Chapter 31

She knew it was the Reverend, even before turning around. The tapping of his stick on the wooden floor of the church was the giveaway. She was surprised he'd come in when she was there. He'd been avoiding her for days now, or that's how it seemed to her. As she waited for her first piano student to arrive, she continued to play, her back to him. Then she realised that all was silent except for the tinkling of the keys; no tapping of the cane, no footsteps. At last, when she could draw out the piece no longer, she paused, her fingers hovering over the piano keys, and waited for him to say something. When he did not, she slowly swivelled on the stool to face him and was startled to see his sightless eyes fixed in her direction. She fought the blush that threatened to overwhelm her and muttered, "You wanted to talk to me Reverend?" Then before he could reply she added, "It seems you've been avoiding that lately."

His eyes narrowed slightly and he had the good grace to redden. He seemed to be searching for something to say. At last, he bewildered her by stating soberly, "I was angry ... I know that goes against everything I believe in ... but I had to think things through first ... before speaking with you again ..." She frowned, hurt. He added contritely, "I'm sorry Mrs O'Connell ..."

Her shoulders slumped and she asked in a small voice, "Angry? Why?"

Again he seemed to be at a loss. At last he said, "Dorothy and Cloud Dancing are good people ..."

Her brow furrowed and then she turned away from him to stare out the window, her jaw set.

"You tried to turn people against them ... the other day ... in the caf� ...," he explained quietly.

She turned back to regard him, her expression stony. "They are no friends of mine," she said bitterly.

"They helped save your life ... and looked after Douglas and May ..."

"And *his* people killed my husband and son ..."

"That wasn't Cloud Dancin's fault ..."

Her face suddenly flamed red in anger. "You just expect me to ignore the fact that he's Cheyenne?" she queried angrily. "To forgive and forget?"

"Way I see it ... there's nothing to forgive ... Cloud Dancin' had nothing to do with what Red Fox was doing ... Fact is ... he an' Sully made sure Red Fox couldn' hurt other homesteaders like you again ..."

She abruptly stood and began to pace agitatedly, hands on hips. "The man is a Cheyenne indian ... that's enough for me ... and Dorothy Jennings is far to close to him ... for a white woman ... I'll never forgive what happened to me and my family ... One minute we were dreaming of a happy future and the next our family had been torn apart ...," she raved. "I've thought of taking the children away from here ... so that they never have to set eyes on an indian again ... but as you well know ... that's not possible right now ..."

"And so your intention is to make life as difficult as possible for Cloud Dancing ... and in turn ... Dorothy ..."

Her eyes flew to his and a flash of guilt crossed her face before the mask of anger descended once more.  "Haven't you wondered about the amount of time the two of them spend together?" she ventured, her tone derogatory.

He swallowed, then shrugged his shoulders. "Its none of my business," he replied, and then before she could say anything else, he added, "I figure its not anyone's business ... Besides ... you don't know anythin' about them ..."

She grimaced then retorted, "I know enough ..."

He shook his head.  "With all due respect Mrs O'Connell ... no you don't ...," he rejoined quietly. "Else you'd know that Dorothy Jennings was married before ... long time ago ... Her husband ... a white man ... beat her up so bad you could hardly recognise her ... If ever there was reason for a woman ta hate someone ... that was it ..." Her brow creased as she pondered the Reverend's revelation. He continued, "An' Cloud Dancin' lost his son ... killed by a renegade indian when the boy was trying to save Dr Mike's life ... Lost his wife too ... killed by Custer's men at Washita ... So he's got reason ta hate too ... but he don't ..."

"Well ... aren't they just model citizens," she retorted sarcastically, defensively.

"You could say that," he returned, choosing to take her comment seriously. "Truth is ... there's a lot o' folks in this town bin through hardship ... Dr Mike was abducted by dog soldiers some years back ... they had her for three days ... She's never let on what happened out there ... 'cept she came back dirty and her clothes all torn... but it didn't stop her trying to help the indians out at the reservation after ... the ones the army was treating so badly ..."

She slumped down onto the piano stool and looked away.

"This is a hard way o' life out here Mrs O'Connell ... Maybe you didn' expect it to be quite so hard ... no-one would ... The folks here ... they haven't all had it easy either ... Cloud Dancing and Dorothy keep to themselves ... but they've got a lotta folks' respect in this town ... Its not just me who objects to someone trying to hurt them ...."

She shook her head and her face crumpled. "You don't know what's its like," she mumbled, tears spilling from her eyes.

He stood and began to approach her, then thought better of it. "No ... you're right ... I don't," he agreed quietly. "But we all suffer losses in our lives ... all kinds o' losses ... I guess everyone's gotta work out a way to cope ... else life's gonna be real hard ... and unhappy ..."

Her shoulders slumped and she said in a small voice, "Do you think I'll ever learn to cope?"

"I got no doubt about it," he replied at once. "You already are in some ways ... else you wouldn' be starting your piano lessons ... and thinkin' about renting a house ..."

"They're necessities ..."

"Yeah ... they are ... but you aren't just letting 'em go ... You're doing something about them ..."

"Its hard," she admitted softly.

"I know it ... but you've got friends here ... You know that don't you?"

Her eyes rose to his and she regarded him bemusedly. At last she rejoined, "Yes ... I know ... but you'll understand if I have difficulty with Dr Mike and Sully, Dorothy Jennings and that indian ... won't you ... at least for now?"

