Episode 2, Ghostly Memories II, Part 1

[HelChamp]

= Episode 2 = Ghostly Memories II, Part I
Friday, December 9th, 1877

- PAGE 1 -

- Colorado Territory - In the meadow -

Wind blew through the trees, playing it's game with the snow which was falling from the sky. The horse was running through the woods and on it's back was Cloud Dancing. He ran for a few meters more, then stopped.

Sitting on the horse, he gazed out in front of himself. Looking up to the sky, he closed his eyes. He could feel the snow falling on his face. The cold hurt him as he started to see the vision...

He knew that pain exists now, lots of pain, physical and emotional. He saw two deer - one male and one female. The female deer was in pain, but Cloud Dancing smiled. When he first saw the female deer in pain, he wanted to rush for help, because he knew it was Michaela. But, the spirits told him not to worry. And he realized what it was.

He opened his eyes and saw a little deer coming to him, outside of his vision. He stepped down from the horse and gave the little deer some food. He smiled and said,

"Seems to me Katherine that you are going to have a baby brother or sister...very soon, my little friend."

The little deer looked at Cloud Dancing. There was a moment of silence, but its eyes told more. The eyes of the little deer were happy. They stood there for a few moments and then the deer went away to the forest, back to her family...

***

- Colorado Springs - Springs Chateau -

Thomas opened his eyes with the first glimmer of sunlight. He stood up and searched for his clothes. He remembered that he was not in his room, but in his uncle’s room.

He wondered how the children were this morning. He went to the door of his room, which was next to his uncle’s, then knocked.

The older kids opened the door and Thomas greeted them.

"Hi, how are you this morning?" Thomas asked.

Like last evening the boy didn't answer his question.

"If you and your siblings want to eat, breakfast must be ready. Just follow me into the dinning room." Tom said with a smile.

Samuele called each sibling by name and told them to come with him.

They followed Thomas into the hotel and entered the dinning room. The workers had cleaned the room, but a few tables were missing and some damage to the wall had not been fixed yet.

"So, we have a Jacopo, an Ariela, a Bianca and a?" asked Thomas to the oldest kids.

"His name is S..." answered Jacopo.

Sam lightly punched his brother on the shoulder.

"But what?" Jacopo replied. "He is smart like us!"

Sam sighed. They had drawn attention to themselves. 'Now, it would be necessary to find a way to leave as discreetly as possible. If they were returned to the orphanage, they would probably never see their sisters again.' thought Samuele.

"Our first step after breakfast will be to go to town." Thomas explained.

"We will go to the general store to buy you some new clothes first. This afternoon, my uncle will arrive at the train station. He is a doctor; he works here. I'm sure he will be happy to help you. Is it a deal?" asked Thomas, while he sat down in a chair.

Elena heard the conversation and approached.

"Thomas?" she asked, not sure she remembered his name. "I heard that you are going in to town this morning. Can I go with you? I need to talk with Mr. Lodge today and it seems he already left the hotel."

With the events of yesterday, she was not sure how to deal with the damages to the hotel before signing the contract. She had not been prepared for that.

"No problem Miss Lawsenstrom." answered Thomas. "Oh, let me introduce you. Here are Ariela and Bianca. " The young man showed her the twins, not sure of who was who.

"And we have Jacopo here, but the other, he doesn't seem to have a name." he added.

"Oh, Buongiorno Signore! Essete una testa forte?" Elena said to the oldest kid.

The four children turned their head towards Elena, then Samuele raised an eyebrow.

"Non avete ad avere timore, promessi." Elena added with a warm smile.

"Nessun quesions indiscreta?" Samuele asked the woman.

"Nessuno." the woman replied.

"Il mio nome è Samuele." the kid said.

Thomas looked at Elena, intrigued, but happy that the kid finally spoke.

"Italian These kids seem to come from an Italian family." Elena said.

"I didn't have many skills outside trades and investments, but my mother always wanted us to learn more languages if we were able; that is the key, she always said."

