Both Adam and Jason looked at their poppa. Had he just said what they thought he'd said? The boys looked at each other, then at Shawn again.

Jason spoke first. "Why, Poppa? I thought... you and Mister Hart. When I saw you two on the porch swing just now, you looked so happy and content. Please, Poppa, tell us." His eyes were almost filled with fear. Jason hated the thought of leaving Heath.

Shawn explained to his sons about the U.S. Marshal Mark Calaway and what had happened at the poker game. He also told them about the letter from the Marshal in Boston. "He kept trying to ask me questions, about how long we've been here, and where we came from. Bret could tell I was nervous, he kept changing the subject. He's so wonderful to me boys. I'm afraid when Marshal Calaway returns, he'll put things together. We need to leave before that happens. Maybe north, to Canada. Your great-grandparents are from there, so in a way we would be home." Shawn's voice was full of sadness. The thought of leaving Bret broke his very soul. He also loved their new house, but the idea of being dragged back to Vince was even more soul ripping.

"My school... I... the seeds... the children. I was so happy. Father still hurts us, even here." Adam's eyes did fill with tears at the thought of leaving his pupils behind and thoughts of Wade flooded his brain. It made him even sadder.

"Heath, Poppa...I don't want to leave him." Jason never cried, but his eyes dripped their sadness.

"This isn't easy for me either. I have deep feelings for Bret too. I can't say I love him, yet. I do love it here though, too boys. It tears me up to leave. But, I am more afraid of what your father would do to you. I don't care what he does to me, but I won't see either of you hurt. Jason, you're the man of the family. I have told you what I think, but what do you say?" Shawn asked his oldest, and sniffed deeply. As the parent he could decide, but Shawn had always been someone's son or someone's husband, he was used to being submissive to the man of the house.

Jason sighed. He wasn't even legally an adult yet, and wouldn't be until the end of November, yet he was expected to be the head of the family. Sometimes it was too much, but in this case he knew what he wanted to do. "No, Poppa. If we keep running, we will always be looking over our shoulders. That is no way to live. Adam is living his dream, we can't take that from him. I don't want to leave Heath and tell me honestly, do you want to leave Bret? We must stay. Chances are, that Marshal won't even think about it again. If he does, we'll deal with it. I also think it's time we stop hiding. Maybe if we tell people about what Father did to you, they will help us. At least tell Bret. I'm going to tell Heath. Adam, you should tell someone. It will help to have friends to talk to about our past, why we ran away."

Shawn sighed. He knew Jason was right. He just didn't know if he could tell Bret. If he did, he might lose Bret and that scared him. It was all well and good for Bret to say nothing mattered, but when he learned the truth, would Bret still stand by him? It was a risk he wasn't sure he wanted to take.

"Poppa, I think Jason is right. I'm not just saying that because of the school. If we keep running we won't stop, we'll never have a real home, we'll never know peace. We have that here. I also agree, about telling about ourselves. The time could come when we will need people on our side. Please Poppa, don't make us run away again," Adam said.

Shawn looked at his son with a small, yet sad smile. "Yes, you're right. If we run now, we will always be running. Adam, you should tell Wade, he really cares about you. Give him a chance, honey, let him have a chance to earn your trust. I need to know you won't let your father take away your ability to love. Adam my love, you have such a big heart, share it someone. Jason, I'm glad you have Heath. Promise me, no matter what, you will always take care of your brother first. I'm going to bed. I have a feeling the next few days are going to be hard," Shawn spoke in an odd tone. He kissed both his boys on the cheek and hugged them close.

"Good night, Poppa," both boys said at the same time as Shawn left to go to his room. Jason got up to leave, but Adam pulled his brother back down on the bed.

"Billy Jay, do you think Poppa is alright? He wouldn't leave on his own would he?" Adam looked at his brother in confusion.

"No, I don't think so. Why?" Jason asked, his brow raised. Jason knew Adam was better at reading people's feelings than he was.

