Disclaimer I own very little, especially not CSI NY.

Author Lily Moonlight

Notes Chapter 14: The morning after the rescue; is everyone safe?

Thank you very much for reviews, please continue! They're a great help with writing, and I love knowing what you think. Thanks to fractured-fairytale06, Blue Shadowdancer (thank you for reading, helpful comments and updates!) iluvCSI4ever, sarramaks, afrozenheart412 (thank you for the image of Mac and his shirt collar!) and Forest Angel for discussion; and to chrysalis escapist for extra thoughts. The chapter title isn't exactly from a Western film, but it fitted :D

For Miss Poisonous and afrozenheart412

Once Upon A Time In the Old West

Chapter 14: A Poet And A Gentleman

Danny:

Got somethin' bright shinin' in my eyes, and somethin' warm and soft pressed against me. Still ain't opened my eyes yet, but I realise I got my arm around someone. And I reckon it can only be one someone. Least I hope it's who I think it is. Could be kinda' awkward if fr'instance I had my arm around Mrs Hammerback…

"Lindsay?" I'm whisperin', as I got a memory of lots of people sleepin' last night, so guess I oughtn't to be the one to wake 'em all. We were in the Saloon, I remember, but surely I ain't been here all night.

Have I?

Managed to get my eyes wide open now, and yep, sure enough I'm recognisin' the Saloon and the main bar. Can't be mornin' already though, can it? Guess it must be, 'cause that light out there's gotta be the sun, and sun shinin' through windows is a sure sign of mornin'…

Geez, that sun sure is bright, makin' me squint and my eyes water. Ain't had a glimpse of sun since me and Lindsay were sippin' sodas here only yesterday morning'. Seems like forever ago, after everythin' we been through. I ain't ever gonna forget last night, and the bravery of everyone. I know Lindsay was wantin' to know all about it, and soon as she's awake, I'm gonna be relatin' the whole adventure to her. Reckon Hammerback's gonna be wantin' to record the whole tale in his Chronicles of Hattanville, as he calls everythin' he's got written down in those great big ledgers he keeps. Reckon he's a clever man, got the power of words, powerful things to have, words.

I'm rubbin' my eyes now, strugglin' to sit up, and blinkin' in the light. Maybe the blizzard's stopped seein' as the sun's come out, which'd be a sweet thing indeed. Got a beam of sunlight shinin' right in my eyes, so I shift a bit, real careful though, to see if I'm the only one awake. Seems like the whole town's in here, well, a crowd of us anyhow… All right, maybe only a few then, as I'm countin' seven, includin' myself. Don't know what Miss Stella's gonna think 'bout people sleepin' in her Saloon. Guess she won't mind though, given everythin' that's happened.

Wonder where she is? Last I saw of her, she and the Doc were headin' up the stairs to see to the Sheriff. Hope they're all right. Guess I'll get myself movin' and go check on folks. Wonder what time it is? Wonder if it's too early to be thinkin' about findin' some breakfast. Sure could do with somethin' in my stomach, got a real empty feelin' in there, even after all the sandwiches I managed to find room for last night. Managed to drag a few outta Flack's hands, huh, that man's got a bigger appetite than a bear. Tell him that sometimes. 'Course he tries to maintain his dignity and tells me it's 'cause he's got the strength of a bear, and needs plenty of food to keep himself goin'. Can't say I'm entirely believin' the man.

Guess just thinkin' of food though is no good, I gotta be findin' some. Reckon Miss Stella must have a few items of nourishment in her kitchen, sure she won't be offended if I make myself up a little somethin'.

