Chapter Eleven
by Sandi 99

"No. I'm going with you - make sure that animal gets what he deserves."

"You can't walk."

"Watch me."

"I can't be waitin' around for you."

"Quitting is not an option."

"You wanna come with us, banker, you go right ahead but we ain't slowin' down. You fall behind ..."

"Then I'm on my own."

"That's right."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Preston and Sully - Dead or Alive - Part Two
***************
Sully arrived at White Feather's in time to see a red-faced Samantha spurring her horse into a gallop as Luke chased after her. The boy came to a halt in the centre of the road when she disappeared from view. Then he spun around and noticed Sully for the first time. With a face as dark as a moisture laden cloud, Luke marched back toward the cabin and passed Sully, bumping him roughly as he stormed by.

"Luke!" Sully called out but the boy ignored him, slamming the door of the cabin behind his retreating back. Sighing heavily, Sully moved up to the cabin and eased the door open again. The sight that met his eyes coaxed a grin onto his face.

Flour was everywhere - lying in a splattered trail across the table, the chair, the wooden floorboards. White Feather stood, her arms folded across her chest, slicing through Luke with her accusing stare. Patrick O'Donnell hovered on one side of the room, looking distinctly uncomfortable. Luke squared off against his mother, the defiance in his expression mingling with the slightest hint of wariness.

"We just wanted to make a nice supper," he was telling her. "For you and ... Uncle Patrick."

"Why was that girl helping you?" White Feather demanded. "And why were you kissing her? She is far too young to be ..."

"I know," Luke interrupted, defensively. "It was her idea, just like it was her idea to help me with the dinner." His gaze targeted Sully and he glared at him. "It's all your fault."

Sully frowned, in confusion.

"Why?" White Feather questioned. "What is it, Two Trails?"

Luke's body grew rigid. "I know how you feel about him," he accused his mother. "I heard the things you said to him. He's married, Ma. He's Katie's father. How could you think about ...." Unable to finish the sentence, Luke turned his back on all of them and scowled at the cold grate of the fireplace.

White Feather cast a pleading glance in Sully's direction, shaking her head, helplessly. He smiled, slightly, to reassure her. "I need ta talk ... to both of you," he told her. "I got somethin' to tell ya." Before he said anything more, he stared pointedly at Patrick. At first the man seemed puzzled, then his expression revealed a dawning comprehension.

"I'll just be outside then, lad," he told Sully. "In case you might be needin' me." He nodded and slipped through the door, shutting it softly behind him.

Sully gestured toward the kitchen table. "Can we sit down?"

White Feather pulled out a chair and settled onto it but Luke didn't budge. He continued to stand, his back turned as he shunned them. Sully's tone was soft and persuasive. "Luke, sit down - I can explain."

"You can explain if I'm standing too," Luke said, stubbornly.

Sully frowned and returned his attention to White Feather. "I guess I should start off by tellin' ya that I'm sorry," he said, quietly. As he spoke, he dropped down onto a chair at the head of the table. "I ain't told ya the truth."

"The truth?" White Feather sounded uncertain, vulnerable.

"Yeah. Ya see, Michaela and me, we wanted ta help Hank Lawson, the man in jail - the one accused of killin' Vi Patterson." White Feather nodded and he elaborated. "So, we came up with this plan. Well, Michaela came up with it and I was fool enough ta go along with it."

"A plan?" The woman studied him intently and Sully felt uneasy.

"We ... that is ... Michaela, thought that she might know the identity of the murderer. Hank told her that Vi was seein' someone and he thought it could be the lawyer in town. He wasn't sure or nothin' but ... the man ... the lawyer ...."

"Duncan Lodge," White Feather supplied.

"Yes," Sully affirmed. "Duncan was always attracted to Michaela so she thought, if he believed that Michaela and me were no longer together, she could get close to him and he might tell her things ... let down his guard around her. So, we pretended to have a fight and separate."

White Feather's face was flushed and there was a wounded look in her eyes. Sully forged on, determined to reveal the entire truth no matter how much it hurt her. In the long run, it was the kindest thing he could do.

"Ya see, Michaela and me ... we're still together. It was all an act - a game we were playin' to try ta trap Duncan. But it just keeps backfirin'. Now you and Luke think that ..." He hesitated as he struggled with the words. "I'm sorry. I never meant to deceive you."

Throughout his speech, Luke had turned around and moved closer to the table. Now he eased onto a chair slowly, frowning at Sully suspiciously. "How do we know what you're saying is the truth this time?" he asked him. "You already lied to us once."

"I know," Sully admitted, meeting the boy's sullen eyes. "And I wouldn't blame ya if you didn't believe me but ... I swear, it's true. No one else knows, Luke - just my family but no one in town."

"Katie knows?"

Sully nodded. "We had to tell her. We couldn't let her think that her Ma and me ... it would be too hard on her."

White Feather appeared shaken by the news but she squared her shoulders and drew in a deep breath. Her voice was clipped and controlled when she responded. "I see. What about you, Sully? Do you believe that this Duncan murdered that woman?"

Sully shrugged. "I dunno. Sometimes I think he did it but sometimes ...

I think it coulda been someone else."

"Who?" White Feather asked, softly.

"Hard ta say," Sully hedged. "Maybe Hank. Maybe not."

They all failed to notice that the front door had opened ever so slightly, as Sully was making his confession, and it now stood ajar by an inch or two. On the other side, Patrick O'Donnell had his ear pressed up against the crack, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

****************
As soon as he stepped off the train from Denver, Preston Lodge vanished into the crowd. To Matthew, it seemed like the man wanted to be invisible, to conduct his business then escape from the town unnoticed. Matthew couldn't help but wonder over the nature of that business but there was little doubt that it had something to do with Duncan. At the moment, however, Matthew had other priorities. It was crucial that he speak with his step-mother.

He collected both his travel bag and Madi's larger valise and nodded toward the centre of town.

"It's still early enough. Dr. Mike will be at the clinic. Let's go."

"Matthew," Madi cautioned, as she attempted to keep pace with his long strides, "don't alarm her. We don't know much about Duncan yet and, what we do know, isn't all that serious."

