Well I’m not big on dedications, but it seems this story needs one. You see, I wasn’t supposed to write this myself, I was going to have help. But as it tends to do, real life interfered. But Andi did her part in the planning of this, so she deserves credit for that as well as her awesome role-playing abilities. And Ivy…this wasn’t meant to be your story, but since Andi put you in the title, we can’t help but call it yours…So this is for you two. May the ivy between us live on and the holly die out. ~Messa
December 1874
Teaser
Preston sat at his desk, tightly clutching a piece of paper. He had already read the letter three times, but had yet to truly absorb the news. Preston’s eyes returned to the page and read the short letter once more.
Could it be true? Was she really coming to Colorado? He read the beginning for the fifth time. She was coming. It wasn’t his imagination. She was coming to Colorado Springs. For a moment, his heart leapt for joy. The mere thought of her made his knees weak. Pure happiness surged through him.
But it didn’t last. The memories of things past rose within him. All the things he had been trying to forget quickly returned and nothing he did would suppress the anger he felt. What she did was unforgivable. How did she even dare to come and intrude on his new life, the life he had without her.
Why? Why would she be coming? Was it to see him? What business would she have with him after all these years? What was it now? Five years. It seemed longer. She knew when he left how he felt. She should know not to try and change what had happened. That part of his life was over. The part he spent in Boston. Only little things reminded him. His father, the nagging of his four older brothers. But her…she was only a memory.
The again, why, if she was only a memory, would her visit be distressing him so badly? If she was only a memory could he not simply dismiss her visit? She could stay as long as she wished and no one ever had to know they knew one another. He would not see her and she would not dare mention his name. It would be perfect. No contact with the past whatsoever.
But, if she truly had no desire to see him, why would she have even written him. Could she truly not move on without him in Boston? Was she serious in her statement that she was coming to see him? As much as he didn’t want it to be true, that is what she said. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad. Things could have changed from the way they were when he left Boston. Yes. It would be a pleasant visit.
She would, of course, want to see his bank and the chateau. But what would she think of them? True, they were fine establishments for Colorado Springs, but compared to the luxuries she was used to in Boston, they were nothing more then hole-in-the-wall saloons. She would be disappointed in them and in him. Yet another thing not good enough for her.
From the date on the letter, Preston knew she wouldn’t arrive for a few days. He could spruce things up a bit. Make them more to her liking, her style.
Then again, a few days didn’t leave much time for redecorating. It didn’t even leave time to fake the fancy Boston atmosphere she was used to. Luckily, Preston thought quickly. He had an idea. One sure to impress.
***
Dorothy knew it was a good offer. She’d be foolish not to take it. Just thinking about the feel of another book in her hands made her shiver with delight. She would always remember the excitement that ran through her bones when she first held her book in her hands. The thickness of the pages between her palms, the hard cover binding them together, the smell emanating from the mixture of paper and ink.
It was almost magical, the way that book made her feel. It was like nothing she had ever felt before. But the magic of “My Town,” did not last long. Soon after her friends began reading it, chaos ran through the town. Everyone was mad at her for writing what she did. Loren said she hadn’t written enough, Michaela, Jake, and the others said she wrote too much. How could she again put herself, and her friends, through that pain again? It just wasn’t worth it.
“I’m sorry Mr. Dummkopf, I cannot write another book.”
“What do you mean you cannot write another book?”
“I mean what I said.” Dorothy answered. “I cannot write another book.”
“That’s preposterous!”
“No it’s not. I have no further contract with you to write another book. I am perfectly able to refuse your offer.”
“You are able, yes, but do you think it wise?”
“More then wise.”
“I do not understand your logic.”
Not wanting to explain the turmoil of her last book, Dorothy simply said, “There really is no logic to it Mr. Dummkopf. I simply cannot write another book.”
“Ms. Jennings, I beg you to reconsider. You’re first book sold better then any other I’ve published. I have no doubt that my readers would love more of your work.”
“You’re readers want more of what I cannot give.”
“Of course you can! Just sit down and write it. There has to be more that’s happened in this little town since the first book was published.”
“Oh plenty has happened. But I will not write about it.”
“You could be world famous!”
“I highly doubt that.”
“Ms. Jennings, may I be frank with you?” Mr. Dummkopf didn’t even wait for her to respond. “I need your book. All my other writers are dead. They work just isn’t selling like it used to. I can’t risk starting with a new writer. I need you. I need you’re work. It sells. The people love it. Please write me another book. I’m desperate.”
For a moment, Dorothy felt sorry for the publisher. He really did sound desperate. She briefly considered a new book, but thought better of it. “I am truly sorry Mr. Dummkopf, but I must refuse. I cannot write another book about Colorado Springs.”
Anger, frustration, and desperation ran through Mr. Dummkopf. This woman was trying to ruin him. She knew another book was his only hope, yet she refused. Well her stubbornness would not last long. She would learn soon enough that she was making a big mistake by refusing an offer from Samuel Dummkopf.
“You’re making a big mistake Ms. Jennings.” Dummkopf growled. “You will regret this.”
Dorothy sat in silence while Mr. Dummkopf stormed out of her office and down the road towards the saloon. She didn’t understand why he was so angry or so desperate. But no matter what his situation was, she could not betray her friends again. It was not worth the pain.
***
“A ball?” the Reverend asked. He sat next to his fellow town members at a large table at Grace’s café. Loren, Jake, Hank, and Robert E, sat with him. Preston had come rushing to greet them with the news of his Winter Ball.
“That’s right.” Preston said. “With all the grandness of Boston. Brought right here to Colorado Springs at my Springs Chateau and Health Resort.”
“We don’t need nothing from Boston.” Loren grumbled.
“Don’t be so quick to dismiss it.” Preston said. “Just think, the chandelier will be lit, the tables adorned with all the finest cloths and dishes. Champagne glasses that sparkle in the light. And the ball room,” he continued with a flourish of his arm, “Will be shine. New drapes in a deep red will hang gracefully from the windows. Holly dangling from the candlesticks that will be hung on the walls.”
“Sounds a little fancy for the people ‘round here.” Robert E. said, not allowing Preston to continue with his plans.
“I agree.” Jake spoke. “How you expect any of us to afford that?”
“It’ll be free to everyone on the town council.” Preston offered. “It’ll be a Christmas celebration. I think it only right that I keep in the spirit of the season and give what I can.”
“And the rest of us?” Grace asked, placing pie in front of the conservationists.
“And their spouses.” He added, knowing she would go with Robert E, who held a place on the council.
Michaela and Sully sat at another table enjoying their lunch. They couldn’t help but overhear Preston’s announcement. “There are a lot of people not on the town council Preston.” Michaela said, not able to withhold her opinion.
“Everyone will be allowed to join the celebration.” Preston insisted. “Admission will be fair.”
“Fair for who?” Jake mumbled under his breath.
“For everyone.” Preston smiled. “That I will promise.”
“You’re promises aren’t worth much around here.” Hank pointed out.
“It will be the grandest Winter Ball anyone around here has ever seen.” Preston gleamed. “And you will all attend in your finest glory.”
Act I
As night fell upon Colorado Springs, the day was just beginning for the people who worked at the Gold Nugget. Hank and his girls were prepared for another rowdy night ahead. The men in town did not let them down. Not long after dark, the bar was alive. Music came from the expensive piano Hank had bought a few years back. A few of the girls wandered around, looking for potential customers. Others were going back and forth from the bar to various tables with drinks for the men.
But as Hank continued pouring glass after glass of his whisky, he didn’t notice the going-ons in the far corner of his saloon. A table full of poker players blocked the action, but soon there would be no way to ignore it.
A man was sitting in the corner, alone, mulling over a stack of papers. He had asked Marie for drinks every twenty minutes for the last 2 hours, but had done nothing else. He just sat in his corner, and drank. At least that’s what everyone else in the saloon had seen.
Throughout the night, the man had been making advances toward Marie. She didn’t think anything of it at first. Men were always acting that way with her. But as the night drew on, and the man had more to drink, his actions were less then welcome.
He pulled her down on his lap at one point. He was rough with her, gripping her arm so tightly she was certain to have a bruise shortly, pulling her so hard that rather then falling softly into his lap, her tiny body crashed into him. With her in his embrace, he forced a kiss on her, a hard one and pressed their lips jointly into her teeth. He stuck his tongue into her mouth, and she bit down hard.
The man smacked her across the cheek and threw her down on the table. A few people turned around at the commotion, but they all carried on with their business without a second thought to the girl. It wasn’t until the man tore her skirt and Marie yelled did anyone pay her attention.
A few of the other girls finally noticed the inappropriate behavior of the man and notified Hank. Still standing behind the bar, Hank looked across the crowd of people to the corner. He slammed a bottle of whiskey on the hard wood. Glass shattered across the bar and the alcohol seeped into the wood. Hank just stood watching for a few moments, but then jumped over the bar and rushed to the scene.
Taking the man up by the collar of his shirt, Hank threw him against the wall. He pinned the man there with one hand, the other reached for a half full bottle of whisky. “What do you think you’re doin?” Hank asked.
The man tore himself out of Hank’s grip. Hank let him free, but kept himself nearby. “Just getting what I paid for.” The man answered.
“That ain’t how you treat my girls.” As the man backed away, Hank continued to move closer, his hand still gripping the glass bottle. He took a swig of whisky and stepped forward. “I don’t take well to fellas manhandlin the merchandise.” Hank warned
“Well if you’d teach em the art of entertaining, I wouldn’t have to force them.” The man backed himself further away from Hank, and in the process found another whore. He flung her body against the wall and kissed her harshly. Moving his hand up her thigh and towards her chest, he said softly, “If you know what’s best, you won’t fight this.”
Hank could handle most attacks on his character, seeing as most of them were true, but this was going too far. With one great swing, Hank brought the whisky bottle down and smashed in on a nearby table. “Now ya cost me two bottles of whisky.” Hank said. “And you’re hurtin my girls. I suggest ya get outta here before I make ya.”
“I’m not intimidated by you.” The man replied. “And I’m sure you’re water can be replaced quite easily.”
Hank had had enough. He grabbed the man and drug him through the saloon. Bursting through the swinging doors, Hank threw him out into the street. “I don’t wanna see you’re face in my saloon again.”
***
Preston entered the dining room of the hotel and looked around. He then ran over to the ball room, and scanned it in much the same way. Plans had to be made, and quickly. In his head, he began to take notes on things to be done before the ball. The dining room would need new curtains, deep red ones. The tables would have cream-colored table clothes and he’d be using the fine china mother had ordered. Champagne glasses for every guest, with forest green napkins placed inside. New candles had to be ordered for each table, and for the chandelier.
