PLAYING WITH FIRE
Chapter Nine
Brian Cooper. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Search successful. Meeting many challenges, but making small steps forward. Will be home as soon as possible. Miss you both a lot. Love. Sully.
Sully stared
at the telegram and read it over twice, before deciding it was the best he
could do, without being too descriptive. Knowing how careful he had to be
about what he said, he wanted to make sure no one could read the words and
realize the reason for his and Hank's presence here. Certain there was no
information which could be gleaned from the telegram, Sully handed it over
to the telegraph operator and paid the necessary money to have it sent. Brian
was a very intelligent young man. He would be able to read between the lines
and know how much Sully loved him and Katie and feel confident that things
were going well with Michaela.
He left the telegraph office and wondered. Were things really going well?
Had he sent that telegram to reassure everyone back home that they were doing
better than they really were? How much progress had they really made during
their two weeks here? Sighing, Sully ran his hand across the rough stubble
on his face. He hadn't shaved hardly at all since he arrived, and decided
it was time to get rid of the growth. Maybe that's what he needed. Maybe a
complete change in his appearance would change things between himself and
Michaela. True, he hadn't really cared much about his appearance since he
arrived, but if Hank could manage to look presentable, so could he!
He walked down the street to the general store, intent on purchasing a few
supplies to sustain him a little longer. His source of money was not going
to last indefinitely, so he had to think of a way to increase his funds. Maybe
he could go hunting and bring back some of the meat to sell. Or maybe he could
offer his assistance to anyone who needed some help with building or maybe
the local blacksmith. After all, he had experience in all of those areas.
One of them was sure to pay something.
Julia watched the man who had become familiar to her only through her friendship
with Kay and through her connections in town. Kay was right, he seemed to
be the loner type of person, keeping to himself a lot. He walked around the
store, picking up one or two items as he walked by them, adding to his small
bundle of things until he was sure he had what he needed. She met him at the
counter and began totaling his purchases.
"So,
you're fairly new in town," Julia began, trying to possibly extract any little
tidbits of information which might help her see what Kay had tried describing
to her.
"Yep," was all he said.
"What brings ya out to this area? Were ya out on business or taking a trip?"
she continued to press.
"Ya might say that. Out scoutin' and came to this little town, thought we
might rest a bit ‘fore movin' on."
Kay was right. This man was the silent type. He didn't say much and what he
did say was evasive, revealing only what he deemed necessary. No wonder Kay
was intrigued. Julia, herself, was interested in learning more about this
enigmatic man. There was just something fascinating about him, once you got
past the rough appearance and standoffish exterior.
"Well, I noticed ya and your friend over at the Shady Oak the other day. I
ain't had much time ta make your acquaintance, so let me do so, now. I'm Julia
Morgan. My husband, Thomas, and I run the general store. It's nice havin'
ya here in our town." She held out her hand in greeting.
"Pleasure meetin' ya Mrs. Morgan. Name's Sully," he replied, grasping her
hand in a firm handshake.
"Well, Sully, I hope ya find our little town to your liking, and if there's
anything ya need while you're here, ya just let me know, and I'll do what
I can."
"Much obliged," he nodded his thanks. "How much I owe ya?" he asked, indicating
his purchases on the counter.
"Oh, that'll be a dollar and two bits."
Sully paid the money and took up his few items, nodding to Julia as he left.
"Mrs. Morgan."
Julia watched him go, shaking her head as she pondered the encounter. One
thing for certain. There was more going on here than met the eye. There wasn't
cause for concern, but there sure were a lot of questions without answers.
Kay was right to be confused. Who were these two men? And why were they both
so intent on Kay?
* * * * *
Sully took his seat at their regular table in the Shady Oak. He had decided
to shave the one-week growth from his face, hoping the change in appearance
would serve to give him more confidence in regards to Michaela and maybe cause
Michaela to not be so repulsed by him.
"So, what's the special occasion?" Hank greeted Sully.
"Jus' thought I was needin' a change is all."
"Sure it ain't tryin' ta impress a certain lady?" Hank teased, nodding to
the barmaid who had sought out their table the moment Sully sat down.
Sully turned his head to the right and saw Belle standing there. He gave her
a warm smile and a nod in greeting. She stepped closer to him and reached
out to touch his cheek, running the backs of her fingers along the smooth
skin.
"Ya sure look different, all cleaned up like that, but I gotta say, I think
I was likin' the beard. Gave ya a mysterious look about ya." She moved to
stand behind him, draping her arms loosely around his shoulders as she leaned
down to his level. "An' I like men with an air of mystery about ‘em,"
she lowered her voice, seductively, whispering in his ear.
Sully tried not to discourage her too much, since he really didn't want to
hurt her, but he had to think of Michaela. Turning his head a little to the
right again, he saw Belle's face mere inches from his own, and it was difficult
to not notice her beauty. She was nothing like Michaela, but with the way
Sully had been feeling lately, it was nice to have someone show some interest
in him.
