A couple weeks' later things calmed down enough that the townsfolk stopped sending the immigrants dirty looks whenever they passed. In that, time both Jon and Mathew worked off the price of the cow. And after proving his worth, Jon earned steady employment with Olive.
One day Logan was in town with Kimberly and Sully helping to slowly unload the church's new piano from a delivery wagon outside The General Store. With Robert E. and another man helping to guide it down the ramp. Gripping the ropes in both hands, they gave a series of grunts of effort. "Easy now…easy…," Jake was saying from the side of the wagon.
"We heard you…the first…twenty times…," Logan pretended to grunt out before glancing at the man.
"You know…your welcome…to help out…anytime…," Kimberly put in shooting him a hard look. He closed his mouth and took a step back.
He's a real gentleman, Red Dragon muttered.
Tell me about it, Logan muttered, as the other corner of the piano reached the end of the ramp.
"Nice and gentle, boys, the keys can break," Olive warned as she stood next to Loren at the other end of the piano.
"How do you expect to get this thing all the way over to the church?" Loren asked, looking over at the Reverend as he watched with baited breath.
"Just set it down, and then we're going to get a cart," he said, and frowning Logan and Kimberly shared a looked at each other with a mirrored look of disbelief.
"So we're unloading it from a wagon…so we can load it onto a cart…so we can unload it again at the church…?" she muttered, with a few waves of her finger.
"I know…," Logan, muttered, shaking his head looking down at Loren as he crouched to pick up his corner. "Why the hell didn't we just unload it the first time at the dame church?"
"One…, two…, three…," Loren counted and as he started to lift, he gave a groan of pain.
"Loren!" Michaela barked in concern pushing her way forward while Logan, Kimberly, and Sully leapt from the wagon to reach him. "What is it, Mr. Bray?" she asked, reaching and trying to examine him for injuries.
"Nothing I'm alright," he insisted turning (with a slight hobble) from the piano a look of pain on his face.
"You strain a muscle?" Dr. Mike persisted trying to turning him to face her.
"I said, I'm fine leave me alone…," and with that he turned back toward the store and pushed his way thought the crowd.
"But I'd like to…," she started.
"Mike!" a voice interrupted and turning the spied Myra come rushing out of the saloon. "Dr. Mike!" she called out again as she darted forward adjusting her shawl. After taking, one last look in Loren's direction Mike turned and the crowd moved forward. "There's a prospector out back. Oh, something awful happened," Myra, continued when she reached Mike. "Nothing like this has ever happened before. Oh, lord."
"Myra what happened? Did he attack you?" Kimberly asked, concerned when she got close.
"No…he…," Myra started again still half in hysterics.
"All right we'll take a look," Mike reassured her and taking Myra by the arm led her back toward the saloon.
"He was doing just fine, I mean at least he looked okay," Myra continued on the move.
"Who is he?" Mike asked, as they moved onto the covered porch.
"Sam," she answered. "I don't know is last name," she said, after they waited a second for more info.
As they breezed past Hank, he started bark hands out in front of him. "Hey, hey, hey, everybody get back. This ain't no peep show," and Logan rolled his eyes.
Making their way back to Myra's room, they found the shirtless man-laying prostate on the bed. Moving forward Mike bent forward to examine him. "He fainted cold, right…right…," Myra started looking down at the man.
"Right with his boots on," Jake put in a few men at the door laughed at that as Michaela straightened look at everyone.
"I don't think he fainted Myra…," Logan interrupted in a low voice when he couldn't hear the man's heart beat.
For a second Mike looked at everyone before she said, quietly, "he's dead."
At once Horace put his hands on Myra's shoulders to comfort her as a shocked silence fell.
A short while later on a makeshift stretcher Hank and another man carried the white sheet covered body out of the saloon. "You sure he had no family?"
"I was told his son and kin were killed by a twister," Hank answered as they stepped out into the sun.
"Oh, bring him into the clinic," Mike suddenly said, stopping the group as they turned toward the church.
"What?" Hank said, confused.
"The operating room," she clarified.
At her words, Kimberly stepped forward as Hank proclaimed to the crowd, "oh, now she's going to try to bring him back from the dead!"
"Are you going to do an autopsy on him?" she asked, as the crowd roared with laughter and Hank looked at them as Mike nodded.
"A what?" he asked.
"She's going to find out how he died," Logan clarified stepping close to Hank. "And to do that..."
"Who cares…," Hank said interrupting him, as the precession turned toward the Clinic.
"Well, he looks young and strong," Mike said, looking down at the uncovered face. "Young men don't usually…," and she paused at an uncomfortable silence. "…die like that."
"Oh, well, he went out happy," Hank said, as they carried him inside and laid the stretcher on the operating table.
"If I were you Hank I'd be more concerned," Logan said, and Hank turned to look at him. "After all he could very well, have died of something contagious…," and Logan's eyes shifted to the body. "That could very well, be lurking in your place for its next victim," and his eyes shifted back to Hank.
For a second Hank was still before he turned and left with the other man. After the door shut behind them, they were still for a moment before chuckling Logan turned back to Mike. "Thank you," she muttered nodding.
Both nodded. "No problem…," Logan said, waving it off. "Now if you don't mind…," and the pair back up to the door. "…we'd rather not be here if we have to…," and with that they also left.
The next day both were back in town for the picnic and watched from a distance as Sully was visiting Abigail's and his daughter's graves. At the sound of the wagon, they turned and smiled as Mike and the children came toward them with their picnic blanket and basket. "Um, when are the races going to start?" they heard Colleen asked, as they got close.
"Look, there's Alice," Brian said, pointing to a girl wearing a fancy floral bonnet walking in the opposite direction. Remembering that she and Coleen were good friends Logan expected a warm greeting between the two. But was surprised that Alice didn't return Colleen's warm smile or even look at her.
Frowning Logan shared a glance with Kimberly as they moved close to the group. "Let's pitch some horseshoes," Mathew suggested breaking the silence. "You want to come?" and he glanced at Colleen.
"No thanks," she muttered, as Mike laid out the blanket on the ground.
"Everything alright Colleen?" Kimberly asked, as the four of them sat down looking at her.
For a few seconds Colleen was silent and following her gaze, they looked over at Alice. Who at the moment was surrounded by admirers for made up of younger or same age girls complementing her bonnet. "I thought you and Alice were friends," Mike said, looking back at her before starting to take out the food.
"Used to be…," Colleen muttered, and Logan and Kim looked at her as she opened her book. "Now all she cares about is hair bonnets," and her gaze lifted to look at the girl in question again. "You think she's prettier than me?"
At once all three sets of eyes turned to look at her. "No, not at all…," Mike said, reassuringly.
"How come she's so popular?"
For a second the three were silent trying to find the best answer. "That's a very mysterious thing…," Kimberly said, in a thoughtful voice. "It could be anything really…from a new style that everyone likes…or some people seem to have…a kind of pheromone that attracts everyone to them," and she looked at Colleen.
For a second Colleen frowned in thought. "What are pheromones?" she asked.
Smiling Mike explained, "it's kind of like a perfume its makes everyone ant to be around them."
"I sure don't have it," Colleen muttered, looking back down at her book.
"You will," and Colleen looked back up at Mike. "One day…," and lowering her gaze again back to her book again.
Before another word could be spoken Brian dart over dropping to his knees. "Where's Sully? I wanted to him to see me."
Smiling Logan shook his head. "Don't worry Brian he'll be over soon," and he glanced over at the man. "He's just visiting Abigail's grave…," he muttered, as he watched him lay a bucay of flowers on it.
"Again?" Colleen muttered, looking over.
"It's the anniversary of his wife's and baby's death Colleen," Logan muttered, and she glanced at him. "It's been a few months but you still visit your Ma's grave," and he looked at her.
"He must have loved her a lot," Brian muttered.
