Guns and Switches.
Previously;
Alexandra swung her book stack over her shoulder and ran to meet Marty, when all of a sudden time seemed to slow down. Marty was saying something, but a loud bang was drowning her words out. Then Alex felt herself falling; falling so, so, so, slowly. She looked up and saw that Marty was screaming. Then slowly, from the corner of her eye, Ted Hunter was there, appearing gradually at her left and pushing Marty towards her, yelling, "Heyyyy kidddd, Getttt Dowwwnnnnn…" Another BANG…Another BANG… And then… pain… and a heaviness that pushed her into the ground and into unconsciousness.
Chapter 21: Angels With Real Dirty Faces.
Adam heard the commotion from the sheriff's office. He ran, busting through the big old weathered double doors, with Clem Foster close behind. He stalled for a moment, one the porch, trying to comprehend the scene he saw in the middle if C Street. There in the dusty street were a clump of bodies with town's people running towards them from everywhere.
Adam slowly swung his head around, and saw Roy running towards the crowd that was gathering with Jack Hunter yelling. "Tedddyy!" The distraught pitched sound muffled the yells and angry curses that came from Frank Garner - Hallet as a young smartly dressed man took his arm and led him, bleeding from what looked like a shoulder wound, towards the jail and Clem.
Then Adam saw it; Alexandra's book stack lying beside the crumpled forms and the commotion. Josh suddenly flew by running, yelling her name; "Alex, Alex …"
Adam's heart threatened to crush his ribs, as he ran and pushed his way through the crowd.
Young Jack Hunter, Ted's brother, arrived before anyone, almost tracing his fallen brother's footsteps. He collapsed to the street floor, "Ted, Ted," he yelled, ready to turn his brother over.
"Don't move him," ordered Roy, "nobody move nobody," he added with a hint of desperation. Ted lay face down in the dirt, a bullet wound bleeding from his lower back. Underneath his, Marty's lower body was trapped. She groaned slightly before passing out. Roy spotted a nasty gash on her head. Ensnared under her was Alexandra. Marty's arms were stretched wide as she hugged Alexandra's waist. Marty had got to her just after a shot had sent the child flying forward, then Ted tackled them both to the ground.
Alexandra whimpered as she came out of a winded state. " Mmm...arty?...Hurtttt."
Adam dropped to the ground in between Alexandra and Marty. "I'm here, Alexandra; its daddy. Alex, baby, what..."
"Adam don't move her, Ted's in a bad way. You move either of them, and jostle Ted, ould make everything worse, " explained Roy. He spotted Josh, who looked as pale as a sheet. " Josh, go get Doc Martin," he ordered.
Josh stunned with fear, didn't move.
"Josh Thompson, git the doc. Boy we need ya help. Go fast."
Josh's eyes lit up and he took off, dropping his pile of bags next to Alexandra's flour sack and book stack.
Adam grabbed Alexandra's hand, and then felt Marty's head. He probed further down her neck and could feel the pulse of her main artery there. He let out a breath he never knew he was holding, knowing that the two most precious things in his life right now were alive.
"Daddy", mumbled Alexandra, I… hurttt," she groaned.
"Okay, baby; keep still". Adam checked her back and arms for wounds and found none except for a few scratches. However, he noted, her arm lay at an unusual angle from the shoulder, sunken and slightly twisted. The rest of her body was still hidden by Marty's body and tight grasp. "You look okay Alexandra, but your shoulder is hurt. Try to keep still until we can move you. Are you hurting anywhere else; baby are you bleeding anywhere? "
Alex turned her dirt stained face to the side and looked at Adam. "Don't know… Owe, my shoulder hurts real bad. Someone done pushed me over daddy. I think Marty did. "
"No darling, no one pushed you."
"Can't move my legs, there's somethin ... on them."
"Yes, Marty's on them; just stay still. You can move your head nothing else yet, Okay."
"Okay, dad, but iffin Marty didn't push me, why is she lying on my legs?"
"Shhh, now, just stay still, Alexandra."
Adam moved to Marty, she was breathing but was bleeding from the cut on her forehead. Adam pulled out his clean handkerchief, and went to compress the wound. Marty flinched slightly at his touch. He leaned down and whispered, "Shh Marty, darling, it's okay, it's me Adam, don't move for a bit."
"Adam... Alexandra, shooting..."
"Shhh, shhhh, I know, Alexandra is alright; She's alright," soothed Adam.
"Thank God," whispered Marty before fading to silence again.
Doc Martin arrived, followed by Hoss and Joe, who had heard the commotion from the Bucket Of Blood. They ran to Adams side.
" Look out the way people; let me in," said Paul. He knelt down beside Ted Hunter, who had also started to come to. "Don't move son, you have a bullet wound in your back. We need to get a good look at it. You move ... it could... Just don't move. What happened here?" he asked.
"Seems someone's taken a shot at my brother," yelled Jack. "What he' do to anyone?"
"It wasn't Ted they were after," stated Jarrod Barkley, who had now appeared on the scene." I think Garner- Hallett was trying to shoot Alexandra."
Adam's head shot up, fury trouncing his features, "What! How do you know my daughter and Garner- Hallett, who..."
"He can tell you all that later," snapped Paul Martin "We've got to get this feller to my surgery. I want Alex and Marty there too. But, first we've got move Ted here real careful. Hoss go get me Horace Weldings' single long wheel barrow; the one he uses..."
"I know the one Doc," said Hoss, immediately attuned to the doctors reasons. He headed off to Weldings funeral home to grab the wheelbarrow and the long board the man used as a stretcher to transport bodies to his morgue.
Doctor Martin continued to issue instructions. "Little Joe, go fetch Dawnie- Marie Potter for me. I'm going to need some extra hands here when we get everyone back to the surgery. The rest of you people I'd appreciate it if you'd step back; and get off this street before anyone else gets hurt."
"What about my brother doc, is he..."
"Boy, I can't tell you a lot, right now, best you just try and calm yourself. Your brother... "
"He's right Jack... I'm alive... just..." stirred and mumbled Ted.
"I'm here Ted," said Jarrod, " I'll keep Jack with me. Come on Jack lets stand out of the way."
"Out of the way, Folks, please," yelled Hoss as he came through with the wheelbarrow.
"That's right folks move along here now," said Roy, shuffling the crowd away. He moved towards Jarrod Barkley. "You say you saw Garner- Hallett take a shot at Alexandra?" he asked.
"Yes Sherriff. Clem Foster has him over at the jail. I shot him just before he could take another shot at Alexandra. At the moment he's claiming he fired at what he thought was a prisoner trying to escape your custody. But, Ted, like me, didn't move until the first shot was fired. I don't think it will take much to discredit his claim."
"Thank you, Mr Barkley, you have a good eye and a quick hand. Though, I have a few questions for you. When you're done here, Mr Barkley, I'd appreciate it if you'd come back to my office. Young Jack here's supposed to go back to his cell while the paperwork's done on him and his brothers community service order, but..."
"I don't think that would be wise Sheriff, not with Garner- Hallett in the cell next to him. Young Jack here isn't going anywhere, and Ted..."
