JUNE 24, 1861

After watching Lee ride off, Caly spotted her father as he climbed into their wagon and set off for home. Not wanting to go home and be with him, she decided to have lunch in town.

Turning she untied Star and headed over to the Silver Spoon.

Charlie greeted her as she entered. "Caly, I'm glad you came to town. I was going to come out and talk to you. He could see that the normally happy girl that she had become since March had disappeared again.

"Sure Charlie, what about?" Caly forced a friendly smile.

Offering her his arm, he hoped that after he offered her a job that it would make her smile for real.

Caly knew he was a good friend, so she took his arm. She knew she could trust him.

Leading her over to a back table, he spoke to Lilly on the way. Holding her chair out for her, Charlie smiled. "Sit please. Let me buy you lunch while we talk."

"Okay, Thanks Charlie." Caly answered as she sat in the chair he had offered her.

Taking the seat opposite her, he knew he could be completely honest with her. "I had a visit from your father earlier, Caly."

Rolling her eyes Caly shook her head.

"Now please hear me out. He's worried about the distance that's come between you two." Reaching over he took her hands in his, "I'm your friend Caly. I just want to see you happy again."

Sighing Caly looked at her friend. "He caused the distance between us. I was finally beginning to trust men more then I had been. Buck helped me get this far. Now I can't see him." Pulling her hands from his, she sat back. "Oh Charlie, you don't know everything that I've been through."

"Then tell me. I want to help. You’re my friend and I wouldn't have meet my Gracie if it hadn't been for you."

Looking around she nodded. "Not here please. There’s to many people around."

"Alright. How about my office?" He suggested.

Nodding Caly knew she had to tell him all of it before he could really understand. 'That will work." Standing she waited while he went and told Lilly to bring Caly's lunch to his office.

Returning to the table he smiled. "This way." He led the way to his office.

Shutting the door behind them. He turned, worried about his friend, and waiting for her to continue.

Licking her lips, Caly nodded to herself. "There was more them just the beaten those men gave me." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Picturing Buck in her mind she just said it. "He raped me repeatedly. Then he threaten to let his men have at me."

Charlie just stood there stunned. He knew Caly well enough to know she wouldn't lie about anything like this.

Turning red at the thought of someone hurting this innocent girl, his friend, made him angry. "Is he dead?" Charlie asked through clenched teeth trying to control his anger.

Nodding Caly couldn't bring herself to look at him. "Some of the riders caught him. He threatened to come after me again and then go after Lee. Just before he grabbed Lee, Jimmy killed him."

"Good. He doesn't deserve to live." Walking over he gently took his friend in his arms. "If Jimmy hadn't killed him, I would have. No man has the right to do that to someone. Your secret is safe with me. I understand. You need the safety you felt with Buck. I'm glad you have him."

Stepping back he handed her a hanky just as there was a knock on the door. "Come."

Lilly opened the door. "I hope I'm not disturbing you. But I have Caly's lunch." She could feel how heavy the air was. "Want me to send for Steven?"

Shaking her head, Caly looked up at her friend. "Please don't Lilly, I'm okay. Just missing Buck is all."

"Alright, Charlie, mind if I take my lunch?" Lilly asked setting the tray on the desk.

"No go ahead, I'll watch over things." He knew Lilly liked having lunch with her husband. Turning back to Caly, he smiled at her. "I might have a way for you to see Buck."

"Really how?"

Charlie smiled when he saw the light come back to her eyes. "Well, he's in town a lot getting supplies. He eats here a lot. I have a job opening. It's yours if you want it."

"What about my father? He doesn't want me around Buck." Taking a bite of her sandwich.

"If your working here, and he comes in to eat, and if he just happens to seat in your area. What can you do? You have to do your job." Smiling at her Charlie watched her think about it.

"You wont tell my father that I'm seeing and talking to him while I'm working?"

"I wont tell. You’ll be working." He tried to reassure her.

Taking a drink of the ice tea Lilly brought in with the food. Caly nodded. "Alright. I'll take the job. Thanks Charlie."

"You’re welcome. Think you could start today?"

"Sure I can. I just need to put Star at the livery."

"Okay. You finish your lunch. And after you take care of your horse. We’ll get you started." Standing he squeezed her shoulder. "The tow of you will be back together soon/"

Smiling up at him. "Alright. Thanks Charlie." Caly nodded and finished her lunch while he went to speak with Charity.

Caly finished her lunch. Then went to take care of her horse.

Walking back into the restaurant. She was happy for the first time in weeks. Entering the restaurant she looked for Charlie. She spotted him just as he came out of the kitchen.

Charlie smiled when he spotted Caly. Walking over to her he helped her get started with her first day of work.