Chapter 3
Only after she'd left Cascade behind did Michaela notice the beautiful landscape she was driving through. Until then, her mind had been occupied by worries about Charlotte's condition and concern about the safety of her children, particularly Colleen's. Since Mr. Cooper had been able to escape, they had every reason to believe he would try to find his daughter. After all, he still wanted access to her college fund. Snow Bird, however, had soothed Michaela, promising to make sure that the young girl was safe. As a social worker, she fortunately knew how to do that. In addition, the police had started searching for the man who'd almost killed his former wife. After discussing the situation, they all had agreed that Michaela would go to Woodland Park in order to pick up Brian. Even though he was still very young, he certainly wanted to see his mother, especially since no one knew yet whether she would make it.
Anyway, the majestic sight of Pikes Peak ahead reminded Michaela of the afternoon when Sully had taken her up to its top. This memory distracted her enough for her to direct her thoughts to what lay before her. In less than half an hour she would see Sully, and despite herself, a smile spread over her face. Hopefully they could get a few minutes alone because she suddenly felt the urge to bury herself in his arms, needing him to tell her that everything would be all right.
As she at last passed the sign saying that she'd reached her destination, Michaela was astonished to find out that the park was in fact a little town. She hadn't thought of asking Sully for his address here because she'd never intended to go to this place, and when she had started to get here she'd simply assumed that the name of the park was enough to find him. Yet looking along the main street she realized she needed help. Pulling her car to halt at the curb at the first best opportunity, she contemplated what to do. Sully had told her he would turn on his cell phone only to call her in the evenings or in an emergency. However, she decided it was worth a try. He didn't answer.
It took her ten more minutes to at last find the building with the town information. As she entered the room where she could post her question, a tall, lanky man in his mid-thirties rose from his chair behind the counter. "How can I help ya, Ma'am?" he eagerly asked, his eyes lightly popping out.
"I'm looking for a camp where children learn about the Indian way of life. Unfortunately I have no idea…." Michaela began yet she was instantly interrupted.
"Oh, the Cheyenne camp," the man said, obviously happy that he was able to help. "That's really easy, Ma'am. Ya can't miss it."
Reaching under the desk, he pulled out a map, spreading it out before Michaela. "Ya see this?" he asked, showing her a mark next to a yellow line. "We're here, on highway 24. Ya just follow it till this crossroads where the 67 joins the 24." His finger was running along the way as he explained it.
Michaela listened carefully, memorizing what the map showed her.
"…drive up to its end and turn left to the Golden Eagle Place. It's a dead end with a small loft. Ya can leave your car there. There's a sign that points to the camp. It's on a clearing; ya gotta follow the path through the trees."
Looking up at her, he smiled broadly. "Sounds more complicated than it is," he assured. "Here, ya can have the map so ya can take a look in case ya get stuck."
It was easy indeed to find the way, and the closer Michaela came to her destination, the more her anticipation grew. Only a few minutes, and she would see Sully.
xxx
Woodland Park was located on the north slope of Pikes Peak, 8465 feet above sea level, but despite the height it had been a very warm day. The air was clear though, smelling of firs. The hum of little insects could still be heard although the kids, sitting cross-legged in a circle on blankets on the ground with Sully, were chattering away.
After living in the middle of the woods for one week, Sully almost wished he could turn back time and live the way the Indians had two hundred years ago. He'd actually managed to lose track of time; when he woke up that morning, he needed to think hard to figure out which day of the week it was. Cloud Dancing had noticed how much he enjoyed his being here and suggested to come back to the upcoming camp as well because the colleague who had signed up for the job was still ill.
Sully actually considered this offer; after all, Michaela seemed to be fine without him. She was at the hospital the better part of the day anyway so he wasn't really needed. It seemed to be enough for her to talk to him on the phone, and he began wondering if it was enough for him, too. Yet as soon as this thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it. All he wished for was to have the family with her he'd almost already had. He didn't only want to be a voice she heard but be there for her in every way possible, and he would do anything to make her see that he loved her the way you only love once in your life. If that meant to give her more space, then he would give it to her. His being away for two more weeks might actually help with that.