"It almost sounded like Poppa was saying goodbye. His advice about telling Wade, then making sure you look after me. He might think we'd be safe if he left," Adam spoke with a hint of apprehension in his voice.

Jason thought about all Shawn had said and weighed in Adam's opinion. "I honestly don't think so, but if it will make you feel better, I'll ask Matt to keep an eye on the train station. There isn't a stagecoach until Saturday. Matt's the best to do it. He'll be working at the depot. It's late, go to bed, Poppa will be alright, I promise," Jason said with a soft kiss to Adam's temple.

"Alright, good night, brother. Hey Jason, I love you," Adam said with a sleepy yawn. He'd already crawled under his covers.

"Love you too, Addy Joe," Jason said with a wink and a smile. He closed Adam's door and went to his own room. Jason quickly changed into his nightshirt and slipped into his bed.

Shawn sat on his window seat gazing at the prairie beyond. The moonlight gave the land a soft, sliver glow. He could see glints of the moonlight on the Missouri River that twisted and turned north of Great Falls. He could have been happy here, possibly even made a life with Bret, someday.

It was easy for Bret to say nothing mattered, even if he'd been a whore. He was worse than whore, he'd stood there and let Vince beat him, humiliate him, destroy him. Worst of all, he let Vince kill the precious life that he had carried. How could he ever explain that to Bret, how could Bret ever love him?

Shawn looked at the bottle he held in his hand. He'd managed to get it when they were in Minneapolis, and had cut down to one drop a night. There was still almost half the bottle left. He'd thought about this carefully. It had been easier than he imagined.

Shawn had decided if he was out of the picture, maybe Vince would call off the search and leave his boys alone. Jason didn't worry him, he knew his oldest could take care of himself and Adam. He did worry about his youngest. But, now that Adam was teaching, he would be alright, Jason would see to it.

He thought about writing a note, but decided against it. Maybe if they thought he just died in his sleep, it would be better. No point in letting others know his soul was burning in hell. Shawn decided death and hell was better than one more minute of life with Vince. He put the bottle to his lips.

Shawn drank the bitter liquid in one go. It tasted worse than he'd thought, it was different when he mixed a few drops with water. It didn't take long for the drug to take effect. He stumbled to the bed and laid down.

The room began to spin. Shawn's eyes went in and out of focus. He felt burning hot, then freezing cold. Then the euphoria came as he laid there, sleep crashed down on him like a boulder in an avalanche. Shawn drifted to the edge.

Adam tossed and turned all night. He finally gave up and got out of bed. He looked in on Shawn from the door of his poppa's bedroom, and Shawn was sleeping peacefully. Adam smiled, maybe nothing was wrong after all. He went to the water closet.

Jason woke up at seven to the smell of cooking breakfast. Today he had to be at work early, but tomorrow both he and Heath were off. Heath was taking him to the five waterfalls on the upper Missouri River that Great Falls had taken its name from. Heath's ma was going to pack a picnic for them. He was surprised when he passed his poppa's room. Obviously Adam was cooking as Shawn was sound asleep. That was good. Jason knew Shawn hadn't really slept since leaving Boston. He supposed that finally it had caught up. Jason knew his poppa didn't have to go to Hunter's office till after lunch. He quietly took his turn in the water closet, then went downstairs to chat with Adam over breakfast.

"... so, I'll tell Heath tomorrow during our picnic. I just hope Mister Hart won't turn his back on Poppa. I'm sure he won't though," Jason said as he quickly helped Adam wash their breakfast dishes.

"He'd better not. Poppa has had enough. Should we just let him sleep?" Adam asked as he looked up at the ceiling. Shawn's room was over the kitchen.

"Yes, he has. Yeah, he'll be alright. He needs the rest. I'll tell Matt to come tell me if he sees poppa at the station, but I don't think he'll leave us. Don't fret so," Jason said softly as he dried the last plate Adam had washed.