Ah yes, the chandelier. There’d be another one installed in the ballroom, and the same red curtains. As he’d promised, holly would be hung from the candlesticks. Perhaps he could find some ivy and string it across the room. And the dance floor would have to be polished.
But all those things would be taken care of by his staff. Quickly jotting them information on a piece of paper, Preston left instructions at the front desk. He then went to his office and collected a few special purchases he’d gotten that morning. He hurried up to the third floor and unlocked the first room he came to. The room had been reserved for his visitor and Preston was adding a few things. He had ordered expensive linens from Boston, mints for the pillows, and most importantly, the brass tub for her luxury baths. He remembered how much she enjoyed them.
***
The day had finally come for Preston’s guest to arrive. The town had been kept uninformed of the visitor, so when Preston was found waiting anxiously at the train depot, more then a few townspeople took notice. Had this been an investor or important guest at the hotel, they would have known. Preston’s actions indicated someone notable, yet there was no news in the town gossip ring.
Preston stood on the platform, pacing back and forth. Although he was normally quite well dressed, his clean appearance was noted. Horace watched him from the window of his office. Jake and Loren had seen his swift trip towards the station and followed.
As people started to file out of the train, Preston kept his eyes on the door. Would she look the same? Was he coming with her? After days of making this trip seem like a good idea, Preston was starting to regret the visit. And she hadn’t even arrived yet!
But then he saw her. She stepped out of the train and gracefully placed one foot on the first step down. Pausing, she looked around at her destination. Preston noticed every move of her head, each blink of her eyes. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked just as beautiful as she had when he left Boston. Only then, he let his anger cloud his judgment. Having her here, so near, made everything in the past fade away. The women was in her own dazed state. She was continuously scanning the crowd, looking for Preston. She didn’t see him. Was it possible he hadn’t come to meet her? Of course it was possible. He had every reason to not want to see her. But deep down inside, she knew he was there. He had to be.
Then her eyes met his. The looked at one another only briefly. The woman's attention was called away by a harsh tugging at her dress. The woman swiftly turned back to the door of her train compartment. She looked down and smiled. Standing in front of her was a small boy, wildly jumping up and down. His small hand reached out and the woman took it. While still continuously jumping, the woman tried to lead the boy down the train steps. He hopped excitedly onto the first step, then even harder to the second.
The woman paused and attempted to calm her son. But her attempts led to nothing except a small boy jumping up and down on one step. She let go of his hand and allowed herself to get to the ground safely. Turning around to keep an eye on her son, the woman saw him take the remaining two steps in one giant leap. The woman cringed as the boy toppled to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust in the process. The boy jumped up excitedly and brushed some dust off his pants. “Mama did you see?!” he cried.
The woman stepped toward her son and took his hand. “Yes Bradley, I saw.” She took out a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping his face clear of the dirt. “How many times must I tell you that when we’re in a public place you must be on your best behavior?”
The boy looked up at his mother and smiled. “I just forget mama.”
Shaking her head, the woman retook the boy’s hand. “I know. Let’s just hope you can remain partially calm for the rest of the day,” She said under her breath.
Preston had been watching the woman carefully. He was almost tempted to turn and leave when he saw the child with her. So she did have a son. How could she have brought him with her? How could she disgrace him like that? But something kept him there. She was now walking toward him, the hyper child at her side. Preston began walking to her. When they met, the both stopped. Things were silent for a moment, until Preston spoke her name, “Betina.”
“Preston,” she replied softly. “It’s good to see you.”
“I wish I could say the same.”
Betina turned her head away, hurt at his answer. “You’re not glad that I’m here?”
“I’ve dreamed of this day for five years.” Preston began. “The day that we would be together again. But things have changed…. We’ve changed. I don’t know what I feel anymore.”
“Preston I don’t want our past to spoil this visit.”
Sucking up all his pride, Preston agreed. “Fine. We won’t discuss it.” He looked down at the child. “Is this your son?” he asked, although he already knew the answer. This was the same child she had been pregnant with when he left Boston five years ago.
“Yes.” Betina confirmed. “This is Bradley…Bradley say hello to Mr. Lodge.”
“Hello Mr. Lodge.” Bradley said, with the utmost respect. “My name’s Bradley.”
“So he does have manners.” Preston said. “After that scene in the dirt…”
Betina immediately got defense. “He’s a child Preston. Children play. They run and jump around and they get dirty.”
“I was just saying…”
“You were just criticizing him because you have a problem with his father. Didn’t we just agree to not let the past influence this visit?”
“We did.”
“Then I suggest that you restrain yourself from commenting on things such as my son’s behavior and show me to the hotel.”
“I’ve arranged a carriage to take us to my chateau.” Preston said. “Your room is ready, although I will have to arrange for another bed for Bradley.”
“That’s fine.”
“I’d like to invite you to join me for dinner.”
Betina hesitated, knowing how Preston felt about children. “Bradley would have to join us. I have no one to watch over him.”
“Very well.” Preston agreed. “I’ll come for you at seven.”
“Fine.” Betina said. She then turned around and noticed that Bradley was gone. “Where’s Brad?” she asked, looking around frantically. “Oh god, Preston he’s gone!”
Preston scanned the area quickly. “But he was just right here.”
“I know he was just here, but now he’s not. He must have run off. Preston we have to find him.”
Preston turned towards the street and only then did he notice the large crowd of townspeople that had gathered. Preston immediately knew that these gossip-hungry people had come only to pry into his business, but he dismissed this. “You heard her. We need to find the boy.” No one bothered to think about who Betina was or what her relationship with Preston had been. A child was missing. That was all that mattered now.
Sully happened to be passing the train depot as the crowd started to spread out in search of Bradley. “What’s goin on?” he asked.
“This woman’s boy’s gone missin.” Robert E. informed him.
“Katie’s gone too!” Sarah cried, running to the depot. “I’ve looked everywhere.”
Sully’s heart sank down in his chest. “What do you mean Katie’s missin?”
“We were waiting for you across the street, just like you said,” Sarah began. “She saw you comin and I let her go to you. I bent down to tie my shoe before following her. When I looked up, you were over here and Katie was gone. I thought you had seen her comin.”
“Maybe they’re together.” Robert. E suggested.
“We have to find them,” was all Sully said before rushing off towards his horse. The rest of the crowd followed him and together, they started their search for the missing children.
***
Bradley had gotten bored listening to his mother and Preston talk. He had been on that train far to long. Now it was time to play. He picked a direction and ran. Katie had been running towards her father when she saw Bradley run by. Intrigued by the strange boy, she decided to follow him. She finally caught up with him at the edge of the meadow. “Hi.” She said.
“Hello.” Bradley replied, sizing up the little girl in front of him. “I’m Bradley.”
“Katie.”
“Wanna play?”
“Yea!” Katie agreed. “Play what?”
“Just run!” Bradley suggested.
Katie had a better idea. “Run in trees!”
Bradley followed Katie’s eyes to the trees towering over them. “Ok!” he agreed.
Bradley took off into the woods, followed closely by Katie. He tried to dart behind trees to hide momentarily, but Katie was too fast for him. She was always right behind him, imitating his every move. Then she decided to try and hide, and was much better at it. She peeked her head around a tree. Catching Bradley’s eye, she fell to the ground in a fit of giggles.
Bradley then disappeared from Katie’s view. She stopped laughing and looked around for her new friend. “Brad-y?” she called.
Bradley jumped on her from behind “Attack!” he cried before sinking his teeth into Katie’s arm. The little girls eyes welled with tears. “Don’t cry!” Bradley yelled. He jumped up and placed his hands on his hips. “No cry.”
“Hurt!” Katie said angrily, getting up from the ground. “Brad-y mean.”
“Not mean.” Bradley replied. “Fun.”
“No!” Katie said, running away as fast as she could.
***
Sully saw Katie running across the meadow before he even rode out of town. He jumped off his horse and ran to his daughter. Reaching her father, Katie threw herself in his arms. “Poppy!” she cried.
“Oh Katie where have you been?” Sully asked, clutching her tightly to his chest.
“Play in trees.” She told him.
Sully realized that she must have been with the missing boy. “Katie were you playing with anyone else?”
“Brad-y.” she told him. “In the trees.”
Sully, with Katie still in his arms, hurried over to the woods. Sitting among the trees, he saw a small boy breaking sticks. “He’s over here!” Sully cried to the rest of the search party. “He’s over here!”
The search party ran towards Sully’s voice. Sighs of relief sounded among them as soon as they realized the children were safe. After Betina had collected her son and scolded him for running away, she just wanted to get away from the town. She said she wanted to be alone. Preston first offered to take her to the chateau, but then had a better idea. He suggested that they take a carriage ride and have a picnic dinner. Sully had overheard her worries about taking Bradley out anywhere where he could get away again. He offered to take the boy home for the evening.
Betina was momentarily worried about trusting her son with a stranger. Preston eyed Sully with envy, then anger. He didn’t want to be shone up by an uncivilized man who happened to love children. It made him look bad. But an evening alone with Betina could be beneficial. Preston spoke highly of Sully, and Betina agreed.
Act II
The surrey moved slowly down the dirt path. Its occupants remained quite for most pf the journey. Betina sat next to Preston, her hands sitting calmly in her lap. She stared out to her right, enjoying the view of open land that surrounded her. She’d never been outside of Boston, never seen anything besides the city. What she could in Colorado…It opened her mind to an extensive amount of thought. Oh the possibilities. There were more then she could ever have imagined.
Preston, on the other hand, was tense. His hands tightly gripped the reigns, his eyes started straight ahead. He hadn’t spoken one word to Betina since they departed. What had he been thinking? Asking her to be alone with him? All that did was cover up their past. He had tried to pretend it all hadn’t happened. But it had. And he was still angry about it. Finally, Preston could no longer take the silence. “What are you doing here?”
Betina was called out of her daydreaming by Preston’s harsh tone. “I thought I was clear in my letter.”
Pulling the surrey to the side to the road, Preston got out. He took the picnic basket silently out of the backend and continued to set up the picnic. He saw Betina let herself out of the carriage and walk to him. “Clear?!” He finally said, turning at last to face her. “You were anything but clear. All you said was you were coming. No reason whatsoever.”
“This isn’t like you.” Betina said softly. “You’re not one to yell. This isn’t the Preston I know.” She sat down on the blanket Preston had spread.
