This story is dedicated to Hayley. Without your encouragment I would have never written this. Thanks for everything....Melissa
August 1872
The people of Colorado Springs methodically ran through their day. Sometimes, the days all seemed to flow together. Those days when nothing out of the ordinary happened. Nothing more exciting than a bar fight at the Gold Nugget to bring them out of their reverie. This was one of those days. Everything was quite as the town members carried on the daily walks of life.
The sound of a fast approaching wagon brought everyone in town out of their designated buildings. The driver screeched the wagon to a stop in front of the clinic. “Please help me.” He cried. “Where’s the doctor?”
Michaela went immediately to the back of the wagon. She found a woman lying unconscious on a bed of hay, blood pouring from her head. “What happened?”
“A man attacked her, hit her on the head with a log.”
“Let’s get her inside.”
Amongst all the commotion of helping the injured woman, nobody noticed the man who had driven her to town. He lingered outside the clinic for a few minutes with the rest of the crown. But when no one was looking, he slipped away and left.
Michaela was trying to determine the extent of the woman’s injuries. She worked through the tangle of hair, blood, and bark until she found the site of the problem. There was a large gash just above the right temple. Dr. Mike did everything she could, but the wound was too large and too damaging. There was nothing she could do to save the woman.
Dr. Quinn went out to tell the crowd the news of the woman’s death. She immediately looked for the man who had brought her to town, thinking they knew each other in some way. When the man could not be found, Hank became suspicious. “Ya think he might’a had somethin ta do with this?” he asked accusingly.
“Now Hank let’s not jump to conclusions.” Dorothy warned. “Why would he bring her here if he was responsible?”
“Maybe he didn’t mean ta hurt her.” Jake suggested.
“It doesn’t matter what happened now.” Daniel intervened. “Let get some men together and find this guy. If he is innocent, he should have some information as to who did do this.”
“And if he’s guilty?” Michaela asked.
“Then we’ll hang him!” Hank said.
***
Sully stood on the train platform waiting for his guest to step off the train. A man walked down the steps and Sully called to him. “Senator Dinston…”
The man walked over to Sully and shook his hand. “Ahh Mr. Sully. It’s good to see you again.”
“You too Sir. I got you’re telegram…What brings you back to Colorado?”
“I’ve come to take a look at my chateau. I have to get it back up and running.”
“Well sir, it’s running pretty good right now. Michaela has been keeping the employees there and taking care of the clinic. She’s a good business woman when she needs ta be.”
“Then I need to thank her…Is she around?”
“I imagine she’s at her clinic. I can take ya there and then out to the chateau ta show ya around.”
“That sounds wonderful Sully.” Sully led the Senator towards the clinic. They were getting near when Daniel came by. “Sully! Can I have a word with you?” he asked.
“Sure Daniel…Senator can you wait a minute?”
“Of course.”
Sully led Daniel to the side. “What is it?”
“Did ya here about the murder?”
“Murder!?”
“So you didn’t hear.”
“No I didn’t. What happened?”
“A man brought a woman to the clinic earlier today. She had been hit over the head with a log.”
“A log?!”
“Yes well, she died and we have reason to suspect the man who brought her in may have killed her.”
“What are we doin ‘bout this?”
“There are some men out searching for him right now. I was about to head out with another group.”
“Want me ta join you?” Sully offered.
“No, we have enough men…I was thinking we need to put new locks on the jail cells. If we ever catch this guy we’ll have to keep him here. The locks have needed to be replaced for awhile now. Do you think you could do that Sully?”
“Of course. I’m taking the Senator out to the chateau now. I’ll get the things from Loren and come by tomorrow.”
“Is that the new owner?”
“Yep, papers just went through. Preston no longer has a place in this town.”
“Can’t imagine him leaving though. Anyway...Thanks Sully. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”
“No problem. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“I’ll be sure to do that.”
Daniel returned to the jail where the new posse was gathering. Sully returned to Mr. Dinston. “I’m sorry ‘bout that sir. That was the sheriff…Michaela is busy right now, but we can head out to the chateau and see her later on.”