"That he did…," Kimberly muttered, as Logan caught an uncomfortable look pass across Michaela's face. "…to still have this much pain and anguish."
For a few seconds the group was still before with a breath of air, Colleen returned to her book and Mike continued to set up.
A couple moments later Brian suddenly said, "Hey where's he going?"
Looking over Logan saw Sully and Wolf leave without a backwards glance as Loren and Olive to their places at the graves. "I'm not sure…," Logan muttered, then lightly took Brian by the arm stopping from going after the man. "Best let him be for now…," he muttered. "Besides…," he continued with a half-smile. "Looks like you got a race coming up," and he nodded to Mathew coming over as people set up for the wheel barrel race.
A short while later Logan and Kim stood next to Mike and Colleen cheering Mathew and Brian on. As the boy's ankles were held in his brother's hands. They were just about to cross the finish line when suddenly Brian's arms collapsed on him. With a moan of disappointment, they watched another pairs of brother crossed the line and the reverend declared them the winner of the race.
"Brian, I told you to keep those arms straight," Mathew playfully scorned lifting his brother back onto his feet.
"You were going too fast," Brian shot back at him before darting into Mike's arms.
"Yeah you were going too fast," Logan half-scolded Mathew who shook his head laughing.
"All right, now, next we have the three legged race for children ten and older!" the Reverend called out after checking his list. "So, choose your partners!"
"This is my favorite," Colleen said, darting forward.
Frowning Logan watched as she went from person to person looking for a partner and was turned away at each one as they partnered with another person. All of them wearing bonnets. After she was rejected by, a tall girl who partnered with a shorter one Logan and Kim shared a glance.
As Colleen with a light sniff turned away from one of the last girl, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning she faced a smiling Dancing Heron. "Would you be my partner?" she asked, and Colleen blinked. "Us bonnetless girls need to stick together," and she held up the cord to bind their legs together.
Smiling Colleen nodded.
A short while later the pair properly bound at the ankle stood arms warped over each other's shoulders waiting for the signal. When it was give with a cry the racers were off.
In the midst of the crowd Kimberly and Colleen pushed forward weaving through the pairs of people. Doing their best to move in perfect synchronization as the thrill of the race and cheers from Logan, Dr. Mike, and Brian rang in their ears. As they neared the end of the race, way it was just them, Mathew who was partnered with Alice. After shooting the pair a glance we a surge of their legs they threw themselves forward and breaking the ribbon crossed the line a half a second before Mathew and loosing their balance landed sprawled on the ground.
Laughing they pushed themselves up as the others came over and helped them up. "Now that was a heck of a finish," Logan said, laughing as they untied their ankles.
As they brushed themselves off, Kimberly grinned at him. "Well, we had an advantage…you see simple hair…" and she glanced over at some of the sulking girls. "…is more aerodynamic in a race," and as she ran her fingers through her long brown hair to emphasize it and laughing the group moved away Colleen in better spirits then before.
Later Logan and Kim were riding back to camp talking about the picnic. After a short race across a clearing, they rained in their horses and Logan kept feeling Kimberly's eyes shift to him when she caught up. "Something on your mind?" he asked, looking over at her.
Sighing she looked forward. "Do you think that I did the right thing?" and she looked back at him. "Helping Colleen…"
After a seconds thought he shrugged. "Who am I to say after all…," and his gaze returned to her. "You know more about female retaliation then I do…" sighing he looked away. "It's so strange…there was a time when Colleen and Alice were good friends…now…," and he shook his head.
"Some girls are like that…," and he looked back at her. "they'll do anything to be popular or what they think is popular…that they'll rid themselves of good friends just because they'll think it will hold them back…," and she pulled her horse to a stop. "…or lash out at them…" and she fell silent as Logan looked at her. "…she'll find a way…she'll find a way to get back at her…and I'll be dammed if it's because of me…," and she urged her horse forward and after watching her go Logan followed.
When they arrived back at camp, they found it empty and soon left for the Cheyenne. As they rode into the village, they were greeted warmly when they arrived with a few people waving to them. "Ha-ho, it is good to see you brother," Logan said, to Cloud Dancing as he came close and they slipped from their mounts.
"It is good to see you to my brother and sister," Cloud Dancing said, as Logan gave Wildfire a few affectionate rubs before sending off with the other animals.
"It's good to see you to Cloud Dancing…" Kimberly said, then scanned the village for Sully.
"He's in the lodge over there," Cloud Dancing said, pointing as if he had read their minds. "He hasn't spoken to anyone sense he arrived…he just went into the lodge…," he said, in concern for his brother.
For a few seconds the three of them looked at the tipi in silence. "Why don't you let us handle it," Logan said, giving the man a pat on the shoulder. "After all…," and he nodded in Snow Bird's direction. "It looks like your wife is wanting a little attention," and he grinned as Snow Bird and Cloud Dancing shared a smile.
"Don't worry if we need help we'll get you," Kimberly reassured him urging him forward.
"Then a good night to you White Falcon, Dancing Heron," he said, over his shoulder as he walked over to his wife.
"Night,' they called back as they moved to the lodge. Holding the flap open for her Logan watched as Kimberly entered then paused feeling eyes on him. Looking over he locked eyes with Springs Dawn who had been staring at him for a few seconds. Then lowering his gaze before he turned and followed Kimberly inside.
Upon their entrance, Sully looked up at them from his place at the fire. Where he had been jabbing a stick into. "Brian missed you at the town picnic," Kimberly said, as Wolf eagerly came over to greet them.
Blinking he frowned then closed his eyes shaking his head. "Had a lot on my mind," he said, then looked back into the flames.
"We'll you're just going to have to make it up to him," Logan said, as he gave Wolf a few affectionate rubs before sitting down on a palate. "because its plain to see that boy is starting to think of you as more of a big brother or a father figure then a friend or hero," and Sully glanced at him before looking back into the fire.
For a few seconds the three of them was silent before Kimberly broke it, "did something happen with Loren and Olive today?" she asked, and Sully looked at her. "We're your friends Sully…maybe we can help," she urged.
Shaking his head, he muttered, "the only way you could help me is if you knew what was in the immediate future," and they blinked.
"Sorry buddy can't help you…we're a little…too far ahead…but even if we could…," Logan muttered, a little uneasy.
At that, Sully nodded. "I understand that…it's just…" and pausing he lowered his gaze closing his eyes again as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
As he, paused Logan and Kim shared a glance. "'Just what?"' she urged again.
Slowly he raised his gaze to looking to flames again. "It's...it's about my old homestead?" he said, and they nodded urging him on. "Apparently…according to Loren…it was built on his land."
At that, they frowned in confusion. "But…I thought you said that Maude gave it to Abigail as a wedding gift…?" Logan said.
"She did…but he said he found the deed…and…"
"According to him to him Maude never put Abigail's name on it?" Kimberly finished in a hushed tone.
"Which means that he could have the power to evict Dr. Mike and her kids if he wanted to," Sully finished.
"You don't think he would do you?" Logan said, in a rush of shock. "Just to spite you…"
Slowly Sully shook his head. "That's just it I don't know…" and placing his head in his hand he was silent. "Tomorrow I think I'll go see him at the store and check the deed myself."
"We'll go with you," and he looked at them. "At least for moral support if it goes south," Kimberly reassured him.
The next day as planned Logan and Kimberly stood near the counter of the store as Sully examined the deed. Nervously biting his lip Logan glanced at Loren and was surprised to see the smug look on his face. A rustle of paper returned his attention back to Sully as he folded up the deed again and looked at Loren with a livid expression on his face.
"I don't care what this says!" he snapped walking back to where Loren stood behind the counter half crumpling the paper in his hand before half throwing it on the counter top.
"Well, the law does," Loren said, half smugly as he picked up the deed and after uncrumpling it put it back in his strong box.
