Joey watched from his vantage point, not quite believing what he was witnessing. Captain Woodrow Call was one of the luckiest gringos Joey had ever encountered, mere hours after the shooting, the shaggy blonde haired man that stirred something unpleasant in his stomach rode to Call's aid, giving him the medical attention he needed. It annoyed Joey but he knew that the likelihood that the old man would survive was slim, the wounds were bad, he had made sure of that. But still, this irritated him, he didn't like when things did not go as he had planned.

Still as he watched the blonde man build a fire, heat water and clean wounds a new plan began to form in his mind, a plan that suited his needs better and dulled the strange ache that continued to plague him. No doubt the man would take Call back to Ojinaga, it was the nearest village and Joey knew he could easily sneak in, not only under his mother's nose, but Call and the blonde man's too. The added thrill of snatching her away with two lawmen nearby was too perfect and he smiled his smug smile at the thought.

---

Doc did not sleep that night; he kept good watch in the darkness of the plains. The only light was the fire, he knew the blaze was a beacon to anyone for miles around, but he could not risk Call's health, the ranger would not survive without the warmth. Doc couldn't deny he felt nervous, he had been in many life threatening and dangerous situations, but that was in the past and he had never been on the law's side. Captain Call slept a little; a fever was slowly taking over his mind from the loss of blood and the pain of his injuries. Doc knew he would have to move him no later than tomorrow and walk until his legs gave out in order to get nearer to any help. Call would make it through the worst if he could reach the village and get a roof over the old ranger's head, but then again Doc had seen men die from less serious wounds, only time, God and fate would know the truth of the outcome.

As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon Doc turned and studied Captain Call. He was old, too old to be out in the plains chasing after young Mexican train bandits. He had spirit and skill but he should be enjoying his twilight years in comfort and contentment knowing he had lived a full life, knowing he had done his duty well. Doc found himself wondering why the famous Texas Ranger did not feel content, why he still needed to chase outlaws and dangerous criminals for money. Doc secretly hoped that he himself would not still be roaming the plains in his later years, he only wanted a quiet ranch near a little village, he was sick of the very sight of death by the gun. Perhaps once settled he would even put his study of books to good use and become a school teacher, the thought had always appealed to him greatly in his youth and perhaps it could still be a dream that came to fruition. He smiled a little as he thought of the quaint little life he could have, Ella, his wife by his side and all would be right in the world. He shook himself inwardly, he had no time for day dreaming now, he had to try and save the man beside him. It would be his last act as a gunman, after he and Ella were together again he would be finished with it all.

---

Ella glanced down at her work; she was darning a small bundle of clothing that had become worn and in need of attention for some time, while Maria sliced up a large chunk of beef for their evening meal. Ella sat beside the warm, crackling fire in relative tranquility; Teresa and Rafael were playing nearby. Teresa whispered secrets into her older brother's ear that made him smile and nod with joy. It seemed Teresa had always known how to keep her brother happy; they were as close as kin could be and in some respects even seemed to share part of the same soul. Billy sat dozing in a chair near Ella, having enjoyed a good tot of whiskey in the early afternoon.

But in the calmness of the moment, Ella could not help her thoughts drifting to Doc and whether he was safe. She had tried her hardest not to let images of Joey firing his rifle enter her mind but when she least expected it they would creep in, the cold blue eyes staring blankly at her as he chuckled at the new pain he had just caused her in taking her future away. She also couldn't help her mind dwelling upon what would happen if she ever did see him again, she had no idea how she would feel, she hoped it would be nothing but a dull ache, a remainder of the feelings and pain; but she knew better, love did not just turn itself off, like a fast running river without a dam it was uncontrollable and unpredictable. She prayed silently that Doc would return before that situation came to pass and that she was far, far from here when Joey decided it was time to return to his home village.

It had been nearly three days since Doc had left, the days crawled by as if they were years, time seemed to have slowed just to torment her. She tried to keep herself busy and knew Maria was doing the same. Although Maria had asked Ella to leave, it was plain to see that Maria's heart was aching at the thought of losing her friend. Ella tried to keep her spirits up by telling her it would not be their last meeting, there would be plenty of time to visit if it was safe… she wasn't quite sure what she meant by that, it would not be safe to return while Joey still roamed the plains, turning up in the village on a moment's notice. Like a destructive gust of wind, no one could foretell any of Joey's actions, perhaps he wouldn't care what Ella was doing with her life and treat her as if she were no more than a stranger, but there was that dangerous chance that he would not and it was that which would keep her away.