“Oh is something wrong?”
“There was a murder outside town this morning. I can’t imagine she’s in the mood for visitors right now.”
“That’s terrible! You sure she doesn’t want you around?”
“She has other patients. I best not intrude.”
“If you’re sure….”
“Yes I am. Let’s go.”
***
Michaela sat at her desk trying to concentrate on a medical journal. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get past the first paragraph. First she thought about Colleen and Andrew. They were probably in Philadelphia by now. She was registering for her classes and he was setting up his new clinic. Dr. Mike was happy for her daughter, but she was having trouble without Andrew’s help. Managing two clinics on her own plus trying to raise a family were much to demanding.
But then her thoughts turned to Sully. After the tragedy she had encountered that morning, she longed to be in his arms. She had been there a lot recently, but it never seemed to be enough. Just thinking about it made her smile. They had been trying more recently to have another child. They had agreed that it was time, but as of yet, it had not happened. The thought crossed her mind that despite their attempts, she would never get pregnant again.
When those thoughts came up, Michaela dismissed them. She instead turned her thoughts to her and Sully. Despite the medical journal sitting in front of her, Dr. Mike soon became lost in a daydream.
Sully held her close as they sat by the fireplace. Katie was asleep on a blanket next to them. Sully tried to kiss her, but she pulled away. She led him outside and into the barn. They kissed each other and he ran his fingers through her hair. His shirt was distracting her so she ripped it off. He only smiled and began to undress her as well. When they were fully undressed, Sully guided her down into the hay.
Chapter 2
“And you say that Dr. Quinn has been doing all of this?” The Senator and Sully had made their way all over the chateau. Sully had introduced most of the staff and explained how things were being run. Now, he was taking the senator to tour the Hot Springs.
“Well she was just taking care of the patients after Andrew left…”
“Andrew?”
“Yes, Dr. Andrew Cook. He ran the clinic here when Preston was in charge. But he just moved to Pennsylvania.”
“Why did he leave?”
“He married my daughter. She’s about ta start medical school in Philadelphia. He’s starting his own practice there so they can be together.”
“Oh well I guess congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you sir. Michaela and I sure are proud.”
“And you have good reason to be. Now how did you’re wife assume responsibility of the entire chateau?”
“Well when the staff found out Preston wasn’t the owner anymore, they stopped listenin to him. He actually ended up leaving but only for a month. He came back for some reason…I think he still believes he’ll get the place back.”
“He’s here now?”
“Yes he’s staying at the hotel. But he hardly ever leaves his room. Only ta go into town…Anyway when Preston left, things weren’t good here. All of the guests wanted to leave as soon as they arrived. Michaela didn’t want ta see the place go ruin before you even took over so she did her best. Knowing she was involved kept most of the staff here, and loyal.”
“You seem to have on heck of a wife Mr. Sully.”
“She’s the most wonderful woman in the world.”
“Yes well it’s getting late. Shouldn’t you be getting home?”
“Yes I should. Is there anything else you need?”
“No I think I can manage…Sully, can I talk with you about something tomorrow?”
“Of course. How ‘bout I meet you here around 11?”
“That sounds good. We can talk over lunch…. and bring Dr. Quinn.”
“I’ll see if I can pull her away from work.” Sully joked as he saddled his horse. “Even if she can’t make it I’ll be there.”
“Good day Mr. Sully.”
“Good bye Senator.”
***
When Sully placed her on the hay, Michaela got lost in their world. He made her feel safe and loved. When he climbed on top of her, she pulled him down for a kiss. She wanted more passion before they joined as one. Amongst much kissing and caressing, they rolled around in the hay and made jokes about what a mess her hair would be afterwards. But Sully knew when she wanted him. He calmed her laughter and entered her…
Michaela’s daydream was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Come in.” she called.
“You ready ta go ma?” Brian had come from school and was ready to go home.
Dr. Mike tried to collect herself. She was fairly certain that her cheeks were blush, but hoped that Brian would not notice. “Yes Brian I’m ready. Can you get Katie from upstairs? I’ll go get the wagon.”
“Sure ma. I’ll meet you out front.”
