Crickets echoed in the Tunstall Ranch; Gouyen could stay with Emiliano longer. Richard knew Emiliano blamed himself for Annmarie's death and needed someone to keep him company. Richard and the Regulators were in the household making their plans for tomorrow.

Emiliano and Gouyen were resting in the cowboy house. The couple were on the cot; Emiliano lay on Gouyen's lap while she gently finger-brushed his hair. "Emiliano, I know this is not the right time or place, but I don't want you to go tomorrow. I can't help but feel that something terrible will happen tomorrow."

"I gave Richard my word that I will go. He was kind enough to let me leave the group, especially during this time." He gently held onto her right hand. "Just keep me in your prayers; I promise I will return, and we will make a new life together." Emiliano bent down and reached for his backpack that was under his cot. He sat up and went for something. "I want you to do something for me."

"Yes?"

"I want you to keep hold of my Mother's ashes," he said as he handed her the bag.

Gouyen raised her eyebrows as she gently held the bag. "Why?"

"I just want my Mama to be in good hands while I'm on the mission. You're the only one I can trust."

"Emiliano, you promised me that you are coming back to me alive. It's as if you're saying that you may not. Please don't give me false hopes, Emiliano. I wouldn't be able to stand another heartbreak! You're the only one I have left in this world!" She hugged Emiliano as he did the same.

Emiliano then separated from the hug and kissed her lips. "Just promise me that you'll keep her safe, and if something were to happen, spread her ashes to the land of her birth. It brings me joy that I could know where she lived and that she was always loved." He motioned Gouyen to stand. "Now go back to Luke." With the bag of Laureana's ashes in her hand, Gouyen was about to leave, but Emiliano called out for one last time. "Also, don't say anything to Luke. Promise me."

Gouyen nodded as she walked out of the house and the Tunstall ranch. Once out in the open, she ran back toward the Bixby ranch. So many thoughts went through her head, but she couldn't stop worrying about Emiliano's safety. "I can't let him get hurt!" When she eventually arrived at the Bixby ranch and into the house, she saw Isaac walking out of the kitchen with a food tray. Isaac stopped when he noticed the young woman in her tired state. "By golly, Gouyen, ya alright? It looks like ya ran a race."

Gouyen kept on breathing heavily. "S-Sorry, Isaac. I-I'm tr-trying to catch my breath." She breathed a couple more breaths until she regained herself. "Where's Luke? I need to speak to him."

"In his study, he's been too quiet. It looks like ya visited Emiliano; it would bring Luke up if he knows about his son."

"Yes, but I have urgent news. Please follow me." 

Isaac became concerned at the suddenness of the situation. They both walked toward Luke's study. Gouyen knocked on the door and was permitted to enter. The duo entered and noticed Luke writing in his journal with a whiskey bottle beside him. The older man looked up and saw Gouyen's state. "What happened to you, Gouyen? You-" He then noticed the bag that contained Laureana's ashes; he grew concerned. "What's wrong? Did something happen with Emiliano?"

Gouyen walked towards him as she put the bag of ashes on his desk. "No, not yet. I fear something bad might happen to him, Luke. I don't know if you knew Annmarie, but she was killed."

Isaac and Luke were left stunned. "If she dead, then Dolan and Murphey's men killed her, thinkin' she was spyin' for the Regulators. I wonder if Madame Belle knows about this; it could create more trouble."

"No, Richard and the others buried her. He said that it could bring them more enemies. Emiliano told Richard that he wanted to leave the Regulatos."

Luke stood. He was relieved that his son finally decided to leave the posse but noticed Gouyen's grim expression hadn't changed. "And?"

"He would allow him to leave until their mission for tomorrow was completed. They were going after some Andrew Roberts."

"Buckshot Roberts? I've heard rumors that he was spying for Murphey, but those are just rumors; he sells materials to other businesses. He also worked with John Tunstall. They might put an innocent man to death. Roberts is also a good shot that isn't afraid to fight back."

Isaac put the food tray on the table. "Not only that; Dolan and Murphey rely on him for business. They won't let him get killed."

Gouyen looked at Isaac. "B-But the enemy won't know what the Regulators are up to; they-"

"If Annmarie was killed, spies noticed her speaking with Emiliano. I wouldn't be surprised if spies keep an eye on Buckshot Roberts. If that's the case, then blood might be spilled." Luke paced back and forth as he worried for Emiliano's safety. He couldn't let him get hurt or killed. "I'm going to Robert's home tomorrow. I have to try to stop them."

"Sir, that suicide! Ya can't go alone!"

"I have to, Isaac." The older man glanced at the bag and held it. He gently squeezed it. "Laureana wouldn't want our son to die, and I won't let that happen."

Isaac sighed as he shook his head. "Well, ya ain't goin' alone, Luke. I'm comin' with ya. I will also bring some of our cowboys to tag along for the mission."

Luke looked at Isaac, his one true friend. He would have tried talking him out of it, but Isaac was stubborn and faithful. "Alright. We will ride out as dawn rises. Go tell our best cowboys to be ready."

Gouyen smiled; she felt hope that Emiliano could be saved; she put her hands and closed her eyes. "Laureana, please watch over Emiliano. Please don't let it be too late."