It was springtime when Logan was riding through the woods to town when he paused and saw Dr. Mike and the children. Listening in on them, he smiled when he heard they were playing a phrasing game.
"As mean as a snapping turtle," Colleen started.
"As mean as a rattler in August," Matthew said.
"As mean as Mr. Bray!" Brian piped in.
"As mean as…a centipede with sciatica," Dr. Mike put in.
"As mean as a hippo with a hernia," Logan said, coming close as he rode into view and they smiled in greeting.
"Your turn Brian," Colleen said.
Brian thought for a moment before starting, "as slow as molasses."
"As slow as a… snail on crutches," Dr. Mike said, and they all laughed at that as they rode by the new immigrant camp being set up.
"There's more of them," Brian said, observing the growing number of people at the camp. "I heard Mr. Bray call them immigrants."
"We're all immigrants Brian, some of us just came to America sooner than others," Dr. Mike said.
As they passed by Colleen and Logan caught Matthew eyeing a one of the women with long blonde hair. "Matthew's in love again," Colleen cooed and they laughed in amusement as he shoved her back into the wagon while they laughed and Dr. Mike half-heartedly scolded her.
After leaving, the wagon at Robert E's so that could check the horse's shoes Brian turned to her. "Is Robert E an immigrant to?"
"He's a slave dummy," Matthew said, and was immediately scolded by Dr. Mike.
"Robert E did not come here willingly. He was kidnapped from his home land in Africa," Logan said, from atop his walking horse.
"That's for sure," Matthew muttered.
"What about the Cheyenne, are they immigrant?"
"No they were here for thousands of years before the white men," Dr. Mike said, and stopping smiled down at him. "I was wrong, we're not all immigrants," she admitted.
Still smiling Brian darted ahead of them and into the store. As Logan was tying his horse to the post outside, he heard Loren say, "I'm still out of jawbreakers." And he could almost hear the smile on the man's face.
At a sound, Logan turned watched a group of cowboys and a couple wagons ride into town kicking up a cloud of dust as they did. "Hey it's Miss Olive she's back," Brian said, after he darted out indicating the woman riding at the head of the group.
"Who's that?" Logan asked.
"Loren's sister," Matthew said, coming close with Colleen.
"Grace take the wagon over to Robert E!" Logan heard Olive say over the thunder of hooves and wheel of the wagons to the black woman at its reins.
"What about Willy?" Grace asked.
"Oh go on do as I say."
"But he needs doctoring!"
"Jake will see to him!" Olive finished as she pulled up close to the store.
Watching Grace steered the wagon over Logan caught the look on Robert E's face as his eyes fell on her. Smiling he shook his head. Before turning to watch Olive dismount and warmly embraces Colleen and Brian.
"I didn't hear that your ma died until I was half way across Old Mexico," she said, sounding apologetic as she held Brian in her arms. "Same goes for your wife," she said, as Loren came out with Dr. Mike. "What happened?"
"Ask her," he said, jabbing his thumb at Mike.
After looking at him, Dr. Mike stepped closer. "Maude suffered a massive coronary, she had a heart attack," she explained.
After giving her a questioning looked, she shifted Brian to offer her a free hand. "Olive Davis."
"Michaela Quinn," Dr. Mike said, taking it.
"She's a real doctor all the way from Boston," Colleen said, proudly holding her and Mike beamed at her.
"Everyone else calls her Dr. Mike except me I get to call her Ma," Brian said, and looking at the bow Olive's frown deepened.
After looking at him Loren explained, "Charlotte left them to her on her death bed."
"That right," Olive said, and Logan caught the tingle of hurt in her surprised voice.
"A doctor now that's just what we need," and everyone turned to Grace. "Got a sick cowboy. Had a fever all the way from El Paso."
"I'll take a look," Dr. Mike said, and moved to examine the cowboy curled up in the wagon.
As she watched her go, Olive caught sight of Logan. "And who might you be?" she asked.
"I'm Logan," he said, nodding.
At once, a light of recognition appeared in her eye. "You're the one who lives with Sully and the Cheyenne?"
"You going to hold that against me like some people?" Logan asked, as Jake came close.
"Welcome back Olive," he said, eyeing the cowboy. "Did you find any silver mines?"
"Didn't need to," Olive said, putting Brian down. "Stuff was so cheap, weren't no reason to get dirty for it. I got a sick cowboy over there. Do mind taking a look at him?"
"Will do."
"Yeah. Get him over to your barbershop, Jake," Loren said.
From his position on the porch of the store, Logan watched as Jake came close to the wagon and after he shoved Dr. Mike's hands aside. He and Horace helped the man out of the wagon and into the shop. After watching, them go Logan looked back at Mike as she looked hurt and indignitied.