"Let me finish ya young wipper snapper, I was jist goin ta suggest you find him someplace else, besides, I think Teds just done a life time community service for this town, not jist for little Alexandra. I just want you over at my office to make a statement, and witness anything I got to say to Garner-Hallett; Man's gotta answer for everything, he won't be turning this around on my watch," groused Roy, letting anger fuel his concern.
"Sorry Sheriff. Garner Hallett is wounded too, though..."
"Iffin he needs doctorin' I'll fix it. Doc Martins got enough on his plate."
"I better get there, then," said Jarrod, "Though I'm a mind to take my time."
"Yup, know how yer feel, but yer better git there soon; no tellin' ya what I feel like doing ta there feller. Taking pot shots at a ten year old..."
"Eleven," said Jarrod, remembering Aexandra's indiganation earlier that day; trying for a bit of humour to quell his own anger.
Roy moved off towards his office, still shuffling onlookers out of the way. Jarrod and Jack turned their attention back towards the doctor, amazed at the man's calm presence and co-ordination of a delicate situation.
Paul snapped his head up at the group in front f him. "Right, now everybody listen. Dawnie; get back to the surgery and prepare the operating table. We'll move Ted in there first. Set Marty and Alexandra up in the examination room. No one in the waiting room except immediate family."
Dawn Potter took off immediately, wishing Marty was there to help her. She had only been working with her and Paul for a month, but now everything she had learnt would be put to test; including following instructions without delay.
"Hoss, get the long board ready. I want you to slide it between Marty and Ted; from the side, now. Joe, you get ready to pull Alex out. Pull her forward from under her arms, wait for my mark. Adam, you get Marty. You need to do the same thing; grab her under her arms and pull her diagonal across Alex, as Joe pulls her away. As they come away from under Ted's body, Hoss, I want you to get the long board under ; Slide it in while they are pulling the girls out. I want it smooth as spreading butter. Ready everyone?"
Hoss Adam and Joe all got into position, and gently carried out the first lot of instructions.
"Now on my mark, Joe and Adam pull, Hoss you slide... Ready; one, two, three, Go!"
The three men carried out the movements like a well oiled machine, as Doc Martin held Ted Hunters legs. Alexandra screamed when Joe pulled her forward, and Marty held her breath as Adam dragged her toward him, and then within seconds Joe had a crying Alexandra in his arms, Adam, sitting on the ground, with Marty in his lap and Ted Hunter laying face down on a hard board.
"Good, Hoss, Jack," called Doctor Martin, "Now, lift the board real gentle and slide it on the wheel barrow. Drive it down the street, not the bumpy board walk and take it up the ramp on the side of my porch. We want to move him, but slow and avoid all bumps; you clear?"
"Yes Doctor," chorused both young men.
Jarrod admired the doctors foresight, Jack had calmed considerably having something to do, and something to concentrate on. He watched the boys move off slowly and then watched Adam support Marty, still a little groggy, while she stood up. With the ability to now move, Marty had been able to get some fresh air into her lungs, instead of the dust of C Street. Adam helped her stand then lifted her and cradled her back into his arms. She rested her dirty face against his strong chest, before carrying her towards the doctor's office. Joe, murmuring, "It'll be okay, Squirt," fell in step beside him with a similar dirty faced Alexandra, now crying softly as she nursed her sore arm, but safe in his.
Jarrod watched them pass. Deciding to go to the sheriff's office, he stopped when he saw Josh's lone figure. Josh, you live very far?" He asked gently.
"No sir, just a block away. What do I do about Alexandra's things?" asked the bewildered little boy.
Jarrod looked down. He picked up the flour sack and opened it up and saw the money.
"That's the money for that bad guy" Josh said quietly.
"Boy, this is a haul," said Jarrod.
"You gonna give it to him like Alex wants you to?"
"No, I'm not. He doesn't deserve this money."
"No he don't! He don't care about shootin' anyone, don't reckon a hundred dollars means anything to him, either."
"That's right, Josh. I'll give Alexandra back her money. Why don't you take her other things home with you and you can return them to her when she's well."
"Good Idea," said Josh as he picked up the prop bag while Jarrod picked up her tethered book stack.
Jarrod hesitated before handing it over, noticing the bullet hole in a brown leather journal. "Josh I think I should keep this too. I think the sheriff might need to see it."
"Oh I don't know Mr Barkley, that's Alexandra's ma's journal. It's locked. She was hoping ta find some magic in it; you know for our act, but we couldn't open it. I think Alex was supposed ta put it back, she'll be in for it iffin her dad finds out."
"Well it's not locked now, it looks like it saved Alexandra's life." he said noticing the bullet hole in the back. "I think the lock broke when it landed." Jarrod untethered the journal and flicked through the pages. Almost three quarters of the book had writing on them, the last fifty pages or so were blank. Jarrod didn't stop to read any of the entries, feeling it was wrong to invade the woman's personal thoughts and memories. He closed the book and poked his finger through the hole, stopping when he came to the end of a bullet casing wedged in there. He opened it up, some twenty pages in the bullet was stuck. Jarrod left it there and looked at writing on the page. The middle of the book was empty but, this one towards the back had one full page of writing, but just a few sentences; then one written over and over. Jarrod read them and smiled; 'magic.' He whispered. "You believe in fate, Josh?" he then asked.
"Don't know what that is, sir," frowned Josh.
"You believe in God, in miracles?" Jarrod expanded.
"Yea," nodded a wide eyed Josh.
"Well the fact that this book took a bullet and saved Alex was a miracle; divine intervention, now with it being unlocked it's a miracle too: another divine message. And I bet it would help keep that bad man from ever hurting anyone again."
"Reckon that's a lot better than havin' to take a lickin. I reckon Alexandra will feel that way too. After all that's why she retracted you an all. You are her lawyer, so I guess you supposed ta do what's best."
"That I am Josh."
Jarrod ruffled the boys hair, "You best get home now. I'll let you know how Alexandra is. I think she's going to be fine though; a few scratches and a bit sore that's all."
Josh smiled with relief. "Thanks Mr Barkley. You tell Alex I'll look after these here props real good," he promised before heading off towards his home.
Jarrod Barkley walked to the sheriff's office, a flour sack in one hand and a brown leather journal in the other. He just hoped Sherriff Coffee hadn't killed Garner - Hallett before he could talk to him. Jarrod Barkley was determined before this day was through he would have a confession out of the man.
~oOo~
Over at Doc Martin's office, the place was busy, but, with the number of injured patients, it should have been pandemonium, Despite the hectic atmosphere, there was a feeling of control and comfort.. Hoss and Jack took Ted straight into the small room Paul used for surgery. Dawn Marie had prepared the room, and Doctor Paul continued to examine Ted.
He came out moments later to find Adam had laid Marty down on the examination table and had covered her with a blanket. Little Joe still had a squirming Alexandra in his arms, and had taken a seat next to Marty's bed.
"Dawn I'm going to operate on Ted. Hoss, I could use your help, I need to cut his clothes off. Adam,; how's Marty?"