Both Adam and Jason left the house blissfully unaware that upstairs, in his bed, Shawn was hovering between life and death. Shawn was very close to getting his wish, a place where Vince could never hurt him again.

Adam had a hard time with the pupils that morning. They were too excited about the prospect of planting their seeds in the garden. After morning recess he had to be firm with them for the first time. "I am very disappointed in you. You could hardly name the Presidents in history. I know you are all excited about the garden. However, it is only Tuesday. Remember, I said we will garden on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But, unless your work and behavior improve, we will forget the garden all together. Do you understand?" Adam said sternly, but with affection in that way that only teachers can.

The thought of not doing the garden got the student's attention. They had tested the teacher enough. All the pupils knew that Mister Copeland meant business. They put their heads down and followed along like little angels as Adam did that day's geography lesson.

Adam enjoyed sitting at his desk during lunch and listening to the children playing. All the windows and both doors were open, and a pleasant, warm breeze blew through. He ate the fried egg sandwich he'd made for himself and brushed up for the afternoon lessons.

Simon Sandow was in the middle of writing a sentence on the blackboard when Jason burst into the schoolhouse. He was frantic. "Adam, come quick, it's Poppa. He's... dying..." His words came in waves of halted breaths, both from running and fear.

Adam didn't know what to do, could he just leave? His worry was solved when Wade came running in. The superintendent went directly to the teacher, his eyes filled with concern.

"Go, just go. I'll stay here," Wade said gently. He tried to give Adam courage with a soft smile.

Adam was numb, he barely noticed when Jason grabbed his hand and led him out of the schoolhouse.

"Jason, Poppa? What?" Adam blurted out as they walked across Main Street. He couldn't comprehend that Jason had said "poppa" and "dying" in the same sentence.

"Poppa didn't show up for work. Hunter came to the hotel to ask me if Poppa was ill. I said when you and I left he was still sleeping. How we thought it was good he was getting all that rest. Bret came asking too, so then he and Hunter went to the house. They found Poppa, barely breathing. Adam, they think he tried to kill himself," Jason said as the stopped in front of Doctor Orton's office.

Adam stopped walking as a look of horror washed over his face, "He was trying to tell us good-bye. We should have agreed to run. He did it to get away from Father. Jason, Poppa would rather die than be caught by Father. What are we going to do?" Adam asked in a tear filled voice. Why hadn't they checked on Shawn that morning?

Jason pulled Adam by the hand, they needed to keep moving. "No, Adam. We can't run for the rest of our lives. Poppa understood that. Adam, apparently he's been addicted to the medicine Doctor Patterson gave him. He never stopped taking it. The bottle they found had a Minneapolis label. We just don't know how much was left. Doctor Orton is guessing at least half. Come on," Jason explained as they went into Doctor Orton's office. Hunter was sitting in a small waiting area.

"How's Poppa?" Jason asked the worried looking sheriff. It seemed too quiet in the small waiting area.

"Dunno. Randy ain't come out. I never figured Shawn fer a caper like this. I thought... He always seemed so God fearin' and happy with Hart," Hunter spoke in a confused tone and a scratch to his chin stubble.

Jason sat down with a sigh. He looked at his brother, and Adam nodded. William Jason McMahon then launched into the story of how and why they ended up in Great Falls. He left nothing out, he even told the lawman about Vince's second family.

By the time Jason finished, an hour had passed. "Please Sheriff Helmsley, don't tell anyone else, not yet. If Poppa pulls through this, he has the right to tell Mister Hart himself. I'm going to tell Heath soon. Please, Sheriff, please?" Jason sounded so desperate. He knew Hunter had the right to contact Marshal Calaway and tell him. He prayed that wouldn't happen.

Hunter's honey colored eyes looked at the two brothers. Jason was holding Adam, and both were crying. No, Adam was crying, Jason only had a few tears in his eyes. At that moment, the two brothers looked no older than his own children. He wanted to protect them. The McMahons had been through enough.

