Telegrams.

5th Story in the Alexandra Series.

Summary: You wanted to know the why, the when and the how Alexandra came about. Well here it is. Adam receives a wire from San Francisco. He embarks on a journey with Alexandra to bring Katherine home one way or another. He recalls the events of the past along the way.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bonanza, or any of its characters. David Dortort and Fred Hamilton created them and played with them for 14 years. The series is owned by NBC.

Warnings: A few swatsto a minor by a parent.

Re-cap

The boy took off and within moments he threw a large warm blanket over the man and the two very cute little girls asleep on his lap.

There they would sleep for the final hours of their journey. When they awoke, all would be fine in their world for a while. The wire would have arrived from the Delta Basin Corporation, discrediting Hook Hands George's ownership of Jai. The port authorities would arrest him and hold him on suspicion of assault and fraud which included cheating the man responsible for getting Jai back to her family.

Yes, there would be a lot of happy men, women and children disembarking the Chrysopolis the next morning. And later that morning, one happy card player would be walking away fifteen thousand dollars richer…

Chapter 15

Land Ahoy!

Overland Telegraph Company...

To: Benjamin Cartwright

Ponderosa Nevada

Pa arrived safely stop hearing re-scheduled for tomorrow stop Will send letter with details stop Hope to be home by the 18th stop Pass message onto Marty.

Adam

Empire House

Kearny Street

San Francisco

Marty folded the note that Ben had sent via Paul Martin, and slipped it into her apron pocket. At least they arrived safely without any drama, she thought. The note sat in her pocket with the other one Adam had Joe deliver a little under a week ago. It explained that Adam was called to San Francisco urgently and had taken Alexandra with him. "The letter would clarify everything," Joe said, before he mounted Cochise and headed back to the ranch.

Marty was tired. The last few days had been exhausting. Mrs. Devlin had delivered her twins safe and sound, but only after a twenty hour ordeal. Paul had been called out five hours before the twins' birth, thank goodness. Like most twins the two tiny three and a half pound boys had worked hard to be born. Thomas the older of the two had been in the right position, but to get safely through the birth canal, he had to slide over his brothers' transverse from. And so, Nicholas was delivered breach nearly an hour later.

Marty had had very little time to herself from the moment she arrived at the Devlin ranch, like the Cartwright's and many of the ranches around the area, they were all busy rounding up their cattle and branding them. Dan and their oldest boy Sean were out most of the day, doing just that. They worked hard getting their herd ready for the big drive; their cattle would join with the other rancher's herds in three weeks time. The two younger Devlin children helped with the yard chores, while Marty stayed on at the ranch to help Edith with after care and the babies feeding regime. She now sat in the quiet early afternoon sun on the porch, rocking her weary body gently in the chair. She'd bring Edith out here tomorrow; the late spring sunshine would do her good, she thought to herself.

Eight year old Louise, the Devlin's only girl, carefully walked towards her balancing a tea cup precariously. "Here yer are Miss Marty. Doctor Paul says yer are to drink two cups before yer get outta thet chair."

"Thank you, Louise."

"You're welcome ma'am." Louise curtsied. "I'm bringing the teapot out next, so yer can re-fill ta yer heart's desire," said the little girl trying to sound so grown up, before she skipped happily away.

Marty pulled out the letter, and once again read Adam's words, five days had seemed so long ago and she missed him and Alexandra. She took a sip of the extra sweet brew and unfolded the letter to finish the letter she had started days ago.

Dear Marty,

I'm so sorry I missed you before leaving town. I wanted to see your beautiful face before I embarked on my journey. Really it's a journey that we all are partaking in, me, Alexandra, Katherine and you.

I know you will have lots of questions after you read this; some I will not be able to answer until I reach San Francisco. All I can do is be very honest with you and pray it all turns out the best it can, though perhaps it is best I pray that we all cope with the way things may turn out. Just know this, I love you, like no other woman, or person for that matter, that I have ever loved. My love for my family is deeper than any crevice I know, unconditional and forever no matter what. My love for my Alexandra is the same, but merged with awe, wonder, pride and so much love there are times I could cry. But the love a person has for a life partner is different again. I respect and love you so much that I want to share everything with you. My family, my child, even my past, that's why I will marry you, you will be my wife; my partner for life. I carry your essence in my heart...

