Episode 1, Ghostly Memories I, Part 2

[HelChamp]

= Episode 1= Ghostly Memories I, Part II
Thursday, December 8th, 1877

- PAGE 1 -

- Colorado Territory - In the forest -

Sully was riding a horse through the woods with Wolf following him. He was coming back from Denver where he had been working on a house for a family.

He was away from home for a month and a half, and he was eager to see his kids and his loving Michaela. So, he prodded his horse to go faster.

Suddenly, he heard a strange cry. Sully stopped the horse and dismounted.

Wolf whined, but Sully tapped him on the head to hush him. He listened. The cry came again, louder. Wolf started to run in the direction of the cry.

"Wolf, stop!", Sully yelled.

But, for the first time the animal didn't obey. He ran behind the trees and then Sully heard a frightened scream. He ran and saw Wolf sitting beside a scared woman.

He ran towards them and when he got there, he could see that her clothes were torn apart, her face was scratched, dirty and bloody, and her hair was a mess

"It's okay", Sully tried to calm her down. "Stay calm. I am a friend." He showed Wolf to her. " Don't be afraid of him. I'll help ya".

The woman stopped screaming, but Sully could still see fright in her eyes. Eyes that looked familiar to him.

By this time his horse came up behind him and he quickly took the canteen of water and gave it to the woman.

She grasped it to take a few long drinks. It seemed that she had calmed down. Sully took off his jacket and laid it over her shoulders.

"Feeling better?"

She looked at him, then nodded.

"What's your name?" he asked.

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Can ya tell me what happened?" he asked her, but she shrugged again with her shoulders and lowered her eyes.

Sully was not sure what to do. Who was this strange woman, and why wasn’t she answering his questions?

Suddenly, Wolf barked. Sully looked up and saw his Cheyenne brother.

"Ha Ho, my brother!" Cloud Dancing said.

"Cloud Dancing!" Sully rose to his feet and embraced his brother "It's so good to see ya again, my brother!"

"You too" Cloud Dancing replied.

The woman was staring at Cloud Dancing with fear in her eyes. Sully noticed that. He kneeled beside her and said,

"Don't worry. He is my brother. He will help ya too".

Obviously, the woman started to believe Sully, so she nodded. Wolf licked her hand, and for the first time she smiled.

Sully took Cloud Dancing a few steps from her and told him,

"I've just found her. She doesn't know her name, she doesn't talk."

"Did you ask her what happened? She looks hurt."

"Yep, I have, but no reply" Sully answered.

"Let me try" Cloud Dancing said and went towards the woman, with Sully following him.

As they approached, they heard her whispering something to Wolf. They listened in.

"Mary Jane..." she whispered.

"Mary Jane, don't be afraid... Mary Jane, my little Mary Jane... Is that your name?" Cloud Dancing asked.

The woman looked puzzled and whispered: "I dunno."

"Than who is Mary Jane?" Sully asked.

"I don't know, I don`t know" she replied, starting to cry. "Help me, the pain, the pain." She put her hands on her head.

Cloud Dancing kneeled beside her. His eyes looked up at the sky as he started to chant. He closed his eyes. It took a few minutes before he opened his eyes and told Sully,

"We should hurry. The spirits told me that only Dr. Mike can help her!".

The dirty woman let fall a small leather bracelet, on it was marked Mary Jane. Then she moved back a step.

"Who... what..." The woman was confused. "Where am I?" and she put her head in her hands again.

She did not understand anything that had happened. She was wounded, she was hungry, she did not know where she was, nor who she was.

She had woken up at this place a few minutes earlier, only in the forest. What was she doing there? And these men and this wolf; they did not seem to be bad, but they did not seem to know anything about her either.

"What am I doing here? Why I am wounded like this?" asked the woman, while passing her hand over her wounded face.

Cloud Dancing opened his eyes. He smiled at her and said,

"Don't worry." Cloud Dancing replied. "You are safe now. My friends and I found you here in the woods. You were alone. But now, you’re not alone anymore!" He was afraid to scare her, so he quickly added,

"You must be hungry?" he said and smiled to encourage her.

"Hungry... yes.... a little bit..." the woman replied. She told the truth, but she was too confused to think of eating.

"How long have I been here?" Mary Jane asked, searching for fresh water to clean her face and hands.

At that moment, Sully said,

"Who knows? Maybe for days. I'll go find something for breakfast. You two go on with your conversation." He gave a worried and strange look to the woman that she didn’t understand.

But Cloud Dancing did. He also saw how much this young woman looked like Ingrid.

"Don't you worry. You remind him of somebody his son loved. That girl passed away. " Cloud Dancing said to her.

She wrinkled an eyebrow, then lowered her eyes while sighing slightly.

"I'm lost..." the woman spoke. "I mean... I'm lost here, in this forest, but I'm lost everywhere else too. I can't find the path back home. I don't know where I live!"

She closed her eyes. "And you? You’re not lost?" the woman asked. Then she thought that the question was really stupid. "So, you live here?"

Cloud Dancing gave her a warm smile,

"No...I am not lost physically...but, sometimes, I think I am lost because I am Indian. It`s awful when they kill your whole tribe and you seem not to belong anywhere. " Speaking of that, Cloud Dancing remembered Snow Bird and Black Kettle and a sad expression came to his face.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 2 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

Jake smiled as he gazed out the window at the growing town.

"Another wonderful day," he smiled.

He was always in a better mood now, and had been since he had married his beautiful wife.

When she arrived in Colorado Springs a few years ago, Teresa was not sure that it was a good idea. Now, each morning she -woke near the man of her dreams. She did not regret anything. In two months, it would be four years of happy marriage; time passed quickly.

Teresa spoke to her husband,

"Sorry I didn’t finish earlier last evening, but right now we are very busy with Christmas arriving soon".

For the past week, in addition to the regular courses, she had worked on a project with some of the students for The Christmas Folly.

Fatigue began to catch up with her. She had a dizzy spell here and there. She did not want to worry Jake with that. She would begin sleeping more as soon as Christmas was over.

She gave him a small kiss on the neck.

"Would the gentleman accompany me to school this morning?" asked Teresa.

"I would be honored my dear." He smiled lightly at her. "The people in town won't mind if the barber shop doesn't open early, but the children of this town certainly need their teacher to be on time. And might I add that they have the best teacher in all the world; certainly the prettiest."

Jake was aware that Teresa had brought about a great change in him almost the minute after they were married. It was strange how different he was now versus the man he was before her. She was the best thing to ever enter his life and he never wanted her to forget it.

"I can turn the compliment to you Mr. Mayor. Your town has the most wonderful children that a teacher can hope to have!" Teresa smiled.

She put her jacket on her shoulders and took a book which she had left on the table. She had to lean against the table for support until a dizzy spell passed. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, breathed slowly and, still with a smile, turned to her husband, "I'm ready to go, school will begin soon." She opened the door and waited for Jake.

***

- Colorado Springs - Springs Chateau -

In spite of little sleep, Elena awoke with the first gleam of the day. She prepared for the day, put on her pale blue dress, then took a book before leaving her room.

It was very calm as she moved towards the dining room. There wasn’t anybody in the dining room except one waiter who prepared the tables. She settled in at a table, asked for a coffee, then began reading her book. It was still very early.

One hour passed, and Elena still waited for Preston in the dining room. She had placed his jacket, the one she forgot to give back last night, on the chair located opposite her.

Book in hand, she was lost in her thoughts. She thought about this man. He was like his father, there was no doubt about it. Even if she had met the banker's father only twice, they had a very similar personality.

Until now however, she did not have anything really to reproach Preston about, except his father. Preston's father was one of those who reproached her father for encouraging his daughter to succeed in business. He went so far as to claim to others that she was a disturbance to the profession.

Elena felt like a burden to her father, one of the reasons which pushed her to invest far from home. After the death of her mother, Elena had not been sent to a girl’s school for wealthy families. She had remained near her father who suffered enormously from the death of his wife. All that now remained for her was to show herself to be a worthy daughter and to succeed in business!

She escaped her thoughts when the waiter brought a second cup of coffee to her.

***

- Colorado Springs - The town -

At the clinic, a glimmer of sun -woke Tristan. He did not have his headache anymore.

The man sat down in bed and observed the room where he was. He saw a water glass on the small table beside the bed. Tristan stretched to take it, but in an awkward gesture, he made the glass fall on the floor.

The noise of broken glass resounded a few seconds. He sighed strongly, dissatisfied with his gesture. He tried to stand up to clean up the damage, but his hip hurt. He grimaced in pain.

Colleen was downstairs cleaning some of the medical instruments she had brought with her. She didn't want to use them after the trip before cleaning them thoroughly. Reaching for the scalpel, she heard the sound of breaking glass coming from upstairs. ‘Tristan’, she thought. ‘I wonder if he's okay!’ She quickly ran upstairs to check on him. Opening the door, she spoke in a concerned tone. "Are you alright?"

Still grimacing because of his hip pain, Tristan replied, "Me? Fine... but I believe that we will not be able to fix this glass. " He pointed at the broken glass on the floor. "What is your diagnosis doctor?" asked Tristan, with a small smile.

"For you or the glass?" Colleen chuckled.

"I'd say that the glass is a goner but you on the other hand will be just fine . . . if you rest! Got it?"

She went over to his bedside and tucked him in.

"Let me know if you need anything. I don't care if it is just across the room, I don't want you out of this bed!" Colleen said firmly but kindly. "Please."

Tristan hesitated a few seconds. He thought about the accident from the previous day. He did not know how much the damage and the losses were; the bill for a private medical clinic, housing for the girls - the unforeseen whole being major.

Usually, he did not worry, but now with the things lost in the accident, more money would be needed, and in his state he could not provide it. He thought of Rose-Ann and Clara.

"I know you have a job to do doctor, and you do it very well too, but... I have a lot of things to do and I can't wait here." the man explained.