"You know as well, as I that Maude gave Abigail that land as a wedding present!" Sully snapped.
"I don't know anything of the kind," Loren simply said, leaning against the counter.
"Come on Loren be reasonable," Logan said, stepping forward. "Hasn't there been enough grief and hardship over this? Why does Mike and the children have to pay the price?"
For a second Loren was silent. "The deed says the land belongs to my wife, God rest her soul, which means, it belongs to me," he finally said.
For a second Sully fixed him with a hard gaze that reminded Logan of a grizzly before he leaned close to Loren's face. "Have you ever heard of squatter's right?" Then with that, he turned and left. After shooting Loren, a hard look both Logan and Kim followed.
As they did, they heard him slam his fist against the counter then a groan of pain. Glancing back, they saw him clutch his abdomen his face twisted in agony. Then he drew out his hip flask and downed a swig.
"Is it low of me to say I hope that hurts," Logan muttered, and Kim shot him a look. "What?" he muttered, exasperated as she walked on without him.
I think you should take that as a yes. And to be frank and blunt I agree with her, Red Dragon said, in a disappointed tone.
The pair of them found Sully at the bridge grasping one of the railing so hard that his knuckles turned white. They waited as he took a few deep breaths to calm himself before he faced them.
"Do you think he's going to throw them out?" Kimberly asked.
"Doesn't matter if he does or doesn't he's got the law on his side," Logan muttered. Walking over to lean his back against the railing. "Either way we have to tell Medicine Woman," and looking at him they nodded.
"Yeah but I suggest that the both of you calm down before we bring her whole world crashing down around her," Kimberly said, looking from one to the other.
When they were able to convince Kimberly that they were calm, they walked back across the bridge to the clinic. Shortly after Sully rung the bell the door opened and Michaela appeared. "White Falcon, Dancing Heron, Sully," she greeted with a warm smile though she sounded a little surprised.
"You busy?" Sully asked.
"Yes. Mr. Bray's inside," and she nodded toward the examination room.
Blinking Logan and Kim shared the glance. "What are the odds?" he asked in a hundertone, and she shrugged.
"That's who we need to talk to you about," Sully said, when she blinked in confusion.
Frowning she glanced back into the room before stepping out onto the porch closing the door behind her. Slowly she looked from one uncomfortable face to the next. "What's wrong?" she asked, stating to sound a little worried.
After taking a breath to steady himself Sully started, "it seems that Loren owns the land I built the homestead on," and silence fell on that statement.
"Owns it?" she muttered, frowning in confusion. "What does that mean?"
"We don't know yet," and she looked at Logan. "But it could mean that he could throw you and the children out," and her eyes widened.
For a few seconds she was still before she murmured. "Could you three wait here," and they nodded and turning back to the door. She took a deep breath to regain her composure before stepping back inside. Unable to stop himself Logan leaning his back against the wall while Kimberly sat in the bench and Sully leaned against one of the posts focused and for a second he heard nothing but silence then…
"Did Jake explain what a hernia is?" he heard her ask.
Well, that explains a few things, he thought.
"Of course…well, not in so many words."
He heard her take a breath before continuing. "It's when there's a tear in the stomach muscle, and the intestine pokes out like that…," and she paused he assumed to demonstrate for him.
"Uh…how do you fix it?"
"An operation."
"You mean, cut me open?"
"That's right, so I can push the intestine back, and sew up the tear."
For a second there was a silence before Loren practically barked. "I won't have you messing with my innards!"
"It could become strangulated."
"What's that?"
"That's when the muscle clamps down, cutting off blood to the bowel. Could lead to gangrene. Even death."
He heard Loren give a few whimpers then on the verge of hysterics he snapped, "I heard enough!" and a second later the door was thrown open. "What a lot of nonsense!" he snapped as he hobbled out of the clinic not looking at them.
"Mr. Bray you need surgery!" Michaela called after him following him out taking his arm in her hand.
"Keep away from me with those knives!" he barked throwing her off and he started down the street.
"The pain isn't going to go away!" she called after him in concern.
"You'd best listen to her!" Sully added.
At once, he wheeled around to face them. "Don't you go telling me what to do!" He snapped jabbing a finger at them. "Stay away from me! And get off my property! And that goes for all of you!" and with that he turned and started back for the store.
Sighing Logan lowered his gaze shaking his head. "Well, that could have gone better," Kimberly muttered, then glanced at Mike before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to take a wild guess and say it's a hernia, and he got it lifting the piano right?" and Logan slowly turned to look at her. "What?" she asked.
Back inside the clinic, Logan and Kim eyed the man from the saloon on the operating table (a white sheet covering him from the upper chest down) with Sully. While Mike was behind the screen. "Did you find out what killed him?" Sully asked when she reappeared in her apron carrying a tray of surgical tools. "Other than, uh…?" and the three shifted uncomfortably.
For a second she looked at them. "He had a bad heart," and she pulled down the sheet to his waist revealing the stitched up chest. "A hole in the left ventricle…," and she looked at the man's face. "He might have died from any, uh…," and she paused trying to find the right word. "…exertion," and they nodded.
"So, you done?" Sully asked.
"No," and they looked at her. "I need to practice sewing up a hernia," and she started laying out her scalpels.
"What for?" Kimberly asked.
"Loren's going to need the operation," she said, looking at her. "And I haven't done it since school," and she returned to the task at hand. Looking back at the man Sully gave a sigh. "Something troubling you?"
"He should be buried," Sully said, simply looking at her.
"He will be," she reassured him.
For a second he looked at her before murmuring. "You know, the Cheyenne say the dead carry their scars with them to the afterlife."
Again, silence fell and Logan looked from Sully to Mike. "Well, I disagree," she said, holding his gaze. "I believe it's the people who are left who carry the scars."
At her words, Logan and Kimberly shared a nervous glance as Sully slowly looked at her. "What are you saying?" almost in a low growl.
After hesitating a second she nervously continued, "Don't you think it's time that you put Abigail to rest?"
"Medicine Woman…," Kimberly said, stepping forward.
"Well, things like that just happen in their own time," he said, as calmly as he could.
"I know it's difficult to let go…," Mike trudged on.
"Well, why don't you just get back to that, hmm?" he interrupted her. "You're good at cutting…," and without another word or reply turned and left the clinic.
Turning to watch him go Logan shook his head rubbing his face before looking back at Mike. "Well, you could have picked a better time for that…," and she looked at Kimberly. "You have to remember Mike that it wasn't just Abigail he lost…he also lost his daughter…there's a lot of pain and grief there…not just for the husband…but for that father he could have been…"
For a few seconds she was silent before looking away. "But with time…," she started.
"Like with your father…," and again she looked at Logan. "…yes broken wings mend in time Mike…but as a doctor…you should know the dangers of reopening them," and with that they turned and followed Sully out.
A short while later they were in the general store with Colleen as she was gathering groceries with Loren before her. Behind them, Olive led a gaggle of giggling girls over to the back where dresses and fabric was displayed. "We need a tin of lard," Colleen read off her list.
Turning and with a groan of pain Loren took the tin from the shelf and laid it on the. "You alright Mr. Bray?" Colleen asked, concerned as he laid it on the counter.
"What else you need?" he half snapped at her.
Nervously Colleen drew her arms in. "Sack of flour," she said, quietly.
"I'll get it," Logan said, shooting Loren a deep scowl as he moved forward.
"Hey, Alice."
"Hey, Alice."
Looking over sack over his shoulder Logan saw Alice walk over to the girls with Olive. "I want you to come to my birthday party. We're all going to dress up in costume," she said, handing out enveloped invitations.
"What fun!" one of the girls said.
"I could be Pocahontas. My ma has all these beads," the other said.
"Who are you going to be?" the first asked, Alice.
For a second Alice thought. "I was thinking about…Lillie Langtry," she finally answered and the girls let loose a fit of laughter. "Miss Olive any feather boas?"
