Part Seven

The road leading to the Hassayampa Sawmill was familiar to Sheppard: he traveled the road to reach The Last Chance when he was pretending to leave Wickenburg. The road looped around town, and the mill was on a narrow lane just past the cemetery. The mill was small but active; Hank Landry was chopping limbs from a tree trunk when Sheppard, Emeline and the wagon pulled up.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Landry stopped chopping and walked to Emeline, "Miss Eme, heard about your trouble, figured you'd need some lumber, so I got the boys starting to cut some boards."

Sheppard dismounted and helped Emeline down; she hugged Hank, "Thanks for getting started. Hank, this is John Sheppard; he's been helping me."

Shaking Sheppard's hand, he said, "Heard about you, too; been busting on Cowen, I like that."

"Not busting hard enough, yet. We'd like to see what planks you've got in stock, want to get the stable's roof reinforced first."

Sheppard and Chuck spent about twenty minutes going over what they needed to repair the stable, then Hank's two sons loaded what finished boards they had onto the wagon. Emeline was sitting on the porch of the Landry house, located next to the mill. She was going over the order when Sheppard walked up.

"Hank said he could have the lumber that we need ready in about a week, not too bad considering the size of the mill."

"That's good."

"He also told me that he owed Anton, and helping you was a way to pay that debt; seems like your grandfather helped him out along the way. Is there anyone in Wickenburg your grandfather didn't help?"

"I'm sure there has to be, but Papere was a good man, a generous man. My father said he was too softhearted, always wanting to help the poor, didn't know anything about making money. What's ironic is that I don't believe my father realized how much money Papere actually had." She shook her head, "Father most likely would have treated him better."

"Well, the good thing is that we're going to take enough lumber back to the ranch to repair the roof that was damaged." Sheppard glanced toward the loading effort, "Looks like they are about done, come on, time to get back." He held out his hand, and pulled her to her feet. He leaned down, whispering, "I don't know about you, but I'm thinking it might be nice to take a siesta this afternoon."

Emeline uttered a soft sigh, a slight rosy blush appearing on her cheeks, "I suppose since you didn't get a lot of sleep last night that might be a good idea to take a nap."

Arching his eyebrow, he replied, "Who said anything about taking a nap?" Still holding her hand, he turned and led her down the stairs.

As they approached the main road from town Sheppard felt his adrenaline begin to rise, something didn't feel right. He took a quick glance around him, as the hairs on the back of his neck bristled. He was reining Pegasus back so that he could ride side by side with Emeline when a shot rang out and as Sheppard whirled the stallion around, he saw Clyde falling from the wagon. Chuck was reaching for his rifle resting against the footboard.

"Emeline, get behind me," Sheppard yelled, as he caught a glimpse of two riders hiding in the trees. As she tapped Bebette on the side to move the mare faster, another shot rang out and Sheppard fell from Pegasus.

"John…," Emeline screamed as she brought Bebette to a halt, and jumped to the ground. Rushing to Sheppard's side, she was almost to him, when strong arms grabbed her and pulled her onto a horse.

The rider yelled to his companion, "I've got her; let's go."

Chuck had managed to stop the wagon and swung his rifle toward the rider holding a struggling Emeline, but the second attacker struck him in the head with his rifle butt, knocking him unconscious. With Emeline still screaming for Sheppard, the attackers sped down the road toward Cowen's ranch.

~ooOoo~

"C-Chuck…. Chuck…," Sheppard called weakly, as he struggled to get to his feet despite the searing pain in his side. There was no reply, but Sheppard wasn't clear if it was only because the sound of Emeline yelling for him was ringing in his ears. He felt his right side; his side was hot, wet, and sticky, his hand covered with bright blood. He pushed himself to his feet, pain radiating from his wound, but he needed to see if Chuck and Clyde were alive, and he needed to get to Lorne.

He felt a soft nudge to his shoulder; it was Pegasus. He leaned against the huge horse for support, "I lost her, boy; I lost her…gotta find her." Pegasus neighed softly, and walked along beside Sheppard as he headed for the wagon. Chuck was slumped over the bench, blood trailing down his face. Looking down the road, Sheppard spotted Clyde lying lifeless in the scrub grass.

Feeling Chuck's neck, Sheppard dropped his head in relief, Chuck was alive, his pulse strong. Clyde was his concern; using Pegasus as a crutch, he made it to the deputy. A bullet tore through Clyde's left shoulder, exiting just under his armpit; he had lost a lot of blood, but he was alive. He wouldn't live long Sheppard realized, unless he got him to Doc Beckett quickly.