"Ella." Maria's voice broke the silence. "Go and bring in some wood."

Ella got up from her seat, more than glad of the command, the fresh air would do her good and perhaps clear the cobweb of thoughts that had been spun in her mind as she sat working, the brisk wind would help blow them away and she could return with a fresher mindset.

She walked out of the door and made her way down to the small pile of wood that was stacked ready for use. She collected a good few large pieces into her arms and turned to make her way back up the path. Her footfalls stopped dead as she saw the figure approaching, she didn't believe her eyes at first but as she became sure they filled with tears of their own accord and she dropped the firewood in her arms, her feet again began to move in fluid steps towards the figure. Without a word she flung herself into already waiting arms and grasped at the dirty, dusty coat that met her fingertips. She breathed in the scent of horseflesh, sweat and dust, not caring that it wasn't pleasant, just aware that it was him and he was here with her. His arms came to encircle her and he pulled her close.

"Ella" he whispered, his voice on the verge of breaking, but he regained himself quickly.

Ella pulled away from the embrace and looked up into Doc's face before pressing her lips to his in a heated, needy kiss. "I was startin' to get worried" she said after their lips parted. Her tone was teasing as she tried to joke but the tears still trickled down her cheeks.

Doc laughed, it was a bitter sound. "I was a little longer than I thought." He gestured with his hand back to the horse he led.

Ella noticed the figure mounted upon it for the first time. It was an old man and he was badly injured and in need of immediate attention.

"Can I bring him to Maria's?"

Ella hesitated, she had guessed instantly that this man must be Captain Call and she could not say if Maria would allow him in her home, if the older woman with all her bitter resentment towards the ranger wouldn't just take a knife to his throat. "You can try… no one else in the village would be willing to take in a 'gringo'."

Doc nodded. "Then I gotta try."

Ella walked beside him as they made their way towards Maria's house; she came out as if sensing their coming and stood in the doorway watching them approach. Ella could tell that she had already recognized who the injured man was, she wiped the blood stained knife she still carried upon her apron and Ella felt her heart beat a little faster. Maria, as far as Ella was aware, had never killed anyone, she did not want to witness her dear friend give up her blood innocence over an old man. Billy soon appeared at her side, his eyes squinting in the sharp sunlight.

"Why, that's Woodrow Call. Somebody's about finished him!" he said in surprise.

As they drew closer Maria walked down to them, her face stony and her brow furrowed. Ella tried to put her palm upon her friend's shoulder, the act meant as a comforting warning not to do anything rash but Maria shook it off with a single swipe of her hand. She studied the ranger, her expert eyes travelling over the wounds. Ella glanced over at Billy and they exchanged worried looks, perhaps Billy would be able to reach Maria before she took her first plunge with the knife… Finally Maria turned to Doc and Ella who awaited her reaction with bated breath.

"Take him in" she said simply, and Ella released her breath silently, glad of her friend's kindness and strong will.

Billy was quick to trot down the path and begin helping Doc cut the ropes that held Call onto the horse. When this task was done they carefully carried the injured man into Maria's home.

"Put him by the fire so I can look at his wounds." Maria followed closely behind with Ella in tow.

The men obeyed her request and Call was laid on an empty table near the fire.

Clean water was boiled and bandages gathered as Maria prepared to tend to Call's injuries. When all was ready she and Billy began their examination while everyone else in the house watched on, willing to help in any way they could, but unsure if there was anything they could do. Billy studied the bullet wound to Call's chest before shaking his head and glancing at Maria.

"That bullet's too close to the heart. I ain't goin' in after it. You can if you want to, Mary."

Maria shook her head. "No."

"Is there no doctor here?" Doc asked, concern gathering in his light blue eyes.

Billy looked up from studying the wound to Call's shoulder. "There's one across the river. The best we got here is the butcher."

Maria shook her head again. "Gordo cannot do it, he would kill him. Who shot this man?"

