Guns and Switches.
Previously; Marty Ted, and Alexandra, caught in the cross fire from Frank-Garner Hallett, were taken to Doc Martins and receive medical attention. Marty received a concussion, Alexandra an dislocated shoulder, However Ted's injuries were severe and Doc Martin performed surgery on him. Jarrod Barley, Roy Coffee and Clem Foster, interviewed Garner - Hallett where he confessed to killing Darcy Plummer and let Katherine be Jailed for it. Garner- Hallett will be taken to Elk to stand trial. Wires and a application for a full pardon for Katherine will be made to the courts in San Francisco as soon as possible. Alexandra is still to answer for her misdemeanours however she has retained Mr Barkley as her lawyer her will plead her case for leniency.
~oOo~
Chapter 22: The 5th; The Right Not To Self Incineration.
The night had finally turned quiet. Hoss helped take Ted into the guest bedroom, after the Doc had finished giving him a blood transfusion. Young Jack sat beside his sleeping brother sipping a hot tea. Upstairs, Marty and Alexandra were both settled down on Doc' Martins big double bed. Adam had stayed with them until they had eaten some broth, and Marty had gone to sleep. Alexandra was given the same instructions, closed her eyes, and waited until her father had left the room. Hoss had headed off to the Silver Dollar, taking up Jarrod Barkley's offer of the room he had booked there. Doctor Martin escorted Dawn Marie Potter home to get some well earned rest, and then returned to his office within fifteen minutes. He made himself comfortable on the large sofa in his parlour, trusting the night watch of both his patients to Adam, Jack and the good Mr Barkley.
Alexandra couldn't sleep. She got up, deciding she would go out to the porch where she could hear the murmurings of her father and Jarrod Barkley; her lawyer. As she headed for the door she passed Doctor Martin's desk, then recalling something Mr Barkley had said to her, sat down and pulled out a blank piece of paper. She reached for the quill and ink pot, remembered she still hadn't received her Ink dip pen licence yet, so she found a pencil and started to write...
Dear Mr President,
How are you, Sir? My names Alexandra and I'm eleven years old. I know you must be busy an all, havin jist moved at Washington; I betcha yer still looking fer stuff in yer new house. I'm sorry ta be writing in pencil sir, but its late here and I reckon I might get a bit messy in the dark with the ink an all. I do have neat penmanship, but I ain't officially got my quill licence yet. Which is kinda Willy Fitzgerald's fault; because he done bumped me on purpose when I caught him trying ta stick Lydia Ann's pigtails in the ink well. I was telling him ta stop, and Miss Jones overheard me and scolded Willy. I ain't no snitch, but Wily got mad at me and punched me on the arm a little and my letter g went all messy, and well that's why I didn't get my dip pen licence.
I suppose yer wondering why I'm writin' to yer. Well my friend, Mr Barkley, he's a lawyer jist like you, was saying that he was going ta be in Washington next week ta talk to some important people about the constitution and land rights and a whole lot of stuff. I know you got some big worries with the south at the moment and you being the father of our country must be ready ta busts some heads. My grandpa has three sons and they'd was always fighting when they'd were younger and grandpa had to bust heads. He really didn't break them though, he'd just tan their butts, or separate them like sending them to their rooms. Once in a while they were sent straight ta bed without supper, but grandpa never really like that, he reckon there were times enough that he went hungry, and he reckons that jist plain mean.
We've been working on the constitution an all in class, and I reckon you politicians have got ta look at making them a bit clearer. First off, you gotta, say men woman and CHILDREN are protected by the constitution, and the amendments. I knowed women and children ain't got the vote an all, but one day they will, and I reckon yer should be happy ta have more people voting. Iffin yer want more folks ta join the union; you should be getting more signatures, specially iffin you include women too. That means ya need ta look at what's fair for woman ta own land. My momma's in jail, cause a man tried ta say her and her momma and her sister couldn't own land and that it was rightly his. That got all sorted out, but he was real mad at momma and tried ta hurt her. Then he blamed her for killin' someone. Mr Barkley, and my daddy and my momma's lawyers done all figured it out now, and when my momma appeals go in they will free her. Though, it could be some time still, and she is real sick. That's not want I'm wanting yer help with, though iffin she ain't out by the time you get this here note and you know anyone that could pardon her, that would be fine by me. Thing is though, iffin there was fair laws about woman, single or married owning land and making decisions then maybe this wouldn't happened in the first place.
Now my real problem is with the Fifth Amendment, the one where ya allowed ta have council and ya don't have ta incinerate yerself. I done got my lawyer ta represents me on that one, but my daddy won't have a bar of it. He reckons I ain't in danger of going ta jail, just getting my backside blistered; well if that ain't incineration , I don't know what is. Yer see, I done helped catch this bad guy with the help of my lawyer; Mr Barkley. Well I had ta do a few naughty things ta crack the case. I had ta skip, school and then sorta take a lone from my bank account that needs my daddy's signature...and well a few other things my daddy ain't to happy about. But it was all for good cause.