He refused to join her. He stood over her, allowing him to have the power. “How can you expect to know me? It’s been five years. People change Betina.”
“Yes, people change.” Betina acknowledged. “You started to change five years ago. But I never thought you could change this much.” Betina stopped to think a minute. “Yes people do change, but you aren’t the only one who has.” She stood up so that she could face him. Taking his hand, she told him the real reason of their visit. “Bradley and I are moving to Colorado.”
This was not what Preston was expecting. At the time, he had only one question. “Why?”
“Because I love you…and Bradley needs a father.”
“He is not my son. He has a father. Or have you already forgotten Richard? Father said the two of you were married not long after I left. ”
“We’re getting a divorce.”
“When?” Preston asked.
“I signed the papers before we left.”
“So now you’re all alone. And with a child to raise I might add.” Preston paused a moment to collect his thoughts. “What do you expect to gain by coming here?”
“Why does everything have to be about gaining something?”
“Isn’t it?” Preston asked?
“It didn’t use to be.” Both Betina and Preston stopped then, recalling a similar conversation back in Boston. One where Betina accused Preston of turning from the man she loved into a different ma…into his father. A conversation in which Preston talked about profit and gain, things he used to dismiss. That is, until his father once again stepped in. The conversation that started the end of their relationship.
Preston startled himself out of the memory. “Like I said, people change.”
“What happened to you Preston?”
“What happened to me?! What happened to me?” Preston shouted. “What happened is that my fiancé ran off with an uncivilized heathen and got herself pregnant…Or have you forgotten that?”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Betina said she remembered everything. How she and Preston had fought about his work. How she ran away from the house in tears, only to find Richard. She accepted his advances. How Preston had come looking for her to apologize and couldn’t find her. She remembered the day she told him about Richard and the baby. She hadn’t seen to him since that day. “But I had hoped I would be forgiven.”
“This is not something that can be so easily forgiven.”
“It’s been five years!” Betina cried. “Five years Preston.”
“Yes! Five years!” He shouted back. “Five years in which you’ve been married to him. Five years in which you’ve been living in his house, raising his child!”
“That was your choice. When you left…I had no other option. I left you with the choice…”
Preston cut her off. “You gave me no choice!” Preston stopped. How could she not realize her mistakes?! “My fiancé comes to me saying she’s pregnant with another man’s child. We had never slept together so she couldn’t even pretend it was my child. What was I supposed to do?
“Marry me.” Betina suggested.
“Marry you?! You were carrying another man’s child! You just wanted me to clean up your mess and make everything better again.”
“We could have made it work Preston. We love one another. We still do.”
“No,” Preston asserted. “I loved you. We were to be married…have a life together. And you threw it all away. I loved you. Weather you loved me is still in question.”
Preston walked away from the scene, afraid of what else he might say. It was true that he had loved her. He had always loved her. But what she did was too much for him. He couldn’t bring himself to forgive her, no matter how much he wanted to.
***
When he arrived home with the Katie and Bradley, Sully put them in the living room to play. He sat with them for a few minutes, then headed upstairs to check on Michaela and Shawn. Without an adult watching, Bradley once again got rough with his new playmate. As she reached over to grab a block, he hit her hand away. “My block.” Katie said.
“No, it’s mine.” Bradley insisted.
Katie once again tried to take the toy. Bradley grabbed her hand and lunged to bite it. Katie pulled her arm away, so Bradley threw the block at her back. “That hurt!” she cried. “I’m gonna find poppy.”
“No!” Bradley said, quite alarmed. “Don’t tell.”
“Poppy says no hurting.” Katie replied.
“I’ll stop.”
“No more hurt?” Katie questioned.
“No,” Brad promised. “No more.”
The children continued their play, but were soon interrupted by a knock at the door. Katie ran upstairs to fetch her pa. Sully came to the door and opened it. Betina was standing at the door while Preston waited in the surrey. “I’ve come for my son.” She said.
“Of course.” Sully said.
“He’s just been playin with my daughter. Katie go get Bradley and tell him his ma is here.”
“Ok poppy.” Katie scampered off to get her new friend. She and Bradley wandered back to the door. “Ma I don’t want to leave.” Bradley said.
“Bradley I don’t have time for this.” Betina sighed. “We need to get to the hotel. Come along.”
Katie stood at the door and watch Betina and Bradley walk out to the surrey, and then as Preston helped them in. Sully picked up his daughter as the carriage drove away. He knew that something odd was going on with the banker. “Ya know Katie, sometimes I don’t know what to think of that man.”
***
Later that evening, after Michaela offered to put Katie to bed, Sully sat on their bed, thinking about the day. He stood and walked over to the crib and gently stroked his sleeping son’s hair. He was so peaceful when he slept. Sully counted his blessings. Never would he have thought that he’d be so lucky. He had a wonderful wife and the most beautiful children in the world.
Michaela walked up behind her husband and placed her arms around his waist. Leaning her head on his arm, she spoke “He’s so beautiful.”
She seemed to know exactly what he was thinking. “I was just thinking the same thing. Sometimes I just watch him sleep…Katie too. I can’t believe they’re really here.”
“I know what you mean. We’ve been so blessed.” Michaela paused and shared a quiet moment with her husband, She sighed softly and walked over to her vanity to prepare for bed. “Katie wanted a bedtime story from her pa.”
Sully turned to his wife, “Should I go to her.”
“She fell asleep before I could even get a book off the shelf.” Michael set the brush down on the table and went back over to the crib. Shawn still slept, but she knew it wouldn’t last much longer. “I wish this one would sleep so well.”
“He will.” Sully assured.
“I just wish I had a break from it all. A little time to do nothing. When I don’t have to think about feedings, or changings…or sleep.”
Seeing a good opportunity…or at least the best one he could hope for, Sully decided to bring up the winter ball. Michaela had already heard about it the day at the café, but the couple had not discussed attending. Sully knew what he was getting himself into. Michaela would want to go, but was sure to protest. He started out with a simple conversation, hoping to ease into the desired topic. “Katie and I spent a lot of time in town today,” he began.
“Oh yes, she was trying to tell me about it. But then she started talking about a new boy in town, and the train, money in the street, dancing, pie, and a pretty lady. I thought she was just telling stories.”
“Sounds like she included just about everything.”
“What do you mean? All that actually happened?”
“I don’t know that I’d trust Katie’s viewpoint, but it was an interesting day.” Sully then went on to explain everything. “Well first, we ate lunch at Grace’s and Katie had some apple pie.” He began. “Then she and I did some shopping at the mercantile. I had Sarah watch her while I helped Robert E. At the livery. Then she ran off with Bradley.” Sully explained the situation quickly so she wouldn’t worry too much. “After Betina and Preston left, Katie, Bradley, and I stuck around a bit to figure out what was goin on. Apparently, no one knows who she is or why she’s here. But we think they know each other from Boston somehow. I was thinking she was his sister, or cousin, but he acts different around her.”
“Different how?” Micha3ela wondered, suddenly curious about the new woman in town.
“Like he loves her, but doesn’t want to.”
“Could be that he does.” Michaela suggested. “She’s obviously married. Perhaps he’s jealous of that man.”
“I don’t know. Something about the way she looks at him makes me think she sees them havin somethin more.”
“Only time can tell.” Michaela said. “So that explains the pie, the new boy the train, a pretty lady. So what about the money in the street and the dancing?”
“Well, the money was probably when Preston dropped Betina’s purse, but I could be wrong. And the dancing…”
“Yes?”
“A lot of people were talking about that ball Preston’s havin.” Sully gazed at his wife to gauge her expression. “Would you like to go?”
Michaela was about to protest to the idea, but she and Sully were prevented from taking the conversation any further. As Michaela opened her mouth to respond, she heard a faint knock on the front door. She stopped to listen, making sure she had heard correct. Another louder knock came. “Who could that me?” She wondered out loud.
“I’ll go check.” Sully said, pulling his shirt back over his head.” He hurried down stairs as a more urgent knock sounded.
Outside, Preston stood, waiting for someone in the Sully household to answer. Each time he knocked, he grew more agitated. When Sully finally opened the door, Preston wasted no time. “Where’s Michaela?”
“She’s upstairs.” Sully told him. “Why?”
“Because her medical services are needed.” Preston responded. “Now will get her now?”
Michaela’s still on maternity leave.” Sully informed the banker. “What happened? Where’s Dr. Fulton?”
“Bradley fell down some stairs and hurt his arm. Dr. Fulton took him and Betina to the clinic. He told me to get Michaela.”
“Is it that bad?”
“Well I would assume so! Can you get Michaela? We’re wasting time.”
“I’m coming.” Michaela said, pulling her coat on as she rushed down the stairs. She had heard broken pieces of the conversation from upstairs and hurried to ready herself as quickly as possible. She rushed around searching for her coat while giving Sully instructions. “Sully get Shawn and bring him to the clinic. He’ll need to be feed soon and I won’t make it back in time. Tell Brian he’s here alone with Katie. Dr. Fulton wouldn’t ask me to come unless it was important.”
Michaela grabbed her medical bag, which had been sitting by the front door unused, and ran out the door after Preston. Sully watched her climb into Preston’s surrey and then went upstairs to bundle up his son.
***
Michaela burst into the clinic, Preston hot on her heels. She found Dr. Fulton working over the still body of the little boy. Betina stood nearby, a worried expression splashed across her face. “What happened?” Michaela questioned, the doctor in her not at all undaunted by her recent leave.
“He fell and broke the right radius.” Dr. Fulton informed. There are at least six pieces, one broke through the skin. I’ve prepared to operate.” He stopped then and turned to his college. “I’m sorry to call you away now, but I needed you’re help. I’ve never seen a break so bad.”
“That’s perfectly alright.” Michaela assured. “I’d have been upset had you not come for me.”
“This is just something I couldn’t do myself
“I understand. Preston, take Betina upstairs to wait. We’ll come for her when we’re finished.” Letting the doctor in her take over, Michaela took her place next to the operating table. She repositioned the boys arm and took the scalpel Dr. Fulton offered her. After opening the skin, she worked her way in and began repositioning the bones. “This is going to take awhile.”
***
The stranger walked along the street. It was late at night. The only sounds were the ones coming from the saloon. That’s where he was headed. The Gold Nugget. He walked slowly, not wanting to call any extra attention to himself. It was suspicious enough that he’d be walking the streets of the town so late.