However, a squeal from one of the girls of his class brought his attention back to his task: teaching the kids to whittle. They had started with searching for the right piece of wood for each of them which had taken them two days. No one minded though; it must be the atmosphere of the place that time didn't seem to matter.
"Somethin' wrong?" he asked the twelve-year-old blonde across from him who was laughing now.
"No, Mr. Sully," she replied, blushing deeply and elbowing her neighbor. "Sarah just said somethin' stupid."
Sully knew better than to ask for more information, usually that only caused more red cheeks and embarrassed giggles.
"Just watch your knives," he said instead although this wasn't necessary; the kids were astonishingly careful when they worked with the blades.
He had barely focused on the little deer in his hands again when suddenly Wolf, who had lain behind him, leapt to his feet and sprinted towards the path that led to the street.
"Wolf!" Sully yelled, "Stop!"
Yet his dog didn't listen, and when a very familiar figure stepped into the light of the clearing, he knew why.
"Put your knives down, kids," he ordered, beginning to run as well.
Michaela had already heard children's voices when she left the Toyota in the parking lot; she would have found them without the sign that was sporting brightly colored teepees pointing towards the edge of the wood. With every step she came closer to the camp, her heart beat faster and the ends of her mouth lifted so that she smiled broadly once she entered the clearing. For a moment she forgot why she had come here in the first place, and when she saw Sully rushing towards her, her own feet moved faster, too.
She was waylaid though by an over-excited Wolf. The dog was delirious with joy, jumping up at her, licking her face. The next moment he circled her, wagging his tail madly making it impossible for her to continue on her way. Of course Michaela didn't even consider ignoring him. Throwing back her head, she laughed out loud before she crouched down, ruffling his fur affectionately.
"Oh, I've missed you," she told him still chuckling.
"I hope he's not the only one," Sully, having finally reached them, said somewhat dryly.
Michaela instantly straightened again. Seeing both, the sparkle and some insecurity in Sully's blue eyes she knew he was only partly joking. As always, his closeness overwhelmed her, and embarrassedly she noticed the warmth on her cheeks, knowing she had colored once again.
She didn't back away though but held Sully's gaze. "A bit," she replied, failing in her intention to sound playfully.
She didn't remember closing the distance between them, but the next second she felt securely enclosed in his arms. Letting out a long sigh of contentment, she allowed her eyelids to droop, breathing in Sully's presence.
"A lot," she whispered against his chest amending herself, not caring that she might sound needy.
"Good," Sully nuzzled his nose in her hair, "'Cause I missed ya, too."
Oblivious for the world, they held each other tightly, enjoying the sensation of being united. However, after a minute Michaela sobered, knowing that she was in a hurry.
Feeling guilty she dropped her arms, taking one step back. "Where is Brian?" she asked, "I need to take him with me."
"Why's that?" Sully was puzzled, yet her expression told him that something serious was behind her request. "His group's at the Dinosaur Museum, but they should be back soon," he added, waiting for more information.
Michaela, however, avoided her eyes, angry with herself that she hadn't contemplated how much of the incident at the Cooper's house to reveal when she was on her way out here. Sully knew her well enough though to recognize that she considered editing her report.
"Just tell me," he demanded.
Yet out of the blue, he was surrounded by the class that had just returned from town. Interrupting each other, the children reported excitedly what they had seen at the museum, relieving Michaela from her reply. Using this opportunity, she craned her neck attempting to spot Brian among the kids.
"Will ya stay the weekend?" a boy asked from somewhere behind her, hope coloring his tone.
Michaela recognized the clear voice before she saw its owner wriggling his way through the crowd towards her. When Brian reached her, beaming, she crouched down to be on eye level with him. Gently running her hand over his blond hair, she said, "Your mom had an accident, so actually, I'm here to take you home."
"That's out of the question," another familiar voice interrupted her.
Whilst Michaela slowly straightened, the woman she had hoped to never meet again addressed her students, "Everyone, now go to your teepees. Put the things you have purchased away and then clean your hands. Dinner will be served soon."