‘What a poor patient he made!’ Tristan thought.

"I would like to see my daughter."

Colleen sighed. She would have to persuade him to rest somehow.

"Alright, I'll see if I can find her." She turned away and then back to him for a moment.

"Look, if you don't want to rest for yourself do it for your daughter. She needs you to be well."

Tristan smiled at Colleen’s last words. This woman knew her job, no doubt! But he did not want to waste his time staying in bed. He sighed.

Colleen was about to say something else when she heard a knock at the door downstairs.

"Hold on just a moment. I'll be right back."

She made her way quickly from one floor to the other. Opening the door, she found the little girl she was about to go look for.

"Rose-Ann, Hi! Your father was just asking for you."

"Colleen!" the little girl exclaimed.

She did not know which doctor would be there this morning.

"Is it true? He is awake?" asked Rose-Ann - with a big smile. "Papa?" shouted the little girl.

She was excited. She was very afraid for him yesterday, and now, she only wanted to jump in his arms and to hold him tightly against her.

Colleen laughed. There was something about this little girl that made Colleen love her.

"Yes, he's awake."

Placing her hand on the smaller girl's shoulder, she led her to the staircase.

"Now go on up, you don't want to keep your father waiting. I'll stay here and give you some time alone."

Rose-Ann ran into her father’s arms. Tristan was happy to see his daughter in great form. He held back a grimace, not wanting to worry Rose-Ann with his pain.

They had talked for several minutes already. Rose-Ann burst out laughing. Tristan gave her a kiss and the little girl went down the stairs and called Colleen.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 3 -

- Colorado Springs – the town -

Dr. Mike was occupied at the homestead with the preparations for Lily's arrival, so Brian decided to go to town. In the street, Brian walked, searching for old friends.

His first stop- the Gazette! He knocked on the door, which was half-opened. Dorothy turned around and rejoiced over seeing the young man.

"BRIAN!!!" she moved towards Brian and wrapped her arms around him.

"Hello Dorothy! You seem radiant today!" replied Brian with a smile.

"Christmas is coming in three weeks, and many people have come back to town. It is great to see you again Brian! How are you? How is life in Boston? You will have to tell me all... but when I’m not so busy!" Dorothy said.

She turned around and took the latest edition of the Gazette.

"Look here, I am on the organization committee for the Christmas Folly. We want to organize one special evening where everyone can take part. Teresa is preparing something with the students."

Then she pointed to other news.

"Yesterday there was an accident on the road. Jake helped the family... along with Preston!" Dorothy read.

"You said Preston?" Brian asked, astonished.

"Yes! If it is written in my Gazette, it must be true!" Dorothy affirmed proudly, then smiled and exclaimed,

"Oh Preston, I forgot... I have to discuss with him the Christmas Folly! We need a room for the event, and the ballroom at the Springs Chateau is perfect!".

"Hmm... If you didn't deal with him already, maybe it won’t be Preston that you’re dealing with for the room. " replied the young man.

Dorothy glanced at him with a puzzled look on her face. "Why?" asked the woman.

"On the train, I met a woman who came to town to purchase the hotel. Miss Lawsenstrom if I remember right" Brian explained.

"Preston didn't mention he already found a new owner! I knew that he bought the hotel back too quickly a couple of years ago and now, with the economic situation, he was searching for a new owner. I have to get more information about this for the Gazette." said Dorothy. She looked her schedule.

"Tomorrow morning, that will be perfect! A woman you say? That sounds interesting." smiled Dorothy.

"You are always busy; that has not changed in all this time" Brian exclaimed.

***

At the clinic, Colleen turned around at the sound of her name. Walking briskly up the stairs she almost felt like she was intruding on something sacred between father and daughter.

Back when she and Andrew were happy, this was what she had wanted. Back then she wouldn't have felt like she was intruding because she would have been part of it. She missed that hopeful feeling of family -the family that she never had and the touch of the family she lost.

"Can I bring lunch for my dad?" asked the little girl.

Then Rose-Ann spoke in a low voice,

"And when – will he be able to leave the clinic?" asked the small girl anxiously.

Again in a low voice,

"Do you think we will be able to have a picnic this weekend?"

Colleen smiled at the small girl.

"Of course you can bring him lunch. He does need to eat. But, um, you might want to wait until next weekend for that picnic. He still needs to rest."

She placed her hand on Rose-Ann's shoulder.

"If he is a good patient he might be able to leave tomorrow or the next day. Now, can you make sure he stays in that bed?"

Still in her lower voice,

"Papa stay in bed all day?" asked Rose-Ann. "I'm not sure. He’s always working, or playing with me or teaching me my classes. He will be bored in bed." the little girl sighed. "Maybe I can bring him a newspaper for this morning, but what about this afternoon... and tomorrow?" Rose-Ann said.

"I know he'll get bored," Colleen replied. "But his health is more important and rest is what he needs. How about this, I will bring you some books so you can read together." she suggested.

Colleen moved quickly upstairs to Tristan's room.

"Your Rose-Ann has spirit, I'll tell ya that."

Laughing slightly, she continued,

"She said she would be back in a few minutes. She went to get you something to eat."

Tristan smiled, although Rose-Ann resembled her mother in every physical way, the little girl was very much like her father at this age.

Unfortunately for Tristan, his father had not appreciated his attitude at all.

"I can imagine the lunch she will return with... but I could not imagine my life without her and that’s for sure!" Tristan exclaimed.

At the same moment, the door opened downstairs. "He is on the next floor." Rose-Ann explained to her aunt. The little girl and Clara, who carried the lunch went upstairs.

***

Brian left the Gazette, then briefly observed the town folk. He saw Hank in front of the saloon and went to join him.

"What brings you here Brian?" Hank asked.

"Did you know that Preston finalized the sale of his hotel?" Brian replied, knowing that Preston’s misfortune would be good news for his competitor.

"Really?" Hank raised an eyebrow, a little smile on his face. "Next will be the bank, and finally bye-bye Mister Lodge! For this good news, I will pay you a whiskey!" Hank found this news was like a ray of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day.

"Thanks, but I'm busy. I have many people to see in town, so next time... maybe." Brian answered.

"I heard last evening at the saloon that you were accompanied by a beautiful woman on your way back here. The men discussed it yesterday evening in the saloon." said Hank.

The young man was surprised to hear about it, but understood that men can talk about attractive women.

"Oh, you mean Elena! I mean, Miss Lawsenstrom. She was on the train. She will be the new owner of the Springs Chateau!" Brian explained.

Immediately, Hank lost his smile.

"I... I have some work to finish inside, see you later Brian."

***

- Colorado Springs - Preston's Homestead -

Preston rolled over and nearly fell out of bed as he looked at the clock on the wall.

"By God!" he half shouted. "I haven't overslept in nearly a year, why the devil today?"

He jumped out of bed and rushed about getting himself ready before riding to the hotel. Walking into the hotel he smoothed back his hair and tried to calm himself.

“Just a woman” he whispered to himself. “You'll be fine.”

He spotted her across the room and smiled as he started to walk towards her table.

Seeing Preston, Elena rose to greet him.

"Good morning."

She slightly raised an eyebrow to look at him attentively.

"Something wrong Mr. Lodge?" asked the woman.

"No, no" he stated smiling and clapping his hands together searching his mind for a lie that would sound less embarrassing.

"I'm afraid I've kept you waiting; I apologize for that. I..." he paused and sighed and smiled.

"Well to be frank I overslept this morning; first time I've done it in ages. Can't understand what happened for the life of me. Anyway I'm here now, if slightly late. Have you had breakfast yet?"

As she listened to Preston, Elena smiled slightly. She met many businessmen in her life, and in these kinds of situations, she was accustomed to stories which always put the blame on someone else; like they don’t make mistakes sometimes. So, she found that admission made Preston more charming.

"Not yet, I did not want to be impolite at our meeting. But no coffee, I already had two this morning!"

She sat down and put her book on a corner of the table.

"Oh, by the way, here is your jacket, you forget to take it last night." she said.

Preston smiled and nodded.

"Well then, we best get ourselves some breakfast shouldn't we."

He smiled as he took his jacket back and held it in his hands for a moment, unsure of what to do with it.

"What would you like? I have some of the finest chefs in the country here; anything you would like."

'Be impressive' he thought to himself, as he looked around. 'You were late getting here so this is the best you can offer now is a good impression '.

Elena smiled.

"You seem to have good resources Mr. Lodge." She ordered then talked while waiting for her food.

"This afternoon, I would like to visit the famous resort that you had built along with the hotel. I read a lot of good comments about it."

She paused.

"Do you have an idea what you will do after selling the Chateau? I mean you seem to be doing well here." Elena asked curiously.

Noticing that her question may be inappropriate for the moment, she closed her eyes a few seconds.

"Sorry, I sometimes ask too many questions... or talk too much." Then looking around to see if the waiter came back,

"I can't wait to visit the place."

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 4 -

- Colorado Territory - On the train -

The train whistle woke Matthew up. He hadn’t slept a lot last night, as he was completing a few documents to give to Mr. Jefferson before he left the office. He looked out the window. He still wasn't home, but it wouldn’t be much longer.

Matthew smiled to himself. He was so eager to see his family. He missed them all so much.

He stood up and went into the hall. A few people were also there. Matthew gazed through an open window.

***

- Colorado Territory - In the forest -

Sully was collecting food for the three of them. He was worried. Obviously, that strange woman needed help and he could bet his life on it that Michaela would do everything to help her.

That wasn't what worried him. He was worried sick about Matthew. Seeing this woman was a shock to Sully because she looked so much like Ingrid. How on Earth would Matthew react? Next week his son would be in town. How would he explain Mary Jane’s presence?

Sully came back to his friend and the woman, hearing a conversation about the misfortune of the Cheyenne with the army.

"But why... why did the men do this?" asked Mary Jane. "That does not make sense. They do not have a right to be above the law. They are not over God; they..., they are criminals too."

