CHAPTER 2

October 30 1863

Kansas State Penitentiary

Leavenworth County

Warden John P. Mitchell held tight onto the arm of Abigail Sully. He had been looking for this woman for six long months and after a string of dead end leads, he finally had her in his prison. And, he wasn't going to let her out of his sight.

Her eyes filled with fear, as she walked down the long, dark hallway. Rows and rows of cells filled the walls. She could hear the calls whistling out to her from inside the shadowy chambers. Trepidation leaked though her soul, when she realized there were mostly men behind the bars. Her strong façade was slowly slipping; as she watched her feet take one step after another.

The warden pushed open a large, overly rusted door and ushered her inside. Abigail's eye's opened wide at the sight before her. Many smaller cells lined the wall, but inside were women. They gave her deep, spin curling stares. She tried to advert her gaze, but wonderment caught the better of her. The females looked rough and mean; tired and irritable.

"Oh look girls, here comes Miss Priss," the girls cackled.

John Mitchell stopped at the last cell at the end of the hall. He took the keys from his pocket and unlocked the door. He shoved her inside, walked in himself and shut the door. As he neared her, Abigail's breath caught in her throat and, she stepped backward, trying to keep her distance from the warden. But soon she felt her back hit the cold concrete wall.

"What…what do you want?" her voice quaked. Her eyes darted back and forth between the women prisoners and the man in front of her.

"Just making sure you don't have any weapons on you." The look in his eyes was sinister, as he began to feel his way down her body. Abigail fidgeted under his touch.

"I don't have anything," she whispered, trying vainly to turn away.

Mitchell looked down her body and smiled. "Oh what's this?" He held her hand up.

"Nothing." She tried to pull away.

"I don't think you'll be needing this." He pulled the ring off her finger.

"No please!" Abigail cried, reaching for her ring.

He laughed at her banter. "Or this." He pulled a necklace from around her neck, the clasp snapping as it broke in two.

"Please, please just let me keep my ring." She fell to her knees pleading.

"And why should I?" he questioned.

"Because…because, my husband gave it to me."

"Well, you don't need any reminders of him anyway; it's not like your going to see him outside these walls ever again."

"Oh, please…" she covered her eyes to cry.

"Tell ya what…I'll let you keep your necklace." He dropped it to the ground.

Abigail looked to the necklace, her hand reached out for it, but before she could pick it up, his steel-toed boot shadowed over it, crushing it into pieces. She could hear the cameo breaking into bits under his shoe. Her mother had given that necklace to her on her wedding day.

"Oops, I'm so sorry. Guess I wasn't watching where I was stepping," he laughed.

"Come on. Leave her alone, John!" the woman in the cell next to Abigail's yelled.

The warden shot the girl an icy glare.

Looking to Abigail, he let out a grunt. "I'm keeping my eye on you." He placed her wedding ring in his pocket.

"You try anything, and you'll be in the isolation chamber." He kneeled down to Abigail and whispered in her ear. "I'm not through with you yet."

The statement sent chills down her spine. She looked up with tear-filled eyes, as he walked out of the cell and locked her inside.

"Sweet dreams." He smiled the devil's grin and started back down the hallway.

"You must have done something real bad to make him that mad." The girl in the next cell looked to Abigail.

"Yeah. The Warden never comes down here unless he has to. Usually the guards bring us in," another girl piped up.

Abigail was still crouched on the cold, dark floor. Hot, stinging tears drained from her eyes. How did she ever end up in this predicament? How did her life take such a terrible pit fall? Her eyes scanned the small, ten by ten cell that she was to call home. She looked around and noticed most of the women were tending to themselves and not paying attention to her any longer.

She dragged herself off the floor and onto the cot. She wrapped the stiff blanket around her freezing body. Tucking her feet inside for warmth, she faced the wall and willed herself to sleep.

November 6th 1864

Sully sat back in the chair and looked around. "Well if it's possible, I'd say you have four times more stuff than anyone I know," he laughed.

Wiping her brow, she placed her hands upon her hips and looked around. "I guess I didn't realize how much I packed. And, I still have all my things to put away upstairs," she chuckled.

Michaela and Sully worked together most of the afternoon, putting away Michaela's things and unpacking her medicines. Sully reached to the final crate and began to open it. Pushing away the straw and wrapping material, he noticed it was her medical degree and numerous other awards and achievements that were bestowed to her.