Sheppard pulled a coil of rope hanging from Pegasus' saddle, and tied it to the saddle horn, then looped the rope under Clyde's arms. "Come on, boy, I need your help." Slowly, he walked the big stallion back to the wagon, dragging Clyde as gently as possible. Reaching the rear of the wagon, he untied the rope from Clyde's body, and with difficulty, lifted him onto the pile of lumber. Slumping over the edge of the wagon, Sheppard tried to breathe through the pain in his side. He reached into his back pocket for a bandana; opening his shirt, he pressed the cloth against his wound, slipping his gun belt up in an attempt to hold it in place. He tethered Pegasus' reins to the back of the wagon, then gingerly walked to Bebette, standing under the trees along the side of the road.

The young mare was skittish, but she allowed Sheppard to grab her reins, rubbing her neck, "I'll find her… I promise." He guided Bebette back to the wagon, securing her alongside Pegasus, then he climbed onto the wagon, and turning it around, headed into Wickenburg.

Rodney McKay was sweeping off the porch when he heard the clacking of wagon wheels approaching. Turning toward the sound, he dropped the broom and began running, yelling at bystanders, "Get Doc Beckett, and the sheriff."

Slumped over, Sheppard barely had hold of the reins. A man raced from the apothecary and grabbed the bridle of one of the horses pulling the wagon. Rodney jumped up on the wagon's sideboard, "John, John…what happened."

Sheppard raised his head, "They took her," he looked at McKay, pain in his eyes, "Cowen's got her." Rodney caught him as he fell over, unconscious.

~ooOoo~

Garbled murmuring surrounded him as he regained consciousness, forcing his eyes open, he saw Chuck sitting in a chair across the small room. As he became more lucid, he heard Rodney and Beckett whispering.

"D-Doc…"

Beckett spun around, "Laddie you're back with us; that's good." Sheppard struggled to sit up, but Beckett gently pushed him back against the exam table. "No, no…you are much too weak to get up."

"Chuck...the deputy…they alright?"

"Chuck's got a nasty wee headache, but he'll be fine; Clyde…well, he's hurt bad, but you got him back here in time I think."

"Lorne?"

Rodney answered, "He's getting a posse together. We're heading to Cowen's ranch to get her; don't worry."

Sheppard moved to get up, but Rodney wouldn't allow him, "No you're hurt too bad; you're in no condition to go after Cowen."

"I want to see Lorne."

Rodney whispered, "Rest, I'll get Lorne."

Sheppard drifted off to sleep for a bit, waking with a start to find Doc Beckett bandaging his side. "Oh, lad, you're awake again, just finishing up stitching and bandaging your wound. You were lucky; the bullet went through your right side, but I think it missed your vital parts, but you've lost a lot of blood."

"I'm fine, just give me my shirt. I've gotta get out of here…"

"You are not going anywhere."

"You need to listen to the doc, John."

Rolling his head to the left, Sheppard saw Lorne walking into the room. "What's happening?"

"I've already sent four men to watch Cowen's house. We know Cowen isn't there. The stagecoach got in about an hour ago, and the driver came straight to me; Cowen was over at the Fenway stagecoach station where drifters gather at the saloon next door. The driver heard him offering big money to anyone willing to help him end a problem. I sent a couple of the miners to watch the road from Fenway, as soon as they spot him, they are to return here with word. And before you ask, I've sent word to Paul and the others."

Sheppard pushed himself up, glaring at Beckett, who reached to stop him. Swinging his legs over the side of the table, he grimaced but asked, "Get me my shirt doc."

"No, laddie, I can't let you; that wound could start bleeding again, you can't risk losing any more blood."

"I'll be fine… I'm going."

"John," Beckett was pleading, "You're no good to her dead."

Unblinking, Sheppard stared at the doctor, replying in a low determined voice, "She needs me now…I'm going; now get me a shirt."

Chuck was in the next room and rushed in when he heard Sheppard's voice. "Doc, I'll look out for him; but he's right...we gotta to go."

Beckett looked from Chuck to Sheppard, and then at Lorne, "Cheeky buggers." Looking back at Sheppard, he said, "I'll get you a clean shirt."

Lorne shook his head, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

Twenty minutes later, Lorne returned, "Gotta go, just got word; Cowen's headed back to the ranch, and he's brought at least fourteen men with him." A quick glance at the doc, Lorne added, Nick took care of your horses; they're outside."

Without saying a word, Sheppard squeezed the doctor's shoulder and left, Chuck and Lorne trailing behind. When he stepped onto the boardwalk, he was shocked; waiting for them was at least twenty townsfolk on horseback, waiting to go with them. Sheppard wasn't surprised to see McKay, and Zelenka along with Nick and Pedro as part of the posse, but he was surprised to see Richard Woolsey.

"Mayor, didn't…expect you here, I thought you and…Cowen were 'friends,'" the sarcasm in his voice evident.

