Setting: ATF AU
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based on the CBS television series, The Magnificent Seven. It is in no way intended to infringe on the copyrights of CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment Group, The Mirisch Corp., or anyone else who may have legal rights to the characters, settings or song references. I don't own the characters. This story is strictly for entertainment. No monetary gain will be made from anything contained in this story.
NOTE: Big thanks, no HUGE thanks to Julie, for her invaluable, generous and wonderful medical assistance.
"Mistah Tannah?"
Vin's eyes twitched and his dry tongue navigated equally dry lips. He felt his face tapped and his name called again. He turned away, wanting to stay in the thick fog of sleep. But it was not to be. A gentle tap to his leg causd his eyes to crack a little bit. A blurry white uniform was in the direct range of his fuzzy eyes.
"Huh?" He croaked, coughed and sneezed. "Dammit..."
"I'm sorry, but yuh need to get up early today, it's Friday."
"Fri...day..." Vin sighed, closing his eyes. Then one eye opened and investigated the nurse's face. "I'm gettin' sprung?"
"Yuh sure are, Sugar." She pushed the button, raising his bed. "I'm gonna miss that pretty face of yuhrs." She cooed, then she lowered the side rail and helped him stand. "Mmmm... mmmm...." she teased, "I'm gonna miss that too!"
"Aw, hell," Vin grumbled, feeling the draft on his exposed backside. "...like I'm a piece o'meat..."
Once he was done in the bathroom, cleaned and wearing loose sweatpants and shirt, he shuffled to the chair.
"Smells good..." He watched as the tray was lifted. "Hot cakes... sausage and taters?"
"Yuh eat up," she cut up the food and handed him a spoon. A straw was inserted into the container of cranberry juice and there was coffee in a cup with a lid and sipping slot. "I'll be back in about a half hour. Then we'll go fuh a walk."
"Ya make me sound like a hound..." Vin muttered, seeing the pretty white teeth flash. He tried to move, but she cupped his chin.
"Yuh are a hound, Honey, a blue-eyed one..." She teased. They'd been taking him on walks for the last few days, to help him get some strength back. "I sure am gonna miss them pretty eyes..."
Vin watched the friendly nurse leave and smiled. They'd been so good to him all week. Each shift taking turns helping him walk. A couple knew just the right phrases to say to get him to blush.
He eyed the new day cresting and swallowed the maple glazed pancakes. What was on that horizon? Would he ever be truly well again? Sometimes the word 'months' nearly made him pass out. Months of painful therapy and what if his arm didn't come back? He drained his juice and felt the sun hit his pale skin. He closed his eyes and inhaled, missing the fresh air and sunlight terribly. Months. There it was again. Months. The inability to do the most basic things stripped from him by the double arm injury. He saw Gabrielle's face and frowned. How cruel had Fate been... letting him meet such a wonderful woman. In normal circumstances, they'd have dated, gotten to know each other normally.
"...wipin' m'ass... Dammit!" he shoved the tray away. It wasn't fair. She shouldn't have to wait on him, clean him and dress him. He wanted to touch her, hold her and love her. It shouldn't start like this... it wasn't fair.
The morning passed quickly. He had two walks in the hall and Mary came at noon for therapy. Then the painkillers sent him into a deep, if not troubled sleep. Too soon, a hand was tapping his leg.
"Vin... Vin..."
"Whisper a little lower, Buck..." Chris sassed, moving past he quiet man and raising his tone. "Hey, Tanner, your charior's here." Chris frowned at the gaping mouth and lack of movement.
"They couldda skipped his therapy.." Buck sympathized. "Poor Boy is all tuckered out..."
"He needs that therapy." The blond returned, tapping the slack jaw. "Shit... he's really under." Then he got an idea. "Buck, grab the box and open it... "
"I see where you're headed," the rogue agreed, opening the box of chocolate. He used the lid as a fan, sending the wonderous aroma under the slumbering patient's nose. The nose twitched, the eyes followed and the brows furrowed. A snapping tongue flicked out twice. On the third pass, he dropped a chocolate disc on the pink tongue. The small moan of pleasure brought dual grins. Buck laughed outloud, at the next image. While the eyes remained closed, the tongue came out again, waiting.
"Lazy bastard!' Chris quipped, slapping the blanketed knee. "Get them eyes open. Train's pullin' out... you on board?"
"...caboose..." Vin croaked, peeling an eye open. "...soda..."
"Water" The blond stuck a cup out.
"Fuck"
"I think you need to work you way up to that Slick," Buck teased, "you can't even get your eyes open."
"Shut the hell up, Bucklin!!" Vin cracked his eyes open and snarled at the plastic cup. "Cheap bastard..."
"It's called a 401K... you'll be sorry one day." The ATF leader flashed a half grin.
"Cheap bastard." Vin repeated, sucking the cup dry. "Okay, lets go... get me up."
"Hold on!" Buck lowered the side rail and steadied the wobbly man. "Let's go to the bathroom first."
"I ain't gotta go!" Vin protested.
"Yes, you do," Buck corrected, nodding to Chris to get the door.
"Look, Larabee!" Vin huffed, running out of breath and staggering. "Ya can't tote that badge in here... it's m'pee stick... I outta know... iffen..."
"Shut up and piss," Chris ordered, then saw the questioning blue eyes. "You've been sleeping all afternoon and besides, that Tanner bladder is the size of a peanut. We'll be five minutes on the highway and you'll start jiggling that damn knee.."
For a moment there was silence as the smallest figure eyed his two friends. Then the head dropped and the feet shuffled forward.
"Aw, hell..."
"Bye Vin..."
"Bye bye, Sugah..."
"Won't be the same without out you... I'll miss your bathtime."
"I'll miss you, Vinnie..."
"Vinnie?" Buck choked, as they made their way down the hall. Every nurse stopped to bid farwell, most unable to resist a gentle hug and kiss. Soon he was carrying balloons, a teddy bear, a basket with candy in it... "he sleeps in it..." the rogue complained of the tracker's good luck. Shifting his arms to accomodate the nurse's gifts, he fell behind. Chris was wheeling Vin in a chair.
"See ya, girls... thanks a lot... sure am gonna miss ya..."
"We're gonna miss yuh, too, Sugar..." Yvonne Johnson, the head nurse cooed. "Been awhile since anybody wore a gown that good..."
