Chapter 18

Colorado Springs

Monday 15th December, 1873

"Good mornin' Horace" greeted Dorothy as she stepped in front of the Post Office.

"Good mornin' Dorothy. How may I help ya" asked Horace.

The telegraph started beeping, signaling a message was being received.

"I want my mail, thanks"

"Sorry Dorothy, but this is an urgent telegram" he said as he took out his notebook and pencil and started scribbling down the message.

His face turned from its usual colour to white and Dorothy noticed this.

"What's wrong Horace" she asked concerned.

"Sully's..." started Horace, but then decided otherwise"I can't tell ya"

"Sure ya can! I won't tell anybody" she protested as he rose from his chair.

"Yeah, ya'll just publish the news in the Gazette" he said as he put on his coat and hat and left the Post Office.

"What 'bout my mail" she inquired.

"Wait till I return" he replied without turning around.

He hurried towards the clinic, where he found Michaela at her desk and Brian playing with Katie on the ground.

"Good morning' Dr. Mike"

"Good morning Horace. What brings you here" she smiled.

"I... I have an urgent telegram to deliver" he babbled.

Brian had risen from the ground and approached him, so Horace handed the telegram and left. Dorothy entered the clinic as soon as Horace left.

"For who is it Brian" asked Michaela.

"For you" he said as he gave her the telegram.

Urgent Telegram

Dear Michaela,

I'm sorry to tell you that your husband has been shot last night and the doctors say he won't live. Please catch the first train to Boston and come to Peter Walker's Hospital! I've already informed Colleen. Try to hurry.

Your mother,

Elisabeth Quinn

Dr. Michaela Quinn

Colorado Springs

She opened it and read the message. If she hadn't been seated she would have fallen to the ground.

"No" she said barely in a whisper.

She just stared at her hands, still holding the telegram, with tears forming in her eyes. Brian and Dorothy looked at her while Katie toddled closer to put her hands over her mother's. Michaela hugged her daughter and cried, wetting Katie's hair with all the tears she had been trying to control. Brian took the telegram from his mother's hands and read it, while Dorothy read it from behind his shoulder. Both were shocked, especially Brian. He dropped the telegram on the floor and ran out of the clinic where he bumped into Loren, who took hold of him.

"Where are ya goin' in such a hurry" asked Loren before realising the boy was crying"What's the matter kid"

"I can't lose him again" sobbed Brian, putting his arms around Loren.

"Can't loose who" the older man replied, confused.

Dorothy came towards them and handed Loren the telegram Brian had dropped before leaving the clinic. Loren read it, while still holding Brian.

"Oh no" he said as he gave the piece of paper back to Dorothy"Look at me kid"

Brian looked up at Loren, not trying to stop the tears.

"Ya're goin' to Boston on the next train, an' ya'll bring your pa back with ya, OK" he said.

"He... he's dyin'... I can feel it" said Brian as he rested his head once again against Loren's chest.

"Then ya should go there and see he dies in peace" added Dorothy.

Meanwhile, many people had gathered in front of the clinic, and all knew what had happened. Grace was crying while resting herself against her husband, and Teresa's in tears as well, leaning on Jake's shoulder. Michaela finally appeared in the doorway of the clinic with Katie clung to her skirt. Dorothy put her arms round her friend so as to help her keep standing, because the doctor seemed not to be able to do so alone.

"I've taken the liberty and booked three seats for you on the next train to Boston, which leaves in about one hour" Horace said as he approached them.

"For whom are these three tickets" asked Dorothy for Michaela, as the latter was crying uncontrollably while still hugging her friend.

"Well, Dr. Mike, Brian an' Katie" Horace explained.

"You'd better book another place for someone else! They're not able to go to Boston alone" commented Loren still holding Brian.

"Yeah, he's right! but who will go" asked Robert E.

"We... we can go... alone, thanks" Michaela managed to say.

"Ya sure" asked Grace, and Michaela nodded.

"Good, let's take you home, so as we can pack you some things and leave immediately" said Dorothy while trying to look in Michaela's eyes.