She looked around her, but did not find anything. These two men were not obliged to help her, and she did not have anything to give them in return.

She felt badly that she misused their time. Even more though she felt sorry for the sadness she caused this man and now the Indian felt sad too. Did she involuntarily make the people around her unhappy?

With a hesitant voice Mary Jane addressed herself to Cloud Dancing,

"You can just show me where the road is near here. I think I can walk it alone. Don't change your plans for the day because of me."

"Why on earth are you thinking about that? Of course we are going to help you!" Cloud Dancing was stunned.

At the same time, Sully came and said,

"Brought us some food." He smiled.

Cloud Dancing told him what Mary Jane just said. Sully looked at her and said,

"I am sorry if I made ya feel uncomfortable. You just look lots like my son’s fiancé. She died." Sully said.

"And I’m sorry if I made you feel guilty about me being sad" Cloud Dancing said.

Sully continued,

"Now, you are hurt and ya need help. My wife is a doctor and she’ll help ya. Lets eat and then we'll go to Colorado Springs." he smiled at Mary Jane.

"Friends?" and gave her his hand.

Cloud Dancing did the same, he smiled and now Mary Jane had two friendly hands in front of her. They seemed very sympathetic, but she still felt badly too.

Although she could not remember her past life, the attention from Sully and Cloud Dancing and how nice it felt seemed unusual, like she wasn’t used to it.

Still a little hesitant, she raised her hand too.

"Yes... friends..." she repeated.

Although she was famished, she was unable to eat more than a few bites.

"But I can't see a doctor now. I will not be able to pay any fees. If you begin a friendship on debt, it will not be a good friendship."

There was also the fact that Sully’s reaction at seeing her, how would his wife react? And other members of the family, which had probably known this person which Sully spoke about.

***

- Colorado Springs - The town -

Brian left Hank and walked down the street. He saw Samantha near Dr. Mike’s clinic.

"Hi Sam! Long time no see! You come for the Christmas holiday?" asked Brian.

Samantha answered with a smile,

"Hi Brian. No, I'm here for the entire school year! Ma is very busy..." she didn't say more.

She didn't like to talk about her twin sisters, born last year. Myra's new husband hadn’t paid attention to Sam since they met each other, and now Myra was more than busy with the babies at home. Samantha felt out of place in this new house.

She convinced her mother to let her spend the school year in Colorado Springs, and hoped to stay next summer.

***

Loren was walking in his store and coughed. It had been a few days ago that he was exhausted from coughing, but he didn't want to make a big fuss about it.

‘Of course it's nothing’, he thought. But, everyday, it just became worse.

"Maybe I need some fresh air" Loren said to himself and stepped out of the shop.

He locked the doors and headed down the street. He saw Samantha and Brian talking and he wanted to yell "Hello!" to them when he started to cough a lot. His face got red and he just couldn't stop!

He took a napkin from his pocket and coughed into it. He was stunned to see a little blood coming out of his mouth!

"Look Brian." Samantha exclaimed and pointed to Loren.

"Loren!" said Brian while running towards the man. "You seem pale my friend. You should come to see Dr. Mike." Brian suggested.

"Naaaaah, I am perfectly fine!", Loren grumbled, still coughing. "The last thing I need is..."

His sentence broke down with deeper coughing and more blood. Everything became black for him, and he fell down on the ground, unconscious.

"Loren!" Brian exclaimed. "We have to bring him to the clinic! Go tell Colleen about Loren! She’s at the clinic." Brian said to Samantha.

Robert E, who was nearby, helped Brian transport Loren.

"It is not time to leave us Loren!" Brian whispered.

***

In the clinic Brian and Robert E laid Loren down.

"Colleen? Come here please! Loren is badly..."

Colleen was upstairs when she heard a racket going on below her.

"Excuse me," she told Tristan.

She ran down the stairs as quickly and as safely as she could.

"What is going on?" She asked the group.

Brian shook his head and looked at the old man. "Loren?" asked Brian, sad and worried.

Loren´s eyes flew open and he whispered,

"Where am I? What am I? Why, what the hell..."

He looked at Brian,

"Hey, little fella, do not worry. This old man will be just fine. I am as strong as a horse. " He tried to get up, but fell back on the bed, feeling pain in his chest.

He groaned in pain, but chuckled to make Brian feel better.

"This horse was just born."

Brian smiled at his old friend. "You will stay here Loren, until Colleen finishes examining you. Don’t be a kid, please!"

He knew that Loren was not young any more and he started to worry about him. Brian tried not to show it.

"Weeeeell...alright", he pointed a finger to Brian´s nose. "But you owe me a cup of coffee at Grace´s! "

"You don't move or Papa Brian will not be happy!" Brian said while shaking his finger and trying to smile.

The young man left the clinic looked at Loren and then closed the door again.

Loren smiled at his dear little friend. But, as soon as Brian left he groaned in pain. He now knew that he was sick.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 5 -

- Colorado Springs - Near the town -

"Don’t worry about that", Sully said to Mary Jane, who seemed a bit anxious.

"Come on, it is time to get going if we wanna get home before dark. Ya can ride with me. Do not worry, everything is gonna be alright." Sully added.

During the ride, Mary Jane was a little nervous on the horse. It was the first time that she was riding a horse from memory.

"It is a quiet place here! It seems nice to live wi..." she stopped her sentence.

She was going to say "with his family", but she stopped.

"How much time before arrive in town?" asked Mary Jane.

"We should be there in less than an hour", Sully replied.

After a few minutes, Cloud Dancing said,

"I will have to leave you here."

Sully nodded. He knew that it was too dangerous for Cloud Dancing to come into town. He stopped his horse and so did Cloud Dancing. They shook hands.

"Goodbye, my brother", Sully said.

"Let the spirits take you." Cloud Dancing answered him and then looked at Mary Jane,

"Take care, my friend. Do not worry; you will be fine".

With these words he left them.

"You are a lucky man. You have a wonderful friend" Mary Jane said as she looked at Cloud Dancing going away.

"I know, I am. Cloud Dancing is more than a friend to me. He is my Indian brother, my best man, the person that I owe my life to." Sully was lost in his thoughts for a while, then returned to the present.

"That is why it makes me so furious that he has to live like a frightened animal", he said quietly, more to himself.

"What about this town we are going to? Is it a large town? Many people?" asked the woman.

He saw that Mary Jane had a sad expression on her face. "Colorado Springs is not that big, but it is a warm and nice place with friendly people.Well, sometimes; they are not all friendly. But I can assure ya that you will like it."

They were at the end of the forest and they could already see the Church. Sully thought about Michaela. He had not seen her for such a long time and he missed her so much!

He snapped the reins and the horse ran into town.

Sully saw Grace and waved back at her. He stopped the horse and stepped down, leaving Mary Jane on the horse.

"Grace!", he embraced her.

"It is good to see ya again! How are ya?" Sully asked.

Grace smiled at Sully, but said with a surprised voice,

"Well, very well! And you, the trip? Oh, Katie will be so happy to see you after school!"

She looked at the woman on the horse and Grace’s smile disappeared. She whispered,

"Can you explain to me what happened?"

Mary Jane lowered her eyes, then closed them. ’It was not a good idea.’ the woman thought.

"I found her...Well, Cloud Dancing and me. She was wounded, all alone in the woods. She does not even remember her name. I think that she has amnesia, so I brought her here for Dr. Mike to look at her. I could not just leave her there, Grace!"

"Sure Sully! Oh... but Michaela is at home. Colleen is running the clinic today. She just arrived in town yesterday." replied Grace.

Mary Jane had felt several heavy eyes upon her. She wanted to leave this place right now!

Sully glanced up at her and said,

"This is Grace. She is the Café owner. Once you try her pies, you will love them for the rest of your life!" he smiled.

"I'm sure you are a very good cook, but..." Mary Jane looked around and shook a little bit. "I..." She didn't know what to say but she was very sad.

She was interrupted by Brian’s voice .

"Pa!"

He was glad to see Sully again after all these months in Boston. He quickened his step.

He stopped abruptly, not able to speak, as if he had seen a ghost.

"That is not possible, sh..." Brian whispered.

By seeing the young woman, all the events of Ingrid dying passed through his head. He was confused.

"What..." Brian asked loudly.

"Brian!" Sully was happy to see his dear son again.

He saw Brian's look. He embraced the boy and said,

"It is alright Brian, calm down. Everything is fine. Brian."

Sully sighed, looking up at Mary Jane.

"Come on, step down". He helped her down from the horse and then he said to Grace,

"We think her name is Mary Jane. That is what we call her."

Then he turned towards Brian. He took him a few steps away from Grace and Mary Jane.

"Son... this is Mary Jane. I know she looks a lot like Ingrid, but that is no reason for not helping her. She already knows about Ingrid, I told her. Please, Brian, she needs help. I know that this is hard for ya. But, I assure ya that she is nice person. She has suffered a lot. Trust me, son. Okay?"

The guilty feeling which had haunted Brian in the past returned. He had difficulty listening to Sully.

Sully knew that Brian was feeling bad.

"Brian, don't blame yourself. It was an accident. You know that." He smiled at his son.

"Hey, your Pa missed ya a lot! I could use one warm hug! Or didn’t ya miss me back there in Boston?" Sully winked, trying to make Brian feel better.

"Yeah, sure. " Brian said, hesitating.

He shook the hand of the young woman then smiled slightly. He turned back to Grace.

"I was coming to get a cup of coffee for Loren. He is at the clinic. " He lowered his eyes.

"How does he feel?" asked Grace.

"I don't know. Colleen will examine him, so we will have news soon. " Brian replied, then sighed.

"Poppy!" exclaimed a little voice behind them.

There was Katie, just after she got out of school. She jumped into her father arms!

"You’re back!"

Sully's face was covered with a large smile.

"Katie!!!!" he embraced her tightly.