At dinner that evening, the topic was murder. Everyone had something to say about the latest tragedy in town, everyone except Matthew. He had other things on his mind. He finally broke in and interrupted the homicide conversation. “I got a telegram back from Mr. Clark today.”
The room went silent. Everyone waited for Matthew to continue. When he didn’t Sully was the only one brave enough to ask. “What did it say.”
“Well…He wants me to come and study law in Denver.”
“But I thought you didn’t want to attend the university.” Brian stated.
“You’re right Brian I don’t. Mr. Clark said he would arrange it so I can study under him. I won’t have to go to any of the classes at the college. He’ll teach me and let me work for him. Then I’ll take the exams with all the other law students. This way I’ll get out of school a lot quicker.”
“That sounds like a wonderful arrangement Matthew.” Michaela beamed.
“But I have to be in Denver in a week. Which means I have to leave in five days.”
“So soon?”
“Yea. I know. But I really want to do this.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity Matthew. We’ll get you ready in time.”
“Thanks ma.”
***
Later that night, after making sure Brian and Katie were asleep, Michaela went to her bedroom. She crawled under the blankets and snuggled next to Sully who had been waiting for her. “I heard about what happened today.” He told her.
“It was awful Sully.” Michaela admitted. “There was nothing I could do.”
“That happens sometimes, ya get a patient ya can’t help.”
“I know. But that still doesn’t make it any easier.” Michaela paused for a moment and the room went silent. After a moment, she looked up into Sully’s beautiful blue eyes. “I could use some holdin.”
“Anytime.” Sully took her into his arms. She placed her head on his chest and began twirling his hairs in the fingers.
“I was thinking about tomorrow night.”
“What’s goin on tomorrow?” Sully asked innocently.
“Sully! We were going to spend the night together…You told me you wanted it to be romantic!”
“Oh that. Right. What were ya thinkin?”
“We could get a room at the chateau. Matthew will stay with Brian and Katie at the homestead.”
“And what do you have planned for such and evening?” Sully asked mischievously before taking Michaela in for a kiss.
“Oh nothing more than a romantic dinner and a night with no children down the hall.”
“Hmm no children?” Again, he took her lips for his own.
“That’s right. We’ll be all alone. We won’t have to worry about someone barging in on us."”
“Isn’t the whole point of this to have more children.”
“Well yes. If were to get pregnant, I’m be thrilled. But it’s difficult to try with Katie and Brian down the hall. I just can’t ever get in the mood.”
“I think ya’ve been the ‘the mood’ plenty lately…like right now?”
“Oh ya think I’m in a romantic mood do you?…Well then I guess we don’t need this romantic night away.”
“No! Maybe you do need ta get away from the homestead for a bit.”
Both Michaela and Sully were beginning to sacrifice domination over their yearnings. “Well then until tomorrow Mr. Sully.” Michaela rolled over to avoid the longings that were beginning to stir within her. She did want Sully; more than anything she wanted to take off his clothes and have him inside her. But they both wanted the following night to be special so they resisted their temptations.
Chapter 3
Sully came by the clinic around 10:30. Michaela was a bit confused at seeing him there…but having him there was a blessing for her wanting heart. “Sully? What are you doing here?”
“I was just wondering if you had some extra time you could come to the chateau for lunch with me.”
“Lunch at the chateau? What’s the occasion?”
“Senator Dinston invited us. He wanted to talk with me ‘bout somethin.”
“I wish I could Sully. But I was put behind yesterday with the trauma. Now I have to see all the patients I had scheduled during that time.”
“He just asked that I bring ya is all. He wants ta thank you for all you’ve done at the chateau.”
“I’m sorry Sully I really can’t get away, not if I want to get away early for tonight.”
“Mr. Dinston will understand. But he does want ta meet you.”
“Maybe he can come for dinner one night.” Michaela suggested.
“I’ll ask him…I best head out there, he’ll be waitin.”
“I’ll come by the jail when I’m finished here to get you?”
“Yea, I’m gonna head there as soon as I leave the chateau…love you.”
“I love you too. Have a good time.”
