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: None.

Re-cap

While Adam goes off to visit with Katherine and meet with her doctors Alexandra is spending a pleasant afternoon with Jai and Samantha.

Chapter 16: Fear and Laughter

Adam Cartwright and Drew Kennedy sat in silence as they made the hour carriage drive to the institution where Katherine had been for almost two years. They had met Samantha at the Occidental. She and Jai just returned from a shopping trip and were now taking high tea in the hotel dining room. Maverick had headed off to Chinatown to meet with Hop Ming and start the search for Jai's relatives.

Samantha was happy to have Alexandra stay with them for the afternoon. Adam had booked a table in the hotel's restaurant for dinner at seven. He hoped he had good news for Alexandra, especially after her upset that afternoon. To be honest, he was a little relieved he was going to get the chance to speak to Katherine and confer with her doctor.

As the carriage made its way through town Adam recalled the last telegram Drew sent a little over a week ago…

Overland Telegraph Company...

To: Adam Cartwright

Ponderosa Nevada.

Katherine's condition deteriorating stop Come immediately stop Requesting appeal brought forward stop Marriage certificate tabled stop Adam. S. Cartwright to Katherine. W. DeFoe stop 1851. To be authenticated stop

Drew Kennedy

San Francisco

It had been good to hear that Katherine's condition was no longer as bad as Drew's telegram had said and that in fact she was now doing a little better. The last week of their journey felt like it had taken months and Adam was keen to see Katherine for himself; he wanted to try and find answers to the many questions he had. However, Adam was conscious of the fact that he may never determine the truth; despite the fact that Katherine was better she would probably never be the same. Each of his previous visits with Katherine had been painful. She had not remembered very much and they had kept her medicated with laudanum to suppress her anxiety. Doctor Shultz had started to reduce her medication, although he would not completely wean her off; keeping her calm was important due to the condition of Katherine's weak heart.

Since the news of Katherine's innocence, and their arrival in San Francisco, Adam hoped that what Drew said was true. Would Adam find an improved Katherine with a stable mental state? He prayed Drew was correct, he couldn't afford to expose Alexandra to a comatose Katherine who was the shell of the woman his little girl had once known. Both men continued to sit in silence as their carriage rocked away through the step roads towards the coast and St Beatrice's; the insane asylum on the hill.

~oOo~

Meanwhile back at the Occidental Hotel, Alexandra was almost back to her old self. She had waved her father goodbye and knew they wouldn't be long gone. Drew Kennedy; her momma's lawyer had told her not worry.

After finishing their afternoon tea, all three went back to Samantha's suite. Alexandra sat quietly in the sitting room, waiting while Sam and Jai unpacked their purchases in an adjoining bedroom. Alexandra decided it might be the perfect time to add another prayer.

'Dear God, please make momma all better and help Mr Drew get her out of that nasty place. Mr Drew is a nice man. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day with the trial an all, though it ain't a trial, it's a hearing. Jist the same momma needs ta be set free and theys gonna be judging her and my dad, ta decide whether he's fit ta take care of her. I'm sure as soon as they get one look at him, they could see that he's real strong and fit. After all, he does chase cows for a livin'. Still, God, they could do with some extra help iffin you got the time. ' She silently prayed.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day and it appeared today was looking that way as well. Adam had told Alexandra that she should try to relax and take her mind off the situation. Her worries were well founded, and her daddy knew that, but letting the situation get her down was not going to help anyone.

"I'm sorry God that I carried on this afternoon; I was real worried about momma. I haven't seen her fer so long. Maybe that's why Daddy didn't get so mad at me when I accidentally socked him in the face. I couldn't help it. I weren't too happy that I ain't going to be allowed to see momma until she is free. I jist don't stop and think sometimes. I don't' care what the law said, and I didn't care what the grownups were saying. It's all their fault anyway. Well not daddy's fault, or Molly's or Mr Kennedys; a lot of people I guess, but all the cause of all mommas heartache was caused by grownups.

It was greedy grownups mining the land and not caring that they were poisoning people, grownups wanting the theatre, wantin' ta steal a kiss from my momma, or jist bein plain mad that women was bein successful all on theirs own. Some men jist don't like seeing grown women doing well on their own. That's what Grandmamma Willameena used ta say. When I grow up they's all better makes up their minds what they's want us women ta be. Iffin they gave us the vote might be that they have a better idea jist how clever we are. Maybe that's why they's don't want women ta have the vote. Yer might wanna help with that too, God, after yer done helped my daddy and me. I'll understand iffin yer busy, but iffin you've got a bit a time at two o'clock in the afternoon tomorrow, perhaps yer could have a look in on us. That's two o'clock our time, don't know what time it is in heaven. Daddy says when its night time here its day time on the other side of the world. I kinda hope heaven has day time all the time…" mused Alexandra.

Alexandra had been so angry about all the mess caused by grownups and then grownups not letting her make it all a little bit better by seeing her mother. She realised after she'd calmed some and her daddy told her the truth that there were lots of people still helping; and lots of people who had helped them get this far.

"I don't understand God. Why does everything take so long; grownups are slow. It's very simple; momma didn't hurt anyone, momma was sick but is getting better, momma's had people that wanted to take care of her; ones that loved her. Why does everything have ta go before a judge? Why do they have to have papers fer everything? Grownups are just time wasters. Yep that is what they are."

Of course there was nothing Alexandra could do about that now. Not this afternoon anyway. She was brought out of her revere, when Sam and Jai returned from the bedroom after finishing their unpacking. Samantha was dressed in a beautiful lace and crème shirttail that sat neatly at her trim waist. Her rich thick blue skirt and elaborate bustle made her look like a true lady of the upper-class echelon like the ones Alexandra had seen in the foyer of the hotel as she arrived. Jai was dressed in a pretty pale blue dress and a white pinafore, spotted with tiny blossoms.

"How do you like our new outfits, Alexandra?" asked Samantha, twirling Jai around in front of her.

Alexandra had to admit they both looked real fine. Her daddy had insisted she wear a dusty pink dress and matching pinafore. Alex thought wearing a dress was dumb, how could she manoeuvre herself through any physical activity? As far as she was concerned, the stupid dress was cumbersome and would reduce the chances for any great adventure for the afternoon. "We may look pretty and fine Miss Samantha, but don't reckon we can go climbing any trees over at the park in these outfits," she proclaimed.

"Well…you may be right, Alexandra. But, I've done enough walking around town for today; I say we explore all the activities at the hotel here. What do you say?"

"Good idea Miss Crawford, no use jist sitting and waiting and twiddling our thumbs," replied Alexandra. Her daddy was right; maybe Jai and Alex could have a fun afternoon in this big fancy hotel.

~oOo~

It was almost four in the afternoon by the time Adam and Drew arrived at St Beatrice's and were on their way to Ward Nine; the hospital ward where Katherine had been admitted over three weeks ago. Their passes were reviewed by the guard at the entrance, then again on the fourth floor where they would have to descend a secured stairwell back down to the first floor and take the internal bridge that separated the jails asylum from and to the facility's hospital wing. It was a necessary procedure, as the institution housed both the criminally insane as well as those private patients that were afflicted with a variety of mental disorders, so the hospital was kept separate from the general inmate population for security reasons.

