Ally Dusalle yawned and sleepily lifted her thick dark hair off of her neck. It was too warm. She hated when it was too warm. That came from her father's side. Definitely not her mother's.

 Her mother was Motse'eoo'e, a Cheyenne daughter. Daughter of Grey Wolf. Ally's father, although she had never met him, she knew was Southern with a french ancestry. That was irritating sometimes. Most of the time Ally couldn't care less about her mixed heritage. But when the term half-breed was brought up, especially in a derogatory sense, it ticked her off. Made her want to shoot the fool who said it. Which was something Ally was more than capable of doing. She'd practically been raised with a gun in her hand.

 Ally normally disdained the usual feminine attire of a dress. She wore pants, sometimes opting for a skirt. She did not, however, disdain neatness. Her dark hair was always neatly brushed. Her clothes clean and pressed. She was naturally beautiful with her long black hair and big brown eyes, she was known to catch the eye of men when she walked Four Corners streets keeping an eye on things.

 Ally fussed with her thick hair for a few minutes then with a muttered Cheyenne curse she swiftly brushed it and deftly wove it into a braid which she coiled at the base of her neck.

 She then moved to her dresser and pulled out some clothes. She chose a crisp white shirt and soft deerskin pants. She dressed quickly then reached for her gunbelt. Upon fastening it around her hips she grabbed her matching deerskin coat and hat and moved for the door.

 She knew the majority of the town's women saw her as a tomboy. The men, a woman who didn't know her place. A woman to be caught and tamed. But neither complained when Ally treated their injuries or delivered their children.

 Although she'd never known her father Ally knew things about him and one thing she  did know was that he was a doctor. And her mother was a healer. This influence in her life had lead her to attend medical school.

 As Ally thought that over she snickered. The men might see her as a wildcat, the women as a tomboy, but neither side of the population would complain considering the group she rode with.

 The Magnificent Seven. She'd heard them called that. That name of course, excluded Ally herself, but she didn't mind. Primarily Ally was a doctor not a gunslinger. But having Chris Larabee for a friend was an asset. Especially to a half-breed lady doctor turned gunslinger.

 As Ally walked out into the sunlight and slipped on her coat, she smiled. "A definite outsider." She murmured.

 "Good Mornin' Ally!" JD Dunne's enthusiastic voice met her ears and Ally turned, a smile blossoming to her face.

 JD was the youngest member of the seven. A cute kid. He was a few years younger than Ally herself and quite inexperienced in the ways of the west although he was learning quickly. Ally considered JD to be the younger brother she'd never had.

 "Good morning JD. Sleep well?" Ally asked as the young man fell into step beside her.

 "Great. Going to get some breakfast?"

 "Yep. Where's everyone?"

 "The hotel I think. Its to early for Ezra to be at the saloon and Buck probably isn't out of bed yet."

 "Now there's news. Josiah? Nathan?"

 "Josiah left early he's helping some ranchers with a fence to keep out wolves. Nathan's
gone to. He's out visiting a farm, the Halsons I think. Checking on their baby like you asked."

 Ally nodded. "And Chris and Vin?"

 "The restaurant I think." JD responded.

 Ally nodded again and the duo walked the remaining distance to the restaurant in
silence.

 Walking along, JD couldn't help but think to himself that his friend was looking especially lovely that morning.

 He knew she thought of him as a little brother and that was fine by him. He never expected anything to develop between them anyway. He wasn't really Ally's type not that it bothered him. No, Chris or Vin were the kind of men that stood any chance with the Cheyenne doctor.

 "Mornin' Ally, JD!" Buck walked up to join them wearing the same clothes he'd been wearing the night before. A sure sign he'd slept somewhere other than his own bed.

 "Yep." Was all Ally said as she walked inside the restaurant.

 JD shrugged before following her.

 Buck stood outside the restaurant for a moment, puzzled, then he shrugged. "One of those mornin's." He said with a smile.

 Ally walked into the restaurant and immediately spotted Chris and Vin. Chris was hard to miss. Being he was dressed completely in black. Vin's tastes were a little more sedate. He wore pants similar to Ally's but instead of a white shirt he wore a red plaid one. His coat was tossed casually across the back of his chair.

 Both men rose. "Good morning Ally." Chris said in his low voice.

 "Mornin' Chris, Vin." Ally smiled brilliantly.

 Both men smiled back. How could they not? Ally's smile was the type that instantly prompted a response.

 They both waited for Ally to site before returning to their chairs. Once in their chairs they discussed a problem the local ranchers were having with rustlers while they waited for Ezra.
 
 It was all Chris could do not to smile as he watched Vin and Ally talking. Chris knew that all the men had developed strong feelings for Ally. He himself loved Ally like she was his little sister. Ally was one of the few members of the group who could say what she pleased to Chris and get away with it. He knew that had a lot to do with the way she accepted him. Not trying to ‘reform' him as others would. Ally had a habit to take people at their whole and accept them for what they were not what they could be. He knew all the Seven cared for Ally like that. She'd naturally endeared herself to them without even realizing it.

 But lately, Chris had noticed that Vin had begun treating Ally a little differently. He didn't do anything major, Ally'd kill him, (quite literally. She was bound and determined to be treated like the rest of them) but he'd begun doing little things for her. Holding Black's reins while she went to check on a patient or to untie her medical bag from her saddle. Riding with her when the group had to split up. Always right there to protect her.

 And then there was the way Vin looked at her. There was a warmth in the former bounty hunter's eyes that only appeared when Ally was around.

 Chris was quite sure of it. Something was brewing between the lady doctor and the tracker.

 The gunslinger put all thoughts of possible romances aside when Josiah and Nathan hurried in. "Trouble?" He asked when the two stopped at the table.

 "You could say that." Nathan answered with a nod.

 "Rustlers are headed for the Statlers Ranch. From what I could gather they're the same ones who cleared out the Andersons last week." Josiah reported.

 Instantly breakfast was forgotten as they all rose to their feet.

 "And that ain't all." Nathan interjected. "The stage's been attacked. Highwaymen. They're holding their own but..." He trailed off meaningfully.

 Chris nodded. "Ok, how many rustlers?"

 "Seven." Josiah returned promptly. "At least."

 "How many attacking the stage?" Ally spoke up.

 "According to the witness...four." Nathan responded.

 Chris frowned, debating in his head what to do. Finally he came up with a suitable answer. "Ally, Vin, you two think you can handle two on one odds?"