"Mr. Sheppard, I don't count murderers and arsonists among my friends. Cowen has to be stopped; I'm just sorry we've allowed this to get this far."

"Never…too late to do the right thing," Sheppard said. Chuck helped Sheppard onto Pegasus and then mounted Bebette. Lorne and Sheppard led the posse out of town.

When they arrived at the lane leading to The Last Chance, Paul and Ramon were waiting. Lorne stopped the group. Paul headed directly to Sheppard, "Boss you alright?" Sheppard only nodded, and Paul continued, "Julio and Conchita are staying at the house with Dwayne; we're coming with you."

Lorne ordered two of the posse members to join his deputy for The Last Chance to help protect, and with Paul and Ramon joining them, the group galloped at full speed for Cowen's ranch.

A dilapidated sign with the name 'Lone Star Ranch,' hung haphazardly from a tall post next to a gate, which sat across the lane leading onto Cowen's property. There was an air of neglect surrounding the farm. As they approached the gate, Sheppard remarked, "Doesn't look like this bastard cares much about his property."

"Don't think he does," Lorne answered, "from what I know, he swindled the previous owner out of this property, about all he does is raise cattle, break some horses. Don't think he knows much about ranching. The former owner was from Texas, just like Cowen; figure he knew him and took advantage."

Sheppard grunted harshly, "The one thing he does know how to do is kidnap an innocent woman."

Lorne stared at Sheppard whose hand was grasping his right side, his breathing rapid, "John you're not in any shape to do this, let us go get Eme."

Slowing turning to look at the man who he considered a friend, Sheppard's eyes radiated dark rage, "I'm going to get her."

The men Lorne had sent ahead emerged from behind the tree line where they had hidden. One of the poker players Sheppard recognized from the saloon rode up to Lorne. "Sheriff, Cowen got back here about forty minutes ago, had a whole bunch of strangers with him, maybe ten or twelve men."

Nodding at the information, Lorne yelled, "Listen up, the land leading up to Cowen's ranch house is full of trees, only clears out right at the house. Once we're through the gate, I want you to fan out and surround the structure; no one goes inside but Sheppard, my deputies and me. I deputized all of you," he looked at Sheppard, Chuck, Paul, and Ramon, "you, as well. That means you need to kill one of these bastards, do it. Everyone wait, don't shoot unless you have to, we need to find Emeline first if we can." Motioning to one of the riders, he ordered, "Get that gate open."

The posse passed through the open gate, and the men broke off to each side of the lane, disappearing into the thick groves of trees. The lane was long; nearly a mile, and about a quarter-mile from the ranch house, Lorne stopped Sheppard.

"John, we should probably walk from here, don't want them to know we are here before we're in place. You up to walking?"

Sheppard nodded, "I can walk."

The men dismounted, Paul hopping down and grabbing onto Sheppard's arm before he got off Pegasus. Sheppard started to jerk his arm away, his nerves were raw and he needed to get to Emeline, but the look on Paul's face told him that he and the others who worked for her were just as scared as he was. He didn't like needing help, but this was not the time to refuse these loyal men. He allowed Paul to take some of his weight as he slid off the stallion.

"Thanks, Paul."

"No problem, boss; remember we got your back."

Sheppard nodded, grabbed his rifle, and handed the reins to Paul, who tied Pegasus to a tree. He spoke to Lorne, "Let's go," and with Paul, Chuck, and Ramon close to him, Sheppard headed toward the house, Lorne and his deputies behind him.

A rambling adobe house, with a deep porch and few windows came into Sheppard's view, and he raised his fist, "House is ahead." There was one guard on the porch, but Sheppard could hear loud boisterous laughter from a barn situated about two hundred yards from the house; no doubt, the men Cowen recruited were inside.

Sheppard whispered to Lorne, "Any idea about the layout of the house?"

Before Lorne could answer, another voice replied, "I've been in there, I can tell you."

Lorne and Sheppard turned to see Rodney McKay standing behind them. Lorne grimaced, "Rodney you were supposed to stay with the others as backup, what are you doing here?"

McKay bristled, "Eme's my friend, too and so is John. I'm here because I can help."

Sheppard coughed, his voice raspy, exhausted from the walk, "You've been in the house?"

"Yes, just before Anton died, Cowen sold a bunch of stuff from the house, clothes, furnishings; I bought them for the store, was here a couple of times getting the merchandise. The house is big, huge front parlor and living room, enormous kitchen, there are two bedrooms on the first floor, and in the rear, a two-story addition, can't see it behind that façade with the mission bell. Main bedroom is on the second floor."

Sheppard asked, "R-Rodney, best way in from here?"

"There's a side door, leads to the pantry; I think you can get to it from here without the guard seeing you. If I remember correctly, you go through the kitchen and dining room to the vestibule, the staircase leads to the second-floor hall."