Reaching up to grasp one of her hands, he brought her around to stand a little
in front of him. He raised her hand to his lips, placing a light kiss on the
back as he looked up at her face. "Would ya mind gettin' my friend and me
some drinks?"
"Of course!" she responded and looked at them both, a little short of breath
from Sully's touch. "What'll ya have?"
"I'll have a whiskey, and my friend'll have a sasparilla," Hank answered.
Belle looked to Hank then back at Sully, who gave her the briefest of smiles.
She smiled in return, batting her eyes, flirtatiously, before she walked to
the bar to fill their order.
Once she was gone, Sully turned to Hank, glancing around to make sure there
wasn't anyone around who could easily overhear their conversation. "Have ya
seen Michaela around today?"
"Not a bit. Matter of fact, I ain't seen her workin' while you been here since
the other day when ya told me ya saved her from that Harv fella." Hank paused
and looked across the table. "What'd ya say ta her, anyways? Musta been somethin'
awful ta git her all jumpy whenever ya name was mentioned."
"Whaddya mean, jumpy?"
"Well, two days ago, I came in here and had a little talk with her. Asked
her about the encounter with Harv, sayin' I heard it from you. Mentioned ya
name, and she got all hesitant and jittery at the same time, like a wolf who
wants some of what ya got cookin', but don't wanna come near the fire ta get
it!"
"I didn't say nothin' to her, jus' asked her why she was out that late at
night alone, tellin' her it was only askin' for trouble, and that's when she
turned on me, shootin' off at the mouth ‘bout how I shouldna bothered!"
"Well, did ya just stand there and let her rant an' rave, or did ya do somethin'
about it?"
"I put a stop to it by coverin' her mouth and pushin' her back against the
wall to make sure she couldn't move."
Hank nodded, as if he knew. "And did ya say anythin' to her?"
"Yeah, told her that was enough."
"And where were ya when ya said that?"
"I was standin' right in front of her. My hand was over her mouth an' my other
arm was holdin' her against the wall," Sully explained, then noticed Hank
smiling. "What's so funny? What's this all about, anyway? Why ya askin' me
about where I was standin'? What difference does it make?"
Hank chuckled. "Sully, ya gotta be blind as a bat ta not see she's interested!
As well as ya claim ta know Michaela, ya gotta see her reaction to ya is just
her way of fightin' her attraction to ya. Plain as the nose on yer face. She's
got feelin's alright, but she ain't sure why they're so strong, and that scares
her," Hank explained, with unusual insight. "Course with all ya got runnin'
around in ya mind, it's easy ta see how ya might miss it."
Sully sat back in his chair and thought about what Hank had said. Was it true?
Was he so preoccupied with trying to get through to Michaela that he hadn't
realized he was succeeding? Was he so consumed with anger at Hank for enjoying
Michaela's attention that he missed why she might be turning to Hank? If all
this was true, what was he going to do about it? How was he going to fan the
flames of attraction if he couldn't convince her to spend time with him?
"Evenin', gentleman," Brady spoke to them both, interrupting Sully's thoughts.
"Mr. Lawson, it's nice to see you again, and I noticed ya been comin' here
quite often of late. Have ya found somethin' of interest?"
Hank leaned back in his chair, relaxing a bit and putting on a nonchalant
appearance. "Yeah, ya might say that."
"Are ya gonna introduce me to your friend, or do I have to do the honors?"
Brady questioned, looking in Sully's direction before returning his attention
to Hank.
"Sully, this is Black Jack Brady. He owns the Shady Oak," Hank introduced,
maintaining his nonchalant attitude.
Sully reached out a hand and shook Brady's. "Brady."
"Sully." They both acknowledged each other.
Uninvited, Brady brought a chair to the table to join them, and Sully took
note of his expensive attire. It was obvious he was doing very well for himself
to be able to afford that kind of clothing. Either the Shady Oak was doing
better than it appeared, or Brady had another means of income. Guessing from
his name, Sully assumed it was the latter.
"I been watchin' you two for a while now, and I notice ya got a particular
interest in two of my girls, Kay and Belle, but mostly Kay. I see her spendin'
quite a bit of time here at your table each night, and I just wanna warn ya
both ta be careful about staking claims on her. I'm real protective of my
girls, and I'll tell ya I don't like seein' ya takin' up so much of her time."
"Well, I think ya better be tellin' her that, since she don't seem to mind
our company all that much," Hank shot back, a grin on his face.
Brady narrowed his eyes, slightly. "I don't know. Seems to me she ain't been
around much lately, so I would say maybe she's grown tired of you two gentleman,
and maybe she's wantin' to avoid you both as much as possible."
"Either that, or ya got her holed up in her room with orders not to come anywhere
near us!" Hank challenged.
Brady fought hard to control his anger at this man. Who did he think he was,
speaking to him in that manner? No man had ever dared talk to him that way...at
least not and live to tell about it! Something kept him from reacting, though.
He didn't know who these two men were, but he wasn't about to start something
with them until he found out.