"I'm fine, Doctor," mumbled Marty, "It's just my head, I hit it on Alexandra heel, I think; when Ted pushed me to the groundout of the line of fire."
"Let me look," commanded Paul. He peeled the makeshift bandage away and sat a leather head strap on his head; the strap had a round mirror with a hole in the middle, that was attached to it and he used this to take a closer look at Marty's laceration. "It could do with a clean. It's a nasty gash and needs a few stitches. Dawn can do this, now, while I prepare Ted?"
Paul stood up and looked at both Marty and Alex, "They could both do with a bit of clean. I think they are covered with half of C Street. But they are, okay Adam."
Adam choked back his relief and emotions with a chuckle. "My Angels with dirty faces, Paul. I'm very lucky that they weren't both killed."
"Yes angels with very dirty faces," said Paul.
Alexandra leant forward still nursing her arm."What's happened to Mr Ted, Doctor, what..."
Jack stood up and sided up to the doctor with pleading eyes. "Can you get the bullet out?"
"Yes, I can, young man, but it's in a dangerous position and he's lost a lot of blood. I've stopped the bleeding for the most part, but I may need to give him some extra blood; it's called a transfusion. Are you a full biological sibling?" asked Paul.
"Huh?"
"He means; is Ted your full brother; same Ma and Pa?" explained Hoss.
"Yes sir," nodded Jack.
"Good, stay close by son. The bullet is not too far in, but it's pressing on a nerve close to his back. We were wise to move him slowly. If the bullet had shifted it could have severed his spinal cord, but the nerve damage and the build up of some internal bleeding is compromising the circulation to his right leg. I need to operate now; otherwise he may lose his leg." Paul Martin laid his gentle hand on Jack shoulder and squeezed. "Jack it's a tricky operation, but I don't have many options."
"You do what you need to Doc, I'll be here."
"Good lad."
"Now Alexandra," Paul leant down. "Let's have a quick look at you. Where does it hurt"
"My shoulder hurts real bad."
"Hmm , can I touch it please?"
"No, it hurts when ya touch it, jist leave it alone," scowled Alexandra.
"Well, with the way you're holding your arm..."
"It ain't my arm; it's up here," said Alex, pointing to her shoulder, "but don't touch it" she warned. again.
"Alexandra, it's either broken or dislocated; either way I need to look at it," He stated then looked to Adam for some parental support; he really didn't have a lot of time for bedside manners. "Adam?"
"Alexandra, let Doctor Paul look at your shoulder, now, he needs to help Marty and Ted too."
"Well then he can help them first and me after, daddy, it hurts too much."
"Alex take your hand away and let me at least look at it. I won't touch it," huffed Paul. Alexandra moved her hand. "It's slightly distorted. Joe, Adam I will need you to undress her. We will have a better look then.
Dawn Marie returned with a suture tray; some cat gut, a hooked needle and iodine. "Thanks, Dawnie; do you think you can do like Marty showed you last week and put some stiches in Marty's head there?" asked Paul.
Dawn Marie Potter paled a little but nodded, "Ahh yes."
"You'll be fine, Dawn, I'll help," offered Marty.
"You'll keep still and lie back down, you'll have a concussion as well," admonished Paul Martin. "Adam you can help, keep that woman of yours behaving. Hoss, I need you in here for a moment. I'll need help with Ted; preparing him for surgery. Then Dawn can help with the rest. Bring those shears we' going to have to cut his clothes off him. Jack, why don't you go see if you can round up some fresh clothes for your brother, a clean night shirt,if he's got one. Then get straight back here."
"But what about, Ted, please, I don't want to leave him."
"You'll be back in plenty of time, and Ted will need that shirt after I finish operating on him."
"Okay,sir." Jack took off, fighting his tears of worry. He headed to the only place he knew in Virginia City; the jail. The sheriff had their only few possesions locked up there. Jarrod Barkley was there and would want to know about Ted. He'd also know what to do, in case something happened to his brother, in case... Jack scrubbed at his face, trying to erase the what if's out of his mind, and ran the rest of the way up C street towards the sheriifs office. He just wanted to find what was needed and then get back to the doctors office.
~oOo~
Hoss and Paul went back into the surgery, while Dawn cleaned Marty's wound.
"Do you have a headache, Marty? " asked Adam.
"A little," said Marty rubbing her temple.
"Okay, Marty," said Dawn, "I think two stiches will do it."
Dawnie held up a needle and thread.
"You goanna sew up Marty head like a grain bag," asked Alexandra.
"Yep sweetheart, they are. You just sit there and then when she's done Joe and I will help you. Okay," suggested Adam.
Alexandra squeezed her eyes shit when she saw Dawn Marie Potter put the needle in Marty's skin. Adam held onto Marty's hand tightly as she sucked in a tight breath. "Okay that's one," said Dawn, "Have a rest Marty."
"No get the next one in quick, while you can, Okay?"
Adam moved his face so it was in front of Marty, but not in the way of Dawn's procedure. "I have yet to thank you Miss Strawn; you saved Alexandra's life." Adam kissed his finger and placed it gently on her lips. " Marty smiled. "Don't smile Marty; your forehead scrunches up and I'm only through on one side," said Dawn.
"Sorry Dawn, great job; I hardly... OWEwww... jesshsh felt it... the first time."
"Sorry Marty you've got a tough skull, but it's done; just tying them off."
Adam rubbed Marty's hand as Dawn finished by wiping the wound over again with some Iodine.
" I'll need to bandage it, Marty."
"Do you remember what happened, Marty?" asked Adam, while Dawn collected a fresh roll of cotton bandage. " You are very lucky you weren't shot."
"Not all of it. I remember I went to get Alexandra from Hop Lings, but she wasn't there. I panicked a little because I was running late, I'm sorry Adam, this would never had..."
"Shhh… No, do not blame yourself," he said kissing her hands that were clasped tightly in his big ones. "What happened then?"
"Then I saw Alexandra standing in front of the bank. I knew you didn't want her in town alone, so I called out to her. Both of us ran towards each other. Then I heard a loud bang, it was a gunshot and Alex was falling. I remember just wanting to get to her, I lunged, flew, ran, who knows, next thing Ted is yelling to get down and thud; I hit the ground landing on top of Alexandra. I heard another shot just before that, but it all felt like an echo... like everything was going really slowly. "
Dawn finished securing the bandage around Marty's head.
"You did good, Dawn, real good," encouraged Marty.
Hoss came out of the surgery room with Ted's soiled clothes. "Doctor Paul is ready for you, Miss Dawn, is there anything else you want me to do?"
"No Hoss, but stay, If you can. We may need help to move Ted again later."
"Sure Ma'am."
"Miss Marty did it hurt bad,?" asked Alexandra.
"No, well a little, but now it's over and it feels fine. Do you want me to help you with your dress?"
"No!" said Adam, "Paul said you are to stay still."
"Okay grouchy," snapped Marty making Alexandra giggle.
Adam smiled, and kissed Marty on the lips. "Keep still," he warned, then turned around to Alexandra. "Well you can't be in too much pain if you can giggle," he said.