 Both Vin and Ally shrugged. "We've handled worse." Ally said, checking her gun.

 "Good. You two go handle the stagecoach. The rest of us'll go to the Statlers." Chris decided. "JD?"

 The young man stepped forward from where he'd been listening. "Yeah Mr. Larabee?"

 "Go get Ezra."

 JD nodded and rushed out.

 Vin and Ally went with him only heading for their horses when they were outside.  They
were just mounting up when the others came out and headed for their horses.

 It took only a moment for JD to track down Ezra and once the Southerner was mounted the group headed out of town. They rode together for a while until Vin and Ally split away to go after the stage.

 Ally and Vin rode at a gallop so that left little room for conversation between the two.

 That was fine by Vin. Just watching Ally was enough for him. He wasn't sure of the exact moment Ally'd ceased to be just one of the group and become a woman. A beautiful woman.

 Was it the night he'd found Ally sitting on the railing outside the saloon, staring at the
stars. Or one of those times in the midst of a gunfight he'd look over and seer her grinning mischievously (obviously having a ball). Or when he'd first watched her work tirelessly with a single-minded ambition to save a patient's life?

 His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of gunfire.

 On instinct, the both of them slowed their horses to a stop and dismounted.

 Black, Ally's horse, retreated to safety behind a large boulder at a low whistle from his mistress. Vin's horse followed automatically.

 Vin and Ally crept up behind a large pile of rocks to survey the situation.

 The attackers were easily spotted. They'd obviously done it before. Ally watched them weave back and forth to avoid the shots being fired at them by the driver and his men.

 Vin looked over at Ally. ‘Ready?' He mouthed at her.

 She nodded back and Vin crept swiftly behind a rock a few feet away.

 Ally waited for Vin to get into place before she popped up from her position and fired. Her aim was perfect and she hit one attacker in the shoulder effectively rendering his shooting
arm useless. Her second hit his partner in the chest.

 The third man spun and shot at Ally who quick as a wink ducked down behind the rock.

 "ALLY!" Vin yelled, thinking she'd been hit. Enraged he jumped up and shot the gunman.

 "I'm ok Vin!" Ally yelled back.

 The shooting was over so they rose up.

 "How many'd you shoot?" Vin questioned as Ally ran to join him.

 "Two." Ally answered. "You?"

 "One."

 "But there were four." Ally protested as the passengers and drivers began to rise from their hiding positions.

 Vin looked around. He couldn't see anyone that would be the fourth man.

 "Y'ALL GET YOUR FILTHY YANKEE PAWS OFF O'ME!" A southern-accented voice yelled suddenly.

 Ally's eyes widened in surprise. "Nooo..." She said slowly. "It's not..."

 The fourth man fell into view from where he'd been standing behind the stagecoach. He lay on the ground. Ally bent over him and grinned. "He's out cold." She reported to Vin.

 "Well, I should say so Ally Dusalle. You taught me that punch." A woman stepped out and Vin found himself at an honest to goodness Southern belle.

 "Tess!" Ally said brightly. Jumping up to hug the beauty. "Nese'e!"

 Vin bent and tied up the fourth man. Two of the men w ere dead. The first one Ally'd shot was bleeding heavily but would survive.

 "Ally, was that you doin' all that fancy shootin'?" Tess questioned.

 "Me and Vin."

 "Vin?"

 Ally smiled. "Oops! Forgive my manners. Tessa Benoit, this is Vin Tanner."

 "Ma'am." Vin touched his hat and nodded.

 "No, its Tessa." Tessa said, tucking a stray strand of cornstalk blond hair back behind
her ear before shaking Vin's hand.

 "All right, Tessa." Vin acknowledged with a smile.

 The drivers had climbed back up and were waiting for the passengers to board.

 "Well I simply refuse to get back in that contraption." Tessa announced. "Ally, ya'll think Black'll mind carrying li'l ole me along with you?"

 Ally grinned. "He wouldn't but you don't need to. Take one of their horses." She said gesturing to the two dead men. "They ain't gonna be needin' em."

 "That is true." Tessa mused. "Vin y'all mind retched my lil'ole bags?"

 Vin smiled. "No ma'am...Tessa. Which ones?"

 Tessa pointed them out then went to choose a horse.

 As it happened one chose her.

 A beautiful palomino gave Tessa a nudge.

 "Well, hello to you too!" Tessa said in surprise. ""Aren't you a cutie." She said, stroking the horse's nose.

 "I think you've found yourself a horse." Vin said walking up.

 "You know what? I think you're right. He's perfect. Quick as a wink Tessa mounted, arranging her shirts so that she could ride properly.

 Vin fastened her bags to the other horse's saddle as Ally tended to the man she'd shot
then helped him into the stagecoach. She then forced the other man to sit up on the front with
the drivers. "Now you stay put." She warned. "I'll be riding alongside and if you so much as
twitch you'll be breathing through a new air hole."

 "You're that good?" One of the drivers said skeptically.

 "I ride with Chris Larabee, what do you think?" Ally shot back. She then whistled sharply. Black came running around the rocks followed by Vin's horse. Ally laughed when she saw Black held Vin's horse's rein's nipped tightly in his teeth.

 She looked over and saw Vin tying the two bodies to the last horse. He then tied the horse to the back of the stage before mounting his own horse. Seeing he was ready Ally turned back to the drivers. "Okay. When we get to Four Corners stop in front of the sheriff's office. We'‘ll lock these two up."

 "What about the bodies?" The other questioned.

 "The undertaker'll bury ‘em?" Ally responded grimly. "Get goin'!"

 She stepped clear and mounted Black.

 "Is Four Corners always this excitin'?" Tessa questioned pulling her horse to a halt next to Ally's.

 "Yep." Ally said simply then urged Black into a gallop to catch up the stagecoach.

 A few hours later Chris and the rest of the group rode into town with four men on horses. Three more were slung across their saddles.

 In front of the saloon. Chris spotted three horses. Two of which he recognized as Ally and Vin's.

 Vin sat in the sheriff's chair next to the door. "How'd it go?"

 Chris gestured to the three bodies then to the four remaining. "How about you two?"

 "Ally shot one, killed another and I killed one."

 "There were four." Josiah stated calmly.

 "Yeah one of the passengers knocked the fourth man out." Vin responded with a grin.

 They locked up the four survivors then dropped off the other three to the undertaker who shot them a dirty look. Then they headed to the saloon.

 Ally was sitting at a table a small glass of scotch before her. She smiled seeing the men walked in. "You're all in one piece, good."

 "Relatively." Josiah responded.

 "How's your leg?" Ally immediately questioned. Josiah'd taken a fall from a ladder over at the church the week before and ended up with a nasty gash on his leg.

 "Healing well." Josiah said sitting down.

 "I know that. Nathan did he strain himself?" Ally frowned irritably at Josiah before
turning to her friend.

 Nathan shook his head. "No." He answered honestly.

 "Good." Ally said with a decisive nod.

 "Where's your friend?" Vin questioned.

 "Fleecing the local populace." Ally answered calmly.

 "Friend?" Chris said a curious look in his eyes.

 Ally smiled. "Yeah. Turns out one of the passengers on the stage was an old friend of mine who was on the way here."

 "Not only a passenger." Vin cut in. "But the passenger who knocked out the fourth bandit."

 "Well now I have to meet him." Chris said with a nod to the bartender.

 "Hey Tess! Get over here!" Ally yelled.

 To the men's amazement a slender blond woman in a burgundy dress rose from the poker table.

 "Well thank you, gentlemen for the game." She drawled. "It was a most pleasurable, and profitable experience."

 "Guys, I'd like you to meet Tessa Marcella Benoit." Ally said as the men scrabbled to their feet, snatching their hats off as they did so.

   "Tess, this is Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, Ezra Standish and the leader of our little gang...Chris Larabee."

 "Ma'am." Each one nodded at her. But it was Ezra who really reacted. "Might I say Ms. Benoit, it is a pleasure to have a fellow southerner amongst us." He gallantly kissed the back of her hand. "And such a breathtakingly lovely one at that."

 Tessa smiled at him. "It's nice to make your acquaintance as well Mr. Standish," Ezra smiled at her.

 Tessa disengaged her hand from his and turned to Chris.

 When her blue eyes met Chris' green ones sparks flew.

 Chris was entranced. Tessa was amazing. By the amount of money she'd just slipped into her drawstring pouch, Tessa was an accomplished poker player and her blue eyes sparkled mischievously over her victory.

 "Mr. Larabee." Tessa said calmly, despite the excitement coursing through her.
Chris was a devastatingly handsome man. He was also trouble...

 Tessa liked trouble.

 "Ms. Benoit." Chris returned, his voice low.

 Tessa bit back a shiver. ‘Well Mr. Chris Larabee,' She thought playfully. ‘I think I'm going to like Four Corners.'

 "It's Tessa. And my mother-in-law Marie is Ms. Benoit." Tessa responded with a grin.

 Chris hid a frown. 'Mother-in-law? No ring. Must be a widow.'

 Ally was looking around. "Chris, where's JD and Buck?"

 Chris forced his eyes away from Tessa to look at his friend. "They stayed at the Sheriff's office for a few minutes. They should be here in a second or two."

 Ally nodded.

 "Laya, who are Buck and JD?" Tessa drawled casually.

 "The other two guys we ride with." Ally answered.

 Chris, Nathan, Josiah, Ezra and Vin. All shared a look. ‘Laya' Chris and Vin mouthed simultaneously.

 Tessa noted this and grinned over at Ally who shook her head swiftly. They didn't know Ally's full name. Why, Tessa didn't know but she'd find out.

 "I'm telling ya Buck! I could've handled him!" A young man's voice rang out.

 "And I'm tellin' you, you've got your ass shot off!" Another man's voice, deeper, countered.

 The two voices drew Tessa's attention to the saloon's doors. Just stepping through were two men. The shorter of the two was obviously the younger. He was slender with coal black hair and dark brown eyes wearing a bowler hat. The taller was a typical picture of a cowboy, Handsome, western hat, jacket and, like the younger man, wore a gunbelt.

 Ally grinned. Buck and JD were at it again. But then, when weren't they at it?

 Tessa looked at her friend and noticed the amusement in the Cheyenne's dark eyes. Apparently these two were Buck and JD.

 Buck stopped short when he saw Tessa. A huge grin split his features. "JD! Quick! Have I been shot?" He asked, grabbing his friend.

 "What! No, why?" JD looked over at his friend with a curious look in his eyes.

 "Cause I'm seein' an angel!" Buck shot Tessa one of his killer grins.

 Chris felt a sudden urge to tell Buck to get the hell away from. It was accompanied by an urge to shoot the man.

 Chris blinked. ‘Was he jealous?'

 "Ally who is this stunning creature?" Buck said, kissing Tessa's hand.

 "Buck Wilmington this is Tessa Benoit."

 "A sincere pleasure Ms. Benoit." Buck said with a smile.

 "I'm sure it is." Tessa said calmly.

 Ally smothered a laugh. Buck had no idea that his attempts to flirt with the beautiful Southerner would get him absolutely nowhere with her. However by the look in Chris' eyes. Buck might get himself in a whole heap of trouble, a heap by the name of Larabee.

 Ally nudged Vin gently and nodded almost imperceptibly towards Chris. Vin blinked in surprise when he saw the look in the gunslinger's eyes.

 He turned back to look at Ally. ‘He's jealous!' Vin mouthed in disbelief.

 Ally nodded knowingly. She knew that she and Vin would discuss this later. Probably when they rode out to check the Andersons and the Statlers ranches the next day.

 Buck waited for Tessa to sit before he himself sat. "So Ms. Benoit..."

 "Tessa," Tessa interrupted smoothly.

 "Tessa," Buck acknowledged. "What brings you to Four Corners."

 "Laya actually."

 "Laya?"

 "That would be me." Ally interrupted lifting her glass.

 "I thought your name was Ally?" JD put in.

 "Its my nickname. So is Laya." Ally responded.

 "But..." JD trailed off when he saw Vin give him a meaningful look. Ally was a woman who liked her secrets and she kept them well.

 "Laya invited me to come to Four Corners a few months ago. She needed a hand."

 "Oh so you're a doctor." Nathan said smiling.

 "No...it's just experience from...well...from life." A shadow fell across Tessa's face. Like a door closing. Nathan's statement had tapped into something he wasn't meant to know.

 Vin looked over at Ally. The look on Tessa's face was the same look Chris got when one of them asked something that dug too deeply into his past. Ally's warning look confirmed Vin's suspicions. There was a part of Tessa's past that was not open for inspection. A very large part.

 "Well, Tessa, welcome to our little corner of paradise." Buck said with another grin. "I'm sure you'll enjoy what Four Corners has to offer."

 Her eyes locked with Chris' and Tessa responded. "Oh I'm sure I will."

 Ally saw to it that Tessa got a room at a hotel and made sure the beautiful Southerner was settled in.

 Her presence soon became a normal thing. However it was obvious right from the start that Tessa was another Ally Dusalle only with a southern accent and a dress.

 Her poker games with Ezra became a weekly event. The locals loved to watch the two Southerners play. It was fun to watch Ezra lose hand after hand to the blue eyed beauty.

 Tessa and Ally's friendly horse races also became regular. Chris Larabee's attendance at these races was also a regular thing.

 Everyone in the group watched Chris and Tessa's relationship grow into a good solid friendship. In fact they encouraged it. Buck was careful not to cross the line with his friendly flirting. The rest of them continually found reasons to leave the two of them alone together.

 Despite all this Tessa remained the tiniest bit distant. There was a sadness in her eyes that no one could identify. No one but Ally and the beautiful Cheyenne was tightlipped about her friend's past.

 So tightlipped in fact, that the guys soon stopped asking.

 The one person in town Tessa had a problem with was Mary Travis. And she repeatedly told Ally so.

 In fact that was what they were talking about one day as Tessa helped Ally move her medical supplies onto a room adjacent to Ally's own that was serving as a clinic.

 "I just don't understand that woman Laya! I mean look at what you told me about how  she treated those poor workin' girls during that whole escapade with Wickes! There was nothing good or Christian about her behaviour!" Tessa said angrily as she helped Ally push a bed into place. "The Lord certainly would have..."

 "Helped them without hesitation." Ally interrupted serenely. "I know."

 Tessa snapped a sheet in the air, letting it settle gently to the bed. "Exactly. In order to be a good Christian woman wouldn't a woman do as He did?" She didn't wait for Ally's response much to the Cheyenne's amusement. Once Tessa was angry about something that was it. She was a very opinionated woman. Which was both her greatest strength and her greatest weakness. "But then look at what she did for Terry and Olivia! She's a walking double standard! It's infuriating! It's ok to help a woman who just got out of prison but its not Christian or decent to help a young woman who got trapped in the wrong kind of lifestyle!" Tessa shook her head, sending her blond hair swirling. "I'll never understand that woman. I swear I won't. She has a son yet she won't let him come live with her." Tessa frowned sadly. "If I could have T...well...If I was in her place I would move heaven and earth to have my son with me."

 "Well, I know things have happened that caused her to decide to send Billy to live with her husband's parents." Ally said reasonably. "And as for the rest of it, that's just something Mary'll have to deal with herself." She wasn't all that fond of Mary Travis herself but like Vin had once said. Ally'd speak up for her worst enemy if she thought there was something to defend.

 "True." Tessa acknowledged. "But still..."

 It was at that moment Chris chose to walk in. " Mornin' Chris." Tessa drawled, a smile lighting up her blue eyes.

 "Morning Tessa." Chris said smiling himself.

 "Chris you're right on time!" Ally announced with a mischievous smile.

 "No." Chris said firmly. "Whatever it is, no."

 "But Chris," Ally pouted slightly. "I haven't even asked you yet."

 Knowing that unless he asked, Ally would never let it go, Chris spoke. "All right. What is it?"

 "Could you help us carry a few supplies up from downstairs?" Ally asked sweetly.

 "No. Get Nathan or Buck."

 Ally sighed. "But I can't. Buck's off somewhere with Blossom or some other girl. Nathan's gone to gather up some herbs for me. JD's at the Sheriff's office, Vin's out checking on Nettie. Ezra doesn't do menial labor and Josiah's busy at the church. Thus you are my only choice."

 Chris shook his head. " I can't I'm sorry."

 Ally looked exasperated then she glanced over at Tessa with a request in her eyes. Tessa saw the request and agreed to it. "Ally, why don't y'all go on ahead and start bringin' everything up?" She suggested with a smile.

 "All right." Ally ducked past Chris and hurried out the door.

 Chris looked over at Tessa and saw the determined glint in the Southerner's baby blues. "Uh oh..." He said softly.

 "Y'know Chris, it's only a couple of li'l ole crates." Tessa began with a small gesture. "It shouldn't take up much of your precious time. Besides, none of the boxes are all that heavy." She smiled beguilingly.

 Chris heaved a sigh. Tessa was cunning woman. She knew how to manipulate a man. And she was good at it.

 "Please, Chris..." Tessa's blue eyes  went wide and innocent. "For me..."

 Chris felt himself give in. "All right." He agreed finally.

 Tessa smiled widely. "Thank you Chris!" She said brightly and impulsively stretched up to kiss his cheek...and missed.

 Chris, not realizing what Tessa was doing, turned to look at her.

 Tessa's lips landed, instead, on his.

 Both were surprised, both at the kiss itself but at the fact Tessa did not pull back and neither did Chris. In fact, a few seconds into the kiss he groaned in surrender and pulled her tightly against him.

 The kiss was gentle, filled with a tender and welcoming passion. It was also hesitant. As if neither one could believe what they were doing.

 The kiss deepened and showed little sign of ending quickly.

 Until that is, a loud thumping interrupted them.

 "Hey Tess! Gimme a hand will you!" Ally's voice said speaking a little louder than normal so as to be heard through the door.

 Reluctantly Chris slid his arms free and stepped back. They stood there for a moment, staring at each other, breathing heavily.

 "Hey Tess!" Ally called louder now. Kicking at the door slightly with her foot.

 Tessa tore her eyes from Chris' and turned to the door.

 Chris stood quietly, unable to believe what had just occurred. He'd held Tessa in his arms. He'd kissed Tessa and most importantly...he'd enjoyed it!

 Ally smiled widely when Tessa opened the door. "Thanks Tess! I was starting to get tired." She carried the crates inside and put them on the table.

 Chris and Tessa shared a look, neither one moving to assist Ally in removing the crates contents.

 Ally noticed the silence in the room and sneaked a glance at the man and woman behind her. The look in their eyes confirmed her suspicions. Something had finally happened between the two of them and what that something was Ally had a pretty good guess.

 She coughed softly, drawing their attention.

 "Umm..." Chris hesitated for a moment, trying to find something to say. "Are there anymore crates downstairs?"

 Ally nodded. "Could you go get them for me please?"

 Chris managed a nod before ducking out the door.

 Ally immediately spun to face a pleasantly flushed Tessa.

 "All right sugah," She said deliberately putting a thick drawl in her voice. "What just
happened here?"

 Tessa looked innocent for a moment until it was clear Ally wasn't buying then smiled softly. "We...that is Chris and I....well...we...we kissed."

 "WHAT!" Ally burst out. "And I missed it! More to the point...I interrupted it!"

 Tessa's smile turned to laughter.

 Ally joined her and the two women laughed for several minutes until Ally paused. "It's good to see you smiling again." She said softly. "Because of a man I mean."

 Tessa's eyes grew sad. "I never thought I would again. I still can't believe it happened."

 "Hey ladies! The door!" Chris' voice interrupted their conversation.

 Tessa immediately moved to the door and opened it.

 Chris smiled when he saw her. Suddenly the boxes in his arms seemed awful heavy.
Most likely due to the fact that all he wanted to do was drop them and pull the beautiful
southerner into his arms and kiss her senseless.

 Maybe what Josiah'd said to him last night was true. Tessa was his own personal angel. A light sent by God to dispel the darkness he'd surrounded himself with.

 "Need a hand Mr. Larabee?" Tessa drawled playfully, leaning against the doorframe.

 "Why I believe I do Ms. Benoit. How's about offering one?"

 Tessa considered this for a moment then said simply, "No."

 Chris blinked. "Excuse me?"

 "A southern lady of my station does not do menial labour."

 "I've got to talk to Ezra. He's starting to rub off on you." Chris grumbled.

 Tessa laughed. "I should say not. Mr. Standish wouldn't have opened the door to begin with." She blinked, her eyes wide with innocence.

 Chris shook his head and laughed. "Tessa Benoit. You are trouble." He commented, walking into the room.

 "And you know it." Tessa countered.

 Chris put the crates down and leaned close. "Actually I like trouble. When it comes in a package as pretty as you."

 Tessa blushed.

An hour later they'd finished putting Ally's supplies away so they headed for the saloon.

 Ally had gone ahead to talk to Vin, leaving Tessa and Chris to stroll along in companionable silence.

 "Ma'am!" A young boy ran up. He had an envelope in one hand and he was breathing hard. "Ma'am this is for you."

 Tessa smiled. "Thank you, sugar." She said taking the envelope and handing the boy a coin.

 He started off and Tessa opened the envelope.

 Upon seeing its contents she stopped dead in her tracks.

 "Tess?" Chris spoke softly. He received no answer, even though he'd called her by the nickname she only permitted Ally to address her as. "Ally!" He yelled.

 The beautiful Cheyenne turned and saw the expression on Tessa's face. She started to run back to them.

 "Stop the boy!" Chris yelled.

 Vin nodded and took off after the boy. Satisfied that Vin would handle it, Chris turned his attentions back to the petite Southerner next to him.

 Tessa was shaking. In her hands she held a lock of blond hair around which was tied a blue ribbon and a sheet of paper. A sheet of paper on which was written.

 Ally took the paper and lock of hair from Tessa and blanched white. Tessa promptly fainted.

 Chris caught her then, noticing Ally start to sway, called out to Buck. "Buck! Catch her!"

 Buck blinked in surprise but nevertheless he wrapped a strong arm around Ally's waist and the petite Cheyenne slumped against him. Shock written all over her delicate features.

 ‘Hey mister! Lemme go!"

 Vin walked up with the young boy by the collar.  The boy was swinging at him but Vin ignored it and his protests and handed him over to Josiah. He then took over supporting Ally from Buck.

 "Where'd you get that letter boy?" Chris demanded.

 The young boy stared at Chris, fear in his eyes.

 "Where'd you get the letter?" Chris repeated.

 "A...a man sir, a tall man."

 "What'd he look like?" Chris snapped getting angry.

 "Skinny sir, with short dark hair. His face was real pale and he had a scar. A big scar right down his cheek."

 Chris nodded. The boy was observant. "What was he wearing?"

 "He was dressed like him." The boy pointed at Ezra. " ‘Cept his hat was different it was lighter."

 "Let him go." Chris said with a nod at Josiah. "If you see him again you tell me." He instructed. "Ally?"

 The beautiful Cheyenne straightened up slightly but Vin didn't loosen his grip. "Yes Chris?"

 "I want an explanation and I want it now."

 "All right." Ally nodded and they all moved to the saloon.

 Tessa sank into the chair next to Chris. Her beautiful face was pale. "Laya," She put the letter and lock of hair on the table. "You tell it." She whispered.

 Ally nodded.

 "A little over a year ago, Tessa was living in Colorado with...with her husband," She hesitated no noticing the looks of surprise on several of the guys faces." And her two children. Four year old Travis John, better known as TJ and...and...one year old Allayiah."

 Chris' heart seized in his chest. Suddenly he knew why Tessa had been so understanding when he'd told her about the ordeal with Fowler. She, too, had lost a child...children.

 "Both Tessa and her husband were federal agents. Of the Secret Service. Tessa'd been off work since TJ's birth. Travis hadn't. He'd been working steadily. But one day Tessa received an assignment. To escort a female prisoner to her parole supervisor. I went with her. When we returned....we...found...The house burned down Travis was dead and so was...was TJ. Travis'd been shot... and TJ was drowned. There was no sign of little Allayiah. So I searched for her. All I found was one ribbon. The one that matches the one in the envelope. Allayiah was presumed dead."

 "I moved home to Georgia and stayed there until Laya sent for me." Tessa interrupted quietly.

 "Ms. Benoit...I'm so sorry...I had no idea..." Mary Travis stood in the doorway. They'd been sitting at a table next to the door so Mary must've overheard them while walking past.

 "This, Mrs. Travis, is a private conversation. I do not recollect inviting you to join in." Tessa's voice was cold and her blue eyes were two glittering chips of ice.

 Surprised at her vehemence, Mary backed out.

 "So this lock of hair means..." Buck gently picked up the lock of hair.

 "That whoever took my daughter did not kill her. But kept her." Tessa looked angry enough to kill.

 "So what are we going to do about it?" JD demanded suddenly.

 Everyone looked at JD in surprise.

 "Well?" JD was angrier than anyone had ever seen him.

 "We shall hunt them down. Take back the child and relieve the felon os his lungs and several other vital organs."  Ezra said calmly taking a swig of whiskey from his silver flask. "Agreed?"

 Ally nodded firmly. "Agreed."

 The men all nodded at once. " Agreed." They chorused.

 "Ally, Vin. You two get your horses, see if you can't find a trail. We'll join you once we're ready. This guy can't be far away." Chris ordered calmly. Ally and Vin immediately rose and left. "Josiah, Buck, you two get the supplies we'll need for a couple of days. Nathan you get
Ally's medical bag. Fill it up with whatever she may need and take it to her. Then you get one for yourself. JD, Ezra, Tessa, you three come with me. We'll get the horses ready." Chris stood. "Ok...let's go." Everyone stood and headed for the door. "Tessa?" He grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. "Are you all right?"

Tessa nodded. "I just want my little girl back."

Chris touched her cheek. Well, if its humanly possible. I'll get her back for you. I promise." He pressed a kiss to her forehead then picked up the letter and lock of hair, put them back into the envelope and slipped them into his pocket.

 Ally and Vin set out immediately after Nathan brought her, her medical bag.

 They rode in silence, both searching for a trail. It had rained the night before so the ground was soft enough for a horse to leave decent tracks. It didn't take long for Vin to spot the tracks of three different horses riding in tandem.

 Upon finding the trail they stopped to wait for the group to catch up to them.

 "Allayiah..." Vin surmised quietly. "She was named after you wasn't she?"

 Ally blinked in surprise then nodded. "Yes."

 "What does the name mean?"

 "Daughter of the wolf." Ally said simply.

  "There was more to the story wasn't there?" Vin said turning a piercing look on her. "You didn't tell us everything."

 Ally sighed in frustration. "It was my fault Vin. I sensed something was wrong but I brushed it off. Dismissed it as Indian superstition. Back then I was pretty skeptical of my people's instincts." She dismounted and tied Black up near a tree. "I could have stopped it! I could have saved them."

 Vin frowned and dismounted as well. "Ally, listen to me. You didn't know what was happening. Yes you sensed something was wrong. But for all you knew TJ might have skinned a knee or Allayiah gotten sick. You ain't no clairvoyant Ally. You couldn't've known what was really going on. There was no way you could've stopped it."

 Vin placed a supportive hand on her neck and rubbed it in a comforting motion.

 Ally, surprised at her own reaction, barely held in a moan of pleasure. What was....no... She wasn't...attracted to Vin? Ally sneaked a glance at Vin. Yup. She was. But then again he was easy on the eyes. She'd noticed he had a tendency to lean and when he did Ally felt cold shivers go up and down her spine. But she knew the attraction was more than physical. There was something in Vin that just drew her naturally. "Thanks Vin." She said softly.

 "No problem...Allayiah.' He grinned at her then mounted up on his horse.

 The guys rode up at that moment with Tessa, preventing Ally from commenting. As she mounted up, Vin explained their findings to Chris.

 "Let's go." Chris said when Vin was done. "Good work you two."

 As they started off and Vin's horse fell into step with Black, Ally looked over and glared at Vin.

 Vin smiled slyly, his blue eyes twinkling. "Daughter of the wolf...I think it suits you." Then he rode ahead.

 "Daughter of the what?" Came out of JD.

 Ally glared at him as well and nudged Black into a trot, moving him ahead.

 It was a long ride. But finally night began to fall.

 Reluctantly Chris decided to stop and make camp.

 Each member of the group settled down to rest but it was a long time before any of them fell asleep.

 It was just before dawn when Ally awoke. Everyone else was still sleeping.

 With stealthy movements she packed her things then crept to Black's side, where she strapped everything to her saddle then led the stallion out around the group and onto the path where she quickly found the trail again.

 With an easy grace she swung into the saddle. She'd find Allayiah if it killed her.

 Vin's eyes flew open with lightening quickness and he sat up.
 
 Something was wrong.

 Concerned he looked around, doing a quick head count. When he only counted eight heads he knew what had woken him.

 Ally was gone. He looked over to check if Black was still tied up. He wasn't.

 "Chris, everyone! Get up now. Ally's gone." He said loudly grabbing his coat.

 "WHAT!" JD flew upright grabbing for his gun. "Who took her?"

 "No one. Black's gone. None of the other horses was disturbed and there's only one set of tracks. Small ones...Ally sized."

 Chris cursed. "I'm gonna kill her."

 "Not if I get her first." Vin muttered.

 Ally Dusalle, granddaughter of Grey Wolf. Captured by a stupid, boorish white man. An incredibly stupid white man.

 They were stupid enough to light a fire in the early morning, despite the fact that someone was probably looking for them. She was also relieved at their stupidity however. It would work in her favor.

 She hadn't seen any signs of Allyaiah yet. Or her captor.

 She leaned forward and stared moodily into the fire. At least Black had escaped. By now he'd found Aenohe and was probably waiting nearby for her.

 Ally winced when she thought of what Chris' reaction would be when they rescued her...not to mention Vin's.

 Behind her Ally caught snitches of conversation. The words, ‘gorgeous', ‘breed' and ‘a little fun' were being tossed around. Never a good sign.

 She tensed, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. She was not disappointed.

 "Hey darlin'." One young man sat next to her. A plate of food in hand.

 Ally spotted the knife in his hand and debated her chances of getting it away from him. Pretty good she figured. Considering his, to quote Ezra, rather overzealous state of inebriation. Translation: he was falling down drunk.

 "Oeskeso!" She spat at him.

 "Listen here, darlin' I'm just bein' friendly." He protested.

 "Well go find some workin' girl to be ‘friendly' with." Ally sneered in disgust. Deliberately trying to get a reaction out of him.

 "Now, you listen to me, breed. You should be thankful, squaw, that a white man would show interest in you!" He moved closer and grabbed at her hair.

 Ally cursed mentally as he yanked her head backwards. It hurt! She eased her bound hands into her lap. Waiting for the right moment.

 It came when he moved his other hand to grab at her face. The knife fell, forgotten, onto his knee. Swiftly she pulled it into her hands and began cutting through her bonds.

 She'd just finished cutting when a voice rang out.

 "Matthews! Leave her alone!"

 "Aw...come on, Mr. Samuels. We was jus' havin a little fun."

 "Yes, well I don't pay you to have fun I pay you to watch the perimeter. Now git!"

 Reluctantly the young man rose and walked away.

 "My apologies Ms. Dusalle. Or is it Doctor?" The handsome Californian sat next to her.

 "Austin Samuels. I knew it was you." Ally sneered. Then quick as lightening she wrapped the remnants of her bonds around his neck and squeezed.

 He gasped and the men around them started to move. "I wouldn't." She cautioned. "Ill break his neck..."

 They all moved back.

 "Now," Ally said softly. "Where is she?"

 Samuels gasped and grabbed at the rope. "I can't breathe."

 "You won't either. Not until you bring her out."

 "The girl!" Samuels managed. "Get the girl!"

 Ally loosened the rope but kept it around his neck. Ready to tighten it again.

 One of the men appeared with a sleepy young girl by the hand.

 She had long dark blond hair and her eyes were the sweetest blue.

 Ally held her breath. Allayiah had been barely over a year old when she'd been taken. It
was doubtful she'd even recognize Ally let alone remember her. But nonetheless, Ally waited
expectantly. Hoping...

 The little girl looked at Ally.

 "Hello Allayiah..." Ally managed.
 Allayiah tilted her head to one side in a perfect imitation of Tessa, and scrutinized Ally.

 Just as Ally was beginning to think the child didn't remember her a huge smile broke out over Allayiah's face.

 "Aunt LAYA!" She squealed breaking free of the man's grip and running for Ally.

 Ally dropped the rope and snatched the child into her arms. "Ka'eskone..." She crooned softly.  Ally fought back tears but she lifted the little girl into her arms and stood, resting Allayiah on one hip.

 Samuels was still weak from her attack and thinking quickly, Ally acted.

 She snatched his gun out of his holster and pointed it at him.

 "The child and I will be leavin' now. If anyone attempts to stop me, your employer will die and I severely doubt he's paid you recently."

 All the men looked hesitant.

 "KILL HER!" Samuels yelled. "She won't shoot! She wouldn't dare!"

 Ally cocked the gun and grinned. "As I have said before. I ride with Chris Larabee. What do you think?"

 Samuels hesitated then watched as Ally backed into the trees.

 The minute she and Allayiah were within the safety of the trees Ally turned and started to run. As she did so she holstered her newly acquired gun and whistled.

 Black appeared up ahead.

 Ally put Allayiah up on him then swung up herself.

 "Go Black!" She yelled and the horse leapt into a gallop.

 "Rider coming!" Vin called from where he'd climbed to get a better vantage point of the
area near the camp. "It's Black! Looks like Ally's on him!"

  Tessa smiled, JD whooped, while Buck sighed a happy little sigh.

 They all dismounted to wait.

 It wasn't a very long wait for moments later. Black galloped into the clearing. Ally reined him to a stop and smiled at them.

 "Ally Dusalle!" Chris advanced on her. "Just what the..."

 "Shhhh!" Ally hissed. "Not in front of the child."

 "What?" Chris was confused.

 At that moment Allayiah leaned around Ally and said. "Aunt Laya, that was fun! Let's do it again!" She glanced over at Tessa. "Hi mama!" She waved cheerfully.

 Tessa fainted.

 "You know she's been doing that a lot lately." JD commented as Chris caught her on the way down.

 "Mama's takin' a nap?" Allayiah questioned innocently.

 "Somethin' like that." Buck said grinning.

 "Chris, I would suggest we get a move on." Ally spoke up. "Once Samuels is done yellin' he'll want to have a word with me. And it won't be a nice word."

 Chris nodded. "I imagine so. He's got the right idea I think." He handed Tessa to Josiah then mounted up and took her into his arms once more. "Lets go. JD, take Tessa's horse with yours."

 JD nodded and they all mounted up and rode off at a gallop. All but Vin and Ally who lingered for a moment.

 "Of all the crazy, foolish..." Vin began.

 "It worked didn't it?" Ally grinned in mischief. "Hold on Allayiah!" She instructed.

 "Yes Aunt Laya." The little girl responded then squealed in delight when Black jumped into a gallop.

 Vin shook his head. "Come on Sire." He said to his horse then nudged the horse into a gallop.

 "ONE WOMAN! YOU COULDN'T SHOOT ONE WOMAN!" Samuels roared.

 The men around him cringed.

 "SHE WALTZED OUT OF HERE WITH THE GIRL! AND NO ONE! NOT ANY OF YOU TRIED TO STOP HER!"

 "Sir, she had a gun pointed at you. She could've killed you." One volunteered.

 "SHE IS A WOMAN! SHE IS A VERY TINY WOMAN! SHE COULD BARELY HOLD THE GUN UP! ONE OF YOU COULD'VE HIT HER!" He yelled. "BREAK CAMP! WE'RE
GOING AFTER THEM!"

 No one moved. They were too afraid.

 "GO!!!!" He roared.

 The men rushed to their horses and rode out of camp.

 When Tessa woke, she was lying on her bed in her room. Chris was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at her with a smile.
 
 "Chris...it...is...she...was that really my daughter?"
 
 Chris nodded. "She's beautiful." He looked towards the door. "And quite a handful. She's outside with Ally. Waiting to see you. Would you like me to go get her?"
 
 Tessa nodded. "Very much,"

 Chris smiled as he rose. Tessa's eyes followed him as he walked over to the door. Was it possible? Was her little girl really alive?

 Her hopes were confirmed when Chris opened the door and a tiny little blond girl raced in. "Mama!" Allayiah cried in delight as she scrambled up onto the bed and into her mother's arms.

 "Oh sweetie..." Tessa sighed. Rocking her daughter in her arms. "It feels so wonderful to have you in my arms again."

 Allayiah clung to her mother. "Mama, I love you."

 Tears welled up in Tessa's blue eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Over a year ago Allayiah had only been able to say. ‘Mama luv ya!' To hear it again, she thought her heart would burst with the joy of it all. "Oh Baby I love you to!" She said fiercely hugging her daughter with a ferocity that would've surprised even Ally. "I love you too."

 Allayiah pulled back and looked at her mother's face. "Mama, You're cryin'."

 Tessa smiled tearfully. "Yes sweetie I am."

 "But why?" Allayiah was confused.

 "Because I'm happy sweetie." Tessa brushed a hand over here daughter's hair. "I'm happy I've got my little girl back again."
 

 Chris watched them from the doorway with a mixed look of longing, happiness and agony on his face.

 A gentle hand touched his shoulder. Ally smiled up at him with a supportive look in her eyes.

 Chris nodded at her. Acknowledging the gesture.

 The duo turned and walked out. Closing the door gently behind them.

 "You pulled a crazy stunt today." Chris said to the petite Cheyenne the minute they were clear of the door. His voice was angry.

 "I knew what I was doing." Ally said calmly.

 "Yeah, tryin' to get yourself killed!" Chris snapped.

 Ally frowned. "I had to do something Chris! We lost Allayiah once before and I wasn't about to let her go again! I wouldn't put Tessa though that loss again. Allayiah's pretty much all she has in this world and I had to get her back." Ally's tone was determined and not the slightest bit apologetic.

 Chris turned to look into her dark eyes. He held the look for a long time then nodded. "Pull that kind of a stunt again ," He warned firmly. "And I'll shoot you myself."

 Ally grinned wickedly. "Not a problem. I've seen your aim." She teased before walking away.

 "Any sign of them?" Ally's voice spoke softly from behind Vin.

 The tracker glanced up at her. "Nope."

 "They'll be here soon." Ally said with a grin. "I think I pretty much humiliated Samuels."

 Vin had positioned himself atop one of the higher buildings in town and was watching for Samuels and his men.

 Ally dropped down next to Vin and took the proffered spyglass to scan the horizon.
 "You took a hell of a chance today." Vin said quietly.

 Ally shrugged. "It was worth the risk." She closed up the spyglass and handed it back to Vin. "We got Allayiah back didn't we?"

 "And nearly got you killed. "Vin countered with a frown.

 Ally looked over at him. "But I didn't. Samuels' men couldn't hit the livery if they were
inside it at the time!" She said sarcastically.

 Vin didn't smile. "I'm serious Ally. You could've been killed!" Vin said with a touch of anger in his voice.

 Ally sat quietly for a moment just looking into Vin's face. "But I wasn't." She said softly. "I'm fine."

 Vin opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off by Aneohe, who swept down between them, screeching and flapping his wings. He did this for a moment then leapt back into the air.

 "They're here." Ally said quietly.

 Samuels and his men rode into a ghost town. The seven had ordered all the residents into their homes and were to under no circumstances come out until the shooting had ceased.

 Allayiah had been taken to Mrs. Potter's until it was safe.

 The seven along with Ally and Tessa, positioned themselves along main street. All were armed and ready.

 Samuels fixed an icy glare on Chris' face. "Where is the child and her mother?" He demanded.

 "Allayiah's safe." Chris responded calmly. "As for her mother..."

 "I'm right here!" Tessa called out as she strode out into the open.

 "Well, well, well. It's been a long time hasn't it Ms. Benoit?" Samuels leaned forward on
his horse with a fake smile on his face.

 Tessa's posture was rigid and her blue eyes were chips of ice.

 "Hello Mr. Samuels." She said frostily. "I'd say it's a pleasure to see you again but I'd be lying."

 Samuels' smile turned dangerous. "Still as pleasant as ever I see."

 Chris stepped up behind Tessa, his eyes dangerous. "What do you want Samuels?"

 "And you are?" Samuels rested back in his saddle.

 "Chris Larabee," Chris said evenly. "What do you want?"

 "The child. And her mother." Samuels responded calmly.

 "Sir, am I to understand that you actually are of the inclination that we should simply hand Ms. Benoit and her daughter over to you like so much chattal?" Ezra drawled casually  walking out to stand at Tessa's other shoulder.

  Samuels nodded.

 "Sir, have you taken leave of your senses?" Ezra's voice was drier than a desert.

 "Not that I'm aware of." Samuels retorted.

 "You are not taking my daughter!" Tessa said firmly.

 "And you're certainly not taking Tessa!" Ally snapped walking out.

 "Ah the escape artist." Samuels glared at her. "I was wondering where you'd gotten to."

 "If I was you, Mr. Samuels, And I'm glad I ain't, I would turn tail and run right now." Vin said dangerously.

 "How many of you are there?" Samuels asked crossly.

 "Enough." Buck answered, walking out into the open, accompanied by JD, Nathan and Josiah.

 "I am taking them." Samuels said doggedly. "Whether you gentlemen and ladies object or not."

 "Well guess what..." Chris said coldly. "We object."

 They raised their guns.

 "Don't hit Samuels!" Tessa yelled. "He's mine!"

 The Seven and Ally all nodded.

 Samuels and his men dismounted and fanned out.

 Tessa pulled a gun of her own. "Samuels!" She yelled, racing headlong through the gunfire, after him.

 She cornered him in an alleyway. "Why?" She hissed.

 "Many reasons Ms. Benoit. Many reasons." Samuels answered. "None of which I will divulge."

 "Oh you will divulge them." Tessa hissed. "Or you will die...slowly."

 "No."

 "Tell me!" Tessa screamed and launched herself at him.

 They grappled together for a moment. Tessa was smaller but she was no debutante and held her own.

 Samuels managed to get a grip on Tessa's arms and tossed her against a wall.

 Tessa impacted hard then slid to the ground with a thud. Her entire body was aflame with pain and her mind was groggy as she tried to focus on Samuels.

 He stood over her with her gun in his hand and the last thing Tessa saw before she blacked out was Samuels raising the gun.

 Tessa winced against the light shining on her closed eyelids and the sound of Ally's boots on the hardwood floor.

 "Tessa?" Ally's soft voice was soothing as her hands touched Tessa's forehead and her wrist.

 "The light..." Tessa whispered.

 "Nathan, please close the drapes." Ally asked quietly. "Better Tess?" She inquired when he had done so.

 Tessa nodded slowly. "Much." She eased her eyes open. "What happened?"

 Ally frowned.  "We were hoping you could tell us."

  Tessa looked puzzled. "What're y'all trying to say Laya?"

 "We found you unconcious in an alleyway. Samuels was gone."

 "Where?" Tessa demanded.

 "No idea. Vin can't find a trace anywhere." Ally reported sadly.

 Tessa groaned in frustration. "I'll get him." She vowed. "You know that right Laya...he is mine!"

 "Of that I have no doubt." Ally responded with a smile. "Now rest."

 Down the hall, Chris Larabee sat on his bed with the lock of hair in his hands. It wasn't fair that Tessa hadn't gotten the justice she wanted. But at least she had Allayiah back. And that was enough...for now.

 He gripped the hair and ribbon for a moment then slid them back into the envelope.

 ‘Someday.' He promised it. ‘Someday you will pay Samuels. You'll pay for stealing a year of that little girl's life away from her mamma.' "You will pay." He vowed aloud.