PLAYING WITH FIRE
Chapter Five
Sully walked by the train depot and looked up. Seeing Horace shake his head,
he continued on around to the livery and café. It had been nearly two
weeks since he first heard Michaela had not made it to her destination, and
he didn't know why there was no record of her anywhere along the train lines.
She had been gone almost a month, so why couldn't he find anything out about
her? According to the company, Michaela had ridden the train all the way to
the city, but the hotel where she was supposed to have been staying didn't have
her registered as checking in.
The moment he found out she hadn't arrived, he packed his things and prepared
to to head to San Francisco, planning to stop at each stop along the way to
search for clues. He just wasn't a patient man, especially not when it came
to those he loved. He had been ready to walk out the door when he ran into Matthew,
who convinced him not to go off like that. Who knew what would happen along
the way? He could get hurt, or he could cross paths with Michaela returning
and never know it. Where would that get them? No, Matthew encouraged him to
keep a level head about the situation, as that was the only way he was going
to be able to be of any help to Michaela. It wasn't an easy thing for him to
do, but he tried. Each day it got harder.
He had contacted her Uncle Teddy and discovered she hadn't been staying in another
hotel. Teddy had immediately responded with a message he would hire a detective
to find out anything he could, since Teddy himself would be unable to assist.
He was too busy with his performance engagements. He had assured Sully he had
given all of the necessary contact information should the detective find anything
at all which might lead to revealing the whereabouts of Michaela.
Sully, on his end, had continued to wire the train stations along the route
she was supposed to have taken, but not knowing where she might have encountered
trouble, almost all of his inquiries had come back empty. Now, he just had to
wait. It wasn't easy, knowing Michaela could be in serious trouble, but knowing
how futile it would be to venture out to find her without having any clues had
kept him at home, caring for his children - their children - and doing what
he could to try to wait patiently.
He knew Horace had been working hard, too. He hadn't left the telegraph since
Sully received that first letter. He had slept sitting up, and the lack of sleep
was clearly evident in his eyes and bedraggled state. He was going to have to
get some sleep, and soon, or he'd run himself into exhaustion. He remembered
Horace saying something about wiring someone to cover his post, and although
he didn't want to do it, Sully would make sure he did. He needed to rest. Sully,
on the other hand couldn't, not until they knew where Michaela was.
Katie caught sight of her papa the moment he walked into the open café.
"Papa!" she called, running to him and laughing as he swung her into his arms.
"How's my Kates?" Sully asked, hugging her to him and kissing her soft cheek.
"I missed ya, Papa. I don't like it when you gone all day," she told him, frowning.
"I missed ya, too, sweet Kates. But, I'm here now, and ya ain't gettin' rid
of me that easily!" he tickled her, causing her to squirm and giggle in his
arms until he was forced to set her down.
"Afternoon, Sully. Care ta have some of my famous chicken?" Grace greeted, inviting
him to sit at one of the wooden tables.
"Thanks, Grace, I'd love some," he agreed, turning to face Kates. "Wanna have
some chicken for lunch?"
"Mmm!" Katie responded, licking her lips, causing the adults to all laugh.
After they were both served, Grace signaled Robert E to come over and they both
approached Sully. Robert E sat down across from Sully, and Grace stood next
to her husband. "Any word yet?" Grace asked.
Sully looked up at his friends, the stress and strain of not knowing where his
wife was giving them their answer without Sully having to say a word. Wiping
his mouth and taking another drink of his coffee, he looked around for a way
to get Katie away from the table so he could talk. Being Saturday, Brian had
been working with Dorothy on the Gazette, but they had both decided to take
a break and come have lunch. Seeing, now, that Sully needed to talk to Robert
E and Grace without Katie present, Brian coerced his little sister to join him
for lunch. Sully silently thanked his son for his help with a nod and an appreciative
smile, then rested his forearms on the edge of the table.
"I ain't heard nothin' since Michaela's Uncle Teddy wired to tell me about the
detective he hired. That was almost four days ago, and I figured he have to
have found somethin' by now!" he exclaimed, sighing in frustration.
Robert E reached across and placed his hand on his friend's arm, giving him
support. "I know how ya feel, Sully, and I know it ain't easy not knowin', but
ya can't give up hope. Dr. Mike's out there somewhere, and we'll find her, I
know we will."
"Robert E's right, Sully. Ya gotta keep up your hope for your children. Little
Katie ain't gonna have nothin' to keep her smilin' if you go and allow these
circumstances ta get ya down. We're here for ya, ya know that, and ya gotta
keep your faith. God's watchin' Dr. Mike, even though you ain't there with her.
She'll be alright."
Sully smiled, albeit a little wanly, at the encouragement from his friends.
What would he do without them? On more than one occasion, they had said what
he needed to hear to help him or Michaela, and sometimes both of them, through
one trying situation or another. He and Michaela had even helped them through
some difficult times. He grasped arms with Robert E. "Ya don't know how much
I needed ta hear that. I know Michaela ain't seriously hurt, cuz I'd feel it,
but I do know she's lost and needs ta find her way back to us. I saw that in
a dream recently, and even though it don't make no sense, I gotta trust it."
Robert E and Grace nodded in agreement, learning a long time ago not to question
Sully's intuition where situations like this were concerned.
A commotion coming from the direction of the train station caused all heads
to turn. Horace came running into the café, frantically waving a piece
of paper in his hand. "Sully! Sully! We got news! That detective guy wrote,
and he thinks he knows what happened!"
* * * * *
Catching a glimpse of his familiar hometown of Colorado Springs through the
train window, Hank ran his practiced speech over and over in his mind. He had
a long and solitary two-day journey, after leaving Michaela, to think about
what he would say when he finally arrived back in town. Everyone knew he had
been away on business, but they would never believe what he had found on this
trip! That brought another thought. Would they believe him? Would they just
think it was a prank he was pulling to get them all going on a wild goose-chase?
True, he was known for playing jokes on people, but not this time. He had to
convince them he wasn't lying. For Michaela's sake.
