My heart is on the ground, Hunter. My uncle can’t find…

““My heart is on the ground, Hunter. My uncle can’t find Santos. He says no one but a Comanche would know how to find him. That’s why I came here--to you.” “It is good you come. It is in the song, eh?” “No--no, you don’t understand. I came to ask a favor.” She grasped his hand in both of hers, looking up at him with pleading eyes. “Please, will you find Santos and bring Amy home to me?” His facial muscles drew taut. “To your wooden walls?” “Yes, home to me. Please.” His smile died. “This is why you come? To ask this favor?” “Please, Hunter, don’t say no. I’ll do anything, anything you ask.” All trace of warmth left his eyes. Loretta stared up at him. She had come so far. She couldn’t bear it if he said no. Amy was out there. “Please, Hunter, I’ll do anything. ” He said nothing, just studied her, his expression stony. Exhaustion and defeat sent Loretta to her knees. Still clinging to his hand, she bowed her head. “Please, Hunter, please, I wouldn’t ask if I had anyone else to turn to. I thought you were my friend.” Hunter studied her blond hair, braided and coiled like a snake around her crown, long curls escaping the combs to trail halfway down her back. He had walked to meet her believing she had returned to him. Now he realized she had come only to ask his aid, that she had no intention of remaining beside him. He felt like a foolish young boy, humiliated and angry. But not so angry that he wanted her on her knees.””

— Catherine Anderson