"It only hurts when I move it, dad or someone touches it. I don't want anybody ta touch it."
"Joe, give her to me," requested Adam. Adam Picked her up gently and waited for Joe to vacate the chair. He then stood her up on its seat. . "Okay can you stand there?"
"Yes, but daddy don't touch my arm, please don't touch it."
"Calm down sweetheart," soothed Adam then turned to Little Joe. "Joe, I want you to head home; tell Pa what's happened and where we are. Most likely we'll be here all night, but..."
"I ain't goin until I knowed Ted is alright, Dad," panicked Alexandra. '"Teds got shot... who shot him dad? Was it that bad man. I told you... you shoulda done paid him off, I w..."
"Alexandra, enough," warned Adam as he patted her lightly on the backside." I know your arm is hurting and you are worried about Ted, but I need you to be quiet and rest. I promise that we won't leave here until we know how Ted is doing." Adam looked over at Joe, "Joe Just tell pa everything; makes sure he knows we're alright."
Joe nodded and headed out the door, as Adam started to help Alexandra undress. "We need to get your dress off so the doctor can look closer at your shoulder. "
"It's gonna hurt!"
"It might, but you saw how brave Marty was and Ted, you'd be helping if you let us do it."
"We will start on you good side first, Pumkin, Ole Hoss can help," said Hoss.
"So, Alexandra why weren't you at Hop Lings. What were you doing in town that early?" asked Adam interested in distracting the child as well as getting a clearer understanding of the events that lead their present circumstances.
"Huh?" exclaimed Alexandra, as her father carefully turned her around so they could get at the back of her dress.
"You heard me. Explain please!"
"I can't daddy, I'm consecrating on how much my arm is hurtin' me, and so should you?" she frowned.
"Alexandra, I am concentrating; on both. Why don't you just tell me right from the start? I dropped you at school and..."
"Then I went ta school. Marty was late, so I went to the bank and deposited some money, then saw Marty and then someone done shot at us."
"Hop Ling didn't see you Alexandra. I went to the school and you weren't there either. Mrs. Wilburns had taken over the afternoon classes. She said you and Josh were missed during afternoon roll call." expanded Marty.
"Ohhh? You sure she just didn't see us; I don't recall her callin' our names, there's lots of children. She couldn't have remembered anyone that didn't answer her, cause they weren't there so she must have seen us to remember that we weren't there. Don't make sense someone missing someone that ain't there, so we must have been there, she must not a seen us is all."
Marty squeezed her eyes and aimed them at Alexandra's the profile. Alexandra looked the other way. "She missed you not being there, because, she had another pair of Bl... item of clothing taken from her clothes line early this morning. And seeing that your Tree House Gang were responsible for the last theft of her... item, she was going to ask you or Josh about it. But neither of you were there for her to ask."
Alexandra held onto her arm, hardly aware that her Uncle had slid the dress off her good side. She jiggled her leg and looked back at Marty pleading for her, to not say another word. "Gee Marty she told you all that, no wonder you was late meeting me at Hop Lings; ya wasted a lot of time talking ta that old gossiping sticky nose big bu..."
Adam seized the moment before Alex could waffle on. "Alexandra, where were you all afternoon? Ted and Jack's lawyer also knew you; knew Garner- Hallett; he shot the man when he tried to fire again."
"He did. Good. That is one very bad man. I told ya, dad. See he did shoot Ted. He woulda shot you too."
"And, you Alexandra, you should not have been in town." growled Adam.
"Owwwww... Jiminy Jehoshaphat !" Uncle Hoss." yelled Alexandra when Hoss moved her arm slightly so that he could pull the sleeve from it. "That hurt bad, Uncle Hoss; don't do it no more!" said Alexandra, stamping her foot, as tears sprang to her eyes.
"Gonna hafta sweetheart, but it won't be so bad, this time, your three petticoats don't have long sleeves. Let's see iffin we can get all three off at once." said Hoss.
Alexandra shook her head, and sniffled as Adam quickly undid the back yokes of her petticoats, then slid each shoulder strap over her good arm. He nodded to Hoss when all three were done, then asked. "Alexandra, I will ask this only once, and I want a truthful answer. Where were this afternoon when you should have been in school and how does Mr Barkley know you?"
"But, I'm gonna be in big trouble, Dad."
"You are already, we need to sort this out and I need the truth. Start talking!"
Alexandra turned away, not able to face her father. "Okay dad, but it won't be easy ta understand, cause my thinkin is off cause my arm hurts bad and I can only use one arm ta explain."
Marty tried to stifle a giggle. Adam glared at her, and was thankful Joe wasn't here. That's all Alexandra needed; an audience to play up to. Adam held up his hand cueing Hoss to wait, until the child started to talk. Adam was pretty confident; that Alex, while trying to save her hide, was going to be oblivious to the sudden jab of pain she was going to feel when Hoss removed the last of her petticoats.
" Me and Josh met Mr Barkley at the Silver Dollar. We was doing my act there; The little darling of Nevada; Mah Lady Star. I performed a song and magic act I done learned a long time ago. I sang Old Tom Cat. Meough, meough, meough, and did the shell game trick and then pulled lots of stuff outta my hat. It was Grandpa's ole opre hat that weren't no good anymore cause Jasper put a hole in it and laid her eggs in it; real regular too, since she didn't hafta share a nest with them other snobby hens. They jealous of her red plumes, I reckon. Anyway me and Josh were trying to make enough money to... well we was making enough money, so I could give to that nasty Mr. Garner-Hallett, so he would go away, and never come back. We retracted the professional services of Mr Barkley; he's a lawyer. I was going ta give him the money to take to that nasty man and tell him to get out of town, and to GO TO HE... OWWLLLEEE; Uncle Hoss you done caught me unawares." She grabbed her arm and turned her body away from her uncle, who had finally removed all her petticoats, and buried her head in her father's chest. "You tricked me, AGAIN!" She mumbled loudly before she burst into tears with the pain.
"I'm sorry Pumkin' but we need ta have a look at this shoulder," apologized Hoss. "It don't look broken," he said, "What do reckon, Adam?"
"No, it's not broken, just dislocated."
Alex pushed back with her good arm, and stood on the chair dressed only in her cotton bloomers and chemise, before pulling her bad arm against her; held protectively by her good one. She met her father's eyes; face to face and then glared at him and then her uncle. "How do you know; you ain't a doctor, dad, neither are you, Uncle Hoss; jist leave it ta Doctor Paul for when he comes back," she scowled stamping her stocking clad feet on the chair seat, sending one them pooling below her knee.
"Alexandra, I'm getting a little tired of your sass. I know it hurts, but Uncle Hoss and I have seen many a broken bone, leg, cuts and bullet wounds out on the trail, and we are pretty sure..."
"But..." Alex tried.
"And while in normal circumstances, I would wait for Doctor Paul, but, he's very busy with Ted right now. It's a very dangerous operation, you heard him say that. We shouldn't wait to pop your shoulder back in, it's only going to stretch your ligaments and be more painful when we do."
"Is it my fault, dad, that Teds hurt so bad, he's gonna be alright isn't he?"Alex threw herself into her father's chest again and buried her head, crying.