"Sure I understand ... but please ... will you think about what I said? ... Dr Mike and Sully ... and Cloud Dancing and Dorothy aren't your enemies ... far from it ...," he implored.

She nodded, and then realising he couldn't see the gesture, said, "Yes ... I'll think about it ... but I can't change overnight ..."

He nodded in turn. "Takes a while ta come to terms with things ... I know it more 'an most ... I'll be here if you need to talk again ..."

As footsteps heralding the arrival of her piano student could be heard on the church steps she mumbled a sincere thank-you, stood, straightened her borrowed skirt and plastered on a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

******************
"Wanna thank ya Robert E for helpin' me get this lumber out here," said Sully as the heavily laden wagon rumbled towards Hank's piece of land.

"Think nothin' of it," the blacksmith replied, giving the reins a gentle flick. "Gets me outta the livery for a while ..." He shook his head wonderingly. "Still can't believe Hank's actually buildin' a house ... an' outta town ..."

Sully shrugged nonchalantly. "He aint told me much ... but he's keen ... Reckons he's gonna help with the buildin' ... like he did at Matthew's ..."

Robert E chuckled. "Wonder what's got into him? Aint ever pictured him away from the saloon ..."  He slowed the wagon as Sully pointed towards his pegs and string layout of the new house set back from the road. 

Sully gave a wry smile. "Me neither ... but I've bin wonderin' ..."

Robert E swivelled to regard him, puzzled. "Wonderin'?"

Sully shook his head dismissively. "Probably nothin'," he said.

"Can't leave it hangin' there like that Sully," charged Robert E.

"Aint none o' my business ..."

Robert E drew the wagon to a halt, then said, "Its just you an' me here ... what've you noticed?"

Sully jumped down from the wagon and walked around to the back to loosen the ropes tied around the lumber. At last he looked up at Robert E, his eyes twinkling. "You aint noticed the way he looks at Anna McLeod?" he remarked.

"The new lady doc?!" exclaimed Robert E. "You're kiddin' me ..."

"You asked me what I'd noticed," intoned Sully, sliding the first piece of lumber off the wagon.

Robert E immediately jumped down and joined his friend, obviously pondering this disclosure. "You think he's got a chance?" he asked at last.

Again Sully shrugged. "Plenty o' folks woulda said no about me an' Michaela," he remarked.

"Yeah ... but Hank an' Dr McLeod?" queried Robert E incredulously.

"Stranger things've happened ..."

The blacksmith shook his head ruefully. "Yeah but ..." He took the end of a long plank and helped Sully carry it closer to the building site. "Guess we all change along the way," he mused. "Can't hardly believe how Grace an' my lives've changed with Michael comin' along. You realise he's gonna have his first birthday in a few weeks?"

Sully chuckled. "Time sure goes awful fast ... Remember Grace goin' inta labour at the Halloween party? She was worried the baby was gonna be born on Halloween ..."

Robert E shook his head. "Couldn' figure that one ... We'd waited so long I didn' care when the baby was born ... long as everythin' was alright ..."

"Know what ya mean ... Katie an' William bein' healthy is the most important thing ..."

Robert E paused to mop his brow and queried uncertainly, "You ever worry 'bout what might happen to your kids if you weren't here?"

Sully frowned. "You worried 'bout somethin' Robert E?" he asked a touch anxiously.

The blacksmith immediately shook his head. "Nah ... everythin's alright with me ... I was just wonderin' ..."

Sully gazed off into the distance. "I was never worried about it ... til Michaela made me realise the kids needed ta be looked after if somethin' happened to us ... that's why we decided on you an' Grace as godparents .... We know the kids'd be alright ..."

"Same goes for us ... with you lookin' after Michael if ya had to ... You know ... I can't hardly believe I got a son ta watch out for ... an' the thought o' missin' somethin' in his life hurts like a knife ..."

Sully slapped his friend good-naturedly on the back. "You got no need ta worry ...," he said with a smile. "That boy's got two parents who'll be dotin' on him til well after he needs it ..."

Robert E gave a rueful smile. "Guess you're right," he said. "This year's gone so quick ... I guess I just got ta thinking' ..."

"Always tell Michaela she does too much o' that ... thinkin' I mean," remarked Sully with a grin. "Come on ... we'll finish unloadin' ... always helps ta get some exercise ..."

**********************
"You sure its only teethin', Dr Mike?" asked Grace anxiously as Michaela bent over the near year old boy. "What about the fever?"

She nodded. "Yes ... I'm sure Grace," she replied. "See ... if you massage his gums he settles a little ... you'll need to ensure he's drinking plenty of water and milk ... the intermittent fevers will dehydrate him ..."

Grace regarded her ruefully. "I'm sorry for botherin' ya ... but I get worried when something don' seem right ...," she admitted, then hung her head.

Michaela gave her a compassionate smile. "I understand completely Grace after what you've been through ...," she said at once. "Please don't hesitate to bring him over here if anything at all worries you ... It gives me a chance to see my godson ..." She picked Michael up and gave him a cuddle to which he responded with a delighted cuddle of his own.

"Its gonna be his birthday soon," remarked Grace with an indulgent smile. "Can ya believe it? A year almost gone?"

Michaela shook her head ruefully. "It goes by so quickly," she bemoaned. Then her eyes darted to the inner door as it opened and Anna poked her head around the corner. "Oh .. I'm sorry ... I didn't know you were with a patient," she exclaimed, starting back.