"Aw, hell..." Vin wrinkled his nose, as the elevator opened. "Chris, push 'four' will ya?"
"Four?" The blond inquired, his finger moving. "What for?"
"Jest' wanna say goodbye..." Vin watched as the doors parted. "Hey Girls!"
"Vin!"
"Jesus!" Buck hissed at the loud chorus. Chris moved the chair off the elevator and parked it. Then he backed up, as the younger man was swarmed. "What floor is this?" He eyed the pastels and nursery characters on the walls.
"Maternity." Chris noted.
"How the hell..."
"Let it go, Buck," Chris advised of the puzzlement. "You'll get a brainfreeze."
"Vin you look great!"
"Are you feeling better?"
"I'm goin' back t'New Orleans," Vin nodded each of the half-dozen females gathered close. "Jest wanted t'stop by and say thanks again."
"You made our day."
"You can come back anytime, Honey."
"We can practice CPR again."
"Practice CPR?" Buck found his voice, body numb as the flock of females hugged, ruffled hair and kissed the gloating, bandaged prince.
"Vin?" Chris raised an eyebrow.
"Aw, hell," He peeked through the bodies. "Where's m'manners? Girls, this here is Chris Larabee and Buck Wilmington. They work with me in Denver. Guys, this is Rachel, Annie, Laurie, Denise, Danielle and Maggie."
"No wonder you're sleeping everytime we visit," Buck thwacked the shaggy head. "You've been sneaking down here and neckin' with nurses."
"It weren't like that!" Vin argued. "Last week one day... can't recall... which... one... I was comin' back from gettin' xrayed. The elevator broke down."
"Now that man earned his pay..." Buck lamanted of the unfortunate orderly who'd been stuck with the claustrophobic Texan in a stuck elevator.
"Not enough money in the U.S. mint..." Chris shook his head.
"Shut up!" Vin scowled, moving his cheek towards a soft hand that soothed. "It weren't funny. By the time them wrench-totin' weasels got the damn thing workin'... I couldn't breathe... I was all lathered up..."
"He was soaking wet..." Rachel recalled, with a smile.
"Shaking all over," Annie rubbed Vin's knee.
"Gasping..." Denise remembered, tapping Vin's swollen fingers.
"And the door opened on our floor," Laurie noted with a wink.
"He passed out... his heart was racing..." Danielle thought aloud, rubbing Vin's curls.
"So we thought we might have to do CPR..." Maggie cupped the beaming man's chin.
"I woke up... they's all hoverin'around me... thought I died and went t'heaven... never seen so many angels..." Vin gushed, accepting the cooes and hands.
"I'm gonna be sick!" Buck protested but had to chuckle at the smug sharpshooter.
"How's Mrs. Callahan?"
"Fine. She had a nine pound boy."
"Damn," Vin winced, "better her than me... sounds painful... like passin' a bowlin' ball."
"Nice, Vin," Chris wrinkled his nose.
"They couldn't get the elevators t'work right..." Vin answered Buck's puzzled face. "and I couldn't get no air... hurt like hell..."
"We had to put him in a labor room." Maggie added.
"...and give him some breathing lessons..." Annie said. "That's where he met the Callahans..."
"Mrs. Callahan was helping him to breathe..." Laurie added.
"He was so brave... " Danielle patting his good shoulder.
"Like a soldier..." Denise agreed.
"Look at 'im," Buck whispered to the grinning blond. "Like Lord fuckin' Fauntleroy... holdin' court."
"He's a Tanner."
"Yeah," the tall agent grinned and shook his dark head. "I guess he is at that."
"We got you a gift, Vin."
"Of course you did," Wilmington deadpanned to Chris's snort. "In all my years, Chris, I swear I never seen anybody that can work a room like that boy can."
Laurie moved behind the large nurses station and came back with a large white basket. "It's a care basket..."
"Hey, that's real nice," Vin eyed the lotions, shampoos, powder, body scrub and soft cloths "Ya didn't hafta do nuthin'..." His eyes caught the blue teddy bear. "he's blue..."
"For a good boy," Danielle tapped his nose and turned as a buzzer went off. "Duty calls, Sweetie, you take care, here?"
"Yeah, thanks again... fer savin' me and such..."
"Anytime, Honey!" Annie waved.
"Here," Laurie handed the struggling mustached man the basket.
"Thanks," Buck grimaced. "that's what I'm here for... totin' duty." He shook his head. "I don't get it, Chris. All the times I been in hospitals... I never had luck like that..."
"That's cause you're not a Tanner." The blond replied with a cocky grin.
"Pay up," Chris quipped, eyeing the back of the van.
"Hell," Buck swiveled, "twenty minutes. I thought for sure he'd be able to stay awake until we got on the interstate." He peeled off a twenty and handed it to the smug blond.
The van had seats that folded back. They put the back two rows down and the recovering man was reclining in a semi unright position ,with the seat belts carefully in place. For a while, they rode in silence, each lost in thought. Finally, Buck broke the silence.
"You think he's gonna be okay, Chris?"
"Yup."
"Just like that?"
"Yup."
"But... that doctor said his arm might not work. How you gonna fix that? He won't be fit to live with."
"Faith."
It as as simple as that. Buck eyed the strong profile of the driver and then turned to the back of the van. The pale face was sleeping, the features slack. His gaze lingered on the immobilizer pinning Vin's right arm to this side. Faith? Maybe. But somehow, he thought that his injured friend was in for a long, tough ride. He turned his gaze back to his oldest friend. If Vin didn't recover, it would be a long road for this man as well.
"They're here!" J.D. exclaimed, peeking out the wnidow of Ezra's historic mansion.
"Everybody in the foyer!" Caitlin announced, corraling her child, fiance and father-in-law. Gabrielle and Josiah were on the other side. Nathan was assisting Lily and J.D. and Ezra were by the door.
"Wake up, Sleeping Beauty, we're home." Buck hollered, easing his large frame from the vehicle. He stood by as Chris eased the door open, leaned in and tapped the slack jaw.
"Here," Buck handed him a napkin, stuck in his pocket from the last rest stop. He waited until the guiding hand wiped the line of drool from the sleeping man's chin.
"Vin, Vin," Chris tapped the slack jaw and saw the eyelids crease."Quit spittin' on me and wake up." A dry tongue clucked against the roof of the mouth and a series of sneezes ensued. Finally, two bleary eyes opened angrily. "You done?"