Adam and Drew were greeted at the wards' double doors by Doctor Schultz.

"Mr Cartwright, nice to see you again," said Shultz, as he offered Adam his hand.

"Thank you Doctor, are we able to visit with Katherine?"

"Yes of course. You will see a marked improvement, Mr Cartwright. Ever since Mr Kennedy explained her overturned verdict regarding the murder, her spirits have lifted."

"Does she remember now what actually happened?" asked Adam.

"Some of it, more importantly she believes it. The weight of the guilt and sorrow she felt over that young man's death and the fear for her daughter's life has been lifted from her shoulders. Her memory is still out of sorts, or order and most likely will be for the rest of her life, but there are a lot of memories there; a lot of good ones too and a few that still cause Katherine anxiety," explained Doctor Shultz in layman's terms.

"Is Katherine still on the laudanum?"

"Yes, but we have reduced her dosage as much as possible. It helps with her anxiety levels and thus her heart rate. There has been no more deterioration of the muscle, but her heart is very weak. The good news is, since decreasing the laudanum she's eating better and gained a little weight."

"Will she be able to appear in court tomorrow?" asked Drew, hoping that if the judge could see a mentally stable young woman, they would have a good chance of getting Adam custody, and then the medical attention she needed without copious amounts of red tape and permissions.

"I don't see why not. Did you bring a release form for the hearing?"asked the Doctor. "They need my signature and the wardens."

"Yes I have them…"

Adam looked at Drew, "You didn't say there was a possibility that Katherine could appear?" He asked a little annoyed.

"I didn't want to raise any false hope. A week ago Katherine was very sick, but now, if Katherine is well enough, I think it can only strengthen our case. It would be helpful if the judge can see the trust Katherine has in you."

Adam nodded satisfied, while Drew turned back to Doctor Shultz, "Perhaps we could go and get the papers in order while Adam visits," suggested Drew.

Doctor Shultz agreed and called for one of his attending nurses to show Adam through the ward and to Katherine's bed.

Adam followed the nurse down the row of hospital beds, most of them empty. Katherine's bed was at the end of the room. There was a window on her left, letting the last rays of daylight in.

Katherine smiled when she saw Adams face. "My…Anth…?"

"Adam," he reminded her.

Katherine blushed a little. It was good to see the colour come to her cheeks. Doctor Shultz was right, Katherine looked so much better than the last time Adam had seen her. She was still a little pale and her lips dark, so the added colour of her embarrassment was encouraging.

"Right, right… I know who you are sorry…My Adam… Alex's, Adam Cartwright." nodded Katherine, reassuring herself and concentrating on pulling the facts from her long term memory.

Adam gave a small chuckle, just to relieve her edginess. "Alexandra is a product of both of us. She has your beauty and sense of adventure and, I'm afraid to say, my stubbornness."

Katherine giggled and again the reaction brought colour to her cheeks.

"You look good Katherine…" said Adam as he sat down on the chair next to her bed. He took her hand gently. "My Bonnie Kate," he added.

"Thank you," whispered Katherine, "For finding out the truth."

"You didn't remember very much at the time. It would have saved you… and Alexandra a lot of heartache," said Adam. "I'm just sorry I didn't see it, including the possibility of Alexandra's existence."

"I just remember being scared, Adam."

Adam nodded, "Scared always Katherine?"

"For a long time, yes, I tried not to be; tried to feel the way I felt before… before… I can't always remember what came before."

"Your journal has helped there.. I'm sure if you go over them they will help. It was your last journal entry that helped with the truth about Hallett's son and his vendetta against you and your mother…"

Katherine paled, "I… please …I'm sorry, I know I've hurt you. I'm not sure why I made those decisions, Adam. I have felt scared for a long time. I know that all I wanted to do was keep my baby safe."

"My baby too, Katherine. But, I don't have the answers. They are not all in your journal, other than a few references to me being…"

"Handsome, mah handsome beau," interjected Katherine in her long forgotten southern drawl and then a giggle."

Adam joined in her laughter, and then sobered some. "Yes… but there are more references to my studies in Boston. How did you know how well I had done?"

"I don't know…" Katherine rubbed at her lips and stared out the window. "Perhaps I learnt of it in the newspapers. The wonderful buildings you built. The great architect you had become," she said.

Adam frowned and took her hand again. "Katherine, look at me. There were no newspaper articles. I designed some buildings; homes, as a junior for a firm, but I returned to the Ponderosa. I never became a famous architect. You know this; I have talked about it on my other visits."

A tear escaped Katherine's eyes. "Did I spoil your dreams, Adam? Did I stop you being…"

Adam was quick to interject. "No Katherine you didn't spoil anything, not my dreams at all. Is that why you never told me about Alexandra?"

"I wrote you, you wrote me…read the letters they have the dates. I can't remember where my memories fall, Adam. I don't even know if they are real. I'm sorry," said Katherine hesitantly.

Adam noted that this topic was causing Katherine to become upset. "Please don't be sad. We can go over this another time. Perhaps if we find those letters we will read them together, but for now, all you need to concentrate on is being well enough to leave here. Tomorrow we go to court and Alexandra will be there. She needs to see you."

Katherine's eyes widened as she rubbed her tears away. "Alexandra, she's here. She's too little; a baby. She's beautiful isn't she Adam, my little baby girl."

"She turned eleven, Katherine just last month."

"No… eleven? Have I been here so long, so long… is she safe? Don't let them take her."

"No-one will take her from me. Her birth certificate says she is mine. No-one can ever take her. You were smart to have that certificate drawn up."

Katherine smiled. "I remember that was Willameena's idea."

"Well because of it; Alexandra is safe and full of energy and spirit."

"She's a fighter with a kind heart," added Katherine.

"Was the marriage certificate Willameena's idea was well?"

Katherine frowned then her eyes went wide, signalling another jog of a memory. "Shhh…" Katherine lent forward, getting close to Adam's face. Adam held onto her hand and helped support her fragile form as she tittered on the edge of the bed. "It's a secret marriage. Adam will never know, not if I don't have to, but it will keep Alexandra away from them…"

Katherine started to shake, and Adam stood up and tried to gently lay her back down. "Shhh, shhh; you were very smart my Bonnie Kate." Adam then leant over, and kissed her on the forehead. "You know, I would have married you. I would have given you and my child my name and all my love."

Katherine cocked her head sideways to look at Adam, recognizing him again, she smiled. "Honour, not love… charmed, but… not…"

"Shhh," said Adam, "let me honour you, let me look after you."

"Can you take me home now, Adam? I'm so tired. Read to me, read your letters to me."

"Tomorrow, Katherine; tomorrow I'm going to bring Alexandra to you at the courts. After the judge says we can, we'll take you to a special hospital where Doctor Schultz and another doctor will try and make you well."

"And then I can go home," She sighed with relief.

"Yes," said Adam, though will little conviction. In the few minutes he had been here Katherine had become particularly tired and pale. Her heart struggled with the stress of her jumbled memories and the fear that became real with some of them. "Rest my Bonnie Kate, close your eyes and rest."

"Okay. Take the letters, I hid them, then I lost them. Oh Adam I didn't mean to lose them," said Katherine shaking her head.

"We'll find them, we have plenty of time Katherine. Shhh now, I'll stay while you sleep."

