“This isn’t your fight, Dalton. You have your shares of the railroad. Take them and go home, make a difference for the lives of those you love.”
“Oh, Cassie, don't you get it yet? “ he grips her face, “You are the one I love. I can’t walk away from you, I want to share my life with you. Be mine. Come home with me and be my wife. We will face this together!” he implores.
“What?” she whispers backing away from him. “You can't love me, Dalton! I'm not…” she falls silent.
“Not what?” He wipes the stray tear that is now streaming down her cheek. A knock on the door has him running his hands through his hair in frustration. He tears open the door and finds Mr. Wells and Louis Constant waiting.
“Gentlemen, please come in.” He backs up, and Cassie wipes her eyes and walks quickly to Mr. Wells.
“Mr. Wells, I can’t thank you enough for coming to my rescue today.”
“Yes, I only wish we had gotten their sooner, Mrs. Rivers. I trust the doctor took care of you?” he asks, looking her over with a critical eye.
“Of course, thank you for sending him. I am refreshed. Monsieur Constant how are you today?” she asks her new friend and mentor.
“I am well my dear. When I got word of your attack, I wanted to see for myself that you are safe.” He smiles at her and Dalton.
“Can I get you a drink, gentlemen?” she inquires.
“Yes, hot tea would be lovely.” Monsieur Constant replies following her to the table and providing a distraction for them.
Harry waits until they are out of earshot to speak. “Jeb got away, Dalton. When I returned from calling the constable, he was nowhere to be found. It is imperative that you leave tonight.”
“Damn! I should've killed him and been done with it,” Dalton snaps pacing.
Harry laughs, “I can't fault you for wanting to, after what he did to Cassandra. How is she?” he asks with concern.
“The doctor says she will be okay, only I guess he knocked the common sense out of her,” Dalton snarls loudly.
“I heard that, Dalton Rivers. I think I'm the only one making sense right now.”
Harry chuckles listening to the two of them. “Dalton, I have the marriage license you requested,” Harry whispers with a grin.
“There's been a change of plans, Harry. She's being difficult. Follow my lead.” Dalton replies and Harry smiles, enjoying the game.
“Cassie, we need to sign some documents.” Dalton insists.
“I have brought the papers we discussed,” Harry says taking the hint. “You will need to sign them, and since Monsieur Constant is here, he can act as a witness. Any questions?”
“I’d be delighted to help. What do I need to do?”
Harry moves to the table and gets a stack of papers out, then pulls out a second copy. “One stack will belong to the bank and another for you. I will ask you to sign on all the red x's that you see.” He spends a few minutes running through the document and explaining what each one contains when he is interrupted by Monsieur Constant.
“I believe I shall take you up on lunch, Mrs. Rivers. Could we get some room service?” he asks gently.
“Oh, of course.” She excuses herself and hurries to the bell and immediately there's a knock at the door. When she moves to answer it, Dalton adds two more sheets, and the three men shuffle some papers around and then settle back down.
“Excellent my dear, you are kind to put up with an old man.” He says, tapping her hands and joining her at the door to place his order.
“Not at all, you must maintain your health.” The porter leaves and they return to the table. “Now where was I, oh, yes. Should I start signing them now?” she asks, glancing up at Mr. Wells.
“Yes, now that I have explained each page and you have verified your shares and percentages which your witness can confirm, you can swiftly sign all the red X’s. Full name, please don’t use nicknames.”
Cassie begins flipping through the pages and signs her true name, everywhere she finds a red x. The last page asks for two signatures. Hers and His signatures. Dalton smiles and quickly signs his name and Mr. Constant signs the witness section.
“Very good. Congratulations, Mrs. Rivers you are free of your land. We will get started on the mining process it should take about six to eight months, depending on what we find and how much opposition we come across.” Harry says quickly collecting the papers and rising to his feet with a smile, “I will get these filed with the court this afternoon.”
“You will be careful, Mr. Wells. These men, they aren't playing by the normal rules of society. If you aren't careful, you will get hurt. I don't want more death… well, I guess it isn't my land anymore.” She reminds herself.
Dalton stands behind her with his hands resting on her shoulders and thanks Mr. Wells, again. “I will send you a telegram when we are home safe. Harry, I can't thank you enough for your swift action today. If you hadn't been there, I'm not sure what would have happened.”
“It was my pleasure. I will definitely be in touch with you soon. Safe journey.” He takes his leave, and Dalton turns and notices Mr. Constant in deep conversation with Cassie.
“Cassandra. I fear for your safety if you stay here. I had a dream last night of a beautiful bird, a phoenix flying high in the sky. She soared so brightly that she did not see the two shadows coming at her from two directions. Her flaming wings drew them to her, and as she neared the river for a drink and rest, they joined each other and while one distracted
