his hat and started for the door. "We'll be leavin' at sun up. I'll check with you before we leave, Mr. Landsman."

"Are we supposed to follow his orders?" The leader of the three asked after Arley left.

"That's the plan, Mr. Towes. Arley knows the territory, where Casey is and he has already had dealings with the sheriff. You don't have to worry about him."

"Oh I'm not worried. Just don't want to miss getting the job done our way."

"You'll do as Arley says if you want to be paid." Baron stood and indicated the meeting was over.

******

Daisy padded across the room and brought the oil lamp back to the table beside the bed, sitting on the edge and looking at Colt.

"Are we going to be reading something?"

"No. But I want to see your face when we discuss what you are going to do about your escaped prisoner."

"Daisy! Now?"

"I know when morning comes you will just take off without a word, so there's no better time."

"There is a better time. Some other time than now." Colt pulled her down next to him.

"I want to know, Colt, and it's not for the paper . . . it's for me."

"Daisy, I'm gonna go and speak to Landsman, see if I can set him straight, and if Arley is there, I'll arrest him. Now come here."

"Is Jeremy going with you? He should go with you."

"Yes, yes, I'll take Jeremy, now--"

"I want you to come back, Colt."

"Daisy, I'm here now, let's forget about tomorrow for a bit shall we?"

"Promise you'll be careful."

"I'll be careful, okay?" He pulled her close and shushed another comment with a kiss.

By morning the oil lamp had sputtered out, and in the creeping light of dawn, Colt kissed Daisy's head and slipped out of the bed. He dressed quietly, pausing at the bedroom door for a last glance at her sleeping form, then left.

******

"Blue wasn't too pleased with you deputizin' Slant, What was that about?"

"A promise I made. She'll get over it. 'Sides, he won't be doin' anythin' but checking the town, and we'll be back by dinner."

"But you brought me 'cause you're lonely?"

"Told you, a promise." Colt looked over at his friend. "There's a good chance Arley'll be at Landsman's place, and likely a few more hands standin' up for him. I think two of us can handle that better than just one."

Jeremy nodded and gave Colt a grim smile. "Best we get at it then." He kicked his horse, and they both set off at a steady gallop.