The next day Logan rode to the homestead pausing before he dismounted as a scent on the air caught his attention. She must be cooking again, he thought waving his hand in front of his face trying to get rid of the pungent smell of something burning.
I thought she was done with this Red Dragon moaned as Logan walked up and opened the door.
Stifling a laugh, he watched as she stood at the table in her Sunday dress and apron now partially covered in flour. Before her on the cooking table was a mixing bowl its contests partially all over the table. Which had a pot full of lard, apples, a rolling pin, carrots, and other things in bowls.
He watched in some amusement as she read from the cookbook in hand, "' Cut neatly until pea sized.' Pea sized?" then taking a knife and began to cut the unmixed contents of the bowl.
"I think you're supposed to mix that first," Logan said, and she jumped scowling at him and his amused face.
"White Falcon! What are you doing here?" she demanded.
Busting a gut from trying not laugh, he stepped inside. "At the moment saving you from this place burning down," he said, taking some rags and opened the smoking oven.
"Oh…," she moaned as smoke spewed out.
He pulled out the pot and opened the lid. "What was this supposed to be?" he asked, looking at the charred remains of…whatever it was.
"A roast," she moaned.
Looking at her, he shrugged. "Well it's defiantly done," and they both looked up at the sound of a horse outside.
Walking to the door, they opened to find the children and Olive there presents wrapped in simple brown paper in the children's hands. "I was just making supper," she said, brushing off some of the flour.
"That's alright we brought left overs," Brian said, brightly and Olive handed her the wicker basket.
"Thank you," Mike said.
"Anytime…I guess I'll be going…," she said, awkwardly. "I gotta look after my sick cowhands anyway," and she turned and to leave.
"More are sick?" Logan asked, coming forward and she nodded before saying goodbye to the children and left.
"Shouldn't we have asked, Miss Olive in?" Colleen asked, pulling off her bonnet after laying her present on the dining table and Mike closed the door behind them.
"I'm sorry…I'm…just a little tired this evening," she said, holding he head as Logan discreetly got rid of the contents of the pot by throwing it out the back door.
"Want to see our presents?" Brian asked, excited. But before she could answer, he was already ripping the paper off a pewter bear statue.
"It's nice…," Dr. Mike said, sitting down at the table. Looking over she saw the broach that Colleen revealed. "It's lovely…," then she looked at Matthew who hesitated.
As he fidgeted a bit, Logan stepped closer before he finally removed the paper reveling a polished wooden box. And opening it revealed a nickel-plated Colt pistol in velvet lining. Mouth opening slightly in surprise both Logan and Mike watched as he pulled it out of the case held it in both hands.
"Miss Olive says I'm old enough," he said.
"To kill another human being?" Dr. Mike asked, stunned.
"To protect my family," he defended.
"Miss Olive says he's the man of the house now," Brian said.
Quickly Mike looked from Brian to Matthew. "A very young man,' she said.
"But a man," Matthew said, and put the gun away then walked out of the house.
As Dr. Mike got up to follow him, Logan held up his hand. "Let me," he said, and followed Matthew out.
Quickly finding him in the barn looking at the gun in its box he approached. "It's a fine weapon," he said, and Matthew looked at him as he sat down next to him. "But it also means a lot of responsibility."
For a few seconds they looked at each other. "I only use it to protect my family," Matthew repeated and from the feelings Logan was getting off him he could tell he was trying to convince himself more.
"That is a point…and a natural instinct to protect the ones you love," and Matthew nodded. "Did you know that Sully and me only hunt with bows?" and Matthew nodded again. "You see a bow is an ancient and honorable weapon. It only serves to make a man equal to his prey…the deer maybe swift…but so is the arrow…the mountain and wolf have teeth…but so does the arrow…" Logan said, and Matthew paid rapt attention.
"But a pistol," and Logan waved his hand at the gun. "A pistol makes a man more of a match then his quarry… and that's not nature's way. It seems the only target that's a match for a man and a pistol…is another man and a pistol," he said, and Matthew blinked.
"I never really intend to shoot it, it's just to have…," Matthew started.
But stopped as Logan shook his head. "A gun can never be content to just be had Matthew. You see someone carved this handle," and Logan ran his finger over the handle. "Some smithy forged the iron and nickel…molded…polished it…" and he ran his hand over the body just above the handle. "Some gunsmith fashioned the barrel…the hammer…and the trigger…," and he ran a finger over the individual parts. "All for one purpose," and he looked at Matthew.
"What's that?"
"To shoot it… that is the destiny of a pistol…to shoot…and when a man picks up a gun he'd better be ready to accept that destiny," Logan said, and Matthew looked at him. "Now I want you to tell me right now that you're ready for that…without hesitation."
