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"I see. I wasn't aware of that."
"Major," Aiden stared at him. "I've known her since she was ten years old. She's been through hell and back many times in her life. I don't want her hurt."
"I can promise I won't harm her. What's your real interest in this woman?"
"The last time I saw her, she wasn't even a woman yet." Aiden stared. "I trust you Major to keep your word. I get her here, under false pretenses, it could go badly."
"I'll make it clear it is part of the bargain."
"Alright. I'll do it, against my better judgement. Right now, the only thing I want is a hot bath and a good night or two of sleep." Aiden told him. "Fame is not something I seek."
"I know that Aiden, another reason I picked you for the job. Get some rest, son. And… thank you!"
"Don't thank me yet, I don't have her!" He snapped.
The Major chuckled and slapped him on the back. "No, but you will if I know you!"
Aiden slammed the door so hard it rattled.
After making a list of supplies he would need and turning it into the Supply Master, he went to get a bath. An hour later he was soaking in a tub of hot water. He leaned back to relax and nearly went to sleep when the Sergeant came in and started talking.
"Aiden, didn't know you got back." Sergeant Shaun O'Riley laughed. O'Riley was a twenty-year veteran at the fort and had earned every soldier's respect. He was a bit shorter than Aiden, but stout built and a rugged looking Irish face. His hair was black, his eyes a light blue, and his disposition was usually jolly. Aiden liked him and wondered how he could show up when Aiden needed to relax.
There were three tubs, a heating stove to warm the water and no windows. There was a rug in front of each tub, drying cloths on the shelves. The room was fairly large allowing room to undress and such. There were three drainage hoses in the floor, making the room colder than most. Still, the iron pot stove kept the room almost comfortable.
"Just got back," Aiden sighed.
"You look pretty wiped out, boy."
"I am. I'm gonna finish enjoying this bath and hit the hay."
"Got that wagon train over the Platt, did ya?"
"Yes, they are on their way now. Boy wagon masters are almost as hard-headed as officers. I argued forever with him about changing his route, going around the sickness. But, I gotta admit, I finally won."
"Guess you've earned some rest."
"Yeah, if it weren't for commanding officers, I'd get a lot more."
The Sergeant laughed, "Don't tell me, the Major's got you saddling up and going again?"
"Yeah… You know one of these days I'm going to quit this job. Go find something respectable to do, like kill officers." Aiden leaned back in the water and used a rag to soap up with.
The Sergeant laughed. After stripping off his clothes he stepped into a tub, where he'd pour a generous amount of hot water into it. He leaned back to relax and look at Aiden.
"Where to this time?" The Sergeant asked as he lit a cigar and puffed on it.
"Up in the mountains. The Black Hills."
"This time of year. Oh, I wouldn't want to be with you. Who you looking for now?"
"For one a three-year-old kid. For another The White Silver Fox." Aiden repeated with disgust.
"No kidding?" O'Riley's smile faded some.
"Don't know how I got rooked into this." Aiden complained.
"Sure, you do. You know Indians better than any of us, even the Indian scouts. You been up in those hills many times too. You're about the only one that doesn't get lost when you go. But the White Silver Fox, no one's dared go after her."
