Chapter 37

Michaela and Sully, with their children, walked, as if in a daze, out the front door of the First Bank of Denver. Clutched to Michaela's chest was a document detailing the arrangements made by Patric Beauchamp to finance their children's education. As one, they walked a little way down the sidewalk and then slumped onto a wooden bench.

"My God Sully," murmured Michaela in amazement, lowering the paper to examine the figures again, wondering whether she could have made a mistake the first time. "There's enough money here to allow the children to study anywhere ... Europe if they want to," she gasped, her hands trembling.

Sully took the document from her and examined the figures himself, finally resting the paper and his hands on his knees. "They'll never spend this much," he said bemusedly, thinking back to when Colleen had been studying in Denver.

"Ma ... pa?" asked Brian, jiggling a restless William in his arms. "What's it say exactly?"

Michaela reached for the baby and said dryly, "It says you can study anywhere ... undertake any course ... for as long as you wish ... and there'll still be funds left over ..."

His eyes opened wide in astonishment. "You mean you an' pa won't have ta pay for college at all ... none of it?" he asked, swallowing deeply.

Sully folded the paper, handed it back to Michaela to place in her reticule and picked up Katie, sitting her on his knee. "We'll have ta write him ... tell him its too much ... send some or all o' it back," he stated positively. "Its too much ... for too little ..."

Michaela laid her hand on his arm. "We can't send all of it back ... it would hurt him too much .... You saw how he took the children under his wing ... the way he wanted to do all he could for them ... He's a man who's just lost his only daughter ... an old man who's now alone." She lowered her voice and said sincerely, "Sending it all back would make him feel even more alone ... I couldn't do that to him ..."

"But ya agree we should let him know its too much?" asked Sully, acknowledging the truth in her words with a nod.

"Yes ... I do agree," she rejoined. "But if he insists, I think we should accept graciously ... As he said, an amount like this appears very small to a man who has amassed a great fortune ..."

Beside them, Brian was pondering his and his siblings future. At last, he said thoughtfully, "I wonder how Matthew'll feel about gittin' this money ... I know it aint from pa ... but he might see it that way an' not want it ..."

Michaela's brow creased and her eyes flew from her son to her husband, who also appeared taken aback. "What do you think?" she asked of Sully. "Will Matthew not want it?"

Sully shrugged. "He's a proud man Michaela ... gonna take some convincin' ...," he adjured.

Michaela nodded. "Sometimes I wonder how you and he can be so alike when you're not actually related," she murmured with a smile. He regarded her quizzically and she explained, "You wanted to say no to Mr Beauchamp too ... I could tell ... I think you'd still like to ... but you know in your heart it wouldn't be right ..."

His eyes turned away from her and gazed across the busy street. At last he said with a hint of a smile, "Then I probably aint the best person ta try an' convince Matthew ... better leave that to you an' Brian ..." He reached out and ruffled his son's hair. "Maybe we'll both leave it up to you son," he suggested. "You can be pretty persuasive when ya wanna be ... kinda like ya ma ..."

Brian regarded him, trying to decide whether he'd been paid a compliment or was being teased. A slight smirk from Sully told him that perhaps it was a little of both. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don' mind talkin' ta Matthew about it," he said bravely. "I was there ... heard everythin' Mr Beauchamp said ... *I* know why he wanted ta do this for us ... I figure I can convince Matthew if he don' like the idea at first ..."

"See ... I told ya we could leave it up to you," chuckled Sully. "Well ... now we bin to the bank ... an' signed all them papers ... I figure we should have an early supper an' head ta bed ... We're on the first train home tomorra ..."

Michaela nodded and stood. "I think this little one is tired of all the travelling," she said, cradling a grizzling William to her chest. "Actually he's not the only one ... I'm looking forward to arriving home to our own house and beds ... all our things ..."

Sully also stood and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Me too," he rejoined, surprising even himself. She raised her eyebrows in amusement at his uncharacteristic admission, causing him to shrug self-consciously. "Well ... I've got kinda used ta livin' in our house ... as a family," he confessed sheepishly.

She smiled and stood on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. "I'm glad," she murmured softly. "Now we better get going before William here disturbs the peace ..."

Sully reached for his son, Michaela joined hands with Katie, and they set off for their hotel, their last stop before Colorado Springs.

******************
The Quinn/Sully family and entourage proved quite a sight as they made their way from the train station to Grace's Caf� late the next morning. It seemed everyone had turned out to meet them, except Andrew who would join them after he'd conducted his clinic out at the Chateau. There was much laughter and friendly chatter, especially when an animated Katie couldn't decide who to greet and cuddle first. She'd moved excitedly from Colleen, to Kathleen, to Cloud Dancing, to Dorothy to Loren and was currently tugging at Matthew's coat-tail wanting to be picked up again.

As Matthew exuberantly swung the little one up into his arms and then over his head, Colleen exclaimed in accompaniment to her squeals, "Ooh ... its so good ta have you all home ma." She linked arms with Michaela and momentarily rested her head on the older woman's shoulder.