"All's I gotta say is I didn't like it when Kay came to me, complainin' of
not feelin' well all of a sudden. I don't know what you two are up to, but
I don't like seein' Kay that way. Before you two showed up, she was a lot
more sure of herself than she's been lately. I know it has somethin' to do
with both of you, but I don't know why. I will tell you, though, I intend
to find out," he threatened, his meaning clear.
"If ya care so much about her, why ain't ya got a doctor up there, examinin'
her? Why ya assumin' it's us who caused the problem. Maybe it ain't us," Sully
interjected.
Realizing he wasn't being successful using intimidation as a means to get
what he wanted, Brady knew he would have to use another approach. If threats
weren't working, maybe if he pretended to accept them, invite them to participate,
he'd find out what he wanted to know.
"Well, seein' as how you two gentleman are here so often, might I interest
either of ya in a friendly game of poker with a few of the guys?" Brady invited,
nodding at another table across the saloon, where two of the regulars sat,
looking like they were ready to play.
Hank and Sully exchanged knowing looks, seeing right through Brady's facade.
Not saying a word, they both communicated their willingness to go along with
him, for now. "Sure, might as well have a little fun while we're here...at
least with cards," Hank added with a smirk directed at Sully, who shared his
private joke.
* * * * *
Kay paced back and forth across the wooden floorboards of her second-floor
room. She had made excuses to Brady, asking not to work tonight, since she
had seen Sully come in earlier than usual. She knew she couldn't avoid him,
indefinitely, but for now she'd do what she could. A part of her wanted to
go down to work, just so she could spend time with Hank. Maybe she could try
to tell Sully she wasn't interested by directing all of her attentions towards
Hank and acting like Sully's presence didn't affect her in the least. Maybe
when Sully saw her ignoring him, he'd give up his quiet pursuit and direct
his attention elsewhere.
"Who am I kidding?" she said out loud. There was no way Sully was going to
believe her act, no matter how convincing she tried to be. She knew from the
start the man was perceptive. He didn't talk much, but instead, watched everything
with careful observation. When he did speak, it was short and to the point,
not saying anything more than was necessary, and more times than not, only
a few words succeeded in accomplishing his intent.
Without wanting to, Kay thought back to the night he rescued her from Harv.
At first, she had been impressed with his agility in the fight, unaware of
his identity, but unable to deny the realization he knew what he was doing.
When Harv escaped and she realized who he was, she was shocked, intrigued,
angry, and pleased, all at once. It was confusing having all of those feelings,
so she had reacted in the only way that came naturally to her.
His accusations, about her inviting trouble by being out late at night by
herself, had infuriated her, and she told him so. Thinking in her mind what
a coward he was for just standing there and letting her berate him, she was
caught off guard by his sudden movement to silence her verbal assault. How
well she could recall the feelings of being pressed against the wall and held
in place by his arm, his hand covering her mouth. She had been so confused
at that moment, not knowing if she should be angry with him for interfering
yet again or thank him for saving her.
All too clearly, the image of his face, mere inches from her own, came to
her mind's eye. She could picture his penetrating blue eyes, the strong and
determined set of his jaw, every line and detail of his face, the long and
wild hair that begged to be touched. Everything about his appearance came
easily to her mind. All day long and in her sleep, she was haunted by his
face. Even now, the desire to see him was so strong it scared her.
Not able to resist it, Kay opened the door to her room and walked slowly down
the corridor. Would he still be sitting at the usual table? Would he and Hank
still be passing time with their drinks, silently observing everything happening
in the saloon? Pausing before coming to the top of the stairs, Kay placed
a hand over her heart, willing her breathing to get back to normal and her
heart to slow its pace.
Inching around the corner
of the wall, Kay looked down over the railing of the stairs to the room below.
Her eyes immediately sought out the corner table, and a strange feeling of
disappointment and sadness invaded her when she saw it empty. Turning to return
to her room, something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye.
Across the room from where she had just looked, Sully and Hank sat at another
table, this time in the company of Brady and two other men. From the looks
of it, they were engaged in a rather tense game of poker. Not one man was
talking, and the looks on their faces showed intense concentration. Fascinated
by this turn of events, Kay decided to stay and watch.
Several moments passed, and the game continued. Despite her attempts to watch
all of the men at the table, her gaze kept returning to Sully. As if knowing
he was being watched, he took his eyes away from his cards and looked up,
directly at her! She started at their eye contact, her heart beating wildly,
and her breath catching in her throat.
"Kay."
She jumped at the voice, nearly letting out a cry of surprise, but she caught
herself in time. She didn't need to make her presence known any more than
it already was. Turning to face the owner of the voice, she willed her breathing
to return to normal.
"Kay, are ya alright?" Belle asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine. You just frightened me. I didn't even hear you approach."
"Well, it's no wonder, with your eyes glued on that table down there!" Belle
teased. "Wanna tell me what's so interestin'?"
"It's nothing, really. I was just so tired of staying in my room, I decided
to come out here and see what was happening downstairs," Kay replied, knowing
it was at least half true.