For a few seconds they looked at each other. Then Matthew opened his mouth but slowly closed it. Not saying anything.
Slowly Logan nodded closing the gun case. "It's still yours…but lest give it to someone who will keep it safe until you're ready," and picking up the case stood and left the barn.
Outside he spotted Dr. Mike who had listened in. "Thank you," she said, as he handed the case over to her.
Nodding he said, "Sometimes it takes a guy to talk to a guy about some things but remember it was given to him. Just hold it until he's ready."
She nodded. "Let's hope that never happens," and he shrugged.
"I'd better go," he muttered, turning to Wildfire.
"Won't you stay for supper?" she asked.
He shook his head. "I have to get back, but thanks for the offer," and mounting up he turned his horse and rode out.
The next day Logan was in town with Sully heading for the telegraph and discussing the previous day's events. Just as they reached the telegraph, Sully was calling Wolf and turned walked right into Dr. Mike whose vision was blocked by her packages. Which fell to the floor of the porch.
"Oh. I'm sorry," she said, as they dropped down to gather them.
"That's alright," Sully waved off. "Let me help you here."
"Oh, no. I can manage all right, thank you." She insisted as he took some of the packages from her arms.
"Where's your wagon?" Sully instead.
"I just don't want to keep you from your business," she said, facing him.
"Where is your wagon?" he asked, again and sighing she led the way. "Business can keep. It's just a telegram to the president, that's all," and both Logan and Mike looked at him in surprise.
"You're serious?" Mike said.
He nodded. "It's from Black Kettle. It seems that Abraham Lincoln gave him an American flag a few years back, and now he thinks that makes all Presidents his friend," he explained as they walked back down the street.
"Well it was Lincoln's government that freed the slaves," Dr. Mike said.
At once Sully stopped to look at her. "It was Lincoln's government that sent Colonel Chivington to the Colorado Territory."
"But he was reprimanded after the Sand Creek Massacre,' she said.
"Yeah. They called him back to Washington. Now they're replacing him with some man named Custer," Sully said, as they kept walking and Logan froze in his tracks.
"Custer!" he demanded, and they stopped to look back at him. "George Armstrong Custer!"
"You know him?" Sully asked, turning to face him.
"Well, that's something isn't it?" Mike said.
"Who says he's going to be any better?" Sully asked,
"He can't be any worse."
"He is," and both of them looked at Logan. "he's a sociopath…he doesn't have a conscious…and I fear that the things he'll do will make what Chivington did look like a Sunday School Picnic," and they stared.
Before another word spoken however they turned at a cry and saw Emily run out of her house her baby daughter red with fever in her arms calling for Dr. Mike. All three rushing forward she took the baby in her arm and after feeling her forehead, a Logan saw a wave of fear pass over her face. After looking around she darted towards Jake's barbershop Logan Sully and Logan dropping the packages into the wagon as they passed it.
"What is the hell do you think you're doing?' Jake demanded, as Dr. Mike pushed her way past him. Logan and Sully stopping at the door to watch as she after laying the girl down undress her down to her diaper before filling a basin with the pitcher of water. Then proceed to pour the water over the protesting baby again and again sung a tin cup. "You trying to kill that child!" Jake demanded.
"I'm trying to save her!" Dr. Mike snapped not halting her work. "We need to bring her temperature down and this is the best way!"
"No. You gotta keep her hot so as to sweat the fever out!" Jake barked jabbing his finger.
"That'll killer her Jake!" and he turned to Logan. "That baby probably has a temperature of a hundred and three any hotter she could die!"
"Emily! Does Sam have the same fever," Dr. Mike.
"Yes!" she said, franticly.
Gently Dr. Mike handed the baby over to the sobbing mother. "Keep pouring no matter what. Trust me," she said, and again the three left as Emily took up the cup and began to pour.
Dashing across the street with Jake in tow they stopped at Emily's house and throwing the door open Dr. Mike charged inside. "Oh no," she muttered, at the sight of Sam crumpled at the foot of the stairs almost as pale as the white wash railing before rushing to him.
"You leave my patient alone! He's…doing…just fine," Jake started to bark at her then froze when he saw the man.
After peering into one eye, she turned him. "He's doing just fine alright, Jake," she muttered, her voice laced with anger and sorrow. "He's dead," and Jake lowered his gaze and after looking at the dead man she muttered, "Influenza," and looked at them again as Jake raised his gaze.
"The Grippe," he muttered, in fear.
The flu…good thing I had my flu shot before we left for Canada, Logan muttered, as Sully shifted beside him.