Michaela. That brought about a whole other set of problems and thoughts. The
night he left her standing alone in the dark, he had fought hard to keep walking
away. His body told him to walk back to her, but his mind told him to continue
walking. It was quite a predicament, and the entire ride back home had been
filled with battling emotions and feelings he knew he shouldn't be feeling.
Despite his attraction to her, she was Sully's wife, and she belonged to Sully.
True, she didn't know she had done anything wrong, but he did, and that's why
he had to walk away. He knew he was playing with fire when he decided to get
Michaela to trust him, and now he was going to have to pay the consequences.
"What consequences?!" he thought. Where was it written he had to tell Sully
what had happened? Why couldn't he just tell Sully he had found Michaela, and
convince Sully to return with him to the Shady Oak? No one else knew about what
had happened except him and Michaela. He knew she wouldn't have any reason to
tell anyone, so why should he? What harm would it cause to just keep it between
themselves?
Looking out the window as the train pulled into town, he sat and watched the
activity in the streets. The sun had been up for several hours, and the day
shone clear and bright. Why couldn't it be one of those dark days, where the
sun was covered by clouds? It would have been a perfect match for the way he
was feeling. However, settling on his revised plan, he decided to keep the details
to himself and just tell what needed to be told in order to get Sully to come
back with him. After all, Sully was going to be in a bad enough state just having
to deal with Michaela missing. He didn't need any extra complications.
Rising from his seat to exit the train, he decided to find Sully right away.
They needed to get back to Michaela. Not only did Sully need to come, but Hank
wanted to get back, too. He needed to see Michaela again, needed to talk to
her. Despite how wrong it was to entertain the thoughts he was having, he couldn't
get her out of his mind. Hearing the sudden sound of commotion coming from near
the café, he headed in that direction.
He came around the corner and arrived in time to see Horace waving a piece of
paper and running over to Sully. Dismounting and looping the reins around a
tree, Hank decided to approach as unnoticeably as he could to try and get the
lay of the land, so to speak, before he revealed his news. He stayed along the
back wall of the clinic, listening intently.
Out of breath, Horace stopped in front of Sully and handed him the news he just
received. Sully anxiously grabbed the paper and read its contents, his face
paling noticeably as he read the note.
"What is it?" Grace asked.
"What does it say?" Brian echoed, having come over immediately upon hearing
Horace's announcement.
Nearly everyone in the café had turned their attention to that table,
and there were even a few more people who had come into the café when
they saw Horace running in that direction. Everyone knew about Michaela, and
they were all praying she would be found, and soon. Dr. Andrew Cook was there,
too, since he had been covering for Michaela at her clinic in her absence.
Sully put down the telegram and looked into the anxious faces of everyone gathered
around. He caught Brian's eyes and began to speak. "It says there was an explosion
in a train yard near Cedarville. Seems Michaela's train had been through that
little town on the way to Ogden from Cheyenne. There was a waitin' time while
they restocked some supplies, and Michaela must have gotten off the train during
that time. The confusion about her goin' on to San Francisco happened when another
woman took her ticket and got on the train. What we don't know is how that woman
got Michaela's ticket or what happened ta Michaela." Sully paused to allow the
news to penetrate his confused mind. "How could that be?" he muttered, more
to himself than to anyone there.
"That guy's right!" Hank interrupted, causing everyone to turn and look in his
direction. He had moved closer and closer as the news was revealed, so he could
hear what was being said. He knew it was time to tell what he knew. "I don't
know who that guy is, or what's been goin' on ‘round here, but what that
telegram says is true. That explosion did happen. I heard about it while I was
out."
"Hank!" Dorothy exclaimed. "Where've you been all this time?"
"I been out on business, scoutin' around fer new talent, like I do all the time,"
Hank answered. "What's been goin' on ‘round here that's got everyone all
fired up and gatherin' ‘round here like some party?!"
"Ya mean ya don't know?" Grace asked, surprised he was so unaware.
"Know what?" Hank demanded.
"Michaela's missin', and she ain't contacted anyone in about a month!" Dorothy
announced.
"That right? Kinda wondered why Michaela ain't around, and why she wasn't invited
ta this party, here! She's always in the middle of things like this!" Hank smirked.
"This ain't no time for jokin', Hank," Dorothy reprimanded.
"So, how'd a woman like Michaela go and get herself lost, anyway? I mean, it
ain't like she just blends in with everyone. She kinda sticks out, if ya know
what I mean!" Hank continued to tease.
"Didn't ya hear what Sully just said?" Robert E asked. "Dr. Mike musta been
involved in that explosion, somehow, and some other woman got a hold of her
ticket, so the train stations thought she went on to San Francisco. Trouble
is, we don't know where she is, now."
Jake chimed in, now. "Speakin' of knowin' where people are, you sure been gone
a lot longer than usual on your trips. Find somethin' interestin'?"
Hank grinned, thinking this was the perfect opportunity to spring his news on
everyone. He had a willing and eager audience, and it was the perfect thing
to shock them all. "Yeah, ya might say that!" He paused, enjoying the feeling
of having everyone's rapt attention. "Certainly somethin' I never expected ta
find, and lemme tell ya, sure shocked the hell outta me!" He noticed some of
the gasps at his use of language, but brushed it aside, working hard to avoid
looking at Sully, since he knew Sully would know the truth before he said it.
"Well, ya gonna tell us, or ya keepin' it secret?" Jake pressed, annoyed with
Hank's antics to gain attention.
"Well, seein's how ya all wonderin' ‘bout Michaela, I guess I maybe outta
tell ya, I know where she is!" he announced, inwardly gloating at the response
his news brought. Expressions of shock and disbelief ran through the crowd,
and Hank knew most didn't believe him. That was when he met Sully's eyes. He
knew Sully believed him.
"Where is she?" Sully spoke, for the first time since revealing the news from
the telegram.
"She's up in that little town, Cedarville, where that explosion happened."
"But, why hasn't she come home?" Grace inquired.