"Huh?"
"Here," Buck held an icy coke and watched the jaws working. "Slow down... I'm not takin' it from you."
"S...or..ry..." Vin heaved, having spent too much energy. He eyed the unfamiliar terrain and tried to shake off the lethargy. He felt like weights were holding his eyes down. His limbs wouldn't work and his whole body ached. "...where's m'legs..."
"Right here," Buck chuckled, taking the cup and placing it on the roof of the car. "Easy now... we'll do all the work. You got him?"
"Yeah," Chris climbed over the stuperous man and turned him. He winced as Vin cried out, eyes jumping in pain.
"What the hell are ya doin'!" Vin snapped, trying to wiggle free.
"Sorry, Vin... Buck," he nodded and the other man eased the slim legs outside. He guided Vin from behind and at last he stood on shaky legs.
"Chris!" Vin hissed, heart thumping. The sidewalk seemed to be moving one way and his frail body the other.
"I gotcha."
That voice was enough and he felt a hand snag his waist. He eyed the other side where Buck took up support.
"Sorry..." he whispered of his inabilty to function.
"S'okay, Slick," Buck winked, as they made their way up the steps and towards the door.
"SURPRISE!"
Vin sucked in what little air he could, his body jumped and his heart jolted. His wide eyes flew around the room, spotting blurry faces, balloons and a banner. His heart was pumping wildly and the voices seemed far away.
"Chris!" Gabrielle screamed, when Vin turned as white as a sheet and his eyes rolled.
"Josiah," Chris grunted, having caught Vin's upper body, wary of the right side.
"I got him,' the preacher annouced, grabbing the legs.
"There's a guestroom back here," Ezra moved quickly past the foyer and towards the garden. He made a sharp turn into a well appointed room with rich cream walls. A large mahogany four poster bed was covered with an antique quilt. He drew the cover back, thumped up the pillows and moved. "Do you need anything?" He asked the concerned physican, now at her patient's side.
"My bag... it's by the door," Gabrielle replied, lifting Vin's eyelid.
"I got it," J.D. moved into the room, Buck on his heels.
"What the hell happened?" the rogue asked, eyeing Vin's unnaturally pale face.
"Here," Nathan handed her the glucose monitor.
"Thanks," she said, pricking his finger and putting the blood on a strip. That brought a low moan and a movement of the clammy face. A short beep confirmed her suspicions. "His blood sugar dropped down. I'll give him some glucose." She drew up a needle,while Nathan swabbed his left arm above the cast.
"Too much excitement didn't help..." the EMT noted, watching the needle go inside the vein.
"Is he okay?" Caitlin asked, putting a bowl of cool water and a clean cloth next to the bed. She wrung out a cloth and placed it on his face. "Chris, Lily's upset..."
"Go on," Gabrielle nodded to the concerned blond, whose green eyes could have burned a hole in the wall. "He's coming around..." She noted of the facial features twitching. With a nod, Larabee left.
"Vin... Vin..." the pretty doctor's cocoa fingers eased the cool cloth over his face. The eyes opened slowly, not focused.
"Hey, Vin!" J.D. glanced anxiously over Doctor Marquette's shoulder.
"Wh..at... ha... p... where... is... place..." Vin mumbled, totally confused.
"We're in Ezra's house... you fainted!" Dunne answered.
"...f..f..f..aint?" Vin shook his head. "...ain't no girl... didn't do such... any...thin'..."
"Yeah, you did... right out..."
"J.D.!" Buck hissed, clamping a hand on the shoulder. He jerked his head once, clearing the room. He knew that silence and the woeful eyes, meant that the tracker was upset.
Despite the many bodies in the room and the faces peering at him, he saw only one. He studied every perfect feature as she wiped his face. She nodded once and he turned away. She drew a hand out, wanting to comfort, but it was rejected. She felt a hand tap her shoulder and stood up, falling into Buck's arms. He gently led her from the room.
"He'll come around, Chris'll talk to him. He's hurtin' now... all busted up inside... he don't like losin' control..." He stopped as a blond whirlwind blew past. Their eyes met and Buck nodded once.
Chris paused long enough to cup Brie's chin and wink. He eased into the room and closed the door.
"How is he?" Ryan asked, when Buck and a shaken Gabrielle rejoined them.
"He'll be okay." Gabrielle took the brandy from Ezra, "thank you, Ezra. I'm sorry this disrupted your home. It's lovely."
"Not at all, My Dear." He reassured. "and it pales in comparison to you ladies."
"His blood sugar dropped down..." She started.
"...and we screamed at him..." J.D. noted.
"Chris's with him," Buck added, "He'll turn that frown upside down. Come on, now, there a party to be had."
Ryan McKenna moved through the rooms in the back, out into the garden. It was spectacular. He spotted the black curly head and walked over.
"Buttons?" He asked and suddenly found an armful of child. She buried her face in his neck and cried. "Hey... why the rain?"
"It's... m...m... f..f...f.aul...t... Vin... fell... down... I ... I... I... h...hur...hurted... h...him..." She sobbed, clinging to the strong man.
"No, no Sweetheart," he soothed, rocking her and rubbing her back. "Look at me... come on..." he waited until the wet face was staring at him. God she was beautiful. He used his finger to brush the tears away and held her close. "Aunt Brie checked Vin, she gave him a blood test. Guess what? His blood sugar dropped."
"Blood sugar?" she cocked her head.
"Yes, your blood has all kinds of things in it... remember when Aunt Brie let you look through the microscope.?"
"Yeah, at the wigglies..." She recalled of the strange sight.
"Right. Well, one of the things in blood is a sugar level. It's a number that the doctors can use to see if you're sick. Vin's was too low. It made him dizzy and pass out. But he's fine. It wasn't your fault, Grace. Why would you think that?"
"He... look..ded... right... at... me... and... I hollered real loud... and... and... and... he... he... fell... and... his eyes... they... went up... and..."
"I know," he rocked her again, wincing at the painful hiccups. "It was scary, huh?" He felt the tiny head nodding against his chest. "You know what might help?" He paused as the unruly curls moved. "Maybe we can fix him a plate with some fruit and cheese. Could be he's hungry."
"Okay..." She decided, nestling into his chest again. She put her small hand up, touching his cheek. "Uncle Wyun?"
"Yes?" He peered at the solemn face, his heart melting.