"I ain't sure" Doc said, finally remembering to remove his hat. "I wasn't there, I found him like this but the Captain said he thought it was Joey Garza." He glanced at Ella who at his words had turned to look at him, shock shining within her gaze, Joey was closer than she expected and this thought held no comfort.

Maria stiffened at the news, pausing in her task as she thought of what this statement meant.

"Did Call hit my son?" she said, her tone almost empty.

"He didn't mention anything about hitting anyone, said it was an ambush."

Maria's body relaxed but her eyes did not; Ella knew that Maria felt pulled in two ways, relieved her son was alive but fearful because of this same fact.

"Ella why don't you get Doc a drink and go and sit outside while we finish, he looks tired and I'm sure he would like your company."

Ella nodded gladly; the smell of blood was beginning to cloud around the small room. She fetched Billy's half empty whiskey bottle and made her way back outside. Doc followed her closely, his fingers entwining with hers as if he needed her soft touch to comfort him. They walked around to the side of the house so that they were at least a little sheltered from the wind. Ella handed Doc the bottle and he took a long swig, letting the warming amber liquid revive some of his senses. He wiped his hand across his mouth, removing any stray drops from his beard before he placed the bottle nearby and turned to Ella.

"I hope he makes it" he said sadly. "He's a good man."

Ella nodded, "But…" She hesitated, not really knowing if now was the best time to talk of leaving but the uneasy feeling had grown stronger since Doc had returned, she didn't want to be Ojinaga. "Does it mean we can leave now?"

Doc's face fell, he had been expecting this question and to see the woman he loved near pleading him with her expressive brown eyes tugged at his heart, but he had a duty and he would think less of himself if he didn't do it. Slowly he shook his head. "No, I have to go and tell the rest of the posse what has happened so they can go find safety."

Ella furrowed her brow trying to control her anger. "But, he's out there! He's hunting all of you and he's already near finished Call!" She paused, trying to calm herself. "Can't we just leave, please… can't we leave?" She looked up into Doc's face.

"I want to, but they are good men Ella, I can't abandon them."

Ella knew his words were true, he couldn't just leave them out there with no warning that a killer was about to begin stalking them, she knew Doc would never forgive himself if he didn't do what was needed.

Finally she gave a reluctant nod. "Will you come right back?"

Doc smiled. "Yes, I'll warn them and come right back, just be ready when I return okay? We'll leave that very day."

This news calmed Ella a little and she gave a weak smile. "I just feel uneasy here."

"I know." Doc walked forward and pulled her into his embrace, holding her close and wishing silently that they could do just as she willed and just leave…

Doc looked down at her as she turned her head to look at him. Again to Doc there seemed to be a light about her features that had always been there and never dulled, not to his eyes. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers in a soft, sweet kiss. Ella responded hungrily, needing the contact for reassurance. They held each other tightly, passionately, their kiss stating what they could not, that it was possible they would not see each other again, it was a thought neither wanted to dwell upon.

They pulled slowly away, both regretting the end of such a sweet meeting.

"I'll leave after I get some sleep" Doc said. "I'll buy supplies in the next village and carry on to the men; I should be no more than four days Ella." He rubbed her shoulder absently and she nodded in understanding.

"There's a fresh horse at Gordo's, I'm sure he'll sell it to you if you offer a good price."

Doc grinned. "You mean pay too much for it." He winked and Ella chuckled.

"Yeah, I'll come with you."

They soon returned with a horse that, although it was underfed, would get Doc to and from the posse's camp. Doc and Ella then went back to Ella's old shack and Doc slept while she lay beside him. He would slumber no more than a few hours and once he was awake he knew he had to leave to get in a few hours riding before sunset. Ella snuggled up to him, breathing in his scent and wishing with every ounce of her being that this would all be over soon.

Within a few minutes of waking, Doc had gathered up his belongings before he and Ella went to check on Call at Maria's, who was now as comfortable as was possible and was awaiting a Doctor from Texas. Thanks to Billy sending word, the doctor would be with them in the next few days.

Ella embraced Doc again before he mounted his horse. Their hands clasped in each others, unwilling to let go. Doc turned and his lips met hers in a lingering, warm kiss and then Ella watched with a heavy heart as he swung himself into the saddle and rode out of the village on his last errand as a lawman. She prayed that he would return and in her heart she knew Doc would do everything he could to make that come to pass.