Happy New Year Everyone :D Also Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksgiving slash any other holidays that you may celebrate this time of year. I am SOOOO SORRY for falling off the face of the earth for the past month. This is the longest and hardest chapter I have ever written. This chapter is the chapter that inspired me to write Sisters and Brothers. Back in late May/early June when I first got really hooked on Bonanza this idea came to me, so all the while as I began to write S&B and develop the girls and this story this final scene and chapter has been running through my head. I have redone this scene so many times I can't even tell you how many ways it has been done. I have literally been piecing it together all month long and rewriting it and editing it so many different ways. This is why it has taken me so long to update (Add on finals, work and me getting the flu.). Anyway Thank you for being mostly patient and not tracking me down and hanging me up and demanding I finish (although I'm sure the idea might have crossed your mind) Here is Chapter 22 and it finishes out this storyline. My work schedule has been flipped around so I'm doing nights now so I'm not sure if it will help or make things harder, but I will try and start updating a little more regularly. The story will be taking a turn for a little more calmer lives for our lovelies and I may had a few short filler chapters added in to flow the story along till some more drama comes in, but I hope you will enjoy. Anyway I have spoken for a really long time. I preset to you Chapter 22 Saving Grace part 3 The End.
A shot was fired in the silence and all hell broke loose. Everyone froze for just an instant as they tried to figure out which side shot first to respond. All eyes fell on Lila who stood still with a smoking barrel pointed at one of the men who fell against the wall in response. The bullet had hit in his shoulder not causing permanent damage, but enough to make this fight more difficult. Just then another one of the guys fired back at Lila. She froze with that deer in the headlight look stuck on her face. Joe saw this and in a last minute decision tackled her to the ground just barely dodging the bullet himself. She opened her eyes to see him scowling at her before being shoved behind the settee. He helped Adam get Kathleen over and sat up against the wall and Isabelle joined taking her spot by her side. With the girls safe the guys came up with a plan of attack. Duke had retreated back to the hallway with Simon as the lone 3 remaining men took shelter behind a table across the room. They kept a steady rain of bullets on the group. They were hoping the group would run out of ammo.
Adam sat on one end of the settee while Hoss had the other side. Adam made sure he was the most vulnerable. He didn't have a death wish, but he knew as the eldest he had a duty to look out for his brothers and the girls. Joe was in the middle with the little bag of supplies he had collected from the bodies and what they had gathered all around. It wasn't much, but it was enough to last them a few hours. Kathleen had sat herself up still holding on to her side. The handkerchief was soaked in blood and she knew she was still bleeding quite a bit. The one thing on her mind was how much she wanted to sleep right now. She felt weak and had a massive headache. Not that she would ever tell Isabelle or the guys that she felt anything, but fine. Kathleen let her eyes wander down to her side where the radiating pain was coming from. Just a little above her waist line was an ever growing scarlet circle. Heat was radiating from the slash like the desert in the middle of July. Kathleen knew that she needed to see the wound for herself so she began the slow process of pulling the soaked rag from the cut; grimacing as sparks of pains shot through her. She leaned her head back as she felt her skin being ripped off her body from being attached to the mash of cotton. More blood was starting to flow from the slash and her dress was absorbing a lot of the blood, but not enough. She pulled at the red gaping hole in her dress ripping it so she could get a look at her wound. She used a clean part of her dress to wipe at the wound to reveal a jagged cut. She gasped a little seeing it was larger and deeper than she had originally thought. The edges of her skin were frayed and red. The skin looked puffy and swollen. Kathleen hoped this didn't mean infection was setting in. Isabelle turned and saw Kathleen looking at her wound and scooted over with a canteen of water.
"How are you feeling Kath?" Isabelle looked worried sick. Her blonde hair was pulled into a horribly messy bun. It was half down and had leaves in it. Her hazel eyes were still bright and cheery, but the wear and tear of the past few days reflected how hard she had taken it. Kathleen gave a small smile trying to hide the pure exhaustion and pain in her eyes. Isabelle saw through her façade and gave a slight grin back before tilting her head down wetting a cloth with some water and a little bit of alcohol.