"Oh, hundreds. They're hanging in back," she said, playfully to the girl who laughed a little. "We're expecting some notions this week," and she gave the girl a one armed hug.
"I'll stop back," Alice said, then turned to leave.
"Hey, Alice," Colleen greeted her when she drew near.
For a second Alice paused shooting her a smile. "Hey, Colleen" she said, then with a smug look walked away without another word.
Facing falling a little bit Logan, Kimberly, and Olive looked on the scene. Then before another word could be spoken, Colleen turned and walked away. As she did, Logan caught the hint of a tear in her eye. Eyes shifting back to Kimberly they locked eyes for a second before he discreetly nodded and Kimberly turned to leave.
As she did, he moved forward and placed the flour on the counter. A short while later he was taking the goods out to the wagon when Olive approached him. "You don't think that Alice did that to spite Colleen do you?" she asked.
Pausing at the back of the wagon, he was silent for a moment. "Right now I can think of a word to describe that girl…," he finally said, then faced her. "…only it's not appropriate outside of a kennel," and with that he walked around her gather the last load.
Near Grace's shop, Colleen was lying face first in the hay of a wagon her body shaking slightly from her sobs. While Kimberly sitting next to her tried to comfort her.
"Colleen, I've been looking everywhere…" a voice said, looking up Kimberly saw Dr. Mike come close and feel silent at the sight of her daughter crying. "What's the matter?" she asked, trying to sooth her coming close. "Have I upset you?" she asked, and not looking at her Colleen shook her head. "Is it Brian?" Again, she shook her head. "If you'd tell me what it is, maybe I can help you."
For a few seconds Colleen was still then pushed herself to look at her mother. Her tears still running down her face. "Alice is having a birthday party. Everyone's invited. Everyone…except me."
For a second Michaela was still before she smiled. "Well, maybe she just hasn't asked, you yet."
"I saw her at the store. She walked right by me," Colleen said, sitting up.
"It's true…," Kimberly said, and Mike looked at her. "I was there with Logan…she walked…right by her…even smiled."
Sighing Mike looked back at Colleen then drew her close. "I'm sorry…," she muttered, rubbing Colleen's back.
"Nobody likes me…," Colleen continued. "I got no friends…"
"Hey what are me, Sully, and White Falcon the next door neighbors?" Kimberly said, moving closer.
"At Sunday School they make fun of me," and both blinked at her.
"Why?" Mike asked.
"I guess 'cause I always know the answers," she sniffed. "And because I spend time with the Cheyenne."
"Medicine Girl that is nothing to be ashamed of…," Kimberly said, calling her by her Cheyenne name as Colleen lowered her gaze.
"Dancing Heron is right…and I know how that is," and Colleen looked at her. "When I was your age, they used to call me a bookworm. I was far too serious," and she placed a comforting hand on Colleen's cheek. "Let me tell you, people who are popular when they're young—they often grow up to have very dull lives. And people who are different—they go on to be successful, and make wonderful contributions."
"Like who?" Colleen asked, with another sniff.
"Well, like, uh…like…Abraham Lincoln," Mike answered.
Lowering her gaze Colleen sobbed, "Yeah. They shot him," and with that she fell back into the straw in a new fit of tears.
After looking at her daughter for a second, Mike slowly looked at Kimberly who gave her an arched eyebrow look. And curling her thumb and index finger together mouthed, "nice…real nice choice," then turned to Colleen. "Well, there are other examples Colleen." Slowly the girl looked at her. "Like Harriet Tubman…ah…Elizabeth Freeman…Elizabeth Tutor…Hippolyta…Mulan…Sacagawea…and Deborah Samson," Kimberly said, counting off names trying to keep to before the 1860s. "All of them had to go through extreme hardships when they were young and they grew to be very important women of their times."
For a few seconds Colleen was silent. "Who's Mulan?" she asked, sounding interested.
For a second Kimberly was quite trying to think of a way to best explain. "Well, she was a girl about your age. Living in what many believe to be Hung Dynasty China…"
The next day back in town after going to the store to try to reason with Loren. For them to turn away and head for the clinic when they found it locked and closed.
"Well, that's odd…Loren usually opens early in the morning," Logan muttered, to them as they neared Michaela as she dismounted from her horse after riding in.
"Morning," she greeted them with a smile as she collected her bag.
"Morning, Dr. Mike," Sully returned while Logan and Kimberly nodded.
As they stepped onto the porch, she nervously glanced at them. "Any more information on the homestead?"
Sighing they shook their heads. "We tried going to see this morning but he hasn't opened yet," and she frowned at Kimberly's words.
"That's odd he's usually up and open before I get here," she muttered.
"Yeah and it kind of makes you wonder…," and they looked at Logan. "Where the hell is he?"
As if the fates decided to answer his question as noise drew their attention to the saloon. "I told you, you shouldn't drink your breakfast!" Hank was snapping as dragged an unsteady and struggling Loren outside.
"What the hell…," Kimberly muttered, in shock.
"He's either self-destructing or he can't get anything solid down," Logan muttered.
"Or both…," Mike muttered, in fear.
"It's none your business!" Loren snapped at Hank as he continued to struggle.
"Well, it is my business when you're disturbing my customers!" Hank said, and he deposited his burden in a chair on the Saloon porch and Loren moaned in pain. "Now, find a bed and sleep it off," and as Loren clutched his gut rocking back in forth in agony Hank turned and walked back inside.
They watched as Loren drew his hip flask out and started to take a swig from it. Shaking his head Sully stepped forward. Mike was about to follow when Logan and Kimberly gently stopped her.
"This is something he has to do on his own," Kimberly muttered, to her and they watched as Loren doubled over in pain clutching his gut. Dropping his flask on the ground where it spilled its contents on the ground.
Bending over Sully picked up the flask and held it out the man. "Leave me alone!" Loren snapped pushing it aside and it clattered to the ground. "You took my daughter! My baby girl!" he snapped glaring at Sully from the chair and his face fell into misery. "My pretty little baby. I…I loved her more than anything…"
"Then why you close your door to her?" Sully asked, voice faltering.
"You know darn well!" Loren snapped the edge returning. "She was engaged! To Martin Anderson!" and his face fell and Logan blinked sharing a surprised look with Mike and Kim. "A fine young man…"
"You set that up…," and Loren shot Sully a hard glare. "…she had no say…"
"I knew what was best for her!" Loren barked. "Martin was going to work with me on the store…you fixed that…happy?" slowly Sully adverted his gazed eyes closed as a tear ran down his cheek.
Letting out a puff of air, Logan closed his eyes shaking his head. "So he was going to marry her off like cattle for the sake of a dame business…"
"And she chose love…," Kimberly muttered.
Slowly Sully looked back at Loren. "No…I loved her…," he muttered, quietly.
"YOU DARE SAY THAT TO ME!?" shouted spit flying and forcing himself to his feet drove his fist into Sully's face.
At once, Sully staggered back from the blow then ducked under Loren follow up moving behind the man as Logan and Kimberly rushed forward. Turning to face Sully, Loren seized the chair in both hands. "Calm down, Loren! You're drunk!" Sully barked.
Teeth bared Loren swung it wildly and broke it across Logan's side as he got between the two hands and arms high to cover his head and face. Before Logan could stop him, Loren sprang at Sully who immediately tried to restrain him as Kimberly checked Logan for injuries.
"STOP IT!" both turn towards the source of the cry and saw Michaela march over glaring at the still struggling pair. While for the first time, Logan and Kim took in the crowd forming around them.
"She's gone! What's the point of carrying on this false stubborn Loren?" Mike continued trying to reach the still wildly struggling man.
With a wild swing, Loren broke free. Turning he faced Sully again drawing back his fist. When he suddenly gave a cry of anguish and crumpled to the ground. Quickly dropping to one knee Mike started to examine him and lightly pressing into his abdomen. When he gave another cry, she immediately raised her hands.