"My sweet little daughter! I've missed ya sooo much! Look at ya! You are much more beautiful than when I left! I bet you had lots of boys snooping around ya, huh, princess?" smiled Sully, totally forgetting about the others, enjoying the company of his little Katie.

"So, how many hearts have you broken this week?" he continued teasing her.

"Poppy!" Katie answered by rolling her eyes. "Everyone will be at home for Christmas!" the little girl smiled.

She was so happy to see him again, but noticed the other woman.

"You brought a friend?" Katie asked her father.

Then she turned back to Mary Jane with a smile,

"Katie, Katie Sully!"

"Hi Katie!", said Mary Jane, putting herself on her knees to be at the same height as Katie. "You are a beautiful young girl. I can understand why your father is proud of you!"

Sully's face lit up with a smile, hearing Katie introducing herself. She was the first person that didn't look strangely at Mary Jane. Of course, Katie had never met Ingrid.

"Mary Jane, I would like ya to meet the little star of my life; my daughter Katherine!" Sully proudly said, raising Katie in his arms and kissing her cheek.

***

Brian entered the clinic with a coffee cup.

"Here is your coffee Loren" Brian said and put the cup on the table. He turned back to Colleen, "He fell unconscious for a moment and had a bad cough. You need to look at him. "

Still confused from the events at the Cafe, he thought it was a bad dream. Brian continued, "Sully just came back into town. I will go home with him. See you later Colleen... and you Loren, be smart for the doctor!"

Quickly, he left the clinic to join his father.

Colleen examined Loren quickly, yet thoroughly.

"He has pneumonia," she told the others.

"At his advancing age it is easier to get, especially this time of year. He needs plenty of rest and he should also stay here so I can keep an eye on him. We wouldn't want the infection to spread to the other lung."

"Aaaah, I’ll be perfectly fine. Don't ya worry about me!! Loren said.

"I will just lie down here and sleep like a baby and you go say hi to your dad. Guess you've missed him very much. Pass my greetings on to him and tell him I am expecting a visit", said Loren with a smile on his face. "Go on, now!"

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 6 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

After he brought coffee to Loren Brian returned to Sully and Katie.

He heard Dorothy exclaim a low "What..." at seeing MaryJane. It was the same for many town folk who looked into the Cafe.

Grace wrapped a pie and gave it to Sully.

"You can bring it home; this is Katie’s favorite! Michaela will be happy to see you’re back."

Grace started to feel sad with all the looks Mary Jane was getting.

"Thank ya, Grace.", Sully said.

Then he turned towards Brian.

"Son, do ya feel better? Did ya calm down? And how is Loren doing?"

"Pneumonia, Colleen said. I hope Loren will stay in bed until he gets well. I'm afraid that he’ll want to go back to his store." Brian answered.

The young man looked at Mary Jane then said to his father, "I will be fine. " he said, still a little hesitant.

Mary Jane met Brian’s glance.

"Hi Brian, nice to meet you. " said Mary Jane. "I'm sorry about..."

‘About what?’ thought Mary Jane. Being herself? The situation was ironic. Mary Jane remembered earlier in the forest with Sully and Cloud Dancing. She put her hand up.

"Friends?" the woman asked Brian.

"Ya, friends." answered Brian slowly.

Sully embraced his son with his other hand and tapped his shoulder.

"Don't worry, son. I’m here. Everything is gonna be fine. And speaking about Loren, I hope that he stays put for a while, so he will get well soon. But, knowing him" Sully smiled and thought that the old shop owner wouldn’t be away for long.

"Now, I'll take Mary Jane home so Michaela can examine her." Sully said.

He put the woman up on the horse then got up on horse himself and snapped the reins. Brian followed him, with Katie on his horse.

***

- Colorado Territory - Somewhere on the railroad -

The train was running and with every minute it was closer to Colorado Springs.

Matthew sat by the window looking out at nature. He had been away for a whole month, working in Denver. Now he could not wait to see his family again; to be home again!

He had to travel another hour so he could take a nap. His eyes were closing and he surrendered to sleep.

***

- Colorado Springs - Sully's Homestead -

As he rode, Sully was lost in his thoughts, thinking about Michaela. He just couldn't wait to see her!

Finally, they arrived at the homestead. Sully stepped down from the horse, and helped Mary Jane down as well.

At that moment, Michaela showed up from barn. But, Sully didn't see her. He was helping Mary Jane.

Mary Jane thanked Sully for his assistance. She looked at the house, which had a cordial air.

"Ma!" Katie exclaimed with a big smile. "Pa is back to home!"

Michaela watched as Sully helped a woman down. Her cheeks flushed red hot as she watched the scene. Was that her husband helping another woman down? Was that a gleam in his eye?

Mike bit her lip and turned away. She had hoped to see Sully with arms open for her. It had been nearly three months since they had seen each other and here he was with another woman.

Michaela's thoughts were running wild. She peeked back out from the barn door to watch them, watching him with the lady. Questions filled her mind, her hand went to her belly and she rubbed it gently. Was he more than a friend to her?

Michaela hid her little bump underneath her dress. She hadn't told anyone and had kept it a secret even from her own children. She closed her eyes and leaned against the door. She knew she would have to go out sooner or later, and it was for the best to go out sooner.

She took a deep breath and started to walk outside slowly, pretending she hadn’t seen them arrive.

Sully turned around and saw Michaela. Everything went from his mind . He could only see his beautiful wife and he was so happy to see her again.

"Michaela", he gently whispered and ran towards her, leaving Katie and Mary Jane.

He took Michaela in his embrace and with his face in her hair he whispered,

"My love, I've missed you so much!" He looked at her and kissed her passionately.

Then he noticed her face.

"Michaela, why are you so pale? Is everything all right?"

All that had just happened seemed like a daze. Michaela shook her head slightly trying to get the current moment back into her head.

"Sully" she whispered.

She saw she was in his arms, complete passion ran through her. She hadn’t seen this man in nearly three months and here he was, with her in his arms. Tears filled her eyes as she threw her arms around him. Her husband was home. She closed her eyes hugging him tightly. Her hands running through his hair. Yet she knew she couldn’t press too tightly against him. She knew he would feel her swollen abdomen. She pulled away quickly and wiped away the tears.

Still near the horses, Brian took Katie in his arms and he spoke to Mary Jane.

"Come, you do not have to worry."

He took the woman’s hand in his own before walking over to join Sully and Mike.

Michaela caught a glimpse of the woman again, this time with Brian. Was this woman after every man she knew, or was it just her hormones running wild because she was pregnant?

She had so many questions and yet there were so many faces, she felt overwhelmed. She took a step back, feeling confused, overpowered and closed in. Her mouth opened, "s-s" she paused.

Maybe this young woman was here for her assistance. She smiled slightly. 'I expect I’m overreacting' she thought.

She took a few steps towards the house. Everything had been so different for a while and now her whole family was home. She was so overjoyed to have them here, yet so annoyed at them for not being with her all the time.

"I'll get my things" she whispered rushing into the house, closing the door behind her. She leaned against it sobbing slightly.

Mary Jane’s hand shook a bit, but she thought that nothing could be worse than when she was in town, with all the town folk looking at her.

"Thank you." Mary Jane whispered to Brian, while going towards the house.

"You will see,Ma is the best doctor in the West!" Katie exclaimed with happiness.

Sully had a strange feeling that something was wrong. Something was torturing Michaela. He could feel it clear as day.

He started to go after her, but he heard Brian and Katie talking to Mary Jane and remembered how bad Mary Jane felt.

She sure did look like she was hurt and wounded. So, Sully decided to let Michaela examine her first and then he would talk to Michaela afterwards.

By then, the children were taking Mary Jane towards the homestead and Sully said,

"Don’t be afraid. You'll be just fine. Come on kids, let’s go in."

He opened the door. Michaela was putting medical supplies on the table. Sully walked over to her and put his hand gently on her shoulder.

"Michaela, this is Mary Jane. Cloud Dancing and I found her in the woods. She doesn't remember anything, so we believe that she has amnesia." he whispered.

Then he saw how Michaela was looking at Mary Jane; she was pale like, she had seen a ghost.

Sully caressed her cheek and gently said,

"I...I know. It's unbelievable how the two of them look alike! But, please, she needs your help now." He turned to Mary Jane.

"Mary Jane, this is my wife Michaela", he added with a smile "Or Dr. Mike, to her patients! Come here, sit down so she can examine ya."

He took Katie and Brian.

"Come on, kids, let’s go to the barn and check on the animals."

He took the children outside so Michaela could examine Mary Jane.

Mary Jane sat on a chair looking around discreetly here and there. She was not sure what would happen and she was a bit scared.

Michaela looked at the young woman.

"There's no need to be afraid Mary Jane, I'm here to make sure you’re all better" she said coming over to the woman with her medical bag.

"So are you feeling pain anywhere?" she asked.

She studied the woman with her eyes. "Mary Jane?" she said in a soft tone.

Mary Jane looked at the floor and answered,

"I... my... my ankle is painful to walk on. I also have pain in my belly sometimes and the back of my neck hurts. "

She didn’t know why, but the young woman was afraid to do something wrong while she was in town. She raised her hands which had some scratches here and there and she pointed to her face over her right eye where she had knocked her head.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 7 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

"Colorado Springs!" the conductor yelled.

Matthew jumped from his seat and took his bags and rushed to the exit.

Walking outside, he felt home. So safe, so nice. He could see all the dear buildings that reminded him of so many nice things and dear people.

He stepped down and eagerly walked to town, wanting to see someone familiar. At once he saw Grace.

"Grace!", he yelled and waved to her.

He quickly approached and shook Grace's hand and kissed her on the cheek.

"It is so good to see you again! How are you?" he asked.

Grace smiled to Matthew, happy to see him.

"You are such a gentleman Matthew! I'm fine, and you? What a surprise to see you today!"

A man at a table spoke to Grace,

"I’m waiting for my lunch Miss! Please hurry!"

