This historical novel is the first to bring the reader the childhood and early years of the American icon of the "old west" Billy "The Kid." This is the first book to reveal where he was born, the profound impact of his parents: Catherine (McCarty) Antrim and J. Michael McCarty, his Civil War hero father. Discover how Billy became a "street gamer" and what ultimately made him one of America's most famous outlaws. This book is as much about Catherine McCarty; an incredible person, mother, business woman, real estate speculator, and developer. All while being illiterate and a Civil War widow left with two children to support. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to really know William Henry McCarty, alias Billy The Kid. He truly was the Peter Pan of the old west. He never grew up in a world that it took a tough, persistent, resilient adult to survive, but he would rather "play" with his guns than mend a broken fence. Billy had a happy-go-lucky attitude most of the time, and it was rare you didn't find a smile on his face. Growing up every person that met him instantly liked "The Kid." Red Johnson spent four years researching and writing this book, but had an interest in "The Kid" and the Lincoln County War since childhood. It wasn't until recently another historian discovered that he is the great-great nephew of Will Davies aka Jesse Evans. Some may think that was the motivation for this book. It was not Red was motivated to find exactly where the Kid was born, who was his father and what happened to him. Where did they live as a family, and what contributed to him becoming an outlaw. All of Red Johnson's books have been motivated by making a significant contribution to the story of the old west, righting wrongs, and telling the true story of famous western characters.