"LOREN!" Olive barked dart forward to kneel by his head.
After Loren gave another cry when Mike pressed again she looked Loren in the face. "I'm afraid it's become strangulated," she said, and Olive locked eyes with her. "We're going to have to operate!"
"You ain't cutting me…," he moaned.
"If I don't…"
"NO!" Loren shouted interrupting her. "Not now, not ever! Not even if I was to…," and before he could finish he passed out from the pain.
"Loren?" Mike said, cradling his head.
"Loren?" Olive said, looking down at him with fear in her eye.
Slowly Mike looked at Olive. "I'm going to need your permission…," she said, slowly.
Olive blinked. "Mine…?"
"You're his only relation.'
"He said, he didn't want it."
"He's not being rational. He's in terrible pain…" Mike said, half pleading. "Please?"
Slowly Olive looked down at Loren. "Have you done it before?" she asked raising her gaze back to Mike's.
"Not with these complications…," Mike admitted.
"Well, do you think you can?"
"Truthfully I'm not sure," Mike said, softly. "But I know this. If I don't try, he's going to die."
For a second Olive thought. Then gave a stern nod. "Come on let's get him inside!" Logan snapped.
A short while later Logan and Kimberly was in the clinic as Mike prepared for the surgery ahead. With Loren now undressed laying on the table with a white sheet covering him. "Logan are you sure you're alright?" Kimberly asked, in a low murmur. Shooting her a glance, he nodded. "You positive?"
Sighing he faced her. "Look we both know I've taken worse…," he said, in a low murmur. For a second she held his gaze before she lowered hers. "Besides…," he continued placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "…we both know my bones can take…they're as tough as nails. Worse case I'll have a bad bruise in the morning."
She chuckled then glanced at Jake who was murmuring to Loren to wake up to stop this. "What do you think is going on out there?" she asked nodding toward the window where they could hear a crowd gather.
For a second Logan was silent as he focused. "best guess…Hank is making bets if Loren will live or die…and…Horace will be running commentary," he said, as Horace's face appeared at the window looking in after his listened to Horace and Myra bet in Michaela's favor.
"Sounds like them and they call themselves civilized," Kimberly murmured shaking her head as she went to wash up with Colleen and Sully.
Mike taking her position at Loren's side. "Olive, it might be better if you wait outside," she said, and Logan, Sully, and Kim approached with lamps.
"Don't worry," Jake said, as Mike drew back the sheet exposing his abdomen. "I'll look out for Loren," and he set his face.
"I'm not squeamish," Olive reassured her.
"This won't be like butchering a cow Olive," Kimberly murmured.
"I'll be fine."
"You're letting the girl stay?" Jake said, narrowing his eyes as Colleen took her place on Mike left side.
For a second Mike was still as she checked Loren heartbeat. "She's assisting me as I did my father," she stated flatly and Colleen shot him a snarky grin. "Now I want you to pour some chloroform onto this rag, and hold it over his mouth and nose like this," and she demonstrated for Jake.
After taking the bottle and rag from Mike, he looked at her. "Whiskey would work just as well."
Sighing Kimberly shook her head. "Not really Jake," and the man looked over at Logan. "Now just do what your told," as Mike sprayed alcohol on to Loren's abdomen Jake moved to do as he was told.
Mike then hand Colleen hand her a scalpel before the girl opened the medical book Medicine Woman need. After glancing at the page, she took a breath to steady herself before facing everyone. "Everyone ready?" she asked, in a soft voice and one by one they nodded their assentation.
Taking another breath, she lowered the scalpel and preceded to make the first cut. And a line of blood appeared as she drew the blade across. "On second thought…," and everyone glanced at Olive as she back away. "…I think I'll…wait in the other room," she said, quietly, with that turned, and left.
"I warned her," Kimberly murmured returning her attention to the task at hand.
For a second all was quite as Mike made a second cut. "Light please," she said, and the three turned up their lamps and moved closer. "Forceps," she said, holding out the scalpel and taking it, Colleen smoothly replaced it with the requested tool.
"What's that soft yellow stuff?" Colleen asked, as Mike exposed more of the underlining flesh.
"The subcutaneous layer," Dr. Mike answered at once.
"And in English?" Logan said, trying to keep his head straight.
"Fat," she said, simply.
"Oh," Colleen said, fascinated. "Looks like chicken fat," she commented.
"Sure does," Sully said.
A second later Mike exposed the hernia. "There it is. The tear is larger than I thought. See where the intestine's coming through," and she pointed to it, which was about the size of a child's fist and now had acquired a nasty shade of purple as the muscle clamped around it.
"She's clamping something with a…looks like pliers," Logan heard Horace say outside trying to keep his nerves steady.
"Pliers?" Robert E.'s voice repeated.
"This is the risky part. I have to cut around the tear, loosen the muscle without nicking the bowl," Mike said, as she took another scalpel and with a steady had preceded.
"What happens if you do?" Colleen asked.
"It'll contaminate the wound."
"That's bad?"
"Fatal."
Suddenly across from them, there was a loud thud. Looking up they saw Jake on the floor in a dead faint. For a second they were still before Logan let out a couple uncontrollable chuckles and Colleen moved to check on him.
"What's so funny?" Kimberly asked, unable to keep the smile from her face as Logan heard Horace report to the crowd what had happened in a gleeful voice.
"He's been bleeding people for as long as I've known him…he, he," Logan said, still chuckling lightly.
"Is he breathing normally?" Mike asked, concerned.
"Yes," Colleen reported.
"We'll attend to him later. Colleen, quickly, get another rag and moisten it with chloroform," nodding Colleen moved to do as she was told. "More light here, please," and the three turned their lamps brighter. "I'm going to cut the muscle," and she lowered the scalpel and Logan heard the reverend start to pray.
After doing, what she described on the muscle Mike paused. "Go, on," and she looked at Sully. "You're doing fine…," he reassured her.
Taking another breath, she lowered the scalpel and made a second cut and Logan, Sully and Kim glanced away. "Colleen, the spoon," and she handed over the scalpel.
"What's that for?" Logan asked.
"To push the bowl back, through the muscle," Mike explained as Colleen handed it to her.
"Because it's dull?" Kimberly asked.
"Exactly," and using the dull side started to push the bowl back.
"She's putting a spoon inside him," Logan heard Horace report.
"A spoon?" and bunch of people started murmuring.
"Scooping out his guts," Hank put in and Logan could hear the grin on his face.
Honestly…, Red Dragon murmured as people moaned in disgust.
"Clamp!" Mike suddenly said, and Logan looked at her as she quickly handed the spoon back to Colleen as blood flowed into the wound. "I got a bleeder!" Colleen quickly handed her the clamp. "Hold it there," she instructed as she clamped down on the vein. "I'll tie the vein off," and moving fast Mike grabbed what she needed and went to work.
"There's blood all over. Looks like they slaughtered a pig!" Horace called out and the crowd groaned in disgust.
Oh yeah…like, I really needed that image in my head… Logan thought.
In seconds, Mike stopped the bleeding and sighed in relief as she whipped sweat from her brow with her bloody hands. "The bleeding stopped…," she reported and turned to Colleen. "Needle," and Colleen quietly handed one to her. "I'm ready to close…," and with that she started sewing him up and Horse reported to the crowd.
"…she's finished…by God, it looks like he's still breathing!" and the crowd cheered and the Reverend praised The Lord. "All right, Hank, pay up," and Horace dropped out of sight.
"He an't off the table yet," Logan heard Hank say and he rolled his eyes and the crowd started arguing with him.
Shifting hearing back to normal Logan and Sully moved forward and after placing the lamp down bent down to revive Jake. "Is it over?" he asked, in a groggy voice.