Sneaking through the alley, the man made his way to the back of the saloon. He took a few rags out of his pocket and pulled a can of kerosene from behind a block of wood. Soaking the rags in the kerosene, he carefully placed them in-between planks of wood, all over the back wall. He circled the building and did the same on each side. Again reaching the backside, the man took out a match and lit the first rag. Making his way around the building, he slowly set fire to each piece of cloth he had planted. After he had finished the task, the man was beginning to smell the smoke coming from the fires. Soon the whole building would be immersed in flames.
By the time people noticed the fire, it had totally enveloped the saloon. The loud music had covered the crackling of the burning wood and the strong aroma of whiskey and cigars had disguised the smell of smoke. Everyone was trapped inside, and because of the late hour, there was no one to hear them calling for help.
Michaela stepped out onto the porch of the clinic, having finished with Bradley’s surgery. She had left Dr. Fulton alone with it to feed Shawn, but returned as quickly as possible. The baby was now asleep upstairs where Sully, Betina, and Preston where waiting for the doctors to finish. After stitching the arm and placing it in an open cast, Dr. Fulton went upstairs to Betina, and Michaela went outside for some air. She hadn’t been ready to return to work quite yet.
The first thing she saw when she walked out were the flames shooting up from the building. She hadn’t even smelled the smoke yet. “Sully! The saloon is on fire!” she cried into the open door. Not waiting for the men to come and help, Michaela rushed over to the trough and filled a bucket with water. She began throwing the liquid onto the burning building as fast as she could. She didn’t even notice Preston, Dr. Fulton, or Sully join her in the task.
“There’s people still inside!” Dr. Fulton stated the obvious.
“Dear god.” Michaela said. “We have to get them out.”
“We can’t!” Preston said, throwing another bucket of water on the ever-growing flames. “There’s no way inside. It would be suicide to try and get in and back out again.”
But Sully was already at work, trying to find a way inside. He walked around to the right side of the building. He noticed that part of the building had not yet been caught by the flames. Luckily, it was right under a window. He took out his tomahawk and broke the window. Sully then began hacking away at the wood, tearing it away from the window to clear an opening big enough for someone to fit inside. “Over here!” he called. “I found a way in!”
Preston and Michaela ran over to Sully, Dr. Fulton went to find some help. He came back with Loren, and Jake at the same time Sully hoisted Michaela into the open space. “You sure you should be sending her in there?” Preston asked.
“She’s the only chance those people have.” Sully said. “I don’t like it, but none of us will fit. We don’t have time to make this bigger. But we do now, before she brings people out. The hole ahs to be bigger.”
Loren and Jake called Preston over, and they continued their efforts to kill the flames. Michaela came to the window with Hank at her side. He was coughing from the smoke, but after taking one breath of fresh air, he went back inside to help Michaela. They worked as quickly as possible to get as many people out as they could. Sully continued to work at the wood, breaking it away from the opening he’d made. The girls could make it out fine, but most of the men, Hank included, would never fit through. He had to work quickly or they’d never get out.
Person after person filed out of the window opening. Dr. Fulton gave up on throwing water and began to help the patients. Most of them were suffering from smoke inhalation, and a few had minor burns. Although they were trapped inside, they had managed to avoid the flames.
When Hank appeared at the window again, Sully did his best to help the man out. “Where’s Michaela?” he asked when Hank stepped onto the ground.
“She came out before me.” Hank said.
“No she didn’t.” Sully said. “I’m going in to find her.”
“Sully!” Michaela called. “I’m right here.” Michaela’s face appeared from inside the saloon. “The frame is too hot to touch.” She said. “I can’t get out.”
Sully took off his shirt and ran over to the window. Placing the fabric around the edge of the opening, he took his wife’s hands and helped her out. Given the odd position of their struggle, they Sully lost his footing. Michaela tumbled out of the saloon and into his arms, dragging them both down to the ground. “You ok?” Sully asked. He rolled Michaela off him, stood, and helped her to her feet. “I’m fine.” She answered. “We’d better help the others.”
“It’s no use.” Hank said. “The place is ruined. Just let it burn.”
“If have to stop it from spreading.” Jake said. “Wet down all the other buildings.”
Act III
By early the next morning, the saloon was gone. After wetting down the untouched buildings, the town members just sat and watched it burn. There was nothing more to be done. Eventually, the fire suffocated and went out, but it was too late to save the building. When the sun began to rise, all that remained was a mess of burnt wood and ash. They threw water on the embers and began work on cleaning up the rubble.
Michaela and Sully had stayed at the clinic with Shawn, and Preston insisted Betina and Bradley stay there as well. While taking a break from the clean up, Sully decided to visit his wife and son. He wandered up the clinic stairs and found them standing by the window looking at what used to be the saloon. “It’s a mess out there.” Sully said, coming up behind his wife.
Michaela turned around and handed Shawn to his father. “Thank god no one was hurt.” She said. “Does anyone know what happened?”
“Looks like arson. There were rags stuffed in the side of the building. Soaked in kerosene. Hank found one behind the rubble.”
“Who would do such a thing?”
“That’s what I came up here to talk about. Hank and I were gonna go try and track whoever did this. There are some footprints leadin away that we think might be the arsonist.”
“When will you return?” Michaela asked.
“Soon as I can be.” He answered, stroking the cheek of the sleeping child. “We’ll be sure to be back in time for the ball.”
Michaela took this opportunity to continue the conversation that had been interrupted. “Sully we can’t go.”
“Why not? It’ll do you some good to get out of the house.”
“Shawn is too young. I can’t leave him.”
"Then we'll take him with us."
"We can’t take a newborn to a ball." Michaela answered.
"Michaela, you haven't been out of the house hardly since he was born. He'll be fine for a night with a sitter."
"A sitter? And who do you propose watch our newborn son while we're out dancing and having a good time? He’ll need to eat, and..."
"So why don't we take him with us and put him upstairs or something. I'm sure Sarah or Brian would be happy to watch him."
"Brian and Sarah will want to go. I couldn't ask them to call off their plans for us."
"Michaela, I'm sure we can find someone. Everyone's going to be expecting us to be there, and what difference does it make if Shawn goes or not? He'll probably sleep through most of it anyway." "We can get a room at the hotel for the night so he's not traveling in the cold after the party, all right?"
"But..." Michaela was running out of protests.
"But nothing, Michaela. You're going; we're staying the night; Shawn'll be fine."
“We’ll talk about this when you return.” Was all Michaela would say.
"Fine. I need to be going. I'll see you when we get back." Sully quickly planted a peck on his wife’s cheek and exited the room.
“Sully!” she called after him. But Sully would not turn around. Brian was standing outside the room, Katie stood next to him. “I thought I should bring her by before I went to the Gazette.” He told his mother. “I figured you’d be here when you didn’t come home last night.”
“Yes, thank you Brian. I thought we’d make it back, but there was trouble at the saloon.”
“I saw. Miss Dorothy is workin on a special edition of the Gazette right now. I’m supposed to write something about the Winter Ball Preston’s havin.”
Michaela tensed at the mention of the ball. “Sounds like you two have a lot of work ahead of you.” She said, bluntly adding. “Thank you for bringing Katie.”
“No problem ma.” Brian left the clinic and went about getting interviews for his article. Since everyone was across the street working at the site of the fire, he started there. First, he went to Preston, ho was oddly still helping clean rubble, to find out if the ball would still be held, in light of the fire. “Of course it will be held.” Preston told the boy.
"Aww we can't go havin a ball now." Loren said. "It wouldn't be fair to Hank. He's got nothin now. How can we celebrate." Just then Grace and Robert E. came by to bring food to Michaela and Betina. Betina met them at the porch and the three were soon joined in the conversation across the street.
"You don't need a building to celebrate, Loren," Robert E. commented. "Maybe just bein' alive's enough for one person."
No one noticed Preston squirming in place. To a point, they were right. Hank had nothing. The building was burnt down by some mad arsonist, and he had...No, no, he couldn't do that. It's not professional, and won't get him much of a profit. But, it is Christmas. Perhaps...No. No, he wasn't going to do this. He wasn't going to have their kind in his hotel. It wouldn't look proper, nor would it be good for business.
Seeing that Betina had arrived on the scene, Preston seriously began to think. She though highly of him, yet his actions since her arrival had lessoned her liking. She thought he had changed, that only profit was important to him. Perhaps...it just might be worthwhile...to make her think differently. "I've been thinking." he began. Everyone turned to look at him, quite unsure what the banker had come up with now. Somewhere inside he was the same man she once knew. "Perhaps Hank and his...girls...could stay at the chateau, until this establishment is rebuilt."
Dorothy turned to Preston. In her ever-present southern accent, she said, "Why, Preston, that's very sweet of you!" Then she turned back to Loren. "You see? Even Preston sees something to celebrate."
Jake didn’t agree with this at all. "Well Hank ain't here to speak for himself, so I decline for him. There's somethin in this for you Preston and Hank would rather stay in the street then help you out."
Preston was aghast at the comment. "Well that's a little harsh don't you think?"
Loren sighed. Seems ta me Jake’s right. We shouldn't decide before Hank gets back."
"Why don't we let the girls decide? Preston suggested.
Jake just laughed at the proposal. “You've got to be kidding me. They work for Hank. They really have no say. It’s his decision.”
Preston turned to him, “Why is it so hard to believe that I want to do something nice for someone?”
"Maybe cause they know the new Preston." Betina spoke up. "It does seem that you're only in for your own gain nowadays."
The townies looked to the young woman, hoping for more information as to her mysterious identity. "You mean he wasn’t always like this?" Loren asked.
"Not when I knew him." Betina acknowledged. "He used to be sweet and kind, compassionate, helpful." The woman looked down at her feet in shame. “I'm afraid I was the one who turned him into his father. He never wanted to be like his father...”
Preston tried to ignore the sense of compassion in her voice, but it was difficult. She really did feel guilty about hurting him. Perhaps that was why he was still caring deep down inside. “ You all decide what you want to do. If the girls want to come and stay with me at the Chateau, they're more than welcome. My doors will be open, and if Hank wants to walk through them, then he walks through them.”
"That's a very kind of you Mr. Lodge." Brian said, hoping to get his interview back underway. "How many people do you except at the ball?"
Preston too hoped the interview would continue. This time without leading him into behaving kindly. “I'm not sure how many are coming. All are invited, so I'm expecting the whole town.”
"Count us out." Robert E. said. "We got no one to watch the twins"
"I ain't goin either." Loren grumbled." Got no one to go with. Don't see much point in it."
Brian added yet another comment. “I know Ma and Sully weren't sure about going because of Shawn...