Turning toward McKay, Sheppard allowed a slight smile to cross his face, "Thanks…if I can get in there before Cowen knows…. Well, she's got a better chance…," Sheppard took a step toward the house, but Lorne grabbed his sleeve.

"John, let me go; I can move quicker."

"No…give me time to get inside and find her, then you can follow."

Lorne and Sheppard stared at each other for a second, before Lorne nodded, "We'll do this your way; just be careful."

"I will..."

As he began to move stealthily toward the house, he heard Ramon murmur, "Dios esté contigo."

Sheppard slipped as swiftly as he could across the land, and ducked behind a thick copse of trees until he was next to the side of the house. Just as Rodney said, there was a narrow wooden door and Sheppard hurried toward it. As he reached the house, he flattened his back against the wall, his eyes darting around to determine if anyone had spotted him. He tried to slow his breathing, and ignore the pain in his side; he knew he had to be in control to save Emeline.

Satisfied no one had seen him, Sheppard reached for the door handle and pushed down, holding his breath and praying that it would release. When he heard the door click open, he sucked in a deep breath, one step closer to Emeline.

He walked into a darkened pantry; the only light from the open door behind him. He paused allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim light before he quietly closed the exterior door. Pale light spilling in from the kitchen illuminated the room, the walls were lined with shelves of canned goods lined the wall, sacks and crates of flour, cornmeal, and potatoes stacked on the floor. The room was untidy, and he had to watch his footing closely to keep from making noise.

There was just enough room for him to hide behind the wall next to the kitchen door; peeking around the corner, he saw a thin man sitting at the large rustic wood table peeling potatoes. Sheppard slung his rifle strap over his shoulder to secure it, and steeled himself before silently slipping up behind the man. Grasping his rifle, Sheppard slammed the butt in the side of the man's head; the pile of potatoes became a pillow as the cook slumped over, unconscious.

Making his way to the closed door on the opposite side of the room, Sheppard slowly pulled the door open to find the dining room in front of him. Two arched openings led from the dining room, one into what Sheppard assumed was the parlor, the other to a wide space, which he decided was the vestibule.

There was no cover as he crossed the dining room, if someone was nearby the only hiding place he had was a tall glass-front china cabinet sitting to the right side of the vestibule door. He was almost at the opening when he heard voices; he scurried to the cabinet, flattening himself against the wall, holding his breath, as he eavesdropped on the conversation.

"Those guys you sent to The Last Chance know what to do?"

"Ralph gave them the layout of the ranch; shouldn't take long to get rid of the people still there and take control. Now that we took care of that meddling Sheppard and those other two, should be quick."

"Cowen was smart to figure they'd go to the sawmill; made it easy for us."

"He sure was happy that we got the little Emeline…he's been lusting after her forever."

"Never saw him as excited as he headed upstairs where we left her."

"While you were out in the barn, I heard her scream…he must be having a good time with her."

"Well, he promised us a go when he was done with her; I'm looking forward to having her.'

"Hopefully he won't have killed her by then; he does love to use a knife on his toys."

Their voices faded; Sheppard heard a door creak and barely made out the last words, but he understood enough; Cowen was a maniac, and he had Emeline. The pain in his side faded as his rage boiled over, he took a quick peek into the vestibule, then rushed toward the staircase. He was two steps from the top when he heard Emeline's scream.

Within seconds, he was in the upstairs hallway, where there were four closed doors; he listened for voices but there were none; the silence filled him with dread. He tried the first door, flinging it open but the bedroom was empty; the room next door was the same…empty. He was turning to face the other side of the hall, when he heard Cowen's voice. He slipped up beside the door, listening.

"Ah…my little beauty, I would have never treated you this way if you had just gone along with my plans. But you didn't, so now you know my little secret, and you look so pretty with those little streaks of blood all over your magnificent body. I can't wait to see how you look when I'm finished with you. There's no one to save you, that bastard Sheppard is dead." Cowen laughed, followed by another scream from Emeline.

Sheppard had heard enough, and raising his rifle he kicked in the door; his heart ripped in two at the sight before him. Emeline was naked, tied spread-eagle on the bed; long thin cuts along her thighs, and across her chest and abdomen. As he barged into the room, Cowen was dragging the tip of the knife along the inside of her left thigh, his face enamored at the sight of blood beading from the shallow wound. He was so intent on his actions that he didn't react to Sheppard's presence.

"Get away from her."

Cowen's head snapped around, his eyes wild, shock at seeing Sheppard alive evident. "You, they told me you were dead."

Sheppard's voice was low, steady, "They lied; now get away from her."

Cowen grabbed Emeline's hair and pulled her head off the bed, and laid the knife against her throat. "You drop that rifle or I will cut her throat open."

Sheppard glared at Cowen, "It's over…let her go."