No sooner had Katherine visibly relaxed and started to doze, when Drew Kennedy and doctor Shultz returned to the ward. Adam stood and walked towards them. "Well, did the warden sign the papers? Can Katherine appear tomorrow at the hearing?"

"Yes, he signed them, but he wants to review it in the morning. He insisted that Katherine's health was his priority," said the Doctor.

"He sounded like he was stalling to me," added Drew. "The institutions census is due the day after tomorrow. I'm sure he wants the place at capacity. If the restructuring of the private penal establishments funding prevails, it will be the last payment the institution can hope to receive from the government. They will have to raise almost fifty percent of their running costs through their private patients and fundraising."

"Surely one inmate isn't going to make that much of a difference," retorted Adam.

"Inmate yes, but Katherine is a little of both. While she has been cleared of her crimes, she is still a responsibility of the state; theirs and your contribution, Adam has made her a valuable patient."

"Surely he wouldn't pervert justice?" asked Adam.

"No, maybe just delay it some. However, at this stage, we need to play by the rules, Adam. We can't take the risk of losing custody. If we voice any accusations, it will only delay our goal. I've dealt with the legal system here Adam, trust me. Let's get tomorrow over and done with. Doctor Shultz's report clearly says Katherine is at no risk to the public," assured Drew.

Suddenly they heard a crash from behind. All three men turned to see Katherine standing by her bed holding onto the corners of her bed side locker. Her water jug and bowl had crashed to the floor as she tried to regain her balance.

"What about a risk to herself?" cried Adam as he rushed to her side. "Katherine, what are you doing?"

Katherine looked up dazed for a moment, and then took on a look of determination. She opened the small door to the locker underneath the bench top and pulled out a colourful satchel. It had her name on it. "My letters, I found them," she announced smiling, and handed them to Adam before she staggered back to the side of her bed. The nurse was there in seconds trying to help the young women get comfortable and settled.

"I can do it myself," snapped Katherine in annoyance at the nurse.

Adam opened the satchel, and pulled out a wad of letters tied up in a ribbon. "You had them with you?" asked Adam confused, "I didn't…"

Drew Kennedy stepped forward. "No, Gilbert Thurne delivered them with the other documents that Molly had found. Molly asked him to pass them on. Will they hold any information we can use Adam?"

"They may. They are the letters I sent Katherine and it appears letters she wrote to me, but never sent. They may at the very least have the answers I need."

"They will have the answers I can't remember," answered Katherine, excitedly from her bed.

Katherine looked so much like Alexandra in that moment; like child as excited with the discovery of a treasure she had long searched for. Adam went over to her side once more. "Can I read them all?" he asked respectfully.

Katherine nodded. "Then you can read them back to me. I can't remember everything, Adam, but I do remember some. The ones that scare me are few; don't want them anymore you burn them. No more memories of fear. Read the good ones to me when I'm free."

"You need to calm down a little, Katherine," said Doctor Shultz. "Do not tax yourself. And promise me you will not try and get out of that bed again by yourself. You only need call for the nurse," he scolded

"Alright, stop bossin" she pouted.

Adam leaned forward once more and kissed her forehead. "You are free Katherine, just not with us yet. You will be with us all soon."

Katherine smiled and took a huge contented sigh. " Good then, now tell Alexandra I love her. She's a good girl, Adam, only a little bit …naughty." Katherine then closed her eyes and went to sleep.

~oOo~

On the way back to the hotel, Drew sat quietly snoozing, while Adams scanned through the letters. The letters appeared to be in order. He recognized the first of the pile as his own; one written to Katherine some four months after he'd gotten home and started college.

Dear Katherine,

I hope this letter finds you well. My father informed me of the events that happened after our ordeal at the hands of Frank Hallett. I am so terribly sorry that I did not get the chance to see you before you left Elk and that it has taken me so long to write to you. My injuries had me bed ridden for the week after and my recollections hazy for some time. I only hope your injuries have healed as quickly as mine and you are now safe and continuing towards your life goals as I am.

Last month I traveled to Boston and enrolled in the university there. I am studying architecture and literature as well as Roman history. I am enjoying the many challenges of my studies. I live with my Grandfather Stoddard not far from the university. If you ever travel to Boston, I would dearly love to see you. We could take in many of the fine performances of the famous Boston theatre. There are talks of a new building for the theatre. You never know, one day you may perform there. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Imagine, if I could design such marvelous buildings during the day and then at night, see the angel of my dreams; you my bonnie Kate receive the standing ovations for her portrayal of Juliet.

I have forwarded this letter to the Star and Garter Theatre, knowing that Ivan will forward it on to you. Please write back. I need to know that you are well and as spirited as I remember. You were very brave that night Katherine and though I know it must still hold a tormented memory for you, as it does for me: I've never killed a man before, but none of what happened could have been avoided. You saved your mother's life and for that you should be very proud. Hold your head up high Bonnie Kate.

Yours in admiration,

Adam Cartwright.

Adam folded the letter neatly and put it back on the bottom of the pile. He'd remembered writing it so long ago and agonizing over it. Wanting to say so much more and yet thinking that those demons that had also plagued him of that night should not be brought up. He tried to make his words sound gay and yet he had not dared to be too emotional, too endearing; just in case. Just in case of what, he now thought to himself. Typical of him to avoid the emotional connection he craved; for the fear of rejection, or worse… being responsible for the destruction of another human beings spirit. Little did he know.

Adam had never received a reply and so wrote again, three more times in fact without any response. He had presumed that Katherine had wanted to forget and that she needed to move on and so he stopped writing her; fearing he was tormenting the young girl in many ways. By his fourth year of university, the challenges of his exams, an internship and the busy city life he had grown and immersed himself in Boston, he almost forgot about Katherine altogether… except in his dreams.

While Adam never received any response from Katherine or her family for that matter, he was now delighted to find out that Katherine had not only made entries in her journal, but had also written letters, however she never posted them. He opened one letter that was third from the bottom. Reading the date on the top of the letter, he figured it had to have been composed about a month before Alexandra's birth. He opened it eager to read.

Dear Adam,

How nice it is to know that you are enjoying your studies, and doing so well. I expect you will become a most prominent architect in years to come. I have something I've wanted to tell you, and have written several letters that remain unsent, this too may end up this way, as I fear my ignorance… my…girlish fantasy is just that, and will ruin your plans and your reputation.

I am with child. Well, heavy with child. Momma says, that my belly has already dropped and the little life inside me will be soon here. I must admit; I am afraid, but at the same time I will cherish the day I hold he or she in my arms, a legacy of our love, even though it was so short lived.

I owe you the knowledge of this child's existence, yet I fear your response or at worst your denial. But know this Adam, I gave myself freely to you, out of love, perhaps it was young love, but a love that I had never experienced. Mother says that I have romanticized it all somewhat; that you were my first love and my hero because of that night; and you saving me from that evil man. All that may be so, I only know what I feel. I will raise our child by myself with love and knowledge of the man Adam Cartwright. A man he or she can go to if need be.