"Sure it wasn't ta see what was happenin' with Hank and Sully?" Belle asked,
knowingly.
Kay blushed, lowering her eyes.
"Can't say that I blame ya. I could watch the two of them men for hours and
never get bored! Course, my interest lies with that Sully, down there," Belle
nodded around the corner. "There's just somethin' about him that sets my pulse
a-racin' an' makes my skin turn ta gooseflesh."
Kay smiled, half-heartedly. What Belle said was true, but for Kay, the feelings
went so much deeper. It was more than just a fluttering heart and a shortness
of breath. It was something which scared her, something she didn't know how
to describe. "Belle, you've spent some time with Sully. Does he say much around
you?"
Belle shrugged her shoulders. "Not really, but that ain't all that important,
now is it?" she laughed.
"What I mean to ask is, has he ever responded to you in any way? Has he said
or done something which just makes absolutely no sense at all?"
"Not that I can see. He's jus' been real nice ta me, not takin' advantage
or makin' any unwanted advances, jus' sittin' there, quietly, and intently
listenin' ta me go on," Belle confessed. "Why do ya wanna know? What's all
this questionin' about?"
Kay sighed. "To tell you the truth, I really don't know. I can't explain my
thoughts and feelings, but there is just something about Sully that doesn't
make sense to me."
"Well, maybe it's cuz ya ain't spent much time with ‘im. I know ya told
me ya ain't interested, but maybe that's the problem. Maybe ya really are
interested, and you're wantin' to tell yourself ya ain't. What about that
Hank fella? He's quite a looker, too, and he's sure got his cap set fer ya!"
"Hank? Now there's a man that makes working here a lot of fun!" Kay smiled.
"From the first night he and I met, I have enjoyed his attentions. He's fun
and makes me laugh, and he responds to my attentions. I don't know if there's
anything there, but I enjoy laughing and talking with him. I don't worry about
anything when I'm with him. He's just fun to be around!" Kay sighed again.
"Not like Sully. I only wish I knew why it is he gets under my skin so easily!"
She paused, wondering if she should tell the rest of the story about Harv's
assault to Belle. Knowing she would never breathe it to a soul, Kay decided
to confess.
"Belle, you know how I told you about Harv the other night? About how he tried
to force me into being a little more friendly than I wished?"
"Yeah, an' I still think ya oughta tell Brady. He'd make sure that ole Harv'd
never bother ya again!"
"No, I don't want to get Brady involved any more than he already is. He's
already questioned me about Hank and Sully, interrogating me about everything
I know about them. I can see he's angry at how much time we spend together,
and I don't want to start Brady on anything else. No," she returned to the
previous subject. "What I didn't tell you about that night was that I didn't
get away from Harv on my own. Sully came to my rescue."
"What?!" Belle asked, astonished. "Ya mean ya got a man who came and fought
for ya honor, and ya didn't think ta tell me ‘bout it? Now, I feel sorta
bad about teasin' ya. No wonder you're confused! So, what happened?!"
"He expertly avoided all of Harv's attacks, but managed to make contact with
Harv. It didn't take long before Harv realized he'd better leave, and at the
first chance, he ran away. When I saw it was Sully who answered my call for
help, I didn't know what to say or think, so I got mad. I yelled at him for
interfering again, for following me and always being involved in my affairs,"
Kay admitted, ashamedly.
"An' he just stood there an' let ya do that?"
"Not exactly. He did, at first, but then he covered my mouth and told me that
was enough. We were standing so close, I could feel the heat from his body,
and it scared me. I didn't know what to do, so I got away from him and started
walking back here. He followed me most of the way, but once he saw I was inside,
he left."
"It's no wonder ya're all mixed up inside. Kay, I don't envy ya one bit, and
I don't know what to tell ya, neither. I know I like spendin' time with Sully,
but I ain't never had them feelin's you described. He don't really get under
my skin like ya said he does with you, an' I can see how this is tryin' ya
quite a bit. Ya done right in askin' Brady for the night off. Ya need your
rest!" Belle affirmed, then straightened as she another thought came to mind.
"Kay, have ya seen Harv anywheres around since that night?"
"Not that you mention it, no, I haven't. Why?"
"Well, you an' me know Harv enough ta know he don't take kindly ta some other
man steppin' on his toes or movin' in on what he thinks is his territory."
"Are you saying he might be planning to cause trouble with Sully?" Kay asked,
not knowing why that thought scared her all of a sudden.
"I ain't sayin' he might. I'm sayin' he will! Ya gotta get down to them fellas
and warn ‘em. Harv's a real sneaky devil, an' if'n he wants ta seek revenge,
he'll do it, but when they'll least expect it!" Belle warned.
Kay immediately moved into action, coming around the corner of the wall and
intending to get downstairs as fast as she could without looking too obvious.