Brian and Matthew sat in the wagon, ready to head home. “Now you be a good girl for you’re big brothers.” Michaela told Katie as she kissed the girl goodbye and handed her to Brian.
“We’ll be fine ma.” Brian insisted.
“Yea…you and Sully have a good time.” Matthew replied.
“Thank you boys. We’ll be home early tomorrow Matthew, so you can go out with the search party again. Plus you’ll want to start packing soon.”
“I’ll have plenty of time to pack ma.”
“But you leave in less than a week!”
“Ma I’ll be fine. Denver ain’t that far. If I forget somthin I can be back in a few hours. Now you get goin and have a nice night.”
“I still can’t believe you’re going to be a lawyer!”
“Well not quite yet. I have a lot of school ahead of me.”
“I know you do…but I’m still so proud.”
“Thanks ma…. Now get going!”
“Alright, alright! As soon as I see you off.” After seeing that her family was safely on their way home, Michaela went to the jail to find her husband. Sully was there installing the new locks on the cells. “Are you almost finished?” she asked.
“I have two more ta do. But don’t worry it won’t take me long.” He stopped work for a moment and set a sheet on the bed in the cell. “Here, ya can sit and wait.”
Michaela took a seat on the bed and leaned her head against the bars. Just when Sully was going back to work, Daniel came by the jail to lock up. “You still here?” he asked Sully.
“Yea I’m almost finished. I’ll lock up. You go on home.”
“Thanks Sully.” Seeing Dr. Quinn on the bed he called to her as well. “Goodnight Michaela.”
“Goodnight Daniel.” The couple replied. After Daniel left, Sully continued his work. “I’m sorry ‘bout this Michaela. I didn’t get started till late. That lunch with Senator Dinston went longer than I thought it would.”
“That’s ok Sully. I just finished at the clinic a short while ago as well. What did the senator want?”
“We can talk about that later on. It’s not important now”
“Alright. We can leave as soon as you’re finished.”
“Well this is the last one.” The lock was quickly put on the cell. “Uh oh…”
“What? What is it?” Michaela asked, coming out of her daydream.
“I umm…” Not quite knowing how to say it, Sully kept mumbling.
“Sully? What is it?”
“I locked us in.”
“You what?!” Michaela jumped up from her place on the bed and went to inspect the lock. Sure enough, it was shut tight.
“I was putin the lock on and I accidentally shut it.”
“Oh no! Isn’t there something you can do? Take it apart or something?”
“I’m sorry Michaela, the key is over on the desk. We’ll just have to wait until someone comes by.”
“That won’t be until morning! Everyone has already gone home or to bed.”
“Michaela I’m sorry. There’s nothin ta do ‘bout it now though.”
As the room fell silent, Michaela retreated back to the bed in the corner. She sat down and pulled a sheet up over her. Sully could see the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. He felt horrible for making her upset. “We were supposed to have a romantic night together Sully.” She reminded him. “I had everything planned. We have a reservation at the chateau!” Her anger and frustration were quickly overtaking the initial disappointment she had felt.
Sully backed away from the bars of the cell and walked slowly over to Michaela’s side. Her knelt in front of the bed and took her hand in his. He stared lovingly into her eyes. “There’s no reason we can’t still have a romantic night.”
“Sully we’re locked in a jail cell! What’s romantic about that?”
“Well we’re together and we’re alone.” Sully moved closer and wrapped his arms around her. Slowly, he began to lovingly caress her back.
Michaela was at first inclined to back away from his massage, but Sully’s touches were beginning to have their affect on her. “I umm…just wanted tonight to…be special…”
Sully quickly realized that the bed was too small for both of them. He pulled Michaela down from her seat and sat her in front of him. “It will be Michaela. I promise.” Sully slowly began to unbutton her blouse. Michaela pulled away. “Sully? Here?”
Sully simply took her lips with his own. For a moment, she forgot where they were and why she was angry with him. All her passions were released with that one kiss. “There’s no one around Michaela.” Sully finally spoke. “And besides no on will come lookin for us tonight. We’re supposed to be at the chateau remember?” Sully continued to stroke her, from her back down to her hips. His lips left her mouth and traveled down her neck. Michaela arched her head back and sighed with pleasure. Sully continued his relaxing overtures in an attempt to release the tension his wife felt.