"Cuz she don't know this is home," Hank answered, trying to convince them he
was telling the truth.
"Whattya mean, she don't know this is home? What kinda prank is this?" Robert
E accused.
"It ain't no prank, I swear to ya. I didn't believe it myself, until I spoke
to her and saw her up close with my own eyes. She didn't even know who I was,
not one speck of recognition in her eyes. I even asked her ‘bout it, and
she told me she had no idea who I was, had never seen me in her life! She doesn't
even know who she is! Goes by the name of ‘Kay' and has no idea she's got
friends and family back here!"
"Amnesia," Dr. Cook interrupted, watching as everyone turned to look at him.
"What?" someone finally said.
"Amnesia. It's a classic case of amnesia. It's a medical condition where the
brain doesn't register any knowledge of past experiences. It can sometimes be
selective, where certain events or time periods are blocked from the memory,
sometimes as a way of dealing with trauma or extreme hardships."
"So, ya sayin' she's gone and forgotten all of us and her life here? Even Sully
and her kids?!" Loren asked, incredulously.
Looking at the torn expression on Sully's face, Andrew replied, "Yes, I'm afraid
that's what it sounds like. My guess is she was somehow involved in that explosion,
and she suffered a blow to the head, which in turn, resulted in the loss of
her memory," Andrew went on to explain. Most of the crowd had dispersed by now,
leaving only the few remaining around the table.
"Mama!" Katie cried, not understanding all the confusing talk between all of
the grown-ups around her, but knowing, somehow instinctively, it concerned her
mother. Sully reached down, pulling her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around
her, comforting her and assuring her everything would be alright.
Brian looked from Andrew to Sully to Katie and back to Andrew again, his feelings
all confused about what he was hearing. His Ma had forgotten him? She had forgotten
all of them? How could that be? Didn't she love them anymore?
"Whattya gonna do, Sully?" Grace asked, and Brian immediately became alert.
He wondered the same thing.
Sully, still trying to digest all of this information, shocking as it was, turned
to face Hank. A flood of questions ran through his mind, but he knew now was
not the time to ask them. "You're gonna take me to her!" Sully announced, not
allowing room for argument. His words galvanized the little group into action.
"I'm goin' with ya!" Brian announced.
Sully turned to face his son, thinking of a way to convince him to stay. "Brian,
I'd love ta have ya along, but I need ya ta stay here to take care of Katie
and the homestead. You're the man of the house with me gone, and I need ya ta
be here. I don't know how long I'll be gone, and I‘ll be sendin' ya telegrams
lettin' ya know what's happenin'. I know ya can handle it. I trust ya!" Sully
finished, clasping his son's shoulder.
Brian stood straight and tall, knowing how important this was to Sully. "I won't
let ya down, Pa!"
"I'll get ya some food, Sully!" Grace announced, moving to pack some fried chicken
and biscuits for the ride.
"I'll help ya, Grace," Dorothy offered, accompanying her to the stove area.
"I'll get ya some other supplies from the general store, no charge," Loren offered,
his generosity coming only out of his love and concern for Dr. Mike.
"Teresa and me'll stop by and check on the kids while you're gone," Jake stated.
Sully held out his hand to shake with Jake, silently thanking him.
Seeing everything under control again, the rest of the customers returned to
their previous activities, all but Brian, who remained behind. Hank stood there,
not knowing what he should do, when Andrew spoke up.
"I need to caution both of you in this matter," he began, seeing both Sully
and Hank giving him their attention. "Amnesia is a very serious condition. It's
kind of like sleepwalking, where you don't know what you're doing until you
wake up. Well, just as it's very dangerous to awaken someone who's sleep-walking,
the same goes for someone suffering from amnesia."
"What does that mean?" Sully asked.
"Well, it means you can't just walk up to her and tell her who you are, who
she is, everything about her past."
"Why not?" Brian asked.
"It can cause further damage and shock to her brain. Right now, she's living
as if she doesn't know anything about her past, who she is, where she's been,
anything about her family. If you try to tell her all of that, you might cause
a more serious case, and you may even cause permanent damage, since her body
won't be able to handle the shock of finding out everything at once. It would
be an overload of information she won't be able to handle right away."
"So, ya sayin' I can't just bring her back home?"
"I know it isn't easy, Sully, but that's exactly what I'm telling you. To do
that would risk causing more serious damage."
"So, whattya suggest I do?"
"For now? I propose you play along with her. Don't tell her you know who she
is. Just get her talking, get her to know you. There isn't much known about
amnesia at this point, but it's been compared to a coma. People suffering from
it can usually register some knowledge of their past and those talking to them,
especially when those talking are people she knew before the amnesia occurred.
From what's been reported, the smallest things can trigger a memory to come
back, but it takes patience and guidance to help those memories make sense.
"In addition, there have been several reported cases of a complete personality
change in some individuals. They no longer act the same way or like the same
things. They may seem like a complete stranger to you, and in a way, they are,
at least compared to how you knew them before. I'm not saying it will be easy.
It won't. It's going to take a lot of hard work, and you're going to have to
be careful not to allow your emotions to get in the way," Andrew cautioned,
turning to look directly at Sully. "Sully, I know you love her, and I know this
is hard, but what I'm telling you is for Michaela's good. I can't prepare you
for what you'll encounter. All I can do is tell you what I know about the condition.
You have to take it from there."
Sully reached across the table and shook hands with the other doctor. "Thanks,
Andrew. I know ya mean well, and I appreciate ya tellin' me what ya know. I
promise ta be careful, since all I want is Michaela back, and I'm willin' ta
take her anyway I can get her. If it takes a long time, at least I'll be with
her."
Andrew nodded, excusing himself with, "Good luck!"
* * * * *
Before leaving his room, Sully walked to the window where Michaela had asked
him to stand to talk to her every night. He had been faithful in doing this,
and it was at those times, he felt a slight loss of connection, like there wasn't
anything being sent from the other end. At the time, he had brushed it off,
but now, he wondered why he hadn't known it was something more. He looked out
the window one last time and stared up at the clear, blue sky.