Michaela patted her hand lovingly and returned, "Its good to be back Colleen ... we had a lovely time ... but I missed you all so ..."

As Colleen gave a childish, excited skip beside Michaela, she urged, "Ya gotta tell us all about it ... San Francisco ... what its like ... what ya saw ... an' about pa an' Lillian ..."

Michaela exchanged quick glances with Sully. "That's a long story Colleen," she rejoined quietly. "But we'll tell you all about it."

As they entered the caf� grounds, Grace bustled over, her smile broad, "Dr Mike ... Sully ... Brian ... an' little Katie," she beamed. "Welcome home ..." She moved from one to the other, giving them affectionate hugs. "Come ... sit over here ... I got all your favourites on the menu today ..."

"That's quite a coincidence Grace," teased Sully.

She giggled and rejoined, "Aint no coincidence ... an' you know it!" She began to back away. "I got some o' my cider chilled too ... Reckon there aint nothin' better on a beautiful summer's day ..." She turned and scurried away to a table where a number of large, earthenware jugs containing the delicious beverage were lined up.

For several minutes, as the large group settled at their table, and Grace poured cooling glasses of cider, Michaela and Sully fended off a barrage of questions about their recent exploits. Of course there was a little sheepishness from them both when they had to admit that they hadn't actually visited any colleges for Brian, but that was soon forgotten. Matthew, who had noticed something puzzling about Sully upon greeting him, asked with concern, "What happened to your hands Sully? ... They look like they've bin blistered ..."

Sully tried to pass it off. "Had a little accident is all," he responded shortly.

"He put out a fire," explained Brian proudly, much to his father's displeasure.

"A fire! At your hotel pa?" exclaimed Colleen, tenderly turning Sully's hands over to examine the palms.

"No ... where we were stayin' ... for the last week or so," he rejoined, appealing to Michaela with his eyes.

"Actually ... we were staying with Lillian's father, Patric Beauchamp," she explained, drawing everyone's attention away from her self-conscious husband.

"So ya saw pa?" asked Colleen, a hint of contained excitement, even nervousness, in her voice.

"Well no," replied Michaela cautiously.

"He was away ... on a ship headin' for Australia," interjected Brian. "I hadn' thought o' him not bein' there ... but Mr Beauchamp was real nice ..."

Colleen's face fell, then she asked, "And Lillian?"

Michaela lay her hand over her daughter's. "Lillian passed away in March sweetheart ... consumption ..."

Colleen's eyes opened wide and then her brow furrowed in distress. "Poor pa," she murmured, her eyes gleaming.

Michaela patted her hand and said softly, "Mr Beauchamp asked after you ... Lillian had told him all about you ... all of you ... He wanted to know what you were doing ... and all about your medical studies ..."

Colleen merely nodded, her thoughts obviously still with her father.

"Don' seem ta have taken him long ta git over it," remarked Matthew disparagingly. "Sailin' off ta who knows where ..."

Michaela frowned. "He has to earn a living now Matthew ... he's accompanying cargo to Sydney ..."

Matthew quietly snorted. "Guess there's always a first time for a man ta try an' earn a livin' honestly ..."

"Matthew!" exclaimed Michaela ashamedly, and the young man had the good grace to look just a little embarrassed.

"So how did you end up stayin' with Mr Beauchamp?" asked Colleen. "He never even met us before ..."

"Brian went into the house hoping to meet Ethan," explained Michaela. "Then, after telling him that Ethan was away, Mr Beauchamp invited us all in ... We all got on so well." She suddenly chuckled. "Actually I think it was one little person who won his heart ..." She nodded towards Katie who burrowed shyly against Kathleen's side when she realised everyone was looking at her. Amidst congenial chuckles, Michaela went on to tell everyone about the family's host in San Francisco, his home, his business and his obvious distress at the loss of his only daughter.

"He sounds like a nice man ma," remarked Colleen thoughtfully. "I wish I coulda met him ..."

"He'd love to meet you too Colleen," rejoined Michaela. "He was so interested in you all ... You too Matthew," she added.

The young man shrugged his shoulders disinterestedly, still unable to put behind him the distress his father and Lillian had caused a few years back when they'd tried to take Colleen and Brian away from Colorado Springs and Dr Mike and Sully.

"Actually," Michaela continued. "Matthew ... Colleen ... we need to talk to you about something that happened in San Francisco ... Perhaps you could come out to the homestead for supper this evening? With Andrew and Kathleen of course ... as it effects you all ...."

Both siblings regarded Michaela somewhat bemusedly. "Somethin' ta do with the fire ma?" asked Colleen, obviously puzzled.

Michaela smiled. "No nothing to do with that at all ... but it is something that effects this family ...," she replied mysteriously. She was saved from having to elucidate further by the arrival of Grace to take their lunch orders.

After Grace had gone, Kathleen commented, "You still haven't told us about this fire Michaela ... Was anyone hurt?"

Michaela shook her head. "No ... Sully's quick thinking avoided that ... There was some damage to Mr Beauchamp's house and Sully's hands and shoulder were burnt ..."