I tell you also, not to burden you with the responsibilities or financial expectation, but for my unborn child and the society that will judge them. Recent discussions have also contributed to the steps I must take now to protect my family; mother, Molly, me and our child. Mother has arranged my care to a local doctor, who will record the child's birth certificate naming you as the father. Again this is meant not to trap you any way Adam. The last thing I want on this earth is to do that. I, with the help of momma and Molly, will raise our child. However, my father Pater and his wife Monica have suggested that I give up the child for them to raise; that I am too young and well be forever labelled an unmarriageable. Fact is I don't think I will ever marry.

Mother has left the decision to me. However it would mean giving the baby up and leaving. Pater, of course, will make sure we are all looked after financially. But, Adam this does not sit well with me.

Father and Monica were nice to us when we first arrived. We live in a cottage not far from the Ardelle's family land holdings, but we are still outcasts. Father is loving, but seen as soft by his family and constantly reminded of his indiscretions and soiling of his family's good name. I know he is sincere in wanting the best for me, my child and even mother and Molly. It is the family I do not trust, his brothers and more so their wives and Monica. I do not want our child brought up here. I want our child to be raised in a real home. Home a place where we are loved.

As soon as I am able to travel Momma intends to take us back to Grandfather De Foe and the carnival. The birth certificate is my only means of hope of fighting them if they pursue custody. If that does not suffice, mother suggested a marriage by proxy. They would not dare take an heir from another man. I just hope that the confrontation never eventuates.

I must go for now, and will write you soon, of my whereabouts and the birth. I'm hoping for a little boy, not only because it may be a much safer road for him, but it would easily discourage Pater's brothers from trying to find us. They would not be so willing o share the estate with their own sons. However, a healthy baby is all that I really want; one that I promise to shower with enough love from both of us. What do you think of the name Alexander or Alexandra?

Take care Adam,

Love always,

Katherine.

Adam replaced the letter in its order, while musing over its contents. Drew had dozed off during their hour long trip and in the quiet of the setting day, Adam finally had answers. No wonder Katherine feared for her child. It seemed she had felt threatened from the time of Alex's birth. Losing her would have crushed her and denied the reality of their relationship. Had Adam known, what would he have done? A man of thirty would have some wise answers, but that is in hindsight. Back then, at nineteen things may have been different. Adam knew he would have wanted to step up to his responsibilities' and once he had told his father and his grandfather he would have been expected to. It would have saved Katherine so much heartache that was to come her way; the sacrifice all for her child and it appears… his dreams. He felt ashamed and mad all at the same time, and now even more determined, if that was possible, to get Katherine home.

~oOo~

Adam tapped at Drew Kennedy's foot as they pulled up outside the Occidental. The man woke with a drowsy expression taking a look out the window to get his bearings. "Join us for dinner, Drew," he asked. "I booked a table for seven pm."

"No, I promised my wife I would be home for dinner," said Drew as grabbed his hat and exited the carriage before Adam. Both men stood on the boardwalk outside the hotel and faced each other ready to say their goodbyes.

" You read the letters on our journey here. Did you find anything of use for tomorrow?" asked Drew.

"Perhaps, but more importantly an idea of Katherine's thinking. One thing I know for sure is that in her heart she wanted me to be part of Alexandra's life… And that makes very happy." Adam smiled.

Drew smiled back and shook the man's hand, a man he considered a friend and one he held a great deal of respect for. "Well then Adam, see you tomorrow. I'll be at the court house at one. I've booked a conference room; just ask at the desk, the clerk will tell you the room number. If Katherine comes, she may need the room to rest or feel safe. Doctor Schulz will accompany her, he's a little concerned the court house may bring up some bad memories."

"Thank you Drew, It seems you've thought of everything."

"I hope so Adam. Now go and enjoy the rest of your evening."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Let's hope Alexandra has had a better afternoon."

"I'm sure she has. Your daughter seems to have the knack of finding adventure in the simplest of things," he chuckled.

Adam waved Drew good bye and then entered the hotel and headed for Maverick's and Samantha's suite. Once there he knocked on the door. Brett opened it with a wide smile. Dressed in his suit pants, shirt and vest, minus his string tie he looked casual and relaxed. "Welcome, you're just in time," smirked the gambler.

Adam returned the smile, thinking he was walking into a happy moment with perhaps good news regarding Jai and Samantha's quest. His smile faded and transposed into a frown when he walked into the room and spotted Alexandra standing, fiddling with the hem of her dress in one corner and Jai scratching her head in another. "Oh no… what happened?" asked Adam, a sigh of resignation in his voice.

Alexandra immediately turned around and ran to her father. "Dad, did you see momma; is she better; can I see her tomorrow?" she exclaimed enthusiastically as she threw her arms around his neck.

"Yes, I saw momma, and she is better, but she is still very weak. She is looking forward to seeing you. She's very excited."

"So am I, dad."

"Good now, little lady," said Adam prying her arms from around his neck and dropping her to the floor. "What's been going on; why are you standing in the corner?"

"Well dad, it all started… well… you remember them stories you read to me about Aladdin and Ali Baba, you know the forty thieves, magic carpet rides and open sesame…"

Maverick started to laugh, but stopped when Samantha suddenly entered the room.

"Brett! Really, how long do I have to stay in there," she protested.

"Another five minutes, for all of you," he announced, as he lead Samantha back to her bedroom. "Five minutes Sam, and then you can get the girls ready for dinner. Adam and I will meet you in the dining room in half an hour." Maverick closed the door and turned around, then spotted Jai watching him. "Turn around little miss…" he ordered, "five more minutes."

Adam looked down at Alexandra, "You too Alex. Mr Maverick is in charge here."

Alexandra pouted, "But dad, I gotta tell you what happened. It weren't all our fault…"

"Alexandra Cartwright," said Brett, "back to the corner," he pointed.

Adam smiled at his daughter's dramatic indignant expression and sent her on her way to the corner with a tap to her backside.

Brett shook his head, "Don't worry, old chap, it's nothing too serious, and Alexandra's right 'it weren't all their fault' he said mimicking the child's earlier statement. "But… they all were masters of their own adventure and didn't make some very wise choices."

"Am I going to need a drink to hear this story?" inquired Adam, actually not very perturbed that there had been some minor trouble most likely at Alexandra's hand; it made it seem all normal and … well… just right. Besides, Brett seemed amused by it all.

"You will indeed need a drink, but only because it's that time of the day my friend. A cigar wouldn't go astray either. The hotel has a smoking room downstairs. Come and let me tell of the afternoon events." Brett slapped Adam on the shoulder and lead him out the room, "Now, let's see," he said, "I'm told it all started this afternoon, just after you left. But, allow me, if you will, some artistic licence in the retelling."

"You like telling stories do you Maverick?" smirked Adam.

"Oh yes, and I've been a part of a lot of a good tales, but adding Alexandra, Jai and my very own Samantha makes for a comedy of errors," he chuckled.

Before they had reached the cigar room bar, Brett had already started his tale, only to stop to order some fine bourbon and expensive cigars.

Flashback … Open Sesame

Samantha looked proud as punch as she walked down the large sweeping staircase with the two little girls holding each of her hands. Alexandra noted the balustrade. It had to be a mile long, she thought, with over the post rails and supports making the banister a continuous run. The long polished oak looked sturdy enough for a good slide. And Alexandra, put that on her to do list. The ride would be long and fast and with the French curve at the end; a perfect point where a small body could become airborne.