"I love ya, Michaela,
wherever you are. Please be safe. Come back to me!" he implored, then turned,
ready to return to town. However, just before he left the room, something on
Michaela's dressing table caught his eyes. He walked closer, looking down at
the surface top. Laying right in the middle of the table were Michaela's wedding
and engagement rings. How could he not have seen these here before? More puzzling
than that, why had Michaela taken them off? She never took her rings off, except
when operating. It was entirely possible her fingers had become swollen, and
maybe her rings were bothering her, but why hadn't she said anything?
Without really thinking about it, Sully picked up the rings and put them in
his carpetbag. "She must be missing these," he thought, still wondering why
they were here and not on her hand. He would be sure to ask her when he found
her. It just didn't make sense, but there was time to worry about that later.
Now, he had to keep his mind on the present, and he had to get back to town
to meet Hank and get ready for their trip.
Robert E and Grace promised to look after Katie and the Homestead, even though
Brian said he could manage the chores and school. At first, he had been upset
about not being allowed to go with them, but he realized he was needed here
at home to be the man around the house in Sully's absence. Katie was none too
happy about her father leaving, especially with her mother gone, too, but Sully
told her he was going to go get her mother and bring her back with him. When
he told her how much fun she would have at home with Brian and no parents, she
reluctantly agreed. Sully told her she had to be his big girl, so she had fought
hard to keep from crying, but it wasn't easy. It nearly broke Sully's heart
to leave them like that, but he knew he had no choice.
The preparations didn't take long, since both Hank and Sully were very capable
of surviving with the barest of essentials. With their bags packed and everything
ready, Hank and Sully waved goodbye to everyone in Colorado Springs.
For more than half of the trip, the two didn't say much to each other. They
just rode on, stopping only with the train to get off and stretch their legs
a bit, then riding on with the train. It wasn't until they had covered more
than three-fourths of their journey, and were nearing the town, when Sully finally
decided to start a conversation.
"What's she like? What's she doin' in town?"
Hank paused, not sure how much he should say. "Well, she ain't doctorin', that's
for sure. It took me by surprise when I first saw her, wonderin' if my eyes
were playin' tricks on me, or if the woman I saw just looked like Michaela.
I thought that was the case when someone called her name, and it wasn't 'Michaela'.
Only thing was, when I watched her, she looked like Michaela. She just wasn't
actin' like her. At least not the Michaela I know!"
"Whaddya mean? What's she doin'?"
"She's different's all I can say. I ain't gonna lie to ya and say ya won't be
shocked, but it's Michaela no doubt ‘bout it. There ain't no mistakin'
that temper or her proper Boston ways, even if she don't know who she is!"
Sully smiled, slightly, happy to hear she was still maintaining a part of herself,
even though she didn't realize it. "How did ya come ta be talkin' with her?"
"Sully, I ain't tellin' ya no more. Ya just gonna have ta wait and see fer yerself."
"Hank...."
"No, I ain't sayin' a word. Ya wouldn't believe me, anyway. ‘Sides, we're
almost there, now, anyway, so you'll be seein' real soon."
Knowing Hank wouldn't budge in his determination, Sully lapsed into silence.
He thought about the times he and Hank had been involved in other trips together,
mainly hunting or trapping, but that was years ago, before Michaela ever came
to town. It was kind of ironic, in a way, thinking about coming up here with
Hank and having to rely on him to get to Michaela. There were still a lot of
questions he wanted to ask, but he knew he'd have to wait until he saw Michaela.
Hank wasn't about to tell him anything more, that was obvious. So, instead,
he turned his thoughts to Michaela, his beloved heartsong, the woman who completed
him in a way he never thought possible.
It had been sheer misery being without her this past month, and it had been
made even worse by the fact that he didn't know where she was. Having to endure
the questions of his children while trying to keep up hope that she was alright
was no easy task, especially when little Katie said or did something which reminded
him of Michaela. She was becoming more and more like her ma every day, and it
tore at his heart to know Michaela wasn't there to see it. Nights were the hardest,
though, reaching out to hold her and meeting only empty air. Tossing and turning
and dreaming of her, but not being able to talk to her, to touch her, to tell
her how much he loved her.
As promised, he had gone to their bedroom window each night to say goodnight
to her, to tell her he loved her and wished she were home. Now, he wondered
if she had even heard him, in her heart. Did she have dreams of him and not
know who he was? Did she even remember anything about their life together, or
their children? Did she remember how much he loved her? How he couldn't live
without her? Did it seem there was an emptiness surrounding her she couldn't
explain? His mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts, he didn't even realize they
had stopped moving. Looking out the window, he saw the sign for Cedarville above
the station. He disembarked from the train with Hank, then silently followed
him, knowing he wouldn't waste any time.
"This is it!" Hank announced, watching Sully look up to the sign above the building
the moment they stopped.
"Shady Oak Saloon?" Sully read, a question in his voice.
"Yep!"
"But, why're we here?"
"Just come on. You'll see," Hank promised, turning to step up onto the sidewalk.
Hesitantly, Sully followed Hank to the front of the building and through the
swinging doors. There was quite a bit of activity going on, and Sully's eyes
expertly took in every detail.
Hank, being very familiar with the place, sought out the one person he knew
and smiled when he caught her eye. He saw her start at seeing him, almost as
if she didn't believe he would ever return, but slowly, a smile spread across
her face, and she began walking towards him. He nodded in the direction of his
table, and she nodded in understanding. She walked back to the bar to get him
a whiskey, and Hank turned to see if Sully had seen her yet. He hadn't, so Hank
led them both over to the table and sat, indicating to Sully to sit on the other
side. This way, they both would have the same view.
At this point, Michaela's back was to them, but when she turned around, Hank
saw Sully tense. He had seen her. That was obvious. Hank sat back, watching
the emotions play across Sully's face as he realized why they had come here.