"Yeah, Jake," Sully said, as they pulled him to his feet.
"It's all over…now…go find someplace to lose your lunch…," Logan muttered, as they helped him out into the other room.
"Miss Olive!" Sully called out and she was quickly at the door. "He made it through," he reassured her and the next thing Sully knew he was enfolded in her arms. While Mike proudly held Colleen looking from Loren to the other two.
Moving together Logan muttered, to Kim, "You feeling a little left out?" at his words she gave a light laugh and wrapped her arm around him. Both feeling relived it was over with the best outcome.
A short while after they moved Loren to a recovery room. Logan alone in the examination room leaned against the table taking several deep breaths to steady his still tipsy nerves. "You okay White Falcon?"
Looking over his shoulder at Kimberly and Mike who was now dressed in a blue dress with a violet skirt he nodded. "Yeah…just…just steadying myself that's all…" he reassured them standing straight.
Smiling Mike stepped closer. "Well, you were very steady earlier, when it mattered."
At that, he smiled. "yeah…but remember we're still high school students…the last time we saw something like that was when we did dissection on already dead frogs and fish."
"Speak for yourself I feel…"
At once Logan rounded on Kim. "Don't you give me that I can tell your still green around the gills…," he said, and she couldn't help but grin.
Smiling at the two of them Mike turned to the door as the bell rung and opening it showed Alice who was holding an envelope and her Aunt Emily on the other side. "Dr. Mike, White Falcon, Dancing Heron," Emily said, in greeting and the two nodded back. "I'm real glad the operation went good."
Smiling Mike nodded clasping her hands. "Well, we're waiting for him to wake up."
Smiling Emily nodded. "Well, I don't mean to trouble you but I brought my niece Alice."
Mike waved it off. "No trouble. Hello Alice," Mike said, warmly to the girl with a smile and Logan and Kim shared a glance as the two-shook hands.
"Actually, we've come to see Colleen, we got something for her," Alice said, and Logan's frown deepened in thought.
Smiling Michaela turned and called for Colleen. "Someone's here to see you," she told her when the girl appeared from the next room.
"Hi, Colleen," Alice said, when Colleen stepped into her sight.
"Alice…," Colleen said, smiling.
After a second hesitated before holding out the envelope. "I'd like you to come to my birthday party," she said, and Logan and Kim looked at each other again.
"Thank you," Colleen eagerly said, taking it. "Its dress up right?" she asked, and Alice nodded.
"Hope you have times to…fix something," said, commented drawing her eyes up and down Colleen.
"Oh, I'm sure we can," Mike said, wrapping her arm around her beaming.
"Well…see you then," Alice said.
"See you," Colleen said, eagerly opening the invitation.
"Bye-bye," Emily said, and the pair turned and left.
When Colleen left the three alone eagerly, talking about the party Logan and Kim turned to Mike. "Let's go get a bite to eat at Grace's," Logan said, eyes hard.
When the three were seated at, a table both lean close to Mike. "Okay…what did you do?" Logan demanded.
At once Mike looked from one hard face to the other. "I didn't do anything…I just talked with Emily about birthdays…," and she paused as Kimberly's face fell into her hand and lowering his gaze Logan shook his head. "What is something wrong?"
"This might have gone from bad to worse," Logan muttered, not looking at her as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"How?"
"Because…," and Mike looked at Kimberly. "Colleen was invited not because Alice wanted her there but because she was made to…ask yourself if you were Colleen and you found that out how would you feel?"
For a second Michaela was silent then her face dropped in realization. "But it's too late now, what should we do?"
"Pray Colleen doesn't find out," Logan said, as Grace brought over their food.
The next day Logan and Mike went to the store while Kimberly stayed with Colleen. Walking onto the porch, they were met by Olive bearing an anxious look on her face. "He made it through the night. That very encouraging…," Mike reported to her.
"But when's he coming to?" Olive asked, and Logan could hear the plea in her voice.
"It's hard to say Olive,' and she turned to Logan. "It could be hours, it could be days, who can say," and he shrugged.
For a second she was silent before she murmured, "I can't take the waiting," and turned back into the store.
"His pulse is strong…," Mike said, trying to reassure her as they followed.
"I don't feel easy."
"It shouldn't be too long," Mike continued as Olive returned behind the counter.
They watched as they placed some bills in the moneybox and slowly closed it. For a second she was still then she let out a small laugh looking up at the ceiling. "You know how it is with brothers and sisters," she started looking at them. "Loren's way older than me and until I came along he was…," and she feel silent lost in memory. "…Ma's darling," Mike and Logan chuckled at that. "He's still mad at me just for being born. Treated me awful. And I gave it back to him twice as hard.
"But he never let another living soul be against me. See, what I found out is underneath it he's soft,' and she paused as a tear ran down her cheek. "He just can't stand for anyone to know that."
For a second the three were silent before Michaela murmured, "I have someone on my family like that," and Logan's thoughts drifted back to Elizabeth.
"Your ma?" Olive asked, and Mike blinked. "Loren told me."
Again, Mike fell silent. "Difficult to live with, even when you love them," and Olive nodded in agreement.
"I do…," she said, quietly. "He's all I got…" and with that, she stepped out from behind the counter. "And if he don't make it…," pausing she took Mike by her upper arms. "…I'm telling you right now…," looking from one to the other Logan felt his muscles coil like a cats ready to pull them apart. "…I'm grateful to you for trying to save him," and closing eyes Logan relaxed in relief. "We got our differences, but I respect you, and…it's going to stay that way no matter what happens," she finished the two women held each other.
Smiling at the sight Logan couldn't help but murmur, "looks like Loren isn't the only cactus covered marshmallow in your family," and they chuckled at that.
Meanwhile Kimberly and Colleen were walking down the sidewalk of porches toward the store. They were deep in conversation about the party and her costume. "Really Dancing Heron I want your opinion on this?" the girl was saying.
Shaking her head Kimberly laughed. "Colleen I'm like only a few years older than you…if you want to go as Florence Nightingale go as Florence Nightingale besides…" and she turned to face her walking backwards. "It's your costume. But whatever you choose I think it will be the right one."
For a second Colleen beamed at her then paused as she saw Alice and a few of her friends come toward them form the side. "Hey, Alice," she greeted facing her with Kimberly.
"Hey, Colleen fixed your costume yet?" she asked.
After shooting Kimberly a smile she stated, "I'm going to be Florence Nightingale. Miss Olive got some fabric for me," and she pointed in the direction of the store.
"That'd be real…different," Alice said, and Kimberly frowned at how stiff her smile had gone. "Bye now," and with that the girls left.
"Come on lets go get that fabric," Kimberly urged and they moved forward but were blocked by a passing horse and rider.
And Kimberly froze as they heard one of the girls say behind them, "why'd you invite her?"
"My aunt made me," Alice replied and looking at Colleen and grew nervous when she saw her watching them. Glancing over she noticed that Alice saw her and motioned for her friends to be quite.
Looking again at Colleen she was met by her steely gaze. "Did you know?" Colleen demanded.
For a second Kimberly was frozen on the spot. "I…," she started but was interrupted by Colleen sweeping from her. "Colleen!" she called out rushing after her.
Before Kim could reach her, she had already swept into the store and fixed her hard eyes on Michaela who was sitting and talking with Olive and Logan. "Colleen, your muslin's here," Olive said, standing and retrieving the material. "It's perfect for your costume."
'I don't want it!" everyone froze from the sudden outburst and Logan's eyes darted to Kimberly's nervous ones and back.
"Why?" Mike asked.
"Alice only invited me because her aunt Emily made her," Colleen snapped.
"What makes you think that?" Mike asked, from her seat looking a little worried.
"Because she heard Alice say it, after we met her on the street," Kimberly explained.
Ignoring her Colleen looked at Logan. "And you two knew this didn't you White Falcon?"