Michaela silently agreed and allowed Dorothy and Grace to accompany her in the wagon, while Loren did the same with Brian. Teresa lifted Katie from the ground and placed her on the wagon, between with her mother and brother.

Boston

Monday 15th December, 1873

John entered his apartment and banged the door closed behind him. Philip and Karl, who were inside the house, jumped with fright.

"Byron Sully is NOT dead" he barked in Philip's face as he stood in front of him in the kitchen.

"W... what" asked Philip, trying to sound surprised.

"He's not dead! He's lying in a hospital bed NEARLY dead! Ya could feel no pulse huh? You TRICKED me last night! Ya knew he was still alive" raged John.

"I... I didn't feel a pulse" Philip defended himself.

"Hey, he's not a doctor" Karl added.

"Yes. Well, now I just hope Alex leaves Matthew and accepts to marry me" John sighed.

"What happened? You talked to Alex" asked Karl.

John kept staring at the wall and let out an angry "Yes".

"There's more, right" Karl guessed.

"She knows I shot Byron. But I threatened her not to tell anyone or I'd kill Matthew. I gave her an ultimatum as well. If she hasn't removed that damn ring from her hand and put on mine before the school year ends, I'll kill Matthew just the same" said John, as he remembered his last encounter with Alex.

"And if she tells the army despite of your threatening" Philip inquired.

"If I'm arrested, I'll leave it up to you to finish Matthew off."

"Wait, could ya please tell us EXACTLY what are your plans now, if she doesn't tell anything to the army" asked Karl, totally confused.

"Alex has till the end of June to change her mind and say she'll marry me! If not, I'll just kill Matthew, and make sure she watches him die, before I make her mine" explained John.

"And if she accepts to marry you? You'd let Matthew go, right" asked Philip.

"No. I'll wait for her to come to me. Then after we get married, I'll kidnap Matthew and tie him to a chair in my bedroom upstairs, so he watches as I finally make Alex mine"

"You CAN'T do that" shouted Philip rising from his chair.

Karl stood up and added"It would already be a great thing that she leaves Matthew of her own free will and comes to you, but to force him to watch while you make love to her, I think that's inhuman"

"Oh no! Marrying that... that filthy worm that's the inhuman thing" said John.

"Couldn't you just take Alex as your wife, and let Matthew be? She will hate you for the rest of her life if you do that" Philip insisted.

"She'll hate me anyway, even if I let Matthew go unharmed! And I want him to pay for even trying to make her his! And I told you a million times, DO NOT INTERFERE IN MY LOVE LIFE" John shouted at both his friends.

"As if you had one" commented Philip.

"I DO have one! I nearly made love to her just a few minutes ago in a side-road, and let me tell you it was fantastic. Can't wait till June arrives" John replied, then he left them and went upstairs to take a bath.

Karl and Philip just remained standing in the kitchen, staring at each other.

"You knew he wasn't dead, didn't you" asked Karl, looking at Philip.

"Yes, I knew. I felt a pulse when he ordered me to check. I... I didn't want him to shoot another bullet. I was hoping someone would find Byron before it was too late, as in fact it happened, thanks to God! I hope he never gets to know or he'd kill me" said Philip.

"I realised he was still breathing as well. I saw his chest rising and falling, but I didn't say anything. I never approved his insane plan, and will do everything in my power to make sure there's no more suffering for that poor lady" Karl sighed.

"So you won't tell him" Philip pleaded.

"Sure not! And you won't say a word about my secret either, right"

"Right" agreed Philip as they shook hands.

"How is he, Dr. Walker" asked Matthew anxiously.

"Well, you can see for yourself that his condition is getting worse, Mr. Sully. He's developing a fever and his pulse is slower than it was last night! I fear he'll be... I'm sorry, but I think it's better if you go in and say your farewells, Mr. Sully, so when your family arrives, they'll have their own time. I just hope they make it here soon enough" said Peter softly.

"Ya... ya mean he... he'll... die" babbled Matthew, not believing his ears.