"Its alright Anna," Michaela assured her. "We were just finishing up ... Are you heading out to the Chateau?"

Anna stepped into the room and cast an apologetic glance at Grace before lifting her medical bag high. "Yes," she replied, starting for the door. "I'll get out of your way ..."

"Ah ... Dr McLeod," ventured Grace tentatively, arresting the woman's progress. "Can I talk to ya for a minute?"

"Of course," the puzzled doctor replied, turning to face the caf� owner.

Grace swallowed deeply, took a deep breath and announced solemnly, "I figure I owe ya an apology ..."

Anna frowned. "You do?" she queried, mystified.

"Uh huh ... I didn' give ya a chance when your Jamie an' his aunt came ta town ... an' .. well ... I'm sorry ..."

Anna waved her apology away. "You were no different to many others in town Grace ... Michaela said it would take time ..."

"Yeah ... but I try not ta be like those other folks in town ... well ... a lot o' the time anyways ... I guess it was such a shock ... an' ... an' it took me a while ta come around to your point o' view I guess ... Robert E says everyone's got a story, only we don' often get a chance ta hear it ... I'm glad we heard yours, an' I just wanna say I hope you an' your boy will be happy livin' here in Colorado Springs ..."

Her eyes suspiciously bright, Anna smiled and rejoined softly, "Thank-you ... I'm sure we will ..."

Her eyes still on Anna, Grace reached across and took Michael from Michaela's arms. "An' ... well ... if there's anythin' me an' Robert E can ever do for you ... just ask," she added, her smile now broad.

Anna nodded, bereft of words. At last she said, her voice husky, "I will ... Now I must go ... Good day Michaela ... Grace ..." She quickly pulled the door open and walked out into the sunshine.

Grace's shining eyes met Michaela's. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that," Michaela said softly.

Grace shrugged her shoulders, a touch self-conscious. "It was the least I could do," she said soberly. "That woman's bin through so much ..."

"Yes she has, but I'm hoping she can finally settle down here ..."

"I'm sure a lotta folks'll see things the way we do .... now ...," remarked Grace, a little shamefaced. She started toward the door. "Thanks Dr Mike ... for everythin'," she added.

Michaela smiled. "You bring my godson back any time you like," she offered. "I enjoy visiting with you both."

Grace nodded, pulled the door open and stepped out onto the porch, casting a startled glance at the odd looking character waiting on the porch bench. She momentarily turned back to Michaela, her eyebrows raised, then set off for the caf�.

As a result, Michaela peered out and her face lit up. "Cap!" she exclaimed, moving hastily forward. "Now I know the summer is truly over! .... Come in ... How are you?"

The rotund little man rose from the bench, gave her a toothless grin and shuffled into the clinic. Dressed in a roughly made buckskin jacket and heavy, very worn workboots, his uneven steps resounded on the wooden floorboards. He paused at the examination table, removed his battered hat and turned back to face Michaela. "Howdy Dr Mike," he said, his voice husky from disuse. The slight burr in his voice, and his bushy hair, beard and eyebrows still flecked amongst the grey with fiery red, gave away his Scottish ancestry.

She instinctively reached for his gnarled left hand, turned it palm up and scrutinised the scar which ran diagonally across it. "Its fine Dr Mike," he reassured her. "Bin a long time now ..."

She nodded and raised her eyes to his. "I know," she said quietly. "But I can't help checking. Her mind flew back to her first meeting with Cap. He'd arrived at the clinic some three years back in a sorry state, the deep wound on his hand in danger of becoming gangrenous. He'd been thin, feverish and adamant that a man couldn't survive on his own in the wilderness with just one hand - she had to fix it! She'd been fearful that he'd come to her too late, but several days and nights of treatment had finally saved his hand and he'd been loyal to her ever since. Twice a year, once before the first snows of winter, and then after the melt, he would come into town to visit. Apart from a little arthritis in his knees, there was never anything wrong with him, but he would come to pass the time, reassure her he was still alright, and then disappear into the mountains again. Her mother would say it was an odd friendship, but when she visited with Cap, her resolve to be the best doctor she could possibly be was always bolstered. "So ... how have you been then?" she asked.

He grinned and eyed her knowingly. "I got somethin' outside for you ... but I figured you'd wanna get the doctorin' business over with first ..."

She reddened slightly then smiled good-naturedly. This was an old and familiar game they played. "Well," she continued. "How *have* you been?"

He shrugged his shoulders self-consciously. "I'm fine as usual," he replied. "'Cept I could do with some more o' that willow bark tea for me knees ... I know how they'll be when the cold sets in ..."

She nodded and headed for her medicine cabinet. "Of course ... anything else? What about bandages ... antiseptic?"

"I'm runnin' a little low," he replied.

Her back to him at the medicine cabinet, she heard him shuffle out the door and she smiled. She'd long ago given up all efforts to resist his gifts, or payments, as he referred to them. The giving seemed to afford him pleasure and pride. The truth was, she'd come to look forward to his unique 'payments', many of which, naturally enough, appealed to Sully.