Adam picked her up, and cradled her close, where she tucked her wounded arm in between her father's chest and her own. Adam held her and rocked her, patting her back gently. "You should not have been in town Alexandra and you shouldn't have skipped school, or even thought of such a dangerous plan, paying Garner- Hallett off, and you and I will be having a very serious discussion about all of that… But it is not your fault that Garner- Hallett is a bad man and shot Ted. Now we have to help everyone get fixed up, so your shoulder…"
"No dad, its gonna hurt, it's okay here it feels real good, honest," pleaded Alexandra as she tucked herself into Adams chest.
"You Know Alex, Doctor Paul might have to give you some special medicine..." said Marty who had been listening from the bed. She too could now see Alexandra's shoulder and was also sure that it was only dislocated. She still felt a little woozy from her head wound, but tried to help the boys convince the child to let her father and Uncle re- locate the shoulder, "Yucky medicine," she disclosed.
"Don't care," pouted a sniffling Alex.
All the time Adam made soothing sounds, he turned and patted and rocked Alexandra, trying to convince Alex that they needed to relocate her shoulder joint. Hoss looked at him over Alexandra's mop of curls, and twirled his finger, in the air; telling him to keep turning. Then he mimed where Adam should place Alex's arm.
Adam blinked his eyes at Hoss, indicating he understood. "Your arm feel comfortable there, Alex?" he asked, "It's not getting squashed, here why don't you rest your hand on your good shoulder, give that other one a rest."
"Okay daddy." Alexandra lifted her arm slowly and placed it on her good shoulder, so that it crossed her chest, "Ow, Ow, Ow," she whimpered. "No more; no more moving it now, dad."
Adam searched both Hoss and Marty's approval at the position. Hoss nodded as did Marty from her propped up position from the examination table.
"Okay stay close to me then, Alexandra."
Alex leant her head on Adam's opposite shoulder, while Hoss moved in closer. "You know Alexandra", whispered Adam, "Doctor Paul may even have to give you a nee...
"Adam Cartwright, don't you dare threaten that child in that way, she'll never let the doctor give her..." Marty went on to spell it out, " a N.E.E.D.L.E. again."
Alexandra's head shot up, "Needle? Whatttttt!"
All of a suddenly Hoss embraced the pair. Placing his large hands on either side of Alexandra's shoulders and pushed and pulled quickly. Alexandra's shoulder popped back into place, as she gasped in fright and a split second of pain. Then she just as abruptly, she stopped and fainted.
Adam nodded his thanks to Hoss and then sat and cradled Alex, kissing her hair and humming a lullaby. Marty looked over at him, smiled and said, "You are a wonderful father, Alex is fortunate to be so loved."
~oOo~
Meanwhile over at the jail, young Jack Hunter had burst through the doors, looking for Jarrod Barkley. He could hear them all from the cell block; Clem, Sherriff Coffee and Jarrod, while they were attending to Garner - Hallett. He stopped and listened trying to contain his anger with the man who had shot his brother.
"I tell you, I thought the man was trying to escape, Sheriff. I thought I was doing you a service, this town a service, you coulda have had an escaped convict on your hands."
"You're a liar!" yelled Jack as he rounded the door way and stood in front of the open cell. "Ted didn't move till he heard the first shot." Jack lunged at the man sitting on a chair.
Clem foster intercepted the boy, "Calm yourself down son," he warned.
Roy was bandaging the man's arm. Jarrod's bullet had gone right through leaving a nasty hole, but Roy had managed to stop the bleeding and hadn't offered the man any whiskey while he'd done it either.
"Get that mad man away from me, how come he's loose, anyway? He was in here the other day, he should be in here not me, I'm a hero," snapped Garner-Hallett.
Jack lunged again. "My brothers the hero, you a stinking rotten low life bas... "
"Son, you jist get yourself calmed right down here and now. The judge dismissed the major charges against you, but your still on a good behaviour bond. This man ain't worth you going ta jail over. Now iffin I have to I put you in a cell for own safety, I will. What's it going ta be?" asked Roy.
"Okay, Okay... I need... I just..."
"Your brother, Ted; how's Ted, Jack?" asked Jarrod, softly, resting his hand on the young man's' arm.
"Docs operating. Says the bullets real close to his spine. Ted could... well he could."
"He'll be alright, Jack..." started Jarrod.
"It will be fine son, Doc Martins the best we got in this territory," added Roy.
"The Doc sent me for some clean clothes. He wants a night shirt, but I know Ted ain't got one, but maybe a clean shirt will do, I'm sure there's one in his saddlebag, Sheriff. I gotta get back there real soon," said Jack.
"I have a spare one here son, clean an all will fit yer brother, I get it fer ya as soon as I'm done here."
Jarrod, squeezed his shoulder, "The operation may take some time Jack, I'll come back with you. Why don't you go wait in the office."
"Okay, but iffin it's all the same, I'll just wait here." said Jack, and then glared at the man, sitting on the chair.
Garner- Hallett looked away, before he growled. "I hope you got somethin for this pain, Sheriff."
"Might have, though we want some honest answers from you first."
"I have given you one. I told you I was on my way from the mercantile... to the bank when I saw you crossing the street with these two. Yesterday they were locked up in the cells here. When I saw the big one take off, well I thought, he was trying to make a break for it...I"
"You have all the answers don't you Mr Garner- Hallett," sneered Clem Foster.
"Sheriff Foster. I don't know what you have against me, I..."
"What he has against you Mr Garner- Hallett, is evidence," said Jarrod holding up the leather bound journal in his hands, along with the small 32 pearl handled colt.
"What's that, and who are you anyway?"
"My names Jarrod Barkley and I am the Hunter brothers lawyer. I've also been retracted ... I mean retained by Alexandra Cartwright, to see to her affairs regarding your claim and her mother's property. She told me a lot about you Mr Garner-Hallett, not long before you tried to shoot her. I thought she may have been exaggerating, but she wasn't ... You're a bad man!"
Garner - Hallett looked nervous, but was not going to give anything away. "I don't even know the kid and ...well the guns mine, but the book thing I've never seen before. What evidence are you talking about?"
"This journal belongs to Katherine De Foe, it's a diary..."
"So the woman was insane from what I heard," scoffed the man.
"Not completely insane, ill and maybe, distraught, frightened, but clear enough at times to record the events that were eating at her; events that had her fearing for her child's life."
"You killed Darcy Plummer, you then attempted today to kill Alexandra Cartwright," accused Clem Foster. "We've put a lot of the pieces together and you story just doesn't hold."
"I told you I don't know the child never seen her, so why would I shoot at her?"
"You knew who the child was when you saw her today. You knew that she could place you at the Star and Garter when you threatened to kill her mother and her, if you didn't get what you wanted. We have the child's testimony on that, but it's all here too," said Jarrod, as held up the journal. "That night you took her gun, ; this gun, wrestled it off her. Then you came back; days later. You snuck up through the back stage tunnels. You threatened her." accused Jarrod.
