The following day was strained, as Galen's attempts to mollify Lydia were rejected - although the strength of the rejections waned toward the afternoon. Then James showed up and they reignited, and Galen resigned himself to having to get past her mood.

"I spoke to Harley," James said, accepting a coffee from a silent Lydia, and settling on the porch.

"What did he have to say?"

"To tell you- well both of us actually - thanks but no thanks."

"What about his daughter?" At the question, both men looked to Lydia, whose face was set in a firm resolve.

"Uh, what about her? Harley's rejection is for all help." James glanced at Galen.

"But you told me she was being bothered by that man's men." Her look pierced Galen's eyes and he blinked in surprise.

"He said she was, but you--"

"She's only fifteen!" Both men started at the sharpness, looking at one another, confused. Lydia stood and marched indoors. James set his mug down and made to stand.

"Where are you going?"

"I think she's upset. I probably should--"

"Oh, no you don't, James. You aren't leavin' me here to deal with that." His head tipped toward the house.

"Well what's the point? Harley's determined, and Lydia's . . . well she sounded pretty determined too."

"Darned right. She's concerned about his daughter, and that means I have to be concerned about his daughter." Galen got up, pointing at James. "You stay right here, friend, I'll be back in a minute."

He found her in the kitchen fussing with dishes, her lips so tight they disappeared. Galen stopped at the door and cleared his throat. "Lydia?"

"Don't start with any of your little homilies, Galen Helliwell. If you think this so-called surprise visit from James is fooling me, you have another think coming, mister."

"No! Hey, I swear, I had no idea. I told you about telling Harley to speak to him. I didn't know he was coming here."

"Well what did you expect?" She turned from the sink and levelled her gaze at him. "You're going to meddle anyway, aren't you?"

"Hey, I don't look on it as meddlin' . . ." he gave her an uncertain smile, "but I have been turnin' over an idea."

******

The meeting was held at the Connor house because it was closer to town for some of those attending. June went to extremes in being the hostess, with drinks, and baked goods. James tried but failed to get her to just sit and listen. She kept popping up, filling glasses and mugs, clearing dishes. and so they just carried on.

Seated around the room, attendees traded whispered remarks about the topic under discussion. Some curiously eager, others restrained and uncertain.

"That's a mighty ambitious plan, son." Abner Freeman, the sheriff of Barrow Falls declared, sampling another biscuit. "But I don't see what it has to do with me. Don't seem to be breakin' any laws that interest me."

Galen leaned forward. "It's the time needed to get everything set up, Sheriff. It's going to take maybe a few weeks - even longer. Harley needs the comfort of your presence checking on him and his daughter. You know, casual trips down to the dock just to make sure all's well." Galen looked around the room. "The rest of you just need to spread our little rumour about casually. That's all you know and you just heard it as gossip. There's no danger at all."

"What's Harley say about all this?"

"He doesn't know, and he shouldn't. It's our secret. That's the only way it'll work - without him makin' a fuss." Looks were traded around the room again. Some doubtful. Some accepting. "Look, it's the only way. Harley has to be in the dark as much as Huber, until it's time to get him involved."

Ellis Wayne, Barrow Falls bank manager, coughed politely and spoke into the silence. "I have no problem with your suggestion as to my part, Mr. Helliwell. Actually, I find the whole idea rather exciting." He blinked rapidly and blushed at the surprised attention.

"Well, you may not have to do anything, Mr. Wayne, but if you do, I'm pleased you're willin'."

Charlie Sykes raised a timid hand, a bashful smile lighting his face. "To be clear, if Mr. Huber wants to send a telegraph to either the railroad or the riverboat companies, I'm just to pretend I sent them?"

"That's right. Then you tell us what they were and we'll give you the reply you'll take to him."

"I could get in trouble."

"No you won't. Nobody will ever know since you never sent them, and the replies we give him will end his communication with those companies." Galen waited until Charlie seemed satisfied and nodded agreement.

"What about these friends of yours? Why send for them when we can use someone right in Barrow?' James cut in. "We're just wasting time."

"Because we can't be sure someone from here wouldn't be recognized. And arriving from out of town adds a truth to the story." Galen sat back rubbing his eyes. "Look, I know this all seems way too complicated for you, but this way we all get what we want for Harley and his daughter, and without Abner having to worry. Huber will do all the work for us, and Harley will come out of it like a desert sunrise."

"If it all works." James said.

"Mr. Helliwell and the sheriff made it all work for us, dear." June reminded him.

"If everyone does their part, it will work. There's always the other option, legal battles and expenses, and Harley won't go for that. And it could put his daughter in more danger." Galen looked around the faces as they all took on solemn expressions.

"We'll make it work," Lydia perked up, smiling around the room.

The sheriff grinned and raised his glass. "Appreciate that not havin' to worry, son. I can start my rounds about the dock tomorrow. Harley won't have no trouble from Huber's boys."

"If that's the case, why go to all this trouble?" One guest asked.

"Because it won't stop Huber from trying to drive Harley out. His daughter isn't the only means of threatening him." Galen explained.

Ellis stood and gave a slight bow to June. "A most delightful gathering, Mrs. Connor. Most delightful. I'll be on my way and ready if required."

"You're most welcome, Mr. Wayne. You too, Sheriff, Charlie. All of you, take some of those biscuits if you like."

"Much obliged, ma'am." A huge smile showed brilliantly against Abner's dark skin.

"I'll keep you all informed as things go." Galen, took Lydia's arm and followed the others out.

"June needs help cleaning up." Lydia balked.

"No. No. You shoo on home, this is nothing. Talk soon." The door closed.

******

Lydia slid under the sheet and waited for Galen to come to bed. "You've been thinking on this for some time, haven't you?"

"To be honest, the minute I saw that little girl." Galen crawled in beside her, an arm comfortably across her stomach.

"So, all that business about just looking?"

"Miss Saint Claire, I'll call it all off if you want me to."

"Okay."

"Huh? You mean you want to?"

"Oh, Galen, you are so easy to tease. No, I don't want you to. Life would be miserable if you weren't fighting someone's battles."

"It's not about fightin' battles, Lydia, it's just- well it's just the right thing to do." She said it at the same time and laughed.

"So, how do you know that lawyer fella will help - or even remember you?"

"Jake O'Haloran, told me before we left Millersville Prison; any time I need a favour. He won't forget."

"And Edward, and his photographer friend in Pine Ridge?"

"I'll bet money on them." He smiled. "I'll spell it all out in the letters I send. All they have to do is wire back, yes or no."

She turned into his arm and put a finger against his lips. "I'm glad you're helping, Galen . . . I'm glad you shaved too."