Without protesting, the children left the three adults and their friend alone, strolling towards the tents.
"You, too," the young teacher ordered, sternly looking down at Brian.
"Yeah," the twelve-year-old replied yet still hesitated to leave, thinking that it must have been a bad accident when Dr. Mike was here to take him home. His worry was stronger than his wish to comply his teacher, and thus he turned his now troubled eyes to Michaela. Understanding the question in his gaze, she bent down, stroking his hair again, "Your mom is at the hospital now. Would you please quickly pack your bag?"
"Brian Cooper!" The teacher didn't hide her annoyance any longer. "Join the others. Now!"
With a last glance at Michaela who nodded at him reassuringly, the boy at last ran across the meadow, following his friends towards their teepee.
Once he was out of earshot, Catherine turned to Michaela making her position clear, "You can't just show up here and take a child from the camp without as much as even ask for permission. And come to that: are you even authorized?"
While Sully was stunned about the way Catherine talked to Michaela, his jaw literally dropping, Michaela seemed unfazed. It was her usual way to deal with unpleasant situations, and apart from that was she focused on Brian's welfare rather than her own feelings.
"I'm positive you remember my profession, Miss Winter," she said neutrally. "I'm coming directly from the hospital where Mrs. Cooper lies unconscious in the ICU, and I will take her son with me right now so he can be with his mother. If you want to hinder me, you need to call the police."
Defensively, Catherine squared her shoulders. "No need to get pushy, Dr. Quinn. You have to understand that we are responsible for the children's safety…"
Sully opened his mouth to chime in yet Michaela, growing impatient because Brian was already heading back to her, wanted to prevent further discussion. "Well, you won't stop me. You know my name and I'm sure Mr. Sully will give you my address so you can report me. Mrs. Cooper is in a critical condition and I will take Brian to her right now."
Biting her lower lip, Catherine considered what to do. Of course she was aware of the fact that she had no choice but let her student go. Yet it bothered her to no ends how the doctor talked to her, not acknowledging her authority although this here was her territory.
Michaela, however, didn't wait for a response. As she turned to leave, Sully reached for her arm. He let it drop though when she flashed an angry glance at him.
"What happened?" he demanded, not sure whether he was more worried about Michaela looking at him this way or what was going on in town.
Since she didn't stop walking, he followed her, and after a short hesitation she informed him, "Charlotte's ex showed up at lunch, demanded money and pushed her down the stairs when he didn't get what he wanted."
Concluding that Michaela had been there, Sully grew concerned, fearing for her safety. "Did they arrest him?" he asked.
"My last information said that he's still on the run," she replied the moment Brian joined them.
Suddenly it occurred to her that the boy before her needed a place for the night, and his own home wasn't an option. Although irritated that Sully hadn't told her
he was working with Catherine, Michaela acted as if everything was normal as she looked up at him, not stopping in her tracks towards the street though.
"I will keep Brian with me, and maybe Colleen, too. Would you mind if we use one of your rooms for them to sleep in?"
"'Cause not." Sully didn't hesitate to agree. But he was concerned. What if Mr. Cooper went after Michaela, too?
"I could come with ya," he offered yet Michaela instantly refused.
"That's not necessary," she retorted. "You have children here to look after."
Knowing that she was right he fell silent. Only when they reached the Toyota, Michaela turned towards him again. "Did you know she would be here?" she asked.
She would recognize if he lied, and thus he was honest. "Yeah."
Opening the door for Brian, she asked the next obvious question, "Why didn't you tell me?"
He thought about replying that Catherine was nothing to him than just a colleague for a few weeks; reminding her that he had never had other feelings than those of friendship for the teacher; that the woman who held his heart stood right before him. Yet he didn't say it for it was only half of the truth. He knew Michaela wouldn't have liked the prospect of him spending two weeks with Catherine, and he simply hadn't wanted to discuss it because he would have taken this job in any case. Thus he told her the real reason for his keeping this information from her, "I didn't wanna upset ya."
Meanwhile, Michaela had rounded her car and climbed into it. Before she closed the door, she looked up at him, saying dryly, "It didn't work."
Then she drove away.