“Well, if no one shows up, then no one shows up. Though, it's a pity. There's going to be some very good food.” Preston said.
Betina sympathized with the townsmembers. “It does seem to be a problem Preston. I know I agreed to go with you, but have no one to watch Bradley either. Everyone can't possible attend. Did you not think of this?"
Brian's face lit up. "I know what we can do!" He turned to Preston. "Mr. Lodge, would it be possible to set aside a room for the children? Maybe to have their own Christmas party?"
"A room full of children?" Preston hesitated. "And who would be watching these young ones?"
Brian had this figured out as well. “I will, and I'm sure Sarah will help. She won't go to the ball without me."
"We'll help too!" one of the saloon girls volunteered. Two of her coworkers agreed.
"I don't think folks will go for their kids bein watched by whores." Grace said.
"We don't seem to have a choice." Jake said. "I'll get Teresa to agree.
"That Catholic wife of yours?" Loren laughed. "She'd never go for that."
"She will." Jake insisted. "These girls aren't bad. Besides Brian and Sarah will be there too."
"Well it ain't the most thrilling idea," Robert E said. "But I'm willin. We'll all be right downstairs anyway."
Betina smiled. “And if you think about it, it makes sense. Maybe the girls could charge a small fee, say a few cents per child, and then that'll get some sort of cash flow for Hank to rebuild the Gold Nugget...
"Yes, and..." Preston began. Oh he couldn't believe he was doing this. "And whatever profit I gain, I will give to Hank as well."
Dorothy nodded, pleased that her friends had settled this without much fuss. “Well, that's settled then. I'll print something in the Gazette, and Brian, let's get out a special edition today, all right?”
“Sure, Miss Dorothy.” Brian agreed.
“Right, but what about me? I'm still dateless...” Loren said tucking his hands casually into the front pockets of his vest.
"Loren would you go to the ball with me?" Dorothy asked.
Loren froze. "Uh, okay, Dorothy."
“Good.”
Just then, Grace had a thought. "Anyone think what Dr. Mike will think of all this?"
"What I'll think of what?" Michaela walks across the street having heard the question when she came outside for some fresh air.
Brian leaned over and spoke softly to Preston. “Let me talk to her.” Brian took Michaela’s hand and led her off to the side. "Mr. Lodge is going to open a room in the upstairs of his Chateau for children. Sarah and I are going to keep watch over them... that way you and Sully can go and you don't have to worry 'bout Shawn."
"Brian, that's very kind but..."
"Ma, you're goin. We'll be right upstairs. You can check on him whenever ya want."
"You and Sarah?"
"That's right. Well, and a few of Hank's girls...
"Hank's girls?"
"Don't worry ma, they're just trin to make some money to help rebuild the gold nugget. Preston's givin the profits to Hank."
"Preston is?" Michaela could hardly believe it.
"Yep. See it'll be a good thing."
"Alright, I agree."
"Ya hear that!" Loren said. "Dr. Mike says it's alright."
Betina walked over to Preston. She whispered in his ear, "What difference would it make if she said it wasn't?"
"Michaela has a lot of influence on this town." Preston grumbled.
Betina nodded her head. “I see.”
"Well I guess we should all get back to work." Jake said. "Hank deserves our help."
***
Sully and Hank returned the day before the ball having not found the man who set fire to the saloon. They tracked someone for two days, but after that, the tracks disappeared. Hank reluctantly agreed to the free room at the chateau, but only after one of his girls talked to him about it. He even agreed to make an appearance at the ball. Sometimes he was too soft.
Sully was now at home, enjoying time with his family. After Michaela left to put Shawn to bed, he told Katie a story by the fire. She fell asleep in his arms. He carried her to bed and carefully got her into a nightdress. When he pulled off her shirt, Sully noticed some strange markings on the girl’s arm. He looked closer and realized they were bite marks.
“That’s odd.” He said to himself, making a mental note to ask Michaela about it later.
***
Sully entered his bedroom. Michaela was still in the rocking chair feeding Shawn. She smiled when she saw him. “Katie asleep?”
“Yea.” He said softly. “Michaela?”
“Hmm?”
“Did you notice the bite marks on Katie’s arm?”
“Bite marks?” Michaela became immediately concerned. “What bite marks?”
“I was just getting her dressed for bed and noticed em. Two tiny bite marks on her left arm. You don’t know about em?”
“No I don’t.” she answered, growing even more worried. “Katie would tell us if someone hurt her, wouldn’t she?”
“Course she would.” Sully agreed. “Besides, I don’t know who would’ve done this. They look pretty small, bout the size of her own mouth.”
“Are you saying…?” Michaela was appalled.
“She could have done it to herself.” Sully stated.
“But why?” Michaela wondered.
“Maybe she’s tryin to get our attention.” He suggested. “We’ve been awful busy with the baby. Maybe she feels left out.”
“That is a possibility. Oh Sully I feel terrible.”
“Don’t worry so much. We’ll talk to her in the mornin. You best get some sleep. We got a ball tomorrow night.”
“Oh yes, the ball. Did Brian tell you the good news?”
“Nope. He and Sarah said they were goin to the chateau to help Preston and that’s all I’ve seen of him since I got back.”
“He and Sarah are going to hold a make-shift day care in one of the rooms of the chateau. That way all of us with children can still attend the ball.”
“Didn’t I suggest something like that?” Sully smirked.
“Perhaps.” Michaela smiled. “It just seemed like a better idea when Brian suggested it.”
“No, he just said it at a better time. I knew you’d agree eventually.”
“Oh you did?” Michaela asked.
“Course I did. I know you.”
“What dress would you like me to wear Mr. Sully?”
Sully thought for a moment. “The red one you wore to your ma’s birthday party.”
“You like that one?”
Sully smiled. “I like you in anything.”
“Very well, the red one.”
“I’ll pick you up at six.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Michaela laughed.
Act IV:
The ball was well underway by eight o’clock. After enjoying a luxurious supper in the dining room, the guests had been led to the ballroom where they began an evening of dancing. Brian and Sarah had given up the pleasurable night to watch all the children. Three of Hanks girls did themselves up in presentable attire and offered to help.
Hank hadn’t been too keen on attending the ball, but after trying to relax with all those kids next door…he decided it was for the best to go downstairs. With one of his girls on each of his arms, he strolled down the long staircase. The trio made their way into the ballroom. With their entrance, the live band stopped playing. The other guests looked to the door. Some chuckled at Hank, who was actually wearing a suit, others were appalled that he would bring his whores to the high-class party.
Preston met Hank at the entrance to the ballroom. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, fully prepared to throw the bartender out.
“Just joinin the party.” Hank said, flashing a half smile.
“You weren’t invited.” Preston tried.
“Sure I was.” Hank said. “Didn’t you say everyone was welcome?”
Preston growled under his breath. He had said everyone was invited. “I may have said that, but that doesn’t mean ‘come as you are.’ There is suitable attire for this event.”
“What don’t I look like a gentleman?” Hank smirked. He was really giving Preston a run for his money.
“You look fine.” Preston said, trying his best to remain composed. “It’s your company that needs a new wardrobe.”
“They ain’t changing.” Hank insisted.
“Then you will have to leave.”
Just then, Betina came up behind Preston. “Preston, let them be.”
“But…”
“No buts.” She said. “Let them enjoy the evening.”
Garnering every respectable part of himself, Preston took Betina’s hand and left Hank and his girls at the door. They returned to the dance floor and the band once again started playing. Hank smiled to himself. He gave his girls leave to mingle while he took a seat in a corner. He had won his battle with Preston, but still wouldn’t be caught dancing.
Sully held Michaela close as they twirled around the ballroom. Her hair was done up in curls which shone in the light of the chandeliers. Sully started at her lovingly. She looked so beautiful. “What are you thinking?” He asked at the end of a waltz.
“I should go check on Shawn.”
“You just did two songs ago.” Sully reminded. “He’ll be fine a little longer.”
“What if he’s hungry?” she said, turning her head towards the door of the ballroom.
Sully grabbed her hand and led her to a chair. “Michaela, he was asleep when we left him. If he needed us, Brian would come down.”
Michaela sighed, “I guess you’re right. But two more dances and I’m going up there.”
“Now that I’ll agree to.” Sully smiled. He offered his hand as the band struck up another tune. “Shall we?”
Michaela grinned with happiness and allowed Sully to help her from the chair. She stood in his arms as they once again made their way around the room, ignoring all the other couples around them.
Preston and Betina had attended the ball together, though neither one knew what to think of their relationship. Betina still held out hope that the old Preston was still alive somewhere inside this man. She knew that if that man still existed, he was the one she was meant to be with. A small part of him had shown himself after the fire in town. The man who would do anything not to be the man his father was. The young banker who did his best to help people when they were in need, the one who was rarely jealous, appreciate differences, the man she had fallen in love with. She saw him that day, when he worked for hours to help restore part of his town. And tonight, he held her like he used to. She didn’t feel the tension she had the past few days.
Preston could tell that her mind was elsewhere. Every time she’d look at him, she turned her head away and started off as if she was thinking of something quite important. He wanted to say something to her…Somehow explain what he was feeling inside. Yet…there were no words for it. He held her gently as the danced, remembering all the times they had done so in Boston. They had been called the perfect match…Not only had their families approved of their union, but they had initiated it in the first place. Their marriage would not be forced. It would not be a marriage of necessity. Their relationship was based on love…or so he thought it was.
Originally, he has taken a liking to Richard. The poor man was turned out by his family when he denounced his pervious religious beliefs and sought to live life in the wilderness. Life this way did not turn out so well for him, and he returned to Boston a poor desperate man. He came to Preston’s bank hoping to get a loan and get back on his feet. At first, Preston felt compelled to help the man…That is until his father stepped in. Betina had urged him not to give in to his father’s demands. She insisted that if he did, he was going against everything they both believed in. It was true. Turning away Richard was the worst thing Preston could have done. It lost him a lot of other clients, the ones who had come specifically to him because of his non-judgmental ways. And Betina left him too. But not just because he had made one mistake. Not just because he was slowly turning into his father. But because for the first time since they had met, he had treated her as if she deserved no respect. He had driven her away…away to the arms of another man.
“I can’t do this.” He said, under his breath.
But the comment did not go unnoticed by Betina. “What is it Preston.”
He stopped dancing then, paused, motionless on the dance floor. “It’s my fault…It’s all my fault…”
Betina was worried with this strange behavior. She led him away, out to the porch of the hotel, hoping his peculiar actions would not be noticed by the others around them. Holding his hand, she walked out, and he unintentionally followed. “What are you talking about?” she asked when they finally stopped.