By this time Marty was crying. She loved Adam in the same way and had tried to show him. The tone of the letter worried her and she wondered what problems had arisen that compelled Adam to declare his love. Of course she was aware that it had to be about Katherine and Alexandra. It made her a little jealous at times. Not that she would like anything bad to happen to either of them, especially since both Katherine and Alexandra had already endured so much in both their short lives. And she couldn't blame Katherine for loving Adam; how could she, for she loved him like she had loved no other.

Marty was also proud of Adam as a man of honour; one that would embark on the journey he had started with Alexandra as a single father, and rush to the side of Katherine in her time of need, not just for his daughter, but for another human being. Who wouldn't want a life partner that had such principles? She just wished it was simpler, that she and Adam were wed, that Alexandra was her child, and the first of many. But life wasn't always effortless ; in most cases it was very complex, but people found solutions with patience; unpretentious and decent. Her grandfather said as much to her as a small child when her parents were killed.

She smiled to herself as she thought about her grandfather, fondly called Craig-me-lad. He had said many wise things to her and her brothers over the years. "If you love someone lass, then the one thing you'll want for them, more than anything, is their happiness, their self respect and their dreams."

Marty hadn't known what to think of the next part of Adams letter. She'd had little personal time to herself over the last few days. However as she read the letter again, she processed her ponderings into what she believed was some sort of assemblage and order.

I hope to be home within two weeks and ready for the final round up and the big drive. Drew Kennedy, Katherine's lawyer has revealed a strong case for me getting custody of Katherine. The state, while reviewing the appeal of her sentence and innocence of Darcy's murder, are not so inclined to release Katherine because she is still considered a threat to society due to her compromised mental health. Getting custody and moving Katherine to a more suitable hospital is, as you know, the priority now. Our case is a strong one; however certain documents have landed in Drew's possession that could make it stronger. Molly has forwarded documents belonging to Willameena, one of these documents was a marriage certificate. Katherine applied for a marriage certificate before Alexandra was born, and before they left Pater Ardelle's. I am named as her husband; the marriage performed by proxy. I never signed or agreed to such a marriage. However, the documents are very convincing; I am the only person who knows that they are a fraud of some kind.

I understand Willameena's motivations, what I don't understand is why, having the opportunity to do so, I was not asked nor the whole situation revealed to me? I can only surmise that they believed us too young and that the documents were to serve as a satisfactory reason for Katherine's situation and those in the community who would shun her. But, I tell you honestly I would have gone there, I would have exited my studies and I would have not let Katherine do this on her own. Perhaps they knew that too. I see it as a selfless act on their part in many ways. It tears at me; my self- respect and the noble path I have always been encouraged to take…Except I would not have had you, I would not have had the life I have now and the one I look forward too.

My dilemma will be facing the hearing. I will take Drew's advice and do everything in my power to get custody of Katherine. I owe her that; more importantly I owe Alexandra that. But, I feel selfish because it's you this will affect. I can declare my love to you, but that doesn't entitle me to ask the things of you that I may have to…

So I won't ask them. Just know that I am thinking of you and I will be coming home to all that I love and cherish.

I miss you so much, but it is my testimony that will induce my dreams of the immeasurable joy that will be ours some day.

Forever Yours,

Adam

Marty had to admit to herself, the thought of the marriage certificate had upset her, even though it was a forgery. She secretly prayed that it would not be their only hope for custody. Marty wanted answers and reassurance, however she was actually glad she wasn't there for she may have said something she would regret, or something that could be misconstrued. This was Adams' and Alexandra's journey and if, as Adam had suggested, she was part of it in some way, she thought it best she participate from a distance where Adam could stay focussed. Of course that didn't help her; it was as if she was on the outside looking in. Would patience and her kindness win her the prize she so wanted? Keeping herself busy would help. Perhaps, when Edith was well enough to spend some time alone, she could help Dan and Sean. The vigorous work of a round up would be good for both her and her horse; Dreamer.

Marty folded up the letter and drunk the last of her tea. As she sat there, she thought of something else her grandfather had told her, "missing someone lass is a part of loving them. If you're never apart, you'll never really know how strong your love is." Well, thought Marty with a slow smile, I miss Adam to the depth of my soul so I know our love is strong.