He had to smile when he saw understanding dawn on Sully, the reality of the
situation coming crashing down on him. With Andrew's admonition about being
careful fresh in his mind, Hank prepared himself to enjoy this.
Kay eagerly walked towards Hank, unsuccessfully fighting the smile that played
at her lips. It had been five days since she had last seen him, and she had
almost thought he was gone forever. The fact that he had returned had to be
a good sign, right? He wouldn't have come back if he wasn't interested. She
tried to convince herself of that, smiling as she drew closer to the table.
Placing the whiskey in front of him, she reached out her hand to touch his.
"Hank," she half-whispered. "I'm glad to see you back."
Hank fought hard to keep himself from taking her hand in his, and knowing Sully
sat on the other side of the table, mere feet away, helped him keep his desires
under control. "Yeah, well, with such great entertainment, who could stay away?"
he teased.
She smiled, touching the side of his face in a soft caress. Hank risked a glance
over at Sully and noticed his face darken slightly. He'd better cool it, or
he'd be getting himself in a lot of trouble in a matter of seconds. Despite
heeding Andrew's advice, he'd better not be too convincing.
Sully couldn't believe his eyes when he first saw his wife. Never would he have
believed Michaela to be working as a barmaid in a saloon! Knowing how much she
hated drinking and what else went on in places like this, she must have been
hit really hard for this to happen! What was she wearing, and what had she done
to her face? A dozen or more emotions and feelings ran through Sully from the
moment he first laid eyes on Michaela. "She looks like one of Hank's girls,
he thought, fighting the urge to take his jacket off and wrap it around her.
And other men were seeing his wife looking like this? Just how was he supposed
to handle this? He seethed at the look on Hank's face when Michaela served his
whiskey. He would talk to Hank, later!
Andrew wasn't joking when he said this wouldn't be easy. How his arms ached
to reach out and pull her to him! How he wished he could just kiss her and bring
back all of her memories! How he wished he could just look her in the eyes,
and she'd know him, in her heart.
That brought another realization. She hadn't even seen him! Her attention was
completely focused on Hank, her smile only for him. The questions which had
plagued him mind since first hearing the news all came crowding back. Exactly
what was going on here? How much time had Hank spent here before coming back
to town to tell everyone what he had found? He leaned forward in his chair,
placing his arms on the table.
As if noticing for the first time there was someone else with Hank, Kay turned
to face the other man, immediately taking in his appearance. She nearly gasped
when she saw the buckskins, moccasins and beads adorning this stranger. She
had heard enough about Indians to know what they looked like, and this man looked
like some kind of half-breed. Exactly what reservation did he ride in from?
And how was he acquainted with Hank? She finally met his eyes, and just like
when she had first seen Hank, she felt a strange sensation coursing through
her, and she couldn't tear her gaze away to look back to Hank.
Hank watched this exchange with interest, wondering if Sully's presence would
trigger anything different in Michaela. Seeing the same reaction from when he
first arrived, he decided he might as well introduce them. Clearing his throat,
he succeeded in Kay breaking her gaze and turning back to him.
"Kay, I'd like ya ta meet Sully. Sully, Kay."
Kay reached out her hand towards Sully. "Pleased to meet you."
Sully hesitated, only briefly, then firmly clasped her hand in his. He was immediately
overcome with a scent of rose water. It was a scent he knew well, and he should.
It was Michaela's favorite. He saw her gasp, slightly, at their contact, but
she quickly recovered, and he released her hand.
"So, you're a friend of Hank's?" she began, turning to face Hank. "Is that why
you left so abruptly last time? Did you want to show me off to your friend?"
she teased, playing with a lock of Hank's hair. "That is very flattering."
Sully found it very hard to take in everything he saw. Hank wasn't kidding when
he said Michaela was different. She didn't even pay him more than a moment's
glance, and now she was devoting all of her attention towards Hank. What happened
to his Michaela? How was he going to endure being with her and seeing her without
being able to touch her and hold her? He could nearly feel his heart cry out
in pain at the loneliness he felt, the pain of the separation. Even though she
was standing only a couple of feet from him, she might as well be hundreds of
miles away.
Hank immediately, but gently, pushed her hand away, and she placed her hands
on the edges of her tray again. Seeing that Hank wasn't responding to her teasing,
she decided to try another tactic. She set down her tray, moved around behind
Hank, placed her arms around his shoulders and leaned against him, placing her
cheek against his. Feeling him tense, slightly, she drew back and placed her
hands on her hips.
"Are you going to tell me
what's wrong, or are you just going to sit there and act like you don't care
for my attentions?"
Hank looked to Sully, but Sully's eyes were focused on Michaela. Hank smirked,
realizing the view Sully must have just had when Michaela leaned on his shoulder.
"I'll bet he never thought he'd see that much of Michaela in public!" he thought,
fighting to keep the smile from his lips. Sully obviously wasn't going to be
saying much, so it was up to Hank.
"Ain't nothin' wrong, Kay," Hank began. "Just tired from our trip, and somethin'
ta quench our thirst so's we can relax'll be just the right thing," he looked
at his empty whiskey glass. "I'll be needin' a refill."
Taking Hank's glass in his hand, she turned towards Sully. "And what would you
like, Mr. Sully?"
"Just Sully, and sasparilla, if ya don't mind," he replied, keeping his words
to a minimum until he could gather his senses about him regarding the present
situation.
Kay pondered his response. "Sully? That's a little unusual to go by just your
last name. And you're not a drinking man? Any particular reason for both?" she
inquired, politely, trying to hid her real interest in this man.
"I got my reasons," he said, simply.
Affronted by his abrupt response, she turned away from both men and focused
again on her work. Bringing back their drinks, she didn't say a word, just set
them down on the table and immediately walked away. Both men watched her go,
and feeling their stares at her back, she swung her hips a little more than
necessary, turning to talk and cajole with the other male customers as she sought
to make sure everyone had what they needed.