For a second Logan was silent. "We suspected…but we didn't know for sure," he answered solemnly.
Then she rounded on Michaela. "You did this, didn't you?"
"What are you talking about?" Olive asked, as Mike slowly stood.
"Tell the truth," Colleen warned quietly.
For a second Mike was quite as Logan and Kim looked at her. "We were talking…about…about…birthdays and I merely asked…"
"Colleen, you're going to have a wonderful time. It won't matter how you got there," Olive interrupted trying to sooth the girl.
Yes, it will…because she knows she wasn't wanted, Logan thought.
For a second Colleen looked at the two of them. "I'm not going," she said, simply and with that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the store.
For a second the group was still. Then there was sudden slam of flesh on wood and Kimberly and the other two turned to Logan who was looking up at Mike. "What the hell are you waiting for you dope? Get after her!" and he nodded toward where Colleen had disappeared.
For less then a second Mike looked at him then took after Colleen. "I'd better go to," Kimberly said, and Logan looked at her. "This is partially my fault," and she disappeared as well.
"How is this in anyway her fault?" Olive asked, crossing her arms.
"The three legged race at the picnic," and Olive looked at Logan. "She thinks Colleen not being invited is retaliation."
By the time Kimberly caught up to the other two they were walking together across the meadow and Mike was saying, "thank you for assisting with the surgery," and Colleen remained silent bowing her head. "You're as good as any nurse I've worked with."
"Good as Florence Nightingale?" Colleen as finally looking at them.
For a second both shifted uncomfortably before Mike continued. "I'm sorry about the party…," and she glanced at the girl. "Olive and I were just trying to help…," she said.
"And White Falcon and I…," Kimberly started then paused as Colleen looked at her. "No…I didn't want you excluded because of me…the race…," she explained when Colleen frowned in confusion. "…at the picnic."
"Well, the both of you made it worse," Colleen said, looking away.
"We know," Mike said, as they kept walking. "Would you forgive us?" and Mike looked at the ground before looking at Colleen again.
For a second Colleen was silent for a second. "Who needs parties anyway," she finally said, looking away. "I'd rather help you at the clinic,' and she looked at Mike.
Slowly Medicine Woman stopped her and gently turned Colleen to face her. "Everybody needs parties sometimes," she said, encouragingly to Colleen.
"She's right Colleen," and the girl looked at Kimberly. "Every girl or woman…deserves to be a peacock or swan at some point in their lives."
"But if your happy with who you are and what you're doing, you'll find the friends who are right for you," Mike said, reassuringly.
For a second there was silence between the three of them. "Like you Dancing Heron," and Colleen looked at Kimberly. "Snow Bird, Springs Dawn, Becky…," and her face fell again and Kimberly and Mike's minds drifted to another of Colleen's friends who had been invited.
"Then go for her…," and Colleen looked at Kimberly. "Don't go for Alice go for Becky…your friend."
For a second Colleen was still before she smiled. "Do you think it's not too late to get that Muslin from the store...Ma," she said quitely, and smiling Mike held her close a tear of happiness rolling down her cheek. While a beaming Kimberly whipped away a tear and Logan watched from a distance nodded a giant smile on his face.
Later in the day Logan, Kimberly, and Sully where walking into the Clinic when they heard a commotion upstairs. Rushing up the stairs, they came to Loren's room to see him awake and struggling to break free from Michaela and Olive. "I'm getting outta here!" he snapped at them almost deathly pale.
"Loren lay down!" Sully snapped at him trying to gently push him back with the others.
"You could rupture the stitches!" Mike was trying to warn him.
"You!" he snapped at the sight of Sully drawing back against Olive. "You want to kill me, don't you?"
"No one is trying to kill you Loren!" Kimberly said, coming forward as they managed to calm him down.
After shooting her, a glance Loren fixed his gaze again on Sully. "He ain't getting that land,' and he turned to Olive. "You'll bring me, you'll bring me that deed, Olive, so I, so I can sign it over to you…," and faltering as his strength left him he collapsed back onto the bed.
Quickly taking his arm Mike checked his pulse. "His pulse is weak and rapid," she said, looking at Olive. "We have to do a transfusion," and both Logan and Kimberly looked at her.
"Slow down," Olive said, confused.
"We have to replace the blood that he lost," she explained.
For a second Olive was still. "I agreed to let you cut him…,' and Loren looked at her wide eyed. "…you never said…"
"You agreed?" he demanded weakly.
"Somebody hand to," she defended returning his accusing gaze.
"How could you?"
"She saved your life can't you understand?" Mike defended. "We're all fighting as hard as we can to keep
"Why are you so eager to die!" and all eyes turned to Logan who was still in the doorframe. "do you honestly think that either getting yourself or killing yourself by denying treatment will makes things better!" and barking at the man he stalked forward. "Well, it won't! It's nothing more than a coward's way out…and will leave nothing but more broken hearts behind!"
"Can't you see we're all fight as hard as we can to keep you with us," Mike put in and Loren looked at her.
"Because we're not ready to let go of you Loren," Olive said, and he looked at her.
For a second he was silent and a look of sorrow passed over his face. "So…I'm going to die?" he asked, regretfully giving Mike almost a desperate plea in his eye.
"Not today you're not," Logan muttered.
"You're strong," Mike said. "But you have got to cooperate," and she looked at the people around her. "I'm going to need someone to give blood."
"I will," Olive said, almost at once.
Sighing Mike shook her head. "Thank you…but we have a better chance if we transfer blood from a man," and she looked form Logan to Sully.
For a second there was silence. "I'll do it," Sully said, stepping closer to the bed.
Looking at him Mike nodded. "Okay I'll be right back," and she left to gather what she needed.
"Well, come with you, Olive you stay here with Loren," Logan said, and he, Kimberly and Sully left.
Once down stairs she was pulling out a large rubber tube with needles on both ends from a draw. "This is most generous of you," she said, looking at Sully.
He slowly nodded. "Will he make it?"
At that, Michaela paused. "Sometimes transfusions work. Sometimes they don't. We don't know why unless…," and they turned to look at Logan and Kimberly.
Sighing Kimberly looked at Logan before saying, "yeah we know…I'm not sure when it was discovered…but it all has to do with compatible blood times," and Mike stared. "The reason why people die from transfusions is that their blood is incompatible it's like…mixing vinegar in water…or…like wrighting a book in both Chinese and English."
For a second Mike was silent. "Do I have anything here that could do a test…," she started and Logan raised his hand quieting her.
"We have no idea…weather its doing the test or if you have anything here that you can use," he said, lowering his hand.
Again, silence fell as Sully and Mike looked at each other. "Then what should we do?" he asked.
"You do what you have to do to keep him alive," Kimberly said. "And prey your blood types are compatible."
For a few seconds there was silence before Mike laid her hands on the examination table. "Perhaps I should have sent him to Denver where they have hospitals and surgeons who've done this a hundred times…"
"He would never had gone," Sully interrupted her and she looked at him.
"He's right Medicine Woman," and she looked at Logan. "He's as stubborn as a mule. Which in some ways is a good thing."
At her look of confusion Kimberly explained, "If the transfusion works he'll be too stubborn to die."
For a second Mike was silent then she picked up her instruments with a determined air. "If this doesn't work…if he doesn't make it, everyone will blame me," she said, and they swept from the room.
A short while later they were back in the room with Sully laying slightly elevated above Loren as his life giving…or death dealing blood flowed from him to Loren. Just as Logan was coming back with some food, Michaela was checking the tubing and the flow.
"You may feel a little dizzy. Just lie still," she said, looking up at Sully.
Laying the food down they watched as Loren slowly looked at Sully. "Why are you doing this?" he asked, and Sully remained silent staring up at the ceiling. "If it's the land…"
"I don't care about the land!" Sully snapped interrupting him looking down at him.