She finished bundling up the few supplies she always ensured he carried with him and awaited his return. He was back within minutes carrying a bulky package wrapped in a somewhat tatty and soiled cloth. He placed it down on the examination table and peered across at her, his eyes twinkling. "Probably the prettiest one I've ever taken," he remarked ambiguously. He pulled the string then began to unwrap the package. "Reckoned you'd appreciate it," he added. At last he unfolded the old cloth to reveal a piece of pristine buckskin of the richest of tans, so much so that it almost glowed. "This summer was just perfect for the tanning," he commented, running his hand over the soft leather.

Michaela swallowed and followed suit, her fingers running lightly over the hide. "Its ... its beautiful Cap," she commented almost reverently.

He grinned. "Knew you'd like it," he crowed.

"I ... I do ... but you should ... I mean ... you'd get a good price for it if you sold it ..."

He shook his head. "It'd be wasted on those city folk ... They'll like the others I got ... but I've seen you an' that husband o' yours ... I knew how you'd feel about this one ..."

Michaela picked up a corner and held it to her cheek. The smell was so familiar, so right. "Sully *will* love it," she said softly, already picturing a new jacket on him. "I'll ask Colleen to ..." She trailed off as she realised Colleen was in Philadelphia and unable to assist her. The light momentarily disappeared from her eyes.

Cap noticed. "What were ya gonna say?" he asked quietly.

She shook her head. "Its nothing ... I just forgot for a moment that my daughter ... Colleen ... is away ... back east .... She's always helped me with the sewing ..."

"She's coming back though?"

"Mmmm ... I hope so ... She's studying at medical college ..."

Cap grinned again. "Gonna have another doctor in the family huh? You should be real proud ..."

"Oh I am ... very much ... but I miss her ... I can't help it ..."

"She'll be back before ya know it ... You know how quick the seasons come around ... Seems like no time since I was here in the spring ..."

She nodded. "You're right," she replied gratefully. "Thank-you ... for this beautiful gift ... and the wisdom ..." She picked up the bundle of medical supplies. "And here are the things for you ... Make sure ..."

He waved her advice aside, his hand palm up. "I know ... I know ... I learnt after this happened ... I'll be careful ..."

She gave him a rueful smile. "When you're alone out there ..."

He nodded. "I've only got one person ta rely on," he finished. "I know it ..."

"And that doesn't worry you?"

He chuckled. "I like it," he admitted. "Why do ya think I decided ta live this way? ... Years back now ..."

"I love it out there too," she rejoined softly. "But to live like that all the time ..."

"Suits me just fine ..." He broke off and frowned. "That reminds me Dr Mike ... I was wondering ..."

"Wondering?"

"Well ... You ever come across a fella named Deeg? Lives up in the mountains like me ... He ever come in here?"

She shook her head. "I don't believe so ... Deeg? That's a strange name ...."

"That probably aint the name he was born with ... but that's the only name I know him by ..."

"Why did you ask about him? ..."

His brow furrowed. "Always pass by his cabin when I come down ta town ... It's the longer route, but its not so steep ... I can't risk my mule losing her footing an' dumping her load down a ravine ... When I passed by this time ... well ... he looked real sick ... Last time I saw him was six months ago I reckon ... He had a cough, but seemed healthy enough ... This time he was sweating and coughing all the time ... an' he had the shakes ..."

Michaela frowned. "I wish I knew who you were talking about ... but I don't ..."

"Always got the feeling he stayed away from folks ... Didn' even like passin' the time o' day with me ... I never stayed long ..."

"And you have no idea of his real name?"

Cap shook his head. "Had trouble enough getting him to tell me any name ... I knew right from the beginning it weren't his right name ... but I guess it didn' matter too much ... til now ... Maybe I shouldn've mentioned him ... Guess there's nothing anyone can do ... If he won't come into town ... "

Again Michaela frowned. "I guess not," she admitted reluctantly. "But I am glad you mentioned him ... As a doctor, you tend to forget there are people out there ... beyond the town limits ..."

Cap nodded and picked up his bundle of medical supplies. "I better be going then ... gotta get my skins an' such on the afternoon train ta Denver ... Thanks for these Dr Mike ..."

"And thank-you for the wonderful buckskin ... I know Sully will love it ...," she replied escorting him to the door.

Outside, in the brilliant sunshine, she bade the elderly man farewell and watched him untether his mule from the hitching post and shuffle slowly off toward the train station. She really did like him, even though her mother would not approve. There wasn't a cruel bone in his body. He always treated her with the utmost respect. When he had turned the corner, she made to go back inside, then halted. Her eyes slowly went to the distant mountain peaks, and her mind to the hermit living, perhaps dying, out there. Lost in thought, it was some time before she re-entered the clinic and was able to once again focus on her immediate patients and files.

Chapter 32

Michaela sensed, rather than heard, him come up behind her, but she was startled when she heard him place the freshly filled canteens at their feet and then felt his fingers begin to remove the hairpins from the loose knot she wore at her nape. "Sully?!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing?"

He continued to withdraw the pins until her hair tumbled in coppery waves down her sun-warmed back. At last he rejoined, "Aint no-one else here but us ... I like it this way ..." He ran his fingers through it, deeper and deeper until he could caress her scalp and neck.

She swallowed. "Sully ...," she protested weakly.

"Mmmm?" he asked mildly, continuing the gentle caresses.

She grasped his hand where he was caressing her neck and linked her fingers with his. "So you're not still angry with me?" she asked softly.

"Could never be angry about bein' out here with you ... alone like this," he murmured against her ear. "But ..."