Then she pointed to the oldest kid.

"His name is Samuele and he doesn't want to answer any questions at this time."

"Alright Sam." Tom said. "If you love hot chocolate, Grace makes the best in town. We can stop by the cafe if you want before we go to the store. " the young man said, smiling.

***

- Colorado Springs Town -

The room was quiet. Mary-Jane hadn’t slept well last night. She was tired this morning. She looked at her breakfast, but was unable to eat it. She felt sick looking at it.

She sighed and moved over to the window and watched the few people in the street. She thought about Matthew. Did he come last night or was that a dream? She wasn't sure.

She didn't know what she was doing. She felt lonely. She remembered that Dr. Mike was supposed to come see her, so she decided to wait in her room.

***

Teresa was in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Her husband was still sleeping when she woke up an hour ago.

The evening’s events seemed to have tired him, and now five men were in the town jail. This new day proclaimed to be busy too!

Jake smiled as he rounded the corner straightening his collar.

"Morning my darling," he smiled as he leaned against the door frame and watched her move about the kitchen. "You look even more beautiful than you did last night. Is it possible that every day you truly become so much more beautiful?"

Teresa’s face went red. She was not accustomed to these compliments. Sometimes she found him more charming because of his frequent compliments.

"Eat before it gets cold." she said softly, showing the dish that she put on the table.

"So, what will happen in town over the next few days? I mean, if Greenwood is at the clinic, who will be there with the outlaws in the jail? It is not really safe to have five men in the jailhouse." Teresa asked.

She did not want to show it, but the situation made her a little nervous. She was not at ease with this happening in their little town.

Jake sat down at the table and grasped her hand.

"Sit with me darling, the chores can wait. I love sharing a simple breakfast with you in the morning."

He smiled and glanced out the window behind him, thinking of the best way to answer her question. She had been so depressed lately about their not having a child. He didn't want her to be that way. He didn't want to think about her being depressed and scared on top of that.

"It's really all up in the air right now as to the prisoners," he stated truthfully. "I'm sure we will get them out of here as soon as possible. But we can only do what we can, which isn't much right now. I can assure you though that they won't be escaping. I'll make sure to it as will the sheriff I'm sure, that there is a constant watch on them."

She smiled, Jake tried to calm her concerns. This last day, she had a lot on her mind. She was worried about the Christmas Folly preparations, about not having children, she had to talk with Mr. Bing about his daughter at school and now outlaws were in town.

She breathed slowly, holding her husband’s hand.

"I believe that I will take this day slowly, rest myself and maybe bake some cookies this afternoon; you know those which you don't want to divide?" she asked, looked at Jake and smiled.

And she thought: 'Without forgetting that I have the children’s homework to correct before Monday.'

"I absolutely adore your cooking," smiled Jake as he stood up and walked across the room.

"How are the children doing darling? And the play, how is that coming along?"

"I never saw them so enthusiastic!" smiled Teresa. "Each of them hopes to impress their parents during their acts, so they work very hard." She thought a few seconds before continuing.

"They have less homework to do with these preparations, so I think they are happy for that! I have a bunch of their homework to correct before Monday morning. I will have to do this when the cookies are baking this afternoon! And you, what will you do today?" she asked her husband.

Jake smiled at Teresa,

"I've got a long day ahead of me I'm afraid darling and I've got to be going now."

He smiled, kissed her gently and left their house, placing his hat smartly on his head.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 2 -

- Colorado Springs Town -

At the clinic, Michaela opened her eyes. Her evening pains were gone. 'Too much stress' she thought.

She looked at Sully, who held her hand. She smiled down at him. She loved this moment and didn't want to let it go.

But getting up slowly, she put his hand down and left the blanket on him. She felt much better, but yet somehow she didn't feel right, like she wasn't herself.

She shrugged it off and walked towards the table collecting her bag. Once she collected it, she looked down at her sleeping husband and kissed him gently on the cheek.