With her foot on the first step, her gaze sought the table where she had last
seen Hank and Sully sitting. It was now empty, and her breath caught in her
throat. She frantically looked around the room and saw them both leaving through
the swinging doors. A sense of dread and fear filled her being, and she no
sooner made the decision to go after them, when a gunshot rang out, the echo
reverberating around the walls of the saloon, silencing all noise and making
time appear to stand still.
There wasn't time to ponder the source of the gunshot, not in light of what
Belle had just said. Kay, not one to stand idly by, fled down the stairs of
the Shady Oak and pushed her way through the throng of people, who had gathered
at the sound of the gunshot. Once through, she immediately found herself standing
right next to Hank, who was supporting a barely conscious Sully. She stopped
short of tripping over him and covered her mouth to keep from gasping at the
sight of all the blood. She risked a glance to Sully's face, contorted in
pain, but his eyes met hers for a brief moment before closing, and she was
mobilized into action.
Relying on a force she didn't know she possessed, Kay dropped to her knees beside
Sully, then ripped open his shirt to gauge where the wound was located. A sharp
intake of breath was the only sign she was affected by seeing Sully's bare chest
for the first time, and she quickly focused her mind on the matter at hand.
She immediately noticed the bullet had entered his left shoulder, so she expertly
moved her hands to his back to feel for an exit wound. There was none.
"The bullet's still in him," she stated to no one in particular. Turning her
eyes towards her own clothing, she quickly ripped off a long piece of fabric
from her hem and folded it several times before placing it over the opening
caused by the bullet. "You need to apply pressure to stop the bleeding," she
stated, her voice full of an authority and knowledge very foreign to her own
ears. The moment she pressed on Sully's shoulder, he cringed in pain, but then
stilled. "He's slipped into unconsciousness. That's good. It will make his transport
to the doctor's a lot less painful." She looked up and met Hank's eyes, seeing
in them something resembling admiration, mixed with satisfaction, but not having
time to analyze the meaning behind his glance, she focused more on Sully.
"Has anyone called for the doctor?"
"Yeah, I sent ol' Jim ‘round ta fetch ‘im," Hank answered.
Kay nodded, grateful for Jim's willingness to help. "He should be here, soon,
then. For now, we need to keep him still and continue applying pressure. Otherwise,
he could bleed to death."
"Did I hear someone say they be needin' a doc?"
"Yes, over here, quickly!" Kay answered.
Doc Brown quickly assessed the situation then turned his attention on Kay. "Ya
did some great work, here. How'd ya know what ta do?"
For a moment, Kay sat dumbfounded. How did she know? Where had she ever experienced
anyone who had been shot? "To be honest, Doctor Brown, I don't know. I just
saw Sully lying there and I just knew what to do. I didn't bother to stop and
question why."
"Well, it isn't anythin' to be worryin' yaself about. Ya did a good job, and
ya most likely saved this man's life." At this, Kay's eyes flew to his in shock.
Doc Brown smiled, then turned to look at Hank. "Let's get him over to my office,
where I can see to gettin' this bullet outta him. But, be careful. We don't
need ta be movin' him anymore than necessary. Wouldn't want that bullet to shift
any and cause any further damage."
Seeing that everything was under control, the crowd dispersed. After all, who
was this stranger to them? He was in good hands, so why should they worry about
him? Kay, on the other hand, wasn't convinced. She insisted on going with them,
and her eyes never left Sully's face on the walk to Doc Brown's office. Kay
opened the door for them, and the two men took Sully inside. Just before walking
through the door, she stopped at the sound of two galloping horses coming towards
her. Doc Brown and Hank came back out, and all three looked up to see the sheriff
riding one horse with another rider tied to a second. Kay's eyes narrowed when
the second rider's identity became clear. He was still showing signs of his
beating a few days ago, but there was no mistaking him. Harv!
"Seems we got ourselves a culprit that was none too smart ‘bout gettin'
rid of the evidence," the sheriff announced, holding up a gun. "He ain't too
good at hidin' hisself, either. I found ‘im clear as day, ridin' in the
wide open as fast as ‘is horse could carry ‘im." He nodded his head
in the direction of Sully, now lying on the operating table in the small room.
"That the fella who got shot?"
"Yeah, Kay, here, helped stop the bleedin' enough for us to get him here to
work on gettin' the bullet out. Don't know how she knew what to do, but if she
hadn't, I don't think this man'd be alive right now."
"Good work, Kay. I know that man in there'll be real thankful for your help."
He looked down at Kay, but Kay was watching Harv. The two of them were staring
at each other, their eyes locked, with Kay showing her absolute disgust for
the man and Harv showing a small bit of smug satisfaction at having exacted
his revenge -- even if he did get caught for it! The sheriff grabbed hold of
the reins of his horse again and nodded his farewell. "Well, gotta be gettin'
this man to the jail. He ain't gonna be goin' nowhere anytime soon. Best of
luck to ya, Doc!"
"Good work catchin' the man responsible," Doc Brown called to the sheriff's
retreating back, turning towards his office again. "Well, we better get to work.