Michaela was rapidly losing control. She took Sully’s chin in her hand and raised his face to her eye level. She looked into his eyes for a moment before claiming his lips for her own. She stroked his tongue with hers and he responded accordingly. Sully hands left their place on Michaela’s thighs as he took her hair between them. He gently stroked the long tresses taking in all of her beauty in doing so. Their mouths continued to move together in a sensual, untamed rhythm, their hands entangled in each other’s hair. They broke away from each other for only a moment to catch their breath. The wonder of the heat they were creating was evident in their eyes. Unwilling to lose the momentum they were building their lips fused together again.
Chapter 4
There was no thought as primitive instincts took over. Their kisses built a fire that burned within them. A need to claim her moved Sully’s hand back over her. He again began to unbutton her blouse and this time, Michaela did not hesitate. She returned his action and pulled his shirt over his head. Both garments were quickly tossed aside.
Sully wanted to feel more, to have more. His fingers returned to her back and began to follow the ridges of her spine down her back. Michaela shivered against him as he created chills in her. As he reached her lower back he hesitated for only a moment before flattening his hand against her. With overwhelming amazement his hands moved down over the roundness of her buttocks. He squeezed it as he felt the ripe curve beneath his hand.
Her hips squirmed against his hand as he massaged her cheeks. Then wanting and needing her closer he began to remove her skirt and undergarments. When Michaela was finally free, Sully’s hand moved beneath her hip then pulled her toward him. She came willingly shifting to help get them closer. As they became flush his hand moved down her thigh to pull it over his hip. Sully’s leg moved between hers so that her softness was just above his thigh. He groaned as her hips moved to rub herself against him.
Michaela could feel his pulsating manhood beneath his buckskins. She quickly went to his waist and undid the button that held them around his body. When they were finally free of their cloths, Sully again took Michaela in his arms. Her breasts called to him demanding to be paid attention to. The hard pebble of her nipples were pressing into his chest. He began to kiss each breast, taking the nipple in his mouth.
Michaela moaned at his touches. She couldn’t stand the temptation any longer. “Sully please…. I need you now…”
Sully slowly lowered Michaela to the floor. He straddled her and continued to kiss her breast. Michaela continued to moan softly, not wanting to prolong their union any longer. When Sully finally entered her, she relished the feel of him. His rhythmic moves stirred feelings inside of her that she never thought possible. They reached a powerful explosive exchange of energy. Nothing else existed in the world at that instant.
Eventually, they began to quiet, with breathing and pulses gradually returning to normal. Sully went to remove himself from Michaela, but she stopped him. “Please…” she begged “Stay…” She was not yet ready to give him up. Felling him inside her made everything else in the world disappear. She wanted to luxuriate in this moment as long as she could. Sully knew what she was thinking and felt the same way. He rolled onto his back and took Michaela with him. She lay atop him for an instant before they continued their love making.
When their breathing once again returned to normal, Sully rolled over onto his side. He took Michaela in his arms and she wrapped her legs around his. He pulled a sheet off the bed and draped it over them. They lay together on the floor of the prison entwined in their love, covered only by a light sheet. They whispered “I love you’s” before drifting off to sleep.
Michaela woke before sunrise to a loud sound outside the prison. “Sully wake up…someone’s coming!”
Sully woke and they again heard a sound outside. He quickly rose and donned his buckskins. Michaela tried to get up and find her clothes, but her foot was stuck on something. “Sully! My foot is stuck!”
Sully knelled down and found that Michaela’s foot was indeed stuck between two of the cell bars. “Hold on Michaela. I can get it out if you stop struggling.”
“Sully what if someone finds us like this?”
“Shh…just let me get your foot out.” Michaela momentarily stopped moving and her foot was freed. She quickly found her clothes while Sully went to one side of the cell, looking for someone outside. “There’s nothin there Michaela. Why don’t you go back ta sleep?””