"I'm sure... glad... God hearded me..."
"When?" He thought she meant praying for Vin Tanner.
"When... I asked... him to... for... you... to... be ... my daddy." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "I love you... so much... my tummy hurts..."
"I love you, too, Buttons," he choked, thanking God for such a miracle. He felt a hand on his neck and turned to find his beautiful fiance, with tears in her eyes. She kissed him and he felt like he was the luckiest son-of-a-bitch alive.
"As fascinating as Ezra's walls are," Chris deadpanned, waiting for the still body to move. He held a coke as an offering.
"Thanks," Vin managed, taking a sip. "Why didn't ya warn me?"
"I guess I wasn't thinking, Vin, I'm sorry."
"Feel like a fool..."
"No reason to," Larabee said, watching the shame reflected in the sky eyes. "You're with family, remember?"
"..'mbarassed..."
"I'd be too if I had long hair like a girl."
"Yer jest' jealous..." Vin managed a weak smile.
"Your blood sugar bottomed out. That's what did it. Brie gave you glucose. How you feel?"
"Hungry." He decided, trying to get his casted arm to move. As if sensing the motion, a strong hand gently gripped his forearm. "Thanks... Cowboy..."
"Anytime."
"Is she here?"
"Yeah."
"Get me up then."
"No way. Not until Brie okay's it... you won't miss anything. I know how much you want to see this."
"It's a miracle, Chris. It ain't everyday ya get the chance..."
"I know..."
A knock on the door broke the moment. Chris rose and moved swifty, peeking outside he saw Ryan's concerned face.
"He's okay." The green eyes narrowed when Ryan pointed down. Chris saw the guilt written on the tiny girl's face. He didn't knew all the 'whys', but he squatted down. "Hey... Vin was just saying he was hungry. He sure lucky to have a nurse like you taking care of him."
There was not sassy remark, the head didn't move. Lost for moment, Chris eyed Ryan again, then moved aside.
Vin didn't need any words, he saw the fright in her face.
"...probably scared the wits outta her... " he noted of his collapse. "Hey Sugar!" He called out, "I was jest' thinkin' o'ya. Is that fer me?"
"Go on, Honey," Chris moved aside and gave her a pat. "What happened?" he whispered to the concerned uncle.
While Ryan filled Chris in, Grace stood by the bed, then set the plate down.
"Hey, them strawberries look good..." Vin said and a fork came up, feeding him. One by one, the fruit and cheese disappeared. He watched her put the plate down and her head fell. She still hadn't said a word. "...come here..." he wiggled his fingers and she slipped onto the soft bed. "...ain't ya fergettin' somethin'?" He saw her eyes flash and smiled, "...I need a angel kiss..."
"...real careful like?" she whispered.
"Yeah..." Vin smiled as the body moved. He moved his cast and let her rest against him. "Thanks... Sugar. Yer the best medicine I got. I'm sorry if I scared ya like that..."
"...m'sorry ..."
"Yer sorry?" Vin kissed the top of her head. "Fer what?"
"...scarin' all your sugar away..."
"Huh?" Vin nearly laughed at the serous tone.
"You got no sugar..."
"...low sugar... but it's okay now... ya done real good, feedin' me right when I needed it..."
"Yer not mad?" She peeped up at him.
"Honey, I couldn't be mad at ya... not never..." He tossed at her, finally getting a smile. "Feelin' better now?"
"Does worms yawn!" She crowed, not hearing the groan from the doorway.
"You'll get used to them," Chris said of Ryan's dismay at the Vinisms now a part of the child's vocabulary. "You get her... I'll get Vin inside..."
"Okay," Ryan whistled, held out his hand and Grace scooted from Vin.
"It's time..." Chris said, moving as Gabrielle came into the room. He looked away as they kissed and Vin mumured something soft in her ear. He felt Brie tap his back and moved to the bed, helping the younger man up.
"Ya shouldda been lookin'... ya could use a lesson er two..." He noted of the kiss and heard the snort.
"You okay?" Chris said when Vin began breathin' heavier.
"Yeah... that ain't... from the hurt..." he rasped. "that's from her perfume..." He nodded to the others, as Chris got him into the large parlor and onto the seat of a highback chair. "She don't know?"
"No," Chris replied, as Nathan moved in to flank Vin, in case he was needed. The blond walked to where Lily was chatting with J.D. "Lady." He extended his hand and held onto her, walking slowly beside her. He held on tight when he heard her gasp. He gripped even tighter when she began to tremble and tears fell. Then, like the warrior he knew she was, she took a deep breath and righted herself. With a good tug on his hand, she moved forward.
"Oh, my... " Angelique Rose Dubonnet, known as Grace since the day she was 'adopted' in the chapel over 90 years prior, gasped. Her breath caught in ther throat and she felt tears running from her eyes. She felt a hand touch her face, and looked into her sister's face. A face just like her own.
"I'd have known you anywhere," Alexandra Lily Dubonnet replied, lightly touching her lost sister's face. "We're home, Mama... Papa... at last." she raised her wet amethyst eyes to the heavens and joyfully embraced her long lost sibling
As she embraced her long lost sister, Lily Gavin decided it was time to complete the circle. Basking in the glow of her family — their family — she took a deep breath and turned towards them. Keeping her sister's hand firmly in her own, she let her eyes linger on every face. Her smile was deep and her eyes full of light, when she caught Vin Tanner's eye.
"Young man, if you scare me like that again..."
"Yes, Ma'am..." Vin grinned, amazed at the dual image. "guess I could learn a thing 'er two from ya," he joked, "...about surprises. Leastwise, yer feet stayed planted."
"I think some introductions are in order," Ryan addressed the group. "Grandmother," he tapped Grace's shoulder, "Aunt Lily," he extended his arm, letting each take one. He led them to a small setee in front of the fireplace. From here, they watched as their family entered. Ryan made the introductions and sat next to Caitlin. With the rest of the extended family gathered in snatches on softs, chair and in J.D. and little Grace's position, on the floor, they rested.
"Yesterday, Caitlin and I went to the Sauville House and with the help of Miss Emily," he winked at little Grace, sitting by Vin's knee, her doll hugged closely to her chest. "We found Isabella's journals." He pointed to two large leather bound books on the coffee table. It's only a formality now, The District Attorney's office and the city have been notifed. Once all the processing is done and the red tape unsnagged, the estate, all of it, belongs to young two young ladies."