Clem Foster poked his finger at the man's face. "You were sure she didn't have a gun, because you had it. And, you didn't think the young, nervous and frightened woman would have the presence of mind to purchase another."
"So when she pulled a gun on you..." added Roy.
"She take a shot at you Garner-Hallett? Her gun had been fired," Asked Clem. "Got you angry, I bet. But before you could do anything Darcy came up. His friends had been buying him drinks all night. Then convinced the boy; an eighteen year old boy, that he should venture for a kiss from Katherine, the pretty young owner of the Star and Garter."
"So when the boy arrived, he startled you and then... and then when he lunged at you; you shot him." surmised Jarrod.
Roy glared at the man. "And then you ran, you..."
"Yellow belly, no good bastard," added Jack.
All three lawman and interrogators' let Jack sum up their thoughts exactly.
Frank was sweating profusely at this stage. They knew the story, how exactly he didn't know, but they did; what did that woman write: Katherine De Foe, she must have written it all down. It sounded so cold blooded, they didn't understand, knew nothing of his life, his hardships. "He... He shot at me; the boy it was self defence," he stammered grasping at straws.
"He didn't have a gun." Clem stated flatly.
"Katherine had one; she screamed and fired at you again, before you could kill her. Was that your plan Mr. Garner -Hallett, were you going to claim you killed them both in self-defence?" asked Jarrod.
"No I..."
"You panicked. Katherine missed again, and you panicked," said Clem.
"She shot at me!" yelled Garner- Hallett, "that proves..."
"Proves nothin'," snapped Clem. "Darcy was dead; Katherine was heard screaming his name over and over. When they found her, the only gun there was the one she fired at you."
Jarrod nodded at Clem, knowing that the man was just about at his wits end. He decided to sum up his theory on the case. "In your panic Mr. Garner- Hallett, you ran, and took Katherine's pearl handled gun; the gun that killed Darcy Plummer. The one that you used to shoot at Alexandra Cartwright today, long before Ted, or Jack or I took off. We are all witness to that. And this journal; the same journal that saved Alexandra's life today; the same journal that has a bullet hole and the bullet still imbedded in it, is from the very same pearl handled gun that you held in your hand... Ironically Mr. Garner- Hallett is the fact, that while the bullet may have been lethal enough to kill a small child if it hit a certain spot, it was not lethal enough to destroy the pages of this journal. There is one dated the day, Katherine De Foe was sentenced to death; a moment of clarity for the woman. I'll read it to you Mr Garner- Hallett if you like, but once those words are out; they are words that will hang you. You might want to make a confession now, before that; throw yourself on the mercy of the courts, and in doing so help Katherine De Foe. She will be released because she is innocent of all crimes."
"She... she was mad... she's just a whore and her kid a bastard, just like me. Why should she get what was mine, why should she have the life I was supposed to have had, she was a WHORE! Just like my mother."
Roy couldn't contain his anger. He drew his arm back and landed a heavy blow to the man's jaw, knocking the man out.
"Aww, I wanted to that," complained Clem and Jack in unison.
"Gentleman, the prisoner has rights," quipped Jarrod Barkley," We need a confession, from a conscious man, one that has not been coerced. A confession will get Katherine De Foe out of jail a lot faster. She does not have time for another trial."
"Sorry," said Roy." Here give him some whiskey; I got some water; should I throw it on his face?"
"The whiskey should work," frowned Jarrod, though he really couldn't falter the Sheriffs sense of justice. He just wanted a clear cut confession.
Roy got the whiskey, and tricked a few drops, down Garner - Hallett's throat. He started to splutter, but then opened his eyes wide.
"Here," said Jarrod, taking the class of whiskey from Roy's hand and offering it to the prisoner. "Sheriff Coffee is going to help you write up your confession, and then the judge will come by in the morning and ask you if it's true. You will need to repeat the story to him and then he is will sign off on it."
"And if you stay nice and civil like and not go a callin' a hard working woman, who did everything she could to protect her child..." said Roy
"Including going to jail in the hope you would not harm her child," added Clem.
"You call that little girls mamma a bad name, he might jist take into consideration that you lost ya marbles when yer tried killing that little girl... he might just put a good word in for ya so ya don't hang!" yelled Roy.
Garner- Hallett nodded. " I won't I won't I'm sick of fighting it. I'm sick of feelin angry and ashamed. I never intended ta hurt the child, or Katherine. I just wanted them scared enough that she would hand the theatre over to me. When I saw that kid today, I thought I'd been tricked again, just like I thought my father was tricked. I just got so mad, that little kid, laughing and... I just...panicked again. Yer right, just like that night, I didn't have time to leave the gun; either Katherine was gonna shoot me or the people running towards us was. I ran back out the way I came. Katherine saw me a couple of days later from her cell. I was real angry when I found out that she'd put the theatre in her daughters' name, with the half or quarter nigger... that Molly woman. Adam Cartwright had control of the kids share. I stood outside her cell and threatened her; told her I'd kill the kid, if she didn't take the blame. I knew she was half crazy and she'd believed me; she never said a word. "
"No but she wrote it down; thinking she was going to hang and hoping that Adam was on his way to get their child and keep her safe, but one day; the day when Alexandra was old enough to be given the key to this journal, her child would know the truth. Her mother wasn't a murderer. She was unstable, but not totally insane Mr Garner- Hallett, love and the determination that Alexandra would hold her head up high and never be ashamed, kept her sane enough to write down the truth."
Garner- Hallett at that point broke down and cried. All four men felt very little sympathy for him however, were not surprised at the man's human frailty..
Roy locked the jail cell leaving a weeping man curled up on his bed nursing his sore arm. They all headed out to the office, then Roy bolted the cell block door.
"Roy, Clem, you two are lawmen and reliable witnesses to his confession. I'm sure you can get it written up in the morning. Come on Jack, let's get that clean shirt for Ted," sighed an exhausted, but satisfied Jarrod Barkly.
"Wait what about Katherine's journal and the pages?" asked Roy, "its evidence."
"Here, Sheriff, here is the bullet. You have the gun, his confession and the accounts of today. If we don't have to, I'd rather not have to put this in evidence; it has a lot of personal information in it, one best kept private to those it concerns. There is really only one page that pertains to Garner-Hallett's guilt, the rest I sort of fabricated, well expanded a little. Call it imaginative licence. I'll get your newspaper office to press a spirit copy, if they need it for Katherine's appeal, and I think Adam should be the one to deliver it," suggested Jarrod.
"Yer probably right, Young Feller. You did a good job today. You're a fine lawyer. You never dropped yer guard. Figured all that out after reading a few pages," complimented Roy.
"We all put the pieces together, you, Clem and Alexandra."
"Well I'm surprised yer figured anything out; the little miss can go off on a tangent or two." Roy turned to Clem and slapped him on the shoulder. "You too Clem, we three sure make a good team."
"Thanks Roy. I'll get some wires off to Elk tomorrow. I'll be taking Garner- Hallett back there to stand trial," said Clem.
"As soon s we have the confession and the judge's consent and papers we'll send a wire to San Francisco. Katherine will be released, the confession should accomplish that," said Jarrod.