"Unfortunately, yes. He's lucky enough to have lived so far! Go in and talk to him. These are the last moments you've got kid" Peter replied.

"He's right Mat. Go in and talk to him. When your mother arrives, she'll want to stay alone with him, and so will your brother and sisters, if... well, if they make it in time! So go and talk to him. A miracle can still happen" said Elisabeth, who had listened to all the conversation between the doctor and her grandson.

Matthew just stared at both of them for a few seconds, then he slowly entered Sully's room, closing the door behind him. He looked at his father. The doctor was right! He was indeed breathing more slowly than the day before, and seemed to have trouble in doing so as well. He sat down in the now familiar chair next to the bed, and took his father's hand in his. He didn't want to say goodbye, but he had to, in case what the doctor predicted happened.

"Hey Pa" he started, as tears already started to form in his eyes. "The doctor told me ya aint gonna live. I don't wanna believe him. I still believe you're gonna wake up from that deep sleep so we can return home together and celebrate Christmas with our family and friends... yet, what if the doctor's right? What if you're really gonna die? What if these are REALLY the... last words... I can say to ya? What if you're really gonna leave us here alone? So... I guess... I guess I'd better start facing this reality..."

Matthew had tears flowing down his cheeks; he still held his father's hand and looked at his face while speaking, hoping to see those once bright eyes open and look at him. But this didn't happen.

"Pa... ya can't die! Ya can't leave us here all alone. We need you! Ma can't live without you, ya know that! And especially now that she's gonna have a baby! Ya want your child to grow up not knowing her... or his... father? Ya want Ma to face all the problems of raising a child alone? I'm sure not! An' what about Katie? She's still so small, and always asking for her papa! How can we tell her that her papa's gone forever? How could she understand? She needs the love and guidance of her father, and Colleen needs it too, even if she's older! She has told me in her last letter that she had dreamt of you holding her children on your lap. I think she wants ya to do this. An' what would Brian do without ya? Ya know how much he suffered when he discovered Ethan didn't love him, and that he always considered you as his father! Ya can't leave him now that he needs you the most in his growing up! An'... most of all... ya can't leave me, Pa! I had told you how much ya mean to me as a father two days ago in my room, so you know how I feel and I won't repeat all this now; if it's true that I only have so little time left. I want ta see you there when I finish University, to see you there at my Graduation when I receive my lawyer diploma! I want to see ya in the courtroom as I win my first case! I also want ya to meet Alex, who now has become my fiancée and will also become my wife hopefully! I want you to be there at my wedding, and to see my children grow up! I need your support and affection in my difficulties! I... I want you to see my house once it's ready! I... I need you to see what a great present I got ya for Christmas! I... I... Oh I... don't know what I'm saying... please... don't die..." Matthew cried, with his head in his arms leaning on the bed, resting atop of Sully's left hand.

Matthew still had many so things to tell his father, but he couldn't put his thoughts and feelings into words. He had at least managed to say the most important things. He couldn't accept this reality. He could just stay there and cry, waiting for time to pass.

"He did WHAT" cried Mary.

"I told you not to shout" said Alex.

Alex and Mary had just finished their second exam and were going towards the hospital. Tom had decided to leave them talking alone and instead, he had gone to buy something to take to Matthew. Alex had told to Mary every single detail of her conversation with John, and also all that followed.

"You must go tell the army" said Mary.

"No, I can't! I told you what he said about that! He'd kill Matthew instantly if I speak to Lt. Rabb! I have to try and find a way to break off my engagement to Mat and satisfy John's wishes"

"Are you out of your mind Alex? You can't do that my dear! Don't you see he's trying to destroy your life? If you tell the army, they could protect Mat until they catch John and his two friends! How can you abandon Mat after you've just accepted to marry him? It would break his heart, adding to the despair he already has because of his father"

"Mary, I HAVE to marry John Smith! Believe me, he is a man of his word! If he says he'll kill Matthew, he'll do it, even if from jail! It's better if I marry John and know Matthew is alive and happy, than staring at Mat's grave, with the possibility of John to make me his just the same"

"Mat will NEVER be happy if you don't marry him! Al, you can't face this on your own my dear! You..."