Isabelle lifted the rag up before turning back to Kathleen. She hesitated before speaking. Pain was evident in her voice," I know this is going to hurt Kath, but we need to try and kill any infection that may be starting to fester up in there." Kathleen bit her lip before nodding. Isabelle grabbed Hoss's pocket knife from beside her and started to cut away the dress material around Kathleen's wound. Every time Isabelle grabbed a piece and squeezed to either cut it away or pull blood dripped down onto her hand and onto to the floor. She felt her stomach flip and twist as her mind raced at the real severity of the situation. Her sister could die. As Isabelle cleaned the wound and spoke soft trying to comfort Kathleen as she hissed in pain she thought how much had happened in less than a week. Joe had been shot, Kathleen and Lila kidnapped, Duke came back from the dead, and now she had went out on a dangerous rescue mission and found her sister stabbed; all in less than a week. When Isabelle returned to reality she brought her gaze down to Kathleen's face which was fixed on a nearby wall. She didn't want to bother her again so she set the blood soaked rag on the floor and scooted over to Hoss.
"Do we have a plan?" she whispered in his ear.
Hoss nodded as he exchanged glances with Joe and Adam. "Course we do, sugar." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as she sat down Indian style in-between him and Joe. Joe reached his hands up to hold his throat as he started to gag. Adam rolled his eyes with a soft scoff as gave him a light swat and spoke in a hushed tone," We've seen you and Lila do much worse little brother."
Joe held up his hand and started to speak in defense when Kathleen screamed out," LILA DON'T!"
All eyes turned to the 15 year old as she jumped up from the settee with Joe's gun pointed at Simon and fired. As soon as the shot rang out and he fell she darted into the middle of the room and fired a second and third shot at the remaining men both missing their targets. In this time Joe had realized she had stolen his gun while he was talking to his brothers and had jumped up to once again save her hide. He paused just a minute to grab his shoulder in pain. Joe shook his head trying to clear it from his head. He didn't have time to think about it he needed to save Lila, again.
"You are going to owe me big time for this Little Red." He closed his eyes and sent up a quick prayer and ran out. He took a few steps when he saw Duke stride out and grab Lila from behind. His arm went around her neck and she screamed and instinctively reached up to hold his arm trying to escape. Joe froze mid stride when the gun went to her head and Duke turned them to face Joe and the rest of the group.
"I wouldn't move if I was you." His cold voice spread around the room freezing everyone where they stood. Adam was right behind Joe while Hoss was still behind the settee with Isabelle and Kathleen. Hoss had his arm stretched out protectively as he shifted ever so subtly to try and stand more in front of Isabelle who stood behind him staring wide eyed at her sister. Kathleen had managed to stand up against the wall.
"LILA DON'T!" It was too late. Lila ran out into the middle of the room as Kathleen shot up ignoring the pain in her side. Her chest heaved as she felt the wound tear open again and fresh, warm blood trickled out. She gasped involuntarily as pain shot out from the gap in her side. She wouldn't think about that now, she couldn't think about it now. Her sister needed her. This was all her fault and she had to end this before anyone else got hurt. She watched the scene unfold as she tried to figure out the best way to reach Duke. Her eyes scanned the room as they fell on the settee just a few feet in front of her. She leaned her head back reaching deep inside herself to what little remaining reservoirs of strength were left. She stumbled forward falling against the back of the settee. She grunted as she fell and put a hand forward to steady herself. She listened to Joe and Adam talk to Duke while she caught her breath.
"This is the end of the line Duke. My Father is on his way right now with the sheriff and a posse and you will pay for your crimes." Adam spoke firmly from his head for the first time since he arrived here. He wanted nothing more than to kill Duke, but knew he had put his family in danger enough.