"Don't worry boys. Nothin' will leave this room. I promise ya. I'll also promise ya, that no account curly wolf McMahon won't get his hands on any of you again. We'll figure it out, but know yer safe." Hunter went to where Adam and Jason were sitting, and took both boys in his strong arms and hugged them.

"Th.. thank you, Sheriff. Poppa was so worried about that Marshal," Adam said through his sobs.

"The idea that a man would... he really did that? Caused your sweet poppa to lose... it just makes me sick..." Hunter was still so flabbergasted that McMahon had basically killed his own unborn child.

"Yes, he did. And Poppa had wanted another baby for so long..." Jason said in a quiet voice. He felt exhausted, but he also finally felt free. Holding in their secret had been so tiring.

"Why doesn't the doctor come tell us something?" Adam nearly wailed. He then turned as the front door of the office opened.

Jason looked relieved as Heath came in. "Chris said for me to come sit with you. He got fed up with me pacing. He also said to not even think about working until Mister Shawn is better. He said he'd still pay you," Heath explained as he sat next to Jason. Jason took Heath into his arms and held him tight. Heath wrapped his arms around Jason and held him just as tightly. Jason relaxed his grip and took refuge in Heath's embrace. It was nice to be held and comforted for a change. This was why he liked Heath so very much, he could let down his guard and just be himself. Heath whispered quiet words of soothing comfort in Jason's ear as he held him. At that moment, they both knew their feelings for each other ran as deep as the ocean.

Adam got up and stood in the corner, alone. For the first time he wished he had someone to hold him. He looked out of the window. He could see the various groups of children going to their parents' places of business. They looked so sweet and innocent. Oh how he longed for those simple days again, when he had nothing to worry about but what game he and Jason were going to play next. The days when he was blissfully unaware of the adult world around him.

Hunter let out a long frustrated sigh, his fist clenched as he scrubbed a hand over his face. He decided that no matter what, he would not say anything to Mark. His only problem was, how much Mark really knew. Had it been just a casual letter from Glenn or had he known more? Calaway was a hard man to read, that's why he was such a good Marshal.

The front door of Randal's office opened once again. It was Banker Sandow. His children had told him what had happened at the school. He came, not out of concern, but for the gossip. He also thought it might make points with Adam.

Damien saw a very distraught looking Adam in the corner, and went over to him. "My dearest, is there anything I can do?" His words sounded sincere, but he was good at wearing masks.

Adam looked at the man with his sleeked back hair, his well-trimmed black beard, his finely tailored suit. Damien reeked of money, and it reminded him too much of his father. "No thank you, Damien. Could you just... please leave. I appreciate your concern, but we don't even know how he is yet," Adam said, and backed further into the corner. He wanted the banker to leave.

"But my dear, you shouldn't be alone at a time like this. Let me be a comfort to you," Damien said softly. He moved closer, pinning Adam in the corner.

Before Adam could respond, a hand came down on Damien's shoulder. "Damien, he wants to be left alone. Perhaps he'll need you later, but not now. Go home and tend to your children, they have a lot of school work to do." The voice came from Wade Barrett, who had quietly come into the office.

Jason and Hunter had both been about to rescue Adam when Wade came in and took over. Jason went back to Heath and Hunter stepped out to have a cigarette, leaving the door open.

Damien wheeled around and looked Wade in the face. "Yes, perhaps you're right. Adam will need me later. I'll be here for you, my dear," Sandow said with a caress to Adam's cheek.

Adam tried not to flinch, but fear clouded his eyes. He was never sure, was it going to be a caress or a slap? He nodded, but was very grateful when Damien left.

"You alright?" Wade asked softly. He smiled at Adam, but didn't invade his personal space.