Matthew shook his head as he continued walking, rapidly. "We know enough. You said yourself that you have a bad feeling. Well, so do I. Besides, Preston said Duncan was dangerous, remember?"

Madi shivered. "I remember," she whispered.

They were almost at the clinic porch as Colleen and Andrew emerged from the building. Colleen's face lit up when she spotted her brother and she lunged off the porch, clearing the space between them quickly.

"Matthew! It's so good to see you," she gushed, throwing her arms around him and hugging him against her.

Matthew pulled back slightly and treated her to his tauntingly crooked grin. "Good to see you too, sis." He nodded toward Andrew and the young doctor smiled but there was a distinct expression of worry in Andrew's eyes. "Ma inside?" Matthew asked, returning his attention to Colleen. "I need to talk to her."

The same worry that he'd noticed with Andrew was now reflected in his sister's face. "No, Matthew. We don't know where she is." She hesitated, before adding, "I don't know why but I have this horrible feeling."

"We both do," Andrew agreed, quietly.

"Looks like everyone does," Matthew told them. He glanced, briefly, in Madi's direction, in time to see her shudder once again, as if an icy cold finger was tracing a line down her spine.

*******************
Sully rode back toward town, just as the sun slipped below the horizon. He'd told Michaela that he would see her at the homestead, under the cover of darkness, but he couldn't discipline himself to wait any longer. Ever since his confession to White Feather, Michaela filled his thoughts. A strange sense of dread gnawed away at him but he shook it off, certain that he was simply missing her, nothing more. He was taking a big risk by attempting to sneak into the clinic twice in one day, but he no longer cared. He had something to say to Michaela, something that he was certain she wouldn't like.

Telling White Feather and Luke the truth felt like an enormous weight lifted from his shoulders. As a result, he'd come to realize one thing - he couldn't play this game any longer. It was taking too much of a toll on his life. He was forced to lie, to slink around like some kind of thief, to stay away from his family. No doubt, Michaela would argue with him, say that she owed her life to Hank. Not only was it true, it was this reasoning that swayed him in the first place, when he'd agreed to go along with this crazy plan. But they'd tried to help. That was all they could do. Going any further with this scheme would alienate their friends. It could even tear them apart. He had to put an end to it.

His new resolve had been strengthened by White Feather's reaction to his revelation. After her son sat quietly for a few minutes, Luke had stood and left the room, slipping out through the back door of the cabin. He never said another word to Sully and Sully was worried about the boy. But White Feather had reassured him.

"He will get over his feelings," she'd murmured. "He needs time to think about what you have said."

When she noticed Sully watching her closely, she'd shrugged. "I will be fine as well. You do not need to worry. I had hoped ..." She paused and bit down on her bottom lip. "Perhaps I always knew the truth, in here." She'd placed a hand on her chest. "When you spoke of your wife, there was a light in your eyes. I tried not to see it but it is always there. It never leaves you. She dwells inside your heart, does she not?"

He nodded. "Yes," he whispered.

She considered his answer for a long moment. When she spoke again, she seemed embarrassed by her own reflections. "When I first met Jeremiah, I believed that I could feel the same thing for him but ... it changed. He was a harsh man, in many ways. I still believe that he cared about me - I must believe that, but he did not have your gentleness, your kindness." She'd laid a hand on Sully's arm and he tensed.

"White Feather ..."

She patted his arm and smiled, sadly. "Do not worry. I am only telling you why I feel as I do about you. I know now that you cannot return my affection. I said that your wife was inside your heart but it is much more than that. She owns your soul, Sully. You are hers. You always will be."

"I'm sorry I lied to you."

She shook her head. "You did what you thought was right and you are a man of honour. You would not turn your back on a friend. But now you must look at yourself, Sully, and decide if this is still right for you. You are not a dishonest man. Is it your wish to continue to deceive people?"

As the conversation replayed in his mind now, he urged his horse into a gallop. He felt an urgency, as if it was very important that he reach Michaela and tell her to call off the charade. Every minute suddenly seemed to count. He didn't question his reaction. Sully trusted his own instincts.

When he reached the outskirts of town, he reined in his horse and left the animal in the woods, in order to approach the clinic on foot. Michaela should be closing up by now. It was supper-time and Grace's café would be crowded with customers. Maybe, if he just calmed down and waited, he could catch her as she rode out of town. He sprinted across the meadow, stole around the back of the church and approached Loren's store from the rear. From that vantage point, he'd be able to keep an eye on her clinic, unobserved. Sliding along the side wall of the store, he peered out around the front porch toward the street beyond. He expected it to be practically deserted as people either sat down in their homes to enjoy their evening meal or pulled up a chair at the café. To his surprise, a small group of townspeople were gathered together in a tight knot, next to the clinic's porch. Colleen and Andrew were in the middle of the group and they seemed to be the centre of attention.

Deciding that they were all too preoccupied to notice him, Sully moved in closer, ducking down an alleyway a short distance away from the clinic. From there, he could hear every word they were saying. Madi and Matthew were with them, as well as the Reverend, Jake, and Robert E.

"I tell you, something's wrong," Colleen was saying, firmly. "Ma would never leave the clinic without locking things up and she doesn't go anywhere without her medical bag. Her coat is still on the hook too ...."

"Ah, that don't mean nothin'," Jake argued. "It ain't all that cold outside. She likely just forgot it and headed for home early."

The Reverend was shaking his head. "No, I agree with Colleen. I had an appointment with her this afternoon - the usual monthly check-up for my eyes. Dr. Mike never forgets her appointments but she wasn't there. It's not like her."

"See, Jake?" Andrew exclaimed, in support of his wife. "We're not the only ones who believe that things aren't right."

"That's for sure!" Matthew asserted. "I found out some information about Duncan and I don't like it."

Colleen held out a crumpled piece of paper. "That's what you said in this telegram. We found it on the floor of Ma's clinic. What did you find out, Matthew?"

"I wanted to tell Dr. Mike myself but ..." Matthew began.

Without thinking, Sully abandoned his hiding spot and called out in a commanding voice, his face creased into lines of concern. "What is it, Matthew? Tell me."