"But they're alright now?" asked Colleen quickly.

"They're healing slowly ... aren't they Sully?" responded Michaela.

As soon as Sully nodded, Colleen asked with a frown, "How'd the fire start?"

Michaela and Sully exchanged worried glances. "We're not real sure Colleen," replied Sully evasively.

For once, Brian, who had been about to excitedly tell the story, clamped his mouth shut, remembering all at once that they were back in the same town as Mr Tilson.

As the meal progressed, the chatter became less frenetic and more informative. Not only did Michaela, Sully and Brian tell more about their trip, but those left behind were happy to provide snippets of happenings which occurred in their town while the family was away.

Having consumed, in its entirety, a serving of Grace's fried chicken and mashed potatoes, Michaela wiped her mouth with her napkin, sat back and declared soulfully, "That was wonderful ... I've missed your cooking Grace ... and I've missed home ..." There were friendly chuckles at the table and she smiled sheepishly, before adding with longing, "Let's go out to the homestead Sully ... I can't wait any longer ..."

Before Sully could reply, Matthew interjected. "Ah .. Sully ... Dr Mike ... about that ..." He paused and took a deep breath. "I need ta tell you somethin' ... There ... ah ... aint any easy way ta do it ... so ... well ... Someone broke in ... a couple o' days back ..." There was a sudden hush at the table and he went on quickly, "I .. I ... didn' wanna tell ya straight off ... spoil ya homecomin' ... but whoever did it broke the lock on the side door ... With Kathleen stayin' here in town with Colleen an' Andrew an' me bein' out at my homestead so much .. I bin keepin' your place locked ..." He paused and swallowed. "Funny thing is ... I couldn' find anythin' missin' ... or any damage done ... seems they couldn' find what they were lookin' for ..."

Michaela grasped Sully's hand tightly, knowing instinctively what he'd be thinking. Her heart was pounding as she contemplated this audacious invasion of her private sanctuary, her home. Sully abruptly stood. "We better git out there then," he said, barely able to contain his anger.

"I fixed the lock Sully ... yesterday," Matthew hastened to reassure him. "An' like I said ... they didn' do anythin' .... might even've bin just curious kids ..."

"I don' care *who* it was Matthew," he rejoined tersely. "No-one has a right ta enter someone else's home ... no-one ..." He drew Michaela up out of her seat. "Come on Michaela ... kids ... we better git goin' ..."

Everyone hurried to collect their belongings together, suddenly a little sombre after the previous good-natured laughter and chatter. Such things as break-ins were rare in Colorado Springs, despite its assortment of disparate inhabitants. Generally there was a healthy respect for other people's belongings.

Michaela turned to Dorothy and Cloud Dancing. "You'll come out to the homestead with us won't you?" she asked. "I want to hear how you've been doing."

"Are ya sure Michaela?" asked Dorothy, observing the hard set of Sully's jaw and the glint of anger in his eyes.

"I'm sure," she rejoined immediately, knowing her husband's anger would not last. "Will you come?"

Dorothy glanced across at Cloud Dancing who gave her a barely perceptible nod of agreement. "We'll follow ya out Michaela," she said with a smile.

Michaela nodded with satisfaction and, settling William against her chest, made to follow Sully who was already striding towards the alleyway between the clinic and the Gazette office. It was then that a loud, gravelly voice could be heard calling urgently, "Colleen! Colleen!"

Every occupant of the caf� spun around to see Hank hurrying toward them, his look anxious, his stride agitated. Colleen immediately stepped forward. "Hank ... I'm here," she called, her family right behind her.

"Its Andrew Colleen," panted the barkeep without further ado, then, when he realised Michaela was with the young woman, he almost sighed with relief. "Am I glad to see you Michaela!" he exclaimed. "It's Andrew ... wheel's come off his buggy only 'bout hundred yards this side o' the Chateau .. he got thrown out ... looks pretty bad ... I remembered how ya said not to move someone who's had a fall ... so ..."

"Who's with him?" demanded Michaela, already heading for the clinic, many family and townspeople on her heels.

"I tried ta git Myra ... but Tilson an' Josiah were both out ... so she couldn' leave the desk," panted Hank, striding along beside her. "Old lady ... guest I think ... offered ta sit with him while I came inta town for help ..."

Michaela nodded and then spun around. "Sully ... we'll need the wagon ... plenty of blankets in the back ... Colleen ... medical supplies ... you know what we need ...," she ordered. Sully was already offloading their luggage from the back of the wagon, while Matthew hastened into the clinic for the blankets. A very pale and frightened Colleen ran through the open door, and with trembling hands, began to gather together whatever medical supplies and equipment she thought they might need. While Cloud Dancing came hurrying through bearing the luggage, Michaela approached her daughter, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. "It'll be alright sweetheart," she reassured her. "We'll get him back here as soon as we can ..."

Colleen nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "If anythin' happens to him ma ...," she began and then sobbed, "I don' know what I'll do ..."