"Please, both of you," Mike said, soothingly. "I need you to lie quietly," and both went still again.
Meanwhile Kimberly was walking back with Colleen after gathering some flowers for Loren. Suddenly Colleen paused and following her gaze Kim spied Alice and another girl on the other side of the road. "Just ignore them and keep walking," Kimberly muttered, and they kept moving.
"Colleen, wait up!" Alice suddenly called out and the two quickly crossed over to their side. "Where are you two going in such a hurry?" and the pair started walked beside them.
"Taking flowers to Mr. Bray," Colleen answered holding them up.
"My aunt said, you were standing there the whole operation," Alice said, and Kimberly frowned at the interest in her voice.
"Did you really see his insides?" the other girl asked.
"Was there an awful lot of blood?" Alice asked when Colleen nodded the affirmative.
"For a time there was. Dr. Mike cut a vein…they call them bleeders, but she tied it up with thread."
"I declare," Alice said, looking forward awestruck.
"Well, um, I got to get back," Colleen said, and the pair moved ahead of the girls.
"Nice talking to you," Alice said. Slowing down their steps Colleen and Kim heard her say to the other girl, "bet she'll be a doctor, too," and smiled at Colleen Kim wrapped her arm around her shoulder and gave her an encouraging one-arm hug.
Just as they were arriving back and Colleen went inside the clinic Mike, Logan, and Sully (whose arm had a small bandage on it) came out. "We'll know soon," Mike murmured.
"If he makes it, you might have to clear out of the homestead," Sully said, leaning against a post.
"I hope not," Mike murmured. "Perhaps he's changed his mind."
"Remember he's as stubborn as a mule," Logan said, hands on his hips.
"And he looks pretty determined to me," Sully said, quietly.
For a second there was silence. "I suppose we could move in here upstairs," Mike said, looking at the upstairs of the clinic.
"Not much privacy," Kimberly answered.
"I'd be closer to my patients. Might be hard on the children going back where there mother died," and the groups shifted uncomfortably.
"Either way you're going to have to tell them," Logan said, and the three moved off leaving her alone on the porch.
That night in the woods outside the homestead Logan listened as Mike told the children that they might have to move back into town. And that Loren technically owned the land the homestead was built on.
"I like it here," Brian objected.
"What about my horse?" Mathew asked. "All the animals?"
"They could go to Robert E."
"Not the chickens,' Colleen pointed out sadly.
"What about my puppy?" Brian asked, and on cue, the wolf pup gave a small bark. "He won't have nowhere to run around and play. Except the street."
"There's the meadow."
"When do we have to leave?" Colleen asked.
"We'll pack tomorrow, I'm sure everything will be fine, once we get settled," Mike answered then went silent.
"Um excuse me. I'm going to turn in," Mathew said.
"Me to," Brian said, as well, and after he heard a pair of chairs push away from the table.
"See you in the morning," he heard Michaela say as he watched Mathew come outside and walk into the barn.
For a moment, there was silence then. "You glad about this?" Colleen asked, and silence fell again.
Then with a sobbing breath Mike answered, "Well, it'll be easier to see my patients. And I won't have a long ride in and out of town," then silence fell again.
"You don't sound glad."
After a second silent Mike said, in a sobbing voice, "it's just…this was my first home," and Logan lowered his gaze as he heard Michaela's soft sobs. Then turned and left.
He barely made it a hundred yards into the woods when he stopped. And with a small cry turned and put his fist through a tree with a shower of splinters.
I know how much you want to help Logan…but remember what you said, to Elizabeth…what would make you any different, Red Dragon said, as he took several deep breaths to calm himself.
The next day Logan, Kimberly, and Sully wearing their sleeveless shirts for the heat went to the Clinic to see how Loren was doing. Meeting Mike just outside his room she smiled at them. "He's pulling through, thank God," she informed them.
"Good," Sully muttered, in relief. "We'll be going," he said, and they turned to leave.
"Sully!" Loren's voice suddenly called out from the room and they froze. "That you out there?" Turning back Mike motioned for them to be quite. "Don't go creeping around like a snake! Show your face!"
Arching his eyebrows Logan looked at Sully. "You're on your own buddy," he said, nodding toward the room. For a second Sully looked at them then walked into the room. "I'll meet you downstairs," she said, to the other two as they left and leaning against the wall next to the door he listened as Sully drew a chair next to the bed.
"Who's that book writer says when a man's about to die he tells the truth?" Loren asked.
"You ain't dying."
"No, but I come close, didn't I," and silence fell between them. "You wrecked all the plans I had for Abigail…," at once Sully's chair shifted like he was going to interrupt or leave. "…they were my plans…," he continued as Sully's movements stopped. "Not hers. I come to see that after a time. But I was too proud. I couldn't tell her."
Again, silence fell and Logan heard Sully sit back in his chair. "She never stopped loving you."
"Not even after I…disowned her?"
"No," Sully said, in barely more than a whisper. "She knew you loved her." After a silence, there came a sudden groan of pain and Logan had to fight not to go in there. "What is it?"
"That envelope," and he heard a rustle of paper. "No, you…you keep it."
There was more rustling followed by Sully asking, "What is it?"
"Don't…don't open it now. Don't open it until tomorrow."
"I don't want nothing from you."
"Why you got to be so darn stubborn?"
Takes one to know one, Red Dragon said, and Logan smiled.
"The same reason you do, I guess."
"Keep it.'
"Go on now. Get out of here. Let a man get some sleep," and as he heard Loren shift in bed Logan pushed off from the wall and walked away. Pausing half way down the hallway. He turned and listen to Sully start to stand then sit back into the chair. With a half grin growing on his face, he shook his head and walked away.
The next day the three with Springs Dawn rode to the homestead just as Mike and the children were loading the wagon with their things. Slipping from Wildfire, they called out in greeting.
"Hey Sully, White Falcon, Dancing Heron, Springs Dawn," Bryan called back.
"We got something to tell you," Sully said, as they led their horses forward Logan's arm wrapped under Wildfire's head.
"What is it?" Mike asked, looking up from the trunk she was tying shut.
"You don't have to leave," Sully said, beaming.
"How's that?" Mathew asked, staring at him.
"Loren gave him the deed to the land," Kimberly said, smiling at each of them. "Signed it over and everything."
"All right!" Mathew called out as a squealing Colleen rushed into Michaela's arms and Bryan leapt into Sully's. "What should we do with all this?" Mathew said, indicating their packed belongings.
"Unpack them!" Michaela's said, laughing, and the children sprung forward to do just that.
Moving forward Mike and Sully stopped at a hand carved chest. "This…this was Abigail's, wasn't it?" she asked, running her hand along it.
"Yeah," Sully said, stepping forward and opening it.
Kimberly, Logan, and Mike watched as he pulled out their wedding photo with her engagement ring tied to it. As he fingered it, Mike asked, softly, "What do you want to do with it?"
After glancing from the photo to her and back again Sully gently laid the photo inside and closed the lid. "Give it all to Loren," he said, simply then turned and started back for the horses.
"Sully…," Mike called out and he turned to look at her. "Stay for dinner," Mike said, nodding to the house smiling. For a second the group was silent before she continued. "We have a lot to celebrate.
Logan glanced at Sully who held her gaze. Then slowly smiled. "Sure," he muttered.
"Don't forget us to," Logan said, and let Wildfire loose until he called later.
"Especially if Colleen is cooking," Kimberly put in and Mike laughed as they all moved to go back inside.
Pausing at the door logan locked eyes with Springs Dawn. For a few seconds they just looked at each other then Logan opened his mouth. Unable to think of anything to say he closed it. For a few seconds she just looked at him before nodding and followed Mike in.
Sighing he turned to follow and caught sight of Kimberly watching him with a look that said, "you need to tell her."
He raised his hands in surrender as if saying, "I know, I know…," and stepping in Sully closing the door behind them.
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