Surprised, the group stared at him as he approached. Jake snorted. "Well, it's about time you decided to put in an appearance! Lotta good you are ...."

"Jake," the Reverend cautioned, "that's enough."

Sully came to a halt in front of Matthew and confronted him. "Tell me," he repeated again, more softly this time.

"Turns out, Duncan's not a lawyer. He never finished law school. And Preston said ...."

"Preston?" Sully interrupted him. "You saw Preston?"

"Indeed we did," Madi interjected. "Matter of fact, he was on the train with us today. He's around town," she swept her hand through the air. "....somewhere."

"Did someone mention my name?" Preston's unruffled voice captured everyone's attention and he stepped forward into the small circle. He tipped his hat to Sully and delivered a tight-lipped, mocking smile. "Sully. I see you're the same as ever." He ran his gaze over Sully's buckskins and smirked.

"What are ya doin' back in town?" Sully asked, suspiciously.

"Looking for my brother, actually. I just came from his office and he doesn't appear to be there. Has anyone seen him?" The question was directed toward the entire group.

"Maybe he's over at the café," Andrew suggested.

Robert E. was shaking his head. "Nope. I just came from there and I didn't see 'im."

The feeling oozing over Sully made his throat go dry and his chest tighten. "How long has it been since anyone's seen Duncan?" he asked, quickly.

"I haven't seen him since this morning, when I first opened up my shop," Jake reported. At that moment, Loren appeared around the side of the clinic, still dabbing at his mouth with a white handkerchief to erase the remnants of his dinner. "Hey Loren, " Jake called out to the man, "you seen Duncan around?"

Loren stopped and gawked quite openly at Preston, then his gaze shifted to Sully and he scowled. "Bout time ya came back inta town," he chastised. "What's gotten into you, Sully, leavin' your wife and family like that. Why ...."

"Never mind that," Sully snapped, in exasperation. "I'll explain later. Just answer Jake's question. Have ya seen Duncan?"

"Not for a couple of hours. He was carryin' that old hermit outta the clinic, all wrapped up in them sheets and ....."

"What old hermit?" Sully demanded, his patience completely exhausted.

"I dunno his name," Loren answered, defensively. "I didn't take time ta ask ... not after Duncan told me about the epidemic. I wasn't bout ta take chances ...." His gaze wandered toward Michaela's clinic, then he jerked his eyes back to survey the small group. An expression of panic shadowed their depths. "Ya ain't been in that clinic, have ya? Any of ya?"

"Andrew and I have," Colleen volunteered. "Why?"

"Oh ... that ain't good." Loren took a couple of steps backward, away from the pair. "Accordin' to Duncan, another epidemic could be startin'. That fella who died in there most likely infected the whole building."

Jake's eyes widened, as did Preston's, and both men stepped backward as well, their horrified gazes riveted on Colleen and Andrew. Sully frowned at the three men. "There ain't no epidemic," he scoffed. "I was just in the clinic a short time ago. Michaela didn't have any patients."

Jake studied him, suspiciously. "Oh yeah? What were ya doin' in the clinic? Thought you and Dr. Mike weren't talkin' ta each other."

Sully heaved an irritated sigh. "If ya must know, Jake, I was visitin' my wife. As I said, I can explain all of that later. Right now I got other things on my mind." He targeted Loren again. "This hermit ... did ya see him? What did he look like?"

Loren shook his head. "Awww, Sully ...A man would hafta to be crazy, gettin' close to someone contagious. Don't matter if he's dead, ya know, you can still catch it. Why, I ...."

"Ya didn't notice anything about him?" Matthew interrupted, sounding as exasperated as Sully now.

"Duncan had him wrapped up from head to toe in a bunch of sheets," Loren stated, in his own defence. "What in tarnations did ya expect me ta notice? Duncan carried him out and put him in the back of his buggy, said he was doin' Dr. Mike a favour and deliverin' him back to his family in the hills. The way I see it, everyone's got a right to a proper burial ..."

Sully grabbed the man by both arms and Loren looked a little intimidated by the intensity of his stare. "Think, Loren. How big was this body? Did it look like a man to you?"

Loren frowned, in concentration, then he shook his head, slowly. "Well ... come ta think of it ... it did seem like the fella was a might puny for a man. Duncan lifted him around like he hardly weighed nothin' at all. But I figured he'd been sick for a long time and he'd just wasted away. That kinda thing happens."

Sully drew his breath in through his teeth, his face pale.

"Sully?" Colleen asked, her voice tinged with fear. "You think it was Ma, don't you? You think Duncan's taken Ma?"

Sully nodded, glumly.

"What?" Jake demanded. "Why the devil would he do somethin' like that? Why would ya even think such a thing?"

Preston sounded remarkably calm as he answered. "For once, I find myself in agreement with Sully. I'm afraid that his suspicions might be correct, Jake. I can assure you, my brother is quite insane."

*****************
Hank sat on the edge of the cot, peeling away each playing card from the deck cupped in his hand and tossing them, one by one, into an empty pot in a corner of the cell. Every time a card hit the centre of the container, Hank smiled, grimly. He was bored out of his skull. This mindless game was the only thing that kept him from pacing the cage, the only way to stop from going stir crazy. He'd lost track of time lately, couldn't figure out how many days he'd been confined in this jail cell. How long had it been since Myra first came to see him? He couldn't remember anymore. When he was imprisoned initially, he'd ask McKay to tell him the date every morning. Now it didn't matter to him. One day was just like the next one, and the one after that. He wasn't looking forward to the circuit judge arriving or his trial getting underway but, at least, it would be something different. And he'd finally get a chance to leave this stinkin' cell!

He'd been thinking about Myra a lot lately too - not the Myra who came to see him in jail but the Myra from a few years back. He could picture the woman in her bedroom at the saloon, curled up beneath the sheets on her bed; he could almost feel her soft skin beneath his fingertips again as he recalled how he ran his hand down her body, could almost smell her perfume as the rose-scented fragrance stirred his passion. God, how he loved those times. Myra was willing back then, eager to please him. It was long before Michaela came to town and put notions into her head, before Horace convinced her that she was too good to be a saloon girl. She knew what Hank liked, knew how to please him. And Hank pleased her as well. She couldn't stifle her moans of pleasure. Hank knew women. He knew when they were faking and when they were caught up in desire. Myra never pretended with him. She didn't need to.