"I'll be right back. I need to keep my promise." she whispered, speaking about checking on Mary-Jane.

She walked quickly towards the Gold Nugget, asked Hank for the room and went up the stairs towards the woman’s room and knocked on the door.

"Mary-Jane, it's Dr. Mike."

Mary-Jane hesitated then spoke.

"You can enter."

The young woman was pale. She had not slept enough last night and was nauseous.

Dr. Mike walked in. Seeing the young girl’s complexion she went over to her quickly.

"Mary-Jane, are you feeling okay?" she asked.

Mary-Jane nodded no.

"I'm so tired and was not able to eat my breakfast. Even though I am hungry, I felt sick when I saw my lunch."

She pointed to the plate on the desk near the bed, with a sad glance.

Michaela nodded, taking in the food that was left there and the fact that the young girl felt sick. She began to think.

"Mary, do you feel, dizzy sometimes? And only feel sick in the morning?" she asked her.

"I don't know, I mean... yesterday morning I felt nauseous too before breakfast. But I don't remember before that. I can't remember. And dizzy, yes... but this is because of my amnesia right?" the young woman asked.

Dr. Mike looked at her for a moment and placed a hand on her own tummy. Thinking quietly to herself, she looked up.

"Mary could you do me a favor please; can you to lie down on the bed?" she asked

Mary-Jane looked at Dr. Mike curiously. She raised a dubious eyebrow.

"Alright, if you want. But what will you do?"

"I will have to examine you to see if you are what I think you are." she said.

Dr. Mike seemed serious, which frightened Mary-Jane. Did she have something seriously wrong?

***

In the street, Rose-Ann left the clinic to take a walk. It was still early in the morning. Only a few people were in the street

She saw a little girl pick up something from the ground not far from the clinic. Rose-Ann approached her and recognized her pendant.

"That is mine!" shouted the little Chinese girl.

Samantha turned around with the jewel in her hand.

"That is mine!" repeated Rose-Ann. "My ma gave it to me!"

Samantha handed her the jewel.

"Oh, please take it then! My name is Samantha Bing. You?" Sam asked.

"Rose-Ann Vincent. You live here?"

"Yes, with my dad. And you? You’re new in town.”

"We had an accident on the road, and my father must stay at the clinic." Rose-Ann answered.

"If you want I can guide you around town? I know everything here!" Sam said proudly.

"Sure. I want to visit your town!"

***

In the Gold Nugget, Dr. Mike completed her examination of Mary-Jane. She looked up at her, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths, finding it hard to breath.

She sat back; looking up at Mary-Jane she shook her head. She was correct Mary-Jane was positive.

"What do I have Dr. Mike? Is it serious?" Mary-Jane asked, anxious.

"You’re pregnant" Michaela answered.

Mary-Jane’s face became paler.

"What?" That could not be possible. It must be an error."

"Mary your pregnant." Dr. Mike turned towards the window. "I'm sorry and I expect its harder for you because you can't remember. "

Mary-Jane started to shake, more confused.

"But... no, I mean... I can't remember who I am. I'm not sure I’ll be able to take care of myself, and now you tell me that I will have a baby? That is crazy... no, I don't want... Where is my family? That means that I have a family, right?"

"You must. " Mike paused. "Calm down, please Mary-Jane"

Mary-Jane had tears in her eyes.

"Calm? I'm alone, no family, no friends, nobody can help me remember what has happened. I will have a baby and I don't know who the father is. How can I stay calm?"

Dr. Mike stood up. "I... I...I " she stopped talking.

"You cannot help me. " Mary-Jane said sadly.

"I can............ I'm pregnant, so I can help you with that part." Mike tried to comfort the young woman.

"But I don't want to have a baby. What will I become? I have nothing for me and I have nothing for this baby!" Mary-Jane was crying.

