Page 72 of The Last Warrior

However, she kept her own counsel, realizing Cody was earnest, as well as drunk, and she chose her words carefully. “It is a fine offer, and I thank you.”

“Fine, fine.” He beamed at her and laid his hand on her shoulder.

“But,” Suzette said, sidling out of his reach, “I already have a private life with…someone else…and it is indeed, thrilling enough for me.”

“You do? With whom?”

She looked delightedly at Cody, remained silent and offered her hand to him. “Mr. Cody, I thank you.” Her voice and her intent were firm. She turned away from him to stroll to the other side of the tent.

“Splendid, dear, splendid,” came a compliment from one of the cowgirls.

“Thank you very much.” Suzette smiled.

“Your song and your voice is beautiful, very beautiful,” said Annie Oakley, as they met in passing. “I hope you will sing for us often.”

“Thank you, I hope I shall do this as well,” agreed Suzette as she stepped out into the night.

The cold air felt marvelous in her lungs; it was clean and invigorating. Wistfully, she wished that Black Lion might find her standing here, if only so they could continue their argument.

What did this say about her? Truly, it spoke loudly of her joy at simply being with him, even if they did nothing more than spit at each other. For a moment tonight, she had felt as if the two of them had connected, being to being. There had been no other people, no environment. Just him. Just her.

And she had found him…magnificent.

Magnificent? She pulled up her thoughts at once. Indeed, until she determined if the man were married to another or not, she would avoid all thought of him…if this were possible.

The prospect of avoidance was unreal, however, since she had promised a rendezvous with the man later this evening. Would she discover him to be truthful after all?

Only time would tell. Until Irena reappeared, Suzette would have to take upon herself her grandmother’s duties, here at the party. Hopefully Irena would return soon.

Chapter

Nineteen

The celebration party was still in full swing in the wee hours of the morning. Suzette had already sung three songs with one more planned, and at present she was slowly drifting outside in order to escape the stuffy atmosphere. She had barely arrived outside when Black Lion discovered her and announced himself to be unable to find Irena.

“Once you leave the party,” he said, “we will talk some more of this.”

“Later? No, please, tell me now. What have you found out?”

“Hiya! I think it best for me to not speak of it yet.”

“Why?”

“Because what I have to say will be upsetting to you, I believe, and you still have duties before you this night.”

Suzette frowned. “Is it so very bad, then?”

He didn’t answer.

She looked at him sullenly. He had changed his clothes. Though still wearing buckskin, his leggings, his shirt and his moccasins were a light tan color, scarcely decorated and appeared to be purely functional. His hair was parted in the middle and tied in back, as though he couldn’t bother having it in his way. Over one shoulder was a blanket, and strapped around the other shoulder was a rawhide bag which looked to be holding many things. Indeed, he appeared as though he might have stepped straight out of the past.

However, she kept the observation to herself, and continued speaking. “If it is bad news you have, you really must tell me.”

Again, he didn’t comment. Rather, he crossed his arms over his chest, and so serious, so staunch an expression did he present her, he reminded her of an unmovable boulder.

Her frown deepened. “How can you do this? How can you seek me out and tell me something has happened to her, and then not disclose what it is?”

Her question, however, was answered only by his silence.