Samantha tugged on her hand, as they made their way into the gardens in the centre of building. Like paradise, it was lavish; tall green hedges, beds of roses and flowers, benches and gazebos, where the sounds of laughter and gaiety echoed in the safe surroundings; shut off from the busy outside streets of San Francisco.

"How lovely is this!" commented Samantha. "Look there's a croquet game going on." She led the girls over to a smaller lawn where the well to do men and women played with mallets on the end of long sticks, trying to hit a rather hard looking ball through small wire arches, known as wickets.

"Looks kinda dumb ta me," said Alexandra.

"Well I think we should try it, Alexandra. What about you Jai would you like to play a game?"

"Yes Samantha peng, I will try it," said Jai. "Come on Alex, why are so discontented?"

"Huh?" said Alex.

"She means sullen, Alexandra; you don't seem happy."

"I'm not, Miss Samantha. I'm sorry."

"I know you're worried Alexandra, but I miss the cheerful little girl we met just only yesterday."

"Yes, Alexandra peng. Things are going as well as can be expected. Lets us try to have some fun. I have never played a game," said Jai.

"I haven't played croquet either," said Alex.

"No, Alexandra peng. I have never played a game. I have only known work. When I was young, I spent the days on my mother's back while she worked in the field. Then when we worked on the banks of the river. It was my job to help keep our campsite tidy, collect fresh water, and prepare what little food we could for the evening meal. By nightfall, very few of us children got to play. We would spend the time with our parents, honouring family and our ancestors. Then when Hook Hand George took me… well I never played then either. You are the only one I have every played with my friend."

Alexandra felt a little ashamed. She too had not had an easy life, but she had been loved and she had played. She told herself to get over her melancholy; her inner sourpuss, her momma had once called her sulking. She smiled at her new friend. "Thanks. Okay. It's easy to have fun when I'm with people that I like," she said.

"That's the brave girl I'd heard about," smiled Samantha. "Now let's ask the attendant over there if we can have some mallets to play." Samantha made her way over to a young man dressed in black pants a vest and a bow tie. He was wearing white cloves and was handing out the croquet equipment. "Excuse me sir. My two young wards and I would like to play a round. Could we have some mallets please?"

"I'm sorry, Ma'am but this lawn is only for adults. There is a children's game going on behind the hedge over there. Perhaps the young ones can have a game there."

Samantha nodded her approval and wandered over to the children's lawn with the two girls in tow, all a little more excited this time.

When she arrived a woman was handing her two boys the colourful croquet mallets and instructing them to behave. "Now boys, I'm just over at the adult's lawn with your Aunt Peggy. They are having a ladies game."

"Okay momma. Are you going to have a little wager with Aunt Peggy? I heard you talking."

"Jonathan Edward. You know you shouldn't be eavesdropping. And no I am not; you know your father doesn't approve of gambling, especially women gambling."

Samantha rolled her eyebrows.

"Yeah Johnny, besides momma's not silly. She knows Aunt Peggy could beat the br… I mean win easily against momma. It wouldn't be a fair bet."

Samantha's eyes lit up. 'Aunt Peggy, hey?' Perhaps this woman would like to make a wager with her, she thought. Though she had never played the game before, she was sure it couldn't be that hard. Then again, she thought it may be best to run a little betting ring; this Aunt Peggy may be a champion that nobody else knew about. There of course wouldn't be much money to be had, but that wasn't what always made wagering fun; winning did. And besides, Brett did tell her to relax for the afternoon and have fun.

"Well Alex and Jai. Here," she said handing them their mallets, "why don't you two try out your skills? I will be over at the other croquet game. I need to get some practice in. You know my game hasn't been the same since London," she said quite loudly.

The woman standing next to her eyes lit up and she quickly hurried her children off to play and went almost skipping towards the adult lawn, and hopefully, thought Samantha; Aunt Peggy.

Alexandra and Jai caught on to what Samantha was playing at and were happy to go along. "Thanks Aunt Samantha," they chorused. "We will."

Samantha winked, "Thanks girls," she whispered. "Meet me back at the adult lawn in half an hour."

Jai and Alexandra nodded and took the proffered mallets, and then headed off while Samantha demurely tucked a stray blonde curl behind her head and headed off in the opposite direction. Jai and Alexandra then lined up behind a group if children ready to have their go at hitting the ball with their mallet. A boy standing behind them grabbed Jai and pulled her back behind him and then took her place.

"Hey!" yelled Alexandra, "No pushing in!"

"She's a chink, don't need no fancy clothes to see that," snarled the small boy.

"Yeah well, your jist an ignorant anus. Don't matter what she is, yer still have no right ta call her nasty names, push her and take her place."

"What yer call me?" said the boy, balling his fist. "You calling me something nasty!"

"It ain't nasty. It's a real word, my daddy told me so. When ya an ignorant anus, it means yer an uncivilized, uncouth butt head!" announced Alex and pushed the boy back; hard.

The young boy held up his mallet and took a swing at Alexandra. Alexandra propped backwards, letting her mallet drop to the ground and dodged sideways, narrowly escaping a nasty knock to her shoulder. The young boy jumped up and took another swing expecting to get a more solid hit in, however Alexandra grabbed the mallet from him and ripped it out of his hands. The boy grasped it back in the middle and a tug of war ensued. Alexandra landed another solid kick to the boy's shins, as she pulled on the mallet, trying to pry it from his hands. He yelled and then let go of the mallet… and so did Alexandra.

The mallet sailed over to the right of the lawn and landed in between the spoke wedges of the tea trolley one if the waitress' was casually pushing along. The mallet's handle jammed the wheel and caused it to stop abruptly then lurch forward. It sent a tiered stand of cakes, china cups and silverware flying through the air.

All three children stared in awe, as the small soft and creamy laden cupcakes became airborne. Most landed on the lawn, however one landed on a lady's fine hat, then another on the shoes of a rather large gentleman. He bent down to try and see them over his enormous belly and ended up losing his hat which landed in the creamy mess at his feet. At the same time the woman holding his arm tried to remove a pink cream cake that had landed in her cleavage. The whole incident seemed to go in a silent slow motion until the cakes hit their victims. Then there were screams, yells, laughter and then… Accusations.

"There… those little brats threw a croquet mallet," yelled the large women.

Several faces turned to Alexandra and Jai and the boy. The young boy quickly picked up Alexandra's mallet before the waiter started for them, leaving her the only one without a mallet and the now the prime suspect.

"Hey!" yelled Alex, "that's my mallet."

"They won't believe you," said the boy, "or your friend either," he said.

"I'm gonna punch you square in the nose," said Alexandra. The boys eyes went wide and then he ran, taking Alexandra's mallet with him.

"He ain't getting away with that," ground out Alexandra, before she took off after the boy.

Jai followed; the angry faces of the waiters and waitress' were far too intimidating to wait around for. Besides, like the boy said they would most likely not believe her and Alexandra needed her help.

The rest of the children laughed, and when they saw the great drama taking place and the adventurous nature that their boring afternoon had transfigured into, joined in. With children running everywhere the waiters lost their prime suspects and decided to split up, at least they could stop the avalanche of children that were now making their way into the hotel lobby, laughing and screaming.

Meanwhile, Alexandra chased the small boy through a door and then up what looked a service stairwell. By the time they got to the second floor and around the corner, the narrow hallway was empty. Jai arrived seconds behind her.