Duke shook his head chuckling deeply. "You must think I'm a fool Adam. I have you all exactly where I want you. This isn't the end at all. It's only the beginning. "Duke removed the gun from Lila's head to twist around with his fingers as he spoke. Lila for once was frozen in fear her eyes remained locked on Joe's." You see Adam you stole my wife's heart. She is a young spirit and an easily manipulated little lady. Also Joe I thought I had killed you the night of the ball? I see I failed. Well no problem I'll just have to make sure you die this time. "Duke smiled and chuckled to himself keeping an eye on Joe and Adam. He was doing his best to bait them into making a move so he could shoot them dead.
Joe lunged forward," We will just see about that Duke. You won't get a chance to do anything I will kill you- "Adam grabbed Joe around his chest to hold him back as he whispered in his ear," Calm down Joe He won't get away with any of this. I promise you he will pay for his crimes." Joe reluctantly calmed down and took a step back as Adam moved in front of Joe. Hoss and Isabelle had been watching from behind the settee hanging onto every word. Hoss had his pistol out ready for anyone to move. Isabelle was hiding behind Hoss. She was absolutely terrified out of her mind. She could feel her heart racing and her emotions all over the place. So much was occurring all at once and she could not keep up. She looked over to see Kathleen trying to move and crouched down to speak with her. Her voice was panicked and high pitched, "Kathleen what are you doing? You are going to get yourself killed." Kathleen only glanced over at her with solemn eyes. She knew she had to get to Duke and end this once and for all. This was all on her. She had brought Duke into their lives all those years ago and he had come back for her. She had to convince him to take her with him and leave. She knew they wouldn't go for it, but it didn't matter. She had to keep them safe at all costs. Even if that meant she died here and now. She stood herself up on unsteady legs as a wave of dizziness washed over her. She griped the back of the settee when her knees buckled a bit. Isabelle looked over with fear in her eyes. Isabelle and Kathleen had always been close and could read each other without even speaking at times. This was one of those times. With one look their eyes connected and Isabelle knew immediately what Kathleen was planning on doing. Tears welled up in Isabelle's eyes as she shook her head and in a broken voice of a young girl she begged her sister to reconsider," Please don't do this Kath. I need you, we need you."
Kathleen felt her heartbreak as she bit her lip and a single tear rolled down her face. "I'm sorry Isabelle. I can't let him hurt you or Lila again. Not ever." She looked back over at the boys and her gaze fell on Duke. He saw her and smiled as he continued his charade. "I had every intention to come back for her after the bank robbery. Sadly things got in the way with her parents. But nevertheless we all know how that ended and I came back after all these years to claim my fiancé only to find her living with all of you and she's swooning over you like some drunken saloon girl. You see why I'm not happy about this, right? "Duke's voice turned dark as he spoke. He let his fingers stroke the delicate skin over Lila's throat and watched Kathleen and Joe squirm "I want you dead Adam. It's simple as that. You are an obstacle in my future with Kathleen. We are now happily married and even consummated the marriage last night didn't we darling?" He made a gesture to Kathleen to answer. All eyes fell on her as she looked at Adam broken and nodded. All the calmness and think before you act clarity that Adam had managed to gather left in a blink of an eye.
"Oh Adam you should have been here. It was wonderful and she loved every minute of it. I bet you've never made her scream like that." Adam lunged forward with fire in his eyes. He knew now what Duke had put Kathleen through. He had raped her. His Kathleen had been used and he was going to put an end to him now no matter the cost. Adam grabbed his gun, but before he could even cock the gun Kathleen was in front of him holding his arm and speaking quickly trying to calm him down. Joe was behind him attempting to hold him back. Within the rage in his mind he could make out Duke's laughter and Kathleen repeating the single phrase" I'm alright." Adam let his gaze fall on Kathleen who had tears in her eyes.
Kathleen reached her hands up cupping Adams face. She made him look into her eyes as she spoke," I'm alright Adam. Just put the gun down. He would kill you before you even had the chance to pull the trigger. Plus he would kill Lila, please just drop the gun Adam, it's not worth it."