"No, not over." He tipped the knife drawing a thin line of blood below Emeline's left ear. "Put the rifle down on the floor, along with that sidearm, or I'll kill her now."

Sheppard put the rifle down, and pulled his gun from its holster, laying it next to the rifle. "She's not going to die, Cowen, but you are."

Cowen turned Emeline's head so Sheppard could get a better view of the shallow cut along her neck, "Look how lovely that blood looks on her pale neck."

Sheppard spoke through gritted teeth, "You're the one who's been taking those women in the area."

Cowen grinned, "So much fun, taking those little sluts and playing with them, but I must say, this little thing is so delicious…her blood tastes like nectar." Cowen reached for a piece of rope lying on a table next to the bed tossing it toward the foot, and with the knife still at Emeline's throat, he grabbed a gun from the bed table and fired through the open window. "That'll bring my men, and we'll get you all tied up so you can watch the fun as we enjoy the lovely Emeline."

Sheppard had backed up against the dresser at the foot of the bed, for a brief moment, he locked eyes with Emeline hoping she knew he would not let her die. Sheppard feigned dizziness and reached behind him, appearing to steady himself on the dresser, his hand clutching a ceramic box.

Cowen laughed, "Not sure you're going to live long enough to enjoy the fun."

Sheppard waited until Cowen glanced down at Emeline, then threw the box, striking him in the head. Stunned, Cowen wasn't prepared for Sheppard to lunge at him. The impact of Sheppard's body slamming into him sent both men to the floor. As they struggled for the knife, gunfire erupted outside.

Emeline struggled against the ropes around her wrists and ankles, yelling John's name. "John, John, be careful." She screamed as Cowen, who had managed to roll over top of Sheppard, raised the knife and struck. Sheppard grunted but managed to throw Cowen off him; his hand gripped viselike around Cowen's wrist. With another loud grunt, Sheppard twisted Cowen's hand and plunged the knife into the man's chest. Cowen's eyes widened in utter surprise, then the large man dropped back onto the floor.

"John…John...," Emeline was sobbing.

Sheppard's bloody hand appeared on the edge of the bed, and he pushed himself up, "I'm here…" he stopped as one of Cowen's men rushed into the room.

"You bastard…," the man raised his weapon but Sheppard was faster. In one motion, he pulled the knife from Cowen's chest and threw it, striking the attacker in the heart.

Pushing himself off the floor with difficulty, Sheppard slowly walked to the body, retrieving the knife, and knelt on the bed as he began to cut the ropes binding Emeline. Gunfire was still raging outside.

His voice was shaky, "I'm sorry I should…have protected you better."

As he freed her hands, she wrapped her arms around him, "I thought you were dead, he told me you were dead." She was shivering violently.

Not dead yet," he whispered as he gently pushed her away, cutting the ropes to her feet, then grabbed the bedcover lying across a divan, "Lorne and the…others are outside; they'll be…be in here soon." He wrapped the cover around her, "This will you keep w-warm."

It was then that she realized he was covered with blood, "John you're hurt…"

He looked down at his left shoulder, blood seeping from a deep wound, "Seems like Cowen m-managed…to stab me..." His voice trailed off, and he began to slump against her.

"John…John...," Emeline screamed as Lorne rushed into the room. She reached out to Lorne, "He's hurt badly, help me."

The last thing Sheppard heard was Lorne yelling for help, then darkness overcame him.

~ooOoo~

Darkness surrounded him as awareness that he was still alive seeped into his consciousness.

He wasn't certain if the pain in his chest, the softness of the mattress he laid on, or the warm body lying next to him breathing softly, was what convinced him, but he was alive that much he knew. Instinctively, he knew he was in Emeline's bed, and he attempted to turn his head to look for her, but he didn't have enough strength. He fell into darkness again, the sound of gentle breathing echoing in his ears.

Sheppard awoke once more to find himself lying on a soft mattress, a warm body beside him, pain radiating across his chest; the only difference was this time, there was pale light in the room. Managing to turn his head, warmth spread through him to find Emeline curled against him, asleep; she was wearing one of the peasant blouses he loved, her raven hair loose about her shoulders.

His eyes trailed down her body, noticing the thin wounds along her throat and chest disappearing into the soft cotton of her blouse. Blind rage flooded his senses, but he calmed remembering Cowen's dying breath at his hands; wishing only that he could kill him again. He called her name, but his voice was feeble, gravelly, barely audible; as he fell asleep once more, he thought he felt her stir, whispering his name.

The third time he awoke, the room was flooded with sunlight, a hot breeze billowing the sheer curtains under the drapes into the air. He sensed he was alone in the bed but that someone was in the room. A soft cooing sound drifted to his ears, and he raised his head to see who was with him. Through his fuzzy vision, he could make out someone sitting on the fainting couch; as he began to focus, he realized his companion was Jennifer, and she was cradling an infant.