"He's jist disappeared dirty rotten ars… moose head," puffed Alexandra.

"Just like Ali Baba and the caves of the forty thieves or Aladdin when the genie transported him to the palace, perhaps he has found a magic doorway, or a magic carpet that flys," suggested Jai.

"What are you talkin' about, Jai?"

"They are stories my father told to me, some from China like Aladdin; a poor boy that finds a genie in a bottle and falls in love with a princess. Then there is Ali Baba; an Arabian woodcutter who finds the treasures in a magic cave owed by forty thieves…"

"Oh yep, I know them stories…From The One Thousand And One Nights book. I remember them thieves hid in big vases."

"Hey you… little girl!"

Alexandra swung her head around and saw the waiter from the lawn flowing her. "Right now we could do with a magic hidden cave."

"Open Sesame," sung Jai.

Both children looked around for just a second just in case something magical did happen, but it didn't so they ran again attempting to avoid the annoyed looking waiter. Trouble was there was an equally menacing waiter coming from the other end of the corridor.

The only escape was the stair case. It was a mere three yards in front of them, but their chasers were gaining ground. Alexandra grabbed Jai's hand and ran for the sweeping banister.

"Get on," yelled Alexandra, as she helped the smaller girl climb the banister, then climbed up behind her, "Okay let's go slide, Jai. I'll stop you when we get to the end."

As Alexandra had envisioned the ride was exhilarating. "Whoaaaa," they chorused as they made the ride. Jai was nervous at first, but having Alexandra behind her gave her the confidence to let go and let the polished wood of the banister increase her speed. Both waiters had made it to the top of the stairs just as the girls made it to the bottom. Alexandra managed to slow her speed down just before she slipped of the end of the stair case. However, it was not enough to have her land safely on her feet. As soon as her feet touched the firm marble floor, her knees buckled and she landed on her backside. Within seconds Jai had landed on top of her.

Patrons of the hotel passing the staircase, stopped to watch the activity. The sight caused a giggle amongst all except for the staff. Alexandra pulled Jai up just in time to take off through a crowd of onlookers, and the "Excuse me, excuse me" of two more hotel staff making their way over to the commotion that seemed to surround the staircase. Once there, they only got a glimpse of the two little girls weaving their way through the crowd and disappearing around the return of the staircase and then down a corridor that lead to the large ground floor ball rooms.

"What is going on here, Mr Butler," a deep authoritative voice could be heard from the end of the hall.

"Just a ruckus from garden, sir. A couple of kids throwing mallets. They went that way," said one of the pursers.

Alexandra, resigned to her fate stood and faced the direction the voices were coming from. With hands on her hips she was determined that they would listen to her side of the story.

Jai on the other hand was not so confident. She had often been blamed for all sorts of things in the past. Her parents along with other members of her race were ridiculed and harassed when they first turned up for work at the Basin. The locals had not appreciated the cheap labour and many had been left out of work. Then she was often the scape goat for Hook Hand Georges cons. She shook her head at Alexandra. "No we must hide, Alex. Hide in there while they pass." She pointed to a pair of large vases that stood at either side of the doors. The tall bamboo stalks were thin enough to have the girls hide behind them.

"You sure, I reckon iffin I explain…"

"They may believe you Alex, but not me."

"Okay…Hey, it'll be jist like Ali Baba…here I'll help you up," offered Alexandra.

Jai quickly took up the offer, her slight and tiny form dropped easily into the vase, while Alexandra rearranged the tall thin stalks. She then pulled over a chair, removed the stalks and climbed into the vase that sat on the other side of the large ball room doors. The fit was little tighter than it had been for Jai', and once Alexandra had re-positioned the stalk there was very little room for her to drop down and out of sight. Alexandra had to hold her arms up in the air and slink down low into the vases bowl, tucking in one arm at a time.

The girls disappeared just in time as the hotel manger came marching around the hallway, as he continued berating his worker.

"Perhaps if you had stopped chasing them, Mr Butler we wouldn't have all the children in such a panic.

"I'm sorry, sir. They just ran, so I thought…"

"Well, you have added to the chaos, now get the …" The hotel manager never got to finish his sentence as two little boys came barreling towards them, another waiter hot on their heels, and then behind them three ladies all demanding that the boys stop running and the waiter stop chasing them.

"What now!" huffed the hotel manager and he stood in front of the giggling youngsters. They yelped in surprise when the manager frowned down upon them and then tried to run back from where they came only to be confronted by the waiter, and behind him their mother.

"Edward, stop running this instance," cried the woman. His Aunt Peggy and Samantha Crawford came close behind her with their mallets still in their hands.

"Sir," bellowed the mother, "Your staff have been chasing children all over the gardens. My boys are scared out of their wits."

"I am sorry Madame, however, they don't look too frightened to me."

"Aww shucks, Ma we was just having some fun," admitted Edward before going on to explain. "There was this boy, and he picked on that pretty ladies' little girls. Then one little girl gave the nasty boy a real good kick in the shins, then he went to thump her with a mallet, but she grabbed it off him and it flung in the air and hit the cake trolley."

"Yeah, Ma," said Edward's younger brother, " it sure was funny."

"Well if you didn't do anything wrong why are you running?" asked the exasperated woman.

Samantha shook her head wondering what the girls had started and added her two pennies worth for good measure. "All children will run if they are being chased. I would think it would have seemed great fun to all of them," she said.

"Well that's well and dandy, Madame, but they have caused a significant disturbance in the hotel this afternoon. Mr Butler go and see to the cleaning up in the courtyard," ordered the manager.

"Mrs, Mrs…?"

"Harrington," qualified the woman.

"Mrs Harrington, if you could take charge of your boys, I would very much appreciate it."

"Yes, thank you. Edward , Jonathan , I think it's time for a rest before dinner."

"Aww, Ma, we wanna still play croquet. Did you win Aunt Peggy?" asked Edward.

"Um, why… yes," she smiled, "it seemed I was in front before we left the lawn," she claimed.

"Actually," said Samantha, "only just, but a lead of one I think. Well done, Madame here are your winnings," said Samantha, handing the young woman a hundred dollars.

Every one smiled at Aunt Peggy's success.

"What's Pa going to say ma? He don't like gambling remember."

"Well it wasn't I who gambled, Edward," qualified the boy's mother.

" And what your Aunt Peggy does is her business," added Samantha.

"Still…" said Peggy, "I feel I should at least go halves with you Miss Crawford, after all you were most likely the better player; being a finalist in the London games and all. I am sure you would have won the last round."

"Perhaps," smiled Samantha, "But there is nothing like the underdog pulling through. Everybody likes that sort of winner. Even those who bet against you really don't mind, and well those of us… I mean those that bet for you are very pleased that they won at better than even odds," smiled Samantha, subconsciously patting the wad of notes that she won betting against herself and that were now tucked safely in her small draw string purse.

"Gee Aunt Peggy, you better return your mallet; they'll probably make you pay for it, then you wouldn't have won so much," stated Johnny as he pointed to his aunt's mallet still held in her hand.

"Oh dear, I forgot. I just ran after your mother when all the commotion started."

"Oops so did I," giggled Samantha, holding up her own mallet.

"I could take it back for you," offered Aunt Peggy.

