Shyanne's Secret

1877 - Oregon Territory. Orphaned half-Piaute Cole Jackson came of age and applied to take over his parents' farmland. As he worked in the barn, spoiled Shyanne Bennett came to visit. She was beautiful: blonde, blue-eyed and very friendly. Her attention led to a mostly innocent night spent in the hay loft, but ended in accidental tragidy. Cole would do anything to keep her secrets. What he didn't know was that his promise would cost him his life. When a band of hooded riders lynched him, his double life began.

Shyanne Bennett truly loved Cole Jackson. She realized it after their night in the loft when she failed to get all she wanted from the half-blood. Her love was confirmed the night she ran throught the darkness, arriving at his farm in time to find a band of men had hung him. The rope in the tree was cut and a new grave lay along side Cole's parents plots. She lost her mind, knowing he died to keep her secret. Cole promised to take care of her but how could he now? Thus began the long road back, knowing she'd allowed the man she loved to be killed and she'd done nothing to stop it. Ravaged by guilt, Shyanne spent many nights wandering through the Oregon landscape to end up prostrate on the cold ground of Cole's grave, allowing the earth to drink her tears. He promised to take care of her. How could he, now that he was dead?