"I'm sorry." Dr. Quinn looked at her. "I can help you, if you let me." She went towards the girl but stopped, feeling very light-headed. She closed her eyes and reached out to hold onto the dresser.

"And what will you do? The only thing that can help me is to retrieve my memory." Mary-Jane said sadly.

Mary-Jane walked towards the windows then sat down on the wooden chair.

"I... I want to be alone please." she told Dr. Mike.

Dr. Mike nodded, but she didn't particularly want to leave the young woman on her own in such a state.

She went over to the girl and put a hand on her shoulder. "Mary-Jane, I'm always here for you, just ask me please."

Michaela rubbed her shoulder lightly and walked towards the door.

"Call me if you need anything else or just need to talk." Mike said before she opened the door, with a last look at Mary-Jane, and then walked out.

***

The journey had been insufferable. The train lacked comfort. Phillip sighed when he heard the train whistle. He put his hand in his jacket then removed his watch and opened it. It was 9:05; five minutes late! And what could he still expect after this?

The man was not in good humor this morning, but he had promised his mother. She was worried about her little Preston, who hadn’t sent news in many months. Phillip needed to take a rest before leaving for England, and finally decided to come to his brother’s resort, and give news to their mother that way.

Several passengers got down from the train. Among them, a man of great elegance was noticed. Blond hair, nice clothes and a little limp from an accident the previous month.

***

Katie opened her eyes, saw that she was not in her bedroom and saw Ulysse playing with wooden blocks.

"Oh... Hello Ulysse."

She remembered that Brian had brought her to Grace and Robert E's house. She left the bed, then walked to the kitchen and saw her aunt making breakfast.

"Hi Aunt Grace!" she said, still a little tired.

"Hi Katie! Did you sleep well?" Grace asked. "I will have to open the Cafe in a few minutes. Can you have your breakfast there? I heard that there are several patients at the clinic. Your ma must be busy right now. Maybe you can wait a bit before going back to see her, honey."

The little girl sighed. All she remembered of last evening was all her family in a sad mood and crying. But she did not understand what happened.

"Are you coming Ulysse? It is breakfast time!" Kate said, while getting her coat.

Grace followed Katie to the door.

"And do you know what we will be cooking together this morning? I will show you how to make my pies... but shh, it is a secret!" Grace smiled.

They left home and walked down the street. The little girl looked around and saw Mary-Jane in the window of her room.

Katie smiled and moved her hand quickly at Mary-Jane, before continuing her walk with her aunt to the Café.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 3 -

- Colorado Springs Town -

Samantha showed Rose-Ann every building in town and named them all by their owner. Samantha was happy to guide her new friend. Than they walked away from town.

"Here is my school!" Samantha said.

"Your school? You are lucky!" Rose-Ann replied.

"Lucky?" Samantha looked at the young Chinese girl.

"Yes, I mean... with other kids! Friends and all!" Rose-Ann exclaimed.

"You never went to school?" Sam asked.

"Yes, no... when my Pa was studying in Denver, Reverend Madison was my teacher during day. Since summer, Aunt Clara is my teacher. We’ve been traveling since then, so I can't go to school like you!" Rose-Ann said. "Clara taught all my classes, but what I prefer most is my music class!"

"Music class?" Samantha was excited. "You mean you play music?"

"I’ve started. Clara said that I must read music before I learn to play . After that she will help me to play all that I want, by reading a song or listening to another one!" the little Chinese girl answered.

"Fantastic! I would love to learn to play my gran'ma’s violin, but I'm not good..." Sam said, with a sad smile.

Rose-Ann smiled. "Aunt Clara can teach you; she is a good teacher! I'm sure she can help you if your parents accept."

Sam jumped for joy: "Really? Oh, I will ask my father. I want to learn to read music! And... you know, next week, we have an evening, where people will play, sing or act at the Christmas Folly. Maybe your aunt can play something?"

"Why not, it will be great for her t..." Rose-Ann said, but Sam stopped her and began to run.