"But?" she prompted, turning her back on the magnificent vista of mountains to face him.

"But I don' like our chances o' findin' this fella ... You got any idea how many passes there are? How many trails?"

She bit her lip and nodded. "I know ... you said ..."

He grimaced. "But ya have ta look for him anyway," he finished resignedly.

She nodded contritely.

"An' what if we don't find him?"

"Then at least I'll know we tried ... Besides ... you'll find him ... I know it ..."

"Might not ... an' even if we do ... what if he don't wanna be found? From what Cap said, this Deeg fella likes ta keep to himself ..."

"But he sounds very ill ..."

"What if he doesn' want a doctor ... wants ta die out here ... on his own ..."

She peered up at him, her eyes troubled. "You realise I can't just leave it ... having been told about him ..."

"Uh huh ... I know ... I remember Sam ... But ya gotta be prepared ... we might not be made welcome ..."

She nodded. "I know," she replied in a small voice. Absentmindedly fiddling with the buttons on his shirt, she mused softly, "Sometimes I wonder how you put up with me .."

"Yeah ... its hard ... but I manage," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

Even after all the years they'd been together she still had to peer up into his eyes to make sure he was teasing. When she realised he was, she smiled embarrassedly. "You didn't have to come," she ventured, knowing what his reaction would be as soon as the words spilled from her mouth. He raised his eyebrows sceptically and she blushed.  "But then again ... perhaps you did," she conceded with a soft, contented sigh. She turned in his arms to once again gaze out over the beautiful Colorado mountain wilderness.

Sully's hold tightened and he pulled her back to lean against his chest, secure in his embrace. After some minutes of silence, he bent down and said quietly against her ear. "When I came up to ya before ... What were ya thinkin' about?"

She shrugged and replied just as quietly, "Lots of things I suppose ..."

"Like what?"

Her answer was unexpected. "There isn't a chimney, a campfire, a roof, a steeple in sight .... You can't hear any sounds you associate with other people ... We could be a thousand miles from anywhere ..."

"But we aint ..."

"I know ... but it feels like we could be ..."

"And?" he prompted.

"It made me think about Colleen and Andrew ... hundreds of miles away ... I wonder how they're doing?"

"Just fine I expect ..."

"I miss them Sully ..."

"I know it ... but they've got their own lives ta live now ..."

She nodded resignedly. "You're right ... but I'm afraid it doesn't help much ...," she rejoined in a small voice.  She turned just a little to peer up into his eyes. "It made me think of Dorothy and Cloud Dancing too ... I hope they're alright ..."

Sully swallowed. "Not as easy ta say they'll be fine," he rejoined soberly.

"You're worried about them aren't you?" she said.

He frowned. "Ya never know what the government an' army's gonna do ..."

"I wish there was some way we could find out what's happening in the indian territory ..."

His jaw set. "There aint," he declared forcefully. "Unless Dorothy can get word to us from that town she was in before ..."

"Perhaps one of your contacts in Washington?"

He snorted in disgust. "They don' know what's goin' on Michaela ... That's always bin the problem ... they never know what's *really* goin' on out here ..."

She nodded resignedly. "I know," she said in a small voice.

"I can't help thinkin' the government'll make their move soon ... You saw the beautiful country up there ... Can't imagine 'em lettin' the indians have it for too long ..."

She raised concerned eyes to his. "You want to go up there," she said softly, rhetorically, fearfully.

He looked away, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "I aint sure what I wanna do," he admitted at last. "But I'd sure like ta know Cloud Dancin' an' his people are safe ..."

She nodded. "So would I ..." She took a deep breath. "Perhaps you should journey up there," she suggested. "You won't rest until you know ... until you can see for yourself ..."

He brought his gaze back to meet hers. "Don' think about it right now," he said quietly. "We got a reason ta be up here ... an' if we don' get goin' soon we aint gonna find this fella before dark ... Night sets in earlier now  ..."

Her brow furrowed and she said solemnly, "I just wanted you to know ... its alright if you want to go ... I'll understand ... really I will ..."

His hand came up to cup her face. "I know it," he said just as quietly.  "An' I love ya for it ..."

She bit her lip and put on a brave face, but when he dipped his head to claim her lips she clung to him as if this might be their last kiss. When he responded by deepening their physical connection further, she followed him without restraint, her heart racing, her mind only on the one she loved so dearly. At last he pulled back and gazed wryly down into her flushed face. He waited a moment until his breathing had evened out a little and then said quietly, "What was that about hmmm?"

She swallowed deeply, and then to mask her tumultuous feelings, returned, "You have to ask?"

"You know what I mean ..."

Her eyes lowered to his chest, and then she said, her voice hushed with longing, "I miss you so much when you go away ..."

Her drew her in close, her head against his shoulder and rejoined softly, "But I'm here now ... No need ta think too much on what might happen ..."

"I know," she replied, her voice muffled. "Thank-you ..."

"For what?"

"For being you ... for coming out here with me, even though we might not be able to find this man ... for always being the voice of reason ..."

"I aint always ..."

She smiled up at him. "You are most of the time ..."

He ruffled her hair lovingly then peered up at the sky. "Only a couple o' hours o' daylight left ... We better get goin' ..."

"I hope we can find him before nightfall ..."

"No sayin' how far off the trail he lives ..."

"Cap said he was on the most logical ... the safest ... trail down from the mountains ..."