Michaela gave her a loving squeeze. "We'll make sure nothing happens to him ... now have you got everything together we might need?" Colleen nodded again, her lip caught between her teeth, and Michaela ran her eyes over the collection of bottles, equipment and bandages. "Good," she said. "Now let's get out there ..." She proceeded to help Colleen quickly load the supplies into a couple of cloth bags and then strode purposefully out of the clinic into the sunshine.

"Anythin' else ya might need Dr Mike?" called Robert E, already mounted on his horse awaiting their departure. "I'm goin' out there with ya ... in case ya need anythin' .. an' I'll see what I can do about the buggy ...," he explained in response to her questioning look.

Beside him was Hank, also mounted on his horse. "I'll show ya where he is Michaela," he said shortly. "Ya ready?"

Michaela nodded and then turned to Dorothy, Grace and Loren who each had one of the children. "Its alright Michaela ... we got 'em ... they'll be right here when ya git back," Dorothy assured her. "Now off ya go ... an' tell Andrew we're all prayin' for him ..."

Michaela reached up to Sully who was already in the wagon, reins in hand. He assisted her up, turned to see that Colleen was settled in the back and then flicked the reins, setting them off with urgency towards the Chateau and Andrew, three horsemen riding alongside.

*******************
It wasn't hard to find the young Dr Cook. His lopsided buggy was almost blocking the narrow road to the Chateau and a couple of yards away, on the grassy verge, two women were leaning over his prostrate body. Michaela and Colleen were out of the wagon, almost before it stopped. The two women who had been attending him backed away immediately and Michaela, with little regard to them, dropped to her knees and went to work.

Much to Michaela's consternation, Andrew was still unconscious, a purple bruise already forming just below his temple. There was a long, deep gash on his lower leg which was still bleeding profusely, the deep red soaking into and spreading through the fine wool of his trousers like blotting paper.

"He's bin unconscious the whole time I've bin here Dr Mike," Myra informed her from behind. "I came out here soon as Josiah came back ..." She peered over Michaela's shoulder and asked fearfully. "He gonna be alright?"

"I don't know yet Myra," murmured Michaela, her attention focussed on the young doctor and his injuries. She turned to Colleen. "See if you can stem the bleeding from that gash ... you'll probably need to apply some pressure ..." She continued to examine her patient and frowned when she realised there was an injury to his shoulder. "Collarbone appears to be broken," she muttered. "It'll have to be checked as soon as we get back to the clinic ... might need to be set ..."

"Why's he still unconscious ma?" asked Colleen fearfully, her hands reddening from the blood as it seeped through the cloth she held against the angry wound.

"He's sustained quite a blow sweetheart ... must have hit his head on a rock or the side of the buggy," Michaela replied, moving down to work on the gash. "We'll stem the flow of blood here as best we can ... then I think it'd be best if we got him back to the clinic ..."

For the next several minutes Michaela worked on the deep gash and gradually the blood flow eased. At last she sat back on her heels. "Well ... I believe we've done all we can here ... Matthew .. Sully ... Robert E ... Hank ... do you think you can get him into the wagon without jolting him too much?" The four men instantly went to work, carefully lifting the unconscious man and then placing him in the wagon on the pile of blankets already prepared for such a purpose.

Michaela stood, dusted off her skirt and, as best she could, wiped the drying blood from her hands with a clean cloth. It was then she turned to acknowledge the two women who had looked after Andrew until her arrival. She smiled gratefully at Myra and then focussed on the elderly woman beside her, and her mouth instantly dropped open with astonishment when she recognised who that person was.

Chapter 38

"Bess!?" Michaela exclaimed. "Bess Maloney? From St Louis! I can't believe you're here." Memories of the trip to St Louis the previous year to help Myra after she'd had her stroke flashed through Michaela's mind. Never in a million years had she expected to meet up with the somewhat taciturn Bess again, especially in Colorado Springs!

The elderly woman raised her eyebrows in wry amusement. "This is not quite how I pictured surprising you with my presence Dr Quinn," she rejoined dryly, looking down at her blood-soaked skirt and stained hands.

"When did you arrive? How did you get here?!" queried Michaela, still dumbfounded.

"I ..." The elderly woman's explanation was cut short by Sully calling urgently, "We're ready ta go Michaela." He was already up in the wagon, reins in hand. She made a hesitant step back towards the wagon, obviously torn. Bess nodded her head and smiled wryly, "You go Doctor ... take care of your patient ... I'm not going anywhere ... I'm staying here ... at the Chateau .."

Walking backwards to the wagon, Michaela assured her, "I'll see you as soon as I can Bess ... I want to hear everything ..." The thin, old woman waved her away dismissively. "Go on ... everyone's waiting ..." Michaela nodded, climbed up into the back of the wagon beside a still unconscious Andrew, and they sped off, leaving a bemused Bess standing next to Myra in the middle of the narrow, dirt road.

