XII - A Heart of Thorns
When the riders reach Ike Ellis’ stables, dusk has turned the sky over Lincoln into a bruised violet, a gibbous moon and a scattering of stars making themselves visible in the darkening firmament. Henry Cooper, along with four of his cowboys, are gathered in a small group, speaking quietly with Patrick Garrett and what the group presumes to be three of his deputies. Also part of the gathering are Quinn Murdock, the stagecoach driver, and his guard, Thomas Horn.
Ellis waves as the posse enters the yard, his demeanor friendly, but somber. He and one of his workers are carrying metal coffeepots and battered cups, supplying drinks of the steaming beverage to any who want them. At the stables, the riders notice that Ellis’ other hands are saddling additional horses, apparently for any who might require mounts.
Henry Cooper and Patrick Garrett each greet the group in turn, the Sheriff asking if the assistance of the Regulators might be forthcoming. As Garrett asks the question, Lena Bauer and Jose Chavez y Chavez ride into the yard. Between them is Aileen Kearney, mounted on her mare, her wrists bound together with rope.
Bauer clears her throat. ”’Fore anyone jumps to any conclusions, you may want to listen to what she has to say,” the deputy offers quietly, nodding at Kearney.