"J-Jenn…," his voice broke as he tried to speak, his throat felt like sandpaper.

Jennifer jumped up, rushing to the side of the bed, "Handsome John…you're awake, goody."

"W-where's Emeline?"

"Miss Emeline's downstairs having lunch; she wouldn't leave your side since they got you home. No one, not Doc Beckett, the sheriff, or Conchita could convince her to eat, so Miss Laura insisted on coming to see if she could help. They are good friends, and she managed to get Miss Eme to go downstairs for a bit." Jennifer turned to leave but paused, "By the way, meet Matthew John Lorne, named after Miss Laura's father and you." Jennifer beamed as she hurried from the room.

A few minutes later, Sheppard heard footsteps running down the hall, and Emeline rushed into the room. She didn't pause, gently jumping on the bed, kissing him. He was caught off guard for a second, then slipped his arms around her, pulling her close.

She pulled away, "Be careful; you were hurt really badly. I don't want to reopen your wounds." She smiled at him, tears running down her face, "I thought I lost you."

Sheppard flashed a small half-grin, "Not… g-going to get rid of me that easily." He traced her lips with his fingers, "I'm… not... going anywhere."

"Carson will be here in a little while to check on you. He's going to be so happy to see you awake; he was worried; we all were."

"H-How long…."

"It's been four days since…," she stopped, chewing on her lower lip, tears still flowing down her cheeks.

Sheppard traced one of the now healing cuts along her chest, "I could kill him again for what he did to you."

Emeline shook her head, "Once is enough, we don't need him in our lives again."

"I…what you went through was traumatic, are you alright…I mean…when I saw what he…"

"Shhhh… I'm fine; I always knew you would come for me. Papere always told me to face adversity and allow it to make me stronger. All this did was make me stronger. These cuts will heal, and they will be gone and once you are well this will be over."

"Still, I'm sorry; I shouldn't…have allowed you to come w-with us to the sawmill."

"John, we knew the situation with Cowen was going to get worse. We were lucky, no one but Cowen and his men died."

Remembering Clyde, he asked quickly, "Clyde alright?"

"He's home, doing much better."

Sheppard was getting tired, his voice fading, his eyelids drooping, "W-what happened…at Cowen's?"

"Later, rest now; when you wake again, I'll have broth ready for you to eat, you need to regain your strength." Emeline leaned down, kissing him softly, and Sheppard allowed sleep to overtake him.

Dusk was settling over the ranch, when Sheppard woke again. The glow from the oil lamp on the dresser cast a warm golden light in the room. He raised up to see that the French doors were open and a cooler breeze than before was drifting into the bedroom. He assumed that Emeline was on the balcony; he decided that instead of calling for her, he was going to go to her.

Throwing back the cotton sheet that covered him, he chuckled lightly, he was wearing a blue and white striped nightshirt, he hadn't worn a nightshirt since he left the Army. Pushing his body into a sitting position proved to be a bit more difficult than he had expected and sweat began to form on his brow. He had just begun to swing his legs over the side of the bed, when a soft voice interrupted the quiet.

"Just exactly what do you think you're doing?"

Sheppard looked over his shoulder to see Emeline standing in the doorway, a cup of coffee in her hand, Otis by her side. He smiled sheepishly, "I was coming to see you." Quickly, before she could reply, he asked, "Can I have a drink of coffee?"

She approached his bedside, and poured a cup of water from a pitcher on the side table. "No, Carson said you can have a sip of water, which I will be happy to give you." She held the cup as he took a drink. "Do you want to stay sitting up for a bit?"

He nodded in reply, and she reached around him to move the pillows so they would support him. As she leaned close, he slid his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. For a moment, they both savored the touch of their bodies; Emeline broke the embrace first. Her voice filled with desire, she whispered, "Please don't tempt me; you are not well enough for what I want."

He slid his hand along her back and felt her shudder, "Then I need to get well quickly."

Emeline stepped away, "Yes you do." She took a deep breath, "Carson and Lorne are downstairs; I'm going to tell them that you are awake and get you something to eat. You can have more water as long as you don't drink a lot. Otis can keep you company; we've had a hard time keeping him out of here." She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and headed downstairs.

Sheppard's eyes were closed, Otis lying next to him, when Doctor Beckett and Lorne walked in the room. Beckett dropped his black bag on the foot of the bed and sat down along the edge, "Laddie you are awake."

Lazily opening his eyes, Sheppard responded, "I'm awake."