“I can’t sleep. The floor is so hard and cold. Plus what if someone does come? What will they think?”
“Why don’t you take the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor. No one will think anything if we’re not even near each other. Besides, we’re dressed now.”
“Alright, but I want you to be comfortable too. Take the sheets and pillow.”
While Sully made a makeshift bed out of the sheets, Michaela climbed into the real bed. When Sully finally lay down next to her, she reached for his hand. “I need to feel you.” She told him.
For a long time, they said nothing else but Michaela couldn’t fall asleep again. Someone would be coming to town in a few short hours and they would be let out finally. She finally broke the silence. “That was perfect….last night.”
Sully smiled “Always is Michaela. You and me got somthin special. How else would I get the proper Boston doctor to make love in a jail cell?”
“Sully!”
“Well it’s true. To think what your mother would say if she knew.”
“She’d be mortified. As I would have been at one time…but you’re right Sully, what we have is special…I wouldn’t trade last night for anything.”
“Not even a bed at the chateau?”
“Not even that. Last night was exquisite…I just hope…” Michaela placed her hand on her abdomen. Sully noticed her quite. He sat up and placed his hand atop hers. “It’ll happen Michaela. Ya just gotta be patient.”
“And if it doesn’t?” She questioned, sitting up as well.
“Then we’ll be happy with what we got. Just like we said before we found out about Katie. ‘You’re still the luckiest woman in the world.’ We gotta remember the family we got. Our kids our wonderful and we love em. We don’t need anything else.”
“You’re right Sully. I do want another child, more then anything I’d like to give you a son. But we have our baby, and Matthew, Colleen, and Brian. No matter what happens we have our family.”
“That’s right. Now go to sleep. Daniel will be her in a few hours and we can go home.”
“I love you Sully.” Michaela muttered before drifting back to sleep, Sully hand still clutched in her own.
Chapter 5
“Matthew have you seen your ma?” Daniel came by the homestead looking for the doctor. When he didn’t find her, he returned to town only to find that she wasn’t there either. He finally found Matthew and Katie at the mercantile. “We caught the guy that killed that woman. He’s in bad shape.”
“Ma and Sully stayed at the chateau last night. Ma said they’d be back early but we haven’t seen her or Sully all morning. I guess they over slept.”
“Maybe we should go get them.” Horace suggested.
“They never checked in.” Preston spoke up.
“And how would you know that?” Loren asked. “Ya don’t own the place no more.”
“You’re right Loren. But I am staying there, and I know that Michaela and Sully never came to the chateau last night.”
“Where could they be?” Dorothy asked. “Ya don’t think somethin happened to them?”
“Ya’ll might want ta see this.” Hank spoke up, coming out of the jail.
“Hank what is it?”
“Seems we got two jailbirds who had some fun last night.” Hank led the crowd into the jail. There they found Michaela and Sully sleeping in the cell. But sometime in the night, Michaela had let go of Sully’s hand and he had rolled over away from the bed.
“Oh my goodness what are they doin in there?” Dorothy questioned.
“Well I got a guess as ta what they were doin all night.” Hank said.
“Hank! How can you say somthin like that?” Dorothy was astonished at the implication of Hank’s word, and quick to defend her friend. “After all, they are fully clothed and aren’t even sleepin together.”
“You believe what you want, but I know what was goin on here. Why else would they still be sleepin? Musta been a long night!”
“She’s right.” Daniel replied. “They must’ve got locked in somehow.”
“The key’s on the desk.” A voice came from the cell. Everyone turned to find Sully rising from his bed on the floor. “And Hank, I’ll thank you not to talk about me and my wife in such a way.” Hank simply rolled his eyes and walked back over to his saloon.
“How on earth did you get locked in there? Daniel asked as he unlocked the cell.”
“He locked us in.” Michaela spoke angrily from the bed. “Claims it was an accident.” She continued sarcastically.
“Michaela, I said I was sorry.” When the door was finally opened, Michaela walked right past Sully. I’ll see you at home, I have work to do.”
“Oh yes” Daniel interrupted. “That man is at the clinic. Jake’s workin on him best he can.”
