Please see Chapter 1 for warnings and disclaimers.

Author's Note: I am very, very SORRY for the long delay in updating. I got kind of stuck and then when the words started coming, RL got insanely busy. I will try my best to update sooner next time. Also, I got an email pointing out that Yosemite was the blacksmith on the show and Tiny ran the livery. However, the same actor did play both so I was thinking that they were one in the same. Anyway, for the purpose of this story, Yosemite is the blacksmith AND runs the livery.

Torie watched Chris in the corral with Fury, the name she had chosen for the gray horse that Yosemite had been only too happy to sell to the gunman for a modest price. In the last two days the horse had gotten used to the man's presence and Chris expected that he would have a halter on the beast today or tomorrow.

"How's it going?" a friendly voice asked coming up alongside Torie. The girl gave Mary Travis a big smile. Torie had decided that she rather liked the owner/editor of the Clarion News, despite her earlier reservations. Mary was schooled and elegant but also stubborn and independent which the girl could definitely respect.

"Good, I think," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. Pulling her eyes away from her father and the young horse she cast a curious glance at Mary. They had already talked to the woman three or four times today and at least as many yesterday, and Torie was relatively certain as to why. She wondered if Chris had caught on or not.

Chris came over to the corral, wiping his brow with a kerchief. Torie offered him a canteen, which he gratefully accepted. "Hey, Mary," he greeted the woman.

"How's it going, Chris?" she asked.

"Pretty good."

"I was headed over to the church; the committee is meeting one last time to make certain everything is in order for the Spring Social," she explained.

"Gonna be a big shin dig you all have planned, isn't it?" Chris asked, his brow wrinkling as he thought about the town's security. He and the guys would need to take turns running patrols during the dance to see that the town was appropriately protected during the big event.

"It is," Mary agreed, "We are hoping that these type of annual social events help boost the sense of community and build a cooperative spirit in the town and surrounding area."

Chris nodded, still considering how the occasion might leave the town vulnerable to a less respectable element. He smiled at that, remembering when he had first come to town and told Mary that he was the 'bad element.'

"Well, I suppose I should be getting on to the church," Mary stated, a look of disappointment in her green eyes.

"Actually, mam, I was going to ask a favor of you if I might," Torie said before the woman could walk away.

"What's that, dear?"

"Well, I'm not much of a hand at doing anything fancy to my hair. My mama always took care of such things," the girl said hesitantly, biting her lip for effect. Of course she could really care less about how her hair looked for this town's big party, but she had decided to help Mary out some. "I was wondering if you might help me get it ready for the social, if you won't be too busy with your own preparations."

"Torie, I would love to help you," Mary said sincerely, her lips curving into a beautiful smile. She was thoroughly pleased that the girl felt comfortable enough with her to ask. "Why don't you come over tomorrow afternoon and we'll get ready together."

"Alright," Torie answered with a grin. "What time? I don't want to keep you. I'm sure someone will be around to escort you to the social."

"No, actually that won't be an issue."

"Oh, perfect. Then I can come over later in the afternoon once I've been to the bathhouse. Papa can make his own preparations and then come escort us both to the party."

"Oh, well-" Mary started.

"That's a good idea, angel," Chris said with a grin, finally catching on. "That is if that's alright with you, Mary." He turned his attention to the newspaperwoman and there were a few heartbeats of silence as their eyes locked.

"Yes, certainly," Mary answered a blush creeping into her cheeks. "I will see you two tomorrow," she said with a nod, turning to leave with a swish of her skirts.

Chris turned his attention to Torie, "How'd you get so smart?"

"Now that I got from my mama…obviously."

He swatted at her head playfully and they both laughed.

***

The following day, Torie regretted her decision somewhat. It had been some time since she had primped for a party and she had forgotten how little she enjoyed the process. For Mary's sake she put on a pleasant face and for her part the woman seemed to understand that the girl wasn't into too much frippery.

One thing Torie truly did enjoy was having Mary run the brush through her hair. Mary's room smelled gently of lemon verbena and if Torie closed her eyes she could easily slip back in time, to another room where her mother ran a sturdy boar's hair brush through her thick locks. It was one of Torie's most pleasant memories.

"My mama used to do this for me every morning and again before bed," Torie commented, "Even when I was by far old enough to do it myself."