"There's more an' one o' those Michaela ..."

"I know .... But you'll find him ... I'm sure of it ..."

Sully stooped to pick up the canteens, one of which he handed to Michaela. "Hope you're right," he said. "Come on ... still some steep ridin' ta do ..."

The pair exchanged another quick kiss, mounted, and once again set off upwards into the rugged, but beautiful mountain range.

************************
Lost in thought as she made her way to the telegraph office, Anna was startled when a loud voice addressed her.

"Howdy Dr McLeod," said Hank, who was passing the other way. He doffed his hat and smiled.

Her eyes flew upwards to meet his and she returned his smile demurely. "Afternoon Mr Lawson," she replied. "Beautiful day isn't it?"

"Uh huh ... You bin busy with Michaela headin' off on that wild goose chase?"

"Its not been so bad ... After all ... they only left this morning ...," she replied. Then looking up into his slightly mocking eyes said, "Its not a wild goose chase you know ... A doctor can't ignore someone who's very ill ... even if they *do* live somewhere remote ... If it had been me ... and I had someone like Sully who could take me up there ... I'd have gone too ..."

Hank shook his head in disbelief. "You doctors," he bemoaned, though his eyes were twinkling. "But I bet there are some wouldn' do it ... Fact is I could probably name a couple right here an' now ..."

"Perhaps you can," she admitted a touch begrudgingly. "But I can also name many who would ..."

He raised him hands in surrender. "Alright ... alright ... Have it your way ... but I still reckon it's a wild goose chase ..."

"Then we'll have to agree to disagree ... alright?"

He nodded. "Fine with me ... I'll be seein' ya Doc ..." He again doffed his hat and set out once more for the saloon.

Anna smiled her goodbye and also went on her way. After a few steps she glanced back at him. Despite his occupation and rough ways, he always treated her with respect. She smiled to herself and turned back only to stop and swing around again. After only a moment's hesitation, she set off after him. As she neared she called with concern, "Hank ... Hank ... you're limping ...  What have you done to yourself?"

His steps faltered and as she hastily moved in front of him, he shrugged his shoulders self-consciously. "Aint nothin' ... don' worry about it," he said, attempting to move around her.

"But there's something wrong ... perhaps I can help ...."

He shook his head. "It'll go away," he remarked dismissively.

She drew herself up to her full five foot four and placed her hands on her hips. "What's the problem?" she asked again.

He grimaced and the twinkle re-appeared in his eyes. "If ya must know ... its only a bruise ... My horse reared up the corral this mornin' an' kicked me ... plumb on the hip ..."

She frowned and you could almost see her mind whirling.   At last she said, "Perhaps if you came to the clinic ... I could take a look at it ... make sure it really *is* only a bruise ..."

He chuckled ruefully. "You don' give up do ya?" he remarked. "It *is* only a bruise ... so I don' need to come to the clinic ... especially when ...." He paused to collect himself and added hastily, "Fact is ... what I need now is a cup o' Grace's hot coffee ... You're welcome to join me ..."

Much to his surprise, after only a moment's hesitation, she said brightly, "I'd like that ... the mail can wait ..." She turned to walk beside him. "You will come to me if your hip becomes more painful won't you Hank," she urged with concern.

"It won't," he rejoined concisely. "Now let's change the subject ...."

*********************
Brian tore exuberantly down the wooden sidewalk in the direction of his brother's new law office, a newspaper firmly clasped in his hand. Before he'd even reached the door be began to call excitedly, "Matthew ... Matthew ..."

From his perch high up on a ladder from where he was fixing a high shelf to the wall, Matthew turned and called, "I'm here little brother." He started down the ladder but was halted by Brian tearing into the room and straight up to the base. He thrust the newspaper upwards and exclaimed excitedly, "He printed it Matthew ... he actually printed it!"

Matthew frowned and once again attempted to descend the ladder. "Slow down Brian," he said decisively. As he reached the floor he inquired, "Now who printed what?"

Again the paper was thrust at him. "Mr Proctor ... The Denver Post," explained Brian, undaunted by Matthew's lack of excitement. When his brother still regarded him blankly, he added clearly, "My article about Red Fox ... the one I wrote for him when I thought I was gonna work up there for a couple o' weeks."

Matthew's eyes opened wide and he grabbed the paper from his brother's hands. "You were printed ... in the Denver Post?!" he queried in amazement.

"Uh huh .... Here on page five," Brian assured him.

Matthew scanned the article and then looked up at Brian. "He change much of it?" he asked, a hint of mistrust in his tone.

Brian shook his head. "Nope ... a couple o' words is all ...

Matthew shook his head wonderingly. "You've in print little brother ... in a big city newspaper," he mused. "You should be real proud."

"I am ... I only wish ma an' Sully were here ta see it ..."

"They'll be back in the next day or two ..."

Brian nodded. "I bet ma'll be surprised ..."

"Proud more like ...," said Matthew with a grin. He held the paper up. "You got another copy o' this ... I'd kind o' like ta read it through again ..."

"Sure I have," rejoined Brian at once, his face breaking into a broad smile. "Back at the Gazette office ... You keep that one if ya want ..."

"Thanks little brother," rejoined Matthew indulgently. "I will ... wanna show it ta Kathleen too ... she'll be real pleased I reckon ..." As Brian headed for the door, he added, "Reckon Mr Bray'd like ta see it too ..."

