“Another hot day,” Melanie commented to her father as she used her hat to fan her face. “I am glad we didn’t choose to pan gold again.” She fumbled for the handkerchief she kept tucked in the watch pocket of her skirt and blotted the back of her neck.
Yesterday’s mining attempts had yielded two more nuggets, both found by her father. His whoop of delight had echoed over Deadwood Creek. A quick meal of pickled eggs, paired with the soda biscuits and huckleberry jam left over from their wagon train days, had been an enjoyable affair, fueling them for another hour of panning before they’d given up and traveled back to town.
They had plans to meet with Dewey at Nuttal’s and discuss the additions to the cabin as well as the new barn and stable. Knowing she would soon see him again sent so many nerves tumbling inside her, Melanie had to force herself not to clutch her stomach like a girlish ninny.
Feigning a calm front, she took her father’s arm as they crossed the street and entered the saloon.
Nuttal’s was—as usual—noisy and filled with the sounds of clinking tin dishes and hearty laughter. Dewey was already there, seated at Wild Bill’s table and engaged in a quiet conversation with the legendary gunslinger. At her entrance, he jumped up with a wide smile and pulled out a chair, seating her carefully before greeting her father.
Wild Bill inclined his head politely. “Good to see you, Frederick, Miss Hayes. I hear you dipped your toe in Deadwood Creek and panned a few nuggets.”
“We have, sir,” her father affirmed. “And I see you have met young Bower. He’s a solid, hardworking sort.”
While Dewey flushed at such praise, Hickok regarded him thoughtfully. “I have heard good things about you, Bower. Been watching you around town. You’ve got a keen eye and a steady hand. Ever thought about law enforcement?”
Visibly surprised, Dewey pondered the question before meeting the older man’s eyes squarely. “I can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind. With all that’s going on in Deadwood, a man could make a difference.”
Wild Bill nodded. “How about I show you some of the ropes? Someone of your capabilities could be invaluable in keeping the peace around here.”
Melanie’s father turned to Dewey with obvious approval. “That’s a fine offer. You’d do well to learn from one of the best.”
“I agree.” Dewey accepted the hand Wild Bill held out and gave it a firm shake. “Thank you, sir. I wouldn’t think of refusing such a generous offer.”
The retired lawman’s grin softened his usually fierce demeanor. “My friends call me Bill.”