Don't have any time to waste." When Kay started to follow them, Doc stopped
her. "Maybe ya better wait outside. This ain't no place for a lady to be."
"I want to be present, Doctor Brown. I want to be assured Sully will be alright."
"Let her stay," Hank interjected on Kay's behalf. "She ain't the faintin' type.
I promise ya," he said, with an absolute certainty that caused Kay to look at
him in wonder. Hank met her eyes and continued. "She'll be alright."
And she was. She proved to be an invaluable assistant, holding the chloroform
over Sully's mouth and handing the correct instruments to Doc when he needed
them. Hank stood by to support his friend, and make sure Sully stayed still,
and in no time at all, the bullet was out and Doc was sewing up the wound. Throughout
the entire operation, Kay had such a strange feeling of familiarity, although
she didn't have any idea why. There was just something about all of it that
struck a chord deep inside her.
"He'll be real sore for quite a while, but he's strong, and I'm sure he'll pull
through," Doc Brown interrupted her thoughts. "I think it's best to get him
back over to his room at the boardinghouse, once he wakes up. He'll need to
rest, and I just ain't got the room in my little place. I'll be sure to stop
in and check on him, too, just to make sure there's no infection."
"I'll stay with him, too!" Kay announced, surprising even herself at this offer.
She saw Hank's look of surprise and confusion and felt compelled to explain.
"I feel as if it's partly my fault, anyway. If I hadn't been foolish enough
to go walking late at night by myself, Sully would have never had to come and
rescue me from Harv's less than honorable intentions."
"Now, don't go blamin' yaself. Sully woulda done it for anyone, and Harv woulda
done what he did ta any man who beat the hell outta him like I heard Sully did.
Just be glad Sully's gonna be fine," Hank tried to assure her. "‘Sides,
Sully's been through much worse, and he ain't the type to give up easily. I
know him, and ya ain't got nothin' ta worry about!"
"He's right, ya know," Doc added. "Harv's gonna pay for what he did, and Sully's
gonna be alright, so there's no reason to go thinkin' on what you could've done
to avoid this. Just concern yourself with helpin' him heal."
* * * * *
Three days later, Kay walked from the Shady Oak to the boardinghouse across
the street, something which had become a daily habit. When she wasn't working,
Kay was at Sully's side, sitting with him and making sure he didn't further
injure his shoulder, which was now held against his chest in a sling. It was
obvious she wasn't getting much sleep, but she just couldn't bring herself to
go to her room after work and sleep. She was too worried about Sully, knowing
he really didn't have anyone but Hank to help care for him, and although Hank
was a friend, he just didn't seem the type to nurse Sully back to full health.
Belle had come over once or twice to help, but she just couldn't abide Sully's
silence and repressed anger at being forced to lie in bed all day. So, Kay had
willingly volunteered, as she didn't mind sitting and watching Sully as he slept,
or forcing him to eat as she fed him. At first, he had tried to protest, saying
he could feed himself, but she was quick to set him straight on that account.
After one speech from Kay and one look at the determination in her eyes, Sully
gave up trying to fight. There wasn't anything he was going to do to deter her
from doing what she so chose.
Today was no different. Kay knocked softly on Sully's door and entered, finding
him asleep and facing her. She went to her usual seat by his bedside and sat,
waiting until he awakened. She stared at his handsome features and felt something
strange flow through her. Reaching out to push back a lock of his hair, she
froze when he stirred slightly at her touch, a slight smile of contentment crossing
his features. She tried to ignore the rapid beating of her heart at his response
and thinking it better to put a little distance between herself and him, she
sat back in the chair.
It
wasn't long before she succumbed to overwhelming feelings of exhaustion, having
not slept soundly in quite some time. She tried to fight it, but eventually,
her body won out, and her eyes slowly drooped closed. It wasn't long before
the dreams which had been plaguing her started again, only this time, they
were more intense.
She was lost,
she knew it, but more than that, she was scared when she heard hoofbeats approaching.
All of a sudden, half-dressed men appeared, commandeering her horse and forcing
her to follow them...
She tried to keep still, knowing if she moved, she might be discovered, and
as she was trespassing, that could lead to her capture and possible death. She
couldn't be found. She couldn't let that happen, not only for her own safety,
but for the other person with her whom she was keeping safe as well...
She rode as if her life depended on it, and when she finally came to the end
of her exhilerating ride, she was met by the admiration and support by many
gathered around her, especially in the eyes of one person...
With fear, she watched the landscape pass her by, wondering what she would find
at the end of her journey. Torn between loyalties, she fought to make sense
of her jumbling emotions, unsure as to what she should do. It was complicated
even further by the startling confession of words she wasn't able to hear...
Concealing herself within the bushes, she sat as if frozen, listening for the
silence which signaled it safe for her to leave her hiding place. She came out
from hiding and was immediately caught by the arm. When she turned to face her
enemy, she saw him being struck and knocked unconscious, freeing her to escape...