Pulling out her framed diploma, he held it up. "Your folks must be really proud of you." He smiled, holding the degree.

"My father was a doctor, and I admired him greatly," she smiled. "I've wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember."

"And your ma?" he asked.

"I can't say my mother was happy about it. She wanted me to marry, have children and stay home."

"You don't want that?" he asked.

Michaela looked down, not really knowing what to say.

"Sorry…I didn't mean to..."

"No, it's alright. I do want to get married. It's just that since David died, I've just been so enthralled with medicine that I haven't had time to think about certain things." Her faced blushed.

"David?"

"He was my fiancé… he died in the war." Her heart broke at the memory.

"I'm sorry." He felt bad for bringing it up.

"No, it's alright." She wiped away a tear that silently made its way down her cheek.

She had not thought about David for a long time. It had been quite some time since he passed away. She thought that she had put it behind her, but her heart still felt a twinge when his name was brought up.

Sully noticed that she had become quiet and reserved.

"Dr. Quinn, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean t' upset ya."

"You didn't upset me. I just started to think of my father is all," she lied.

"He must miss ya an awful lot." He tried to console her.

She looked out the window. "He died a little over a year ago."

God, couldn't he say anything right? He didn't want to open his mouth in fear another blunder would emit.

She looked back to Sully and could tell he was feeling uncomfortable. "I have a feeling my father would have been proud of me for coming out here on my own. As much as he liked having me as his partner, he always wanted me to go out on my own; make something of myself." She smiled.

"I'm sure he's very proud of you."

"That's one thing I loved about my father. He would always remind me of how well he thought I was doing. Even when I was at my lowest, he would come and find me; make sure I was doing all right. He would always say the same thing: 'Mike, nobody makes me as proud as you do.'"

"Mike?" Sully questioned.

"That's what my father called me. After four girls, he was hoping for a boy. He was going to name him Michael. They settled on Michaela," she smirked.

"Dr. Mike... It suits you."

She let out a breath and smiled. "I think so too."

"And, I'm sure your ma feels the same way too."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that. She can be fairly exasperating at times. She was quite adamant about me not coming out here."

"She's probably just worried about ya moving west all by yourself."

"Yes, she was scared for me. She told me not to come crying to her if I get scalped by and Indian."

"They wouldn't do that!"

Michaela was surprised by Sully's sudden outburst.

"Sully…I…didn't…mean to imply that…"

"No, no… I'm sorry I didn't mean t' yell at ya." He felt bad. "It's just that the Indians mean a lot to me. They've done a great deal for me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know." She looked down.

"It's just that I don't want ya to get the wrong impression of them. Too many people already do."

"I always try to keep an open mind." She looked at him.

"Well perhaps I can introduce them to ya some day. Cloud Dancing…he's the Cheyenne Medicine man. I'm sure he could teach ya a few things, if you're interested."

"I would like that." She smiled.

A knock came at the door, breaking their smiles, and Sully turned to open it.

"Papa!" Hannah burst in the room.

"Hey, darlin'."

Michaela's eyes opened wide at the little girl.

"I heard that you were over here." A blonde haired lady entered the clinic. Michaela presumed it must have been his wife.

Sully turned. "I'd like t' introduce ya t' Dr. Quinn."

"You're a real doctor?" Emily walked further into the clinic, looking around, her eyes out stretched.

"Yes," she chuckled.

Emily warmed at the doctor's smile. She seemed nice enough. But, she soon looked from her clothes to the doctors and suddenly felt inferior. The doctor had an elegant traveling gown on. The color seemed to bring out the rose color of her cheeks. She could tell she wasn't from around here.

"I'm sorry. You must be wonderin' where my manners are. Emily Donavan." She held out her hand.

"Dr. Michaela Quinn." She clasped her hand.

"So, where are you from, Dr. Quinn?"

"Please call me Dr. Mike." She gave Sully a glance. "I'm from Boston."

"Boston? My husband's aunt was from Boston," she gleamed.

"It's a lovely place," she commented.

"Speakin' of my husband…I better get on home now. He'll be expecting dinner. It was nice to meet you, Dr. Mike," she giggled. "I hope we can talk again. It's nice to have another woman around here."

"Yes, I'd like that." Her smile was genuine.

Emily left, closing the door behind her.