Grace sighed then looking at Matthew.

"Sorry Matthew, I'm busy at this time of the day. We will talk another time."

She turned back to her customers. There were so many people in the cafe.

Matthew didn't mind. He was in a good mood and nothing could disturb him.

He decided to walk a bit. He saw many familiar people- Horace, Hank, Jake and others. They were all looking at him strangely.

"What's going on here? They look like they’ve seen a ghost!" Matthew asked himself, the smile leaving his face, looking back at them.

"Hi Matthew!" Samantha exclaimed. "You are in town too? Your Ma will be happy you know. Sully just came back this afternoon. I saw him leave town. And Katie too, she talked all week about how she couldn’t wait to see her brother for Christmas! So, how are you?" the little girl smiled.

"Hey, Sam!", Matthew greeted the little girl. "You’ve gotten so big since the last time I saw ya! I am fine, thank ya and I also can't wait to see Kates and the rest of the family!".

He saw sadness in little girl's eyes and asked gently,

"You came alone? Your Ma didn't come with ya, did she? How are you, Sammy?" Matthew didn't pay anymore attention to the town folk ignoring him. He would find out later what was going on. For now, he wanted to help little Samantha who obviously was hurting very much because of her parents.

Samantha grinned.

"Ma is with her husband in St. Louis, and with the twins she is very busy."

Samantha rolled her eyes and sadly thought, "Too busy to have another girl at home.".

She sighed and continued,

"She told me that she will come next week for the Christmas Folly... maybe, I don't know. "

Matthew caressed the little girl's hair and said,

"I’m sure that your Ma loves ya very much and she will always have time for ya. She'll be here for Christmas." he smiled.

"Oh! There is Mrs. Slicker! I'll be late for school!"

"School? At this hour?" Matthew asked.

"Yes, we have a lot of work to do on the background for the Christmas Folly!" Samantha said, pointing to her teacher and the mayor on the other side of the street.

"Go on, you’ll be late!" Matthew said to Sam.

At the same time, Matthew could see some town folk enter their homes.

Hank, who was near the door to the Gold Nugget, looked at Matthew. Hank had quickly seen a woman with Sully, but he wasn't sure about who it was. He had other problems on his mind. He didn't know what to do about his cousin in town. She probably didn't know that he was here, and he didn't want her to; it would stir up bad memories for the both of them. He thought about his aunt’s death, and how he shot the teenager who murdered her and all the other events that happened before he decided to leave home. He sighed and entered the saloon.

Matthew took his bag and started to walk down the street, when suddenly he saw his sister Colleen in the clinic doorway.

His heart jumped for joy as he dropped the bag, yelling "Colleen!" and running to hug his dear sister!

Matthew knew that it would be a surprise for his family to see him because they weren't expecting him today. But, he couldn't wait anymore to come and see all of them! He missed them all so much and now he felt tears in his eyes, tears of joy while he was running towards Colleen!

"Matthew!" Colleen exclaimed. "I didn't know that you were coming today! What a surprise!"

"I know. I'm happy to be in town sooner than expected! This place misses me a lot!" he explained to his sister.

"Yes, I know what you’re saying. It was the same for me. I came to take a vacation for the holidays." Colleen said.

"Vacation?" Matthew asked, looking at Colleen’s clothes. "You seem to be working right now, no?"

"Yes, Ma is working at home, she felt a bit tired, and so I’m running the clinic today." Colleen answered.

Inside the clinic, she heard Loren cough again, but louder this time. Colleen turned her face towards the sound and then back to her brother.

"Loren is sick. He didn't come in before and now the pneumonia seems to have grown worse. I have to get back to the clinic. I’m happy to see you!".

"I will tell Ma that you will be late for dinner, see ya later" Matthew replied.

***

In the street, Jake saw Samantha running to school.

"The children will be waiting for you." the mayor said to his wife.

"Have you completed your speech for the Christmas Folly?" asked Teresa. "I hope you didn't forget that we scheduled a speech from the mayor to start the evening?"

Teresa was unsure if Jake remembered this request made a few weeks ago, because he hadn’t mentioned the subject since.

Jake smiled and glanced at Teresa.

"I've been working on it here and there. Granted it's been much easier now that I've got such a lovely little helper to go over my horrible chicken scratch and make adjustments. I suppose I could finish that up today during my free time at the shop if it would make you happy my darling?"

Teresa smiled.

"Oh Jake, that is wonderful of you! It is the first time I worked on a committee for such a big event in our little town. We have only one week now to complete everything, and I always fear that I will forget something or… I don't know, but I want this evening be so perfect!"

They were near the school and a few children followed them.

"It is time for me to go to work." Teresa said.

She kissed her husband one last time before entering the school for another evening of work on the celebrates.

Jake smiled at her as she walked away.

"The most beautiful woman in the world" he smiled to himself and turned back towards town to see what was going on in the world.

***

- Colorado Springs - Sully's Homestead -

Sully finished caring for the horses, while Brian and Katie fed the chickens. Well, actually, Brian fed them, Katie was mostly chasing them and with every run, she would yell for joy.

Sully's heart melted every time he heard her happy laugh and Brian trying to calm her down. But, of course, it was an impossible mission.

Sully decided to clean a little snow away from the front of the barn and house. Katie said she wanted to do that too.

Sully looked at her and smiled.

"Okay, let’s go!"

Sully and Brian took shovels ,went outside, and started to clean away the snow.

Katie was digging at first with her hands and pushed it to one side, but then she started to jump in the snow and she threw herself into it.

Brian tried to pull her out, but Katie pulled him in with her. They were both totally wet from the snow.

Sully was trying to be serious, but it was hard because they were both laughing.

"You'll get cold! Brian, Kates, get out of the snow! Come on."

But Katie jumped on his back and Brian pulled him down with the two of them in the snow. They were rolling on the snow and laughing so much.

After playing, Brian stood up, all wet like the others.

"I don't remember the last time I played in the snow like that" Brian said.

Just before entering the house, Brian stopped Sully.

"Pa, what will be next? I mean, what will happen with Mary Jane? If she has amnesia, it will be hard to find her relatives. "

"We will do everything we can, Brian." Sully's face was serious and he continued.

"First thing she needs is a warm bath and clean clothes, something to eat and to just relax and feel like she is safe and at home. Then we will try to find out something more about her. And we have to see what diagnosis your Ma has made." Sully sighed to himself.

He wasn't worried about what they would find out about this strange woman. What was worrying him the most was... HOW ON EARTH WILL MATTHEW REACT WHEN HE SEES HER?

"Come on." He picked up Katie who was still playing in the snow and singing her own song.

"Let’s go inside to change our clothes before we catch a cold. Come on, Kates!"

He knocked on the door and when they heard Michaela say it was okay to come in, Sully opened it.

"We are just going to change ourselves", Sully said. Michaela was holding her mouth trying not to laugh because they looked so funny.

He put Katie down. "Be right back."

Katie ran towards her Ma and Mary Jane. Obviously she wanted to say something. Brian and Sully went to change their clothes.

"Mommy!" said Katie, than whispered to her mother, "Do you think that you have a dress to lend to Mary Jane? I know she didn't play in the snow like us, but..." she looked at her mother with little eyes.

After the men changed, Mary Jane followed Mike into the bedroom.

Mike put a light blue casual dress on the bed for Mary Jane, then left the young woman alone.

Mary Jane liked the dress. She put it on and looked at herself in the glass. She felt like a five-year old girl on Christmas Eve! She smiled for the first time this morning, without hesitating. She felt like a princess, even though it was a simple dress.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 8 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

Matthew went to Robert E's to borrow a horse. His good friend was so happy to see him. But, yet...his face looked troubled.

Although Matthew insisted he tell him what was wrong, Robert E said that everything was just fine. Matthew didn't believe him, but he didn't want to push his friend.

Robert E was worried. He just couldn't tell Matthew about that strange woman looking so much like Ingrid. He wanted to; he wanted to warn Matthew, but when he saw how happy the young man was because he was finally at home, Robert E just didn't have the heart... and also couldn't find the right words... if there were any which would prepare Matthew for the shock.

Matthew took the horse, said goodbye to Robert E and started on his way towards the homestead.

The wind was blowing around him and the air was so nice and fresh. Matthew was feeling so relieved, happy and relaxed. He would be home in a few minutes. He just couldn't wait so he snapped the reins one more time and the horse ran faster.

Finally, he saw the house! His heart jumped for joy! He could tell that it was time for dinner, so he stopped the horse and walked as quietly as he could so they wouldn't hear him.

He slowly came towards the doors and waited for a few seconds. He listened. He could hear Brian's voice and Katie's laughing and then he decided to do it.

He opened the door loudly and yelled,

"SUUURPRIISEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

His parents turned back to face the door, really surprised to see Matthew home.

Moments after, Mary Jane left the bedroom to join the others. Turning around she exclaimed with happiness, "Thank you Dr. Mike, I really love it!"

Mary Jane stopped moving when she saw Dr. Mike’s and Sully’s faces, as if they were waiting for something.

Katie jumped from her chair and went over to Mary Jane and exclaimed,

"Matthew is at ho..." but she stopped her sentence, as she felt that she had said too much.

Mary Jane turned to see a young man who had just entered the house.

Matthew, still smiling, turned to see to whom Katie was speaking.

As he turned around, the smile left his face. He felt a pounding in his head, tried to say something, but couldn't. He couldn't even swallow because the shock was too great. Dear God, it was a ghost! The color drained from his face, his hands started to shiver and he felt like he would fall down unconscious!

Dr. Mike watched the once happy scene go from bad to worse. She watched Matthew's face turn from happy to petrified.

Matthew reached for something to hold on to and grabbed the chair.

"What a..." his voice sounded like it was coming from another world.

Tears came to his cheeks as he tried really hard not to sob. Sully went towards him and placed his hand on Matthew's shoulder.

