Chapter 28

Hank was fuming. One of his girls felt poorly and couldn't work but the darned lady doctor was nowhere to be seen. He could live with her not being there on the weekend; it was good to get a break from having her proper ways around at least one time a week, but today was Tuesday and still no sign of her! Where the heck was she? Sully hadn't been here the last two days either, only his daughter was in town. The barkeeper smirked when he thought about what that fact might imply… But this was still no reason to abandon her duty as a doctor!

In the afternoon, the saloon owner had worked himself up into such a state of anger that he had only one thought left: this town needed a real doctor, a man one could rely on! Tossing his cigar aside, he stepped down from his porch and headed towards the barbershop to talk to Jake as the mayor of the town. Hank changed his direction though when he spotted Widow Cooper with her daughter and Hannah entering the mercantile.

Charlotte had just reached the counter as Hank stormed in and harshly demanded to know, "Where the hell is the doc when I need her…" He stopped his yelling when he noticed that he had startled the little girl.

"No need to be rude, Hank." Charlotte tried to calm him down. She had to think quickly, one wrong word would make the situation even worse. However, she wasn't fast enough because now Amanda, who had chatted with Dorothy in the background, stepped to the group and chimed in in an attempt to be helpful, "If you need the doctor, Mr. Lawson, Chris can ride out to the reservation and tell her…"

Charlotte gasped; those had been the wrong words for sure. Only she and the teacher knew that something was wrong out there and Sully had asked them to keep it a secret. If the townsfolk would learn that Dr. Mike disappeared while she was with the Indians… No one would be helped if the army would get involved. Hastily, she tried to ease the sudden tension in the room and cast Amanda a look so as if to tell her to not say another word, and then she suggested, "Maybe I can take a look at your girl."

But the barkeeper didn't even listen to her. He was out of control again and raised his voice, "She's with the Injuns? She's been hired for the town! We need a doc here! We oughta look out for a new one!"

All the time since the reporter from the Denver Post had lectured her, Dorothy had tried to hold back with her opinion; she had to learn to remain neutral. But hearing that Dr. Quinn forgot her fellow citizens and rather took care of some savages, made her really disgusted. Seeing Loren's granddaughter hidden behind the midwife and knowing that the child had been abandoned once again, she made up her mind and joined the group. "I absolutely agree, Mr. Lawson. I will write an advertisement and send it to the big newspapers around and we will have a responsible-minded doctor here in no time."

Charlotte gasped; she had to prevent Dorothy from doing that. Feeling the startled looks from her daughter and even Amanda, she reminded the red-haired woman, "That's not your business, the town council…"

But Hank was glad that there was at least one reasonable woman, although in his opinion, those two words couldn't belong together; and he cut the midwife off. "The rev isn't in town and Jake's with me for sure so ya can take the issue as closed."

Satisfied, Dorothy went back to her desk to start her work. Charlotte exchanged concerned looks with Amanda and Colleen before she bent down to pick up Hannah. To her astonishment, Sully's daughter had calmed down a little before they had left to go to the mercantile. Normally, the girl avoided accompanying them to the store but this time, she hadn't minded. And it seemed that Hank's yelling hadn't impressed her too much either. Slightly puzzled, Charlotte looked into the shining blue eyes of the little girl in her arms and asked her, "Are you all right?"

Hannah nodded and bent towards her big friend's ear, whispering, "Pa found Ma."

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Sully still knelt next to Michaela. She didn't move, was soaked to the bones and awfully pale. With his heart racing, he tried to consider what to do first. Was she hurt and he made it worse when he moved her? He had to get her out of those wet clothes! Could he dare to make a fire or were the dog soldiers searching for her? Supporting himself with his hands on the rough ground, he was on all fours now. He hung his head and took several deep breaths. He knew he had to calm down; Michaela's life depended on him making the right choices.

When he was finally able to think more clearly again, Sully carefully edged closer to her body that lay alarmingly still. Tentatively, he cupped her cheek in his hand. It was as cold as if… he instantly forbade himself this thought and brought his ear near her mouth. This way, his hair tickled her nose and unconsciously, Michaela made a tiny movement under his hand.

Sully's heart skipped a beat, she was alive! Carefully stroking her cheek with his thumb while his palm slowly warmed her skin, he whispered, "Michaela! Michaela, can you hear me?"

Deep inside, Michaela knew that she wasn't alone anymore. She felt warm comfort seeping through the skin on her face; she only wished to feel the sensation on both her cheeks. Did she even hear a voice? Struggling against a tiredness she had never known before, she forced her lids open. Looking straight into blue eyes only inches away from hers, she hoped that she wasn't dreaming. If Sully was here… She was safe! Relieved, she let herself be embraced by darkness again.