“I cannot continue to pretend.” Preston said. “I cannot dance with you to my heart’s desire when there is so much unresolved between us. I cannot allow myself to remember how horrible we were to each other that night. I must have done something terrible to warrant you running off with that man…I must have…” but then his emotions turned. “What am I saying? You ran off and slept with another man. I didn’t do anything except try to make our life together better!”
“Preston we’ve been through this…I’m sorry. You were starting to turn into your father and I couldn’t live with that. I wanted you to be hurt, just like you hurt me.” Betina turned her head away and looked up at the stars. “I simply went too far.”
“Indeed you did.” Preston replied.
Betina moved her head to look at him. “But isn’t it time we both carried on with our lives.”
“I’ve already carried on Betina. You’re the only one who hasn’t.”
“How can I?” she questioned, a tear springing to her eyes. “I still love you.”
“I love you too.” Preston claimed. “But I’m a different man. I can’t go back to the person I used to be.”
“I can live with that.” Betina said.
“Shall we return to the ball room?” Preston asked, offering his arm to escort her.
“Give me a minute?” Betina said. “I’ll meet you back inside.”
“Don’t stay out here too long.” Preston warned. “It’s freezing.”
Preston left then, and Betina sat down on the porch steps. It was true, Preston had changed…she too had changed…Expecting either of them to return to their previous selves was asking too much. All she could hope was that their love was enough to keep them together. “Betina!” she suddenly heard someone say. She though Preston had come back from her, but in a split second, she realized that the voice had come from out in the night, not from behind her. She stood up and looked around, hoping for some sign of who was calling for her. A man walked toward the chateau and Betina gasped when she saw his face. “Richard!” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“I think I’m the one who should be asking that of you.” The man replied.
“I told you I was coming here to see Preston.” She reminded him. “I explained everything. I even signed the divorce papers before I left. There was no reason for either of us to see one another again. Everything was taken care of.”
“You’re forgetting one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You have my son.”
“You don’t want him.” Betina said. “You never have. He hardly ever sees you and when he does, you only hurt him. I will not allow my son to be raised like that. It’s wrong Richard. It’s wrong to hurt a child simply because you feel yourself an inadequate father.”
“So that’s it? You’re just going to leave me alone?”
“We discussed this. I never loved you and you never loved me. We both used each other back then and had to pay the consequences. But I cannot live like I’ve been living. I cannot sit around being miserable, or allow my son to be hurt. We both deserve batter then the lives you have given us.”
Betina left him then and returned to the ballroom. She had hoped that he had left, but deep down she knew he hadn’t. She could feel his presence with her as she walked back inside. He wouldn’t give up so easily.
***
Christmas music floated up to the room where Brian and Sarah had set up the day care. Sarah was sitting in the corner, rocking Shawn to the flowing beat of the music when she thought of something. She had yet to dance with Brian. She looked around the room, looking for her bo. She found him sitting in a corner playing a game with Robert E.’s twins and Katie. She looked down to the child in her arms and then back up at Sylvia, one of Hank’s girls. She got an idea. But she wondered if she should wait until the other girls got back from the bathroom run they were on with some of the children.
She decided not to wait. After all, what could go so wrong in a few minutes, right? Sarah stood up and walked over to Sylvia and handed her Shawn. “Would you mind watching him for a few minutes?”
Sylvia looked up. “Sure,” she said. “Come here, big boy.” She took the baby from Sarah. “Hey, there.” Shawn had opened his eyes and was smiling at the woman who was now holding him. Sylvia’s hair had come loose and was tickling Shawn’s face, making him smile even more. “You like that, don’t you?” Sylvia smiled. She shook her had slowly, making her hair tickle his face again.
Sarah smiled as she walked over to Brian. Shawn would be fine. Brian was being climbed on by his sister and Robert E.’s twins, laughing as Katie found a ticklish spot in his side. “Hey, Brian?”
Brian looked up, tears from laughing streaming down his cheeks. “Yeah?”
“You think I could have at least one dance with you before the party’s over?”
Brian didn’t have to be asked twice. “Of course.” Brian tried to pull through the crowd of kids and, although it took a while, he was finally able to escape.
***
Michaela and Sully were dancing to the music on the dance floor. Michaela was stiff and uptight, as though she were worried about something. Sully knew what it was. She wanted to go and check on Shawn. “Michaela, will you relax?”
He took her completely by surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
“You’re all tense. Relax.” Sully looked over his wife’s head and saw Brian and Sarah coming downstairs. That was when he tensed.
“What?” Michaela asked as she stopped moving. When he heard her tone, he relaxed. Sarah moved into Brian’s arms, and the two of them started dancing.
“Nothing.”
“Sully, what?” She turned around before Sully could stop her and saw Brian and Sarah.
She began to walk over to them, but Sully pulled her back. “Nothing’s wrong, Michaela. They just came down to dance. See?”
“But what if…”
Sully turned her around. “You said two songs and then we’ll go check on him. Brian and Sarah are down here to dance. Neither one of them is coming over here to tell us something happened, so just let it be.” He began dancing with her again to keep her mind off of their son, but judging by the look in her eye, it wasn’t happening anyway.
***
Shawn had fallen asleep again in Sylvia’s arms. Bradley was over near him, looking at him. “Make him wake up,” he said.
Sylvia smiled. “No, Bradley. We can’t wake him up. He needs to sleep right now.”
“But I want him to be awake. I want to play with him.” Bradley began to poke him, hoping that it would get the sleeping infant to wake up.
Katie came running over to him. “Don’t do that!” she whispered harshly as she moved to stand between Bradley and her little brother. “Miss Silvia said he has to sleep. Leave him alone.”
“But I want to play with him…” He reached over to try to poke Shawn again.
Katie knocked his hand away from his brother. “I don’t care. Leave my brother alone.”
Bradley, seeing Katie’s outstretched arm, took it and held it up to his mouth, clamping down hard. The bite made Katie scream, which woke up Shawn, sending him into a screaming fit.
“You bited me!” Katie screamed.
“Yeah, so?” Bradley said, putting his hands on his hips.
“You could say you’re sorry.”
“I don’t have to say I’m sorry.”
Katie was becoming more and more angry. “Yes, you do.”
Bradley shoved Katie back. “I don’t have to!”
This was the moment Katie had been waiting for. Her father had always taught her that if she was going to be in a fight of any kind, it was in defense. When she had asked what that meant, her father said it meant that she let the other guy make the first punch. “Yes, you do!” And she shoved him back. The next thing anyone knew, the two of the children were rolling around on the ground, hitting, grabbing, and kicking each other in an all out battle over an apology.
Michaela, Sully, Brian, and Sarah had walked back into the room where the children were. Michaela heard her son crying and went to him while Sully and Brian went to break up the fight.
“Katherine Elizabeth Sully, you stop it this instant!” Michaela demanded of her daughter.
“He started it, Mama,” Katie answered her mother, still not stopping trying to get at Bradley.
Sully took over from there. “I don’t care who started it, you’re going to finish it.” No matter what her father said, Katie wasn’t giving up the fight. Sully picked her up and left the room. He entered a room across the hall. “Don’t you move from in here. One of us will be back to get you.” And Sully left his daughter bordering on tears sitting on the bed.
He walked back into the room where Michaela was getting an explanation from Sylvia on what happened. “Katie was only trying to protect Shawn, Dr. Mike, honestly.”
Michaela looked at Sylvia. “What was she protecting him from?”
“Bradley wanted to play with him. Katie was trying to get him to leave him alone so he could sleep.”
Michaela instinctively held her son closer to her body. “That’s not an excuse to be fighting.”
Sully walked up behind Michaela at that moment. “Why don’t you give him to me? I’ll take him back to our room, and you go talk to Katie. She’s across the hall. I told her to stay there.”
Michaela looked up at her husband. “What did you say to her?”
“To stay there. One of us would be over in a minute.”
“All right.” Michaela handed Sully Shawn and walked over to the other room. She saw her daughter sitting on the bed, presumably where her father had put her. Michaela sat down beside her daughter, facing her. “Katie, can you tell me what happened with Bradley?”
Katie turned to her mother and looked her in the eye, an almost defiant expression on her face. “He was poking Shawn, and I told him to stop.”
“And did he stop?”
“No.”
Michaela could feel some sort of anger rising at the young boy. “What happened next?”
Katie must have sensed it, because she suddenly felt tensed up. “I asked him to stop again. He siad he didn’t have to, and I said he did, and he reached over to touch him again. So I told him no and pushed his hand away, and he…” She stopped in mid sentence.
“He what?” Michaela prodded. When Katie didn’t answer, she said softly, “Katie, it’s okay. Just tell Mama what happened.” Katie broke eye contact with her mother as she also reached up and rubbed her arm where Bradley had bitten her. “Katie, I know you wanted to protect Shawn, but you shouldn’t fight people. If someone is doing something you think is wrong, you should go and find an adult.”
Katie looked back up at her mother, that stubborn streak coming out. “Miss Sylvia was there! She couldn’t stop him either!”
Michaela spread her arms in confusion. “Well, I don’t see why not, but it was her place to try. You shouldn’t have been fighing him.”
“I should’ve just let Bradley poke Shawn, then? Mama, he was sleeping!”
“Yes, I understand, Katie, and it’s good that you wanted to keep Shawn safe, but please, next time, don’t get involved in a fight.”
“But Mama! He started it!”
Why must she be so much like me? Michaela couldn’t help but think. “I know it’s hard to understand. Can you just promise Mama that you’ll try to stay out of fights from now on?”
“I’m gonna defense myself, Mama.” Katie crossed her arms across her chest.
“Yes, of course, in certain situations, it’s necessary to defend yourself…”
“And that’s what I was doin’. So I don’t un’erstand why I’m gettin’ in trouble.”
Michaela smiled slightly as she reached out to take a lock of her daughter’s curls into her hands. “Oh, Katie, you aren’t in trouble. I’m just trying to teach you the proper way a lady should behave.” Katie yawned. Michaela figured the child was tired, so she let it go at that. She picked up her daughter and took her to the room they had rented for the night.
When she reached the room, Sully had put Shawn down for the night and was sittin on the bed waiting for his wife and daughter. Katie had fallen asleep on her mother’s shoulder. Michaela reached down and picked up Katie’s nightgown off of her small bed and began to undress her as she set her daughter down on the bed. That was when she saw the bruise on her arm.