"Oh thank you, that would be a great help. I need to find my young charges," said Samantha, handing over her mallet to Aunt Peggy.

"I can return them ladies," offered the manager. "Please if you would just go about your business. I think the excitement is over now."

"Thank you sir, but I still need to find the two little girls. It seems that your waiter and another man chased them in here last I heard."

"Yes Madam, I saw them run down this corridor, but they had disappeared by the time I got here. Perhaps they have gone back out on the lawn," suggested the manager.

"Yes, perhaps. I'll go and look," said Samantha, then turned to leave, only before she had taken a step, Jai suddenly sneezed from the fluff that tickled her nose on one of the thin bamboo arrangements. A second sneeze had the small crowd including Aunt Peggy, the boys and Samantha, all turn around and look closely at the giant vase standing by the door of the ballroom.

"Why, I think there is a child in that vase," exclaimed Aunt Peggy.

Samantha went over and pushed aside the bamboo arrangement and found Jai's face staring back at her. "Jai what on earth are you doing in there?" she asked.

"Samantha peng, Alexandra and I were hiding from the scary waiter," she explained.

"Goodness," said the manager, "Are there two of you in there?"

"No…" said Jai, "Alexandra peng has her own jar to hide in. Just like Ali Barba's thieves," she explained.

The manager went to the second vase and pried the bamboo stalks apart.

Samantha tried not to laugh at the sight before them. Here were Alexandra and Jai, completely submerged into their vases, with only their heads showing. It was something one might see at a carnival freak show; "Come see the twin wonders of the world; living talking ceramics from the ancient crypts of the Chinese emperors! Come one come all!" she imagined the chant silently.

Alexandra looked up at him with a huge smile. "Sorry, Mr Hotel Manager, but it seemed like a pretty good place to hide."

"I'm sure it did…" said the hotel manager, "but they are expensive jars and are not to be played with. Now get out," he ordered annoyed.

Samantha bustled up to the hotel manager and started poking him in the chest. "There is no need to shout at them sir, they are just small children. It was your waiters scared them, I might add."

"And, Madame, I might add, from the eye witness we have here that it was these two who caused the altercation in the first place, causing a riot, and running up down the first and second floors, sliding on the banisters, which was not only dangerous to them, but anybody else they may have hit as they bounced off it. Then they hide in these expensive vases spreading the bamboo's fluff all over the place, on the runners…and… and the rugs. I'm going to have to pay overtime to get all the mess cleaned up!" he raved.

"Fine then," agreed Samantha, not wanting to push the man any further in case he asked for payment for the extra cleaning and she might have to hand over her winnings she'd made in the croquet betting ring. Well, she thought I had some fun, and it seemed the girls did too. However, she was the adult here and if Brett found out she had been gambling while the girls caused trouble… Well, Samantha was sure he would be none too pleased. Still, she couldn't help but laugh at the image before her. "We best get them out then sir, and I will take them up to our rooms and stay out of your way until dinner."

"Promise?" eyed the manager wearily.

"It's a promise, Sir."

With that both Samantha and the manager went over to the vase. Jai was able to free both her arms and hold them up so that Samantha and the manager could carefully lift her out of the vase, then set her down on her feet.

"Are you alright little girl," asked the manger.

"Yes, thank you sir, I am sorry for causing you trouble." Jai turned to Samantha, "I am also sorry to have caused you some embarrassment, Samantha peng."

"Oh I'm not embarrassed Jai, come let's get Alexandra out and head up to our rooms. I'd like to get there before Brett comes back," she said giving the little girl a wink.

The manger then went over to Alexandra. "Here let me help you," he offered.

Alexandra tried to squeeze one arm out of the vase just like she had seen Jai do, however, once one arm was out the lip, the vase was too tight to get her other arm out. "I'm stuck," she proclaimed.

"Nonsense!" said the manager, "Here give me your arm." He pulled on the little girls arm, but her left shoulder would not budge pass the lip.

"See I told ya I'm stuck," said Alexandra.

"Try and get your other arm out," said the man.

"It's too tight, mister, jist hold on will ya! Stop pulling, or I'm gonna swell up like My Uncle Hoss' belly after a flap jack eating contest, and then I'll never get out!" she shouted.

"Just calm down some," he advised.

"Well stop yelling at her," retorted Samantha,.

"I am not yelling at her, Madame," said the flustered manager. "But the child got herself in there; she must surely be able to get out. Why don't you put your arm back down and we can try again," suggested the manager as he pushed at Alexandra's over hung arm.

"Ouch… not so rough."

"You're hurting her again," protested Samantha, not liking the idea that she may also have to return a damaged child to her father.

"Madam, please if she can get both her hands back down, she can sink down into the bowl of the vase, then just raise her arms above her head, straight up and then we can get her out."

"Why not use some soap, or butter," suggested Edward, who had been standing there with his mother, Aunt Peggy and his younger brother, amused at the proceedings."Remember Ma, when Johnny got his little fella stuck in the hole on the big pot handle, you used soap. Remember Ma when he was a baby and he was playing with all the pots while you and Aunt Peggy were putting up preserves?"

"I did not!" protested Johnny.

"Did too, nearly lost ya little fella playing with the pots when you was naked as the day you were born. That's why your willy is all crooked… Ain't it Ma…"

"Ma tell him to stop," cried Johnny and then pushed his brother, who in turned pushed back. Before anyone could blink, the two young boys had each other in a head lock and were rolling around on the floor fighting.

"Edward, Johnny, that is enough!" chastised their mother.

Alexandra started to laugh. "Well soap or butter mighta worked for his little fella, but its gonna take a ton of butter ta slip me out of this," she explained.

"Will everybody just stop and listen!" yelled the manager. "Little girl, if you could just…"

The man didn't have time to finish his sentence. Samantha growing tired of all the discussion, the noise and arguments, grabbed one of the discarded mallets. She picked it up and then swung it at the vase.

Aunt Peggy saw what she was up to and as soon at the vase cracked and fell into large pieces, she grabbed a screaming Alexandra and pulled her out and away from any sharp pieces of ceramic.

Meanwhile Maverick had returned to the hotel accompanied by Hop Ming; Hop Sing's cousin. They had met earlier that afternoon and Hop Ming thought it best they discuss Jai's uncle and what he knew, at the hotel rather than at his shop in Chinatown, where there were too many ears. As they headed for the dining room, they could hear a ruckus coming from the hallway near the large staircase.

They decided to investigate, and to their surprise, saw two small boys trying to punch each other while their mother tried desperately to pull them apart, swiveling them and slapping them all at the same time. Just in front of them, stood Jai and Alexandra with another women, brushing them down carefully. Then to their left, stood Samantha, a croquet mallet in her hand yelling at the hotel manager. Maverick was sure it had something to do with the broken vase that lay not too far away.

"Madam I'll have you know I was quiet capable of getting the child out. It only needed a little patience on your part. That vase is an expensive Antique… see here…" he said, picking up what was left of the base… "Ming" he said pointing to the words and character incised in the baked clay; that is the Ming Dynasty, Madam; 200 years old. This vase is worth a fortune and I am afraid you will be paying for it!"

"What... An antique! You never said that," complained Samantha. "I was just trying to save the child. I thought she was going to suffocate in there. Why have you got antiques just standing around like that in the first pace," she complained. "Why I actually should sue you! It was your people that frightened them so much that they felt they had to hide in there."