"No," Lily said, keeping Grace's hand in her own. "It belongs to us... all of us, right sister?"
"Right!" Grace agreed.
"Nathan?" Lily nodded to her bag, "Can you bring me that? It's time this tragic love story was told. She took the bag and nodded, "Thank you. This book was the first, the original, journal of Isabella Sauville. My beloved older sister," she paused, her heart full. "such courage. She took it from their cabin and kept it for me." For a moment, she gathered her thoughts. "My mother began to write the night she wed a young man whose beauty stole her heart... much like his heir," she smiled at a blushing Vin Tanner. "His name was Philippe Dubonnet." She turned several pages and then paused, letting her sister see the drawing. "He was an artist, a very talented one, our Papa."
"He's very handsome... his eyes..."
"A beautiful shade of blue, like his fathers and like his great grandnephew's... young Vin over there."
"Yes," Grace's eyes went from the drawing of a young man with long, dark curly hair and fine features. Beside him in the photo was his new bride, her beauty was breathtaking. She studied the young man across the room and smiled. "You look like him..."
"Reckon I do," Vin agreed, having seen the drawing.
"Speaking of which," Buck eased his tall frame from the doorway and ambled over to his friend. He took the watch from his pocket and rested it in the sharpshooter's swollen fingers.
"Hey, it looks great..." Vin's fingers fumbled, trying to pop the front open. "Seems I need a helper..." He waited until Grace stood up and eyed the pretty, silver timepiece and pushed the silver knob. "This watch, it belonged t'our kin... Pierre Dubonnet. He had twin boys, Philippe and Pierre. See them fancy scratches?" He saw her nod, "That's his name..."
"It's real pretty, Vin. Is it yours?"
"Fer a little while," his voice hushed, thinking of Philippe's message. "It's fer m'boy..."
"Ya got a baby?" Grace's eyes widened, and the adults all laughed.
"Not yet, Sugar," Vin laughed, "but one day... I will." His eyes moved to where Gabrielle stood and he left his adoring gaze nearly melt her. Then he turned to the smiling man with the mustache. "Bucklin..." He paused, eyes full. He fingered the fine work that the agent seen completed on his beloved treasure.
"You're welcome, Slick," Buck smiled, ruffling the shaggy hair.
"Don't be touchin' m'hair!" Vin ducked, wearing a big grin.
"You're kidding, right?" Buck winked, "You got two busted up arms... I'm gonna get in all the time I can."
"Look!" Lily exclaimed, holding up the picture her beloved father drew over ninety years before. "This was the last sketch my father drew of us, the date is in the corner. The next day was the wedding date listed for Raoul Moreau and our mother."
"He kilt 'im... by the river... and dumped him in, "Vin winced, feeling the pain in his head. "...his head..."
"Vin..." Buck squeezed the tense shoulder. "Don't..." He felt the back muscles gripped in rage and saw the eyes flashing.
"He's dead, Vin, that won't serve any purpose," Chris saw the same image Buck did.
"Leave it be, Vin, " Nathan instructed.
But it was the voice of a child, that broke through the simmering rage inside. A tiny hand tapped his cheek and he blinked, seeing fear in those beguiling amethyst eyes.
"You're gonna lose your sugar again..." she pleaded, tiptoeing and kissing his cheek. "angel kiss?" she whispered in his ear, hoping it would heal whatever it was she couldn't see. "for your heart's boo boo."
"Aw, hell," Vin whispered, awkwardly wrapping his casted arm around her. "Thank..." his voice cracked and he felt Buck's hand again, rubbing his back.
"You okay?" The ladies man inquired and saw the head bob. He lifted Grace and sat on carefully on Vin's lap, ruffling the black curls.
"What happened next?" Gabrielle asked Lily.
"I've read that journal," Caitlin took the next segment. "Isabella was terribly unhappy. She had to endure Raoul's brutality. They had a son, Louis and after his birth, led separate lives. In 1912, they took a fateful trip on the Titantic." She waited for the whistles, shocked exclaimations and murmurs to die down. "Isabella and little Louis survived. She vowed to be a better mother to her four year son, who she'd neglected for so long. They were happy here in New Orleans, but she was always haunted by her lost babies. She made Louis vow on her deathbed, to find them. He tried and left all the money, the whole estate, to his lost sisters or their heirs."
"What about that old woman and Bates?" Ryan asked.
"Jessamie was Andre Moreau's child, by Tess. Tess came from the bayou, her relatives were Voodun. Jessamie was gifted with that power and Tess feared Raoul, and hid her." Ezra supplied, having researched this end of the tale. "As a child, she had a vision about a 'savior with blue eyes, who would purge the sinners.' For years, she waited, until last month, when the savior arrived."
"Vin?" J.D. shook his head. "Wow! That's amazing. I mean, if Vin didn't join the team and never met Chris..."
"He'd never have gone to New Orleans to take that class..." Buck continued.
"...and if the hotels weren't overbooked and we had been in town," Chris shook his head. "It's almost as if..."
"Fate intervened?" Ezra nodded, "Perhaps. Geoff Trent's mother was in love with Louis. He discouraged her and she never forgave that. When she became pregnant, she alerted all the papers. But it was proven in court that the child wasn't his. She was a drug addict and died soon after. His Aunt raised him and spilled the tale of his birth on her deathbed."
"That's why he came here," Josiah added, "got a job with NOPD, access to all kinds of stuff a private citizen can't get. He heard the rumors about the 'lost heir' and paid a lot of money to one of the best investigative reporters in the country, Max McKenna."
"Daddy!" Grace's high voice silenced the room. "That was my daddy," she turned her face to Vin who nodded, wincing slightly in pain when she settled against his still healing ribs.
"I know, Sugar. He's an angel now, lookin' at fer ya, jest like my Ma..."
"Do you think they know each other?" Grace asked, looking at her new hero's face. "Is heaven real big?"
"I reckon they do, Sugar," Vin answered the large eyes addressing him.
"I'm glad," she whispered, tapping his chest. "Is your boo boo better?"
"Yeah," Vin smiled, "them angel kisses... took all the hurt away."
"Max found out about Isabella's twins..." Caitlin said slowly, watching the rage build on Ryan's face. "It's done, Ryan, don't..." She saw the guilt again.
"A few more minutes..."
"Water under the bridge!" Seamus boomed, "Leave it be, Lad."