Brian grinned. "Already thought of it ... I'm gonna go collect another paper an' head over to the mercantile ... See ya Matthew ..."

Matthew walked to the door and watched his little brother tear daringly across the street, wending his way between wagons and folk on horseback. He glanced down at the newspaper still in his hand. Brian never ceased to amaze him. Where the talent for writing had come from he'd never been able to work out, but the boy was talented and looked to be going places. If only their ma could've been here to see it.

He sighed, then flicked the newspaper open to its full width. He wanted to read Brian's article carefully. No doubt it would be discussed at supper tonight. He turned to head for his desk only to stop in his tracks as the headline of the article beneath Brian's leapt to his eye. 'Government Revokes Treaty with Cheyenne' it read, and beneath it in smaller but bold type, 'Unrest in Indian Territory'. He took a deep breath and his heart began to pound. He returned to the doorway of his office and peered thoughtfully, fearfully, up into the mountains to where two people he cared deeply about were seeking an ill and elusive patient, oblivious to the turmoil erupting elsewhere.

**********************
Sully reined in his horse and glanced back at Michaela following closely behind. "Think we better walk from here," he recommended. "Trail's narrow an' steep ... we'll need ta watch our footing ..."

Beginning to flag, she merely nodded her agreement. They'd been riding all day and the thin air up here sapped her of energy. She climbed down from Flash's back and plodded after Sully and his horse.

After a while he again peered back at her. "Stick to the right o' the trail now ... up close to the rock face ... trail's narrowin' again an' the drop's dangerous," he advised.

After another hour of what seemed to Michaela to be trudging ever upwards, Sully halted and turned to her with a satisfied smile. He pointed to the sky, a little to the west. She followed his gesture to see smoke spiralling into the clear blue.

"It aint a campfire," Sully explained. "Its comin' from a chimney .."

"You think its him?" inquired Michaela hopefully.

He shrugged. "Guess there's only one way ta find out ... direction's about right ...."

She sighed with relief for two reasons. First the end of the journey was nigh and also the sight of chimney smoke meant he was still alive. Cap's description had been so graphic, she'd been fearful Deeg may have passed away before they could reach him.

As it was, it took them another twenty minutes of climbing to finally reach a clearing in which stood an extremely rustic cabin that appeared in danger of being blown away by the next gentle breeze. Apart from the thin, lazy stream of smoke from the chimney, one could have been forgiven for thinking it was deserted. Tall grass grew right up to the front door and sprouted from between the coarsely hewn logs of the walls. The roughly made shingles on the roof were askew and in some places showed gaping holes, and the open door hung from one makeshift wooden pin.

Sully cast a rueful glance back at Michaela who was vainly trying to regain her breath after the hard climb. "You alright?" he queried with concern.

She nodded and rejoined curtly, "Of course ..."

His eyebrow quirked just a touch in response, then he said benignly, "Well ... what now?"

She took a deep breath, straightened and stepped into the clearing. "Good day," she called loudly. "Is anyone there? .... Sir?"

At first there was silence from the confines of the cabin and then a heavy thump and shuffling could be heard.

Feeling bolder and more assured that someone was inside the cabin and alive, Michaela started forward while Sully tethered their horses to a branch. "I'm a doctor sir," she called. "Cap mentioned you were ill ..."

Some ten or so feet from the door her forward progress was abruptly arrested by the appearance of first a long, gleaming rifle barrel aimed squarely at her chest and then the sight of the man holding it. He leant heavily against the rickety door frame, his emaciated body only just capable of keeping him upright. His dark eyes were sunk deep into his head, and his pale, sallow skin stretched taut over his prominent cheekbones. His hands trembled, but the rifle remained fixed in her direction. She frowned in consternation and immediately held up her hands. "Please ... I'm here to help you ... you're ill ... I'm a doctor ..."

The man's eyes narrowed as if he was struggling to focus. The rifle barrel dipped slightly, then with effort was raised again. "Get out of here," he growled.

Sully swung round at the sound of the man's voice, then rushed to Michaela's side. "We're aint here ta hurt you," he explained, stepping protectively in front of his wife.

Michaela instantly moved to Sully's side, but his hand on her elbow prevented her from moving any closer to the man. She took a deep breath. "No we're not," she added. "Please let us help you ..."

The obviously very ill man shook his head as if trying to clear it, then said menacingly, "I said get out of here ... and I meant it ... I'm ... I'm not going back ..." The rifle now wavered between Michaela and Sully.

Despite the strangeness of his words, Michaela tried again, "But you're ill ... Cap told us ... that's why we're here ..."

"I said I'm not going back," the man reiterated, his voice rising. He suddenly slumped back harder against the door jamb, the effort of talking exhausting him. For a brief moment his eyes lowered, then suddenly flew open and back to his uninvited guests. "Who'd ... who'd you say sent you?" he demanded, his breath now coming in gasps.

"Cap," Michaela explained. "He told us about you ..."

The man's jaw set and his unfocussed eyes narrowed to slits. "The captain sent you," he growled, then swallowed deeply. "Well I said I'm not coming back ... and you two go tell him that ... I'll ... I'll die before that ... and ... and so will you ...." Again the rifle was waved menacingly, albeit shakily.

"We're not wantin' ta take you anywhere," Sully assured him. "Michaela's a doctor ..."