"Parents have a hard time giving up such rituals," Mary said with a sad smile. "I cried the day that Billy would no longer let me rock him in the chair."

"It must be hard to live apart," Torie commented, having heard that the boy lived with his grandparents in a more established and civilized town.

"Oh, it is," Mary answered longingly. "He is coming back to visit more and more. He'll be here soon and stay for the entire summer. I'm thinking of making it permanent, especially if I can find a teacher for Four Corners. The town has calmed down a great deal. His grandparents will be heartbroken, though."

"They could always move."

Mary chuckled, "I suppose they could at that." She continued to brush the girl's hair, trying to decide exactly what to do with it. "Your hair is lovely," she remarked as she looked at the locks of varying colors.

Torie snorted, "Looks as if it couldn't decide what color it wanted to be."

"The colors are what makes it so beautiful."

"My mama's was a lot like mine or rather I guess mine was like hers. Hers was lighter I think, more blond, but it had the different colors, too. Maybe a touch more reddish as well," the girl said with a shrug as she examined her own hair in the mirror.

"You must miss your mother very much."

"I do."

"I know that Billy still misses his father deeply. Having his grandfather helps, of course, but…" Mary voice trailed off, deep in thought. Pulling several strands of Torie's hair back she started to braid, deciding to take some up off of the girls face but leave the beautiful waves below. "His father was murdered. Did you know that?"

"No, I didn't. I'm sorry," Torie replied her mouth going dry. It seemed so many had died violent deaths and Torie's young mind struggled to make sense of this. She wondered if this was a reality that everyone faced.

"Billy was there when it happened. He saw his father shot and killed."

Torie suddenly felt sick. Her heart went out to this boy she had never met feeling a certain kinship. Though she didn't know Billy's exact age, she knew he was younger than herself. Why were people so cruel to one another?

"I hope he didn't suffer," Torie finally said, her voice hoarse with emotion.

"No, he was killed almost instantly."

"That at least, was a kindness," Torie spoke more of the kindness of God rather than any human involved in the horrible act. "My mama wasn't so lucky. The things they did to her, not just the beating, but …it was horrible. If I live a hundred years, I don't think I'll see anything more terrible," the girl's voice broke, tears streaming down her face.

Mary's eyes too were awash with tears as she turned the girl around and enveloped Torie in her arms, hoping to offer some little comfort. The tortured look that she saw in the girl's eyes, Chris's eyes, broke her heart. No child should have to live through such a nightmare. Anger welled within her, and she swore to herself she would do all she could to help find the men who had done this and bring them to justice.

After a short time, Torie pulled away, blushing at such a show of emotion. What was wrong with her? She did not cry like this. She was strong. She had to be strong. Wiping her tears, she turned back around to face the mirror, trying not to look at her own reflection.

"Did they catch the murder?"

Understanding the girl's need to gain some distance from the painful memories, Mary dried her own tears and answered evenly, "Yes. A year later. It was a local businessman that had a terrible secret. My husband was always after the truth," Mary throat constricted, but she took a few calming breaths. When she continued her voice was calm, "Your father was instrumental in bringing the men to justice. He also helped Billy through some very difficult memories."

"That's good."

"Torie, what you went through was truly horrific. Something no little girl should ever have to experience, but your father loves you very much. I can see that he does, even though he has only known you for a short time. Chris is a very good listener. And so am I. Sometimes it helps to talk about it….when you're ready."

"Merci," Torie whispered her thanks in French.

When Chris arrived to escort the two to the Spring Social he was amazed at the transformation in his daughter. She descended the stairs to meet him while Mary was adding a few finishing touches.

"And who might this beautiful angel be?" he teased. Her green dress complemented her coloring beautifully, not that he was surprised. After all, Ysebella always had impeccable taste.

Torie rolled her eyes, and he laughed. "Oh, there, now I recognize you."

"I hardly think that a fancy dress, and a change in hairstyle make that much difference."

Chris moved forward and placed a kiss on her forehead, but before he was able to respond Mary made her way gracefully down the stairs drawing his attention. Her royal blue gown accentuated her slender waist and womanly figure and Chris's appreciative look was not difficult to interpret.