"Come Rose-Ann, we have to tell Miss Jennings so she can put it on the schedule!" Sam shouted.

Both girls were running back to the town, heading for The Gazette.

***

After her husband left the house, Teresa took her shawl before going out. She wanted to talk with Horace as soon possible.

She walked towards the telegraph building, then knocked.

"Mr. Bing?" she asked.

"Yes?" Horace answered. "Oh, Mrs. Slicker! What brings you here?" he asked the school teacher.

"I would like talk to you about Samantha." Teresa said.

She saw worry in Horace’s face. She calmed him quickly.

"You don't have to be worried now, but I wanted to inform you that she seems a little bit disturbed this last week. I know she put a lot of time into the Christmas Folly. I heard that her mother will come for the spectacle. She is very enthusiastic about the project. But in class, she doesn’t follow along as well as before; her homework is a little bit worse than the previous weeks. She has good potential, but something seems to disturb her lately. That is all I wanted to tell you Mr. Bing."

"Thank you, I... I will talk with Samantha. I don't want her to have trouble at school. She loves school as you know. " Horace said.

"Samantha is lucky to have a chance at a father like you. I'll leave you to your work. Good day." Teresa replied before leaving the office.

***

Preston walked through the streets of Colorado Springs on his way to open up his bank. His head was pounding more than if he had drunk the town dry the night before.

He had barely had any sleep. In fact he hadn't left the hotel all night. He had business deals hanging by a thread and his pathetic personal life he could claim was even worse.

He sighed. At least he would have another uneventful day at his quiet bank to think over everything. Nothing could possibly happen today that was worse than yesterday's adventures.

As he came into view of the train station he froze.

Through the crowd of people getting on and off the train he saw his brother. He cleared his throat and tried to breath. His heart sank to the bottom of his stomach.

It couldn't be; he hadn't been told that Phillip was coming, had he? He thought hard. He would have remembered something as awful as that.

What was he doing here? The only thing that would have been worse would have been his father setting foot off that train

'What a time for a surprise visit.' he stated to himself, before he realized he was standing stupidly in the middle of the street.

'Fake it!' he ordered himself as he turned about abruptly and charged towards his brother with a huge fake smile plastered across his face and his arms outstretched.

"Phillip!" he smiled.

"Preston!" Phillip greeted.

"It's a long time now since mother has seen you. She misses you but doesn't want to borrow from father for the trip; you know how he can be." he sighed.

While smiling, Phillip looked around at the streets.

"This is a...." he sought the right word for a few seconds. "A rustic town. You are more adventurous than I had thought, to stay here... or maybe it is a woman who trapped you here." Phillip said, while laughing slightly.

Preston smiled and looked at the ground while running his hand across his chin. "No I'm afraid I'm still a bachelor. I haven't really met a woman of my taste yet." He paused and half trailed off his train of thought before jumping back to life.

"And yes, I suppose the place is a bit rustic, but it's growing, ever growing. Who knows where it's full potential might be and I've got the hottest ticket on the market right now and it’s the only ticket." He smiled at his brother, perhaps it was good to finally see him again. He had missed the cultured life back home. "It's good to see you again Phillip," he stated lightly, and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"It will be good for me. I've needed some good company recently."

"It's good to see you again brother!" Phillip smiled. "It seems that you love a challenge. It is around five or six years now that you left Boston to come here."

He glanced at his little brother:

"I will leave for England next spring.”I invested in a business and found myself engaged to Margaret. I wish you could have seen her but she couldn't come with me. She's a real lady Preston, which is perfect for men like us. Nowadays, more and more women want to be doctors, scientists, and even have the right to vote! It's become ridiculous, hasn't it?"

He didn't leave time for his brother to answer. He continued.

"Oh, and, do you know what is the worst? Some woman tried to come to the Business Chamber in Boston! Father talked about a blonde from Washington who had some luck in the stock exchange and wanted to work on higher invests in Boston! If women put their noses everywhere, it will become intolerable for men! There is no place for emotions and feelings in business!"

