SEPTEMEBER 24, 1861

Stone watched as Daniel went into the barbershop. He had been surprised the other day when he had seen Daniel and Serena with their baby. Those Pinkertons sure are good he had thought. He would just have to stay away from Daniel and do his best to keep out of his sight. He didn’t want Daniel to remember who he was. He was doing really well in wooing Jewel. Soon he hoped to propose to her and take her away from here. Then he wouldn’t have to be constantly avoiding anybody.

Stone saw Dean heading his way, so he left the doorway and went back to wiping down the bar. It was early and no one was visiting the bordello as of yet. “Good evening, Dean.” Stone said as he walked in the door.

Dean nodded and then asked for a beer as he stood in front of the bar. Stone sat a mug down in front of him. “It’s as slow at the livery stable as it is here.” Dean stated before taking a drink.

“Well, some days are slower than others. They’re bound to be.” Stone turned his face and looked out the windows. The whole town seemed to be slow today.

Dean nodded, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“It’s extremely warm today, maybe that’s why most people are staying home out of the heat.” Stone took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“I think it’s about to get hotter.” Dean was grinning when Jewel walked in.

“Hi fellas,” Jewel greeted Stone and Dean.

“Howdy,” Dean replied. “Well, I’ve closed up the livery for today, so I guess, I’ll get me some grub.” Dean stood up and as he touched his hat, he said, “Good day Miss Jewel,” and then left the bordello to go over to the restaurant.

Jewel was at the very end of the bar smiling at Stone, and he returned the smile and moved down to her end of the bar. “I was wondering if we could have a picnic lunch this Sunday after church, just you, me and Jaslyn.”

Stone hated sharing Jewel with Jaslyn, but he couldn’t tell her that he just wanted to be alone with her, so he nodded. “That sounds really nice.”

“Good, well, I have to be getting home now.” Stone had come around the bar, so Jewel kissed him on the cheek.

“Would you like to stay and have supper with me? There’s no one here, we could have a quick supper.” Stone suggested.

“I wish I could, but I promised Jaslyn that I would show her how to cook tonight. Actually it will probably be more like Jacy showing her since I ain’t a lick of good in the kitchen, but I did promise her, so I’m going to try.” Jewel hugged him. “But Jaslyn and I will see you this Sunday at church, ok?”

Stone nodded and walked her to the door. He hated to see her go. He watched her cross the street, mount Justice, wave to him and then leave town. He smiled as he watched her go. Everything was working out perfectly. Maybe there was a way to work Jaslyn to his advantage. He was working angles, trying to figure out how something or someone could best suit his purposes.