"Mrs. Travis, you look lovely this evening," he said a smile playing at his lips.

"You look rather dapper yourself, Mr. Larabee," she answered ignoring the slight flush his words brought to her cheeks.

"Amazing what a bath will do," he teased. He offered his arm first to Mary and then to his daughter. "I only hope I don't get challenged to a gunfight on the way to this shin dig. Escorting the two most beautiful women in town could bring some angry, jealous men out of the woodwork."

Much to everyone's relief they made it to the Grain Exchange where the social was being held without being accosted. For a small town this was a lavish event. The women of the community had provided food to feed an army. Anyone with any talent with an instrument had been recruited to provide music. When they arrived the dancing had already started.

Torie tried to ignore the curious eyes of the town's people as she entered. Many had not yet heard about Four Corners' newest resident. By the rippling murmurs that followed their entrance, Torie figured that everyone would know in short order. However, the girl suspected that at least some of the gossip circulating was about Mary Travis entering on her father's arm rather than about herself.

"Woo wee!" Buck's voice rang out from the right. "Now don't you look pretty, darlin'," he said picking Torie up and swinging her around, ignoring the look of shock on the girl's young face.

Buck tipped his hat, "And you look right nice, as well, Mrs. Travis," he said with a big grin.

"Thank you, Buck," she said, trying not to laugh at his exuberant welcome for Torie or her response.

"Come on, Torie, let's you and me show these folks how it's done."

"How what's done?" she asked skeptically.

"Dancing of course!"

"Buck, you have to be twice as tall as me," Torie observed looking up into his laughing blue eyes. Her mother had taught her how to dance. Ysebella loved to dance so Torie knew the basics but she was at a loss as to how she and the tall peacekeeper were going to manage.

"So?"

He held out his hand and she took it with a laugh. They were going to look ridiculous. About halfway through the dance, Buck just picked her up and twirled her around the room, making her laugh at his silliness.

"That's good to see," Chris said quietly.

"Yes," Mary agreed. "She is always so serious and brooding."

Chris just nodded.

When the tune was finished, Buck returned Torie to Chris's side, explaining that he had to go introduce himself to a few young ladies he had not yet met. Torie watched him sidle up to a young brunette with well practiced ease and within moments they were dancing. As she looked across the room, she noted JD and Casey Wells sitting and talking, both looking a bit awkward like they would rather be out riding.

"May I have this dance?" came a southern drawl from right beside her.

Torie turned to see Ezra decked out quite impressively. She blushed at being caught unawares and her reply was flustered, "Yes, I suppose."

He took her hand and led her through the steps at a pace she found easy to follow. Since Ezra didn't have Buck's height nor his boisterous enthusiasm, Torie found she was far more able to dance the way her mother had taught her. "You look beautiful this evening, my dear. You should consider wearing dresses more often."

"Thank you but I prefer trousers."

Ezra just tsked and twirled her about.

"I thought you might still be angry with me," Torie said after a time, giving Ezra a curious look.

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, I did hold a gun on you and try to steal your horse."

"That's all in the past, sugar," he answered his gold tooth flashing. "Though you would do well not to try it again," he warned in a jovial tone, though his eyes held a serious glint that she didn't miss.

"I've promised Papa to stay at least until Fury is gentled," she explained, just as if she had a choice in whether she left or stayed.

"Yes, I heard," Ezra replied with a smile. If Torie still clung to the fallacy that she would be leaving at all he would not disabuse her of the notion. He really would have thought the girl would have learned her lesson by now.

They finished up the dance and Ezra passed Torie off to Josiah. Though the former preacher was a large man he was patient and Torie was able to follow his lead without too much difficulty.

"Are you having fun?" Josiah wanted to know.

Torie's brow furrowed. She had not even thought about it, but she was. This realization was followed by a pang of guilt and she almost forgot to answer. "Ah, yes, I guess I am," she finally replied, her voice quiet.

"That's good. I think you could do with a little fun in your life."

Torie didn't reply. Fun really wasn't on her priority list right now. As far as she was concerned she needed to stay focused on finding her mother's murderers. Of course there wasn't overly much she could do for the next few weeks.

"What do you like to do?"