He stopped talking.

"Oh, let’s change the subject. I'm here to take a vacation. I have to rest my leg during my convalescence, so it will be right when I leave for England. So I thought, why not come to my brother’s health resort?" Phillip smiled.

Preston didn't reply to his brother. It was like he was thinking about something else.

"You are quiet brother, something wrong?" asked Phillip.

Preston looked up suddenly as if he hadn't been paying attention.

"No brother, I'm fine really..." he paused. "Of course you can stay at my hotel!"

***

Samantha and her friend entered the Gazette building, trying to catch their breath again.

"Hi Samantha!" Dorothy greeted. "How are you today?"

"Hi Dorothy! This is my friend Rose-Ann! We want to know if you have someone to play piano for the Christmas Folly. Her aunt is a musician; she can play piano on that evening!" said Sam quickly.

"Oh, interesting Sam! Yes of course, that would be great. Since the Reverend received a telegram from Sarah that she can't come to town for the event, he was a little worried." exclaimed Dorothy.

Then, the woman looked at Rose-Ann.

"Tell your aunt to come see me so we can talk more about this, alright?" she asked.

Rose-Ann nodded, then the two little girls said good-bye to Dorothy and left The Gazette. Rose-Ann walked to the clinic and Samantha went home.

***

In her room, Mary-Jane smiled when she saw Sully's daughter in the street. The woman wasn’t in the mood to do something, but she didn't want to stay here alone, thinking about the baby and her missing memories.

She stood up, took her shawl and left her room. She went down the stairs, walked to the front door, and then stopped.

She suddenly was afraid to go out, with all the people who looked at her curiously yesterday. The woman took a deep breath, then opened the door quickly. She glanced to the left, then to the right. The street seemed more quiet than yesterday afternoon. The woman smiled.

She began to walk towards where she had seen Katie go. She tried not to pay attention to the stares around her.

When she saw Katie at the Café, she smiled and walked over to the little girl.

"Good morning Kate!" she said with a soft voice.

"Mary-Jane!" she shouted, happy to see her again.

The little girl was happy to see that the woman felt better than yesterday evening. She appreciated this newcomer.

"Aunt Grace, can Mary-Jane help us with the pies?" asked Katie.

Grace looked at Mary-Jane.

"Hmm... Why not, if she wants to?" said the cook. "But first, you must finish your breakfast Katie! You can take a seat beside her." Grace pointed to Mary-Jane. "Something for you?"

"Thank you, but nothing for me." replied the young woman. " I already ate this morning." She sat near Katie.

She looked at Grace who walked with other people’s meal on her left and on her right, and then back to the cauldron.

"Can I help you?" Mary-Jane asked. She felt useless since she came to town.

Grace hesitated after she heard the woman. Mary-Jane seemed a little lost, but with good intentions.

"Why not... hmmm... can you take the order to this table - the two meals here and refill the coffee cups. Is that okay with you?" asked Grace, not sure about how deal with the young woman.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 4 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

The wagon bringing Thomas, the Caccavelli kids and Elena stopped near the general store. Elena said good-bye to the kids and the young man, then left them so she could search for Preston.

Thomas entered the store with the kids. He was surprised to not see Loren inside, only Dorothy and Teresa, who had come to buy flour.

"Hi Miss Jennings!" Thomas said. "Where is Mr. Bray?"

"He is at the clinic with pneumonia..." Dorothy answered sadly.

"I hope he will get well soon. He is strong our Mr. Bray!"

He looked at the kids. Thomas continued.

"I brought these kids here to buy them a few new clothes for the winter. This is Ariela, Bianca, Jacopo and the chief here, Samuele."

Teresa looked at the kids then asked Thomas: "Is this some of your family coming to town?"

"No." answered the young man. "These kids were held hostage by the outlaws who came to the hotel last evening. They seem to have no parents or relatives. My uncle will arrive on the train around lunchtime. I'm sure he will be happy to examine them!"