"Matthew, sit down please."

But, Matthew didn't hear him. He just stared at the strange woman. He managed to come closer to her. And then, without even being aware of it, he started to cry and whispered, "Ingrid?"

Mary Jane moved a step back, frightened by the young man.

Katie, who didn't understand any of this, exclaimed,: "Poppy! He is frightening Mary Jane!"

The little girl didn't know what to do. She did not like the situation and now had tears in her eyes.

Sully walked towards Matthew and gently said,

"Son, take it easy. Come here, sit down."

Sully was worried sick about Matthew. Matthew's face was pale, and he tried to catch his breath. He tried to say something, he opened his mouth and... saw everything black in front of him. He was about to fall on the stairs, right into the jaws of unconsciousness!

At the last moment Sully caught him before Matthew .fell. He felt tears in his eyes, but tried to swallow them because he knew he had to be strong for the kids, for Michaela, and especially for Matthew.

Michaela watched in slow motion. She threw her arms up in the air shouting out Matthew's name. But it was so slow to her that it felt she could even see a speck of dust falling.

She rushed towards her husband who held her son.

"Sully get him to a chair now. " she rushed over to her bag and pulled out a bottle of smelling salts and a cloth. She wet the cloth and went over to the two men.

"Lay this on his head and put this under his nose" she said smoothing his hair back. Tears filled her eyes, but she held them back for her family.

She went over to Katie and picked up the child, cuddling her in her arms. "Shh shhh" she whispered, smoothing her hair as the child hid her head in Michaela’s body. "Mommy's here" she whispered.

Brian observed the scene, unable to say anything. He was so sad for his brother; this must be very hard for him.

Mary Jane, tears in her eyes, began to walk towards the door.

"Wait Mary Jane!" Brian exclaimed, trying to catch her arm.

"This is a bad nightmare for everyone. Let me go Brian, please!" Mary Jane implored.

"But..." replied Brian.

He didn't know what to do to help them - Matthew and Mary Jane.

"Please!" Mary Jane said again.

"Brian, honey" his mother said. "Get the horse and wagon ready... now. " she said walking towards Mary Jane.

"Mary Jane it's okay. It was a little surprise to our son that’s all... you remind him of someone..." she paused and put her hand on the woman's face, she smoothed it gently taking the tears away.

"Brian is going to take you to the hotel in town for a while, okay? I'm going to come and check on you as soon as everything is okay here?" She hugged the woman and thanked her son Brian.

She walked over to Sully with Katie in her arms and sat down. She moved her hand over Matthew's face.

"Matthew’s going to be fine honey. Pa and Ma are going to make it all okay." she said smoothing back Katie's hair and kissing her forehead.

She hoped anyways. Words were not enough for Michaela these days.

***

- Colorado Springs - Springs Chateau -

Preston took Elena on a guided tour for all the afternoon. Of course, he mentioned all the famous people who had passed through the Chateau, without forgetting the origins of some of the paintings and decorations in the hotel. He explained that Dr. Evans worked at the resort. He was not in town that day, he was at a conference, but would be on the train tomorrow.

At the end of the afternoon, they returned to the dinning room for a drink. They sat down and continued to talk. The waiter saw them and came to take their order.

At the same time, they heard a shot in the kitchen. They only had enough time to turn in the direction of the shot when they saw a man enter, pointing his guns everywhere.

"Don't move!" the man shouted.

Another man entered, pushing two kids to the floor. "Everyone on the floor, on this side!" the second said.

A third entered, with a hurt leg, followed by a fourth, who had two three-year old girls as hostages.

"Now everyone, listen to me!" the last man shouted. "We have a deal! Everybody stay calm and don't move, and every body will be fine tomorrow! If someone tries anything, that person is dead. OK?"

He looked at the hurt man, then pushed a table to the floor.

"Sit here, on the floor. Put your leg down until a doc comes."

He looked around and asked the waiter to come to them.

"You? What is your name?"

"T-Tho-Thomas." the young waiter answered.

"Ok Thomas, you will have a good tip. You only have to go search for the doctor and bring him back here. But, only the doctor, you understand me? If anybody else is with you, the people here will have a big accident, ok?" the outlaw explained.

Thomas nodded his head and the outlaw let him go outside through the back kitchen door.

The first two men left the dinning room, to search for other people in the hotel, while the man that came in last, tightly held the twins in his arms and watched the other hostages.

Preston looked up in fear as the men entered his hotel and his stomach dropped to his feet. He couldn't believe what was happening.

He prayed to God that one of the guests would be armed and able to stop this before it got out of hand, but he knew they wouldn't.

He looked at Elena and his stomach sank even lower. What a horrible example of daily life at his beautiful hotel.

Elena was petrified at seeing these armed men, who were very serious. How did it occur? She looked around quickly at the other people present - employees and other customers.

She tried to breathe slowly and closed her eyes for a few seconds. Unfortunately, it was not a dream; the armed men were still there. She turned her head and looked at Preston. She wanted to know what would happen now.

Others customers entered the dining room led by the outlaws. Preston looked at Mr. Knight and his daughter. Everybody was sitting on the floor on one side of the dinning room.

The outlaws pushed a few tables down. The outlaws who had gone outside came back with a few customers who had been around the hotel.

The man with the little twins as hostages spoke. "Now listen to me! Everybody call me Karl. Nobody will move from here until we leave this place. Stay quiet and all will be fine."

Samuele, the thirteen-year old Caccavelli kid, spoke to the man,

"Please, let my sisters go. They are scared; please!"

The man fired a shot in the ceiling and another in the mirror on the left wall.

Elena closed her eyes when she heard them. 'My God' Elena thought.

After she opened her eyes, she saw that nobody was wounded, at least, not yet.

At the time, she had not noticed that she had grabbed Preston’s hand. Still under shock, she did not release it.

Preston turned his face back to Elena and felt her hand in his. He wanted to pull her close and forget about where he was. Why was he feeling like this at such a time? Why did he have these feelings now?

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 9 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

Brian followed his mother’s orders, and brought Mary Jane to the Gold Nugget. She had not said anything since they left the house. She looked confused.

Brian worried about Matthew. How would he be when he woke up? The shock had been terrible for him.

"Hi Hank!" Brian said. "Do you have a room left? Mary Jane needs a place for the night".

"A room? Single bed?" Hank asked.

He looked at Mary Jane. People were right this afternoon; she really did look like Ingrid.

Brian paid for Mary Jane’s room and told her to follow Hank.

"Dr. Mike will come tomorrow morning to see you. Rest well, everything will be alright." Brian said to Mary Jane.

He left the Gold Nugget and Hank brought Mary Jane up to the second floor.

"Did you know you look like someone we knew a few years ago?" Hank asked, knowing the answer.

She didn't respond. She didn't want to listen to him.

"Well... you were at Sully’s house. Did you meet all the family?" Hank asked again.

She pretended she didn’t hear him.

"So, how is Matthew?" Hank continued.

Still she didn't answer.

Hank stopped in front of a door. "Here is your room, do you know if you will stay for a long time?"

She looked at Hank as if she didn’t understand him.

He opened the door and went back downstairs.

Mary Jane entered her room and sat on the bed. She didn't want to stay in this town another day, people were so... strange around her.

And Matthew, poor Matthew! What had she done by following Sully here? What could she do now? Where could she go? Where would she live? These questions haunted her mind.

***

- Colorado Springs - Sully's homestead -

Sully took Katie in his arms.

"Precious, I think it is time for ya to go to sleep. Don't worry about Matthew, he will be fine. Okay? I will tell ya everything later, but now it is best for ya to go to sleep so your Ma and me can take care of your brother. Alright, sweetie?"

Katie wiped her tears away and nodded.

"I'll just put her in the bed and be right back." Sully said to Michaela.

He took Katie to her room and put her to sleep.

He came downstairs and saw Michaela leaning over Matthew, crying. He was feeling guilty. He had brought Mary Jane home with him.

But, he knew that he couldn't just leave the poor girl in the woods and Cloud Dancing didn't have a place to bring her. And now his whole family was upset, and heaven knows what would happen to Matthew!

He came towards Michaela and said,

"I am so sorry, Michaela... for all of this. Sorry for reviving painful memories and making ya all sad... and Matthew... dear God", Sully's voice broke down as he caressed Matthew's hair.

Matthew's eyes flew open.

"Ma? Pa?"

"Matthew? How do ya feel, son?" Sully asked, worriedly.

Matthew put his hand on his eyes and said,

"Like a train ran over me... and so tired..." he looked around and asked,

"Where is she? Who is she? What is going on here?"

Michaela could have done without any of this today. She wiped her forehead and looked down at her son.

"Hey Matthew..." she whispered quietly towards his startled gaze.

"It's okay now, calm down. Take a deep breath and listen to what we have to say. " she said.

She wiped her tears away with a shaky hand. She shared a look with Sully before turning away. She couldn’t look at him right now; things were too painful to look at anyone.

But she pushed her feelings aside and took Matthew's hand in her own, checking his pulse as she started to speak.

"She is Mary Jane, a young woman whom your pa found in the forest. She was lost and in bad shape, so she is my patient now. She is at the Gold Nugget now where Brian has dropped her off." She paused before going on.

"Matthew, I know this is painful honey. It’s like a ghost from the past. I know... she looks like... I-In-Ingrid." she found the name hard to say.

"But your whole family is here to help you." Michaela explained. "So are the town folk. Matthew you just have to believe in yourself. That young woman is innocent in her looks, she is what Ingrid was; like Ingrid she can’t remember anything." She didn't want to use medical terms with her son; this was too personal.

Michaela sat back smoothing his face gently. She took a deep breath, looking away as Sully started to talk.

She closed her eyes and thought why now? After all this time... why? The woman stood up slightly shaking, hoping that both thought it was because of what had happened, even though that was only partially the reason.

"Your mother needs some fresh air, I'll get you some nice cold water from outside Matthew.. .for your... face." She rushed outside.