There's a sigh and mutterin' at my side as I'm decidin' my course of action, and Lindsay's eyelashes are flutterin' against her cheeks. Can't make out exactly what she's mutterin' about; somethin' about weddings and flowers and dresses. Women's things, things I'm best not knowin' about. Kinda' scares me, all these things that women seem to think a weddin' can't happen without. Seems to me all you really need for a weddin' is two people who love each other, and the people they love there to celebrate with 'em. If I had my way, I'd be happy walkin' down the aisle just as I am now, in my honest every day get up. Don't see I need to be wearin' anythin' fancy. That ain't me. And Lindsay, well, I'd be marryin' her whatever she's wearin'. Dress or no dress…

Whoah! Where'd that thought come from? Best keep those kinda' thoughts hidden away till we're safely wed, 'cause all I was meanin' was that I don't care what she's wearin'; it ain't important to me. Lindsay's what's important; she's the one I'm marryin', not a dress or flowers or any other of the hundred things she's been thinking' and worryin' about. She's the one I want to be spendin' the rest of my life with.

Guess all the trimmings are important to Lindsay though, so I ain't gonna make a fuss, and I'll get into my suit without any protestin'. Flack's gonna be makin' sure of that anyhow. Got him to choose me somethin' smart to wear, 'cause he knows about these things. I'm gonna do everythin' I can to make this the best day of our lives, and as long as we got our family and friends there, that's what it's gonna be.

It's a day that's comin' closer and closer though, and it's causin' me a fair amount of terror. Almost as much terror as goin' down into that dark hole at the gunpowder works to help pull the Sheriff to safety. Man, I'm shakin' still at the memory of it, 'specially that moment when… But I ain't gonna think about it for now, and thinkin' on, it mightn't be the best thing to be tellin' Lindsay all the details. Can't believe we're all still here and still alive, and we got the Sheriff outta there. Gotta hope though he ain't gonna suffer any lastin' damage from all this, nor Miss Stella.

Maybe I oughtta go and do what else I was thinkin' of and go check on the Sheriff, ask about Miss Stella, and exchange a word with the Doc. Always enjoy a conversation with him. Reckon he'll have been up all night. Feel kinda bad 'bout fallin' asleep, couldn't keep my eyes open though, soon as I knew Lindsay was safe beside me, I was off into sleep and dreams. Made a real difference though, feel a whole lot better and refreshed this mornin'. Guess I can try and persuade the Doc to catch a few hours sleep himself, and I'll take over keepin' an eye on the Sheriff.

I'm gettin' up real careful now outta this chair, slidin' myself up over the arm, 'cause Lindsay's still sleepin'. Don't wanna disturb her, but she's got her head restin' on my chest, and I'm gonna have to move her real delicately. Guess that leaves me in somethin' of a dilemma though, 'cause it feels real warm and comfortable with her there, feels right, like I'm kinda keepin' her safe beside me. Guess that's what gettin' married's about; keepin' Lindsay safe and at my side. Not 'cause I gotta do that, or that Lindsay's a woman who needs takin' care of, 'cause she ain't, she's a real strong lady. Guess it's 'cause I want to do that, and maybe it's 'cause she wants to do the same with me.

I'm lookin' across the room as I'm thinkin' all this, and I'm strokin' Lindsay's hair; real soft it is under my fingers. Can see Flack leanin' against the armchair opposite, sittin' on the floor with long 'ol legs stickin' out in front of him. Got his hat down over his eyes and his head's tipped back, mouth wide open. Reckon he might even be snorin'. Yep, that was a snore for certain. Ha, hope he don't go wakin' Miss Jessica up with all that noise, seein' as she's curled up in that same armchair above him, and her arm's draped over his shoulder. Reckon it's a sight to soften even a tough old heart like mine.

I ain't ashamed to admit, there ain't much of a romantic in me; fact Flack once said somethin' along the lines of me not havin' a romantic bone in my body, and he might've been right about that. I ain't skilled at romance, though I'm tryin', with a helpin' hand from Mr Don Flack. Reckon I'm gonna give some poetry a try though, all the way back from the gunpowder works, I was tryin' to take my mind off of the blizzard by thinkin' 'bout Lindsay and composing verse for her. Ain't got no further than a few lines though;

Roses are red

My Lindsay's eyes are brown

It's gotta be said

She don't make me frown.