"Michaela!" Desperately, Sully tried to make her talk to him but it was fruitless. Seeing her lying motionless again, he made up his mind and scooped her up in his arms without another moment's hesitation. He would carry her to the cave where he had spent the last night. Since he just had to follow the bank of the creek now, it shouldn't take him too long.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Almost two hours later, Sully arrived with his precious burden at the cave. It wasn't easy to take her up there because most of the time, her body lay limp in his arms. He was glad that he had taken the time yesterday to cover the area where he had slept with pine branches. Carefully, he now placed Michaela there and sat down next to her. Actually, taking a rest sounded tempting but he knew he couldn't afford that yet; first, he had to get Michaela out of her soaked clothes. He needed her permission though and so he bent over her and tenderly stroked the side of her face with the back of his fingers, "Michaela…" No reaction. He tried it again, a little louder this time, "Michaela!"

All he gained was a low moan. All right, then he would just do it. He would take it as if he were the doctor and just did his job. Sully was sure that Michaela knew he had no other choice and if she got angry with him nevertheless… Well, he would survive it.

First, he removed her water drenched leather coat. It would take days until it was dry again. Next, he started to undo the buttons of her blouse. A task. See it as a task. Taking a deep breath, Sully continued more confidentially now. He owed it to her to take care of her the best way he could. He avoided looking at her camisole when he finally had slipped off her blouse, but he couldn't help but notice how awfully thin her arms were. He swallowed hard, as soon as he was done here, he had to find something for her to eat.

The next piece he had to remove from her body was the skirt and her petticoats. This went easier than he had feared although he was startled when his gaze fell on her legs which were only clad with her bloomers now. Seeing the scratches and bruises, his heart nearly broke. He didn't dare to think what the dog soldiers might have done to her and he knew he had to ask her about that later. When he realized that they had taken her shoes away to force her to walk barefooted on the rough ground, he knew he would feel guilty all his life. One of the Indians who had done that to her had been his friend! However, the next thought hurt even more: a woman he had also called his friend was responsible that Michaela had been put into this situation at all… Gazing down at her defenseless looking body, the urge to protect her overwhelmed him and with a swift movement, he pulled his shirt over his head and tenderly covered her fragile figure with it.

Half an hour later, Sully, only clad in his buckskins, stood guard at the edge of the small plateau. Watchfully, he looked around for signs between the trees that might announce danger. He strained his ears to detect any sound that didn't belong to the nature's song. Now, that he had finally found her, he wouldn't allow anything or anyone to take her away from him again.

At the moment, Michaela still slept on the pine branches. Her clothes were spread out on the ground, and he hoped that the occasionally shining sun of the dwindling day was strong enough to dry them. He hadn't made a fire yet since he still didn't know if the dog soldiers were searching for Michaela. He hoped she would wake up soon; he wanted to take her home as quickly as possible… Consumed by his thoughts, he hadn't seen yet that his shirt no longer protected her; it had slipped down from her body a few moments ago.

When Michaela opened her eyes, she was disoriented for a moment. First, she noticed her bare arms and then the branches she lay on. Why was she half naked? And she was sure that the dog soldiers wouldn't care if she were comfortable while she was sleeping… Then she remembered his blue eyes… "Sully?" she called questioningly, feeling fear gripping her heart once again; had she only imagined him being there?

Turning towards her voice, Sully assured her as if it was the most normal thing in the world, "I'm here."

Michaela watched how he closed the distance between them with a few long strides. When he reached the edge of the cave she stretched out her arm, reaching for him as if she were drowning. She needed to feel him to be sure he was real and not just a dream.

Sully took her hand and didn't let go of it while he was sitting down next to her, promising, "We're safe." How he wished he were right! Feeling her small hand in his large one brought all his emotions back with full force. However, he had to be strong…

When Michaela lifted her free hand to touch his hair and shyly stroked the side of his face, Sully wanted to pull her into his arms but he didn't do it. He didn't want to scare her with his overpowering feelings. He didn't know if he would hurt her if he took her into his arms the way he wanted to. And there was still the one question he didn't dare to ask yet. That's why he rather avoided her look by bending his head and just pressed his lips onto her knuckles. He closed his eyes and wished he could turn back time and undo all the terrible things she had been through the last few days and even more, he wished he could take back all the hurtful things he had said to her.

When he lingered with his soft lips on her scratched skin and still averted his eyes, Michaela didn't know what to think of it. Was he mad at her? Had she disappointed him because she wasn't able to survive in the woods on her own? Was he convinced now that he would never be ready for being with her? Feeling his warmth on the back of her hand, she wanted to cry but she didn't want him to think she was weak.
When Sully at last lifted his head, he reiterated, "We're safe," as if that was the only thing that mattered.

Michaela took her fingers from his face and absent-mindedly caressed his hand that was still holding hers. Her heart stumbled; she wanted to be in his arms so badly, but his unsteady gaze just flew over her face, never really meeting her eyes until he eventually let go of her hand and slightly turned away. At this point, Michaela resigned and gave up all her hopes. He wasn't interested in her anymore; he had just searched for her how he would have searched for any other person that was lost. Helping people in need was his nature and had nothing to do with her.

Sully reached over her body to pick up a large piece of bark with carefully arranged food on it. "I found some berries and a honey comb while you were sleeping."

After putting the food in her hands, Sully looked up at the sky and judging the sun's position he added, "It's goin' to be dark soon. We'll go then and be back in Colorado Springs sometime tomorrow."