********************
"Ma?" queried Colleen anxiously, as she hovered beside Michaela watching her every action.

"I can't feel any skull fracture," responded Michaela, relying on her skilful and sensitive hands to form her diagnosis. "I'm almost certain his collarbone is fractured though ... fortunately its still aligned and won't require setting ... administering chloroform to a patient with a head injury can be dangerous ..."

Colleen moved back to her husband's side, and gently brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "Wake up Andrew," she pleaded softly. "Please ... for me ..." She shook her head sorrowfully when there was no response. "How could this have happened?" she mused, in a whisper. "You're usually so careful ..." She grasped his hand lovingly and gently ran her thumb over its back. "Wake up now," she entreated again.

Michaela ceased her examination for a moment to say, "He may be unconscious for a while sweetheart ... depending upon the severity of the blow ... don't worry too much ... not yet ..."

Colleen shook her head. "I can't help it ma ... he looks so sick an' defenceless ..." She tenderly touched the angry, swollen bruise on the side of his face between the ear and temple and he unexpectedly gave a slight moan. "Ma?" she exclaimed excitedly.

Michaela swiftly moved to Andrew's head and lifted an eyelid. "Andrew?" she asked quietly, examining his pupil. He swallowed and his mouth moved as if he wanted to speak, instead he moaned once more. "Its alright," she said softly. "You had an accident ..."

"Head," moaned Andrew quietly. "Hurts ...."

"You have a large bruise ... but I don't think there's a fracture ... and your collarbone might well be broken ... so keep still ... for now ..."

He swallowed and then muttered, "Colleen?"

The younger woman immediately stepped forward. "I'm here with ya ... ," she said softly. "Don' try ta move ... you're gonna be alright ..." She grasped his hand and held it tightly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, but there was a corresponding squeeze of her hand.

*****************
"How long's he gonna be laid up in there?" asked Sully in a gruff whisper, uncharacteristically impatient.

"He'll be in bed for a few days ... but I'm afraid he's not going to able to work for a while," rejoined Michaela quietly, as they stood together on the lamp lit clinic landing.

"You gotta stay?"

"Yes ... until I'm sure he's not sustained a serious head injury ..."

His jaw tightened and then he took a deep breath. "I'm gonna take the kids an' Kathleen out ta the homestead ...," he informed her, his tone low but brooking no argument.

She nodded resignedly. "I know you're worried about whoever broke into the house and what they might have done ...," she said quietly. "You go ... William and I'll stay here with Colleen and Andrew ..."

"You make sure someone's with ya all the time," he warned her.

"I'll be fine here Sully," she responded, a little affronted by his brusque manner.

He nodded, apparently oblivious to any discomfit on her part. "You got everythin' ya might need for the night? What about William? Ya want me or Matthew ta bring back anythin' back for ya?"

Deciding to try to penetrate his gruffness, she replied seductively, "*You* could come back and keep me company?"

He immediately shook his head. "Don' wanna leave the kids alone ... don' know what might happen ..."

"Of course," she agreed instantly. "I was only teasing ..."

"Aint in the mood for teasin' Michaela ... not while ever there're strange things goin' on round here," he replied, heading for the stairs. Just for a moment, he paused, turned to give her a wry, almost apologetic smile and then said, "Tell Andrew I hope he's feelin' better ..." When she acknowledged his slight softening with a nod, he took off down the stairs at speed.

****************
Michaela glanced impatiently up at the clock once more. It was after nine! Following a restless night, she'd done all the requisite, morning chores hours ago. She'd been sure Sully and one or more of the children would have been in town by now. Andrew was a lot better and she'd been hoping to go out to the Chateau to see Bess. She knew the townspeople would forgive a closed clinic for one day, but was equally aware that from tomorrow onwards she'd be back to having to work full time, including having to do something about the Chateau clinic. She swallowed. The last thing she wanted to do was work regularly out there, but although she'd given it considerable thought since waking this morning, she'd been unable to think of a way out. It was almost as if fate was trying to put she and Adrian in the same place. She sighed in exasperation.

Again she looked at the clock. Where was Sully? She knew he'd be angry if she wasn't here when he finally arrived, but didn't he realise she had things to do too! She was already regretful that she hadn't had the opportunity to go back out to see Bess since their unlikely meeting on the road yesterday. Now she was torn between raising Sully's ire and being polite to a friend. She glanced across at the baby sleeping in his crib. If she didn't go soon, he'd wake and want nursing. She strode across to the coat rack and lifted down her shawl. If Sully didn't arrive in the next five minutes, she'd wrap up William and head out to see Bess on her own.

*****************
Around ten, Sully rode into the livery and slid from the back of his chestnut in one fluid movement. Robert E looked up from where he was labouring over his forge and nodded a greeting. As Sully tethered his horse, the blacksmith asked, "Any news of Andrew?"

Sully shrugged his shoulders. "Aint bin to the clinic yet ... I'll let ya know later ..."

Robert E nodded and then, as Sully approached, asked, "Ya got a minute?"

"Sure," he replied. "What's up?"

Robert E entered his barn and then came out holding a wagon wheel nub. "Take a look at this," he invited, handing it to Sully.