"I said you go tell him," insisted the man, his voice harsh with anger and fear. "I'm not ever leaving here now ... you ... you tell him ... and if he comes for me ..." He raised the rifle towards the sky and pulled the trigger. A cacophony of terrified bird and animal sounds filled the air as the rifle was once again lowered and aimed at the pair. "There's a bullet with his name on it ... You ... you going to tell him or not?" he menaced.

Michaela was both frightened and baffled. "Cap was worried about you," she assured him. "That's all ..." The man attempted a mocking laugh which turned into a heart-wrenching bout of coughing.  Michaela stepped towards him but Sully grabbed her again and held her back. She struggled against him. "He's ill Sully," she hissed. "Let me go ..."

"He might be sick Michaela ... but he's dangerous too ... You see his eyes ... he aint thinkin' straight ...," Sully rejoined urgently. "He could kill ya ... he don' know what he's doin' ... or sayin' ..."

"He's so angry and afraid," she whispered.

"He aint angry at us ... Let him be ..."

She took a deep breath. "He's so very ill," she mourned.

"An' he aint gonna let ya near him ..."

Her brow furrowed in despair. "I want to help him," she lamented.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and began to back her away towards their horses. "I know it," he said quietly. "But there aint anythin' you can do when he's like this ..."

"He might die ..."

"Seems that's the way he wants it ..."

A deafening report and a bullet buzzing only a few feet over their heads sent then scampering back into the cover of the trees.  From that vantage point they watched for a several minutes while Deeg remained on guard at the door. Gradually he relaxed and when his knees began to buckle he took one more look to ensure the clearing was empty, then shuffled back indoors.

Sully tugged Michaela into the denseness of the woods. "Guess that's it then," he commented.

Michaela swung around to face him. "It can't be," she exclaimed. "There must be something I can do for him ..."

"He don' want you ... or anyone ... near him Michaela ..."

Michaela glanced up at the rapidly darkening sky. "He may be more lucid in the morning," she remarked hopefully.

"What's that mean ..."

"Perhaps his condition worsens as the day goes on," she suggested. "He may be able to make sense of us after a night's sleep ..."

Sully shook his head ruefully. "You don' give up do ya?" he said resignedly. He too glanced up at the sky. "Guess it is too late ta be headin' back down now anyway ... We have ta stay the night ..."

"And we can try again in the morning?"

He nodded. "But from a distance," he agreed.

She nodded gratefully and began to help him lay out the bed rolls and set a fire. After a while she mused, "What do you think he meant Sully? About not going back?"

Sully had his own thoughts on the matter but was reluctant to voice them. "I dunno," he rejoined.

"He seemed to misunderstand about Cap ... He talked about the Captain ... as if the Captain and Cap were the same person ... Cap told me he knew very little about Deeg at all and he'd certainly never met him before ... I wonder who the Captain is ... Why Deeg is so frightened ..."

Sully squatted down and set a match to the camp fire. He shrugged.

She continued, "He kept on saying ... I'm not going back."

Again Sully shrugged.

Suddenly Michaela's eyes flew open. "Do you think he's an escaped prisoner Sully?!" she exclaimed. "That would explain his fear ..."

"Don' know Michaela ... maybe ... but seems he's bin livin' up here for a long time ..."

She swallowed deeply. "But he could be," she urged in a small voice.

"Maybe ..."

As a myriad of ideas and fears swirled through her mind, she slumped down by the fire. "Oh God Sully ... what if he is," she murmured. "He may have committed some terrible crime ..."

"Seems like he's payin' for it now if he has," remarked Sully as he set the coffee pot on the fire.

Michaela's brow furrowed. Her mind was racing. At last she said resolutely, "I still want to talk to him in the morning ... He's so very ill ..."

"Figured you were gonna say that ... but I wanna be beside ya ... alright?"

She nodded gratefully.

By the time they were settled by the fire and had eaten their bacon and beans supper, night had well and truly settled on the mountains. The sky was clear and speckled with stars, the air was chilly, and the nocturnal animals stirred. If not for their disquieting thoughts about the extremely ill man in his rudimentary cabin just a short distance from them, it was a night for romance. Instead, they mulled over their confused thoughts and feelings and sought refuge in each others' secure and comforting embrace.

For some time there had been silence between the two of them. Michaela's head rested on Sully's shoulder as he stared into the flickering flames of the camp fire. At last he peered down to see her eyes were closed and her breathing was deep and even. He smiled. He knew today's climb had taxed her and was surprised she'd lasted as long as she had. It seemed a pity to wake her now but they both needed a good night's sleep before trying to get through to this Deeg fella again in the morning. He raised his hand to her cheek and couldn't resist bending to kiss her lightly. How he loved this woman, his wife. She stirred a little and nestled in closer against him. He whispered softly against her ear, "Michaela?"

A slight smile crossed her lips and she murmured, "Mmmm?"

"Time for us both ta sleep ..."

She struggled to open her eyes. "Mmmm," she repeated endearingly.

He eased back a little while still supporting her. "Time for bed now," he said quietly.

All his efforts to disturb her as little as possible came to nought when a sudden, terrifying, deafening rifle shot resounded through the serene mountains. Her eyes sprang open and her heart pounded. Sully bounded to his feet. He glanced down at her. "Stay here," he said urgently, picking up their only lamp.

"Sully?!!" she exclaimed, petrified.

 "I'll be back in a minute," he said and disappeared beyond the firelight into the night.

Continued ....