"Thanks boys, now young Jack that shirt," said Roy as he rummaged through his clean laundry package. Within seconds he pulled out a long pink night shirt. "Here, me and Ted are about the same size, nice and clean. Sorry bout the colour; Hop Ling had a bit of an accident last week."
Jarrod laughed, "Looks like someone, threw in some rose violet in his white wash. Had the same prank played on me in College; this accident have a name?"
"Yeah, Alexandra Willameena Cartwright."
~oOo~
Back at the doctor's office, Doctor Martin had still not appeared from his surgery. It had been well over three hours now, and Adam worried about Ted's chances the longer it took.
Alexandra had come to following the shock of re-locating her shoulder joint and Hoss was massaging the child on the examination table. Marty was sitting up in a chair. Adam had insisted on lifting her there and only allowing her to point out where Hoss could find some liniment. Marty wanted to object, but the look Adam gave, brooked for no argument, and while she didn't admit it out loud, the mild concussion induced a drowsiness and a bad headache. But, she was determined to stay awake, not only because of the concussion, but she too was feeling anxious about Ted's progress.
"See Pumkin, now don't that feel better?" asked Hoss gently massaging the shoulder.
"Yes Uncle Hoss, yer absolouted of yer tricky hug," said Alexandra.
"Absolved of his crimes, is he now," quipped Adam. "Well little lady as soon as we get Marty settled , you and I are going to be talking about yours."
"Can we wait fer mah Lawyer dad, there are some intimidating circumcisions.."
"Yes well circumcisions can be a little intimidating," quipped Marty smirking.
Adam shook his head, "Stop encouraging her," he frowned.
Mitigating circumstances, I think is the word you're looking for, Alexandra," said Jarrod as he walked in the doctor's office behind Jack, who carried a pink bundle of clothing in his arms.
"How's Ted, is the doctor still in there?" asked Jack.
"Yes, but it shouldn't be long," answered Marty, sobering at Jacks worried expression.
Adam leaned forward and held out his hand while keeping the other one firmly behind Marty's chair. " Mr Barkley, Adam Cartwright. I'm sorry I snapped at you before. I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. You saved my daughter's life."
"My shot got him before he could fire a third time Mr Cartwright…"
"Adam, please call me Adam. "
Jarrod nodded, "But besides Ted, it was this, Katherine's journal that saved Alexandra. The first bullet hit her book stack, sending Alex to the ground, and Ted running. I caught Garner – Hallett's movement out of the corner of my eye, as he fired the second shot." Jarrod turned to Jack, "I'm sorry Jack; I just wasn't quick enough."
Alexandra turned head away from the conversation as soon as she saw her father's eyebrows shoot up when he saw the Journal.
"Alexandra, why did you have your mother's journal?"
"Zzzzzzzzz," a soft snoring purr was the child's answer, feigning sleep she hoped.
Adam rolled his eyes, and leant over and gently smacked the small rump hidden beneath her cotton bloomers. "I know you're not asleep, Alex."
"Oww, dad, your gonna dislocate my bum. "
"You're right I am. Now answer me. " said Adam, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling.
"I found it your drawer with my birthday money. I thought it might have some magic tricks in it. Mamma used to write all sorts of things in it. Every time she made a new friend, or a saw a new act, or just for no reason at all, specially when she was feelin lonely. One time... "
"Okay, but did you not read the note on the back?"
"Yeah, but ... Is Stoddard really your middle name, besides dad, I never got it opened and I was gonna put it back and I didn't read any of it but it says when I'm older I can read it, well I'm older now ain't I, so even iffin your note said I couldn't read it; it mean yet, but that yet was a long time ago when I was little and I first come here with you and now I'm eleven, an older so I wasn't sure whether it was okay for me ta read or not. Uncle little Joe's middle name is Francis and Uncle Hoss name is really Eric ... Ahh, what's yer middle name Uncle Hoss?"
"It's Haas, that's really why they call me Hoss, means big in stature and big in spirit, jist like..."
"Hoss, don't let her get off track. Alexandra, If you weren't sure bout whether you were old enough to have the journal, , which you are not, why didn't you ask me?"
"Guess, I forgot, besides dad, I didn't get it open, and being old enough is jist a matter of time."
"A long time Alexandra," scowled Adam.
Jarrod handed over the journal. "I'm sorry the lock broke; must have happened with the impact. But Alexandra is right, to some extent..."
"That I'm old enough?"
"NO!" said Adam and Jarrod in unison.
"Hey! Yer supposed ta be ma lawyer!" groused Alexandra.
"Alexandra, ironically, the journal did have a bit of magic in it; the bullet not only saved your life, but I found an entry..."
"About magic Mr. Barkley? Momma loved magic she would write down all of Ivan's tricks. One time, Ivan said he was gonna make Delilah disappear and he put her in this box, but the audience just moaned cause they'd seen this trick lots a times, figuring out there was a door at the end of the box, but Ivan said he'd knowed what they were thinking, so he done spun the box around and around, so that the audience could see there was no door and that nobody could get out of the box, or into it neither, well it was spinnin' really fast and then started shakin' and..."
Swat! Adam landed another slap to Alexandra's upturned bottom, this time with a little more force. "OWE!"
"No more deflection or procrastination, Alexandra."
"Don't even know what them fancy words mean," she grumbled, "Guess it means yer don't wanna know how the trick turned out!"
"I do," exclaimed Hoss.
Alexandra and Hoss looked at Adam's scowl, his nerves and patience just about shot.
Alexandra shook her head, "Maybe later Uncle Eric Haas, jist don't put that liniment away; reckon I'm gonna need it, you might be big in spirit, but Stoddard must stand for Dad's got a stone hard hand, as well as a Yankee granite head. "
Hoss couldn't agree more.
Jarrod Barkley laughed, relieved to some degree. This kid was something else, she'd seen all sorts of traumatic events, but she marched on, looking at the world with wonder. He hoped for her, that would never change. "No it wasn't that sort of magic trick, Alexandra, but it did the trick. Katherine made an entry in it while she was in jail; there towards the back of the journal, in between several blank pages. "Jarrod pointed to Katherine's journal.
Adam found the page and paused silently.
"I only read those few pages t Adam, though Garner - Hallett didn't know that. Clem and I confronted Garner -Hallett, between the two of us we put the pieces together."
"I've never read it either," whispered Adam. "It was locked and no one could find the key. Molly gave it to me just before we left Elk with Alexandra, along with a few of Katharine's other possessions. Molly couldn't have known this was there. It would have helped at the time of the trial and the first appeal."
"What does it say, Adam?" asked Marty.
"It says... Baby I love you. Not a killer. Frank killed Darcy. Won't let him hurt you. Never never hurt you, never never hurt my baby, never hurt you, never hurt you, never hurt never hurt you; it's written over and over."
"It may not have been enough to convict him at the time, but enough to investigate the possibility that someone else was there that night. Clem Foster and I took the chance, and put the story together. Iit wasn't hard with the recently discovered evidence, but the good news is, that Frank Garner - Hallett just confessed, not only to today's shooting, but to the murder of Darcy Plummer, believing that Katherine cited the whole event in that journal. So yes, Alexandra, it did have a little magic in there that we used.