"You can have my winnings back, Samantha," said Aunt Peggy, "If you put it with your own, I'm sure that will help."

"Winnings?" asked Maverick, raising an eyebrow as he now stood close to the very irate Samantha.

Samantha jumped in fright, "Brett… when… How much did you hear …"

"How much did you win and how, is the question I want to ask," frowned Maverick.

"Not enough to pay for a Ming Vase," interrupted the manager. "Are you this woman's husband?" he demanded.

"Not Ming Vase," announced Hop Ming, as he pushed through the small group with a piece of the broken ceramic he had been examining. "This is replicate… see here it says…"

"It says Ming my good man, I know Chinese maybe not as well as you, but it does say Ming…"

"Yes Mr Manager, sir, it is, Ming," bowed the proud oriental. "Hop Ming's, Ming… from Ming's Ceramic and Correctables…"

"You mean Collectables?" corrected Samantha.

"That what I said; Correctables; finest reproductions in all of San Francisco. It is from my emporium and workshop. Hop Ming make plenty vases for finest hotel, The Occidental," smiled the charming little man.

"Oh… oh… well then… that's good," blustered the manager.

"But, Hop Ming not be able to fix this," he said.

"You mean you can't corrected it?" giggled Alexandra.

"Alex, don't be rude," chastised Samantha.

"No, Hop Ming not offended. Ha… little missy funny; cousin Hop Sing tell me about little miss." He laughed. "No Hop Ming can't fix, but bring new replicate from my emporium tomorrow," He promised.

"Oh thank you Hop Ming," said Samantha, "here I'll pay you for it", she added, pulling her string purse open.

"I'll pay half," said Aunt Peggy, after all it was fun winning, besides if it wasn't for Samantha I wouldn't have won anything.

"No need to pay Hop Ming, Missy," smiled the Chinaman.

Brett grabbed Samantha's purse, and pulled out her wad of cash. "Oh yes there is, Hop Ming. Keep your money Madame," referring to Aunt Peggy, "I'm sure Samantha is happy to pay. After all, it was all in good fun," he said sarcastically, "Good fun for all it looks like, though how this could have happened with you watching the children, Samantha is beyond me," he added.

"Well Brett, most women are just naturally talented and have the ability to multi task; see," she said, pointing to the two boys who had since stopped fighting at were firmly in their mothers grip. She marched them by their collars; one in each hand and stopped every now and again as they tried to wriggle from her clutches and landed a good whack to their backsides.

"Yes, I should take a good lesson from that wise women. Only, it seems I have three naughty children to deal with and only two hands," He quipped smugly.

End Flashback

Adam was laughing by the time Brett had finished. So too were the bar staff and some of the patrons who had had the benefit of seeing some of the commotion that afternoon, and were now hiding in the Cigar Bar downstairs; away from the frantic debates of their spouses and dependants.

"I shouldn't laugh," said Adam. "I don't know how many times I've had to speak to Alexandra about fighting. Nothing seems to be working."

"Ahh, her heart was in the right place, as was Samantha's, but she is an adult and was supposed to be looking after the children, not away gambling while they were running amok," argued Brett.

" Alexandra knows better. I'm sorry you had to discipline her."

"I haven't really; just poked them in a corner to have a think about where their day all went wrong. You can deliver the rest of a punishment to Alex as you see fit."

"Hmm, I think a little chat before bed might be in order, though she has been out of sorts all day, worried about her mother. I don't want to ignore that and not give her the benefit of the doubt that her choices may have been a little clouded. And, tomorrow may be a tough enough day."

"Well if you ask me it's best to keep things as normal as possible," suggested Maverick.

"Hmm, wise advice, you are a natural at this parenting thing."

Brett blushed a little, "Suppose… I've had to deal with my younger brother and now Samantha for a while."

"Well, we'll have dinner and then head back to our hotel for an early night. Hey what about Jai. You found Hop Ming; no problems?"

"Sure did, and what a godsend he was not just because of the vase, though I would have liked Samantha to have sweated a bit longer about the idea of having to replace an actual Ming Dynasty antique," he laughed.

"Ahh, not Ming dynasty … Hop Ming Dynasty," laughed Adam, imitating the way he imagined Hop Sing would announce such a finding.

Brett joined in with the laughter. "Yes anyway, he thinks he knows who Jai's uncle is, though he's not really her uncle, just the business man that sponsored the family. The eight hundred dollars is what Jai's father owed him for getting his family out here."

"So her names not really Wang?"

"Probably not. But, the man will want his money back. Hop Ming was very uncomfortable talking about it in Chinatown. He's suggested we keep a low profile here until he can find out more. I get the impression he doesn't like this Wang fellow; he doesn't trust him."

"So good news or bad?" asked Adam, not sure how Brett felt about the situation.

"Both I think. Jai may be disappointed, but I think Samantha will be very happy. I don't think she is going to find it easy to give Jai up. I don't know where we stand if Jai turns out to be an orphan, but I know Samantha would like to keep her, and that may be a problem."

"Why?"

"Well for one, I don't know if Sam is responsible enough to raise a child, especially after today's shenanigans."

"She was protecting them just like a mother bear. Love is a big part of being a parent… unconditional. But it will be hard for her… alone," stressed Adam. "She will need some help."

"Yes…" mused Maverick, as he drew on his cigar, knowing too well what Adam was suggesting.

"The other thing is, and this worries me the most, neither Sam or I have would have a problem raising Jai, and encouraging her to blend in both cultures. However, Hop Ming suggested that the Chinese community here might object, and this Wang… Wang Lee fellow if he found out, could demand not only the sponsorship money back, but take Jai as well. Hop Ming didn't actually say anything, only I got the impression that would not be a good thing."

"You are probably right. We've all heard stories about the human trading and the places that these young Chinese girls are often sent to."

"Yeah, so we will be laying low here for a while. All the more reason as to why I'm mad at Sam, she needn't have brought attention to us the way she did this afternoon."

"She didn't know, Brett," defended Adam.

"No, no she couldn't have known. Well let's finish the last of this good bourbon and meet our family for a nice and hopefully uneventful dinner," smiled Brett.

"Agreed," said Adam sipping on the last of his bourbon. "It may be uneventful, though I'm not looking forward to some of the excuses, and probably the pouting that will take place. Alexandra hates being in trouble."

"So does Sam," said Maverick… "she gets this little twitch in her freckled nose when she's feeling very indignant. Jai is cute too, she gets all honourable and apologetic, though I could see her smiling today. I don't want her to feel she is a nuisance. I actually think she liked getting into a bit of mischief. It was good to see her be a child… well sort of… and then when Samantha poked at me, demanding I get her money back, and then got all excited when she started telling me about this Aunt Peggy and the betting ruse she'd set up… and… then she…"

Adam lent on the bar, and finished his cigar, smirking as Brett talked about Samantha and Jai. He was pretty sure things were going to work out for this trio. He could see a happy, albeit unconventional family in the making and a home of love wherever they were.

TBC

Chapter 17: A Shoulder To Ride On

A.N. Well finally it's here. Look what can I say... I have a job that helps feed my family, it has to come first. Thank you for being patient. You can also thank Lajoci for getting this back so fast