Quicksilver Passion (152 page)

Shine, mister?” a small boy’s voice inquired and a small hand pulled at his coat insistently.

No.” Cherokee shook his head impatiently at the small blur by his side. With such impaired vision, how could he find a doctor or even a hotel room?

Please, mister. I haven’t shined a pair of boots all day.”

Cherokee paused.
You got folks?”

No, I look after myself. Shine?”

I tell you what I’ll do. I don’t see very well, so I’ll pay you to help me get around. You know this town?”

Do I? Anyone’ll tell you Keso knows everyone, can tell you anything you want to know.”

Keso, huh?” Cherokee smiled.
Is that Indian?”

He could sense the hesitation.
You got something against Indians, mister?”

Nope, I’m a half-breed myself. Cherokee, they call me.”

I’m Cheyenne. My name’s really
Poh’Keso
. It means Fox.”

Cherokee didn’t say anything. The boy must be just a stray, claimed by no one. His mother might even have been one of the many Indian girls who hung around forts and settlements like Denver to work as whores for the soldiers.
I tell you what, Keso, I was just about to have some dinner and I’d buy yours if you’ll take me to a good cafè.”

You mean
inside
at a
table?”