"Thank you. He means well but, he scares me a bit. He so intense about... oh Wade, the doctor hasn't come out and told us anything. I'm so worried," Adam's voice filled with emotion and his green eyes filled with tears.

Wade wanted nothing more than to take Adam into his arms and comfort the frightened man. "Take that as good, Adam. It means he hasn't come to tell you bad news," he spoke softly, like he was whispering to a wild horse. He was taking his uncle's advice.

Adam looked at Wade, he spoke so softly and calmly, it made him feel safe. He moved closer to Wade. "You really think so?" Adam asked with hope in his voice.

"Mister Barrett is right, Adam. If Randy had bad news he'd be out here. Since that hasn't happened, that's a good sign," Heath said to the room. Jason smiled at Heath and pulled him in closer.

Adam looked so lonely and so scared, it ripped at Wade. He opened his arms a bit but stayed still, Wade wanted Adam to choose to come to him.

Adam looked at Wade with a new perspective, he could see that there was no evil glint in the dark eyes. He needed to feel the comfort, he needed to feel safe, he wanted a pair of strong arms to hold him close and tell him everything would be alright. He walked up to Wade. "Please, hold me," Adam whispered.

Wade moved slowly to let Adam come to him. Adam wrapped his arms around Wade's waist and realized that Wade was one of the few people who was taller than him, which meant that his head fit perfectly against Wade's broad shoulder. When Adam settled, then and only then did Wade wrap his strong arms around the teacher. He felt so victorious inside, but now wasn't the time to think about that. He just held Adam and stroked his hair gently, occasionally cooing comforting words in Adam's ear.

In the meantime, while the others waited for news, Doctor Orton and Bret Hart were fighting for Shawn's life. "Give him another spoonful, Bret. One more round should clear his stomach of as much as we can," Randal Orton said with a swipe of his brow.

The only thing the doctor could think of to do, was make Shawn throw up as much as possible. They had given him doses of ipecac, a recent drug that made a patient vomit the poisons out of their stomach. In Shawn's case it was the cocaine laced liquid he'd been taking, way too much.

Bret filled the spoon. Shawn was half sitting, half lying on the examination table in the back of Doctor Orton's office. The coppery blond was terribly ill, but would live, thanks to Doctor Orton and Bret's help.

"No... more. Please," Shawn rasped out. His voice was airy and husky from all the vomiting. His head was pounding and it felt like his heart would explode. His heart had slowed down, but still it was the main worry for Randal. He'd read about cases where the ingestion of too much cocaine could make the heart explode.

"Yes, Sunflower. I'm sorry, but if you're silly enough to do something like this, you have to pay the price. When you're feeling better, I'm gonna take you to the woodshed and tan your hide," Bret said firmly as he forced Shawn to take the dose of ipecac.

It took a few minutes, but soon Shawn was once again vomiting into the bucket Doctor Orton held. Bret rubbed Shawn's back and held his pony tail out of the way. Randal kept a close eye to make sure Shawn wasn't vomiting blood. It was fine line between too much and not enough.

Shawn was finally in the dry heave stage. There was absolutely nothing left in his stomach. He laid down on his side on the exam table with a groan. His body ached, his head still banged. In a word, Shawn was miserable.

While Shawn rested, Doctor Orton pulled Bret to the corner of the room. "Bret, this isn't over. He's addicted to the medication, the cocaine in it. If he wants to stop, he'll have to decide this for himself, but he'll need help." Randal was interrupted by Bret.

"Tell me what to do, and I'll do it," Hart spoke firmly and without hesitation.

Randal smiled, then turned serious. "He'll need to be away for a while. You have that cabin up on the river, take him there. It could take as long as a week or more. It won't be easy. He'll go through withdrawals. Shawn will go from anger, crying, begging, he may even try to escape to get to the medicine. He'll need lots of love and patience, and at times, a very firm hand. I'll keep him here tonight, but go get the cabin ready. I'll ride up and check on you when I can," Randal explained. He knew, though, of all people, Bret could help Shawn. He could see the love between them, even if they didn't.

