About a month back, Kate made her way downstairs during the early morning hours. She stopped off at the Bar and eased her leather bags from her shoulder, leaving them on a stool while she called up paper and pen from the Miss.
She then left two notes:
To Friends and Stable Hands:
I've gone to move my door somewhere a little safer.
Can't be sure when I'll be back, so please look after
my horses and take care of each other until I return.
With Affection,
Kate
Dear Miss X,
I've gone back home. I shouldn't be gone long, but
I would consider it a favor if you would check in
on the boys for me. They do seem to love you best.
With My Thanks and Affection,
Kate
The notes are left to be delivered by Miss Bar.
That done, she gathers up her things, settles her hat on her head, and disappears out the back door for a few minutes. She comes back in leading Beaut, careful to give the few patrons around the bar a wide berth.
And then the two disappear, on their way out to Texas.