"That's good; we were worried for a while. Not only did you reopen the gunshot wound in your side but Cowen also got in a good lick with that knife. I was afraid of infection, but thankfully, I've kept up correspondence with an old colleague of mine, Joseph Lister, from the University of Glasgow. He recommends carbolic acid to clean wounds and instruments, and I've been doing just that. You didn't develop an infection, which most likely would have killed you. Your most serious problem was the loss of blood, but I think you're gonna be fine laddie; just need to get your strength back. Now let me look at these wounds." Beckett began to unbutton the nightshirt.

Lorne was standing at the foot of the bed, "Doc, can I talk to him while you examine him?"

"Of course, but if he gets real tired, you'll have to stop."

Sheppard asked, "What happened at Cowen's ranch?"

"Emeline told us that Cowen was the one who shot from the window. When he did, some of the men gathered in the barn ran toward the house. We opened fire on them, but one of them got into the house, the one you killed. We killed nearly all the men Cowen recruited; few of them injured along with some of our people."

"Who got hurt?"

Carson answered, "Nothing too serious; Zelenka had to have stitches on his head, got hit with a shovel. Pedro took a bullet to his left leg, and Rodney got winged by a bullet in the upper arm…"

"McKay got shot?"

Lorne smiled, "He did but you should have seen him; he took out two of Cowen's men without blinking. You've had some kind of influence on that man."

Smiling crookedly, Sheppard said, "Don't think it was me, I think it was Jennifer."

Beckett chuckled, "Aye laddie I think you might be right about that. John, your wounds look good. I'm gonna change those bandages tonight but first before you get too tired, I want you to eat something. I'm gonna go check on that soup Conchita was making. Keep him company, Evan."

Lorne sat down on the foot of the bed, "Been a long few days, John. To catch you up, by the time we arrived at Cowen's, he'd already sent several men here to take the ranch. They didn't, but Julio was shot in the leg…," reacting to Sheppard's shock, "he's fine; bullet went straight through his thigh. He stayed here in the house for a couple of days, then the doc let him move to his quarters. They defended this ranch well John; you'd have been proud of them."

Sheppard laid his head back against the pillows, "Doesn't surprise me; they're a loyal bunch of people, and I am proud of them."

Lorne looked uncomfortable, "We found out Cowen was responsible for the disappearance of those women. The cook admitted that he knew about them, and that Cowen had his men abduct them and bring them to the ranch. Cowen would play his little games with them, then if they were still alive, let his men have their way with them, but most didn't survive Cowen's attention. The cook told us where the bodies were buried; we've found six so far."

A chill ran down Sheppard's back, "Tell me that those men who attacked Jennifer weren't taking her for Cowen."

"Can't know for sure, John."

Sheppard didn't say anything for a moment, when he did, the rage he felt at Cowen flared in his eyes, "I've seen evil before, Evan, but never like this. He was cutting Eme as I entered the room, there was nothing but total pleasure on his face as he watched her bleed."

Lorne's voice was solemn as he answered, "He was an evil man, John; and thanks to you, he's gone."

Nodding, Sheppard reflected quietly, "At what cost? What Emeline went through was horrible, and I wonder whether it will affect her for the rest of her life."

"Remember we've discussed the tough little women that we have to deal with; Emeline is strong and with your help, she'll get through this."

Sheppard sighed, "Or will I be a reminder of what she went through and cause her more pain?"

Lorne scoffed, "Don't be an idiot. She'd be devastated if you left, and Laura would have my hide if I let you. Face it, John Sheppard, your home."

Before Sheppard could answer, Emeline and Beckett returned with soup and bread. Lorne said, "I need to go home. I took Laura and the baby home this afternoon, 'bout time I got back there. Night all."

As Lorne reached the door, Sheppard called out, "I-I don't know what to say about your son's name…I'm f-flattered."

Lorne smiled, "Laura and I wanted to be able to remind him when he got older that there are some truly good men in the world."

Sheppard didn't reply as Lorne left, just looked at Emeline, who smiled, "Wise man, that sheriff of ours. Now time for you to eat, Carson will redress your wounds, and then you will rest."

~ooOoo~

Five days later, Sheppard and Emeline along with Julio and Conchita rode into Wickenburg. Julio and Conchita took a delivery of fresh vegetables to the hotel and the rival guesthouse then went to the mercantile to pick up supplies. Emeline visited Laura and the baby to deliver the baby blanket she knitted while sitting with Sheppard while he recuperated.

Sheppard stopped by the jail to see Lorne, where he found out that the new judge was satisfied with the report on deaths of Cowen and all the others. The prisoners were moved to the larger jail in Flagstaff two days before, and Lorne was happy to see life was returning to normal in Wickenburg.

He walked into Beckett's office; Beckett, who was stocking one of his cabinets, grinned as Sheppard walked in. "Getting use to seeing you around."

"Feels kind of natural to be here."

"Well, let's take a look at those wounds."