Remembering when Sully asked about the bite marks before, she called him over. “Sully? Is this the mark you were talking about the other night?”
Sully, interested to see the marks on his daughter’s arm, came over and looked at it. “No. It was on her right arm.”
A mixture of concern and anger flashed across Michaela’s face. “I didn’t think so. This looks too fresh. It must have happened tonight.”
When Michaela moved moved Katie’s arm slightly to examine the new bruise, Katie’s eyes flew open. “Mama! No!” She began struggling against her mother’s touch.
Michaela tried to calm the excited toddler down. “Katie, shh. It’s okay, Sweetheart. Mama just wants to help you.”
“No!” Katie struggled a little more and pulled out of Michaela’s grasp. She then hurried to put her arm under the covers.
“Katie, please let Mama look.”
Katie began to cry as she shook her head and turned away from Michaela. Sully walked around to the other side of thebed to kneel in front of his daughter. She still had her eyes open, and the expression on her face was absolute fear. “Kates,” he said softly, “what’s going on? Why are you so scared?”
“Can’t tell,” she whimpered.
Michaela’s heart broke. “Katie, you can tell us anything.”
Katie only shook her head as she hugged the covers closer to her. Sully adopted one of this stern fatherly looks he was getting so good at as he said, “Katie, tell me where you got those marks.” He used a tambre in his voice that meant he was not going to be argued with.
It was that tambre that Katie didn’t like. As much as she didn’t like to think about it, it scared her more than anything. She didn’t want her Papa and Mama mad at her, so she took a deep breath and whispered, “Bradley,” in a voice laced with tears.
Michaela could feel her anger growing, but she did what she could to keep her voice even. “Did Bradley hurt you?” Katie nodded into her pillow. “When, Katie? When did he hurt you?” She was beginning to raise her voice, which made Katie begin to cower in her bed. Katie didn’t respond. Michaela must have realized she was raising her voice, because in a softer tone, she said, “Katie, I’m sorry. Mama’s not mad at you. I just want to be sure you’re safe. Can you tell me when Bradley hurt you?”
Katie shook her head again. Sully reached up and ran his hand over his daughter’s soft curls. “Katie, your Mama and I want to help you, but you’ve got to tell us when he hurt you, and how he hurt you.”
Katie opened her mouth. “But he’ll…” and then she stopped.
Michaela’s anger began rising again. “He’ll what?”
“He said he’d hurt me more, or hurt Shawn. I don’t want him to hurt Shawn! Please don’t make me tell, Papa! Mama! Please!” Tears were flowing down her cheeks freely now.
“Katie, no one’s going to hurt you. Not anymore. I won’t let him.”
Katie turned her tearful gaze on her mother. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
“Okay. When we went in the woods and at home when he comed over. He bited me.”
“He bit you twice? What about tonight?”
Katie looked away from her. “Yeah. Tonight, too.”
Michaela reached out and took one of Katie’s hands from on top of the covers. “Why didn’t you ever tell us?”
“Because he said not to!”
Michaela’s voice became louder. “Well, I’m tellin you here and now that if anyone ever hurts you, you are to come and tell either me or your father.”
Katie shrunk into her bed again. “Michaela,” came Sully’s voice. “Calm down. I’m as angry as you are, but it’s not going to do us any good to scare her, all right?”
“I’m being as calm as I can, Sully, but my daughter is being hurt and she has to understand that she can come to us.”
Sully stood up from where he had been kneeling on the floor and picked his daughter up off of her bed. He held her in his lap as he began talking. “Kates, listen to me, okay? When someone hurts you, you’ve got to tell your Mama and me, all right?” When Katie nodded, Sully kissed the crown of her head. “Now, go to Mama for a little bit while I try to get your brother back to sleep.” He placed Katie back on the bed.
Michaela gathered Katie in her arms and slowly rocked her back and forth. “I love you, Katie. Don’t you ever forget that.”
“I love you too, Mama.” And almost as if to prove it, Katie sat up and moved slightly away from her mother, but not off of her lap. She stuck out her arms in front of her. “Can you fix it?”
Michaela pretended to look very seriously at her arms. “Well, I can kiss it…” which she did. “…and rub it…” which she did also. “…and kiss it again.” She kissed her daughter’s bruise once more and smiled at the child. “Does that make it feel better?”
Katie began to laugh at how silly her mother was being. “No, but you look funny.” Katie smiled at her mother as Michaela pulled her close again. “Mama?”
“Yes, Sweetheart?”
The fear was back in her voice. “Can I stay with you and Papa tonight? I don’t want Bradley to get me.”
Michaela began her rocking again as she answered, “Of course you can.”
Sully had finally gotten Shawn back to sleep. He walked back over to his wife and daughter and knelt down in front of them. “Anyone think to ask me?”
Michaela looked down at Katie. “What do you think, Katie? Should we ask Papa?”
Katie smiled as she shook her head in the universal sign for “No.” Sully stood up and picked Katie up with him. “I’ll be so glad when Shawn’s old enough to talk. I’ve been outnumbered for far too long.”
Michaela stood and reached up to kiss Katie’s cheek. Then she picked up her nightgown to change in the little powder room off to the right. Within moment,s she emerged and froze. She saw her husband and daughter on the bed, Katie curled up in her father’s arms, the look of fear back on her face. Her heart went out to the little child. “I wish I could take away her pain.”
“So do I, Michaela.” Sully pulled the covers back so his wife could sit down. “So do I.” He brushed a few of Katie’s curls out of her face.
Michaela laid down beside her daughter, the motion of the bed stirring her slightly. When Katie looked over and saw her mother, she rolled over—out of her father’s arms and into her mother’s. Michaela took her and then moved into her husband’s embrace.
Seemingly from out of nowhere, a crash sounded throughout the floor they were on, waking Katie, and sending her into hysterics. Sully, sent into defense mode, quickly stood up and grabbed his tomahawk while Michaela held her daughter as close to her as humanly possible. She then looked over to the crib where Shawn was—amazingly—still asleep. “What was that, Mama?” Katie asked while trying to fuse her body with her mother’s. “Was that Bradley?”
Michaela held the child as tight as she dared, wanting so badly to take the fear out of her. “No, I don’t think so, Kate. Papa will go find out what happened. Shh…It’s going to be okay.”
Sully leaned down to kiss his daughter on the forehead. You stay here wit hyour Mama, all right Kates? You’ll be okay.” Katie nodded into her mother’s shoulder. Sully smiled a quick farewell to his wife and left the room—armed and ready for anything.
***
Betina entered the ballroom and went to Preston. “I think I want to leave.” She whispered into his ear.
Preston was confused at her sudden change of behavior, “What do you mean? The night has barely begun.”
“Preston I…” but before she could explain, Richard burst into the ballroom. He swiftly made his way to Betina and threw himself down on his knees. “Betina!” he cried. “Betina please! I can’t live without you.”
Betina’s cheeks flushed as she realized the entire ballroom had quieted. Everyone there was staring at her and the strange man in front of her. “Richard please,” She hissed. “Don’t make a scene.”
“Don’t make a scene?” Richard laughed. “But I thought I was good at it. Uncivilized, they said. A Heathen. Can’t behave properly…So why shouldn’t I live up to their expectations?”
“Because you’re better then they are.”
“Yes.” Richard smiled. He took Betina’s hand with his own and held it stiffly behind her. With his other hand, he began caressing her, running it down the side of her chest, slowly following her curves until he reached her thigh. “Better at satisfying their whores!”
Preston would not stand for such talk. Nor would he watch as this man touched her in such a way. “take your hands off her.” He said.
“Or what?” Richard asked, not letting the side conversation call his attention away from Betina.
“Or I’ll have to force you to.” Preston threatened.
Richard threw Betina to the side and turned so that he was facing Preston head on. The two stood eye to eye for a moment before Richard spoke. “Oh yea tough guy, let’s see you try.” He wound up his right arm and threw a punch in the direction of Preston’s stomach. Preston ducked down, avoiding the blow. He stood again and Richard again attempted to hit him. This time, Preston dodged the punch by throwing his own more quickly.
Richard stumbled backwards, but swiftly regained composure. He ran towards Preston and tackled him to the ground. The crowd gasped as the two men fought in such an uncivilized manor. Jake and Robert E. stepped forward and tried to pull the men off each other. Richard pulled his arm back and threw it into Jake’s chest. The barber toppled back into the crowd, hitting Hank. Before long, most men in the town were involved in the large brawl. The women backed themselves against the walls, unsure what else to do.
Richard grabbed Preston’s shirt and threw him into a table. The table fell apart under the weight as Preston, and the china which sat upon it, all came crashing to the floor.
Moments later, Sully appeared in the room. “What on earth happened down here?” he asked to no one in particular.
Dorothy was near him, so she explained the situation. “Seems Preston didn’t take too kindly to that man takin bad about Betina.” She finished.
Sully surveyed the situation and concluded that he couldn’t just pull one man out and stop it. He needed to get to the source of the problem and stop it in such a way that the others would be startled out of their own quarrels. He saw the opportunity when Richard pinned Preston against the wall. He took out his tomahawk from its place at his side and spun it in his hand a few times. After making sure that no one would be in the way, Sully raised his arm and sent the tomahawk soaring across the room. It flew right past Richard’s face, finally landing in the wall, alongside the hand that was holding Preston’s arm against the wall.
Preston looked around Richard’s shoulder as Richard himself turned around. Both saw Sully standing in the middle of the dance floor, looking right at them. The rest of the crowd had paused and slowly parted so Sully could walk pass and retrieve his weapon. “There’s only a few things I don’t tolerate.” He said to Richard as he pulled the tomahawk out of the wall. “One of em is talking bad about woman.” He left it at that and returned to his wife and children upstairs.
Preston turned to Betina’s husband, “I think you better leave.”
“I’ll leave.” Richard said, still a little stunned. “But I’m takin Alex with me.”
“Alex?” Preston questioned.
“He means Bradley.” Betina clarified. “His middle name is Alexander. Richard has always insisted on calling him Alex.”
"His middle name is Alexander?" Preston repeated as a question.
"I named him after you." Betina said softly.
Preston didn’t know what to think. Part of him was angry, part of him touched. "You gave your son my middle name."
"Yes." Betina said.
"Why would you do that?" Preston further questioned.
"It’s better then calling him Bradley Alfalfa Davis. Alexander is much more sophisticated" Betina then turned to Richard. “You can see him again when we return to Boston. We’ll take the first train tomorrow. I suggest you take the last one tonight.”
Richard did not argue with his wife. He left quickly, allowing the remaining guests their own peaceful departure from the ball.