Sully stirred
from his sleep and opened his eyes, immediately seeing Michaela sitting in
the chair next to his bed, her eyes closed. He shifted, slightly in bed and
felt his shirt sticking to his shoulder, where his body heat had caused a
fine sheen of persperation to gather. He worked hard to free the first two
buttons of his shirt to let in some fresh air, then he saw the basin on the
bedside table next to Michaela. Cool water was just what he needed. He reached
for the sponge, squeezed the excess water from it, then brought it back over
his chest.
Kay sat bolt upright in the chair, not sure where she was, at first. She focused
her eyes and looked around the room, her eyes coming to rest on the bed, where
Sully lay, trying to open his shirt and sponge his shoulder with one hand. It
all came back to her then, and the dreams which continued to plague her sleep
slowly faded into the dark recesses of her mind. "Just what do you think you're
doing?" she asked, forcing her mind to pay attention.
"I needed some cool water on my shoulder," he answered.
"You
shouldn't be doing that," she countered. "Here, let me," she said, taking
over the task. She replaced the sponge in the bowl, then reached to undo more
of the buttons on his shirt. Her hands worked quickly, and she spread open
the fabric, having to force herself to keep her mind on the task at hand.
It wasn't easy, though, seeing his bare chest and being this close to him.
Blotting the sponge over his shoulder and neck, she battled with her raging
emotions. She didn't know why she was feeling this way, and it certainly wasn't
helping matters any to notice Sully's heavier breathing. One minute, she wanted
to smack the stubbornness out of him, and the next, she just wanted to reach
out and touch his strong jaw, reach for his hand. It was very distracting.
Completing the sponge bath, she replaced the sponge and rebuttoned his shirt,
even though he shot her a look of anger. "I ain't a baby, I don't need any help!"
"Don't tell me what you do and do not need. You're the one who's recovering
from an operation, not me. If that means you need a little assistance, you'll
take it!"
"Don't mean I gotta like it!" he grumbled, under his breath.
Kay smiled, thinking he acted more like a little child than he realized. "No,
it doesn't, but I won't hear of any arguments!" she ended, making it clear there
was no room for discussion. "Now, Mrs. Hawkins has been kind enough to prepare
this food for you to eat, and I won't leave her until you eat it all.
"I ain't hungry!"
"I don't care. You're going to eat!" she demanded, then seeing his stubbornness,
continued. "Do you want to remain here in bed even longer?" At his look of anger
at knowing she was right, she allowed herself a slight grin. "Then, eat."
Like the battle Michaela had been fighting, Sully was doing some avoiding of
his own. It wasn't easy having Michaela in the room with him, alone, so much.
It was bad enough having to deal with talking to her and knowing she didn't
know who he was, let alone who she was, herself, but having her with him, tending
to his needs, was even harder. Every time she touched him, he wanted nothing
more than to just pull her down to him and hold her, like he'd been aching to
do ever since he first laid eyes on her, working at the Shady Oak. Every time
she forced him to do something he didn't want to do, he fought hard to keep
the smile from his face at the very familiar look of determination in her eyes,
and one of the many things he loved about her.
The worst part, though, was when she checked his wound on a daily basis. Each
time she leaned over him, he fought very hard not to reach out and pull her
to him. Her face was so close to his own, and her lips were so tempting, yet
he knew it would ruin everything if he succumbed to his desires. Why was she
making this so hard on him? Didn't she know what she was doing? Didn't she feel
*anything* when she was close to him? There were times when he thought she did,
when he would swear he could see it in her eyes, but there were others when
he wasn't sure at all.
He grunted, slamming his fist on the bedclothes and upsetting the plate beside
him, slightly. Kay immediately turned from her task to look at him.
"Is there something wrong with the food?"
"No, ain't that. I was just thinkin'."
"About what?"
"Nothin'. Don't go worryin' about it. Just somethin' that got me mad, is all."
He tried to change the subject, afraid if she continued to press, he'd break
down and confess everything. "The food's real good, but I know I ain't gonna
be able ta eat another bite. ‘Sides, I know you gotta be gettin' ta work,
so could ya just take this tray downstairs and tell Mrs. Hawkins thanks for
me?"
Kay looked at the tray, seeing he had eaten almost everything on the plate.
She smiled and walked towards him. "Certainly. You're right, I do have to get
to work, but I'll be back later." She took the tray from him, and their hands
touched. She jumped slightly at the contact, but recovered and turned to leave.
"Ya don't hafta be comin' over all the time. Mrs. Hawkins ain't gonna let me
starve, ya can be sure of that, and Hank stops in ta chat, so I ain't up here
all by myself," he tried to sound convincing, like he didn't want her here as
much, but truth be told, he wanted her to stay all the time. Maybe then, he'd
be able to break down the walls of her blocked memories. Maybe if he could get
her to talk, he could start helping a little light to shine in the darkness
which enshrouded her past.
"I truly don't mind. It gives me something to do when I'm not working," she
answered, then a thoughtful expression crossed her face. "Unless, you don't
want me to come...." she ended with a questioning look on her face.
