After the warriors went their way, Diamond and I helped Chip up.

  I was cognizant of my curious expression. It seemed wrong since Chip had nearly been choked to death, but I had to know how the relationship between Chief and his son, Ana Ahote, was possible. Soon as Chip caught his breath, I inquired, “Ana Ahote is whose son? What in tarnation? They’re different species.”

  I meant to get answers, but the Nagawitchi noncombatants encircled us. I put my investigation on hold for an elder woman, who touched Chip’s countenance.

  Chip grinned and said, “Laughing Heart. How are you, and what did I always tell you about putting your cold hands on my face? Keep them the hell off.”

  “I remember you, just this fiery,” she said, cackling. “You came by with what do you call it? The circus, yes, and stayed with us for many moons. I told them you wouldn’t have done those things to our people. Please, take your mule wagon and clothes back and rest with us. You and those you travel with.”

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  “Thoink you,” Diamond interjected, speaking faster than usual in her twang. “But we have to be brisk as we can and go right into Mexico. My suitor’s in trouble.”

  Laughing Heart chuckled in a fit and switched her grasp from Chip’s face to Diamond’s. “You have a mighty warrior inside but need direction. Let me assure you, your answer is not all the way in Mexico. Giant Chief Big Owl knows ways to get you to the one you want so much, and only in a short while.”

  Chip, Diamond, and I exchanged glances.

  “Really?” Diamond exclaimed with a hopeful gaze.

  ***

  When I returned from getting water from the wagon, the Indians in their camps chomped on raw meat, while the thankfully dressed muleskinners heated their sonofabitch stews over fire.

  Diamond chased Chip around, tugging at his grass skirt. When she got a hold of him, they playfully locked up in a tussle. She, then, departed toward the hills, leaving him sitting alone to bolt down a half-cooked buffalo leg.

  I wondered where she was getting off to but still needed answers from the sheriff concerning Ana Ahote.

  To sit with Chip, turn to Chapter Nineteen. Demanding Answers from the sheriff.

  To follow Diamond up the hills, turn to Chapter Twenty. Pursuing Diamond.