Bill left the barn on shaking legs and went back to the hotel. That was where he found Jack creeping from Katherine's room. He'd seen Jack like this many times before and knew that behind that door was His Katherine. It was all he could do to speak those words to Jack and go back downstairs to drown his day in a glass.

He hadn't numbed himself enough for the sight of Katherine. If the freedom and sense of purpose had made her shine earlier in the day, now looking at her was like staring into the sun. She came downstairs on her own and sat a cautious distance from himself and Jack. She doesn't think I know thought Bill. Bill drained his glass and looked at his two companions before speaking:
"I met with Colonel Atkinson today and he says he found a duty roster with the name of Emmet McInnis on it. Seems your brother left with Bonneville for all points west. If you like, we can follow in a few days. It will take that long to gather supplies, but I think we can make good time on the trail."

Katherine and Jack shot each other a quick glance before Katherine said:
"All points west, by way of Ft. Leavenworth, you mean."

"Of course." The look that Bill then gave her should have chilled her to the bone, but he couldn't get a read on her. If she meant to strike out on her own, who was he kidding, strike out with Jack sniffing her tail, then so be it. He could play along for now…..