***

Near the train station, Preston walked alongside his brother.

"I'm sorry, I must be a little distracted by the events of yesterday. We had a group of thieves in town, disgusting back country men. You know brother, the type that give mankind a bad name."

He wondered if his brother Phillip had noticed his dodging the question about women as he turned back to the street.

"You know, there was this woman there." Preston paused, realizing what he had said.

Suddenly he saw Elena coming towards them and he felt himself freeze, 'Oh dear God!' he thought to himself.

"Mr. Lodge?" the woman asked. "Mr. Lodge?" she asked again.

Since she had arrived in Colorado Springs, there seemed to have been a curse that did not want her to conclude the agreement to purchase the hotel: The train was late and the outlaws came the next day. Elena started to worry a little. She tried to hide her concern with a cordial and courteous smile.

"Preston?" asked Phillip, glancing at his brother who didn't react. "Are you going to introduce me?" Phillip looked at Elena, surprised to see a woman of this caliber in town.

"Mr. Lodge?" asked Elena again. She joined the men, but realized that she seemed to disturb them, or at least Preston who did not respond.

Phillip decided to take the initiative, seeing that his brother did not react. It was as if something worried him. 'Probably the outlaws and all.' thought Phillip.

"I'm Phillip Lodge. Who do I have the honor of meeting and what brings you to Colorado?" he asked as he gently took her hand and kissed her finger tips. Preston looked back and forth, uneasy between the two of them. When his brother kissed Elena's hand he felt a bit of fury swell up in his chest; it was almost as if he were jealous.

'What a thought' Preston sighed to himself as he watched his brother eye Elena like a child in a candy shop looking at a giant chocolate treat.

"Lawsenstrom, Elena Lawsenstrom." she answered.

"And I'm here for businesses Mr. Lodge!" she said proudly. Then she looked at Preston, waiting for a nod from him.

"Is the deal for the hotel still available?" she asked Preston, hoping no one had bet on it in the last unlucky days she had.

He wasn't prepared for Elena to bring up business yet and he guessed that his brother wasn't either. Unsure of what would be the best course of action to avoid trouble he decided not to cause a scene; disagreeing would only bring direct problems. If Phillip didn't approve he hoped he would at least be discrete with his feelings.

"Of course Elena..." he paused, maybe that was too informal to already be calling her that.

"Ms. Lawsenstrom" he hesitated, "The deal still exists, I apologize for all the... trouble we've been having."

Preston looked between the two of them now, waiting for the reaction that was soon to follow.

"Business? Deal?" Phillip asked his brother, raising an eyebrow.

"With..." he glanced at Elena, then back to his brother. He whispered to Preston: "I didn't know that you where so desperate at this point little brother. I mean... to do business with her? You can't trust a woman when it comes to money... Maybe we should talk of this in private before you make your move?"

Elena felt that something was wrong with the tone of voice that Phillip used and his facial expression. She furtively looked elsewhere before addressing Phillip.

"And what did you think I was coming to a place like Colorado Springs for Mr. Lodge? To pass my day sewing under the sun at a picnic near the mountains?" she said spontaneously.

When she left Boston, she was hoping not to see men like those she always had to confront, or at least, to get a vacation from them. Elena closed her eyes, reconsidering what she had just said. For a moment, she would have liked to have hidden far away from there. Her reaction was inappropriate, at least, it did not help her image. What would Preston think of her attitude?

'You talk too much Elena. That always brings you problems.' she thought, worried again.

Phillip found Elena a little aggressive.

"And what does a woman all alone think she can achieve in this wild and uncivilized region?"

At the same time, Hank crossed the street and walked towards them.

"Who told you that she is alone?" he asked.

People looked at Hank. Phillip, who was intrigued why this man with his shabby clothes and long hair interrupted them, spoke first.

"And you are?"

Elena, also surprised looked at Hank, with the same question on her face.