But, he says that I can't claim not saying anything, cause I'm a miner; that's the kid type of miner not the men who dig in the mines, sides I wanna be a rodeo rider when I grow up, or maybe a great magician, though I gotta work on a couple of tricks first. Thing is cause of all that, the skipping school part, I'm in big, big trouble. Mr Barkley, I hope, is still pleading my case, though my daddy is a stubborn fella. It might end up being too late for me, but I reckon you could look at that fifth amendment and make sure it says that everybody has the right not to incinerate theirselves, even if they a miner, or a saloon dancer or an Indian that was born in this country, or a African man who was a free man afore he came here and so still should be free, or even someone like Miss Jones who done teached us all this stuff, but is a woman and jist a smart as a man.
Well, I done said my piece and I know yer real busy running the country and in a new office an all, but I'd like ya ta think about it some anyway.
Yours sincerely,
Alexandra Willameena Cartwright.
P.S. iffin yer ever down Nevada way, yer can stay at my house. I knowed yer real tall, so is my Uncle Hoss and my daddy made all the doors big enough fer him ta fit through.
~oOo~
Earlier Jarrod had walked out onto the porch and saw Adam sitting quietly on one of Doc Martin's wicker chairs, Katherine's journal was held tight in his hands. Jarrod sat down in a matching chair and placed two hot cups of coffee on the small tea table in between them. He pulled out a small flask and poured a drop or two into the coffee mugs.
"Port," he clarified, "A habit I learnt from my father, adds a nice velvet touch to the good brew; just what one needs for a long night." He returned the flask to his dishevelled coat pocket and pulled out two cigars from his top inside sleeve, "Here, this goes nicely with it also."
Adam happily accepted and both men sat back, simultaneously deciding to relax. "Another habit learnt from your father?" asked Adam, enjoying the casual atmosphere and banter.
"No, Business men. I'm not a criminal lawyer usually Mr Cartwright..."
"Adam remember?" corrected Adam as he chewed the end of the cigar and spat into the bushes that edged the porch.
"Adam," repeated Jarrod and did the same with his cigar tip, before putting one foot up on the post in front of him and leaning back in his chair. "I specialise in contractual law, lands and acquisitions."
"That would have been a real help too. Ten years ago that's how all this started," stated Adam.
"Well I wouldn't have been much help to you then I was only twelve," chuckled Jarrod, "though I am interested in the story. We studied transcripts from the trail; Katherine's diminished responsibility defence, in law school. Unfortunately not all the background information was there, only that her actions were motivated by an attack ten years ago in the same dressing room. In her diminished state you believed she was reliving that attack, and thus acted in self defence."
"We know different now, but that incident ten years ago was the catalyst," Adam announced broodingly.
"You want to talk about it?" asked Jarrod, drawing on his cigar.
"Don't mind," said Adam. Pulling out the journal, he lightly ran his flat palm over its soft leather cover. "There are still a lot of personal questions I want answers to, I hope I'll find some of them here," he said wistfully. "But, that incident is now pretty clear. The weeks following the attack, I'd forgotten a lot about it; that night, that week really, but bits and pieces have come back to me over the years. Katherine's journal, helped clarify those memories."
Adam swallowed the rest of his coffee and port, and drew in the sweet tobacco of the cigar. Jarrod waited patiently, doing the same sipping and smoking. He blew tobacco rings into the night air. Both men watched them as they rose and dispersed around the dim light of the porch kerosene lamp. Jarrod then poured Adam another shot of port into his empty coffee cup.
"A little over ten years ago, no eleven now, my Pa took me on a trip to Elk. My stepmother had died six months before, and the family had been through a pretty rough time. My father's grief had incapacitated him for a while and I ran most of the ranch by myself. Pa finally got himself together and encouraged me to apply for college back east. With that on the horizon he took me to Elk with him; one last trip, just him and me, before I left for college. He was negotiating timber contracts with the mine owners in Elk. It was a pretty, thriving little camp, in the throes of becoming a town. It bragged of a theatre; the Star and Garter. A man called Frank Hallett owned it and while there were several quality acts, it also was a sporting house and had rooms for some high rolling poker games. The theatre was basically a cover for Frank's other business ventures.
Katherine and her mother were just one of the acts there. Pa would never let me go, because of the other activities; I was just shy of my eighteenth birthday. However, I snuck in one night. Katherine snuck me in through a basement that lead to the backstage, vomitories and tunnels. She dressed as a boy that first time, conned me out of a full dollar for a sneak look at the evening's performance; A stage play of Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela."
"Ironic," said Jarrod. "The lead is a female, fighting for her social status and virtue, tacky story in parts really.
"Yes, it was, but I liked the premise of the story. And it was ironic in some ways. Katherine's mother had been buying shares in the theatre; defaulted bank re-payments of Franks. Willameena wanted to close the sporting house down. Katherine was conceived out of wedlock. Willameena had had an affair with a southern gentleman. When she became pregnant, she was virtually paid to leave town. The daughter of a Carnival owner was no fitting bride for a southern property owner. So, Willameena left with the money and Molly; a little bi- racial child, fathered also by Katherine's father; effectively Katherine's half sister. Willameena added to her finances, playing the carnival scene and performing her act in different theatres. By the time she got to Elk she had a very good purse. Willameena was determined to by the theatre and give all the employers there a chance at honest work."