Jarrod took a breath and finished, "The sheriff and Clem are handling all the paperwork. By morning Clem will have him officially in his custody on his way back to Elk to stand trial."
" I wish you had shot him," said jack.
"He should at least hang for what he has done," added Adam.
"He may, but why don't all of you let justice do its job. Had I killed him today we would never have gotten his confession. As soon as the paper work is complete I will make sure the documents are sent off to San Francisco."
"I will deliver them personally to Drew Kennedy. Katharine's appeal will be upheld, she'll be free," nodded Adam a great weight lifted off his mind.
"She will be free within the week Mr Cartwright; as soon as those papers get there. You can take the originals, though the post may be faster."
Adam nodded. "You're right, but I'm still going. I want to be there when they release her."
"And me, dad?"
"Hmmm," he looked at Alexandra's pleading eyes. He wanted to protect her from her mother's condition, the filth and the way she had to live, but he would not be able to deny her forever, and he wouldn't want to. "Maybe sweetheart, I want to get her to a good hospital first."
Marty smiled. "Oh Adam, Alexandra; that's just wonderful. If you can, you must bring her back here, I can nurse her, I can help. "
Adam knelt in front of Marty." If she is well enough to travel, perhaps, and if her care is something we can manage," he said almost choking with emotion. " You are a beautiful human being, Martha Elisabeth Strawn." he announced and kissed her hand, leaving his warms lips there a moment so the tear that had escaped would go unnoticed.
However, It did not go unnoticed by Marty. Her hand absorbed its wetness while her heart was captivated by its warmth. "Perhaps, one day this town will have a hospital, and then people like Katherine can come home." she offered with emotion.
"And patients like Ted can recuperate with around the clock care," said Paul Martin as he appeared in the door way looking exhausted.
Dawn stood behind him, pale but with a proud expression on her face.
Doctor Martin turned to Jack. "We got the bullet out, and he's doing fine. I'd like to give him a transfusion, though."
"So he'll live?" asked Jack, with everyone smiling and beaming at each other.
"Yes he will, I'm also confident that he will walk, there was a little muscle damage, but no spinal damage. He's still needs care, I'd like to have him stay here. My guest room has a nice long single bed. He'll be on his stomach for at least ten days, while the stitches heal. Then another six weeks perhaps on his back with no bending and, no sitting at the very least. Hoss I'll get you and Jack to help me move him after I've finished with the transfusion. "
"What about me, Doctor, can I go home now?" asked Marty.
"No Marty."
Marty scowled, annoyed at feeling helpless and considered fragile. Paul ignored her and turned to Adam. " Adam, she needs to be watched just for tonight. Between her and Ted we'll all take watch. You can take her to my room, the rest of you get some sleep in the spare room next to where I put Ted; that's it for rooms. Everyone get something to eat, then get back here. Marty another hour and I'll give you a powder; how's your head?"
"Good."
"Hmm I don't believe you. Adam set her up. Dawn show them where my room is."
Hoss, Marty and Adam looked at Dawn, whose face was no longer pale from the long hours of surgery, assisting Doc Martin. Instead a reddish pink flash rose steadily from her neck to her face.
Adam, coughed, breaking everyone's musings and Dawn Marie's blush from taking over her face completely. "Paul, you've just about got a little hospital ward happening here, well for tonight anyway."
"Yes Adam, I thought of converting the two spare rooms to a ward, though I'd prefer to have my surgery closer to the kitchen."
"It could be done Paul. I'd be happy to do up some drawings for you. We can extend the living quarters upstairs as well."
"That was my idea too, though I can't really afford it right now, but the drawings will give me an idea, how much it will cost and what I will need."
"I have some money," Interrupted Alexandra. "I don't know what happened to Josh and my purse from today but…"
"It's here Alexandra," said Jarrod, holding up the flour sack.
"Doctor Paul; you could have that to start with, couldn't you? It's a hundred and twenty dollars. It would build you a hospital, wouldn't it? It would be for Ted and others too, maybe people like my mamma."
"A hundred and twenty dollars would be a start, Alexandra, but it would take a lot more to build an entire hospital. Thank you honey, but what does Josh think about you giving your hard earned money away."
"Oh he's fine, we..."
"Wait a minute," growled Adam, "You earned a hundred and twenty dollars busking at the Silver Dollar. And people gave that to you for just singing?" asked Adam.
"Well, yes and no, dad, you see…"
Adam took the flour sack and opened the contents; he took out the balance slip. His eyes went wide when he saw the transaction details. He pinched the bridge of his nose, before sighing. "Paul, yes take this money, it will help pay for the conversion of the spare room into a ward," he said, handing the sack to Paul. "But, Alexandra Cartwright, you young lady… "He shook his head and took another breath. "Let me get all this straight. After being punished this morning, you decided to find another way to get Garner-Hallett out of town; namely pay him off. So, you took your mothers journal, your birthday money, you skipped school, and then proceeded to the Silver Dollar; A SALOON! and; no place for children."
"There were lots of…" tried Alex to explain.
"You collected money, for songs and tricks. Tricks or Bunco's?" it suddenly dawned on Adam, "You tricked people out of their money. That is illegal, and I suspect Mrs Wilburns missing bloomers have something to do with all that! So let's now add petty theft to the growing list…"
"There's nothing petty about Mrs. Wilburns bloomers, dad, besides that was the best part of my act!" defended Alexandra.
Jarrod nodded in agreement, " So it was; had the place in an uproar of laughter, though the grumpy miner that paid her a silver dollar was not as impressed when he Ended up with them on his head."
Marty, Dawn, Jack, Hoss and Doc Martin exploded with belly laughs, , then abruptly stopped when Adam glared at them; knowing they should not be undermining the man's authority and parental concern.
"Petty theft, is petty theft, Alexandra, though, the changing of my deposit slip for a withdrawal, is fraud; much more serious." Adam aimed his disconcerting bushy eyebrows at the eleven year old sitting on the examination table. "So; disobedience, theft, lying and fraud…" he counted off with his fingers. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Well dad, you see…"
Adam held up a hand. "The expurgated version, please Alexandra."
"Huh; isn't that a fancy word fer vomitin', dad?"
"No Alex, it means keep it short and to the point."
"Oh… well in that case, dad, I'd like to be deferri...ning to my lawyer, Mr Barkley. You can concurrent and communicate with him. You know put forward all yer claims and questions through him," smiled Alexandra.
TBC Chapter 22 :
A.N. Haven't got a chapter title for the next one yet, sorry about that, but I'm not sure what path I'm going to take. I know some people want to hear Katherine's story in a linear style narrative, and I had always planned to do that, in a story called Telegrams. Hope it won't be too long away, but I think I want to finish this one up and at least deal with Alexandra's misdemeanours. Thanks again to Lajoci for adding and bettering this form me, yes she made it better. Thanks too for all the great reviews. Hello to Elizabeth, and other Guest who left lovely comments. Please let me know of any glaring errors. I've checked this while extremely tired.