Closing the door she broke down, pulling her cloak around her to protect her from the cold weather.

"I'm a doctor, why can't I seem to cope with everything going on?" she sobbed to herself in a very low voice.

Sully watched Michaela leaving the house. He could see how upset she was. But...it wasn't only because of Matthew. Something else was bothering her, something that she hadn’t told him. Every time Michaela would go deep inside herself, pushing him away, he knew that something was wrong.

As much as he wanted to go after her and talk with her, he decided to leave it for later. Now Matthew needed to know the truth.

Sully swallowed his tears and said,

"Matthew... I am so sorry for bringing her here. Maybe I shouldn't have done it."

Matthew didn't say anything. He was just looking at Sully, thinking that it would maybe have been best if that... Mary Jane, right?... hadn’t ever showed up. But then, on the other hand, she needed medical assistance. Matthew didn't know what to think. His head was hurting him.

"Pa, it is okay. I won't lie to ya and tell ya that I am not shocked. It was awful. But, if she needed medical help, there was nothing else ya could do except to bring her here. "

"I am sorry, Matthew"

"Pa, it’s alright, don't blame yourself! There is no reason for that." Matthew tried to reassure him.

"I was stunned too the first time I saw her." Sully said. "She looks sooo much like her. "

Matthew sat up in bed, holding his head with his hand.

"What is wrong with her, Pa?"

"I am not sure. Cloud Dancing and I found her in the woods. She was beaten, hurt, screaming and she has amnesia."

Matthew was silent. His head was a mess. At that moment Michaela came in.

"Sully, Thomas is here. He says he needs to talk to us."

The young man came inside, tapping his hat, obviously upset. He seemed really nervous.

"Dr. Mike, Sully." Thomas greeted them. "A-At the Hotel, th-they asked for a doc-doctor. Some men entered the hotel with guns! They have kids as hostages and the other people at the Chateau. They asked for a doctor, one of them has a hurt leg .But... but they seem dangerous... they asked me to come back with only the doctor or they will kill the people inside. I think the people inside need more help than this hurt outlaw, but they are waiting for me. "

Thomas looked at Sully. He didn't want to put Dr. Mike in danger. He had no proof that they would not kill the witnesses afterwards.

Sully looked at Michaela and before she could open her mouth he said,

"Don't even think about it! You are not going to the Chateau, you could get hurt! Besides Matthew needs ya! I will go with Thomas!"

Sully turned to Michaela.

"I have to take your medical bag cause I’ll have to pretend that I am the doctor. You have Thomas tell you about the injuries and then tell me exactly what to do and I will go." He saw a troubled expression on Michaela's face.

"Don't worry, I will be fine and come home soon." He kissed her and started to get stuff while she explained how to treat the wounds.

Sully and Thomas got up on their horses as Mike looked at them with concern. Sully gave her a "don't worry" look and they started towards hotel.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 10 -

- Colorado Springs - The town -

At the clinic, Loren woke up hearing a gun shot. Was it just a bad dream? But, than he heard screams! They were coming from outside and he yelled,

"Colleen! Dr. Mike! Anybody!"

Colleen heard Loren scream her name and went running.

"What's wrong, Loren?" It was then that she heard the commotion outside.

***

After leaving the Gold Nugget, Brian got back on his wagon to head home. When he reached the clinic, he stopped the horses and jumped down and hid behind the wagon. A young man, after leaving the tavern had been followed by the sheriff, Mr. Greenwood.

Unfortunately for the sheriff, the young man aimed his gun and took a shot at him before escaping town.

After the young man went away, Brian went up to the sheriff, followed by Robert E and Jake. They helped bring the sheriff to the clinic.

***

Clara entered the clinic right after the noise from the shot. In a second floor room, Tristan was waiting for his sister, and asked her what was happening.

"If a killer is just outside town, I don't want you and Ann going to the hotel this evening. It is too dangerous." Tristan said to his sister.

"We will stay with Pa." Rose-Ann exclaimed, jumping on her father’s bed.

"I think yes... only let’s wait to know more about what has happened." Clara replied.

Soon they heard many people enter the clinic. A few minutes later, an old man entered their room.

Loren smiled, walking very slowly.

"I am afraid that you are gonna have to stand my grumbling from now on." he said to Tristan.

"Some more patients came in so they need as much space as they can make. Hope it is okay with ya." Loren said.

Tristan nodded to Loren, and signaled for him to make himself at home.

"I don't know how long the doctor will keep me in this bed, and Dr. Cook won't seem to let me leave as soon as I would like. So, some company is welcome!" the young man said.

***

- Colorado Springs - Springs Chateau -

When Thomas and the "doctor" arrived, Sully opened the doors and said,

"I am a doctor! What happened here?"

The head outlaw turned - when he heard Sully.

"Here, his leg is hurt. He needs you Doc! He lost a lot of blood. "

The twins were shaking a lot, scared, in the man’s arms.

Another man entered the hotel and spoke.

"I didn't see her in town. She didn't have time to talk to the sheriff about our coming here. " the young man said, hesitating.

Karl exclaimed,

"She is probably lost in the forest. I hope a wolf eats her. She has too much evidence against us. "

Then he started to laugh.

"Women only bring problems, remember that Doug."

The young man nodded, but still hesitated. If he told him that he shot the sheriff, how would the boss react? 'Nobody has to know ', thought Doug.

Sully looked over at the frightened people looking at him, hoping he would save them.

Sully kneeled near the hurt man and said,

"Stay calm, I will help ya. But, please, let the people go. Everything will be fine."

"Hey Doc! You don’t give me orders! Don't make me nervous if you don't want more people to take care of Doc. Nobody will leave this place, until I decide! Maybe we will need more hostages if the situation changes." the boss said.

Sully started to work on his leg. Luckily, Dr. Mike had given him exact instructions. Leaning over the man's hurt leg, he asked,

"What about that woman?"

Sully was suspicious; could it be Mary Jane?

"Jane, who cares about her now? She betrayed us, after all the help that we gave her. Women are so ungrateful! Never trust a woman. " Karl said. "Now, concentrate on my man Doc!"

"Okay, okay, calm down", Sully said, trying not to panic.

So it was indeed Mary Jane! What on Earth did she have to do with these outlaws? Did he put his family in danger because he brought her? Questions bumped in his head like rocks.

He treated the man's leg and said,

"There. You will be fine, just get some rest."

He quickly thought about how he could find out something more about Mary Jane and turned over to the boss.

"Can ya tell me what she looks like and why you are searching for her? I can inform ya if I hear something about her".

"About Jane? I don’t want to see her again or I’ll kill her myself!" the boss said.

He had not appreciated her escape last week.

"If you have finished Doc, go with the people over there!" He pointed for Sully to sit down near Preston.

Elena tightened Preston's hand before she spoke.

"Mister, listen to the Doctor please. Let these kids go. They are scared They are innocent. They won’t do anything wrong!" she pleaded.

She waited for the outlaw to answer, petrified.

Karl shot a vase of flowers then dropped the twins. Bianca fell on Samuele, and Ariela fell near Preston. Both little girls shook a lot.

Karl pulled Elena quickly by her arm, brought her to the middle of the room then pushed her face to the floor. With the gun targeted on Elena, the boss spoke.

"Now listen to me lady. Here nobody gives me orders, without consequences, understand? We will stay here until tomorrow morning, and only after that will people be free."

"Hey Boss!" Bill said. "I found some wine and fresh food."

He gave an open bottle to the boss, then began to drink one too and said. "I will miss her."

Karl looked at his companion. "Who?"

"Jane! Doug’s cooking tastes like a boot!" Bill answered.

"Maybe we can bring her with us?" another outlaw said pointing at Elena.

"Don’t even think about it!" Karl said, with the gun still targeted on Elena neck.

"She probably can’t cook or wash clothes., She will be useless!" he added.

"But she is attractive." the hurt man said. "We can certainly have a good time with her!" he continued. "Give me some of that wine Bill!" he said, keeping his eyes on Elena.

"Ok, now Bill, Craig, go to your positions, in case someone tries to enter the hotel!" the boss ordered.

Both men left the room.

Sully looked to Preston, and while the outlaws weren’t looking, managed to move alongside him.

"Preston, I know that we have had our misunderstandings, but now it is time to put that aside. People are in danger." He gave him the look. "And so is this lady." He pointed at Elena.

That was enough for Preston to nod. Sully saw that Preston seemed attracted to her, although Lodge probably wouldn’t admit that to himself.

Preston looked from Sully to Elena and felt his throat tighten.

"All right." he whispered softly. "I'll do what I have to. Just get me out of this Sully, I can't lose any more money in this mess. I can't have any more bad publicity. What do you want me to do?"

"Listen." Sully whispered. "I have a plan. I will distract them and you can go find some help. Okay?"

Elena breathed slowly, her face against the floor. She felt her head spinning. She thought that maybe this was her destiny? Her mother was killed by a stranger many years ago, at the same time of year.

She closed her eyes, trying not to be nervous, when she had an idea. She was now motionless on the floor, breathing weakly.

***

- Colorado Territory - In the meadow -

Colorado Springs was covered with snow. But the sun was shining today. The trees in the woods wore white coats. Snowflakes dropped down as the wind blew through them, making a magical scene.

In the middle of the woods, in a beautiful meadow, Cloud Dancing was sitting. His eyes closed, his hands on his knees.

In his vision he saw an eagle flying with a swallow. Suddenly, the swallow fell down to the ground and died.

The eagle grieved for a very long time, flying by himself. Then one day, another swallow showed up, that looked exactly like the first one. The male eagle was disoriented as the swallow changed after a bit into another eagle; a female eagle.

Cloud Dancing knew that the male eagle had found his soul mate. But, his eyes were still closed. So, he decided to help him. But, not before the eagle came to him.

He knew very well that both eagles would now suffer very much, and will suffer much longer- if they don't stop seeing the world with bandages over their hurt eyes.