Sully gave it a cursory glance and then turned puzzled eyes on his friend. "What're ya on about Robert E?"

"Take a good look Sully," suggested the blacksmith. "That's off Andrew's buggy ... off the wheel that came loose yesterday ... an' caused his accident ... I found it by the road ... in the long grass ..."

Sully frowned and held the nub closer. His eyes narrowed and he handed it back to Robert E, his gaze speculative.

Robert E too, examined it disbelievingly. "Strange markin's aint they?" he mused. "Like someone's taken to it with a hammer ... aint seen markin's like that before ... why would someone need ta do that?"

"Maybe if ya wanted ta loosen it ... an' didn' have the right tools ...," suggested Sully, his teeth clamped together in rising anger.

"Hey ... you know me!" protested Robert E. "I got the right tools .... an' I make sure every one o' these is tight 'fore they leave the livery ..."

"I didn' mean you Robert E," Sully hastened to reassure him. "Maybe someone else ..."

"But why?"

Sully's lips pursed. "Lotta strange things happenin' round here lately ... this is just another one o' 'em ..," he murmured ambiguously.

"You talkin' bout the break in out at your place?" asked the astute blacksmith. "Find anythin' missin'?"

Sully shook his head. "Not a thing," he rejoined. "Bin all over the place ... every room, every cupboard, the barn ... nothin's bin moved ... nothin's broke ... can't work it out ..."

Robert E again glanced down at the wheel nub in his hand. "Think I'll hang on ta this," he said quietly. "I dunno why someone'd want ta hurt Andrew ... but if they did ..."

Again Sully's jaw clenched as he contemplated the only person he knew who would have something to gain in getting Andrew out of the way for a while, despite the fact that the young doctor could have been killed in the process. He abruptly slapped his friend on the back and headed out of the livery. "Better git to the clinic," he said. "Michaela'll be wonderin' where I am ..."

****************
Michaela drew the wagon to a halt in the Chateau forecourt and again wondered if this had been such a good idea after all. Angry that Sully had not seen fit to put in an appearance at the clinic, she'd set off out here in a huff, but the closer she'd gotten, the more unsure she'd become. She glanced down at William, who, now that the wagon was at a standstill, was stirring. Straightening her back and resolve, she climbed down from the wagon, picked him up and mounted the steps to the Chateau foyer.

Inside was cool, peaceful and inviting. Two couples were making their way out to the hot springs and a middle-aged man sat on a comfortable couch, reading yesterday's Denver Post. Michaela approached Josiah at the reception desk as quietly as possible. He immediately smiled when he recognised her. "Good morning D ..," he began, only to be interrupted by Michaela asking quickly, "Could you tell me Mrs Bess Maloney's room number Josiah?"

"Sure," he replied. "But I saw her headin' out onto the porch Dr Quinn ... looked like she was gonna enjoy the sunshine for a while ..."

"Thank-you," she rejoined. "Have a good day ..." She quickly strode through the foyer and made her way to the side porch where a number of guests were seated comfortably on the wicker furniture, either conversing or reading. One older gentleman was doing neither however, she noted with amusement. His head was lolling back against the chair, his mouth was open and he was snoring contentedly. She swept her eyes over the rest of the guests and her face lit up when she spied Bess, seated at a table on her own, a book open on her lap. She watched her for a moment. She'd changed little. Her wiry, grey hair was still untidy, her once fashionable clothes well worn and comfortable looking. She smiled and briskly made her way to the woman's side.

"Bess?" she said quietly so as not to startle her.

The elderly woman raised her head and focussed on the woman and child standing before her silhouetted by the morning sun. "Ah Dr Quinn," she said quietly, with a hint of a smile. "Please ... sit down ..." Michaela moved around the table and seated herself opposite the woman, and yet where she could still view the picturesque, sunlit, mountainous landscape of which the advertisements for the Chateau boasted. "How is the young man?" asked Bess without further ado.

"He's conscious ... but very, very sore," replied Michaela, placing a now wide awake William on her knee. "He's going to need a week or two to recuperate ... and his shoulder will take about six weeks before its back to normal." She looked across to the elderly woman whose eyes were fixed on the baby. "Thank-you for all you did yesterday ... If you hadn't managed to stem some of the bleeding like you did ...," she trailed off and smiled to herself when Bess waved her hand dismissively.

"I couldn't leave him out there bleeding to death on the road Dr Quinn ... now could I ...," she returned. "I'm pleased to hear he's going to be alright ..." There was a long silence before she pondered, "So this little fellow is the baby you were expecting last time I saw you hmmm?"

Michaela turned William so Bess could see him better. "Yes ... this is William Joseph," she replied proudly. "Would you like to hold him?"

The woman shrugged indifferently, but Michaela handed him over anyway. Bess immediately held him securely up to her chest and lightly kissed the top of his head. "He's a bonny baby," she murmured.

Michaela chuckled. "You might not think so when he suddenly lets us know he's hungry ... which could happen any minute ..."

Bess smiled almost reluctantly. "I daresay we'll cope," she rejoined dryly, jiggling the baby on her knee.