"Honourable," said Jarrod. "So how did you come to be caught up in all this?" he asked.
"Well while Pa was busy with meetings, I developed a relationship with Katherine. We would meet in the morning then again at night at the theatre. Katherine performed at the matinees, but wasn't allowed to perform for the night shows. She had to help out backstage with the girl's make-up and costumes. Once the night shows had started we would sneak off again and be back before final curtain. We had some wonderful times. It was that first love for both of us." Adam paused, a melancholy smile played on his lips. He sipped on his drink once more and drew on his cigar, when he caught Jarrod looking at him from the corner of his eye.
"I think we never forget our first love," said Jarrod.
"It was special, and Alexandra was a product of that, so even though a lot of what happened is painful for me, the conception is not. I would not have undone that, only... handled it differently."
"Those the questions you still need answers for; why she never told you about Alex?"
"Yes," Adam whispered. "One night, Frank had again gambled a large part of the theatre away. When he went to the bank to retrieve titles, he found out that Willameena had picked up all his outstanding debts and owned more of the theatre than he did. Worst of all the percentage he lost was not only everything he had, but more. He was furious. While Katherine and I were out, he barged into Willameena's dressing room and confronted her. He threatened her; accused her of stealing his theatre from under his nose. He would take it up with the sheriff, and have her ownership and titles disputed. She was an unmarried woman of disrepute in the laws eyes and would not have the legal status to fight it. Hallett intended to drag her name through the mud, and throw her out on the street. Willameena and he argued; she stating that she would fight it. That she had associates that would attest to her character; provide documents that would clarify her "widow status" and her claim would stand up in any court."
"She was bluffing," surmised Jarrod.
"To some degree, Willameena was a very formidable woman, though. She scared Hallett enough to enrage him. Katherine and I were returning from a late night picnic, when we heard shouting. Katherine ran in through the front doors of the theatre; they let her in, but stopped me. I took off around the back and came in the way we usually did. But by the time I got upstairs Frank was slapping Katherine around. Willameena had been knocked to the ground. Hallett had ripped Katherine's dress, and had hit her again in the face. I just dived at him. Sometime during our struggle, he tried to pull out his gun. He had almost beaten me to a pulp, and was aiming the gun at me when I kicked his hand away. He came at me again, and hit me with the butt of the gun, before turning to fire it at me. I collapsed forward and into his body. Next thing I know the gun went off, in between us. Frank was dead and I was unconscious. The other performers had come running and found all us in bad shape. The doctors examined Katherine she had a broken arm, and was unconscious. I too was unconscious for days. During that time my father helped Willameena and her family leave town. He secured the titles to the theatre. Hallett's debt to the gambler was never paid off, because he never came forward, so his brother Robert inherited his share and then sold them to my father. Willameena left Elk, before I regained consciousness. Management of the theatre was put into Ivan's hands, but the profits went to Willameena and Katherine."
"The sheriff cleared you of any wrong doing?" asked Jarrod.
"Yes. It was self defence. That was obvious, not only by my own injuries but Willameena and Katherine's. There were several witnesses to the raised voices. Pa fixed everything up with the bank and saw Willameena, Katherine and Molly safely on their way. However, Pa told me Katherine was traumatised by the whole ordeal. She had regained consciousness, but never spoke a word again. Katherine was molested, by Hallett, nothing more, though I think the doctor and others thought differently. What none of us knew at the time was that Katherine was pregnant with Alexandra. "
"So that trauma plagued her for the rest of her life," surmised Jarrod.
"I thought so at first. And then when I went to Elk after she was accused of Killing Darcy, I pursued that as her defence."
"A reasonable assumption."
"What we didn't know at the time was that Katherine was having bouts of mental instability, forgetfulness, anxiety and outbursts. Those incidents contributed to her state of mind and our defence, but it wasn't only the trauma of Hallett's attack years ago. Katherine was found to be suffering from lead poisoning. She had come into contact with it in her teens, then again when she moved back to Elk with her mother and Alexandra. She used to paint the sets for the plays, huge canvas backdrops. Each new scene was painted over a white ground; paint laced with lead. The mining that went on in Elk also had a lot of lead sludge from the machinery used. Several areas in the town were found to have high lead deposits as well. That all contributed to her mental state and her serious health issues. She also has a severe heart condition," explained Adam.
"Perhaps, that's one of the reasons she never told you about Alexandra."
"You mean she might have thought Alexandra was mentally unstable?" asked Adam, searching for Jarrod's meaning.
"No, perhaps she might have thought you would not believe Alexandra was yours," suggested Jarrod tentatively.
"I know she is mine," snapped Adam.