Michaela turned to the child that was holding onto Sully's leg.

"And, who might this little one be."

Hannah placed her fingers in her mouth and clutched tighter onto her father's leg.

"This is Hannah." He smiled. "Hannah, can you say hi to Dr. Mike?"

The little girl looked between her father's legs at the stranger before her. "Hi…" she whispered softly.

"Well you are certainly a beautiful little girl."

Hannah's smile grew wide. "Tanks."

"And, how old are you?"

The little girl held up two little fingers.

"Two?"

Sully smiled, whisking the little girl off her feet. "I think your pushin' the cart before the horse there, darlin'". You don't turn two until next Monday. "

"Well, we'll have to have a party then." She smiled to the little girl.

"No party. We're just spending the day at home." Sully looked away.

Michaela could tell she had struck a cord in him. "Yes, you're right. I'm sure you would like to spend your birthday at home." She looked to the child. "Are you going to spend your birthday with your mama and papa?" She asked.

"Mama!" the child's eyes lit up looking to her father and then around the room.

"No, honey, Mama's not here."

"Mama…" Hannah cried.

"I gotta go." Sully turned to the door.

Michaela looked at the child in wonderment. Then she looked to Sully, and for the first time, saw complete sadness in his eyes.

"Did I say something wrong?" she questioned.

"No. I have to go." He turned around with Hannah in his arms and walked out of the clinic, closing the door.

It was little past midnight, when Michaela finally retired to bed. She certainly had a long day. And if it wasn't for Sully, she was sure it would have been longer. She still didn't know what to make of this frontier town called Colorado Springs. Some of the people seemed nice enough, and others were just the same as they were in Boston.

She could tell by the look on the reverend's face that he surely wasn't expecting her. Something about the mix up of the letter "A". She still wasn't sure what that meant. A lot of the ladies in town seemed to like her being there; they even seemed to be relieved. She would have to go into town and introduce herself tomorrow. She really only met three people today: the reverend, Mrs. Donavan and Sully.

"Sully." What did she say to him today that struck such a cord? His eyes just seemed to cloud over, and his whole body stiffened as rigid as a board. Perhaps if she saw him tomorrow in town, she would apologize and thank him again for helping her.

She still didn't know what to think of him. One moment he was helpful and kind, like catching her when she fell from the stagecoach. The next, he was stubborn and unrelenting. She had never seen a man like him. He had long hair, dressed in buckskins and a hand made shirt. In a way, he reminded her of an Indian himself. Well, he did say they were his friends.

And then there was Hannah. That little girl sure did surprise her today. It didn't even cross her mind that Sully was married, let alone a father. But she could tell that it was something that he took great pride in. He looked like a wonderful father. She would have to introduce herself to his wife someday. She wondered if the woman was anything like Sully.

She pulled the blanket up higher around herself to keep out the chill. Her exhausted state finally caught up with her, and she quickly fell asleep.

One Week Later

November 13th 1864

Michaela had settled nicely in Charlotte's boarding house. She only wished her medical practice was going as well. So far, she had only treated one patient. Little Brian Cooper came down with a mild catarrh, and Charlotte brought him in to get some medicine. He stayed over night, so she could monitor him and went home in good spirits the next day.

Michaela walked into Bray's Mercantile, remembering Sully saying today was Hannah's second birthday, and she wanted to get something for her. She hadn't seen Sully since the first day she arrived. And, she still hadn't thanked him properly for his kindness. Until yesterday, she had had no idea where to find him. When asking Charlotte where he lived, she told her he lived in a little cabin not far from town. She kind of got the impression that Charlotte didn't want to reveal too much about Sully. She even asked her if Sully explained to her "his situation," whatever that was supposed to mean. Looking around the Mercantile, she had no idea what a two year old would like.

Loren approached Michaela. "Can I help you?"

"No thank you. I'm just looking." She smiled, walking across the store.

Just by looking at her, Loren could tell she was trouble. "Doctor, ummm…" Loren scowled. "She ain't ever touchin' me!" he thought to himself. What self-respecting lady would be a doctor…let alone an unmarried one?

Michaela looked in the glass case and saw a lovely sliver bracelet. "No, she's too small for that." Then her eyes fell upon a fancy porcelain doll. "Umm…a little too extravagant." A dress? No, she would have no idea what size. This was becoming harder than she expected.