Watching Bess, Michaela couldn't help but think back to her last meeting with the woman. She and Sully had visited her home to check on her arthritic condition before they returned to Colorado Springs. Bess had been remarkably unforthcoming then too, offering little to the conversation and little to no information about herself. At last Michaela could curb her curiosity no longer. "What brought you to Colorado Springs Bess?" she asked.

The thin, old woman raised an eyebrow and replied sardonically, "I ran out of willow bark tea ..."

"But ...!" began Michaela, only to notice the twinkle in the woman's eye. She rejoined with a smile, "I've been sending you willow bark regularly Bess ... so what *did* bring you here?"

Bess shrugged. "I saw the advertisement for this place in the St Louis newspaper ... thought I needed a change," she rejoined diffidently.

"But the train journey ... and the Chateau?" queried Michaela. "Perhaps you should stay with us ... it would be a lot less expensive ..."

At this Bess did smile - broadly. "You must not make assumptions based on appearances Michaela," she admonished. "I may live in a home which is in need of some repair ... and care little for personal appearance ... but that does not mean I am destitute ... or have need of charity ..."

"I didn't mean that!" exclaimed Michaela embarrassedly.

Bess raised her hand to silence her. "Yes you did ... be honest ... You assumed that I was hard up ... did you not?" Michaela lowered her eyes to her skirt and the elderly woman snorted softly. "Ah ... I thought so ... but you were wrong ... I have the means by which to do just about anything I choose ... however, up until now, I have not had the inclination to do anything other than hole up in my once grand house and visit the gardens to feed my bird friends ..."

Michaela raised her eyes and regarded the woman quizzically. "So what made you choose now ... and here?" she inquired softly.

"Well ... that perhaps is a long story ... but a certain young couple told me of a place far removed from my own ... a place where less importance is given to convention ... a place surrounded by towering mountains ... and where magically, hot water wells up out of the ground ... hot water a certain young doctor recommended might be of some benefit to my arthritis .... And so I decided to see this place, experience its attractions and temporarily remove myself from my somewhat isolated and humdrum existence." She looked down at William who had hold of a button on the front of her blouse and was endeavouring to wrench it off. "I will admit that after you advised me of William's arrival ... and every time a package of willow bark arrived in the mail ... I was inclined to ponder the attractions of Colorado Springs even more ...," she confessed somewhat reluctantly.

Michaela reached out to lay her hand over the old woman's gnarled one. "I'm glad you did," she said softly. "And the invitation to stay at our home remains ... even if you can afford the luxury of the Chateau ..."

Bess shook her head. "I have made enough changes for the moment Dr Quinn ... Here I can be as anonymous ... and even irascible ... as I wish to be ... I could not do that in your home ... with your family ... Thank-you for the offer ... but it is declined ..."

Michaela nodded and sat back in her chair. "So what do you intend to do now you're here?" she asked.

"Well ... I'm going to try the hot springs on these poor old legs of mine ... and just enjoy my new surroundings for a while," the old woman explained dryly. "Though I intend catching up with that handsome young husband of yours ... and meeting your little girl ... Katie isn't it?"

Michaela smiled and nodded. "I didn't get a chance to tell Sully you were in town ... he'll be wanting to visit with you too ... so you must come out to the homestead for supper ... perhaps in a couple of days when things have settled down ... I haven't even been out there myself yet ... since our return from San Francisco," she rejoined wryly.

"Then what are you doing out here?!" admonished Bess once more. "Go home .."

"I .. I wanted to see you ... find out how you were ... and why you were here," returned Michaela sheepishly.

"Well now you've found out ... its time you went home," ordered Bess. "I daresay we'll see each other again in the very near future ..."

Michaela edged forward in her seat. "Actually we'll probably see each other regularly," she explained ruefully. "I'll have to take over the clinic here ... until Andrew is ready to return to work ..."

"Ah ... Well there's no reason for you to stay a moment longer then ... I'll see you next time you have a clinic here ... and we'll arrange that supper you mentioned."

Michaela stood. "I'd like that," she said genuinely. She reached down to pick up William from Bess's lap. "Its good to have you here .."

Bess nodded, shooed her away and lowered her eyes to her book once more. However, as Michaela made her way through the double glass doors to the interior of the Chateau, she was oblivious to Bess's eyes on her once more and the uncharacteristic smile which hovered on the old woman's usually severe mouth.

Michaela shivered as she walked hurriedly through towards the foyer and forecourt. After having the warmth of the sun on her skin, the dimness and coolness inside wasn't nearly as friendly, nor was the thought that she may be accosted by Adrian at any moment. The foyer was empty, even the man who'd been reading his newspaper having been lured outside by the early summer sunshine. She quickened her pace, sighing with relief when she reaching the front porch without mishap, but her relief was short lived.

"Michaela?!" called a familiar voice from behind her, stopping her in her tracks. She momentarily considered rushing down the steps to the wagon, then remembered her vow in San Francisco that she was going to stand up to the man. She turned around to face him. "Adrian," she rejoined woodenly.