* * * * *
Hank and Sully both sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Neither
one knew what to say to the other regarding the situation, nor did they know
what to do. It was clear Kay was still attracted to Hank, and while Hank was
enjoying her attention, with Sully here, he knew he'd be in for a lot of trouble
if he took it too far. Still, he was finding it even more difficult to deny
his desire to respond to Michaela's teasing, especially considering his feelings.
Sully, on the other hand, was still shocked by everything he was seeing. Not
only did his wife not remember or even recognize him, save the small amount
of trembling he felt when they had clasped hands in greeting, but she was openly
showing her affections for Hank! Hank! How in the world had that happened? Pondering
the situation, he realized now was the time to get to the bottom of things.
Hank was very close-mouthed on the ride here, refusing to tell him much of anything
about Michaela and the circumstances, but now that they were here, Sully wanted
some answers.
"Hank, ya gonna tell me what's goin' on with you and my wife?" Sully began,
the impatient tone very clear in his voice.
Hank
started out of thoughts and forced himself to be quick on his feet in coming
up with a response. Allowing a smug look on his face, he turned to look at Sully.
"I told ya she was different, but believe me, she's been doin' the comin' on
ta me, not the other way ‘round."
"But, how'd the two of ya come to be so close? I don't see her actin' like that
‘round other men in here. Seems ta me, she's savin' that just for you.
Wanna tell me what happened when you was up here the first time?"
Hank knew Sully wasn't going to be put off, so he decided the truth was the
best thing. However, that didn't mean he had to tell the entire truth, just
what had happened to bring about Michaela's friendly nature with him. "Like
I said back in Colorado Springs, I was out on business, scoutin' for new talent
and I happened upon this little town on my way back home. I decided to stop
in fer a drink and there she was! At first, I thought my eyes were playin' tricks
on me, and that the woman just looked like Michaela, so I just sat and watched
her all night. I caught her eye once, and she just stood there, not movin',
not talkin', just starin' at me. I wondered if it was ‘cause I was starin',
or ‘cause she was shocked to see me, although I still wasn't sure it was
her. If it was, I had no idea why'd she be up here.
"I didn't get anywhere with her that night, so I came back the next night. That's
when she waited on me. When I saw her up close, I knew it was Michaela, but
then I had no idea why she was here! I first wondered what you must be thinkin'
back home, and I almost left right then to come get ya, bring ya back here,
but I knew ya wouldn't come less I brought ya proof, so I had ta get some. Only
way ta do that was get her ta trust me.
"So I did. I just started talkin' and being friendly, and she started respondin'.
I found out everythin' I told ya, but when I realized I needed ta get back and
find ya to tell ya, I just left, sayin' nothin' to her. That's likely why she
looked so glad ta see me. Didn't tell her why I had ta leave, just up and left.
What was I gonna tell her, anyway?" Hank leaned back in his chair, satisfied
he had told Sully enough without getting himself into trouble. "That's all there
is. Nothin' more. Like I told ya, though, she's different. It's like she's forgot
all about her upbringin' and she's carryin' on with the menfolk like she's always
been that way." Placing his hands behind his head, Hank allowed a smirk to cross
his face. "Always said she had a bit a fire in her and that ya were gettin'
one helluva woman. Now, I see it's true!"
Sully sent him a look across the table that would have withered a lesser man,
but Hank was up to the challenge. He knew he and Sully'd be a good match, but
he didn't have it in his mind to fight over Michaela. Besides, what right did
he have? Sully was married to her, she just had to remember, and that was why
they were both here. He had his fun, and he was sure there'd be some more before
this thing was over, so he was willing to bide his time.
"Question is, what do we do now?" Hank put the question to Sully.
Not knowing the answer to that question, Sully just turned to watch his wife
again. This time, she was engaged with a less than pleasing man, but she didn't
look as if she was put off by his appearance or manners. The Michaela he knew
would more than likely give that man a piece of her mind, but this ‘Kay'
was talking and carrying on like he was perfectly acceptable to her. He watched
as she pinched the man's cheek and patted his hand on the table. She even took
the man's chin in her hand, then playfully tapped the side of his face, obviously
in response to something the man had said.
It was hard enough watching his wife entertaining these other men, especially
when she had barely given him a second glance. Unfamiliar feelings of jealousy
crept in, mixed with the possessiveness he felt at his wife behaving this way.
When the man reached out and pulled Michaela into his lap, he could no longer
restrain himself. He jumped to his feet, toppling over his chair in his haste.
He made his way to where Kay was, immediately pulled her from the man's lap
and took hold of the front of the man's shirt, half pulling him from the chair.
"Keep your hands off her!" he threatened, a menacing look entering his eyes.
The man immediately backed away, not wanting to get involved with a man who
looked hell-bent to kill.
Kay, not one to stand idly by while some man took charge, had enough. "How dare
you!" she accused, her anger penetrating Sully's own, forcing Sully to release
his hold on the man and turn to face her. "What do you think you're doing? What
gives you the right to tell me how to do my job? I can take care of myself,
thank you very much, and I'll thank you not to to interfere!" She turned her
back on him and walked back to the kitchen, leaving a scent of roses in her
wake.
Sully stood there, shocked at her response, but wanting to hit himself for doing
what he just did. Now what had he done? This was not going well at all. At first,
he wondered why she had reacted that way, but he knew Michaela. She didn't like
anyone getting in her way, and that included him. A few chuckles and comments
about being bested by a woman penetrated his thoughts, and he gave himself a
mental shake, angrily making his way back to his chair. Contemplating what to
do about the situation, he just sat back and watched Michaela work, despite
how difficult it was to see her like this.
The minute Sully sat down, Hank chuckled. "Guess ya just ain't her type!" he
teased, but the look Sully sent his way showed he was in no mood for chastising.
Not wanting to anger Sully more than he already was, Hank decided to leave.
Sully obviously needed some time alone.
He cleared his throat. "I gotta get me some fresh air and see about nature,"
he said, hoping his meaning was clear.