"I'm sorry, that was insensitive," apologised Jarrod, angry at himself for not choosing his words more carefully.
"Even if she wasn't, I wouldn't have left Katherine's child there in that town. Not with Katherine being labelled a mad killer. But, Alex is definitely a Cartwright. She is stubborn and smart, brave and resilient. She looks a little like my mother, and a little like Katherine. She has my fathers', though he would not admit to it, mischievous nature; little Joe has it too. Alex is funny and caring, and has a solid sense of fairness and justice. Like her mother Alexandra has a great zest for life. Everything has the potential to be a great adventure in her life, but with that comes along with a hefty dose of impulsiveness. She jumps in, just like Katherine did that night her mother was being attacked, just like with me and our... relationship. She should have..." Adam stopped, shaking his head. "It's my fault; Katherine was a wide eyed sixteen year old girl."
Jarrod chuckled a little trying to lighten Adam's mood. "Seems to me you both jumped into that one. It takes two," he said accentuating the last words with another two quick smoke rings, sent into the air.
"Yes, and I should have been more responsible."
"And that's what you want for Alexandra; for her to be more responsible, think before she jumps into the thick of things?" asked Jarrod.
Adam finished his second port and nodded."I don' want to douse that lively sprit and zest for life. I am proud that she sees the world as a colourful and fantastic place, but she needs to take the time to think, not jump in, not dive head first into the first plan that comes into her head. She is going to put herself in as much danger as her mother did."
Jarrod laughed.
"What's so funny?" frowned Adam.
"Alexandra! She sure has your brains, her mother's virtue and a whole lot of spunk that I don't think you going to re-direct overnight. You are one lucky man. That's all I can say."
Adam accepted the compliment and appreciated Jarrod's attempt to lighten the mood in good faith, especially after pouring out the details of Katherine's drama ten years ago. "I suppose I am getting a little morbid. You're her lawyer", he laughed," I expect now you are going to talk me out of punishing her."
"Well, she did plead the fifth, refusing to talk for fear of incinerating herself," quoted Jarrod with a chuckle.
"Yes," laughed Adam, "not going to stop me from incinerating her tail, though. She broke a lot of rules."
"Well, let's weigh up her crimes. She has retracted me you know and as her lawyer I should be a least plea barging against the severity of her punishment, though you're her parent; I'm not trying to undermine you, this is just a bit of fun."
"I know that, and believe me it's hard to stay mad at the little minx. I often have to bite my lip, and not burst out laughing at her. My father was a strict disciplinarian and his father even more so. I think I'm nowhere near as harsh as they were. But, I have to be a parent and while it's a lot of fun, discipline is part of the course. Most of the time a couple of wallops to Alex's backside will do and then I send her back out to play. A swat or two as a quick reminder without the laborious lecture, though Alex is the one who will draw out most of the discussions to that point."
"She sure does a great précis; real style," added Jarrod.
"Yes she is a smart one. So Lawyer for the defence, what would you do if she were your daughter?" asked Adam.
"If she was Audra; my little sister, I think I would try and treat them as all small separate infringements', even though they accumulated to one big mess. For the lessons you may want to impart, it may be more effective to keep it simple and consistent. So if Audra had skipped school, my father would have definitely paddled her little bottom, and if he didn't I would. I believe a good education is important."
"So do I" agreed Adam, thinking they were two men very much alike in many ways. And, even though Jarrod was younger, Adam felt comfortable with the young man.
"Yes, she'd definitely be getting a spanking from Father and maybe some extra school work from Mother or her teacher."
"What about putting herself in danger? That's the big one."
"Unfortunately that was out her hands. Garner- Hallett could have easily spotted her anytime anywhere. Even if she had been with your fiancé, the man still could have recognised her, so I think you should take that one out of the mix. You emphasized to Alexandra that it was not her fault Garner-Hallett was a bad man and acted the way he did. Thank goodness it turned out all right and we have Garner-Hallett's confession. In a court of law, her misdemeanour levelled the playing field; it makes it a more than even trade."
"You are good. Fact is, though if she hadn't skipped school she wouldn't have been there."
"But, she would have met up with your fiancé later, so she still could have ended up in the right place at the wrong time."
"Okay, I'll leave that one out of the mix. It was the most serious and would have earned her a damn good hiding, probably a week of damn good hidings. But, for now I'll reduce the sentence; I won't be letting her out of my sight. I'll be following her everywhere or she will be following me."
"I like that one. On behalf my client I'll take that deal," agreed Jarrod.
"Okay two down two to go," retorted Adam.
"The money and the journal?"
" No not the journal, though she will be getting a lecture about that, maybe I'll add some lines, like I will not misconstrue clear instructions given by my father written a hundred , no two hundred times."
"The kids going to have writer's cramp," laughed Jarrod, though I would love to see how she will misconstrue that actual sentence."
"At least it will keep her busy and out of harm's way, though it's this trust issue that keeps raising it head. Hmm I will think on that one. However, her performing tricks and con jobs in the Silver Dollar Saloon needs to be addressed as well as the money."