"Lawson, Hank Lawson. I own the hotel and saloon in this town." He answered, but did not extend his hand, as the courtesy of presentation usually required.

'And Hank now? But why did he interfere?' thought Preston, trying to keep the situation in hand.

"Hank?" she asked softly. She looked at his face, trying to search who this stranger was.

He looked at his cousin.

"If you want good advice Elena, never do business with a Lodge if you want to avoid a problem. You can't trust a Lodge. " he said, looking at Preston.

She finally said after some hesitation.

"You must have made a mistake Mr. Lawson. I plan to buy the Springs Chateau. So if you own a hotel in this town, we logically would be competitors."

She raised an eyebrow, still trying to figure out who this guy was.

"Buying the Springs Chateau?" exclaimed Phillip to his brother.

Preston raised his hand to his brother signifying he should wait a minute. He moved a foot in front to be between Hank and Elena.

"Hank, can you take care of you and leave us alone? You’re disturbing us." the banker said.

"Disturb you? Oh really sorry, you know. If a cousin can’t give some ADVICE to a member of his family."

"Cousin?" replied Preston and Elena together.

Elena walked over to Hank.

"Yes, we haven’t had a chance to meet each other since you have been in town Elena. " Hank glanced up at the sky and put his hand on his chin. "You were around ten years old the last time I saw you. It was at the same time of year too, just before Uncle Eddie decided to move his family to the north. "

"Hans?" Elena asked surprised.

"The one and only!" he answered with a proud smile.

"What a surprise! I didn't think I would ever see you again after all these years, but ho..." she was fascinated with how her cousin had changed in all these years.

"This is really touching; to see this happy family together again." Phillip interrupted, unhappy.

"Preston, did I hear you want to sell your hotel to this woman? I mean, the cousin of this strange guy who just insulted the Lodges? That is nonsense! I'm ready to invest in the purchase of the Springs Chateau. Something to put me in a good mood before I leave for England. I'm sure my investors will appreciate this placement... what do you say about 5% more than Miss Lasventorm bid?" Then he turned to Elena. "Business is business Miss Lasventorm."

Elena’s smile faded quickly.

"Lawsenstrom, that’s Lawsenstrom."

She took a deep breath before continuing and looked at Preston.

"Like this... gentleman said, business is business..." she paused. "I was thinking about maybe taking a loan from the bank to cover the cost of repairing the damages to the hotel. But I can't compete with Mr. Lodge’s offer here." she looked at Phillip.

She sighed then added.

"So, it seem there’s nothing more to do here. Have a nice day Mr. Lodge." she nodded to Preston, trying to smile the best she could, then to Phillip, before turning back to Hank.

"So, we have a lot to talk about since the last time..." she said.

"I'll advise you again to never trust a Lodge. " Hank turned his face to Preston, smiling at him, then gave his arm to Elena.

"Let me show you my hotel Elena. " They walked in the direction of the Gold Nugget.

Preston started after her almost instantly and then froze. ‘Maybe this is better’ he thought to himself. ‘Maybe I should let her go.’ He watched Hank lead her off and his head and heart pounded in anguish.

"Not Hank," he whispered. "Anyone but Hank, don't let her fall into those hands."

He was quiet for a moment.

"I should have moved faster." he stated out loud. "I should have sold it to her before he got involved."

Almost instantly he noticed his brother still behind him and paused.

"I mean, over letting a lady like that fall in with the likes of him."

He looked after her with sad eyes. He wanted nothing more than to run over and grab her back from Hank, but that would be improper . Besides Elena didn't want him like that and he knew it. She wanted a business deal. His loneliness was turning it into so much more, more than it could ever become.

"What kind of man is that? No manners, impolite and strange clothing. He is in business? And what a strange family that is." Philip said

He looked around:

"So, will you show me your bank Preston? I can't wait to sign the deal with you!" he smiled.

***

[HelChamp]

more to come soon.