"... that's why I told all this to you, so I'm not alone! But I'm not gonna tell the army, or anyone else! When I remember that all this has happened because of me not wanting to marry John, I'd want to kill myself"

"Which is something you can't do" said Mary, as she tried in vain to reason with her best friend.

"Look Mary. I told you everything because you promised me not to interfere, now let me decide what to do with MY life"

"And what have you decided to do, exactly" asked Mary.

"I'll support and help Mat in the best I can so he goes through these moments. Then when everything's back to normal, or nearly back to normal cause I don't think things will ever be back to normal again, I'll just tell him I don't love him anymore..."

"But that is NOT true! You love him more than anything" Mary did not believe her ears.

"I know, but there's no choice. Now, WILL YOU LET ME FINISH" shouted Alex as they arrived near the hospital.

"Yes, sure" said Mary.

"So, after I tell him I don't love him, I'll say that I will marry another man! Then I'll just go to John and tell him to take me as his wife, and that's the end! I'd live a horrible life with that monster, but at least Mat would be alive" Alex concluded, with tears in her eyes as she thought what she would have to go through.

"Do as you wish. There is another alternative, but as your best friend, I'll respect your decision. Now let's go in" Mary sighed.

They entered the hospital and Alex took them both towards Sully's corridor. Elisabeth and Rebecca were still there, together with the two soldiers guarding Sully's door.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Quinn."

"Good afternoon Alex. And who is this young lady" greeted Elisabeth.

"I... I'm Mary Watson, Mrs. Quinn. I'm one of Mat's friends at University, and also Alex's best friend. Pleased to meet you" Mary replied, as she shook hands with Elisabeth.

"Pleased to meet you too Ms. Watson. I'm Matthew's grandmother and this is my daughter Rebecca, Mat's aunt."

While they introduced to each other, Alex looked round searching for Matthew, but couldn't see him. The corridor was deserted.

"Where is Matthew" Alex finally asked, as Elisabeth and Rebecca sat down once again.

"He's inside with his father. Dr. Walker said Sully won't live through the night... and could... die... at anytime now! So, Mat went inside to talk to Sully for one last time, before the rest of his family arrives, then he would have to leave so they talk to him as well" explained Elisabeth, with tears running down her cheeks.

Rebecca took out her handkerchief and wiped away her tears, while Mary sat down, suddenly feeling dizzy. At that moment Tom arrived and Mary told him about Sully's condition. He had bought Matthew a teddy bear he could squeeze when feeling lonely.

"You think we can talk to Matthew" asked Tom.

"Let him talk to his father you idiot" scolded him Mary.

"Maybe I should go in and see how he is" said Alex.

Elisabeth and Rebecca nodded, so Alex left them and entered Sully's room.

"Who are those soldiers anyway" Mary inquired.

"They're here on Lt. Rabb's orders. They have to stop any stranger from entering Sully's room, in case someone tries to kill him again" replied Elisabeth.

Inside Sully's room, Matthew was still crying his heart out, with his hands resting on Sully's. Alex's heart broke she saw the proud and strong Matthew now so fragile, weeping on his father's dying bed. She slowly approached him and gently touched his shoulder. He immediately lifted his head and put his arms round her waist, leaning against her stomach. She gently massaged his skull, passing her hands through his damp hair.

"How are you" she asked softly.

He remained seated, fighting to stop crying. "I... I'm fine... he's not" he managed to say between tears.

"I know he's not right, but he'll be" she said reassuringly.

His head lifted up to her face once again as he rose from his chair.

"How do ya know"

"I already told you, he's your father. He can't die" she smiled.

"Doctor said he would" retorted Matthew as he looked once again at this horrible bed which would remain printed in his mind forever.

"Why don't we go outside now, so you get some fresh air" she asked him.

"Yeah, it's better" he sighed as they made their way to the door.

End of Chapter 18