“What happened?”
“We found him early this mornin by the creek. Crashed his wagon inta a tree’s what it looks like.”
“I better get over there.” But before she left, she glared at Sully. The look and her earlier actions made everyone doubt that anything had happened between the two that previous night.
Michaela rushed into the clinic to find Jake doing his best to suture the wounds on the injured man. “Thank goodness you’re here.” He sighed. “All I can do is stitch and he’s covered. Don’t know what else is wrong with him.
“Let me take a look at him.” Dr. Quinn began her examination telling Jake what she found as she wen t along. “His arms needs to be set. It’s broken”
After setting the arm and suturing and bandaging the cuts, Jake took the man to a recovery room. Dr. Mike went to tell Daniel of his condition.
“He needs to be moved to the jail.” Daniel insisted.
“Not yet Daniel. He needs to recuperate. You can’t move him yet…at least until he wakes up.”
“He’s wanted for murder Michaela. As soon as he wakes up, I’m bringin him in. Until then, I’ll have twenty-four hour watch on him.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“Yes it is…” Daniel left her standing in the street and went to supervise his prisoner.
“I can’t believe what Hank said to everyone! Do you think he knows?” Michaela paced in front of the fireplace. Sully simply sat in one of the wingback chairs watching her. She was so beautiful when she was angry. All that passion in her eyes made him melt.
“He can’t possibly know Michaela. “Sully tried to reassure her. “We made she we were dressed. All anyone should think was we got locked in and slept there. There’s nothin ta say we did anythin more.”
“But Sully everyone thinks we…”
“Michaela, no one thinks that. They way you treated me at the jail, everyone thinks you’re angry as a cat. If you were really that angry, there’s no way you were anywhere near me.”
Suddenly guilty of her actions, Michaela stopped pacing and sat next to Sully. She took his hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry I was so harsh. I didn’t mean it.”
Sully smiled. “I know ya didn’t. But ya sure know how ta save you’re reputation.”
“I just didn’t want anyone to think…well what they think!”
“Michaela I told ya, only Hank thinks that and that’s ‘cause he’s got nothin else ta think about. Ya just gotta ignore him.”
“I try. But sometimes I wonder how someone can be so hateful and crude, but then at times, he seems to really care. Seeing him with Zack and then when I was shot. He’s just so difficult to figure out.”
“Ya don’t know everythin ‘bout everyone Michaela. Just let him be.”
“You always make everything seem so simply.”
“It is simple. Just worry ‘bout our life…our family. Hank doesn’t matter to us.”
“You’re right…as you always are.” Michaela admitted. “Can we go up to bed now? I’m awful tired.”
“There’s something we need ta talk about first.”
“Can we talk upstairs Sully? I really need to get off my feet. I’ve been running myself ragged trying to get that man better, so he won’t suffer once Daniel takes him in.”
“Sure thing. But we have to talk tonight…it’s important.”
Sully waited for Michaela in their bed. When she finally got under the covers, she was aroused by the touch of his leg against hers. A smile crossed her face as she moved her hand up his thigh. Sully stopped her before she got any further. “Michaela please…I said we gotta talk.”
Taken aback by his lack of interest, Michaela sat up and folded her arms. “Fine we’ll talk.”
“Don’t be like that.”
“I’m not being like anything. Let’s talk.”
“I don’t want to do this while you’re angry.”
“I’m not angry…I’m sorry Sully. I let my emotions get the best of me. What did you want to talk about.”
“It’s about what the senator wanted to talk with us about.”
“I don’t know where to start…The senator is dyin. He just found out he’s got cancer.”
“Oh my! Is he sure? Does he want me to examine him?”
“He’s pretty sure Michaela. He’s seen a bunch of doctors. All of em gave him the same diagnosis. He’s got only a few months ta live.”
“The why did he buy the chateau?”
“He didn’t know then that he was sick.”
“That’s terrible…but why did he want us to know? I don’t need the job with the clinic…I can’t even handle it myself anymore.”
“Michaela, he wants to leave the chateau to us…in his will. It would be ours.”