"He... that animal..." Ryan bit off the word 'murdered', feeling Grace's large eyes on him. But the others knew, especially the widower with blond hair. "Three innocent... lives..."
"He got what he deserved" Chris noted coldly of the slow death in the swamp by the alligator.
"What happened to Pierre?" the elder Grace asked her sister. "Why wasn't he raised with Papa?"
"Thanks to young John Daniel," Lily smiled at the bright youth. "We have another missing piece of the puzzle. His research has given our story it's start, way up north in the wilds of Canada. A young man with adventure in his heart, came to America. He was an expert trapper and knew the Rocky Mountains inside and out. His name was Pierre Dubonnet. He was a handsome, life-loving, boisterous and had a eye for the ladies."
"Ya sure his name weren't Wilmington?" Vin teased, getting another head rub.
"You wish!" Buck teased. "Go on Kid," he turned to the youth, "What else did you find out?"
"He travelled down the Mississippi and arrived in Louisanna. It was here in New Orleans in 1885 he met a young widow, with a daughter named Lily. They married and a year later, she gave birth to twin sons. They were happy for awhile, but Fate had other ideas. " Dunne turned his notes over and continued to read,"When the twins were four, the whole family was about to move. Pierre had a job offer in Lafayette, to become partners with an old friend in a trading company. They were on a steamboat, there was a terrible storm and lightning struck the boat. It caught fire. We'll never know exactly how, but they were separated. Most of the dead were never recovered. Apparently, Pierre had his namesake with him and survived, settling in Lafayette. Lily, who was sixteen then, turned up back in New Orleans with Philippe. She got a job and raised him."
"Aw, hell," Vin swallowed hard. "That's awful... they thought... each other was dead."
"Yeah," J.D. nodded to Lily..
"Young Pierre's son, Peter Dubonnet was born in 1925 in Lafayette. He joined the service during World War II. After the Korean war, he was stationed in Texas, where he met a young woman and married. They had one child, a daughter. He was killed in Viet Nam in '63. His daughter grew up and married a Texan. They had a son..."
"A short tempered, hockey lovin'," Buck started, nodding to Ezra.
"Expert marksman and outdoorsman, despite his questionable taste in attire," he smiled, nodding to Nathan.
"Cussin', fussin', grouchy pain in the butt," he teased, slapping Josiah.
"Fiesty, hot-headed, drawling poet." He paused, "whose soul has a beauty that will steal your breath." He winked at J.D. Dunne.
"Chocolate lovin', cartoon addicted, Junk Food King of Denver." The youth said over the laughter and tossing the 'baton' to Chris Larabee.
"...long-haired, onry river rat," the blond winked at his best friend's smile. "Texas variety."
"Beats the hell outta bein' a Yankee mule," he shot back, 'short, thinnin' yella haired variety." The laughter that chased around the room felt good. He caught Larabee's eyes and waited, "...blue-eyed handsome devil named Vin Tanner!" he collected the groans and guffaws, storing them away. "Ain't that right, Sugar?"
"Right!" Little Grace and Gabrielle answered at the same time, giving them all another laugh.
"You're the prettiest one, Vin," the moppet announced from her hero's lap. "'cept for Uncle Wyun."
"Thanks Buttons," the Irishman winked.
"Reckon I can live with that," Vin decided, enjoying her snuggling against him.
"Can we eat now?" Grace asked, "I got a hankerin' for a slab of that chocolate cake."
"Hankerin'?" Buck laughed, watching Ryan and Caitlin groan.
"Slab?" J.D. chuckled. "She sounds just like you, Vin."
"...s'wrong with that?" he defended, as she got down and scampered to her mother.
For several minutes, the small clustered groups talked among themselves. No one felt it harder than Vin Tanner. He waited until the others had seen the books, sketches and other memorbilia that Lily brought. The drifted in and out of the room. Someone brought him a plate of food and he ate slowly, the casted left arm slowing him. He stood and got his balance, then went over to the setee, now vacant. He saw and looked through the book, turning each page carefully. It was overwhelming, the flow of emotions inside. The long day began to take a toll and his throbbing chest and shoulder were joined by a headache. He settled back, resting his head while his fingers played with the chain of the watch. He felt a tiny hand covering his own and smiled. He knew before the soft kiss on his cheek who it was.
"Hey, Lily," he whispered, cracking his eyes open. He took one look at that face, the perfect skin and those beautiful eyes and smiled. "God yer beautiful."
"So are you, Sweetheart," she took a hand and rested it against his face. "You're so very special. Even my talented fingers could never paint a portrait as profound as your soul."
"Thank you," His voice caught, overcome by the depth of the tone in her voice. "I was tryin' to see some of the pictures, but I can't turn the pages."
So she read to him, holding onto the swollen fingers, until she felt him shifting in the chair. The handsome face was lined in pain and the breathing was shallow. Sweat was clinging to every fine feature and she rose.
"I'll get Chris and Buck, you need to go home."
"Don't bother Chris, he's had a long day..." Vin began, trying to shield his eyes from the light in the room. It made his headache worse. "It's good t'hear 'im laugh."
"Tomorrow's another day, Sweetheart. I think that lovely doctor you're so taken with will agree with me."
"Ain't she somethin' Lily," he sighed, thinking of her touch and taste."She takes all m'air away."
"I know," She smiled, clasping both hands to his face. "I'm so happy for you, Vin."
"You want some cake, Slick?" Buck interrupted, then realized there was something strong in their gaze. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't be," Lily turned with a wicked twinkle in her eyes. "Not everyone can be a Dubonnet."
"Give 'im hell, Lily!" Vin laughed.
-After saying goodbye at least three times and taking kisses, hugs and cake, Vin was led to the van. Ezra was pulling the door open and Vin tried to move his cast. The gambler saw the effort and took the pinned appendage.
"I'm grateful," Vin nodded with a smile, "Ya done good, Ez."
"Thank you, Mister Tanner," he replied, "It was a pleasure. I'm sure you'll realize how much so when you get the bill." He teased with a wicked grin.
"Cut that out," the Texan tossed back, 'Yer damn gold tooth is blindin' me. Buck, quit pawin' me, I'm fine."
"You hush up and get your scrawny ass in there," Wilmington got the body down and adjusted the belts.
He dozed lightly during the short jaunt. He was awake, when the door opened, but wise enough to take the offered support. His whole body throbbed and the pain seemed to grow as they walked along the path.