Michaela turned around and caught the gaze of two women on the opposite side of the store who were obviously talking about her. For some reason, it didn't bother her anymore. From living in Boston, she was used to it. So she decided to grab the bull by the horns and walked over to them.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Farnsworth, Mrs. Kemble." Michaela stopped them by blocking the exit of the Mercantile.

"Miss Quinn." They said in unison, clearly flustered.

Michaela looked at them both in the eye. "How are you doing today?"

"Fine." Mrs. Farnsworth tried to walk around Michaela, but she stepped to the side.

"Mrs. Farnsworth, I heard that your boy was feeling ill. I was hoping that I could take a look at him."

"That won't be necessary." She looked down.

"Are you sure? I would hate for it to turn into anything worse."

"My boy is fine; he doesn't need any help from you. Good day, Miss Quinn."

"That's Doctor Quinn." She turned around, watching the women walk out of the store.

"Oh, don't let those two women vex ya."

Michaela turned back around and looked into the eyes of another woman. She had fiery red hair yet soft blue eyes. And, her lips turned up in an impish grin.

Michaela laughed. "They didn't."

"I hear that you're the town's new doctor?" she questioned.

"Michaela Quinn." She held out her hand.

"Dorothy Jennings." She smiled.

"You write the town's gazette! I read your article on the coming of the train." She remembered.

"Yes," she smiled. "I hear tell you're from Boston."

"I am." She looked down.

"You've sure come a long way." She remarked.

Michaela gave an uneasy smile.

"You must miss your family…being so far away and all.

"At times, yes," she replied.

"Well, is there anything that I can help you find?" she questioned.

"I'm actually looking for a birthday present for a little girl. She's turning two."

"Umm… I see." She looked around.

"Well, we don't have much for children; I keep tellin' Loren that he needs to stock up this store better. The town's grown'."

"Do you work here as well?" she queried

"Loren, he's my brother in law…and I live above the store here, so I help him out from time to time."

"I see."

"Ah, we have this stuffed elephant. There was a little girl in here just last week admiring it."

"Stuffed elephant?" She picked it up.

"Umm, it's real soft. Any child would love it."

Michaela admired the detail of the plush animal. She could see herself in the marble-embedded eyes, and the soft fur just begged to be touched. She took one last look at the animal and handed it to Dorothy. "I'll take it. Can you wrap it up for me as well?"

"Sure." She smiled.

Dorothy placed the elephant in a box and cut the paper to exact size for wrapping. "Are you sending this back to Boston?"

"No, It's for Mr. Sully's little girl Hannah."

"Hannah…" Dorothy said a little too loudly, causing Loren to turn around and glance at the two ladies.

"Yes, today's her birthday, isn't it?" Michaela eyed the redhead.

"Umm… yes it is. How…how do you know Sully?"

"He was actually the first person I met when I got here." She laughed at the memory. "He caught me when I fell from the stagecoach."

"Really? I haven't seen Sully in weeks." She felt bad for him. Often times, she would travel out to his homestead and bring food or offer to watch little Hannah.

"I actually haven't seen Sully since then. I wanted to thank him for helping me move into my clinic."

"He helped you move in too?" She was surprised.

"Yes, he was quite…helpful." She smiled, becoming somewhat uneasy.

Dorothy tied a bright red ribbon onto the box. She hadn't known Sully to come into town very much. Since what happed to Abigail, the tension between he and Loren was too much.

"Here you go." She handed the wrapped package to Michaela.

Michaela placed the appropriate amount of change on the counter. "I should probably go. I don't want to get there too late. I don't want to interrupt on any family time."

Dorothy eyed the doctor. "Sully didn't say anything about…" She stopped herself.

"About what?" she questioned, becoming intrigued.

"Nothing… Tell Hannah that I said happy birthday."

"I…will." Michaela looked at Dorothy, becoming suspicious. That was the second person that made the same remark about Sully.

"I hope we can chat again sometime." Dorothy came from around the counter.

"I look forward to it, Mrs. Jennings."

"You can call me Dorothy," she smiled. "Can I call you Michaela?"

"I would like that," she laughed.

"Good."

Michaela hopped onto the back of Bear. She had purchased him two days after arriving in town. And within five days, she became a wonderful rider. She thought back to a few days before, when she talked to Charlotte Cooper. She said to follow Old Post Road to where it met a large birch tree that was spit down the middle, and then to take a right and follow that down the creek. The Sully homestead was about a mile from that.