The next day in town Logan met up with Dr. Mike as they passed Robert E's as he was making coffins for the coming dead. Pulling their horses to a stop, they stared in wonder at the line of sick people to Jake's barbershop with Loren helping some. Dismounting the walked to the door and stared in horror at the sight of Jake bleeding a man into the basin from before.
"What on earth are you doing to this poor man?" she demanded, and he turned holding the bloody blade in his mouth.
"What the hell's it look like I'm bleeding him," he said, as if she was stupid.
"That's barbarism!"
"It's got nothing to do with barbering. I'm letting he poison out him that's what."
"It means barbaric Jake!" Logan snapped and Jake looked at him. "What's next? Mercury? Leeches?"
"Mr. Slicker, wouldn't it make more sense if we work together? I mean I can help you," Dr. Mike said.
"The way you helped my wife when she was dying?" and both turned to Loren.
For a few seconds Dr. Mike held his gaze before turning and leaving. After watching her go, Logan faced Loren. "That was a low blow Loren. Nobody could have saved Maude. And Jake I doubt you'll stay healthy with that bloody blade in your mouth," and with that he turned and followed her leaving the men staring after him in his wake.
When they reached Emily's hose, Dr. Mike knocked and they were surprised when Olive answered. "I'm here to check on Emily and the baby," Mike said, when she recovered.
"They're fine, thanks," Olive said, and started to close the door in their faces.
At once Logan's hand shot forward slamming against it. "Excuse me! I'm their doctor I'm here to examine them!" Mike barked at the indignation then pushed her way past Olive in side Logan following.
They found Emily in the back room hard a work on her sewing machine the bay in a basket nearby. "Emily?" Mike asked, coming forward to feel her forehead.
"Dr. Mike," Emily muttered, looking at her.
"Emily you should be resting," Logan muttered, as he walked around and knelt next to the woman feeling her forehead while Michaela examined the baby.
"Best thing is to keep busy." And both looked at Olive as she walked into the room. "That's what I did when my husband died. I got up the next morning and went right on with running the ranch."
"Emily has been doubly exposed to the influenza. Unless she takes care of herself, she'll be all the more susceptible," Michaela said, turning to help Emily to her feet.
"Well, I suppose reasonable folks can disagree," Olive said, leaning against the sewing table. "I say we ought to let Emily be the judge after all…."
"You have ranching expertise, I have medical expertise. I don't tell you how to work your cattle, so don't tell me how to treat my patients!" Dr. Mike snapped interrupting. "Now Emily I want you to rest now," Mike said, in a kinder voice as she started to lead Emily upstairs before looking back at Olive. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd consult with me before gifting any of my children with dangerous weapons!"
"Your children?" Olive muttered, in a stunned voice and taking a breath continued, "Charlotte was my best friend. Truth to right, those children should be living with me!" and Logan stared at her in shocked amazement.
"But it wasn't your name she spoke in her deathbed," Michaela said, before leading Emily upstairs.
After watching her go, Logan faced Olive. "So…that's why you been marking your territory… because Charlotte chose her…and not you," he said, and Olive looked at him. "And personally I find it pretty darn pathetic that you bring it up now of all times," and a flush of anger appearing on her face and held up his hand to silence her before she could say anything. "I'd love to argue with you but right now we have a very serious problem on our hands. So it's time for you to choose Olive, you're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Decide…now! Or stay out of the way!" and for a few seconds she was silent before clamping her mouth shut and setting her jaw.
A short while later Sully meeting up with them outside the telegraph where they gave Horace some Quinine and they learned the stage and supply wagon wasn't coming until the epidemic was over they went into Bray's store. Which at the moment was crowded with people as they tried to grab as much supplies as possible while The Reverend tried to keep order in the chaos. Pushing their way to him Michaela took him by the arm.
"We need to talk," she barked over the noise.
"I am trying to keep order at this moment," Reverend Johnson said, in a huff as he pushed to a spot with more room.
"We need to talk about more than just this moment!" she said, as they joined him. "We have a very serious problem."
"That's as plain as day," Loren said, coming close with a near empty sack of apples.
"And I'm not talking about the stage not coming, I'm talking about controlling the influenza," she said, and Logan nodded. "We have to do something to stop the spread."
"There's nothing we can do," Jake said, coming close.
"Yes, there is. We can isolate the sick," Logan barked over the nose of the crowd behind them.
"What's that got to do with it?" Olive asked, walking over.
"Influenza is caused by a germ. At least that's a prominent theory," Dr. Mike said.
And how right it is, only it's a virus not a germ, Logan thought.
"What the hell is a germ?" Jake asked.
Facing him Logan asked, "You see this coin," and held one up. Jake nodded the affirmative. "Now imagine if you can millions or billions of tiny animals living on it all of them too small for the eye to see," and Jake blinked.