Cloud Dancing knew - the male eagle was Matthew, the swallow was Ingrid, and the swallow that turned into a female eagle was Mary Jane.

He opened his eyes, looked up to the sky and chanted a prayer.

***

- Colorado Springs - The town -

Mary Jane was sleeping when she heard a shot and screaming in the street. Her heart beat quickly and she looked around. She was alone. But she felt so strange.

The shot sound, the people screaming. She was not able to remember anything, but she felt so scared. She sat in her bed, put her arms around her legs and waited.

What was happening? She began to feel a bit dizzy.

***

[HelChamp]

- PAGE 11 -

- Colorado Springs - Sully's homestead -

Matthew was sleeping restlessly. He was by himself in the room. Dr. Mike wanted to stay beside him, but he said that there was no need for that.

He was dreaming of an eagle flying with a swallow The swallow fell and died. After some time another swallow showed up. But, in the next few moments she turned herself into a female eagle and they flew together when suddenly the jaws of two beasts showed up and tried to hurt her. Matthew, the male eagle, was terrified and then Cloud Dancing showed up saying,

"You are the only one who can help her Matthew."

Matthew awoke in his bed and his eyes flew open.

"Noooo!" he screamed.

There was silence and darkness all around him. He was confused and frightened. But, he knew only one thing he had to do.

With new strength, he left the room, then the house and mounted a horse. The wind was blowing around his head. He quickly headed towards town.

He finally arrived and without thinking, he went to the Gold Nugget. It was closed. But, that didn't stop him.

He took the reins from his horse and climbed up the wall. He looked quickly through every window.

There she was! He knocked on Mary Jane’s window. As she turned around terrified, he whispered,

"Don’t be afraid. I am here to help ya."

"What?" Mary Jane said.

She woke up and moved back.

"Wha-What do you want? I have nothing!" Mary Jane shouted, with tears in her eyes. "I have nothing." she repeated, disoriented.

'I didn't remember anything', thought Mary Jane, scared from her last encounter.

"Leave me alone." she whispered and broke down on the floor.

Images ran through her mind- the shot, the screams, Matthew. She began to cry, still lying on the floor.

"What?" she whispered.

Matthew ran towards her, kneeled next to her and worriedly asked,

"Are you okay? Please, don't be afraid of me!"

"What do ya want?" Mary Jane was scared. "Why... what..." she cried, confused. "Who are you exactly? What did I do wrong?" Mary Jane asked Matthew, meeting his eyes.

She tried hard to remember something, but she couldn’t.

"And who I am?" she whispered loudly, in between tears.

"I am Matthew." he whispered. "I didn't even say my name earlier, but it was a shock for me when I saw ya. You remind me terribly of somebody. You hadn't done anything wrong, trust me, please. It was just painful. " Matthew's voice broke down into tears.

Mary Jane met his eyes again . He seemed sincere in his words.

"You are hurt because I'm here! Others seem confused and sad, all because I'm here! All is dark around me, this room, my memory, inside, deep inside. I am afraid. I want my family, my friends. I want to understand why it is so dark. " She put her head between her hands.

Matthew felt terrible. He stood up and said,

"I am sorry for make you uneasy. I... sorry."

With those words, he quickly left the room. His head was a mess . He was confused, sad, he didn't know what to do, or where to go.

Mary Jane stayed sitting on the floor, no strength to move, trying to remember something, and finally fell asleep with her arms around her. She didn't know if she was dreaming or if this guy really entered her room; probably a dream she thought.

***

- Colorado Springs - Sully's homestead -

Michaela sat there, things were swirling around in her mind. She felt physically sick, things were too much these days.

She stood up, going towards the bedroom to check on her eldest son. Finding out that Matthew wasn’t there she rushed back into the living room, grabbed her shawl and rushed towards the door opening it to find Brian standing there.

"Ma" Brian said. "You must come to the clinic. The sheriff is hurt!"

Hearing what he said she nodded.

"I'll go there now Brian" she said.

She went into Katie’s room and went over to her daughter.

"Honey, I need you to come with me to the clinic" she said kissing her gently.

She picked the six-year old up in her arms and headed towards the door where Brian was.

"Okay Brian, you need to bring me to the clinic. Sully has my medical bag, but at the clinic I will have the rest of the stuff that I will need to use. Once we’re there Brian, I need you to look after your sister, while Colleen and I work on the sheriff"

She placed Katie next to Brian on the wagon seat and stepped up. She handed him the reigns and put an arm around Katie, hugging her close from the cold air.

Brian was so grown up that Michaela couldn't get over it. She was so proud of him. She could still remember when he was only seven years old.

She looked over at the adult and smiled. "My Brian" she whispered, hugging his hand before he pulled away.

On the road, Brian was a bit anxious. He didn't know where the man who shot the sheriff was; maybe he was still around. He drove fast, but not too fast. He didn't want to cause an accident along the road.

"You said that Sully is gone with your medical bag? Something wrong? Matthew?" he asked.

Dr. Mike looked at Brian and then at her daughter. She covered Katie’s ears quickly and whispered,

"I know you’re old enough to understand this Brian as you’re an adult now. Sully is pretending to be a doctor for an injured man who is holding hostages at Preston's hotel." She paused. She was dead worried about Sully. Her face became pale.

"What? Sully? A doctor? Hostages? but what's th..." Brian asked.

He thought about the man who left town after shooting the sheriff. His ma must be so worried about Sully.

"The place is really not safe".

Brian wanted to get to town immediately.

"Maybe Katie will be safer at Grace’s and Robert E’shouse. I mean, if the guys come back to the clinic..."

And Brian thought, ’Or Sully arrives at the clinic wounded... ’ But he didn't worry his mother with that last thought.

Michaela looked at Brian. She shook her head at what he was saying about Sully being a doctor. "I- I-" she stuttered.

She turned away from him. She had missed her family.

Now they were all in town for her, but all of them had a place to be. Matthew had run away after the shock of seeing Mary-Jane, Brian was looking out for people, Colleen was at the clinic and Sully was busy being a hero.

All the stress was making Mike sick. She placed her head in her hands.

"When it’s safe, take Katie to Grace’s and Robert E’s." She paused. Tears stung the back of her eyes.

They arrived in town. Nobody was in the street.

"Here, we are." Brian said to Michaela.

"Go help Colleen. The sheriff was in bad condition when I left him. I'll bring Katie to Grace. "

Brian left his mother when she entered the clinic, and walked quickly to Robert E’s home. He knocked. Robert E answered. Brian quickly explained the situation and left Katie with her godfather.

He left the home and began to walk in the direction of the Sheriff’s Office.

***

- Colorado Springs - Springs Chateau -

Sully saw Elena fall down unconscious and ran towards her. He knew that she was only unconscious, but he needed some time.

Preston could feel a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, "Elena," he whispered softly. ‘Oh God, please let this be a dream’, he thought to himself as he started to do as he was told. He looked from the gun at his head to Sully to Elena and back again. What was he suppose to do?

"Listen!", Sully yelled. "This woman is in shock! I need to take her to the clinic!"

But, the head outlaw pointed a gun to Preston who was obviously very upset because of Elena and tried to move towards her and Sully.

"Noo! Preston, don't move!", Sully yelled.

"Nobody will leave this hotel now!" the boss shouted. "It would be too easy to contact the sheriff or anybody else." He continued to point his gun at Preston.

After thinking a few seconds, he told Preston and Thomas,

"Ok, bring her on this side of the room, near Ralph. He can't move, but he can watch you with his gun. Afterwards, both of you come back with the hostages, and the doc can see to this woman."

For a few seconds, the boss looked around to see who would be the next hostage to take with him.

Thomas helped Preston bring Elena to the other side of the room, near the injured outlaw. He thought that this would be the only time he had to help the people here, so immediately after leaving Elena on the floor, he jumped on the injured outlaw to remove his gun and shouted at the same time, "SULLY!!!"

The young man hoped that Sully would react quickly. He did. Sully knocked the boss with his right arm then started to fight with his left.

Thomas struck the hurt man's head on the floor and used the outlaw’s gun to shoot the third outlaw on the other side.

On his side, Doug avoided the bullet and removed his gun from its holster to shoot Thomas.

The oldest Caccavelli kid, Samuele, jumped on the third outlaw, and the shot went through a window.

Upon hearing the shots, without thinking, Preston placed his body over Elena’s, in case a shot reached them.

Sully finished immobilizing the boss, but his right hand was hurt; it had been nicked by a knife during the fight.

He immediately took the gun at the outlaw’s side and pointed it towards the door where the two other outlaws were coming from.

"Now, you listen to me!" shouted Sully. "It is my turn to make the rules here!" he continued.

Elena finally opened her eyes. Her heart had stopped when she heard the shots. She took a deep breath then looked at Preston. Her face was very close to his. She tilted her head slightly, not sure what to say to him.

"Thank you. " she said loudly, feeling curiously not sure about all that had happened.

She passed her hand over the nape of her neck. Her neck hurt. She looked around. Nobody seemed hurt, but a few customers in the room see seemed to be in shock.

Sully felt the pain in his hand, but he didn't want to think about it.

He looked at Thomas.

"Thomas, get Hank and Jake here, now! Tell them we have some people to arrest! Hurry!!!!!"

When Thomas left the Chateau, Sully spotted one of the outlaws trying to get a gun from his boot. At the last second, Sully`s tomahawk flew through the air, knocking the gun out of the outlaw’s hand.

"Don't even think about it", said Sully.

Jacopo looked at the tomahawk in the air and whispered to his brother, "What kind of doctor is he? What kind of town is this?"

Samuele returned to his scared little sisters and put his arms around them.

Sully looked at them.

"Kids, are ya okay?"

Petrified, the kids didn't reply but they nodded with their heads that they were alright.

***

[HelChamp]

Page 12 and 13 (end of the day) coming soon!