OCTOBER 5, 1861

Curtis sat in the dining room of the hotel sipping his morning coffee. He had already finished his breakfast. He had wanted to talk to Caller Bob about learning to be a caller, but he hadn’t done it yet. He was procrastinating a little, not really sure that he had the dedication to do it. He had always been a roamer, but he was hoping to settle down and have some roots some place soon cause he wasn’t getting any younger. Caller Bob had got wounded, and Curtis had decided to wait until he was feeling better.

Curtis had seen him come into town about a week and a half ago, and he was going to approach Caller Bob then, but before he could, he had seen Caller Bob leaving with two youngins’. He had discovered that Caller Bob was getting to know the little girl and little boy in case he might decide to adopt them. After learning that Curtis figured that he would wait and talk to Caller Bob later on.

Daniel and Luke walked in and sat down at a table. Curtis could hear what they were talking about.

“Daniel, I wish I could help you.” Luke said as Marta sat two cups of coffee in front of them, and then went back into the kitchen to tell Desiree their order.

“I’m having trouble getting on with my life, knowing that I gave away mine and your children, and I don’t even remember it.” Distraught Daniel sipped a little of his coffee.

“You’re still having those horrible nightmares?” Luke couldn’t make sense out of the nightmares that Daniel was having, and he couldn’t figure out why he was still having them even though he had his son back.

“Yes, I just know it has to do with what I can’t remember. I keep seeing this man but never his face and then there’s also a lady in them, and I don’t know who she is.” Daniel rubbed his temple. He was tired but he hated going to sleep because every time he did, he saw the same nightmares over and over again.

“Maybe the lady is the lady who you gave DJ to.” Luke suggested.

“Maybe, but how will I ever know. She’s went somewhere east with her husband, the Pinkertons told me.”

Luke didn’t have an answer, but he sure wished that he could help Daniel in some way. He just didn’t know how.

Curtis rubbed his lip thinking over the conversation that he had just heard. Finally, he turned around and cleared his throat. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”

“Why are you snooping into our conversation?” Luke was a little angry that Curtis was listening to them.

“Well, it’s kind of hard not to since you’re so close. Anyway, I might have a some what solution to your problem.”

Daniel’s head shot up. “You do?”

“Well, I’ve heard that an English physician, James Braid, hypnotizes patients. It’s a highly effective tool that helps most of his patients recover from their surgeries. I’ve also heard that hypnosis can help improve memories.”

“So what does that have to do with Daniel?” Luke couldn’t see how this information could be of any use.

“I can’t just up and leave and go to England, even if it is to cure these nightmares.” Daniel yawned as he massaged the back of his neck.

“Well, I thought that maybe Teaspoon could make some requires and find out if anyone in the states practices it. It was just a thought. I won’t disturb you any more.” Curtis finished his coffee and left.

Daniel rubbed his chin thinking about what Curtis had said. He wondered if Teaspoon might know someone who practiced hypnotism. Daniel and Luke mostly ate their lunch in silence, and afterwards Daniel went over to speak with Teaspoon. Luke watched him go but didn’t say a word. He doubted Teaspoon could find one, and even if he could, he doubted that it would work. As Daniel entered the jailhouse, Luke headed back to work.