Which maybe ain't the best poetry in the world, and certainly ain't a patch on Mr William Shakeyspar, the dude Hammerback's often quotin'. Kinda like the sound his words make, guess he's got the power of words too. Wonder where he lives? Maybe I could write him a letter or somethin', askin' him to put together a few verses for my Lindsay. Reckon that'd be somethin' to please her. Guess I'll ask Hammerback when he's awake.

Anyways, I ain't an expert at poetry or romance, so I'm grateful to Flack for all the nudges he's given, remindin' me to do stuff for Lindsay. Reckon he's somethin' of a romantic at heart, even if he wouldn't say as much himself, got a streak of modesty has Flack. But I reckon Miss Jessica will have been happy with the pot of roses he planted and grew for her in the shape of a heart for her birthday. Never seen a smile like it when he presented it to her. Don't reckon he was meanin' to have an audience, however, I'd happened to step into the Sheriff's office when I'd seen them goin' in there, after the Sheriff had sallied over to the Saloon. Wasn't, of course, intendin' to impose my company on them, just wanted to ask a question of Flack, that was all, about a bet. Had no intention of disturbin' them or spyin' to see what it was Flack had been hidin' away in the Sheriff's office for weeks. No sir.

Can't say they were happy to see me poppin' my head through the door and callin' out a cheery greetin', not if Flack's expression was anythin' to go by. Didn't stay long though, only long enough for him to kinda' head towards me with something' of a threatenin' look in his eyes before I disappeared back outta the door, tellin' him I'd collect his dollars for the bet later. Fact is, I guess I was a little unfair to the man and his lady, felt kinda' guilty afterwards, so I made it up to him by buyin' him a beer in the Saloon that evenin', and givin' Miss Jessica a box of candies that my Aunt Dulcie had sent me the Christmas before.

So, Flack's a romantic, and I reckon even the Sheriff has somethin' of a romantic heart beatin' inside him, underneath that stern exterior. Though it's only Miss Stella who's able to find it. I've seen him many a time takin' over little parcels to the Saloon and posies of flowers that then appear at the end of the bar, along with a blush in the Saloon owner's cheeks. Seen how he's always got his arm through hers when they're walkin' out, and the adorin' looks between them none of us have ever failed to notice, even before they were officially courtin'. All of us remember too the state he was in the time she was thrown off her horse. Never seen a man so sick with worry as the Sheriff was then. Accordin' to the Doc, he was in a worse state than she was; didn't sleep for a second and didn't eat neither. For weeks afterwards he was in the Saloon mornin' and night, followin' her about, hardly leavin' her side; which she sure had a few words to say about. But if that ain't devotion to the woman you love, then I don't know what is.

'Course, Miss Stella's the same, lookin' after him and all; makes him somethin' for lunch and dinner everyday, and he comes over regular as clockwork to the Saloon to eat it. One time when he didn't - I happened to notice as I was doin' some repairs to the Saloon roof - she marched over to the Sheriff's office and after a few heated words, marched him straight back with her. Only thing we all wonder about now is when the Sheriff's gonna be askin' the question I've already asked my Lindsay, even though I gotta confess, it took us a fair amount of time to be gettin' betrothed. Gotta happen some time soon though for the Sheriff and his lady, 'specially after last night. That took some devotion and courage for Miss Stella to do what she did to save him. Gotta hope he gets the chance to be tellin' her his thanks, and askin' her what all of us think he needs to.

Brings back memories though, thinkin' about questions. That was some question; askin a girl to marry you. One of the hardest I've ever asked, and I've asked plenty of questions of girls in my life. Ain't always had the politest answer from 'em, but that's not to be thinkin' about at this time. I've had some times in my past I ain't proud of, and times when I ain't behaved entirely like a gentleman, but since Sheriff Taylor gave me a chance in town, and since I met my Lindsay, reckon I'm on my way to bein' one.