"My wife is right Adam. Drop the gun and toss it over here. That goes for all you Cartwright's or little Lila here bites the dust." Duke had a malicious grin on his face as he grabbed Lila's mouth shaking it side to side. She tried to bite him which only resulted in him tossing her back against the wall behind him and backhanding her to the ground. She fell hard with a grunt as the air left her lungs leaving her coughing trying to replace the displaced air. Duke wiped his hands on his dusty pants with a satisfied smile and returned his attention to the group.
As soon as Duke swung at Lila it was Joe's turn to react. He yelled out from behind Adam," Don't you dare lay a hand on her you filthy lowlife. I will shoot you dead-." Kathleen split her attention between Adam and Joe, trying to keep them calm enough to stay alive. She had seen Duke kill for fewer reasons and knew he would not hesitate to kill them.
Adam was standing still a few feet away from Duke watching the scene unfold. It was taking every ounce of his strength not to react to him. That was what Duke wanted; to see Adam lose it and get to kill him in front of Kathleen and his family. Adam took in a breath and moved Kathleen from in front of him to his right side. He kept his hand in front of her as protection. Kathleen was quite grateful for his arm as a wave of dizziness washed over her and she leaned herself up against Adam's side. She grabbed his hand and held onto it. Adam didn't seem to notice as he escaped into his mind to come up with a plan to get everyone out of here safe and more importantly alive.
"Where were we? Oh yes, I need your guns. Now just toss them in front of you and my associate will pick them up. "Hoss dropped his gun first and kicked it under the settee. Joe reluctantly tossed his toward Duke. His eyes never left Lila who was sitting up against the wall. She had her hand on her cheek. A red scarlet line stretched from her hairline all the way to her chin where the blade from Duke's fingernail had scratched her. Duke walked up to Adam. He stood inches from his face staring him down. Most people would have shied away from such a large man. Especially after all that had happened, but that wasn't the kind of man Adam was. He stood his ground staring blank faced at Duke. Adam kept his face unreadable. After a few minutes Duke began to speak.
"You are quite the man Cartwright. You stand before me just as determined and deadly as when you first showed up. You show great restraint even after all I have done to try and break you, simply marvelous. No wonder Kathleen has fallen for you." Duke folded his hands behind his back as his gaze now fell on Kathleen's face as she stood slightly behind Adam," And you my darling, still standing with blood pouring down your side. You simply refuse to leave his side. Even now you are protecting your loved ones. Don't you see that it is their fault for everything I have done? If you would just forget about them and come with me I wouldn't have to keep hurting them. I killed your parents because you would not leave them to marry me. I shot Joe to get your attention. I kidnapped you and Lila to use against you, and I hurt you as punishment for betraying my love. Kathleen, my love, my soul, my wife. Can't you understand I do all of this to show my love for you?"
"You are trying to blame me for you murdering my parents? You are insane Duke! You kill people and have tortured me and my family because you are sick! I will never love you, and honestly I don't think I ever really did. I didn't know what true love was all those years ago. I am a totally different person than I was 5 years ago. I've had to raise my sisters, because of your twisted way of trying to win me over. You can rot at the bottom of the ocean for all I care Duke. I want to see you hang for what you have put me through." She spit out the last words and poured her heart out. Duke face only grew darker as she spoke. He bit his inner cheek and nodded as she finished. He finally realized he would never be able to win her back, so his only option was to take everything she loved from her, and leave her to suffer with the knowledge that she is the reason they all died.
"You can't win someone's heart by force Duke. Love has to be earned." Adam looked to Kathleen and then back to Duke.
"Course I can. Just have to play my cards right. Besides love is over-rated." Duke reached into his pocket and pulled out several shells and reloaded his gun. With a click he brought it up and took one step forward and aimed it right at Adam's heart. "You just have to know when to pull the ace out of your sleeve, and this is my secret ace. I will kill everyone you love Kathleen. You will stand here and watch as I massacre everyone in this room before your eyes just like I did to your parents all those years ago and you will have to live with the fact that this is your fault, because you just had to take the hard road. If you would have just played long as my wife and lover none of this would have happened. If you would have gone ahead and married me back then then your parents would still be alive and your sisters would have a mother and father. So just remember that and let that sink in as you watch my best ace card in action."
Duke paused as he erupted in laughter," Starting with you. Say goodbye Adam for this is the end of the road." With that he pulled the trigger. The gun shot off in an explosion of fire as it shot into its target ripping into their flesh and echoed off the walls of the small room. Smoke had filled the small space between Duke and Adam. Duke coughed waving his hands in front of his face wanting to see that his deed was successful. There before him stood Kathleen in front of Adam. At first glance he figured she had pushed him out of the way. He opened his mouth to yell at her for being a foolish woman when he saw her move her hand to her gut. That's when he saw it; a red spot growing in size by the second.
Kathleen saw Duke looking at her strangely and she hadn't paid much attention to it. To think of it she hadn't really paid much attention to anything in the past few minutes. She felt… off. Kathleen didn't realize she had moved her hand until she saw Duke's face go white and he breathed out the word no. She looked down to see her hand resting on her upper stomach right below her sternum. She cocked her head to the side just a bit as she lifted her hand out of the way and saw the scarlet liquid flowing freely down her dress. It didn't hit her at first as she swayed and collapsed into steady arms. A jumble of sounds followed which included Adam and Joe shouting and her sister Isabelle's scream. Kathleen felt herself being dragged down into darkness as she jerked upwards and grabbed out for someone or something.
Adam saw her fall and caught her without thinking. Everything had happened so suddenly he hadn't even had time to process it. Was she fainting from the stab wound? He laid her down on the floor and that's when he noticed the bullet wound. Adam's whole world came to a screeching halt and crashed down around him. One thought remained in his mind bolded out from all others. She took the bullet meant for me. He choked back the lump in his throat as he worked on channeling his emotions into a single action of taking care of Kathleen. Joe was by his side in an instant with a look of similar horror on his face yet he didn't let it show. He kneeled by her side and ripped off one of his shirts sleeves with a grunt of pain all his own. He had almost been able to forget about his own bullet wound. He noticed for the first time the small blood stain on his jacket wear his bandaged had been ripped off in all the action. He pushed the thought from his mind concentrating on stopping the bleeding. He pressed the fabric to her newest wound.
"Here Adam hold this while a get another one for her side."
"No, this couldn't happen. " Duke spoke in a choked voice. Pain and anger filled his face and voice as he struggled to make sense of his actions.
"Well it did happen Duke. You shot her!" Joe yelled it out from his position in front of him. He was still holding his torn sleeve to Kathleen's side.
"Damn it! This wasn't supposed to happen. You," Duke turned abruptly back around before pointing to Adam," you were supposed to take the bullet and die. Not Kathleen. I never wanted to hurt her."
"That's a lie jackass!" Lila yelled out from the corner of the settee. She had managed to make it back to the settee where Isabelle and Hoss watched the tragic scene unfold.
In all the panic unfolding between Duke having a meltdown for what he had done and Joe and Adam trying to save Kathleen no one noticed Isabelle reach down under the settee and grab the pistol. A million things were running through her mind that she couldn't quite sort through or wanted too. She looked down at the gun in her hand. The light from the setting sun was shining in the window at just the right angle to reflect off the silver metal. It was freezing cold to the touch which would be expected for late October weather. Isabelle looked up again at her sister who was lying across Adam's lap. She was so very pale. The scene was enough to bring Isabelle to tears again. Quickly she shook her head and blinked away the tears. Now was not the time she had to get revenge on this monster. She was the only one who could do this task. It was her family he had come after all those years ago so it would only be fit that a Robert's girl finish it. She took a deep breath trying to calm her racing heart and stood up Duke had turned away and she went into action.
Duke grumbled something about worthless people as he grabbed his gun off the floor and turned toward the final remaining man by the door. "Get out!" The young boy didn't look any older than maybe 16. Fear was evident in his eyes as he stared at Duke. When it registered in his mind that Duke was telling him he could leave he nodded quickly and darted out of the door. Duke reached his calloused hand up and ran it through his dirty brown hair and down his dirty face. In the past few days Duke looked as if he had aged 10 years. The thirty year olds bloodshot eyes scanned the room trying to figure out his next move. Kathleen was still being tended to by Adam and Joe who barely paid him any attention. Hoss was over by the edge of the front part of the settee glaring at him. Hoss hated being so helpless to help out. Duke heard a sound coming from outside and quickly turned around only to see a bird. He growled under his breath as he walked over to the kitchen area and grabbed a bottle of whiskey taking a long drink. Duke felt his rage boiling inside of him. I wasn't supposed to shoot her. She wasn't supposed to be hit. Why did she jump in front of him? My wife saved his sorry ass. He doesn't love her not like I do. No one could ever love her like I do and now she is going to die. DAMNIT what am I supposed to do now? Duke yelled out as he threw the bottle through the window which shattered spraying glass all around. He closed his eyes as he slammed his fist on the table when he felt eyes on him. Before him stood Isabelle looking nervous yet serious with a pistol in her hands pointed at him. Her hands were shaking as she glared at him with every emotion she was feeling reflected in her eyes. Duke chuckled and shook his head as he spoke.
"Put the gun away Isabelle. You aren't going to use it child. I have too many things to worry about and figure out without having to deal with you playing with a gun"
Isabelle stepped forward cocking the gun before raising her head and speaking in a cold, shaky voice that gradually grew in strength," You killed my parents. You kidnapped my sisters and have done unspeakable things to them. You forced Kathleen to marry you and then raped her Duke. I have every reason in the world to be holding this gun and to use it. You have tortured my family for years and hurt everyone I love and care about in one way or another. Now it's time I end you. I know you deserve much worse, but I want to ensure that you never come near my family again."
Duke chuckled at her again. All he could see is the sweet shy, soft-spoken little 13 year old he knew, and here was that same little girl just in an older body holding a gun saying she was going to shoot him. She might be trying to be big and brave now, but Duke knew she didn't have the gut to do shit to him. "Isabelle darling guns are not toys. Now hand the gun to me before you hurt someone. Come on we all know you are nothing but a helpless, annoying little child who is to emotionally unstable to ever make a decent wife or mother. No one could ever love you for a woman. You'll always be nothing but a child. But go ahead if you think you are bad enough to attempt to kill me. I dare you." Duke held his arms wide waiting for her to back down like the scared little girl he believed she was. Instead of backing down or cowering away Isabelle glared at him and fired the gun shooting Duke directly in the thigh. He fell wide eyed and completely caught off guard. Duke scrambled up against the wall panting and holding his thigh. Confusion was evident in his face as was anger. "Damn it you shot me. You actually shot me you little bitch." Duke looked down as his thigh which was bleeding rather heavily. He pulled back the cloth of his pants to check out the damage as he continued swearing under his breath. Isabelle grinned and looked a little too much like Lila as she closed the distance between them. She looked almost cold and cruel. Isabelle crouched down in front of him with the grin still present. "I told you I would Duke. How does it feel to be shot Duke? To feel your very life force drain out of your body and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it? It hurts doesn't it?"
Duke was giving her the coldest look he could. He hated being outdone by a mere child. "You're not going to actually kill me. Yeah you shot me. Big deal but you wouldn't commit murder now would you?" Duke asked the question rather half-heartedly, but when he looked into her hazel eyes that were usually filled with warmth and kindness he found the exact opposite. Isabelle felt as if she was watching her actions from above. She felt detached, and cold. She hated Duke for everything he had done and she actually felt…happy that she was the one to make him pay.
With one look into Isabelle's eyes Duke felt a shiver run down his spine. He felt himself begin to panic as the cold hard truth came to mind. She was going to kill him. He looked around the room for help, but found wide eyed shocked stares from everyone. "Come on Isabelle I know you're just joshing me. You wouldn't really kill me? "Isabelle's stare remained empty and cold and broken as she spoke in a voice otherworldly," Of course I would and will."
Duke really began panicking as he shoved himself away from Isabelle. He fell over onto his side and groaned as he hit his leg. He shouted out for Kathleen who slowly turned her pale face to look at him. Adam glanced over at Duke with a cold look of his own. In the distraction Joe had ran over to the settee to grab another rag when he found Lila a complete wreck. He had stayed with her for just a few and was going to bring her back when Isabelle had first shot Duke. Now he too remained behind the settee trying to calm a hysterical Lila.
"Kathleen honey, sweetheart. You can't allow her to kill me. I mean I know I've hurt you, but I still love you. Please please don't let her kill me. I'm sorry." When he didn't get a response from Kathleen he turned to Hoss and Adam for help.
"Now Adam I know you don't like me because I tried to kill you, but you are a lawful man you can't sit by and let her murder me."
Adam hated to admit Duke was right, but he was. He sighed and looked over at him," Isabelle as much as I want to see him dead, this is not the way to do it. We need to be lawful and hand him over to Sheriff Coffee and be done with this. Now please hand the gun over to Hoss and let's be done with this."
Isabelle's voice was sharp like a knife was slashed into butter as she said the simple word," No." She was standing up looming over Duke with the gun merely a foot away from him still pointed at his head. She cocked the gun back while she never let her eyes stray from him even when the tears started flowing." He killed my parents Adam. He murdered them in cold blood. He never gave them a chance nor did he give Kathleen or Lila a chance. Look down in front of you Adam and what do you see. It's my sister dying in your arms because of this man. This monster that has uprooted our lives, he needs to die now as punishment. No he needs worse because death it too nice for him, but death is what he is going to get." Adam looked over to Hoss who nodded. Even without words Hoss knew what Adam was saying. Hoss started carefully walking over to Isabelle, but she quickly turned around with the gun pointed at Hoss. Tears were streaming down her face as the broken and battered girl showed her face again. This time was different though. Isabelle stayed strong and confident. She didn't falter and her voice remained for the most part steady. Hoss froze. His baby blue eyes stared into Isabelle's as constant tears continued to flow. She shook her head and silently mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to him. She looked back to Adam who looked absolutely defeated as he looked down at Kathleen's pale and battered body. Kathleen stared back at him and gave him a weak smile.
"Just like that you are going to let her get away with murder?"
"We aren't letting her do anything Duke. You are the one who pissed her off. Well you pissed everyone off." From behind the settee Lila could be heard.
"Isabelle I know how you feel. I know you are angry and hurt and are feeling so many emotions you can't think straight. I also know you have been through a traumatic experience. You don't really want to kill a man. It will change you and not for the better. I know he has hurt you -"
Adam was cut off by Isabelle's strangled voice. She had the gun pointed back at Duke's forehead as she faced Adam" Shut up Adam. You have been telling us the whole way here how much you wanted to put a bullet in Duke. "
"I know that Isabelle, but I was thinking with my heart and not my head. Killing someone in cold blood is morally wrong." Adam said simply.
"Tell me this Adam. Can you promise me 100% that Duke will hang for his crimes?"
"Nothing is 100% Isabelle."
"Exactly you can't promise me that Duke won't escape or that he won't get off easy. Duke has put all of us through literal hell the past few days. Look at what he has done to Kathleen. He forced her to marry him and then raped her. He raped her Adam and then he stabbed her. You have been holding her in yours arms while you watched her bleed out not able to do anything. Just a few days ago he shot your brother and almost killed him. And just a little while ago he tried to kill you and wounded Kathleen. My sister who has been stabbed and raped and abused by this man stepped in front of you and took the damn bullet meant for you, and you are going to let the legal system handle him? That's absolutely ridiculous Adam. We are the only ones here Adam. We could tell them anything and they would not question it for a minute. "
Adam opened his mouth to speak again, but found himself looking at Kathleen again. Her eyes were closed this time and he watched her struggle to breathe. He then looked to Duke who even now looked smug as he believed that he was going to get away with it again.
"If you can live with yourself than I have nothing more to say.." Adam replied simply feeling his heart being torn.
Hoss felt himself being torn as well," Isabelle…" Hoss didn't say much, but his eyes told everything that his heart wanted to say. Isabelle couldn't look at him so she took another breath and looked to Kathleen," It's all up to you sister. He's the monster who has made your life a living hell."
Kathleen slowly and painfully turned her head to look Duke dead in the eye as he begged for his life," Kathleen, honey. I love you so much sweetie. Please my wife; don't let her take me away. "
With a weak, but strong voice she spoke," Go to Hell Duke."
In one quick motion Isabelle put the gun up against Duke's forehead and pulled the trigger. Adam shut his eyes not able to look at the scene. It should have been him to end Duke, but when it came down to the wire he could not put his morals aside.
Duke's face went blank as he made a choking sound. Blood began pooling out from the center of his head as blood trickled from his nose and mouth. He's unfocused eyes took on a shade of red as she fell up against the wall in an odd slumped position. Isabelle stood above him with tears streaming down her face and a smoking pistol in her hand. She quite tears soon became loud sobs as she fell to her knees and dropped the gun to cover her face. Hoss took one step and was beside her and wrapped her in his arms. She turned to him and buried her face in his chest as she sobbed. Joe and Lila emerged from behind the settee trying to decide where they were needed most went the sound of horses could be heard from outside. They both ran outside to greet Ben and Sheriff Coffee.
A smile spread across Ben's face as he saw Lila and Joe emerge from the cabin. He hopped off of Buck and welcomed them both in a warm embrace.
"I am so glad to see you both safe. Where are the others?" Ben's happy face soon turned concerned when he did not see Adam, Hoss, Isabelle or Kathleen.
"There inside. We need a doctor Kathleen's been—"
Lila was cut off as all heads turned to the cabin where Adam's shouts could be heard.
They ran inside to find Adam leaning over Kathleen who was unconscious with blood pooling underneath her. Adam was shouting as he held her hand and tried to gently shake her. Hoss was tearing strips from his shirt and applying pressure to her wounds.
"Kathleen?! Kathleen please wake up. Come on Kathleen, open your eyes." Adam was soon pulled back by Ben as Doctor Martin hurried to Kathleen's side to work on saving her life. Blood was everywhere which was an odd contrast to the eerie shade of white of Kathleen's skin. As Kathleen was carried out to the doctors wagon Adam managed to pull him aside for just a second.
"Please just tell me if she's going to me alright?" Adam was desperate for news; any kind of news.
Doctor Martin took a deep breath and sighed as he placed a hand on Adam's shoulder," I'll be honest with you Adam. I don't know. She has two serious wounds and has lost more blood than I've ever seen anyone lose and still be breathing. She's strong, but I don't know if it will be enough. She needs a miracle."
With that Doctor Martin walked outside and climbed into the wagon to tend to her. Hoss and Isabelle walked out to mount Chubbs and Lila and Joe to Cochise. Adam lingered for a moment staring into the empty house. She'll be alright Adam. She has to be. She's your Kathleen and she's stronger than anyone you've ever known.
A voice broke Adam out of his daydream as he turned to find his father standing in the doorway.
"You coming Adam?"
"Yeah I'm coming." Adam took one last look at the little slice of hell that had been a prison to everyone before walking out and climbing up on Sport.
And there it is guys. I hope that was worth the wait and you enjoyed it. Please Review and thank you for reading.
Note: This is NOT the end of S&B. This is merely the halfway big finale ending. There is still a good bit more before this story will be over. Even then Sisters and Brothers will have around 4 sequels, so do not fret. You will be seeing these girls around for a while. :)
(1/16/15 also new chapter will be up soon)