"Its good to see you out here," he said, his self-satisfied smile broad.

"I was visiting with a friend," she rejoined shortly, moving towards the steps.

"I didn't realise you were back from San Francisco," he continued blithely. "I trust your trip was enjoyable?"

"In parts," she responded evasively.

"I was so surprised to see you there ... delighted also of course ..."

She shrugged her shoulders and jiggled William in her arms as he began to whimper. "I don't wish to discuss San Francisco Adrian ... at least not now ... I better be going," she said, striving to keep her voice even.

"Well ... if you must ... but I was hoping we'd have an opportunity to talk ... I've been here nearly five months and we've barely exchanged pleasantries ..."

"We're both busy people Adrian," she returned. She took a step downwards and then stopped, remounting the step and looking the man in the eye. "Actually ... perhaps it is time we had a talk," she said directly. "But not today ... I have to get the baby home ... and I have a patient at the clinic ..." She paused and then cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps tomorrow?" she suggested.

His delighted smiled widened. "I'd be most pleased," he responded. "At any time most convenient for you ..."

His smile, concealing dark secrets, irked her, irked her more than she'd ever have thought possible. She took a deep breath. Needing to burst his bubble, even just a little, she said evenly, "Perhaps you shouldn't be so pleased ... what I have to say may not be to your liking ..."

His smile faded, but only for a moment. "You can say nothing which will lessen my pleasure at spending time with you Michaela ... nothing," he rejoined.

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't be so sure Adrian ... I've thought about our conversation in San Francisco at length ..."

"I'm glad you have ... I meant what I said ..."

"But you gave me little opportunity to respond," she adjured stiffly. "I intend to respond when we meet tomorrow ... and I am reasonably certain it will not be to your liking ..."

His smile suddenly disappeared and his brown eyes darkened. "You should be careful Michaela," he warned quietly. He took a step towards her. "I let nothing stand in my way when I want something ... nothing do you hear ... I never have and I never will ..."

"Well then ... perhaps you've finally met your match Adrian," she warned him in turn. "Because I will let no-one ... no-one do you hear ... spoil my own or my family's happiness ..."

He snorted derisively and stepped closer, his hands closing like pincers on the softness of her forearms. "I care nothing for your family Michaela ... they are inconsequential ... and I *will* get my way ..."

She swallowed at his menacing words and then squirmed in his grasp, worried for the baby caught between them. "Let me go," she demanded irately.

"Only when you realise that I am a formidable friend ... or foe ... depending upon the way you choose to look at it," he replied, his voice steely.

"This is hardly the behaviour of a *friend* Adrian," she gasped. "Let me go or I'll ..."

Her threats were forestalled by a loud, gravelly voice demanding angrily, "Let her go Tilson."

Adrian spun around to face the intruder and his jaw clenched.

"I said let her go," came Hank's stern order again. Michaela too, turned to see the barkeep standing in the Chateau foyer, a bemused Bess alongside. Adrian's hands momentarily tightened on her arms, causing her to wince in pain, and then they fell away.

He stepped back, a strange mixture of sheepishness and resentment etched into the lines on his face. "This is none of your business Lawson," he blustered.

"Figure any time I find a man bein' anythin' but friendly to a woman is my business," returned the barkeep coldly, stepping forward menacingly, in so doing causing the hotel manager to noticeably blanch. With an ironic shake of his head, Hank turned to Michaela. "You alright?" he inquired with concern.

She nodded mutely, both relieved and embarrassed.

"Good," he adjured. "You headin' home?"

She nodded again and said softly, "Back to the clinic ..."

"Guess I'll make sure ya git there safe," he informed her. He irritably turned back to Adrian who was slowly backing towards the hotel lobby. "I don' like fellas who gotta show their strength by takin' ta defenceless women ... I warned ya o' that once ... maybe next time we'll forget the warnin' ... an' just move on ...," he barked, pointing his finger at the cowering hotel manager.

Adrian swallowed and then straightened, attempting to appear unmoved, his demeanour betrayed however by telltale heavy breathing and the trembling of his hand at his side. "Like I said Hank ... this has nothing to do with you," he again blustered. "Now I've got work to do .... Good morning Michaela ..." He hastily turned and headed for the sanctuary of his office.

Michaela began to make her way shakily down the front steps. "You sure you're alright?" asked Hank with concern.

She nodded and then remembering her manners, turned and said, "Thank-you Hank ... that was a very awkward situation ..."

He raised an eyebrow and smiled wryly. "I'd haveta agree with that ... better ta not git mixed up with that fella Michaela ... reckon he's a bad seed ..."

"I have no intention of getting *mixed* up with him Hank," rejoined Michaela defensively. "I loathe the man ..."

"Yeah ... well just remember ta be on your guard," he counselled heatedly. "Here ... hand the baby to me while you climb up inta the wagon ..." After she and William were settled, he said, "Now just wait up while I collect my horse ..."

"There's no need for you to accompany me Hank," she protested hotly, as he strode across the forecourt to the hitching post.