"It will be done. We'd better go tell the boys. Jason will be alright, but I don't know about Adam. He's quite sensitive," Bret spoke thoughtfully.

"I'll... explain it... to... Addy..." Shawn said in his raspy, drained voice. He'd heard everything Orton had said. Shawn knew he had to rid his body of the vile drug.

Bret and Randy went back to their patient. "So you heard. Are you ready to give this stuff up?" Bret asked. He was upset that Shawn had been so bent on hurting himself.

"Yes... help me, Bret? Please?" Shawn asked as he took Bret's hand in his. He really wanted Bret to help. He knew he couldn't do it alone.

Bret took Shawn's hand in his. "Of course I'll help you, Sunflower, but I want something in return..." Bret was interrupted by Shawn's raspy voice.

"I'll tell you... everything... I promise," Shawn spoke with a weak squeeze to Bret's hand. He knew exactly what Bret was going to ask, and he knew it was time. If Bret was willing to help him, he had to be told the truth.

Bret bent down and kissed Shawn's cheek. "When you're ready, but yes, I want to know, so I can help you." His tone was soft and caring. He returned the squeeze gently.

All eyes turned as the door to Randal's exam room opened. The doctor came out and smiled. "He will be alright, but this is just the beginning. Come on boys, you can see your poppa, then we'll talk."

"Will you wait?" Jason asked Heath with a hopeful expression.

Heath nodded. "I'll be wherever you need me." Then they both realized he meant for the rest of their lives.

"Wade, come with them, your uncle will need your help, I'm sure," Randy said as he moved to let them pass through the door.

Wade let go of Adam and followed Shawn's sons into the exam room. Bret waved him over to the corner and started whispering to his nephew.

Randy carefully and thoroughly explained Shawn's medical situation and what needed to be done. As he spoke, Jason and Adam held Shawn's hands. All three of the McMahons were crying. Shawn out of guilt for what he'd done to his boys and the boys because they hadn't noticed that their poppa had cried out for help. They were all just thankful that now they had a chance to heal their hurt.

After Randal finished telling what Shawn would need, Jason asked everyone to give them a few minutes alone as a family. Randy, Bret and Wade left the room.

"Poppa, I want you to know, I'm sorry. I didn't realize about the medicine. I'm proud of you for wanting to stop. If anyone can get you through, I'm sure it's Mister Hart. Poppa, Sheriff Helmsley... Adam and I told him everything. He promised not to say anything to anyone. He also said that no matter what, Father would never hurt you or us again. I believe him," Jason said. It was time to stop hiding once and for all.

"I'm glad Hunter knows. I'll tell Bret as soon as am able. Jason, you look after your brother. I don't know how long I'll be away. I promise you both, when I do come back, you will have a better and stronger poppa. Adam, honey, I know you're scared, but don't be, you are so strong. Don't be afraid to love. It wasn't love when your father did this to us. Love is wonderful, son. You must give it a chance. I'm... tired now..." Shawn could barely speak above a whisper as what little energy he had drained from his pain wracked body.

"Don't worry about us, Poppa. Jason and I will take care of each other and the house. We just want you well and strong. Take as much time as you need. And Poppa, I'll try, I can't promise, but I'll try. I'm so sorry we weren't there for you when you needed us." Adam bent down and sobbed as he kissed Shawn's cheek.

"No son, I did this stupid thing. Not realizing I was not hurting only myself, I was hurting you boys and I'm sorry. Pack a bag for me, please?" Shawn rasped out his words, then began to cough violently. Jason called for Doctor Orton.

Randy gave Shawn a dose of thick, honey laced cough syrup. It coated Shawn's irritated throat and eased his cough. He gave the family a few more minutes alone.