"Please listen to us. There's every reason to believe that these germs are highly contagious," Michaela put in. When Reverend Johnson shrugged not understanding she continued, "That means that they can pass directly from one person to another. Very easily."
"Oh and I suppose these little critters can jump," Jake said, mimicking to motion and Olive laughed.
"No but they can probably fly in a sense when you cough, breath…," Logan started then turned his head to Olive. "…or laugh," and she felt silent clamping her mouth shut.
"Well we don't know exactly how they spread, but we do know it's from some form of human contact," Dr. Mike said.
"Wait, are you saying that they, uh, that it's catching?" Loren asked, pointing at her with an apple in hand.
"Exactly," Michaela said, an at once he dropped the apple he was holding into the sack and started rubbing his hand on his apron.
"So, well, what is it that you need?" Reverend Johnson asked.
"A hospital."
"Well we don't have no fancy hospital around these parts," Jake said.
"Not an actual Hospital but the same idea," Logan said.
"We need someplace where we can isolate the sick and treat them properly," Dr. Mike said.
"Well you could use the church," Reverend Johnson offered.
"Thank you Reverend, but I need a place with a lot of rooms. We need to separate the patients at different stages in the illness," Mike clarified.
"Well, we don't have any place like that," Olive, said.
"Yes you do Charlotte's boarding house," Sully said, arms crossed.
"Charlotte! That's the banks boarding house now," Loren said.
"The bank ain't here Loren and we need that building it's the only one in town that fits our needs," Logan said.
"And we'd only just be borrowing it," Mike said.
"No, that's trespassing," Reverend Johnson said.
"This is an emergency," and the group around them remained silent. "Never mind I'll do it myself," Michaela said, and swept from the store. The others following close behind her.
Keeping a brisk pace, she walked all the way the boarding house front door and grabbing one of the boards nailed across it began to pull. Now I know where Kimberly got her stubborn streak, Logan thought before he glanced at Sully. After he nodded toward the building, both of them walked forward.
After Sully took her wrist in his hand, she turned and moved aside at their beckoning. Each tacking a board with mighty tug they wrenched them off before tossing them aside. Soon enough the door way was clear and they opened the door.
After smiling and gratitude, she faced the crowd that had gathered behind them. "Bring all your sick people here. If you don't, this whole town could be whipped out," she declared.
For the rest of the day and into the night more and more people flocked to the boarding house to be treated. As he helped, Logan watched Michaela in her element as she moved from bed to bed treating the sick. As she worked, she hardly rested or ate.
As morning broke Matthew and Colleen brought Brian in sweaty from fever. And watching from the second floor porch Logan watched as Colleen instead to stay and help with Matthew. Like a family should.
For the next couple of days with Brian staying with in a room with a few more sick children. And each time Logan felt it when one of the sick died. It was almost like he himself was dying over and over again. Sometimes it got so bad he had to step out to the meadow he felt so weak.
Two days into the epidemic Logan, Sully and Michaela were in Brian's room, which had been reduced to him being the sole occupant. Unaware of their presence the boy moaned on the bed. "Can you lift his head, Sully?" she asked, him as she stirred some quinine into a cup of water.
As he gently raised the boy's head, she poured the water into his mouth. "This quinine should bring his fever down…soon," she said, and they rested Brian's head back on the pillow.
As she picked up the near depleted bottle of the white powder she moaned, "This is the last of it," and both Logan and Sully looked at her. "The stage not coming through…," and she sighed in despair sounding exhausted.
"The Cheyenne brew a tea, works good on fevers," Sully said.
"What's it made of?" she asked, facing them.
"Purple coneflowers, we know where some are we can get some," Logan said, coming forward.
After looking at them, she sighed and shook her head. "No. Don't trouble yourself I can't use it," she said, and they frowned.
"Why because it's Indian medicine?" Sully asked, looking down at Brian.
"Of course not! Because I don't know the proper dosage, the possible adverse reactions."
"It's gotta work better than nothing," Sully said, looking at her.
"I… I can't experiment on people," she said, looking at him and he looked back at Brian again. I-I simply can't trust a medicine I'm not familiar with."
"You almost sound like someone I know," Logan muttered.
"Whose that?"
"Jake Slicker," Sully answered looking at her. For a few seconds they looked at each other before he and Logan left pausing at the door to look back before leaving.
The next day on the street, they met up with Colleen helping Horace to the boarding house. After helping him inside and to a bed, they went back to work. In the main room, Logan watched as she listened to Horace's heartbeat before standing and walking over to her bag to put her stethoscope away.
At a sound, they turned and saw Myra step into the room. "Myra are you alright?" Michaela inquired walking toward her.
"Oh, I'm fine," Myra, said, smiling. "Hank closed the Saloon. Too afraid of the grippe," she explained.