"Where we goin'?" Vin mumbled, when they didn't go in the front door. Instead, Buck and Chris were leading him around the side of the large house, into the garden.
"You'll see," the rogue whispered, as Chris went ahead.
"What's that?" Vin blinked in disbelief at the pretty white cottage amidst the flowers.
"Your love nest!" Buck boomed, giving both Larabee and Tanner a groan.
"M'what?" Vin stammered, "I don't understand..."
"Everything's on one floor," Chris explained, opening the door. "Those first few days, when you were in a coma, the others fixed this up." He noted of the team. "Gabrielle said you'd need a lot of rehab. She used to rent it out, it's been a couple years. It needed a good scrub and some paint."
"You like your privacy and it's almost outside," Wilmington added, "See, I even got a cot for you on the porch."
It was just right. A large room with an overstuffed sofa, a couple of chairs and a large television. The bathroom was equipped with safety rails and a stalled shower. The bedroom had a large window, which afforded a spectacular view of the garden. It glistened with newly painted creamy walls and accents in deep blue and sage. A small television/vcr combo was on the nightstand.
"I can't... I can't... damn... ya sneaky pack o'rats..."
"Spoken like a true Tanner," Buck winked, ruffling Vin's hair.
"I swear t'God Buck!" Vin tried to duck as the large man laughed.
"Listen, Vin," the rogue winked and nodded to the bed. "Do me proud, huh?"
"Git yer filthy face outside... helluva thing t'say..." he limped to the bed and eyed the cooler.
"That's full of all your favorites," Buck said from the doorway. "There's a baby monitor on the nightstand. If you need anytying, you push that red button and holler. I'll find you."
"Thanks Bucklin," Vin nodded to the departing man.
"Come on Cowboy, bedtime," Chris said and then stopped suddenly, inhaling as if a bullet hit him.
"Ya alright?" Vin asked, sitting on the bed. "Chris?" His momentary fear was displaced, when a soft Larabee smile was born.
"Yeah," he decided. "I used to say that to Adam, at night when I'd put him in bed. I'd forgotten..."
"Sure was a cute little feller," Vin paused, as Chris got his shirt off. "like his Ma..."
"Smart ass!" Chris chased, feeling the slim body tense up in pain. He knew the slightest movement had caused pain and left for a moment. While the tracker caught his breath, he filled a basin with soapy water, as Brie had instructed him.
"Hey, I been thinkin'..." the exhausted sharpshooter and been mulling over Lily's words and the history of the family.
"...playing with fire," Chris slid the arm from the sling and waiting for Vin to catch his breath.
"...I... ain't... fig..ured... out... all... the... tangles... yet... but..." Vin paused, rocking slightly to combat the pain. "...seems t'me... we're related somehow..."
"God forbid!" Larabee scoffed, sliding taking a warm soapy rag from the basin and gently cleaning the sweat and lint from the injured man's right side, arm and back.
"...s'wrong with me bein' in yer fam..."
Chris's head shot up when Vin hissed, he waited for the trembling to stop and eased the dried and lotioned arm back into the immobilizer.
...ily tree?" Vin finished, face covered in sweat.
"Got enough nuts."
"Seems t'me..." Vin panted, allowing Chris to get him into he bed. He took the painkillers and a sip of what he thought was his beloved beverage of choice. "This ain't a Dew!"
"Oh, for Christ's sake, Vin!" the blond shoved the body down, "it's lemonade and I think you'll live."
"...don't ask fer much, "Vin sniffed, eyeing the green-eyed scowl and feeling a tug in his gut. "...twisted up in pain... helpless..." he waited and saw the blond fighting hard not to chuckle. "...all kinds o'thirsty... half-starved... was countin' on m'best friend t' come through with a Dew." He cracked a heavy eye and saw the lips twitching. "Did I mention bein' helpless?"
"At least twice..." Chris tossed back, swallowing a laugh. He was leaning in the doorway, waiting for Vin to fall asleep. Finally, the eyes shut and he turned.
"...goin'..." Vin whispered, "ain't done yet..."
"Wonderful," the leader grumbled.
"...heard... that!" Vin tossed back, fighting to see. "...hell are ya?"
Chris shoved off the doorframe and moved closer, until the blinking eyes found him. He sat on the bed and lifted the cup.
"You want some more?"
"Ain't got a choice," Vin lifted his chin and sucked on the straw. He took some and then coughed, making a face. "Best ya stay close, in case it don't stay put. My innerds was fixin' on Dew..."
"I'm not planning on wearin' Tanner puke, "So, what running through that hallway between your ears?"
Vin hesitated a moment and studied the face above him. His brows furrowed as he thought back on all they'd been through. Chris Larabee had risked his life to find and save him... bring him home. Home. He sighed again, fighing off the effects of the drug . For a long time, he had no home, only a bike and an endless black highway. Now, he realized home was not as much a place, but a feeling. Here, in the heart of New Orleans, far from his beloved Rocky Mountain, he was 'home'. His brothers were with him; Lily was with him; The McKennas, his new family were with him. Brielle... his heart contricted and his throat closed, she was home. His eyes flickered back to the patient man sitting on the bed. He was looking out the window, watching the moon caress the blossoms in the garden. The Texan studied the profile and grimaced, moving his casted left wrist. He thumped Chris's hand and saw the face turn back. He smiled then, seeing it cleary and feeling it even deeper. Home was the pride in those green eyes; it was the unexpressable feeling he got when they pierced his soul. Home was Chris Larabee.
"I wouldn't take up t'much room..." he rasped, drinking in the crinkle in the smiling eyes. "...in yer tree."
Chris paused a moment and drew a short breath. While Vin had been mulling over his thoughts, he'd been staring at the roses and thinking of Sarah. He felt her so strongly tonight, feeling the love in the room where his family, Vin's family, their family gathered. He saw the guileless blue eyes and felt that familiar warmth flood him. It filled him to the core, enriching his soul. How many years had he been cold and empty inside? Now, he felt whole again. Sarah's beautiful face loomed in his mind's eye and he felt the cast thump his leg. He moved his hand, grasping the forearm and smiling.
"Our tree..." He grinned, seeing a weak one mirroring his own. "It's a damn good feeling, Cowboy, knowing you and Adam shared the same blood. Damn, you make me proud..." His throat choked then when he heard Vin's gasp and saw the blue mirriors working their magic. He swallowed hard and took a breath, not finishing the thought, but sending every bit of emotion through his eyes. "She'd have loved you, Vin. Sara would have opened her heart to you..." He bit off the ending, it wasn't necessary. Vin knew his place... and how deep it went.
He opened his lips twice to say something, anything, even half profound. But no words would come. He struggled againt the sleep coming on too fast and the tidal wave of emotion cresting in his chest. He felt his eyes burning with pride, when Chris spoke so lovingly about his family. To have this man's respect and the unquestioning open hand was more than he could bear at times. Finally, Chris's emotions took over and he couldn't continue. He saw the blond fighting hard to control the wash of feelings.
"She'dda brung me a Dew..." Vin croaked with a mock-scowl, "...cheap bastard." He drank in that laughter, a rich warm Larabee special as he fell asleep. It cradled him, guided him with silver wings shining in a green glow, into a deep, peaceful sleep.
He didn't know how long he sat there, watching Vin sleep. He watched the tracker's chest rise and fall in dumbfounded amazement. To gain such a influx of current from that simple act... awed him. How was it his man had that power? He thought of the dark days when Vin was lost and felt a cold fear invade him. Inadvertantly, he shivered and felt a hand on his neck.
"He looks like an angel."
"You forgot your glasses," Chris quipped, rising and brushing the warmth from his eyes.
"Come on, Sweetheart, let's take a walk," Lily took the shaken man's arm and let him outside.
Gabrielle was in the doorway, and Chris paused to kiss her cheek. He left his hand rest on that beautiful pale cocoa face and saw the love shining in those magnificent aqua eyes.
"He's special," he managed, "he's gonna need a skilled hand... he's fragile inside... people don't see that. He's sensitive... he hurts so much deeper than most. Hold him tight, Brie... "
"I will!" she whispered, stroking his cheek. She shut the door and the curtains, giving them privacy. She slipped into a silk pair of pajamas and slid under the blanket. She gently moved his casted arm and nestled against his chest. She supported herself on her elbow and used her finger to trace the outlines of every fine feature. He was beautiful... inside and out. He sighed, and moved towards her hand. She bent lower and kissed him softly, nibbling on his lower lip. The low growl only made her smile move and she traced a path down his neck and chest, nipping him lightly.
"Yer gonna kill me!" Vin moaned, eyes to heavy to open. "C'mere..." he said huskily and waited until he felt her face next to his own. He felt the lips move on his and kissed her back, deep and hard.
"Vin?" She managed, when her senses returned. Frowning, she eyed the slack jaw and chuckled at the soft snore. "What a romatic!" She chuckled, settling against him carefully.
"It's lovely here," Lily said, as she and her nephew sat on a bench in the gazebo.
"Yeah," Chris said thickly, his mind running a hundred miles an hour.
She watched his profiled carefully, noting the raging emotions in those beautiful eyes. Most people, fools that they were, didn't take the time to really see Chris Larabee. If they did, they'd be so much richer for the effort. Courageous, proud, intelligent; full of unfathomable integrity and those eyes, shining with honor, these were all traits to be proud of. But his heart, that fearless banner that bled for his men, his family and injustice, that is what she loved the most. All of that fine moral fiber shone so very brightly though those gorgeous eyes.
"As deep as the sea..." she said softly, waiting for him to turn.
"What's that?"
"Your eyes, Honey," she smiled, clasping his hand. "That's what my granddaughter said she loved most about you. Those magnificent eyes."
"I was thinking about a couple other things," he smirked, enjoying her laughter.
"She didn't complain about them either," the elderly woman noted the rakish grin.
"I can't help thinking," Chris paused, inhaling the wonderous perfume of the garden. "all day... about her. My God, Lily, I wish I could have held her hand today... had Adam stand beside me..."
"I know, Sweetheart," she leaned her head on his strong shoulder. "She was with you, all around you and in here," she tapped his chest. "I feel her often, too. Today especially so."
They sat in silence for awhile, listening to the sounds of the night and enjoying the heady floral aroma.
"I'm sorry, Lily," Chris said abruptly, eyeing the strong woman. "This is your day to shine. It's not every day you gain a sister. How's it feel?"
"Wonderful and sad." She relied honestly. "All those lost years and my mother's horrid pain. Can you imagine waking up and having Adam gone. Knowing he was alive and not able to find him."
"I'd rather be dead," he replied. He thought of that feeling, that haunted him after their deaths. Every day the same, without any flavor or color. Endless night , often numbed by booze and that numbing cold inside, all the time.
"...and then came Vin..."
"Hmmm?" She sat up and saw his eyes drift to the cottage.
"Before... he came, my whole world was dark, cold and hard. Nothing mattered, not even Buck and that's a pain I live with every day. Christ, he deserved a better friend that me... he's a thouroughbred, Lily."
"I know, Chris. In a different time and place," she thought of the life-loving rogue. "He might have been your grandfather."
"Oh My God," Chris's laughter exploded at that thought. The light remained in his eyes as they drifted to the cottage again. "How does he do that to me? Vin, I mean. I see color now, I smell those flowers, I feel the joy of living again. I want to bite it and taste it. Why? Why him, Lily?"
"Why not?" She offered, eyeing the stars above in the dark sky. "I'd like to thank our Sarah had a hand in that. She guided him to you, I'm sure of it..."
Chris stared at those same stars and felt the power of the heavens. He gasped audibly when he felt a strange tingling sensation. Every nerve in his body was heightened and icy fingers caressed every inch of flesh. The scent of the flowers grew stronger and he felt a soft brush on his cheek. As the words formed in his head, he felt Lily tremble and heard her voice.
"Thank you, Darling," she whispered through her tears. Her granddaugher was here, she felt it as sure as she felt the bench beneath her. She felt Chris's hands curl into hers and turned, then lifted one to touch the tear running down his face. "You felt her too..."
He couldn't speak, he didn't trust his voice. The emotional tide in his chest was overwhelming Instead of fighting that feeling, one he didn't trust — he didn't like losing control, he inhaled it. He sat back and let her beautiful spirit invade him and create a wonderful glow. He glanced at the cottage again and then to the starfield overhead. It wasn't his imagination, every star seem brighter, as her light filled the heavens.
Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28
Return to Deirdre's Fic Archive | Return to Lady Angel's Library