He was looking back at her now and while he was waiting for her reaction, he stroked her lower leg. Both were caught in their own fears so neither of them even noticed his action.

Michaela was near desperation, she had to disappoint him again, "I can't walk."

Seeing her dejected expression, Sully's heart once again broke for her and he instantly assured, "Then I'll carry you."

He lightly slid forward so he could pick up one of her injured feet. He reached for a piece of clothing next to him without even caring what it was; all he wanted was to ease her pain. He started to tenderly clean the wounds but when he touched an extra sore spot, Michaela sucked in a sharp breath while Sully grimaced simultaneously. The last thing he wanted was to cause her even more pain. Continuing his gentle cleaning he knew, he couldn't avoid the one topic any longer. He didn't know what he would do if they actually had forced her to… Sully barely dared to finish that thought but he had to know it. Still looking down on her foot, he took one deep breath to calm down his heart that raced in fear. Without really exhaling the last breath, he took in a second one to be able to choke the question out, "Did they hurt you?"

Michaela's head ached, she felt a new chill claiming her body as she still tried to push her feelings for Sully away. However, hearing his question, she was astonished for a split second: he still cared! Sully turned his head to hear her answer, but he still refused to meet her eyes. Aware of the meaning of his words, Michaela assured him, "No."

This was not the answer Sully had expected. He quickly turned and for the first time since she had woken up, he fully looked at her. Her expression told him that they both knew what they were talking about.

Sully's heartbeat quickened again, this time with joy. They hadn't hurt her in the worst way he could think possible of! His face lit up and the blue in his eyes brightened. Pointing with his head at the food he suggested, "Why don't you try and eat something?"

From now on, his gaze never left her face again. He watched her bowing her head and placing her fingers into the honey. This was the first food she had since Sunday. Michaela knew that she wouldn't be able to hold back her tears much longer. She had promised herself to tell Sully how she felt about him but he had acted as if he was just helping a friend. What should she do? Bringing the moisture to her lips, Michaela momentarily let her eyelids drop to revel in the sweet taste. It was just honey but it felt like Heaven…

When she opened her eyes again, they brimmed with tears. Meeting Sully's gaze, the first tear started its way down her cheek. Michaela wanted to be in his arms so badly that she could barely breathe. She didn't dare to ask though because she knew that she wouldn't be able to take his rejection right now. She only allowed herself a silent plea, desperately hoping for the last time he still cared enough to hear her.

Sully couldn't take it any longer. Seeing the tears and feeling her sadness, he finally gave in to his own desire. He wanted to reassure her that she would never be alone again and bent towards her until he was close enough to envelope her lips with his mouth. Lingering on her soft skin, his tongue caressed her lips, telling her how much he loved her and when he lightly lifted his head to come up for some air, Michaela's tongue darted out to touch his lips as if to beg him not to leave her yet.

As they locked their gazes afterwards, she recognized nothing but pure love in his eyes and so she finally dared to give her need a voice, "Hold me."

Without any hesitation, Sully pulled her into his arms and she was already secure in his embrace when she reiterated, "Hold me."

They clung together, overwhelmed by their emotions but at the same time calming down. They finally were where they belonged and they both knew it. Sully gently rocked them and when he felt her lips on the skin of his chest, gentle like the touch of a butterfly's wing, he ran his hand down her back, feeling her soft hair caressing his arm. It seemed as if he didn't have his heartbeat under control anymore because his blood rushed through his veins again. Suddenly, he became aware that they both were only half clad and her closeness awakened something deep within him he had almost forgotten. His skin grew hot, recognizing the desire and Sully knew he had to let go of her.

However, he couldn't resist nuzzling his face into her hair for a last time and pulling her impossibly closer.

It was then that he noticed that she was burning as well. When the realization hit him that she obviously had a high fever, Sully laid his hand on her shoulders and gently held her away from his body. Whatever happened, he needed to know if the renegades were looking for them.

With his fingertips, he carefully turned her head so he could look into her eyes. "Michaela, what about the dog soldiers, are we on the run?"

Michaela was lost in his eyes again. She couldn't believe it; she actually was in his arms! The last few days began to blur into an event of constant pain, tiredness and freezing. Since the moment she had felt his warm body shielding her from whatever might come from the outside, she had dropped her guard. Was she on the run? Not anymore. She smiled and slowly shook her head. This movement brought the pain back though and the tiredness returned as well… Why was it so cold again? She needed a fire… make some tea… and then she remembered. Her eyes filled with tears when she admitted, "I don't know how."

Sully had watched the changes on her face with growing concern. He gently guided her down on the branches and asked worriedly, "Don't know what?"

He had to strain to discern the words when her voice faded, "Fire. Don't know how… to make it. I'm sorry…"

Sully hadn't known yet that he could feel even guiltier as he already did. Michaela tried so hard to fit into a world that had been a complete new one to her and he had never cared to show her such essential things as building a fire; he had spent his time keeping promises he had given to others, teaching them instead of her…

Although he could tell that she wasn't able to hear him at the moment, he vowed to her, "I'll make it up to you, I promise, Michaela. I promise."