~oOo~

Adam and Alexandra intended to disembark later than most of the other passengers. The porter had alerted Adam that there were wires for them in the telegraph office so Adam and Maverick went to pick them up. Adam received a message from his lawyer and had taken the opportunity to send a wire to his father, letting him know they had arrived safely.

The note from Drew Kennedy, Katherine's Lawyer, said that accommodation had been arranged for him and Alexandra at Empire House just across the road from the court house on Kearny street. The court house building was an old theatre that had been converted to cope with the lesser cases and curb the vigilantes that had taken the law into their own hands.

The Supreme Court in Sacramento handled the most serious of crimes as well as hearings regarding the Transcontinental Railway and the judicial review of the penal system and its de-privatisation. San Quentin was being built and many of the prison ships and private jails were being reviewed. However there had been some delay with the review, a judge had gone missing and the first of many review board meetings had to be adjourned. As a result Katherine's custodial hearing and appeal was moved forward. Drew would meet Adam at his hotel at two o'clock in the afternoon to go over the case.

Maverick informed the captain of the warrants for George Saville. The port authorities arrested and removed him before any other passengers disembarked. The information they had on Jai's family was at best sketchy, though they had something to go on and would start their search in Chinatown that afternoon.

Adam and Alex were now having a relaxing morning breakfasting with the captain. Maverick, Samantha and Jai had joined them, making the table alive with laughter. Most likely they were all over-tired; punch drunk from the lack of sleep and excitement driven by the big poker game that had taken place in the Chrysopolis gaming room.

Adam had put on a brave face during breakfast, but was anxious to meet Drew at their hotel as soon as possible. There was no doubt that Drew would have thoroughly prepared their case, and Adam wanted to be as well prepared. He also wanted to get a visit in with Katherine before the hearing tomorrow and needed to go over the document that Drew had received from Molly.

At least he sent a telegram to his family about the trial, and sent a message to Marty. Adam wondered how she had taken his news, and hoped that he could work all this mess out. Seeing the vibrant Samantha and Maverick's interaction made him miss Marty more than ever. He'd wondered if Samantha could see how Brett really felt about her; he wondered if Brett would ever make a move. Perhaps, like Adam, he was cautious; the young woman deserved a lifetime of joy; but there wasn't any guarantees. Maverick was a gambling man and those life and love odds could never truly be quantified.

Adam was quickly bought out of his revere with the sounds of laughter. Maverick shook his head at Samantha's incessant chatter about her plans for her winnings and her smug remarks regarding her skill at beating Brett; her mentor. Brett let her have her day in the sun; truth be known he loved seeing her so happy. She deserved to be spoilt just a little and her noble quest for Jai's safety and reunion with her Uncle was worth throwing his hand in during the final round. He suspected many of the other players may have done the same. It was great to know that were many good people in this world.

"First off I intend to get the best suite at the Occidental Hotel before heading off to Chinatown in search of Jai's uncle," she announced.

Maverick thought that might be a good idea." Book a two bedroom. I don't like the idea of you heading into Chinatown buy yourself; a rich lady looking for a long lost relative would find herself in an abundance of danger at the worst or at the least with an abundance of relatives."

"Hop Ming will help, iffin he's anything like Hop Sing, he'll know lots of peoples," added Alexandra.

Earlier, Adam had given Maverick a letter of introduction to Hop Sing's cousin; Hop Ming. However he frowned at Alexandra's interruption, thinking that any further discussion of Jai's situation not suitable in front of children or being discussed by children. "Alexandra, the adults are having a conversation and it's rude for children to interrupt," chastised Adam.

"Why is it rude, dad, especially iffin I got a good idea? Kids have good ideas too," scowled Alexandra.

Adam gave her a warning glance before turning back to Maverick and Samantha. "Hop Ming is one of our family cook's cousins. The man is very honest and could direct Maverick to the right Chinese elders that may be able to help."

"See I was right; it's a good idea. Hop Sing has lots of cousins; all their names are Hop; there's Hop Sing, Hop Ling, Hop Jing, Hop Dung, which ain't a very nice name, but it don't mean manure; yer pronounced it long leanne."

Jai laughed, "No you pronounce it , Róngliàng".

"Well that's sounds real better, cause I heard Uncle Joe recommended his friend Long Leanne to one of the cow hands. She works at the Silver Dollar. I reckon she must pull extra long beers or somethin'."

Captain Chadwich nearly choked on his orange juice.

Adam quickly stood up and grabbed Alex and hauled her up out of her chair. Without a word he walked briskly from the captain's dining room. Once outside and out of sight Adam put Alexandra down firmly on her feet, then turned her sideways and landed a solid swat to her backside.

"Oweee, whadda I do?" she scowled.

"You are being silly and rude and I warned you. When grown-ups are talking you do not interrupt. I suspect you are just a little overtired, Alexandra, but no more ignoring me or answering me back when I ask you not to do something. Do you understand?" asked Adam.

Alexandra rubbed her posterior vigorously and screwed up her face. "Iffin I don't understand, am I in bigger trouble?"

Adam remained patient, though it was difficult. "What part don't you understand, Alex?"

"The part about ignoring you and answering you back? When ya tell me not ta do something, is that the same as sassin' yer when yer ask me ta do something and if that's so; jist when am I allowed ta answer without it being answering back or sassin' dad? I didn't think I was being rude and I don't understand bein' overtired. What's that mean exactly; is it being got over… being… tired… which means yer ain't tired anymore, which is right cause I ain't tired one bit, but then what has that got ta do with me being' rude and silly. I guess I was being silly a bit, tellin that story and all, but it ain't a rude story; is it? And besides we was all talking and having fun with the Captain jist afore yer started talking about Jai finding her uncle. I didn't know that the conversation was for grown -ups only. I was jist trying ta make Jai know that she had good people that would help her. I'm sorry, daddy."

Adam was going cross eyed trying to follow Alex's train of thought and so nearly missed the apology there at the end. "Apology accepted, I think… Okay you have a point about the happy and casual conversation going on before we started talking, so I'll give you that too…"

"Does that mean yer owe me one dad? That was a pretty hard swat for jist getting excited and not bein' tired. Maybe I could…"

Adam held up his hand to stop her before she started another exposition. "No we're even, you got off pretty light last night considering you disobeyed me," reminded Adam.

"What was I supposed ta do dad. I had ta look after Jai."

"Yes I know; your intentions were honourable, but from now on when I say…'Alexandra I need you to be quiet and not interrupt,' you need to obey me. I'm meeting with the lawyer this afternoon and we have a lot to get through."

Alexandra nodded, but still wasn't happy. Her backside still stung and she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep completely quiet in any given situation. "Okay," she sighed. "Grownups are such hard work," she mumbled.

Adam returned with a still pouting Alexandra. Maverick had just finished scolding Jai for the same thing that Alexandra was obviously in trouble for. None of the adults were surprised to see two very petulant little girls sitting with their arms crossed and frowning. But, at least they were quiet.

"I'll head off to Chinatown and get some information from Hop Ming. But, Sam I think it best you and Jai stay at the hotel this afternoon," ordered Maverick.

Samantha wanted to object, but a warning scowl from Brett had her quickly change her mind, offering to go shopping instead. "Well, I guess that will be okay. There are plenty of dress shops that have been recommended to me."

"That should keep you out of trouble," chuckled Brett. "Just don't spend all your money at once."

"It's mostly my money, I'll do as I please," she glowered. "I've put Jai's eight hundred away and more for a trust fund; I'm not totally irresponsible, Brett," she snapped.

Maverick leaned over quietly and whispered in her ear. Adam and Captain Chadwich returned to a soft conversation while Maverick obviously had some advice for the young Miss Samantha Crawford. Samantha's eyes widened as Brett spoke, and she swivelled her head to look at the two sulking youngsters on the other side of her. As if on cue Alexandra wriggled to get comfortable and rubbed at her sore bottom. When Brett had Sam's attention again he just cocked one eye brow, smiled and nodded.

Samantha got the inference loud and clear. "Fine," she said politely. "But I need some new dresses, Brett. I had to leave most of my luggage behind in Sacramento to make room for Jai to be smuggled onto the ship," was the excuse she made, "And besides Jai could use some new clothes as well, it may be days until they could find her uncle and the little girl has only one outfit, well two now; Alexandra has kindly offered her a blue dress…"

"With two petticoats to boot…" said Alexandra, but then quickly put her hand over her mouth."Sorry I jist heard my name, I didn't mean ta interrupt, honest."

~oOo~

Alexandra's head swivelled from left to right as she perused the busy San Francisco port and the rising city on top of the hill. "Land ahoy!" she shouted as they waved goodbye to Maverick's party, though their separation would be short lived. Adam had agreed to meet them at the Occidental Hotel for a late dinner. Their carriage weaved its way through the steep roads and narrow alleyways, rolling past the port and towards the south west of the city. They turned down a small street and pulled up in front of a three story building opposite what looked like an old theatre surrounded by a park square.

Alexandra marvelled at the different forms of transport; carriages and surreys and different types of contraptions that went up and down the busy streets and market places. Some were pulled by horses and some had big wheels that were pulled along by people.

"They're called rickshaws," explained Adam pointing to a small two seated wagon pulled by a Chinese man. "We can ride in one later if you like."

"Looks like a wheel barra, like when Uncle Hoss pushes me in around at home," said Alex smiling.

Adam was quite surprised when he entered the hotel lobby. This area of town was developing nicely. Because the hotel was a stone's throw from the Barbary Coast, the financial district and on the edge of Chinatown he expected to see a rather rough place, but it was quite the opposite. Drew had chosen the hotel as it was across the road from the courthouse and two blocks from his office. The hotel was becoming a favourite of visiting business men with applications going through the civil courts as well as the theatre people who had moved up from the bay's seedy saloons and dance halls to perform at the Montgomery Emporium. He was even more impressed when shown to his suite; one of only three suites of the hotels third floor.

Once unpacked he and Alexandra ordered a light lunch to his room. Alexandra ran back and forth to the window, as she nibbled on sandwiches. Adam sipped on his coffee as she asked questions about the city and its history. The Mexican wars sounded scary, but just the same Alex was enthralled.

"So that's the courthouse daddy?" she asked pointing to the building close by. "That's where we have to go tomorrow. Will we be able to get momma then?

"Hopefully, Alexandra; we have to be patient."

"How patient, dad?"

"Pretty patient."

"What iffin they don't let us go get her? I ain't going home without her dad. I'll break her outta jail iffin I have to."

"Alexandra," said Adam softly as he put down his cup and moved closer to the window. He pulled a chair over and sat down pulling Alexandra to his side; still standing and looking out the window. "You're too small to try such a thing and that won't help your momma. If you look right over there…" he said pointing towards north east… "See there just before the hills of the coast… There's a building there; a hospital for people with sick minds. That is where your momma is; it's not a jail it's a hospital."

"But she was in jail."

"Sort of. Katherine's always been there, but she was a prisoner there. She's not a prisoner anymore. They moved her out of the jail section, pending the appeal, and that means they believe the sheriffs statements and Mr Barkley's findings. But your momma is still sick, and the people that run the hospital say she can't leave because she sick still in her mind."

"I don't reckon she would be any more, dad; now that she knows she didn't kill Darcy."

"I've explained this to you Alexandra. Her mind got all… sort of muddled because she was scared, but also because she got exposed to lead from the mines."

"And that made her heart sick too?"

"Yes… The doctor says her mind is better, because they've been able to get some of the bad lead out of her blood, but it did some damage."

"So iffin her minds better why won't they let her out?"

"Once the doctor gives the judge his report and I tell the judge that I want to look after Katherine, hopefully they will let her out. But she will most likely have to go to another hospital first. She may not be able to travel home with us."

"But she'll still be free, and we'll be able to come back and visit her. Maybe I could stay here; we could both live here until she's better couldn't we?"

"Yes we could, but unless I got a job here, I wouldn't be able to afford to stay here, or afford to provide your mother with the best possible care."

"I just don't want her ta be alone, dad."

"You know I will do my very best, and I won't be leaving here until your momma is somewhere safe until she's out of that place," said Adam as he brushed the curls away from face.

"Is it a bad place, dad?"

"It's not very nice Alexandra. There are some very sad people there and some very bad people there. The doctors don't know a lot about the mind. But your momma has a good doctor and the court has allowed him to treat her. They will take his recommendation and prognoses into account."

"What's a prognosis?"

"It means how sick he says your momma is, and what would be best for her. How much better she can get or how sick…"

"Or if she might die."

"Yes, that maybe part of his prognosis too."

"What do you think, dad?"

"I'm really not sure, sweetheart. Last time I saw your momma she looked better than the time before. She didn't talk much. I showed her the pictures that you drew, gave her your messages and told her how much I loved you. She smiled. I think she understood. I think the human spirit can lift people up and make them better.. I think people can get well when they have something to live for. I don't know though whether your momma is going to be able to get all better."

"Thanks daddy." Alexandra leant back and Adam pulled her onto his lap. "I know you always tell me the truth an all, and I reckon there's some things yer don't want ta tell me cause they'll scare me or hurt my feelings, but yer know I'm tough; right? I don't want ta be like Jeffery or his momma and not have the chance to say good bye, or not understand why people are so sad and then blame thereselves for somethin that they didn't do. I want ta be the type of person; like Samantha that knows what's right and will try hard to make other people see that. And have other people know that's important ta look after people. "

"Hmmm, we've learned some sound lessons on our journey, but taking unnecessary risks when there is danger; danger that will make your situation worse, is silly. Samantha took a risk doing what she did."

"But she got help, dad. In the end she got all the right help. It was worth the risk. Grandmamma Willameena says something's are just worth the risk; iffin it's something that will do good."

"True. People should fight for what they believe in, and risks are part of everyday life, Alex, but there are plenty of ways to minimise the risks and reduce the danger."

"Like not trying stuff on yer own, like break momma outta jail?" asked Alex in all seriousness.

Adam tried not to laugh at Alexandra's disappointment. "Sweetheart, I really don't think you be able to break your momma out even if you wanted to. We all should try to do things fairly and justly. The law works toward justice by being fair to everyone."

"Play fair, Miss Jones always says that."

Just then there was a knock at the door. "That will be Mr Kennedy", announced Adam. "We have some work to do. You can watch people out the window, finish your lunch and no interrupting. You can ask all your questions later," added Adam as he kissed the top of her head and gently pushed Alex off his lap. He stood and crossed to the door.

"So I can listen then dad?" questioned Alexandra as she followed her father towards the door. Adam turned around and picked up their lunch tray and sat it down back at the window, then pointed to the chair. "You sit here," he ordered.

Alexandra returned to her seat at the window and started on another sandwich.

"Come in Drew," said Adam as he opened the door.

Drew Kennedy walked and shook Adams hand. "Adam, great you've settled in. We were lucky to get a room opposite the courthouse. One of the judges on the consultation committee of the penal review has gone missing. They were ready to vote on the deregulation and privatisation of the jails, giving all jurisdiction and financial control back to the state. They've deferred the final hearing, until he can be located or a substitute found. As a result there has been re-scheduling and re- appointing judges to most of the civil cases and moved them forward. "

"Have we got everything we need?" asked Adam.

"Yes…"

"What about the marriage certificate?"

"It's a legal proxy document, solemnized by a catholic priest in Montana, but there are some restrictions and conditions that apply. I'm having an expert look at it. It's been nine years, so you'll have grounds to annul, but a priest will also have to do that and with Katherine's consent, if she is of sound mind."

"So a lot depends on Katherine."

"The marriage certificate works for us, Adam. The judge may question it and then you'll have to be very honest about your knowledge of it. I don't know what happens to Alexandra's status if he declares it an unlawful marriage. It may come down to your intention."

Alexandra's head snapped up at the mention of her name, though she was uncertain what her status meant.

Adam saw her bite her lip. "My intentions are to get Katherine out of that institution and remain the primary guardian of Alexandra Cartwright," stated Adam firmly.

Alexandra smiled, she was pretty sure that mean her daddy loved her a whole lot and would do anything to help both her momma and her.

"Good. The whole thing really will rest of Katherine's mental state. It has improved and as long as we can prove she is not violent or a danger to anyone or herself, we have a strong case. You are Alexandra's legal guardian; it is reasonable that courts would appoint you Katherines. After all those were Katherines wishes for Alexandra, therefore it is obvious that she trusted you."

Adam nodded, not really sure about the trust part. It still didn't sit well with him that Willameena, Molly and Katherine kept Alexandra's existence from him."

"Adam…"

"Huh?" Adam was bought out from his revere.

"I said Doctor Shultz is doing a final examination at five this afternoon. I intend to be there and I would suggest you should too."

"And me," said Alexandra, jumping from her chair.

"Alexandra…" warned Adam.

"Sorry dad," said Alexandra and sat back down.

Drew sighed; he looked at the small girl. This was the first time he had laid eyes on Katherine's and Adam's child. He heard about her from Gilbert Thurne, and the young Doctor Williams. She looked at him, her big green eyes begging for word of her mother. Drew's heart nearly broke. He stood up and walked over to the little girl who stretched her neck and dropped her head back so she could look up into his eyes. Drew knelt down, so they were at eye level." I'm sorry Alexandra, but that you can't come with us this afternoon. They won't allow minors to visit the institution. It is because it's not safe and it houses criminals. They won't allow children; you understand."

Tears welled up in Alexandra's eyes. "NO I don't!" she cried as she placed her hands on Drew's chest and pushed. Adam jumped up at almost the same time as the man fell onto his backside.

"Alexandra," scolded Adam before helping Drew to his feet.

"It's all right Adam; I understand how this could be upsetting to her. I'm not perturbed really."

"That's no excuse and Alex knows better," said Adam glaring at his daughter.

"I'm sorry iffin I hurt yer mister, but Dad promised." Alexandra turned to Adam. "YOU PROMISED I COULD SEE HER!" she yelled through her anger and tears.

"Alexandra, stop that yelling!" Adam went to grab Alexandra in a bid to calm her some, but Alex was having none of it and pulled her arm out of reach.

"No dad, I ain't listening anymore, I'm goin'! Momma needs me too, I know she does… you…"

Adam tried again to grab her, but this time Alexandra kicked out and landed a blow to Adams shin, before heading for the door.

Drew watched on with some regret, yet couldn't help but smile at the small child's determination and bravery. Though, if any child of his had kicked him in the shins like that, they would be sporting a sore backside for a week.

Adam made quick time to the door and grabbed Alexandra this time with annoyed and frustrated determination.

Alexandra struggled. "I'm goin', dad. I'm goin' there."

"No you're not, Alexandra. Now stop it and listen!" warned Adam as he slapped her thigh. He sat down and pulled Alexandra to sit on his knee then wrapped both arms around her, trying to hold her still, though it was like trying to contain an octopus in a string bag. "You're being a little hot head; you need to listen to reason. Your mommas sick, tomorrow is the case and if we win she'll most likely be free by tomorrow night. Then you will see her; so settle down."

Alexandra sobbed on Adams lap, still struggling and wanting to get off and run, and scream, and yell at God and all of them for the delays, for the injustices. She'd been so patient already, "Daddy it's not fair… it's not fair why did ya say I could see her. Yer cheated me, tricked me!" she added and pulled one arm free, swinging as she did so, and accidentally slapping her hand across his cheek.

Adam's reflex response had her quickly flipped over his knee and two quick and firm swats to her bottom echoed in the room of the suite. "You will calm down and behave," he ordered. Adam grabbed both of Alexandra's arms and flipped her back up. He stood up with the child in his arms, pulling her to his chest. He wrapped one arm around her legs and the other supported her back as she sobbed into Adam's neck crying and mumbling.

"It's not fair."

"I know it's not darlin," crooned Adam softly in her ear as she continued to cry. "I'm sorry I had to smack you Alex, but you can't act that way. We are not to blame for what has happened to your momma. I didn't lie to you. I thought you would be allowed to see your momma, now that she was out of the prison section of the jail. I didn't account for this, but, I'm kind of relieved that this restriction is there at the moment. I worry about how sick your momma is. I worry that it will be scary for you and upsetting for your momma if you are scared of her. This way I get to see her first and make sure that she knows you are coming. Except, Alexandra, if your momma is too sick, I don't think I want you to see her. I'm scared that it will not be the right thing for you. So that's going to be a decision I will make."

"Please daddy, don't do that, please. You said she's fine at the moment. I'll be good."

"You are good Alexandra. And I promise that I will tell you everything when I get back. And Mr. Drew said she is fine, but I'll be much more confident after I see her for myself and talk with the doctor. We'll get her to a good hospital and then if they'll let you; you can sit with her all night. I'll be with you too." Adam continued to rub circles around Alex's back until she had stopped crying. He knew she had calmed some when he could feel her small fingers twirling one of his thick stray curls at the nape of his neck. While it was tickling him and somewhat annoying, he knew it was a sign that Alexandra was thinking about what he had said.

Drew Kenney watched the lovely scene. The child looked so small in her father's arms; smaller than her eleven years, but as smart as any many an adult he knew. Adam was a good father, firm but honest, willing to admit his fears and his mistakes. Drew silently vowed to do everything in his power to reunite Katherine with her family, even if it may only be for a short time. Doctor Shultz was confident Katherine's mental state was stable enough to secure her release however; her medical issues were of great concern.

So, it was likely an impossibility that they could return to the life they had known, but at least they would be together safe, loved and proud. He moved forward, slowly. "Alexandra…" he whispered. "I'm sorry that they don't allow brave little girls like yourself to visit at the institution, maybe they should because I know your momma would love to see you. I can make a suggestion though. As soon as the judge gives us the orders to have your momma released we will go and get her; your daddy and me. Doctor Shultz has made arrangements with Saint Mary's hospital for admission. That Hospital is just down the road. They will come for us with one of their brand new ambulances. They have a nice warm bed waiting and Monseigneur Toomey is anxious to meet her; he's been away recently but before he left, he had a long talk with Doctor Shultz, about what your momma's needs were. We're very lucky to have Doctor Shultz and Monsignor Toomey on our side. Monsignor is a catholic priest but he is also a doctor. He was a doctor before he became a priest and became a better one since. He knows all about hearts…"

"That makes sense; God knows about hearts better than anyone."

"Yes, we're very lucky. So, even though things are going the way we want them to right now, there are lots of people who will help. I'm sure Sister Mary Eugene will be happy for you to wait there. You can be there when we bring your momma to that nice warm bed. You could come with us, but they won't let you in, you'd have to stay in the carriage. But I think your momma would like to see you waiting for her; when she's a free woman. Like you, your momma is very proud. You need to help the sisters get ready for her," he explained trying to reduce the worry this child was experiencing.

"Just think how safe your momma is going to feel upon seeing you when she arrives," added Adam. "Hopefully Alexandra; it's just one more day; you can wait one more day, can't you?"

Adam couldn't see Alexandra's face, but he knew she was listening to Drew when she'd lifted her head. If he'd seen her face he would have seen the pout, but also the calm resignation and understanding. Alex didn't like it, but there was nothing she could do about it.

"Okay," said Alexandra. "I'm sorry for bein rude, Mr Drew, sounds like you been working real hard."

Adam slid Alex down and then knelt in front of her. "It's important that Mr. Kennedy and I meet with the doctor and your momma. We need that report for court tomorrow."

"I understand dad. I'll stay here and wait for ya," agreed Alexandra.

Adams eyes went wide. "Oh, I don't think that's a good idea. Drew can we go past the Occidental Hotel on the way? We are meeting friends later for supper. I'd be more comfortable with Alexandra staying there."

"Sure, it's not too far out of our way. Will your friends mind?"

"No I don't think so, I just hope they're there; if not you have to go by yourself and I'll come out as soon as Alexandra's taken care of." Adam smiled and turned to Alex, "See it's not too bad Alexandra, you get to spend the afternoon with Jai. You can play for a while; you haven't really had a chance to play much this trip."

And that was true, thought Adam, from the moment they'd left home there had been one drama after another, other people's problems, but drama that both Adam and Alex couldn't help but be involved in. Alexandra had handled the trip well, albeit with a little mischief thrown in. His small, bright little spitfire had taken something good from this journey.. He had to admit to himself, he'd like to see Alexandra enjoying the day. Fact was no matter how this turned out Adam knew that there would be more worries along the way. He thanked God that Alexandra Cartwright was one of the most resilient human beings on this earth, bar none except for his father.

Alexandra, smiled, "You're right dad that might be fun. Can we take Jai some candy? Two penny's worth each and you have a deal…" bargained Alexandra.

Drew laughed, always amazed at how quick kids were to recover from a tantrum, and how irrepressible some children could be, not to mention their innate ability to concoct a deal breaker.

~oOo~

TBC

Chapter 16. Laughter and Fears

A.N. Sorry it's a short one, as will the next couple of chapters. This has to be taken one step at a time from now on. I also know its late posting, but I'm just sooo busy with work and home, I have barely had an hour a night to write anything. A big shout out to Lajoci, for despite her busy life she got this betaed for me. I love the last bit Lajoci added to Marty's thoughts, when reading Adams letter. Okay only two more chapter till the trial. There a little more mischief with Jai and Alex while Adam visits Katherine and gets some answers to his questions.