"LARABEE'S LADY: THE ELLA FACTOR" – CHAPTER TEN
Title: "Larabee's Lady: The Ella Factor"
Author: Michelle Heath
Rating: MA for adult language and situations
Summary: An old flame causes trouble for Chris and Catherine.
Date Written: September 26, 2010
Disclaimer: Chris Larabee, Vin Tanner, J.D. Dunne, Buck Wilmington, Josiah Sanchez, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Casey Wells, Mary Travis, Nettie Wells, Inez, Ella Gaines, Jack Averell, and The Magnificent Seven are the property of TM CBS, The Mirisch Group, MGM and Triology Entertainment. Other characters, i.e., Catherine Stewart, Jonathan Stewart, Eloise Stewart, Henrietta Wilkes, Miles Kettering, etc. are the sole property of the author. The author makes no profit from this work of fan fiction and no copyright infringement is intended.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story follows my first story, "Larabee's Lady" in which Chris Larabee met and fell in love with Catherine Stewart, Mary Travis' best friend. I didn't like the whole Ella Gaines story line, so I wrote "Larabee's Lady" without bringing Ella into it, but I've decided that maybe she can provide some interesting dynamics.
(When they get to the cabin, Chris gets a fire going and then walks out to the porch. Catherine finishes unpacking their saddlebags and walks out to join him. The sun is just beginning to set and she knows he has a lot on his mind. In a sense, it's nearly as hard as losing Sarah and Adam all over again, and Catherine wisely keeps her distance. Chris is leaning against a rail post and Catherine leans against the one opposite him.
Chris: "Ella had a room in her house, a kind of . . .shrine. She had newspaper clippings about the fire, pictures of me, . . Sarah's locket. I caught her in there. . .(he looks at her with tears in his eyes) She had your hair ribbon in her hand. I thought . . . I thought you were dead, too.
(Catherine moves to put her arms around Chris and hold him close. Her heart aches for him for all the pain and anguish he's been through, and what he will suffer before he truly heals. Chris' arms close around her and he holds her tightly; on hand gently stroking her hair.)
Chris: "If anything had happened to you . . . ."
Catherine: "I'm fine, Chris. Ella and her men are locked up, we're here . . . It's going to take some time, but we will get through this. . together."
Chris: "I don't deserve you, Catherine."
Catherine: "No, I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. . You've been through so much personal loss yet you protect the people of this town with your life. You're strong, brave, unselfish . . . God, Chris, you're one of the most amazing people I know, and I love you with all my heart."
(And they watch the sun set standing on the porch holding each other and giving each other strength and comfort. . .
Mary leaves the telegraph office and walks over to the Sheriff's Office to share a wire she's received from her father-in-law with Vin and Ezra.)
Mary: "The Judge will be here sometime tomorrow. I've been thinking, Vin. Ella's trial is going to be very hard on everyone, but especially Catherine and Chris. I wish there was something we could do for them."
Vin: "Best thing we can do for Catherine and Chris right now is make sure no body bothers them til they're needed to testify at the trial. They've got a lot to sort out."
Ezra: "I agree with Mr. Tanner. After everything that has transpired over the past few days, I believe giving them the time they need would be the kindest course of action."
(Catherine and Chris, neither of them having much of an appetite, have spent a good bit of time on the cabin's porch watching the stars and just holding one another. Catherine knows that Chris is struggling to try to understand everything that has happened, and that there is very little she can do to help him except be there for him, hold him, and love him. When the temperature finally drops, Catherine, seeing how exhausted and . . haunted Chris is, tells him she'll see to their horses so he can go ahead and go inside. When she goes back inside the cabin, she finds Chris already in the bed and asleep. Her heart clenches as she looks down at his handsome face, relaxed in sleep, gently brushing his hair back from his brow, she leans down and kisses his forehead before shedding her clothes and slipping in beside him. Almost as soon as Catherine slides in the bed, Chris turns toward her and his arms pull her body close to his. Safe and warm in his secure embrace, it isn't long before Catherine falls asleep. . . .In the early hours before dawn, Catherine is awakened by a low, moaning sound and realizes that it's coming from Chris. As he starts to thrash about, Catherine turns toward him and pulls him into her arms, talking soothingly to him until he calms. A few moments later, his sea-green eyes open and she is lost. Words are not necessary between them as he rolls her beneath him and kisses her softly. His hands gently explore her body and she follows suit, their movements are slow and unhurried. Their lovemaking is not the desperate, passionate kind they usually share but something more gentle and healing. Catherine's eyes fill with tears at the sheer sweetness of the moment, but when she sees the tears that are in Chris' eyes she knows that they have truly become one; not just physically, but their spirits and souls, as well. . .
Judge Travis arrives on the morning stage and goes straight to the Sheriff's Office. Even sitting in a jail cell, Ella Gaines is still defiant, but recognizing that she is, indeed, in a seriously dangerous situation, she tries charm.)
Judge Travis: "Ella Gaines. My name's Judge Orrin Travis. I'm here to try you for the murders of Sarah and Adam Larabee and the attempted murder of Catherine Stewart. Do you have an attorney?"
Ella: "No, I don't have an attorney, Judge; I've done nothing wrong. I've killed no one."
Judge Travis: "You may not have personally set the fire that killed the Larabees, but you paid someone to do it. Same thing. And you did try to kill Catherine Stewart. I suggest you get yourself an attorney as soon as possible. Your trial starts tomorrow."
Ella: "Tomorrow! But, Judge, I . . ."
Judge Travis: "Tomorrow!"
(Catherine and Chris have just come back from a ride, and Chris reaches up and lifts Catherine down from her horse; kissing her soundly before her feet even touch the ground. And it is this scene that Vin rides up on. A grin on his handsome face, he announces his presence.)
Vin: "I'm tellin' 'you. You two are gonna' keep on until Mrs. Wilkes catches you and then all Hell's gonna' break loose."
Chris: "You know, Vin, You keep sneakin' up on us like that and you might just find yourself in a heap of trouble."
Catherine: "Pay him no attention, Vin You're welcome anytime. . Well, almost any time."
Vin: "Came to tell you Judge Travis is in town. Gonna start Ella's trial first thing in the morning."
Catherine: "We have to go back to town, Chris. We have to testify."
Vin: "Well, now, I reckon you don't have to go back right away. Tomorrow mornin' ought to be soon enough."
Catherine: "Stayin' for supper, Vin?"
(Grinning, Vin gets back on his horse and turns toward town.)
Vin: "Appreciate the invitation, Catherine, but I think I'd best be on my way. That look in Chris' eye ain't none to welcoming."