Gentlemanly thing to be doin' now of course will be to go on up and offer some refreshment to the Doc, so I'll try again to move Lindsay without disturbin' her... There. Managed to get her head on a cushion instead of on my chest. Missin' the feel of her there already, but it had to be done. She's murmurin' again, but her eyes are still closed, so I'll creep up those stairs in my stockinged feet so as not to wake her or the others.

Flack ain't the only one snorin' though, so maybe I don't need to be so cautious about tiptoeing, 'cause with the sound comin' from the Hammerbacks, any noise little ol' me makes is gonna be drowned out by them! What is it with folks in this town and snorin'? Least my Lindsay ain't one to snore. Even the new arrival in town, Miss Higgins, is sleepin' in her armchair with her mouth open and a surprisingly loud snore for a small woman comin' from it.

Still, I make sure I'm as quiet as a mouse as I make my way up the stairs, leavin' the sleepin' beauties behind me. Stairs are kinda' creaky though, and I pause for a moment, holdin' my breath after one particularly loud creak. There ain't no sound from below though, so I carry on.

Ain't gonna be a simple task to find the room the Doc and his patient are in, I realise after gettin' to the top of the stairs, and seein' Miss Stella sure has a lot of rooms in her Saloon. So I start openin' doors one after another and peerin' into 'em. Wonder what she keeps in 'em all? Pistols maybe, and bullets; for the pistols. Ain't seein' any though. Just furniture, or nothin' much. Huh. Gotta confess I feel kinda disappointed, was hopin' maybe to be discoverin' somethin' interestin', secret stores of treasure maybe. Or weapons…

Now this ain't gentlemanly behaviour though, goin' and lookin' in a nosy manner at things that ain't mine, so I knock on the last few doors, real gently, and don't go in when there's no answer. 'Course it's the very last door along the landin' I knock on before I hear the Doc's voice answerin' me.

I push the door open to see him sittin' in a rockin' chair by the fire. Looks fair exhausted, real weary look in his eyes, and he's sorta' saggin' in the chair, with a book almost fallin' from his hand. There's a few candles set around the room, and enough light to see by with the sun comin' in through the curtains. He's got an empty plate and mug at his side, which I'll offer to fill up for him in a minute.

"Mornin', Doc." I say in a whisper. Real proud of my whisperin' skills, can whisper loud enough for folks to hear me the other end of a room, so Lindsay tells me. The Doc makes a sorta' shushing sound, so I've maybe been sorta' loud, and lower my voice accordingly, "How's the Sheriff doin'?"

"Sleeping on and off." The Doc replies with a frown, "But he's been restless the last couple of hours, so I'm keeping a careful eye."

Lookin' over at him, I can see him shiftin a bit, and his face is flushed, got sweat shinin' on his forehead too. Hope he ain't headin' for a fever after all that time lyin' in near freezin' water.

So I know where and how the Sheriff is, but one other person still ain't accounted for.

"What about Miss Stella?" I ask, and at that question, the Doc raises his eyebrows and points to the other side of the bed. Takin' a step further into the room, I see the situation. Lyin' on a mattress and pillows, covered over with blankets is the lady in question. One arm's kinda' flung out to the side towards the bed, and her face is turned that way too. Looks a little pale, but she's sleepin' peacefully enough. Breathin' sorta' heavily though; surely she ain't snorin' and all? Nah, Hattanville's Saloon Owner wouldn't be snorin'…

"She all right?" I ask, and the Doc rubs his eyes, his book droppin' to the floor.