"What about you? Why aren't you afraid?" Dr. Mike asked, Logan coming close.
At that, Myra started ringing her hands. "Oh, I well, I-I had it once, and I lived to tell, so I thought well, maybe you could use an extra hand."
"We got all the hands we need," and looking up face-hardening Logan shook his head at Olive whose fists where at her hips.
"Well, of course we could use your help," Mike said, putting a hand on Myra's shoulder.
"She's a whore."
"Olive!" Logan snapped and she looked at him.
Walking forward Michaela said, "She's my friend."
"Don't get me started on the kind of company you keep," Olive said, crossing her arms.
"Not the time or the place Olive!" Logan growled in warning and again she looked at him. "And don't ranchers use Hanks services more than most?" and at once Olive flushed with anger. "Remember Olive people like you made her what she is," Logan said, and placed a hand on Myra's shoulder. "I find it rather ironic that now you're punishing her for it."
For a few seconds she held his gaze then turned as Michaela said, "Emily?" as Emily stepped into the room.
"I've come to help," she said.
"Are you sure you're feeling strong enough?" Dr. Mike asked.
"Sure she is," Olive, said, beaming at her.
"I figure it'll help get my mind off Sam's dying."
"Well, of course it would, just like I told you."
"What about the baby?"
"Oh, she's fine. Harriet's watching her."
"Well, you come on with me now," Olive said, and after she and Dr. Mike, and Logan shared a looked she led Emily away.
"What can I do?" Myra said, stepping close to Mike as Olive left.
"Oh…well, um, Horace needs bathing," Dr. Mike said, indicating where Horace was lying and walking over handed Myra a sponge in a tin.
"Uh, you, um…you want me to, uh, well, wash, you know, everything?" Myra asked, quickly in an undertone.
Smiling Mike shook her head. "Oh, no, uh, just the chest and the back will be sufficient," she said, and Myra nodded as both Mike and Logan moved on she sat on Horace's bed.
They met Sully in the hallway and as Mike left to see to others on the next floor both men turned at the sound of a ruckus outside. Racing out they turned toward the source and saw a looting riot begin to form around Loren's store. Darting forward they drew their knives and tomahawks.
As Hank picked up a big log and was about to use to bash in the door or throw it through the window Sully threw his tomahawk. It landed squarely in the wood right next Hank's head. Slowly bringing the log around Hank stared at it before facing them as they walked forward.
"You heard the man before Hank, two hours a day until the Stage starts coming again," Logan growled.
"The store will be open in the morning," Sully said, taking his tomahawk.
"Well, we'll be here bright and early," Hank said, tossing the log into the troth next to him then pushed his way past.
"The rest of you go home!" Logan barked and the crowd dispersed Loren looking at them through the glass of one of the windows. As Sully slipped his tomahawk into his sheath, they shared a look before Loren turned and moved away from the window.
Later that night after Logan and Colleen watched Dr. Mike listen to a man's heart a lamp burning the table next to his bed. "Dr. Mike you've got to rest," Colleen said, as they moved closer.
"In a while," she muttered.
Shaking his head Logan squatted down to look her in the eye. "You said, that two hours ago…you're not going to do these people any good…" he started then paused. As he saw, Jake walk in sweaty and pale from fever.
"Jake?" Michaela asked, following his gaze.
After she walked over to him. "Friend-friend of mine took sick. Y-you wouldn't have some of that quinine would you?" he asked, struggling to speak before he started to collapse.
Catching the man in his arms Logan helped him to a bed. "Colleen could you get me some water?" Dr. Mike said, and Colleen left.
As she started to unbutton his shirt, Michaela paused looking at his rolled up sleeve. Slowly she drew it higher and Logan sighed shaking his head at the bloodstain and cut underneath it.
"No wonder he's so pale and weak…he tried to bleed himself," he muttered, as Colleen returned.
"Thank you," Dr. Mike muttered, taking the cup, she handed her and helped Jake lift his head to drink from it.
"I appreciate this,' he muttered, and she quieted him. Before taking up a sponge and began washing his face. Colleen watching with a look of sorrow in her eye.
The next day after Logan and the Reverend took a man up stars to a recently vacated bed in the upstairs front room Logan returned alone to the bottom floor. At the sound of voices, he paused just outside the main room.
"What about you?" Colleen asked.
"That's all there is."
"I'm sorry about the mean things I said."
"I'm sorry, too. My father often had to leave when I wanted him to stay home. I suppose I've forgotten what that feels like."
He heard light footsteps come toward him before the paused and turned. "Dr. Mike? All this week I watched you. The way you care for people? I want to be a doctor when I grow up…," and with that Colleen continued on her way pausing outside the door when she saw him.