Act V:
The day after the ball was busy for most of Colorado Springs. Early that morning, Hank had left the chateau and begun work to rebuild the Gold Nugget. When Jake and Loren woke, they offered their assistance. By the time Preston arrived in town, the building was well underway. He left Betina and Bradley in the surrey and walked over to the site. “Hank?” he called.
Hank looked up from the wooden plank he was hammering. “What do ya want Preston?”
Preston took a large envelope out of his pocket. He held it a moment, then handed it over to the bartender. “What’s this?” Hank asked.
“I said I’d give you the money from the ball.” Preston said. “And I’m a man of my word.” The banker did not wait for anyone to comment or even for Hank to protest. He left the money in hank’s hands, turned around, and headed back to Betina.
“That was very kind of you Preston.” Betina said, with a small smile.
“I promised him the money.”
“The train won’t be leaving for an hour. What shall we do until then?”
“I’ll take you to Grace’s.” Preston offered. “You should eat before the long trip.”
“That sounds lovely.” Betina agreed.
Michaela arrived in town about the same time as Preston and Betina had. She had purposefully come now, knowing that the train Betina was taking would be leaving soon. She saw her go with Preston towards the café. She hurried over and began the necessary discussion. “Excuse me Ms. Davis, I hoped I’d find you before you left."
Betina turned around and noticed the woman behind her. “Yes Dr. Quinn?”
“I think we need to talk." Michaela said. “Preferably in private.”
Betina understood. “Preston will you excuse us?” Preston reluctantly walked away, taking a seat at a nearby table. Close, but not close enough to hear the woman’s conversation. Betina watched him leave then turned back to Michaela. “ What did you need to speak with me about?”
“About your son.”
“What about him? His arm will be ok won't it?”
“Yes his arm is fine.” Michaela assured. “I’m afraid what I have to discuss is far more important. I have just found out that Bradley has been biting Katie.”
"Biting her? What do you mean?"
"Every time he has been left alone with her he has bitten her. Sully and I had been noticing marks on her but didn't realize until last night what had been happening."
“You're accusing my son of biting you're daughter"
"Not accusing, one of Hank's girls saw him do it last night."
"She must have provoked him."
"I highly doubt that, Katie normally gets along with other children. I think Bradley is acting this way because of abuse in the past, because that is how he's been treated he thinks that how he should treat others."
"You think I've abused him?"
"Someone has." Michaela said.
"I'd never hurt my child." Betina defended.
"Is there someone else...his father perhaps..."
"His father never even sees him."
"Then something else is going on. Perhaps it's a call for attention"
"He gets plenty of attention"
“From a nanny?”
“I don’t see that this is any of your business!”
“It became my business when Bradley started harming my daughter.”
“Well we’re leaving now so you don’t ever have to be bothered.”
“Ms. Davis, I do not consider this a bother. Something is causing Bradley to act out, and I’d like to help discover what that is.”
“We don’t need your help.” Betina insisted. “We’ve been doing just fine on our own.”
“Obviously you haven’t. Has he been acting out in any other way?”
Betina began to soften. This woman truly wanted to help. “First, call me Betina. Second, yes. Bradley has always been…overly violent. I just assumed it was something we couldn’t control.”
“Last night, he told me that he hurts people because other people hurt him. You wouldn’t know who he’s talking about would you?”
Betina looked away, ashamed that she hadn’t put the events together. “His father…he hits him.”
“But you said his father was never around.”
“He isn’t often. But when he is…that’s why I left him. I wouldn’t let him hurt Bradley any longer.”
“But now you’re going back to him?”
“I’m not going back.” Betina insisted. “Richard is a complicated man and we together have a complicated past. I have to go back and set things right. Get him back on his feet if you will. I don’t expect you to understand Dr. Quinn.”
“Call me Dr. Mike.” Michaela insisted. “And I do understand. I just don’t want to see either of you hurt again.”
“We won’t be. I’m going to get Richard a job, and stay until the divorce is final. Then it will be up to Preston as to weather I return.”
“I’ve never seen him act like he has since you arrived. You bring out the best in him.”
“No, he’s only doing that to impress me. The Preston you know is the man I created. I only hope that as you say, I can bring about the good in him. He needs that part of him back.”
“I know some doctors in Boston.” Michaela said. “They could help you with Bradley.”
“You think he can get better?”
“I think the best thing for him is to be around other people, especially children, as much as possible. Supervised of course. But the doctors may have other suggestions.”
“I’ll be sure to ask for advice when we arrive home.”
“I do hope you can return to Colorado Springs Betina.”
“As so I Dr. Mike. Thank you for your help.” Betina turned to walk back to the cafe. She stepped one foot forward, and next thing she knew, she was sitting in a heap of mud.
Michaela chuckled slightly, and then went to help the woman up. “Seems we all take a fall in the mud once in awhile.” She said. “You just had your first.”
Betina stood and wiped her muddy hand off on her dress. “There is a reason Boston has paved streets.” she said. “If only it weren’t today that I’d choose to fall. My luggage is already at the depot…”
“Don’t worry about it.” Michaela said. “You can have one of my dresses. I have a few extras over at the clinic. I’m afraid it’s more simple then what you’re used to, but it’s clean.”
“Thank you Dr. Mike. Whatever you have will be fine.” The two women headed towards the clinic and only then did Preston notice Betina’s state.
“You think Preston saw?” Betina asked as they stepped up to the clinic door.
Michaela turned around and saw the banker running to them, carefully avoiding mud puddles. “No, but I think he saw your dress just now.”
Betina looked backwards and laughed. “He seems more concerned about his own falling then mine.
That describes the Preston I know.” Michaela said.
“Give him time.” Betina said. “He won’t ever be the same, but I think the events of the last few weeks certainly have shown him that he can be at least part of the man he used to be.”
“We’ll welcome any improvement.”
***
"Mrs. Jennings, I think we have some unfinished business to discuss."
Dorothy turned and saw Mr. Dummkopf approaching. "We have nothing to discuss, sir. I said I wasn't going to write another book, and I meant it."
"You know, refusing will only cause you trouble. I know how to get what I want."
Dorothy stopped her trek to the café and looked at the man. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"I mean that you need to think about this a little more before you refuse. I need another book from you Miss Jennings, and I will not be accepting no as an answer."
"Mr. Dummkopf, I told you no at the beginnin' and I'm telling you no now, and I'll tell you no five, ten, and fifteen hours from now. I'm not interested in writing another book."
"The whore at the saloon also said no. And look what happened to her."
Dorothy threw a shocked look at him. "You were the one who set the fire?"
"Now, now, I didn't say that." Mr. Dummkopf said.
"Then what did you say, sir? Because it sounded like a confession to me."
"I just said she got what she deserved. And that you should take warning from the events recently occurring at the saloon.
"I am not writing another book! I don't care what you say. You're not getting another book!" Dorothy turned away from him and began her walk again towards the clinic. She desperately needed to see Michaela about this. She had to tell someone!
"Take heed Miss Jennings. Fires don't start themselves."
"Oh, no? Then how pray-tell do they start?"
"Yes I'd like to know the same thing." Hank said, coming up behind the publisher.
Mr. Dummkopf turned to see the bartender towering over him. "I...Umm...what I meant was..."
"You seem to be the expert here; how do fires get started?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Mr. Dummkopf denied.
Sully walked up behind Mr. Dummkopf. “ Well, for someone who doesn't know what he's talkin' about, you seem to be doin' a lot of threatenin'.
Mr. Dummkopf threw his hands up in the air. "Can't anyone have a private conversation in this town?!"
“Not when it involves threatenin' one of our citizens, which is what you were doin'.” Sully said.
"Or burnin down buildings." Hank added.
"You have no evidence I did anything wrong." Mr. Dummkopf claimed.
“I heard what you were sayin' to Dorothy, over here.” Hank told him.
Dorothy added. “And you confessed to me.”
“Seems like we got proof enough.” Hank said.
"I never said I did it." Mr. Dummkopf tried again to escape his words.
"No,” Dorothy admitted, “but it was implied."
"Any judge would find you guilty." Hank knew.
“Not to mention harassment charges, should Miss Dorothy choose to charge you.” Sully offered further punishment.
"Seems ta me we better lock him up." Hank said. "Then I'll wire the circuit judge."
“Sounds good to me.” Sully said to Hank. He turned to Mr. Dummkopf and added a harsh, “Come on.” Before leading him away.
***
Preston and Betina stood on the platform at the train depot. Bradley was waiting patiently for them to say their good-byes. “You don’t have to leave.” Preston said. “You don’t have to go back to him…”then, more under his breath, he whispered, “Please don’t go back to him.”
“I have to.” Betina said. “Last night, I’ll admit, I never planned to return to Boston. I juts told Richard that so he would leave. But as I sat in bed afterwards, I realized that I had to leave Colorado.”
“But why back to him?” Preston questioned.
“It won’t be forever.” Betina assured. “Just until I get him back on his feet. I left him with nothing, when he was used to me being there. I have to help him sort out his life. I can’t just leave him alone Not yet. When I’m ready, I’ll write you…and you can decide where we go from there.”
Betina slipped a small envelope into his hands. “Something to remember me by.” She smiled. Taking Bradley’s hand, Betina made her way to the train. She found two seats, one by the window. She looked out and sent a small wave in Preston’s direction. She turned away when he waved back, hoping he couldn’t tell she was crying.
He looked away then, turning his attention to the envelope had had left him. Inside were two tiny pieces of plant, one a piece of holly, the other, ivy. She had obviously taken them from the decorations of the ballroom. Along with the plants was a tiny piece of paper. Written on it were these words: "The holly has sharp corners, symbolizing all the bad memories between us. But the ivy...the ivy is a vine that will grow on forever, just like the love we have between us. It's just a matter of which plant you let grow and which one you let die."
The train's wheels slowly began to turn. The large engine rolled down the tracks headed away from Colorado Springs. Betina looked out the window again, uncertain about weather she'd ever return to this charming little town. Preston looked up and saw her face in the window.
Preston continued to gaze at her, even as the image faded off in the distance. Preston held the pieces of decoration in his fingers, She had told him the same thing the night before, but only now did the meaning truly set in. They would always love one another, but in order for them to continue, he had to forgive the past. As he watched the train’s image fade into the distance, Preston was unsure what would happen between them. Ivy was an awful powerful vine, but was it strong enough to grow amongst a holly bush? Perhaps even strong enough to row so large that the holly died? Only time could tell which of these plants would survive.