"Nothing wrong with her that a good long rest won't fix. In an ideal situation, she ought to stay in bed for a day at least to recover, but I don't see that happening somehow, even if I suggest it. Just a feeling I got." He gives me a wry smile, and I grin back. Both of us know the dislikin' both the Sheriff and Miss Stella seem to have for any kind of fuss made about their health. Can't see the sense in it myself; if I got an ailment, I go see the Doc, and take whatever he tells me I oughtta be takin', 'cause he's the one who's had all kinds of schoolin'. That ain't to say though I'm fond of takin' sick, 'cause I ain't, and even when I do get sick, which ain't often, then I'd rather not have anyone makin' a fuss of me. 'Cept if it's fuss in the shape of Lindsay puttin' a coolin' cloth on my forehead and makin' me up one of the special recipes she got for invalids, such as chicken and noodle soup and lemon puddin'. Man, that stuff's good. It's worth gettin' sick just to have a taste of 'em and a feel of Lindsay's soothin' fingers on my skin… Like I say, I try not to get sick too often, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Best be askin' the Doc what I was gonna ask him though, "You want a break from sittin here? Don't mind takin' over whilst you get some rest."

He shakes his head, and indicates the Sheriff, "Appreciate the offer, Danny, but I'd rather stay put for the time being, till I'm happier with how things are looking. However." He adds with a grin, "If you feel like putting a few sandwiches on my plate and a drink of coffee in my cup, then I won't be complaining."

"You got it, Doc." I take the plate and cup from him, and then hesitate a moment, 'cause I can see there's a worry in his face, despite his grin, "You sure everything's all right with the Sheriff?"

The Doc lifts his shoulders, and his grin fades, "I'm hoping so, but after all that time trapped, and the injuries he suffered, he's not out of danger yet. Just got to hope he isn't taking a fever."

"Well, he's got the best man around to be lookin' after him if he does." Is all I can think to say to try and give him some reassurance. He's a man who takes his profession more than seriously, and I've seen the pain it causes him if he ever loses a patient, 'cause in the way of the world, that happens now and again. The Doc ain't gonna be able to save everyone. Sometimes folks are just too old or sick, or too tired of life to heal…

But that ain't gonna be the case for the Sheriff. No way! Not with the Doc healin' him, and with Miss Stella to be keepin' him safe. Got an image in my mind now, somethin' Lindsay said to me once about 'em, that even if the Sheriff was ever taken up into heaven, Miss Stella would be draggin' him right back down again by his shirt collar. Gotta hope it don't come to that though. Hattanville needs its Sheriff, 'specially with this mess the railroad company's gotten us into.

Guess I'd better get the Doc his refreshments though, do my bit that way, so I take his cup and plate and head back downstairs with the promise to be back shortly.

Got a pleasant surprise when I reach the bottom of the stairs, 'cause my Lindsay's awake and waitin' for me; greetin' me with a smile and a kiss that's warmer than the sun floodin' into the Saloon. Almost drop what's in my hands and I break away from her with some reluctance, but I got a duty to do. Still, ain't nothing' wrong with havin' a little help to carry it out. So it's with Lindsay at my side that I tiptoe into the kitchen of the Saloon, and set the kettle on the range to boil up, and hunt about in the pantry for some food. Soon got some slices of pie and hunks of bread and cheese, and Lindsay arranges them real nice on the plate.

"You takin' them up, Danny or shall I?" She asks, and still tryin' to be a gentleman, I tell her I'll do it, so she promises to wait for me in the kitchen so we can sit in the warmth and I can tell her the story of the rescue of the Sheriff.

I hurry back up to the Doc and pass him his meal, tell him everyone's fine and well downstairs, and then tiptoe fast as I can back down to the kitchen.

Strange though, as I'm approachin' the door, there's a sort of muffled gasp from behind it…

"Lindsay!" I hiss, feelin' a sudden fear. When there ain't no immediate answer, I bust through to be met by the sight of someone I hoped I'd never see again. And he's got a hold of my Lindsay!

Couldn't go very long without another cliff-hanger! Sorry this has been a little slow to be updated. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'd love to know what you think, reviews always welcome. Thanks, Lily x