Mature Content: No.

With: Elias Steelgrave, Case Steelgrave, Cole Latham

Time of Day: Afternoon

Santee rode through the night, not pushing his horse. The man in question was in Kalispell asking questions, that from what he had heard, did not implicate the Steelgraves. He would make the twenty-five or so miles in six to seven hours, the main house was a bit off the trail, but not far enough to make that much of a difference.

Dawn would be breaking as he neared the main house. Santee figured that by the time he’d made this stop and then got to Whitefish and informed Case it would be close to noon, and hen food and rest before he went back to Kalispell.

There was a sigh of relieve as Santee came upon the house and lights were burning, meaning that Elias was up, and that would be good for everyone concerned. He trotted into the yard and up to the hitch post, swinging down and tying off his reins before striding up to the door. He paused, then knocked. The door swung open and the Chinese stood there looking at him. Never had caught the servant’s name. “Here to see Mister Steelgrave.” The Chinaman nodded and scurried off, the door hanging open.

“Well damn it! Show him in!” It was Ellias, loud and not happy. The Chinaman was there in an instant.

“You come.” He said, leading Santee, hat in hand, into the parlor.

“What the hell’s so damned important you bother a man at sun up?” Elias barked.

“Sir, Miss Leah sent me to let you know that there’s a Pinkerton man in Kalispell asking questions, but not about you or the family.” Santee informed Elias, the words tumbling out quickly.

Elias glared at him. “Well? Who the sam hell’s he asking about?”

“Sir, a woman name’a, uh, name’a Dorthy, ah, Dorthy Parsons. Wanted in Texas ‘er some such. Miss Leah thought you should know.”

“I’ll be go ta hell! She’s in Whitefish, was here earlier today and I sent her there. Damn. One Pinkerton you say?”

Santee nodded as he said, “yep, just the one far as we know. Full’a bluster ‘n blow. “Names Asher, if that means anything.”

“You get on to Whitefish. Get a new mount and get the lead out! You hear? Case will know what needs to be done.”

End thread

Continued in "Settlin' In"