Jason held Shawn's hand. "Don't worry about us, Poppa. I have a feeling Heath's ma and Mister Chris will swamp us with food. We have our work to keep us busy. I'll guard Addy with my life. You just get better and let Mister Bret help you. Please Poppa, we'll be alright, I swear it. We'll even behave in church, won't we Addy Joe?" Jason said with a laugh. He wanted Shawn to know they would be alright.

"I don't know what you mean, Billy Jay. I always behave in church," Adam said with his own laugh. He too, wanted their poppa to know it would be alright.

Randal came in and said Shawn needed to rest now. Jason and Adam hugged their poppa and kissed him. They had never been separated from Shawn, ever. To be honest, the boys were terrified, not of being alone, but of placing Shawn in the care of a stranger. With the unknown in their hearts, Jason and Adam left the doctor's office, and their poppa.

Bret and Wade were waiting for Jason and Adam. Heath too, had stood faithful, he would help in any way he could. Hunter had returned to his office, he had work to do.

Bret went up to Shawn's sons and spoke with conviction in his eyes, "You boys trust me? You know I will do everything I can to help him. I care deeply for him and will never hurt him. Pack a bag for him and I'll be over later to get it. I need to get the cabin ready. When your poppa can have visitors, Wade will drive you out to the cabin. Shawn will get the best possible care, I swear it."

"We do trust you, Mister Bret. We love our poppa and want to see him well again. Adam and I will never be able to thank you enough for helping him," Jason said with a hug to the older man.

"Adam, Jason, please, feel free to call on me anytime. I'll be there for you. Adam, I'll teach for you tomorrow," Wade said softly, hoping Adam's trust in him would continue to grow.

"Thank you, Wade. To be honest, I'd rather teach. I need to let Poppa know everything is normal. Walk me home?" Adam asked with a bit of a blush on his cheeks. He also needed to keep on teaching, keep his mind busy.

Wade smiled. "You are a strong-willed man. Of course you can teach. That's why I hired you. Come, I'll walk you home." His words were soft, his movements slow as he offered Adam his arm.

Bret watched with smile as Wade followed his advice. Jason and Heath, Wade and Adam all headed toward Maple Street. He looked in on Shawn, Randy had moved him to a more comfortable cot and he was sleeping. Bret left the doctor's office and crossed the alley that went to the Mercantile. He had a lot of supplies to get.

Hunter had stopped at the hotel and told Chris that Shawn would be away for a while to recover. He knew Chris would want to send the boys some food. He told Chris he'd give him the details later. Word had spread that Shawn was ill, and if anyone could stop rumors, it was his Chrissy.

Chris immediately went to the kitchen of the hotel and started a pot of chicken and dumplings. It would be just what Adam and Jason needed. People swore Chris' chicken and dumplings cured anything.

Matt Hardy walked into the sheriff's office with the mail from the train depot. He dropped of Hunter's mail before taking the rest to the post office in the courthouse next door.

John Orton began to open the various mail from the U. S. Marshals around the country. They were always sending the latest wanted posters. He noticed one from Boston. It piqued his interest because he was from that area. John also noticed it was from Glenn Jacobs, Mark Calaway's step-brother. He opened the envelope and unfolded the enclosed wanted poster.

John's mouth fell open when he saw a perfect drawing of Shawn, Jason and Adam. The poster said Shawn was missing and feared kidnapped by his two sons. The deputy was shocked, he knew the name McMahon. They were one of Boston's wealthiest and most powerful families. At least, Vince was.

Hunter came in and saw the look on John's face. He asked his deputy what was wrong, so John handed Hunter the wanted poster. Hunter then did something that shocked John even more. Hunter lit a match and set the poster on fire. They watched as it went up in smoke and flames.

The sheriff pinned his deputy with a stony gaze. "John, you never saw this poster. Understand?"

John nodded. He just hoped his boss hadn't just brought trouble to their peaceful town. Marshal Mark Calaway could make a lot of trouble if he ever found out what Hunter had just done.