"Umm, well, I don't know," the girl bit her lip as Josiah twirled her around. "I like to shoot, but I'm not supposed to touch weapons," she said with some frustration. "I like to practice with my sling shot. I like to ride. I like to read some, but I get antsy after sitting for too long."

"Ever been fishin'?"

"No," Torie shook her head, "We always lived in the city."

"Maybe you'd like to try your hand at it. I have tomorrow afternoon free," he offered.

"Alright, I guess it can't hurt to try," Torie responded, though she was somewhat skeptical as she envisioned handling a slimy fish.

After dancing with Josiah, Torie went with him to get some cider from the tables laden with food and drink. Josiah got to talking with Mrs. Potter so Torie wandered about a bit. Curious stares made her uncomfortable so she looked around for someone she knew. Mary and Chris were on the dance floor, and Buck was ducking out with a red-haired young woman. She hadn't seen Vin or Nathan at all and wondered if they were out on patrol.

"Would you like to dance?"

Torie looked up into a pair of warm brown eyes, framed by somewhat curly brown hair. The boy looked to be a year or two older than herself though he topped her by more than half a foot.

"Sure," she said offering a smile, though she felt more than a little awkward.

"I'm Jake Mackenzie," he said as he held out his hand.

Torie accepted it and answered, "Torie Larabee."

Though also a little nervous, Jake was friendly and easygoing, so after a couple of dances, Torie knew far more about the town and it's occupants than she had. They moved from the dance floor to get a drink, but Chris stopped them before they got too far.

"How about a dance for your Pa?"

Torie turned beat red, though she hardly knew why. "I, ah, don't know the steps to this one," she stammered. This hadn't really mattered when she was dancing with the boy nearly her own age who tended to use the same box step for every tune.

Chris grinned. "That's okay, I'll teach you."

With a parting smile for Jake, Torie followed Chris to the dance floor. The unfamiliar steps were difficult and she made more than a few mistakes, but Chris gently guided her through each one. Somehow of all the surreal events of the evening, this felt the oddest…and the best. When she was a very little girl she had daydreamed about dancing with her papa and now that dream had become reality. Though the cost had certainly been high.

As Chris walked her off the dance floor, Jake gave a wave from across the room, holding up a cup of cider to show her he had gotten one for her.

"Don't you and that Mackenzie boy go disappearing anywhere," he warned. "He's a full two years older than you are.

Torie rolled her eyes, but couldn't curb the smile that tugged at her lips at his stereotypical paternal response. "We just met. I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"Yeah, well, just stay where I can see you," he insisted placing a kiss on the top of her head.

"Yes, Papa," she answered in a mocking singsong voice which earned her a gentle swat that she couldn't even feel through her skirts.

***

Later that night, Torie lay awake in bed thinking about the evening. She'd had a really good time. Jake had introduced her to the few other young people from the town and surrounding areas. Of the small group, only Zeke Potter lived in town and he was two years younger than Torie. His sister was younger still, but she had stayed close to her mother during the evening.

A nagging guilt danced at the corners of her mind, but she tried her best not to acknowledge the unwelcome feeling. It had been so long since she had relaxed enough to enjoy herself, even just a little bit. She fell asleep replaying the more pleasant moments of the evening.

She woke up roughly two hours later screaming. Chris was by her side in less than a minute and when Torie came fully awake she was encircled in his strong arms her head buried in his chest, sobbing. The gunman held her close, murmuring soothing nonsense words trying to calm her.

"You want to tell me about it?" he asked softly once she had cried herself out.

"No," she whispered.

"Was it about that night?"

"Yes."

Mary had told Chris what Torie had shared with her about her mother's suffering as well as the fact that the girl had mentioned that the beating wasn't the worst of it. If he ever got his hands on the men who had put his little girl through this he might just kill them with his bare hands.

The next day, Torie was subdued. After reliving the night of her mother's murder while she slept, the girl was overcome with guilt. She couldn't believe she had forgotten, even for a few short hours what was her sole purpose in life. Unable to break her promise about staying to see Fury gentled, she determined that at least she was not going to get anymore attached to her father or his friends. As she scowled at her reflection in the mirror, she vowed that she was going to maintain her independence as well. She would stay, but she would do as she pleased. In fact she was going to start this very morning.

Quietly and carefully she snuck out of the boarding house.

TBC