About a half-our later, as Sheppard started to leave, Beckett handed him a letter, "Woolsey wanted me to give this to you."

Sheppard stepped out onto the boardwalk, and read the letter. He stood quietly for a moment contemplating Woolsey's message, then headed down the boardwalk toward the bank, spurs jangling with each step.

An hour later, he walked out of the bank and headed for the saloon. Zelenka waved him over to the bar, where Rodney McKay was sitting.

Zelenka sat a bottle down in front of Sheppard, "My best whiskey…on the house."

McKay smirked, "He doesn't give me that stuff for free."

Zelenka retorted, "You…you are reason I got hit in head with shovel, you ducked and man hit me. So, you pay."

McKay sighed and Sheppard laughed, then teased, "So, Lorne tells me that you actually asked Zelenka permission to 'court' Jennifer."

Blushing, McKay shrugged his shoulders, "My sister thought it was what I should do; but I can tell you, going to be a fast courtship. Jenn actually wants to learn the store, so she's working there right now."

"Well, you two seemed quite happy when you came to dinner the other night."

"We weren't the only ones, you and Emeline…you were made for each other."

Sheppard downed a shot of whiskey, "She is special, Rodney."

"That she is, and you'd be a fool not to stay."

Sheppard checked his pocket watch, "Never said I was going to leave; right now, I need to meet her at the hotel, so we can go home. Your arm better?"

"Still hurts a bit."

"We're starting to rebuild the stable tomorrow, could use your help. We'll find something for you to do."

Looking uncomfortable, McKay nodded reluctantly, "I'll be there."

Back at The Last Chance, Julio, Chuck, and Ramon unloaded the items they had picked up at the mercantile, while Emeline went inside to change. Before he headed for the bunkhouse, Sheppard took an envelope into the house, leaving it on Anton's desk with instructions for Conchita to tell Emeline it was there. He then led Pegasus toward the bunkhouse.

About twenty minutes later, Sheppard was tying Pegasus' reins to the hitching post when Emeline rushed onto the veranda, holding the papers that had been in the envelope.

"What is this?"

He turned and looked at her, "It's a deed."

"I know what it is, but it has my name on it."

"Yes, it does," he answered, leaning against the banister.

"From the description, this was Cowen's land, did you buy it?"

"Yes, I did. Woolsey offered it to me at a very reduced price; said Cowen had no heirs and that the bank didn't want the land. You need more land to do what you want to do with the ranch. Only fitting that you got what Cowen wanted, after what he did to you."

"But you paid for this; the land should be in your name."

"No, it's for you."

Emeline stared at him for a moment, then her eyes tracked to Pegasus, where she saw all of Sheppard's saddlebags. She paled, her voice quivering as she asked, "Are you leaving?"

Sheppard, puzzled, started to ask what she meant, then realized that she had noticed his belonging on Pegasus. Biting his lower lip, he asked quietly, "Do you want me to stay?"

She sagged against an iron porch pillar, "Mamere once told me that no matter how much you want someone to stay, you can't make them if they want to leave." Her voice trembled, "I can't ask you to stay."

Taking a step up, Sheppard asked, "That wasn't what I asked; I asked if you want me to stay."

Tears billowed down her face as she slipped to her knees, "I want you to stay."

Sheppard rushed to her, dropping to one knee in front of her, wrapping his arms around her. "Emeline, I'm sorry; I was teasing you…you think I really want to leave?"

"Y-you…all your things…"

He dropped his head into his hand. "Oh… Emeline… I was bringing my stuff to the house since I seem to have moved into your bedroom. Chuck rounded up some new hands, and they'll be here tomorrow to help with the stable. We need the space in the bunkhouse." He stood up and pulled her to her feet, "I'm sorry I just needed to hear you say you wanted me to stay; I didn't mean to upset you."

Emeline clung to him, "John... I want you, need you, to stay with me. I've wanted you to stay since the first day I saw you."

"I'm not going anywhere; I want to be here with you." He kissed her gently, "Help me get these in the house."

As soon as the last of the saddlebags was inside the house, Sheppard grabbed her hand and led her outside to Pegasus. He untied the reins and mounted the stallion, then held out his hand, "Come up facing me."

She gave him her hand, and he pulled her onto Pegasus' back. She slipped her arms around him and whispered, "I love you."

Sheppard kissed her, "I love you, Emeline."

Lightly pressing his spurs into Pegasus' sides, the black stallion began galloping down the lane, Otis running behind.

Emeline asked, "Where are we going?"

Sheppard whispered, "Swimming."

The end…


Thanks for taking this AU ride with me...I hope you enjoyed Cowboy!Shep and his journey into the Old West.

I really appreciate all of you taking time to read and comment. Thanks again!

(Now...off to finish the next Road Trip chapter...)