The closer she got to Sully's homestead, the more anxious she became. She wouldn't say that she had parted with Sully on bad terms. It was just awkward. Then there was Charlotte and Dorothy making those comments. There was something going on with Sully…something that people wanted to keep a secret. And, it intrigued her.

Her first impression of Sully was that he was kind and helpful, but also stubborn, a streak she knew well. She wondered what Sully's wife would be like. Would she be anything like him? Would she accept her as the town's doctor, or would she shun her too? She tired to make as many friends as she could since her arrival in town, in hopes that they would spread the word that she was a good doctor and confidante.

Looking ahead, she noticed a small homestead in the distance. Smoke rose from the chimney, a tell tale sign that someone was home. The cabin was small but homey looking. It had a large barn and a small garden off to the side. She slowly made her way up and looked around. Dismounting her horse, she opened her bag and pulled out Hannah's gift. She straightened her dress and walked up to the porch. She heard footsteps running in the house, followed by laugher.

Perhaps this was a bad time. She didn't want to intrude if it was a family moment. Quickly, she turned around and was about to walk off the porch when the front door opened.

"Dr. Mike?"

Michaela turned around. "Sully."

"What are you doing here?" he questioned.

"I…ah..." She held out the wrapped box. "Hannah's birthday."

Sully was a little taken aback. "You didn't have to get her nothin'."

"I know." She looked down. "But I wanted to."

Sully looked around and scratched the back of his neck. "You can come in and give it to her if ya want."

"Well, I don't want to intrude. I know your spending time with your family." She smiled.

"You're not."

"Well… I'll only stay a bit."

Sully ushered her inside and closed the door. "Hannah, there's someone here to see you."

Hannah toddled into the room. She took a look at Michaela and smiled, sticking her fingers into her mouth.

Sully picked her up and sat down at the table. Michaela sat down next to them.

"Happy Birthday, Hannah." Michaela smiled handing her the box.

Hannah looked at the gift and then to Sully. "Go ahead. It's for you."

Hannah's little fingers captured the box, and she held it close. "Open papa?" She looked to him for reassurance.

"Go ahead." He smiled to his daughter.

Hannah grasped the red ribbon, pulling out the bow and sliding off the paper. "Box!" She smiled.

They both chuckled.

"Open it, honey."

Hannah took off the top of the box, looked inside and gasped.

"Elfant, Papa. Elfant!" she pulled it from the box, hugging it to her chest.

"I guess she liked it." He looked to Michaela.

"So I see." She smiled, looking at the child.

"What do you say to Dr. Mike?"

Hannah suddenly jumped off of Sully's lap and onto Michaela's, pulling her arms tightly around her neck. "Tanks!" she whispered in her ear.

Sully's eyes opened wide. Never had he seen his daughter take to someone so quickly. She barely even talked to Grace or Dorothy when they came by, and she'd known them her entire two years.

A large smile erupted onto Michaela lips. "You're welcome, sweetheart."

Hannah turned around but stayed planted on Michaela's lap. She stared intently at the animal, rubbing the marble eye and humming softly to herself.

Sully looked at his daughter, not really knowing what to say. She seemed so happy and content sitting on the doctors' lap. And, for a moment, just a moment, he forgot his troubles.

Michaela noticed Sully just staring off into space. "Sully?"

He looked up to her.

"I just really wanted to say thank you for helping me unpack all of my stuff last week. It was very considerate."

"It was no problem. Glad I could help. Looked like you needed it," he laughed.

She couldn't help but giggle. "I'd probably still be unpacking."

Kansas State Penitentiary

"What are you crying for?" Laura looked through the cell bars to the girl next to her.

"Today's my daughter's birthday." Abigail wiped away the tear that made its way to her cheek.

"If I told ya once, I told ya a thousand times. You gotta stop thinking about them. It's only gonna hurt ya more."

"How do I stop thinking about my family?" she asked.

"The same way I do…pretend they're dead."

Abigail looked at Laura expressionlessly.

"Damn it! Don't look at me like that. You'll learn! Ya will!" She turned around.

"They're probably cuttin' the cake now…."

Colorado Springs

"Would ya like some cake, Dr. Mike?"