Sully gave him an acknowledging nod, but other than that, didn't pay him any
attention. Hank saw his focus was completely on Michaela. Shaking his head,
he wondered what Sully was going to do. In the meantime, he had to get outta
there, or he might wind up doing something he knew he'd pay for later! He, too,
was watching Michaela, but if Sully saw him, he'd have more trouble on his hands
than he could handle. It was bad enough he still had what had happened between
Kay and him hanging over his head. He didn't need Sully's anger added to it.
Getting outside was the best cure.
* * * * *
A few hours later, Hank returned, making his way over to where Sully still sat,
brooding. "I got us some rooms over at the hotel. Thought ya might wanna get
outta here for a while," Hank suggested.
Sully looked up at him, thinking some time away from Michaela might help clear
his head. There was also the matter of talking it out with Hank. Sully still
didn't feel like Hank was telling him everything. Even if he was, which was
unlikely, Sully needed to talk. He didn't want to admit it, but he may just
need Hank's assistance. Grudgingly accepting the slight peace offering, he rose
and left the saloon with Hank.
Kay watched them leave, a strange mixture of relief and sadness filling her
at their departure. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she focused on the final
responsibilities of her work. When closing time came, she was ready to call
it quits and just disappear into her room. However, the other barmaids weren't
about to let that happen.
Tossing their rags into the soapy buckets, Belle and Alice approached Kay, mischievous
grins on their faces.
"So, Kay," Belle began. "Why ya been holdin' out on us?"
"I don't understand. What have I been keeping from you?"
"Ya know, how come ya ain't never told us ‘bout them two fine-looking men
out there?" Belle continued to press.
"Yeah, it ain't like we'd step on your toes or nothin'," Alice interjected.
"If they're your men, they're your men. But, how come ya never told us ‘bout
‘em?"
"They're not ‘my' men!" Kay stated, vehemently. "Up until a few days ago,
I hadn't ever set eyes on either one of them. Hank, the taller of the two, came
in here and simply started a conversation with me. We started talking and I
found I enjoyed his company. Then, he left without a word. Next thing I know,
he comes back, but this time, he has that other man with him.....Sully." She
deliberately paused, as if she had to try to think of his name. That couldn't
have been further from the truth. Despite the fact that Sully infuriated her,
and she wanted nothing to do with him, his was a name and face she couldn't
easily forget.
"Well, I asked ya this before. Since there's two of 'em, if ya ain't gonna claim
‘em, can we have a go at ‘em?" Belle inquired, an eager look on her
face.
Kay turned to look at the two women who had become her friends, in a way. She
had to admit, she did find Hank very attractive, so she could see why they might
want to talk with him, but Sully? Why would they want him? He dressed like an
Indian and didn't really seem to have any manners when it came to women. He
talked less than Hank, and he didn't seem to be one who would be much fun. Maybe
she should let both Belle and Alice try their luck with him. Then, she'd be
free to talk with Hank.
"I don't know how much luck you'll have with Sully, the man who so rudely interfered
in my business tonight, but I wish you luck! You'll need it!" she added, not
wanting to talk any further. She was tired, and she wanted to be alone. Nevertheless,
there was a small part of her that wanted to see Hank again, this time without
his friend along. Maybe there was some way she could get him to come out and
talk to her. "They must be staying at the hotel in town," she thought. "Hank
wouldn't leave again without saying goodbye, would he?" No! He was still here,
of that she was certain. Now, how was she going to get his attention?
* * * * *
Hank left his room and walked across the hall to Sully's. Seeing the door only
pushed to, he knocked then pushed the door open. Seeing Sully sitting on the
bed, his legs drawn up under him, and leaning against the headboard, he decided
now was a good time to say what he needed to say. True, he was enjoying the
entertainment, but he knew how it felt to want a woman so bad and not have her
return those feelings.
"Sully, I wanna tell ya how sorry I am for all this. I know it ain't easy on
ya, seein' Michaela like this. I didn't know what else ta do when I came and
got ya. I knew ya had ta be here, but I never thought she'd take such a dislikin'
to ya."
Sully looked up at this, trying to hide the pain and frustration he felt. This
was a side of Hank he didn't often see. He always put up a front of not caring
about anyone or anything, but Sully had seen him be there in times of need,
and he knew he could always count on Hank when it mattered. But, like Hank said,
he didn't "want it gettin' out, might ruin his reputation!" Sully had to smile,
slightly at this thought. If he had to endure this with someone, it might as
well be Hank.
They'd had some interesting encounters together over the years which had led
to an understanding of sorts, despite the sometimes animosity which existed.
True, Hank appeared to enjoy Sully's predicament, but Sully knew he really cared,
even if only a little, about getting them back together. Realizing this, he
decided to hear Hank out.
"I know ya didn't know what would happen, and I'm real grateful to ya for bringin'
me back here. I just don't know what I'm gonna do, now," he confessed.
Hank came and turned the only chair in the room around and straddled the back
of it. "Yeah, she ain't exactly too happy with ya ‘bout now!" Hank, teased.
Sully smiled, a bit wanly, at this poke, but he had to agree. "I know. I don't
know what came over me. I just couldn't stand that man touchin' Michaela that
way, and she seemed ta be enjoyin' it! It's just too much to take!"
"Can I give ya some advice?" Sully nodded. "Lay low for awhile. Just don't get
in her way, maybe just be there, talk with her only when she comes near, try
to get her ta like ya."
"What good'll that do? She probably won't even come near me. She'll let one
of the other girls come and serve me. She's already made it clear she wants
me gone, so what's changin' my ways gonna do?"
Hank wasn't in the mood to argue with Sully. He didn't even want to give the
advice in the first place. He just wanted to find a way to talk with Kay, alone,
before their previous encounter had a way of getting out to Sully. With everything
else going on, he didn't need that to happen, too. Standing up and pushing the
chair away from him, he threw his hands in the air. "Do what ya like! Just tryin'
ta help!" With that, he left, going down the stairs and outside, instead of
returning to his room.