The sad look in her eyes at the thought that he might send her away was killing
him. Nevertheless, he had to find a way to get her out of his room that instant,
or he wouldn't be able to control his desires. Seeking to sooth her worried
expression "Nah, truth is, I enjoy your company. Hank ain't exactly a pretty
face," he smiled for the first time since he had been shot.
Kay looked down and blushed. It was amazing how fast he turned from an irate
patient to a flattering and very handsome man. She didn't know which one she
preferred. When he was angry, she knew how to handle him. She would just get
angry right back. When he was flattering and full of compliments, she wasn't
so sure of herself. It caused all manner of feelings to flutter inside of her,
and none of them made any sense.
Risking a glance up at him again, she found his eyes on her, so she busied herself
with preparing to leave. "I...uh...better be going on to...to work," she stammered.
"I don't...want to be late."
"Could ya do one thing ‘fore ya go?"
"What is that?"
"Could ya get me that book over there?" Sully gestured to the chest of drawers
which stood against the opposite wall. Kay set down the tray and walked over
to retrieve the book. Glancing at the title, she smiled. Walt Whitman. She had
a copy of this book, herself, one she had purchased from the store, despite
Julia's questions on why she liked him.
"Thanks," Sully replied, when she handed him the book.
"You're quite welcome. Now, I should really go."
Sully only nodded, not trusting himself to say anything. He was too overcome
by the look he saw in her eyes at seeing what he chose to read. Maybe something
was penetrating after all. He just needed to be patient.
* * * * *
It wasn't easy to go to work each day. Kay found herself counting the hours
until she could leave to go see Sully again. She simply performed her duties
in an automatic manner, not really responding on any emotional level to what
anyone said to her. Even Hank, who had always been able to cajole her into a
little fun, was only able to get a smile out of her and a little bit of time
spent talking with him. There was one good thing about that. He wouldn't have
to worry about his feelings for her, if she didn't spend a lot of time with
him.
Still, Kay didn't like existing like this. She tried to keep her mind focused
on her work and on those around her, but it wasn't working. For some unknown
reason, her mind seemed to be over at the boardinghouse with Sully or focused
on more and more confusing images flashing through her thoughts. She didn't
know what to do about it, and nothing she did seemed to work.
"Kay!"
She started out of her daze again, turning to face Belle.
"You're doin' it again!" Belle began. "Are ya sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine, Belle, I'm just a little tired," she tried to sound convincing.
"A little tired? I'd say ya were plumb exhausted, the way ya been actin' lately.
Ya ain't hardly heard anythin' anyone's said to ya, and ya been gettin' orders
all mixed up. Now, I know ya ain't been around here, long, but I also know that
ain't like ya. Wanna tell me what's happenin'?"
Kay didn't like Belle confronting her about her actions of late. It wasn't because
she didn't like Belle's questions. That only showed her concern. No, it was
because Kay, herself, didn't know what was going on. How could she explain it
to someone else, when she didn't understand it?
"I'm just tired. I haven't been sleeping well, lately, and with everything that
happened with Sully and Harv, and even Hank, I'm a little bit overwhelmed,"
she hoped that would satisfy Belle's curiosity.
"Well, long as you're sure it ain't nothin' ta worry about," Belle replied,
still unsure Kay was telling the truth.
"I am."
"I'm just worried, is all. I don't like seein' ya like this. I think ya need
to take some time off for a little bit, get some rest. Ya been through a lot,
lately."
"No, the last thing I need is more time on my hands to think!" she argued, vehemently,
immediately regretting her reaction when she saw Belle's look. "I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to raise my voice. I don't know how to explain it, but I need to
keep busy. I'm very thankful for your concern. It really does mean a lot to
me. But, I'm fine. I assure you, so don't worry, alright?"
Belle smiled, slightly. "Alright."
"Now, let me get back to work. I'll try to keep my mind focused, but if I don't,
just come up and give a good slap!" Kay teased.
"You can count on it!" Belle countered, happy to see a little spark of the Kay
she knew come back. She watched her friend walk off and return to work, but
she was still worried about Kay's health. She was thinking about it so much,
she didn't hear Brady approach, until he was right beside her.
"She still actin' the same?"
"Yeah, and Brady, I'm worried about her. She don't seem ta be the same since
that accident with Sully happened. Truth is, she ain't been the same since them
two arrived, although it was Sully who caused more of a stir than Hank."
"Yeah, I was thinkin' the same thing," Brady replied, stroking his clean-shaven
chin. "I ain't been too sure ‘bout them two fellas since they arrived,
and now with Kay actin' like she is, I'm all the more convinced they got somethin'
ta do with it."
"Well, I suggested she take a couple of days off and rest, but she got all upset,
raisin' her voice and such, sayin' how she don't need no more time ta think,
how she needs ta keep herself busy. What I don't know, is why would she not
want to sleep?"
"Why indeed?" Brady echoed. "I think the only way to get answers to our questions
is to go to the source of the problems, and I know just who that is!"