For a few seconds they looked at each other in silence before he smiled and patting her shoulder walked past. Stepping out into the sun, he cupping his stiff neck he rolled it feeling it pop, Sully and Matthew looked at him.
"How's Brian?" Matthew asked, at once standing straight from the post he was leaning against.
"I don't know I didn't see him," Logan muttered, arching his back to stretch it. And they watched as he bent it far enough for his hands to touch the floor before flipping his feet up and over to the other side.
"That was a long night," he muttered, sitting down next to Sully .
Before they could say anything, the door was opened again and Dr. Mike staggered out. "Brian's going to be all right," she muttered, and giving a cry of delight Matthew barreled inside.
Pausing as they did Logan and Sully watched as she leaned against a post. Then with a sigh, she fell back fainting from exhaustion. Right into Sully 's arms before she hit the ground.
Sighing Logan stepped close then his eyes widened in alarm as he brushed his hand against her. "Sprits above and below she's burning up!"
Soon enough they had her upstairs in a bed down to her petticoats. Both Logan and Sully watched with Matthew forlornly as Colleen tenderly rubbed her forehand as she sat on her bed. As Mike, moaned Colleen stood and walked over to them.
"All the Quinine's gone. We got nothing to give her," she said, as Mike continued to moan before she walked out of the room.
"Where are you going?" Matthew asked, as Logan and Sully turned to leave.
"We're going to get the Cheyenne Medicine Man," Sully said.
At once Matthew shifted to block there path. "Wait. Let me go," he insisted.
Sighing Logan and Sully looked at Mike before looking back at Matthew. "Take this to Cloud Dancing…he's out friend and you've met him before. He was with us when we brought Black Kettle to your ma," Sully said, slipping his medicine bag from around his neck and placed it around Matthews. "This will keep you from harm. He's with Black Kettle camped and Bear Creek. Tell him we need his help fast."
"I know the way."
"Good now hurry!" Logan barked and Matthew rushed from the room and turning again Logan and Sully moved to Mike's bed.
After spending a couple hours with her both Logan and Sully stepped out to get some rest. When they got back early the next morning, they paused at the door. Olive and Emily continue to wash her back her front nestled into the bed.
Shifting uncomfortably Logan turned to Sully who was watching fixated on her as he stepped further back. "Sully, White Falcon," and they turned to look at Brian as he stood in the doorframe of his room. Motioning for the boy to be still, he stepped closer to him before squatting down to look him in the eye. "I was going to see ma," the boy said.
"She's sleeping," Sully said.
"What's wrong with her?"
"She got influenza like you did," Logan explained.
For a few seconds the boy was silent then looked back at Mike's room with fear. "That's the room where my real Ma died."
"Don't go thinking like that," Sully, said, trying to comfort the boy.
"What if Dr. Mike dies to?"
"She's not going to die," Sully insisted.
"Promise?"
For a few seconds Sully looked at him before nodding. "Promise," he said, and offering his hand Brian shook it before Sully carried him back to bed.
"If she dies that boy will never speak to you again," Logan muttered, as Sully came out and looked at him.
Logan you know she's going to be fine or else Kimberly wouldn't exist, Red Dragon said.
Before another word could be spoken, they turned as Emily came out. Stepping closer again to the door Logan heard Michaela say, "Olive, if the children…if I…"
"No need to worry about the children," and Mike sighed and Logan heard her head fall deeper into the pillow. "Besides…you're going to get well. You hear. You're going to get well."
As they stepped into the room as Olive covered her with blankets she turned and faced them. For a few seconds there was silence between them. "Solution or problem?" Logan asked.
For a few seconds she was silent. "Solution," she finally muttered.
Logan looked at her for a few seconds before nodding. A few seconds later Logan turned at the sound of pounding feet and Matthew appeared. "He's here! He wants you to bring her outside!"
At once Logan and Sully acted drawing the covers off Mike ignoring Olive's protests as Sully took her in his arms and carried her out. They didn't stop until they reached Cloud Dancing and shifted her onto his horse where he protectively held her close.
"What the deuce do you think you're doing?" Olive demanded, barging out of the boarding house with Matthew and Colleen.
"Gettin' help!" Sully barked as Logan slipped onto his horse after calling for him.
"She's in no condition to go anywhere leastways with that character!" and Olive waved a hand at Cloud Dancing.
Glaring at her Logan turned horse to follow as Sully led Cloud Dancing's out of town. Soon enough they were by the creek in the forest near Black Kettle's new camp. Cloud Dancing now with paint across his eyes with small streaks of white just below them. With Logan and Springs Dawn, watching Sully held Dr. Mike in his arms as Cloud Dancing fanned a clump of long black feathers tied together.