Stepping down from the boardwalk onto the street, he nearly ran over Kay, not
seeing her standing there.
"Watch where ya goin'!" he started to say, but when he saw Kay, he caught himself
and smiled. "Comin' ta see me?" he teased.
"As a matter of fact, I was, yes. I wanted to talk to you."
"Yeah? ‘Bout what?"
"Well, to start, why did you leave so abruptly a few days ago?"
"Ya sure get right to the point, dontcha?"
"So I've been told," she smiled. "I don't believe in wasting time.
Hank, fearing Sully overhearing them, directed Kay to walk a little ways away
from the hotel and back towards the saloon. "I had ta get away from ya!"
"Why? Was it something I did? Something I said?"
"Ya
don't understand, Mi.....Kay," he caught himself. "I just can't be gettin' involved
with ya in that way."
"Is there someone else? Some other woman?" Kay pressed. Hank remained silent,
causing Kay to inquire further. "Why didn't you just say something in the first
place, rather than walking away without an explanation?"
"Cuz I was attracted to ya," he explained, ignoring her first question. "Still
am in fact, and I just can't let anythin' come of it."
"Why not?" she asked again.
"Just trust me, all right?" Hank stated, putting an end to her inquisition.
Realizing she wasn't getting anywhere, she decided to change the subject, but
she wasn't giving up on him. "So, who is your friend, anyway? Where did you
find him? He doesn't have the manners of a drunken poker player, let alone a
man!"
Hank had to smile at this. "Don't be gettin' so mad at him. He just ain't
used ta seein' women bein' treated like that is all. Give him a chance. We
known each other a long time, and I know he didn't mean nothin' by it. ‘Sides,
if ya ask me, I think he likes ya, that's why he didn't like seein' that man
talkin' and carryin' on the way he was with ya. He just didn't know what else
to do, so he broke it up," Hank lied, hoping Kay couldn't see through his
farce.
"I still don't appreciate his actions. I hardly even know him, and if he's going
to keep that up, I don't want to know him! He can just take himself back where
he came from and leave me alone!"
"Can ya blame him?"
Kay stared at Hank, surprised he would say such a thing. "What?"
"Can ya blame him?" he repeated. "I mean, I already told ya how beautiful
ya are. It ain't somethin' a man can easily miss," he teased, seeing Michaela
look towards the ground. "Can ya blame him for bein' upset that ya ain't hardly
payed a minute's attention to him since he got here? You're walkin' around,
talkin' and payin' mind to the other men, but ya just about ignore him. Guess
he just got jealous, and that's how he handles it." It wasn't all a lie. Sully
was angry and jealous, but for an entirely different reason.
Kay saw the intelligence in this explanation, and even though she still wasn't
happy about it, she might be able to accept it -- if he didn't continue. She
smiled up at Hank, the moonlight shining on her face casting a soft glow and
reflecting in her eyes. Placing her hands on his chest again, she enticingly
smiled up at him. "So, how did you become so intelligent?" she half-whispered.
Hank, seeing this leading in the wrong direction, put his hands at her waist
to push her away.
* * * * *
Sully remained where Hank left him for a several moments, thinking about what
Hank had said. He hated to admit the sense Hank's advice made, especially since
it was his wife they were dealing with. He should be the one to come up with
the plan! He should be the one to know what to do! Not Hank! Punching the pillows
behind his back, Sully got up from the bed, pacing back and forth, allowing
his anger and frustration to pan out.
Feeling the need to get some fresh air, he left his room and made his way outside.
Taking a deep breath of the cool, night air, he felt refreshed and his mind
cleared a little. Turning to look up and down the one main street, he saw two
figures standing near the doors of the saloon. Recognizing the silhouettes of
both, and seeing them standing a lot closer than he liked, he purposefully made
his way to them.
"So, this is how ya act when you're advice ain't taken?" he challenged. "Were
ya tellin' me to lay low so's you could get your hands on her?"
"It ain't what ya think, Sully," Hank tried to asssure him, but Sully wouldn't
hear of it.
Pulling Michaela away from Hank, he turned to face the taller man, ready to
thwart any attempt Hank might make to defend himself.
"Of all the..." Kay began. She grabbed a hold of Sully's shoulder, and with
a strength that surprised both Sully and Hank, she turned Sully to face her.
"Do you make it a habit of interfering in women's affairs, or is just me who
has been fortunate enough to be the recipient of your meddling?" she accused,
anger coating every word. "There was nothing happening here between your friend
and me. Not that it's any of your business, but if you must know, he was trying
to tell me he couldn't get involved with me. Like I said back in the saloon,
what right do you have to decide those with whom I can and cannot associate?!"
"What right?" Sully nearly shouted. "Because you're my w..."
"Easy Sully," Hank cut him off.
"I'm your what?!" Kay demanded.
Sully looked her straight in the eyes, and they remained that way for several
moments, neither one backing down. Groaning in frustration, Sully looked away.
"Never mind!" he gritted between his teeth. He kicked a rock on the ground and
stomped away, more frustrated than he'd ever been.
Hank and Kay both watched him go, then Hank turned to face Kay, remorse covering
his face. "Sorry, Kay. I gotta go," he said, quietly.
Nodding, Kay watched him return to the hotel, but her eyes strayed again to
the enigmatic friend of Hank's. Sighing in confusion, she turned to go back
into the saloon, meeting Belle at the door.
"That sure is some man ya got there, steppin' in to defend ya!" Belle noted
with interest. "Since ya made it clear you ain't interested, mind if I have
a go?"
Kay hesitated, only briefly. "Be my guest. I certainly want nothing to do with
him!" she stated, a little too quickly. Seeing Belle smile at the clear path
given to her, Kay turned and headed towards the stairs, her thoughts all in
turmoil. Why had she hesitated in telling Belle she could have Sully? What was
it about that man that caused her to look twice? It's not like he had been anywhere
near charming since he came. In fact, he had been down right troublesome, at
least to her way of thinking. So, why was she so intrigued by him?