His thoughts were interrupted as the door of the jailhouse burst open and Sully stormed inside, followed closely by his family. "What the ...?"

McKay had risen from his chair behind the desk and he watched Sully closely. "Sully? What can I do for you?"

"You can start searchin' for my wife," Sully ordered."

"Why ... exactly ... would I need to search for her?" McKay asked, confused.

"Cause..." Sully began but, to Hank's amazement, Preston Lodge forced his way inside, through the throng of onlookers that were squeezed together around the entranceway.

"Because, Sheriff," Preston interjected, "it appears that my demented brother has taken your fair doctor hostage."

"But ... why would he....?"

Sully shoved a slip of paper toward McKay. "Read this." As McKay studied the telegram, Sully filled him in. "Seems that Duncan saw this and figured out that Michaela was askin' questions bout him - probably figured out that me and Michaela had been settin' him up all along."

"Setting him up?" McKay asked, looking at Sully once again. "Why?"

Hank sprang toward the bars of his cell, calling out in a gruff voice. "Cause of me, Sheriff. Michaela was tryin' ta help me ... tryin' ta find Vi's murderer. I told her that it might be Duncan and I guess she believed me." He eyed Sully. "Is that what this is all about? Is that why you two are actin' like ya split up?"

Sully nodded. "We figured that, if Duncan had a chance to be with Michaela, he might let somethin' slip."

Hank was shocked as he held the man's stare. "And ya went along with it? Ya let Michaela do that - for me?"

Again, Sully nodded. Hank didn't know what to say. Luckily, he was spared the unwelcome task of expressing his gratitude by McKay's interruption. "I hardly have enough evidence against Duncan ta believe that he might have abducted Dr. Quinn, Mr. Sully. This telegram don't mean much and ...."

"Sheriff," Preston interrupted, "please listen to me. My brother has been involved in other incidents in the past and there's every reason to believe that Dr. Quinn's life could be in grave danger."

Sully grabbed the front of the man's shirt and yanked Preston toward him, his eyes igniting, burning through the banker. "What incidents? Ya better tell me what ya know, Preston - everything you know!"

Preston was, quite obviously, intimidated and, for a moment, he abandoned his calm demeanour. "A few years back," he recited, rapidly, "Duncan was infatuated with this woman by the name of Melanie. They were engaged for a time, but Melanie grew tired of Duncan's failures and started to see someone else." He pulled in a deep breath, attempting to regain control. Sully never loosened his grip on the man. "You see, my brother had taken one year of medical school and discovered that he had no skill as a physician, as well as no empathy for his patients. He quit and began to study for the bar instead but he failed at that as well. When he confessed to Melanie that he would never be a lawyer ... or a doctor, she tried to tell him that it was over between them but Duncan wouldn't accept it. He ..." Preston paused and Sully shook him, roughly.

"Tell me!"

"Fine. You won't like it." Preston lowered his voice as he glanced toward the bystanders crowding around the door. "Duncan raped her. She came to my father afterward to tell him. Father asked her to keep the matter quiet. He worked out a deal with her. He paid her a tidy sum of money and promised to send Duncan away, far from Boston, where he couldn't hurt anyone. She agreed and ....."

"Couldn't hurt anyone?!" Sully exploded. He released the banker so abruptly that Preston stumbled backward. "He's got Michaela!"

He spun around, bolting toward the door.

"Where are you going?" McKay demanded, as Sully muscled his way through the spectators.

"To find my wife!" Sully broke through the crowd and disappeared outside. Preston charged out after him.

"Sully ... wait ....."

Hank shook the bars of the cell. "You heard them, McKay! Duncan Lodge is the murderer! What more do ya need?" When McKay hesitated, Hank roared at the man. "Let me outta this stinkin' cell! I'm gonna find that piece of scum and make him pay for puttin' me in here. And I'll make sure he pays for killin' Vi too. Let me out, McKay!"

McKay looked from Hank to Matthew but the man wasn't paying any attention to either of them. Matthew was staring after Sully and, within a second, he elbowed his way past the onlookers in pursuit of his step-father. Colleen was pale and leaning, heavily, against her husband. Andrew seemed to be the only one who had his wits about him.

"Let him out," Andrew said, quietly. "We can use all the help we can get."

"Sully!"

Sully bolted across the meadow toward the woods where he'd left his horse, oblivious to the man chasing him. His mind was focused on one thought only and his desperation made him blind and deaf to anything else. He had to find Michaela and, when he did, he'd kill Duncan Lodge with his bare hands!

"Sully!" A hand grabbed onto his arm and, when he spun around, Preston was standing there, struggling for breath and holding onto his side. "Please," he gasped, "you have to let me go with you."

"No!" Sully's hands were curled into fists. "You'll just get in my way. I can move faster alone." Sully jerked his arm away from the man's grasp but Preston stepped around in front of him.

"Listen to me! I know my brother. I know how he thinks. You need me, Sully. I can help you." Sully hesitated and the banker pressed his advantage. "This is my family, Sully. It's my responsibility. If you don't take me with you, I'll simply follow you. Wouldn't it be better to work together instead of apart? Wouldn't it be more effective?"

Sully's eyes narrowed. "If I agree, ya gotta keep up with me, Preston. I ain't stoppin'."

"I will," Preston promised. "I want to find Michaela too, Sully ... and, believe me, I need to stop my brother before he has the chance to hurt anyone else."

****************
Patrick O'Donnell was leaning up against the railing of the saloon, watching the scene unfold in the meadow. Sully appeared to be arguing with a well-dressed, slim man who exuded an air of prominence. In the next instant, Matthew Cooper burst out through the door to the sheriff's office and pushed his way through the assembled crowd. His gaze scanned the street until he caught sight of Sully. Before he could call out to the man, the impeccably groomed businessman turned and charged across the meadow toward him. Sully continued on, then disappeared into the trees surrounding the meadow. Matthew caught hold of the businessman as he passed by.

"Preston, what's goin' on?"

"I haven't got time to talk to you, Matthew," the man answered, jerking away from him. "I have to get a horse from Robert E. Sully's agreed to wait for me but, knowing him, he won't wait for very long."

"What? Sully's taking you with him?"

The man nodded. As an afterthought, he added, "I almost forgot. He wants you to organize the search party - says you have a clear head."

He brushed past Matthew en route to the blacksmith's shop. "Robert E!," he called out. The blacksmith was still lingering with the group that milled around the jailhouse. "I need a fresh horse!"

Patrick watched for another minute as Robert E. ran toward the corral and Matthew spun around and headed back toward the crowd. Hank Lawson was storming from the jailhouse with Andrew Cook on his heels. Sheriff McKay was close behind them. They all halted in front of Matthew and began to discuss their strategy.

At that moment, Horace Bing passed by on the street, hurrying toward the rest as he strapped a gun belt around his waist. "Wait," Patrick called out, stepping down into the street to block the man's path. "Would ya care to be tellin' me what's going on here, lad?"

Horace puffed out his chest, obviously pleased that he could be the first one to relay such important information. "Ain't ya heard? Duncan Lodge kidnapped Dr. Mike. They think he's the one who killed Vi Patterson too. We're all gettin' set to go out and track him down."

"Now?" Patrick glanced up at the sky. "It's getting dark, my boy."

Horace nodded. "Well, we can at least get started. We might not get too far tonight but it's better than just standin' round here talkin' bout it, ain't it?" He brushed past Patrick and moved toward the others.

Patrick drained the contents of the whiskey glass he still held in one hand. He stared over at the man by the name of Preston. He was preparing to mount a horse as Robert E. tightened the straps of his saddle. Patrick's gaze slid away from the livery toward his own horse tethered beside the saloon, then he sauntered toward the animal. He had every intention of following Sully and Preston. This time, Duncan Lodge stood no chance of escaping. Patrick would make sure of it.

***************
The creak of the door alerted Duncan but it was already too late. Michaela had slipped through the opening and disappeared into the evening shadows.

"Damn!" He crossed the floor in two long strides, jerking back the door as he screamed out into the air around him. "Michaela! Don't do this!" His eyes scanned the small clearing and he caught a glimpse of her red dress as she fled into the woods surrounding them. Enraged, he plunged through the door, his murderous stare riveted on the spot where she'd vanished. As he closed the distance between them, he muttered to himself, "You're a liar, Michaela! Just like Melanie!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Chapter 12
by Jean McQuaid

Be with me always through good times and bad,
Let me hear your laughter when I'm feeling sad.
Keep me safe from danger and out of harm's way,
Be my gallant hero, please rescue me today.
I'll cover you with kisses, so soft and so dear,
And hold on to your love when peril is near.
Dare he, the fool who tries keeping us apart,
For you are the only one who lives in my heart

(from Michaela-to Sully)

…. Jean McQuaid
*****************
Michaela stopped briefly to catch her breath. Nature had been her friend in the past but not tonight. Tonight, it took on the personality of a cold, eerie adversary, not unlike the monster who was hunting her. Shielding herself behind the branches of an old tree, she closed her eyes, allowing her imagination to wander, searching for the inner strength needed to survive.

The overwhelming memory of his strong but gentle hands cupping her face, lifting it so their lips could unite into an emotional and spiritual kiss, aroused every nerve in her body. This was Sully at his best, this was her husband. And then there was Katie, the comforting sound of her heart-warming giggle accompanied by her siblings as they shared laughter over some playful yet innocent prank. There were visions of the future as she witnessed, with pride and joy, Matthew surrendering his heart to Madison, the young girl she now accepted, unconditionally, as a daughter. Recollections of triumphs and hardships shared with dear friends, people she'd grown to love through the years, filled her mind now, images of her life that gave her the will to live. So much time had already been lost after the treacherous storms which attempted to destroy Colorado Springs. But they came back, each and every person, with their own story of victory and horror to share. Michaela had almost given up then, but not now. Never would she fall prey to the enemy as long as she kept faith in herself and God. She was not going to die, not here, and certainly not like this. Sully would find her, rescue her. There was no doubt in her mind. Instinctively, she knew that someone would see her medical bag still on the hook in the clinic and that a thorough search of the town would pose many questions as to her whereabouts. Most of the time, Michaela Quinn was very predictable and she was confident someone would know that something wasn't the way it should be. Her friends would know, her family would know but, more important, Sully would know.

The crackling sound coming from the bushes behind her brought back the urgency to move on. She was cold and frightened and the scratches made by Duncan Lodge were bleeding profusely now, along with the cuts and gashes her body had sustained from the many sharp obstacles encountered in her flight to freedom. Like the hands of the devil, branches had reached out and pulled at her hair as if trying to hold her back, but she fought them off, just as she'd fought off Duncan. Not knowing where she was didn't help but, as long as she could stay out of his reach, time would be her best friend for, after darkness, there was always daylight.

*****************
Myra was waiting in the telegraph office when Horace returned "Samantha's in her room and I figured..."

"Not now, Myra!" he snapped.

"Why not now and where are you goin'? "

"I'm goin' out with the search party to find Dr. Mike."

"Dr. Mike? Horace what's goin' on?"

"Duncan Lodge kidnapped Dr. Mike 'an I'm gonna help find her."

"Oh Lord, no! But why would he do somethin' like that? He seemed like such a nice man to me and...."

"I ain't got time to explain now, Myra. I gotta go."

"But what about Samantha? We need to talk to her Horace?"

"No, you need to talk to her, Myra. Maybe now's a good time for you to have that Mother-daughter talk."

"Horace..."

But Horace brushed passed her on his way out. Myra wasn't surprised by his Actions. He was doing the right thing but she was surprised when her daughter also tried to sneak past her, obviously in a hurry to get someplace.

"And where do you think you're goin', young lady?"

"Katie needs me"

She gently placed her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "I know you're concerned about Katie but Samantha, I think it's more important we talk first."

"I haven't got anything to say to you, Myra."

Myra was shocked. "Samantha, don't you go callin me by my first name. It ain't proper"

But the young girl was spiteful. "Okay, then maybe you'd prefer I call you Mrs. Lawson or maybe you like bein' called a whore!"

Myra's hand came up and her slap sent Samantha flying. "Oh my God, I'm Sorry, Sam. I didn't mean ta....but you gotta understand, you ain't bein' fair to me or your papa."

The stinging in Samantha's face caused tears to form in her eyes but she lifted her chin high and, in a malicious tone, answered her mother. "Fair? You're a fine one to be talkin' about fair, Mama!"

"Samantha, why are you actin' this way? Don't you know your Papa and I love you and we only want what's best for you?"

"What's best for me is to have parents just like Katie's got. I wanna family. Is that too much to ask? But, since you love Mr. Lawson, that'll never happen, will it Mama?"

"Samantha, you're wrong?"

"Are you denyin' your feelings for the man? Tell me the truth, Mama?"

"I admit I got feelings for Hank. I always did and I always will but he had nothin' to do with me and your Papa breakin' up. Hank's always been a good friend to me, kinda like the family I never had. But it was my decision to work for him, he never forced me to do anythin' I didn't need to do to survive." She gently took her daughter's hands. "Oh Samantha, I've done so many things wrong in my life, but marryin' your papa and havin' you was the first time I ever did anythin' right."

Samantha slowly looked up at her mother. "Then why did you leave him, Mama?"

"I know it's hard for you to understand, Samantha, but I thought, by marryin' Horace Bing, I'd find the one thing I wanted most, my freedom. Your Papa is the sweetest, kindest man I've ever known but his idea of marriage was nothin' like mine. I dunno, maybe I wasn't cut out to be a wife cause it didn't take long for me to feel like I was owned again, like I'd lost that freedom I fought so hard to get. I was sick and tired of men tellin' me what they wanted. It was time for me to do what I wanted. My leaving your Papa had nothin' to do with Hank or any other man and it still doesn't, Samantha. I finally found somethin' I'm good at, somethin' that lets me hold my head high and be proud. All I've ever wanted was to feel like I'm somebody and breakin' free of Hank and your Papa, no matter how much it hurt, allowed me to do that."

"But what about love, Mama? Don't you love Papa?"

"Of course I do, with all my heart, but it just wasn't meant to be. Some women need more than a home and family to make 'em feel fulfilled, they need to know they are good at other things."

"Kinda like Dr. Mike?"

"Ya, kinda like Dr. Mike. Oh, I ain't as smart or sophisticated as she is but I'm proud of what I do and who I've become. Maybe I'll never find a man who'll understand but, for now, I'm content to just be me. But that don't mean I don't wanna be your Mother. I love you Samantha and all your Papa and I want is for you to be happy."

"Love is stupid!"

"Oh no, honey, love can be the most wonderful thing in the world. It can make you tingle and feel all warm and cozy inside. You feel so special when a man says he loves you and wants to marry you."

"I don't know Mama, love scares me. Look at you and Papa. I don't ever wanna got through something like that."

"Nobody knows what's gonna happen in the future but I'll just bet one day you'll meet a real nice man and fall so hard your head'll spin."

"I already met someone, Mama."

"You did? Wanna talk about it?"

"Not much to talk about. His name is Luke........"

"Luke? You mean that Indian boy?"

"Ya, does that surprise you Mama?"

"Well, he's a little old for you, Samantha, but maybe someday....."

"It doesn't matter anyway. He doesn't feel the same way for me. I know cause I tried to kiss him but he told me it was wrong."

"You kissed him?" Myra gasped. "Samantha, is that all that happened?"

"Of course, Mama! I don't think Luke wants anythin' else to happen anyway. Like I said, he doesn't feel the same way about me."

Myra sighed in relief. "Promise me you won't go kissin' any more boys, at least not till you talk to me or your Papa first."

"I promise, Mama." Samantha conceded. "Can I go see Katie now, please?"

"Okay, but I'm goin' with you. It's gettin' dark out and I don't want you out there alone."

****************
Just as Hank was about to mount his horse, McKay placed a firm hand on the bartender's shoulder. "Nothin's changed, Lawson. Far as I'm concerned, you're still the number one suspect, so don't go gettin' any ideas of takin' off cause I'll be keepin' a close watch on you! Hear me?"

Hank retaliated by abruptly shoving the sheriff's hand away. "I hear ya. Now let me tell you somethin', McKay. I didn't kill Vi and Michaela knows that. That's why she put her own life in danger ta help me and the only thing on my mind right now is gettin' her back! So stop wastin' time on me. Duncan Lodge is the one you should be lockin' up!"

McKay backed off but, until he had more proof, he wasn't about to allow Hank Lawson full freedom. Under the circumstances, they needed every man they could get to comb the vast countryside. They didn't even know where to look and Sully, the one person who knew Colorado almost as well as the Indians, was already miles ahead of them. "It'll be gettin' dark soon so we'd better stick together till first light, then we can separate into pairs," McKay shouted to the anxious group of riders. "Does anyone have any idea which way Sully went?"

"My guess is he'd ride by the homestead, just to see if Duncan mighta taken Ma there," Matthew answered."

"Well, I guess it's as good a place as any to start, but keep your eyes and ears open for anything. This is like tryin' to find a needle in a haystack and it's only gonna get worse in the dark!"

*****************
Colleen and Madi stood, watching their men ride out with the others, in silence, until Colleen turned to Madi, taking one of her hands. "I'm so glad you're here."

Madi cautiously returned the smile. "So am I, Colleen. I just wish it was for my wedding and not ...."

"Your wedding? Oh Madi, I'm sorry. There's been so much going on lately I almost forgot about it. Would you like to talk about it? It might help take our minds off...."

"Only if you want to? I did want to ask you something anyway, something that I haven't even told Matthew."

"What's that?"

"Well, I need someone to talk to about, you know, men and I thought maybe that, since you probably know Matthew better than anyone, that maybe ...." Madi began to blush and became quite reserved. "The truth is, Colleen, I've never been with a man before and I don't really know what to do. I guess it sounds silly."

Colleen's faced beamed. "Of course it's not silly. After all we're going to be sisters soon and, if you can't talk to your sister, who can you talk to?"

"Oh Colleen, I just knew you'd understand. Sometimes I feel so happy and, other times, I get scared just thinking about the wedding, never mind what comes afterwards. Tell me, what was your wedding like?"

"My wedding? Well, it was the most exciting and wonderful day of my life and it will be for you too, Madi."

Madi became giddy. "Oh Colleen, what did you wear? What were the flowers like? Did you dance until your feet hurt? Please, share it with me!"

Colleen started to giggle. "Well, the flowers were beautiful, I did dance until my feet were quite sore and I wore Ma's wedding gown."

"Dr. Mike's gown? You mean, the same one she wore when she married Sully?"

"The very one."

"Oh, I'll bet it was magnificent! Did she have it made in New York or Paris?"

"Nope, she designed it herself. Actually, her Ma, my grandma had one made for her but it wasn't exactly what Ma wanted so we all worked together, combining the dress that the ladies of the town had made with the one Grandma brought and Madi, it was a magnificent gown."

"Oh Colleen, do you think Dr. Mike would let me wear it too?" Madi suddenly realized what she'd said. "I'm sorry Colleen, I didn't..."

"I think she'd be honored Madi, if you're sure you want to?"

"Do you really think....but I don't know...I uh"

"If I know Ma, it'll make her very happy, Madi."

"There's something else I'd like to ask you, Colleen." she smiled "Would you be my matron of honor?"

Colleen embraced Madison Montgomery with tears in her eyes. "I'd be honored."

For a few brief moments, the two girls shared secrets until the harsh reality which had brought them together that day sharply returned.

"I'm sorry, Colleen, I feel so selfish right now, talking about a wedding when Dr. Mike is out there, somewhere with that awful man. I just pray to God they find her. His brother didn't say much about him but what he did say made my stomach turn."

"It's not selfish of you, Madi. In fact, I'm glad we did talk. One side of me is scared to death for Ma but the other side keeps reminding me how strong and resilient she is. Ma is an amazing woman but even she has her limits."

*****************
Matthew flew in the front door of the homestead. "Brian, where's Katie?"

"She's upstairs gettin' ready for bed. Why?"

"Have you seen Ma or Sully tonight?"

"No. Matthew, what's goin' on?"

"Ma's missin' and we think Duncan might have taken her. Sully took off ahead of us and we were hopin' he'd come this way."

"Nobody's here but Katie and me. Matthew, are you sure about this?"

"All I know is that Sully's sure and that's good enough for me. I better get goin'."

"Matthew, I wanna come."

"You gotta stay here with Katie."

"But Matthew!"

"No need to worry about Katie, I'll stay here with her," came a voice from behind.

Both Brian and Matthew turned, abruptly, to see Luke.

But Brian was hesitant. "I don't think that's such a good idea, Luke."

"Brian, you know me. You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt Katie," Luke pleaded.

Brian and Matthew exchanged glances before nodding approval to one another. Matthew knew Brian was anxious to ride along with the posse and Brian, in turn, knew he couldn't sit idly by doing nothing.

"Better get your horse saddled, little brother, these guys ain't gonna wait much longer."

Brian grabbed his hat and turned back to Luke. "Thanks."

But, before the Indian boy could answer, an anxious shout came from outside the homestead. "Come on, you're wastin time!"

****************
Dorothy was out of breath and could hardly speak when she finally reached her husband. "Cloud Dancin'! Cloud Dancin'! Ya gotta come quick!"

Cloud Dancing sprang to his feet and was beside his wife in a matter of moments. He placed a finger over her lips, encouraging her to catch her breath and, once assured she had calmed down, he slowly removed it. "Now, tell me what has happened?"

"It's Michaela! Duncan Lodge kidnapped her from the clinic an' Sully and the other men have gone out lookin' for them. I overheard Preston talkin' to Sully and this man sounds like he's apt to do anythin'."

"The brother has returned?"

"Yes, Preston showed up on the same train as Matthew. Accordin' to him, Duncan's insane."

Dorothy was in tears as her husband, gently, took her into his arms. "I will go......." he paused, looking down at her. "We will go and search for Dr. Mike. A man like this will make many mistakes. He will not be skilled at covering his trail."

Dorothy relaxed. "Thank you. Actually, Preston took off with Sully first, leavin' the search party behind. I heard them say they was headin' to the homestead, that maybe Duncan might have taken her there."

Cloud Dancing appeared annoyed. "They waste much time. He would not take her there. You do not hide in the open when you do not want to be found. Sully will know this too."

"Then, where on earth do we start?"

"At the beginning. We will make our way back into town, looking for clues that he may have left along the way. Trust me, my wife, there will be a trail."

"But it's so dark?"

"There are many things one sees without the use of their eyes. The Cheyenne have learned much from the animals, to look with their senses into the darkness of night. Stay close behind me and I will be your eyes."

******************
"You can do it, Michaela. I know ya can."

Michaela's eyes flew open. "Sully?" But, in the darkness that now surrounded her, there was only silence. Unaware that she'd fallen asleep, the harsh reality of her grave situation shot through her body like a bolt of lightening. "It must have been a dream but I could have sworn I heard Sully's voice. That's absurd! I've got to pull myself together. I need to find proper shelter for the night, someplace where I can keep warm and hidden." But Duncan was not the only predator she had to be concerned about as she recalled close encounters with mountain lions, bears and rattlesnakes. "Oh dear God, if only Sully....but he's not here, Michaela. What would he do?" Michaela's hands formed clenched fists and she looked up to the stars, her only source of light now. "I've got to remain calm and focused. I've got to concentrate on all that Sully and Cloud Dancing have taught me. But I don't know if I can..." She started to cry when, miraculously, the voice she'd only imagined in her dream, again returned as if to answer her prayers.

"You can do it, Michaela. Trust me."

"Sully? Oh Sully, I do trust you. What do I do first?"

And, without further hesitation, it came to her. She went straight to work, looking for some form of shelter as she gathered twigs for a fire. It wasn't much of a shelter and, by no means, what some would consider a cave but the indentation formed underneath the rocks offered just enough room for both her and a small fire. Had it always been there or was it a blessed gift from a higher being, a retreat mystically created for this moment in time for her alone? She amazed even herself by making a fire ample enough to keep her warm but what about food? It was so dark and dare she even take the risk of trying to find some form of plants or berries to eat, without running into Duncan? But this was a night for miracles as she stumbled over a small clump of ferns. "Fern roots! Sully said the Indians used to eat the roots while out on long hunting trips. They'll do for tonight and I'll be able to find something a little more substantial tomorrow. Bird's eggs, bugs, berries, they're all out there and I know how to get them."

A loud clap of thunder caused her to shake slightly and then came the rain. Michaela jumped up and peeped out from beneath the rock formation she now called home. "Water!" She felt like a child, running about as the rain drenched her clothing and cleansed her open wounds. She opened her mouth and drank in the cool, moist drops, each one a welcome relief. "Thank you."

But her triumph was soon over and despair returned as she huddled close to the fire, trying to warm herself. Loneliness crept over her body like an evil shadow cast by the devil himself. Allowing sleep would also allow vulnerability and it was best she stay awake and fully alert to any noise.

"This is a fine mess you've gotten yourself into, Michaela Quinn, but you've only got yourself to blame for it. You let your guard down, a simple but deadly mistake, and now you have to call on every primeval instinct to get through this." She shook her head as if to clear the mind, open the eyes to the reality of the situation and scold herself for showing weakness. "I stood up to prejudice, keeping my head high. I succeeded in proving my ability as a doctor, overcoming my own doubts and those of others. I've survived epidemics, captivity by dog soldiers and outlaws, and have witnessed such horrors cast upon my fellow human beings like I could never have imagined. But through it all, I was never alone and I'm not alone now. I'm a strong woman, stubborn, and determined to see this through to the end. I have a family who needs me, patients who depend on me, and a husband whose spirit is with me always. How dare I contemplate giving up!"

***************
Just when he thought he had her all figured out, that stubborn lady doctor had, once again, proven to Hank that she was a force to be reckoned with. Who'd of thought she'd risk her life for him, put herself in jeopardy simply because she believed in him. Damn, she had more faith in him than he did in himself. It was imperative that he find her, show her in the only way he knew how, that he'd be eternally grateful for her never giving up, for believing in him. If only things had been different, if only deep down in the depths of their souls they weren't so much alike, maybe they'd of had a chance. But she'd never have been patient enough to put up with his wild, untamed nature and, as far as him changing, he couldn't see that happening ever. But she'd managed to wind herself around the strings of his heart and his fear was not of hanging now, it was that he'd never see that smile of hers again, never be able to tower over her in some sort of confrontation. He'd never be able to express to her just what she did mean to him. By God, he was going to find her and, if Duncan Lodge had so much as touched her, he'd strangle him with his bare hands. Hank jumped to his feet and headed for his horse, hoping not to attract the attention of the others. He couldn't wait out the night, the rain, the darkness. They'd already wasted enough valuable time and one could only imagine what kinda hell Michaela was going through, at this very moment.

"Hold on there, Lawson!" McKay was on him before he knew it. "Tryin' to escape?"

Hank's hot temper and quick actions had gotten him into trouble before. This time was no different. Without even giving it a second thought, he spun around, grabbing McKay by the shirt collar. "I don't give a damn what you think 'bout me McKay, but I ain't sittin' around here any longer whiles that bastard is doin' who knows what to Michaela. You better just shoot me right now, McKay, cause it's the only way yer gonna stop me!"

"What's goin' on here?" Andrew was between the two men, drowsy from sleep but soon becoming aware of the volatile situation he'd placed himself in. "Gentlemen, we're all worried about Michaela, but fighting amongst ourselves is not going to help anyone." He turned to Sheriff McKay. "I agree with Mr. Lawson. I can't rest either not knowing about my mother-in-law. I think we'd all feel better if we kept on searching. I know it's dark, but I feel useless just doing nothing."

Hank let go of McKay just as Matthew and Brian approached the scene.

"Andrew's right, we're wastin' time," Matthew growled. "I say we move on!"

McKay seemed deep in thought for a moment then, "All right, we'll head out." He eyed Hank Lawson. "But we stick together."

Hank looked at the sheriff, knowing full well the man still intended on keeping a close watch on him. But, somehow, that didn't matter now. Nothing mattered except Michaela.

****************
For now, the ache in her stomach had subsided and, with her wounds cleaned and her clothing dry, Michaela found composure. It was an unsettling peace but it would have to do for tonight. She'd spent most of this time by the fire making plans for the first sign of daylight. One thing for sure, she'd have to shed the red dress. It drew far too much attention in the subtle, dreary woods. She'd have to make her escape only half dressed and use pieces of the red dress to hide in places only Sully would think to look. Duncan was far from ignorant but he was a city man who knew nothing of survival in the woods. The peace Michaela did find was in the fact that she, at this moment, had the upper hand over her stalker and, as long as she could keep one step ahead of him, she was confident she'd find her way home long before he found her.

*****************
Michaela's escape had angered Duncan beyond belief. He was furious at himself for being fooled by her, all too willing, advances and even more angry that she dared to play with his emotions. But, right now, she was out there, somewhere, and he had to find her, even if it meant dying in the process. He was cold and shivering as the dampness seeped through his clothing. Under such appalling conditions, he felt weak and confused but the memory of her face, mocking him, teasing him, re-heated his determination to find her. A long time ago, he'd made a pact with himself never to allow another woman to humiliate or demean him, and this was the power, the strength, the raw determination that forced him onward. Come the gates of hell, he'd find this woman and bestow upon her the fitting punishment she deserved.

**************
Never again shall I be weak nor fooled by your feminine grace, Nor fill my heart with silly thoughts as that sweet smile crosses your face. I'll feel no shame, no regret or sorrow. My facade will be first class, Never again to be lured by perfume, my dainty and delicate lass. I'll take what I need and get what I want and cast you off when I'm done. From this moment on, I'll be the master, my intentions...well just to have fun.

I'll shed no tears nor feel remorse but know this, that, when I'm through, You'll remember me always and not forget the man who made a fool of you.

(from Duncan-to Michaela)

Chapter 13 ...