Then laying her down on a buffalo hide surrounded by stones with her head resting on Sully 's knees Springs Dawn handed him a large jar of tea as a small fire burned before them. As Cloud Dancing began to chant in Cheyenne calling for the spirits to heal Michaela as Sully helped her drink the tea. When he was done, he knelt and sprinkled some powdered herbs into the flames, which flashed blue before sizzling back to normal.
"It is done," Cloud Dancing said, then turned to leave.
Climbing to his feet Sully followed taking him by his arm. "Will she live?" he asked.
"She fights hard," Cloud Dancing said, then turned to see Springs Dawn before him.
"Will my white sister live?" she asked, as Logan stepped next to her.
"That's up to all of you," Cloud Dancing said, and walked around them.
Not long after Logan and Cloud Dancing rode back into town with Dr. Mike once more on his horse and Sully lading it. After shifting Michaela into his arms Sully turned and with them closing following took her back inside carrying the Cheyenne medicine.
"What do you think you're doing bringing him here?" Jake demanded, from where he was sitting on his bed.
"Glad to see you're feeling better, Jake!" Logan snapped looking at him.
"Well, she don't look no worse," Olive said, coming over.
"She needs a sip of that tea right there, every hour," Sully said, nodding to the jarred tea in Logan's hands. "And there's plenty of leaves in that bag for tea for the others," and Cloud Dancing held out the bag.
As Sully moved on to the next room kicking open the partly open door, Cloud Dancing pressed the bag into Olive when she didn't take it. They carried her upstairs and gently laid her down on the bed. Emily following close behind in their wake.
Before they could do anything else the sounds of horses outside drew their attention and the sound of a soldier calling, "company holt!" at once the three men shifted out of the room listening to the sound of booted feet walking into the building.
"What can I do for you sir?" they heard Olive say.
"Name's Custer, General Custer," came a male voice as they reached the stairs and shifting to either side, they drew weapons. "We came across some fresh Indian tracks down by the creek," Custer said, and shifting a little Logan peered around the corner to look at the owner of the voice as he looked into the main room where Olive was two soldiers on either side of him.
He was a somewhat tall gangly man with long blonde hair under a white hat that framed a thin face. Across his lip was a prominent mustache and goatee which shifted as he spoke shielding hi receding chin. But what caught Logan's attention were his eyes. They were ice blue cold, unfeeling, as they glowed with the eager delight of a schoolboy… or a madman eager for blood.
Logan gripping his knife and tomahawk so hard his knuckles turned white, as he felt a wave of loathing and content toward the man.
"You seen any Indians?" Custer asked.
"We an't seen any Indians," Olive said, and Logan relaxed a hairs breath his eyes shifted to Cloud Dancing holding his war club. "You're welcome to search the place if you like General, but I have to warn you. We got ourselves an epidemic of the grippe."
For a few seconds Custer remained where he was. Then he turned and left not looking back. When he was gone and the sound of the soldiers horses leaving met his ears Logan let loose the breath he was holding and sighed in relief. And they quietly returned to Mike's room.
As night was, falling Logan and Sully sat by Mike's bed as she slept breathing strong and steady. Later as Sully dozed in his chair, Logan smiled in relief from the window as he saw her open her eyes. "Sully," she whispered turning her head to look at him. When he didn't respond she reached out and took his arm. "Sully," she repeated stronger and at once, he jerked awake taking her hand as he moved closer. "The children…are they all right?"
Sully smiled. "Don't go away, don't go away," he muttered, to her as he drew back to the door and stepped outside.
From his seat, Logan watched as her eyes fell on the jar of tea on her bedside table. Picking it up she drew it close and recoiled after smelling it. "The Cheyenne tea," Logan said, and she turned her head to face him. "It and Cloud Dancing saved your life." And she put it back.
"Ma?" called Brian's voice and the three of them, Sully, and Olive barreled into the room and coming close Brian and Colleen held her close.
Shifting to his feet Logan moved close to Olive who remained where she was by the door. "Thanks for earlier," he muttered, watching the scene before them, and she looked at him. "I think I'm going to like you," and he heard her chuckle.
"Told you you'd get well," she said, to Michaela who looked at her form the bed. "Come on, now. Dr. Mike needs her rest. Everybody skedaddle," and walking forward she ushered the children out.
Reaching him Brian stopped before Sully and motioned him closer. "Just like you promised," he said, as Sully dropped to one knee then Brian held the man tight and Logan smiled down at them.
After the boy left Sully walked closer to Michaela's bed who had fallen back asleep. As Logan started to walk away, he watched as Sully tender stroked her face before leaning close to kiss her forehead. Then he reached over and put out the lamp by her bedside plunging the room into darkness.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW