(Lucas' POV)
"This is ridiculous. Can I just be released so I can get back to running my saloon? I've already answered all of your questions." It had been two or three days since the accident, I couldn't keep track anymore in this pesky holding cell. I'm sure Nathan was having the time of his life on the other side of these bars. From the moment we met, we've not been too fond of each other, especially when Elizabeth had anything to do with it. I knew me screwing things up big time looked good for him right about now.
"I've been instructed by Bill to keep you here until he gets back."
"And when exactly will that be?"
"I don't know. I know Carson should be back soon, so we'll have an update then."
I sighed, and leaned my head against the wall. That night just kept replaying in my head. I didn't mean for things to get that far. Now Elizabeth was in who-knows-what condition, fighting for her life, while her son was here, with no idea where his mother was. Trust me when I say, this was not my ideal scenario. She didn't deserve to get caught up in the middle of all of this.
As if the universe had spoken, Carson burst through the door, causing Nathan & I to both stand up. "How is she?" We both asked in unison. God, I needed to get out of here.
"She seemed to be stable when I left. The bullet lodged in Elizabeth's abdomen and the doctor's were able to remove it, but she isn't waking up from the anesthesia as quickly as the doctors had anticipated. Bill is going to stay there, and Elizabeth's sister, Julie, should be arriving there shortly as well."
"Can I go see her?"
"Lucas, you're the root cause of all of this, that's probably not the best idea at the moment."
"Look, I understand I'm the one who caused this, Nathan. But as hard as it is to believe, I do have some guilty bones in my body. I don't care if I have to go in handcuffs in something, I just want to see her and know that she's going to be alright."
Carson and Nathan exchanged glances for a moment. "Alright. I'll send a telegram to Bill tomorrow, and get his thoughts. Until then, you're staying put, understood?" Nathan then turned back to Carson. "Thank you for the update. You should get some rest, it's been a hell of a few days."
"I know, what I really need is a drink." Carson looked at me, realizing what he'd said. "Sorry, I forgot-,"
"Don't worry about it. Once Nathan realizes I'm not the main one to blame here, the saloon will be up and running in no time." Amos and his henchmen were almost immediately sent to a more secure jail, awaiting trial. He deserved to rot for all he had done in his life, that's for sure. Until then though, I was forced to take some of the blame as well.
(Julie's POV)
"Bill! Oh it's so good to see you!" I ran over to where Bill was sitting outside of what I assumed to be my sister's room. I gave him a hug, trying not to bring attention to the fact that he didn't smell the best, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, considering the circumstances.
"It's good to see you too, Julie. I'm glad you're here. Elizabeth's just in there. She's stable, but not waking up like she should be. But she's not in any pain, which is good."
"And Little Jack? I didn't even get a chance to see him when I arrived. The moment I stepped off the stagecoach, Clara was there, telling me I needed to head back right away."
"Jack is good. Rosemary & Lee are looking after him, no need to worry."
"Oh, this does postpone Jack's Christening, which is unfortunate. But the main concern right now is making sure my big sister is okay." These past few days of traveling had been a whirlwind. I was an energetic person in general, but combined with a lack of sleep, I didn't know what I was saying at this point. I was so worried, but I didn't want to show it. I had to put on a brave face for my sister.
"You know, you can go see her. I should probably go 'take care of myself' as Carson told me."
"I'll see you later then, Bill. Thank you for being here." Bill smiled at me as we parted ways.
When I walked in, it was weird. I felt like I was a little kid again, spying on Viola & Elizabeth, getting ready to scare them. But now, we were adults, and Elizabeth wasn't going to just "wake up" when I yelled "Boo!"
I had a seat, and straightened out my dress, not really knowing where to look, or what to do with my hands.
"Elizabeth, it's me. Julie. I know, I can't believe I could've just stayed in Hamilton this whole time, it would've been way less travel." I chuckled, then stopped myself short. This was no laughing matter. "Well anyways, I'm here now. Bill is too, of course. But between you & me, he needs a bath… or two."