"Hmm fraud, on both counts really; a particular serious accusation," mused Jarrod dramatically.
Adam tried not to laugh at Jarrod. He shook his head from side to side. "The money, well technically it hers, but she was supposed to deposit money not take it out and not a hundred dollars."
"She deposited sixty, took out a hundred and twenty, so that's only half."
"Yes, but she lied to the teller," interrupted Adam, stabbing his cigar at Jarrod to emphasize his point.
"Well, you got her on that one", conceded Jarrod, "But, seems to me she can't pay the money back, and she did donate it to a good cause. The amount lost did not cause you or Alex financial hardship and in actual fact will benefit the town. So, fraud is a bit of a tough call."
"I'll call it lying then," conceded Adam.
"Okay, so what's your usual punishment for lying?"
"A spanking and restricted to the barnyard for two weeks."
"Well that's easy; you're going to be watching her anyway. So add a couple more swats to the spanking you already plan. Now the performance; the venue was in use as a waiting room, so the fact that it was a Saloon during normal times is irrelevant. There were other children there. Fraud also implies that their victims knew nothing of her deception. But, in this case that was not so, as Alexandra was actually performing a magic trick, one the audience was aware of and they expected trickery, albeit as entertainment. The audience were entertained believe me," smirked Jarrod, "but, and other than the last man, who was annoyed about losing his dollar, I was the only other patron that had lost the most money with their magic act."
"So, you can have the call on that one then, seeing that you were the victim," laughed Adam.
Jarrod looked smug as again he took a long draw of his cigar and exhaled. He twisted the cigar around in his fingers, then raised his eyebrows, " I am not pursing charges, as long as Alexandra signs a sworn statement that she will never go into a saloon ever again or perform that particular trick; The Rumpelstiltskin until at least she has mastered it," he announced triumphantly as he put the cigar back in his mouth.
Adam burst into a fit of laughter. "Deal, you can draw up that bargain in writing."
"Draw up what bargain, Dad?"
Both Men suddenly turned to see Alexandra padding her way across the porch, blanket in one hand and a letter in the other.
"Hey, it's late. What are you doing up?" asked Adam.
"I couldn't sleep, daddy. I'm a bit scared, can I sit with you for a while. Yer ain't still mad at me are ya?"
"No baby, I'm not, come here."
Alexandra climbed up onto Adams lap, snugging in close to his chest. "Phoo, Dad, what are yer smokin'? They smell like Grandpa's cigars. I though you got a good tanning for stealing one of them, you shoulda learnt yer lesson." said Alexandra waving her hand around her nose.
Jarrod laughed. "Oh really when was that?" he asked.
Adam put out his cigar," I was twelve," he clarified, "Anyway Alexandra, I'm a grown up now, I'm allowed to smoke, but I'll put it out just because it annoys you."
"Thanks Dad. So am I still in big, big trouble, for all... you know?"
"Know what?"
"Dad, I got a lawyer and I ain't incinerating myself; that's in the Fifth Amendment ya know. Have you talked about my case, looked at all the elongated circumspections and well... decided anything?"
"Yes we have, we've talked about the extenuating circumstances to your misdemeanours and you and I will be having a talk about the consequences of all your actions tomorrow. But, not to worry you have been well represented here by Mr Barkley."
"Good, so I don't have ta incinerate myself?" repeated Alexandra.
"No, you don't," chortled Adam as he wrapped the blanket tightly around Alex and kissed her forehead.
"Oh, Mr. Barkley, when you go to Washington can you give this to the president?" Alexandra poked her arm out of the blanket and held out the long envelop addressed to President Lincoln.
"Oh?" Jarrod frowned then smirked, "I'll try; I'll leave it with his secretary, perhaps."
"He mighten get to read it though, sweetheart. What's it about?" Adam looked at Jarrod, who only shrugged his shoulders back in confusion.
"Oh, it's about the constitution, and women's rights; you know, and the amendments an all. I jist got some ideas for him. Mr Barkley says he gets letters everyday and tries to read all of them, no matter who they's from. Though, I reckon iffin he got one from a queen or someone important, or a real good magician, he would probably read it afore mine."
"I will try my best Alexandra," said Jarrod." I best go give Jack a break. I'll see you in the morning, Adam. We'll send all those wires off," he added, as he stood up and stretched.
"Thanks. As soon as we've done that, I'm seeing if Doctor Martin will let Marty come back to the Ponderosa. Would you like to join us for supper?"
"I would thank you. See you then." Jarrod stood up and left the porch, leaving Adam and Alexandra by themselves in the quiet of the late night.
"What are you scared of sweetheart."
"Hmm, dunno...That bad man won't get out of jail, will he?" asked Alexandra, dropping her head back and looking up into her father's face, as she chewed on her lip.
"No Roy and Clem are over there at the jail, besides, he has got a very sore arm. He will never hurt you or me, or your momma again; anyone again."
"Why did he hate me so much?"
"Some people Alexandra have a really rough time in life. All of us have a rough time at one time or another. And it's just a fact of life that some day we will know sorrow, like when someone we love dies, or gets hurt. If we love and know happiness, we are certain, at one time, to feel sad. But, some people let all the bad things in life get to them. They can't handle the bad times and they blame others for their misfortune. Sometimes it's not really their fault either, some people don't have other people that love them or people to love, so their life is sad. They look to other things to make them happy."
"Like candy?"
"Yep, or money."
"That Mr Garner-Hallett didn't have a daddy like you or a momma that loved him like me or all the other good people that love me and I love; kinda sad, really daddy isn't it?"
"Yes it is, but he can't go around punishing people for wrongs they haven't committed. You did nothing bad to him or to anyone to make someone want to hurt you."
"Or you, dad. You didn't mean to hurt his dad, did yer? Maybe he didn't know that."
"Doesn't matter, he should have found out the truth."
"And he shouldn't have scared momma, or shot Darcy. Is he going to hang, dad?"
"I don't know. I think the judge might just put him in jail for a long time, because he finally owned up to all the bad things. And that confession will help get your momma out of the prison hospital."
"Well iffin he helps then, maybe God should give him another chance. But, he better stay away from us!" scowled Alexandra.
"Yes he better," agreed Adam.
"Will momma be able to come home?"
"Let's get her to a good hospital first. You never know miracles do happen. "
"That's right dad, no harm in hoping fer a miracle is there? Miss Marty says folks will tell ya that's just a false hope, well that ain't right dad, cause Miss Marty says, hope is hope. It ain't denying the possibilities of something bad happening, its jist pure and simple; HOPE! "
Adam rested his head on his daughter, listening to her innocent, poignant and naive banter. He kissed her forehead, "Hmm that's right, now why don't you close your eyes and try to sleep. Tomorrow you can see Ted before we head home."
"Miss Marty commin' with us dad?"
"Yes, I think she will be fine. I think she will enjoy being with us."
"I'm sorry she got hurt dad. Its hard yer know, I really like her, and I'm happy you and Miss Marty are going to be married. I'm gonna be lucky to have two momma's, just like I did at the theatre. I had three almost; Momma, Molly and Grandma. Still its goin to be a little bit hard for me ta do what all the grownups tell me to do all of the time."
"You'll manage and I will be here ta remind you."
"I... Kno...yaaawnnn," yawned Alexandra.
"Come on stop talking, time for sleep, it's been a very long day."
"Okay sing me a little song then, daddy," mumbled Alex. "the French one, about sleepin'."
Adam wrapped Alexandra up tighter as she burrowed down into his lap and chest. She was soon fast asleep; lulled into a peaceful dream caused by the quiet and deep rhythm vibrating from her father's voice through his chest.
Berceuse et bonne nuit, avec des roses bedight, Avec Lys o ' er de propagation est les tout petit lit de bébé, Fixe toi maintenant et reste, que ton sommeil soit bénie, Fixe toi maintenant et reste, que ton sommeil soit bénie
Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight
With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed
Lullaby and goodnight, thy father's delight
Bright angels beside my darling abide
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my chest.
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my chest.
`~oOo~
It was mid morning before Adam had gotten home with both Marty and Alexandra. They had left town happy that Doc Martin had given them their passes. Ted had had also had a good night. Doctor Martin was so pleased with his progress, that he surmised that once Ted's stitches were out, he would be able to get out of bed for a few hours a day; as long as he didn't sit down. Until the doctor was happy with his healing and nerve regeneration, Ted would only be allowed to stand or lay flat. Hoss and Adam had added a high chair to the bidet that would help when the need arose for Ted's morning ablution. Alexandra had spent the morning chatting away to Ted as Jack helped him with some broth. Ted had to laugh when Alex commiserated with him about not being able to sit down for some time, saying she knew just how he felt. Though, this time she was confident that her lawyer had convinced her father to go easy on her regarding the minor infringements, as she saw it, that lead to yesterday's events. Little did she know...
Adam and Marty now sat on the porch sipping tea and eating Hop Sing's famous doughnuts, while Alexandra was sent up to bed for another nap.
"How are you feeling?" asked Adam.
"Fine, still a bit of a headache, but other than that I'm fine".
"Well after lunch, maybe you should take some more of those powders the doc gave you and take another nap before supper."
"No more powders for me. I promised to help Hop Sing with dinner, besides the powders stimulate some very vivid dreams, I tossed and turned all night," complained Marty.
"Hmm what sort of dreams," smirked Adam. "There were a couple of times during the night I noticed you were..."
"What?" Marty's eyes went wide and her face turned red.
Adam laughed, and drew Marty closer, he took her teacup from her and then gently pressed his lips against hers, "That's nice, we've hardly had any time together for a while now. I'm not surprised you're dreaming of me."
"Who said I was dreaming of you?" she teased, though still relishing in the warm touch of his lips.
Adam pushed back a little and raised his eyebrows, "Why Miss Strawn, are you trying to tell me you were dreaming of someone else? Are you trying to make me jealous?"
"Could I make you jealous, Adam?" asked Marty softly.
"Yes, because I only dream of you. Now we could tell each other of our dreams. I am a true expert on the symbolism and analogies represented in dreams, Hoss has a book," he laughed, then kissed her again. "What about you Marty, are you ever jealous?"
Marty blushed again, though this time it was accompanied with a worried look. "Yes sometimes, but I feel terrible about it. "
"Well don't."
"But, it's very selfish of me. I'm not jealous of all the girls who practically throw themselves at you. I can compete with them!"
"Hmmm, like putting spiders in their purses," he quipped while nibbling on her ear.
Marty laughed." Oh that, yes, I have lots of little tricks up my sleeve. No, it's not those girls, it's... it's sometimes ... Katherine."
"Katherine?" Adam sat back and looked into Marty's eyes.
"Yes, Oh Adam, I'm so sorry."
"I' m so relieved... "
Marty, feeling terrible, rambled on, without at first, registering Adams reply. " I know that the poor woman deserves so much and she can't help her condition or the fact that she still loves you... I feel terrible that I've pulled you away from, well, having to juggle your emotions regarding both of us. And Alexandra; she's her mother and I can't replace that, but I'm jealous because I want that. I'm just being very selfish...Huh? Relieved?" she finally asked, confusion on her brow, after what she had just confessed.
"Yes, I was worried; you are so understanding and so good to me; maybe too good for me. You're a saint, wanting to help Katherine, willing to nurse her if she were able to come home, develop a relationship with her for Alex's sake. We would definitely be an unconventional unit. But I'm relieved to know you are very human and it's me you want. That you'd fight for that love, just like I would for yours. I'm relieved because it's real; you are real, Though, I'm very interested in these vivid dreams of yours," he added.
"Well perhaps tonight, after everyone's asleep, I may just reveal some of details," said Marty, a cheeky and playful grin written on her face.
"So they were of me," declared a confident Adam.
"Hmmm, and very nice they were too," purred Marty.
"Bugger the details, I say a demonstration is in order," suggested Adam, moving even closer to Marty as they sat on the porch.
Marty laughed, "Oh, Adam Cartwright you are very smooth."
"Smooth, Miss Strawn please you are eliciting such imagery." Adam pulled her in close and kissed her again, deepening it as he thought of her smooth and soft skin; the silky touch he would experience if only he could run his hands slowly over her curves.. Marty responded adding her own passion and exploration of his warm mouth. As they kissed, Adam ran his finger around the nape of her neck and released the clip holding her shimmering blonde hair. He inhaled deeply as he withdrew his mouth and exhaled softly; blowing through the feathered kisses he peppered across her cheeks and then down her slender neck, stopping at the opened top button of her lace collar.
"You smell like sunshine," he whispered in awe and adoration.
Adams' seductive exploration and beautiful words sent shivers down Marty's spine and further below. She gasped for a second, embarrassed at her body's involuntary reactions to the simple and light touches Adams lips could evoke.
Adam felt Marty the shudder, her heat rise, he's own mantra reacting to her passion. He kissed Marty again, this time slowly, pecking at her bottom lip and tasting the flavour of her smile. He moved his arms snaking one around her waist while the other caressed her belly.
Marty's stomached fluttered, and in doing so, prompted Adam to pull her closer allowing Marty to take his mouth and kiss him harder. This time both their chests groaned and their stomachs rumbled, inflicting a giggle from both that they also shared with their lips.
"I can't wait to marry you," professed Adam, breathlessly, as he leant his head against hers. He looked down into her eyes and smiled.
"I think you should eat first," quipped Marty, trying to take control of their growing passion. Though, Adam wasn't helping.
"Oh they weren't hunger pains, my dear Miss Strawn, they were the sounds of a man besotted," he chuckled.
Marty joined in his romantic tease and giggled. "Well perhaps we should eat first just the same, so I can be sure it's me you truly lust for."
Adam sat up straight. "Marty you're not having doubts ..."
Marty cut him off quickly. "No Adam there is no doubt I love you and that you love me, but I..."
"But you what?" asked Adam directly.
"Once we know what's happening with Katherine and San Francisco and..."
This time Adam interrupted, putting his finger too her still warm and swollen pink lips. "All those things can happen with you as my wife."
"Maybe, but I don't want you to concern yourself with that. I was going to ask to go with you to San Francisco, but now, I really think that's not a good idea; you don't need me as a worry."
"You wouldn't be. You should come; that's a great idea. You know the medical procedures, and I'd appreciate your opinion and your input, besides it's your family too; it's part of the Adam and Alexandra package. Of course you wouldn't be a worry at all, maybe a distraction," he smirked trying to make light of the situation. He leant to kiss her again only this time Marty stopped him.
"I don't want to be a distraction either, Adam. This is important, getting Katherine out of jail and proper medical help. Paul has referred you to the best. Really, I should not go with you."
"Marty, you do not need to sacrifice anything, you understand that. I want to marry you, because I love you and I want you to do the same. We are a priority."
"And Alexandra too, and Katherine, and Ben, and our families, we aren't all separate entities."
Adam stood up and paced the porch, "I know that. And families are all a juggling act. Is that's what scaring you; the juggle, because..."
"No that's not scaring me at all. And believe me I'm not on a self-sacrificing path here. I'll fight to the end for you and Alexandra and against Katherine, if I had too, but only if I was sure it would make you happy. There can't be any doubts. "
"There aren't," firmly declared Adam.
"Good. I'll be here waiting, then. And I hope you can bring Katherine home," she smiled, "Besides, I promised Joe and Hoss I'd help with the round up, they'll be a man short with you gone. And I'm going to show how we do it down under. "
"What? No!"
"What do you mean; no? You said I could join you on the lower plains for the round up, there. I've organised it with Paul. Dawnie can assist him for the next couple of weeks until round up is over. "
"No Marty. I' m not going to be there. If I were, then I'd feel a little more confident in..."
"In me... You have no confidence in me; is that what you are saying? I'll have you know, Adam Cartwright, that I've been rounding up strays and cattle since I was ten, just the smaller herds , but by the time I was twelve I was working with the drovers and doing the branding."
"They weren't Long Horns," articulated Adam.
"Long horns leg horns; so what! They're not dragons with seven heads and I'm no damsel in distress. Besides your father, Hoss and Little Joe will be there."
"No. Final!"
"What! Your father will hire me anyway; he said he was looking forward to it."
"Really, not this again, Marty. Pa put me in charge of the round up; the hiring and firing and the cattle drive. I'm the ramrod and you are not hired, Miss Strawn, and that's that! Now, weren't you going to help Hop Sing in the kitchen? We're having a guest for supper and I would like to deal with Alexandra before then. I have a little matter of trust to discuss with her." He said emphasising the word trust. He cocked his head sideways, hoping Marty comprehended the inference.
Marty pursed her lips then pulled up her shirts and started to remove her boots.
Adam looked surprised, "Marty, what are you doing?"
"Taking off my shoes! That's how you want your women isn't it Adam; barefoot and submissive... You... you ..." She seethed grabbing a boot in each hand ..." You Neanderthal ..."
Adam shook his head, and crossed his arms, glaring at her from the edge of the porch."A tantrum, Miss Strawn really, Alexandra and you both share a gift for the melodramatic."
"Oh and I suppose you'll handle that with a sound spanking, is that how you're going to teach her about trust?" spat Marty.
Adam uncrossed his arms; a little hurt by the sharp tone of Marty's voice. "No I have another idea about that lesson," he said, sounding wounded.
"I'm sorry Adam that was spiteful. You're a good father," she smiled trying to undo the spite. "It's just that you promised I could work on the round up."
"I don't want you hurt. I don't want to even think about you being hurt. Alexandra and I; we've had that heartache before, and we couldn't cope with another tragedy."
Marty calmed a little," I understand, Adam; okay then. You could have explained that earlier. I overreacted; you're just... just, just ... so bossy!" She added with humour.
"Only when it comes to being in charge," he quipped.
"Very funny," she scowled.
"Not as funny as you pulling your boots off like and angry little girl, albeit a cute one. So how about it, woman; you going to help feed all us Neanderthal s around here or not?" He teased.
Marty raised her eyebrows in indignation then her arms and hurtled her shoes one after the other at Adam. Adam quickly dodged the blows, and then narrowed his eyes at Marty, before taking a deliberate step towards her. Marty panicked, turned and ran, a squeal escaping her mouth as she scuttled along the porch towards the front door.
Adam scooped up both shoes in one smooth motion and pitched them at Marty retreating form.
Marty didn't make it around the corner in time and two yelps echoed into the yard, as they made contact with her not so well padded backside. Adam chased her and spotted her just before said backside disappeared around the massive door frame of the house.
Marty then turned around and poked her head out, "Smooth Adam Cartwright, real smooth," she reiterated with mirth and dripping sarcasm.
Adam blushed, standing still at the edge of the porch, when Hoss came out of the barn.
"You upset that little gal there, big brother?" he asked.
"Hmm, I am one of the few men honest enough to say they do not understand women. Hey Hoss you still got that book that old gypsy gave you about the meaning of dreams."
"Nah, I think Joes got it; why?"
Adam looked hazily into Hoss eyes, then back at the door. He raised his little finger and started to recite.* "If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here, While these visions did appear... I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was..."
Hoss shook his head; mad at himself . He should have run after he recognised that dazed look on Adams face. It was always a precursor to one of his dramatic performances. "Huh? Adam what are yer trying ta say? "
"Oh Nothing."
~oOo~
TBC. Chapter 23 ; Epilogue. Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce.
* William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
A.N. Thanks, as always, goes to Lajoci for the editing and extra's such as the lullaby and the idea for the Shakespeare quotes. Very Adam. Well the next chapter will be the final this Saga, folks. Don't worry I have plenty of Alexandra adventures in mind, and a conclusion to Katherine's story.